The Portland daily press., 1900-10-04

interesting article in the September
Book Buyer which also contains a
portrait Of Mr.. La Flesche.
The author states in the preface to his
very interesting little book that his OBJ
ject in writing 1t is to reveal the true
character and nature Of the Indian boy,
and he has preferred to write the story
OF his sohoolfelIows, rather than that Of
other boy friends who knew only the
aboriginal life. He says: II have made
this choice not because the influences Of
the school alter the qualities of the boys,
but that they might appear under con-
ditions and in n attire familiar to the
reader. The paint, feathers, robes, and
other articles that make up the dress OF
the Indian, are marks of savagery to the
Europeans, and he who wears them, how
ever appropriate and significant they
might be to himself. finds it difficult to
lay claim to share in common human
nature. So while the school uniform did
not change those who wore it, in this in
stance, 1t may help these little Indians
to be ju 1ged, as are other boys, by what
they say and do:
The loyalty of Mr.. La FIesche to his
people is winning quality which ap'
pears in all that he writes about them,
and his sketches Will be read with great
interest by old and young, while espec-
tally to boys these true stories Of boy-Iife
will prove Immensely entertaining.
Kelea, The Surf Rider, is tale OF
pagan Hawaii, by Alexander Stevenson
TWombley, who, returning from Homo
lulu in 1894, and familiar with the Islands
by residence there, has produced, first, a
history OF Hawaii and It's People, recent
Iy published, and now this picturesque
romance. 1t is a tale OF adventurous
daring, and the transforming power of
an unseltish love; containing, at the.
same time a wealth Of curious unfamiliar
lore.
The book Is beautifully illustrated with
photographs Of the exquisite scenery de-
scribed by the author, and, even with
out the charm of the story, these pictures
would render it valuable. (Fords, How
ard & HuIbut; Portland: Loring, Short
& HARMONY
One of the best historical novels
OF the year is the story OF old Dutch
life in Albany, told by Ruth Hall,
under the title of The Black Gown. 1t
contains fascinating love story, a great
deal of interesting information about old
Dutch habits, customs and characters
and Introduces such historical personages|
as King Hendrick, famous Indian
chief, Sir William johnson and the Able
Picquart Of La Presentation, who did
wonderful work as a missionary.
1t was not all fighting and fear in those
days, but the British officers amused
themselves with private theatricals,
coasting and sleighing parties, while
dancing and merrlment and love making
were In order when more serious things
were not to the fore, and JOY ruled the
hour.
The hero is conspicuous at the battle of
Fort George, and is everywhere a strik-
Ing figure.
The author of Lady Hancock, A Story
of the American Revolution, recently
published by the Isaac II. Blanchard Co.,
IS a daughter of Joseph Foster Springer,
native and resident of Portland, who
died some years ago In Cuba.
The first edition of Lady Hancock was
Issued in 1899, under the title of Dorothy
Quincy, and was included In the one
hundred books selected for summer read
Ing by the New York Times in It's Sat-
urday Review Of June "a, 1899.
New material has been added, and the
present edition is sold by subscription,
and may be had by addressing Miss
Springer, care OF Blanchard & Co., 270
Canal street, New York City.
Miss Springer Is now secretary of the
New York Chapter of the Daughters of
the Revolution.
M. L. B. W.