Book Reviews and Notices : The Rise and Fall of Third Parties. By WILLIAM B. HESSELTINE. (Washington, D.C.: Public Affairs Press. 1948. Pp. 119. $2.50.)

• DOI: 10.1177/106591294800100330
• Published date: 01 September 1948
• Author: Walter L. Riley
• Date: 01 September 1948
• Subject Matter: Articles

335
the reviewer are the descriptions of the visits of such dignitaries as Roose-
velt, Taft, and DeLesseps to the scene of construction. Well chosen photo-
graphs are a welcome supplement to the text. The book is indexed and a
bibliography is appended.
Thorough research, plus first hand familiarity with the subject gained
through three years service as Captain of the Port of the Pacific Terminal
of the Canal, well qualify Captain DuVal to write this book. The high
standard established by the first volume of this series, Cadiz to Cathay,
(Stanford University Press: 1940), covering the diplomatic background and
history of the development of the Canal idea, is maintained in the study
under review.
THOMAS B. OBERLINTER.
Stanford University.
The Rise and Fall of Third Parties
.
By WILLIAM B. HESSELTINE. (Wash-
ington, D.C.: Public Affairs Press. 1948. Pp. 119. $2.50.)
A scholarly historian and a loyal son of Wisconsin treats an old subject
in a thoughtful and refreshing manner. Beginning with the Anti-Masonic
Party of 1827, the origin, development and chief characteristics of major
third party movements are traced to the present. Third parties have served
a useful function in calling attention to social and political evils and many
such parties have marshalled reforms. &dquo;If those who are in favor of a new
party are content to remain missionaries they might find much comfort in
the record of the 19th century’s third parties.&dquo; With the historical evidence
drawn from the 19th century and forty-eight years of the 20th, Professor
Hesseltine is ready to offer advice.
&dquo;The task before the architects of a new liberal party may be simply
stated-the organization of a party which will incorporate urban progres-
sives and agrarian radicals and will find common ground with either the
Hamiltonians or the Bourbons.&dquo; This, of course, is not new but after a
damning analysis of New Dealism, Republicanism, and the inconsistencies
of Wallace, the author further...