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LESSING

1058

LEUTZE

obtained from the viceroy of Egypt a charter for the organization of a stock-company to prosecute the work. Eminent engineers, like Robert Stephenson, questioned the practicability of the scheme; but by energy and perseverance De Lesseps raised the necessary capital, and, ten years after beginning the work, had the satisfaction of seeing the waters of the Red Sea and those of the Mediterranean united. The canal was opened on Nov. 17, 1869. The successful engineer was knighted by Queen Victoria, and received honors and decorations from nearly all the other sovereigns of Europe. His successful completion of the Suez Canal led him to propose the construction of a canal across the Isthmus of Panama. But, although he made the most earnest efforts to carry out the great project, his hopes in reference to it were not realized. He died near Paris, Dec. 7, 1894. See SUEZ and PANAMA CANAL.

Lessing (les'stng), Qotthold Ephraim, a German literary reformer, was born in Saxony, Ian. 22, 1729, At 17 he entered the University of Leipsic as a theological student. But he soon developed a passion for the study of dramatic art, which diverted his attention from theology. He left Leipsic, and after a few months at Wittenberg went to Berlin, where* in connection with his friend, Mylius, he for a year or more published a periodical devoted to the drama. In 1755 Lessing wrote the tragedy of Miss Sara Sampson, which contributed largely to free German literature from the prevailing imitation of French models and give it new and original character. In 1767 he became director of the new national theatre at Hamburg, where he finally overthrew the domination of the French drama and worked out thoughts and ideas long ripening in his mind. In 1763 he wrote the well-known comedy of Minna von Barnhelm. In 1779, on account of his arduous labors and his grief for the death of his wife and only child, his health began to decline. He died at Brunswick, Feb. 15, 1781. On account of the manly independence which characterizes Lessing's writings and the important influence he exercised, he is often called the Luther of the German drama and of German literature and art. See Life by Guhrauer.

Lethbridge, a coalmining center in Alberta, Canada, has a population of 14,000. There is an inexhaustible supply of excellent coal cropping out at many points along streams of Alberta. The Lethbridge district is regarded as one of the leading agricultural districts in Alberta. Ranching is still an important industry. The yield of wheat in 1907 averaged more than 23 bushels per acre.

Lethe (le'the}, in Greek mythology, the stream of oblivion in the lower world from which the souls of men drank forgetfulness of thevr sorrows before passing into the

Elysian Fields. According to Vergil such souls as were destined to return to earth in different bodies also drank of the waters of this stream, that they might forget the Elysium.

Letters, usually termed Polite Letters, form one of the most delightful branches of literature, although it must be conceded that the railway, the telegram and other conditions of our civilization are very unfavorable to correspondence in any proper sense of that term — "business letters" being almost the only ones for which our day is noted. Most biographies now written contain the letters of the character dealt with, and these generally give a clearer and better idea of his personality than the most elaborate description by the author, while they also furnish something of the peculiar interest and charm that belong to autobiography. Of all the famous letter-writers of the world, Cicero is the earliest and the greatest. More than 800 of his letters are extant, and all are natural, sincere and outspoken. The very frankness of his vanity and his desire to please give a peculiar pleasure to the reader. The only other important Latin letter-writers are Seneca and Pliny, neither of whom can be compared with Cicero. The four greatest English letter-writers are Gray, Cowper, Horace Walpole and Charles Lamb. Gray's letters are somewhat fastidious, but always sincere, and their perfect execution is a thing that comes of itself, unstudied and unsought. Walpole said of himself that he lived "a life of letter-writing," and he remains pre-eminent both in the amount and the wonderful felicity of his correspondence. Of German letter-writers it may be enough to mention Goethe, Schiller and Humboldt; of French, Voitura, Madame de Maintenon, Madame du Derfand, Sainte-Beuve, George Sand, Merime'e and the unapproachable Madame de Sevigne'. The sovereign quality of the last named is her goodness of heart, combined with a wonderful insight into the thoughts and feelings of others and the power of giving life and interest to everything she touched. Among other famous letter-writers should be mentioned Erasmus of Holland and Lowell of America.

Leuthen (IcVten), a village in Lower Silesia, clebrated for the victory won there by Frederick the Great during the Seven Years' War. The result of the battle fought on Dec. 5, 1757, was the reconquest of the greater portion of Silesia by Prussia.

Leiitze (loit'se), Emanuel, an American historical painter of German birth, was born at Gmund in Wurttemberg in 1816. His parents emigrated to America during his infancy, settling in Philadelphia, where his early years were passed. His first successful picture was an Indian gazing at the setting sun, which procured so many orders