French Romanticism and the Press: The Globe

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Preface

'T^HE Press has been somewhat neglected as a factor -^ in the history of French Romanticism ; it contains a wealth of information which, if fully treated, would throw considerable light upon this important subject. The object of this work is to discuss fully the position of the Globe^ which has suffered the fate of all the other journals. The material upon which the work is based will be found in the Globe ; all other sources of information are carefully noted. My best thanks are due to Mr E. A. Lewis, Fellow of the University of Wales, for suggestive criticisms on the historical portion of the work. Finally, I have to thank Mr F. H. Brooksbank, Government Secondary School, Alexandria, the Rev. Cecil Roberts, Willesden, and my colleague, Mr S. A. Richards, for kindly revising the proofs.

T. R DAVIES.

London,

September^ 1906.

Chap. I. The History of the Globe

)j n. Its Tenets

III. The Meaning of " Romantic Tendency" .

„ IV. Short History of the Romantic Tendency

V. The Globe and Poetry .

VI. The Globe and Criticism

„ VI I. The Globe and the Novel ^, VIII. The Globe and the Theatre IX. The Globe and History

J?

X. Conclusion

PAGE

I

4 20

34 42

INTRODUCTION.

The Globe appeared for the first time on Sept. 15th, 1824, and ceased to exist on April 20th, 1832. It was thus coexistent with what is known as The Romantic Movement in French literature. A journal of this kind must have wielded a great influence, and it is strange that no more attention was paid to the subject by litterateurs in general. With a very few exceptions, they all state that the so-called Romantic Doctrines were preached by the editors ; it will be our endeavour, in this work, to examine this statement. Before proceeding to the discussion of the subject proper, we propose to examine the history of the Globe together with its tenets as found in its columns. Then we shall proceed to consider the term Romantic Movement in its literary and historical aspect. Finally, we propose to consider as fully as possible, and in strict chronological order, the works which are dealt with. The reader will find the date of each article, then the name of the author of the work. The articles are generally initialled, and, wherever possible, these initials will be assigned to the respective writers. Where there is neither name nor initials, the reader must conclude that the article is anonymous. In conclusion we shall consider all the evidence offered, and express a final opinion.

D.

Chapter I. The History Of The Globe

The few years preceding 1830 marked an important epoch in the history of France. The Revolution, with its far-reaching effects, was still casting its shadow on French society and literature. One of the most important phases of this influence was the gradual awakening of the youth of France to new ideas and fresh ideals. The 1 8th century with its cast-iron system of philosophy, and an even more enervating system of literature, still prevented the realisation of the aspirations of the age. Into the midst of this darkness Lamartine shed forth light by the production of his MMitations, which contained a wealth of imagination and personal feeling unknown to the old regime. It was the dawn of day which cast its rays into the darkest corner of France ; even within the fold of the Church, whose very existence seemed bound up with the old traditions, we find a few enlightened men who felt the difficulty of their position. UAbb6 Gerbet was one of those pioneers, and he seems to have been one of those enthusiastic souls who must needs inspire others. He inspired a gentleman named M. de Salines, and the two together started forth on their campaign in the Church.

In 1824 they founded a paper, Le Memorial Catholique, printed in Paris by a man named Lachevardiere. The paper gave utterance to the youthful, liberal spirit of the age. At this office there was a prote, of the name of Leroux, a man of advanced opinions. The new paper was very successful, and it seemed to Leroux that

The History of the ** Globe'' 3

a like paper would command a large circulation amongst the more numerous class of people whose interest in things clerical was nil. He mentioned the matter to his employer, M. Lachevardifere, who strongly urged him on.

He had a collaborator in M. Dubois, a thoroughly competent journalist. We find some of his writings in a periodical of the same stamp as the now defunct Tablettes, We find Jouffroy and Damiron joining in the management, while Trognon gives occasional help. M6rim6e is an occasional contributor, and with him are Vitet and Duch^tel. Among other contributors are R^musat, who deals with literature pure and simple, M. Duvergier de Hauranne, Magnin, Vitet, Sainte- Beuve, and Ampere. For the next five years the Globe was very successful as a progressive organ of a varied character. In 1828 Lachevardiere withdraws his capital, and the paper becomes entirely political ; but Guizot, aided by Broglie, comes forward with the money to ensure its continuance, though they take no active part in the management.

In the issue of January 23rd, 1830, there appears an article in which a retrospective view is taken of the five preceding years. Very soon after, the paper is bought up by Michel Chevalier, Carnot and Barrault, but there is no appreciable change in the literary views. Towards the beginning of 1831, the stirring events which were taking place in Paris naturally changed the appearance of the paper, and the editors were forced to devote more space to these events, so that literary criticisms are few and far between.

The Globe is then taken over by the SocUt^ Saint- Simonienne, and its main object now is the propagation of its doctrines. The new policy of the paper is set forth in the issue of January i8th, 1831, and articles dealing with literary criticisms become rarer than ever. The paper appeared for the last time on April 20th, J1832.

Chapter II. Its Tenets

Before proceeding to a discussion of the position of the Globe^ it is advisable to quote in full the article setting forth its policy which is to be found in the first issue of the paper.

" Depuis dix ans, au milieu des agitations politiques, et malgr^ le d^dain dont elle semblait etre Tobjet, la litt^rature a prosp^r6 en France. Des poetes nouveaux ont apparu, pleins de verve et de jeunesse ; des essais quelquefois heureux ont avanc^ la r^forme du th^dtre ; un systeme de philosophic religieuse a fait ecole ; et de grands et s^rieux travaux ont ramen^ Thistoire a son veritable but.

" Cependant la critique litt6raire a d^p^ri de jour en jour, et Ton aurait peine ^ citer une feuille oil elle s exerce a la fois avec ind^pendance et vhntL Les journaux politiques ont 6t6 obliges de la bannir; les graves sujets de leurs discussions et les vives inquietudes de Tattaque ou de la defense, ne leur permettent pas de s'y livrer. Si quelquefois ils s'occupent de litterature, c'est pour eux un int^ret de parti ; Thomme ou Touvrage leur appartient, ils le jugent avec leur preoccupation, et dfes lors rien ne s'^crit dans Tint^ret de Tart ou de la justice. Depuis longtemps le public a senti ce d^faut, et depuis longtemps aussi des journaux litt^raires ont ^te etablis; mais ceux-1^ encore n'ont ^t^ que de v^ritables journaux politiques d^guis^s; tous se sont model^s sur un journal qui eut quelque vogue en 18 14 par ses mordantes allusions, ses satires am^res, et sa redoutable connaissance des hommes politiques. Le Miroir, sa premiere copie, en a produit mille autres ; mais, a mesure que des mains des hommes qui avaient ^t^ mel^s aux affaires d'etat ou aux secrets de Tempire, la plume a pass^ entre les mains de simples lettrds ou de jeunes novices, Tdpigramme commune, le quolibet ont remplace les piquantes revelations ; et cependant on s'obstine en cette litt^rature i peine digne de la vieillesse du 18*^"^* si^cle. Paris, ^ en juger par les journaux, n'est qu'un grand salon de 1798, ou Ton s'inquiete d'un acteur ou d'une actrice, d'un bon mot Que si Ton pretend i des croquis de mceurs, a Tesquisse fugitive de nos travers, cela est bien ; et il se peut que beaucoup se complaisent a ces lagers essais, mais est-ce la de la critique litt^raire? N*y a-t-il dans les esprits un autre besoin? Ces generations eievees depuis la restauration et tourmentees du desir de s'instruire, trouvent-elles la ce qui peut occuper leur pensee? On a souvent reproche a la jeunesse sa h^tive impatience de se meler aux debats politiques. Peut-etre, entre beaucoup de causes, n*est-ce pas une des moins puissantes que de n'avoir presente k son activite d'esprit aucun objet de meditation serieuse et de saines etudes ; il lui fallait une occupation digne d'elle ; une seule s'est offerte, est-ce sa faute ?

" D'autre part, toutes ces feuilles semblent voir le monde et la France dans Paris ; aucune n'a ete con^ue dans un autre interet que celui de la capitale. Les comptes-rendus des pieces de the&tre, les critiques sur le jeu des acteurs, voili ce qui les remplit. Je ne sais si les lecteurs des departements y trouvent grand plaisir, mais a coup sur, ils ne sont pas juges de la justesse de la critique ou de la verite de la satire : aussi est-il i croire que bien peu de ces journaux vont au deli des murs.

" Ce sont la des defauts qui viennent des passions du temps et de fausses vues ; quelque indulgence leur peut etre accord^e. Mais il est un vice qui d^shonore, et qu'il faut bien signaler, au risque de se faire des inimiti^s. La critique est devenue une speculation d'auteurs et une commerce de librairie. Chaque coterie a sa feuille; sous le voile de Tanonyme, chacun y loue son livre, ou le fait louer par un secretaire ou un disciple. Le public qui n'est pas dans le secret, croit a T^loge ou quelquefois la main paternelle, par surcroit de finesse et de ruse de calcul, veut bien jeter ga et Ici une censure de bienveillance qui le releve et fasse valoir, comme on dit. Le plus souvent, Targent a la main, et Tarticle r^dig^ par un faiseur de sa maison, le libraire commande a dix feuilles k la fois. Chaque matin, la France est ^tourdie de certains noms qui doivent rappeler la gloire des beaux siecles ; et cependant de grandes compositions, des travaux de conscience et d'utilit^ publique obtiennent ^ grand'peine I'annonce de politesse pour les deux exemplaires; le jeune homme modeste et inconnu est repousse dans Tobscurite qui d^sesp^re ou bien. Ton Tenrdle, et il se perd en prenant livree. Ainsi la justice litteraire est ^ Tencan, et il faudrait d^sesp^rer de la critique, si, par bonheur, la raison et le gout n'etaient au-dessus des atteintes de quelques traitants ; car enfin tant d'esprits eiev^s, tant de nobles caract^res, qui cooperent la redaction des journaux, ne peuvent etre leurs complices, il y aurait trop de douleur et trop de honte pour les lettres.

"Le temps est venu pour une r^forme qui doit, tout k la fois, retirer la critique du commerce et des passions politiques, ramener la justice avec Tind^pendance, et satisfaire a cette seriebse curiosity de Tutile qui travaille tous les esprits. En entrant dans la carri^re, tel est le but que nous proposons. II n'y a ni vanite ni pretention ^ Tavouer; c'est tout simplement conviction et conviction sincere d*un besoin que nous entendons exprimer partout autour de nous.

" Les peuples sont aujourd*hui unis par les int^rets ;

la civilisation entretient entre eux un utile ^change de connaissances comme de produits ; avec les nuances qui les distinguent, tous marchent, a Tombre de la paix, vers un but commun. Rien de ce qui se fait chez Tun est Stranger i Tautre ; il y trouve exemple et profit C'est done une grande utility que de propager dans un pays la connaissance de tous les autres ; et cette connaissance ne saurait mieux s'^tablir que par celle des diverses litt^ratures ; car la litt^rature des nations, c'est leur vie. Donner toutes les nouvelles ^trangeres litt^raires, voilk ce qui remplacera chez nous le compte-rendu des th^citres et les esquisses parisiennes. En second lieu, non seulement la France a besoin de connaitre les autres peuples, mais elle s'ignore elle-meme; de Paris, on nous dit tout; mais r^tat de la litt^rature et des arts dans les provinces, les travaux des soci^t^s savantes, les efforts d'industrie qui en tient compte jour par jour, et nous en d^nonce ou les progr^s ou la langueur.

" Cependant que peut-il y avoir de plus utile comme de plus curieux que de r^v^ler a chaque contr^e sa force ou sa faiblesse? A c6t6 des moeurs parisiennes, veritable expression d'un pass^ qui s'efface, corriger les unes par les autres, n'est-ce pas preparer une lecture aussi vari^e que profitable, et distraire plus agr^ablement que par un bon mot? Enfin examiner s^rieusement et en conscience toutes les productions litt^raires vraiment utiles et remarquables ; s'occuper du th^itre quand le th^^tre produira quelque nouveaut^ originale, ou grave ou 16gere ; quand quelque acteur de talent paraitra pour la premiere fois sur la scene, ou s'essaiera dans un genre nouveau, mais laisser k Toubli toutes ces pieces qui se succedent, sans aucun b^n^fice pour Tart ; en un mot, constater le succes, et en montrer les raisons, voila notre but.

"Apres cette exposition de notre plan, trop vague peut-etre, mais que la g^n^ralit^, dans laquelle nous sommes obliges de nous renfermer, ne permet pas de prdciser davantage, il nous reste ^ parler de nos doctrines

Utt^raires. Deux mots suffisent : liberti et respect du goitt national, Ni nous n'applaudirons k ces ^coles de germanisme et d'anglicisme qui menacent jusque k la langue de Racine et de Voltaire ; ni nous ne nous soumettons aux anathemes acad^miques d'une ecole vieilHe qui n'oppose k Taudace qu'une admiration 6puis6e, invoque sans cesse les gloires du pass^ pour cacher la misere du present, et ne con9oit que la timide observation de ce qu*ont fait les grands mattres, oubliant que les grands maitres ne sont ainsi appeles que parce qu'ils ont ^te cr^ateurs. Le devoir de la critique, a juger du moins par ce qu'elle a ^t^ de tous les temps, n'est pas d'interdire, mais de provoquer les essais ; car ce sont les essais heureux qui lui donnent ses regies; elle ne fait jamais loi qu'apres coup. Laissons done tenter toutes les experiences et ne craignons de devenir Anglais ni Germains. II y a dans notre ciel, dans notre organisation delicate et flexible, dans notre gout si juste et si vrai, assez de vertu pour nous maintenir ce que nous sommes. Notre entreprise est vaste ; il faut du temps, des soins ; en commengant nous serons faibles ; mais si r^ellement le public ^prouve le besoin d'un journal tel que nous concevons le notre, il accordera quelque indulgence a notre effort ; nous esp^rons y r^pondre par le progres et Tam^lioration. Nous ne lui citons ni noms ni autorit^s qui nous appuient; Tutilit^, la v^ritd, le temps — voila nos elements de succ^s. Cependant si des Etudes sp^ciales donnent le droit de parler, chacun de nos redacteurs peut se Tattribuer sur Tobjet de ses travaux. Tous, d'ailleurs, nous cherchons la v6rite de bonne foi ; si nos formes ont quelque chose de dogmatique, c'est Thabitude de conviction ; mais nous n'avons ni intolerance ni preventions obstinees; qu'on nous edaire ; .notre feuille est une tribune que nous ouvrons de bon cceur ; toute opinion contraire k la notre, comme aussi nous appelons la cooperation de tous les hommes, amis de leur pays, des bonnes etudes et des beaux arts. Sur la censure; comme en tout autre temps, libres parce que nous respecterons toujours les lois, meme celles qui pourraient nous d^plaire, parce que d'ailleurs les objets de nos recherches sont Strangers k la politique^ nous n'avons i redouter d'autre censeur que le public ; puisse-t-il n'etre pas trop severe."

This is a straightforward statement of policy, and it is thoroughgoing, if we consider that nearly all the literary productions of the period were but empty forms of the past, lifeless, and devoid of ideas which would appeal to the opinions of the age. The first idea of M. Leroux was to make the Globe useful by recording events which occurred abroad, publishing translations of foreign authors ; in fact, to be a stop-gap until something better appeared. "La premiere id^e, la conception du GlobCy lorsqu'il fut fond6, il y a pres de sept ans (et lui qui parle ici, est plus competent que personne pour decider ce point), consistait k recueillir et i presenter au public frangais tous les travaux scientifiques de quelque importance." {P. Leroux, in the Globe^ Jan. i8th, 1831.)

M. Dubois, with the approval of M. Leroux, thought that the paper, if it was to succeed, must have a definite policy. " Mais cette pens^e, toute de curiosity, de patience, d'lmpartialit^, se trouva bientdt ne pas suffire a Tapplication. Dans ce grand travail et de recherche et de critique, le besoin de r^gle et de plan se faisait sentir. 11 fallait un centre de doctrine, auquel on put ramener ces investigations ; la liberte le donna."

{Le Globe, Jan. i8th, 1831.)

Though M. Leroux assented to this policy, yet we see that his ideas, with regard to the utility of the paper, were carried out. This is to be seen from the translations of foreign classics, and the scientific news. These details go far to shew that the Globe was not to be on the level of an ordinary periodical, for the editors felt that they had a mission into which it is now our duty to enquire.

The opening words of the introductory article give a faithful description of the state of the literary world lo Its Tenets

in France. We have Lamartine, in his Meditations, making a new departure in the realm of poetry ; Thiers, Thierry, Guizot, Michelet, Mignet discover the scientific study of history ; Lamennais heralds the dawn in the Church ; B. Constant breaks through the fetters of the 1 8th century system of philosophy, and Villemain introduces striking innovations even in the. icy halls of the University.

However, as in all upheavals, the old order of things has its adherents, some actuated by honourable motives, others mourning the loss of their means of sustenance ; and the result is a sharp conflict between the two factions. The true aim of literature is lost sight of in the struggle, and the Globe was justified in deploring the absence of real criticism. Healthy criticism had, in the past, been beneficial, and it was as likely to prove so in the future. The Globe shews that, in most cases, the critics upheld their own party without sufficient reason, and abused, to the utmost of their power, the opposing party.

All criticism seems to have been in the hands of purely political newspapers, and when this proved unsatisfactory, the soi'disant literary papers appear, but they were worse than their predecessors, since they found means of introducing politics through their literary criticisms. The founders of the Globe brought out their paper to meet this long-felt want, and, needless to say, it was welcomed by the saner portion of the community. The previous publications of this sort had confined their attention to Paris only, but the Globe makes an exception in this, for we have therein interesting news from the provinces. Neither does it confine its attention to France alone. It pleads for better relations with other countries by interchange of opinions. Just one or two examples will serve to shew the absolute blindness of mere partisans, both new and old alike, to the real merits of the authors concerned. One fervent classic, Lemercier, favours us with the following estimate of that great Romantic poet, Victor Hugo — "Avec impunity les Hugo font des vers." Again Baour- Lormian in his Canon d'Alarme favours us with the following lines :

" II semble que I'exces de leur stupide rage A m^tamorphos^ leurs traits et leur langage; II semble, k les ouir grognant sur mon chemin, Qu'ils ont vu de Circe la baguette en ma main."

This trait is by no means confined to the adherents of the old school, for many of the young people, brimming over with the exuberance of youth, express extreme opinions. "Vive la Nature, brtite et sauvage, qui revit si bien dans les vers de M. de Vigny et V. Hugo." (Thiess^ in le Mercure,)

For the first few years of its existence the Globe steered clear of politics, and criticised without fear of any party. Even its most damaging articles were written in a polished style, and the editors never descended to personalities. They were men who had sound judgment on literary questions, and not mere dabblers. We have instances to shew that they never criticised with personal bias, and their own friends often receive severe criticisms. " Ce triomphe est bien, selon nous, un peu de faveur ; mais il y a aussi de la justice, et nous aimons k rendre ce t^moignage, peut-etre n'est-il pas sans quelque poids, car personne n'est all^ avec plus de prevention que moi i cette representation." (M. Dubois, on the Germanicus of Arnault, No. 46, 1824.) Again, "II y a grande part a faire a Tadmiration et a la censure dans les Orientales." {Le Globe,]?^^, 21st, 1829.) The editors even hint at some authors who got friends to pass favourable criticisms on their works.

The above extracts will suffice to shew the impartiality of the Globe towards both schools ; Arnault being true to the past, while Hugo embodied in himself the aspirations of the young poets. Turning to Paris, we see bargains being struck between author and publisher, the result being an artificial public opinion. They aimed high, and well could they, having already gained some experience in the now defunct Tablettes ; their aim was "examiner s6rieusement et en conscience toutes les productions vraiment utiles et remarquables " ; they were only going to pay attention to really valuable productions, and the worthless works of the Pseudo- Classicists were wholly ignored, except in so far as they affected the natural development of literature. They were of the same opinion as V. Hugo, " L'art ne compte pas sur la m^diocrit^ " {La Prdface de Cromwelly They were not going to uphold new ideas merely because they were new. Reason was to be their guide — -("montrer la raison ").

Our interest may be further aroused if we enumerate the different groups on the staff of the Globe \ MM. Jouffroy and Dubois had been banished from the University for being too advanced in their opinions. The serious men of the " Salons " were represented by R^musat, and then came the quick-witted southerner, Thiers. Then again the steady Guizot and the unsettled Sainte-Beuve come in to intensify the differences. This apparent vacillation on the part of the Globe has given rise to many unfavourable impressions. " Les idees, d^velopp^es dans le Globe, manquaient de base fixe et de forte limite ; elles rdv^laient des esprits animus d'un beau mouvement, mais qui ne marchaient pas vers un but unique ni certain." (Hatin, Histoire de la Presse en France^ Vol. VIII, p. 500.)

The ideas are, however, original and independent, because they emanate from minds untrammelled by any prejudices or outside influences. Though there were so many different elements, yet these met on the ground of fair criticism which constituted the one link which joined them together. A. de Nettement {Histoire de la litt, /ran, sous la Restauratioti) calls the Globe "une coalition d'amours-propres" — a statement which is hardly applicable in this connection, as V amour-propre is not generally fostered in the company of so many different ideas — a company where each member was attempting to uphold one common ideal. The phrase seems to suggest a literary coterie, but the Globe was far removed from this.

The Globe kept up its high standard for many years, and its independence was so strong that many people who did not hold its views on certain questions of literature and philosophy, had a high regard for it The Globe was a power in the literary world, but with the fall of the minister Vill^le, the press becomes free, and the Globe becomes somewhat of a political paper. Thus its influence was somewhat minimised, and more so, considering its past high estate. This was regrettable, as it meant the weakening of the forces of independent criticism when the literary struggle was at its height ; but the change was due to the political proclivities of the age, so that, after all, the change was only natural.

Thiers, who had contributed the articles on painting, to the Globe^ seemed to regret the change. Writing to Guizot, he says — " Que dites-vous du Globe depuis quMl a chang^ de forme ? Je ne sais pourquoi, je suis contrari^ d'y trouver toutes ces petites nouvelles et cette pol^mique de tous les jours. On se recueillait autrefois pour le lire, et maintenant cela n*est pas plus possible ; ^attention est distraite et partag^e. C'est bien le meme esprit, ce sont les mdmes articles ; mais il est d6sagr6able de trouver, k cot^, des choses qui sont partout." What answer do we expect from Guizot but complete sympathy with the regrets of his friend, Thiers ? " II a raison, le Globe perdit beaucoup k devenir un journal politique comme tant d'autres."

The Globe goes on in this way until the issue of Jan. 23rd, 1830, when the editors take a retrospective view of their work ; there is no doubt that it will be interesting to hear their views.

" Alors (the first appearance of the Globe\ les opinions en litt^rature et en philosophie n*avaient aucun interpretre. A peine form^es encore, chancelantes et, pour ainsi dire, i T^tat d'instinct plutot que de croyance, elles s*6panchaient ga et la dans les conversations ; elles transpiraient dans quelques pages rares ; elles se hasardaient dans quelques essais d'art dont la reputation se propageait comme par imitation sous le silence des journaux ou sous leurs moqueries. En politique, nous sortions des agitations convulsives des soci^t^s secrfete^. D^sarmee par la raison plutot que par la crainte d'un gouvemement au fond sans force et sans dignity la jeunesse fran^aise revenait ^ I'^tude paisible de ses institutions, se comptait, regardait Tavenir et, sure que son temps viendrait, inhabile encore a se faire ^couter, n'ambitionnait guere de parler sur les affaires publiques. De vieilles et utiles tribunes suffisaient a la defense des principes qu'elle serait un jour appel^e a developper. Elle se prit avec ardeur aux sdrieux travaux de la science, de I'histoire, de Tart. Ardents du meme ige et des memes passions, mieux pr^par^s peut-etre par quelques Etudes solitaires, audacieux de notre obscurity m^me, sans autorite, nous os^mes prendre la parole ; et nous la primes, il faut en convenir, avec toute I'apret^ et toute la prdsomption de notre dge, mais aussi avec Taccent de la conviction. Revendiquer d'abord la liberty litt^raire, nous acharner contre les pr^jug^s nationaux, adorer les chefs-d'oeuvre Strangers a Tegal de nos immortelles gloires, ce fut notre premiere mission. Assez longtemps impopulaires, nous ne nous sauvcimes de Toppression qu'exercaient alors sur la pens^e, les vieilles doctrines et la litt^rature imp^riale que par un mepris ^gal au mepris qu'elles affectaient pour toutes les nouveaut^s. On nous aurait taxes volontiers d'aristocratie. Mais comme chez nous ce n'^tait ni fol amour de la nouveaut^ ni inquietude d'esprits blasts qui nous poussait cL la r^forme, comme c'^tait consequence du principe de liberty, pos^ par la revolution, on nous d^mdla bientdt"

In the first few lines of the above article we are given to understand that the new opinions had no means of being disseminated ; that they came to light but rarely, and when they did, they were passed over in silence, or sneered at by the representative journals. The Globe did away with this by giving prominence to all really good works ; but the editors do not mention that these works belonged to a particular school of thought, and while reading the particular issue of the Globe, this strikes one as being a predominant feature. Further on, we are told that politics were a secondary consideration at first, and that literature had most of their attention. This is true to some extent, but the preponderance of politics comes in earlier perhaps than the editors cared to acknowledge. In the following

words — "prendre la parole avec toute Tapret^ et

toute la pr^somption de notre age,'* the editors are hardly fair to themselves, for the one outstanding feature of the Globe is that the articles are fair, and written in a style free from all bitterness. The word " pr^somption" seems a little out of place, as they contradict themselves ; for they say that they are " mieux pr^par^s peut-dtre par quelques Etudes solitaires,'* and if we look through the list of contributors, we see that every branch of literature is represented by men who became, at a later date, pillars of thought in France ; for example, Thiers, Guizot.

Some time later than this the Globe was transferred to la Religion St Simonienney whose organ it became. In the issue of Jan. i8th, 183 1, we find a Profession de Foiy in which a retrospective view is taken of the past, and the possibilities of the future are discussed. The writer (M. Leroux) simply repeats the position of the Globe^ as set forth in the previous manifesto. The future policy is also outlined, but we leave M. Leroux himself to speak of the impending change.