New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-12-31
FROM BOSTON.
from ON Own corre.nond.nt.

lectcd my correspondence, 80 That topics nave ac-
cumuated until it is almost impossible to clear OFF
the arrears.
The great war OF the press and the publishers
has, in Boston at least, eclipsed in interest even
the war in the East-partly, perhaps, because it
first broke out here. We Yankees, you know
have a pleasant notion that all good and great
things originate in Massachusetts, In this instance
we certainly may safely claim that the first blow in
the struggle-the battle of Hiawatha-was struck
upon our soil. That was our Literary Lexington.
Let us hope that the contest will end in establish
ing truly free and independent Republic of
Letters
The extent to which the public attention has
been given to this conflict reminds me of the alb
sOrbing interest which the Italians used to take in
literary quarrels. 1t is undeniably sign of ad-
vancing civilization, and indicates that the nation
has arrived at stage Of culture in which it has
taste enough to occupy itself with something more
than political contests or the clashing of purely
national interests.
For my part connected as | am with both the
high cOntending powers, have looked on pretty
much in the same spirit that the woman viewed
the fight between her husband and the bear; or to
choose fresher illustration, pretty much as look
upon the war between the Russians and the Allies
except that my sympathies incline somewhat to
the Russians who are CALAMITY defending their
country against an invasion the real Of which
is determination to uphold the political pre-
emineDce Of France and England by checking the
natural growth of Russia; and this even at the
expense of civilization and Christianity, whose
interests clearly demand that COnStantinOple and
the splendid regions dependent on it should be
taken out of the desolating hand of the Turks.
You may settle with Mr. Underwood as to who
represent the Russians and who the Allies.
scarcely remember an instance in which the
public sentiment Of Boston has been so nearly
unanimous on political question as on that now
pending at Washington Outside of the Custom
House, men of all parties are heartily anxious
that Mr.. Banks should be chosen Speaker. do
not know what Gov. Gardner himself wishes in
the matter but the leading Gardner men in the
State are certainly in favor of Banks. Mr. Baker
the abest of them, and who more than any other
man contributed to their triumph in November
told me yesterday in the strongest language that
he hoped Banks would be elected. MIR. Baker ls
believe, the official head of the Order in Mas
sachusetts. A few days ago Mr.. Ely, the Arch
Grand Sachem of the o. U. A. in the United
States, informed me that he had written to his
friends at Washington in the most urgent manner
in favor of Banks. of the extent OF these gentle
mems influence at Washington L know nothing
but certainly no men better represent the domi
nant party in Massachusetts.
The reasons for this general interest in behalf OF
Mr.. Banks are twOfold. In the first place, as
everybody here without exception readily admits
he is pre.eminently qualified for the post of
Speaker. Within the memory OF man we have not
had in Massachusetts, so competent prtSdlhg
officer. His qualities have been amply tested not
only in our House of Representatives but in all
sorts of Conventions, including the Constitutional
Convention of 1853. The Democratic State Con-
vention of 1851 aud the Republican state Conven'
ton of 1855, over both of which he presided, were
remarkably turbulent bodies, especially the Tor
mer. at which the great fight between the HunkeIs
and the Coalitionists was fought out. Ii num-
bered nearly thousand delegates among them
Caleb Cushing Ben. Hallett Ben. Butler, Charies
G.. Greene, and, in short, nearly ever! DeinocIo1
of note in the State. There was cohcer'eu
ottemnt continued through the whole session 10
tinacity of the disturbing members exceeded any
thing of the kind l have ever witnessed before vi
since. Mir. Banks, however, carried the C0n'eh-
tion successfully through scenes winch would nave
driven an ordinary Chairman in despair from the
platform. .,.,:
In the next place, Mr.. Banks, notwithstanding
the conspicuous position he has SO long hei1 III our
politcs. has been eminently distinguished for eau,
ZION. moderation and courtesy. l cannot recah
any personal controversy in which he has Deen EN-
gagged. lie has invariably treated his opponents
with fairness and good temper. On the slavery
ouestion he occupies very moderate position.
I ntil the massage of the Nebraska act he was not
identified with the Anti-Slayery party, except, per,
hans from the fact that he had carefully aostalned
from attacks upon them and mad supported tne
coalition between them ald the Democrats. bul
moderate as his position u.s. II Is satisac'oT! u .uo
Arti Slavery sentiment of the State, because MI
Ranks has well-grOunded reputation for relia-
biIitv. He is man likely to adhere to position
once taken. however cautious he may be IN taxing
u lie is firm and cool but has no enthusiasm Tor
anything. .i :, po.+on :
nr Holmes and his incredible orati0n ne brleI
teleeraphic dispatch announcing the It'le DOC,
tors outburst politics and PATRIOTISM prouuce9
nearly as much astOnishment as IL IL hau rePoI'ou
that Cant. Rynders had occupied the pulpit OF
Trinity Church on the preceding Sunday. No one
here has ever thought of DIR. Holmes In connec'
t;on with politics, or would give button Tor ms
onipion on any political question. lie is looked
upon simply as a pleasant Jester auu SHiiiluI
cam;c yersiher but without the slightest claims
~ either the knowledge or the Judgment that
would Justify him in lecturiug New orA on pupilc
affairs. Our first impression was tha' ths 'eis-
oraph had bundered. or that the Doctor hau SUI,
SenIy gone mad This was succeeded 10y uni'ersal
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