20 JANUARY 1917

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An admirable running commentary by Mr. Balfour on the Allies'

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Reply to President Wilson's Note was published in the papers of Thursday. It was written for the British Ambassador at Washington to communicate to the President. The British...

But territorial rearrangements are not in themselves sufficient. It is

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essential that Germany's methods should be brought into dis- repute. It must be shown that it does not pay (we paraphrase Mr. Balfour's better language for the sake of brevity)...

King Constantine's Government- have accepted the demands of the Allies

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without reserve, and Sir Francis Elliot, the British Minis- ter, has returned to Athens after having spent a month on board a ship of war at the Piraeus. It may be assumed that...

The week's record on the Western front is a chronicle

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of raids, always to the great advantage, on the balance, of the British and French troops. It is very interesting to notice that the Germans, borrowers of other people's ideas...

The object of the German thrust through the various valleys

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in Southern Moldavia is to force the Gyimes Pass by indirect means. The direct attack on the pass did not succeed, but it is most im- portant for the Germans to obtain...

At the other end of the Sereth lines Mackensen's force

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has also been checked. The Russians have recaptured the village of Vadeni, half-way between Braila and Galatz. The Germans have not yet crossed the Sereth at any point. It must...

•

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NEWS OF THE WEEK T HE news from Rumania is more satisfactory than any that has been received for some weeks. The worst seems to be over. The Rumanians, so far from having been...

Norroz.—With this week's number of the " SpEcTATos" is issued,

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gratis, an Eight-Page Supplement, containing the Half-Yearly Index and Title-Page—i.e., from July let to December 30th, 1916, inclusive.

*** The Editor cannot undertake to return Manuscript in any

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Case.

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Then follows what in our opinion is the most vital

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as well as an indisputable point in the arraignment of our enemies. We quote it textually:— "If at this moment there be an established historical fact, it is the aggressive...

There is more reality in the Kaiser's angry Proclamation to

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his people, telling them that the Allies have rejected his " honest peace offer " and avowed " their lust for conquest." " Burning indig- nation and holy wrath will," he thinks,...

In addition to the Note from the whole of the

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Allies, there is a Belgian Note in which, while endorsing the full Reply, the-Belgian Government express their special gratitude to the Government of the United States for their...

We have dealt so fully elsewhere with , the American desire

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for a League to Enforce Peace and the answer, that we will here only point out once more that the Reply speaks of " a League to ensure peace," whereas we think we are right in...

A propos of our remarks last week and the attitude

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we took up in regard to Austrian possibilities, there comes a curious rumour vid Switzerland that the Austrian Emperor and the Imperial family generally have been transferring...

The Allies next proceed to meet the desire expressed by

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Mr. Wilson that the belligerent Powers should define in the full light of day their aims in prosecuting the war. The Allies of course find no difficulty in answering this...

The Allies go on to say that they are fully

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alive to the losses and suffering which the war causes neutrals as well as belligerents, but they cannot hold themselves responsible, since they did not desire or provoke the...

On Friday week, January 12th, was published the Reply of

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the Allies to Mr. Wilson's Note. It is a singularly able document, and, needless to say, is couched in the most courteous terms. After stating with the graces of old-fashioned...

In that passage the peace terms of the Allies are

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expressed with wonderful completeness and precision. It may interest readers of the Spectator to compare them with our amateur efforts. The only difference between our suggested...

In reply to the Allies' Note declining her proposal to

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talk about peace, Germany issued to the neutrals onJanuary llth &rhetorical Note repudiating all responsibility for the continuation of the war. The Note accused the Allies of a...

We are glad, however, to note, thoughthere could never heotre

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been any real doubt on the subject, that the Allies repudiate in the strongest way the notion that they desire to exterminate or maltreat the German peoples. This paragraph of...

The eleventh and concluding paragraph shows the marks of the

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graceful French mould in which the Reply has been cast. We quote it to show that France, whether suffering or at ease, is always neat, tidy, and mannerly :- "United in the...

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During the engagement a Turkish relief force was located advancing

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from Shalal, sixteen miles east of Rafa. This force was engaged about four miles from Rafa and entirely destroyed. It appears that sixteen hundred unwounded prisoners and four...

The great meeting at the Guildhall on Thursday week gave

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an enthusiastic send-off to the new Loan. Mr. Bonar Law explained the terms in a very direct and lucid manner, and Mr. Lloyd George roused his audience with eloquence and good...

The general result of this and the previous operations is

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excellent, and has no doubt had a very good effect throughout Egypt and the Moslem world. It is characteristically British that the great Turco-German offensive upon Egypt,...

We must now briefly record the terms of the Loan.

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There are two issues—one at 5 per cent. subject to Income Tax, and the other at 4 per cent. not subject to Income Tax. The issue price -of the 5 per cent. Loan is £95, and it...

The criminal activities of the Gorman agents in America have

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been once more exposed. Bopp, the German Consul-General- at San Francisco, his Vice-Consul, and a military assistant have been convicted, with two Americans, of plotting to blow...

Lord. Devonport as Food Controller has made some useful new

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orders. Millers are to extract another 5 per cent. of flour from wheat, making 81 per cent. in all, or may add flour from other grain to make up the required percentage....

We deeply regret to record the death on January 11th

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of Count Alexandre Benckendorff, the able and popular Russian Ambassador in London. He had lived here since 1903, and had co-operated most assiduously in the building up of the...

During the past week we have received details of the

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very spirited action which took place on January 9th in what is roughly called the Sinai Peninsula, but which in its northern extremity should more accurately be called the...

General Smuts has been released from his East African command

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in order that be may represent the Union of South Africa at the coming Imperial War Conference. General Botha is unable to leave South Africa, partly because the Parliamentary...

Remember that the Hapsburgs feel towards the Hohenzollern the sort

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of feeling , which a Devonshire- country gentleman might have for a 'Manchester or Glasgow millionaire who not only was deter- mined to ran him, but had 'actually run him into...

Bank Rate, 51 per cent., changed from 6 per cent.

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Jan.18th.

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TOPICS OF THE DAY.

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LEAGUES TO ENFORCE PEACE. T HE Allies' Reply to Mr. Wilson's Note is not only a very able but a very wisely and happily worded document. In no particular is it more happy than...

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RAIDERS, SUBMARINES, AND SOME NAVAL PROBLEMS.

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W E have dealt elsewhere with the peril in which, under modem naval conditions, a nation is placed during war time when it has to depend for the livelihood of its people upon...

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THE PRODUCTION OF FOOD. T HE most pressing question of the

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moment is how to grow more food. The time is already long past for winter sowing, but every day that passes without a step forward being taken in the organization of agriculture...

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POINTS ABOUT THE LOAN.

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T HE Press has done very useful work in popularizing the terms of the new Loan but wo doubt whether sufficient stress has even yet been laid on the magnitude of the financial...

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" HURRAH AND HALLELUJAH."

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C AN history show anything comparable to the state of mind of the German nation at war ? For spiritual and mental arrogance, for egotism, for dire failure to see the point of...

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R OMANCE is to be found in the most unexpected places

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and things, but it does not seem at first sight possible to find it in a suet dumpling. Yet the other day when making that delectable compound, a boiled apple...

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CORRESPONDENCE.

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BREAD OR BEER ? [To THE EDITOR. OP TES " SPECTATOR.") Ent,—At the present time it is worth inquiring whether a greater gain of food material can be secured by compelling...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

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STATE PURCHASE. (To rzoi EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—Stick to your guns and insist on " Purchase " of the " Trade." It is an honest solution of the drink question, and...

(To TES EDITOR OF TES " SPWTATOIL") SHA,—I am an

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official in a fairly large brewery, and as such am not in favour of losing my means of living. I am also a citizen of Great Britain, and as such recognize the absolute necessity...

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SOME ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE DRINK PROBLEM.

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(To TES EDITOR or nic " SPEcraroic."1 S114—I think the following facts may interest your readers in regard to the many problems connected with the national expendi- ture on...

DRINK AND THE GIRL MUNITION WORKERS. (To TES EDITOR OF

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THR " SPECTATOR.") received the other day a letter from a University woman engaged in "Welfare Work" among women and girls who are employed in munition-making at certain large...

BEER AS 1.11.e. ORGANIZER OF VICTORY.

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(To THE EDITOR OF TAR " SPECTATOR.") Sia,—It would be interesting to the medical profession if you would kindly answer the following questions: (1) In our victorious wars the...

A PLEA FOR LIGHT BEERS.

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(To THE EDITOR or ma " SPECTATOR.") SIR,--I have been a regular reader of your paper for thirty years, and have worked for twenty years in a parish where there are now fifteen...

CATO . AND CORNLAND. . [To TES EDITOR OF TEE "

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SPECTATOR. SAR,7Was it not Cato who tried to prevent Cornland being turned into vinehurd in Italy; so diminishing the land's food product? Ninety-nine per cent, of prizes given...

• • AFTER VICTORY.

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Now is- the time for drinking, now; Now; now; the dance,be fast and frees Once more to-day the gods allow Their feast and ancient . Pageantry. Till now, the wine long stored at...

HORACE ON "DOWN GLASSES."

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(To THZ EDITOR or Tax " SPECTATOR.") . Sea,—The most eloquent advocate for "Down Glasses during the War " is Horace. We may cease to read the classics, but we have not yet...

" Ballymoney Rectory, Ballineen, Co. Cork, January 6, 1917,

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ARTHUR W. amens, Esq., K.C. Dna SIS,—I am very much interested in a movement whose object it is to press upon the Government the urgent need which there is at the present...

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY ELECTION.

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(To THE Berzon or THE "Sescrsroa."1 Sie,—I should be much obliged if you would kindly allow the following correspondence to appear in your paper.-1 am, Sir, &c., ANDREW...

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FREDERICK THE GREAT.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] Sie,—The name of Frederick the Great is often mentioned in these days. In a striking letter in last week's Spectator he is referred to...

"Mr. Samuels' Committee Rooms, 9 Trinity College, Dublin, January 8,

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1917. DEAR Sra,—In reply to your letter of 6th January I am in sympathy with The Strength of Britain Movement,' and would support any legislation the Government may bring...

"Sir Robert H. Woods' Committee Rooms, 24 Trinity College, Dublin,

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January 9th, 1917. DEAR Sia„—In reply to yours of the 6th inst., I fully recognize the importance to the nation of further large restrictions on tho output and sale of...

RUSSIA AT CONSTANTINOPLE.

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rro THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") Sia,—At a moment when German statesmen pretend to be aghast at the mere thought of Russia coming to Constantinople it may interest your...

RUNNING AMOK.

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(To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—III the Spectator for January 13th, p. 33, you incidentally observe: " In running amok at sea she [Germany] is sinking the very ships...

THE FOOD SHORTAGE IN GERMANY.

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(To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.") Sie,—In your issue of January 6th you published a letter from " A Faithful Reader " on the present food shortage in Germany. Your...

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CLERGY OF MILITARY AGE.

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[To me EDITOR or TEA " SPECTATOR."] Sue,—We are seeking to organize the labour resources of England. Are the clergy to be excluded? Here is a philanthropic effort to avoid...

VISCOUNT GREY AND THE ALLIES.

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[To THZ EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR."] Bra,—Your courteous but critical comment (in your "leader" of Saturday last dealing with " The Rome Conference and Bonds of Alliance ")...

AUSTRIAN POSSIBILITIES.

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[To THIS EDITOR OP TER " SPECTATOR."] SIE,—Your article on "Austrian Possibilities" is most timely, and has already been underlined by current events. It is well known to...

REGINALD JOHN SMITH: AN IMPRESSION.

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[To TES EDITOR or TES eamereroa."] Sra, — Will you allow me to add a few lines to your obituary notice of Reginald John Smith? I want to recall him not as a , public person,...

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THE RED CROSS SALE AT MESSRS. CHRISTIE'S. [To THE EDITOR.

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OF THE " SPECTATOR."] Sin,—Once more, and for the third time, the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John appeal to the ever-generous public to assist them in...

ORGANIZERS' CLEARING-HOUSE.

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(To THE EDITOR or THE " SPEcTAToa."1 Sra,—We have reason to believe that there is in the country a supply of talent and energy available for useful work which at present is...

A CORRECTION.

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[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."' SIR,—In the article, "Theodore Watts-Dunton," in your issue of December 16th, has not an error been made in referring to " the house of...

THE AUSTRALIAN REFERENDUM.

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(To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR."' Snr,—The following extract from the letter of a young Australian lady, a Roman Catholic of Irish descent but Colonial born, may be of...

(To THE EDITOR Or THE " SPECTATOR.") SLR,—I am very

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glad to see that an endeavour is being made to get as much food out of the ground as possible, and I think now would be a very suitable time if the farmers and small-holders...

"RATS AND MICE AND SUCH SMALL DEER."

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(To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR."' SIR,—With reference to this letter in the Spectator of December 16th, you will remember what the immortal Mr. Jorrocks said when asked if...

SWEATERS AND OTHER THINGS.

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rro THE EDITOR OP TEL "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—It has been my good fortune to transmit to the men in the field some thirty-two thousand sweaters since the war broke out. Sir Edward...

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" CHRIST IN FLANDERS."

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Owner; to the large and continued demand for copies of the poem entitled " Christ in Flanders," which appeared in our issue of September 11th, 1915, it has now been reprinted in...

" A STUDENT IN ARMS."

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Tat leading article in the Spectator on the death of Lieutenant Hankey and his article " Don't Worry " have been republished as a leaflet by Messrs. W. Speaight and Sons, 98-99...

THE PROHIBITION CAMPAIGN.

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[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR:] Ent,—May I congratulate you on opening your columns to a free discussion of the drink question? If the Prohibitionists have a strong case,...

THE HOUSEKEEPING PROBLEM.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR. " ] Sin,-1 believe there are many puzzled housekeepers who, like myself, are anxious to do their duty, but need information which would throw...

A MUSICAL LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND.

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[To THE EDITOR Or THE " SPECTATOR. " ] Sin,-Tbe urgent necessity of a library for the blind where manuscript Braille music can be borrowed is in these times manifest to all of...

NOTICE.—When "Correspondence" or Articles are signed with the writer's name

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or initials, or with a pseudonym, or are marked " Commtsk voted," the Editor trust not necessarily be held to be in agreement with the views therein expressed or with the mode...

WE have received the sum of £5 from Miss Hobson

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for the Scottish Women's Serbian Hospital Fund, making a total of £214 19s. 6d.

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POETRY.

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THE LAST SUNDAY OF TERM. (Morituri to staulant.) Now that with outstretched arms we stand For the last time before thy throne, Dear mother of the fostering hand, Deal...

BOOKS.

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BRITISH AGRICULTURE : THE NATION'S OPPORTUNITY.* " It has been said that ' the history of English agriesdture is the history of a series of changes from amble to pasture and...

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EUROPE UNBOUND.*

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Is this delightfully written series of essays Mr. March Phillipps philoso- phizes on the meaning of the war. As he says, failure to find a morally satisfying meaning in this...

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RECENT WAR POETRY.*

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Or the many soldier-poets whose loss we deplore, Lieutenant William Noel Hodgson,' of the 9th Devons, stood in the first rank. After a distinguished career as an athlete and...

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THE EMPIRE OF SILENCE.•

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Tar Rev. Charles Courtenay, Chaplain of Holy Trinity, Rome, has written a little over four hundred pages upon silence. He has produced an eminently readable and entertaining if...

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Episodes of the French Revolution in Brittany. By 0. Len6tre.

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(T. Nelson and Sons. Is. 3d. net.)—M. Lenetre, well known as a divoted student of the Revolution, gives in this book a detailed account of the terrible cruelties of Carrier,...

A Shilling for My Thoughts. By G. K. Chesterton. (Methuen

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and Co. la. net.)—This amusing miscellany has been selected by Mr. E. V. Lucas from eight of Mr. Chesterton's books, preference being given to his humorous pieces. One of the...

THE CREED OF A CHURCHMAN.*

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We welcome this little book as a plain statement, not in technical language as a creed, but in the form of addresses, of what the - Evan- gelical Party in the Church of England...

SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.

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motto in this oohs an does not neessssrilj pre:lois s:sSsszunst rerisw.I The Mysterious Stranger. By Mark Twain. (Harper and Brothers. is. 6d. net.)—This posthumous story is a...

Slavery of Proelitution. By Maud E. Miner. (Macmillan and Co.

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6s. 6d. net.)—Miss Miner, as Secretary of the New York Probation and Protection Association, has done a noble work in rescuing many young girls from the streets and giving...