The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-12-15
The Editor S Mail Bag

Professor wallace n. stearns Of
Fargo college. in q letter to The
Forum. calls attention to the rapid
spread In the interest In geography
which Il resulting from the war.
Recent events are bringing to our
notice so many strange corners Of
the world. that . few reading hints
might not be amiss." he writes.
For the convenience OF those who
wish to become acquainted with the
history and geography of the
countries at war. Professor stearns
has compiled some reading hints.
Most OF the books he mentions may
be found at either the public or
Masonic library. and in each case
the name OF the publisher Is given.
Here IL the list Of books and the
reading hints:
Bradley, Al. c.: Canada; Holt.
Clear. concise. full Of interest.
Bryce. GEORGE: "A Short History
OF The Canadian People, Scribner's
The best sold in the United States.
Munro, J. e.: Constitution Of
Canada; Putnams.
pany"; Dodd. Describes the achieve
ments OF the greatest company in
the new world commerce.
Sheppard, w. R.: Latin Ameri-
ca; Holt. Reliable and well writ
ten.
Bryce, James: South American
Observations. and Impressions"
Macmillan: Work Of q finished
scholar. especially good for politics
and government.
Ross. Edward A.: South of Pana-
ma" Especially good for social
conditions and problems.
McHugh, r.. j.: Modern Mexico;
Century company. Keen observer and
good perspective.
Palmer, Frederick: Central
America and It's Problems.s In
teresting study Of social and political
Ensor. r. G. K: belgium nm to
1917; Holt. Excellent summary OF
history and progress.
Phillips, W. A.: "Puland"; Holt.
Fine statement Of the history as
leading up to the Polish question OF
today.
Holderness, r. W.: peoples and
Problems OF India; Holt. Best brief
statement Of the problems OF s00,-
100000 people.
Anderson. ]. D.: People Of M
dia": Putnams. Excellent.
That should be sufdcient reading
to satisfy any member Of the '1ess
hectic Sunday" club. and later when
the list is exhausted, there are some
more.
No less q parsonage than Rex
Beach writes to the Mail Bag this
week. As president OF the Authors
league or America he writes his pro-
test against the 50 to 200 per cent
increase In postage on newspapers
and periodicals. asking The Forum
to take an active part In the cam
paign. The Forum Is rather hesitant
about undertaking any strenuous
fight to escape war taxes. severely
though they win be felt. but t VIII
go so far with Mr.. Beach as to pub
lish part Of his letter. which IL too
long to run in fun.
Here It Is:
May call your attention to the
injustice or a law attacking maya
zines and newspapers with q pos
tage increase Of 30 to 800 per cent
when 1t is well known that the pro-
posed IS per cent increase In
freight charges IL q most serious
step and one that has given the In.
terstate Commerce co-1nieEiQn the.
most careful thought. IN 1frfxing |
comparison shows how E.satfv de-
structive and confisca4ory W. the
periodical postal increase on so TO
300 per cent.
upon the wide circulation of
newspapers and periodicals defends
the prosperity Of not only hundreds
Of thousands In the printing and al
lied trades, but also the economic
prosperity OF the entire country
through the merchandising built up
on the structure OF printed advertis-
ing. Farmers are dependent upon
farm periodicals, business men upon