The Portland daily press., 1868-01-18

than average ability. We have no desire to
disparage Mr.. Brownies diplomatic attain
meuts, because we know nothing about them;
but the people will hardly concur in the APP
pointment OF any man to this responsible
post who has not given proof of his fitness"
The NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW, for Janua-
ry, is a little late in making its appearance
but the number is one of such pre-emihent
excellence as to make it welcome at any times
We ara haupy to note that the anonymous
system. which has been merely fiction for
long time. is at last formally discarded, and
the various articles appear signed with the
names of their authors. Mr.. Charles Francin
Adams, Jr, writes the first paper which is
entitled "Boston," and is sharply writes
and vigorous essay on the commercial policy
and position of that city. Mr.. Adams tell
some hard truths, and draws some comparisons
between the course of Boston and that of Chi
cage which must be particularly odious to the
former city To speak of Boston as fast becom-
ing"a mere outlying province of Wall Street.,
must seem to Bostonians but little short of
treason to the traditions of the Hub" but the
criticisms and warnings of the article have
truth and force which will be found quite as
applicable to Portland as to Boston. Mr.. Will
liam d. Howells follows with short hut de-
lightful essay on the StorneM of francesca
Dali Ongaro, the Italian poet and patriot
Mr.. Howells renders special favor to merely
English readers by translating a number Of
these tender and delicate little poems. A writ
er whose name is not given, presents in an
article on Railroad Management" some very
moderate views on the subject of needed rail
way reforms in this country. The article in
this number which is likely to command most
attention is that by Mr.. Adams S. Hill, on
THE Character of Jonathan Swift" 1t is an
elaborate and ingenious attempt to yindicate
the fame of the great Dean against the charges
of meanness, selhshness and cruelty, which
have been so long brought against. 1t is
very skillfu piece of special pleading, and the
writer almost makes ont his case. 1t is I'M
pleasant. to think i'll of a man of genius; and
so we could wish that Mr.. Hill had made some
things little clearer. He writes like strong
partisan, intent on making the most of his
side, and is very bitter on those who have not
seen with his eyes. He especially denounces
Thackeray, whom he accuses of the most cruel
injustice, but toward whom he does not him
self display any too much fairness. 1t is quite
true that Thackeray hated Swift with the hat
red which hot-tempered and generous man
is apt to feel for cold and mean one, for such
he devoutly believed Swift to have been. Mr..
Hill shows great enthusiasm for his subject
and presents it with an eloquence and ingenu-
ity which go far to convince us that he is right.
Mr.. Samuel Eliot discusses "Fraser's Report
ON the Common School SYSTEM in careful
paper from which we shall take occasion to
quote at some future time; and Mr.. e. L.
Godkin writes ably of "Co-operation." Pro-
fessor Lowell furnishes characteristic essay
ON "Witchcraft," at once learned and brilliant,
and affording survey of the subject in ancient
and modern times, with some remarkably well
told stories illustrating it. Sidney S. Fisher
writes of dominating Conventions" and NJ.
A. G. Browne, Jr., lately the military secretary
of Governor Andrew, contributes an admirable
article on the life and character of his eminent
and lamented chief. The shorter critical no.
tees of this number occupy less space than
usual, but are quite as good.