The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 48, July 1944 - April, 1945 Page: 135

Book Reviews

Statements have been made that Jefferson was inconsistent
in his attitude toward the press. For example, we find him saying
toward the end of his life, "I read no newspaper now but Ritchie's,
and in that chiefly the advertisements, for they contain the only
truths to be relied upon in a newspaperr" On the other hand, we
find him writing during the same period of his life: "But the
only security of all is in a free press. The force of public
opinion cannot be resisted, when permitted freely to be ex-
pressed." Through examination of the files of Jefferson's letters
Dr. Mott has come to believe that no real inconsistency exists
between Jefferson's frequent disparagements of the contemporary
press and his adherence to the principle of freedom for that
press. "The fact is that Jefferson adhered to the principle, but
was deeply disappointed in the performance, of a free press,"
Dr. Mott writes.
Dr. Mott is concerned primarily with presenting the evidence
rather than in drawing conclusions. What conclusions are
reached seem to arise inevitably from the evidence examined
and are secondary in emphasis. The thoroughness with which
Dr. Mott conducts all of his research gives assurance that all
pertinent resource materials have been examined and faithfully
reflected in this report.
DEWITT REDDICK
The University of Texas
From Cave Dwelling to Mount Olympus. By Edgar L. Hewett.
Albuquerque (The University of New Mexico Press), 1943.
Pp. ix, 143. $1.50.
The dust jacket of this book reveals that Dr. Hewett is to
write a series of books under the general title, Man in the
Pageant of the Ages. This book is the first in the series. Dr.
Hewett's extensive experiences in teaching, travel, and research
are most amply supplied with material and subject matter for
this project.
Following an introduction of eight pages, the remaining
one hundred thirty-five pages contain six essays and addresses,
the longest of which is entitled "What Is Man ?" In the introduc-
tion Dr. Hewett says: "I am often told that an autobiography
is due from me." Commenting tersely, "I am not convinced,"
he continues that he has been interested in many things and

135