The Sun.
London, England, 1859-07-04 00:00:00

The United Service Magazine.

Two papers on " Military Reform and Mili-
tary Efficiency," and on " Naval Discipline," arc
well worthy the attention of those in autho-
rity, and, indeed, of all who have the welfare
and efficiency of the rival services at heart.
Reform has long been called for in both these de-
partments, and it seems hard that with such constant
demands on the public purse, and so much talk
about the necessity of a powerful fleet and efficient
army, improvement should advance so very slowly
and so little satisfactory return be made for the lavish
expenditure of the national money. " The United
Service Magazine" has long boldly set forth the
drawbacks and deficiencies of both services, the
evils of patronage, the dangers of placing inefficient
men at the head of important departments, and all
the long catalogue of grievances which, it is to be
feared, have been repeated and discussed so often as
to wear off their effect. But all valuable reforms
'and national improvements have to be long waited
and watched for ; and those deserve the greater
credit who perseveringly reiterate the truth with
consistency and moderation. The continuation of
the narrative of the Campaign of 18,18. in Lombardy
is not without interest at the present time. By a
curious coincidence the instalment of this month is
headed, "Forcing of the line of the Mincio—lnva-
sion of the Italian Tyrol." The different position
of the Austrians at that time is striking. The re-
marks on tho Re-organisation of the Indian Army
are proceeded with, and recommend an immediate
action on the information already possessecA by the
Government, without waiting for the further report
from India. Several other subjects of importance
are discussed, and the editor's Portfolio sums np
the events of the month which affect the services.
Great dissatisfaction is expressed at the change of
Government, and especially at the re-instalment of
"the very trio who sacrificed our army in the
Crimea—Gladstone, Newcastle, and Herbert." The
editor draws some consolation from the considera-
tion that seven wavering votes would convert the
pitiful majority of 13 into a defeat, and that, there:
fore, the discordant assemblage of negatives, which
do not make an affirmative, may speedily be dis-
persed. The usual amount of Naval and Military
Intelligence, the stations of the army and navy,
ant the recent promotions and appointments, are
fully given.

TA6 Universal Review.

This review continues to prove itself worthy
of a place among the established serials.
The very difficult and complicated question.
of the law of divorce forms the subject of
the opening article. The serious evils which may
be encouraged by a too great-facility of breaking '
the marriage bonds are strongly dwelt upon. The
novels of Sir E. Bulwer Lytton are the topic of the
succeeding paper, which professes only to criticise his
latest production, but which takes into consideration-
his general style and powers. Though occasionally
a little severe on the mannerisms of his style, the
critic renders a fair share of praise to the skill and
careful finish of the work. Lord John Russell's
Life of Fox suggests a brief but able sketch of the
career of the great Whig statesman. The scientific
reader will be attracted by a paper bearing the
title of " Illogical Geology," which refutes many of
the assertions of scientific professors, and enters
into a succession of arguments which will be very
interesting to students of this science. " Out of
the Depths" is the title of a somewhat unsatisfac-
tory review of a very objectionable book. There
are many other papers on varying subjects, but the
best in the number is that on " Parties, Natural
and Artificial," which gives a very sensibly written
analysis of the existing state of political parties,
and turns over a few leaves of Parliamentary
history that 'some members of our present Admi-
nistration would rather have forgotton.
:Tales from Bentley. Part I.

Thiers' History of the French Revolution. Parts
1. and 11. Bentley.
Appearing in company with Bentley's Miscellany
are two little serials that deserve notice. The
most important of these is the new edition of Thiers'
great work on the Revolution, which Mr. Bentley
is issuing in sixpenny parts, to be published fort-
nightly. There are few readers of history who will
not be able to avail themselves of this opportu-
nity of becoming acquainted with this great work,
doubly interesting as a French classic, and as the
recital of one of the most vivid pages in a vivid
history, by a native of the land. The engravings
are good. The frontispiece of the first part gives
us a picture of the attack on the Bastille,
and that of the second the likeness of Louis,
Duke of Orleans, the Ryalite of unenviable memory.
Following the example set by the conductors of
Maga, the editor of Bentley's Miscellany has re-
solved to reprint the best of the stories which ap-
peared in that magazine. The first part contains
four tales whose names invite the lovers of the
humorous to renew their acquaintance with them.
Those who are partial to this style of literature
will welcome the reproduction of the series.