sciences, is made to supplant the more exact, vivid | stem. All who have taken this view of this imand permanent impressions derived through their portant matter, in or out of Congress, will find a medium; on every subject of knowledge the mind worthy coadjutor in "A Subaltern.” receives a foreign impression-it is made to learn After the just commendation bestowed upon the by the observations of others, rather than by ori-"Notes on our Army," we must state that their ginal reflection, and to receive, upon the authority tone has been objected to, and that by those who of books, what it should admit only in consequence speak somewhat ex cathedra. A short time since of previous self-conviction,-its own original pow- we received the following remonstrance: ers of acquisition being sacrificed at the shrine of authority"-A Practical Treatise on the Diseases of Children by D. Francis Condie, M. D., &c. Philadelphia, Lea & Blanchard, 1844.* HOLGAZAN. *The foregoing was prepared for much earlier insertion, but has been delayed.-Ed. Mess. EDITOR'S TABLE. NOTES ON OUR ARMY; OFFICIAL REMONSTRANCE, &c. many FORT MAY, 1844. Sir,-At the Session of the Council of Administration of this Post of the ultimo, an expression of its opinion in reference to certain articles signed Subaltern, published during the present year in the Southern Literary Messenger, was adopted as a part of its proceedings, with a direction that I should communicate the same to its Editor. I have accordingly extracted the following from the minutes of the proceedings of the Council, which I have the honor to transmit as directed. having "The Council of Administration of Fort subscribed to the Southern Literary Messenger, mainly induced thereto by the consideration that the Journal was open to the discussion of Military matters, feels constrained to express its decided disapprobation of the tone which has prevailed in the articles lately published and signed Subaltern, inasmuch as they indulge in harsh epithets to a number of officers. "Be it therefore unanimously resolved, that the Post Signed Pres. Council. Capt. and A. Q. M., Sec. to Council of Administr. Approved (Signed) Lt. Col. Com'g." The Council of Administration consists of three mem bers of which the Surgeon of the Post is one; the above extract is, therefore, to be considered as the deliberate opinion of the four officers highest in rank of this garrison. Benj. B. Minor, Esq. I have the honor to be, sir, Your most ob't serv't, Capt. Post Treasurer. Editor Sou. Lit. Messenger. The articles of "A Subaltern" upon our Army well deserve the attention of every friend of econ- Treasurer communicate to the Editor of the Southern Litomy and of purity and efficiency in the public ser-erary Messenger the above expression of opinion. vice. We are glad to learn that they have already attracted the attention of several distinguished members of both houses of Congress, who are wil- (Countersigned) ling and anxious to ferret out and correct the grievous abuses which have crept into the Army, from year to year, and which " A Subaltern" so independently rebukes and exposes. We wonder that some of the public prints have not taken up these manly articles, and urged them upon the attention of the public. There is hardly enough of party politics in them, or the subject, to commend them to those now so particularly occupied with partizan strife and tactics; and hence arises the utility of, nay the necessity for, some independent vehicle of communication, uninfluenced by party heats and manœuvres and unswayed by fear, favor, Though a little surprised at the receipt of this, or affection towards "the powers that be." But we took it, as we believe it was intended, in a rethere are many bold and patriotic journals, who spectful and temperate spirit. Such remarks as would gladly have taken hold of this important we make upon it will be tendered in the most resubject, but for the engrossing excitements of the spectful and courteous manner, as to the officers of political arena. Indeed, some have ably handled Fort and to all the officers of the Army. it, induced thereto by the action of Congress, who When "A Subaltern" submitted his first article, he with the long list of Army expenditures in one wrote to inquire if the Messenger would be open hand, and crying out "enormous," "prodigious," to such discussions, conducted in a proper manner. have blindly struck at the whole establishment. We replied that the Messenger should be open to Without knowing where the excess was, where every question of general, public interest; and that abuse had reared its luxuriant shoots, they have we would be glad for it to be the instrument of subcut at the whole tree of our National protection, serving the interests of the Army, as we believed impairing it, by depriving the main body of its vital it had those of the Navy. At the same time, we sap and nourishment. The top-heavy and over-distinctly told him, that we would soften down some shadowing branches, the redundant bloom and gor- of his expressions towards certain public officers, geous drapery, require the pruning knife. These which we did, and for which we have since receivare more than the trunk can well sustain; and ab-ed the thanks of "A Subaltern." He knows that sorb and waste the health and vigor of the parent we object to asperity and abuse; and we know, 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 It is well known that the lower house of Conof 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 enter into the feelings and circumstances of the writer as to excuse his warmth, or perhaps his severity. At the same time, we hold ourselves responsible for a strict conformity with the rules of decency and propriety. If there be nothing offending against these, we may permit another to say things in a tone different from that which we would adopt; for all men's temperaments are not alike and we erect no Procrustean bed for the writers for the Messenger. gress have already abridged his means of procuring enjoyment, and virtually doomed many to celibacy and perpetual dependence on their pay." 66 "A Subaltern" has shown that our Staff is so out of proportion to what it was and should be, that if the Line were annihilated, some twenty-seven Staff officers would still be doing as efficient service as at this moment. He has also shown that the Staff of the British Army costs one twenty-eighth of the expense of the whole Army; whilst the Staff of 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 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 amount to. The Army requires an advocate, 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 perfectly sure, however, that he does not intend to "indulge in harsh epithets" towards his brother officers. They hold offices, which he believes 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. We EDITORIAL REMARKS. It will be observed that in the present number there is not as much so called "light matter" as usual. But there are pieces of a general, popular character, which we hope will be taken as good substitutes. In the critiques which come from various quarters, there is great contrariety. Some desire more lightness; others more solidity. The difficulty is to combine these, so as to get the golden 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, which will be dispersed through the next number. The great Literary question of the day is undoubtedly the International Copyright, involving all the means and appliances of producing and fostering a National Literature. In the first place, it is proper that we should 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 atten- tion, to "veto" the application of this work for the tion to the able and instructive articles of Mr. Simms, and “A friend to letters," and to all that we publish on similar consideration of the public, and to cause it to pass topics. Mr. Simms' aim is to sift the subject thoroughly; the ordeal of our unbiassed criticism. We regret and it will be found that he does not confine himself to the that our limited space will prevent our giving as mere expediency of an International Copyright Law; but extended a notice of the work as we might wish, enlarges upon our great desideratum, and dives into literary therefore we will only review its more prominent history, to illustrate and enforce his views. His first letter parts. 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. Shakslishing 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 public 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 legiti-self with his own folly in causing his dramatic efmate standards. Even should the old standards of right and property prove to be insufficient, which is by no means admitted, 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 him fusions to aspire to the dignity of type. En passant, we would remark, that the engravings of the work, which have been finely executed by R. W. Weir, Esq, compared to the work itself, are as Hyperion to a Satyr.” 66 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 : "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 pf 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 hooks 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? But stick, as did those of whom we read, in the early history of Salem, and from which Mr. Shakspeare has so obviously filched his idea. 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. and Mar. Instance the following: "Hor. Break we our watch up, and by my advice. Mar. Let's do't I pray." able power which some persons have possessed over their combination and solution. Zerah Colburn, from his in-. 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 inexplicaother instances of a like character. But the power did ble even by its possessors. Colbarn, in some works on the most curious truth concerning numbers is the remark Arithmetic, attempted to explain it upon the principle of induction, but he only simplified the science, and rendered it easier of acquisition. Upon the plan introduced by Colburn, several works have been written, which have been eminently successful And now in concluding this "Part I., Act 1," in forming accurate and expert arithmeticians. But they 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 origigood dramatic writing. In his exordium, he rep-nal. For their ready comprehension, much of the peculiar resents Hamlet, ( a young man whose father was instinct of Colburn is necessary, which few pupils possess. so unfortunate as to get something in his ear and The proper plan for an elementary Arithmetic is to employ 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." 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, or Mar. broke up.) "O cursed spite That ever I was born to set it right." Having now fully exposed this " Part I., Act 1" to the fire of our criticism, Mr. Shakspeare and his works must melt into a mere epithet. S. 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 requisi 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 an 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 its author, distinguished alike as a novelist and dramatist, affords a good opportunity for such a comparison. Walter Scott selected the time of Louis XI., with his Barber prime minister, Oliver Le Dain, for his romance of "Quentin Durward." The Esmeralda of Victor Hugo, a character in the Hunchback, has been supposed to have originated from Scott's singular and remarkable character, Fenella, in "Peveril of the Peak." The critics have also traced Hugo's obligations to the La Gitanilla of Cervantes and the Mignon of Goëthé; but all agree that "the Hunchback of Notre Dame" is a work of genius and originality. The graphic description of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, which, as Bulwer remarks, "is, by an effort of high art, made an absolute portion of the machinery of the tale," gives it an actual existence before the eye. Love is the ruling principle of the work and sways every variety of taste, circumstance and character. Drinker & Morris. DESTINY; OR THE CHIEF'S DAUGHTER. By the author of "Marriage" and "The Inheritance." This is one of the "Cabinet series of Novels" which Messrs. Lea & Blanchard propose to issue from time to time, in cheap and convenient form, and embracing such works "as may be selected for their pure moral tone and acknowledged excellence." These qualities secured, novels 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 labore |