The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-01-08

Under Other Flags" by William Jen-
 nings Bryan. Published by The Wood-
 ruff-C Collins Printing company.
 Under Other Flags" by Hon. W. J. Bryan is just from the press in substan- tial covers of red and white. It contains in book form many of his letters on for eign travel, his lectures and speeches. Most of these have appeared from time to time, but they are nevertheless com- bined in valuable addition to one's library.
 The diversity of subjects treated and wide range of opinions expressed therein by MT. Bryan make the volume of in- terest and profit not only on account of the personality of the author but also from an educational standpoint. The ini- tial chapter is letter entitled '.On the High Seas' written while crossing the ocean. Then follows a letter from Eng land, giving an interesting account of the discussion there on the tariff and the proposed departure from the free trade policy as led by Hon. Joseph Chamberlain.
 The author quotes three grounds upon which MT Chamberlain defends his pro- position. First. that it is needed for the protection of English manufacturers and English laborers. Second. that it is nec- essary for the defense and strengthening of the empire. Third. that tariff can be used when necessary as retaliatory weapon to make breach In the tariff walls that other nations have erected
 One of the most interesting chapters in the book is upon Growth of Municipal Ownership" He says: Carved in the mantle of the library which adjoins the reception room of the lord provost of Glasgow, Is the motto, Truth will pre- vail and the triumph of truth Is Illus trated in the development of municipal ownership in the British isles" It Is really remarkable to learn how far Eng land has progressed in this respect be- yond American methods and ideals. MT. Bryan writes: Mot only does Glasgow furnish water, gas, electricity and street car service to its people at cost but it has undertaken other work still further in advance of American cities. It has built number of model tenement houses for the poor and rents them at some- thing less than the rate private in- dividuals charge for similar quarters. These buildings have had for their pri- mary object the improvement of the san- itary condition of the city"
 In this way MT Bryan writes in concise yet thoughtful and rather com prehensive way of the methods and svs- tems inaugurated by different countries. And of course MT Bryan's prominence in this country afforded him exceptional opportunity in making such investigations in that he was constantly entertained and aceictad bu fba rt1oc dfctt ,a1 = each country.
 Of his meeting with the president of Franco at the Elysee palace MT. Bryan writes: President Loubet is probably the most democratic executive that France has ever had. He reminded me of our former President Benjamin Harrison and of another of our distinguished citizens, Andrew Carnegie-not exactly like either, but resembling hoth--the former in ap- pearance, the latter in manner as well as appearance" The authors chapter in Russia and Her Car is especially in- teresting and in conclusion he says: "De Tocqueville some fifty years ago predict ed large place for Russia among the nations of Europe and my visit to the great empire of the northeast convinced me that Russia with universal educa-. tion freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion and consti- tutiOldl oth-SoNciniHtnI WOULD exert an influence upon the distines of the old world to which 1t would be difficult to set a limit" Naturally MT. Bryan's de- scription of his visit to ''Tostoi, the Apostle of Love- is especially felicitous and 1t is one of the most interesting chapters in the volume. He writes in part: My object in visiting him was to see the man and ascertain if I could from personal contact learn the secret of l~.a exerting upon the thought of the world I am satisfied that, notwithstanding his great intellect, his colossal strength lies in his heart more than in his mind.
 No one can commune with him without feeling that the man is like an over flowing spring-asking nothing, but giv- ing always. He breaches self abregation and has demonstrated to his own satis- faction that there Is more genuine joy in living for others-than in living upon otners-more happiness in serving than in being served.'
 MT. Bryan also includes a number of his well-known lectures. "The Value of a1 Ideal" "A Conquering Nation and others. and a chapter on the "Wonders of the Vest completes the volume The beck Is interestingly and delightfully."- written, and is certain to enjoy the wide success and popularity that have always
  tinguished author.
 "Nano; A Hearts Story from the Un-
 seen World" by Charles Everett. Pub
 lished by the Neale Publishing Com
 pany.
 If the constant reader is in search of something quite out of the ordinary 1t may be found in ''Nano," which is quaint little romance or revery or dream. In fact it is difficult to say exactly what is the character of the book. It is rather short and at the conclusion sets the read CT to pondering over the strange theo- ries and speculations contained therein. The first third of rhe book is most chariningly written. and here Is described a love story that is singularly touching and captivating. The sorry continues, and the plot henceforth Is unlaveled from 'the unseen world" In tne preface the author says: However universal may be the comprehension of language. and whatever accuracy of expression may be attainable in the use of words. there still remains a diversity of Interpretation as great as the diversity of the human mind"
 Forty Years of Active Service" by Col
 Charles T. OFerrall. Published by
 The Neale Publishing Company.
 Forty Years of Active Service" is in reality divided into two parts, although published in one vo. ime. Part I treats of the war, in which the author took I conspicuous part, while Part IT const!- flutes a political history of Virginia, and in large measure, of the nation. A re- cent reviewer in Colonel O'Ferrall's na- tive state, writes: ''It doej not often