Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1891-01-13
New York ledger.

Christmas number. New York: Robert Bon
.ners Sons.
The Christmas Issue of the New York Ledger
is souvenir worthy ofthe source from whence
il emanates. 1t contains q choice selection oil
articles by George Bancroft Margaret Deland
James Russoll Lowell and others who would
certainly wear the "palm-embroidered coat
were there an American academy of "immor-
tails"
The veteran historiogrspher contributes Ia
this periodical the second of his papers OH
"Oliver Hazard Perry and the Battle of Lake
Erie, portraying with rare ability incidents ol
the carnage aud the fate Of the flagship Law
renee, In watching the viyid,sccnes depicted
here tho reader is deeply Impressed with the
| phenomenal activity of the monongenariau
enabling him to rise superior to physical in.
hrmtt-. and like another Titan, continue tC
cover his canvasses to the admiration of man
kind.
Amelia E. Barr. author of several much-ad
mired stories, begins in this number "Tht
Beads OF TasTuer," a novel of prime interest
whose scene is laid on The shores of West Ross
on the coast of Scotland. Between VIM. Black
aud Mr.. aud Mrs. Pennell the Land of Mist unt
the stormy Minch seem familiar localities.
Robert Grant begins "Mrs. HuroId StaEg >
a lively story of American life. displaying 0
profound knowledge of the life he descrfbes.-
lhc opening chapters contain u; striking Illus
traton. drawn by II. G. Edwards.
Mrs. Doland's novelette,, ''To What End?" Is
brought to close aud so is sold Elizabeth,
| by the Marguisc Clara LAMA
An admirable dialect story is ''Forefathers
Day, by Josiah Aliens Wife. WHO IS n tnucf
appreciated member of the cOmIntnitv.t5 L, DR.
Julia Holmes Smith gives sensible advice in Tho
current Number of "Common Sense for Moth
Crs and Nurses"
A beautiful Christmas story of West Jer-
| sey village lisa "Happy Leaf" by Marion Har-
land, a writer who never fails to touch some
secret spring of happiness, aud set it vibrating
| for all TO hear
Mr. James Russell Lowelrs poem, my
Brook" was written especially for this paper,
and iB n feature of prime Importance; in recog-
milton OF its value the publishers print ii as a
| supplement in loose leaf. with series of ap-
propriate illustrations by Wilson dc Meza In
My Brook" the poet reYcrts to the days of his
! youth when the hours were so many, the
duties so few aud sings some of the dreaml
suggested by the brook. The imagery is aerlu
in its dclicacy and adapted. to the evanescent
i'will-o'the-wisp" character oftho .fancies ex.
| hibitcd in tue verse. While reflecting on the
LAND of Lost Days" as lie cails the past Mr.
1 Lowell sings in regretful strain, as II hC
| mourned the idyllic days.
The closing stanza implies reconciliation
with the Fate that had changed the rura
ies into moor drndge I sunnIviH @"a .rocr S1Sl
for prosaic factories. But the memory uf the
old Joyous days abides with the poet: =,
''As the Moors in their exile the keys treasured
OF their castles in Spain, SO have I; and nc
But the doors will ny open, whenever we will
! To the prime of the past and the sweet OF
the year,
The sentiment cSpreesed in siMy Brook.
| places Mr.. Lowell on plnRe with Mr.. RusEiT
regarding the want of poetry implied by thI
fourishing era of manufactures. When the
| Industrial arts .-machine-impelled. come in a
the door. bringing wealth, plenty aud luxuri
! GUS comfort in their train. poctry-according
| to these two .yoices-flies out at the window.
| The Christmas number of the New Yorl
ledger comes with a cheerful exterior. in keep
\ Ing with tho festal season. The cover display,
a New York girl. with her arms full of parcel!
| CCbristmas shopping3. fastening forward IL
greet the subscribers and wish them Happy
| Christmas. - hilGdelpltia Ledger.