New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-28

Unlike most chroniclers who gather the annals
of particular places, Rufus Rockwell Wilson. in
his Historic Long Island" CThe Berkeley Press),
does not look upon the advance Of electric
traction into the quiet of neighborhoods cher
ished for historic associations with any show
of horror Speaking Of st. Georges Manor, he
looks forward with satisfaction to the day when
an electric railway viii make long drive
through ancestral woods unnecessary, and cover
the waterfront with array Of summer homes
This bit of Long Island property, which is still
in part intact, comes down from Colonel Will
lam Smith, the original holder Of the grant Of
forty thousand acres, Familiarity known as Tan
gier Smith because Of his having been Governor
Of Tangier. OF the son Of William Smith, the
third, an odd tale is here recalled. One day
William Smith the third, in conversation with
his neighbor Judge Floyd, criticised the latters
intention Of leaving 1900 to each Of his four
daughters Women had idea Of the value Of
money. said Smith and the sum much too
large. This conversation became known, and
developed such friction to interfere with
young John Smiths courtshp of Miss Betsey
Floyd. He consoled himself with Lady Lydia
Tanning who bore him a son, afterward the
great-grandfather of the present owners Of the
manor and died. Again his thoughts turned to
Miss Betsey. but it seemed that the parsimoni-
GUS sentiment of the elder Smith stood in his
way still, for she would have none Of him. At
that ne married Mary Plat. Miss Betsey there
upon married one Edward NicoH. She may
have been q trife vexed. But John Smith. at
least, had his way finally; for the second Mrs.
Smith and Mr.. Nicoll both dying, the widow
finally rewarded her persistent but much mar
ried sutton.
Though there is little Of this quaint sort of
local tradition in this book, it is by no means
predominant. In undertaking history of Long
Island the author has set out to give a picture
of the times and environment, far and near,
which would go to explain the local events
Thus the early parts of the book are devoted to
the fortunes of the West India Companys
Dutch Governors of Manhattan. The Engls;h
Governors and the events of the war against
the Crown are given, with the military opera
tons in Long Island set forth naturally in much
detail. chapter is devoted to the growth OF
Brooklyn. and another to the whaIers Of Suffolk.
Sixty years ago Sag Harbor had whaling fleet
Of sixty-five vessels.
The youth who had not doubled Cane Horn
was counted a sluggard, and had no more
chance with the village bellies than non-roro
blatant has with those of a garrison town sum
mer loiterers in Sag Harbor may still hear
snatches of Round Cape Horn a sC<g much
in vogue when the whaling industry was at its
height. A few characteristic stanzas follow:
] asked a maiden by my side.
Who sighed and looked to me forIorn
Where IS your hearr?' She quick replied
Round Cape Horn
7 said IN let your fathers know
To boys in mischief the lawn.
They all replied, Then must you 20
Round Cape Horn"
In fact asked little boy
If he could tell where he born;
He answered. with spark of Joy,
Round Cape Horn
The second war with England and Long ISL
and's part in the Civil War are recited in full.
Indeed. in the latter narrative the author has
considered it fitting TO include full descrip-
ton OF Henry Ward Beechers propagandism in
the Union cause in Liverpool, Manchester and
other English cities. The later development Of
Brooklyn and of the island as a suburban
region is set forth at length, which pea
haps the title Of the book might at first not
lead the reader to expect. The half tone illus
trations from photographs are for the most part
excellent.