The Sun.
London, England, 1859-01-11 00:00:00

The Westminster Review.

The first article in the new number of the West-
nzinster is on the all-engrossing topic of Reform in
Parliament. We have had occasion to refer to this
article in another place, and to differ from some of
its arguments. A criticism on the Religious
Policy of Austria is not disposed to regard the Con-
cordat with much favour. It is written in a fair
and moderate spirit, and gives an interesting sum-
mary of the religious history of the Austrian
Empire. A paper on the " Sanitary Condition of
the Army," enters thoroughly into that important
subject. A very curious and interesting paper on
the use of anaesthetics follows, in which the writer
strongly maintains the vast benefits conferred on
the human race by the discovery of their wonderful
powers. He does not deny the danger that has
existed, but only, he maintains, from a rash appli-
cation, and he asserts that, as in many instances
death results from the exhaustion produced by
excessive suffering, the soothing properties of ether
and other anaesthetics may be regarded as having
saved more lives than they have cost. Such a boon
to suffering humanity, under some of its terrible
ordeals, is certainly not to be lightly surrendered,
but increased care and circumspection seem to be
necessary in its application. One great mistake
would appear to be, in this, as in so many other
cases, in not making sufficient allouyance for the
difference of constitution and temperament. The
paper will well repay the reader for its perusal,
should he be interested in physiological questions.
A treatise on " Spiritual Destitution in England,"
deserves the attention of all earnest philanthropists.
Among the remaining contents of the number we
may mention a critique on Carlyle's recent work,
and a paper on the modern mania respecting'
witchcraft.

Our C'hildren'i Magazine. Vol. VIII. Published
by the Committee of the Ragged School Union,
Exeter Hall.

The eighth volume of this excellent little maga-
zine has now made its appearance with the new
year. It is published in halfpenny parts as well
as in annual volumes. Ragged schools are now a
recognised means of aiding and educating the
children of the poor, and, acting upon the old-
fashioned maxim, " Prevention is better than cure,"
they have probably saved the State some thousands
for the conviction and maintenance of criminals.
Taking a higher view of the subject, it must be a
subject for thankfulness and gratification to the
promoters of these institutions, to reflect upon the
brighter future and elevated faculties given to these
young creatures, often neglected and destitute,
worse than homeless and friendless. A pleasant
gift to these little people must this magazine be.
It gives them short accounts of several interesting
and instructive matters : a description of ancient
monuments, a story about Alexander the Great, an
account of travelling in Africa, a chapter about the
primrose, are interspersed with anecdotes and
advice, all written in a style suited to the abilities
of children. We could have wished there had been
a little less direct preaching in it. Some religious
teaching would of course be indispensable to the
character of the work, but if its introduction had
been more incidental, it might have been more
effective. However, the intention is so good, and
the general style of the little volume so excellent,
that it would be hard to censure it on this ground.
The numerous woodcuts scattered through the
volume must considerably enhance its attractions
in the eyes of its young readers.