The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-06-22
QsosQae Mnd:


studied, neither would have been necessary.
Caosqae tandcm
POLITICAL. LirsEATNUi.s IN ENGIANp.-The
recent changes in the Derby Cabinet, by
which it is said Sir Edward Rulwcr Lyttcn viii
become Chief Secretary for the Colonies aud
the renewed agitation Of the friends Of Mr..
Tbackeray, when it was presumed that the
Ministry would 60 to the couatry. If defeated on
MIR. Csrdwei resolution, have directed attention
to the peculiar social and political position Of
the four great English authors-Bulwer, Dis
rseli, Thackeray and Dickens. Tue first named
statesmen commenced life as literary men.
Bulwer's success as novelist was immediately
and emphatically pronounced. Asa play writer
be was no less triumphant. He improves, 1.-The
wine, with age. my Novel" overshadsws
pelham" even as Bulwer, the author, is stir
paramount over Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart, poll
tician and Chief Secretary for the Colonies.
In other words, Bulwer has, by the severest
labor, achieved only respectable position "a .
statesman. He is still camp follower, where
he had hoped for the baton of command. Dis
raeli, on the other hand, has made more fame
as politician than as a writer. His early lite
rary experiences have given him terseness,
strength and cogency Of expression. He builds
his speeches as George Steers built his ships
| perfect in every line. The late speech Of the
Chancellor of the Exchequer to his constituents
Of Buckingbamshire was model of invective.
He shines, however, upon the opposition rather
than the treasury benches and can pull down
better than build up.
| Mr.. Thackeray and Mr.. Dickens are the more
popular writer's of England Bulwer is too ella
borate-too metaphysical for the mass of read
ere, who prefer to chat with Pendennis or to
be jolly with Mr. Mark Tapley than to hear
Mr.. Caxton hold forth upon the Immortality Of
the soul Mr.. Thackeray's characters may
be seen any day, between two and six.
lounging about the London clubs or airing
themselves in Hyde Park, or driving down to
| Stephens Green. Mr.. Dickens fpds his sub
jects in the lower orders, who shrink from the
light Of day, crouching In want and penury.
Thus these two men truly represent the CON.
mons Of England, while Bulwer and Dsraeii
only embody certain political theories and OBJ
solete ideas. Mr.. Thackersy meets his readers
| wears to-day the sock and buskin- to morrow
reads his Christmas books at st. Martins Hall.
Bulwer and Disraeli are hsmmeripg away in
the House, or being bored with solemn con-
claves ia Downing street. No one Of the quar-
tette is doing anything brilliant for the cause of
literature. All but Dickens have becu seduced
by the syren Of politics be, by all accounts,
has fallen into the embraces Of another Gree.
I younger and more material, and therefore less
| respectable.
Mr.. Thackeray is anxious to get into Parlia-
ment. When he stood for Oxford he was beatca
by few votes, on account II is claimed of .
misinterpretation Of his liberal views upon the
Sunday question, which has puzzled the rulers OF
England, as Of this city, for several years. Had
the Derby Ministry been forced to division On
Mr.. Cardwell's resolution, Mr.. Thackeray would
have again become candidate for the House.
II elected he would have owed his success 10 the
action of bis opponent at Oxford. Mr.. Thsck-
cray claims entire independence in political
| matters
Mr.. Dickens il understood TO side with the
Derby clique; but he keeps entirely apart from
any public connection with the affairs Of the
country. II was suggested some years ago that
he should stand for Manchester, which honor,
We believe, he peremptorily declined. Fren
his acute knowledge Of human nature, practi-
cally-his keen perception Of the follies OF the
day and slashing style when attacking hum
huge and shams of all kinds Mr.. Dickens would
make fine politician either for the oppositios
or the government He would be much more
valuable than Bulwer, who Is only theorst
Thackeray's sphere OF thought is not 40 wide
as that Of Dickens. Pendennis has not the
fancy, the Imagination, the humor and pathos
Of the author Of "Pickwick;r but Penden-
mis- has great power, and in Parliament would
cut right and left. We eSquitc well aware
that Dickens is said to be distraa in society and
embarrassing in conversation; but be Is On ad-
mirable actor and good public speaker
However, whether Mr.. Dickens and Mr..
Thackeray have seats In Parliament or not, II
| il quite evident that the government of Great
Britain is in the hands of the penmen. Dirae'i
and Bulwer in the Cabinet the Times In he
clubs, The taverns and private 6residcs I;
| Thackeray and Dickens teaching the people in
| the lecture room and the theatre, are the real
powers N the realm.
The superior civilization Of the United States
substitutes the pistol for the pen. Which Is tho
best?
| wHr HAVE VIZ GOVERNMENT For '-Ma@a
| Greeley takes exception at our views of the
dutes NJ the United States government, and