The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-12-15
President Andrews history.


booksellers.
PRESIDENT Andrews makes no apology
,sf bringing forward another history OF
the United States, which Is certainly the
proper spirit for an author to approach
the public, which is certain TO decide for
itself whether book requires an apology
for its existence or not. The plan OF DIR.
Andrews' history is the modern scientific
plan OF treating history, and the true
plan. IL seeks "to make prominent more
than popular histories have usually done:
at the same time the political evolution OF
our country on the one hand, and the
social culture, habits, and life OF the
people on the other" This is the obvi-
ously proper historical method, the only
proper one; but ii is only since John
Richard Green published his "History OF
the English People" that it has seemed to
have much OF a grip upon historical
writers.
DIR. Andrews also realizes perfectly that
United States history really begins with
the adoption of the constitution, and de-
nominates all previous TO that fore
history" which his treatment brings into
sssharp separation from the United states
history proper, calling due attention 10
what is too commonly missed, the
truly epochsl character OF the adoption
of our present constitution" This Is
stripping great deal OF romance from our
ideals OF the building forces Of this coun-
try, yet We cannot doubt that truth Is
unmasked. Yet the tremendous
importance and wonderful sig
nifcancs of this fore history must
not be misconceived. 1t is not the idea
Of DIR. Andrews to misconceiye them, or
10 d Nlv 4 N
deal more particularly with the country
after 1t evolved into a political entity,
rather than consider the throes OF its
birth, which though intensely interesting
and dramatic is after all a period of more
sentimental interest and scientific in
quiry than historical importance; at least
as o part of "history OF the United
States"
An admirable feature OF this work is
the presentation of the facts of history in
the "most natural periods and divisions"
and the giving to each such titles 'as to
render the table of contents
truthful and instructive epitome
of our national past" With the
help, therefore, OF this scientific table
OF contents, an admirably accurate index,
and the terse statement of the principles
of treatment and arrangement given as
preface, the volumes present to the
student and the systematic reader
cyclopedic reference book OF very excep-
tional value; which value Is materially en-
hanced by the sense OF reliability the great
pains taken by DIR. Andrews TO verify
dates and make all references to persons
and places strictly accurate. Add that the
volumes are Handsomely and clearly print
ed, and dressed in dignifled binding, and
we have q very broad ground for COM
mendation before the vital his
toric principles involved and elucidated
are at all examined.
Some courage is required In the reading
OF this history, as well as in its conception
and execution. 1t must wiring the soul of
thorough student and lover OF history
to make q two-volume history of
the United Statesi Here is
the whole fascinating field OF America
before Columbus put on to eight pages
OF introduction-cruei but salutary and
necessary treatment, since it has no vital
connection with our great past or inn
portnnt present, and is chiefly argumenta-
tive and speculative.
Seventy pages suffices for the fore
history, up to 1900, when the Stuart dyn-
asty had been restored in England and
had begun to exert its harmful influence
upon New England, and 75pages are made
TO suffice for the sketching OF
the significant events that preceded
the French and Indian war and the peace
of Paris. This section also closes the sec
ond period of fore history. II pictures the
condition of the colonies and the people
Just rs they are about to precipitste them
selves against England In the struggle for
independence.
Then with 70 pages for the third period
sf fore history the war OF the Revolu-
tion is dealt with, as well as the results OF
the French and Indian war, the old con-
federation and the rise of the constitution,
and the history comes to its second part,
at which point DIR. Andrews estimates
that our history really begins.
There have been only a few outline
,trokes thus far put upon the canvas.
The impression they make upon the in
tellectual retina Is most important to the
success OF the history-plan, though ex-
pressly assigned to subordinate station.
The inveterste history reader cannot judge
what the real effect OF this treatment
is. His formerly acquired knowledge
hinders. Neither can the enthusiastic
history student Justly estimate. AS be
Itabs spiSbutSo Oh bJ
other and more elaborate accounts are
revived, and he sees much more than
Is set down, and much different.
The pages glow and burn with the
grand performances of Washington and
the Continental army in the Revolution,
which are indicated by the use of few
lines OF unfeeling type. 1t is only the
history novice that can receive the true
imprint from DIR. Andrews history
matrix.
Something like a just judgment may
be formed, however, by noting how COM
ple.e an image OF the particula history
ofthis succession of periods is resurrected
in one'r mind by the reading of this au-
thor's hints. This method shows that a
complete and consistent picture arises in
the mind as one reads the pages over
loaded with suggestion.
The rest OF the first volume Is taken up
with two periods of the second part OF the
history. The first period embraces the
time from the launching of the new con-
stitution 70 the treaty OF Ghent 1854 to