The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-16
A EULOGY OF SUMNER.
BOildieu'S Cenlenary---0dillon BarrOtS
MemOirS---Science Abroad.
TALKS ABOUT BOOKS.
'Fruit Between the Leaves" Grape Of the
Camp" "AristOphausS' Apology"
Miss Phelps Poetry.
PARIR lima 8. 1873.

In lester forwarded TO you in March last
reviewed several French books, the subjects OF
which were borrowed from Us, and TOOK the op-
portunity OF calling your attention 70 the grow
ing interest manifested by French writer's IN our
social and political progress. l laid some stress
on the fact evidence that republican IDEAS
were steadily making their way among the classes
that had hitherto obstinatey resisted their tu1u-
snce, and that a spirit OF inquiry was being
aroused that could fail 10 be productive OF re-
suits favorable TO the permanency OF the institu-
tons which are on their trial In France.
since then another book has made It's appearance
which confirms me In this belief, although no
doubt 70 many It will appear over-sangulne.
allude TO the new work entitled "Grandes Figures
Hlstoriques,n published BY Michel Levy Freres,
ana OF which NJ. A. LaugeI Is the author. or the
NIX historical characters 20 whom tae BOOK Is
devoted two Americans-Jonn Quincy and
Charles sumner-occupy by far the largest space.
But 1t is not merely In this measure OF
their importance, but in the appreciativo
and reverentSi manner In which their
memories are treated that nnd subject for con-
graduation, not because OF the homage offered to
pur illustr compatriots, but because OF the
tribute paid 10 the principles by which their pont
cal conduct was governed, ana which hope yet
10 see regulating that OF the men 10 whom the
Iestnies OF France are Entrusted. 1 cannot give
This work is written than by quoting the conclud-
ing passages OF the article on Sumner. "Witn
him disappeared OF the represen tatives OF that
virile generation OF statesmen who placed
America IN the powerful position IN which the
world now nnds IL, ana who we're the guides
rather than the servants OF the democracy. Pene-
traled with o profound respect for the work OF
their foreftneIs they nevertheless corrected 1t By
sracing the traces OF an institution which threat
people and despised popularity; he was
an orator. not . tribune, speaking only
for an object ana in the interest OF
cause and never for the vain pleasure OF applause
A reformer, there was nothing cnimerlcal IN mis-
IDEAS, for he held more to Grotius, Montesquieu
and Blackstone than to Rousseau ana the social
sts In demanding the emancipation OF the
blacks It was their right or family, their right OF
property that he claimed. He had no innate nor
ror OF arstocracies or old dynssties; ne oetested
pnly tyranny, because he knew that tyranny
umes a variety OF masks. The most striking trait
n bis character instructive and absolute
respect for intellect; his dearest friends were
poets, historians and thinkers. He necessarily
enriched and adorned his mind by the perusal OF
the works OF the great writer's OF all countries.
THE COLLECTION or HIS sPEEcHEs,
which is the eve OF publication, will form more
man ten volumes. There viii often be found IN it,
Ter, ideas and sentiments OF the most poetic char
acter. In o country az once greedy and prooigal,
proud OF its strength and wealth, sumner remained
\ type OF the olden times simple in manners. DIS
interested. delicate and refined IN his tastes;
living on the verge OF a stream OF corruption, his
eyes were always fixed on great ana noble objects.
II can, In short, be said OF him, difficut as was
frequently the task, that he managed az once to
serve his country ana humanity; that all MS lie
ne defended toe interests or the United States
and those OF an oppressed race, and that he sue
ceeded in uniting the two causes That were dear
est to hIm-tnose OF emancipation and the In
tegrity OF the Union"
AN ELEGANT CELEBRATION N PROSPECT.
This year Rouen Is preparing 10 celebrate the
centenary Of Boleldieu ono OF tho most original
and charming OF French composers, and whose
works have 10 TINS oay preserved all their FRESH
ness and e1trofn. Notwlths' andlng the influence
which ne exercised upon his contemporaries and
MS personal as well artistic popularity. curious
10 saY there existed Until lately no publication
which attempted serious and well studied
analysis OF his character and genius. Hequet's
biography, the best that had been published or
him. tell far short tue requirements OF the subject,
simply owing TO the inexperience and unskilful-
ness or its author IN literary work. NJ. Arthur
Pongin, o critic and MUSICIAN whose admiration
OF Boleldieu may almost be said 10 approach Toe
fervor Of worship, and who has Tor FEARS been
collecting every relic which might throw light
upon the blanks left in the narrative or his career
BY HeQust's imperfect labors, wisely chosen
the period when fresh attention Is being attracted
10 the composers works, to publish o lie OF MIN,
which supplies all that was deficient in TIE pre-
ceding biographies. IL Is not merely valuable for
the fresh matter which has been introduced IN II,
out for the satisfactory manner in which II DIS
poses or the many errors OF TACT, which rendered
tine sketches or Fetts and other biozra-
piers untrustworthy. As seen through the
medium OF NJ Pongins work the COM
poser or la Dame Blanche" must
have been one or the modestest ana
most amiable OF men, and after perusing II II 10
easy 70 understand The warmth OF the affection
and devotedness manifested toward him by his
musical contemporaries many OF whom, It should
be IecoIlected, we're his rivals.
TIE GEAR AND the COMPOSER.
Tne book IL full OF interesting anecdotes and
souvenirs, which render II as acceptable 10 the
general reader as TO tae musician. Take, for In
starce the account or his FIRST interviews vita
tne Emperor Alexander Al 81. Petersburg. The
merry fnsouctdnt artist was absolutely scared the
Krst evening that ne found himself 10 rne presence
Of the Car, although His Majesty had behaved In
the kInoest and most encouraging manner toward
him. At the second meeting few days
after, IL Was the Emperoris turn 10 Iremble
In the presence Of the artist. Among other
tasks Alexander had directed Boieideu 70 COM
D. Sc several military marcnes for his guard. the
Emperor intended 70 furaish himself the themes
or these military compositions. But how was ne
to set ABOUT it His Majesty dared not venture
20 sing before Boieldieu. Al rst he tried 70 make
him comprehend what ne wanted Dy running his
fingers over the piano, but the information was not
always correct and the rhythm was equally de-
ncient. The Emperor then took mis- nute. but his
timidity prevented his drawing single note from
II. At last, after great deal OF hesitation, His
Majesty. ike an ordinary mortal, decided TO sing
the required themes, and in Ihis way Boleldleu
was enabled to apply himself TO mis- task. / trust
bhat tins interesting book will md American
Ransiator the publisher Is Cnsrpentier.
oDr.LoE BAREoT's MEMOIRS
Ia a recant letter | gave you A brief