The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1900-03-10
TIE HISTORICAL VALUE OF JANICE
MEREDITH.
IConrcrss C01cept.l

(Conccrss Coacept.)
When it was announced that Paul
Leicester Fcrd's new novel, Janice
Meredith, was in the publishers hands,
the public wited for its appearance
with the liveliest interest; and indeed
the popularity of his former works
fully justified them in displaying SO
much eagerness. What it wonle be
like, no one could guess, for the wrl-
ter's Versatility is one cf his most
characteristic qualities and one OF ;he
reasons why his works have been 50
widely read. One is purely fiction !;
another has a political setting; Still
another has an historical basis. His
thorough knowledge of human char
sster enables him to present his figures
to US in a most real and lifelike way
his knowledge of the era which forms
thu setting for his stories can be trusted
ir every particular. CoBrec!irg these
two is that electrical power Of conbi-
patien, that faculty Of creating out OF
nothing which is the possession OF
genius alone.
It is no mean skill, this art Of re-
cording dry facts, delinsating chsrac-
ter and describing the times all at once,
painting them into one brilliant pic
ture that once seen is never forgotten.
Such a book is bis latest production.
1t is an accepted fact nowadays that
the historical novel has doIe much to
increase the knowledge of history
among people in general. tor by put
ting facts is an interesting form: they
are impressed more forcibly upon the
readers memory. With this book at
hand, we will not be the ones to deny
this truth. Give a student who dis
likes history an account Of the Revo'
luton to learn, and Janice Meredith
to read, and we venture 10 affirm that
as a result he will gain twice as much
from the latter. In the record Of
events as to time, place and circum-
stance, Ford is miuutely exact. Those
favorite toys of many writer's, dates,
are brought 10 netice only when abso-
lutely necessary, yet be follows clearly
and distinctly the struggle Of our fore.
fathers for liberty Of thought of action
through sllits shifting scenes of defeat
and triumph. With lively Intensity
he. displays the seeming hopelessness
of the cause.-The country, half royal
ist, half American in sentiment, plum
dered by Hessirn and Englishman; the
feeble army suffering from colo and
hrrge--,yst confirming wiz these
6if6cultits the steady fire Of the coE-
mauder's faith and hope burns bright
until i: kindles similar fame III The
hea. of the lowest private in the ranks
aud surmounting every obstacle wins
the hard fight. One of the severest
trials is discontent in the armv ed
among the people. Moth |
ing daunted, ths general does not give
up. Ford spares himself no trouble
in putting in details, character sketches
pictures of the state Of the coantrr,
and glimpses of the social life Of tne
times, weaving them into this Heb of
pleasant history. In vivid contrast |
are the purposes of the two forces
the one, believing the coEtes; mern |
sport, laugh and enjoy Themselves; tie
other with an intense purpose in View
fight courageeusly for principal =,
very graphic illustration Of this differ
encs the author gives US on the nign:
Of the battle of Trenton encamped IL
the town lie the British, confident Il |
their safety. The night is wild, ~"
they plunge into merrinent. R=Vek, |
and fea.ting are at their height. EVe' =
Hessian is brute from strong diinK. !
On the opposite ride of the river, u: !
spite OF snow and cold, the Contiuen- !
tails are preparing to cross. Over + he |,
sullen ice blocked stream they :nI CO.
their rafts-they land and push On.
Surely they will not attack Genera!
Rhaips force with thst handful "f
m.n? Yes. snd conquer it 100 IN 2
way that sends every inactive AEer'
can nurrying to the banner nnfufled il"
Freedoms name.
The authors background in this
great tragedy is IS well drawn as the
foreground. Read where YOU will,
you can obtain a no more charming o.
t, uthful description of those Old days.
Dotted all over the country are cozg
where 50 short q period |
before peace reignsd supreme; now.
all is anxiety and confusion. The
coiusge has deprecated III value; the !
well.stored barns are daily Tansseked !
BY friend as we'll as foe, and trouble i |
constantly anticipated from the rough !
invaders.
A scarcity CT food, of clothing. OF |
but courage to fght 10 tie |
8eath follows. However in the midst !
of dire need aHd distress, old age and !
youth alike find time for social pleas
ures. Can anything Of our day eQEa
that genuine free-hearrcd hospital,
which distinguished our ancestors:
d. modern ideas resemble those Puri !
tan ones Of refinement and gccd breed |
ing? Janice Meredith, the heroine,
may be tsken as one type cf the Revo- !
lItionary befuty and belle. Tha
sternness Of her mother froWns upcH
the girls fckleness, tbnugbtlesspess
and fonaness for teasing her lovers.
But convenlionalily wcaries her. In