The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-11-05

AFTER THE BATTLE, REPosE.-Now that the
great political conflict is over which has engrossed
for months past the public mind and disturbed
the even current of mems ideas, we may expect
to see the interests which have been languishing
during this period of excitement again resuming
their wonted activity. The arts, literature and
the theatres all suffer severely from contests like
that through which we have Just passed. They
constitute the occupations or rather the amuse
ments, Of mems leisure hours; and they can only
flourish in period Of repose. We have not as
yet arrived at the French art of rendering the
stage the medium Of covert political satire
With them the theatre is no less popular during
period OF political excitement than during those
intervals Of forced tranquility which are imposed
on them by the despotic measures Of their rulers
They find in il means Of giving expression to
the pent up feelings of discomfort and resent
ment which they would otherwise be compelled
to smother in their breasts. Any one who has
visited the Continental theatres must have re-
marked the quickness with which every passage
that can be twisted into political allusion j.
seized upon. The strictest surveillance Of the
censorship canno. guard against the interchange
Of sentiment between the actor and audience,
for which even the most carefully exciscd
pieces afford some opportunity. This Is one Of
the reasons why the theatres in France do not
suffer TO the same extent as ours from exciting
political events a Frencbman will oyerturn a
throne in the morning. and go to witness co
nsdy Of Scribe in the evening. With us it is diff
fercnt. Having nothing to trammcl the free ex-
preston Of our opinions, we are not obliged 10
Geek for indirect means Of giving vent to them
To US the theatre is merely pastime, and con-
scquently, when our thoughts are otherwise en-
grossed-as in the recent election-this interest
is depressed in common with others which are de
pendent upon our leisure or caprice.
But much as the managers Of theatres have
bad TO complain of the hard times which cleo
pioneering has brought upon them, the publishers
have had still more. There never has been
greater depression in the trade than during the
last three months But few books OF any interest
have been brought out, and such as have been
published have fallen almost still-born. No one.
in fact has had time or inclination to read; the
stirring and momentous issues involved in the
Presidential contest 80 occupying and cngrossing
mems minds as to leave but little opportunity for
anything else.
After the smoke and din Of the conflict have
passed away, and people have settled down from
- excitement attending IL, they will again be-
take themselves to those occupations OF reflaed
leisure which have only been suspended in obc-
diencc to a sense Of duty. 1t will be refreshng
to turn from the scandal, the calumny and the
other atrocities Of party warfare, to the congo
NAL, instructive and elcvatng influences Of lite
nature and the arts. From the disgusting and
upscemly controversies regarding peoples crecds
and family histories, men will pass with pleasure
| to the consideration OF subjects which appeal
neither to their bieotry nor to their passions.
| They have had enough Of the filth and abomna-
tons stirred up by the malice Of party leaders to
last them for some time, and IL will contribute 20
their selfrcspect and equanimity to retura to
| those pursuits which exercise healthful and
tranqulizing influence upon the mind
| From the announcements of the publishers,
| we have the the promise Of rich store
Of amusement and instructive reading for
the approaching winter. A vast number
| of books, historical, biographical, scientific and
4 Of lighter material have been held over 10 bide
this more favorable period for their appearance.
| Amongst the forthcoming works which are dee
| tined TO excite the greatest sensation from its
piqusnt disclosures, racy anecdotes and sound re