Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-20

MIR. CREWE'S CAREER. BY Winston
Churchill. author of Richard Car
vel" illustrated. New York: The
Macmillan Company.
TT is unfortunate that Mr. Churchill
after having written a novel which
is in' certain respects his best crea-
ton. should have given 1t the mis-
leading and altogether inadequate I'll
tie which designates this new story of
politics in New Hampshire. While the
career of Mr.. Humphrey Crewe is
factor in the evolution Of Austen Vane. it
is by no means the dominating feature in
the narrative. Indeed Mr.. Crewe occupies
the position in the story rather of the
first low comedian. and it is difficult to
understand why so keen an appreciator of
values Mr.. Churchill should have
given him the top line in the announce
ment.
However. this is the most serious OBJ
lection that can be raised against the
story 1t is more convincing than Con
iston," covering much less space of time
in the narration and presenting the po-
litical problem in terms of modern con-
ditions. There are echoes of the days of
Jethro Bass here and there. and the is
sues involved are of the same character.
ence of the "railrud'' in state govern
ment. In Hilary Vane Mr.. Churchill of
fers life-sized figure of a corporation
attorney in these times of large induce
ments and rich retainers. The cure of
Hilary Vane's soul is altogether one of
tie best things this author has achieved.
His son shames him into a recognition of
the fact that in his. years of subservience
bal of
in the hour of his enlightenment he re-
mains true TO his trust and at the risk of
his life visits the capital and steers the
state convention through three-cor-
nered fight to victory for the corporation
candidate. The younger people of the
story are human and altogether inter-
esting Austen Vane is an engaging lover
with an unusual and provoking degree of
reticenca of the kind greatly favored by
sentimental fictionists. Austen is not
quite as vivid a creation as Victoria
Flint who dominates this story do few
of Mr. Churchll's feminine characters.
There is no uncertainty in her outlines
and the scenes in which are set forth her
relations with her father. the head of the
great system which has the state In
it,, grip are admiral BILE examples of Mr.
ChurchilI's c!everest writing.
Ii is inevitable that readers of MIR.
Crewe's Career should read into 1t an
Interpretation of Mr.. Churchill's own can
vass for the governorship of New Hamp-
shire a few seasons ago. The conclusion
cannot be avoided that he has drawn lib
era,ly from his own notebooks Of cam
paign experiences for his material AT
times it is possible 20 give him credit for
a keener sense of humor than some OF his
critics have conceded to him In the sug-
gestions of a parallel between his own
venture In the political fed and Hum
phrey Crewe's career.
A WEEK IN THE WHITE HOUSE
WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT; a
Study Of the President at the Ma
tons Business. BY William Bayard
Hale Illustrated New York: q. r
= Putnam'S Sons. WaShlngton' Noou-
ward & LOthrOp.
While the judicious may we'll grieve
that another volume has been added to
the already too bulky literature which
has grown up around the present chief
executive; while he may be convinced OF
the inadvisabii.ty OF such studies being
made and wonder that they are allowed
10 be published, there can be no DOUBT
that 1t is the 1udicious that will be most
ready to admire the real clevernesS OF the
present volume 1t Is RAPID. .orSe ~
picturesque study of a subject when the
author appears to have found pregnant IN
interest. The claim made for the DOCK
that it is 1.-The most graphic anS vivid
study of the President that has yet APP
neared. and more than that. detailed.
cjrcumstantial frst-hand account OF the
transaction of the great affairs OF our
government such as has never before peen
given in the whole history OF our country
will be found to be justified.
LOVES LOGIC, and Other Stories. BY
Anthony Hope. New York: The NC
Clure Company. Washington: Wood
ward 4 LOthrop.
There is the authors usual PERFECTION
Of detail in this collection of short stories
and rather more than the usual subtlety
OF insight into not too obvious phases OF
human nature. The opening story. Mrs
Thistleton's Princess" is a little master
piece Of delicate satire. and Miss Glad
wins Chance" is a convincing study OF
a very individual woman. while telling
dramatic point is made of the revelation
OF d bit of feminine psychology. For
some reason the general effect OF the vol
ume is to present an impression Of great
er analytical power than many or An
thony Hopes more pretentious romances
have done. Moreover. 1t revives the hope
that a novel OF really serious interest
may still be the gift of the future.
THE LAST DUCHESS OF BELGARDE.
By Molly Elliot Seawcl. New York:
d. Appleton & Co.
A dainty and tender little story is this
narrative Of tie fortunes of Trimousette.
Written as 1t is consistently in the minor
key, it has distinct charm of its own.
Married in her first shy youth to the gay
duke whom size adored. but who had