New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-17

mainly. On the ether hand. one who has stood
for centuries in the pillory may be released
busted off. whitewashed and, If the writer be
clever enough, turned into a pretty good imita-
ton OF a hero. This is what makes history
writing interesting. The discovery of the Unap-
preciated is as full Of reward as the lighting on
q First Folio by bibliophile That James II
has successfully managed to escape laudation
for all these years is only a spur to the biog-
rapher's zeal Burnet and Clarendon, contem-
poraries pronounce him cruel and obstinate,
and a long line of historians conclude that he
was obviously political and a religious bigot
According TO ]. r. Green he is the only Stuart
ruler whose intellect was below mediocrity. The
ever youthful DR.. Goodwin Smith has called him
q malignant tyrant and obstinate fool, aim
ing at absolute power and tagging himself the
vioegerent of God. MacaUlay-but perhaps
Macaulay's comments this subject were
rather more picturesque than parliamentary.
James's conduct In a time of profound peace
cost him his throne and extinguishe6 his dynas-
". and pretty nearly everybody has said,
Served him right" But what Of it? Even the
devil must have his due. And that industrious
party has a very clever advocate engaged in
making UP a fresh trial balance in the account
that lies before
In short, we are told, James II committed
uIOeI Oh MS ulloIdAcS OuI4LS MS DIlcI reign OF
less than four years. and ought to have more
credit for his long services soldier and sailor
and administrator. At all events, his life en-
nraced every vicis.itude of fortune and was
notable for the number and variety Of its ad-
ventures. Furthermore, he was not devoid of
solid and engaging qualities. He not. for
his times, intsmperate; he never used bad Ian
gpage, he hated gambling and he careful
and prudent in money matters. AS q young
man he healthy and active. fond of sport
and exercise, both affabla and agreeable. and
described by a contemporary extremely
courteous with the civilities Of his hat If the
author finds little to commend IA the choice OF
his friends. he dwels upon his fidelity to them
throughout life, and in conclusion calls James
the best Of the Stuart kings. "a straightforward
English gentleman. a courageous soldier, skill
full admiral and an excellent man of business. -
who shared the common fate of the unfortu-
nate in coming in for great deal more blame
his subject, very clever writer has made an
entertaining book Disclaiming the sober task
of the historian, and seeking rather to portray
the adventures Of one who had drunk deep the
sweets Of life as well the bitterest dregs, he
has assembled from mass Of contemporary
material the elements Of portrait that may at
least engage the attention If it does not compel
the conviction Of the observer.
The exile Of the Stuarts was passed largely in
France and there James studied the trade of
soldier under Turenne, with whom he made sew
eral campaigns. Later he passed into the army
Of Spain. commanded by Don John of Austria.
assisted by Condo, and an extract will show
James in the light of an energetic young Eng
li.h Officer of Spanish troops, and at the same
time display the sparkling style of his biograph-
wagons.
ders 70 start very early in the morning James
had his in readiness shortly after sunrise;
advance Delay was but too likely TO render the
e ess , Gs am ,,t sure wrote James some
ana myself for one but we began our march never
When at last the start was made De Ligny led
ne cavalry on the right and Condo the cavalry on
me left, while James, whom Don John had APP
pointed 'Mestre de Camp Generate" for the day.
:ed the infantry. As for Don John and the Mar
three Of guards iii they came within ' onf
and there according to their usnsll custom tool
ther siesta toc afternoon Sleep" This siests was
moment Of the whole days undertake was immi-
nsnG ~ was slesta time: therefore. Of course the
happen CT i'i's"' DC ABOUT 10
Tho excitement Of the young English urince
MS establishment at the punctilious military
etiquette CT the Spanish. the placid acouiescenca
OF Conoe in the characteristic indifference Of his
superiors. are described in lively vein. and
present n picture attractive as anv in tba
book No less interesting is that of Jane. as
Lord High Admiral of the English navy after
the restoration; his operations against De Ruv-
ter and the Dutch. graphically and circumstan-
TALLY detailed present the future monarch in
the most fortunate, the most successful and
apparently the happlest phase Of his career
James VAS in the full tide of popularity when