The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-05-21

ticle in the Paris L'Esperance, giving an
interesting but melancholy account Of Wis
tito DR.. Strauss. The unhappy man has
now abandoned theology, and. resides at
Heidelberg.
In returning from Tubingen and Slut
gard. through the picturesque valley of the
Ncckar, diversified by wooden banks, rocks,
castles, and old ruins, we stopped at las,
upon those verdant heights, from whence.
in the midst Of an amphitlea,re of hills,
rises the city of Heidelberg.
One of our friends had asked us TO nav
n visit to DR.. Strauss We hesi.a,ed. 1t
was the University vacation. Every one
was absent. Umhriet, Schenkel, Ro,he
srh"losser, Crcuzer, Gervi,n<, hal all taken
wing, and had gone to seek that reposc
which the Professor 50 much needs at the.
conclusion Of the term. And, besides that
splendid landscape, unrivalIcd, perhaps, in
Europe. with its mountains, woods, and WA
tcrs, together with the animation lent to the
scene by the crowds Of eager and delighted
tourist, the soft air of September, so sooth-
ing to overwrought nerves, and SO refreshing
to tho head and hcart-all conspired to
cause US to forget for while the strfcs of
the intellectual world, and to Weld ourselve
unntcrrupedIy to the enjoyment of these
delightful impressions.
heidelberg is little more than one long
street. running parallel with the left bank
of the Ncckar, from the Castle 10 the Docks.
which cundur:, on one hand, towards the
mlsts of the north, on the other, towards
Switzerland and the splcndors of the south.
The Castle ruin are incomparahlv nagnifi.
cent, and lend to the whole picture gran
deau, majesty, aud harmony, truly impc-
sing.
After having feasted our eyes with the
exquisite prospects, we prepared. lut not
without regret, to quit this lovely neighbor-
hood, when, just at the last moment, it oc-
Cured to US to make an attempt to see Dr..
Strauss, although at such season we had
little expectation Of finding him at home.
Accordingly esct out in the direction of
one Of those walks which run parallel to the
principal street; and there. in rather an
humble looking abode, embosomcd in shrubs,
aud situated at the foot Of the mountains.
resides the celebrated Doctor. IIe is soil.
tary. A dol-ful silence seems to reign
around him. Unlike Suabe, his appearance
is friged, and has nothing expansive in it.
He is large man, and bis physiognomy is
expressive Of disappointment, suffering, and
general want Of repose. One feels ones
self frozen by the severity imprinted on those.
features, by their restless, eagerncss, by the
contracted lines about the mouth, wIicl, has
somewhat of convuIsive expression, and
by the bitterness Of his words.
The conversation turned upon Tubingen
and general literature. and upon France and
her politics; for every German, to what
class soever lie may happen to belong, has
always series of phrases ready upon this
snhjec..
do YOU still occupy yourself with the
ologv 2" we inquired of the Doctor.
"God preserve me from il: only regret
that it ever occupied me. For the last ten
years | have never thought ofi,."
"You do not take the course at the Uni
versi,y Of Heidelberg, theua'
mo"
"You doubtless prefer the independence Of
a man Of letters ?--and indeed, il is the
most desirable condition for a thinker"
"Certainly but on the other hand it is
not good even for a man of letters not to
have fixed and regular occupation; not to
he attached to some post which creates obi.
gation-in a word to he nothing in the
State, to hold no office which enable you
10 exercise direct influence upon the mind
of tLe nation.'
"Bnt ly bis writings, does not the man
of letters exercise very great influence
too great, perhapsl"
Doubtless but that is not the same
Thing. The public functonary is sustained
supported, he does not walk alone, he is a
link in the great chain Of the State" Tn
order 10 understand this conversation, il
must be known that Strauss, though n rad,
c"I in philosophy and theology, is in politics
decided Conversakipe.) '4''
r"A'low mo to put to you question, per-
liapsa little personal Twenty Years have
now elapsed since you' work first appeared
andin such a periotl Of time changes have
necessarily taken PLACE; l1oSekt Has pro.
gressedssndsi sinanyt Objects are now seen
frog, q different point Of visw. What do
you now think Of your work !" -
- Nt,SH .zx.S-