Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-04-03
BOOK REVIEWS.

THE GOVERNMENT OF AMERICAN
CITIES: a Program of Democracy
BY II. +. Demng. New York: G. +.
Putnam's Sons. Washington: WOOD
ward x Lothrop.
VHE city problem is today one
Of the most important con-
fronting the people Of the
United States. American mu-
inequalities have developed
largely in defiance of the highest
economic and sociological laws and
in consequence today are in urgent
need OF reformatory processes. The
,lose relation between local and national
politics which the careless American
voter has permitted to develop mas
brought in train numerous evlis whlch are
just now becoming apparent TO the more
Intelligent classes of people. Mr.. DemlnS
work is intended to present the problem
of the city to American readers for the
purpose OF showing that the mlsgovern-
ment of the municipalities Is not due 10
the defects of democratic principles nor
To any dissimilarity in the principles OF
correct city government and the principles
Of civil government generally. but to an
utter failure to apply them. He presents
he proposition that the successful con-
duct of city government the world over
has been in direct proportion 10 the
application of the funda mental principles
Of democracy He holds that the ex-
rerience OF European cities has demon
strated that the capacity OF city gov
eminent is in the variety and magnitude
of the interests affected by it. and not
In the nature of the principles involved.
This broad point of view permits treat
ment of the subject of constructive
rather than a strictly critical character
The authors purpose is TO lay substan-
tial foundation for the npbuilding of
municipal government in this country.
TROLIY FOLLY. Ey Henry Wallace
Phillips. author of Red saunders.
etc Indianapolis: Bobbs Merrill
Company.
Mr.. Phillips storytelling facility is here
exhibited in all its versatility These
eleven stories range all the way from the
title tale of motorman who celebrated
his accession TO fortune by stealing
trolley car to the experience of a Porto
Rican American with eccentric canoe.
In such stories as 1.-The Numismatist."
.'Hokankton'' and Camp Cunningham
appears the western touch which has been
widely admired in Red Saunders.
There is a joyousness to most of the mar
ratiNes that Will render them decidedly
welcome among readers VINO are looking
for recreation from the strenuous life.
The illustrations are exceptionally in har-
mony with the text.
THE FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE As \
CAREER; a Manual for Applicants
for Positions and Those in the Civil
IL. Is Il
X. F'oltz- New York: G. ". Put
MANS Sons WaShington Wood
ward & Lothrop.
While many articles and books have
been written about the civil service as an
institution. this is the first comprehensive
discussion of the federal civil service
career for young Americans. Mr.. Foltz
who, it is understood. is off1ceholder
in the Treasury Department in this city.
treats Of the subject from a practical
point of view. He describes in detail
the advantages Of the government and to
the incumbent of the merit system. and
sets forth the requirements fer admission
10 the ranks of governmental workers
lie discusses the methods of examination
and appointment. treats at length of
salaries and promotions and points out
the opportunities fer the bright young
men of the government service to advance
themselves, both within the service and
to profitable positions I'm the business
world. His chapter on government service
as stepping stone is clearly drawn
picture of the situation which confrcnts
the intelligent enterprising young man
who has passed a civil service examina
ton. Chapters are added women in
government service and the college gradu-
ate In public life. This is a handbook
of exceptional value TO every man or
woman who has in mind a tender of
services to the government.
IHE w HES OF SEAION MAGINNIS.
BY Maurice Francis Egan. New
York: The Century Company.
These stories of Sexton Maginnis which
have appeared from time to time in the
Century Magazine. fall together effective
" in hook form. for they are closely
related, and in fact almost form a novel in
consequence of continuity and interest.
MaCinnis has a Kerry brogue that goes
10 the heart of every admirer of wit. and
his adventures are of a character to hold
the interest sharply from first to last.
DR. Egans familiarity with the Irish
character and his capacity for graceful
and az the same time humorous nara
ticn combine to enable him to present
an exceptional volume of fiction.
THE BIOGRAPHY OF SILVER
FON: or. Domino Reynard of Colour
Town BY Ernest Thompson Seton.
New York: The Century Company.
Mr.. Ernest Thompson Seton's purpose
in this delightful little story is to show
the man-world now the fox-world lives
and above all, TO advertise and emphasize
1e beautiful monogamy of the better
class fox The fGx hero of the story
IS a composite creation. combining in the
one individual the rare qualities of the