The Monthly.

The leading article of the February Monthly, occupying the place of honor, is a carefully considered history and discussion of "The Chilean Imbroglio" by Dr. Freeman Snow. The timeliness of the discussion and the clear and thorough manner in which it is done make the article one which should be read by every Harvard man who is interested in, or desirous of information about, our recent relations with Chile. In particular, Dr. Snow dwells upon those matters of dispute which involve some of the nicer points of international law. He comes to the general conclusion that "the history of this affair, as well as that of our controversy with Chili in 1881, calls for serious reflection upon the position of our executive department in regard to foreign relations. For the executive may have a policy - not approved by Congress - which he may carry out in secret to a point where the nation, without knowing the facts or the justice of the cause, may be forced into a war. * * * * It is hardly necessary to reiterate the oft-repeated criticism, that our diplomatic service is in need of reform. It is safe to say, without any undue criticism of Mr. Egan, that if we had a trained diplomat in Chile, and naval officers more inclined to follow the strict letter of their instructions, there would have been no '"Chilean imbroglio."'

"Harvard, 1820-1824" is a pleasant reminiscent sketch of life at Harvard College seventy years ago. Mr. Artemas Bowers Muzzey, himself a '24 man, tells of the old professors - their peculiarities and methods. And the picture which he draws for us of the modus vivendi of 1820-24, so opposite in many things to that of the present day, is charmingly vivid.

Mr. William Lyon Phelps of the English department contributes a carefully written exposition of "David Mallet's Literary Forgery," the author of the 18th century, whose literary reputation is chiefly due to a piece of poetry which he never wrote. Mr. Phelps' method in desiring with the subject is thorough, his language is vigorous, and the article will appeal to all men interested in the stroy English literature.

"An English Amiel" is the late Mark Pattison, Rector of Lincoln College. Oxford. And Mr. Lovett has succeeded in this short essay of his in sketching the dominant characteristics of Pattison's nature, and in noting striking analogies between the morbidly sensitive Englishman and the author of the Journal Intime.

Mr. Cummings' penchant for adjective titles is again noticeable in his essay called "Fanciful." There are in it the same elements of originality and incoherency which marked his last effort in the December Monthly, "Rational." On the whole, however, "Fanciful" leaves a pleasant impression on one.

The verse of the number is good. The poem which to us seems to deserve the most praise ls "How the Mead-slave Was Set Free" by William Vaughn Moody. As in almost all of Mr. Moody's poems, the language is vigorous and the thought sustained. That he has a large vocabulary and is able to use it well is one of the chief elements of whatever poetic strength the author may possess, - and one of the most notable features of the poem in question is the almost complete absence of commonplace expressions.

"Walhalla" is a warlike lyric of the old Norse mythological days. The poem mirrors well the rough poetry and god-strength of the life depicted. "Age and Youth" by J. T. Stickney is, curiously enough, a poetical expression of certain ideas which Charles Dudley Warner gave vent to in the last Harper's. The poem - for it is a poem, rather than mere verse - shows promise.

An excellent editorial on the late Professor Lovering, and several book reviews complete the number.