New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-08-24
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
DRAPER ON THE CIVIL POLICY OF
AMERICA.

8vo. p,. 37. Harper Brothers
In this volume which may be regarded as Sc
suel to the authors "History OF the intellectual
Development of Europe" Dr. Draper considers
the natural laws which are at the foundation OF
the future policy of this country. Inc snp)cc''
IA his mind, assumes the proportion and Dig
naty of a science, although his practical treat
ment of it, is not in all respects, equal to the gran
aeur of his conceptions. lie elucidates its principles
With singular ccarness and brings the resources OF
rich and varied knowledge to the analysis of Its
details. His reasoning is inspired by genuine
vein of poetic feeling, but he never permits his
imagination to usurp the place Of facts and aren'
nent. In his view, the will of individuals exer'
sises but slight function in the fulfllment OF hu'
man destiny, on large scale; the progress OF ma
tons and of society is controlled by laws as inexor
able in their operation, and majestic in their IT,
cults as those of the material UNIVERSE there 10 ~
chance, no casualty, no random movements al Wv
grand procession of events; hence the pniIosoPn.i
senabled to foresee the production oil ehee's III
their natural causes and cast the horoscope OF re-
rote ages of humanity. The theory OF Dr. Draper
n at war with the popular ideas on the supremacy
Of the private will; it appears to contradict many
If the cherished traditions which have exerted a
potent influence in Church and State; but II can
mot be denied that it is sustained by some OF the
,romineDt tendencies Of modern science, and what
ever conclusion we may adopt as to the soundness
If its basis we cannot hesitate TO admit the IN
genuity and force with which it is maintained in
this work.
According to DR.. Draper, the life Of nations is
Knitted like that Of individuals. There is no
exemption from the universal law of mortality.
Empires mysteriously emerge from the vast sea oil
human life; they raise their ephelneral forms to
conspicuous hight; overwhelming everything that
stands in the way of their march; they also sub
side and disappear; but the unfathomed abyss OF
humanity still remains. 1t is a Legitimate and
Inevitable wish, however, for nations, as well as
individuals, to protract their life, and make II
memorable. The comparative permanence OF beng,
in each case, depends on the invariablty OF ex'
ternal conditions. Every change IN these results
In the production of new FORM Among the
causes which exert vital power over the destiny
Of nations, the influence of climate is one Of the
most important.
This topic occupies large portion of the present
volume. The annual motion of the earth IN her
orbit determines, TO great degree, the functions
Of organized beings. In our ATTITUDES, plants and
trees awake at the approach Of Spring, put forth
their leaves and flowers, bring their appropriate
fruit TO maturity, and then sink back to their
vintry slumber. Wild birds and beasts conform
their habits TO the progress of the seasons. Inc
sun not only determines the periods Of awakening
and sleep, Of growth and decay, but controls and
Degulates the movements of animated beings all
ever the face of the earth. His rays in their per
pendicular descent, produce the luxuriant vegeta
ton of the tropics and enervate the energy Of man
Their oblquity in the polar regions permits tn
ground to be always covered with snow, and make
those countries STERILE and almost without inhabii
ants. The trade winds carry toward the pole
Immense quantities Of oxygen gas, which the gree
parts of plants throw into the atmosphere of III
tonid zone The sea is subject to the same infl'
ence which is at work in the air. The Gulf Stream
issuing from the Mexican waters, with its temper
sure elevated BY solar action, as it approaches Il
coasts Of Europe gives forth its latent heat to II
atmosphere, and softens the climates Of Englan
and France. The GOODNESS and storility Of corr
spending ATTITUDES in America are there replaced
milder temperature. Hence, agriculture, the er
of life science and literature, have there reache
ther greatest perfection The evolution Of the min
and tho progress of society stand in intimate rel'
lions with physical circumstances. Thus, ID
Draper remarks, without the Gulf Stream, New
ton would never have written his Prncipia, II,
Milton Paradise Lost"
The influence of climate receives striking Hui
tration from the differences of character betwee
the inhabitants of the South and the North. tn
climate in the South is more equable than il is i
the North. Hence, in the South, the pursuits
men have greater sameness, their interests al
moro identical, they think and act alike. In Ii
North, on the other hand, they exhibit create
variety. The violent contrasts of Winter and Sun
mer allot for the hfe of man distinct and difiereI
duties. Summer is the season of outdoor labo
Winter is spent in the dwelling In the Sout
labor may be continuous throughout the yea
he Southern man may put off till tomorrow whf
he Northern man must do to-day. Consequently
tb Northern man must BE- Industrious; the South
en- may be indolent, with less foresight, and les
regular habits. The cold, allowing partial cessa
tioi from labor, affords a. opportunity for refeC
lion The Northern man, accordingly, does no
oct Without consideration, IL more deliberate IN hi
movements. The Southern man takes little hee
10 the consequences of what he is abb I TO do
The oe is cautious, the other impulsiye. One
resolve 10 act, the intention of the North, sus
tanned b reason alone, will outlast the enthusiasm
OF the Suth. In physical courage, the two az
equal; BIT the perseverance of the North, it
method, aid its habits of labor will finally carr
tho day. he South will fight for the benefit Of it