New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-01-08

faithful report Of what he sees and would not con-
seiously minister to his prjudices by the misrepre-
sentation Of facts He often endssvours 70 tnahe
out case; but we do not know that be would
strive 10 do this ut the expense Of truth.
His narrative affords signal example OF the
mower of language TO produce picturesque effects.
His page suggests as many images to the eye ss q
great historical painting. Elaborated WIKI con-
summate nicely, leaving visible traces oil stadious
care and too artificial to satisfy the love OF nata-
rsl beauty, it yet always CLOVIS with intellectual
life and kndles the mag II 10 does nos touch
the heart Frugal of epthcts, with no snperhaoas
establishment, fortified by manly rhetoric, hrs
shle is q remarkable union Of economy md prcia-
sion. II is liberal in images, but sparng OF words.
There are no waste spaces in his composition.
His sentences are east in the smallest mold but
each is pregnant with meaning. He hss none oil
the long reaches Of expression, in which psssags
is slowly built up by an accumulation OF Materials
enchanting the ear By its rhythmcal movement,
until il produces climax of delight in Its cadence
Of LIQUID melody. In this respect, he has departed
widely from the old English models Of magnificent
prose. seduced BY his love of French vTaclty nom
the majestic harmonies of his mother tongue.
Nor ID he content with the simple narration OF
facts. He INDUCES often in wise and instructive
comments on the course of history which he de-
scribes. His reflections are always judeioas,
often highly significant If they are marked BY
scuteness rather than breadth, they are more 10
keeping with his prevailing habit Of mind He
never ventures upon philosophical generalizations
He reasons spty on the relation OF cause and
effect in the material order never upon the con-
nection of ideas in the region OF speculation. Ills
statements are eminently lucid. The most per-
picking combinations gain symmetry beneath his
plastic touch. He addresses himself specially TO
the understanding, and always with admirable
effect. As specimens of his clearness Of exposition
we may allude to the account Of the creation Of
the national debt, the origin OF funded invest-
meuts. and the influence OF the new coinage on
the purity of the currency. His manner IL GER
taiuly no less informing than it is agreeable.
We cannot deny, however, that he is too uni
fo,m in bis methods not to incur the charge OF
monotonv. His perpetual briancy and point
sometimes produce dazzling effect. Weweery
of so intense light. The alienation Of q milder
glory would be grateful relief This Is especially
true of the present volumes. With the effect ofthe
past reading of Macaulay still fresh in the miod,
we are liable to safety from the repetition Of his
peculiarities. His manner which was once ~
charming, becomes an ungracous mannerism' The
perpeal recurrence of the same form of expression
seems on infringement on our freedom. We arc
willing to dethrone the idol for the sake Of variety
and perhaps should have been better satisfied With
less degree of excellence If clothed In an easier
and more natural garb. Hence, with all the su-
peroriy of Slncaulay to Hume in point OF historical
learning, accuracy OF statement, and sPiendor Of
illustration, we should not be surprised that tho
simple graces of the latter should carry the day with
the majority of English readers.