The Editorial Review

resources which have made of it the great wheat producing country, upon which, to a large extent, other nations are dependent; the phenomenal expansion of the Canadian Government in its transportation facilities which have opened up in the great Far West's almost unlimited resources in vegetable and mineral wealth; the development of large sections of the South American Republics and the bringing of these into trade relations with the United States and other great nations in a way that but a few years ago would have been impossible,these are some of the facts and conditions that have changed altogether the face of Capital-Labor problems, and brought into being an entirely new set of circumstances and conditions. It has been recognized, even by some of the leaders of socialism, that the organization of labor, known as Labor Unions, is one of the most inimical forces at work against the carrying of socialistic theories into practical effect.

In the book under review one of the aphorisms that seems to us as peculiarly ironical is that "the message of socialism is business for the common good." Tennyson, in his poem "Mary" has some lines that run:

"A lie that is wholly a lie can be met with and fought outright, A lie that is half a lie is a difficult matter to fight."

This is true of socialistic theories in general, and more particularly of that singled out. The experience of all trials of socalled socialistic communities shows what a dismal failure any attempt has been to reduce Business to any cut and dried programme, to any mathematical rule, or to endeavor to equalize where equality means stagnation. The writer goes on to say that socialism "is as truly practical, and as much for present-day conditions as it is 'moral.'" He states that when Mr. Gladstone proposed to enlarge the franchise in England there were those who predicted that it meant the downfall of the country. When the Suez Canal was begun, an eminent engineer asserted that the whole scheme was insane, for the reason that the Red Sea was 27 feet higher than the Mediterranean. Many times the steam railroad was shown to be impossible, and scientists proved on paper that aviation was chimerical. From these instances of the way in which individual opinion has oftentimes to give way to the consensus of opinion in the evolution of the work of mankind, the author very adroitly ends his argument of three hundred pages, by

showing that all attempts to solve the great business problems that are today engaging the attention of so many earnest men, not only statesmen and politicians, but many of the rank and file in private life, who are none the less earnest students, are absolutely futile because the one panacea, the one thing that shall save humanity and wield together all business on one magnificent whole, shall promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number is-Socialism.

Laird & Lee (Chicago), publishers of many useful dictionaries in English, Spanish and other languages, have just issued an admirable little manual, The New Standard Business and Social Letter-Writer. The editor is Alfred B. Chambers, Ph.D., and the work has been done with commendable thoroughness and comprehensiveness. Clearness and letters of real use, instead of, is is usual in such books, stilted, impossible phraseology, make this Letter-Writer of value to those at a loss for the proper forms and usages of correspondence, and for suggestions of ideas suitable to be expressed on various

occasions.

We have received a book entitled "Practical Method for Self Development-Spiritual, Mental and Physical," written and published by Elizabeth Towne, of Holyoke, Mass. It is an attempt to present in popular form some of the phases of what is commonly known as the "New Thought." On this subject there has been of late years a great deal written, from both a therapeutical and a sentimental point of view and considerable confusion of ideas and loose thinking have been put before the public as scientific explanation of well-known phenomenon in the spiritual, mental and physical worlds. We confess to having had scant patience with some of these effusions; we are, therefore, the more pleased to be able to commend this small book because of its earnestness, clarity of expression and enthusiasm.

Panama; The Canal, The Country and The People. By Albert Edwards. The Macmillan Company. $2.50 net.

The Immigration Problem. By Jeremiah W. Jenks, Ph.D., LL.D., and W. Jett Lauck, A.B. Funk & Wagnalls Company. $1.75 net.

The President's Cabinet. Studies in the Origin, Formation and Structure of an American Institution. By Henry Barrett Learned. Yale University Press. $2.50 net.

Business, the Heart of the Nation. Charles Edward Russell. John Lane Company. $1.50 net.

The New Standard Business and Social Letter-Writer. Laird & Lee. Price $1.00 net.

With Our Publishers

IN our December number we outlined our policy in regard to presenting the political issues in this Presidential year. We started the series in our February issue with "Some Presidential Aspects," by Francis Curtis, Literary Director of the Republican Congressional Committee. In the same number there was a notable article by the Governor of Alabama on the Initiative and the Referendum, a subject that has become of most timely importance owing to the recent decision of the United States. Supreme Court.

In the current number, "Why Not Take the Post Office Out of Politics?" by Congressman Norris, covers one of the foremost issues of the day. "Our National Library," by Herbert Putnam, Librarian of Congress, will be appreciated by thoughtful men and women everywhere, and in an early issue this will be followed by an account of some of the treasures and rarities in books and manuscripts in the principal European Libraries, from the pen of one who is familiar with them.

In the April number we shall publish important articles by the Campaign Managers of the various candidates for the Presidency, thus placing before our readers the claims of the respective men to public support at the forthcoming election.

Lovers of music and drama will be pleased to know that Mr. Robert Grau will give a series of articles on theatrical and operatic topics. This conspectus of our plans will, we feel sure, convince our readers that THE EDITORIAL REVIEW will continue to maintain the high reputation for timeliness of topics and prevision of the trend of thought that has been attested by the words of encouragement and laudation coming to us from all parts of the country.

CHEER AND CRITICISM.

EVERY publisher is glad to know that his magazine has the approval of its readers; and is quite willing to confess to a feeling of pride in reading commendatory letters from subscribers.

If he have the permanent interests of his magazine at heart, and if he would not lose sight of the fundamental bases upon

which he is building the publication, he will welcome honest criticism even more than praise.

The publishers of THE EDITORIAL REVIEW delight in reading words of commendation of the magazine, and take this opportunity of thanking those who have written us for the kindly interest evinced, but would more eagerly grasp at and seriously consider letters that call their attention to its shortcomings.

Have you any criticism on the magazine, or any suggestions for its improvement?

Here are a few more complimentary epistles received during the past month.

One of our subscribers has been reading THE EDITORIAL REVIEW since its first issue, and he recommends it to "all who desire to be well informed on current controversies of present-day problems."

"I have read your magazine with interest from its first issue.

"I believe the unbiased, non-partisan attitude you adopt in presenting matters of importance to the thinking portion of the community is invaluable.

"I recommend it to all who desire to be well informed on current controversies and present-day problems."

The following letters are from new subscribers, who are so impressed by the initial number sent them that they graciously write to tell us of their delight:

"Please place my name among your subscribers. I would send check today to cover the cost for one year, but do not know how much is needed.

"I noticed your magazine a few days ago and was much impressed by its scope and the excellent methods you use in bringing the topics before your readers. If you keep the standard as it now is you can count upon me for many years."

"I duly received your favor of January 30th, and have recently read the February number of THE EDITORIAL REVIEW. I am so much impressed therewith that I am enclosing a subscription, together with $2 in currency.

“I am naming upon the subscription blank five of my friends, and hope that they may be equally impressed with your magazine."