The Sun.
London, England, 1857-04-03 00:00:00

THE Milan NES.

Eraser's--" Siam and the •Siamese" furnish the
subject of an interesting article founded on two
books of travel, Sir John Bowring's recent work,
and Captain Osboine's cc Quedah." The latter
work has also been recently published, but it refers
to ;a person of twenty yews ago, and relates chiefly
to the Malays. It must -be. supposed that the in=
' habitants of Siam have made great iiiec-,--.rozs in the
interval tetwe'en the two narratives, as 'Amy app"!'r
in much more favourable colours in Sir John
Bowring's work than in. Captain Osborne's.. Tile
two kings appear to be remarkable men: They are
both welleducatedi•and can converse and write in
English. All .who wish to acquire a little know-
ledge abbiit a part of the.-Werld that is now becom-
ing- a subject of discussion, will find this article
give them an entertaining outline, though, of
course, not pretending to the extended and valu-
able information of the work on which it is founded.
" The Laird's Seale is ati interesting tale by the
author of Meg of Elibank.. It relates how
an old Scotch laird was possessed of the
idea that•a coal-seam was to be found in one part of
his grounds.
,He was given to scientific researches
and inquiries, and,-as is usually the case with those
who art too. wise for their neighbours, he was
laughed at and attacked. His only daughter,
Thrift, wedded to• his nephew- and heir, was the
only one who put faith in his prophecies. Her hus-
band, though kied and good-hearted, urged on by
his companions, refused.at last to assist the Laird'
any further. The first angry words passed between
him and his wife on that occasion, and the next
morning he was away to superintend his men, as
she supposed, without • a reconciliation. Mean-
while her father,'Who had foretold that be was
within a short distanc3of the coal, urged his pit-
men to fresh endeavour, when part of the mine
fell in and buried two men—one a widow's only
son, the other Thrift's husband, who had gone to
assist in the work as the best means of pleasing,
her. After a day of despairing anxiety the two were
disinterred, at first.apparentlYlifeless; hilt at length
Wat Cockburn recovered and displayed in his hand
a fragment of the -precious coal which had been so
perilously won. The story is simply, but effectively
told. " German Love" is a criticism on a German.
book recently published with this singular 'title.'
"Six months.at Kertch,!! though not a very novel
subject, yet presents some features of interest. The
"Interpreter," by G. Whyte Mefville, the clever
author of "Digby :Grand, &c.; is continued, and
narrates some extraordinary and important events
in the progress of the story. The second portion
of the articleron Literary Style, is given, and passes
in review Mr. Carlyle, Mr. De Quincey, and Mr.
Ruskine• The critic renders tribute to their vary-
ing merits, but is severe upon some minor writers,
whose style, to judge from the samples, appears chiefly
remarkable for the substitution of vulgarity for
wit, and the introduction of words unknown to the
dictionary. 'The writer of the paper on "Rooks"
contributes a similar chapter on " Ravens." Vari-
ous poets have he;noured the raven by an allusion
or au introduction. Chatterton, Byron, and Cole-
ridge furnish extracts, to say nothing of that won-
derful poem of Edgar Poe's, the most remarkable
of his remarkable writings. A paper on " Cal-
deron, 'the Spanish Dramatist;" contains some ob-
servations on Spanish literature, whiAh deserve at-
tention. It is curious to reflect that a language
which is now known to comparatively few was, in
the 16th century, "as commonly studied by Eng-
lishmen, and weWeducated Englishwomen-too, as
French,. Italian,. or German at the present mo•
ment." A paper entitled, " Some Talk about
Food," contains' some• very curious information.
The writer remarks upon the different kinds of food
in use among divers nations, their properties and
advantagel An article on " The Elections" takes
a review of the present state of political parties.

Dublin. University.—This number presents more
than the average. amount of entertainment. The
first article met with is a continuation of " The
Cardinal Treaties-of Mediaeval and Modern His-
tory,". " The Treaty of Constance." The style is
clear andidistinct, and a useful summary of impor-
tant events is afrorded.by the perusal of this paper.
It is observed t,hat at. the. present time general
attention is not given to Italian literature, but that
"the chapter in the history of the world must ever
be important which records the events leading to
the Treaty of Constance, whereby the independence
of Italy was recognised." It will doubtless be a
matter of regret to the general reader that " The
Fortunes of Glencore" are brought to a conclusion
in this-number. • 'The last events are startling and
melancholy, which accord well with the previous
parts of the story. The sudden death of the strange
hero, and the unsettled life led by his unfortunate
son, are likely occurrences, as is also the devotion
of the humble friend of thei family whom nothing
could shake in fidelity or diminish in zeal. The
recent appointment of. Dr. Fitzgerald to The see of
Cork fias given rise to some remarks. After ap-
proving highly of the act which raised him to his
position, the writer goes on to sum up the mcst
inipoitant occurrences in Dr. Fitz 2erald's career.
In conclusion he observes :—" We have dared to
write a biography thus beforehand. Our best wishes
go with Dr. Fitzgerald to his elevated and respon-
sible office ; and if we may believe that men aro
prepared for their work by the books they have
read, and the schools they have studied in, then
Dr. Fitzgerald 'has been thus training for years,
and will not disgrace the school out of which he
has risen." " Victor Cousin and Illustrious Ladies
of the Seventeenth Century" presents an elaborate
analysis of that work. It is mentioned as a curious
fact that the great French politicians, unsuccessful
in their primary vocation, have turned to an
equally dignified, if more retired study. Guizot
is engrossed with the great English revolution,
Thiers continues " The Consulate and the Em-
pire," while Cousin has chosen a new path for
himself. He has been called the "architect of his
own fortunes." 4 His father Was a poor watchmaker
in the Rue St. Antoine, " where the son, who was
to raise hii name, was 'born." The general opinion
here expressed of this work is not a favourable one.
It is observed that M. Cousin has not chosen the
best subjects for his work, nor are they sufficiently
numerous. At the same time due credit is given to
his talents and researches. " Tutors of the Young
Idea" is continued ;..the chapters are entitled,
" Noboby's Education," and 'Somebody' Gover-
ness." The two extremes arrive apparently at an
equally satisfactory result, that of achieving no-
thing. " The Rides and Reveries of Mr. Asop
Smith" are continued. A variety of subjects are
brought under notice in the peculiar and quaint
style which has before characterised. these papers,
whose composition has been attributed to Martin
Tupper. A well-written article on "Aurora Leigh"
enters in detail on Vie various merits and defects
of that wonderful work. It is said that nothing
detracts so much from the pleasure of perusal as
" the conviction that the authoress has written a
book which is almost a closed volume for her own
sex:" Setting aside this objection, "she is all
that the highest feminine intellect can attain to."
The last subject is entitled, " Who wrote the
earlier Waberley Novels ?'" It contains an able
refutation of the assertion recently made as to Sir
Walter Scott not being -their author. Some verses
are also met with, which impart a variety to the
contents.

The United Sehice. —This number opens with a
brief paper on "Our Army, and the Causes In-
fluencing the Military Superiority of Nations." It
is remarked at the conclusion that nearly all the
nations of Euiope have successively arrived-at
supremacy in the art of war. The English in the
time of Edward 111., the French at the time of
Charles VII. and Charles VIII., the Spaniards
during the times-of Ferdinand and Charles V., the
'Dutch during the wars of independence, the Swedes
in the time of Gustavus Adolphus, the Prussians
in the time of Frederic the Great, the French dur-
ing the Republic and Empire ; and the writer
attributeS.thia kiperiority not to particular cases or
the rule of a' single general, but to some certain
progress in some particular branch of war, such as
in the artillery of Charles VIII., or the progress
made in the art of manoeuvres under Frederic.
The object of the writer is to prove that a long and
careful study of the art of war is .necessary for a
successful campaign, and that courage alone is not
sufficient to attain and preserve a military supe-
riority. A paper on "Calais and its Fortifications,
Past and Present," , offers a description of that
ancient, but not very attractive city, to the
curious. -A traveller of more extended experience
continues the narratives of his adventures in a

" Journey to the Valley of Cashmere." It is writ-
ten in a lively and entertaining manner. " A
Gossip about Paddles and Screws," continued from
a former number, presents some irteresting facts
to the attention of the reader. The chief point
in this instalment is the rivalry which at
present exists between the English and Ame-
rican transatlantic steamships. The Americans,
though maintaining the competition with
their usual spirit, are doing so under. con-
siderable disadvantages. The, terrible accidents of
such frequent occurrence among American travel-
lers are not wanting in the Transatlantic packets,
for in a given space of time their casualties
exceeded those of the English, though the
form?r vessels numbered only 12, and the lat-
ter 38. They also state that the majority of
their lines have been running at a heavy loss.
In the list of losses the most mournful are
Vie names of the President, the City of Glasgow,
and the Pacific, which have left no record of their
fate, no survivor to tell the story of the unknown
catastrophe. Such is the desire of the Americans
to have fast packets, and such their spirit of advert-

ture and enterprise, that one individual gave up- I
wards of 2,000,000 dollars to insure their continu-
ous working I On placing this sum at the disposal
of Mr. Collins, the manager, lie said to him, "You
may sink the whole of that capital, but you must
not make a failure." It is somewhat alarming,
however, to find the spirit of racing, so fatal on the
American lakes and rivers, introduced into the At-
lantic steamers. The Persia, our last steamer, ac-
complished the passage in nine days—the quickest
on record ; and the Americans are now using every
eZert to surplss that feat. They have applied to
Congress for a large sum, and added a proviso that
they
will forfe;t I,oo6Jollarsfor every twel VS hours
they are beaten by the
'f_nitsh boats. The narra-
tive of a "BritishExoedition Who Brazilian Fron-
tier" takes us into a ve.y different part of the Ame-
rican continent, and gives some pleasant travellers'
details. A comparison is commenced between the
Milit try and Political Systems of Louis XIV.,
Napoleon 1., and Napoleon 111. The present num-
ber is exclusively devoted to the Grand 111onarque.
There are many other orioles on subjects of mili-
tary and naval interest, and all the information of
the month concerning the United Services.

Colburn's New illonthly.—The first subject in
this number is entitled "Notes on Note-Wor-
thies," and William Wcrdstorth is selected for
c3nsideration. The object of the writer is to de-
fend him from the various charges that have from
time to time been urged against him ; the favour-
able opinions of many great men are quoted in
sup Port of the poet-) and altogether the paper offers
attraction from its variety and detail. The article
called "The Anti-Palmerston Confederacy" pre-
sents no. news to the reader, and is not likely to be
appreciated, since instead of adducing arguments,
it appeals. to prejudices. It is not in suchla spirit
that great men or great events are to be fairly
judged or rightly criticised, and it is to be regretted
that so many critics indulge in a similar strain.
" The Lawyers' Servants'. is the name of an amus-
ing sketch, which promises
...well; and is to be con-
tinned. Its object would appear to be to show the
folly and absurdity of parents in a humble sphere
bringing up their Children in a manner unsuited to
their sta'ion. "The History-of the Newspaper
Press" is continued ; it presents the usual quota
of 'curious events • and occurrences—the details
reach to the period of the Ainerican War of Inde-
pendence. "Only a Cousin" is a strange sketch,
but one.which may prove attractive to some. It
describes the adventures of a wealthy man, who,
after duping others, became himself a dupe at last.
" The Baths of Lucca" .has for subject the Castle
of Bargilio and its Legend, which is very romantic,
and narrated in an, interesting manner. " A Swe-
dish Voyage round the World" contains a descrip-
tion of San Francisco, which is worthy of atten-
tion. The following account of the place is re-
markable :

" Here stands a town, .with from seventy to eighty
thousand inhabitants, apparently glittering in commercial
riches and golden splendour, enclosing within its en-
chanted palaces fabulous wealth, and offering all that in-
dustry And ingenuity can -collect of what is costly and
refined 'from al parts of the world ; hither pour in
streams, like surging waves, the popuation of Europe,
Asia, and America ; and this city, containing so many
things, so maLy people, is but the creation of six years !
Three years ago there was nothing here but a row of
tents ; fire consumed the newly-erected dwellings, and
ashes strewed the city of a year ; but, like a phoenix, it
has arisen and spread forth its mighty wings, until it has
become this great metropolis of vainglory, this Eldorado
of the New World:" •

Benticy.—Bentley's Miscellany does not present
us with anything very attractive in its table of con-
tents. Dudley Costello's story of " The Millionnaire
of, Mincing-lane" is, as usual, the chef article in
the number, but 'it does not possess much bril-
liancy or originality. A memoir of the literary ex-
ploits of Dumas, the younger, will be interesting to
the lovers of French literature, though they will
not perhaps coincide in, the author's censures on
the sentimental absurdities of that school of fiction.
Two papers in the. number will be attractive to all
interested in theatrical.pursuits. The first is called
" Historical Anecdotes of the Opera," and pre-
sents a. curious collection. The second is the
" Memoir of Mrs. Jordan," in the Gallery of
Theatrical Portraits. " The Byeways of History"
are occupied in this number by the letters of
Cromwell and his correspondents. They will be
interesting to all historical students. Mrs. Bushby
is not so happy in the subject of her translation
from the Danish as usual. It is " Judas the
Apostate," from Adam Ochlenschlaeger. " Tha-
natos Athanatos, a Medley" on Death, presents
some quaiLt and suggestive passages, though no-
thing very novel in its reflections or incidents.
There is a tale entitled "The Silversmith of Acre,"
and the adventures of Mary Anne Thornton and
Robert Hunter 'are continued under the title of
" Robert Hunter's Ghost." It is a painful story,
though..ingeniously contrived, and the deception of
the reader is very cleverly maintained. The
lovers of the horrible will doubtless find much
to admire in the events of the story. Monks-
hood, in his reviewal of French writers, has de-
voted this number to a memoir of Malherbe.

The. Eclectic Review.--The Eclectic Review opens
with a paper ou " Dutch History and Literature."
Thehistory of theDutc I), which presents many strik-
ing and interesting features to the historical student,
seems recently to have risen into greater import-
ance. The article. before us gives a good outline of
the rise and progress of the Dutch republic and its
literature, which, strange to say, was nearly simul-
taneous. It was while the Dutch were struggling
against *all the resource's of the Spanish monarchy
that the national character first developed itself in
their literature. . Egyptology" is a curious paper
on Egyptian history. There are two or three papers
of travels, and as usual, one or two articles of a
theological or controversial nature, but theSe will
be less attractive 'to the general reader than the
rest of the contents.

The Commercial Travellers'. W. Kent and Co.—
This magazine has reached its seventh number, and
niaintaius its character. Its interest is by no means
confined to the large and enterprising body which
it represents ; the general reader will find as much
attraction in its table of contents as in any of those
minor serials entirely devoted to the amusement of
a leisure hour. It has several articles of a solid
and business-like character, which are no drawback
to the lighter portions. Tales and sketches are
pleasantly mingled with papers on " The Suez
Canal," " The Chemistry of Beer," " Silk and iti
Substitutes," &c. The commercial travellers are
setting an example, which deserves imitation, in
circulating among their members a magazine in
which good sense and entertainment are,united.

The Mechanics'.—This magazine is a remarkable
proof of the extension and diffusion of scientific
knowledge in the present day. A magazine, on
subjects out of the reach of those who have never
studied mechanics and the assistant sciences is issued
weekly.at 3d. a nnatber, and we believe enjoys an
extended circulation. It is illustrated by wood-
cuts, which greatly facilitate the comprehension of
the machines or processes described. Thus one of
those ' in this number gives a clear idea of a
safety apparatus for mine cages. All interested in
the study of mechanics, whether amateurs or work-
men, will find, subjects for attention in this perio-
dical, both of a theoretical and practical nature.

The Art-Journal.—The three pictures which, as
usual, embellish .the Art-Journal are The Harvest
Field, a graceful group taken from a picture by C.
TEcheggeny, in the Royal Collection ; an engraving
from "Ministering Angel,,," by A. M. Miller ;
and' Beatrice Crnci, from the statue, by Harriet
Hosmer. The Book Of. the Thames, by Mr. and
Mrs. S. C. Hall, is continued. It is pleßsantly
written and prettily illustrated. There are various
papers on subjects connected with Art and Art
Manufacture, and the usual criticisms on the exhi-
bitionS at present 'open,;. '

The Irish Metropolitan,.—This magazine is a 1, eW
candidate in the field of serial literature of averag e
ability. It .presents the usual variety of tales,
sketches, travels,• and. poems. The last days of
Sebastopol occupy a place of course. It is appa-
rently intended chiefly 'for gentlemen, as sever al
pages .of sporting intelligence are added. This
feature will render it attractive to all interested in
such matters. It would not be fair to criticise a
first number with any severity ; other instalments
will no doubt manifest improvement. At present,
if it is not above the average, it is not far below it.

, The Assurance Magazine and Institute of
Actuaries recommends itself to the attention of all
in auy way connected with the extensive and im-
portant tar:mess of Life and Fire Insurance. It
,contains but few article 4, and almost all of them
aro devoted to one of these topics. There is also a
paper on "Decimal Coinage" in the present num-
ber. The "Foreign Intelligence," and statistics
of Insurance Societies, will be useful to those
engaged in the profession.