The British Citizen : his Rights and Privileges. By James
E. Thorold Rogers, M.P. (S.P.C. K.) —This " short history " is an excel- lent example of the author's manner and style when they are at their best. Mr. Rogers's utterances do not always command our assent ; but the depth and genuineness of his historical knowledge is beyond doubt, and dealing as he does with his subject from the historical point of view, be displays the good sense and moderation which true knowledge can scarcely fail to produce. His studies have lain espe- cially in the direction of the condition of the people, and it is their result which he has on the present occasion utilised to good effect. One of the very few statements that we find any reason to differ from refers to a matter that has not yet become historical. "There is, indeed, no compulsion in the United States, for no one needs it. The benefits of education are so universally recognised, that all parents send their children to school as a matter of course." This is far too sweeping. There are States in the Union where there is a formidable amount of illiteracy. The average attendance in propor- tion to the total population of the States is 12 per cent, whereas in Germany it is as high as 16. We fancy that intelligent observers on the other side of the Atlantic are not quite as well satisfied as Mr. Rogers thinks.
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