Elan Burritt. A memorial volume, edited by Charles Northend, M.A.
(Sampson Low and Co.)—That Burritt was a remarkable man, no one who roads this volume can doubt, if indeed he was not aware of the fact before. His linguistic attainments—he is said to have been acquainted, more or less, with all the languages of Europe, and several of Asia—it is impossible to estimate. There is always much
doubt about the precise knowledge attained by great linguist But that he did a practical work of much value in the world, there eau be
no doubt. Ho did not bring about a reign of universal peace, or oven get on far towards it, as in the early days of the " Olive Leaf" association he probably hoped. Such a work will take millenniums of such efforts to accomplish. But he helped it on sensibly. Perhaps it may be said that war is well-nigh impossible between England and America ; to this and Elihu Burritt greatly contributed, Hies ether life-work was the " Ocean Penny Postage." This ho did not literally accomplish, but he did a great deal towards cheap postage, and he must be credited with a groat share in the vast improvement that has been merle during the last quarter of a century. Ilia whole life indeed was given to work of public utility ; and it is pleasing to observe that it was appreciated. America has anyhow a more demonstrative way of showing this appreciation. When would an Englishman of the Elihu Burritt stamp have free passage given him across tho Atlantic by a steamboat company ? There is much that is worth reading in this volume, the record of a very genuine, modest, sensible man, who was never spoilt by notoriety or praise. One most interesting thing is an account of the Irish famine of 1817. If any one fools his wrath against Irishmen rising too high jest now, let him road this chapter, by way of an alterative.
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