King Solomon’s Mines. By H. Rider Haggard. Cassell & Co., N. Y.
This is a book that all may read with pleasure, mainly because it is something out of the usual order. Being rather a compromise between Robinson Crusoe and the Arabian Nights, you are constantly catching glimpses of these books and yet at the same time, reading a new story. The author takes an Englishman to South America in search of a lost brother who, as the Englishman thinks, has found his way to King Solomon’s Mines. Guides and other necessaries being procured, the party set out across the desert for these inaccessible mines. After overcoming many and varied difficulties, they find the diamonds. The party is shut up by the old witch in charge of the cave; but, finally escaping with many of her jewels, they by chance find the lost brother and return to civilization. The author is not so unkind as to force his truths upon you, but rather takes it for granted that his statements will be received as given, for no other purpose than that of entertaining. There is a vein of humor running through it that makes the whole story very agreeable, and even when most astonished at his statements, you are compelled to laugh at the courteous way in which they are expressed. In originality of expression, this novel surpasses the majority, and adds a full book to Cassell’s “Rainbow Series.”
The Labor Movement in America. By Richard T. Ely, Ph. D., Associate in Political Economy, Johns Hopkins University. 1 Vol. Thomas Y. Crowell & Co. pp. 375.
Every one who is even partially acquainted with the present condition of the laboring masses and with the “marvellous war now being waged in the heart of modern civilization” can not fail to see readily the necessity for some one to undertake to solve the difficult problem with which this volume deals. In view of this fact, and being duly impressed with the weight and importance of this issue upon which the welfare of humanity depends, the author has devoted much time and labor, not only to the consideration of this problem, but also to condensing the results into a history, or rather, as he says, a “sketch” of the different labor organizations in America. The work deals chiefly with the main current of social life, not finding room in this volume to deal with the many separate lesser ones. He presents rather than refutes the important statements connected with this main current, although he does not abstain entirely from criticism.
The topics are systematically arranged, enabling the reader more clearly to understand and more easily to retain the accurate record of facts. His sketch on “Early American Communism” and that on “The Growth and Present Condition of Labor Organizations in America” are especially interesting and instructive. His treatment of the economic and educational values of the labor organizations is masterly and explicit, evincing a thorough understanding of the great principles upon which our social fabric is based. In the Appendix are given the Platforms, Constitutions and By-Laws of the various labor organizations, which are read with interest and profit, inasmuch as the principles and complaints of the laborer are clearly set forth therein. The last words penned in the preparation of the work are addressed to the working men. The caution and the counsel given in this address would prove of incalculable value to all whom they concern. Were these heeded, inestimable benefits would most certainly accrue to all the laboring classes. If they would pursue the course prescribed by the author, they would be much happier, wealthier and wiser. They would learn to appreciate instead of abuse the many blessings of this life. Then the riots, strikes, boycottes and outbursts of general discontent, for a long time so prevalent in the land, would soon become almost a matter of history. The author’s abhorrence of the many objectionable features connected with the labor movement can be plainly seen, although he does not feel it incumbent upon him to call attention to each one of them; but, when it is necessary, he does not hesitate to express his opinion touching many of the schemes for destruction, which he regards as “damnable.” This valuable work closes with the remedies for the cure of social evils. While they can not be properly called a panacea for all the ills, nor an elaborate scheme of social regeneration, yet, as suggestions, they are timely and well worthy the careful consideration of the reader. Every laborer, either contented or dissatisfied with his present lot, should read this book.
COLLEGES.
Princeton wants to be a University.
Yale is to have a $125,000 gymnasium.