New-York tribune., 1878-12-20

,oa 90 Cboro6 ~ Affaires He revisited Egypt IN
1874 attended the mIennia celebration in Iceland,
and on his return, during the same year, puohsned
en interesting account Of his travels.
The titles of Mr.. TayOrs various writings are 700
well known 70 the public 10 need an enumeration III
this place. Nor is this the time to undertake cri|
ical estimate of the productions winch now belong
Ia the older soecinens of American litera which
have had the sanction Of maug years Of popular Ia
yor. and which have not outgrOwn tnler welcome
amid the brilliant displays of genus and power
from the new generation now coming upon the
stage. In this moment of grlef and depression we
can only gather up the broken images which Hngrr
In the memory OF some of The traits winch made
Bayard Taylor the object of such loving al'ach-
ment in the hearts of his Intimate lllehdS'
and of such cordial admiration by those
70 whom he was comparatively stranger.
As a young man. Mr.. Taylor perhaps ara
not give full promise of the splendid miellecuual
qualities which were gracously developed during
his subsequent career. He won the deepest sympathy
and affection by the beauty of his mora nature,
before his acquaiDtaDces were perfectly aware
of tho richness of his genius ana the
profoundness of his mental giits At TINS
period of his life, he was simple. 10
remarkable degree, in his habits and manners;
utterly sincere IN thOught and expression Ia'SPa-
rent rs the purest clrystal of the rock genuine
itly in Others but with unseemly diSrus ol NM
self; ambitious. no doubt. of the highest attain
,nents and of the honest fame winch
sbonld accompany them; Tesalute IN PURPOSE
aud strenuous in acton but singuiaTiy moGes',
gentle. courteous With no tncture of youthful
conceitedness or ill-mannered presumption.
MIR Taylor first became known to a wider pnblc
by his experience and writings as traveller re"
hooks Of the day have had more extensive
-, 1yraH a
more cordial and grateful acceptance than his
artless recitals of life and adventures IN
foreign lands In his various and sometimes peru"
ons Journeys he kept a single object IN vi1w' the
collection of valuable information, as materials iOr
the instruction and entertainment of the people.
He did not aim at scientific discovery, for which he
was adapted neither by habit nor education; he
was not Over-curious in the search for novelty
he lost no time in the conscious pursuit OF the
picturesque nor did he strive to deck the routine
of ordinary travel in q gorgeous veil of poeuc
faucles. He followed the homely narrative OF
Herodotus rather than the imaginative plc-
lures of the author of "Eothen" But as
an accurate record of the facts of Ob>erva-
tion. few books of travel VIII bear away the
palm from the graphic volumes of Bayard lay
lor Those who have followed in his footsteps
especially in the East speak with admiration OF
the felike exactness of his descriptions. and the
felicItous aptness of his Illustrations Mr.. Tay-
lors excelences writer of travels were
reproduced in his popular lectures, which
were eagerly called for by the public through
long course of years, and have contributed large
md wholesome influence to the culture aud charac-
ter of the American people. The profession OF
Bayard Taylor was that Of journalist. In this re-
spect also, he has weighty claims on the respect
and gratitude of our whole population. They
pre greatly bis debtors for his luminous teachings
in literature in art in criticism IN the habits and
economy of social life. No mem oer of the profession
took greater pride in ITS character or was more
warmly devoted to its interests. The perf'rm
of the humblest duty was with him point OF
sacred honor He counted no service small
which might contribute to the education OF the
people or the welfare of the public. He applied
the same diligence, the same love of excellence. the
same artistic taste and power of expression to the
accomplishment of his daily task that he would TO
the composition of poem. the construction of a
romance In the exercise Of his pen, he was no
less conscientious than the preacher IN the
preparaton of his discourse. He wrote at ran
DOM never indulged in lorlly language for the sake
of effect never struck blow in order to hit shin
ing mark but was cautious in the utterance OF
his opinion. as If he we're weighing the most pre-
cious commodity in golden scales. His choicest
friendships with his brother journalists his
dearest associations were with the public press He
knew no rivalry no hatred the success OF his lel-
lows was like JOY OF his own.
We cannot now dwell Oh Bayard TaylOT's merits
as novelist and poet, or even make passing al
fusion to his brilliant successesin those branches OF
literary art Nor is it necessary. The seal OF death
has now been set upon his fame. His cherished
projects are broken off as by untlneIy wind. 1t
may only be remarked that with the rapid develop
ment of his powers in later years. something still
III, Ia any, nf hia
ments might have been expected from the pro-
ductions of his pen. In depth of thought, in power
Of construction in originality of conception and in
boidness of imagery his recently published poem Is
certainly IN advance of the creations by which he
is best known in the world of letters
As man IN the maturity of hfe Bayard Taylor
maintained to a remarkable degree the fresh and
ioyous temper of youth II the dark spectres Of evil
ever haunted his path he did not betray their pres
ence nor acknowledge their influence. In social
intercourse. he was open, candid, generous, never
sacrificing trutbfulness of feeling to the demands
of fashion, but never making frankness of express
sion a pretence for cOarseness or rude utterance.
Ills believed that he had not an enemy; it is
tain that be regarded no human being with SEN
timent of hostility. His scorn Of all ungenerous
acts. of all baseness and cowardcc and servility,
was not mingled with any emotion of wrath or
spite Mr. Taylorwas deeply interested in the pOll-
tics of his country but he had thirst for political
once, for political influence, political renOwn,
The honOfs which were recently heaped upon him
on occasion of his appointment to office, were ac-
cepted less as an offering 10 his ambition than the
tribute of private friendship and personal esteem,
the reward of distinction in literature rather than
The crown of political activity.
The aged parents of Bayard Taylor still survive to
see the aurelled head of their son laid low. 1t is
IS, ,h.;r otnlI