New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-08-22

Almost the only instance in which really great name
appears In the annals the University between the re-
turn Of Coperncus to Germany aud the accession Vi s
TX is that of Father seech the distinguished astrono
mer whose presty robes and membership III Tue
Society of Jesus were probably regarded as sufficient
safeguards against scientific heresies httle lnc
dent" saws the writer. " which occurred during my
later visit TO Rome throws light upon Padre secchfs
position. The padre was explaining how he had come
to invent his machine for registering astronom cal oo
scrvations: was dire necessity, he said when hau
stimulated his Imagination, for he could never get an
assistant who had sufficient mathematical framing 10
be of any use HIS visitor expressed great surprise at
this: he would have supposed that Jesuit with his
powerful society support him in whatever he uhder
took would have unlimited resources Ihe Llhdy o.u
priest smiled knowingly at thisremark, ana aiter niue
medltative pause qualified his previous statement ~
saying that Of course, he cou got assistants enouSn
ont as soon he had taught them something ana 'heh
began 10 be useful him, they were promptly remove"
and fresh ignoramuses sept 20 supply thef paccS
No one was permitted TO remain longer than year.
These revelations led my friend to the CONCLUSION ina.
both Padre Secch himself and his science were reR'u'
with dstrust by his spiritual superioIs "heh tne i'd
ian Government assumed the relns OF power II na'u
ally desired 10 have the great astronomer continue DIS
connection with the university bus as member OF ln'
Jesuit Society he could not very wei swear INV
oath of allegiance and therefore voluntarily resigned
Mr. Boyesen presents an attractive portrait OF count
Mamiani who was formerly professor III the uii'oi
t and always an advocate OF liberal principles III the
administration of the high offices which from time to
time he has been called TO hold. personally Count Ma
miami is one of the most delightful emb0dmehS OF ''
type known as tie gentleman of the old school The
elaborate courtesy Of his dcmcanor, his polished ana
gracious manners and his finished and elegant CONVEX
saou contrasting strihnsly win the shpshod ana
baI-B8zard discourse Of our contcmpJraries)
recall the time when conversation was fine art ana
gentlemen studied dcmtanor they did mathematics
and Latin grammar In the counts dress too one per
ceives a regretu abandonment Of the picuresqucness
of former times and reluctant concessions TO the chang
ing whims OF modern fashion. On the evening 81 my
first visit he wore rufes, and imagined Tor moment
that was sitting French salon Of the last century
and thought of the powdered cavaliers, 80 asudous i'll
their dress and so dainty their manners VINO yet ma
heart OF steel under their embroidered walscoats and
could die bravely al the call of duty and honor"
Signs and SYMBOLS" by Frank E. Mayer is an article
of curious antiquarian interest and My Lord Fairfax
Of Virginia" by Constance cary Harrison, brings 10
gether variety OF original and sugulary Interesting
details in the life OF that early friend Of Washington
Professor Lounsbury has an able paper In behalf OF
"Engsh Spelling Reform which concludes as IoHoWs'
"The history OF spelling Is IN no small number OF H.
stances the history Of buudcls which, originating ID
Illeracy almost scandaious, have now become thor
oughy sanctioned 10y ana cOnsecrated by time
And yet there are people who honestly believe there Is
something peculiarly sacred about the present orhoga-
ply Of the English tongue who look upon this creation
OF ypeetters GROWING mercy to our race oil an
aIl-wlse Providence, and actually shudder when new
spelling is employed the fountainsof the great deep
were breaking up and the civilization OF the world were
threatened with second dcluge OF barbarsm We must
not omit TO mention II. HIS dainty poem ON Septem
ber" wnicn is the same call iorth the wish TO read