plate writing for a military Journal, he finds that the mails are exceedingly slow and uncertain; that no one else writes, and that perhaps few even read. Of this, the soldier, the officer and the government, would feel the advantage; the cause of many of the evils I have dwelt upon, would be at once removed. The officer would be happier, in being occupied with his profession; and be able to entertain feelings of military pride and emulation. The soldier would cease to be deceived, be better contented, less apt to desert. It is not in human nature to stand all this; excitement or occupation is absolutely necessary. He is invited to play at cards-he is pressed to do so-the influence of example has full play upon him; and temptation is found in another form of excitement-the bottle; he yields, and plants the seeds of habits which, unless he be very firm, in a few years become settled. It is these vicious excitements and 2d. A radical change of system, under which (notwithstandhabits of indolence, which become so seductive as to destroying the late law, forbidding the employment of officers in the inclination for the more manly amusements of the certain civil duties) many officers are habitually absent from chase, &c. their companies or posts. The Government would have its work done cheaper and better.* He forgets his theoretical acquirements, and is in a fair way (for any important application) of losing them forever. Listless and inactive, his mind runs to fallow; and though of fine intellect, and once of bright promise, he is fated, at middle age, to sink into hopeless mediocrity. How vast an improvement to the service would this reform be! to the character and contentment of the officer, whose society would be so much improved! and an opening would be made for emulation in duties, and improving and healthful exercises and amusements. There would be If the young officer have been appointed from civil life, a public opinion to act upon vicious individual pursuits or bis condition is in some respects worse; he has no oppor-inclinations. We would be an united family. tunity to acquire that knowledge of his profession, which is so engrafted into the mind, the very nature of most graduates, that nothing can ever eradicate it; and perhaps of less experience, or with a less disciplined mind, he offers less resistance to the vice of his situation. Another law, separating the staff from the line, would go very far toward this reform. But that is not all: Two rules or regulations should be made, and after being made should be adhered to: 1st That no written or verbal applications, made through irregular channels, should be received or listened to at head quarters; and 2dly, that no indulgence or application shall be granted, unless asked or made by an officer from his proper station. Their condition being much improved, few, indeed, would be asked afterwards. 3d. The purchase by Government, for the use of each permanent post, of a good foundation for a library. For example, a selection by an enlightened Secretary of War, of the best authors, ancient and modern, on military subjects. If so beneficial an appropriation could not be obtained, still a well advised catalogue of such books, recom The picture is faithful, but incomplete. The worst has been seen. The post improves in its moral capabilities, though but little in their development. A small library has gradually been purchased, and military duties give more occupation; some resources for amusement have possibly been achieved; the poor men, who enlisted perhaps with the deliberate expectation and intention of becoming soldiers, and who have stoically accomplished every work and drudgery, now generally get up a Thespian society, and often exhibit an excellence evidently resulting from an exertion of mind quite unwonted to the majority of their supe-mended, and procured from Europe, under the direction of riors. The officers, too, give parties and balls, if their num- the Secretary, might have a good effect.† ber be not too small; they read, too, but generally light; 4th. A sword-master for each post. works, the current literature of the day. Habits of con- It is a little extraordinary that the sword exercise, so tinuous application of the mind having been long inter- necessary to the army, not only in a purely military point rupted, (though necessarily or reluctantly,) are with great of view, but as an accomplishment and a healthful and difficulty recovered; and there is no urgent call, no neces-strengthening exercise, should have been so totally nesity impelling to painful exertion. Pretium honoris labor est. glected. Like religious instruction, unless furnished by Why should this state of things exist in the American Government, the officer has no power of obtaining it at army? the army of the great republic; an army, increasing all. Instruction in fencing at the military academy is purely in size, and needing a new impulse to make it equal to im- nominal. The writer, while there, never took a lesson. portant and growing duties; and which, who shall say, may At cavalry posts, greater provision should be made for the not very soon be called on to emerge from that state of drill of the men. peace, which, existing so long, has led to this declining and neglected condition. And of the army of what other nation We might borrow from the ancients the wisdom of the can this be said? France, Russia, and even England, find use of this important means of the improvement of the employment for their arms; and by untrammelled and en-physical capacities of the soldier. How peculiarly neceslightened administrations, keep alive the spirit of improve- sary, if only in view of the inactive life they sometimes ment; and provide the means, and offer inducements to lead, to their health, and capacity for endurance! Employboth theoretical and practical excellence and distinction. ment, which will not destroy discipline and military acquireBut, above all, Prussia presents a system, which, approach-ments, is a great object, even if not of professional advaning nearer the laws and customs of ancient republics re- tage: amusements, pleasing employments, though at much nowned in arms, than of a consolidated monarchy, is the very reverse of the American; there, the officer, undergoing repeated examinations, is impelled to study, practice, and improvement, by these severe tests of proficiency and excel lence. If I have presented a picture, homely but faithful, of evils which others suffering with me equally deplore: if I have revealed truths, startling to those whom duty and reputation alike call upon to exercise a commanding influence, to exalt the efficiency and character of the army: let me offer to the consideration of all, some thoughts upon remedies and reform. 1st. The erection of permanent quarters and defences, by con tract or hired labor. 5th. A gymnasium at each post. cost, would be a gain in the end as preventives of desertion and dissipation. The government might even find its advantage in the erection of cheap theatres. At any rate, there should be at each post a large public building, containing-if not a gymnasium-a large hall for general courts martial, &c.; a library and a reading room, and a fencing room. And at cavalry posts, a covered riding house for lessons in * Because it will be done by proficient workmen; and the military services of its soldiers will not be lost. There are very few such works in our language; Government should cause to be translated some of the best of the 'French authors. riding, the use of the sabre and pistol, which would be particularly useful in winter and inclement weather. 6th. The last suggestion which I shall make is, that a system should be devised for the encouragement of Essays of excellence in all kinds of military acquirements. sion. The most simple distinction to the exhibition of superior information and abilities, would prove the greatest incentive to improvement, for the sake of reputation in the profesHow necessary to a time of long peace! when eminent capacities lie latent for want of excitement and an object; how necessary that Government should possess some legitimate means of recognizing the talents and capacities of its officers-a knowledge, which may become highly important! The want of some standard of ability or test of merit, is exhibited in a strong tendency to create reputations upon the vague and fallacious foundations of rumor or report; and to magnify the niere performance of duty into acts of extraordinary prowess, meriting distinction. Christ's robe of righteousness excels, The splendor of the noon-day sun. PAULINA. Notices of New Works. POETRY: A Satire, pronounced before the Mercantile Library Association at its Twenty-Second Anniversary, by Park Benjamin: New-York-J. Winchester, 30 Ann Street. waste his life's green hours in toil, And burn whole gallons of superfluous oil," without being urged on by some cogent stimulus. Having therefore received the distinguished appointment to pronounce the anniversary poem, as he says: Mr. Benjamin has shown more of his native strength in In conclusion, I in all humility call upon my companions this, than we are accustomed to see in his minor producto reflect upon these subjects, and to resist the depressing tions. For, having been born to a fortune, and nursed in influence of unfavorable circumstances. We must put our the lap of ease; and not possessing an over-weening ambiown shoulders to the wheel; the busy world around us is all tion for fame; he is not prone to in motion; the pursuits of civil life, arduous and exciting, develop every faculty and lead continually to eminence; while we are in danger of falling continually to the rear in the great theatre of life and action, of those of less abilities, and even acquirements, but of more persevering industry. The curse of labor extended to the mind; but thorns and thistles will it bring forth unless cultivated; the advantages of an education, bestowed for the benefit of our country rather than our own, are lost unless the good work be followed up; there is no resting-place; we must continually gain, or we lose ground. And I call on all, not averse to writing for our professional press, to compare their opinions and views on these matters; and I shall be happy in having been the means of eliciting superior information, or the suggestions of a more enlightened reform. THE PIOUS COTTAGER A pious cottager, residing in the centre of a long and dreary heath, being asked by a visiter, if he was not sometimes afraid in his lonely situation, replied, "Oh! no, sir, for faith shuts the door at night, and mercy opens it in the morning." Blessed cottager-how rich, how pure The joys by heaven vouchsafed to thee; And sweet's thy rest, from terror tree. No cause hast thou for fear or pain; Thy mud walled cottage stands alone?-- Of purer bliss than thou hast known. When thou shalt to that home arise- That earthly treasure, thou hadst none; " one little month ago, And, like young widows, could not answer 'no;'" there was no way for him then to back out. Hence-his acute perception and good taste, not allowing that any thing which he does shall be ill done-an energy is exerted; and the result--which was certain to follow-a delighted auditory, and a production highly creditable to American lite rature. The poem maintains an animated style throughoutnever settling into the dull or tame. In conception, it is brilliant and clear, and in diction comprehensive and terse: abounding in jeux d'esprit and genuine wit. happily changes from the sprightly to the sentimental--from the cheerful to the plaintive-from the humorous to the pa thetic, keeping interest constantly alive. Often, in the same breath, is caused the expanse of admiration, and the burst of merriment, by the sudden, yet graceful transition from the sublime or beautiful, to the ludicrous. In versification, it is not only faultless, but effective. It fortunately strikes that mean between the two extremes of uniformity and variety, combining the effects of both so hap pily, as, neither to satiate with the one, nor confuse with the other; which is the perfection of art. The language flows so free, and the rhyming is so natural, that it seems as though no other words could express the sentiment so well, even if there were no necessity for rhyme or measure. In its sarcastic allusions, it is in good taste, and accords with the strictest decorum; fully agreeing with the senti ment of an old writer. "You must not think that a satyric style It deals fearless strokes where they are deserved; but And last but not least-its appropriateness is worthy all praise. For, in what year of our blessed Lord, was the remark of Byron, that-"There are more poets (soi disant) than ever there were, and proportionably less poe try;" so applicable as in these years now passing! A vast multitude of the rhyme-stringers of the present day, seem to make it their first maxim, "to discard that pestilent foe to wit, and destroyer of fine figures, which is called common sense," from their thoughts and verse. And their antithinking readers and admirers, seem to make it the criterion of excellence in poetry, that it be totally incomprehensible. According to their notions, he who expresses in simplicity of style, simple ideas, has no ideality; and he who, in his conceptions, does not out-reach "that which is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth," has no imagination. Poetry, with such, may be defined-sound without sense-rhyme without reason. A lofty imagination, the calling forth images in so grotesque a form, that no one can possibly tell what they are designed to represent. Surely, if ever the pen of a Gifford was needed, it is so now! Among so many passages, of equal beauty, it is difficult to choose; yet the following pictures, contrasting the poet, with the slave of mammon, are so congenial with our own feelings, that we give them the preference: "The common objects in our paths supply, Her barque floats freely over cloud and mist Contrast this portrait, not in fond conceit And dream what stocks, what markets are the best! And every turn bring comfort to your soul: So shall your wife in coach and Cashmere shawl So shall you smile with ill-concealed disdain I need not mention where." The apostrophe to the drama, is sadly true, and truly beautiful. Behold the drama! once the muse's friend; And from her altars dogs and dancers spurn? Now, on that stage, for which Ben Johnson wrote, Though I would not one leaf of laurel tear HENRY OF OFTERDIRGEN, from the German of Novalis, (Von Hardenberg,) Cambridge-John Owen, 1842. Of the school of romances, to which this work belongs, English literature has, we believe, no exemplar, except Professor Longfellow's Hyperion. The Germans, however, are peculiarly rich in them, and find in some of them a more thorough development of their national character and theories than in any other class of books. The one before us is among the most popular, and deservedly so, comparing not disadvantageously with Jean Paul's Hesperus, or even with "the Meister." The author calls it "an apotheosis of poetry," and developes, in the first part, the poetic temperament, and with much lofty Esthetical science, has mingled beautiful rifaciamenti of old fables, and exquisite pictures of Germany as it was. But it would be impossible to give a fair idea of the work within our limits, and we will add only, that Novalis taught, "that the world which lies near about us is full of marvels, and the supernatural always surrounds us." The second part is incomplete, but a sketch of the plan marked out for it, as Novalis imparted it, to his friend Tieek, is appended, which is full enough to excite the liveliest regret, that the work was never finished. The author's life was written by Tieek, after which, the translator has drawn a brief sketch. From it we learn that Novalis was kind, enthusiastic and patriotic; which, joined to this high talent, should make him as great a favorite with us, as he is at home. He died at the age of 29. The work is faithfully translated, and is altogether creditable to the publisher. come to my house every day, or I will fight you again." His Fables are deservedly celebrated, and the translator deserves the thanks of the public for the handsome style in which he has rendered them into English. and FAMILIAR DIALOGUES AND POPULAR DISCUSSIONS, for This book comes highly recommended to us as a school book. Mr. Fowle is himself a teacher of note in Boston, and he has put forth this among other useful books from the result of his own experience, as to the necessity of such works. The dialogues are good humored, and sprightly enough. The demand for it has exhausted the first edition, and the second is now in press. LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON BY JARED SPARKS, abridg. ed by the author, in two volumes: Boston-Published by Tappan & Dennet, 1842. This abridgment was much needed, and we are glad to MISCELLANIES. By Stephen Collins. Philadelphia: see it put forth under such auspices. The omissions are Carey & Hart, 1842. The title page is the best part of the book. It is made up of biographical sketches-of a few statistics-of meditations or reflections; of speeches on insanity, and of snatches on morality. The first biographical sketch is of Dickens, and it is laudatory enough. After him come Charles Lamb, Lord Bacon, and Doctor Physick. The last two are despatched with 9 pages each, while thrice that number is bestowed upon Boz. Five are vouchsafed to Henry Martyn, and three to John S. Newbold;-all that we have of the latter from these three, is, that he was an Episcopalian-of gentlemanly manners; left college before the writer entered, shook him warmly by the hand, and died young. We think the worthy man-who is the author of this very trashy book, has been particularly unhappy in most of the selections for his Miscellanies.' It has been puffed by some of the Philadelphia papers, and the New-York Herald, and is for sale by Messrs Lyons, and Smith, Drinker and Morris. THE LILY OF THE VALLEY. Translated from the French. This is a Catholic story, founded on an incident of the crusades. It is a beautiful little romance, and is a suitable present to children for winter-nights' reading. It is a small volume, neatly bound. FABLES OF LA FONTAINE. Translated from the French by Elizur Wright, Jr., in two volumes: Boston--Published by Tappan & Dennet, 1842. mostly of a political or general character. The incidents of the life and family history of Washington have been preserved as they are in the large work. The abridgment is much better adapted to the popular taste both as to price and matter. It is to he had at the bookstore of Messrs. Smith, Drinker & Morris. AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE, LITERATURE AND ART, comprising the history, description and scientific principles of every branch of human knowledge: with the derivation and definition of all the terms in use: illus trated by engravings on wood. General Editor, W. F. Bronde, F. R. S. L. & E., etc., etc: New-York-Harper & Brothers. The title page is descriptive of the work, which is to be completed in twelve parts, or at the very cheap rate of 25 cents for 112 pages-the size of each part. Cheaper and more valuable information, has seldom, if ever, been offered to the public--and we heartily advise all of our readers, whose libraries are not furnished with an Encyclopedia, to procure this one. It is a work, so far, of great usefulness. We have only seen the 1st and 2nd parts. When the others are out, we shall recur to this work again. It is to be had at the bookstore of Messrs. Smith, Drinker and Morris. THE BOOK ABOUT ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. Arranged from Ruschenberger's [series of first books of Natural History, with numerous engravings. Published by Turner and Fisher: Philadelphia-1843. This is a capital book for children-admirably arranged and adapted for their use in every respect. Indeed, we like it better than the original, of which it is an abridgement. It is for sale at the bookstore of Messrs. Smith, Drinker and Morris. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ARTS, conducted by professor Silliman and Benjamin Silliman, Jr., volume XLIV, No. 1-January, 1843. La Fontaine, the bon-homme as he was called, was the friend and companion of Moliere, Boileau and Racine; and though married to a woman, for whom he cared little, he fought his most intimate friend "to satisfy the public." "The public thinks that your friend Poignant visits madam, and it is expected you will call him out," said a neighbor to the bon-homme. The next morning at 4 o'clock, La Fontaine called on his friend in bed, and asked him to come out. Poignant followed in astonishment, and when they had reached a retired spot, La Fontaine said, " my friend, we This favorite periodical comes to us this quarter, with an must fight." Poignant disarmed him, and asked to know the unusually rich freight, even for Silliman's Journal. It concause of the fight. "The public maintains," said La Fontains nineteen original and highly interesting articles, retaine, "that you come to my house daily, not to see me, but my wife." "I protest then," said the other, "I will never darken your doors again." "On the contrary," replied La Fontaine, "I have satisfied the public, and now you must lating to science in its widest range. Some of the most learned men in the country, are contributors to this work. It does honor to the country. Messrs. Smith, Drinker and Morris, are the agents in Richmond. St. Ann's Hall, Flushing, Long Island, New-York. THIS Institution is dedicated to the cause of Female Education upon Christian principles. It was founded to afford parents an opportunity to procure for their daughters a thorough discipline, in all the solid and ornamental branches of education; and, at the same time, to associate sound learning and elegant accomplishments with religious motives. The members of the Institution form a Christian family, of which the Rev. Dr. Schroeder and Mrs. Schroeder have the general supervision; and every arrangement is adopted by them, that has been tested by the best seminaries and colleges in Europe and our own country, to promote the intellectual, hodily, and spiritual welfare of the household. REV. J. F. SCHROEDER, D. D., RECTOR. |