The Sun. — 1848-10-17 (London, England)

VIII. Correspondence of John, Fourth Duke of  Bedford, 1842, 1843, 1:846—.  Vols. 12  Taking these eight very miscellaneous works as the theme of his disquisition, the reviewer writes upon them a crushing, mashing criticism—a criticism such as might drive a weak-minded, vain, and religionless man to suicide. We do not think, however, but that the vanity of the First Lord of the Treasury will be proof against fifty or fifty thousand assailants equally powerful. And, supposing the Noble Lord had any such inclination, we doubt not but that he would afford an additional testimony of the truth of Sidney Smith's celebrated assertion, by composing another biography, another history, another tragedy, and other essays, the Westminster reviewer to the contrary, nevertheless, notwithstanding. In that case, however, we would be very careful, indeed, before we undertook to read the biographer, historian, dramatist, or pamphleteer, if the opinions of the reviewer are to be regarded as decisive. One thing we must assert at once, namely, that the opinions in the Westminster are not mere idle opinions—theyiare opinions enforced by many deplorable quotations from the mixed metaphorf of Mr. Joseph Skillet down to the "noodle and doodle" dialogue between Carlos and Osorio. Yet enough of this biting and sarcastic criticism. It is, as we have already observed, one of a most painful character— too painful, in fact, for us to have any pleasure in retailing. The next contribution—on " Indian Epic Poetry"—is all elegant curiosity ; followed by clever articles on "Causes .of Poverty" and " Iron Manufactures of South Wales." The chapter on " Entomology" is delightful, crowded, as it is, with anecdotes of the insect kingdom. It reminds us of some charming articles published a year or so back in the Westminster, called " Revelations of the Microscope," and " Revelations of the Telescope." The little circumstance mentioned in a footnote to the effect that the Greek wore Tux); signifies both soul and butterfly, may have been dimly remembered by the verse-maker, and may have faintly suggested the idea to him, when he describes the soul, in death, as— , " Leaving its chrysalis of clay To bask its gorgeous, painted wings In everlasting day!"  After a review of the " Schleswig and Holstein Question," there is an earnest and labouriously written article by Poulett Scrope, M.P., on "Irish Clearances, and Improvement of Waste Lands." We say, written by Poulett Scrope, though the authorship is only indicated by that gentleman's initials, G. P. S. It is impossible, however, to do otherwise than recognise the intelligent and active mind of the Hon. Member for Stroud in almost every paragraph of this admirable disquisition. From the luminous pages upon " The French Republic," recounting most of the extraordinary occurrences which have taken place in Paris since the Revolution of February, we quote the following emphatic and nobly.merited eulogium  " The National Assembly met on the 24th in consternation. The members of the Provisional Commission,— Lamartine and Arago, especially, were doing all that men could do to restore order, in co-operation with General Cavaignac, whom they had invested with the military command of all the forces in Paris, including the troops of the line, the Garde Mobile, and the National Guards, but so many of the Assembly believed that the insurrection had the countenance of Ledru Rollin, and, to all, the importance of unity, energy, and decision on the part of Government was so obvious, that a vote was passed by un overwhelnining majority, placing in the hands of General Cavaignac the entire executive powers of the state, and declaring Paris in a state of siege. To this vote the members of the Provisional Commission promptly responded by a formal resignation of their trust; and thus summarily ended the three months of power,' which have made fora poet-philoso. pher a name in history; and a name which, after all that can be alleged against Lamartine for errors of judgment in a most difficult position, will, for moral courage, moderation, generous impulse, and rectitude of purpose, ever be received by posterity with respect." It is a conviction of this elevation of the mind,' this purity in the conscience, and this patriotism in the unselfish ambition of M. de Lamartine, which has now rendered him the cynosure not only of neighbouring eyes but of the eyes of all Christendom. The absence of all personal ambition in General Cavaignac, his anxiety to relieve himself from the unaccustomed labours of administration and to return to his military post in Algeria, together with his opposition to the election of President by universal suffrage, exclude his powerful name from the candidateship. The mad speech delivered in the Chalet has destroyed all the hopes of Ledru Rollin. The,, miserable failure of Louis Bonaparte as an orator in the tribune, during a recent sitting, has scattered all Ms chances to the winds of heaven. Alphonse de Lamartine is now without a competitor—worthy of the title. If the French people are not blind, or mad, or both, they will unanimously name Lamartine the first President of the Republic which he founded, and especially when it is remembered that, in so doing, they will be rewarding with the exercise of universal suffrage the poet-orator whose eloquence has secured to them that great and glorious prerogative. Reviews ' of Foreign Literattre, Correspondence, and a number of miscellaneous •notices complete the Westminster and Foreign Quarterly for October. Our opinion of the Quarterlies generally is decidedly favourable, from the •variety and excellence of their different criticisms.