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Black Republic of Letters

Note - McKinley Tariff

The McKinley Tariff was a significant increase on taxes on imports in the United States spearheaded by then Congressman William McKinley. It came into effect in October 1890 and was repealed under the next administration in 1894. Learn more about the McKinley Tariff.

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"Bulletin of Europe and America" Translation: France – The Chambers are still in recess. Meanwhile, the press and public opinion are interested in the latest incidents of Boulangism. Mr. Mermeix, former newspaper reporter and Boulangist deputy, published, in Le Figaro, under the significant title of "The Wings of Boulangism," little secrets of this political cabal, which, if it had triumphed, would certainly have brought about terrible misfortunes in France. As a result of these revelations, General Boulanger would truly have brought about the fall of the Republic with the Bonapartists and Monarchists from whom he was receiving money.

The general opinion is that the Republic is getting stronger each day.

The arming is continuing, in view of the next war; the French see this as the guarantee of the security and the tranquility of their country.

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Italy – Mr. Crispi is still thrashing around in the gears of the Triple Alliance. He has derailed the attempts at a reconciliation between France and Italy, which many of his better intentioned and perspicacious compatriots are working for. Semi-official speeches have shown that Italy shares the sentiments of hostility of its minister, and that, commercially and militarily speaking, the best thing to do on both sides of the Alps is to keep arms at the ready and to stay alert.

A Rome journal, L'Opinione, in an article about the review of Italian finances, declared that in the first two months of the financial year the receipts are more 10 million below the budgetary provisions. If this continues, the deficit will reach 60 million, which added to the 40 million of the existing deficit, predicts a deficit of one hundred million in the current year.

As we see it, Italy is doing well.

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Russia – Russia is still the counterweight of the Triple Alliance, the supreme dispenser of peace or war in Europe. From time to time nihilists, to affirm their existence, blow up something or someone. The links of friendship with France still reach out and strengthen themselves more and more.

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England – Great Britain is more consistently than ever following its policy of conquests, or rather of colonial despoliations. Yesterday it was Portugal from whom England was taking possessions as its own domains; today it is Germany's flag in Africa. Queen Victoria must have a voracious appetite, to have such a need to expand her already immense empire.

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Germany – Since Emperor Wilhelm's voyage to Russia, he has hardly produced news worth reporting. On this subject, in Berlin there is much talk about a sensational article in the newspaper Annales Prussiennes which said that the voyage was a deception, and that the Russian court entertained its imperial guest with a series of pointless theatrical parades, while the military administration had ordered very serious manoeuvres on the western borders, just as the parade was finishing. It even adds that the Prince of Bismarck is visibly the instigator of this failed voyage.

The great manoeuvres and the inspection of the fleet at Kiel are currently demanding attention, with festivities and imperial receptions, all the subjects to keep up on.

The principal interest of the manoeuvres that took place on 6 September was the infantries' shooting with smokeless powder. It seems that the results were excellent. We can only cry alas! thinking about the murderous goal of all these great discoveries.

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United States – Economic questions must always come to mind when it comes to the United States. Europe worries or looks with confidence, whenever America, the world's breadbasket, leans more or less toward protectionism or free trade.

Currently, the unfavourable forecasts of the McKinley bill are being succeeded by a continuity that is allowing hope that ultra-protectionism will soon be on the decline in the United States. During the latest election in the state of Vermont, an important protest took place, which is a sign of the turning of public opinion. President Harrison persists in sustaining the ultras, but Mr. Blaine, although still far from wanting a return to free trade, is evolving toward a more liberal policy. The Wall of China that the Republicans want to set up between the United States and the European nations is threatening to become a Tower of Babel. The Americans, a practical people, seem to already be glimpsing the deplorable political and commercial consequences of the McKinley bill, and will know how to stop it in time.

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Related articles:
Bulletin of Europe and America
France
Here, regarding the large manoeuvres of this year, is a rather important fact and one that received much comment in the press and in the political or other circles:

The President of the French Republic, to close the great manoeuvres in the north, personally went to review the two army corps near Cambrai.

Instead of going up onto a platform and watching the troops file past, he took a seat in a carriage pulled by a military team of six horses mounted by artillerymen.

At is right door and at its left rode a military general, the commanders of the army corps, swords unsheathed.

Behind came foreign officers on horseback, and the whole procession was escorted by cuirassiers.

It was in this company that Mr. Carnot passed in front of the troops, as they saluted their superior officers and saluting the flags that were inclined there, while the drummers battered in the field and the troops presented their arms.

It was the first time that the President of the Republic acted as head of the army.

Nothing like it has been seen before. The French army has been inspected by kings and emperors who, by fiction or by reality, belonged to him and who wore the uniform. The soldier, who does not understand abstract things, needs to have the concrete image of the fatherland in front of his eyes, incarnated in a man whom he can see and for whom he can be enthusiastic.

And then, above the generals, there must be someone to fear enough that it forced them to forget their professional rivalries and to devote themselves to the common safety, that they may purchase this safety at the price of the glory of a comrade or even the price of their own erasure.

An army thus needs a supreme chief, even when that chief is not able to personally direct its operations.

That is why Mr. Carnot carried out this review.

As a black suit cuts a miserable figure among the bright uniforms of the officers, the multicoloured ambassador's uniform of was proposed as the official outfit. Other ask why the President of the Republic would not be a lieutenant-colonel of one of the cavalry regiments of the territorial army, and they suggest the adoption of a uniform of this rank.

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England
The parliamentary vacation is nearing its end, the ministers are returning to London, and will soon hold the first cabinet sessions.

It is known that the bill for facilitating the purchase of landed property in Ireland and the draft bill on the payment of the tithe in the country will occupy the attention of the English parliament when it reconvenes.

On a trip to Ireland, undertaken to make an inquiry of the plague that is currently desolating that poor country, Mr. Jackson, secretary of the treasury, declared that he was so profoundly struck by everything he had seen that he would do everything in his power to bring relief to the sufferings of the population.

Mr. Balfour, the Chief Secretary for Ireland, ordered the arrest, on the 19th of this month, of Messrs. Dillon and O'Brien, Irish members of the English Parliament, on the accusation of having taken part in a conspiracy whose goal was to prevent tenants from paying their rent. The interest of this arrest, it is said, is the following: Messrs. Dillon and O'Brien were going to leave soon for the United States where they planned to launch a crusade in order to raise funds from the numerous Irish people residing in America to support their brothers in Europe. The well known oratory talent of the two deputies makes one believe that their mission would have met success, and the government wanted to prevent these adversaries from procuring the sinews of war.

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Germany
if it is to be judge by the terror that it has provoked in the German bourgeoisie, the socialist movement has gained immense ground since the fall of Mr. de Bismarck. The conservative press thinks and says that if the socialist propaganda is not energetically opposed by all legal and other means, it will become henceforth impossible to staunch the curb and all the more to stop it.

The German leading classes would have to sustain a shock no less terrible than the cataclysm of 89 in France. The leaders of the disturbance will themselves be overwhelmed as soon as they try to moderate.

Young emperor Wilhelm II, who remains dead calm in terror, will get more than he bargained for, as there will soon be a ruckus in his kingdom.

The diplomatic corps accredited to Berlin can boast of General Caprivi and do not seem miss his predecessor particularly. It would be premature to pass a complete judgement on the statesman, since he has only just started, and he had probably not come close to reaching his full potential. But between his allure and that of Mr. de Bismarck, we confirm that there is an abyss. Bismarck only ever spoke in his own name, the words of the Emperor never came out of his mouth; everything emanated from the chancellor, everything returned to him.

With General de Caprivi, it is quite different. He is nothing but the organ of the imperial will, and he has not other mission but to explain it, to make it respected and to execute it. He declares it, he proclaims it, for that matter, without embarrassment and without reservation.

—The Emperor of Germany, the Emperor of Austria and the King of Saxony gathered on the 20th at Liegnitz.

The three sovereigns, General de Caprivi and the Count of Kalnoki attended the military demonstrations.

Wilhelm II expressed the hope that the emperor of Austria would be convinced that the German army has maintained under his direction the qualities that it had under Wilhelm I. He added that this was a guarantee of the solidity and the power of the alliance that existed between the armies of the two empires.

The emperor of Austria replied that he was proud to have an ally who possessed such an army.

And they drank a bock... to peace!

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Spain
According to Mr. Sagasta, the former President of the Council, resigned for a few months, a change in the ministry in Spain will have no effect on its foreign policy, since the Spanish people will not allow it. All of the parties are unanimous in declaring that the only foreign policy to follow is: benevolent and friendly neutrality for all and affection for France.

There was a question of the German emperor traveling to Madrid. All capitals (Paris itself, who knows?) can hope for a visit from the young and energetic sovereign. But whatever the ministry in power, Wilhelm II will be received with the same regard and the same reservation in Spain.

The liberal party is reforming itself and fortifying as the opposition. It is confirmed that the queen, in the latest ministerial changes, was guided by totally political factors. She believed it was necessary to resuscitate the conservative party—to which, by the way, the monarchy owes its restoration—to give it a bit of vigour, to assure regular processes in maintaining constitutional institutions. The throne will be, indeed, less solid if the liberals had no other adversaries but the republicans.

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Italy
There is much talk about the possibility of a cabinet shuffle. Many towns not being in agreement with the royalties due to the excise office, the government proceeded for its part for the payment of these rights, which gave rise to much discontent.

The republican idea is gaining ground day by day, and socialism is extending the reach of its agitation. Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto and Tuscany have been won over to the cause; Rome is getting closer and closer, particularly since the municipal affair, Sicily is being worked on. There is hardly anything but the former kingdom of Naples that to impose a force of inertia on the propaganda of the socialist campaign. Under this clear sky, the populations remain indifferent to politics.

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United States
The Senate of the United States definitively voted for the McKinley Tariff, after having added ultra-protectionist amendments to the text adopted by Congress.

Already the effects of the coming tariff are being felt in the financial and commercial world of New York, one counts on the effect of the withdrawal of money that will operate to acquit the rights on commodities imported in bulk or pulled from the custom duty depots before the application of the new tariff.

The customs collector in New York estimate the necessary sums at 45 million francs, and that only to acquit the rights on merchandise stored before the first days of September.

The banks in which the cash reserves are quite low, find themselves in a difficult position. The discount is up to 6% plus 1/2% commission. The overdraft loans are made at the usurious rate of 25 to 30%. The titles having been thrown en masse into the market, their prices fell prodigiously.

The Secretary of the Treasury is preoccupied with this situation.
Bulletin of Europe and America
France
Several newspapers report that the Minister of War intends to rejuvenate the ranks of French general officers, as the latest major maneuvers have demonstrated the need to promote senior officers based on merit rather than seniority.

During the first months of 1890, imports amounted to 2,983,937,000 francs and exports to 2,401,813,000 francs. Compared to the corresponding period in 1889, these results represent an increase of 116,852,000 for imports and 68,832,000 for exports.

Portugal
The situation is becoming increasingly complicated. The king's position is becoming extremely difficult. He appealed in vain to all eligible men to form a ministry: progressives and republicans alike declared that they did not feel strong enough to have the agreement concluded with England passed in the Chamber. However, this unfortunate agreement has already been signed by the king; in some regions of Africa, it has even begun to be implemented. What can be done? Tear up the agreement? That would mean inevitable war with England, which is to say defeat and its harsh consequences. Indefinitely adjourn the convocation of the Chambers? That would mean immediate revolution.

A few clever individuals thought for a moment that they had found a solution: they proposed asking Lord Salisbury to change certain clauses of the Anglo-Portuguese Convention so as not to undermine the monarchical principle. It was a display of naivety coupled with complete ignorance of English political principles. Even before the proposal had been made officially, the Times, which had got wind of it, declared that if the Portuguese did not keep quiet, another small piece of their African possessions would be taken from them. No further efforts were taken in Lisbon.

Amidst this great turmoil, this appalling political crisis from which nothing good can be expected, it is regrettable to see the Portuguese republicans, whose patriotism dictated that they should cease their anti-dynastic opposition so as not to weaken the government in the eyes of foreign powers, instead taking advantage of external difficulties to push the country toward revolution.

The latest: Lisbon, 13 October—The crisis has eased, the new ministry is definitively constituted in the following manner:

President of the Council and Minister of War, General Aben e Sousa; Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Barbosa du Bocage; of Finance, Mr. Mello Bouveia; of the Navy, Mr. Ennes; of the Interior, Mr. Antonio Candido; of Justice, Mr. Brandao; of Public Works, Mr. Thomas Ribeiro.

England
The war in Ireland continues. The Irish deputies O'Brien and Dillon, whose arrest and trial we had previously announced, have secretly left for America, despite their trial, which was proceeding tempestuously in Tipperary. Their bail of one thousand pounds each was therefore forfeited. This challenge to the government is said to have caused quite a stir in political circles. Arrest warrants have been issued.

However, the inevitable famine threatens, relentlessly, the poor and desolate population of the Emerald Isle. Winter is approaching, and no measures have been taken to attenuate the frightening miseries that recur every year at this time.

It is well known that England did not want to submit the settlement of the African question to an arbitration tribunal—whose ruling would most likely be unfavourable to it—nor did it want to amend the Anglo-Portuguese treaty in such a way as to satisfy, to some extent, Portugal's material and moral interests. We are calmly awaiting developments in London, because whatever solution the Portuguese government adopts, England will always come out on top. It is true that it is playing a very nasty role in this whole affair, but it couldn't care less.

The English press is preoccupied with the famous McKinley Bill. The Times expresses its irritation with it very strongly. It sees it as a manifestation of hostility, barely less disguised than the decrees issued by Napoleon in Berlin and Milan, and which can only be explained by a desire to inflict the greatest possible damage on British interests.

Germany
The 1873 emergency law against socialists expired on October 1. Some German media outlets, considering the consequences of this new situation, went so far as to lament the absence of Mr. Bismarck, who, in their opinion, had a firmer grip on power.

On the other hand, the socialists, who cannot fail to welcome the benefits that the repeal of the measures taken against them 12 years ago seems likely to bring, are celebrating sincerely as a family. It seems that they will content themselves with these private celebrations, determined as they are to focus all their efforts on means that will help spread their propaganda—which they intend to do through the press.

It is believed that a more liberal regime will begin in Germany, and that the initiative taken by Emperor Wilhelm II will not be useless in calming worker unrest and neutralizing revolutionary propaganda.

German circles are seriously considering the possibility of a European commercial union that would enable them to effectively combat the protectionist policy of the United States.

Italy
At a grand banquet held on October 9 in Florence, Mr. Crispi gave a speech that was eagerly awaited in Europe. Several Italian newspapers say that there was great disappointment, particularly due to the silence that the prime minister felt he had to maintain on the financial issue.

Mr. Crispi, who would have preferred to enjoy a plate of macaroni while contemplating the beautiful sky of Naples rather than having to deliver this speech, found a way to say kind words to France as well as to Germany and Austria. Being on good terms with France while remaining in the Triple Alliance: this is the thinking that sums up Italy's current policy. Mr. Crispi is certainly clever, but it doesn't matter! He will have some difficulty achieving this result. In short, the situation remains unchanged, and it is fair to say that nothing has changed in Europe; it is merely one more speech.

Mr. Crispi was less lucky with Anglo-Egyptian delegates. Applying the practical formula do ut des, he wanted to get as much as possible in return for what he gave—and even for what he did not give. The negotiations in Naples were aimed at dividing up Egyptian Sudan and the Red Sea coast. Possession of Kassala was the stumbling block. Without Kassala, the Italians are confined to Massawa and have no outlet to the interior.

The Italian delegates had also been instructed to demand Kassala unconditionally. But when this point came up for discussion, the English delegates put forward this ineffable argument: “Kassala is part of the Ottoman Empire, and it is not for England to dispose of it.” This respect for the sultan's suzerainty rights was quite unexpected on the part of those who had so readily occupied Egypt.

In any case, Mr. Crispi must fear that this diplomatic failure will have an unfortunate influence on the results of the upcoming legislative elections. One wonders whether, in order to justify the enormous sacrifices imposed on Italy by the occupation of Massawa, he will risk antagonizing England by occupying Kassala without warning.

Russia
There is feverish activity, especially in Moscow, in anticipation of the French Exhibition, to be staged in that city by the Franco-Russian alliance. As proof of the enthusiasm therein, we even go so far as to name Germany: The Crocodile wanting to eat the Slavs and the French. We condemn those who say that it would suffice to throw Alsace and Lorraine to France as bait to distract it from the Russians. We are preparing splendid ovations for the French exhibitors. In short, Moscow's youth is all fired up about France...and vice versa.

United Staes
The McKinley bill has passed through all stages of the legislative process and is now law.

The new tariff came into effect on October 6. Regarding the various amendments introduced by the conference of American consuls in Europe, it is said in well-informed circles that some of these amendments are the result of an agreement between the French government and the US minister in Paris. The French government will have to commit itself to doing everything in its power to persuade the Chambers to lift, or at least modify, the restrictions on imports of American pork. Following a report on this subject sent to Washington, the conference reportedly voted in favour of various changes benefiting French wines and artwork.

But whatever the outcome of the McKinley Bill and its amendments, it is safe to say that it will create a new situation for the commercial and industrial world.
News & Rumours
Reverend Father Dorgère, of the Congregation of African Missions, provisional chaplain of the expeditionary force in Dahomey, is appointed Knight of the Legion of Honor (for exceptional service: mission in Dahomey).

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It seems that Cleopatra, Sardou's new play, currently in rehearsals at the Porte-St-Martin, has already been parodied. The Théâtre Déjazet has announced that it will be staging Cleopatra of Italy, by Jules Jouy and Georges Rolle.

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General de Kaltemborn has been appointed Minister of War of the German Empire, replacing General Verdy du Vernois, who has resigned.

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At the request of the French government, the Vatican has just established an apostolic vicariate for the Oubangui mission in the Congo.

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The publication of a previously unpublished novel by Alphonse Karr has been announced, reportedly titled Helene. It is said to be one of the most intriguing and original works to come from the pen of this writer.

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Vienna, 9 October — A committee has been formed to organize a universal exposition in Vienna in 1895.

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Admiral de Cuverville was authorized to send back to France the marine infantry and riflemen who were stationed in Kotonou and Porto-Novo.

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Cardinal Lavigerie arrived in Rome on the 9th and was received the following day by the pope, with whom he had a long conference.

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At a recent convention of ten thousand believers held in Salt Lake City, the Mormons abolished one of their sect's most famous dogmas: polygamy. The United States, it seems, was determined to use force if the Mormons did not repeal this Mohammedan article of their civil and religious code. They gave in to threats of force, calling on God for this supreme insult that kills them morally, as a people apart.

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The German textile industry has been severely affected by the McKinley Tariff Act. Many textile workers are out of work.

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The Anglo-Italian negotiations on the African question have failed to reach a conclusion. This fact, considered a painful setback for Italian diplomacy, has caused deep emotion in Rome.

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All the Paris newspapers had announced that, on the occasion of Lamartine's centenary, which the city of Mâcon is to celebrate with great pomp on October 18, the artists of the Comédie-Française would perform an act from Toussaint Louverture, the only play written by Lamartine.

This idea has been abandoned. It is difficult, in fact, for the artists of the Français to study a play that is only to be performed once.

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At an initial meeting held last Saturday, the 10th, the founders of the American Students in Paris club drafted and voted on the organization's bylaws. The undertaking is much smaller than we had thought; almost all of the members are students of Spanish origin. It will be a small, exclusive club, and its official language will be Spanish.

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The international artistic and literary congress, which we announced some time ago, will be held on the 6th at Mansion House, under the chairmanship of Mr. Ratisbonne.

An amendment to the Berne Convention was adopted by acclamation, stating that translation is merely a form of reproduction, and that the right of reproduction, which constitutes property, necessarily includes the exclusive right of translation.

It was decided that newspaper articles—except for political articles and information items—would be treated in the same way as other literary works.

The next Congress will take place in Berlin.

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A mass will be celebrated on October 16, at 10:30 a.m., at the Madeleine Church, for Marie-Antoinelle's birthday.

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Obituary:
Mistress Catherine Booth, wife of the founder of the Salvation Army, died on the 7th in England from cancer, which had been afflicting her for some time.

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News & Rumours Cuban fears over US tariff - English navy reforms - Lavigerie wrote to the King of Holland - Haitian diplomat promoted - Paris sea port - German fears over US tariff - Political developments in Brazil - Paris metro plans - Fundraising for Guadeloupe fire victims - Ship arrives in New York - Anti-slavery is sincere - Bank head in Haiti - New student group in the works - Workers congress - New newspaper for the youth - School cohort - Director changes at the Revue Bleue - Pianist broke his leg - King of Holland is ill - Obituary for a French writer The Spanish in Havana sent a telegraph to Spain to draw the government's attention to the considerable losses that the American bill will cause to cigar makers, and to ask for a revision to the trade agreement between the two countries.

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The English parliament voted in favour of a credit of five million for the Admiralty to reconstitute the English fleet.

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Next week we will publish a letter that Cardinal Lavigerie just wrote to the King of Holland to ask him to participate in the Anti-Slavery Campaign.

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Mr. Alfred Box, the likeable and distinguished minister resident of Haiti in Paris, was just raised to the rank of minister plenipotentiary.

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The Prefect of the Seine has officially constituted the inquiry commission relating to the Paris sea port.

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Economic Reprisals
The rumour in Berlin is that the German government is planning to take reprisal measures against the United States, in the case that the cabinet in Washington refuses to grant Germany concessions on certain clauses in the McKinley Bill.

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In Brazil
1 October — It has been announced that the Brazilian Congress will discuss the Constitution, elect the President of the Republic, and vote for the budget, after which it will adjourn.

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The inquiry commission charged with examining the Paris metropolitan railroad presented by the Eiffel Establishments Company, had just concluded its adoption.

The proposed route follows the main boulevards and Rue de Rivoli, connecting the train stations of the large Companies.

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Messrs. Lalou, president, Arthur Meyer, and Chincholle, vice-presidents of the Press Events Committee for the victims in Fort-de-France, interviewed Mr. Constans, Minister of the Interior, regarding the creation of special permanent fund for victims of catastrophes.

Mr. Constans promised his support in presenting the proposal before the Chambers.

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The steamer La Bourgogne, of the General Transatlantic Company, arrived in New York on Sunday 21 September around 8 o'clock in the morning. The traditional concert in benefit of the Lifesaving Society was particularly brilliant. Our collaborators G.S. received an ovation from an audience made up mostly of Yankees.

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In a very judicious article, published under the signature of Mr. Alexis Meunier, the Indépendant d'Oise demonstrates how the anti-slavery question has never been a pretext, for most of the powers, for the conquest of Africa. We will return to this question.

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Mr. de Montferrand, secretary-general of the Banque Nationale d'Haïti, left on Saturday 4 October for Haiti (via New York).

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There is talk of a group that will bring together all the students belonging to different countries in the Americas being founded in Paris. A steering committee is in the process of collecting members. We will keep our readers up to date with this useful project.

On this matter, we send heartiest congratulations to the founders of the Espérance Group in Port-au-Prince. All efforts to develop ideas of cooperation and association must be encouraged in Haiti.

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A Workers' Congress took place on 2 October in Paris. It was decided that, in electoral matters, the workers' party must fully regain its freedom of action and forego all compromises with other parties.

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Founding of a New Newspaper
Le Jour, published on 1 October under the direction of Mr. Charles Laurent, the founder of Le Paris. According to its program, Le Jour will be an absolutely independent newspaper destined to encourage "the youth" and make them known.

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Extraordinary session of the baccalauréat ès lettré, on 24 December, for the volunteers and candidates called under the flags in 1890.

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Mr. Alfred Rambaud, the kind and eminent professor at the Sorbonne, is quitting the direction of La Revue Bleue, where he will remain as a collaborator. He is replaced by Mr. Henry Ferrari, who has been charged with the administration.

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It has been announced that Paderenski, the celebrated and fashionable pianist, has just broken his leg on the banks of Lake Geneva.

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According to the latest news from The Hague, the state of the King of Holland is prompting the greatest worries. It no longer seems possible that he can retake the reins of government. A regency seems necessary.

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Obituary
Alphonse Karr died on 30 September, at the age of eighty-two, in his Villa des Roses in San Raphaël. He died the victim of his own carelessness. He was in good health and recently went out in a rain storm, bareheaded, to tend to the flowers in his garden. He then went out on a boat and raised the fishing lines, the rain still pouring down on his athletic body. Returning home, drenched to the bones, he kept on his soaked clothes despite the advice of his family. He had confidence in his robust constitution. But two days later he was bedridden; it was declared a fluxion of the chest, which defeated the colossus.

Alphonse Karr is the author of Sous les Tilleuls, Genviève, Clotilde, Une heure trop tard, Le chemin le plus cruel, his best-known novels, and of Fa Dièze, Voyage cutout de mon jardin, which are charming fantasies. The biggest success of his literary life was the publication of Guêpes, a little paper that he personally directed, and where, for nearly 10 years, he wrote a little paragraph about every political or literary event that were bounding with wit in their brevity. He had achieved quite a reputation as a witty and sensible man. Among his thoughts and his words that have become famous, we cite the following:
The number of writers is already innumerable and will always increase, because it's the only profession, along with the art of governing, that anyone dares to do without having learned it.

I see well that man perfect everything around him; but I do not see him perfecting himself.

Once posterity has made its selection and sorting, those who have written nothing but excellent works will find themselves with more baggage than the most prolific.