New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1845-12-04

the University OF Berlin sc. Translated from the
German BY William w. Turner. Newly ork j. q
Il G. Langley, s Astor House, lsi5
The list of titles in whose place we read the Nc.
should be given TO enable the reader 10 appreciate
The degree of independence and candor shown By
Won Raumer in speaking OF the institutions OF his
na,;ye land and the influence OF that government
which has delighted to honor him. This is esteem
Cd abroad to be very considerable, though ii may
mt make much show beside the standard which
easily rises so high in country happy in the free
dom of the press
If we appreciate this justly we shall be more
likely TO be Just TO the motives and character of our
critic. when he comes upon our own ground, for he
who knows how to speak truth when ii IS hard and
dangerous, Will scarcely fail TO do so where it is
desirable and easy.
We have read this book with some care, though
no, with what il claims TO make suitable notice of
il, The ground ii covers is so large that il would
require weeks of studious examination and de-
tailed review of It's several points. even from per
son qualified by fairness OF disposition strong de-
sire 10 be impartial and extensive and accurate nor
nation throughout The vast range OF topics en-
braced There are few or no persons fitted TO sur
vev Won Raumer's book ably and fairly as he has
surveyed this country, and from SUCH if such there
are il would require much time and care. II will
get examined piecemeal by those who are compe-
ten, or interested in its different topics; for our
selves we must be content with comments upon It's
sense and spirit as a whole.
We must, in the first place render unhesitating
tribute TO the excellent spirit and motives Of Won
1
the truth not to sustain theories satisfy preudices
He has kept his mind open to new impressions, and
has been DESTROYS to ascertain new standard for
new form Of life. He shows true modesty in his
sense Of how superficial and defective his scrutiny
must be- under the circumstances. and does not over
rate the importance OF his differences, either for him
self or others In short he shows the spirit of the
Biederman That spirit which has made the Ger
man mind more catholic, and enriched itwith treas
ures Of knowledge more unconaminate than be-
long to all the other nations of Europe put together
The following passage is full evidence Of this
"Al the conclusions formed respecting America
from other Dem ocrac'es and Conederated Republics
mentioned in history. insufficient and inappliCa-
be- The United States are something essentially
aec and peculiar; and which on comparison with
former phenomena of the kind, exhibits more diff
ferences than similartics
This is indeed the way 10 look at the subject, as
something essentially new and peculiar, patiently 10
observe the operation of new laws and causes, pa
tiently to await The results, without childish san
guineness rash despair premature and sweeping
inferences And yon Raumer keeps 10 this ground
as none but German would The Frenchman
hastens with his snowy generalities The English
man cannot rise above comparisons of all other ex-
pe,iences with his own. The German alone is libe-
nj enough TO observe each growth by its own law
and with reference to its peculiar purposes.
The chief value of the book is for Europe, to give
Of us better general account than is common.
Notwithstanding Won Raumer industry and can
DOR, and his uncommon preparation for collecting
materials yet the shorness of his stay obliged him
iodraw them mostly from books and hearsay the
smoun, of his personal observation is comparatively
small and il is only that which could have any great
interest for US. But as catalogue raSoRRse OF the
American exhibition for European use, just TO show
where things are 10 be looked for and IN what
lights and ways 10 be looked at. II is and will be
valuable The author is so careful 10 point out the
boundaries and sources OF his information that he
vii create few preiudices and no fierce ones aud,
where he has made mistakes they may easily be de-
,scted
Had Won Raumer been here longer and possessed
more ample opportunity OF personal observation his
book would have been improved, but still its merit
would not have risen above mediocrty for his na,u-
RAJ abilities do not rise above il. He is man OF re-
ectable powers honorably and industriously cult
va;ed to the extent of which they capable, of
great information as TO external facts, but without
depth Of thought piercing or searching sagacty.-
his fairness ofdisposition and the wide horizon to
Which his thoughts are accustomed, are the only
nigh requisites possessed by him for task so di'li-
cult There is no great lead in bis mind, and he
gives US no important clues to aid in our investiga-
IONS, Where he has 4 lead as for instance, the
eject that may be expected from so large mixture
'ne dermanic race upon the growth of our nation,
W Tue principles Of Free Trade. he says nothing
winch mas not been as well said elsewhere. He is
very careful In weighing evidence and giving both
saes OF the argument; still he cannot bring the state
'ainss iuy before us, for he is destitute otthe fine
instructive tact which is the prerogative of genius,
winch teaches how to select and how much, very
@och, TO reject. He takes information wholesale;
you can trace the marks upon the bales and tell ex-
scy wha, his associations have been in this coun-
W he shows his want of greatness of soul in the
"ay he examines the Slavery question we know
Us only aim was not to be unjust. bu, his want of
'sos0lity 10 great principles isrepulsive. jus,
Is we had made up our mind thoroughly to like
aao esteem person for civic and domestic virtues,
-aa hen on seeing him placed opposite the Apollo
SeSidere, could resist being disguised at finding
~s' form Of glory to his mind only man OF
GOO features and SO many feet and inches in hight
De'o'e great persons great subjects we know not
~" 10 pardon one who has not even spark OF the
'a''eo hre We are disappointed TO receive no
,Soaole suggestions from Won Raumer the sub
~ @Edncaton especially, bat indeed on all the
.4''ec's All that his great culture does Tor him is
" enable him 10 appreciate results and draw extern
"e Comparisons. He docs not pierce beneath The
As.o eep enoughto SOW any seed His sketch
VI persons are in the same style all the rest
Nc! are tolerable likeuesses, rather battered than
c4n e'wse' not only in the cases Of Jefferson and
loun' where heindulgcs degree Of enthusiasm,
VI various Other hp gym