The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-05-20


Constitution of the United States; with Notices Of its
Primo ipal Trainers. BY George Tieknor Curtis. In
Two Volumes. Volume ii. New York: Harper
Brothers less For sale by Taylor Maury Wash
ington, D. C.
The first volume of this work We have not
received, and can therefore only speak of it
from that which is now before MS. This is
most valuable one for the condensed informa-
| ton it contains, and the subject ought TO give
it wide circulation. Kent and Story have
furnished their Commentaries on the Constitu-
ton of the United States, Webster and many
| others of our statesmen, Marshall, and high
minded upright Judges like him, have expound.
ed ita principles and applied them to emergent
cases. Such history of its origin, develop
ment, and adoption, however, is what every cit
izen should become acquainted with. II ia
faithful record of events, and evidently has cost
its author much research. He sets down facts
not ss partisan, INDUCES in no mere reflections
of his own, but as his aim requires, draws from
the best original sources his statements of facts
illustrative alike of the feelings and acts Of those
who were engaged with more or less of Influence
| in bringing about the results.
The authors plan, in the present volume, as
given by himself, is thus clearly defined: 81
shall consider questions of construction only 30
far as may be necessary to elucidate my subject;
for propose, in writing the history of the form
alton of the Constitution to describe rather those
great notifications in the principles and struc-
ture of the union that took place in the period
at which we have now arrived in the course OF
this work, TO state the essential features of the
new Government, and to trace the process by
which they were evolved from the elements to
which the trainers of that Government resort
ed" This plan he keeps closely in view, and
the eminent ability with which he executes it,
every one who reads the book must admit
Sixteen chapters, embracing nearly 500 pages,
are devoted to the formation of the Constitution,
presenting view of the preparation and plans
and objects and reports of committees, and
discussions in the Convention thus condensing
great amount of detailed information il a
moderate compass, and accessible to the people
at large.
The last hundred pages record the struggles
in different States for its ratification, showing
that it was indeed hard fought battle, on al
most every field where the victory was finally
won. In the course of this history, too much
light is thrown on the causes of the difficulties
which opposed the Union of the States, and the
means by which they were removed.
Mr.. Curtis has performed q service for which
the country owes him thanks, by enabling all bet
ter to understand the views of the great men by
whom the Constitution was formed and set in
operation. Especially desirable is such knowl-
edge now, wher the great principles on which
it is based are wrested to the purposes of des-
potc authority, and the liberties of the people are
subverted under the guise Of adherence to its
intent, and the end and aim of those honored
men is frustrated bya power, of whose strength
they could not have dreamed, and which they
would have resisted to the death. The Consti-
tuition itself, with the amendments to it, is given
in full in an appendix, and the volume is like
wise furnished with copious index TO the
whole work.
Compendium of American Literature ChronOlOgicaly
Arranged with Biographical Sketches of the Authors,
the Plan of The Authors " Compendium of English
Literature and English Literature of the Nineteenth
Century" BY Charles D. Cleveland. Philadelphia:
E. c. & J. Biddle 1853
The author, in his preface, says: "Every one
will look at the subject from different stand
point; and will sincerely thank each and all
to place me in their position, that may as far
as possible see with their eyes," We fear that
the experiment suggested would result toe much
hat - fba old fabl Nf he ,ho ~ 81
to please everybody, and pleased nobody, and
so wisely concluded at last to please himself.
There is probably no one who takes up this vol.
ume but must feel that some authors are left
out and others are put in, some passages are
selected and others passed over, in the case of
those who occupy place in this list, that, had
he had the making of it, would have been
different. We could mention such names
and references. A national literature, in our
view, is that which permanently represents the
mind and character of a nation. This ia what
we mean by Grecian and Roman literature.
The number of authors in list described in a
history of national literature will of course be
great. That of Germany, for instance, volumes
could not contain it. And yet there could
scarcely be any doubt as to the great names
whose writings will 60 down to posterity with
an enduring fame.
1t is on such q basis as we believe volume
like this should be constructed, and, adopting
this as the true standard, while we recognise
its application in many cases, we think Mr..
Cleveland has sometimes certainly lost sight of
it. Adventurous circumstances thus have, in
certain instances, given place to individuals
who, as thus brought into this company, might
be much as the politicians which Burke speaks
of in Lord Chatham's administration-wond
ing how or why they have been 30 associated.
Still, the volume is an interesting collection of
extracts, and contains many rich morceaur of
the productions of minds and genius that will
ever be blended with the fame of our country
in its most enduring title to respect and honor
in after ages. There are about lilo authors, of
whom biographical sketches and extracts are
furnished, embracing names in the varied
classes and professions Of both sexes. Gener.
ally, the chronological arrangement is adopted,
though we think not strictly adhered to. Mr..
Cleveland's book deserves well of the friends of
an outspoken testimony for human rights.
The Happy Home BY Kirwan, author Of Letters to
Bishop Hughes" Romanism at Home,n 81 Men and
Things in Europe" &c. New York Harper 4
Brothers. 1883. For sale by Taylor Maury, Wash
ingion, ID. c.
Few of our readers probably need to be told
who Kirwan 10. DR.. Nicholas Murray is too