It is proper to state that the article on the Japan | printed in Paris-but only one hundred copies Expedition in the present Number was not intended struck off. M. Nestor Roqueplan, ex-Director of to precede the publication of the Government work. the Grand Opera at Paris, has just published a The latter, however, having been delayed unex- chatty book of gossiping recollections called “Les pectedly, it was found impossible to arrange the Coulisses de l'Opera." Victor Cousin has resumed appearance of the article in the succession that eti- his Sketches of Celebrated French Women during quette seemed to require. It may be stated that the 17th Century. Commodore Perry is not in any manner responsible for the opinions of the article, nor, in fact, was he cognizant of its intended appearance.. Death has again been busy with men of letters. Adam Mickiewitz, the Polish poet, has died at Constantinople. Michael Vörösmorsy, whose "Szórat," or "Appeal," has been called the Hungarian Marseillaise, and was long sung at festive and pa author of a poem entitled "The Star of the East," and editor of the Eclectic Review from 1814 to 1837, have also been called away. To this list is to be added the name of Samuel Rogers, the Nestor of British authors. The enormous sale of Macaulay's History of England appears to have thrown all other recent pub-triotic gatherings in Hungary, and Josiah Conder, lications in London entirely in the shade. The first edition of the commencing volumes was 5000, and the first edition of the volumes now placed before the public is stated to be not less than 35,000. This is principally for England. In this country the circulation will be much more extensive. The work has been reprinted in New York, by Messrs. Harper and Brothers, from early sheets, for which they paid £300 to the author; and "we happen to know" (as Tom Hill would say) that they sold as many as 73,000 volumes, in the first ten days, of their three distinct editions. The sum paid by the London publishers to the author for the volumes now published is said to be £16,000. Among the forthcoming works are the Rev. Alexander Dyce's "Journal of Conversations with Rogers the Poet;" a new volume of "Tales and Irish Sketches," by Mrs. S. C. Hall; "The Lump of Gold," a poem, by Charles Mackay, editor of the Illustrated London News; "Memorials of the Present Century, Social, Literary, and Political," by Mrs. Gore, the novelist; and the "Kaffir Journal" of Sir George Cathcart, formerly Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, who ended the Kaffir war, and fell, last year, before Sebastopol. A report that Mr. Layard had a new work on Assyrian Antiquities nearly ready, has been contradicted on authority. Born on the 30th July, 1763, Samuel Rogers (who died on December 18, 1855) had entered his ninety-third year. Born to large wealth, he succeeded his father, a banker in London, and though his name remained as head of the firm (which continues to stand high in the monetary world), did not apply himself to business. At an early age, as was the fashion of the time, he went to foreign countries to obtain a knowledge of art, languages, and manners. In 1786, being then twenty-three years old, he produced his "Ode to Superstition," treating Cadell, who published it, in a very bankerly mode, by sending him the manuscript and a check for £500 to defray the cost of bringing it before the public. Six years later appeared his "Pleasures of Memory"-followed, in 1795, by an epilogue spoken by Mrs. Siddons on her benefit, and, in 1798, by his "Epistle to a Friend." By this time, he had made acquaintance with Mr. Fox, leader of the Whigs, and henceforth his politics were liberal. Twenty years passed before Mr. Rogers again produced a poem. "The Vision of Columbus," though more spirited than any of his former writings, was too fragmental, and neither "Jacqueline" nor "Human Life" raised his reputation. The first part of "Italy," which appeared some years later, excited little interest. The conclusion, not published until after Byron's death, contained allusions to the meeting of the two poets in Italy, well-written and well-timed. In 1830-34, Rogers issued all of his poems, corrected and perhaps enfeebled by excess of revision, with illustrations by Turner, Stothard, and others. On this he expended £10,000, but the sale of the volumes more than repaid the outlay. For the last thirty years Rogers had not published any thing. He has left a very curious Diary, parts of which he was fond of reading to his visitors. It is full of anecdotes of his contemporaries, and will probably be published. Mr. Rogers was never married. His life George Sand, whose new comedy, "L'Irrésolu," was passed in London; and in his house in St. has been accepted (on a majority of one) by the James's Place (looking into the Park), the leading conducting committee of the Theatre Français, is wits, literati, and politicians of his time were in about publishing an extensive work, of an original the habit of meeting. He was fond of Americans, character, in conjunction with M. Paulin Limayrac. and almost invariably had one or two at his table The first part, in two volumes, to be called "Les when he extended his breakfast hospitality on Amants Célèbres," will be devoted to Adam and Tuesdays. His house, though small, was a sort of Eve, and succeeding volumes will treat of cele- cabinet of art and vertu. Three of his best paintbrated lovers of fancy and fact, tradition and his-ings (by Titian, Gorgione, and Guido) he bequeathtory, ancient and modern times. The thirteenth ed to the National Gallery of England. He revolume of M. Thiers's "Consulate and Empire" is in the press. Some hitherto unpublished fragments of Montaigne, containing that brilliant essayist's opinion of Cæsar and his Commentaries, have been Although the existing periodicals in England have confessedly declined, of late years, from their high and "palmy state," we find several new ones in the field at the commencement of 1856. These are The Monthly Review of Literature, Science, Art; The Idler, which promises to be "cheap, not as dust is cheap, but as flowers are," and numbers among its principal contributors the leading dramatic critics and writers of London; The Train, which appears to rely on its low price as much as its clever articles; and the Orford and Cambridge Magazine, to be supported by the rising talent of the rival universities. The copyright of the Dublin University Magazine has been purchased by a London house, but the work will continue to be published in Dublin, and its distinctive Irish character will be preserved. tained most of his intellectual faculties to the last. In conversation he was brilliant and sarcastic. The man who delighted in saying bitter things was fond also of doing kind deeds. OMESTIC SOCIETY IN OUR COUNTRY. | home, and stimulate men to seek its calm and eleforth in the newspapers and magazines of the Unit- home within his reach. A country like ours ened States by the exposure of the Free-Love Asso-courages the domestic affections; for here industry ciation of New York City, were calculated to ar- is sure of its rewards; toil can easily find a place rest the attention of every thoughtful man. The to rest its weary limbs, and the tranquil enjoymoral of these sharp and severe criticisms was ments of the fireside are open to all who desire to proof enough that such abominable principles, in experience them. The influence of this fact is beleague with the most iniquitous passions, could yond calculation. It is the main secret of our find no favor with our people. Men wrote and prosperity. It has done more to expand the terrispoke as if this tyranny of lust were the most tory, develop the resources, and enrich the wealth odious tyranny that could threaten them, and they of our nation than any thing else. Not only may wisely thought that the presence of such an evil, the humblest citizen secure his own home, but, if even in an incipient form, was calculated to alarm he has ordinary tact and enterprise, he may create all who looked on the domestic constitution as the a home that will satisfy his highest ambition. It security of all virtue and the foundation of all ex- may become an abode of comfort, and, perchance, cellence. It was easy to see that there was no pro- of luxury, where Literature, Taste, Art, and Elefessional parade of editorial pens on this subject. gance may minister to his finer tastes and adorn The deep and earnest feeling, that can not be mis- the hours that cheer his fireside. Political econtaken that pharisaical sanctimoniousness can omy computes not the productive power of this not counterfeit - was every where apparent. It sentiment in its statistical tables, and yet all its was not a conventional homage to an accepted and skill and science can not accomplish for Governhonored institution, because it is the fashion to ment what this single impulse is doing in the anspeak reverently of Marriage, but a truthful con- nals of everyday life. Every home becomes not viction, that uttered its profound hostility to a only an argument for the protection of Governcheat, a lie, a social infamy of the meanest, low-ment, but it contributes its proportion to the genest, blackest sort. Whatever shortcomings may be charged on the American Press, it came up, in this instance, to the standard of duty. It showed itself a watchful guardian of the great interests of society, and fairly won the hearty tribute of all good and true men. The lesson should not be forgotten. Vice may hope for some success so long as it can keep its ancient friendship with secrecy and darkness. In this way, the race of certain beasts of prey, fitted to ravage and destroy, has been perpetuated. The instinct of night has preserved them from extirpation, and they have never failed to value that to which they have owed so much. The advocates of a bestial immorality ought, at least, to be beasts enough to know the difference between sunshine and midnight. There is, we repeat, a most instructive moral in the history of this exposure. It has aroused men to recall some old-fashioned ideas that the mad spirit of innovation was bent on exterminating. They have taken a new look at these ancient and hereditary sentiments, and fervently thanked God that they had been trained to prize them as the elements of all domestic sanctity. While it has demonstrated that no institution, however venerable by age or hallowed by usage, can escape the assaults of a false philosophy and a heathenish morality, it has also proved that some grand truths have found a home in the shelter of our intuitions, and that no sophistry and no temptations are sufficiently strong to drive them from this safe retreat. It is well for men to have their thoughts turned in this direction. Home is the great power that rules the civilized man, and as it is Marriage that makes home all that it is, it can scarcely be possible for us to attach too much importance to its position in the economy of nature and Providence. One of the most fortunate things in our condition as a free, self-governed people, is the prominence that is given to this beautiful sentiment of home. The same circumstances that lay such an emphasis on the possession of liberty, exalt the charms of eral wealth of the land. It has the germ of the factory, the store, the exchange. It originates the laws of trade and commerce, and multiplies its simple ideas in all the myriad shapes of this busy world. The facility, therefore, with which a home may here be obtained is one of the most favorable circumstances of our condition. It constitutes a marked feature of our civilization, and places man, both in his individual character and social relations, on the best possible foundation for true and thorough progress. The most of men never recur to philosophical reasons as the warrant for their principles or the support of their actions. Nor is this necessary, for their own native instincts anticipate the deductions of logic, and render them practically wise in the genuine interests of human life. And yet philosophy, as it examines the domestic laws of our nature, and traces their connection with the order of Providence in this new world of Western Life, can not fail to be struck with the special significance that is here stamped on the economy of the household, and the striking part it is destined to act in the magnificent future of American Freedom. If the sentiment of home, as a sentiment of the Anglo-American heart, is the main-spring of our industry and enterprise, it is equally the strong conservative power of the country. It binds us to our institutions. It establishes a partnership between every man who has a home, or hopes to have one, and the Government. It teaches him to be a friend to law and authority. Magnify as we may all other conservative agencies, it is the strength and sanctity of this home-feeling that impart force to their operation. Patriotism would be a feeble passion; wealth would lose much of its value as a means of promoting the stability of institutions; and brotherhood would vanish as a sickly dream. but for its vital presence. The lowliest cottage that stands in a hidden valley contains an unrecognized statesmanship that is working, in holy union with a heavenly law, to perpetuate the birth right of liberty. Its humble toil, its daily inter- | glorious of human experiences, that is too self-satcourse of love, its morning and evening prayers, isfying for the mimic pantomime of fiction. And are steadily and surely creating a moral grandeur hence our good old Saxon blood takes marriage that is far mightier than physical defenses, and far with God's message in it, and we come to our firemore assimilative than political doctrines. It is side to find the awaiting beatitudes of peace and not, therefore, what home is simply in itself as a happiness. A practical people like ourselves are domestic economy, but home as a national strength, naturally impelled to contemplate marriage in this that we are to study its laws and estimate its rela-light, and we instinctively seek its blessings as a tions. Our firm conviction is, that this sentiment compensation for the "wear and tear" of outward ought to occupy a higher position here than in any other country, and that it is the plan of Providence for it to produce more important results in the career of man, than under any other circumstances by which it is surrounded. In brief, be it said, that the legitimate action of our institutions is to place the family in the foreground of human interests, and to intensify its agency to the utmost scope of its capacity for social and philanthropic influence. Nowhere in the world ought there to be such homes as in the United States, because nowhere is there such an opportunity, on so broad and munificent a scale, to collect the elements of domestic power and distribute them through all the channels of personal and relative activity. life. The mere fact that we are a practical people, tends to preserve us, on the one hand, from imaginative sentimentality, and on the other, from those grosser amusements which the idleness and brutality of less vigorous races have always indulged. There is an intimate connection between the pursuits of a country and its domestic habits, and it will be seen by every one examining this subject, that a nation of enterprising industry, in which mind and muscle are taxed to their utmost limit, is compelled to depend on the calm and renovating power of home-life. But for this great restorative, the working force of our people would be soon exhausted. It is the fireside, with its soothing tranquillity; the family table and its glad companionship; the evening hours and their genial inspiration, that once, at least, in twenty-four hours renew the souls of men and gird their loins afresh for the struggle of business. If, therefore, we take only a commercial view of the value of home, it will ap The farmer as a The men and the women of our country are ordinarily left free in the choice of their connections for life. No one can doubt that a larger proportion of persons marry in the United States, under the simple impulse of affection, than in any other community. There are comparatively few tempta-pear that the foundations of domestic life are deeply tions to marriage for the sake of position and influence. Families may have a certain sort of prestige, and among themselves the pride of hereditary renown may be valued, but outside of their own circle it commands no homage. It does not weigh an atom in the popular scale. The nearest relative of Hancock, Adams, Jackson, borrows nothing from his ancestry. Had George Washington left a line of descendants, they would have derived no advantage from the splendor of his name. Our leading families have made no mark either in our social or political history, nor do they to-day enjoy, as such, any degree of special consideration. Hence marriage connections for the purpose of gaining distinction or perpetuating celebrity are so rare as to attract no attention. If the natural affinities of taste and affection are disturbed, it is certainly not the effect of our social organization. Men and women may sometimes be base enough to marry from secondary and selfish motives, but this is not the fault of society. The prevailing rule is a domestic union, founded on attachment. Common sense and ardent feelings usually determine the choice of companionship. Not even does imagination lend more than a subdued lustre to the hours of courtship and the bridal scene. Romance has but a slight charm for us. Our real life finds it almost impossible to domesticate those excitements of the fancy that give to marriage an air of chivalric achievement; and our novels, where they undertake to appeal to such sentiments, have instantly to fly to a foreign imagery and a pre-democratic period. Both race and country combine with us to render marriage an act of affection; and where such is the fact, human nature is strong enough to do without fictitious impulses. A man or a woman who is heartily in love is far in advance of dainty poets and picturesque novelists. There is something much more tender and winning than romance-a life beyond the imagination-a new world barred to all save the captives of this luxurious joy. It is a divine prelude to the most laid in the relations of business as well as in the Ev children more noble than blood, and more valuable | coming fuller representatives of art and beauty. than caste; and industry, economy, intelligence, The scope of home-its inward dominion-is exand virtue can secure its honors and privileges. panding and private munificence is every where All of us know that this exuberance of opportunity intrenching on ground that we used to think was is frequently perverted. But its uses are much the property of the public. A great work of art is greater than its abuses. Its tremendous agency hardly announced before the tidings follow that in encouraging, vivifying, and enlarging the do- it has been sold to enrich a private gallery. Such mestic sentiment of the country is beyond appreci- examples of splendid opulence are necessarily rare, ation, and its service to the wealth, purity, and but they are tokens of a progressive mind in our growth of our community is far more extensive country, that magnifies the attractions of home. than its injury. One thing it has effected, viz. : And then, newspapers and literature, what a houseit has grafted the mighty energy of American life on hold power have they attained! What materials the domestic sentiment, and made our countrymen they contribute to the conversation of the table more ambitious to have social distinction than any and the family fireside! It is scarcely possible for other position. This is not an unmixed good, but us to measure the extent of that change, which the nevertheless it is a good. Men must have some- modern press, in this particular, has introduced. thing to live for in this world as well as in the The swift couriers that fly over sea and land; the world to come; there must be prizes for the senses, telescopic eyes, that search all climes; the mighty the intellect, the heart, no less than for the faith steam-press issuing its daily bulletins of thought, and hope of our higher nature; and it is better, word, and deed; the reported cloud, wind, tempest vastly better, that our restless activity, our eager of the air; the reported events and movements of thrift, our boundless enterprise should spring out the world are not for merchants and statesmen of a social impulse and covet a social gratification, alone. The eyes of the domestic groups that fill than expend themselves, as they otherwise would, the city and the country await them. The young in military passions and political contests. Talk children discuss them, and the aged grandfather as we may, this very earnestness to advance our replenishes his stock of chat out of their ready repersonal interests-this daily strife that goads such sources. The whole world is thus brought to the a multitude of men to elevate their domestic con- hearth-stone, and home is converted into a receptadition-is the safety-valve of Anglo-American life. cle for the intellect, trade, impulse, and advanceIt is this engrossing excitement that keeps down ment of the entire race. Such characteristics of our fighting, bull-dog propensities. It is this that American homes give a wonderful significancy to tempers our party-rage, and mollifies our sectional their position and influence. They forcibly illusanimosities. It is this that inspires us, in part, to trate the fact, that the educating agencies of our value education and the other arts of a well-bred life are accumulating more and more within the manhood. And, therefore, we trace the hand of circle of domestic power, and that from hence are God in this extraordinary development of the do- to issue forth the master-thoughts and the mastermestic sentiment of our country, and believe that passions which are to sway the destinies of our He is using it, not only to illustrate the inherent people. beauty and utility of this sacred law in its connections with the household, but likewise to perpetuate and exalt the agency of Republican institutions. Another point should be considered. Any estimate of the domestic prospects of a community must be radically defective that fails to take cognizance of the interest evinced in children. It is Other causes are co-operating in the United just here that the domestic sentiment of our counStates to encourage the growth and activity of the try shows one of its most beautiful features. Nodomestic sentiment. Within a few years past where on this earth is there such a general and there has been less of a disposition to resort to the generous sympathy cherished for children. And old, popular forms of amusement. The tendency how numerous and diversified the forms which it of general taste and culture has been in the direc- assumes! A ministry for childhood fills the land. tion of such relaxations as the family could partici- It is a ministry of Literature-thinking, creating, pate in and enjoy. The more exclusive and select printing, diffusing thousands of special voluines for kinds of entertainment, that appealed to fashion- its hand and heart. It is a ministry of Charityable pride, have declined, and diversions, music, establishing Five Points' missions, and building and lectures for the many have multiplied in num-hospitals for orphan loneliness. It is a ministry ber as well as increased in importance. The pat- of Government--providing the means of gratuitous ronage that supports this extensive system of in- education, and inviting all to partake of its benstruction and pleasure is the patronage of the fam-efits. It is a ministry of Piety-turning from the ily. It is the great domestic heart of the coun- toil of the week to the labors of the Sabbath, and try that now seeks these recreations, and hence sheltering these little lambs in the pastures of the they are operating so successfully to socialize Great Shepherd. There can not be a more touchthe fireside by the addition of new sources of joy. ing expression of domestic heart than this, nor is Moreover, a modern home is often able to sup- there one more precious to Heaven. Wherever ply, through itself, the most interesting of these such scenes are unfolded, the prophetic benedicpleasures. How many homes in this land are now tion of Christ, as childhood lay in his arms and furnished with those means of tasteful gratification caught his smile, is fulfilled. But there is yet anthat formerly had to be sought in public! A com- other aspect in which this deep interest in children paratively small proportion of families may pos- may be contemplated. It acts quite as powerfully sess wealth and refinement sufficient to have statu- on the maturing and adult mind of the country as ary and paintings, but notwithstanding, a constant on its immediate objects. It is a living inspiration movement is discernible in this direction, and a of domestic sentiments. For us, these institutions considerable part of our people are learning to re- have a voice and an example. They keep fresh and gard pianos, books, engravings, as a necessary out- buoyant the childhood of our own spirits. They fit in a dwelling. American homes are daily be- strengthen our reverence for home; they bless our en. The firesides, and lift their flames higher toward heav- | estate, in the realms of Christendom, the unrealized fulfillment is mournfully oppressive. saddest feature of it is, that men know not the heart that God has given them for woman. They are but partially conscious of their capacity to love. Not even does imagination, so competent to evoke a well-defined world from the dim nebulous masses of the firmament, catch more than the outline. The shadows of earth have fallen on the fair orb, and it moves before us in eclipse. Apart from the testimony of Revelation, we have painful evidence of the fact, that our loss of Divine love has been followed by a diminution of power in those sensibilities to which the loveliness, purity, and worth of woman appeal. But yet, even now, if men cultivated the sentiment which draws them to the other sex, and nourished it with the thought and emotion which are needful for its growth, how soon would woman be appreciated in conformity with the Divine will! It is the heart that makes the clear, strong eye; and if that heart were but true to its Heavenly Father, it would not fail to recognize her beauty and excellence. She has a character, an office, a sphere all her own, and God has anointed her for a special work. Christianity has defined her place and sanctified her service. Judaism instituted the family, but Christianity perfected its idea by raising woman to her proper attitude. The progress of this Christian sentiment has been slow, and yet it is executing its task by subordinating the world to its authority. The bright images of home that flash out from the eyes of happy children imprint themselves on our hearts, and we return to the world with nobler impulses and for better deeds. There are about eight millions of children in our country under fifteen years of age; and if one brings this vast mass before him, and connects with it the stupendous moral and intellectual machinery acting on it, and considers also that, in its turn, it is affecting the spirit and sympathies of the community through the tenderest ties of our nature, what an aggregate of power presents itself to us! The care of children is the most exalted discipline of human life, and forming, as they do, the great focus in which the warm rays of wedded love meet and grow warmer, they raise affection to its holiest height on earth. Public opinion and public virtue need the same kind of training. They are half dead where the children make no element of public regard. We do not believe that a nation can ever have a mighty heart if it cherish no solicitude, and exercise no concern in behalf of the most momentous trust which God has laid on its responsibility. And hence we feel assured that, among the effective means which are educating the American people in the experience and practice of domestic sentiments, a prominent place is to be assigned to the relation that children sustain to the benevolence of the country. If, however, the position of woman be considered relatively; if we take the general feeling of our public mind toward her, and measure it in connection with our realization of other moral and social facts as they stand related to Christianity, we think it must be obvious that we are not without reason for thankfulness and hope. Our conception of what she is, and our practical observance of the hallowed code of conduct that God has written for our obedience, are far below the just standard. Nevertheless, it may be affirmed that the expression of this sentiment in our civilization is emphatic. She is a great moral and social power in our country. No people defer more to her than ourselves. She gives law to our households, and even outside of that she reigns in many things supreme. No civilized man is so helpless and dependent in certain respects as an American gentleman; and the reason is obvious: our wives do our thinking in these matters, and we are perfectly content to fol But what were all this landscape of home without the charm of Woman, its central figure? The history of her creation contents itself with showing that she was made of man and for man. A deep sleep fell upon Adam, and he was awakened to find his help-mate, the Eve of prospective life. May not poetry see a symbol in that sleep? Whether so or not, a deep sleep long held the senses and the souls of men, until Christianity had prepared them to start from their carnal slumbers, and behold the restored ideal of the Christian woman. Thanks to Heaven the vision has been given us! The faded form of Paradise has not been returned, for then our hearts would sadden in the hopelessness of unattainable companionship; nor yet, indeed, has saintliness shrouded itself within her, and set her apart for distant admiration. Christianity has brought her back to the heart of man, and devoted her to the associations of his purest thoughts and best affections. Where Christianity is unknown, who sees her side by side with him, breathing the same atmosphere, sharing the same joys and chas-low their lead. A large part of our social system tened by the same sorrows, walking in the same redeeming path, and looking upward to the hastening heritage of the same beatitudes? Let any one compare woman as she appears in the brightest page of classical literature, with woman as she is honored and loved in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and he will easily see the vast difference between them. The world has but imperfectly learned the lesson that Christ taught on the character, office, and glory of the Christian woman. But still this may be truthfully and gladly said: the grand idea has been steadily coming forth into a more luminous position, and modern civilization has its thought and affection directed toward its advancing efful-ments, directs our words, and determines our acgence. is under their control, and they legislate for our tions without our consciousness of its mighty pres When we picture to ourselves the simple, beau-ence. tiful, touching ideal of woman as Christianity announces it-the inspiring help-mate of a redeemed manhood-the queenly ornament of a kingly race --and then turn to what she is even in her best VOL. XII.-No. 70.-N N Illustrations of this truth are abundant. Look for a moment at one of them. The recent unprecedented growth of readers in our country is one of the significant signs of the times. We are lit |