The Press. — 1856-05-03 (London, England)

PERIODICAL LITERATURE.  THE Quarterly Review fin• March (why does it appear about the 20th of April !) opens with an article upon " British Family Histories." We wish to call special attention to this article, less on account of its literary merit than of the great importance of the subject to which it is related. That is none other than the influence still attiihutable to ancient blood upon the whole social and political fabric of this country. We could wish, indeed, that the author, who is evidently master of his subject, and waiting within himself, had permitted this aspect of the question to assume a more prominent position in his article; that it bad been, we mean, more practical and less antiquarian. But we must be grateful to  425  him for a skilful essay, full of information and of suggestive hints. Of the second article, "An Inquiry into the Credibility of Early Roman History," we need only say that it is an attempt to set up the authority of the present Chancellor of the Exchequer against Arnold and Niebuhr. No doubt the inevitable reaction against Niebuhrism is now proceeding; but we have no fancy for being schooled by Sir G. C. Lewis—Afato Mehcrcle cum Platone, &c. The review of Mr. Ruskin is a very bitter article; the writer allows him neither knowledge of art, honesty of purposo, nor vigour of thought. The "Triton and the Minnows" is a pleasing account of the gigantic iron steamer now building off the Isle of Dogs . We next have a long article upon Southey, with a vindication of Mr. Murray from certain hasty aspersions of the poet ; and after that a sensible and well written essay on " The Peace and its Effects upon Turkey," which has, however, lost a good deal of its interest. by being written before the publication of the terms. The last article of all is an attack upon M. Montalembert. The chapter on " The Political Future of England," dealing with the subject of Popery, has provoked the most virulent animosity in various quarters. We certainly differ from the count's views upon this matter as widely as possible, but. we think it a pity that this one blot upon his otherwise masterly pamphlet, a blot which does not affect the gist of his subject-matter in the least, should blind anybody to his admirable, rational, and deeply thoughtful panegyric on the English constitution. In Fraser, " College Life in Glasgow " is the opening article, and perhaps the best. It is a lucid and lively account of the customs of the university, the studies pursued there, and the character of the students. It is followed by a brief and sketchy notice of the two lady travellers—the Hon. Miss Murray and the "Englishwoman in America." After which comes the welcome instalment of " Kate Coventry.' Cousin John has discovered what is going on with Frank Lovell, and becomes pale, handsome, and heroic. A spirited sketch of a run with the Queen's hounds and a servant's ball in the country, are the two most prominent features of the present number. " The New Pitaval" contains an interesting account of some German murders. Alison's " History of Europe" is a would-be facetious critique of the baronet's last volumes. " The Treaty "is a sensible article, showing that we have in the present instance approached nearer to gaining the end for which we went to war than we usually do ; and dwelling, though with great good temper and moderation, on tine inevitable evils springing from a divided command.  •I'he Dublin gives us a long article entitled " cEuvres de Napoleon