_The Origin of Republican Form of Government._[H] This book discusses in an historico-philosophical vein the genesis, growth, and development of the constitution of the American Republic, and the exposition attempted in its pages, if not exhaustive, is yet lucid, masterly, and suggestive. While unable to admit the soundness of some of the author's premises, or to acquiesce in all his conclusions, we are glad to recognize the high value of his contribution to the literature of a profoundly interesting subject, which hitherto can hardly be said to have monopolized the attention and thought of American historians. The author is probably wrong in thinking that in the pages of his interesting little book he is pursuing an almost entirely untravelled path, but there can be no doubt that considerable credit is due to him, for pointing out the exceeding fruitfulness of a too much neglected field of historical inquiry. The chapters on the political and religious causes of the Revolution are worthy of a careful reading, and indeed we cordially commend the book as a whole to all who wish to know the "record of their country's birth," and the constitutional guaranties of their personal "peace, liberty and safety."
_Battle of the Bush_,[I] by Robert B. Caverly, is a series of historical dramas published in pamphlet form, to be subsequently consolidated, according to the advertisement of the publisher, "into a neat volume of about three hundred and fifty pages." To those in love with the curious legends and romantic incidents of early colonial history this work in its present attractive form will be especially welcome. The simplicity as well as savagery of Indian life is here placed in conjunction and contrast with the sober domestic manners and customs, high-toned morality and religion of the early Pilgrim people. The various relations between the two, incident to neighborhood, trade, and intercourse,--relations sometimes of friendship and sometimes of conflict,--are often strikingly exhibited, and the author succeeds in awakening a genuine interest in those old-time affairs. The beautiful illustrations which enrich the work give it an additional attraction and value.
_Railroad Transportation; its History and its Laws_,[J] by Arthur J. Hadley, is worthy of careful study, and is likely to attract some attention, discussing, as it does, questions of railroad history and management which have become matters of public concern, and aiming to present clearly the more important facts of American railroad business, to explain the principles involved, and to compare the railroad legislation of different countries and the results achieved. Mr. Hadley's book admirably supplements the extant literature on the subject, prominently presenting and ably discussing many hitherto neglected features of importance. The book will prove valuable to railroad stockholders, to statesmen desirous of a fuller understanding of a question of great national interest, and to the American public generally.