New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1866-03-22


powers of description are seldom equaled even b.
tho most cultivated travellers. With no attempt al
dsshine sensational effects he is uniformly lively
the embellishments Of his style are natural and in
excellent taste; AMI the narrative is often emil
vened by vein Of quiet humor which is more
agreeable for being INDUCED in tcmporatcly. lie
leaves the impression that his story ID founded on
complete and accurate knowledge Apart from
our acquaintance with his personal history, which
places his character in tho most favorable light,
there is an air Of simplicity and rcciitudc in bis
writings which compels us to rely on his good faith,
and to regard his statements as most valuable
source of Information.
| TIiR ATLANTIC MONTHLY. APRIL Tioknof fieds
| The opening paper in this number on the Last
Days of Walter Savage Landor," gives variety Of
familiar "reminiscences Of the veteran English
scholar during his final residence in Florence. II
relates his pleasant conversations with the writer
who seems to have discovered the art Of concil-
iating the irascible old man, and repeats many Of
his anecdotes that have not before appeared in
print Landor in his best moods chiyalry
incarnate. His courtly manners toward ladies
were particularly noticeable from the rarity Of so
much external polish in the new school Of Anglo
Saxon gallantry. II was pleasurcso receive com
pliments from him for they generally lay imbeddod
in the saacc piqHdate OF bon mot. Having one
day dropped his spee,aclos which were picked up
and presented to him by an American girl, Lander
quickly exclaimed with grace not to be translated
into words, All, this is not the first time YOU have
caught my eyes An article on Sainie-Beuye
presents largely appreciaiye, but not atoo latter
ing estimate Of the most admirable living critic,
with an acute and just Analysis Of the qualities
which have raised him 10 such an elevated rank IL
modern letters. Although comparatively hilo
known to English readers there are few writer's IN
the French language whose productions in the de-
partmcnt Of bclles-lct,rcs exhibit so much depth
and versatility Of thought, combined with snch
sOundncss OF judgment, kindliness Of feeling and
beauty Of expression. Ills works are chiefly
devoted to cotemporary criticism, in which branch
of literature he has rarely been excelled. In his
view, the critical function is one that demands o.
high order Of moral qualities as well a. intellect
ua acurnen and subte;y. It's purpose less the de-
lection of faults than the appreciation Of excellence.
" The critical spirit he remarks " is in lis nature
| face, insinuatng, mobile, and comprehensivoi II
is great and limpl river which winds and spreads
around the productions and the monuments Of
genius "Tho best and surcst way TO penetrate
and judge any writer, any man, is 70 listen to him,
TO listen long and intently do not press him let
him move and display him.elf with freedom,
and Of himself he will tell you all about
himself; be will imprint himself on your
mind. Be assured that in the long run no
man no writer above all no poet, will preserve his
secret" "The best and sweetest criticism is that
which exudes from a good book, not pressed as in
wine press, but squeezed. gently in free reading.
love that criticism should be an cinanat on from
the book" 81 cannot admit that the best mode of
correcting a talent which is in process OF develop
ment is to begin by throwing an inkstand at It's
| head" "The greatest triumph OF criticism Is
when il recognizes the arrival Of power, the adj
vent Of genius With VI, Sante-Beuye, these
are not merely theoretical principles. They form
the vital spirit of his writings. They are at the
foundation of bis literary character, which accord
ING 10 the writer in the "Atlantic' unes "all the
qualities that are rarest and most desirable in his
art -npartality sincerity dsinterestedness. free
dom from theory, from passion, and from prejudice
insight comprehension, senstiyenessto every trait
and every kind of beauty and OF power; patient
arlor and pure delight in acquisition and gener-
ous desire, in tho interest Of literature itself, to
communicate tho results and inspire similar feels
;nosp The whole article TO which we have referred
is a noble specimen of sagacous and positive crit-
cism. conceived in the spirit Of liberal appreciation
which is Characteristic Of M. sante -Bclve himself
and EXPRESSED in style Of masculine vigor
and point. It's closing appeal will ind an
echo from every reader Of sense and conscience:
" How is il that our own language offers no such
eyamule? How is it that the English literature Of
tbe present century, superior To that Of France in
so many departments, richer Therefore IN the ma
tnial of criticism has nothingto show in this way,
We will not say equal, but-taking quantity as wei
a, quality into the account-in any degree simary
How is it that nothing has been written Oh the
highest minds and chief productions Of the day-on
Tennyson, on TLackeray, OIL Carlyle-wmeh isl
worth preserving or remembering lsit that cn'-
icism has been almost abandoned TO a class Of
writer's who have 10 sense Of their responsibilities,
no enlightened interest in their art no liberay oil
views, who make their position and the influence
attached TO il subservient either 10 their interests
or TO their vanity Descend gentlemen reviewers,
from the nights on which you have perched your
selves: Law aside your airs and your tricks, your
pretepses and Alterations! Have the honesty not
10 misrepresent your author, the decency not 10
abuse hiu, the patience 70 read. aud possible 70