New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-17

the reader, for. in most instances, they relieve
the authors mind Of a certain amount of guam
titive analysis which has probably been grow
ing inwardly. AS TO the reader. he learns that
'rmbecility has a fatal fascination for the
creatures who have a fatal fascination for u.s.;
that hanson cab is a sedan chair on wheels;
that ''coachmen sit on the box if they suffered
from mortal cramps; that Fate is a humor-
ist' and minor dscords of n like character.
The clergyman thinks that his friends talk
about won en-" and HELL" cigarettes" han
som cabs and "trussed coachmen'' is like burn
ing a pastiIe in his room; hot, sweet, Khay
vanish though houri should be found saw
ing wood in the back yard" 1t is we'll that
the earlier sentiments expressed by the two
men met with mutual appreciation. for later
houri does more than saw wood in back yard
and the letters assume a tragic tone in conse-
ouence The best impression obtained from
this book is that Mr.. McVickar and Mr.. Col
Inns must rave enjoyed the writing Of it.
Mr.. Wilson has selected as theme for
novel the subject Of social and political interest
known as trusts" 1t is not difficult TO dis
cover the trend of the authors sympathies. and
ir view Of the interesting story which he has
woven around his pet theories it is only fair TO
accent between the covers Ct his book, his best
arguments An ambitious finanCier, Albion
Hardy is the organizer and head Of an indus
trial com ination which causes such discomfort
and suffering that it alienates his only son. who
uithdraws his capital from his fathers business.
b,,vs a small mill and attempts 10 run t accord
ing 10 his own ideas. The result is tremen-
dous antagonism between father and son, the
outcome Of which is a social warfare which
gives an opportunity for some intricate and
citing situations The love interest of the story.
while subordinate TO the main issue. is sufficient
n hold the attention of the reader and add zest
IA the plot of the book. Mr.. Wilson has written
a novel with a purpose which is not without
certain points of excellence.
Miss Hall. in her new book, THE Pine Grove
House has turned TO a fresh field, and instead
~ the historical novel which her readers have
bee,, led 10 expect from her pen. she has written
a story Of village life. the scene OF which is not
rs- from Nevy-York City The heroine is a girl
Of really fine quality. She has the misfortune
70 nossess a dishonest brother. who TO save
himself from disgrace, threatens her happiness
and reputation. as well as those of other charac-
ter-s In the book. Entanglements ensue which
AT moments give the reader a feeling OF real
suspense. till right finally prevails. Miss Halls
novel possesses realistic force, and her charac-
ters are clearly and sympathetica1ly portrayed.
The author Of Lavender and Old Lace" and
the whimsical "Spinster Book" aspires in her
latest novel to be something more than writer
Of graceful prose. THE Shadow OF Victory is
a romance Of an early Western trading post.
and Miss Reed tells "A vigorous tale Of hardship.
courage and love The love interest Of the story
centres in a young American girl. Beatrice
Manning, who is Drawing the dangers Of frontier
life with an aunt and uncle She has two adj
mirers at the post OF widely separate char
acteristics. though of equal merit; and it is in
the womans choice. and the final victory of the
man, that Miss Reed shows her knowledge OF
human nature. The scenes i'm which the fort is
attacked by Indians and the post compelled TO
surrender also give her an opportunity for some
dramatic word painting. which she employs
effectively and with commendable restraint.