The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-04-30


accessible libraries, Of amperof ard general charac-
tor Londsn and Paris have also public hbrries, at
which sll.he best current literature Of the world
NAV be seen and consulted There exist fire collec-
tons in the National Museums in those cities; and
all the cubhouses have valuable Libraries attached
10 them, for the use of their members There is
room however, for the further organisation and ex-
tension Of public Libraries in this great city, which
are demanded by the intelligence of the age.
They afe the incidents Of modern and civilized
times denoting the appreciation and influence Of Ii
terature and learning, and the spread Of general
education, and hence their progress becomes mat
Yer of interesting observation IN connection with the
political and social welfare Of the people. In gene
raj diffusion of information, and therefore real ac-
tual value to the people, the libraries in this coun-
try surpass those in Great Britain where there are
few public Libraries out of the three metroposes.
We have libraries Of some sort in nearly all cur
large cities.
The cause Of this state Of things is clear; tho
people generally in the Old World are not reading
people, while VIC are especially such. The effects Of
talented, we'll conducted, and cheap newspaper lite
nature are cOnapicuously visible in the encourage
nent which it yields to the devolopcment of taste
for literature science, and art. The effects of the
newspaper press reach through all classes of the
community, and create an impulse and desire for
refinement and raise up the necessity Of the exist
ence Of these valuable institutions. The contrary
effect in the impoverished countries on the European
continent, is explicable in the fact that the re-
cords Of public Intelligence and opinion are con-
fined by their excessive Misunderstanding from
odious and oppressive, and political axaten-tc the
wealthy and exclusive few
The other great incentive to the encouragement
and development Of learning and literary taste,
undoubtedly exists in our excellent and unegualle
system of national education, to which, or to any
system of national education at all, England is a
stranger-the aristocrats who rule knowing how
dangerous it would be to their regime to educate the
masses. Upon this subject it would be aggressive 10
enlarge.
We therefore view with delight the progress and
prosperity Ofcuch invaluable institutions asrubc
libraries, means Of reforming and accc mpish-,
ing, and thereby adding improvement, happiness,
and strength, to social and political condition
1t is obvious that much Of the proper influence
and real advantage Of public libraries must mate
rally depend upon their right management, and the
selection of the volumes, with view to thcirpropcr
adaptation to those for whom they are intended.
We have perused with pleasure the thirty-tirst
annual report of the Mercantile Library Association
In this city, which numbered at the end last year
80, 40 volunes, and 1877 members and, its name
hespeaks, is chiefly designed for members of the
mercantile, profession. groat proportion of the
volumes comprise light novels, which, the report
states in great demand, and, therefore, obliged
to be supplied. This we much regret, and shedl1
have much preferred observing tho of DO
Mand in the departments of general iterature or
science.
We are glad to observe that the report notices the
dcsrability of obtaining for this library udioiens
selection of standard German works Thissveil,
indeed. be valuable addition Germany las
hitherto been far ahead of every ether naticn in
the richness and vast extent of her literature aad
learning it is there that the mental, moral, end
physical sciences developed by Of the
greatest and deepest thinking miHAs the hun
Al. -.
guage will more than repay its requirement
We observe that very proper regulation CT the
association prohibits the admission Of Immoral and
irreligious" works. Every one can PUT true sense
upon the first named term but Npon the latter
there may be much difference Of opinion, aAd enc
half of the best German literature excluded. We
hope no narrow minded views will DC takcn<cf this
natter and that all works which are the results of
great observation and immense powers of reflection,
viii be received, and their study encouraged No
harm can result from such course; whereas a
bigotted exclusion would be ipconsonant will the
progression. OF the age, and kindse feelings Of u
directly opposite character to these intended be
encouraged.
We perceive that gallery Of artC has been added
to the institution, and should like to the addi
ton Of museum of antiquities and foreign culiesi-
ties ia nature and art, which doubt could be
readily formei by the many maritime friends tho
institution NO doubt possesses.
We hope further, that n liberal construction will
be put upon the rather stringent rules respecting
far possible, the vacuum which exists in this
city for such an establishment.
lateraly Reviews.
GODEY's LADY's MAGAZINE. May, 1852. Nov
York: Longs-.We have before had occasion TO
speak in terms o. commentator of this periodical,
and the present number sustans its character. The
contributions OF superior character and
among the best is Mr. Harrisons ''Confes lions. :"
The engravings are we'll executed and the fashions
and miscellaneous matter are all in unison with its
design.
SARrArN's UNION HlGAzrSE. May, 1852. Phila-
dephia.-Thc present number presents its readers
with interesting information of substantial char
actor, and also with amusing entertainment.
The MASSACRE or. CHICAGO. BY Major Richard
son. New York: Lcngs.-A tale of Indian Warfare.
Contains some exciting. scenes.
The QuADRooN. New York: ford.-This il one
of \ series of tales intended to be published under
the title Of Journals of the Empire City, by New
Yorker. The tale before us is well written, well
conceived and possesses considerable interest, sent-
ment, and lifclike sketching
THE FIRST Book OF ETyMoLoGY. BY Joseph
Thomas, NJ. d., Philadelphia: Riddles.-The de-
sign Of this work appears to be to show the Latin
roots OF those words in the English language of
Latin extraction, we presume with the view OF their
being better understood We question the utility
or advantage of such a design. A &c cd dictionary
will always give the best incoming and true sense Of
word used in our language; if it be thought adj
vantageouE to show the latin root of English
word, 1t wcrd reasonably follow that an English
student should resort to the root of the Lstn word
which may he found in the Greek, and 40 on-a
useless labor and absurdity.
A MANUAL or History or THE UNITED STATES.
by David b. Scott. New York: G. Sheppard &
Cc.-Ths little volume is intended TO be used in
schools, and is in the shape of catechism. 70
young pupils it will. we think, be Of advantage.
REMoRsE, AND OTHER TALES. BY G.. Z. X.
Jamee. New York. Bunce.-Wc cannot pretend
to read all the productions that cmanate from the
prolific brain of Mr.. James, and therefore leave this
novel to the judgment OF bis admirers We do not
happen to know whether if has been published be-
fore.
TIE PHoSoGRAPHIC TEACHER. b. Il. Webster.
New York: Fowlcrs x Wells.-For ten years Mr. Pit
man and his assistants labored to introduce his new
system Of writing into England. He got up mania,
and made money by selling an enormous number Of
books, but notwithstanding the excrtons of inter-
sstsd disciples photography is now little known or
and great required in forming its endless curves