New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-05-25
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
,orJs NApOLEON's JULIUS CESAR.

HISTORY OF JULIUS CroAh VOL L. oYo ~ W.
HArpsI Brothers.
The interest which attaches to this work is
Sounded on the peculiar circumstances OF Its
authorship, rather thar on any intrinsic merit OF
sttractiveness In its contents. 1t is well unuer'
stood that the composition of it was designed py
His Imperial Majesty to furnish support 10 'ne
theory Of absolute government as derived iloni
Ihe conduct and example Of the illuStrious Ro'
man. The work, accordingly is written Win
REV to political effect, and not as conlfiou'
hon to historical literature. 1t exhibits erudi-
hon of no common ORDER patient attention 10
matters of detail, and comprehensive apprecia'
ton of the general principles Of Roman pohty'
The narrative, however, is based to great de-
nee, on the received traditions in regard TO the
EARLIER periods of Roman history; no pretension
d made to exact or profound critical analysis;
and events and incidents are taken for granted
which have crumbled away beneath tho touch
sfmodern scholarship 1t is the family likeness
which the Emperor detects between Cesar,
Charlemagne, and Napoleon, which lends inSpl-
ration to his pen. Such men in his view are the
special representatives of Providence III history.
They stamp new epoch with the seal of their
genius. They mark out new path for the
progress of mankind. In limited period, they
accomplish the labor Of centuries.
In illustration of this cardinal idea, the Empe-
Tor devotes large portion of the first volume OF
his work, to summary view of tho features in
The early history of Rome which prepared the
r. Al IL, &c No do
ton Of Roman greatness was laid by the kings.
The success of their rule was by virtue of their
prominence as men. History nowhere else
presents such brilliant continuous series Of
consummate statesmen and commanders. They
retained their authority for period of nearly a
century and a half, and at its close Rome had
become the most powerful state in Latium.
The social body, at this time, consisted Of cer-
iAr number Of aggregations, composed CT the
families Of the conquerors, not without resem-
blance to the clans of Scotland or the tribes Of
Arabia. The families were united among them
selves not only by kindred, but by political and
religious ties. Hence arose AL hereditary no.
bility. with distinctive family names, special
costumes, and waxen images of their ancestors.
The plebeians sustained a relation to the domi-
nant race similar to that Of the Anglo Saxons to
The NorInans, after the invasion of England in
the eleventh century. They were originally
excluded from all civil and military offices, and
devoted to agricultural pursuits Slavery was
constituent element of society. They were
taken from among foreigners and captives, asso-
ciated in all the domestic labors Of the family,
and often received their liberty as a recompense
for good conduct, though not permitted to
sbare in all the rights Of citizen.
The king, generally elected by the assembly
Of patricans, commanded the army. At the
came time, he was supreme pontiii, legislator,
and judge in all sacred matters, while he admin
istered Justice in criminal affairs which concerned
the Republic. His insignia consisted of a crown
of gold and purple robe. lie had an escort Of
twenty.four ictors, carrying axes and rods.
The senate was composed of the richest and
most illustrious Of the patricians 1t formed the
council Of the ancients, with jurisdiction over
the interests Of the city, which then concen-
trated all the interests Of the State. The patri.
clans occupied all offices, supported all tie
burdens of war, and had the exclusive right Of
voting in the assemblies. 1t was the policy OF
the kings to blend together the different races,
and break down the barriers which separated
the different classes. Religion at Rome was not
only the great instrument Of civilization, but an
important element IN the government. 1t con-
nected the Deity with all the acts Of public and
private life, and thus impressed everything with
Acharacter Of sanetity. The priests did not form
separate order, but oil citizens had the power
% enrol themselves in the sacerdotsl colleges.
Such is an outline of the powerful organization
Of the Roman Republic under the kings Its
spirit Of conquest extended beyon its narrow
limits. Roman society was founded upon re-
spect for family, for religion, and for property;
the government upon election; the policy upon
conquest. At the head Of the State was pow
srful aristocracy, covetous Of glory, impatient
Of kingly power, and disdainful toward the
multitude. The kings strove to create people
side by side with the privileged caste, and to
introduce plebeians into the senate, freedmen
among the citizens, and the mass Of citizens into
the ranks Of the soldiery. The family was or
gsnized on a firm basis The father was the
absolute sovereign. His authority over his
children, his wife, and bis slaves, during their
whole lives, was exclusive and unconditional.
The position of the wife, however, was not de.
graded, as among the barbarians. She enjoyed
q community of goods with her husband had