The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-22
SURVEY OF new PUBL|CAT|ONS---A BIOGRAPHY
OF MERIT---MDSUM FICTI0N---N0TES.
A MEnIToRIoUs WRITING.

A MEAITORIOUS WRITING.
In brief and sketchlike work. THE LAfe
OF John c. Calhoun" Mr.. Gustav NJ. Pinck-
ney Of the Charleston bar has presented to
the public timely overwhelmingly be-
CAUSE Of the application Of Calhoun's DO
litical doctrines to the questions OF to-day.
The greatest statesman and wisest prophet
Of his day held to an enduring philosophy
and permanent principles, valuable for all
times but the wisdom of this political
genius seems to fall with peculiar benefi-
cence and light upon problems which are
confronting his country to-day, notably
those Of the tariff and finance and spells.
Mr.. Pinckney's work has been admirably
performed. He is evidently pre-eminently
fitted by ability. culture and environment
to have caught the spirit of the great po-
litical philosopher. and the work has been
done con amore. by no means in a spirit of
worship, but with a somewhat intimate
communion with tradition. and in large
sympathy with the ideals and purposes for
which Calhoun strove. incidentally. through
the text one has glimpses C: that most in
teresting figure the Southern jurist. Flashes
Of the authors spirit assist the Imagination
to draw him as a lawyer of the old style. a
man Of eloQuence and power of nobility of
mind and dignity of manner. with all the
traditions Of the old Colonial bar. There
are moments when one pictures him stand
ing at the elbow Of Calhoun or of Randolph
Seconding the wisdom of the speaker.
MI. Pinckneys work Is net life" IN
the Biographical. but rather in the psyche
logical sense. being primarily sketch CT
the development Of mind and political gen
ius. The story is told in some thirteen
chapters, each presenting a new and dis
ttnct phase Of growth. They are shown in
logical order. and leave upon the reader
the impression OF having seen so many
brilliant facets Of a Jewel. A few Of the
chapter titles will suggest the nature of
the contents-foundation. theory. reflection,
notification. tariff, finance. spoils. Texas
and Oregon, Mexican War. abolitionism.
Mr.. Ptnckney's exposition OF the states
mans creed and philosophy Is clear, con-
else and convincing. Illuminated by frequent
characteristic extracts from Calhoun's fn-
nous speeches. His speeches. 1t may be
observed. reveal the nature and soul of the
man perhaps as no other political utter
ances reveal character. They show the
tall, slim orator Of brilliant eye and eager
demsanor to possess the human warmth.
the zeal and courage Of large nature,
with the ambitions Of great soul and a
In considering Calhouns career, Mr..
Ptncfney does by no means confine him to
the Intellectual and political phases. but
constantly and consistently carries forward
the parallel Of growth on the human side,
dwelling upon the remarkable way-almost
more than coincidental-in which circum-
stances OF life seemed to conspire to per-
feet the knowledge and experience of state
craft Mr.. Pinckney shows him in child
III Foas
tempered by the culture OF the seacoast;
shows him In seven years Of college life.
sas then pigGsans into South Ro
Tress at the time Of the Complications with
ss1 m os as tbs
strusgiing- young Republic; as Secretary of
War. as Vice President, as Senator: exhib:.
service upon an intellect .replenished as il
'His mind never grew old. 70 this quality
ity, and, as a commentator has observed.
the fact that each speech Of his. as it came
out, seemed to eclipse all former efforts in
interest and illuminating power.
In this connection 1t is interesting to note
what a eulogist said OF his faculties. AL
though ever young and fresh in the sense
ssT haa no yoh ao
Minerva from the head Of Jove. fully grown
OF his strength Mr.. Pinckney effectively
says that Calhoun's figure was a feature
In the landscape Of American history, al
tion-a sort Of giant Tenerifte. firm and i'm
movable In the midst of storm and thunder
while the Substance of the work IS large
" analytical and expository. the tone at
times verges upon eulogfstic. 1t is some
thing removed from the merely sentimental:
however. and the authors sympathy and
enthusiasm are Of quality to carry the
reader irresistibly. The style is ornate. yet
ne. ar Is fair
bered that at this time (the breach with
Jacfson had not occurred-Jackson was not
nons but Jackson IN point s OF popularity
distinction that had been earned by his
fsriy WAITING se to drop into Rs iap Those
who possess the master-key are assured
without the telling what course he pursued.
as usual. Not only this; outside Of Com
gress he took an open and decided stand
AGAINST that measure. thus mourning the full
shutting out the brilliant prospects before
him for advancement to the presidency.
The next capacity IN which Mr.. Cal
chosen Senator of the sovereign State Of
South Carolina. We shall then have TO
search for him upon the mountain tops. It
height: Down in the plains or lost in in
tervening hollows and thickly wooded
= my eG sec fen the ve%
that greet his vision: behind. deep-buried
In the past: before. far-stretching into the
future. The prospects comprise many ages
and many nations. The mountain eminence
Is hard to gain. The view is well worth
while"
Much has been crowded into the little
bcok-it contains but 243 pages-much that
Is entertaining and instructive. 1t conveys.
as no lengthy and pretentious work could.
warm, vivid impression of noble being
and master mind. Mr.. Pinckney has add
ed an attractive volume to the literature Of
political science. Its chief value consists in
that phase. but to the student Of history
fords an intimate view Of a great and
picturesque character. never falling I'm inter-
est and appeal. Published by Walker.