New-York tribune., 1900-07-07

To what extent is publisher justified in ed
iting the books that he brings out? This question
naturally presents itself TO the reviewer who has
occasion to discuss such a volume European
Travel for Women" AS a rule, IN the case Of
the practised writer, no revision IS necessary.
In this instance. however. the writer IS plainly
Unpractsed. Seldom, indeed does the Macmil-
Ian Company publish a book so badly writ
ten. Seldom, too, is so much useful informa-
ton accompanied by so much that is gratuitous-
ly absurd. If the book had been carefully re-
vised and condensed into one-haIf its present
length. it would admirably serve its purpose
At the start, the writer takes superior point
Of view, made amusing by the failure to sup
port it, either by matter or manner She
soon begins 10 scold her readers That is a
mistake. Presently, however, she assumes a
kindlier tone, lapsng only now and then into
severity. And yet the woman who goes to her
for advice must feel. after following rhe pages.
that she has been sadly badgered. If She has
a timid nature. she will probably be appalled,
by the difficulties of going abroad for travel
If she has common sense however, she will
merely smile at such a passage as this: MANY
people extremely careful ABOUT the
water they drink, and yet peacefully brush their
teeth from what they find on their washstau9s.
which is not consistent. as microbes are invis-
ihle beasts, and one is as good, or as bad as a
thousand If you wish TO take every precau-
tiOn, therefore, you should boil The water for
your teeth, and then you may feel that you
have done everything in your power TO escana
possible danger" Perhaps the best advice to
be given TO such people would he to stav at
home.
The preparations for the journey are so ex-
haustirg that it would seem as # the poor
woman traveller might have a rest when she
reached the ship. But no there are many
things to think Of. Here is one important item:
Ring for your cabin stewardess make her ac-
quaintance and ask her to send you the bath
stewardess Say TO her that you hope to take
a bath each day, and choose the hour which
Will suit you best" Then there is the subtle
question Of dress shipboard ''Herofnes in
novels are always described as bewitohinelv
lovely ct sea, but to more ordinary mortals II
is decidedly trying" This sentence will not
bear critical examination, but woman will
fall 70 appreciate its meaning. 1t may be too
that the subtle feminine mind will see the force
Of this precaution: Take a supply Of visiting
cards, IL you do not expect to make
call while you away as they are every
where looked upon a proof Of respectful biIitv
less official than a passport but almost as eff
fective" This is only example of the difncuI-
ties that present themselves to the traveller
when once started But the writer thies 10
meet every emergency in advance Against
this counsel, however, absolutely protest on
the ground that II viii further in1ure the repu-
tation Americans have acquired abroad: THE
ideal travelling companions are two people. one
Of whom likes TO sit facing the engine and the
other with her back TO It, because between
them they control a window" This SEN
tence, too. is wrapped in vaguenesa but the plot
that II wells will be plain TO those who have
never travelled beyond the limits of an ele-
waited railroad.