The Oxford intelligencer., 1860-07-18
Jere. Clemens, Last Book.

Co.
We believe that no book which is not capable
in some degree, of benefitting mankind, ought tC
receive the approval of the Press. Genius and
learning are so often perverted, so often used for
purposes contrary TO the noble aims to which
they would naturally seem to turn, that we must
be careful, very careful, lest our Judgment be
led astray by the dazzling brightness of the one,
or by the enticing promises of the other. Beauty
of style, or earnestness of narrative, often leads
us to read volume which were better LEFT un-
read. In passing judgment upon any book,
then, let us first ask ourself the question-Will
it do good? Tried by this standard, we think
"TnE Rivals " viii be found wanting
On page eight in his preface Mr.. Clemens
gives us an insight into the aim of the work. and
the spirit in which il was composed. The whole
book, its plot and incidents, are but the filling
upof the outline there presented, an attempt to
give. to Aaron Burr, that place in the memory of
the nation which is now held by Alexander Ham
ilton. Mr.. Clemens says:
"Of Alexander Hamilton have written no.
thing of which | do not believe he was capable,
after the fullest examination Of his own writings
and those of others. That have entertained
strong prciudices against him from boyhood, is
true; that these prcjudices may have influenced
my judgment is possible; but | have tried to
discard them, and look at his character in the
/ light OF reason alone. The more | studied it.
the more | became convinced that the world
D .pt,ta cI
and of meanness of daring courage and of vile
malignity, of high asprings and Of low hypoc-
/ risy. Shrewd, artful, and INSCRIPTIONS, there
were no means he would not employ to accomp-
lish his endS-no tool too base to be used where
its services were needful. Loose IN his own mo-
rails even to Righteousness he criticised those of
Thomas jefferson with severity no other an
tagonist ever equallcd. Slandcr was his favorite
weapon, and no one stood in his way who did
not feel the venom of his tongue and pen"
Mr. Clemens writes this Of a man. whom
while he lived, his country honorcd and leaned
upon; whom they who knew him loved and ad-
mircd; whom the great and good Washington
trusted as hc had never trusted any other man,
and loved as If he were his own brother. The
world has admired the wonderful mental powers
of Alexander Hamilton, and continues to adj
miro. On the pages of our country's history his
name shines in letters of gold and there, doubt
less, it will shine, while genius unrivallcd and
unsclhsh patriotism bring glory to their posses
sor His memory is cnshrincd in the hearts of
his countrymcl and will beam diamond among
the Jewel names which are treasured there, as
long as true worth and genial soul are priced
That Mr. Clemens should become an apollo
glst for Aaron Burr, we care not. We believe
that cotcmporary history docs Mr. Burr Unjust
ice; and we trust that the cobwcb caumnies,
that have so long been allowed to darkcn his
name, may bc swept away by the beSom OF
truth But why pull down one that another
may be lifted up? Why is it necessary to dim
the glory Of Hamilton, in order that the rust
may he rubbed from the reputation Of AARON
Burr? We know that neither Hamilton nor
Burr was pure as an angel. They were both
great men; but Hamilton was the greater Nor .
is this any dispa1agcmcnt of Burr; for Hamilton .
has not had his equal in mind in america. .
Their country Is largely indebted to both and
while they both lived, looked upon them as the
hclmsmcn who were to pilot the young govern
mcnt through the breakers that lined its carly
way. One unfortunate, fatal weakness put an
end to their usefulness AZ viii remain n blot
upon their fame forever They quarrcled, and
they must fight So their world-Scrving gcnii
They fought, and Hamilton fell,
and yielded his soul to its Maker. Burr, mad
dcncd and consciencc-striclScn was incapacitatcd
from further service to his country; and having,
by that one act of folly abdicatcd his throne in
the hearts Of his countrymcn, he wasted his
life in the vain pursuit of shadowy diadcms. He
was no traitor. lie was simply, noble man,
cut loose from the restrictions which a we'll
balanced mind throws around, tormcntcd by the
everything, ever present picture Of that fatal
DAYS work, and having no affection for people
who were always dinning in his ears the harsh
ness Of their Indignation. lie sought some
place where the evcr-rising thought Of bitterness
might "lown at his bidding" where other scenes
and constant action might dim the too frequent
Of his crime. lie was no traitor.
But Aaron Burr, after the killing Of Hamilton,
was certainly sad wreck ofthc LOFTY genius who
had before filled 50 prominent place in the
front ranks Of greatness.
Mr.. Clemens presents US human nature in
phazc we do not like; in form of hidcousncss
which our heart revolts at. lie would make us
believe that the had man can counterfeit the good
nan so perfectly, that nation may be blinded
10 the truth, and history deceived into placing
his name among tho good and great Now VIC
believe that mans thoughts and feelings arc
written in his actions, and find uttcrance from
MS tongue 4 man cannot forever speak and
lrt in opposition to the promptings Of his heart
The impulsivc inner agency will drive him to
he revelation Of the truth. No man can have
;uch entire control over himself as not to do or
,ay something that would bctray him. And 1
hat not once or occasionally, but frequently and
,crsistcntly If a man does only good deeds /
md speaks only good thoughts it must be be-
;ausc lhs heart prompts only to such, because ,
he master impulse which sweeps the spirit I,
.hords attuncs them to produce only pleasant
Ounds. The bad man may, sometimes, do a
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