the fullest details.

Mr. Bigelow, the editor of the collection, has happily taken the time
for publication when Mr. Tilden has retired from active political
service; and thus the volumes may now be read with a less prejudiced
mind than in a former period of years.

It is impossible not to derive information and suggestions from a
careful perusal of these discussions, and inspiration from the
_dignity_ with which they are conducted; at the same time the
reader is somehow impressed in the perusal that Mr. Tilden is neither a
_great_ statesman _per se_, nor always a safe one to follow.
At this hour, it would be difficult to estimate the influence which he
has exerted upon the politics of his time. The accident of a political
defeat, rather than any extraordinary ability of his own, won for him
the remarkable and enthusiastic loyalty of his party, and perhaps also
a political immortality. As is still remembered, he bore his defeat
manfully and with a dignified grace unexampled in history, when all the
circumstances are considered, and this will be to his everlasting honor.
During his active participation in politics, Mr. Tilden was a partisan,
in the best sense of that word, as every man must be who lives and
_thinks_ under our system of government. He cherished principles
directly opposed to those of a host of his contemporaries, and this,
too, was a prerogative of his citizenship. Nevertheless, the integrity
of his character was never questioned, his motives were always
honorable, his opinions were generally carefully conceded and candidly
asserted, his acts never savored of trickery. We wish as much could be
said of many who have professed admiration of the man, as well as of
many who have not scrupled to malign him to a merciless degree.

[Footnote 2: The Writings and Speeches of Samuel J. Tilden. Edited by
John Bigelow In two volumes. New York: Harper & Brothers. Price $6.00.]

* * * * *

We have been particularly pleased with the four volumes which are
comprised in the "Garnet Series."[3]--They are, to speak first of their
mechanical attractions, handsomely made, as regards paper, press-work
and binding, and at once tempt the reader to look within. The object of
their publication is to furnish in neat but low priced books choice
reading to so called Chautauqua circles; and thus far there is a promise
of brilliant success.

The character of the contents of these volumes demands nei