CURRENT LITERATURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 631, 20 November 1865, Page 5

CURRENT LITERATURE.

[Written for the New Zealand Heiui.tj.] London, August, 18G5. The Edinburgh Review begins with an excellent biographical notice of Bishop Wa-rburton, written hy one who seems to be well acquainted with the times and works of tho prelate, as well as with the memoir by "Watson, which forms the basis of the article. r Xho lifo of Wavburton, if wo take into accouut bis extraordinary powers, is a disappointing one. The next paper is on " Idiot Asylums." The writer describes their origin, the method of treat- [ ment pursued, the marvellous taut and patience displayed by the teachers of idiots, and the great success that has attended their ell'oits. He points out tho ineethnahle prirato nnil public benefifs Unit are coufenvd by these asylums for the imbecile, nnd gives a little insight into tho mysterious mental distortions and their connection with phy&ichl malformations. Deferring to tho teaching, he says, " Lo=eons aro made as amusing ns possible, and at tho same time practically valuable. Ono of those at Earlawood always gratifies visitors for its novelty and is very nspfiil for giving the inmal's nn idea of i tho value of nrtieite, and how to buy and soli. It is called the ehop lesson, and proceeds thus : —ln one part of the schoolroom there nro the usual, fitting's of a general shop, consisting of drawers marked plainly on the outside, with the names of their contents. Abovo these there is a row of canisters. The pupils are seated in the gallery with a table or counter placed in front, en which are laid scales, weights, money, and measures A boy is selected ns shopkeeper and placed behind (ho counter. He begins with asking for custom, which he often docs with much humour, nnd many hr.mlfl aie speedily held up, when one boy is selected to down and make some purchase. When an article is uski-d for, the shopman examines the labels on thu drawers till he finds it. Then comes the weighing, which is sometimes a puzzle as to tho value of the pouuds and ounces. Befoie any weight is taken up by the shopman, is put into tho tcale tho class is well questionod upon it. Neit comes the placing in tho scale tho eorrer'. .[uantity of sugar, lice, or whatever else i« • I for, and it is ofen tiniuiing to obn-r , --- ; ,u shopman beginning with little spoonfuls when tin' quantity may Lohirgc; and sometimes when the. bnluur-c is neavly complete, it is a thorough poser v.hclhcr to complete it by adding to or taking from the mjss. 'Jhe paying and the calculation are quite a scene, the whole class checking the sums ut ererv step. Frequently the combination of pence and halfpence cause a long stop in Iho proceo.lings. Here, however, the purchaser rsotunl'requontly shows great cunning, nnd puts down n shilling, u florin, or half-crown, and throws tho determination of the proper change on the shopman. To witness this lesson is most amusing. Another lesson is to tt-ll the timo of the clock, whi h forms a good test for power. Out of 131 pupils attending i ■■•■Uirr, threo could tell tho time to a minute, Helve to a quarter of an hour, while twrn'y-two could bo certain only of the hours, and Iho rest were unable to say what o'clock it was at nil. Hero is a veiy remarkable instaneo of successful treatment: —Some years agj a boy camo under the enro of the Jtarlswood E-t-iblish-ment, then at Essex lliill. Ho was of well proportioned frnnio, but with a singularly formed houd, and wild, sullen, and with scarcely any speech. He was six months learning tho difference between a dog's head nnd his tail. If fcpol en to, he uttered by no means pleasant sounds, and when corrected, would run awny and hide himself if possible. It is not necessary to give in detail the history of his progress, but his accomplishments nt thi.- time wero such as to enable him to earn his own living and even more in tho establishment, whi!e his smile is most agreeable, and his mannere very attractive, indeed, refined. Yet, even now, bis epeech is M-arcrly intelligible to those ■who know him well, and he hi:s not a quality of any kind which could cnablo him without guidance to mniuigo even small sums of immey, or the simplest economy of daily life. Yet he is a carpenter and enbiuct-muker, tho workman to whoso skill is duo a

deal of Iho neat furniture of the house H can paint, glaze, and varnish ii\ excellent stylo, linn; of the doors aro made and finished by him. 110 run with tho rapidity of an American Indian, fences so a to compete with a pood master, and pinys tho drun in tho bund. Mori' thnii this, he has made the mode of a man-of-war whir h lias been several times ex hibited in London, andiiccoinpjshcd liie first attemp at this achievement merely by seeing a driwing of on< on a fig ,ll " o '! hundkerchicf. He was told that the in etant it vaa launched it would fall on its side fo want of ballast and due calculation, but would no believo it till ho witnessed the disaster, to his owi iismny. Another eilbrt was made, and the finish proportions, und general plan are now perfect. lie i; low malting a, model of tho Great Kustcni iron shi| 13 feet long. )!o baa niado all the working drawings ind will accomplish the feat tidniirubly. l'Vom morn ng to night ho is constantly employed, and when hii •egular work in tho carpenter's shop ceases for tin lso of the house, ho spends his time in theso vorke, including a gigantic flying kite, and in copyUK fino engravings. Theso drawings in daik and oloured chalk are most meritorious, tmd many ol hein framed and glazed by himself, adorn ho corridor und other parts of the Asyum. One was graciously approved and aeepted by the Queen, who was kindly pleased tc end the artist a present. He dislikes writing, and iolds it very cheap, and Hko tho ancient inhabitant; if certain portions of the American continent, would nake his communications pictorial. If oil'ended und ntending to complain, he draws tho incident and uakes his views about tho h"UEO and his requests mown in the same way. Ho has made a drawing ol ho firat launch cf his great ship, himself the pnnciial figure, and all the inmates of the houeo cheering iim and waving their caps. In short, ho has (=eemngly just mifsed, by defect in some faculties and tho rant of equilibrium in thoFO ho possesses, being u [istinguished gonius. He is passionate in temper, iut relents and punishes himwlf; -ho set a trap for Jr. Down, when he ollbnded him, but was very sorry or it; ho kicked a panol out of a door in a r.igo and iterwards refused to go to Brighton on an excursion if pleasure because ho did not deserve it for thia nisconduct. Ho is conscientious, gentle, and gonoally well-behaved, and is now considered on tho tuff, dines with the attendant, and some say he fanies tho establishment could scarcely go on without iim. To explain thti physical and psychological nypteries of such a being i 3 beyond the present lowers of uny known science. A writer on the ' Revision of tho English Biblo" advocates that revision, affirming that wo havo men and materials idequate for it. " In tho critical knowledge of the 3reek tonguo, in tho scionce of language, in familiirity with tho Kastern languages, and in tho accuracy if our historical and topographical researches, the nen of our day aro us superior to tho scholars of he 17th ©nlurv as they were in their day to the cholastic churchmen and disputants of tho middle i S es," The mobt valuuble MSS aro now accessible, ind iiuOi'iitio readings can now be ascoitained. But bo grand reason for objecting to a revision of tho 2n"lish liiblo h, with seme carefulness, kept out of ight, while trilling and i-illy ones, such as the query vhether the other Protc-tiint Churches will be villin" to adopt the revised instead of the old transas if that were any bueines3 cf ours, are lUßhed into the front. That reason is neither more ior less than an apprehension kit tho correction of :nown errors in tho translation of the Scriptures liould eventually bring about alterations in the 'raver Book. . . This eecret terror haa been able to iaralvso the lovo of truth and the sense of honesty n tho authorities of the Church of Kngland for nanv u year. It is to h« hoped that the writer has ufucient warrant for such a statement, as this. A itiper on " Tho Tunnel Through tho Alps," describes he origin of tho idea, and tho manner of putting it nto practical foim. The machinery for boringmost ingenious it is)—tho international convenion between France and Italy-tho method of vorlunf— and tho difficulties to bo surmounted aro et forth An article on " China nnclJapan," de - ribes tho present aspect of affairs, and our relations rith their respective governments. A pence-at-any-irice policy is deprecated, a firm and determined, but onciliatatrv attitude should betaken; steamboats, ailrouds, and telegraphs, and otherappliances of civiliatioii should be introducer!, because they arc likely to ie appreciated l>) tho na'.ives, and at tho samo time rill awaken no "je ilousy of rival treaty powers, a.3 lolitical interference and armed assistance would. 'Early Italian Ait," "Street's Gothic Architecture a Spain," " Swinburne's Atluntain ( 'alydon," " Lady )uff Gordon's Lettora from )Cf>ypt" (highly comaended), "Munro's Lucretius," and "Dissolution if Parliament," tire tho titles of other urHcles. Frnscr gives us a paper on " Parliamentary Bobrm It' de of Proceeding," in which tho quefi.n is discussed, and theso two princijlus advontod,—" Ketnining tho powers of the State in the lands of the more competent and cultivated clasEes, ind making iogiese into tae»e clisseo easily accef.™

eiblo t~* nil." Next 13 a vindication of "John Dryden," by Shirley, against the aspersions of Lord llac.iulay. " Her Majesty's Court of Probate", is the subject of 11 short, pleasant p'aper, describing some curiosities of will-making and will-contention. There is a narrative of an iinaginery lawsuit, and there are some copies of real wills. TJjero is a will, duly attested and proved, scribbled on tbo back of a publican's card, in the following terms: —"Dear Polly, wan i have you, lwU i n.v teVvngs to you, my dear Polly." Another is in these three words, " All to wife." Some are poetical. Here i 3 the will of Monica Swiney, widow :—

For (Ms I never iv/Jl repent. "l'is my lasr will anil testament. If inucli or Ultle, nay. my all. I (jivo my brother, Matthew Gal). this vill hinder any votlwr By slaier Slrilcli or Mia our brother Y<-t stop. Should Mutt die before Slio, And that may happen, for death's quick 1 then bequeath my wordly More To brother Mic for evermore. And should I outlive my brothers, It's lit thut then I think of others. Miitth.'w h:is SOII3 and daughters two, 'Tie all their own, were it I'ern. JV.iy, Jlr. Forest, don't sit still. But witm-sn toll's us my Inst will (Signed), Slomca Swiset. In a paper on "Heligious Tolerolion." tho term is defended, unci the thing descried ns it has Misted in ancient anil modem times, and in different countriei, but especially in relation to Fiotcstuutism and Eolinuiism in this country. " Keminitccnces of the Court and Times of tho Emperor P;ml, of liuesia, up to the period of hia death, from tho papers of a deceased Itussian General Officer." The first part ie given here of what will prove to ho an interesting revelation of some phases of Russian lifo and manners, together with political intrigues and their consequencea. Comments ave by the friend who received tho M.S. from the G-onernl. "Spectrum Analyst? and (ho Snii'rt Physieul Constitution," describes those methods by which we hnve been enabled to ascertain something iibout the solar atmosphereand nucleus —i.e., by the co-operation of optical and chemical science. " Public Virtue and Lord Westburv," is an. attempt to show that his lordship, though blameworthy, is not more so than many other ofikiuls have been. " There is Etill a startling umjuut of laxity wlieiotho public purse is concerned; and few people fee any harm iu giving a consulship, or a commis:>i<jriM'sh;p to a ichitivo without any imaginable quuliftVution. . . It is tlie capricious naturo of public opinion, tolerant by habit, and intolerant by iits, that opcratis as a suaro to high functiounrios ; and the moral to he draun from Lord Wi stbury's fall is, that there is no true s-iftly except in \hb strictait abslinunco from nepotism and the ttendy i:i:compromising nuhcrsneo to priuciulc. " i"roui an 01-l Geiitleman's IHary," is a series of weekly records of what he Faiv at cliureh, and wlial he Ihnught.

In Jllackwuorf, "Miae Maijoribauks" is asself-sulii-cieut and self-sacrificing as ever. O'Dowd is not so vivacious as usual, liis best remarks arc on " Gliinpsee of Bliss." "Curly le's Frederick f licGrrafis epitomised. "Sir Brock Fosebrook" and "Pkadilly" give glimpses of manners aril custom?, the lntfor with some sarcasm and no little entertainment. " The K ; ito of Interest" is the subject of iinolher pnper. discussing the forme in which a papev currency can'bo established. " Mr. Gladstone at Chester' , is chaiged, with " extremo bad taste' , for bis appearance and oration there, on tho occasinn of his son becoming a c-iii'ii<.l;ilo for the representation of the borough. Tho '■Eingulur versatility of tho riulifc honorable gentleman," which has conducted him " from extremo Toryism to the of profound Democracy" provokes some remarks. " ihe Past and Coming Parliaments" is a Conservative manifesto in view of the appioaching election. Mr. Gladrtono is roughly handlid in this pnptr also. l''r<iicr gives the second paper on " Knglish UltrainontunUm," and it is well worth a thoughtful perusal.- The Helation of the Roman Catholic Church to iiiodern society, and its general position and prospects in coinpni'ison with those of the Church of England are ably considered. 'Jlu latter subject is viewed from two points of view, tho logical mid the historical. After showing the weakness of tbeKoinan Catholic position and prospects, there are these ronuuks: —" But, say the 1U man; Catholics, fiuo as all this may sound in theory, in pnint of facj, here we are. We are nourishing, not sinking ; and what do you say to that ? Tlie answer is perfectly easy. No doubt the Koraan Caholic Church here and there gaina ground. No doubt there is a ilass of weak-minded proplu who rea.ly aro delud- d by the pietenco of consistency, ai d by the other delusive arguments which wo have been trying to expose, and which Romanists ply so industriously. Timid men and women no doubt aro alarmed by the progress of scier.ee, and afraid that it niiiy crush religion, and under the influence of that it;noblo and most contemptible terror, try to hide their heads in the eaiul ; but if we louk tit the _ great facts, there is no room for exultation on one- sido or fear on the other. Whit has become of Frauce ? What of Italy ? What of t!'e monasteries in Spain ? What is tho course of events even in Mexico and .Now Granada ? Look at tho Encyclical, and tne comments on it, for the answer. The three great objects of the. human mind aro science, politics, and religion. "Politics and science have full.n away from tho fiiitli." says Dr. Manning. Is this nc'thing to relipioni, 'Ihero is an inevitable separation now everywhere accomplished between the ecclesiastical and the civil power. What is the inference ? That the l.iity of Jvuropo and America universally repudiate the principles on which ihe ecclesiastical power is found" d, and act in direct opposition to them ! They do not really believe in it. From file jlbigensian ciusade to the Council of Constance, from the Council of Cmstance to tho the Reformation to the French Hevulu ion, the Papacy ateuddy lost ground. }t isle-ing ground now. _ Oα " The Writings of SI. Edmond About" a very interesting paper is wiiiten, iutcrspersed with copious extracts. It thus bei»i: s :—" Amongst tho latest generation of Frimeh Writers, wo should bo puzzled to nnmo one who has attracted radio attention or exercised more influence than M. About. Ho has been before the publieas an author liltlo more than ten years and in that brief tpace he has continued to distinguish himself in five or six walks of composition, which arc commonly deemed incompatible. Ho has shone by turns as a political essayist, novelist, dramatist, moralist, traveller, art-critic, and journiilist; yet industry and versatility aro the least of his distinctive merits. His best books aboundin pregnent observations on life and manners, fine traits of nntional character, fancy, humour, and wit. It would be difficult to dip into either of them at randimi, without speedily alighting on some relation of ideas which is new and striking ae well as illustrative or suggestive ; whi'st, to amuso or startle is very far indeed from being his main object His books on Greece and Italy have lirgely contributed to bring about that state of opinion which has recently resulted in momentous changes in both countries, and he is unceasingly at war with corruption, bigotry, and oppression in the sjuth of Europo and the rast." A compendious account of his writings then follows. " 'Iho light of occupancy in Oudo and Bengal," with special reference to tho rent-case—Hills v. leaao Ghos, is ably discussed by T. H B. The paper thus concludes:—" A considemtion of tholand question as it now stands in liengal, seventy years aft-r perpetual tettlement, will, we t'-ink, fully justify the measure latoly taken in Oude by Sir John l.awremo. He set* and believes that an immense amount of real property is being ignornntly and unfairly transferred from, one party already impoverished to another whose wealth is enormous. He knew that an alteration in. tho land tenure of India would overthrow the whole sociul eyetem, necessitate the introduction of that worst abomination, a poor law ; undermine the statue of the most ro'pectublo and most numerous class, the agricultural population, and introduce a revolutionary principle nf chin go, tho end of which no man could foivsco. But besides all these changes, he, doubtless, considers that the whole scheme is essentially unjust and false in fact and theory."