Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-03-31
TOM wArsoN,s NEW CAREER.

TOM WATSoN'S NEW CAREER.
The announcement year or so ago that
the Hon. Thomas z. Watson had deter
mined to renounce the active political life
IN which he had become famous through
out the nation, and would devote himself
entirely to literature and agriculture Gre
ated much surprise. But Mr.. Watson is
a very versatile, as we'll as very able,
man and this fact is more fully recogniz-
ed now than ever before.
He has proved a conspicuous success as
a farmer and at the same time has won
high rank as a historian.
His story OF France" attracted atten-
ton and evoked high praise from the
press and the public. The leading re-
views bestowed a liberal share OF atten-
ton upon it. and the public called for
very large number OF copies. The work
stiu enjoys a large sale and has been fire.
ouently discussed as a conspicuous con-
tribution TO the literature OF the time.
Mr. Watson's Napoleon" which has
very recently appeared, has found such
an enthusiastic reception as is accorded
to few publications in this day Of many
books. 1t may already be called a trl-
their commendatory opinions Of 1t; the
public has seized and read it eagerly and
a great chorus OF praise has been raised
over IL.
All who have given their opinions Of
the book do not agree with Mr.. Watson's
estimate OF the Child OF Destiny" but
we have yet to hear a discordant note in
the prevailing verdict that it is most
brilliant and impressive achievement;
that II captivates at once and holds to
the end the intense and fascinated in
terest OF every reader.
There have never been, perhaps, so
many widely different opinions Of the
character and moral qualities of any man
who has lived in the last two centuries,
as have conferred and are still battling
over Napoleon Bonaparte.
Historical estimates of him range from
those which make him almost a demigod
TO those which make him a demon, and
an impartial reading of the plain record
Of the life OF this marvellous man gives
convincing proof that both Of these ex'
tremes are wide OF the truth.
Mr.. Watson is emphatically on the side
OF Napoleon. but is not his indiscriminate
eulogist He admits the force of many
OF the indictments that have been brought
against the corsican and does not des-
troy the value of his historical judgment
by extenuating and defending every
fault and every crime that Napoleon is
justly chargeable with.
But he does contend and contend with
great power, with a splendid array Of
reason and eloquence. that Napoleon was,
on the whole, a great reforming and puri-
flying force in the worlds affairs.
Nobody can read Mr.. Watson's book
without feeling the force of the plea
which he puts up for his hero. 1t is not
mere wordy praise or imprisoned eulogy.
II is a splendid argument for the defense,
bristling with attacks upon the enemies
and slanderers of Napoleon along with
a general Qualification Of that rare genius.
Throughout the entire work there is
scrupulous fidelity to historic facts, and
the conclusions which Mr.. Watson draws
from them are stated with an ingenuity
and a force which shows power of a high
order, as we'll as burning intensity Of pur-
pose.
In this book OF 40 pages. which the
Macmillan Company has published in its
usual high style OF excellence and illus
trated admirably with portraits and fac
SMILES we md q contribution to the lit
erature Of the day that will continue to
command attention and. respect. 1t will
affect many estimates Of Napoleon,
changing some that have been too Sc
vereIy and narrowly adverse, and intensi-
flying others in the belief that Napoleon
has been grossly slandered by many of
those who pretend TO give his true pic
ture. II will be conceded on all sides that
Mr.. Watson has added greatly to his own
fame by this work and aroused a very
widespread desire that he will continue
his labors in a field where he has already
proved his ability to shine as few writers
can.
Mr.. watson's Napoleon" is truly
very notable work. and we do not won
der that it has called forth so many and
such fervid laudations.
These do not seem extravaganza to the
readers OF the book.