New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-02
FICTION.
WASHINGTON LIFE AS PORTRAYED BY
MRS. ATHERTON.

SENATOR NORTH. By Gertrude Atherton. 12mo
PIP. 1861. John Lane.
Dix limo pp. 2sS. The Century Company.
WOMAN AND ARTIST. BY Max ORel. 12mo
PIP. 22S. Harper & Bros.
In Senator North story OF Washington
life. Mrs. Atherton gives an excellent example
of the kind of novel writing that may be de-
scribed either snapshot" or journalistic"
Before undertaking it she apparently knew
very little of Washington. But she went there
and learned a great DEAL and everything she
learned she has put into these pages. 1t is
plainly to be seen that she made the most of
her ears; that is, she gathered all she could
from those who had the information she wanted.
Incidentally, too she kept her eyes rowing The
best part Of the book, however, is not the pict-
of Washington as a place. but the echo of
what goes there. 1t is a very distinct echo.
and what it reports has good deal of interest.
On reaching Washington Mrs. Anterior
evidently told what every novelist who speaks
Of politics as a subject for a book invariably
hears: There is a side Of Washington life that
never gets into fiction the life Of the old Wash
ington set, the people who despise politics and
have nothing to do with politicians" To Mrs
Atherton this statement seems to have ap-
peaed a challenge. At any rate, she took her
heroine boldly from one of the families most
conspicuous in this exclusive Washington world.
If not so pert would fancy from her
name. she is Independent and entertaining
specimen for all that. In spite of her traditions,
in spite Of her proud mothers statement that
mo person in official life has ever entered my
house." she decides to know the men in Wash
ington who make her country's laws SO she
meets Senator North. and after many doubts
and hesitations, after considerable wholesome
and some not altogether wholesome tribu-
lat Oh
foolish engagement with another politician, she
decides to marry him The steps by which
Betty reaches this contamination by no
means exciting, but they seem natural enough
and they take the heroine through situations
that have a living interest The strongest cpl
sodes OF the book are those dealing with the
Vaccinations of a girl Of mixed blood among
high minded but weak young men, full of South
ern prejudices The inevitable tragedy is power
fully suggested, without recourse on the au-
thors part to spurious effects. She Is least sue
cessful when most satirical as frequently han
pens with women novelsts. Occasionally too.
she makes the mistake of patronizing a charac-
ter. Throughout, however, she follows the dra-
matte method, letting her people project them
selves into the readers consciousness Indeed
technically the book is exceptionally well done.
The author of Deacon Bradbury" Mr. Edwin
Asa Dix, applies to old-fashioned theme a
method that is obviously designed to be realistic
The Deacon fine sturdy New-Englander
whose generous nature expresses Itself with q
rude kindness, has who comes home
drunk one night. Mr.. Dix truthfuIly pictures
the horror Of the situation 1t appears that
Nathan's fall from grace has been caused by
his drinking brandy to protect himself from
the consequences of accident in a chemical
laboratory. The boy, however stubbornly de-
termines to offer explanation and suffer- in
logged silence. The episode seems rather
strained: perhaps Miss Wilkins could have made
ii plausible 1t is easier to believe that later
when Nathan has been accused of stealing his
resentment Of past injustice should have led
him TO self accusation. In the end of course
the boy is indicated and proves his Inheritance
of good blood. If Mr.. Dix does not Justify his
choice Of theme, and even If his characters are
conventional. and, in their treatment somewhat
sentimental. he manages. nevertheless to give
life and interest to his narrative .pea con
Bradbury" is by no means a remarkable book.
but il is a careful and conscientious piece of
workmanship.
With his Woman and Artist Mr. Max
ORell makes his first appearance as a novel;
LIST. as a serious novelist. too. He also makes