New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-10
LITERARY CRITICISM
AND BOOK NEWS
Sir Toby, M. P, on His Famous Contempora-
ries-A Study Of George EIiots Early
Lfe-Other New Books Of
Various Interest

from the sessions of 1870 to 1877 in
elusive. to hiss out his words between
clenched teeth as he addressed the
House of Commons. standing before IL
pa lie with passion. with hands clenched'
almost cataleptic in the fierce intensity
of ungovernable rage"
4 reminiscence of the summer OF
1889. when the German Emperor at
tended the British naval review at
Portsmouth. is especially worth recall
ing in this day Of Anglo-German naval
rivalry. Sir Henry happened to be
standing close 10y the new quick-hrinS
gun when the German Emperor in
spected il. William III passed through
the throng of guests and crew with still
military air. mechanically Acknowledge
ing salutes. But as soon as he STOOD
before the gun his whole aspect
changed His face Frightened with in
terest. his eyes cleaned rapidly over
it, He listened with closest attention
TO explanations offered by the lieu
tenant in charge. eagerly followed the
action Of The gunners they trained
and fired the nj, almost knelt on the
deck to eX; nine the interior arrange
ments. tried the sigh. and seemed
sorely tempted to put his shoulder TO
the wheel and train the gun himself.
Several times he spoke rapidly to MEM
beers of his suite Turning TO his
brother as he moved off he said: I'VE
must have that gun, and quick, too.
According TO our author the Emperor
is not quite so good looking as he Is
generally represented. Passing through
the crowd. he wore a heavy, not to say
sulky. look Under the witchery OF the
new gun he frightened up marvel
lousy. The Germans were as indeed
they might well be. deeply impressed
with the unparalleled magnitude Of the
British fleet A distinguished Ameri-
can remarked upon the enormous dis
play of Il power. Yes said
minister particularly well Informed as
to the plans and prospects of the Ad-
miralty. "bvt in five years. if YOU come
again this way, we shall have exactly
double this force to show you
Incidents of Gladstone abound of
course, not the least amusing of which
involves the name of a well known
American journalist:
Always eager 10 learn new things. to
whatever department OF human life they
belong. Gladstone had recently discovered
that Plsener beer was beverage that
might be taken with refreshment. and
without subsequent regret. The enthu-
siasm Of the few days following TINS as
covery led to what might have proved
regrettable accident Having occasion 10
answer a communication from Mr.. PUTT
newspaper. he sitting down just before
the luncheon hour. began his letter, Dear
Mr. Pllsener." He had finished MS ms
sive signed II and set II aside before. pN
accident the little mistake was discoN-
cred.
There are some interesting glimpses
of Henry NJ. Stanley and his initial
dinidence as a public speaker. There
is much about Lord Randolph Church
i'll and the famous Fourth Party;
and there is also a convincing conllr-
nation Of that momentous episode
when Lord Randolph forgot Goschen
an episode upon which Mr. Winston
Churchill throws some doubt.
These few excursions must be sum
cient TO show the fascinating qualities
Of these wanderings in the wilderness.
in which every appreciative reader
must wish to have accompanied the
author. Queen Victoria, King Edward.
Emperor William, Disraeli and Glad
stone. Chamberlain and Labouchere,
Burnaby and Arab, hansen and
Shackleton. Matthew Arnold and Mar
. tin +. Topper. Whistler Rochefort,
Boulanger and many other intensely
interesting figures people the desert
and are presented before us in vary
ing phases by an expert observer end
Judge of men: always with a convinc-
ing air Of truth. and with an unfailing
kindness which prefers TO dwell upon
amiable rather than unpleasant feat
ures. 1t is book which may be read
through with profit and enjoyment
and which may afterward be picked up
and dipped into at random with undi-
minished charm.