n from
Europe to the state of Maine in 1864. He has been in poor health the
past two years. Dr. Tefft was the author of "Evolution and
Christianity," published last Spring, a veritable encyclopaedia of
Evolution-lore.

* * * * *

AMONG THE BOOKS.

A very notable contribution to the annals of our times is the
publication of the _Writings and Speeches of Samuel L. Tilden_[2]
This contribution is comprised in two volumes, and is so complete in
itself as to ensure a welcome from not only a large body of political
sympathizers and admirers but also from all students of American
political history. Mr. Tilden has the honor of being unquestionably the
greatest Democratic leader of recent years, and, in more ways than one,
of being a unique figure among the statesmen whom his country has
produced.

He was born in New Lebanon, N.Y. 1814, and before he reached his
majority he began to discuss political questions in print and on the
rostrum. In these early, as well as in later years, he was in his
instincts a conservative; as time moved on, he grew more and more fond
of the democracy of Jefferson and of Jackson, and their democracy, it
may be said, has had, during the past quarter of a century, no more
devoted or worthier expounder and representative than Mr. Tilden.
No question of paramount interest has arisen that has not, from the
Democratic standpoint, received his attention. When the nullifiers
assaulted the Union he stood by it; whenever anybody has undertaken to
advocate the American "protection" system, he has invariably denounced
it as unconstitutional, in this respect differing from another leading
Democrat, General Butler. Mr. Tilden also stood by the removal of the
deposits from the United States Banks, advocated the establishment of
the Sub Treasury, and was the first to contend for free banking. He
asserted the supervision of legislatures over charters of their own
creation. He protested against the nationalization of slavery in 1848.

These few specifications of a general character, to say nothing of those
of special interest, indicate something of the wealth of thought and
expression contained within the covers of these volumes. Of the minor
themes, one was exceedingly important in its day, and important also as
a lesson for future municipalities,--namely, the Tweed charter for New
York city and the story of the destruction of the Tweed ring. It is
herein presented with