It is well known that the lower house of Con that, though earnest, zealous and indignant, he de- jask, then, every true friend of the Army if “ A Subsires to be respectful and just. Yet he is fearless altern" should not rather be judged by his motives and independent, and when he thinks the circum- and the merits of his pieces than by their tone; if stances warrant it, we give him the liberty of plain-he should not rather be encouraged and commended ly uttering his sentiments. The tone of a writer for his zeal and independence, than censured for his is an inherent part of his style and a nice discrimi- "harsh epithets." nator of tones would strip of its essence the style of some of the greatest worthies of English Lite-gress have already passed a bill for a general rerature. Pope, Swift and a host of others did not duction of the pay of the Army. In reference to pause to weigh their words, when they were en- the resources of the country and that standard of listed warmly in a favorite cause. Even the mild comfort, personal and domestic, which should be and dignified Secretary Addison would have been kept up, as long as we can possibly afford it, there excited to unwonted indignation, in pointing out is scarcely a public agent in the whole Union who such abuses as are now destroying our Army and is paid too much. Yet our expenditures are often bringing farther injustice upon the innocent suffer- proportionately enormous. This arises from superers under them. A writer is naturally more wrought numeraries and incidental perquisites. Retrenchupon than his readers: his temperament, too, may ment should strike at the redundance of agents, be very, very different from theirs and ours, and not the compensation. The soldier, even in peace, we can not possibly undertake to emasculate com- has privations and discomforts that demand our munications sent to the Messenger, to suit the sup-sympathy and liberality: yet one branch of Conposed, or expressed taste of those who may not so gress have already abridged his means of procurenter into the feelings and circumstances of the ing enjoyment, and virtually doomed many to celiwriter as to excuse his warmth, or perhaps his se-bacy and perpetual dependence on their pay." verity. At the same time, we hold ourselves re- "A Subaltern" has shown that our Staff is so out sponsible for a strict conformity with the rules of of proportion to what it was and should be, that if decency and propriety. If there be nothing offend- the Line were annihilated, some twenty-seven Staff ing against these, we may permit another to say officers would still be doing as efficient service as things in a tone different from that which we would at this moment. He has also shown that the Staff adopt; for all men's temperaments are not alike of the British Army costs one twenty-eighth of the and we erect no Procrustean bed for the writers expense of the whole Army; whilst the Staff of for the Messenger. our Army costs nearly one-fifth of the expense of the whole. Can European military establishments do with a less efficient Staff than our own? “A Subaltern” points out modes of effecting greater saving, by proper retrenchment in the Staff, Quartermaster and Ordnance Departments, than the contemplated reduction by Congress will amount to. The Army requires an advocate, and a channel. The Messenger will be glad to render it any service and will continue to maintain its interests. We would like the last word, on the last page of the last Messenger, to be in defence of some great interest of our country, something patriotic, something AMERICAN. We like a sprightly, spicy writer, warmed up by his subject, even though he may sometimes pour forth a sharp volley. But we do not think that “ A Subaltern" is obnoxious to the "decided disapprobation" of the Council of Administration of Fort We may not be, can not be, as familiar as they with that tone, which the social intercourse and the regular and necessary subordination existing in the Army engender and demand. We know that it is proverbially courteous and gentlemanly: yet it should be proud and independent ;-never cringing, or obsequious. "A Subaltern," we suppose, is well acquainted with all these things; and with a full sense of his responsibility, he gives his sentiments tone and embodiment. In this, we allow him and all others considerable latitude. We are EDITORIAL REMARKS. It will be observed that in the present number there is, come from various quarters, there is great contrariety. Some desire more lightness; others more solidity. The perfectly sure, however, that he does not intend to not as much so called "light matter" as usual. But there "indulge in harsh epithets" towards his brother are pieces of a general, popular character, which we hope officers. They hold offices, which he believes will be taken as good substitutes. In the critiques which to be superfluous, under a system of policy which he condemns; but he speaks of the offices and the system; and only introduces the incumbents, when necessary to enforce and illustrate matters that otherwise would be too abstract to have suffi-and that recollecting the various tastes of subscribers, he cient weight. If the abuses known to exist in the Army, and the causes of the great expense attending it, be correctly pointed out by "A Subaltern," it is plain that opposition will be arrayed against him. difficulty is to combine these, so as to get the " goli mean.' As the Messenger is a large periodical, it is hoped that each reader will find something adapted to his taste, will not expect the whole work to be made up for him. We have some interesting tales, travels, &c., on hand, whira will be dispersed through the next number. The great Literary question of the day is undoubtedly the International Copyright, involving all the means and We' appliances of producing and fostering a National Literature. The Messenger has gladly devoted much space to the full in the faithful discharge of this imperative obligadiscussion of this important subject; and we invite attention, to "veto" the application of this work for the tion to the able and instructive articles of Mr. Simms, and consideration of the public, and to cause it to pass "A friend to letters," and to all that we publish on similar the ordeal of our unbiassed criticism. We regret that our limited space will prevent our giving as extended a notice of the work as we might wish, therefore we will only review its more prominent parts. In the first place, it is proper that we should topics. Mr. Simms' aim is to sift the subject thoroughly; and it will be found that he does not confine himself to the mere expediency of an International Copyright Law; but enlarges upon our great desideratum, and dives into literary history, to illustrate and enforce his views. His first letter contained a succinct history of our literature and of the foreign causes operating against it-and also of its astonishing progress abroad; the second, the history of book pub-state, that having no acquaintance with Mr. ShaksListing among us, and how it was influenced by the present condition of copyright, to the detriment of the author. These subjects involved others incidentally, as well of publie morals as of policy. The present letter discusses the right of the author to his productions,-viewing it from the highest grounds and applying to it intrinsic and legitimate standards. Even should the old standards of right and property prove to be insufficient, which is by no means ad-sant, we would remark, that the engravings of the mitted, justice and morality require that new ones elevated and appropriate should be erected. The highest praise we have yet received was from our respected contemporary of a leading journal in Philadelphia, who said, "the Messenger is nearly the only American periodical in the Union." To promote a proud, abiding, self-relying National Spirit, and its friend, creator and preserver, a National Literature, is certainly our guiding principle. Thanks to those who have perceived and commended it. peare, when we condemn what we conceive to be the " fluency with which nonsense trickles from his pen," he must not attribute it to any personal dislike to him on our part, but rather reproach himself with his own folly in causing his dramatic effusions to aspire to the dignity of type. En pas work, which have been finely executed by R. W. Weir, Esq, compared to the work itself, are as Hyperion to a Satyr." Mr. Shakspeare, totally disregarding every thing like the feelings of an American, has passed over all the time-honored portions of his own country, which furnish such ample themes for dramatic composition, and has thought proper to choose "ElsiIn our next we shall give the Ghost and Fish stories, and other selections from the letters of Pliny the Younger,nore" in Denmark as the "scene" for his play; a together with sketches of a visit to the moon, by a distin-place which, owing to its great distance from us, guished author, and other interesting productions. Notices of New Works. HAMLET, A PLAY, BY WM. SHAKSPEARE. Part I.-Act 1. H. W. Hewet. New York, 1844. The illustrated Edition of Shakspeare, humorously noticed below, deserves, as it has unequivocally received, the encouragement of the public. It is edited by an eminent scholar, Gulian C. Verplanck, Esq.; the illustrations are designed, selected and arranged by Robt. W. Weir, an artist of acknowledged taste, and is brought out in fine style by the publisher, H. W. Hewet. Its design is similar to that of the Harpers' illuminated Bible, which we are glad to learn is amply remunerating the enterprise of the publishers. We have heard it related, that John Randolph declared that next to the Bible, Shakspeare was the best and greatest book extant; and in certain ingenious Literary pyramids we have seen, the Bible was the basis and Shakspeare next. The publishers of these two great pictorial works seem to be carrying out these ideas and their works, barring all their faults, redound to the taste, skill and enterprise of those engaged in them. [Ed. Mess. Mr. Randolph has very kindly placed in our hands, (after paying him for it,) Part I., Act 1. of this work, for us to lay on our table." As it is a duty, incumbent upon every Reviewer, to recommend as they appear only works of taste we can have no sympathy with any thing that ever transpired in it. But this is not the only privilege which our author has taken. Presuming upon what he conceives to be the entire ignorance of the people of his own land of the manners and customs" of other countries, he has the extreme modesty to present us with the following, as "Scene 1st" in his play: 66 "Elsinore. A platform before the castle. Francisco on his post." Francisco on his post! Now we do wonder whether Mr. Shakspeare lays "the flattering unction to his soul," that he can so impose upon the enlightened people of this country, as to make them believe that the inhabitants of Denmark reside on posts! or that every schoolboy in this land don't know that Francisco was one of the strongest men in our Revolution; that he lived and died here, and never was in Denmark in the whole course of his life! Again. Not content with giving us such a statement of the mode of residence in other countries, he seeks to "steep our senses in forgetfulness" of it, by giving us another; after the perusal of which, we think any person who knows a hawk from a handsaw, must conclude that the author should be whipped for overdoing Termagant: it outherods Herod. "Bernardo. Who's there? Francisco. Nay, answer me, stand and unfold thyself." and ability to the perusal of the public, we are led' at the polite request of his fashionable customer, Schools and Academies. By FREDRICK A. P. BARNARD, who is desirous of purchasing something from the | ARITHMETIC, Divested of its Difficulties. For the use of Metropolitan city of sunny France, can unfold a piece of cloth, or even cassimere; but just think of a man's being requested to "stand" and "unfold himself!" Elementary school books are seldom the appropriate subO! it offends us to the very soul to be forced to jects of criticism, but this one has peculiar claims upon peruse such a production, which, (not to speak it our attention, It emanates from a section of the Union, profanely,) can but make the skilful laugh. After the South-west, which not long ago was in the possession reading a little further we find our author causes the wonderful progress which, in all things else, has been of aboriginal tribes, and therefore it marks, intellectually, a "Ghost to enter" and pass before some individu- going on there. The State of Alabama has sprung up into als whom he represents as holding a watch, whether commercial and political importance with Minerva-like gold or silver, lever or lepine, he does not in-precocity, and report speaks not unfavorably of her advance. form us. ment in science and literature. The University, at Tuscaloosa, is a richly endowed and flourishing institution, "Hor. What art thou? By heaven I charge thee speak. with a learned and efficient Faculty, and has already sent Mar. It is offended. Ber. See! it stalks away. Mar. Thus, twice before, and jump at this dead hour. With martial stalk, hath he gone by our watch." forth many graduates of scholarship and talent, as an intellectual leaven among the people of the State. Mobile sends forth her Educational Journal, and already books have begun to be written, printed and published in places, which, but "a few moons" since, were the homes of the Creek and the Cherokee. Such is the book before us, and we regard it with interest in this point of view. But it presents other and better claims to our favorable notice. Now, dear reader, we would ask in all candor if it requires any undue portion of mental acumen, to perceive the arrant plagiarism which our author Arithmetic, simple as it seems, is a science in which has here so manifestly committed. In fact, the there are many mysteries. Who has ever fathomed the only difference that we can perceive is in his sub- occult meanings of the figure 3, or the prophetic capacities stituting the name "Ghost" for "Witch," and in of the figure 7? The number 9 has also some properties causing it to disappear with a "martial stalk," which are curious and well nigh inexplicable. Why should (corn stalk would not be romantic enough !)instead the sum of all the figures of any number divided by 9 leave of that implement of the housewife-the broom-the same remainder as the number itself divided by 9? Bu: stick, as did those of whom we read, in the early able power which some persons have possessed over their the most curious truth concerning numbers is the remarkhistory of Salem, and from which Mr. Shakspeare combination and solution. Zerah Colburn, from his inhas so obviously filched his idea. fancy, could solve intuitively any arithmetic problem, however enlarged or intricate. A son of Judge Clayton of Georgia possessed a similar capacity: and there are many not extend to the higher mathematics; and was inexplica other instances of a like character. But the power did ble even by its possessors. Colbarn, in some works on Arithmetic, attempted to explain it upon the principle of induction, but he only simplified the science, and rendered it easier of acquisition. In reading further, we find the author still harps on that watch, which he spoke of being held, in the commencement of the play, and which it appears was afterwards severely injured by Hor. Mar. Instance the following: "Hor. Break we our watch up, and by my advice. Mar. Let's do't I pray." and Upon the plan introduced by Colburn, several works And now in concluding this "Part I., Act 1," in forming accurate and expert arithmeticians. But they have been written, which have been eminently successful we perceive a degree of inconsistency, which we have generally been wanting in conciseness and precision, humbly conceive to be entirely inconsistent with or have followed too exclusively the method of their origi good dramatic writing. In his exordium, he rep-nal. For their ready comprehension, much of the peculiar resents Hamlet, ( a young man whose father was so unfortunate as to get something in his ear and died,) as the Prince of Denmark; and yet, in the conclusion of only the 1st Act, we find that he's nothing more than a dissatisfied Watchmaker! To prove that this assertion of ours is not a gratuitous one, we give the following extract : "Hamlet. The time is out of joint." instinct of Colburn is necessary, which few pupils possess. The proper plan for an elementary Arithmetic is to employ induction extensively in the illustration of fundamental principles, and gradually then to unite demonstration with induction. This is the method pursued by Professor Barnard in the present treatise, and he has succeeded admirably in divesting the science of the difficulties with which it has hitherto been beset. We know no work which, for the simplicity of its arrangement, the brevity and yet clearness of its definitions, the force and aptness of its examples, and the happy union of the analytic and syn (alluding no doubt to the Watch which Hor. and thetic methods, is better suited for our common schools, er Mar. broke up.) more readily calculated to lead a youthful mind, by progressive examples, from the comprehension of simple facts to the general principles under which they form themselves harmoniously into a science. The University of Alabama has done well in adopting this book as one of the requis tions for admission into that institution. Professor Barnard deserves well of the public for having prepared this treatise. Few men possess better qualifications for such a work. He is extensively known as a enthusiastic and laborious devotee to the several branches We have not yet clearly ascertained whether Seatsfield of mathematical science. Some years ago he occupied a is a native German or a native American. Both have been tutorship in Yale College, and was regarded by Professors asserted. He may be one of Mr. Mackay's “popular deSilliman and Olmstead as one of the most promising young lusions." Certain it is that he is very familiar with our men of science in our country. Since his connection country. Of course he colors pretty highly; but is just, in with the University of Alabama, he has reflected honor the main, and so impartial that he makes each of his chaupon that institution, and by various philosophic publica-racters speak and act consistently with himself. The tions has contributed to the advancement of science and Courtships of George Howard and Ralph Doughby repreletters. Recently the trustees have placed under his man-sent scenes in the South-west, and give quite striking poragement one of the best furnished Observatories in our traitures of many domestic and political scenes in the new country, with an unusually large transit-circle, and several portions of our country. Such descriptions of the life of superior telescopes; and we have every reason to expect a Southern planter so widely circulated in the North can from Professor Barnard, if not new and important dis- do us no harm, and we rejoice that something of a service coveries, at least observations and calculations, of the ut- has thus been rendered us. Seats field, or Saatsfeld has but most importance to science, and which will make Tusca- recently become known to our public. The German critics, loosa, so to speak, the astronomical capital of the South- Mundt and Schlegel, are said to have spoken in highest praise west, equal advantages existing nowhere else in that sec- of his productions. The tremendous puffing that preceded tion for the promotion of the more elevated branches of their appearance in this country prepared the way for a great practical philosophy, and astronomers in other parts of the speculation, of which we suppose the publishers are reapworld having to rely upon the reckonings there made for ing the benefit. We have already expressed our distrust of much indispensable information. The book before us, the cheapness of some of the cheap publications. The Praithough humble in its character, when compared with these rie-Bird, quite a large novel, lies on our lap, at 25 cents;-things, is no less creditable to its author, and we regard it whilst 50 cents have procured only 4 parts of Seatsfield, not only as an evidence of his capacity for scientific pur-containing a little more than half as much as the former. suits in general, but as furnishing to the youth of Alabama This illustrates, however, the disadvantages under which one of the easiest guides to a knowledge of that science our own Literature labors. Seatsfield, if indeed a Gerupon which all the higher Mathematics are erected. Indeed man writer, had to be translated here, which must be paid we know no treatise on Arithmetic more worthy of general for. But American interests require that a fair difference adoption. (*) should be paid. Our author is rather minute in some of his details; but the work displays considerable talent and THE PRAIRIE-BIRD. BY THE HON. CHARLES AUGUSTUS will be read with pleasure. The Hon. Mr. Murray's forMURRAY, author of "Travels in North America." Har-mer work has already recommended him to the American per and Brothers' "Library of Select Novels," No. 34. public. The Prairie-Bird came in just as we were going Drinker and Morris, Richmond. to press and we have had no time to peruse it. LIFE IN THE NEW WORLD; or Sketches of American So- LEA & BLANCHARD: Philadelphia, 1844. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. A Romance of the time of Lous XI. BY VICTOR HUGO. Translated from the French by Frederick Shoberl. With an illustration. Victor Hugo has often been compared favorably with Scott. The work before us, said to be about the best of "the Hunch energies of our native mind may be repressed by the un-its author, distinguished alike as a novelist and dramatist, affords a good opportunity for such a comparison. Walter of "Marriage" and "The Inheritance." vels may be as improving as they are fascinating, and may impart much instruction to minds whose listlessness and indolence would reject nourishment presented in a less attractive form. Miss Ferrier, the authoress, gained her celebrity anonymously. Sir Walter Scott, on retiring from the field of fiction, said that he had left a worthy laborer in it, in the then unknown authoress of "Marriage." them more at large. It seems to be something concerning This is high praise; but Scott was a liberal and modest our State and is written by a native of Virginia, resident in author. However, Blackwood says, 66 Miss Ferrier unites the West. Drinker & Morris have all of them. the perfect purity and moral elevation of mind visible in all Miss Baillie's delightful works, with much of the same caustic vigor of satire that has made Miss Edgeworth's pen almost as fearful as fascinating." To approach Miss Edgeworth is a very high degree of excellence. Drinker and Morris. 40 cents. EVERY MAN HIS OWN CATTLE DOCTOR; Containing the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of all the Diseases Incident to Oxen, Sheep, and Swine; and a Sketch of the Anatomy and Physiology of Neat Cattle. By Francis Clater. Edited, Revised, and almost Rewritten by William Youatt, Author of "The Horse," &c., with Numerous Additions, Embracing An Essay on the Use of Oxen, and the Improvement in the Breed of Sheep, &c. By J. S. Skinner, Assistant Postmaster General. With Numerous Cuts and Illustrations. Philadelphia; Lea & Blanchard, 1844. The title page of this work is its best notice. This is the ninth Edition improved and can not fail to be useful to farmers and graziers. Call on Drinker & Morris. THE CYCLOPAEDIA OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE. EDITED BY JOHN FORBES, M. D., F. R. S.; ALEXANDER TWEEDIE, M. D., F. R. S.; AND JOHN CONOLLY, M. D. REVISED, WITH ADDITIONS, BY ROBLEY DUNGLISON, M. D. This extensive and valuable work, an improvement upon its English prototype, will be published serially in twenty four parts, at fifty cents each, forming when complete four large super-royal octavo volumes, embracing over three thousand large pages in double columns. The American Editor's abilities are well known: he will take great pains in adapting, arranging and correcting the work, so as to render it of the highest value as a standard work of Medical reference. The articles are arranged Alphabetically, with the names of their respective authors. The whole is neatly printed on good paper, with type a little smaller than that of the Messenger. The same publishers are issuing, in five parts, under the supervision of Professor Horner, an elegant and complete Anatomical Atlas, by Henry H. Smith, M. D., which will be almost as indispensable to the above Cyclopædia, as Maps undoubtedly are to a Cyclopædia of History or Geography. Drinker & Morris supply them. THE COMPLETE FLORIST: A Manual of Gardening containing practical instruction for the management of Greenhouse Plants, and for the Cultivation of the Shrubbery, the Flower Garden and the Lawn. With additions and amendments, adapted to the climate of the United States. Who loves not flowers is worse than what Shakspeare says of the man who has no music in his soul; he is very apt not to love music either. We rejoice at the evidences around us of an increasing taste for these beauties of Nature-a taste which the "Complete Florist" and Mr. Buist's "Rose Manual" will improve and direct. Drinker & Morris, Richmond, Va. HARPER & BROTHERS: New-York, 1844. CHATSWORTH; or the Romance of a week. Edited by the author of "Tremaine" and De Vere." ARTHUR. Translated from the French of Eugene Sue. YOUNG KATE; or the Resoue. A tale of the Great Kanawha. "There's a divinity shapes our ends, Rough hue them how we will."-Shak. These belong to the two series now issuing from the press of the Harpers; the first two to the "Library of select novels;" the latter being No. 2 of the "Select novels," in better form. We think that young Kate is the work which we announced some time since as about to be issued. When we have had leisure to examine its claims, we will speak of The following useful serials are going successfully on; same. MILMAN'S GIBBON. No. 10., J. W. Randolph & Co. M'CULLOCH'S UNIVERSAL GAZETTEER, No. 12, from the same. THE ILLUMINATED BIBLE, No. 3, has also been sent us by Messrs. Drinker and Morris. We have nothing to add to our commendation already bestowed. Next month we may give a review of it,-something novel, perhaps, if not original. A NEW SPIRIT OF THE AGE. Edited by R. H. Horne, Author of "Orion,” “Gregory VII," &c., &c. Complete in one volume, 8 vo. p.p. 165. Every one who has the least literary curiosity desires to know something of the present and recent authors, who have attained any celebrity in Letters. The work before us will serve to gratify all such, though it needs must be very superficial. The sketches by Lord Brougham of distinguished statesmen, &c., of the time of George III., are very superficial; yet they contain much instruction and amusement. Mr. Horne could not be expected to give much of this work, embracing notices of Dickens, Landor, Macau. concerning each of twenty-five authors in the short space lay, Talfourd, James, the Howitts, Bulwer, Carlyle, Knowles, Ainsworth, Hood, Hook and many others. A little, however, is better than none; and a man who bends his mind to his task may compress a good deal into a ley, James, Mrs. Gore, Capt. Marryat and Mrs. Trollope. small space. One chapter groups together in strange medAmericans know very well why Mrs. Trollope and Capt. Marryat, C. B., should be linked together, but we did not suppose that an Englishman would thus classify them. In some respects, Mr. James is in rather bad company. Mr. Dickens leads off the Literary troop, and is pretty wel glorified in nearly twice the space devoted to any one else. The work is designed to be similar to Hazlitt's "Spirit of the Age." If the British public patronise the undertaking, it will be extended into a series; when we trust the aathur, in justice to himself and his readers, will enlarge his notices of authors and their productions. Those before us are very general and written very much by way of allusion. They serve better to remind the familiar than to inform the curious. Still the design, as well as the contents, of the work recommend it to the general reader. J. W. Randolpa and Co. have it. RECORDS OF THE HEART. Poems, by MRS. SARAH A. The publishers have gotten out this little home-produc tion in very neat and appropriate style. Mrs. Lewis is a poetess of Troy, New-York, who has written with some acceptance for the magazines, in which many of the min of poems of this collection first appeared. She gives us some gems of poetical thought; but "Florence" and others wika we have read are not destined to confer any permaneLi fame upon the American Muse. "Zenel" has some merit, J. S. TAYLOR & Co.: New York, 1844. Shanty the Blacksmith. A tale of other times. By Mrs. Grace Harriet. These beautiful juvenile books have been sent us by Messrs. Perkins, Harvey and Ball on Shockoe Hill, Richmond. A good book in the hands of children is one of the most important things in Education. Each of the above may be placed there with impunity, nay profit. "The wosders of Art" will excite their curiosity and provoke their youthful minds to observation and inquiry. "The Lily of the Valley" is a tale of great beauty and simplicity; Mrs Sherwood is sufficiently known for her name to guaranty any thing from her pen. |