Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-07-28

simson, a number Of them endeavorcd to
mako Themselves conspicuous by being few
points above or below the Standards; for II
was soon seen that some credit and applause
might be had by striking with caution into
new aud untried paths, no matter whether
they took one side or the other. lie lived TO
q great age.
TnE UNION.
The union Of the kingdoms In the year
1907 produced great though not immediate
revolutions IN the sentiments and tastes OF
our ingenious countrymen. Indeed that
memorable event hath led TO consequences.
good and bad. which were not foreseen by
its able promoters or opponents. These,
however. were the natural fruits Of free
and constant intercourse between the Scots
aud the wealthy nation which bad
already attained 10 high pitch OF
cmineuce In letters, arts aud arms.
la those circumstances, II IA not sur
prising that the former should gra-
dusly. drop their national pfejudices,
when thus surrepdering them IN whole or
IN part was connected with their interest or
their fame. Whether IN our other devIs-
lions from the modes and manners OF our
iorefalhers, we have always acted with dis
erection, may admit OF some doubt; but the
most Jealous admirers Of ancient times must
confess that 10 our old rivals wessre In some
measure indebted for the great progress
which our countrymen have made In the
betieS letires and authorship.
10 Il proper to divide this period into
three parts. each OF which requires separate
investigation. The first, from 1907 tll! the
rebellion In 1876; the second from thence
TO the peace Of 1868, and the third, The re-
msinder Of the reign OF his present Majesty.
In the irst Of these, the principal intercourse
between the iiberGti Of the united Kingdoms
consisted 10 the use and imitation OF English
books by natives OF Scotland. In most
other respects they were still warmly at
tached 10 their national manners aud Gus
toms. and little inclined 10 adopt those
OF their iello@.subjects Of the South. twas
then, however, that some literary men OF
great sminence laid IN those stores OF know
ledge hich they Afterwards turned to excel
lent account. The second period was truly
propltiOus one 10 every point OF vlsw, The
innovations then adopted Bearing marks OF
mature deliberstion. Til then The two ma
lions could scarcely fC said 10 be thoroughly
united; nor was il easy 10 say whether we
or the English were most repreheDsible and
nsrrow-miuded in mutual disltkes. But
az good frequently results from SEEM
Inc evil, so the horrors OF civil war were
flt iOhk tuCtfftutu Wy "a iiitaNis ihAfiihte-
ture Of the sister nations. VIII ch proved ex-
ceedintly beneficial to the smaller and poorer
OF the two, whose ambition and industry II
powerfully stimulated. In consequence Of
the troubles Friendships ard intimacies were
formed between the natives OF the two
countries, which made them think well OF
each other. Sill, howeyer,1he greater part OF
Ourliterary men retained laudabe pariiailiy
for their native land and peculiar customs:
nor were they disposed TO relinquish
them unless for some great and evident
advantage. With very few exceptions
they used their best endeavors TO promote
the interests OF truth and virtue. which they
recommended by the Pgaces OF style. But in
tho present reign our love Of innovation in
every department and admiration Of the
modes Of our wealthy ueighbors have been
carried beyond AL bounds. II some OF our
cOusirymen have succeeded sslouishiDely n
certain branches OF literature, II must be con-
iessed that Others OF them have adopted the
vices ana fOllies Of some modish English
writer's, TO whose language and notions there
lay lust exceptions