The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-06-19
RECENT PUBLICATIONS

AN IMPORTANT Work COMPLETED
The last volume of Dr.. Won HOlst's Con
stitutiOnal and Political History of the
United States" has just been published. II
forms a fitting termination TO one of the
ablest, most comprehensive and impartial
works on America ever penned by for
elgner. Indeed, II Is speaking quite within
bounds to say that no one. either at home or
abroad, has yet presented a clearer view of
the beginnings and unprecedented de-
Velopment OF our great republic. This
volume embraces the period from 1859 to
Oh March 4, 1861, the date at
which the author draws the line of denmark
alton between the old Union and the begin
ming OF the new ana grander era of our
national existence. 1t does not follow tn q
course of events TO the actual outbreak of
hostilities between the North and South,
yet reason for this is given in the statement
that the decisive point of cur political
career was reached when, by the c0nSItu-
ton al ending of the ThTty-sixth Congress,
the way was cleared for the conflict
which by that time had become in
evtable. With a clear perception Of
the difficulties under which he has labored,
Professor Won Hoist, while thanking
the PruSsian Academy of Sciences and the
Government of Baden for affording him the
means to sojourn for some time in the
United States, regrets that he has been de-
innate association with the Intellectual life
of the American nation. The lack of this
intimacy, however, is not apparent in his
writing. which throughout displays a
sympathetic insight into our political aims
and methods scarcely to be expected OF an
alien. He makes clear the causes of the
dissensons in the Democratic party during
the latter part Of Buchanan's administra-
ton. and plainly traces the logical sequence
of events leading to the nomination of Lin
coin by tins Republican party. While he
makes no secret or lis sympathy with those
who were seeking to abolish slavery he
deals fairly with the Southern people who
opposed outside interference with time
h0uored institution. Copi0us notes aud refer
ences, in many cases to files of the contem-
porary press, add much TO the value of this
volume, which is printed In uniform style
with its predecessors, the whole forming an
invaluable contribution 10 historical litera-
ture. [Callaghan 81 Co., Chicago.
LIFE OF DAVID S. TERRY-The life of
David S. Terry, by A. E. Wagstaff, just is
sued from the press, Is book which cannot
fail to be received with an unusual degree
of interest. While it is probable that moth
ing could be written which would change
the estimate of Judge Terry in the minds of
the generation of Caliiornians now passing
away, many whose affiliations and recollec-
tons do not date back to antebellum times
may gain such an insight into the character
OF the man and his contemporaries from
reading this volume that their opinion of
him will undergo decided change. An air
of frankneSS and an evident desire to avoid
undue prejudice pervadeS the book. While
Terry's greatest weakness - his evil
temper. which the author character
ICES as "a disease implanted in him
as a natural inheritance" is not
CLOSED over, his rugged integrity and hon.
esty of purpose are set forth with the
warmth of an admlrer. The eventfuI life
Of Terry, his services in the Texan war for
independence, his early career at the bar in
the Lone Star State. his immigration to
California aud his connection with the
San Francisco Vigilance Committee are
sketched with apparent faithfulness A
good deal OF space is given to the condition
of political affairs in this State which led
up 10 the quarrel with Frederick and the
fatal meeting near the shores Of Lake MeT-
eed. In the records at his command and
from the recital of those now living con-
versnnt with that memorable contest, Mr..
Wagstatf arrives at the conclusion that
Terry was far from being the aggressor in the
affair, but lie lays the blame on the shoulders
Of BrOderick's bad advisers rather than
upon Br0deriek himself The story Of the
Sharon case, The protraeted litigation, the
fierce contest which degenerated into person
alites, Terry's efforts in behalf OF his client
and his surprising action in marrying her,
are all related. In rehearsing the circum-
stances which led to the tragedy in the din
ing-room at Lathrop Mr. Wagstaff aims to
be impartial, and If the recital places JUS
tice Field in an unenviabe light he, as
blographer, cannot be eensured. An esti-
mate OF Terry's character-an apology for
his errors, praise for his virtues-brings to
a close volume that will be read with in
terest. [San Francisco: the Continental
Publishing Company. Sold by subscrip-
ton.
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