Mr. Monroe N. Work has brought out the _Negro Year Book for 1916-1917_. In
keeping with the progress hitherto shown this edition surpasses that of
last year. Here one finds an unusually large collection of statistical
material as to the economic, social and religious progress of the black
race; and a brief account of what exceptional Negroes have done to
distinguish themselves in various fields. It contains also a brief history
of the Negro given in such succinct statements as will please the hurried
reader and meet the requirements of those who have not access to reference
libraries.
The striking new feature of the work, however, is a brief account of what
leading thinkers and the press have said about such perplexing problems as
the "Birth of a Nation," "Miscegenation," and "Segregation." The editor has
endeavored to present in popular style a brief account of everything of
importance with which the Negro has been concerned during the year. He has
done his task well. Sold at such a reasonable price as thirty-five cents a
copy, this valuable book should find its way to the home of every one who
desires to keep himself informed on what the Negro is actually achieving.
The United Brethren Publishing Co., Huntington, Ind., has published M. B.
Butler's _My Story of the Civil War and the Underground Railroad_. A native
of Vermont, where he had an opportunity to see many a fugitive on his way
to freedom, the author naturally makes his narrative interesting and
straightforward. He recounts his unusual experiences as a soldier in detail
but does not grow tiresome.
In the Mississippi Valley, Historical Review, II, March, 1916, appeared
Doctor H. N. Sherwood's _Early Negro Deportation Projects_. This is a
selected part of the author's doctorate thesis. It treats of the endeavors
to ameliorate the condition of emancipated slaves and the colonization
plans which finally led to the establishment of the republic of Liberia.
The _Tennessee Historical Magazine_ for June contains a dissertation by Asa
Earl Martin, entitled _Anti-Slavery Activities of the_ _Methodist
Episcopal Church in Tennessee_. The article covers the period from 1784 to
the time of the great schism of 1844.
Professor Tenny Frank has contributed to the July number of the _American
Historical Review_ a valuable article entitled _Race Mixture in the Roman
Empire_.
In the same number of this publication appear also twenty-three pages of
documents on the _Cane Sugar Industry_ collected by Irene A. Wright. As the
Negroes proved to be a great factor in the development of this industry,
these documents will be helpful to those who desire to study the bearing of
the Negro on its origin and early growth.
Miss Helen Nicolay has turned over to the Library of Congress some
important Lincoln Manuscripts, among which are the first and second
autograph copies of the Gettysburg Address, the autograph of the Second
Inaugural Address, and the President's memorandum of August 23, 1864,
pledging support to the next administration.
In _The Case for the Filipino_, Maximo M. Kalaw gives an account of the
American occupation of the Archipelago, and in presenting his claims for
independence he puts his countrymen in the attitude of an oppressed people.
Dr. C. G. Woodson delivered at the University of Chicago in July a lecture
on _The varying Attitude of the White Man toward the Negro in the United
States_.