is muzzled:  muzzled here by conservative counsels, and there by radical complaints,—­by the over-cautious policy of one general, and the headlong haste of another,—­by a too tender regard for slavery in some States, and by a too zealous anxiety for instant emancipation in others,—­by fear of provoking opposition in one quarter, and by a blind defiance of all obstacles in another.  Now what shall be done?  Shall we hesitate, despond, despair?  Never! For Heaven’s sake, take off the muzzle. Use every weapon which the God of Battles has placed in our hands.  Put forth all the power of the nation.  Encourage and promote all fighting generals; cashier all officers who are determined to make war on peace principles; arm, equip, and discipline negroes, not to burn, plunder, and massacre, but to meet their and our enemies in fair and open fight.[B] Demonstrate to the world that we are terribly in earnest.  Waste no time in discussing the chance of foreign intervention.  Postpone Pacific railroads, international telegraphs, polygamy in Utah, African colonization, everything, to the engrossing and emergent crisis which now confronts the Government.  Make the contest sharp, short, and decisive.  Put down the Rebellion, vindicate the majesty of the Law, the sacredness of the Union, and the integrity of the Constitution.  There will be time enough, after this is done, to discuss all minor questions and all collateral issues.  One paramount duty lies directly before us.  Let us perform this duty fearlessly, and leave the future with God.

[Footnote B:  The opposition to the employment of negro regiments, if made by traitors North or South, can be easily comprehended,—­if made by loyal men, is wholly inexplicable.  Your neighbor’s house takes fire at night.  The flames, long smouldering, make rapid progress, and threaten the comfort, certainly, if not the lives of his household, and the total destruction of his property.  The alarm is given.  An engine comes promptly to the rescue.  It is just in season to save his dwelling.  The firemen spring with ready alacrity to their places.  But stop!  He suddenly discovers the appalling fact that they are negroes!  True, there is not a moment to be lost.  No other engine is, or can be, within helping distance.  The least delay means poverty and a houseless family.  And yet he rudely dismisses the dusky firemen, folds his arms with Spartan stoicism, and, looking complacently on the burning building, says, "Better this than to rely on the assistance of niggers!" Is it Spartan stoicism?  Is it not rather stark lunacy?  And would you not take immediate measures to provide such a man with permanent quarters in a mad-house?]

REVIEWS AND LITERARY NOTICES.

Roba di Roma.  By WILLIAM W. STORY. 2 vols. 8vo. pp. 355, 369.  London:  Chapman & Hall. 1863.