The President of the United States transmitted a message to Congress
on the 20th of last month, relating to the acts prohibiting the
slave trade, in which he stated that a public vessel was to be sent
to Africa, with two public agents, tools and implements necessary to
form a settlement, and thereby give relief and support to the people
of colour who may be captured on board of slave ships and returned
thither.
* * * * *
In Denmark much confusion is stated to prevail, on account of the
Jews, particularly at Copenhagen. The king had interfered in their
behalf, but neither the people nor the army appeared to pay much
respect to him in this matter. A vessel, laden with 500 Jews, flying
from persecution in Germany, had arrived at Copenhagen, but were not
permitted to land.
* * * * *
It appears by a census lately taken, that the population of the
city of New York is 119,657. When the census was taken by order
of Rep. Vandam, then president of the province in the year 1731,
the population was 8622. The increase in ninety years is nearly
twelve-fold.
* * * * *
Died suddenly on the 29th ult. at Salem, (Mass.) the Rev. W.
Bentley, D. D. in the 61st year of his age, minister at the east
meeting house, and the character to whom the public were indebted,
during a great many years, for the unparalleled summaries and
notices of events, with historical and critical notes, which so
distinguished the _Salem_, or as it is now denominated, the _Essex
Register_. He was universally respected as a pious and good man.
* * * * *
Great exertions are making, says H. Niles, in his Register, to
introduce the practice of manufacturing sugar and molasses from
grain, into the western country; and from the representations made,
we apprehend that it must be very beneficial in all parts of our
country, distant from a market. It is said, that one bushel of good
wheat, rye, or corn, will yield from 3½ or 4 gallons of molasses,
or about 15 pounds of sugar. The discovery has been patented to
James Wiseheart.
* * * * *
The venerable William Ellery, one of the signers of the Declaration
of Independence, is now living at Newport, (R.I.) in the 93d year of
his age.
* * * * *
Walsh's "Appeal from the judgments of Great Britain," which appeared
in this country about the end of September, was republished in
London from the American copy, as early as the 23d of November. The
price of the English copy is 18 shillings sterling.
* * * * *
News has been received from Great Britain to the 3d of January. The
country continued in a very disturbed state. Parliament was opened
on the 23d of November. The Regent recommended such strong measures
as to manifest how the matter is viewed by government. His speech
was echoed from both houses by great majorities.
* * * * *
The confidential servants of the crown have proposed several
bills to parliament, and which were under debate; they are to
the following effect. 1st. A stamp duty upon all publications,
except religious tracts, and such works consisting of fewer than a
stated number of sheets. 2d. Persons convicted a second time of a
political libel are subjected to a long imprisonment, banishment,
or transportation, at the discretion of the court. 3d. All printers
and publishers of works comprehended in the first law, are required
to enter into securities with two sureties to be answerable for
penalties. 4th. Public meetings not convened by regular constituted
authorities are prohibited; it is also proposed to make it unlawful
for any person to attend a public meeting out of his own parish, or
township. 5th. Magistrates, on information or even on suspicion, are
empowered to enter any man's house, in search of arms, and to seize
them if found, giving the persons suffering such visits, a right of
appeal to the quarter sessions.
* * * * *
Generally the accounts from England prove that the country does
not yet experience the blessings of repose, nor are there any
indications that it speedily will. On the one hand the reformers
appear to be uniting and preparing themselves; and on the other, the
government is adopting stronger measures to quell and disperse them.
* * * * *
The reformers have agreed to abstain from all intoxicating liquors,
tobacco, and such other exciseable articles as can conveniently be
dispensed with, and they strenuously adhere to the principle. This
has already had a very severe effect upon the revenue.
* * * * *
Many parts of Ireland appear to be equally unsettled and distressed.
The county of Roscommon, in particular, has been declared by
proclamation, in a state of disturbance.
* * * * *
The king of France, in his speech to the Chambers, represents that
country as in the most auspicious and flourishing condition.
* * * * *
The king of Spain, on the occasion of his marriage, has granted
an amnesty to prisoners and subjects in rebellion, with some few
exceptions.
* * * * *
Germany, in general, seems still unsettled, and great anxiety
apparently prevails. There is much dread of secret societies, and
many reports of bands of robbers.
* * * * *
Standt, the murderer of the celebrated _Kotzebue_, is stated to have
recovered from his wounds which he inflicted on himself, and is soon
to be brought to trial.
* * * * *
The plague had ceased at Algiers, but still continued to rage at
Tunis, where it is said to have carried off 60,000 persons.
* * * * *
Of the number of manuscripts found in the ruins of Herculaneum,
and which have been there enclosed for 1696 years, 88 have been
unrolled, and are now legible. The unrolling is effected by means of
an expensive chemical operation.
* * * * *
The whole district and territory of Kutch, a country situated on the
N. W. of Bombay, and including several towns and villages have been
destroyed by an earthquake, together with 2000 inhabitants.
* * * * *
A man at Montreal has been fined for cruelly beating his dog.--A
person in the state of New York has been fined $30, for maliciously
and vexatiously hindering with his wagon, other persons in a
carriage from passing him on the highway, by turning his horses so
as to impede them.
* * * * *
A fire broke out in Savannah on the night of the 10th ult. which
has reduced to ashes the greater and much the most valuable part
of that city. Scarcely a fire-proof building is left. The town
presents a most wretched picture: 400 houses are said to be entirely
consumed. Not a hardware, saddler, or apothecary's shop, or scarcely
a dry-good store to be seen. The loss is estimated at from 3 to
5,000,000 of dollars.
* * * * *
_Jewish Emigrants._
Among the memorials presented to the legislature of the state of
New York, is one from Mordecai M. Noah, of the city of N. York,
setting forth that he "is desirous of purchasing that tract of land
belonging to the state, known by the name of Grand Island, situated
in the Niagara river, between lake Erie and lake Ontario, and
bounded by the possessions of Great Britain in Upper Canada."
The object of the memorialist in this purchase, is to build a town
or city, to be inhabited "by a community of Jewish emigrants." Grand
Island is stated to contain 20,000 acres of land, being about six
miles in length, and two in width.
* * * * *
A pamphlet has been published in Europe, recommending the Jews
to form a colony in the United States. The Upper Mississippi and
Missouri is recommended for its soil, situation, and climate, as the
most suitable place for purchase and settlement.
* * * * *
A national vaccine institution is about forming at Washington,
with the view of affording greater facility and certainty in the
distribution of vaccine matter.
* * * * *
On the 20th December last, Robert De Bow, of Allentown, (N. J.)
killed a hog 23 months old, which, when dressed, weighed 700 pounds.
* * * * *
_Boston, Jan. 13._
The great ox, fattened by Mr. Luke Fiske of Waltham, which gained
the first premium at Brighton, has been slaughtered, and the beef
exhibited for sale in State street. The weight of the parts is as
follows:
Fore quarter, _lbs._ 482
do. 477
Hind quarter, 407
do. 407
Hide, 159
Tallow, 305
----
Total, 2237
* * * * *
In Spain some experiments have lately been made for the purpose
of testing the efficacy of inoculating for the plague. The trials
were made on some deserters, 14 in number. The virus was taken from
plague sores of the most malignant cast. The patients had olive oil
administered internally and externally. Soon after the inoculation,
the patients experienced some slight attacks, and little sores broke
out on them; but in a few days they were all restored to health.
These experiments are calculated to induce a belief that inoculation
for the plague may prove as beneficial as it has for the small pox.
* * * * *
The mechanics of Ontario county, (N. Y.) have prepared a memorial
to the legislature, which they expect will be supported in other
counties, praying that the legislature may pass a law to prevent the
sales of mechanical tools and implements by execution or in distress
for rent.
* * * * *
From England many are emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope: 1,500
families sailed for that country in November last. Upwards of 12,000
emigrants arrived at Quebec, from Great Britain, during the last
season.
* * * * *
Mr. W. Parker, and about 400 others, left England in November last,
to establish a colony in Africa, between Cape Town and Algoa bay.
* * * * *
A cast iron pillar, about 48 feet high, is about to be erected in
the centre of the town of Sheffield, England, at the top of which,
a large ball, lighted with gas is to be placed, for the purpose of
lighting the whole town, and its environs.
* * * * *
Twenty-five miles up the Severn, England, a whale, 60 feet in
length, and 10 in breadth, was lately stranded. The visit of his
whaleship proved highly welcome, and considerable confusion and
contention ensued among the neighbouring people who should have the
largest part of him.
* * * * *
A London paper of November 7, says, that a new palace is to be
begun for the Prince Regent in the spring, on the same spot where
Buckingham house now stands. It is to be a superb palace of three
fronts, to overlook all Pimlico; and the _moderate_ sum of _seven
millions_ is the estimate of its cost! But, as the Prince Regent is
reluctant to apply to parliament, the ground of St. James' palace,
the King's Mews, and Warwick house are to be sold, and then but
700,000_l._ will be wanting to complete the new structure. The duke
of York is to have Carleton house for a _valuable_ consideration.
The triumphal arch is to be the grand entrance to London from the
new palace.
* * * * *
Wm. Ogden Niles of Baltimore, has issued proposals for publishing
a weekly paper, to be entitled, "The Domestic Economist," to be
devoted exclusively to manufacturing industry and political economy,
with statistical facts and remarks. Price $3 per annum.
* * * * *
_Wolf Bounty._
The Comptroller of the State of New York, has communicated to the
legislature a detailed statement of the monies paid out of the state
treasury, to the several counties, during the last five years, as
bounties for the destruction of wolves.
The following exhibits the amount paid to each county.
_Dolls._
Allegany, 5527
Albany, 40
Broome, 1760
Chautauque, 1762
Chenango, 440
Cayuga, 600
Clinton, 280
Cortland, 77
Delaware, 1490
Essex, 577
Franklin, 2445
Greene, 520
Genesee, 1937
Herkimer, 260
Jefferson, 2177
Lewis, 1250
Madison, 162
Montgomery, 160
Niagara, 1475
Otsego, 143
Oswego, 1180
Orange, 200
Ontario, 1450
Oneida, 1320
Onondaga, 480
St. Lawrence, 3190
Saratoga, 165
Schenectady, 22
Steuben, 3520
Seneca, 67
Schoharie, 120
Sullivan, 970
Tioga, 1487
Tompkins, 20
Ulster, 380
Warren, 435
Washington, 20
------
Total, D. 38,259
* * * * *
The earl of Dalhousie is appointed governor of the Canadas. Sir P.
Maitland administers the government till spring.
* * * * *
_Boerhaave in his old age._
All peculiarities in the lives of great men are interesting, and
much more so when they relate to their latter years. The name of
Boerhaave is regarded as the most illustrious in the annals of
modern medicine. After having courageously withstood the evils of
poverty in his youth, his talents and reputation enabled him, it
is said, to realize a property of two millions of florins, which
he left to an only daughter. Let us see whether his wealth had not
changed his occupations and taste.
In a letter, written in his 67th year, to his old pupil Bassand,
then appointed Physician to the Emperor of Germany, he speaks thus
of himself:
"My health is very good--I sleep at my country house, and return to
town at five in the morning; I am engaged till six in the evening
in visiting the sick. I know something of chemistry--I amuse myself
with reading--I revere, I love, I adore God alone. On my return
to the country, I visit my plants--and gratefully acknowledge and
admire the liberal presents of my friend Bassend. My garden appears
proud of the variety and vigour of its trees. I waste my life in
contemplating my plants, and grow old with the desire of possessing
new ones--Pleasing delusion! who will give me the large-leaved
linden tree of Bohemia, and that of Silicia, more extraordinary,
with _folio cucullato_. Thus riches serve only to increase the
thirst for wealth, and the covetous man abuses the liberality of his
benefactor. Pardon the dotage of an old friend, who wishes to plant
trees, the beauty and shade of which can charm only his nephews.
Thus my years glide on without any chagrin, but that of your
absence."
How much is there in these few lines! what activity, what zeal for
suffering humanity, what piety; what innocence and vivacity in his
taste, at an age when they are nearly extinct in most men.
[_Literary Panorama._
* * * * *
_Mummies._
Under the mountains adjoining Kiow, on the frontiers of Russia and
in the deserts of Podolia, are several catacombs or subterranean
vaults, which the ancients used for burying places, and where a
great number of human bodies are still preserved entire, though
interred many ages since, having been better embalmed, and become
neither so hard nor so black as the Egyptian mummies. Among them are
two princes in the habits they used to wear. It is thought that this
preserving quality is owing to the nature of the soil, which is dry
and sandy.
[_London Paper._
* * * * *
A correspondent, who observed some time since a publication
relative to the extraction of oil from pumpkin seeds, has recently,
from curiosity, made an experiment of the same on a very limited
scale. He assures us, the extract obtained, is of equal flavour
and sweetness with the best of olive oil. Our correspondent is of
opinion, that the publication alluded to above, originated with
the "Harmony Society," in the state of Pennsylvania; and if so, is
desirous of knowing the best method in practice for extracting the
oil from the seed.
[_Bost. Pat._
* * * * *
There are few sentiments stronger, or more natural to the human
heart, than that of indignation at oppression. So predominant is
it, that it is to be found, not with the good and virtuous only,
but even amongst the most unprincipled and vicious. If there is any
thing that addresses itself to all that is generous in the heart, it
is this sentiment. What is more, it is the solemn duty of every man,
to set his face against injustice.
* * * * *
_New Invention._
We understand a patent has lately been taken out, by a gentleman
from Massachusetts, for an invention which seems to promise
extensive, advantage to navigation, if once fairly brought into
operation. It consists, principally, in a new method for _sub-marine
ploughing_, to any necessary depth, by the power of a steam boat.
When the matter is effectually loosened up and pulverized, it cannot
reasonably be doubted but the rapidity of ebb-tides, united with the
natural current of the rivers, will soon carry it off, and keep the
channel open. The inventor is now in this city, giving a perspicuous
view of his plan, which appears uncommonly simple and practicable.
The advantages of being able to plough open channels through the
shoals which so frequently form in many of our immense rivers,
would, alone, be an object of very great advantage to our southern
and western states; but, when we consider the invention as extending
to opening channels for large ships to enter the harbours and rivers
throughout our whole sea-board, the advantages presented to view are
incalculable.
[_Nat. Int._
* * * * *
The Agricultural Society of Fredericksburg, in Virginia, have drawn
up and transmitted a remonstrance to Congress, against the attempts
making by our Domestic manufacturers, and their friends, to increase
the duties upon foreign goods, wares and merchandise.
* * * * *
In the short space of two years and five months, _One hundred and
twenty miles_ of Artificial Navigation, on two great canals through
the interior of the State of New York have been completed, by which
the physical practicability of uniting the Atlantic Ocean, with the
great western lakes, is rendered no longer doubtful!
* * * * *
_Straw Bonnets._
It is estimated that the value of straw bonnets manufactured in
Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, exceeds 300,000 dollars
in the 1817, and great improvements have latterly been made,--which,
together with the discovery of a vegetable by which the best quality
of Leghorn bonnets are successfully imitated, is likely to render
our fair country-women independent of foreign supplies in this
respect, and at the same time furnish a delicate employment to many
others of their own sex. There are few things that more properly
demand the attention of congress than this manufacture, so far as
its amount goes. As, _gentleman_, certainly they will encourage the
ladies in their industrious habits.
* * * * *
_Phenomena._
_Boston (Mass.) Jan. 5th._
Saturday about noon two very brilliant PARHELIA, (or Mock Suns[22])
and beautiful CORONA, attracted the attention of numerous
spectators. Mock Suns were equidistant from the Sun (by conjecture
about 20° East and West of it) with _comas_, or tails, extending
in opposite directions from the luminary five or six times their
diameter, which appeared to the eye a little less than the apparent
diameter of the Sun. The Corona was estimated to be about 30° to the
northward of the Sun, and nearly in our zenith, and exhibited all
the bright colours of the rainbow, the inside next the Sun being
red. The colour of the Parhelia was orange colour of white flame.
The Corona formed an are of about a quarter of a circle; and between
it and the Sun was a segment less brilliant and defined.
[22] Sailors, we believe, call them _dog suns_.
The atmosphere was unusually clear, and the space between the
Mock Suns, and the real Sun, was a perfect blue expanse, without
the least appearance of the vapour and spicula which must have
occasioned the phenomena. We noticed them nearly an hour, when they
gradually disappeared, leaving a cloudless sky. The phenomena was
observed at Salem.
* * * * *
_A curiosity._--It is stated in an English paper of Nov. 12th, that
Mr. Creswick, of New Street, Birmingham, has a singular article of
cutlery in his possession, viz: a knife which contains 400 _blades_,
and which, before it was put together, consisted of 5000 _parts_.
* * * * *
_Public libraries of Germany._
The royal library of Munich contains a collection of 400,000
volumes. That of Gottingen, which is one of the most celebrated in
Germany, contains 280,000 volumes, 110,000 academic dissertations,
and 5000 manuscripts; the Dresden library contains 250,000 printed
books, 100,000 dissertations, and 4000 manuscripts. The library of
Wolfenbuttel is particularly celebrated for its valuable collection
of ancient works; it contains 190,000 printed volumes, 10,000
dissertations, and 4000 manuscripts. Among the 182,000 volumes which
compose the library of Stutgard, there are 12,000 different editions
of the Bible. There are seven public libraries in Berlin; the two
principal ones are the royal library and the library of the academy;
the former contains 160,000 volumes, and the latter 30,000. It may
be calculated that the total number of books contained in the public
libraries of the German States, amount to upwards of 4,000,000,
besides the various memoirs, pamphlets, periodical publications,
dissertations, and manuscripts.
[_English Paper._
PHILADELPHIA,
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
RICHARDS & CALEB JOHNSON,
_No. 31, Market Street_,
At $3.00 per annum.
GRIGGS & DICKINSON--_Printers, Whitehall_.