New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-06-06

AGAINST those who had object III view but hsOIc ldc
re- and who would have been false TO their own honor
they had neglected to give uterance 70 the truth
curious fact that this extreme iTraby as 10 historic
Statements is greater In this country than anywhere ee
and IN we accent the Of admirng descendants
Con9rs gencrs and fGitiess statesmen than ali the
world beside. Why must IL be that IN discussing me
sn91lu IT, - i nds 0,rs "a nc form Of govern
nenf under which there exists the least for hered
ary pride; and where least Of all history should be fas
we are as yet have not fully learned the i'm
peratye obligation of the laws of historical cnlcismt
Whoever acts in public subjects himself to public JUG
truth must be heard, and justice must be pOhounVeu
In this happy abode of universal freedom individual men,
even the best Of them compared TO the people are Du as
drops that gsen for moment IN the hgh before they
great English statesman was publicly complimented as
the savior Of England and OF EuIopc ne put SdS te
praise which not his due apply the saiit OF me me
remarks which he then made, to our own country me
American people saved Themselves by their eXerons
and will trust, save the liberties OF mankind Dy 'hcn
! example.
An appendix to the essay contains several striking
notes in illustration of the text and an able an inter
esting letter from Mr. Friedrich Kapp, disin-
guished German student of American history, fully
confirming the views of Mr. Bancroft in regard to
the statements of the IIessian commander.
TTIACKERAY'S EARLY AND LATE PAPERS
EARLY AND LATE PAPERS HITHERTO UNCOI~
LECTED by WILLIAM MtKEPEACE THACKERW
12mo. PIP. 4O7. Tclnor & Fields
Ii was long before Mr. ThackeTay had written the
novels which have made his name illustrous in En-
glish literature that he tested his strength by cont
buttons to various periodicals of the day. Many of
the lighter productions Of his pen which first saw the
light at that time have never since been collected in
n volume and are to a great extent unknown TO his
most ardent admirers in this country. In his most
trivial performances however. he always has spice
Of his characteristic humor; half in earnest half
iocose half bland half CYNICAL blending an i'll con-
cealed sadness with his gayest meniment; full of
smiling wisdom dashed with touches of unexpected
pah0s impatient of pTetense, mereilesS toward aiec-
taton with noble scOm of everything base, vulgar,
or false preacher by taste. though n satrist by
habit; suggesting lessons of virtue even III his most
exmvagaut fancies; enforcing tho duties of forti-
tule tolerance and kindness by strange rollicking
Illustrations; aud even in his most pungcnt, most
bitter sarcasms preserving vein Of human tender
ness. As q writer of magazine essays, Thackeray
possesses qualities 10 which neither Sir Walter
Scott Bulwer Charles Dickens Charlotte BrontG nor
any other Of the renowned modern English novel
lists exhibit the slightest claim. He knew how to
play with his subject with the most delicious GbdR
dor, without becoming frivolous or superficial. lie
is never tied down by any formal methods or rules,
but launches ont Of a sudden into the most surprs
ing episodes No one can predict from the title Of
paper in what direction the stream of thought and
fancy will rum but he may trust himself TO the cur
rent with rs much confidence as he follows the
curves and meanderngs Of an essay of Montaignc.
Without set purpose, or apparent aim, Thackcray
seems 20 indulge in the most arlee prate there is no
consciousness of effect and seeking for it; but he
never forccts to be wise and generous; Inc brings his
reader into a keen, brGcing atmosphere and Nwhile
/ he makes him laugh makes him better Into what
intimate confidence, he takes us; chatting about his
/ personal tastes his familiar habits, his everyday
WAYS telling lis which cut of beef he likes best 10
eat what cut Of coat he prefers to wear, what col
orcd eyes i'm woman he falls in love with,what tone
OF voice gives him delight in friend, the kind Of
wine he drinks the restaurants De frequcnts in Paris,
the prices that suit his purse, the books and paint
ngs he loves his words appear to lay bare his heart
there is no reserve 10 satelincss, little dignity
eyen but after ALL the lurking smile that PLAYS
his face betrays that lac has not told much as he
/ has left untold. Then what perpetual charm in
! his racy. nervous English No writer understands
50 well the force of honest unaffected words; no one
so free from all rhetorical tricks nc one more con-
versational friendly, cordial His style leaves fla
vor on the palate, like some choice native fruit
sound, Wholesome, aromatic but without tropical
heat, or luscious sweetness.
We are persuaded that Mr. J. r. Fields, the editor
Of this volume, will be warmly seconded by the pub
/ JIG in his purpose of bringing out collection Of
ThackeTay's earlier contributions 10 the English pc
riodicas He tells us that when the author was in
this country several years ago he in the habit Of
quoting phrases. and sometimes long paragraphs,
from them 10 his friends; and when asked why he
had not included them among his other misceanics,
he replied: They small potatoes" adding at the
same time "but pretty good small potatoes Ibccve"
On ono OCCASION Nh Fields begged him TO bring to-
gether his scattered contributions to Fraser and
Punch when he replied. Do il yourself my good
friend, write the preface and I'll stand ny you" The
present volume is issued in accordance with the wish
thus expressed, and may be followed at future
time by others Of a similar character from the same
press
The first paper in the volume entitled Memorials
of Commanding" is alive with Thackeray's most
exubcrant fun and frolic Ii proposes to exhibit "a
picture OF table of The human mind under series Of
gastrOnomic experiments, diversified in their nature,
and diversified consequently, in their effects"
man in london has not FOR the most part the oppor
tuny to make these experiments You are family man.
let presume, and you live Ia that metropolis for half
century You have on sunday say, leg Of mutton and
potatoes fOr dinner On Monday you have cold mutton
and potatoes. On Tuesday hashcd mutton and potatoes
the hashed mutton being favored with little damp TRAN
gTpicces OF toast whehaways surround that charming
dish We'll. on Wednesday the mutton ended, YOU have
beef the beef undegOes the same alterations Of cookery
aud disappears. Your life presents succession Of joints
varied every now and then by bit OF fish aud some
poultry. You drink three glasses OF brandihcd liquor
When She has had her glass Of pO after dinner she goes
up stairs with the children aud YOU fall asleep in your
Armchair some OF the most pure and precious enjoy
meuts Of life unknown 20 you. NOu eat and drink
but Won do not know the art OF eating and drinking; nay
most probably you despse those who do. "Giye Inc
slice Of meat say very likely, and fig for your
commands" You fancy it Is very vrtuOus and manly
all this Nonsense, my good Sir; you are indifferent be-
you ignorant because your life IS passed in
narrow circle Of ideas, and because you bgOtedly
blind and pompously callous to the beauties and excel
! lcncics beyond YOU
Sir RESPECT DINSER; doze II, enjoy IL properly
You viii be by many hours in the week, many weeks In
the year. and many years in your life, the happier If you