Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-25

truly partaking member OF the 1am-
lily of nations, became for the first time gen.
line internationalist. With that change tho
diplomacy of this country assumed new scope,
new weight, new outlook Sized up, so to speak,
To the full measure of this accepted medium OF
world dealings and accommodations. And Win
that change the American diplomat hmseh,
personifying his own land in the new order that
had come to it, took weightier substance
of information and influence, became more
positive figure, of whom much more was re-
uuired by his Government than had hitherto
been demanded.
The career Of Henry White, American diplo-
mat comedies with such expansion OF the
United States in its world relationships. From
the Spanish American War until only four years
ago. 1927 Mr. White served his Government,
chiefly by way of diplomacy. A long term,
crowded with vital worldwide issues, the like
of which no other period of modern history has
produced Here Mr.. Nevins gives the story OF
Henry White, American citizen, service man for
his own country in Europe by way of diplomacy,
a highly professionalism Official in diplomatic
aims and issues. rich man-rich in person.
atty in experience, in kindness, in genial ways.
So this author collects the material that Is
Henry White, great citizen working for the well
being of his country throughout the world and
for its own good contribution to the wellbeing
of all nations. That material-early records Of
youth and schooling and home life, of the
choice of a career. Then official accountings
files of social partakings, of honors bestowed
Just material brought together under the single
draft of its accurate authenticity One can see
Allan Nevins seated in the litter of this-seated.
practically for years, in the maze of it. His
job to re-embody the man himself. His task
to project Henry White, man and diplomat, on
the way to his splendid service, on his arrival
thereat.
And here we have it, the book of Henry White
Here we have him. too. the man himself.
vivid and vital personality walks along beside
us, telling of this momentous hour in the World
Council and what was done with it there. Re
citing that interesting incident in diplomacy
when three-quarters of a world sat in suspense
the possible issue. Recorded as official
activity, the story of Henry White constitutes
fair history of general diplomacy for the past
80 years. But there is much, besides, in this
finely selective work. The man In his lesser
moments-those of common intercourse social
and friendly these, too. sum to a picture of
interesting content that includes this country
and Europe.
It seems to me that by way of so simple
process as selecting on the enc hand, and dis
carding on the other, by arranging and COM
posing, by pressure here and easement there
Allan Nevins has in coed history, good psychol-
ogy, fine sympathy and equally fine interpreta-
ton with the art of the first-rate story teller
added-by these gifts and requirements, It
seems to me, that Allan Nevins has rounded up
a mighty big job-that of turning print into a
living and breathing and working personality
Henry White, Ambassador Of the United States
TO France. THE most useful man in the entire
diplomatic service during my presidency and for
many years before. Theodore Roosevelt
THE LAST DAYS OF SHYLOCK. BY Ludwig
Lewisohn, author OF The Island Within"
etc. Drawings by Arthur Szyk New York:
Harper & Bros.
IF william Shakespeare had made it for Lud-
tvinT auJfcoI ,f,s-
not the world over have been found than the
sorry outcome of THE Merchant of Venice"
than the complete disgrace and discontinue of
Shylock himself. Shylock is Lewisohn's meat
his own particular bone. most improper
figure. Abandon 1t to feast upon the splendid
imagination of Ludwig Lewisohn upon the
persecution complex under which In these later
days he Is being driven and harried Incl
oentaly, being driven and harried to his own
glor1hcatton as an artist, with no discounts
possible. Just one good word for that persecu-
ton complex Of which the Jews are in posses
sion. In growing possession. Unrighteousness
OF treatment throughout many years of his
tory has sunk into them deep and ineradicable
Dire as it has been, awful as 1t stiI is-yet
looking around upon Jewish letters painting.
poetry, material prosperity. good citizenship
philanthropy; looking around upon the general
high quality Of the Jewish people as a whole
and thinking back bit by bit along such clear
evidences OF their worth and the ways of achiey-
ing 1t, there comes the conviction that this very
persecution complex has been an instrument
hated and hateful-of such racial gains of
such human advancement, as this race mani
Tests. However, that is another story. Here
we are with Ludwig Lewsohn, rabid in an
exalted way, over the beaten ShyIock whom
he follows out of the court and into the purlieus
OF his subsequent years. Not for long is Shy
lock beaten, not the soul of him.. and to this
revival toward life and the mission of the Jew
within 1t Ludwig Lewisohn gives the best of
himself. Gives his best gift OF narrative inven-
tion OF dramatic effect. of inclusive significance
Gives the late beautiful resignation of Shylock