New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1866-01-25
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
wELLS's LIFE OF SAMUEL ADAMS.

peldence Of the Colonies, while many OF the lead
ing politicians Of the day recommended conciiia'
tory measures in the lopc Of peaceable ADJUST
ment of the quarrel with the mother country, was
Samuel Adams From the commencement Of the
controversy between the British Government and
N the American Provinces, that wise and unselfsh
Vpatrot perceived that the only true solution Of the
buestion was to be found in final separation from
England. Without always fully disclosing his con-
Motions to the contemporary guides Of public
opinion, many Of whom were too tinid and time
serving to- command confidence, some vaeiIating
always in critical moments some too rash and i'm
petuous to permit reliance on their judgment, and
soIns concealing the germs of lukewamDess and
even Of treachery beneath loud professions of
patriotism, Adams never hestatcd for q moment az
t. the line Of policy which the aggrieved Colonies
should adopt nor doubted as to the ultimate issue
of the struggle No patrist of the Revolution was
30 fully imbued with the spirit of liberty. None
had such fine intuitions Of the rights of man. His
attachment to the soil of New-England was q
pqssoI In her capabilities, he cherished q pro-
phetic faith; with her people, he was identified, as
hy igitaties of kindred and blood; the spirit Of
her institutions was to him the hottest symbol Of
religion. More than any other man Of his day.
Samuel Adams formed connecting link between
the PRESENT and the past. In his austere virtues,
tis profound religious principle, his love of plain
ness and simplicity in external life, his power of
Nlabitual sacrifice of personal interests TO an H.
dwelling idea, and his sturdy attachment 70 the
cause of popular liberty, he was monument of
Poritanism; while in sympathy with the masses,
in faith in the recipient Of universal truth,
and in assurance of progressive human destiny,
be was the morning star of American philOsophic
democracy.
complete survey of the services Of Adams to
the Revolution would take up too much space In
\ our crowded columns. We must be content witt. o
lbrief allusion only to some Of the principal points
Nm his career. Long before the crisis came, lie had
Rpndered in his mind the future Independence of
rib Colonies. The idea was not suggested to him
Tor the first time BY the series Of events which pre-
eeded the commencement of hostilities. He gained
the reputation of q consummate political manager
at an carly age. In matters Of public interest, he
was soon prominent in deliberation and debate.
2 Although not office-seeker he was fond Of the
. society % his townsmen, and passed much of his
line IN political discussions with them. His wis
a ON, his knowledge and his integrity, insured him
"A unieigned welcome in every circle. His counsel
n frequently asked on questions involving per-
The BAL interests. Disputes between neighbors were
S S. ted to his decision from which appeals were
lOEDAom made.
-amuel Adams was the first man In America who
ted the Parliamentary schemes of taxation OF
In t.,olonies. The honor has been claimedfor Pat
ER cEaIenry but he was preceded at least year by
=. a.. in m inf nj
-.uetions to the Representatives Of Boston, drawn
I'D in accordance with vote of town-meetiDg in
l7Ca. This is the earliest public document written
by Adams, of which any traces remain, and forms
an Important landmark in American history. 1t
eontains the first public denial of the right Of Par
Wament to tax the Colonsts without their consent,
and the first suggestion of union of the Colonies
for the reress Of grievances. The principles which
1t sets forth had long been maured IN the nihd oi
the author and formed the germ of the great issues
Chat were contested in the Keyolnton.
In l765. Adams became member Of the Iegisla-
-turc, in which body he at once obtained predomi-
mont influence. lie originated the most important
measures, and lent the whole energy of his charac
Ger and will to their accomplishment, Until the
IssOiu,ion Of the royal authority in Massachusetts,
after wild and stormy period of nine years, ne was
tho acknowledged life and soul of the House. The
most important state-papers were from his pen
Asyery movement took its inspirationfrom sgenius
Nor were his services to the establishment ofAmeri-
can liberty confined to official life. As political
assayst he was at the head Of the writers OF New
England. No one could pretend to equal him in
point Of clearness aud force Of reasoning, vgor OF
style, and devotion TO the popular cause. His wit
and sarcasm as we'll the earnestness Of his tone,
and the energy Of his language gave him great
influence over the public mind. Nothing escaped
ais penetration and the Tories hated him for that
scason above all other men. every dip OF his
Gen stung them like horned SNAKE"
IL connection with his ample delineotion Of The
public services of Samuel Adams, TO which the au-
thor has properly devoted the chief portion Of these
volumes, he has given avariey Of incidental notices
OF his personal traits and domestic habits, which
20 many readers will doubtless form the principal
attraction of the work. At the same time, they
possess fascinating antiquaran' interest as an
illustration Of the social condison and habits Of
afmous Boston town." hundred years ago.
After graduating at Harvard College in l740, atthe
age Of eighteen, the Tastes and abilities Of young
Adams evidently pointed TO political career. His
athe-, therefore, ceased TO urge him to enter the
ministry, for which he had been intended, and pro-
posed his studying law. He accepted the proposal
gladly, and commenced preparations. But he was
soon persuaded TO change his plans and enter count
ing-room with view 10 mercantile business. But
Ills was found quite unsuitable for his temperament
I, 1T.