He claims, too--being a modest man--and others who know him best acknowledge his claims, we see--that he revolutionized _Blackwood_ and the British periodical press, at a time when they were all against us; that he began the war on titles in this country, that he broke up the lottery system and the militia system, and proposed (through the _Westminster Review_) the only safe and reasonable plan of emancipation that ever appeared; that with him originated the question of woman's rights; that he introduced gymnasia to our people; and, in short, that he has always been good for something, and always lived to some purpose. 'And furthermore deponent sayeth not.' THE SOLDIER AND THE CIVILIAN. When Charles Dickens expressed regret for having written his foolish _American Notes_, and _Martin Chuzzlewit_, he 'improved the occasion' to call us a large-hearted and good-natured people, or something to that effect--I have not his _peccavi_ by me, and write from 'a favorable general impression.' It is not weak vanity which may lead any American to claim that in this compliment lies a great truth. The American _is_ large-hearted and good-natured, and when a few of his comrades join in a good work, he will aid them with a lavish and Jack-tar like generosity. Charity is peculiarly at home in America. A few generations have accumulated, in all the older States, hospitals, schools, and beneficent institutions, practically equal in every respect to those which have been the slow growth of centuries in any European country. The contributions to the war, whether of men or money, have been incredible. And there is no stint and no grumbling. The large heart is as large and generous as ever. The war has, however, despite all our efforts, become an almost settled institution. This is a pity--we all feel it bitterly, and begin to grow serious. Still there is no flinching. Flinching will not help; we must go on in the good cause, in God's name. 'Shall there not be clouds as well as sunshine?' 'Go in, then'--that is agreed upon. Draft your men, President Lincoln; raise your money, Mr. Chase, we are ready. To the last man and the last dollar we are ready. History shall speak of the American of this day as one who was as willing to spend money for national honor as he was earnest and keen in gathering it up for private emolument. Go ahead! But let us do every thing advisedly and wisely.