Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1876-01-27
New Publications.

The Atlantic Monthly for February pre-
sents an unbroken front of eminent writers.
Ralph Waldo Emerson. who contributes TO no
other periodical in the world, publishes here u
stirring and beautiful poem called Boston
which is very sgt 10 the new year and its na-
tional associations. Charles Francis Adams.
Jr., considers the comparative safety of rail-
roads. under the head of THE Railroad Death
Rate, and Mr.. John Fiske. author of Outlines
OF tosmic Philosophy. treats Of 1.-The Unseen
World" in paper of great clesrness and deep
interest. For lighter reading, there is HUI
Inorous account from Miss Elizabeth Stuart
| Phelps OF her sojOurn in the South, and pow
! "rful and unique tale by c. A. De Kay, new
! writer OF much promise. Miss Harriet W.
I Preston dl>cu>>e, Jacques Jasmins poem
Franconette, aud gives some charming trans
lations from II. That chief Of burlesque writ
er>, Mark Twain. adds to the fund of entertain
mcnt a laughable article entitled "A Literary
Nightmare, Besides these diverse elements,
the number contains two other striking poems.
"Phidias TO Pericles," by the sculptor, W W.
Story. and Under Moon and stars by J. I.
Irowbridge. MIR. Story's poem is a vigorous
reply to the recent accusations OF fraud against
American artists in Italy. Mrs. Fanny kembe
gives the scyent chapter OF her autobiography,
and there L. avery attractive installment of Mr..
Howelfs Private Theatricals." The editors.
in Recent Literature, discuss the writings of
ii. james, Jr.. and JOAQUIN Miller. with Nor
Tl>'s "-Eneids" and other recent and notable
books; while under the head OF Art there is
careful article on Industrial Art Education.
Education closes the number with some infor-
nation about Science Lectures for Teachers.
The GALAXY for February Is the most strik-
ingly attractive number OF thi, popular maya
zine we have seen for many months. or even
wears. la it, lit of contributors we find Henri
Tame. the Brilliant French essayist, and Al
bert Rhodes. his American rival, William
Black. the English novelist. Henry james. Jr..
Justin Mccarthy. John Burroughs, Richard
Grant White and several other we.l-known SUI
thors all OF whom seem 10 have written in
their best vein.
Justin McCarthy's subject is the history OF
Home Rule in Ireland an outgrowth of Feni-
ani,m which il agtating her Msjesty's subjects
very deeply at present, and i beginning to
cause some anxiety 10 the leading politician, in
the British Parliament
Albert Rhodes furnishes good many inter-
esting facts on the subject Of suicide. showing
the influence of race. religion, climate. and sea-
son on those who Kill themselves. There are
also lesser influences. all of which he discusses
in hi. characteristic manner. Mr.. Rhodes has
tendency TO construct theories on insufficient
data. aud in this instance he appears to do il in
hls discussion Of The influence of certain kinds
of religion in the death-seekers. His own re-
ligiou- ideas have probably c0lored his views.
and he will certainly find great many readers
who Will NJ; agree with him in his deductions.
al least on mis- particular point.
Henry James. Jr., contributes remarkable
psper upon certain brilliant French noyelsts.
whom he classes IN the second rank. only be-
cause they do not reach the loity sphere Of Bal
zac and Madame George Sand. An analysis is
given OF some OF the most famous novels. ill.,
GLIDING Flaubcrt's Nine. Bovary and some of
the sparkling creations of the DE Goncouris.
delightful article is made from the French Of
Henri Taine. whose new book on the Ancient
Regime Is being translated Tor The Galaxy"
in advance Of publication. The pictures of tkr
extravsgances of the court and OF French social
life under the Bourbons are full Of interest.
Another contribution 10 history j. a short
article ny Mr.. Butterworth, entitled anna
Seward and Major Andre" containing a a GU
rious chapter in Andres life which seems to
have escaped publication heretofore.
Mr.. John Burroughs, who is beginning TO
rank with the nrst Of American essayists, has
an admirable paper on Emerson. A very cley-
er writer, who fails TO give his name. though
we believe il TO be Prof John A. Church. dis
courses supon the proposed reduction of the
Army; and. with the aid of statistics and esti-
mates, presents an analysis Of the question
which shows not only careful study. but pro-
found knowledge of the subject in all its detail,
and all its bearings. This article will have
great weight IN influencing public opinion. In
the department of romance there in addi-
ton 10 the serials Of William Black and Miss
Howelis, two very clever short stories. The
poetry of the number. which is also good. in
eludes verses by Nora Perry and Mrs. Piatt.
The departments of gossip, Science and Liter
ature are As full and attractive usual
The January number of the United States
Official Postal Guide, just published by ii. ..
HOughton Co., Boston, contains the regular
Information which makes the periodical val
J uable handbook TO all who have occasion TO
make much use Of the post Office. Its alpha
betical list Of all the post offices in the United
states i corrected 10 date. and the list of mon
ey-order Offices is increased by the addition Of
al the Canadian money-order Offices. The de-
partment OF foreign mails contains the latest
and most authentic information respecting this
puZzling aud yart ible part Of post Office busi-
ness. and the rulings u the post Office DEPART
ment for the last quarter answer q great num-
| bcr Of questions Incidentally. The work has
now been going on for year and has steadily
improved.