The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-03-11
TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.
POTPOURL.


Colonial Romance" called "Wallannah'
by VIII Lotion Hargrave. and it is
well published by the famous Southern
Publishing Company of B. F. Johnson
at Richmond, Va. The volume con-
tains 429 pages and is illustrated. The
binding is striking and handsome. We
used to know personally the author,
but it was more than thirty zee ago.
He was Intellectual and interesting,
but we did not know he was meditat-
ing a romance. He has been dead for
many years, inc this volume he left.
the story in concerned, but we do not
know the nativity Of the author, but
think he was 'one of US" The story
is in colonial times when the people
were apt to make it something warm
for bad and oppressive governors. Gov,
Tyron figures in the work. We learn that
the volume has been retouched and even
added to by Mr.. Frank j. Craigie, OF
Rishmond, Va. 1t seems hat ven
chapters were added, Sc it is inn
possible to tell what part was Mr..
Hargrave's. The Richmond Dispatch
says of the work:
In a certain sence it is posthumous
work, though Mr.. Craigie-a very live
Northumberland be overlooked when
the story is praised.
Sir. Hargrave supplied the interest
ing and intricate plot, which abounds
in stirring scenes and dramatic situa-
tiOns. Never for an instant does he
allow the readers interest to lag, for
his ingenuity as a story writer is re-
markable.
Mr.. Craigie's function has been n
tirely different. To him we the
pleasure of some exquisite pen pictures
which describe Nature in an almost
inimitable way"
We learn farther from the notice
that 1t concerns "Alamance" and the
opening of the first war Of indepen-
dence. The Dispatch saws:
Events. however. moved quickly and
strenuously in those days, and the
chapter entitled "a Bit Of History"
treats Of seventeen years of turbu-
lence, much of it the offspring Of Gov
ernor Tryon's infamous tyranny.
In this chapter is shown with gra-
nhic terSeness the growth Of the move
III Which, OIhlSu TIE Ul(lSE 16SSu-
lation," and which died only when its
lame was lost in the fury of the Revo-
luton.
Following the course OF the Regula-
ton 'Wallannah.' with vivid portrayal
Of Tryon and his minions, depicts the
scenes leading to the battle of Ala
nance
There is much in 'Wallannah'' bear
ing upon the social life in the old
North province.
"'Wallannah's' chief fauIt-if fault
it really be in these days-lies in the
of it's plot. which is both
intricate and full of action from cove
to cover" The price is $3.50. 3
Last Sunday we copied from a north
opinion of Miss Mary Johnston's
Audrey which attracts much critical
and is sought for like hot
There is concensus of opinion
have seen as to the excellence of the
lew story, and that it is a decided i'm
upon her first two that
we're SO immeasurably over-praised.
The Philadelphia Era, an excellent lit
.erary monthly, likes it. 1t says that
he new story has more imagination and
better in style than her previous
novels. 1.-The Bookman' is high in its
praise. 1t excells her ITO Have and to
Hold" in every essential particular-in
construction. in execution and in
1t puts her ahead of other pop
novelists of the day in possessing
he Gift of style" 1t says that some
IF her pages are wonderfully we'll writ
1t holds that all through the
nook there is IAN inspiration of
,ealth. of strength. of beauty that
lever fades away. 1t admits that
are faults The New York
reviews it and praises it. but
lot extravagantly. 1t says it is very
1rettiIy written and there are charm
descriptions of nature" and it has
= good deal of distinction The week
literary department of the Balt-
more Sun under Prof. Guy Carleton
of Johns Hopkins University
discusses Audrey" 1t says 1t Is a
charming romance" and can be con
praised 1t holds hat it
Is q DOCK lIldI NIL III
her other stories. It concludes 1t IL
. a romance of great merit"
1 =
we have been long ~pursuaded that
what is needed is to take into criti-
cism a conscience as well as insight
and taste. We see stun III
prominent publications than you can
find in obscure candidates for circula-
Not two days g we read In a
conspicuous critical monthly uohca
ton hat Ibsen "as a dramat1st a
but one peer-Aacshylus." That Is al
most as absurd as the opinion expressed
some time ago by another leading crit
cal monthly that Balzac was a greater
Genius than Shakespeare. This sort Oh
Ignorant exaggeration is enough TO
make one sick or to create a shiver OF
aa+ipathy. Some time ago we showed
bou greatly walter Scott had indu-
! French literature in the 18th Gen.