point where the nation, for,
perhaps, the first time, is to be saved by statesmanship, and where it
is apparent that only statesmanship of a high order will be equal to the
task. Formerly the Government could be contemptible without being fatal.
When its imbecility led to civil war, the courage, patriotism, and
persistency of the people sufficed to purchase victory; and though the
Government was tasked heavily, its tasks were of a simple kind. But now
a point is reached where must begin a long stretch of wise, far-seeing,
faithful statesman's work, or where, in the want of this, prospects open
which on patriot can contemplate with satisfaction.

A series of able, temperate, true-hearted Presidents has now become
indispensable; but the highest qualities will be needed in no subsequent
administration so much as in the present; and very serious mistakes in
the present would go far to render the highest ability in the future
unavailing. Under these circumstances, there must be a common and
anxious desire to know what may reasonably be expected of President
Johnson.

Hence the timeliness and importance of the volume under notice. An
attentive perusal of these pages will afford ground for some critical
estimate of the man in whose hands so much power is lodged, and whose
use of power so great issues depend. The biographical sketch, though
somewhat vague, and marked by occasional inaccuracies, affords some
tolerable notion of the experience he has passed through; and the
speeches, though covering but few years, exhibit that portion of his
opinions which is most related to existing problems.

We find here the image of a very honest, patriotic man, vigorous in
mind, resolute in will, definite in character, and bearing deeply the
impress of a special and marked experience. Of his honesty, to begin
with, there can be no doubt. His administration may be mistaken, but it
will not be corrupt. And to feel assured of so much is very healthful.
But an honest man, in his position, _must_ be patriotic,--must be
looking to the welfare of the country, rather than casting about to make
bargains for his private advantage; and we gather from this book, that,
if any meditate buying or bribing the President, they will learn a
lesson in due time. He may come to coincide with them, but it will be by
their acquiescence in his judgment, not by his acceptance of their
proffers.

It is when we come to inspect his intellectual position, to conside