The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-21
Memories of Eighty Years.

| The "reminiscences of Julia Ward
tion in serial form. and are now published
in volume OF moderate size. illustrated
with portraits and pictures Of historic
houses. To those who have read the pa
pers as they appeared 1t is not necessary
to say that they contain much that is of
interest TO any student OF history. AS IS
apt to be the case with any volume of
"reminiscences, there is good deal OF chat
mixed with the wheat. and reading the
book is rather like conversing with tho
average person who has known great men
one must listen TO great deal that is
not of special importance in order to 60.
at some real facts.
The period covered by the book is unusu-
ally long for a work Of this character. be-
ing the time between 1919 and the present
day. When Mrs. Howe was born, New
York was q small city in comparison with
the metropolis of today: and great part
of that lady's history has been involved in
it's growth. She was born in Marketfeld
Street. near the Battery. and her father
was the son Of one of the Governors OF
Rhode Island while her mother a rel
alive Of Marion. the "Swamp-Fox." Her
husband as everyone knows, was an ar
dent friend Of Horace Mann and Charles
Sumner, and was prominent both In edu-
cational and political circles, without be
ing very popular in either at certain times
II is rather difficult for us Of the present
generation TO understand just what the con-
dition of America was in the hfties. when
Mrs Howe was a young woman, taking
her part in the events of the time. Even
those who lived through that era can hard
ly bring back the atmosphere of the time
Mrs Howe's book may be valuable In this
connection. for she records all sorts of bits
OF repartee and anecdote which help TO re-
incarnate the past. In speaking of sum
ner whom she knew very we'll, she says
In part:
Mr. Sumner was st this time one Of a little
group Of friends which ironical lady had
Chrislrrod "the Mutual Admiration Society"
The other members the poet LongfellOw.
George s Hillard, Cornelius FELTON,. professor Of
Greek at Harvard College. Of which at later
day he became president, and DIR. Howe
Charles summers appearance was curiously meta.
norphosHd hy severe attack OF typhoid fever,
which he suffered. l think. in lsiS 1874.
After his recovery he gained much in flesh and
entirely lost that ungainliness Of aspect which
once led friend 10 compare him TO 4 geomei
rical line. length without breadth thick
ntzs'' lie had but little sense Of hu-
NOR, and was not at home in the small cut and
thrust fkirmishIs Of general society. lie was
made for serious issues and for the great contest
which then lay unguesscd before him. OF his
literalncss some amusing anecdotes have been
told At an official ball in Washington he re-
marked 10 young lady who stood beside him,
1--WE fortunate in having these places; for,
standing here. shall the first entrance Of
the new English aud French ministers into Wash.
ingtOn society"
The young girl replied, 81 en- glad TO hear it.
! like q lions break the ice"
Sumner was silent for few moments, and
presently said Miss , in the country where
lions live there is no ice
Mrs. Howe further comments on the alb
sent mindedness which led to Summers
being relieved Of his yaluables In the
street and when travelling His tall fig
ure made him conspicuous, and his mind
was usually occupied, so that members
of his family used TO say: 1T IS about time
for Charles to have his pocket picked
again
The story 81 the way IN which the
Battle Hymn OF the Republic written
has been often told, but viii bear telling
again. While visiting camp Mrs Howe's
party sang the old melody John Browns