The Quarterly Review. July. (John Murray.)—This number begins with an
article, conceived in a very hopeful spirit, on the condition and prospects of the Dominion of Canada, and it ends, not, we conceive, without a purpose, with a review of Dr. Bryce's " American Commonwealth." The absorption of Canada by the States is confidently expected by some observers who are not without authority, though the idea is, we believe, at present at least, wholly unwelcome to the majority of Canadians. It is not unprofitable to compare the facts which are brought together in these two essays. The result will hardly be to strengthen the case for absorption. This result, indeed, the latest authority from the States allows, will not be attained without violence. Another political article deals with the French Revolution, taking, as might be expected, the unfavourable side. The writer has, of course, mush to say ; but it is difficult to believe that a change which swept away the old regime, and that not only in France, but ultimately throughout Europe, was a curse to mankind. The essayist, indeed, realises so fully the evils of that regime that he cannot hold his own opinion without a strong reserve. Of literary articles, we have an essay on Virgil, summing up his claims to first-class rank as a poet, and criticising with much fairness recent translations. There is an interesting article, " The Age of Steel," and a very amusing paper on " Duelling." The other items are "Shakespeare and Venice," " Diary and Letters of Gouverneur Morris," and "Ancient India." We shall probably take some separate notice of the interesting article on "Old Age."
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