FROM JANUARY 6th TO JUNE 30th, 1917, INCLUSIVE. TOPICS OF THE DAY. A CLA N I), Sir Thomas, his Example .. 264 Addison, a Spectator Fad In the Days of . 434 Agriculture, How to...

happen at the Sereth line. Here the Sereth crosses the neck of Rumania at its narrowest point, and as the fortified line reaches nearly to the mountains at one end and to the...

the Army Inquiry of which the two Reports were published in the newspapers on Thursday. On that unsavoury subject the less said the better. Unless our feelings are no guide to...

in reading it we should remember that unless the Germans can dispose of the Rumanian and Russian Armies, which they have not yet done, or can fill their depleted granaries and...

sense, or small sense, of decency and propriety attempt to pull strings and flutter their petticoats at the War Office, that great Department has no means of protecting itself...

by Mr. and Mrs. Birch, for we fear that the judicial language of the Court may disguise from some readers the magnitude of the courage they displayed. They found that Mr....

T HE shortage of food remains the question of the hour. " We are a beleaguered city." Yet we continue to turn foodstuffs into intoxicants. Does such a state of things satisfy...

have presented a new and drastio Note to King Constantine, requiring him to guarantee the safety of their forces at Salonika by removing his troops from Northern Greece into the...

the demands of the Allies as little as possible. The evacua- tion of Epirus, for instance, proceeds in a leisurely fashion. Not many soldiers come in the steamer which makes an...

case.

But this eminent dispenser of military fortunes has not prevented a fair amount of activity from being displayed. Raids and mutual artillery strafing are more or less...

in every part of the world, but perhaps nothing is more send sational, snore reminiscent of blue lights: and the accents of warning and suspense from the-orchestra, than the...

which le d immediately to the war, and points out how Belgium, was invaded by an Empire which had guaranteed her neutrality, and which has had the assurance to proclaim that...

innumer- able outrages , committed by Germany and her allies • demand penalties, reparation, and guarantees for security in the future. The object of the overtures was to create...

terms . the proposal to -negotiate :- " Once again the Allies declare that no peace is possible so long as they have not secured reparation of violated rights and liberties,...

of the Allies to the German Peace Note. The document, which is clearly and ably written, begins by describing the Entente Powers as " united - for the defence of the freedom of...

and brought an unwarranted charge against Sir John Cowans, but it warms the heart to think that in the cause of justice they were invincible and undismayed. It must be...

yet appeared. These naturally are of- more interest to the Service than to the general public, but we cannot refrain from offering our most hearty congratulations- to the...

brought much enlightenment. It has shown the American people that the Allies, instead of being beaten, as they have been repeatedly told by the 'Germans, not only consider...

see was a not unfriendly, and therefore perfectly legitimate, question by Mr. Wilson will be published at the end of this. week. It will, we trust,* give -further enlightenment...

Belgium It show& • how, in spite of the fact that she possessed a special status rendering her territory inviolable and placing her under the guarantee of the Powers and outside...

nothing which is superflucius. No finesse was needed and none is practised. A better proof of the sincerityr‘of the Allied Powers could not have been given. In face of thii...

and party scandal, or attempt to decide how much was true, how much cruelly 'unjust gossip, but there can be no doubt that Rasputin did play in Russian society -the part of a...

The names of those who took part in the deed are generally known. It is no exaggeration to say that the whole of Russia breathes more freely for the removal of a most baleful...

languages, partly, however, because English is spoken all the world over and because our great literature is almost inexhaustible. He touched on the true cause of much ignorance...

between, the Grand Shereef of Mecca and -the Allies, carried on mainly through the_ intermediation of _British authorities in Egypt and the Sudan, it has . been agreed that the...

ill-health and overwork—occurred last week, had been since 1899 the head of the publishing then of Smith, Elder, and Co. In this position he faithfully and genially maintained...

wore erowned as King and Queen of Hungary at Budapest ornSaturday, December 30th. Count Tisza as Palatine .placed the. Iron Crown on the King's head. When Francis Joseph came to...

Belgium differently during the war if there had not been an over- whelming demand upon their humanity. Lord French said that from a .purely military point of view the right...

view with Mr. Edward Price Bell, the London correspondent of the Chicago Daily News. Mr. Bell asked whether Lord French thought the small neutral countries were in danger of...

has lost no time in inviting the county War Agricultural Com- mittees to find out how much land can be brought under cultivation this spring and how much more can be made ready...

Monday at the University of London, Sir Henry. Miers, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester, who presided, spoke of the general interest in educational matters as the...

education in an address which he gave to the Conference oa Tuesday. " We • were now improving, or were before war broke out," especially in " the older, deeply rooted schools."...

axample of Switzerland in informing the belligerent Powers that they sympathize with President Wilson's Note and hope that something may come of it. On the other hand, Spain,...

13th, '16.

THE OPPORTUNITY THAT WILL NOT RETURN. T HE British people have before them the opportunity to solve the Liquor problem. Will they seize it, or will they let it pass unused,...

W E desire to urge upon all Ivho have hitherto supported us in our policy to follow our example, and to let the Government know that they will agree to Purchase, confident that...

A Nangry man, it has been said, opens his mouth and shuts his eyes. Many of our countrymen, hotly im- patient of delay, and ignorant, as we believe, of at least half of the...

produced a certain feeling of unrest in India—a condition not dangerous, but to some extent a source of anxiety. Private letters from India tell us that on all hands there is an...

TN this war the nation has discovered the splendour of its youth. 1 We may not say that the development of the noblest qualities in the flower of the nation is a justification...

city of splendid Art and pleasure, of lagoons and gondolas and man- dolins and magic moonlight—in Venice they don't hire the moon- light any more, it breeds aeroplanes—to hear...

GERMANY'S PERIL.—I. FOOD TROUBLES. (To THE EDITOR OF TIER " SPECTATOR.") Sue,—Germany's food position is undoubtedly becoming extremely serious. Before the war Germany...

Sta,—I have been a constant reader of your paper for many years, and have always understood that it has rightly enjoyed a high reputation for fairness and justice. I regret to...

of December 23rd you bring certain very grave charges against brewers, which I, being one of that much-abused class, find it difficult to let pass without protest. I should have...

I be to requite the hospitality granted me in your correspondence columns for many years by knowingly misrepresenting your attitude on any question. My Spectators are generally...

SIR,,—You may care to publish the following passage from a letter I have recently received. Good luck to you in your "Down Glasses" campaign !—I am, Sir, &c., J. C. F. "Dem Ma....

[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] Sta,—Now that "State purchase" is about a certainty, we are all hoping that you will still adhere to your words, published in the Weekly...

[To THE EDITOR 07 THE "Specrtroa."] Sia,—You call "liquor [beer and wine] a stimulant," "a drug, a sedative; it slows down the human machine, and so interferes with our power...

December 23rd is the strongest on the subject of " Down Glasses" that I have ever read, which is saying a good deal, as I read the Spectator regularly. It is unanswerable, and...

[To THE EDITOR 07 THE " SPECTATOR."] Sra,—Your correspondent Mr. E. L. Oliver puts his finger on a vital point in your campaign in favour of " Down Glasses." Stop using the...

[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") you allow me, among many other of your readers, to express my warmest thanks for your persistent and courageous advocacy of Prohibition of...

[To rue EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR."] Six, — " Alcohol and Life Insurance " is the title of an article by E. L. Fisk which appeared in a recent number of the Atlantic Monthly. It...

(To THE EDITOR or TEL " SPECTATOR.") SIR, —In your excellent leading article tinder this heading in the last issue you allude to the restoration of the Danish portion of...

CTo THE EDITOR or TEE "SPECTATOR. "] Sia,—I enclose a quotation from a Canadian letter on the effects of prohibition in Ontario. The case is put with Colonial vigour, but is, I...

[To THE EDITOR Or THE " SPECTATON."] SIE.,—As you very wisely point out in your "` Down Glasses' — The Test Case " article, the drink evil is not a temperance but a national...

[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—As one of the heaviest drinkers of our mess, and speaking for two others, I write in appreciation of the line you have adopted with...

[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR.") Sre.,—We country clergy are anxious about the organization of National Service. We are very much afraid that a second mistake will be made...

[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."] Srs,—I have often read of the Scottish woman who told Robert the Bruce that six of her sons had been killed fighting for Scotland, but that...

[To THE EDITOR or euz " SPECTATOR."] Sra,—A cable message in the Melbourne newspapers of the Cth inst. informed us of the very flattering terms in which you commented upon the...

[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") Sra,—The Lancaster Road School for Mothers is appealing for ..£300. It needs £300 to maintain a good creche for small children in Notting...

[To THE EDITOR 07 THE " SPECTATOR.") Sin,—After reading your article, "Peace Terms," the question becomes insistent--Can the Prussian military caste be destroyed unless utterly...

[To Tan EDrroa or THE " SPECTATOR.") Sna—The Hems Office has just recognized the Importance, espeoially at the present time, of providing healthy employment and recreation for...

[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") Sus,—Has anybody remembered to quote these two verses out of Mrs. Browning's poem "First News from Villafranca "1— fa Peace, peace, is...

[To TIII Enron or THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—It is related how, during the late Lord Lytton's Vice- royalty, a Soots Member of Council one morning at the close of the sitting drew...

[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") 61x,—I want you to know that there is one American at least who blushes with shame at the attitude of our Government in this great world...

[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") Sra,—Mr. Richardson Evans's letter in your issue of December 23rd draws attention to what I have long regarded as a public shame and...

[To THE EDITOR 07 THE " SPECTATOR.") Sra,—As I understand it Local Authorities may enter forthwith on any unoccupied land except gardens or pleasure grounds usually occupied...

[To THE EDITOR 07 THE " SPECTATOR.") Sin,—This war-story, which has just reached me in a letter from a private in the Household Battalion who is now in hospital, may perhaps...

ITO THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—Your many and interesting references to the life and speeches of Abraham Lincoln made me wish to have the best " Life " available....

Pro THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR.") Snt,—In your issue of November 4th you make the statement that you have changed your mind with regard to the Channel Tunnel project, and...

SPECTATOR.") SIR,—I used to hear the song sent you by " R. P." called " The Old Country Squire " many years ago, and I got the words and musio from Mr. Joseph Williams, 24...

SPECTATOR.") Sia,—May I give two quotations from Ovid? (1) As a reply to President Wilson and for our own encouragement :- " Vincuntur caussa Parthi : vincantur et armis." (2)...

(To me EDITOR. or THE " SPECTATOR.") Sia,—One almost feels that the Spectator should found a " Hankey Fraternity " of all who have enjoyed and profited by the gifted young...

CTo THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") Sin,—A fortnight ago, in reviewing The lVaiJ Woman, you wrote: "There is, so to speak, very little in it. Probably that is why it never saw...

OF rue " SPECTATOR. " ] Sia,—Your contributor Mr. R. B. Marston mentions several families that have been represented both at Agincourt and on the Somme. The casualty-lists of...

[To THE EDITOR 07 THE " SPECTATOR."] But,—The interesting letter from the Rev. J. C. Ormerod, C.F., snider the above heading in your issue of December 23rd, puts me in mind of...

[TO THE EDITOR OP TEL SPECTATOR."] Sin, —In your excellent article, " An Appeal to Mr. Boner Law," which offers suggestions for increased taxation, you do not mention a tax on...

[To TEE Enrroa or S8a " Seseraroa."] SIR, With reference to your note of December 16th, the beet guardians of our grain supply are owls and cats. The owl, though known as " the...

(To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOIL."3 SIR,—The following quotation from Chaucer seems to support the view that the well-fed cat may be a keen hunter :— " Let take a cat, and...

[TO THE EDITOR Of THE " SPI:CTATOR."] bin,—A pet dog, a small Blenheim spaniel, is in the habit of playing with a tennis-ball and working it with his paws until he gets it in...

(To THE EDITOR or rue " SPECTATOR."] Elni,—Your correspondent " II. B." (December 23rd) asks whether, in a certain connexion, the word " Dorbyste " should not be corrected to "...

or TIER "Sereraroa.") Sia,—The apparent attempt to whitewash the Central Power. recalls one of the " rarities " witnessed by Christiana and her companions during their visit to...

(To TER EDITOR OF TEl SPECTATOR."] Sia,—The suggestions in your issue of December 16th to tax pet dogs 10s. in future is ridiculously inadequate. If you will refer to the...

(To THE EDITOR 07 TEE SPECTATOR."] Bra,—The wife of an officer, now in the fighting line, has taught her little boy of three to sing before he sleeps at night the National...

(To ras Enrros or rag "Srscuroir."1 Sra,—I am ever ready to hear, and benefit by if I can, sincere and unprejudiced criticism. "Happy are they that bear their detractions and...

QUESTIONS OF WAR AND PEACE.* IN these brilliant Platonic; dialogues on current questions Professes L. T. Hobhouse, the Martin-White Professor of Sociology in the Uni- versity...

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

Ovma 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...

KINGS 0' MEN. I mita thought as I could wish To be King Gorge upon his throne : " Nay, not for me," I allus said, " I'd liefer bide here on me own, Free on the hillside 'long...

who sent us the young officer's letter to his god-daughter " Phyllisanne " would kindly forward her name and address.

or initials, or with a pseudonym, or are marked " Communi- &ad," the Editor must not necessarily be held to be in agreement with the views therein expressed or with the mode of...

SOME inexplicable interest hangs about all that appertains to a Court. Such a thought as this will, we are sure, pass through the minds of those who read the newly published...

To an absorbing and fascinating book Mr. Innocent has elected to give the veracious but misleading and faintly repellent title of The Develop- ment of British Building...

groat literature has been subjected to a process of " reading in., All the great writers of the past, we suppose, would be astonished if they knew what an amount of extraneous...

Philippe Millet's charming book, En Liaison avec lee Anglaia, reviewed by us some three months ago, has been translated, and very well translated, by Lady Frazer, and placed...

nature of an auto- biography. In it he draws a picture of himself which one must believe to be lifelike—every moment he makes us feel that he is showing himself as he is. It...

Ice the years that have passed since Stevenson brought out his Child's Garden of Verses we have not seen a prettier book of rhymes for children than this. Mr. De In Mare attains...

DB. SILADWELL in the Nineteenth Century insists that the crucial ordeal with which we are faced in 1917 is a trial not of virile capacity in the field, but of strength to endure...

G OG.• Tuts is a war story pure and simple, and one of the very best that have been written. Mr. Fetterless is careful to make it clear that this is a work of fiction in so far...

is doubtful whether Mr. Archibald Marshall will succeed in making the Conway family into possible rivals for the Clintons, about whom ho has written so many pleasant stories. "...

[Notice in this column sloes not ttecessarilg precluis subsequent review.] The Home of To-day. By a Woman who Keeps One. (Chatto and Windus. 5s. net.)—The writer of this book...

Daniel Frohman. (John Lane. 12s. 6d. net)—However keenly interested we may be in the drama, it is difficult to deny that there is something particularly sordid and distasteful...

and Co. 6s.)—A war story concerning two brothers who go through many adventures.—The Breath of the Dragon. By A. H. Fitch. (G. P. Putnam' a Sons. Os.)—The scene of this exciting...

12s. 6d. net.)—Mr. Escott has known so many eminent people and remembers so many anecdotes about them that his discursive books are always readable. In this new volume he flits,...

Hayward. 6s. not.)—This is a pleasant fantasy of an immortal faun who loved a mortal maiden and was scorned by her, but nevertheless served her faithfully since Pan would not...

of the persecutions of the Jugoslays by their Austro-Magyar conquerors and detailed reports of the more important of the political trials that took place between the years...

Publishing Co. London : Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. 5s. net.)—The wattle or acacia blossom, as every one knows, has been selected as the national emblem of Australia. This...

Rawnsley. (Kendal : Titus Wilson. 12s. 6d. net.)—The little village in the Lake Country, charming in itself and associated always in literature with Wordsworth, De Quincey, and...

millan and Co. 10s. 6d. net.)—Europe has hoard of the Cuban poets Heredia and Flacido, but knows little about Spanish-American authors in general. This book is a carefully...

of the second edition of Father Payne (Smith, Elder, and Co., 7s. 6d. net), which was issued anonymously. He says in his preface that he likes to publish his books in this way,...

indictment of Austro-Hungarian methods of governing the Slays, based on letters to the Spectator and other journals, originally appeared in 1912, and the bulk of it, curiously...