The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-10-19
.NOVEMBBR MAGAZINES.
The "CsnInxy.J

Wnlon is given an interesting sketch OF the
late Rear Admiral Bell; "London Beggars,
by N. T. Dodge "The Picture of the World,''
by 4. r. Still; ga Talk with Mr.. Burlingame," "
by Richard J. Hilton; "The Ballad of the
Kings Broadhand," by Charles Dswson Stan
ley; the concluding chapters of Marian Har-
lands novel of "Buckdale" "The Attempt at
strasbourg," as described by Louis Napoleon
In letter to his mother, by John S. G. Alb
bott; Democratic Deities," by Eugene Bevan;
"By Rail to the Rocky Mountains" by ].
Edwards Clarke; "Two French Editors"
(Kmile de Girardin and Henri Rochefort). by
Virginia Vaughan; "Words and Their Uses !;
by Richard Grant White, The "Galsxv,'
Miscellany" "Drift Wood, " 'Nebulm, " and
Literature and Art, have number of inte-
resting items of information on variety of
subjects,
From Mr.. Pollsrd's ''Ss2ry of a Hero" W
make ttaiss following extracts relatin,,
lamented Rear Admiral Dc -e W VIC
The - +, RAM. ., "hnsacto, -'Sai,m ,ro. .oo., .,
uuty. We hear much in ordinary conversation
of that phrase-"a sense OF duty:" 1T ls conve-
nient stereotype, but its meanings are as various
as the constitutions and tempers of men. In
some cases we find IL dull, speculative acqu
escence, in others q tind and taltering casu-
istry. In the character of Bell was found not
weak sentimentalism, but keen, fruitful active
sense of duty, constantly in combat with all
other considerations, aggressive in its moods,
executing its DEGREES with sublime rapldity
and decis on. The struggles of such principle
are sometimes very terrible and grand, ID
make batte-ields in the heart, 1t was so in the
case of Bell, when divided considerations met
him at the threshold of the war and attempted
to battle his decision. Many things claimed
his adhesion to the Southern Confederacy, He
was a native OF North Carolina. He had large
and influential kindred in that State, and to
many OF them he was most .afectiouately
attached. He had married into Virginia
family which had produced several distinguished
names of Southern politicians, and was con-
nected with the leaders OF secession in that
State. All his blood relations were in the
South, and many OF them urged his accession
to the Confederate cause or treated it as
certain conclusion. He had always been firm
aud unWaVering Democrat in politics, and his
sympalhies were in entire opposition TO the
anttslavery party.
In view OF some of these considerations,
had expected Captain B.ll to declare Tor the
South, and, accordingly, visited him shortly
after President Lincoln's proclamation of war.
conversation on the subject was opened, not
without some hesitation and dellcacy on my
own part, and, l must confess, with an attempt
al adroiness; but the Captain cut it short by
very quick and emphatic eXclam Ation He said
briefly, decsively, II have made up my mind;
shall stand by the flag"
But argued. whats in flag? There is
no virtue In a piece of bunting; the flag is
nothing but as representing Just and benefcent
principles in the Government, and when these
have departed, we are not going to worship an
empty idol, dead type"
That may be as you think or imagine"
replied the Captain. "You are civilian;
but . that flag which you regard only
in the he light Of political principles is to
anv n repre.epts oo the Goyerpmeps stS That conn
mands my services the Government that aided
my education the Government that is to me
both master and beneactor l have my own
political opinions and as much freedom in them
as any other citizen; but when the Government
once give the word of command, all questions
of politics stop there for me, and must do my
Duty He paused as ii collecting his thoughts,
ana the writer precisely remembers the eXptes-
sion that succeeded, as it was somewhat
remarkable for the elevation Of its words in an
ordinary conversation. He said, II cannot,
shall not make of my duty as an officer ques-
ton of moral casuistry; If so, there wodld be no
Government"
Whatever | may have thought OF the logical
value of this argument, am sure it was insp red
by generous feeling in the breast OF Bell, un-
sulled by trace OF selhshnessi and oreathlnf
spirit OF loftest devotion Bell was man who
would have done his duty with a steady counte-
nance, although the strings of his heart were
swapping under the oppression OF the task. His
was antique heroiSIn, and from it proceeded
that steady courage which, owing nothing to the
imitation of circumstance, could be trusted in
every situation, and couRted upon in tue drest
extremity.
HIS first important service in the war was at
New Orleans, If Farragut was hist Jrically the
captoI OF this city, Bell was its dramatic hero.
Here be performed one CT the most remarkable
actions OF the war, accounts OF which have Deen
curiously neglected in our present attempts at
history, considering, too, the fondness of those
making these attempts for dramatic situations
and conspicuous figures There is certainly no
mere striking aud theatrical attitude in the war
than that OF Bell lifting into the broad naked
sky the flag of the United States over the Custom
House of New Orleans, in the presence of a
populace OF thousands OF angered and
desperate men. AS the fleet captain, he
was selected TO take symbolical possession OF
New Orleans by taking from the Custom
House the flag which Mumford had erected
there, and raising in its stead the Stars and
Stripes. He was acc mpanied only by file of
marines. He marched 10 The building through
a turbulent mob blocking his way and threat.
ening his life; and ii was almost certain that
when he appeared on the Custom House, a tair
and single mark for the assassin, his life woull
be the forfeit OF the adventure. But he marched
threats and execrations assalled him, But one
word OF comfort reached him. An Irishman
pressed close 10 him in the throug, and whis
pered:-"Slr, your life is in danger; but there
are friends watching for You.n
Captain Bell found at the Custom House the
Mayor OF the city and some other of the NUM-
cpal authorities. They surrendered the KEYS
OF the building, but they refused to sho him
the way 10 the roof. There Is not a man
woman, or child in New Urleans,n said Mayor
Monroe, "wko VIII take down that flag; you
must risk it yourself Captain Bell accompa-
MED only by his cockswain, CROPPED his way to
the ROOF, and In moment his commanding
figure stood between the crowd and the sxV
uplifting the Federal flag in calm, lofty dei.
ance. The brave officer stood IN the face Of
death, with his resolution erect aud the blood
surging in his veins. dead silence fell upon
fhp crO that. a few mOmpnts hp lOra had