New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-03-02
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

Inc leauClS OF the present VtutldtiVh wiz
what at a loss to comprehend the brilliant prestige
which waited on the name Of Harriet Martnean at
the time of her visit to TIE United States nearly haii
oceuturv ago She was then in the prime OF her M
teIrctual powers ard the first flush Of her amazing
popularity Her position in English society was no
less conspicuous than in the field ot letters. She
was courtea with flattering homage by the most
eminent public characters, statesmen, menoi letters
artists ard poets. well made to share the mt
macy and friendship of the choicest domestic circles
Her series of tales Illustrative of the prlncpieS
of political economy had brought her INT"
Sudden and wide rcnown She had even Inc
roputation of n philosophical thinker, with
nmastcry of the science of government, 10 less
than a signal ureimincncc in literature. The social
career of Madame de Stall was scarcely succession
of greater triumphs than that of Harriet Mar'he"u.
She resembed that lady in her remarkable powers u
conversation while she was endowed with far
higher degree of common sense preferring the pur-
suit of wisdom TO the exercise OF paradox. enc
sh,ue less in discussion than III narrative anu
although in general cvincing sweet ana sunny us
position was not always mistress "l hcr temper
when she had the worst of the argument. On her
arrival in this country in the year 1884, she was re-
,ciyed with am enthusiastic welcome snch as we
bclievc has never before or since been accorded TO
private individual. The most distinguished families
in the land regarded her presence as rare nap
piuess She was at once admitted to the freedom oil
the best houses, treated with the confidence that
belongs only to ancient friend, and made the re-
cipcut of domestic and personal secrets to degree
that seemed QuIte Incompatible with que social
reserve or the alleged distrust Of the American
character. Nor did her discretion III dealing
with the little histories which thus came into her
possession always equal the strange magic by
which they were won. With perhaps no unusual
& no Luayy p.iUp which she
had gained in ore circle was sometimes too freely
Unmarried in another. The result to many persons
was a wholesome lesson of social caution. and
deeper conviction that private affairs winch couid
not be conveniently intrusted TO commonplace
pcignbor were scarcely more safe III the hands OF
fascinating Soioumer. Miss MaTtneau's intimate
fricudships extended to the most distinguished men
aud cultivated women in American society, nclud-
ing among many others Nh Calhoun, Daniel Web
ster Henry Clay. Chief Justice Marshall Judge
Story. Dr. W. +. Charming, Dr. Folien Rev. W II.
Furness Miss CathaTiHe Sedgwick, Margaret ruler
and the editor of these volumes. HE charm of her
social intercourse was peculiar. 1t carried the day
over certain personal traits which could not be
regarded rs delightful. Without what could be
called positive scif-conceit, she had wonderful
sense Of Der own Importance. She mOGcstly DIS
claimed all prctension 10 genius. even eXtraOrdi-
nary talent, but IT was evident that she was con
scious of power rejoced i'll its exercise, ana felt that
her words and works possessed a consequence, even
an authority, which it might be well iOr You not to
call in question She was always opinionated, mtol-
Grant often deeply prcjudiced, dogmatlc in airma-
ton to "A degree not sustained 10y the extent OF her
knowledge, warmly pIOnOuncing upon facts about
which her ignorance was only CqUalcd by her yehe-
mence and uttcring harsh and unjust Judgments on
the character Of her acquaintance as oIacuar III
manner as they were absurd III matter. In spite oil
this she was not only general faYorte, but often
Won the admiration and love of persons whose good
opinion was an honor, and whose friendship was a
boon of great price. Her sins. as above described,
which were many, frankly forgiven. llerrepul-
e;vc qualities were thrown INTO the shade as the
light of her sweet and gracious presence shone
beniguy on the rap, circle that listened her words
Uer conversation as it flowed spontaneously from
her lipS when not aroused by opposition or cmb't-
tered ,v sacred wrath al what she deemed public
wrong, was marked by vivacity. sympathy, huHor,
md gen al glow. 1t abounded in anecdotes which
She related with comic archnesS or Impressive
dignity according t. the subject, and in descriptive
sketches, Of which she a cOnsummate mistress
both with tongue and pen. Notwithstanding her
inirnity OF deafness her voice was modulated III
the musical, warbhng tones which are rarely heard
except from the mouth of an educated English
woman and her fine features were lighted up with
warmth of expression that could come only from
sincere ard friendly heart, and which made one
,.as. To regret any lack of characteristic feminine
bcaaty.
he volumes now issued will present the attraction
of novelty TO many readers whose associations with
their subject are of the most vague and sladowy
character They consist of an extended autOblog-
rapay OF Miss MaItineau relating her history to
witnIf about twenty years of her death and a sup
Elementary memoir by Mrs. Maria Chapman, one OF
the most devoted and faithful OF her American
friends. Many of the details IN each part OF The
work ucrtain TO topics that possess but com
paraIyeIy slgIt interest, recalling the fortunes Oh
various literary productions that are now scarcely
known beyond the shelves OF the library, raklng up
obsolete aud wei uign forgotten personalities, ana
dwelling ON private squabbes among reforuers and
rhilant ropi,ts which only show the lltcmpcr That
snmetiincs turks in celestial minds" Nor will any
considerable proportion of readers attach the M
por.ance to Miss Maftiueaus career that is in
plsd IN the issue OF these bulky volumes. OF her
own intellectual position she speaks with admira-
Bic caudor in newspaper notice intended to be pub
listed after her dccease. Writing of herself in the
third perSoD she saws -" Her original power was
nothing more than was due 20 carnestneNs and m
tel,ectual clearncss within certain range. Win
small imaginative and suggestive powers and there
fore nothing approaching to genius, she could see
clearly what she did see, ard give clear expression
10 what she had to say. In short she could popular
lie. while she could neither discover nor invent.
She could synpathize in other peoples views, ana
was too facle in doing 50; and she could obtain ana
keen a firm grasp of her own and, moreover, Sic
could make them understood. Tie function OF Ter
life WIS do this and, III rs far rs 1t was done diil-
gently and honestly, her life OF nse however Tar
It's achievements may have fallen short OF eNpecta-
duff. and