18 THE SUNDAY jTrgEROtAN, POTCTLAXn, DECEMBER ifi, 1900. JBQQOl, MOUNT RAEHEB. A. zing of camellaa; Its frexa a pure diamond. White, translucent, sparkling, dear; Out of the empyrean. Which the gods had abandoned Buch la peerless Mount Italnler. Green grass, green trees. Its setting, To a pure, clean, snowy height, A crag of clear, glowing -white. Which, like a diamond ring. Reflects flashing, gleaming light. To amaze and daze the sight! The eharp, enow-tipped peak aflame. In shape and light like a gem. Out of far, rare atmosphere; Puts the diamond to shame And Illumes the haunts of men. Like a. mountain jewel clear. Rev. T. W. Haven. TorS Springs, Pa., Dec 5, 1000. 'THOJIIAS HENRY HUXLEY (Sis Extensive Correspondence Edlt- ed-and Published by H Son i Other Late Publications. Tho life of Huxley Is Dracticallr told In the correspondence contained In the two volumes "The Life and Letters of Thomas I "Henry Huxley," edited by Leonard Hux- jey. Tho letters, with the connecting end purely biographical text, present an in teresting' personal narrative. On the per Bonal side, the tale of Huxley's early years at Ealing, his educational misad ventures, his thirst for knowledim nnd liis efforts to work out his own edu cational salvation are peculiarly sugges tive in view of his later relations to edu cation. Huxley practical struggles to reconcile existence and devotion to sci ence form another feature of his life. His relations to the government and his experiences in scientific surveys are told. Of larger interest is the unfolding of Huxley's relations with Darwin and the doctrine of evolution. His correspond ence with Darwin, his reception -of the evolutionary thesis, his examination and comments, and his convinced champlon- ciup xorm a vaiuanie part of the cen tury's scientific history. In November, 1859, the "Origin of Species" was published, and a new direc tion was given to Huxley's activities. Ever since Darwin and "Wallace had made their communication to the Lin nean Society In the preceding July, ex pectation had been rife as to the forth coming book. Huxley was one of the few privileged to "learn Darwin's argument before it was given to the world; but the greatness of the book, mere install ment as it was of the long accummulated mass of notes, almost took him by sur prise. Before this time he had taken up a thoroughly agnostic attitude with re gard to the species question, for he could not accept the creatlonal theory, yet sought in vain, among the transmutatlon lsts for any cause adequate to produce transmutation. He had many talks with Darwin, and though ready enough to ac cept the main point, maintained such a critical attitude on many, others, that Darwil was not hv anv meonc oriiln of the effect the published book would nave upon him. Darwin was the more anxious, as, when he first put pen to T)aner. he had fixpfl in his mimi tiimn judges, by whee decision he determined mentally to abide. These were Lyell, Hooker and Huxley. If these three came round, partly, through the book, partly through their own reflections, ho nmilii 2eel that the subject was safe. On all three, the effect of the book Itself, with Its detailed arguments and overwhelming array of evidence, was far greater than that of previous discussions. "With one or two reservations as to the logical completeness of the theory, Huxley ac cepted it as a well-founded working hy pothesis, calculated to explain problems Otherwise Inexplicable. As soon as he had read the book Huxley wrote to, Dar win: t trust you will not allow jourself to be In any way disgusted or annojed by the consid erable abuse and misrepresentation which, un less I Rreatlr mistake. Is in stor fr inn MDepend upon It, you hae earned the lasting Krauiuuo 01 an inougnuui men. As to the curs which bark and elp, jou must recollect that Rome of our frlnris fit nrw mt. ia .. J dowed with, an amount of combatI eness which nuuu&u juu iimo oncn ana juuy reouKed It) may stand sou In good stead. I am sharpen ing my claws and beak In readiness. The famous Oxford meeting of 1SG0 was of no small Importance in Huxley's car eer. It was not merpJi that ha holnoi tn save a great cause from being stifled under misrepresentation and ridicule that he helped to extort for it a fair hearing; it was now that he first made himself known In popular estimation aa a aangerojs adversary in debate a per sonal force In tho World of cnlonco -nhlVi could not be neglected. From this mo ment he entered th front fighting In the most exposed quarter of the field. Bishop Wllberforce spoke for half an hour with inimitable- spirit, emptiness and unfair ness." In a light scoffing tone, he as sured the meetlntr that tliri v nothing in the ilea of evolution; rock pigeons were wtiat rock pigeons had always been. Then, turning to his antagonist with a smiling Insolence, he begged to know. was it thrmifti Mb c-TnfiVi.. or Hs grandmother that he claimed his aescii irom a monKey"? Tr.W was the fatal mistake of tho Wsh. I op's speoi h. Huxley instantly grasped the taMIcal advantage which the descent to personalities gave him. He asserted that a man has no reason to be ashamed of r-a.rg an ape for a grandfather. "If there wore an snorstnr whnm T slmnU feel shame in recalling," he said, "it would rather be a man a man of restless and versatile Intellect who. not content with an equUocal success in his own sphre of activity, plunges into scien- unc Qjcsucns wim wnicn ne has no real acquaintance, only to obscure them by an aim' ss rhetoric, and distract the at tentlcn of his hearers from the real point at issae by eloquent digressions and skilled appeals to religious preju dice ' The irrnortanon nf h nrfnr5 mantlnc lay in tvo onen resistance that txraa mnfln to atiftT" fv. at a. ninrnpnt whan nfan 0 drawn lattle was hardly less effectual iran -rMuiwiedgea victory. Instead of being crushed under ridicule tho now theory's cured a bearing, all the wider, lnderd, for the startling nature of the oetense Tt ! fmnAGftlVilo a itnmo i wav?1 ..r rich as this in personal, social, literary and sclertlfic interest?. The record of Huxley's earnest and vigorous life is 6ne oj. ttp??roing interest, xnee Y0ium.es f present his choicest correspondence with Darwin, Hooker, Lyell, Sir Michael Fos ter, Tyndall, Spencer, Haecfcel, Charles Klngaley, Romanes and others. There are also sociological and civic or politi cal comments of value. The editor's preface to the American edition, describes the prompt response of American readers to Huxley's teachings. Of Huxley's attitude towards America, the editor says: "His Interest in the present problems of America and the possibilities of its future was always keen, not merely as touching the developments of a vast political force, one of the dominant factors of the near future but faf more touching the charac ter of its approaching greatness. This was the note he struck In the appeal for Intellectual sincerity and clearness which he made at the end of his New York lecture on 'Evolution.' The same note dominates that letter to his sister which gives hl3 reading of the real Issue at stake in the great Civil "War. He watfched the early maturity of social problems in America as indications of the problems which would afterward call for a solu tion In his own country. The educational campaign which he carried on in Eng land had its counterpart in America;" (D. Appleton & Co., New York.) MRS. HUMPHREY WARD'S XOVEL. "Eleanor," a Strong Story, "Wlthr an Itnllnn Setllnff. Italy, ancient and modern, politically and religiously, has deep fascination for Mrs. Humphrey "Ward. Therefore, wo ara not surprised to find that tho Italy of today is the background of her new story, "Eleanor." Its characters are Eng lish and Americans, and the two heroines are Eleanor Burgoyne, an English widow, and Lucy'Foster, a Vermont girl, Puritanical, hlgTi bfed, well educated and self-possessed. These two women are In love with Edward Mainsty, Eleanor's cou sin, whom Eleanor's relatives had enter tained in Boston. At the same time the women are devotedly attached to each other. Here at once is a situation which only a master of fiction, one of wide knowledge of men, women and modern social and political conditions could carry through to an artistic climax. But this simplex problem Mrs. Ward presents and salves with consummate ability and charm. Mainsty is an English country gen tlemen with a liking for letters and poll tics. He had been In the ministry but had resigned because he could not endorse the radical course of his colleagues and had gone to Italy to write a book In defense of ultramontane politics. He is brilliant, erratic, perhaps irresolute, one of the class that can see both sides of a question through the same glass, who no sooner leap a fence than they are sorry they do not stay where they were. .Elea nor helps Manlsty with his work and falls in love with him. Then there arrives at the villa near Lake Nemi. overlooking Rome and the Campagna, Lucy Foster, socially raw, intellectually cultivated, with her beauty suppressed in a dress made in a Vermont village. "Manlsty fusses about the visitor, though she came at his Invitation. Eleanor teaches the young- Vermont girl to dress in Euro pean taste. Manlsty becomes cognizant of Lucy's Intellectuality, her sincerity and her beauty and falls In love with her. Eleaner, who Is In a sense responsible for Lucy's rivalry, becomes overpowered with Jealousy. Every effort to throw Manlsty off the track having failed, Elea nor appeals to Lucy's New England con science to give Manlsty up and get out of the way. Together the women flee to a remote corner In the hills, hiding them selves In an old chateau. Nothing is further from Lucy's Puritan soul than to rob another woman of her lover, and that woman one who had been so true a friend as Eleanor had been. Lucy hon estly thinks that Manlsty should love his cousin and that he is wronging her in not rewarding her tenderness for him, Eleanor, finding her case hopeless, sacri fices her love. Her health, long delicate. is undermined by this trouble and in the face of death she devotes herself to the task of inducing Lucy to marry Manlsty. It proves to be a hard task but Lucy finally consents and Eleanor dies. "Eleanor" is one of the best things that Mrs. Ward has ever written. It Is not didactic like "Robert Elsemere," nor dry like "David Grieve." It Is more cheerful than "Helbeck of Bannisdale." The scenic effects are among the chief excel lences of the book. Two exquisite bits of description are those of the Easter service at St. Peter's" and the picture of Rome and the Campagna. seen at sunset from the Alban villa. (Harper & Bros., New York.) Lord IiInlltltRovr. References to the South African War and the Chinese troubles and alever char acter sketches that appeal to the reader as porttalts, make Morley Roberts' story of English politics, "Lord Linlithgow." a novel of today. We have, the many-sided Lord Linlithgow "so many sides that he doesn't know which is which, and with his racing stud that he keeps partly be cause he loves horses and partly because it gives him popularity with the masses," a passably good Lord Rosebery. Lord Linlithgow, a Liberal Imperialist, is I struggling to regain control of the gov ernment, .tic deputizes nis lieutenant, Murray Harford, to get possession of compromising letters which had been written by Eugene Loder, a South African leader, to Henry Pole, a Radical editor. The young man understands that the success of his party as well as his own fate in love depends upon the outcome of his mission. He secures the letters by chicanery, but he had not been long enough in politics to do so questionable a trick with an easy conscience, so we find him full of contempt for himself. Harford thought better of himself after a few days' reflection, and all things went well for him in politics and love. (Har per & Bros., New York.) Importance of the Similar School. At the diocesan convention of the Epis copal church of New York, In 1S9S, Bish op Pottor appointed a commission to con sider what steps should be taken for the Improvement of the Sunday schools of the diocese. Under the auspices of this commission, lectures on the principles of religious instruction were delivered In St. Bartholomew's Church. New York, in the Fall of 1S8S. by BiShop Doane. of Albany: Dr. George Hodges and others. These lectures are now published in book form under the title of "Principles of Religious Education." with ah introduction by Bish op Potter. The child's earliest percep tions and apprehensions are apt to be the deepest and most determinative, it hdt 1 the most enduring. "In this view," says Bishop Potter, "It mtlsi be fiwrted that the modern church has not adequately recognized Its responsibilities' nor im proved its opportunities, as a teacjier of the young. There have been ages when that office belonged almost exclusively to it, and when its failures were due, not, perhaps, to Its want of zeal, but to its want of wisdom. Today the conditions are quite different. Under republican in stitutions, arid with us in the United States, the functions of the state as a religious teacher through an established religion have, as m6st of us, I presume, believe, wisely reased. That fact ought, undoubtedly, to have awakened and stim ulated the church to increased endeavors to supply what a Christian man must hold to be fundamental to a right educa tion, and which now the church or the family alone can give. Our American situation, In other words, has lifted the Sunday school into a position of pre-eminent importance, ,whlch, we must ac knowledge, has been but feebly and Im perfectly recognized." (Longmans, Green & Co., New" York.) nistorlc Southern Towns. The third Tolume of the series of "American Hiscrlc Towns" Is devoted to the Southern States. The towns described are Baltimore", Annapolis, Washington. Richmond on the James, Williamsburg, Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, Mo bile, Montgomery, New Orleans, Vicks burg, Knoxvllle, Nashville, Louisville, Little Rock and St. Augustine. Profes sor W. P. Trent writes the Introduction, and his paper is of decided Interest. "For weal or woe," he says, ''the South is now an integral part of the Nation, and the attractive and Inspiring, no less thai warning, features of Its history- should be a portion of the intellectual inheritance of every American. Next to the large num ber of otwns worthy to be Included In the volume, perhaps the most striking feature is the fact that nearly every town described has experienced the v.cissitude3 of war. No walls of long standing or traces of them may be pointed out to the i-nrious visitor of today, but battle fields there art, and" in more than opb Instance stories may be told of long-sustained sieges and heroic defenses. The Sunny South ought naturally to be a land of languorous peace, but over no other section have the clouds of war rolled so heavily. Its oldest town, St. Augustine, was born of war. Baltimore and Washington suffered during the War ot 1S12, and the latter was , seriously threatened during the war for the "Union. Frederick Town lives In our memories along with Stonewall Jackson and Bar bara Freltchle. Before Richmond. Lee foiled the troops of McClellan, and the gallant capital, after four years tilled with high hopes and reckless gaiety and solemn mourning, surrendered when the same undaunted Lee had but a iew thou sand starving veterans to oppose the splendid and puissant hosts of Grant. The ghosts of long-dead cavaliers must have shivered when the streets of Will iamsburg echoed to the tramp of sol diers from Puritan New England. The name of Wilmington brings to mind the daring exploits of tho blockade-runners: that of Charleston recalls the heroic de fense of Fort Moultrie, the occupation by the British, the threatened bloodshed of the Nullification crisis, the capture of Sumpter and the magnificent resistance offered to the Federal arms throughout the Civil War. Like Charleston. Savan nah can tell of encounters with Span lards and British undergone gloriously by her sons, although she doubtless does not yet relish having been Sherman's Christmas gift to the Nation. Mobile and New Orleans are forever associated with the illustrious name of Farragut, and the latter can boast of being the scene of the most splendid victory in our annals tHat won by Jackson and his backwoodsmen over the picked troops of Wellington. As for the great siege of VIcksburg, that set the seal upon Grant's fame, or for the battle of Nashville, that gave al most eqiial renown to Thomas, men will not forget them even when Tolstoi's dreams of universal peace have become a blessed reality." (G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York.) Chevalier de St. Dcnln. The author of "Beatrice of Bayou Teche" has found splendid material for her romantic Imagination and descriptive powers in the career of the Chevalier de St. Denis. That commanding figure In the early history of Louisiana is the center of the historical picture which Mrs. Alice Ilgenfritz Jones has presented In the romance, "The Chevalier de St. Denla" The reader is Introduced to St. Denis at Paris, where he Is being edu cated for a career In the new world, and follows with unflagging interest the Inci dents that crowd the life of a man to whom chivalrous striving Is as the breath of his nostrils. The mutual love of St. Denis and the fair Senorlta de Villescas is the thread of continuous Interest In the story which moves at a swift pace through the splendors of Louis XIV3 court, the fighting In the War of the Spanish Succession, and adventures amid the fcests of Louisiana and the plains of Mexico. (A C. McClurg & Co., Chicago.) Mnetenth Century Science. All the important branches of science are touched upon by Henry Williams in "The Story of Nineteenth Century Sci ence," and complex developments are ex plained In a manner which, while being thorough, is within the comprehension of the average layman. It is up to date in all the marvels of electricity, medical and physical science and natural phenomena, and tells how the savants were led to exDTiment. with interesting sketches ot 1 the men who have made themselves fa mous by their researches. After a short discussion ot the condition of science at the beginning of the century, Mr. Wil liams reviews the century's progress in astronomy, paleontology, geology, meteor ology, physics, chemistry, biology, anat omy and physiology, scientific medicine, and experimental psychology, concluding with a statement of the solar and tel luric, physical and life problems which remain unsolved. (Harper & Bros., New York.) , Heir ot Ycsterdny. A study of modern social conditions aj they affect the Jews in the United States Is offered by Miss Emma Wolf in "Heirs of Yesterday." In spite of the assimilative powers of the American Re public the Jews remain here as in Europe and elsewhere, now as always, "a pecu liar people." The characterise of the race are as active as ever and in the attitjde of Gentiles toward Jews there is too- often the same display of Ignorance hd Injustice that has marked all past history. This socia' problem Miss Wolf has Invested with the concrete charm of huraar. action and character. The reader pluiges at once Into a swift, brecty storv. full Of Incident, with perfectly Indi vidualized characters who leave no doubt that they arii alive and not mere puppets. Th$ story is of a young Jew, clever, cul tured, .strong of intellect and character, who Is anxious to be "an individual and not K class," and who prefers to cast In hi- lot socially with Gentiles rather than Jews. How the forces of Inheritance" and tradition of Gentile prejudice and Jewish excftislyeness, aided by the omnipotent fore of love, break down the Iron will of this descendant of the Ghetto. Is told in dramatic and entertaining fashion. (A. C. McClurg & Co., Chicago.) "With Both Armies. Richard Harding Davis went to South Africa prepossessed in favor of the Brit ish. He came back convinced that the Boert were right and the British wrong. The great struggle in South Africa, he says in J'Wlth Both Armies," has been "a holy war, this war of the burgher cru- saderL and his motives are as fine as any that ever called a minute man from his farm, or sent a knight of the Cross to die for it in Palestine." When the Boer falls, runs Mr. Davis prediction, "with him will end a great principle the principle for which our forefathers fought the right of self-government, the principle of independence." Mr. Davis is projecting a smattering of present knowledge a long way Info the future. There has been no crumbling of. the pillars of republican government since the fall of Pretoria or the re-olectlon of McKlnley. (Charles Serlbner"s Sons, New York.) Christian Mlnslonn. The missionary problem Is beginning to be discussed In this country in the light of recent events in China. 'A Study of Christian Missions," by tho author or "An Outline of Christian Theology,'1 should, therefore, invite broad reading. Dr. William Newton Clarke is a clear, forcible and eloquent waiter. As to the character of his book, a glance at the table of contents is suggestive: "The Mls slnoary Character In Christianity"; "The Missionary Motive in Christianity"; "The Object lit Christian Missions"; "The Field of Missions"; "Christianity and Other Re ligions"; "Organization for Missionary Purposes"; "Denominations In Missions"; "The Present Crisis in Missions": "The Next Needs in Missions"; "The Outlook in Missions," and "The Home Side of Missions." (Charles Scrlbner's Sons, New York.) A Bicycle of Cathay. Our delight in Frank R. Stockton is perennial. Who but Stockton could have written such a story as "A Bicycle ot Cathay," and who but Stocckton could have thought of such a title? A young schoolmaster, who is of a romantic turn of mind beyond even his own realization, spends his vacation on a bicycle. Stop ping at a vine-clad Inn for refreshment, he finds, instead of mine host, a trim and pretty young widow to welcome him. How he relieves the charming hostess from the distracting burden of having a tame bear left on her hands, and how he doe3 many other equally amusing and agreeable things, Mr. Stockton relates with great success. (Harper & Bros., New York.) Purl In Its Splendor. A capital is often described as the heart or brain of a country, and the fig ure in tha case of Paris conveys more truth than such epigrams usually ex press. Paris, like London and Rome, Is not only the political, commercial, social and intellectual center, but it Is an epitome and reflection of the national life of France and an Illustration of the past history. In the two handsome volumes composing "Paris In Its Splendor," E. A. Reynolds-Ball gives a general Impression of Paris, past and present, and of the more striking features of the social life of Paris of today. The work Is Illustrated with 60 full-page half-tone plates, in cluding many of the exhibition. (Dana, Estcs & Co., Boston.) The Frlsatc Constitution. Th Mtory of Uncle Sam's famous oV vessel is undertaken by Ira N. I" 'The Frigate Constitution," in or jrlng within one volume all the even, which go to make a long and In teresting career upori the sea. As the for mation and service 'of the sailing Navy supply the background which brings the Constitution into stronger perspective, all the circumstances which had an influence upon her design, construction, and em ployment are given. While the volume Is not a history of the Navy, It forms a con- , ' " ... ,, ,. , . UNITED STATES CENSUS DIRECTOR "WILLIAM R. MERRIAM. From his lateit portrait. nected narrative of naval events, and particularly of the good old frlgate. (Houghton, Mlfllln : Co.. Boston.) Domestic Dramas. M. Bourget's "Domestic Dramas" may be said to have been written for the Eng'ish-speaking as well as for the Pa risian world It is composed of a group of stories of home life whose unity Is Indicated by the title. Keen psychology and searching philosophy permeate these tales of domestic life, whether In the drama of the conversion of the agnostic physician, the career of the bourgeois Pa risian family or the studies of the phases of childhood. (Charles Scribner's Sons, New York.) Cupid' Garden. "Cupid's Garden," by Ellen Thorney croft Fowler, presents the author as a story-teller of the French rather than of the English school. A situation, an Inci dent full of significance beneath the sur face, a contrast, becomes in her hands a theme for a charming- tale. As a whole, "Cupid's Gcrderf" sh'ows Miss Fowler in a Hghttf vein than "The FarrlngdOnsV (D. Appicton & Co., New York.) In the Alamo. The battle of the Alamo has furnished Ople Read "the historical element for "Iri the Aitmo." The love tale concerns a stout-hearted Texan who is standing for the United States Senate, and a young woman who adores hinv but who is un der pledge not to love him. Mr Read makes everything right In his usual lucid styled (Rand, McNally & Co., Chicago.) 1 BOOK XOTES. The never flagging Interest in the wel fare of the Indian makes a place for "A Soul In Brbhze," by Constance Goddard Du Bols. An Indian educated and civ ilized, a BooTcer T. Washington among ttie "children of the forest," struggles to help his people and to take the station among them to which his training en titles hlm. (Herbert S. Stone & Co., Chi cago.) "Little Lords of Creation," by H, A. Keavs. The story of a first boy and his up-bringing by his parents. The mistakes and trials ot the father and mother and their final arrival at wisdom and success are told with much humor. The experi ences are Just what all parents must have with their first child. (Herbert S. Stone & CO., Chicago.) "Boj-s' Book of Explorations'," by Tu dor Jenks, are stories of the heroes of travel and discovery, chiefly during our own time, and in all parts of Africa, Asia and Australia. Mr. Jenks1 has a thorough knowledge of what interests beys. While the book has a distinct in formative value, showlngwhat has been done In the way of Operiing up new lands and giving a boy new Idea3 about th6 geography and natives at these countries, its chief claim to attention lies In the interest of the stories and in the picture of the resolute men who risk their llve3 in the cause of science and civilization. (Doubleday. Page & CO.. New York.) Francis Gilbert Attwood's best work was done In recording from month to month In forceful vignettes the most striking events of contemporaneous history. This was done without his hav ing any idea of their having any but a passing Interest. Gathered together, how ever, they put in attractive form a pic torial history of 10 years of the world's doings. (Life Publishing Company, New York.) "Lucid Intervals," by Edward Martin, is a collection of humorous and philosophical essays on "Children," "Swains and Dam sels," "Education," "Some Human Crav ings," "Energy and Its Consequences," "New York Types," and other intimate subjects. They are in Mr. Martin's well known style, with apt illustrations by Miss Stllwell and others. (Harper & Bros.. New York.) A new and final edition of Herbert Spencer's "First Principles" is td be pub lished Immediately by D. Appleton & Co. A London critic has said: "In looking at the "First Principles," one is struck by the erudition, the splendid capacity for lucid exposition the richness of the illus trations and other gifts, some never be fore possessed by any philosophical writ er." It is interesting to remember that the first lines of this book were written 40 years ago, and the author has lived to supply the final amendments. A writer who hides behind the nom de plume of "The Man Who Heard Some thing." Is the author ot "The Slaves of Society." Mr. Hammond, an English millionaire, becomes interested in Belle York, a music-hall singer, of sweet face and lovely voice. The Marchioness of Severn, as it chances, desires the million aire to marry her daughter. Lady Victoria Mauleverer. There Is a lively scene be tween the Marchioness and the music hall beauty. The story Is told with con siderable humor and a deep touch ot Irony. (Harper & Bros., New York.) Harper & Bros., New York, have pub lished a new Illustrated edition of "Vesty of the Basins," by Sarah P. McL. Greene. The illustrations are from photographs made by Clifton Johnson, who visited the scenes of the story. The character of Vesty Is one of great sweetness and strength. The book makes an attractive holiday gift The "Roggle and Reggie Stories." by Gertrude Smith, relate the adventures of Roggle and Reggie in the garden, on the backs of horses, and everywhere the jol ly little boys go. They are written In a motherly style and are enlivened by pictures In four colors. (Harper & Bros.. New York.) Selections In prose and verse for every day In the year, from the wbrks of Henry iVan Dyke, constitute the make-up of "Th Frfonrllv Vr" Thoco crm r4 It i -!. the extent and variety of Dr. Van Dyke's intellectual and spiritual Interests, and bring to the fore the cheery philosophy of life, which makes his essays, stories and potms so companionable. (Charles Scrib ner's Sons. New York.) j ''Helen's Babies." by John Habberton. Some account of their ways, Innocent, , cralty, angelic. Impish and witching. Miss Sara Crosby's illustrations of this favorite volume are especially good this year. (Alexander BelfOrd & Co., Chi cago) Dana Estes & Co., Boston, who have got out many delicate little books this holiday season, have added two mora to their list. These are: "Among the Flow ers" and "Among the Birds," each coni posed of selections from the standard poets suited to the" subjects. The vol umes are illustrated in color. THE MAGAZINES The rndst important group of papers which the Atlantic MOilthly will offer dur ing 1301 1 & series Of scholarly, unparti- 3an studies ef the Reconstruction Period. TEe various authors represent both the South and the" North,, and many shades' of political oplnlod. Some of them were prominent actors in the Reconstruction drama; others are known throughout the country for their special studies upon this P&Iod of American history; but all ot them, however, naturally inclined to the Northern or the Southern point of view, have written with candor and good temper. It fs true that one of them confesses that "Reconstruction is still revolutionary matter Those who delve In It find it like a banked fire; still hot and fiery within, for all it has lain un der the ashes a whole generation; and a thing to take Are from." But without some such examination of the conditions under which the Southern States were readmitted to the Union It is Impossible to form a clear opinion of the most sig nificant of our Internal problems of the coming decade, namely, tHe movement for the disfranchisement of the Southern negro. The following are a few of thost who will contribute papers: Professor Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Nelson Page, Hon. Samuel A. McCall, Hon. D. H. Cham berlain and ex-Secretary ot the Navy Herbert. In the December Review of Reviews the" editor comments on several important questions of the hour, including the new Army bill, the problem of reapportion ment in the South, the Isthmian Canal, and other matters that will engage the attention ot Congress; the results of the census of 1500, with reference to the pro posed admission of new states and repre sentation in Congress; the meaning of the National election; the Cuban Constitu tional Convention; the elections in Porto Rico and Hawaii; the Liberal victories in Canada and Newfoundland; the Chinese negotiations, and European politics, both Internal and international. Among the contributed features are articles on "The Cuban Republic Limited," by Walter Wellman; ''Governor-elect Odeil. of New York," By Dr. Lyman Abbott, and "Mar cus Daly, Empire-Builder," by Samuel E. Moffett. There Is also an Interesting chronology of the career of William Mc Klnley, the eighth President to be re elected for a second eonsecutlve term. The opening article Of the December North American Review is an essay, hlth--erto unpublished, in which Honore de Bal zac discusses the principles and the meth ods of "Modern Government." W. J. Bryan writes of the causes which pro duced the Republican victory In "The Election ot 1900," and the effect which the result ot the election may nave upon the future of the country. Lord Charles Beresford, considering the "Future of the Anglo-Saxon Race," describes certain dangers which threaten that race at the present time, but comes to the conclusion that the vital force Inherent In It will en able it to overcome the processes of decay which have been fatal to the domi nant peoples o the past. The beautiful cover of the Christmas number of the Ledger Monthly is a re production of a painting of a Christmas dinner scene, a rich and noble picture of contemporary life by the well-known artist, Victor Perard. This Is supplement ed by Illustrated Christmas articles and stories. "Christmas Holiday Entertain ments" and "Santa Claus Among the Poor Children' are full of suggestions for those who provide for the happiness of the little ones. Perhaps the most popular feature of the December Critic is the series of portraits of those novelists novr most in vogUe, with fac simile pages from various orig inal manuscripts. The phalanx Includes admirable likeness ot Dr. S. Weir Mitchell and a portion of "The Adven tures of Francois," of Paul L. Ford, and a page of "Janice Meredith," together with Winston Churchill, Judge Robert Grant, Miss Mary Johnston, Edward Noyes Westcott and Charles Major, with characteristic excerpts from the manu scripts of thdr successful novels. Some unpublished verses by James Rus sell Lowell signalize the opening of the December Atlantic, while Owen Wlster's much-belated and eagerly looked-for "Symphony Ode" appears in the samd Is sue. The serials of Mrs. Wiggins and Miss JeWctt continue. John Flske de scribes historic Mlddletown, a typical New England village, and A. Maurice Low praises the delights of Washington, the only real City of LelsUre. Goodwin Smith denounqcs the wickedness of War as a Medicine; G. S. Lee describes the latter day dominance ot a crowd over the Indi vidual; President Wheeler treats of art and literature,' and Waldo S. Pratt, of "New? Ideals In Music." Under the title of 'The Maintenance of a Poet," Frank B. Sanborn sketches the history of Chan ning. H. L. Abbot shows that Panama Is the true route for the Isthmian Canal. Short stories are furnished by John Bu chan. Countess Martlnengo-Cesaresco. Florence Wilkinson and Eliza Otrie White. The number includes other sketches and poetry, and the always entertaining Con tributors Club. . TOO 3MUCH PHOTOGRAPHER. Skull and Crosshones in Negative Scared the Operator. One day a young mdn came to a profes sional photographer to sit for his likeness. To the ordinary eye he looked like any other young man. A couple of plates were exposed, and then the assistant who was operating went Into the darkroom to develop the negatives. He was cone much longer thaft usual, and was heard berating the junior assist ant pretty soundly for playing prank3 with the apparatus. When he returhed to the studio he asked for another sitting, and apologized for having before Used spoiled plates. This time when he went away to de velop he wos heard to utter a slight scream, but he reappeared and said there was a peculiar effect In the negative which 'he couldn't account for, and would the sitter oblige him again. Once more he went to develop; then the bell rang violently for the master, and the two held a long confabulation Ir the dark room tdgether. This time the master tried his hand, and went away to develop. It was not I6ng before he returned and said he was sorry not to be able to get a sat isfactory likeness, but a skull and cross bones appeared defined oh the young man's forehead. "Rubbish!" said the sitter; "my fore head's all right. Can. you see anything the matter with my forehead?" and Be peered into a mirror as he spoke. "No, there's nothing that I can see," answered the photographer. BUt I should be obliged If you will please go away and not come here again; this sort of thing Is just a wee bit creepy." Upon this there was a dreadful scene; but the upshot was that the young man had to go, and up to the present has not returned. The explanation ot the matter Is that the young- man was a bit Of a scientist, and had been playing a joke on the pho tographer. jBIsulphate of quinine is a chemical which is white in themaked eye, but seen black by the camera. Anything that Is painted on the skin, therefore, with the chemical will be ordhiarily in visible, but will conie out prominently in a photograph. London Tit-Bits. m ' Snalce Jc-tvelfy. Fashionable women of today are wear ing snakes as ornaments in every con ceivable way. One of the latest modes of utilizing them is as hair ornaments. Sometimes the hair Is done high on the head and a glittering snake, either of green ot gilt spangles, is colled around my lady's knot with the head raised as If striking. The effect Is unique, even startling. Another plan is to arrange" the hair low and twine the snake in and out as if it had colled itself In the air. The head must always stick Up in a wicked way. An order recently given la a New York Jewe'er was for an enameled snake to be worn ac a necklace, the" eyes to be of rubies It wa3 to be long enougli to coll threa times5 around thtj necTi of the wearer COMIC OPERA DOOMED NOT ONE NEW PRODUCTION OF CO"& SEQUENCE IN YEARS. The Pnblle la Tired of It "That la TVhy All the Stars Have Go. Into Vaudeville. "The sinking ship of comic opera lies at the mercy of a relentless sea. Occa sionally some bold young diver goes down; to see what can be rescued from tho wreck. An Intrepid navigator .tries vainly to move the hulk. Impossible it is hope lessly on the rocks. You smile at tha futile attempts made to launch it ones more, for you know that in these days of 'modern Improvements Its o!d-fash-loned heaviness and ponderous useless ness are no longer needed. It has beer disabled. Ichabod! Its glory hath de parted," exclaims Alan Dale with ruth less bluntness in the New York Journal And then he points the finger of fate a Lillian Russell, erstwhile comic opera queen, now seen through a mist of cigar ette smoke in vaudeville at Weber & Fields; Do Wolf Hopper, vigorous, vocal and vivid, who clung to comic opera until some sort of a buoy wis necessary,, then cried. "Let her go!" and went to Weber & Fields'; Fay Templeton. an artist to the tips of her fingers, who years ago. had too much prophetic vlslort "to hitch herself up to one of those librettos that would make an angel weep"; Jessie Bartlett Davis, who, it there had been any more prizes left in comic opera with the Bostonlans, would have been there still with a grab-net; clever Louise Beaudet, and sprightly Delia Fox. "In London," continues the prophet of the New York Journal, "they haven't produced a comic opera of any conse quence for years. And New York don't wince generally takes its cue from Lon don. The substitute for comic opera on the other side has been very successful here. Look at 'The Geisha.' The Run- ownv rsirl' nnrf 'San Tnv These giVO ybu Jovely, catchy airs ear-tickling mel odiesand a collection of up-to-date peo ple who do unconventional things. New York has given comic opera the cold shoulder, and taken to 'The Runaway Girl' kind of thing, because In the substi tute there are surprises. You never know what is going to happen. No Surprises. "In comic opera you can time any thing. It goes something like this: At 8:15 opening chorus of tra-la-!as; at S:3J grouping of tra-la-las and entrance of star: at 8:30 the fiendish tenor skulks on, graps the star, and sings a love aria at her medulla oblongata; at 8:40 the funny man appears, and says something about Croker, Parkhurst. Croton water, or tha subway; at 8:50 the tra-la-las come on, again and arrange themselves for a "finale." They finale vigorously until 9 o'clock, when the act comes to an end This is Invariable. There Is never any change It moves, like the machinery oC the earth, unerringly. "The manager of onti of the most popu lar comic opera 'stars' this country has ever known said to me the Other day: 'We came to town. We had a comlo opera that the critics liked. It was really first class. But my star, who used to stay here for months, found that weeks were too long. The show was bet ter than ever, but the public didn't want It.' Small blame to the public! Drama changes, comedy changes, farce changes the evoluting tastes of the public are. enervated In all these entertainments. Why should comic opera remain forever the same, with nothing but a new young: face to offer as an Inducement? "Weber & Fields dealt the death blow to comic opera. They showed that it was possible to produce something humor ous, musical and filled with cleVer peo ple on new lines. They didn't invite a lot of frowsy, long-haired Critics to de scribe the tone, color and rdulades of some pert lady's voice, or to classify the nlckel-in-ihe-slot music of some ener getic person who ground it out by the yard. "The death of comic opera would be sad something to bewail were it not for the fact that it is so frightfully old and de cayed. It has gone under nhrough sheer lack of vitality. This reaaon one charac ter from a successful con 1c opera ('The Highwayman") was made the pretext for another comic opera ('Foxy Qulller'). That tells the story Of paucity ef material, lack of Imagination, grim de; ermlnatlon to make the best of the wonst." The Agnostic fo the UnUnorvn God. Edmond Holmes in the Spccta-'or. O God! O Father of all thlnsst O i.ord and giver of life! 0 fountain of peace and blessings! O center of storm and strife 1 The wares ot thy will roll onward 1 I stand alcne on thy shore: 1 veil mint! eyes in thr presence: I seal my lips and adore. Art thou not Force and Matter? Art thou- not Time and Space? Art thou not Life and Spirit? Art thou not Love and Grace? Do not thy wings o'ershadow the whole and the humblest part? Are not the world's plulsatlons the ebb and flow of thy heart? O God! O Father of all men! O Lord of Heaven and Earth! Shall we. who are dust before thee, exalt tbj wisdom and worth? Shall we. whom thy life embraces, set forth thy life In our creeds? While the smoko of thy battle blinds us shall we read the scroll of thy deeds? We spin the threads of our fancy; we weave the webs ot our words; But nearer to troth and knowledse are tha songs of the quirlns birds. Th rays of thy golden glory fall free through our nets of thought: And all that we seek is hidden, and all that we- know is nausht. How shall I kneel before thee who hast no visible shrine? Is not the soul thy temple? Is not the world dttlne? Will tower or transept tell me what the snoW- clad mountains hide? Is the surging anthem holler than the murmur of ocean's tide? To whom ha3t thou told thy secret? On whom Is thy grace poured out? Whose lamp will direct my goings? Whose- word will resolve my doubt? Shall I turn to the sects and churches that t.-i4i -M-unHnil In thv name? But the best Is a mote In thy sunshine, a spark flung out from thy flame. Slowly through all my being streams up from each hidden root The sap of thy life eternal streams up into flower and fruit. Is this the truth that we dream of? We seek what we ne'er shall know; But the stress of thy truth constrains us when the springs of thy love o'erflow. Af night, when the veil of darkness Is drawn .o'er the sunlit blue. The stars fcome out In the heavens, the world grow3 wide -on my view. At nisht. when the earth Is silent and the Ufe- waves cease to roll. The strains of a deeper music begin to wake la my soul. Is It thdn. 6 God! that we know thee when the darkness comes Is It then? When the surges ot thought and passion die down In the hearts of meif Is It then that we hear thy mtauge? Is It then tHat we see thy light? Is the sound of thy voice our silei.ee? IS tha sheen of thy face our night? A Fearful Discovery. "Dls is terrible," said lieanderlng Mike, ltfi a deep-drawn sigh. "What's US iriatter?" asked ploddlnff Pete In alarm "Here's a piece in de paper. It says wo'vd got -muscles inside of ud dat keeps up aa involuntary action. Dey g&es on workln', whether wS want 'era to or not." Washington Star.