The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-01-18

Before thy bookshelves, humbly thank thy
That thou hast friends like these
Curtis .Wager-smith in Era
Ward, Lock & Co., London whose list
of novels dealing with mystery and crime
has probably no equal have outdone them
selves with Burford Delannoy's startling
tale, ''s19,0 This authors style stands
reader up on his feet. Moreover, a
reader will stand up until he has finished
the book, if he begins that way. He will
not take time to sit down
John Luther Long, whose japanese story
Madame Butterfly" the playwright Be
lasco made such an exquisite bit of stage
picturing, is at present collaborating with
Belasco on long play, which goes back
setting. Meantime Madame Butterfly is
being set to operate music by an Italian
master.
Harper's Magazine has recently acquired
splendid short story from the pen Of Philip
Verrill Mighels, the author of The Crys-
adventure by the way. forestailed no less
a person than Jules Verne, in relating
contributed to some Of the lesser Harper
periodicals severa! years ago.
The new novel entitled Esther Mather,"
by Mrs; Emma Louise circuit. New
England woman, who is well equipped for
and subtle, forceful and refined in her lit
erary expression of them, should interest
viii Doubtless appeal. as Well. to that 1t
smaller number of more distinctly liter
mented the lack of a real American novel,
not entirely. local in it's setting, a few
lookout for it. Esther Mather is a story
of this kind. 1t is modern in tone, and
miiiar with New York ways and the life
of travel and cultivation. 1t is supple
mented by the IeStful background of
New England home, and the diverting "a
riety of flight ITO California and the east.
artistic, beautiful and true. She is also
very sensitive, tolerant and forgiving. Her
imagination is seeking constantly her ideal
of domestic happiness which, while per-
feet In its way. may, she hopes, leave
or at least live. without a sense of cramp-
ing Mrs Ore9tt's portrayal OF Esther's
other characters and scenes around her
show a very. high order of insight and
landism, which is not too apparent, adds
a touch of serenity and stability. This,
book is published by The Grafton Press
Messrs. Cook & Fry have issued a book,
tive title. INSIDE the Machine" which can
not fail of making a sensation. The ma
of aldermen-a fact likely to suggest to
the appreciative reader Squeers cheerful
reflection. "'ere'S richness" Mr. P. Te-
cumseh Sherman. author of the work. is
graduate. a practicing lawyer a member
Of various prominent clubs and social or
ganizations. Notwithstanding all of which
apparent disabilities for political prefer
ment in New York, he was, in 1897, by an
amazing freak for fortune, elected on the
Citizens Union ticket to represent the
''tenderloin'' district in the board of alder
men. The unique surroundings and asso-
Citations into which he was thus thrown
appealed to his keen sense of humor, while
the crudity inSufficiency, laundering and
manifold evils of the municipal govern
mental system under our present charter
as exposed to his shrewd inquisition. in
vited his caustic analysis. This book is
the result Although a serious and. re-
markably able study of grave matters,
rich in valuable suggestions for reform
and forceful in argumentative presenta-
ton it is never dull, even for the general
reader, thanks to the authors dry humor
and racy anecdotal faculty. Every citizen
who does not subscribe to the maxim that
public office is private snap" should
read it, OF course. Mr.. Sherman served
but one term, of two years. in the board.
Inside the Machine will, however, serve
to keep that period in the remembrance
of his fellow citizens, and all students of
political economy who have the pleasure
of perusing it, for many years to come.
1t ShoHld also be of distinct value in the
Contemplated reformation of the charter.
The New York Tribune Almanac for 1902
has reached Topeka and the selling price
is IS cents. The publication contains a
valuable fund of information. The popu-
lation of countries. states and cities. game
laws pension laws, finance, government
and hundreds of other matters are covered