The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-07-27

whose book, with 'Bobs' and Kruger" is
receiving favorable notice.
CLEANED still further Richard Croker
might be regarded as a composite of both
Fabius and Scipio: he weds caution to dar-
ing in an extreme degree of each. He can
dissemble like a Talleyrand; or he can be
as bluff and blunt as any H =nry the Eighth.
He can follow policy and intrigue like a
Louis the Eleventh; or he can charge as
recklessly as any Bull of Burgundy-think
in the saddle. and carry decision on the
point of his sword. His secret Of
mastership would seem to lie in that
thought of Machiavelli of a profound tai
ent of Accommodation and correspondence
with his times"
Yet Mr.. Lewis finds nothing of particular
fault in Croker. The biographer, strenu-
ously claiming to strive at nothing but the
truth, aims to give both sides, but there
is a suspicion that he has fallen under the
epell of the Tammany chieftain's magic
success as a leader. Cookers loyalty to his
friends, his ability to use his enemies for
his own purposes, his great grasp OF prac-
teal conditions, his abstemiousness from
drinking and swearing, his love of children
and animals and his generosity, all come
in for the friends need of praise.
There H. inside political history in this
study of Croker. The author tells of the
nomination of Hill as Governor and his
election by the help of Tammany. of Cleve-
lands rise through the active cooperation
Of Croker and the part that German played
at the Chicago convention. 1t is all interest
ing to the student of present-day political
situations because the reader is aware that
he is learning a little Of the working of the
wheels that finally find expression through
Endorsement or rejection by the American
voter.
Enough of Croker and politics. The au-
thor has not devoted all Of his time to a
picture of Croker. He has had. as he con-
cludes. ION subjects various and several.
the unpent pleasure of saying what
Thought and why 1 thought it, To a man
of Mr.. Lewis's versatility and imagination
that includes much. So 1t Is not surprising
that his ''browsings' have led him into
critical studies of the church and its rela-
fion to politics, to an admiration of Car
lyle whose literary style Mr.. Lewis follows
not blindly, to an upbraiding OF civilization
and snobbery.
There are chapters in the volume that are
gems of expression. There is a pen picture
of John L. Sullivan. There is the story OF
John J. scanneil's vengeance on Donahue.
the SLAYER of his brother. that is terrible in
setting forth of the primal vendetta The
early history OF Tammany and Its influence
ON contemporary times are treated with
much perspicacity. In fact, the book
abounds In good things.
To the man who dwells outside of New
York City. but who aims to keep posted on
the government of the biggest city on the
continent, this study of Richard Croker is
an indispensable guide-a guide not of the
encyciopedic sort, but of living interest
The Thoughts scattered through the pages
| are gems in their way. They are untram-
meled expressions Of a man who has tasted
| the experiences of life and studied the
] thought Of others with mind trained for
| the work. OF the literary expression in
| the book, those who are acquainted with
| his style will not miss tho usual virility and
force.