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

" r. q
Christmas number. New York: Robert Bon
tner's Sons.
The Christmas Issue of the New York Leolqer
is souvenir worthy of the source from whence
II emanates. 1t contains q choice selection OF
articles by George Bancroft Margaret Deland
James Rnssell Lowell and others who would
certainly wear the "palm-embroidered coat
were there an American academy of ''immor-
tails"
The veteran historiugrapher contributes 10
this periodical the second of his papers on
IOliver Hazard Perry and the Battle of Lake
Eric" portrlying with rare ability incidents OF
the carnage aud the fate of the flagship Law
renee. In watching the vivid.scenes depicted
here the reader is deeply impressed with the
phenomenal activity of the monongenarian
enabling him to rise superior to physical in.
irmity. and like another Titan continue to
cover his canyasses to the admiration of man.
kind.
Amelia E. Barr author of several much-ad.
mired stories, begins in this number Tho
Beads of Tasrner, novel of prime interest
whose scene Is laid on theshores of West Ross
of the coast of Scotland. Between VIM. Black
and Mr.. and Mrs. Pennell the Land of Afist and
the stormy Minch seem familiar localities.
Robert Grant begins Mrs. Harold Stagg y
n lively story of American life displaying o
profound knowledge of the life he describes.-
The opening chapters contain a. striking illus
tration. drawn by H. G. Edwards
Mrs; DGland's novelette,, ITO What End?" Is
brought to close. and so is itUld Elizabeth =
by the Marluise Clara Lauza.
An admirable dialect story is ''Forefathers
Day. BY Josiah Aliens Wife" WHO Is a much
appreciated member of. the community.tt DIR.
Julia Holmes Smith gives sensible advice ia the
current number of Common Sense for Moth
crs and Surses-''
A beautiful Christmas story of West Jer-
sey village is a Happy Leaf" by Marion Har-
land, a writer who never fails to touch some
secret spring of happiness, and set it vibrating
for all to hear
Mr.. James Russell Lowelrs poem, my
Brook, " was written especially for this paper,
and Is feature of prime Importance; in recog-
milton of its value the publishers print il as a
supplement in loose leaf, with a series OF APP
propriate illustrations by Wilson dc Meza In
My Brook the poet reverts to the days of his
youth when the hours were so many. the
duties so few" and sings some OF the dreAms
suggested by the brook. The Imagery is aerial
in It's delicacy and adapted to the evanescent
twill 'the-wisp" character Ofthc fancics ex.
hihited in the verse. While refecting on the
Land of Lost Days, as lie calls the past Mr.,
Lowell sings in u regrelful strain, as IL he
mourned the idyllic days.
The closing stanza implies a reconciliation
with the Fate that had changed the rural
stream, with suggestions of uaiads and water
for prosaic factories But the memory of the
old joyous days abides with the poct
''As the Moors in their exile the keys treasured
OF their castles in Spain, SO have I; and nc
Bnt the doors will fly open, Whenever we will
To the prime of the past and the sweet OF
the year,
The sentiment oppressed in any Brook
places Mr.. Lowell on plane with Mr.. Ruskiu
regarding the want of poetry implied by the
| fiourishing era of manufactures. When the
| Industrial .machine-impelled, come in al
the door. bringing wealth, plenty and luxuri-
GUS comfort in their train. poetry-accOrding
to these two NECESSITIES out at the window.
The Christmas number of the New York
Ledger comes with a cheerful exterior, in keep
ing with the festal season. The cover displays
New York girl, with her arms full of parcels
| (Christmas shopping). fastening forward to
greet the subscribers and wish them Happy
Christmas. - Philadelphia Ledger.