Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-14

ing sadness and mysticism of the Celtic
imagination. they are more definite. and.
therefore more effective. than his UNI
dramatic productions. 1t is worthy of
query whether the severe requirements of
drapatic principles might not be o.
beneficial effect upon a temperament so
immaterial and abstract. Some of the
comedies published in the present volume
have been played. before a small audience
of kindred souls in Dublin. and played
with success. The author has the desire
to produce his plays in wider field. 1t
is true that they have clements OF
strength and beauty and have success
fully created an atmosphere of distinct IN
Gividuality.
THE DAWN AT sHANTY DAY. BY
Robert E. knowles. New York:
The Fleming H. Revell Company
The Christmas spirit that softens stern
hearts is in this story of the far Canadian
north. In a sturdy Scotch community au-
stere Covenanter spirit is displayed by
kindlier influences through the agency
of little child. The tale makes a
strongly human appeal.
Mr.. Knowles has way of making us
feel that away down deep there is ten
der heart in the most crusty of mortals
And. of course, Christmas is the time to
find that OFT.
THE sORCERESs OF ROME. By
Nathan Gallizier author Of 'Castel
de Monte Pictures by the Kin
neys. Decorations by =. Nerburg
Boston: l.. c. Page & Co.
The darkness of the tenth century in
Rome furnishes a background to ro-
nance of somber power. The moral cor
ruption of church and people. the nope
less disunion into which both had fallen,
made Rome an easy victim to the IN
vaders who troubled her. Alternately In
viting the German kings to repel the
invading hosts and rebeling against Ger.
man over-lordship when the strong hand
was removed. THE Sorceress of Rome
relates to the love of Otto III for Ste
phania, the wife of Johannes Crescentius
senator of Rome, who alone preserved
some of the ancient Roman spirit. Born IN
the midst of crime and corruption the pair
are from the beginning doomed. me
count err plot develops the career Of the
infamous Theodore and her pr0hisate
court.
LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICES OF
WILLIAM PITT FESSENDEN,
United States Senator From Maine
1S54-1s64: Secretary of the Treasury
1S64-1S65; United States Senator
From Maine 1s65-1s69. BY his SON.
Francis Fessenden; brigadie IeI gen.
I
C.S.E. In two volumes. Boston:
Houghton, Mif1in & Co.
Senator Fessenden bore an important
part in the public life with which he was
connected A conscientious and retiring
man his personality was little known
outside the Senate and his family. He
was held in high esteem by Lincoln, who
urged him to undertake the portfolio OF
State at a critical time In the natlon
history. Senator Fessenden accepted this
with the understanding that he should re-
sign the position when the condltlon OIL
public affairs warranted him to DO SO
He was one of the older type of public
man. honest conscientious and patrlouc:
HIS career is connected with the ilVes OF
the men who made history during the
most stormy period of the national HE.
THE OLD FARMER AND HIS ALMA.
MAC: Being Some Observations OF
Life and Manners in New England
a Hundred Years Ago. Suggsste ed
MIR Robert B. Thomas Farmers
Almanac Together with extracts
curious. instructive and entertain
ing, as we'll as variety or inlscei-
laneous matter. Empeiilsled WIN
engravings. Boston: william Ware
& Co.
This is a piece of bookmaking that will
tor;an Light is thrown upon the IN
teIlectual and social standards of the
dav by these quaint extracts and old
wood cuts.
RICHARD HICKMAN MENEFEE. BY
John Wilson Townsend, member OF
the Kentucky Historical Society
New York: The Neale Publishing
Company.
Mr. Tovnsend's book IS not biograph-
ical sketch of Menefee with the orations
thrown in; it is a complete and ade-
ouate biography. in which the great Ken
tuckv statesman and his work are care
fully treated. It contains, among other
valuable papers, Menefee's diary-a gen
uine human document. which was lost for
wears. but which has been found by
Menefee's grandson and turned over to
Mr.. Townsend for publication in this
biography Here also. are many of his
letters. which are equal to those of any
American statesman; also Thomas F. Mar
shalrs .Eulogy on the Life and Charac-
ter of Richard II. Menefree, William u.
Ramseys panegyrc and Judge Wllliam
B. kinkead's essay on Menefee beginning
Il have known personally or historically
all of the celebrated men OF kentucky,
and am convinced that Richard h.
Menefee is the ablest man ever born in
the state.
! In the last chapter. "Menefee the Man.
Mr.. Townsend pays superb tribute TO
Menefee'S character, and tells us that MS
place IL American history is with the
most eminent of American constructive
statesmen.
HAITI: Her History and Her Dctract-
ors. BY ]. n. Leger. envoy eNtraor-
binary and minister plenipotentiary
of Haiti in the United States. New
York: The Neale Publishing Com
pany.
From every standpoint-social. poilticai
and historical-this work on the republic
of Haiti written by the distinguished
publicist and author. NJ. Leger. is valu-
able and opportune. Of wide import and
Justification To students of international
affairs and political history it will be of
great and vital interest: to the reader OF
sociological literature, one intere sted in
the evolution of primary forms of civihza-
ton. it will have a peculiar significance:
to all readers it will prove delightful
and profitable piece of historical writing.
In behalf of a brave people which has
come through brave difficulties upheld its
ideals through every mischance. people
little understood and greatly misJudSed,
NJ. Leger has done a lasting service.
To,ssaint Louverture Dessalines and Pc
ton built a republic: NJ. Leger reveals
that republic 10 the word.
In his history NJ. Leger makes no
claims; he rarely INDUCES in exclama
ton, in eulogy or in retrospect, and he