The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 16, July 1912 - April, 1913 Page: 431

Book Reviews and Notices

these pamphlets justifies their inclusion here. A statistical list
of delegates follows. The fourth appendix contains the election
certificates of delegates as found in the convention papers.
A number of interesting points are brought to light, not all
of which can be enumerated here. The election certificates dis-
close the fact that in certain counties the strength of the seces-
sion sentiment had brought about the election of delegates be-
fore the general call went out from Austin. The movement was
truly spontaneous. And in the general election of delegates the
regular officials were in charge and made the returns. This seems
to dispose of the charge that unauthorized persons conducted the
election. It is shown that eight votes were cast against the or-
dinance of secession instead of the traditional seven; and the
figures given by Roberts and others for the popular vote on that
ordinance are proven erroneous, though the ratio is not materi-
ally altered. A number of other inaccuracies in Roberts's account
also become evident.
The accuracy of the editorial work could be tested only by a
painstaking comparison of the printed copy with the originals;
but the editor's reputation for care and thoroughness is a suffi-
cient guarantee on this point. All students will commend his
decision to include the appendices. The index is well done.
The publication of this volume emphasizes the need of a com-
prehensive plan for the publication of all the official archives of
the state and the provision of funds sufficient for carrying out
that plan. The other great requisite, efficient and scholarly edi-
torial supervision, is already provided for. The commission should
not be held to the necessity of publishing our historical records in
isolated fragments, however well done that sort of work may be.
CHAs. W. RAMSDELL.
The Pathfinders from River to Ocean: the Story of the Great
West from the Time of Coronado to the Present, by Grace Ray--
mond Hebard, Ph. D. (Chicago. Lakeside Press, 1911. Pp.
viii, 263).
This little book is a praiseworthy attempt to provide a help for
the elementary teaching of the history of the New Northwest.
It contains nine chapters, on: the early explorers, the fur traders,

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