The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-02-20

would not Be able ~ lind u publisher now.
The wizard does begin slowly taking his
time, proceeding leisurely But this is but
at the beginning. A little later we see him
at full gallop. and then who so spirited and
so dramatic as hep Action seems to be in
his web and wool What could be found
more rapid as well as compelling than the
last chapters of Guy Mannering'? I've
read this part of the book over and over and
never without a quickening OF my pulse
All, no. Scott Is not labored nor losurely nor
objectless save at the beginning. never
read the long explanations that he opens
with; | skip en- and | suggest that we
bring out new edition of Scott with short
introductory synopses
People in England. / think, no longer
read George Eliot-at least not so much as
formerly. 1t Is because she early identified
herself with the high brow rationalism then
fashionable. 1t quickly shot its bolt. and
from its short life reflection may find that
rationalism, or refined agnosticism, while il
might seem TO be simple and livable theory
by which to live without creed. is without
roots i'm human life.
In the mystical trend OF tho times and
lowered over as we apparently are by an
atmosphere of unsettled images. II would be
difficult TO supply what the public want. It's
wants are too diverse, but possibly at the
existing moment II seeks for something be-
yond the earth. The public seems to want
spiritual knowledge or even spiritualistic
knowledge, but this may be seeming only
for the public in literary matters Is a sphinx,
and who shall define our attitude toward n
sphinx?
"Occultism Is mingled with now revela-
lions in an astounding and not invariably
artistic fashion. but so far as I have been
able TO sec whatever new things i'm the way
of either that have resulted have been in
ferior systems, loss attractive and valuable
70 humanity than the old fashioned Chris
tian religion. The latter indeed offers more
even on tho confined side of thrill and spir-
itual emotion than any OF its would toe
rivals. Christians must feel. even with but
4 cursory knowledge by which to make n
comparison that the new wares are mark
cdly inferior.
That the reading world is inclined to
mysticism is sufficiently evident Mystery
has ever and anon proved popular through
out tho history Of the world. 1t Is a fact
surprising to some persons that n writer like
Conan Doyle has thrown himself so reck-
lessiy IN it. But indeed am not surprised
rs from my own experience I have found
that what are called hard headed business
men are the first to be caught by what
seems 10 them a new miracle or mystery
Conan Doyle Is undoubtedly writer OF
q kind Of talent. but think Il must be ad
mtted that his mind belongs to tho matter
OF fact even stolid order II was quite
natural that the mysticism in tho air should
thickcn about him. lie IS not aware that
al the very time Of the birth of the Christian
religion the mysticism that hung over Rome
was very thick indeed and that signs and
portents could be picked up and translated
every way by every one.
NO, Doyle did not know these things. nor
that at various times and even almost regu-
larry recurring arrived these signs and por-
tents. Tie took what he thought WINS 4 mir
acle Of his day and accepted q, Htoralv
The mind not accustomed a. mystical
ideas ia apt 10 be profoundly impressed by
one that happens 70 force SIS way ln. II
docs not realize that things like this have
already happened IN tho world o29 times be-
fore
Minds Of this type begin with the as
sumption that the Christian religion was
born among savaRes That's q laundering
lie. II was nursed and fosterod and grew
among the most civilized and accomplished
peoples OF tho then world. Men may not
accept the Catholic miracles, but they can
not deny that there IS historical substantial
ton OF them. A man OF to-day who has
never read or been told OF these things Is
astonished by what he conceives 70 be a
new miracle. If he would look UP its gene
SIS he would dnd that history IS stuffed with
miracles.
Whether our modern miracle mongers
work by means Of a ouiia board. Or n plan
rhct'c, or d tipping table, or ~ a veonce in