The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-17

thorities hostile to his visionary IDEAL.
ISM Ills simplicity. sincerity and
nonrcsistance disarm them and he is
discharged with a warning.
But already he has become n martyr.
and a group of believers forms about
, him. Emanuel is taken to the bedside
of Il sick old man who abuses him: a
gentle wave of his hand and the pa
ticnt falls asleep. and thus the rumor
spreads that miracle has been per-
formed Emanuel becomes convinced
that the Holy Chose is within him,
wandcrs OFF on his Mcssinnic mission
and gathers about him starving wcav-
crs. shepherds, smuEgicrs and others
in opposition 10 the existing order.
His power grows, and with it the an
taGonism of the law and the church.
He suffers injury In riot and is
taken to 81 hospital founded by pious
spinstcr, and is there nurscd back to
health by lay sisters.
While convalcscinE in the home OF a
gardener Emanuel wins his first fe-
male disciple Ruth, tho adolcsccnt
daughter of his host. The half-rcli-
gious. halfscnsual rapture in which
she accepts his teachings is dclicatcly'
suggested. She is followed by other
women. but ii is always clear that
his relation to them is only that of
spiritual guide.
His apostles" organize the Brother
hood OF the Valley" and the author
uses this opportunity of showing the
orgies and excuses into which blind
religious enthusiasm sometimes leads.
In their consuming desire TO penetrat C
the mystery of his being they insist
that he admit what they secretly be-
licve, that he is the Christ. His refusal
sr "A nth hnn ~ ri,,fr trf,, hf,,, - c
undoing. Ruth follows Emanuel to Il
meeting of his followers; he saves her
| from the consequences of the religious
mania with which she has become pos
scssed and takes her home. Soon after
she is found dead, the victim Of a ter
rible crime, and EmanucI is arrested
on suspicion. In this critical chapter
liauptmann displays admirable taste
in that he is frank and truthful, withou,
entering into repulsive detail. Though
circumstances prove to the satisfaction
of every one that Quint Is innocent
he suddenly asserts his guilt. The
real murderer the smuggIer convert
confcsses and commits suicide.
This experience unbalances Quint
and upon leaving prison, deserted by
his disappointed disciples. who walt ed
vainly for n miracle. he wanders fai
| away, a physical wreck. He proclaims
slammed in his face and food Is denied
him. Then all sight of him Is lost. and
months after his body is found buried
Lencath the Alpine SHOWS.
Interesting as the story Is, ii palcs
beside the portrayal OF society in nj
its manifestations, the abuses OF church
and state, the conspicuous politica
and religious movements, such as tho
! salvation Army and Socialism II
has been snid OF this book, and il Is
true, that 1t is q wcighty, almost {
monumental, study in the religion,
emotions OF Protestant Christianity
Though there Is nothing in It to Offend
| the Puritan, tho author has left nj
phase Of fanaticism untouched. IT i:
! tho best work that has come from
| Ilauptmann's pen, and In It's blending
| of religious and social motives ant
the lesson this life holds 1T is certain
or acceptance az the greatest social
religious novel of our day.