New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-07-22
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

POETICAL ADDRESSES of GEORGE ALFRED TOWNS
END. c. +. Bonavcnture & Co. 16mo. PIP. AZ.
This volume contains fye occasional poems by the
brilliant and prolific journalist who probably pro-
duces more copy daily than any other two men i'll
the world. His poems ale like Ills prose writings,
aud show the marks OF nervous and headlOng speed;
careless and incorrect lines alternating with pass
ages of singular energy, grace and power Inc
Poem read before the Literary Societies Of Dickin-
College last month begins with this fehclto"s
sketch of the founder of the college:
A Quaher's without "thce " or thou;
A farmer never following plough
A patriot who his vote would not record;
soldier never fourishne the sword;
No college man, who yet college won;
Here is the riddle OF john Dickinson!
Out of the marshes where the rushes sing.
He rose like Moses and rcproyed the king;
With silent fears saw Pharaoh's power drown.
Three states embelushed by his birth rule,
He drew together In Christian school
And midst the Quakers lies without stone.
The history, scenery aud people of the Delaware
and Pennsylvania shore the field of Mr.. Town
sends prediction. No one has shown himself
thoroughly AT home in THIS rich and attractive de-
pertinent OF our national life as Mr.. Townsend in
those Tales of the Chcsapeakc,' which were so
generally read and admired last year. In ali the
poems of the present collection the same intimate
and sympathetic knowledge of that region is shown;
notably in the ringing ballad with which the
volume ends, Cesar Rodney's Fourth of July"
prolonging his absence from Philadelphia until the
vote on the Declaration of independence is endan-
gered by 1t. At last he frees himself from her fasc
nations, and his ride is decrbed IN the following
spirited lines
Twenty hours to Philadelphia
EQualled swlftcst cOtrer's powers;
Had one horse. and sixteen hours;
Two to Cedar Creek produced him
Haset's dogs barked he passed.
Ihen warmed ~ his good steed lOOsed him.
And through Camden winged him fast.
One O'Clock, coci-crow reckoncd.
Joness Creek had come and gone
Rodney brided horse the second,
Changed the saddle and went ON.
Not a soul at nome espied him,
WHO comes there F. tie sentry CHALLENGED
General Rodney Clear the way :"
At Duck Greek crossroads the gray light
From the Jerseys rose in wonder;
Cantwels Bridge at clearer daylight
SCUM ted to his hools o. thunder
And old Drawers church-panes culver
An a Ne NsM I@arsEeT by as the h rycr him.
Bent it, old brick gables to him.
Noon approached at Philadelphia.
And III queues. cooked hats and breeches,
One by one went in the members,
Some with scrupes. some with speeches.
On the state House steps awaited
john Mexican his friend decrepd.
VITA ne his square nose inflated
And his mighty soul intrepid.
"Read is skul&ing; Dickirsonis
with conceit and fright fOeman,
Mused the grim old rebel Roman;
Independence will dare;
Maryland approves the action;
Shall we fail on Deaware?"
In the tower the old ben rIrnbled,
striking slowly twelve O'Clock
Down the street a hot horse stumbled,
And man riding frock,
with green patch on his visage,
And his garments white with CRIME.
"Now, praise Cod" Mexican spoke grimly
Caesar Rodney is on time"
Silent hand in hand together,
Walked they In the great square hall;
To the roll with AYE" responded
AT the clerks immortal call;
Listened to the Declaration
From the stcepe TO the air.
:" Here this day is made a nation
By the help OF Delawarcr