Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-10

justified by the inclusion in the volume of a
series of Illustrations by WIadyslaw Benda.
Apart from their allegorical appropriate
ness to the text which he has carefully
studied Mr.. Benda's drawings are excep-
tlonally pleasing in technique.
BRIEF HISTORY OF AMERICAN LITERA-
TuRE. BY William P. Trent, author Of "A
New York: d. Appleton.
Prof. Trents larger work on American
literature, published a year ago, is too
bulky in size and too mature in treatment
to be used as a textbook in the schools,
and so his present presentation, specially
designed for such use. is to be welcomed.
His task has been a serious one, to con-
dense within the limits of volume Of
practicable textbook dimensions the essen
taLs of the subject. but it has been admir-
ably accomplished, and the result is clear
exposition of the American literary acuv
tues from the beginnings to the present.
Portraits relieve the pages and aid in I'M
pressing the student with the personality
CT the principal writers mentioned and
analyzed in the text.
sCHLEY AND SANTIAGO; an Historical Account
OF the Blockade and final Destruction of the
9uale Cervera. July g. 1898. By George Edward
Graham. Chicago: w. B. Conkey Company.
Mr.. Graham's work supplements the ac-
count of the Spanish war and the destruc-
ton of the Spanish fleet written by Mr. W.
A. Goode, the correspondent who was on the
New York, the flagship of the North Allan
tic fleet. The two books, taken together,
give graphic picture of the naval opera
lions in the Caribbean. Each writer is ami
mated with enthusiastic regard for the COM
mander with whom he sailed, Goode for
Sampson and Graham for Schiey, and the
Partially attendant on such enthusiasm
naturally affects each writer's judgment.
But as Admiral Schley is said to have re-
marked of the feelings of a man in action,
Each man thinks himself the center of
action, with all the rest revolving around
him in secondary orbits. The spirit is right
and proper enough, and such personal mar
ratiyes are the raw material of history, but
they require careful editing"
That comment might be made on Mr.
Graham's story. His style is vigorous and
his matter picturesque. That his opinion
regarding Schley's conduct Is at variance
with the verdict of the court of inquiry is
a matter of small consequence but that he
should seek to perpetuate the unfortunate
controversy over the question of command
in the battle of July is to be deplored.
The aim of the historical writer should be
to find the facts that are in harmony and
to tell story on which there can be prac-
teal agreement. Contradictory statements
should be analysed, the latest evidence On
the disputed points studied, uncertain fea-
lures cleared up, and in the process the
truth may be evolved. This is the iInpor-
tant task that remains for some future
writer Mr.. Graham has not accomplished
IT.. His book is interestingly illustrated by
many reproductions of photographs of
scenes aboard the Brooklyn.
CAPTAIN AMYAs. By Dolf Wyllarde. New York:
John Lane.
There Is no excuse for producing a book
of this kind. 1t points no moral, serves no
purpose, is not entertaining diverting
and is distinctly to the bad. Divested of all
persifiage, 1t is merely the vulgar, cheap
recital of the low amourS of a captain,
without spice of romance to make the re-
cital either pardonable or interesting.
LEADING EVENTS IN MARYLAND HISTORY;
with Topical Analyses, References and CUES
lions Tor Original Thought and Research. BY 7.
Montgomery Gambrell, assistant state superin-
tendent of public education in Maryland Bos-
ton: CHM & Co.
Although this is designed as a textbook
for schools it is work worthy of consid-
Grafton by the general reader, especially
these interested in the history of the state
Of Maryland. The story of Maryland is
graphically told, on the basis of the best
obtainable information, and with particular
description of the principal incidents of the
has not only taken great pains to make his
book reliable historically, but he has also
been very careful to adapt it pedagogically
to the needs of the school ROOM He has
made use of the principal nratter in print
relating to the subjects treated, and has
consulted contemporary writings, letters,
commissions, warrants, newspapers, etc.,
and the printed state archives. In addi-
ton manuscript sources have been extern
sively used. All doubtful matter has been
verified. and the controverted points are
presented in, thoroughly fair and impair
tai way. As far as possible only the ac-
tual facts are given, so that the pupil may
draw his own differences. Following the
main portion of the work Is a series of
county histories compiled by DR.. NJ. Bates
Stephens state superintendent OF public in
HER FIANCE, -Four Stories of College Life. BY
Josephine paskam mrs selden Bacon; Illus
trated by Elizabeth Shipper Green. Philadei-
phia; Henry Altemus Company.
Mrs. Daskam-Bacon-to give her COM
bination title-writes an unusually bright
and entertaining short story. She always
leaves off the moment before the interest
is all satisfied. In this quartet of trifes
she has presented group of amusing and
appealing people, mostly young ones. The
title story tells of an incorrigible little
ffirt whose pastime of breaking hearts
seems to leave no scars upon her own.
JIUJITsU; Comprehensive Treatise the won-
derful Japanese Method of Attack and Self
Defense. Illustrated. By Harry H. Skinner
Poses by b. H. Kuwashima, Columbia Uni
ysrsity. New York City. New York: Japan
Publishing Company.
Here is another proof that the Japanese
methods of personal strategy. known gen.
orally as "jiu-jitsu," are appealing to the
American public. for 1T is an additional
book on the subject following series by
another author The present work is pre-.
pared. however, upon different theory
from that which inspired that series in the
main. He sets forth jiu-jitsu strictly as a
means of individual attack and defense
against assault. and not as a system of
physical culture His explanations of the