New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-08-24

ism exists. Liberty OF person ID enJoyco' 'h0
genius of our institutions breathes the very atmos-
phere of freedom; q similar encouragement should
be accorded TO the largest freedom Of mind. 10
excite social and especially Astrological odium
against purely scientific ideas should be deemed
crime against humanity.
The grand political idea at tho foundation OF our
Republic is the unity Of government on the Ameri-
can continent. We look forward to nationality
which shall eclipse the bTilliancy and grandeur OF
Rome. We anticipate its sovereignty among tho
Powers of the earth, ruling in truth, in justice, IN
wisdom, 80 that every human being may find in 1t
a refuge and protector. The strength of this hope
is illustrated by recent events. In order to convert
the vision of future greatness into a reality, or
eanic laws that are at the basis of personal liberty
have been suspended without murmur. navy
has been created which will sustain no mean rank
among the navics Of the world. An army has been
organized equal to that of any of the greatest mill
tary monarchies of Europe. For four years in sue
cession eight hundred millions of dollars have been
spent. The American eagle will not brook the
pectacle of divided empire. The first act III the
drama of our nationality is completed. The past
can never return. With our high aspirations, our
enormous military and industrial power, We have
only to turn our faces toward the future. Onr
problem henceforth is the improvement and organi-
cation of the national intellect.
The space we have afforded to our notice of this
work may indicate our sense OF It's Importance ana
value Still we are bound to admit that It's execl-
ton is not equal 10 its plan. The materials OF
which it is composed arc the fruit OF extensive
study and profound reflection on the part of the
author They are familiar to his mind in all their
aspects and relations. They are arranged before his
mental view in the proportion and symmetry OF
system. But as here presented, they bear certain
discursive and fragmentary character, which be-
trays want OF art, or an excessive degree OF haste
in the composition of the volume. The promise OF
the title is scarcely fulfilled in the contents The
theme which is American policy IN the future IS al
most lost sight of in the aiuence of general state
ments and illustrations from past European history
The author frequently returns upon himself repeat
ing explanations which are already familiar in
different form, and leaving the main track OF his
discourse for attractive episodical excursions. Nor
is his use Of language always precise or accurate
His rhetorical flights, which happily are infrequent
are rarely successful. His style lacks ease, grace
fulness, and literary finish The substance OF his
work is truly admirable based on singular wealth
| Of facts in every branch Of science, and copous
array of instances from political history and the
history of philosophical opnonsi but its desultory
and diffusc manner, its want of compactness and
point. and a certain carelcssness of composition
viii tend to blind the reader to its genuine merits
-. J.. ol,,f 10 e, Ia.
allowed TO suffer from defects Of artistic treatment
We, accordingly, hope that ample time may be
given to the complete revision Of its form, and
that it may take its place as worthy companion
70 the standard works which have already gwen
such brilliant distinction to the name Of the au-
thor