and one of the most difficult to deal
with, especially when conjoined and complicated with other motives and
passions equally, if not more, powerful. But, while the recent message
of President Cleveland to Congress shows significantly enough how
difficult the problem appears to a high-souled, benevolent minded, and
practical statesman, it also contributes some valuable suggestions
towards its solution, in the carrying out of which it is to be earnestly
hoped he will be vigorously supported and assisted by congressional
action.

* * * * *

_A Short History of Napoleon the First._[F] Naturally gifted with a fine
faculty for historical criticism, and possessing an uncommon breadth and
completeness of information in that department of historical research
which his professional duties have called him specially to cultivate,
Professor Seeley's historical judgments have acquired a weight and
authority quite their own. We were, therefore, prepared, before opening
this book, to find in its pages a careful and discriminating estimate of
the military career and character of the Child of the Revolution,--and
we have not been disappointed. The task Professor Seeley set himself was
one requiring as much courage as intelligence and critical skill; and he
has displayed all these qualities in a most admirable manner, with the
result that a great historical problem has been appreciably advanced
towards its true solution. Mr. Seeley is quite aware of the difficult
and delicate nature of his undertaking. This feeling betrays itself
constantly. "He lends himself readily to unmeasured panegyric or
invective," says the Professor, "but scarcely any historical person is
so difficult to measure." Again: "No one can question that he leaves far
behind him the Turennes, Marlboroughs, and Fredericks, but when we bring
up for comparison an Alexander, a Hannibal, a Caesar, a Charles, we find
in the single point of marvellousness Napoleon surpassing them all.
Every one of those heroes was born to a position of exceptional
advantage. Two of them inherited thrones; Hannibal inherited a position
royal in all but the name; Caesar inherited an eminent position in a
great empire. But Napoleon, who rose as high as any of them, began life
as an obscure provincial, almost as a man without a country. It is the
marvellousness which paralyzes our judgment. We seem to see at once a
genius beyond all estimate, a unique character and a