[Review of The Marrow of Tradition]

The Marrow of Tradition, By Charles W. Chesnutt, is a graphic presentment of the evils of the blind race-prejudice which still rages in the Southern States. The author's blood is at white heat as he writes, and he enlists the sympathy of all just-minded people for the terrible tyranny which the negro still suffers as the result of a vile social condition which remains almost the same as in ante-bellum days. Execrations of the horrors perpetuated by the whites upon unoffending negroes is the strongest effect given by a perusal of the book. There are moments of thrilling interest in the story. It is somewhat like the book "Uncle Tom's Cabin" would be if that were more like this book is. To put it more explicitly, Mr. Chesnutt's work has the literary quality that was lacking with Mrs. Stowe, while the story is of the evils brought (to our shame be it said) up to date. It is a preachment that should work for much good. (Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 12mo, 329 pages, $1.50.)