Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-07-03
vol. 1iii+449 PIP. IL Appendices; Biblio
graphy; Index. Cloth, $3.50.

vol. 1iii+449 PIP. IL Appendices; Biblio-
graphy; Index. Cloth, $3.50.
The name of Prof. Richard T. Ely upon
the title page of a work is, in itself, suf-
6cient guarantee of its worth. His Tax
alton of American Cities and Towns"
and other works upon modern eco
nomical and political problems, have
made his name well known to the intelli-
gent readers of two continents. His latest
work. is an impartial and critical treatment
of the strength and weakness of Socialism
and may be regarded as the best presenta-
ton of this subject that has yet appeared.
He is fair-minded snd candid enough to
recognize the saving principles of the sys-
TEN, and yet fearlessly points out its dan
gers and defects.
The first part of the book is historical
| and descriptive, and is devoted to an ex-
position of the progress and nature of
Socialism, making plain the differences ex-
listing among the various schools.
| The work becomes intensely interesting
when DR.. Ely in Part III shows the posi-
bilities of Socialism as a scheme of produc-
ton and for the distribution and consump-
ton of wealth; what it might do for art and
literature and how it might increase the
collective happiness of mankind.
Perhaps the most satisfactory chapters to
the average reader are those in Part Ill,
devoted to pointing out the dangers and
weaknesses of Socialism. The argument
here is especially strong and the entire dis
cussion clearly indicates the valid objec-
tons to the system.
The author then sums up in Part ~
what he calls 1.-The Golden Mean or Practi-
cal Social Reform" and points out the ad
vantages that would result to society if
certain features of socialistic reform were
adopted,-or rather, makes it evident that
many non-socialistic measures now advo-
Gated will accomplish what Socialism itself
promises, and while only touching upon
many Of these topics shows very plainly
how far society can reasonably 90 in the
direction of Socialism.
Numerous appendices, containing the pro-
grammes and platforms of various socialis-
tic bodies and the best and most exhaustive
photography to be found in any language,
add greatly to the value of this volume
which will be found indispensable to stu
dents of sociology and of great value to the
general public. [T. Y. Crowell & Co., Boz
ton and New York.
Tales of the Maine Coast, by Noah
Brooks, New York: Charles Scibner's
Sons. PIP. 27l Price $1.OO.
This charming little volume with its seven
short stories, each of them a gem, is one
that cannot fail to be of interest to all
lovers of good fiction, and especially 80 to
residents of the old Pine Tree State. The
author is native and a resident of the
town Of Camden in and about which these
short tales have their setting. Those who
have visited this charming village of the
Maine coast will have no difficulty in re-
cOgnizing it as the "Fairport." There is
q freshness and picturesque charm about
these little stories that gives them an alb
sorbing interest. Their realism forces the
conviction that the author has drawn most
of his material from life. The style of
narrative is direct and clear. There is a
aharpness IN the delineation of the rugged
character, and graphic fsithfalness in
the description of the grand scenery of our
Maine coast to WINS, that entitle these stories
to high rank for their literary merit alone,
even if we we're to eliminate entirely the
strong human interest that pervades and an
mates them all. 1t is a book that is worthy
of place in every home in our State, and
we hope that it may meet with a generous
patronage.
We have received from the Illustrated
American Publishing Company, 5 and 7
East 10th street, New York, No. of the
Gallery of Players" Among the noted
actors and actresses of whom it gives mag
nifcent full page half tone portraits, &C.
companied by excellent biographical
sketches, are Henry Irving, Ellen Terry,
Edwin Booth, Helena Modjeska, Kyrle
Bellew, Cora Urquhart Potter. Joseph JEFF
ferson, Lillian Russell, Ada Rehan, Rich
ard Mansfield and number of others. 1t
is an exceedingly interesting, valuable
work and can scarcely fail to meet with a
large patronage.
Fungi and Fungicides,a Practical Manual
Concerning the Furgous Diseases of Cul-
tivated Plants and the Means of Preventing
their Ravages, by Clarence NJ. Weed, New
York The Orange Judd Company. Price
$125.
This is an exceedingly valuable book and
one that might well be in the home of every
farmer in Maine. 1t is practical study of
the various pests with which growing crops
have to contend, with directions rs to the
methods to be employed in their destruction
The work is profusely illusirated-a
feature that adds materially to its value
The amount of useful information con-
tanned between its covers is we'll worth
many times its cost to anyone engaged in
agricultural pursuits.