New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-10-09

servant traveller. we perceive the development
OF a soul II is true that the record is incom-
plete. This volume makes only slight con-
tribution to the history Of the growth OF Remains
ideas. But far as il goes It is genuine and
eloquent, true human document
In the opening pages OF the collection we find
him in his beloved Brittany. pausing before the
long flight that he is to take. and much con-
cerned. as always, with the things of the mind.
THE country that I'm living in" he says, is
actually fermenting from lack OF IDEAS Ideas
were as the breath OF life TO him. and it is de-
Iightful TO see how his spirit expands beneath
the wonderful influences Of Rome. He ever
susceptible 10 the pressure Of his surroundings
81 cannot tell you ne writes from St Malo.
how much the mere difference between Paris
and this country influences my normal state"
When he left for Italy he was trimming over
with what might be called philosophic doubt
and might also be called prejudice He pre-
pared TO be scornful Of many things in Rome.
but the Imperial City laid her spell upon him.
and IN letter after letter he describes her sooth-
ing effect Upon him. writing IN that vein OF pei
lucid revery which he made his unique contrt-
button 70 French literature This city is an en-
ehantress." he says Would you believe 1T l
am completely changed: am no longer French;
I am no longer q critic: am unworthy Of the
role; have no longer any opinions; know not
what 70 say about AL this-@ Then he writes In
this wise:
On n Z could onsy have you beside me the
heights OF Saint Onufre. this humble elOtster
yhither / 20 every day for promenade: IL could
hi interrosaie you concerning my sentiments
and clarity my own sensations BY comparing them
Win yoursi You know that religious Impressions
potent with me and TIA! ss result S OF
ny education they ntnge IN an inoeInaDle psopor-
ton with the most mysterious lnsuhcs OF ~
nature These impressions have awakened here
with an energy that ] cannot describe TO you !
had not understood what popular religion Is when
considered naisey enc oots,os oo Sp L.,i ~ or
cEasingly "a the domain OF religion taxing lts oog.
deceive ourselves; this people Is as C4none a. me
Arabs Of the mosque are Mahometan The religion
Ee,iro5 is 20 sneak 20 them against their interests
interests which are as real as any OF the oLnSr
needs Of nature came % TINS county serangeg S
ready made phrases 70 az this trivia ano s1ous s
cult; Rome rePnese nteq l0I me me 70 PsTs an nv
ease al the fOOlery Of the Gesu and the superstl-
tons OF this county, Wen DIG C. ais soun6 n his
people IN its faith IN its civilization. grandeur.
poetry. ideaIity which are Incompatible
FIIs Italian experiences supply the material
Tor the best part OF this correspondence They
did not change his opinion Of the priests, the &C.
clesiastical chiefs. prelates, etc, to whom In
deed he refers as forming ian Odous caste that
I abhor more than ever" and he withdrew from
his interview with Pho Mono with little ad-
rairation stirring IN his bosom for that noted
parsonage But with Italy Of the Italians. the
Italy Of the common people and OF everyday az
fairs he fen more and more IN love. He for
gave them their abominable taVerns, for the
sake OF the poetry which he found hanging
around their familiar life He made poor
prophet Il can affirm 70 you On my con-
sclence- he Gays, That 10 this whole mass