length been called to the sufferings and injuries of that unfortunate
class, the women of the lower orders in England. The recent murder of
a woman by her husband, habitually given to beating her in the most
cruel manner, with other flagrant instances of similar brutality, have
called forth several warm remonstrances from the London press. During a
recent session of Parliament, a bill was passed, making such offences
punishable by lengthened imprisonment, but the law has been found
inadequate. A late writer in the "Morning Chronicle" calls loudly for
corporeal punishment, and says: "We have brutes, not men to deal with;
the appeal must be made to the only sense they possess, the sense of
physical pain. The law can and must lay on the lash heavily; the terror
of the torture will soon restrain those on whom all other means have
failed."
"The Times," in an indignant article on the same subject, dwells upon
the indifference and supineness of neighbors and bystanders, during
these scenes of violence, and ironically calls upon the draymen and
carters of London, whose outraged virtue led them to apply the lash to
General Haynau for whipping women in far-off Hungary, to stand by their
own countrywomen. "If Lynch law is to prevail in England," says the
"Times," "let it not exclude the defence of Englishwomen."
Though no advocate for Lynch law, we cannot but marvel that, in the
breasts of Englishmen, that misdirected sense of justice which is at
the bottom of all such illegal acts, should be so entirely wanting;
and, as the purpose of the "Times," in its appeal to the draymen, is to
arouse this feeling, and make a _power_ of public opinion, we heartily
agree with it. We must, however, dissent from the writers in both of
these journals, when they advise recourse to corporeal punishment.
You cannot lash a man into a sense of his error; you but degrade and
brutalize him the more. Let the axe be laid to the root, begin with
his moral nature. Educate him; elevate his character by teachings from
the pulpit and school-room; take away his disabilities; teach him to
respect himself, and he will soon learn to respect others. The hardened
sinners who now pollute the earth by such misdeeds will, ere long, be
called to their great account. Let England see that the generations now
rising do not follow in their footsteps.
* * * * *
OUR FRIENDS.--A Happy New Year to all who are with us this glad
morning. The Old Year has passed away, and with it much that we loved
is gone. Let us hope the coming year will bring us many opportunities
of doing good--and that God will assist our feeble endeavors to improve
the time as it passes. Then the Year will be happy indeed.
Editors' Table-Drawer.
Original and selected articles are before us in such profusion, as we
open this wonderfully capacious receptacle of scraps and MSS., that the
difficulty will be to stop when we once begin arranging this mosaic of
literature. However, we have the year before us, and every month will
require its pictures and precepts. Here are a few.
* * * * *
MYSTERY.--In the beauty of form, or of moral character, or of the
material creation, it is that which is most veiled which is most
beautiful. Valleys are the mysteries of landscapes.--_Lamartine._
* * * * *
UNJUST ACQUISITION.--What do we mean by unjust acquisition? It is not
to be measured by its extent, but by its principle. Unjust acquisition
is to take what is not your own; and who does that more than one of
those poor gin drinkers, who has sold his morsel of bread to buy his
own destruction, and then thinks another ought to be forced to replace
it?--_Mrs. Marsh._
* * * * *
ECLECTICS.--Eclectics, in philosophy, are for the most part _les
demi-esprits_, who are incapable of viewing facts in their wholeness;
just as the eclectics in politics are they who want the honesty to
be quite pure, and the courage to be quite rogues. Such persons make
systems from inconsistent scraps, taken from discordant philosophy,
with the same taste as the architects of the Middle Ages erected
barbarous edifices with the beautiful fragments of antiquity.--_Lady
Morgan._
* * * * *
CONVERSATION.--There is scarcely any source of enjoyment more
immediately connected at once with the heart and with the mind, than
that of listening to a sensible and amiable woman when she converses
in a melodious and well-regulated voice, when her language and
pronunciation are easy and correct, and when she knows how to adapt her
conversation to the characters and habits of those around her.--_Mrs.
Ellis._
* * * * *
DREAMS OF YOUTH.--Clouds weave the summer into the season of autumn;
and youth rises from dashed hopes into the stature of a man.
Well, it is even so, that the passionate dreams of youth break up and
wither. Vanity becomes tempered with wholesome pride, and passion
yields to the riper judgment of manhood; even as the August heats pass
on and over into the genial glow of a September sun. There is a strong
growth in the struggles against mortified pride; and then only does the
youth get an ennobling consciousness of that manhood which is dawning
in him, when he has fairly surmounted those puny vexations which a
wounded vanity creates.
But God manages the seasons better than we; and in a day, or an hour
perhaps, the cloud will pass, and the heavens glow again upon our
ungrateful heads.--_Ik Marvel._
* * * * *
RIGHT PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE.--We are thoroughly acquainted with each
other's character, tastes, and habits; and both of us believe there is
a singular, even an extraordinary degree of mutual adaptation in all
our views, feelings, and wishes. Perhaps I might have mentioned that my
dear friend is about six years younger than myself. Two months hence I
shall be thirty-seven years of age. Our acquaintance has now been as
much as seven years, and our avowed engagement about five. I regret
that the union has been unavoidably deferred to so advanced a period
of life; but I never wish I had been married very young. I do feel
grateful to Heaven for the combination of valuable gifts I hope for in
my beloved. Her conscience, intellect, and tenderness are the chief. In
her society and co-operation, I do indulge a sanguine hope of improving
in every respect, by a more quiet and pleasing manner than I have done
in a given space during all these past years of gloomy solitude.--_John
Foster._
* * * * *
We will now give an original poem, fresh from the pen of one whom, from
the lack, probably, of a "right preparation for marriage," does not
seem to find her home--what it should be--the place of improvement as
well as happiness. She shall have free space for her experiences. We
hope her warnings may be heeded by all young lady teachers, and that
they will not leave a sphere where they are contentedly useful even
to be married, until sure, as good John Foster was, that there is a
"mutual adaptation" in the connection.
THE SCHOOL-MISTRESS MARRIED.
Oh, for _my_ little school-room, _my_ green benches, _my_ two _cracked_
bricks!!!
Now, girls, accept of a little advice,
"Experience teaches one how to be wise."
A year or two since, I would fall in love;
Of all men created, below or above,
There was never another.
A man _so_ endowed with every perfection,
That even mamma no sort of objection
Could find to my lover.
We married, the horror of all to endure!
Somewhat of a hubbub was kicked up, be sure;
There was cake to be cut and evenly lie,
And white satin ribbon in bow knots to tie,
And notes to be written.
And dresses sent out and brought home,
And callers unwelcome would come,
And sit, and keep sitting.
The groom was, as _usual_, a little _too late_--
Procrastination, of _all_ things, I hate!--
His cravat, _then_, was tied in a great crooked bow.
Our trunks must be packed, all ready to go--
I was no more a teacher.
_Then_, when in the cab, at _last_, ready were seated,
Lo! some one behind ran crying, o'erheated,
"You've not paid the preacher!"
Perplexities numberless, little and large,
Will crowd to o'erwhelm you with powerful surge;
Still, consider them _naught_, to a year and a day,
When you trit-trot the _baby_!
There's a concert perhaps, or some favorite play,
Or a party, where all your old playmates are gay;
"_But_, my dear, 'bout YOUR baby!
"Now, wifey, you know it to be impolite
That you and I, _both_, the invite should slight.
Alas! I'm a martyr to etiquette, though;
_Pet must_ have vision enough to _see_ so.
Don't wait for me, pray.
You know, love, how swiftly short hours pursue;
So sleep on quite comfortably, darling, pray do,
I'm home _before day_."
Now, girls, these _faint_ facts in time you may know,
And moan that in youth you did not bestow
More note on these lines, in sympathy penned
To advise you; and oh, you will need a friend!
For I _know_ you _will_ marry.
In confidence, listen: To market ne'er go,
For of all the _small_ change an account you will owe;
And you'd _die_, if you knew what a bother to do
There'll be with your "Harry."
"Now always it has been a case of concern
What daily you do with the money I earn;
I reg'larly give you ten dollars a week,
And _once_ in a _while_ a dollar to keep
For baby and you.
Why, _I_ never spend over a dollar for brandy,
Or little five franc for cigars or _spice_ candy--
With _all_ the week's money pray what do _you_ do?"
LILY.
* * * * *
TO CORRESPONDENTS.--The following articles are accepted, and will
appear as soon as we have room: "The Interview," "Blessington's
Choice," "The Last Night of Caulaincourt," "Twilight," "O'er bleak
Acadia's Plains," "To O. L. H.," "There's Music," "Eventide,"
"Stanzas," "The Last Moments," "To a Coquette," "The Pet," and "To
the Ladies' Friend, Mr. Godey." Several other articles are under
consideration.
"The Fall of the Leaf," and "Autumn and its Memories." Will our
correspondents please remember that we have to prepare our "Book" for
each month at least two months previous to its date? Both the above
articles are accepted; but we cannot publish them before March, when
it will be the spring and not fall of the year.
The following manuscripts are declined: "Stanzas," "Elfie St. Claire,"
"To a Departed Sister," "Absence is no Cure for Pure Love," "The Last
Indian," "Autumn Leaves" (this poem, intended for October, did not
reach us till November, so was out of season), "The New Year, 1854"
(these "Lines" are not exactly suited to our "Book." The writer's youth
affords hope of improvement. The annuals for this season are all out),
"Hatred," "The Mistake," "Singing Schools," "Absence," "Pride," and "A
Fragment."
Literary Notices.
BOOKS BY MAIL.--Now that the postage on printed matter is so low, we
offer our services to procure for our subscribers or others any of the
books that we notice. Information touching books will be cheerfully
given by inclosing a stamp to pay return postage.
* * * * *
From E. H. BUTLER & CO., Philadelphia:--
THE BOW IN THE CLOUD; _or, Covenant of Mercy for the Afflicted_, is the
appropriate title of a work which can hardly fail of a welcome to the
homes and hearts of the sorrowful. It is divided into five portions,
viz., "_Affliction_," "_Resignation_," "_Comfort_," "_Leaning on the
Cloud_," and "_The Sleep in Jesus_," each of which is most skilfully
and tenderly brought to bear on the particular kind of affliction
under which the burdened soul may complain. The articles, original
and selected, are chosen and prepared with great care, and the pious
and eminent writers who have contributed to this volume insure its
excellence. It is beautifully printed and illustrated; no other work of
the kind within our knowledge unites such various merits.
THE WHITE VEIL: _a Bridal Gift_. By Mrs. Sarah Josepha Hale. This book
is beautifully got up, the publisher sparing no expense that could
add to its embellishment. The contents are varied, comprising choice
articles from eminent authors, and the sentiments of the wise and good
of every age respecting marriage and conjugal love. We hope it will be
the favorite gift-book of the season, and be always among the bride's
treasures. pp. 324.
THE AMERICAN STATESMAN; _or, Illustrations of the Life and Character of
Daniel Webster_. Designed for American youth. By Joseph Banvard. There
have been such a variety of publications relating to Daniel Webster
since his decease, that there hardly seemed room for another. But this
neat-looking and well printed volume will be a welcome gift to the
young American. There is room for this book, and a welcome, too.
* * * * *
From HARPER & BROTHERS, New York, through LINDSAY & BLAKISTON,
Philadelphia:--
THE HOMES OF THE NEW WORLD, &c. By Frederika Bremer. Translated by
Mary Howitt. This work, hurriedly written during Miss Bremer's travels
through our country, is a compound of journal and letters to her sister
and friends in Sweden. It possesses much interest, but needed revision
and condensation to make it what it should have been from its popular
author. The letter to the Queen of Denmark will be read with deep
interest. It is a synopsis of the opinions expressed throughout the
book, which, on the whole, are favorable, and in a better spirit than
English tourists have ever exhibited. We shall refer to the work again.
LOUIS XVII. _His Life--his Sufferings--his Death. The Captivity of
the Royal Family in the Temple._ By A. De Beauchesne. Translated and
edited by W. Hazlitt, Esq. Embellished with vignettes, autographs, and
plans. Great care appears to have been taken to sustain the horrible
events recorded in this volume, by the production of witnesses living
at the time the work was written, and by the production of documents,
the authenticity of which seems unquestionable. After this, we think
that the Rev. Mr. Williams, and his credulous friends, will feel it to
be their duty to postpone indefinitely their claims upon the throne of
France. We hope the reverend gentleman, forgetting what appeared to be
his high dignity and destiny, will throw himself at the feet of his
poor Indian mother and acknowledge his undutifulness, and the scandal
he has given by his vain attempts to repudiate her maternal authority.
LADY LEE'S WIDOWHOOD. From "Blackwood's Magazine." A cheap edition of a
very delightful story, with which many of our readers have, no doubt,
already formed some acquaintance.
* * * * *
THE YOUNG MAN'S INSTITUTE. We have here the Third Report of the Board
of Trustees, and great progress seems to have been made. One question
that occurred to us we could not solve by this report. Lectures are
instituted. Are women permitted to attend? And can women have access to
the libraries?
* * * * *
MORRIS'S POETICAL WORKS. We have had the pleasure to receive, with
the "kind respects of the author," a copy of the beautiful edition of
his poems recently published by Charles Scribner, New York; splendid,
indeed, in paper, in printing, in its engravings and binding, but more
admirable on account of its literary merits and its poetical gems, in
which are chastely blended the most attractive sentiments of love,
friendship, honor, and patriotism, enlivened here and there with a
dash of wit, humor, or wholesome satire. As a song-writer, Mr. Morris
has but few competitors in this or any other country. He possesses
a peculiar faculty for expressing in heart-thrilling versification
those domestic and national feelings which are common to every race
and kindred of the civilized world. His productions, therefore, in
that line of poetry, have attained a popularity as warm as it is
general among all who speak the English language. They have also been
translated into several languages of the European continent, and have
thus not only spread far and wide the reputation of the author, but
have contributed to perpetuate the fame of our country, and to extend
the free spirit of our people, and a knowledge of the liberality of our
institutions to the remotest nations. If it is true that the songs of
a people form a prominent and reliable feature in their history, then
may it be as truly said that our friend Morris has done his share in
promoting the ends which all historians must necessarily keep in view.
And as this elegant volume, so creditable to American art, genius, and
feeling, could only have been produced by a heavy expenditure of time
and money, we most sincerely hope that the author, and all who have had
any hand in its beautiful illustrations, will meet with a quick and
substantial reward for their patriotic labors.
* * * * *
From LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO, & CO. (successors to Grigg & Elliot), No. 14
North Fourth Street, Philadelphia:--
THE UNDERGROUND MAIL AGENT. By Vidi. Illustrated with designs by White.
This, as the reader will be most likely to judge from the title, is
another of those works which have been published in rapid succession,
setting forth the advantages and the disadvantages, the humanity and
the inhumanity of a certain domestic institution. The object of the
author has been to contrast the condition of those who live subject to
the institution referred to, and to render its general aspects more
favorable to their comfort and happiness, than is the condition of the
same race of beings in the enjoyment of personal freedom. A tale of
some interest, but of no great probability, is interwoven with the main
design of the author.
* * * * *
From J. S. REDFIELD, Clinton Hall, New York, through W. B. ZIEBER,
Philadelphia:--
LIFE IN THE MISSION, THE CAMP, AND THE ZENANA; _or, Six Years in
India_. By Mrs. Colin Mackenzie. In two volumes. This is evidently
the work of a woman of good sense, amiable feelings, and acute
observation, possessing, withal, a courageous Christian heart. Her
close and well-written narrative will afford the reader a vast deal of
instructive incident illustrative of varied life in India. Its minute
descriptions of the domestic habits and manners of the oppressed and
idolatrous natives, its continued references to the arduous duties of
the missionaries, and its often indignant comments upon the tyrannical
forms and practices of the Anglo-Indian government, will most fully
command the attention of the reader to its close.
* * * * *
From TICKNOR, REED, & FIELDS, Boston, through W. P. HAZARD,
Philadelphia:--
MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF THE RIGHT HON. EDMUND BURKE;
_with Specimens of his Poetry and Letters, and an estimate of his
Genius and Talents compared with those of his great Contemporaries_.
A new edition, revised and enlarged. By Thomas Pryor, Esq. In two
volumes. This is a standard work, which no student of political
history, no public speaker, no statesman should be without. The
subject of this interesting memoir, Edmund Burke, was one of the
most eloquent, liberal, just, and fearless men of the eventful times
in which he lived. And yet he was remarkable for his modesty and
unobtrusiveness--we might almost say for the humility of his character.
On this account, if on no other, these volumes would form an important
and instructive study for many of the young men of the present day,
who are aspirants for literary, legal, or political honors. They will
show to them how consistently the highest attainments in any or all
these branches can be made to secure to their possessors the highest
triumphs, without a single departure from the strictest propriety, and
while sustaining a reputation as guileless as that of childhood.
LIGHT ON THE DARK RIVER; _or, Memorials of Mrs. Henrietta A. L. Hamlin,
Missionary in Turkey_. By Margarette Woods Lawrence. In these memorials
of a pious and amiable missionary lady, the Christian reader will meet
with consoling examples of faith and resignation to the will of God
under the severest trials and afflictions.
* * * * *
From BLANCHARD & LEA, Philadelphia:--
OUTLINES OF SCRIPTURE GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY: _illustrating the
Historical portions of the Old and New Testaments_. Designed for the
use of schools and private reading. By Edward Hughes, F. R. A. S.,
F. R. G. S., Head Master of the Royal Naval Lower School, Greenwich
hospital; author of "Outlines of Physical Geography," "An Atlas of
Physical, Political, and Commercial Geography," etc. etc. It will not
be required of us by the observing Christian, who has read the title
of this work, that we should say more than that it is all it modestly
pretends to be. To the devout student of the Holy Scriptures it will
impart a new and delightful interest. It will at once strengthen his
faith and enlarge the sphere of his knowledge, rendering him familiar
not only with the characters of the prophets and apostles, but familiar
also with their places of birth, of their places of residence, of
the routes they travelled, and of the scenes of their sufferings and
triumphs. A great portion of the work is formed of extracts from
the writings of religious and literary men, who have visited the
interesting regions described, and in whose contemplations we have all
the beauties of the sublimest poetry blended with the simplest truths
of Scripture history.
* * * * *
From D. APPLETON & CO., New York, through C. G. HENDERSON & CO.,
Philadelphia:--
THE LIFE OF WILLIAM PINKNEY. By his Nephew, the Rev. William Pinkney,
D. D. Here is a work that will at once recommend itself to the American
student and the general reader. If any good reason can be given why
we should be familiar with the orators and statesmen of Europe, there
can certainly be no excuse for our ignorance in regard to the same
class of men whose names are an honor to our own country. Among the
illustrious men who were the contemporaries of Clay, Webster, Calhoun,
Marshall, and others, all of whom have passed away, was William
Pinkney, the subject of these memoirs. Perhaps no one among his great
competitors exceeded him in eloquence, and certainly none of them ever
had greater opportunities of becoming acquainted with the statesmen and
the diplomatic policy of England and of Europe, during one of the most
eventful periods in history. This volume will be deeply interesting to
our young men.
* * * * *
From L. K. LIPPINCOTT, No. 66 South Third Street, Philadelphia:--
THE LITTLE PILGRIM. _A Monthly Journal for Girls and Boys._
Edited by Grace Greenwood. This is the modest title of a neat and
pleasant-looking periodical, which has just entered upon its career
of usefulness, under the editorial charge of one well known to our
readers. We are happy to see our fair friend engaged in an occupation
so congenial to her heart as that of providing for the literary wants
of the little ones. That Grace's reward may be commensurate with the
worth and excellence of what she can and will do is our heartfelt wish,
and one which, if granted, will find her "Little Pilgrim" a welcome
visitant to every household in the land.
The terms of the "Little Pilgrim" are fifty cents a year, or ten copies
for four dollars. Payment invariably in advance.
* * * * *
From G. P. PUTNAM, New York, through W. B. ZIEBER, Philadelphia:--
MR. RUTHERFORD'S CHILDREN. This is the first number of a juvenile
series, to be published under the general title of "Ellen Montgomery's
Book-Case." When we state that it is from the pen of the author of "The
Wide, Wide World," "Queechy," etc., our friends will require from us no
other assurance of its merits. We are glad to see our writers turning
their attention to a better kind of literature for children. Books of
this class, even from authors of moderate abilities, are acceptable;
but, when they bear the impress of genius and talent, they are, indeed,
invaluable. Under their influence, we confidently hope the rising
generation will grow up pure in morals, with noble and affectionate
hearts, and with minds well stored with things not brilliant only, but
useful and entertaining. The engravings in the volume by which these
remarks have been elicited are beautiful. The types with which it is
printed are large and clear, and the paper exquisite.
WESTERN CHARACTERS; _or, Types of Border Life in the Western States_.
By J. L. McConnell, author of "Talbot and Vernon," "The Glenns,"
etc. etc. With illustrations by Darley. This is a highly entertaining
volume, written in a clear, forcible, and pleasant style, and valuable
for the amount of interesting information it contains with regard to
characters, some of which, a century hence, perhaps, will have no
living representatives. As to the correctness of these "Types," we are
not abundantly qualified to speak; but they seem to us to be accurate,
and certainly are delineated with a skilful and vigorous hand.
* * * * *
From J. W. MOORE, 195 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia:--
THE LIFE, EULOGY, AND GREAT ORATIONS OF DANIEL WEBSTER. We have
already noticed the appearance of this volume, and spoken favorably
of its character. It is sold wholesale and retail by the gentlemanly
publisher, from whom we have received our present copy.
* * * * *
From ELI ADAMS, Publisher, Davenport, Iowa:--