The Sun.
London, England, 1870-10-08 00:00:00

THE MAGAZINES.

The Contemporary Review, without abandoning its usual
standard of thoughtful and discursive criticism, enters
very largely upon the troubled questions of the day. The
two first articles—" The Papacy and National Life," by
a German Catholic, and " Principles and Issues of the
War," by Mr. Ludlow—include the chief problems now
perplexing Europe. Further on we meet with them
under different phases in a paper on the career of Joseph
Mazzini, and one of Mr. Helps's always delightful con-
versations on the war and general culture. Mr. George
Odger sketches out a plan for " The Employment of
Criminals" and Professor Maurice adds : " A Few More
Words " to the many that have been already spoken
against the Athanasian Creed.

Dr. Guthrie, in the Sunday Magazine, proves himself to
be an able editor, 'who varies his contents to suit all
readers likely to come within his range. The pictures of
London life drawn from the tragedies and melodramas
that exist in every court and alley of the great metropolis,
all unknown to the respectable citizens outside, are an
especial feature in this magazine, and serve to enlighten
that half of the world which never knows how the other
half lives. The narrative of a tour in America, a paper
on Jewish customs, notes of a Swedish ',sermon, a
poem by George Macdonald, and an episode in the history
of the Vaudois, are in the table of contents this month.
London Society contains an interesting notice of
" Wagner and the Fairy Prince." The influence which.
he, has achieved over his partisans is said to be most ex-
traordinary, and the King of Bavaria is his intimate
friend and admirer. " Our Servant Girls" is a readable
paper on a domestic subject. A pleasant illustration,
entitled " A Letter from the War" is accompanied by
HOMO appropriate verses. The first number of " Sketches
of the War," contains an account of Von IVloltke . The
brief notice of the great strategist of the German army is
sure to attract the notice of all readers. " England dur-
ing the War," tells how great has been the excitement
that has pervaded all ranks and classes in this country
since the memorable day of the Declaration of War in
July. From the outset London has been ahead of Paris
in the way of news. " George Rarr pays his Debts," is
a sad tale connected with college life.
Good Words presents its usual store of entertaining and
instructive stories and sketches. Some chaptersin " Ferny-
hurst Court " are written in a pleasing manner. Among
the more serious subjects met with are the " Desert of
the Exodus," and a "Few Russian Photographs." The
Moabite Stone is a curious sketch ; the stone is said to be
important in every point of view to the linguist, the
historian, and the divine.

Good Words for the Young is continued in its usual
style. The story, "At the back of the North Wind," is
concluded, after pursuing a very long course. "My
First Midsumther Holidays " is told in a very natural
manner. The verses on the " Village School" are attrac-
tive in their character, but almost beyond the comprehen-
sion of young readers. "Four Months in Camp" are
full of wonderful sketches of adventures, which are more
pleasant to read of than to experience.
Belgravia appears with the usual strong dose of the "Lady
Audley " element. There are two tales by the author
of the famous " Secret "—one " Fenton's Quest," being
a serial, and the other " The Sins of the Fathers," a story
complete in one instalment—and a third is carried on
which might fittingly claim the authorship of the talented
editress, for it is entitled the " Haunted Baronet," and
abounds with desperate matter. Some of the remaining
matteris readable. Mr. Percy Fitzgerald continues his series
of articles on the " Loves of Famous Men," by narrating
Burns' picturesque though very shady story. There is a paper
on " Young Oxford in 1870;" and Mr. G. A. Sala discourses
on " Young Ladies' Schools " in a short article which
might just as well have served as a leader for the Daily
Telegraph. The verses are by the Countess von Bothmer,
Mortimer Collins, &c.
The Month has two tales and some noticeable articles,
particularly one on the late educational crisis, considered
from a Catholic point of view, and another on " Common
Sense and Moral," in reference to Dr. Newman's Gram-
mar of Assent.

LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE STAGE.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathews will not return to this
country until the end of next year. They have abandoned
the notion of going to India, and will return home by way
of San Francisco and the United States, where they are
engaged for a series of farewell performances. Mr.
Charles Mathews, junior, arrived here on Wednesday from
America, to resume his studies at the English bar. When
he rises to address a jury it will, no doubt, be remembered
in his favour that one of the best speeches heard at the
farewell dinner to the admirable actor whose name he
bears came from the lips of the junior Charles.—E. L.
Blanchard.

The Atlantic (1866) Cable has been broken about
seventy miles from Heart's Content. Business will not
be interrupted, as the two other Atlantic cables are now
worked from the same offices, and they are found fully
equal to all the work demanded of them.
Mr. Swinburne is said to have written his ode to the
French Republic in one sitting.