The Sun.
London, England, 1848-12-01 00:00:00

real nature of the diplomatic proceedings of Lord
Castlereagh, and as we have got rid of his corn-law t
so we trust that we shall ere long get rid
of his other handiwork, the treaty of Vienna,
and then there may be some probability
that the affairs of Europe will be established upon a
permanent, because upon a natural and just basis.
" Fuss in a Book Club" is an attempt to put down
Miss Martineau's book on " Eastern Life" by sheer
and mere abuse. The writer, like his hero, the
Hon. and Rev. John Murray, contents himself
with saying that the book is a mischievous book, but
never points out in what the mischief consists, nor,
although he expresses a wish " for a strong refuta-
tation" of all the errors which it contains, does he
himself attempt to adduce a single argument in
refutation of any one of them. " The Army and the
People, No. 2," is a well written exposé of a few of
the grievances under which the unfortunate soldier
suffers from the petty, teazing tyranny of ignorant,
inefficient, and, therefore, martinet officers—" a
vile fellow," to use the -words of Sir Charles
Napier, " who worries his men, fellows whom
soldiers hate, men who ought to be hated."
The paper on the " Life and Works of Leopardi" is
an interesting biographical memoir and review of the
works of one of the greatest poets and philologists of
modern Italy, the patriot- poet of despair, the laureate
of death, the Dante of the 19th century, who died at
Naples in 1837, at the age of 89. We have then an
amusing paper descriptive of the Christmas festivities
in Russia, and the first of a series of articles on the
Austro-Italian question well worthy the study of all
who take an interest in foreign politics. The present
paper gives a history of the various Italian states,
from the treaty of Utrecht to that of Aix-la-
Chapelle, showing the decline of the Spanish, and
rise of the Imperial power in Italy, and
the constant and systematic encroachments of the
Dukes of Savoy in attempting to carry out the am-
bitious project which every head of that family has
entertained, of malting himself King of Lombardy—
first Piedmont, then portions of Lombardy and Man-
tua, then Sardinia, with the title of King, then
Genoa, were obtained by this ambitious family, and
Charles Albert, in his recent invasion of Lombardy,
was but carrying out the hereditary policy of his
house. " The Inundation of Pest," and " Yeast " are
brought to a conclusion in this number, which con-
tains a condensed but well-written summary of the
current history of the month.

NEW MONTHLY.
The New Monthly for December opens with the
thirty-second chapter of Mr. Rowcroft's " Tick ; or
the Memoirs of an Old Eton Boy." The narrative
is, as usual, dashing in style and crowded
with adventure. Of the second article, " The
Siege of Vienna," we shall say little.
The opening paragraphs exult over the crushing of
" the rebellion which had so shamelessly reared its
head" in Vienna, and express their writers' opinion
that it would be happy for the prospects of general
civilization if such an example should be successfully
followed in Prussia and throughout all Germany !
We gladly turn to the narrative of " Mr. Jolly
Green's Imprisonment in the Chateau de Vincennes."
His refusal to partake of anything but "du pang et
de low," "for he will accept no favours from the
Republican Government," becomes invested with an
air of sublime magnanimity after reading the chapter
on Vienna. Lieutenant-Colonel Napier's interesting
reminiscences of South Africa are brought to a con-
clusion. " A Gamin of the Garde Mobile," an epi-
sode of the Revolution of June, is narrated in a very
effective manner. The melancholy interest of the
tragical catastrophe is considerably, heightened by its
unfortunately too great probability.

AINSWOIITh'S.
Ainsworth's Magazine contains, as usual, a pleasing
variety of light tales and interesting romances.
Among 'the latter is a continuation of the editor's
brilliant novel of "Crichton." Among the former
the most amusing are some " Odd Chapters in the
Life of a Single Gentleman." The chief interest of
this very interesting article is occasioned by the per-
formance of some amateur theatricals. Richard .1.11.
is the chosen play. The two principal actors, Mr.
Jessop and Mr. O'Toole, each conscious of his own
merits and his own dignity, are both resolved on
acting the premier role. The Duke of Gloucester is
apportioned to the one, and the Duke of Buckingham
to the other, and all promises well enough until Mr.
O'Toole discovers (for none of the party are well
versed in Shakspere) that the Duke of Gloucester
is also King Richard, and that part he will yield to no
one. Mr. Jessop is equally firm and on the rising
of the curtain two Richards are discovered in the
field. The first scene is performed as an oratorical
duet. Queen Anne brings about an accommodation,
and the rival Richards consent to perform in alter-
nate acts, and all goes on prosperously until the
closing scene. Each has performed his part in two
acts, only one more remains. Consequently in the field
of Bosworth, Richmond is encountered by two op-
ponents, by whose united efforts he is fairly forced to
fly, and then, says the historian, " came the grandest
scene of all," the two Richards closed upon each
other, and the curtain fell upon them both uncon-
quered! This marvellous incident is detailed with
infinite humour and effect.