William I., King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany, though dead, will ever live in the memory of both American and European people through the lasting results of the past half century's events. No other person has been so uninterruptedly successful in the accomplishment of his plans. No other monarch has held as he has, the affections and conserved the trusts of his people. Hence, it is natural and proper that they should mourn his loss, and tremble at the uncertainty of finding in a successor all the qualities of their late ruler. The Emperor Frederick is slowly dying. It was hoped that on his succession to the throne the German policy would be liberalized and that the strength which the Empire had acquired would be manifested in allowing more freedom in the expression of opinion and in political action. But such hopes must soon prove vain; for the crown will soon pass to the Emperor William's grandson, who is thought to be of quite a different cast from his heroic and hapeless father. He will have the counsel and assistance of Bismarck, but nevertheless the world will breathe uneasily for months, and, it may be, for years to come. The great question with the German people is, will the change bring in its train continued peace or a beginning of war.
The recent speeches of several of the most prominent Republicans in the United States Senate, notably that of Mr. Ingalls, reflects discredit not only upon them, but also upon their constituents throughout the North. They prove conclusively that sectional hatred has not yet ceased to exist among a large class of people at the North, and that they still cherish a malignant feeling of resentment toward the South. The spirit displayed in these speeches is contemptible, and the very essence of narrow-mindedness; it would ill become the Middle Ages, much less this enlightened nineteenth century. It is in vain that appeals are made to cause the North and the South to forget the past, and become re-united in the bonds of brotherhood and affection, so long as representatives of the North pursue such a virulent course toward the Southern people. Mr. Ingalls' speech proves him to be a partisan demagogue, and unworthy to hold his present high position. The best class of people of both sections have long since become disgusted with bloody-shirt politics and hearing sectional feeling appealed to, and should see to it that broad-minded men are chosen to represent them in Congress. Then, and not till then, will both sections become fully reconciled.
Reviews.
J. S. BASSETT, Hesperian, }
W. J. HELMS, Columbian, } Editors.
The Temperance Movement: or, The Conflict between Man and Alcohol. By Henry William Blair, United States Senator from New Hampshire. Boston, William E. Smythe Company. 8vo., pp. xxiv 583. 1888.
Every voter should read this book. The author, who, by reason of his many philanthropic efforts and high political position, commands the confidence of all, presents for consideration a comprehensive statement of the nature and the physical and moral effects of alcoholic drinks, discusses proposed remedies for the evil it entails, dwells on prohibition, and gives an historical sketch of the efforts made in temperance reform. Those who wish to understand this rapidly growing question would find what they desire in this book. The argument is substantiated by facts, and many valuable tables are given. Maps, colored plates showing the effects of alcohol on the physical organs, and fifty-eight full page portraits of leading workers in the temperence cause, together with a clear, forcible style, good type and attractive binding, add much to the general desirableness of the work. It contains a portrait of Prof. J. C. Price, of Zion Wesley College, Salisbury, N. C., and mention is made of him as "one of the foremost temperance orators now living." An elaborate index and an appendix containing Justice Harlan's opinion on the Kansas cases closes the volume.
Lessons in English Grammar. By Alfred H. Welsh (Ohio State University), Author of "Development of English Literature and Language," &c. pp. vii, 237. Chicago: John C. Buckbee and Company. 1888.