PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED

Otago Witness, Issue 2671, 24 May 1905, Page 49

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED

The Monthly Review for April (London: John Murray, 2s 6d net) opens with a short poem, "In the City," by John Davidson. "The Psychology of the Russian Nation," by A. S. Rappoport, is a not very cheerful, if convincing, analysis of the mental characters of the people of Rusaia. The writer is not impressed by the possibilities of increasing civilisation in the land of the Czar. *• If the Russian nation impresses us as fluctuating and ineonstaift, »s a psychological riddle, baffling a-iia-lysis and _ investigation, it is not the result of its still being in a state of becoming and development, neither is it a sign of youth. The inequality and inconstancy, the vagueness and chaos are fundamental traits of the national soul and character which neither time not historical events ever obliterate. The Russian nation has a fixed character, and h perfectly constant in its inconstancy." This is his text — the commentary thereon makes saddening reading. Under the title " Aye Atque Vale, Honestates," J. F. W. Howley discusses the possible outcome of certain changes he sees in process of unfolding in England of to-day. He, too, is somewhat pessimistic, fearing that the love of " re-pecta-bility" is being driven to the wall in English town and country. " What," he asks, "will it profit John Buli if he ceases to be a hypocrite only to become a brute?" What, indeed ! But perhaps John is no more likely to become a brute than ever he las been. '" Bsethoven," by Arthur Symons, has interest for the general reader as "well as the musical devotee- ; while ** Popular Songs of Old Canada," by George Stewart, will prove of curious interest to readers having a sufficient knowledge of the French language. "A Sidelight on India: The ByJe," is by E. H. Aitken. It is a caustiejJiy humorous description of the Hindoo cart, or " hakkery " driver, and his " byle," or bullock. The eketoh is luridly effective, realistic, and somewhat repulsive, being seemingly a truthful delineation of degradation common to man and beast. " Quaint Aiemories," by Emma Hessey, is a first instalment of very pleasantly recorded anecdote and village story. M. Ferdinand Brunetiere contributes a centenary address — at once critical and sympathetic — on " Saint-Beuve," who is treated of as the founder of modem literary criticism. "About Thinking Imperially," from -the pen of Moreton Frewen, is an important article, dealing especially with national relations between Britain and her colonies and the great competing countries which Ihiearten her trade and general prestige. " Great Britain and Germany " is the subject of a voluminous article by J. L. Ba6hford, who writes reassuringly and with common sense. A paper on " The Later Bourbons," by G. W. P., and a goodly slice of H. O. Bailey's sprightly serial, " Beaujeu,' complete an excellent contents list.

The Rev. T. B. Swift, of Alexandra, the oldest Presbyterian minister in active work in Victoria, was present at the opening session of tae commission of the Presbyterian Assembly in Melbourne (says the Herald). Mr Swift, who will be 84 on Ootober 14 next, has entire charge of seven, congregations, and on a Sabbath drives from 85 to 38 miles to conduct the three services of the day Mr Swift keeps splendid horses, and. if neees&ary. he can, like Jehu, drive " furiously."

A widow, Mrs Janet Young, aged 79 years, died suddenly at Drummond en Sunday eveninac 14th i&afc-