New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-04-05

than in any other biographies OF the
same subjects, save, perhaps In 'he
self-opinionated minds of the writers.
Now we have a distinguished SUBJECT
presented lin his true colors Inc
phrase is changed, but the meaning IS
the same. The result is also the same
for the true colors differ in no wise per
ccntiblv from those used by former por-
trayers of the same character, unless
indeed. the "Cubist" craze has some
what affected their arrangement.
Truth to tell, r-r. Legge's book IS not
we'll done. 1t is ill-arranged, dlscur-
sive. and ov burdened with irrelevant
details There is a sad lack OF proper
tion in the treatment of various phases
of the subject. IL abounds in quota
t;one from a great number and variety
Of authorities, but gives a depioraple
paucity of original incident or iact. II
displavs. in brief in high degree
nearly all the faults and none OF the
merits of the Journalist in literature
Nevertheless. the book is largely III
terestinc for the two reasons that al
most any work on the subject OF Eu-
ward VII must be worthy OF attention
and that a writer Of the experience ana
talents of Mr. Legge could scarcely
nroduce a book not worth reading.
The most interesting topic in the
hook. probably. is the first OF ALL 10 W.T.
the influence of Napoleon III over Ed
ward VII. as his instructor in diplo-
macy, The present generation may not
realize as much as did its predecessor
tho close relations between the Imperial
court of France and the then Prince Oh
Wales while the discredit with Which
tho name of Louis Napoleon has In
measure been marked causes many 10
forget the really commanding apiiilles
NJ that extraordinary man. III is 10 De
regretted that Mr.. Legge did not oe-
,olon this theme in a somewhat dif-
forent manner by showing resemblance
between the diplomatic methods OF the
TWO sove, .igns and pointing out traces
of Napoleonic influence in the career vi
Edward VII. instead Of contenting him.
self with relating incidents OF the So
cial relationships OF the TWO men
There Is much that is true, also, out III
tle or nothing that is new, In the prohA
demonstration of the fact mat Eo"aro
VII had a veritable genius for the
seIect,on of profitable companions. and
,ho. no thus kept himself from boy
bood forward in close touch Win am
hassadors and statesmen. All that is
y. familiar to the world as any phase
of his career.
The chapters on the Prince OF Wales's
debts and the Tranby Croft baccarat
case seem to us superhuous or greatly
overextended. There Is nothing new In
them. and American readers, at any
rate, need no rehearsing Of the facts in
those cases to confirm the not un-
friendly judgment which they long ago
formed Of the Prince. The present
status of the Home Rule movement in
Ireland invests with interest the story
that in Gladstonian times there was
scheme to pacify Ireland by making
the Prince Of Wales the Viceroy OF that
kingdom. with royal residence and
court at Dublin. Mr.. Legge confidently
reports this interesting scheme, and de-
clares that the Prince and Princess OF
Wales liked it and the chief Irish lead
ers approved 1T. We must wish, how
ever. that he had been able to tell us
WHY IL was abandoned. What he calls