for the maintenance and practice of their evil thoughts, but the purest and best lives in all parts of the field of Christian philanthropy will mourn the publicity you have given to this evil book.  It is not even improbable that the perusal of Grant Allen’s book, which you have lifted into importance as ‘The Book of the Month,’ may determine the action of souls to their spiritual ruin.

“The problem of indirect influence is full of mystery, but, as the hour of our departure comes near, the possible consequences to other minds of the example and teaching of our lives may quicken our perceptions, and we may see and deeply regret our actions when not directed by the highest authority, the will of God.—­We are, dear Sir, yours very truly (for Eason & Son, Limited),

     “CHARLES EASON, Managing Director.”

Exception may be taken to this letter on many points, some trivial and some important.  Of the trivial points we may note with interest Mr. Eason’s assumption that his opinion is wanted on the literary merits of the ware he vends; and, with concern, the rather slipshod manner in which he allows himself and his assistants to speak of a gentleman as “Allen,” or “Grant Allen,” without the usual prefix.  But no one can fail to see that this is an honest letter—­the production of a man conscious of responsibility and struggling to do his best in circumstances he imperfectly understands.  Nor do I think this view of Mr. Eason need be seriously modified upon perusal of a letter received by Mr. Stead from a Mr. James O’Hara, of 18, Cope Street, Dublin, and printed in the Westminster Gazette of March 11th.  Mr. O’Hara writes:—­

“DEAR SIR,—­The following may interest you and your readers.  I was a subscriber to the library owned by C. Eason & Co., Limited, and in December asked them for Napoleon and the Fair Sex, by Masson.  The librarian informed me Mr. Eason had decided not to circulate it, as it contained improper details, which Mr. Eason considered immoral.  A copy was also refused to one of the best-known pressmen in Dublin, a man of mature years and experience.

“Three days afterwards I saw a young man ask the librarian for the same book, and Eason’s manager presented it to him with a low bow.  I remarked on this circumstance to Mr. Charles Eason, who told me that he had issued it to this one subscriber only, because he was Prince Francis of Teck.

“I told him it was likely, from the description he had given me of it, to be more injurious to a young man such as Prince Francis of Teck than to me; but he replied:  ’Oh, these high-up people are different.  Besides, they are so influential we cannot refuse them.  However, if you wish, you can now have the book.’

     “I told Mr. Eason that I did not wish to read it ever since he
     had told me when I first applied for it that it was quite
     improper.”