New-York daily tribune., 1861-08-18
LITERARY.

The fourth volume of NJ. Guizots Memoirs to
Illustrate the History of Ny Tine" of which trans
laton iy j. w. Cole has recently appeared in London,
embraces the period of the public life of tha! eminent
.tate.man from October 1892 to his appointment as
Minister TO England in 1910. Among the principal
topc treated in this volume are the break in the party
Of Louis Philippe the attempts on the Kings life the
coalition of NJ. Guizot and Count Mole, and the di.
plomatc complications caused by tie Civil War in
Spain and by the rebelous attitude of MeLemet Ali in
Egypt. The volume Issued, like those which have
preceded it, is marked by the characteristic gravity,
eancstne.s of discussion, freedom from rhetorical
articles, and force and dignity of style, which mark
the political and historical productions Of the author.
Among the striking pictures, which he occasionally
presents of his illustgous cotemporares is impress
1--WE sketch of NJ. dc Lmartine. NJ Guizot remarks,
Il cannot encounter the name of N. de Iamarne
in my "reminiscences or himself in streets with.
out an impression of profound melancholy. No man
ever received from God more valuable gitis-gifts of
person and position, Of intellectual power and social
elevation. Neither have favorable circumstances been
Withheld from him, in addition 10 those original ad-
yantages; every chance, as well az every means of
success, have attended his steps. lie grappled them
with ardor; for IA momert be played lofty part in
lofty drama he reached The end Of the higuest smbi
ton aud enjoyed its most consummate gories. Where
i, be now speak not Of the reverses of his public
career nor OF the trials of his private life In ourdays
who has not fallen! Who has not experienced the
blows of fate, the anguish of the soul, the iniic.
tions Of fortunel Labor, disappointment, saeri-
fee, and suffering have held in all tines and will
continue to hold their place and portion in the
destiny of man-wh the exalted more than with
yb.t md 10
that NJ do Iammtne should be mtonished or irrtated
At this 1t is not alone the pain of bis position, but the
state of his feelings such lie has revealed thin to us,
which | cannot contemplate without melancholy.
How can a spectator who looks on events from such
hight, be 50 intensely moved by the accidents which
affect himself How can such gagacious appreeator
of other men be possessed OF so little seli-knowledge
How does he abandon himself TO much bitterness
ai'er such extensive enjoyment OF the favors OF
Heaven and of the world In that richly-endowed
nature there must be great blanks and want of con-
trolling harmony, To cause his fall into such internal
trouble and It's manifestation with SO much vehemence.
have scen TOO little of NJ de Lamagtine TO know and
understand him thoroughly; he seemed to me like
beautiful tree covered with flowers without fruit that
ripens or roots that hold; brilliant meteor without
fixed place and with assigned coulse in the general
| system of the hrmament o great spirit necessarily
passing and repassng from the regions OF light to those
| of clouds, aud catching at every step glimpse OF
truth without being arrested by it, noble heart, open
to all generous sympathes, but still governed by per-
sonal prcpossessions.'
A condensed view of the character of Washington
may be regarded a miniature representation OF the
features which are expanded in fe-like size IN the
| authors monograph Oh the subjects Z" Two features
predominant in the character of Washington; pro-
found attachment TO the cause he had adopted, and
fra independence Of judgment and conduct III the ser
vice of his country. He was genuine Anglo'anlef
! can planter, strongly imbaed With English tr'dtioii