Its value does not lie in the multitude of facts which it contains, but rather in the lucid, natural way in which a few really important facts are presented and grouped, and in the stimulus which it imparts to a rational study of our country’s history.—­The Review of Reviews.

In “The Evolution of an Empire,” Mary Platt Parmele has endeavored to give in outline the story of the discovery, settlement, and development of the United States of America, touching only upon vital points and excluding all detail.  The task has been a most difficult one on account of the constant temptation to deal with matters of minor importance.  The author has, however, succeeded in making a very acceptable book.—­Boston Transcript.

The latest issue in the “Evolution of an Empire” series is Mary Platt Parmele’s “History of the United States.”  It is a short and simple outline, which presents in a book of about 300 pages the main facts of our national history, and a very fair and judicial presentment it is, too.  While the general reader will find it of interest, it has been prepared more particularly for the young, who are easily wearied by the prolix details which encumber so many of the histories prepared for them.  Mrs. Parmele very truly remarks that the child, bewildered in a labyrinth of unfamiliar names and events, fails to grasp the main lines and soon dislikes history, simply because he has been studying, not with a thinking mind, but with one overtaxed faculty, memory, intended to be the humble handmaid of the higher faculties.  In the work under consideration, she begins with the first voyage of Columbus and brings us down to the principal events of 1893; she is sparing of details, and has merely skeletonized her theme, adding sufficient of incident, to avoid dryness.  It seems a meritorious and well-prepared work, and a chronological table adds to its value.—­The Detroit Free Press.

    =WILLIAM BEVERLEY HARISON=
    =3 and 5 West 18th St.—­44 East 49th St.=
    =NEW YORK CITY=

SUPPLEMENT TO
[Illustration:  THE GREAT ROUND
WORLD
And WHAT IS GOING ON IN IT.]

* * * * *

THE INAUGURATION.

We have a new President.

March 4th, William McKinley was duly inaugurated as Chief Officer of our country.

For once the weather was perfect, and everybody was in the best of good humor, and up early to see the sights.  At about ten o’clock Major McKinley was escorted from his hotel to the White House by a company of soldiers.

Here he was received by Mr. Cleveland, who up to the very last moment was busy writing and attending to the final duties of his office.

The members of Mr. Cleveland’s Cabinet also came to pay their respects to the President-elect.  After the greetings were over, Mr. Cleveland and Major McKinley walked out on the porch side by side, ready to make their journey to the Capitol.