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Leader (1850-1860), 3rd September 1859, Edition 2 of 2, Page 16, LITERATURE.

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      afresh in the present dearth of news . Some , however , are inclined to think that the princes are taking up the dispute to create a diversion arid stifle the Co- for reform of the Diet . In the address presented to the Duke of Saxe'Coburg it will be seen that the framers have dragged in the Duchiesstriking resolutely to the plural number , as if it were an undisputed fact that both Hplstei . n . and Schlesuig formed part of Germany . It cannot be too often shouted into English ears that Schleswig isand always was , a Danish dukedom , and can be no

      , more considered German because some of the inhabitants speak a dialect of the German , than the kingdom of Belgium can be regarded as a part of France because many of the people , and all the educated , speak French . This question is destined to be the origin of a sanguinary war of races , in which other nations will most probably be invited to take a part . England will be appealed to , and -very likely we shall see a Teutonic and a Scandinavian party arise in consequence . It is a very menacing piece of nonsense indeed , and ought to be looked to

      in time . Since writing the foregoing , I have come into possession of an authentic copy of another declaration issued by the united association of democrats and constitutionalists . This declaration runs as follows : — - The present dangerous state of Europe and of Germany , and of the necessity of sacrificing party objects to the . great aim of all patriots , viz ., the unity of tlie whole of Germany , have brought together men from all quarters and of different parties , to come to an understanding with , regard to the means to be adopted to obtain this result . These men proclaiming their adhesion to the declaration of Eisenach , issued on the 17 th of July , have united upon the following points : — 1 . We see in the present state of politics dangers most menacing to tlie independence of our country , anil which have been rather increased than

      diminished by the peace concluded between Austria and France . . 2 . These dangers take their rise from the faulty Constitution of the Germanic Confederation , and can only be averted by an immediate alteration in this Constitution . . ¦ 3 . For this purpose it is absolutely necessary that the German Diet be dissolved by a strong and lasting Central Government of Germany , take its place , and that a German national Parliament be instantly summoned . . 4 . Under present circumstances the most effecr tive steps to the attainment of this goal can be taken by Prussia alone , therefore it ought to be our endeavour to induce Prussia to take the initiative .

      5 . Should Germany be again directly threatened from abroad , the command of the military forces , and the diplomatic representation abroad ,, of Germany , should be confided to Prussia till the definitive institution of the Central . Government of Germany be adopted . 0 . It is the duty of every German to support the Prussian Government by all means , that is to say , so far as the aims and views of that Government are based upon the principle that the mission of the Prussian Stato coincides in general with the wants and wishes of the German people , and so far as the efforts of that Government are directed to the attainment of a strong and free national constitution of Germany .

      7 . We expect of all Germans , whether they belong to the democratic or the constitutional party , that they will make the claims of party subservient to national independence , and that they will strive unanimously and persoveringly to attain a powerful German Constitution . This declaration is considered by liberals to be of great importance i the names of the subscribers are not yet made public ' They will prove to be , without doubt , the leaders of the liberals , or rather , I should say , the mouth-pieces of the liberal and con ? stitutionnl idea in all quarters of Germany . The Prussian Government is engaging persons connected with the mercantile profession for the expedition now fitting out for China , Japan , and

      the eastern seas generally . For this purpose envoys are now on their way to the sea-ports . Cap * tain Jackmann , commander of one of the Prussian corvettes , is mentioned aa being appointed to the command of the expedition . Prince William of Hcssla , son-in-law of the Elector , will go out with the expedition ns a captain of one of the vessels . The post under which Mecklenburg is now suffering threutons to extend to other quarters , as no precautions seem to be taken to pro vent communication wjith the infected districts , Wo hear of the cholera in , Hamburg , in sonio parts of Hanover , and la some of the manufacturing districts . A very * 11 S . <* HangQ has taken place in the weather , which is now very cool t this , may have the etFecfc of checking Us further progress .

      1012 The Leadeb, [No. 493. Sept. 3, 1859...

      1012 THE LEADEB , [ No . 493 . Sept . 3 , 1859 .

      Literature.

      LITERATURE .

      Literary Notes Of The Week.

      LITERARY NOTES OF THE WEEK .

      The Principal Occurrence Which We Have T...

      THE principal occurrence which we have to notice this week is the lamented death of the poet Leigh Hunt , which took place on the morning of Sunday last . To use the words of a contemporary , Leigh Hunt may be said to be the last of a group of poets and essayists who achieved fame almost contemporaneously in the earlier , years of this century . His name and writings have been associated with those of Byron , Shelley , Coleridge , Ilazlitt , . Lamb , Wordsworth , Southey , Scott , Moore ,. Jeffery , and many more—all of whom have now passed away . The five first named were his personal friends and associates . The character of Leigh Hunt ' s writings is very varied . As an essayist he had occasionally flashes of that odd humour which hi Charles Lamb's

      writings is so irresistible and unique , but their prevailing characteristic was a delicate sensitiveness of thought which seemed sometimes carried to excess . To readers who love bold positive dogmas Leigh Hunt seemed always too considerate , too capaple of seeing many sides of a question ; but the peculiarity was evidently the result of very widespread sympathies , and a thorough conscientiousness in literary expression . Those who knew him personally also recognised in his writings the natural gentleness and " charity that thinketh no evil" which marked him as a man . There probably were few men more ready to admit the possible and probable possession of virtues and redeeming qualities in others ( even in those most clearly convicted of offences ) than

      was Leigh Hunt , and this tendency weakens the force of expression in many of his written opinions . It gave to hasty observers an impression prejudicial to his manliness ; but Leigh . Hunt proved his moral courage more decisively than by denunciation of opinions adverse to his own . In days when Liberal opinions were dangerous he expressed them firmly and fearlessly , and he suffered with calm constancy an imprisonment which a slight submission could have easily evaded . His rank as a poet is a matter more for literary disquisition than for any biographical sketch : few will deny the happiness and beauty of many of the passages in the '' Story of Rimini , " his longest and probably his , best known poem . Of late years his writings have not been

      many . Leigh Hunt was born on the 19 th October , 1784- ; at the time of his death he had nearly attained , therefore , liis seventy-fifth year . His father was an American refugee , who , taking part with the British in the great Involution , came to England to find a home there more suited to his views than the colony he . was forced to quit . He shortly afterwards entered the church , arid obtained a living at Sputhgate , in Middlesex , where the subject of the present notice first saw the day . Leigh Hunt was educated at Christ ' s Hospital , where Coleridge and Lamb also received their education . Early in life he obtained an appointment in the War OfHqe ; but this he gave up in 1808 , in order to take part in the which h

      editorial management of the Examiner , e assisted his brother John in establishing . Some few years before , when he was about one-and-twenty , he had contributed various papers to another weekly journal—the JYew $ —started by the same relative ; amongst them a number of dramatic criticisms were distinguished by much , fearless talent and impartiality . It was in the JExaminer , however , that he first put forth all his powers as a journalist , and wrote upon political subjects in a tone that subjected him to the persecutions of those against whom his attacks were principally directed . On more than one occasion was the new Liberal journal brought . before the law courts , at the instigation of the Tories . Twice the accusations against it broke down , but at last Leigh Hunt , having ventured to cast , a slur upon the personal attractions of the Prince Regent , a conviction was assured . Some

      courtly scribe had described the first gentleman in Europe as an " Adonis ; " the merciless editor of the Examiner improved the expression by changing it to " an Adonis of fifty . " This was not to bo borne . The Priuco llogent , in rage And indignation , instituted a prosecution against the proprietors of the out-spoken journal , based upon charges behind which the real offence was conveniently screened ; a verdict' of guilty was pronounced \ and tho brothers Hunt wero each sentenced to a fine of . £ 500 and two years ' imprisonment . Even after this they might have escaped from the penalties imposed upon thorn had they but consented to modify their political views ; but this , of courso , thoy . refused , a , ud upon leaving their confinement returned to the Examiner with renewed onorgy . Tho paper continued , to take rank as tlie first of its class , under tho able direction of Loigh Hunt , and maintained this position for many

      years . Ultimately it passed from his hands , and suffered a diminution of ithe -popularity by Which it had long been sustained . During nearl y four years Leigh Hunt resided in Italy , to which country he had repaired at the invitation of Shelley and Byron and in order to establish a new weekly newspaper under the title of the Liberal . With the latter poet he resided for some time , though the best understanding did not prevail between them . Leigh Hunt laboured with great industry , both in journalism and in literature , upon his return to England . During many years his pen scarcely stopped or

      paused . In poetry , in drama , and in fiction , he achieved almost equal success . His " Story of Rimini , " his " Captain Sword and Captain Pen , " and his " Legend of Florence , " are all works of a high class , instinct with true poetic feeling , and marked by great delicacy of expression . The lastnamed work was frequently played at Covent Garden , Miss Ellen Tree sustaining the part of the heroine , and it has been revived in more recent years at Sadler ' s Wells Theatre , and at Windsor Castle . Among his novels , " Sir Ralph Eshcr" occupies a liigh rank . His principal works would fill a long list , if their mere titles alone were given : " The

      Indicator , " " The Companion , " " The Seor , " " Men , Women , and Books , " " Table Talk , " " Stories from the Italian Poets , " "A Jar of Honey from Mount Hybia , " " The Town , " " The Old Court Suburb , " and an autobiography , represents some of the principal results of his literary labours . But to these must beaddedmany very fine translations from the Italian , including Tasso ' s " Aniinta , " and Redi ' s "Baccq in Toscana , " besides a translation of the " Lutrin " of BpileaUi His essays and critical compositions are remarkable for much grace and elegance . Leigh Hunt was intimately familiar with the comedies of the Restoration and with the drama of the Elizabethan era . He edited the works of Congreve , Wyeherly , and Farquhar , accompanying the text

      with critical comments , showing a true appreciation of those witty and brilliant writers . Altogether , Leigh Hunt ' s productions show much power of style , blended with great poetic feeling and cultivated taste . He was essentially a genial and graceful writer , with something of the quaint pleasantry of Charles Lamb and the delicate sensitiveness of Thomas Hood . He lias written many works which will not soon be forgotten ; and more than one that will take , perhaps , a permanent place in our literature . Leigh Hunt hadjieen in weak health for some time past : but he continued his literary labours almost to the last . Lately he contributed to the Spectator newspaper a series of papers under the title of the " Occasional , " graced by much of his old charming manner and playful expression .

      Leigh Hunt had enjoyed , since 1847 , a pension of 200 / . a year , granted to him by the Government at the instance of Lord John Russell . With reference to the rumoured engagement with Mr . Dickens to lecture in America , we find it stated , on the authority of the New York Evening Post , that he is under engagement to give sixty readings at sundry places in the United States , in tlie course of the autumn ; and that the honorarium is to be 25 , 00 Q dollars , paid at starting , besides one fourth of the net profits of the entertainments . We incline to the opinion that the projected engagement will not be carried out .

      We hear of an Electro Printing Block Company , formed to bring into practical operation certain patents known as Collins ' s Patents , " for the cheap reproduction , on an enlarged or reduced scale , ot original drawings and existing engravings , maps , and prints , and for making therefrom electro-blocks for surface printing , either at the hand or steampress . " It is stated that by these patent processes illustrated works can bo executed at an immenso saving in cost , and that tho iwoccssds must be largely employed in all branches of traiie " where the first cost of expensive engraving lias , under tho present system , to be renewed with every variation in size pr form . " Amongst tho names attached to the prospectus wo notice Messrs . Wm . Bradbury , F . M . Evans , A . J . Cppeliuulr M , i ...

      Herbert Ingram , M . P ., Charles Knight , Mar * Lemon , and S . L . Sothcby . .. , The town council pf Berlin had just subscriuou 1 . 000 / . to a foundation in honour of JJumboUU , destined to afford aid to learned men and travellers m tho prosecution of tho studios to which liu devoteu his long life . The annual meeting of the Acadomio Fruncftiso , for the distribution of prizos for literary performances and meritorious conduct , took pluco n "W ® * two ago at the Institute , It was presided over Uyat-Guizot , who delivered an addross suited to tlio occasion . Not a political allusion wns to bo heard , but some eloquent periods wore introduced upon tno march of humanity and civilisation , and upon « ' « oxorolso by tho * humbler classes of virtues that proved that good examples of disinterestedness anu of courage were to bo found in tho smallest viH « K ° J ! instancing tlie prizes having boon gained by two

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Sept. 3, 1859, page 16, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_03091859/page/16/