The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-05-20
Mr.. Bancroft for BsrIin-Other Literary
Appointments.


Appointments.
II is recorded that a certain man of the
misty Middle Ages, having been in dungeon
for many weary years, was offered bis freedom
upon the condition that he would agree to
read through the innumerable volumes of a
certain history, feariully and wonderfully
made. He had correct taste and heroic
spirit. He chose to return to his dungeon.
Here is an example worthy of remembrance at
critical moment. Mr.. George Bancroft is sug-
gested as Minister to Berlin. We are to choose
between having the country represented by
him at great European capital and having
continuation of his History Of the United
States. Let US heroically choose to have any
thing rather than this last. Let Berlin do as
it may-let the country endure such representa-
ton as it can; but let us have NO ninety odd
volumes of fiabby rhetoric handed down to the
future as our history. We have no notion that
any one but Mr.. Bancroft supposes that what
he has called History of the United States
answers to its title; but the very name may do
harm. Send him away at once. We are in
favor of the appointment Let him write up
the Schleswig- Holstein history. Let us see
how the Schleswigs can stand it. This might
prove interesting as showing the comparative
endurance of nations on either side the Atlantic.
Moreover, we believe Mr.. Bancroft would be
well fitted for the place in many respects. His
Americanism is Of a positive type. as the
world saw by the lecture he read to the
European Powers some time ago in ms
culogy on Mr. Lincoln. He was then
considered by the Austrian Minister to have
insulied the Austrian Emperor by his alusion
to Max in Mexico and this would be guile
feather in his cap in Prussia. Could anything
more commend man TO Bismarck than to
have insulted the enemy of his master! Mr.
Bancroft is scholar also: He has translated
Hercen, and would quite amaze literary
Germany by the multitude Of words he could
pour forth on classical subjects without imper-
tinently obtruding any thoughts of his own
We have other historians that we would be
happy to spare, and would desire the govern
mcnt to consider their claims with regard to
vacancies at distant places. The more distant
the better There is Abbott. This gentleman,
ton with the Emperor of France remarkable
fact the significance of which seems not to be
properly appreciated by the country. Victor
Emanuel and Count Cavour had conversations
with the Emperor. Soon after the world saw
the accomplishment Of Italian unity. Bismarck
talks with Napoleon at Biarritz, and the result
we have seen in united Germany. There can
be no question that Abbost's conversation with
the Emperor will be followed sooner or later,
by the complete reconstruction of this Union,
and we move for his reward in advance. We
are astonished that he was not the first man
named to succeed Motley historian also,
but not to be compared to Abbott Mr.
Abbott has read Coxe's "History Of the House
of Austria" as we know, for he has rewritten
it in q style likely to make it Ineligible to
those interesting subjects of daily adver-
tisement, gentlemen and ladies whose educa-
ton has been neglected" This should pecu-
liarly ct him for the place, and the place, per-
haps, would keep him so busy that he would no
more bother his brains with history. Send him
by all means.
We would also nominate for residence
abroad the irrepressible Parton, whose his
tories take the form Of biography. Parton
has written much-threatens to write more,
and consequently no man is safe while he re-
mains in the country. He wrote our biogra-
what authorities we cannot say.
We have never recited the events of our life to
any one ; but of course wonderful versions of
them are current in the mouths Of all the
Bohemians, and from the drip and drivel of
Bohemian tongues Parton evidently made out
his story. He has the notion, like Doctor
Johnsons friend, that he must live; and not to
argue that point with him. we hope government
may consider our suggestion and give him the
chance to live abroad. Thus Bancroft Abbott
and Parton might some day meet and dine in
Swiss inn, and, like the patriots resident at
Botany Bay, congratulate one another upon
having left their country for their country's
good. Cicero assures us that the study OF
philosophy will teach US how to die, but there
is no hope that such study will ever teach these
gentlemen any lesson 80 useful to American
literature. Hence appointments to foreign
missions afford the only chance to be rid of
them, and we urge an early action. We would
suggest one more literary appointment When
all.these historians are safely in places send
McCracken to tell us what they find to
grumble at
Bank Frauds.
The fraud which has just been committed on