Evening star., 1901-12-14

THE HISTORY OF THE BRITISH NAVY:
With Some Account of the Conditions of Naval
Warfare at the Beginning of the Eighteenth
Century, and of Its Subsequent Development
author Of The Influence of Sea Power Upon
History. Boston: Little, Brown & Co.
Capt. Mahan's book is an exposition of
the progress of naval warfare, a descrip-
tion of it's development from the days when
marine conflict was a number of naval
duels to the time when strategy was sub
stituted for blind adherence to cast iron
regulations. Lord Hawkes. career marks
the birth and growth of the new spirit
Capt Mahan also considers the work of
Lord Rodney, Earl Howe, Earl st. Vincent,
Lord De Saumarez and Lord Exmouth. All
these six admirals raised themselves to
their rank in the peerage by their distin-
guished profession services. 1t Is true that
they had in some cases influential friends at
court, but when presented with the oppor-
tunity they were able to rise to the occa-
sion. Much of the book. is of a technical
character, but the landsman will not fail
to profit by the discussion of the develop
ment OF great principles even If he fails
to grasp the significant points of the naval
conflicts described. The methodic mind
will experience a feeling of pleasure IN fol-
lowing the unfolding of the science of ma
val war and note it's growth from the melee
of olden times. 1t is also interested as
Capt Mahan has presented 1t, to observe
how change in motive power has caused
change in the methods Of fighting. Fight
ing regulations that were adapted to the
galley, operated by oar, could not be ap-
piled to the less manageable sailing ves-
sci. When that IN turn was displaced by
steam changed conditions brought new
methods. The first comment on Capt. Ma
hans work will probably be that the most
noted name in Englands naval history has
been omitted-Nelson's. Capt Mahan an
ticipates this criticism follows:
Among general officers, land and sea.
the group to which Nelson belongs defies ex-
position by a type, both because 1t is so
small in aggregate numbers, and because
the peculiar eminence of the several mem
bers-the eminence Of genius-so differ
entiates each from his fellows that no one
among them can be said to represent the
others"
THE bn E17ds,t By crSskstt auhOE Of
Clure, Phillips Co. Washington: BreHtano's
There was assuredly more than one fire
brand in this affair, although the author
has chosen SO to designate the intrepid
Scot, Rollo Blair. Little Concha, when her
affections were aroused, was sure to effect
results in startling manner. Ell Sarria,
the outlaw, made trouble whenever he
started on campaign. The gypsy sergeant
OF the Carlist forces was somewhat of a
frebrand himself, although he modified his
measures somewhat toward the close Of his
career. The story occurs in Spain during
one of the earlier Carlist wars. 1t involves
constant succession Of romantic and
tragic adventures, with continuity of vital
interest which enforces interest It Is
written in Mr.. Crockett's familiar style,
which has its own force of compelling at
tention and credence.
THE ORDEAL OF ELIZABETH; Novel Fronts
piece hy g. Sayv u
Taylor & Co.
This latest Elizabeth" story comes, like
Its European predecessor, anonymously
Whether for purposes of arousing interest
In the work, or for the qualification Of a
sincere desire to shield the authors iden-
tity, cannot be more than conjectured The
story Is strong, striking in It's plot and
climax, realistic in It's presentation of
modern society life in the metropolis, vivid
IN its charactertzations; in short a novel of
the first class. 1t will carry of Its own
force, apart from the mystery of anonym-
ity or the palpable bid for popularity
through the adoption of the latest fashion
In heroines' names. 1t tells the story of a
young girl who contracts q foolish secret
marriage with singer on the eve of his
departure for Europe. OF course, she re-
pents her rashness, especially when the
right man comes along. When later a
after she has broken her engagement to tbe
second man after bitter struggle between
her fears and her conscience, she finds that
the meshes of circumstantial evidence have.
involved her in charge of murder The
story of her trial-which is not the whole
or her "ordeal'-is strongly told, and re-
calls certain famous court cases Of the
recent s past. The author is generous in his
ILlal CIspostlons, and rounds a strong
tions Gil
THE FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN FOREIGN
Albert Bushnell Hart, professor OF history in
m,'T,a mnT.ard doIn University; New York The Mac
This work does not purport to be histori-
cal. The author declares that the full
story Of the diplomatic relations of our
country is recorded. but not yet written
His purpose is to explain that the fore
fathers had problems similar to those of
today and that they solved them according
to definite lines. which have affected the
modern policies. He feels a pride in the
purposes and results of American dipIo-
macy, with few reservations. He presents
his thesis on topical rather than a chron-
illogical plan, and this necessarily involves
the consideration Of specific cases in some
times more than one relationship.
His general conclusion is that the United
States has been from its birth a true world
power In both hemispheres, in military
strength. in influence on other nations and
in tendency to extend its influence and
power. The power OF the United States, he
says, has usually been In reserve not In
isolation. The disposition Of the nation to
play great part in the worlds affairs is
the natural tendency OF people which has
faculty for forgetting the early defeats
and humiliations of its history and feels
like proving its own vast power. Consid-
ering the vital and pressing domestic prob
lens as yet unsolved. it is strange Spec
tacle to find the nation going far afleld to
incur new colonial responsibilities, which,
In the Judgment of this author, will bring
small apnyal returns and much yexation Of
spirit, Yet he recognizes that the spirit
OF colonization and annexation is not a
new factor in the national life. The drift
Of century has become current TIA
ADVANCE into the West Indies was as in
evitable as that into Texas and California.
For fifty years there has also been a ten
dency to establish national power In ~