"Already!" said Helen, with faltering accents, as she crept to Miss
Starke's side while Leonard rose and bowed. "I am very grateful to you,
madam," said he, with the grace that comes from all refinement of idea,
"for allowing me to see Miss Helen. Do not let me abuse your kindness."
Miss Starke seemed struck with his look and manner, and made a stiff
half courtesy.
A form more rigid than Miss Starke's it was hard to conceive. She was
like the grim white woman in the nursery ballads. Yet, apparently, there
was a good nature in allowing the stranger to enter her trim garden, and
providing for him and her little charge those fruits and cakes, which
belied her aspect. "May I go with him to the gate?" whispered Helen, as
Leonard had already passed up the path.
"You may, child; but do not loiter. And then come back, and lock up the
cakes and cherries, or Patty will get at them."
Helen ran after Leonard.
"Write to me brother--write to me; and do not, do not be friends with
this man, who took you to that wicked, wicked place."
"Oh, Helen, I go from you strong enough to brave worse dangers than
that," said Leonard almost gayly.
They kissed each other at the little wicket gate, and parted.
Leonard walked home under the summer moonlight, and on entering his
chamber, looked first at his rose-tree. The leaves of yesterday's
flowers lay strewn round it; but the tree had put forth new buds.
"Nature ever restores," said the young man. He paused a moment, and
added, "Is it that Nature is very patient?"
His sleep that night was not broken by the fearful dreams he had lately
known. He rose refreshed, and went his way to his day's work--not
stealing along the less crowded paths, but with a firm step, through the
throng of men. Be bold, adventurer--thou hast more to suffer! Wilt thou
sink? I look into thy heart, and I can not answer.
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
[Footnote 5: It may be necessary to observe, that homeopathy professes
to deal with our moral affections as well as with our physical maladies,
and has a globule for every sorrow.]
Monthly Record of Current Events.
UNITED STATES.
Elections for members of Congress, and other officers, have been held,
during the month of August, in the following States: Alabama, Arkansas,
Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, entitled in all
to 50 representatives. These States are now represented by 19 Whigs and
31 Democrats. From the returns that have come to hand up to the day when
we close our Record for the month (August 18), it appears that in these
States the Whigs lose one and gain two members of Congress. The States
which had previously elected representatives have 144 members, of whom
61 are Whigs and 83 Democrats. The States which have still to choose are
Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, and California,
which are entitled to 39 representatives. The delegation of these States
in the last Congress stood 9 Whigs to 30 Democrats. It is therefore
evident that there will be a large Democratic majority in the next
Congress. The results of the recent elections, as far as we are able to
give them, are as follows, liable, however, to correction, in one or two
instances, from the official returns. In _Kentucky_, LAZARUS W. POWELL,
Democrat, is elected Governor, by a small majority; the Whig candidate
for Lieutenant-gov., J.B. THOMPSON, is elected. Both branches of the
Legislature are Whig, which secures a Senator from that party in 1853,
when the term of Mr. UNDERWOOD expires, and another in place of Mr.
CLAY, should he resign his seat, as is confidently asserted to be his
purpose. The Congressional delegation stands five of each party; a
Democratic gain of one member. In _Indiana_ the Whigs have chosen two,
and the Democrats eight members of Congress, a Whig gain of one. The
Legislature is Democratic, by a large majority. In _Alabama_ the main
contest was between the Union and Secession parties. HENRY W. COLLIER,
Democrat, who maintains that a State has the right to secede, is
re-elected Governor, without any regular opposition. The Legislature is
Union by a decided majority. The Congressional delegation consists of
five Unionists, of whom two are Whigs and three Democrats; and two
Secessionist Democrats. In _North Carolina_ the members elected to
Congress consist of six Whigs, of whom one is a Secessionist; and three
Democrats, of whom two are Secessionists. In _Tennessee_ WM. B.
CAMPBELL, Whig, is elected Governor, over the present Democratic
incumbent. The Congressional delegation consists of five Whigs and six
Democrats; a Whig gain of one. The Legislature is said to be Whig, which
will secure to that party the choice of a Senator in place of Mr.
TURNEY, Democrat, whose term expires this year.
The Cuban insurrection has caused considerable excitement, more
especially at the South. General Lopez addressed a public meeting at New
Orleans on the 26th of July. Expeditions in aid of the Cubans are
reported to have sailed from Florida and New Orleans. Among the
adventurers are named a number of the Hungarian refugees.
We have sedulously guarded against suffering our Monthly Record to
assume the character of a chronicle of crime. But we can not omit
noticing the enormous increase of crime, especially of offenses
committed with violence, during the last few months. The extraordinary
number of immigrants who have landed in our country for some months past
begins to produce the effect upon our criminal statistics which was to
be apprehended. It will be observed that a very large proportion of
those arrested for crimes are of foreign origin. The number of
commitments to the New York City prison during the month of July was
1782, of whom 361 were of native, and 1421 of foreign birth. The
statistics of the Alms House present a similar proportion of foreigners.
The crops, taking the whole country together, are represented as
unusually abundant the present season. There are, however, some
important exceptions. In Maryland, Virginia, and throughout a large part
of the South, the maize has suffered severely from drought, and a very
scanty return is anticipated. The tobacco crop in the same States, is
said to be very deficient. It is also anticipated that taking the whole
cotton crop together, it will fall short of the usual quantity, though
in many localities the reports are favorable. In Louisiana, the sugar
plantations suffered greatly from the overflow of the Mississippi in the
early part of the season, which is reported to have affected one-third
of the sugar-estates; since this, the cane has been injured by the
drought. With these important exceptions, the harvest is reported to be
abundant, almost beyond precedent. This is especially the case in New
York, and the wheat-growing portions of the West.
From almost the entire extent of our frontier territories we have
accounts of Indian hostilities. In Texas the valley of the Rio Grande is
terribly annoyed by their depredations. The Seminoles, transplanted to
the Mexican frontier some years since, have shown a disposition hostile
to the Mexicans, and as we are bound by treaty to repress their ravages,
no little annoyance is anticipated in connection with them. In New
Mexico the Camanches, Navajoes, and Pueblos have committed numerous acts
of hostility, and the protection of the whites will demand the utmost
exertions on the part of the new military commandant. Parties of
emigrants proceeding overland to Oregon have been stopped by the
wandering tribes, and contributions demanded for the privilege of
passing through their country. In Oregon hostilities have broken out
with fresh violence. The latest arrivals bring accounts of a number of
hostile engagements, attacks, and massacres. In California difficulties
are by no means at an end. Large numbers of the Indians refuse to enter
into peaceful arrangements, and continue their depredations.
In _South Carolina_ a large meeting was held at Charleston, on the 29th
of July, of those who are in favor of co-operation for the purpose of
resistance, and opposed to separate State action, under present
circumstances. JOHN RUTLEDGE, Esq., was chosen chairman. A letter was
read from Hon. LANGDON CHEVES, approving the object of the meeting,
asserting the right of secession, but affirming that it would not be "a
moral or social one on the part of one Southern State in reference to
sister States at the South." He thought that South Carolina ought to
secede, but not alone; and that a union in favor of secession would take
place. A letter from Hon. J. L. ORR was also read, reflecting in severe
terms upon the spirit manifested by the "actionists" toward the
"co-operationists," as affording a "beautiful commentary" on their
desire "that harmony may be preserved throughout the State;" which was
"the harmony which the wolf gives the lamb." He said, that "when an
issue could be made, these self-appointed leaders would be routed,
overwhelmed by the voice of the people, rebuking their temerity." The
people of the mountain districts "were nearly all ready for resistance
to the Clay Compromise; but they were yet to be convinced that they had
more courage and patriotism than their Georgia and North Carolina
neighbors." A series of resolutions was passed, declaring that the
measures of the Federal Government, taken in connection with the
manifestations of feeling at the North, showed a settled purpose to
deprive the Southern States of their rank as equals in the Confederacy,
and tended to the abolition of slavery and the establishment of a
consolidated government; and that the time had therefore come when the
Union ought to be dissolved, and a Southern Confederacy formed; but that
they would still willingly give trial to any scheme proposed by the
South, short of dissolution, for reinstating them in their rights. That,
as the subject of controversy concerned all the Southern States as much
as South Carolina, the true policy to be observed was concert of action;
and that separate State action was to be deprecated as tending to
alienate the other States and thus "prevent the formation of a Southern
Confederacy;" delay would insure the co-operation of the other States;
while separate action would place South Carolina in the position of a
foreign country; in which case the laws preventing the introduction of
slaves into the United States would subject her "practically to the
Wilmot Proviso in its worst form." Separate action would be "not only
abortive as a measure of deliverance, but if not utterly suicidal in its
effects, in the highest degree dangerous to the stability of our
institutions." The right of secession was affirmed to be essential to
State sovereignty. The approaching State Convention was invoked to take
measures to bring about a Southern Confederacy; and, meanwhile, to
define the relation which South Carolina should hold to the Federal
Government. Messrs. BUTLER and BARNWELL, United States Senators from
South Carolina, spoke in opposition to separate State action; the latter
argued the inability of the State to sustain herself singly in a contest
with the Federal Government, and showed the folly of looking for
countenance and aid to Great Britain. A resolution was offered
pronouncing it to be treason for any citizen of South Carolina to oppose
the authorities of the State, should they decide upon secession. This
was laid upon the table by a decided majority. On the evening preceding
this meeting, the same hall was occupied by a meeting of Southern Rights
Associations, at which, after speeches from Hon. R.B. RHETT, and others,
resolutions were adopted affirming that South Carolina could "wait for
no new issue to be presented; and failing in a reasonable time to obtain
the co-operation of the other Southern States, should withdraw alone
from the Union." Judge RICE spoke in opposition to the meeting to be
held on the ensuing day, and denounced a writer in the _Charleston
Courier_ "who has had the audacity to tell us that the South has no
cause of complaint whatever." He likewise exhorted South Carolina to
"retain her ancient rights, once triumphantly asserted _on the banks of
the Runnymede_."
In _Virginia_, the Convention chosen for that purpose, after a session
of eight months, have framed a Constitution for the State, which is to
be voted upon by the people on the 23d of October. We make the following
abstract of its leading provisions: Every free white male citizen, of
the age of 21 years, who has resided two years in the State, and one
year in the district where he offers his vote, has the right of
suffrage. The General Assembly is to consist of a House of Delegates of
152 members, and a Senate of 50, apportioned between the sections of the
State, by a compromise, of which we have given an account in previous
Numbers of our Record. No person holding a lucrative office, no priest
of any religious denomination, no salaried officer of any banking
company, no attorney for the Commonwealth, is eligible for election to
the General Assembly. The Governor is chosen by popular vote, for four
years, and can not be elected for two successive terms. Judges are
elected by the people for terms of eight and twelve years. Secretary,
Treasurer, Auditor, and a Board of Public Works, are chosen by the
General Assembly. All elections are to be _viva voce_; dumb persons only
to be entitled to vote by ballot. Taxation to be _ad valorem_; slaves
under twelve years of age to be exempt; those over that age to be taxed
for an amount not exceeding that levied upon 300 acres of land, white
males over 21 years of age to pay a capitation tax equal to that upon
200 acres of land; incomes, salaries, and licenses may be taxed at the
discretion of the Legislature. One half of the capitation tax upon white
males is to be devoted to the purposes of primary education. The
liability to the State of any incorporated company can not be released.
The credit of the State can not be pledged for the debts of any
corporation. Lotteries are prohibited. Divorces to be granted by the
courts. Laws to be passed providing for the registration of voters, and
of marriages, births, and deaths, of both whites and blacks; and for
taking a census of the State, at intervals of five years from the dates
of the United States census. Laws may be passed disqualifying those
taking part in a duel, either as principals or seconds, from holding any
office whatsoever of trust or emolument under the Commonwealth; but no
such law to have any retrospective action. Laws may be passed providing
for the relief of the Commonwealth from the free colored population, by
removal or otherwise. Emancipated slaves can not remain more than twelve
months in the Commonwealth, under penalty of being reduced again to
slavery. The Constitution was adopted in the Convention by a vote of 75
to 33; and there is no doubt that it will be accepted by the people; as
the feature in it which allows those who have not the right of suffrage
under the present Constitution, to vote upon the question whether this
right shall be extended, would of itself be sufficient to carry it by a
large majority. The number of members of the House of Delegates was
increased from 150, as was at first agreed upon, to 152, by giving an
additional member to the Eastern county of Fauquier, which had
remonstrated against the apportionment, and instructed its delegates in
the Convention to vote against the Constitution unless two members,
instead of one, were conceded to it. This was agreed to, and an
additional member allowed to the Western county of Monroe; so that there
still remains a Western majority of 14 in the House, and of 4 in joint
ballot.
In _Ohio_ the Democratic State Convention met at Columbus, August 6.
Resolutions were adopted in favor of the new Constitution of the State,
as embodying the "principles cardinal in the Democratic faith: The
election of all officers by the people; the limitation of State
indebtedness, and a provision for the payment of the debt which exists;
equal taxation;" restriction of the powers of the Legislature; and
provisions for repeal. The resolutions on national affairs passed by the
Democratic Conventions of 1848 and 1850, are approved. The present
National Administration is charged with reckless expenditure, violation
of pledges, and indiscriminate proscription. Contrary to the practice of
the Conventions which have been held in other States, no resolutions
were passed bearing upon the Compromise measures. Hon. REUBEN WOOD was
nominated by acclamation for re-election as Governor, and Hon. WM.
MEDILL for Lieutenant-governor.
From _California_ we have full intelligence up to July 14. It reaches us
by the newly opened route across the Isthmus through Lake Nicaragua and
the San Juan River, having been only 29 days in coming from San
Francisco to New York. It is supposed that the time may be reduced to
about 23 days, fully a week less than is required by the Panama route.
The intelligence is of an extremely interesting character. The reports
from the mining districts maintain the same favorable character; but
acts of violence and plunder, by both whites and Indians have become
most alarmingly frequent. Another destructive conflagration--the sixth
within two years--occurred at San Francisco on the 22d of June. Thirteen
blocks of buildings were destroyed, a number of lives lost, and injury
done to property to a very large amount. The accounts transmitted, which
are doubtless exaggerated, state the loss to be two or three millions of
dollars. This, like the previous conflagration, is stated, apparently
upon good grounds, to have been the work of an incendiary. Hostilities
between the whites and Indians are still continued. Terrence Bellew
McManus, one of the Irish exiles, who had made his escape from New South
Wales, was welcomed at San Francisco by a public dinner, which was
attended by many of the leading citizens; the Mayor of the city acted as
chairman. But the most interesting feature in the intelligence from
California is the prompt and vigorous measures taken to repress and
punish outrages against person and property, by means more summary and
sure than those furnished by the ordinary administration of law. In the
early part of June it became demonstrably evident that organized bands
of malefactors, composed of convicts from the English penal settlements,
and desperadoes from every quarter of the globe, were leagued together
for robbery and plunder; who did not hesitate to commit arson and murder
in the prosecution of their designs. The highest crimes became matters
of every-day occurrence, not merely in remote districts, but in the
towns and cities; in San Francisco especially. Under these
circumstances, a large number of the most valuable citizens organized
themselves into a Committee of Vigilance, for the purpose of securing
the punishment of criminals, at all hazards. They opened a room, at
which a certain number of the members, detailed for the purpose, were to
be present day and night. When any offense came to their notice which,
in their opinion, called for the interference of the Committee, all the
members were to be summoned by the ringing of a bell. The members all
pledged themselves to carry into execution the sentence of the majority
of the body so convened. The Committee soon had occasion to inaugurate
their administration by a public execution, so deliberately performed,
and so unflinchingly avowed, as to leave no doubt of their full
determination to carry their designs into effect. On the 10th of June an
English convict from Botany Bay, who gave his name as Jenkins, or
Jennings, was arrested in the act of carrying off a safe which he had
stolen. He was brought before the Committee, by whom he was tried, found
guilty, and sentenced to be hung. This sentence was carried into
execution the same night in the public square. The coroner's jury, who
held an inquest upon the body, named nine members of the Committee as
specially and directly implicated in the execution. A card was
immediately issued, signed by nearly 200 persons, avowing that they, as
members of the Committee of Vigilance, were all participators in the
transaction, equally with those whose names had been given by the
Coroner's jury. The Committee went on adding to their numbers, and
increasing the scope of their operations. Persons known as escaped
convicts were ordered to leave the country within five days; and after a
show of resistance, finding all opposition useless, they complied with
the order. Vessels arriving from the English penal settlements were
boarded in the harbor, and those on board who proved to be escaped
convicts, were warned not to land. The Committee went on to establish a
central and branch offices, organized a patrol, and raised funds for
carrying on their operations. Persons charged with minor offenses were
handed over to the public authorities, the Committee taking care to keep
in their own hands the adjudication of those cases which seemed to
require a prompt decision, thus keeping up the _prestige_ which they had
gained by their first bold act. On the 12th of July a Sidney convict
named Stuart, was brought before the Committee on a charge of robbery.
He proved to be the ringleader of a gang of desperadoes, who had long
infested the country. He was found guilty, and the tolling of the bell
summoned the public to witness the act of execution. The criminal was
brought out, pinioned, and escorted by more than 500 members of the
Committee, and executed in broad day, in the presence of a great crowd,
without show of tumult or resistance. Previous to his death he made a
long confession of the crimes he had committed, and implicated a number
of persons as accomplices. It thus appears that the proceedings of the
Committee, however at variance with the modes of procedure appropriate
to a community living under a settled order of things, have nothing in
common with mob-law or Lynch-law, as ordinarily understood. It is a
summary mode of self-preservation, on the part of the community, where
the ordinary forms of criminal law have proved ineffectual. That they
are inadequate, the state of things that has grown up under them
abundantly demonstrates. As far as we can learn, no charge is brought
against the Committee that in any case their proceedings have been
unjust or precipitate. No criminal confederacy can be a match for an
organization which proceeds in a manner so cool, inflexible, and
unrelenting. The arrest of every desperado renders his confederates more
apprehensive that a clew has been obtained to their complicity.
Punishment follows so unerringly and speedily upon conviction; there is
so little probability that provisions designed as a protection for the
innocent, can be used as a shield for the guilty, that there is every
reason to hope Botany Bay and Sidney will appear as Paradise to their
fugitive criminals, compared with California. From the very nature of
the case, the Vigilance Committee, whose only force is derived from its
moral power, must be a merely temporary arrangement, and we hope the
time will not be far distant when we shall be enabled to record that the
Committee has ceased to exist, along with the state of things to which
it owes its origin, and the necessity arising from which formed its sole
justification. We only add, that the Mayor of San Francisco has issued a
proclamation, in which he urges upon the citizens to withdraw from the
Committee.
In _New York_ a joint call for a State Convention of the Whig party, to
be held at Syracuse on the 10th of September, has been issued by the
Legislative Committee and the State Committees appointed by the Syracuse
and Utica Conventions last year. These Committees have agreed upon a
statement of what they believe to be the sentiments of the great body
of the party in the State, of which the following are the principal:
They are in favor of an economical administration of government; of
strict adherence to the Constitution and the laws; of appropriations for
river and harbor improvements; of protection to American industry by a
discriminating tariff. They are opposed to the extension of slavery over
any territory where it does not now exist; while they recognize the
right of each State to regulate its own municipal affairs. They will
abide by the Constitution and laws, as interpreted by the proper
tribunals; while they assert the right of discussing all laws, and
seeking by constitutional means their repeal or modification; but they
condemn all attempts to resist, defeat, or render ineffectual any law,
State or National, constitutionally passed. They approve of the course
pursued by the National and State Administrations.--Hon. GREENE C.
BRONSON, late Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals has furnished, at
the request of the Governor of the State, an elaborate opinion
respecting the constitutionality of the act lately passed for the
enlargement of the canals. He examines at length the grounds upon which
its constitutionality has been denied, and pronounces them insufficient.
He says that the certificates do not constitute a debt against the
State, since they are payable only out of the revenue of the canals, and
the State incurs no general obligation. It merely assumes a trust; and
can be a debtor only when chargeable with a breach of the trust.
Obligation to pay is essential to a debt; and as the State assumes, no
obligation it incurs no debt. The Constitution appropriates the revenues
of the canals to this enlargement, in such manner as the Legislature
shall direct; the Legislature proposes to anticipate the receipt of
these revenues by transferring them for ready money to individuals. The
provision that "The remainder of the revenues of said canals shall (in
each fiscal year) be applied" to the enlargement, he says must be
understood to mean that the remainder accruing in each year shall be so
applied; not that the remainder shall be applied in each year, which
would be impossible, for the amount of the remainder can not be
ascertained till after the close of the year. After examining in detail
all the arguments adduced, he says that in his opinion "Every thing has
been done which the people, in the Constitution, declared should be
done; that it has been done without contracting a debt, or bringing any
burden upon the people;" and that therefore he "entertains the firm
conviction that the act does not conflict with the fundamental law."
A public dinner was given at New York, July 19, to Archbishop HUGHES, to
welcome him on his return from Europe. In reply to complimentary toasts,
the Archbishop spoke of the honors which he had received abroad, as
having been rendered to him on account of the county and city of his
residence. In speaking of his own official course, he referred to the
ground he had taken on the subject of education, denying that he had
interfered with the instruction of any but the members of his own flock,
in respect to whom he never would consent that education should be
separated from religion, using that term in its broadest sense; for "the
religion of the least desirable denomination in this country, blended
with education, was better than no religious teaching at all." He spoke
in terms of severe reprehension of the present revolutionary party in
Europe, who, he said, had no claims to rank with the founders of this
Republic.--Letters were read in answer to invitations to attend, from
Messrs. CLAY, CASS, WEBSTER, BUCHANAN, SCOTT, HUNT, TANEY, DIX, and
STUART.--Mr. CLAY'S letter concluded as follows: "I should have been
glad by my presence to have demonstrated my conviction that while all
sincere Christians are aiming to arrive at the same state of future
bliss, no matter by what road they may pursue their journey in this
life--nothing should prevent those of one denomination from manifesting
all proper courtesy and honor to eminent piety and devotion in another
denomination."--Mr. WEBSTER wrote that could he have been present, he
should have offered the following sentiment: "Religious toleration and
charity--Let all Christians remember that they have one Lord, one faith,
one baptism."--Among the speeches of the evening was one by CHARLES
O'CONNOR, Esq., of great eloquence, and characterized by a broad and
genial spirit of tolerance, concluding with this sentiment: "The
Catholic Church--May she hereafter, as ever heretofore, tender her faith
to all willing recipients; and force upon mankind nothing but her
charity."
We continue from the August Number our notices of the Commencement
exercises of the principal collegiate institutions of the country. At
_Harvard University_, on the 15th of July, Hon. RUFUS CHOATE delivered
before the Story Law Association an oration replete with the brilliant
and ornate eloquence which characterizes all his public efforts. His
object was to depict some of the leading tendences of public opinion at
the present time in reference to the obligations of law; and to set
forth the duties which devolve upon the members of the legal profession.
Hon. JOHN J. CRITTENDEN, of Kentucky, was elected orator for the next
year; substitutes, REVERDY JOHNSON, of Baltimore, and OGDEN HOFFMANN, of
New York. Rev. Dr. SPRAGUE, of Albany, delivered the oration before the
Phi Beta Kappa Society. His subject was "The American Mind--its Origin
and Destiny." Rev. JOHN PIERPONT recited a poem upon "Progress." The
graduating class numbered 65. There were also 5 graduates from the
Divinity School. The Commencement exercises of _Hamilton College_ were
opened July 20, with a discourse by Prof. HOPKINS of Auburn, before the
Society for Christian Research. Before the different Literary Societies
poems were pronounced by Rev. R.H. BACON and Rev. H.W. PARKER, and an
address by C.B. SEDGWICK, Esq., of Syracuse, upon Progress in General
and Legal Reform in particular. WILLIAM E. ROBINSON, Esq., delivered an
oration upon the subject of "The American People--Who--Whence--and
Whither." In opposition to the prevalent opinion, he argued that this
country was in no sense Anglo-Saxon, and contended stoutly that to his
own Celtic race belongs the glory of forming the main elementary
constituent of the American people. G.P.R. JAMES, the Novelist,
delivered a discourse on the Harmonies of Science, in the course of
which he incidentally spoke of his own intention of becoming a citizen
of the United States. JOHN G. SAXE repeated the brilliant poem which he
had pronounced a few days before at the Commencement of the University
of New York. The graduating class numbered 38. At _Rutgers College_ the
Baccalaureate Address was delivered to a graduating class of 18 members,
by the President, Hon. THEODORE FRELINGHUYSEN. The various Literary
Societies of the College were addressed by WALTER RUTHERFORD, Esq., of
Jersey City, in advocacy of a system of education rendered more
practical by an increased attention to natural science, at the expense
of a diminution of the classic element;--by Mr. DAVID COLE, on the
Necessity of Thorough Study to the production of a well disciplined
Mind;--by Rev. E. DEPEAU, on a Right Improvement of Time;--and by G.W.
BROWN, Esq., who presented some comparative views of the condition of
our own and of other countries; conceding their superiority over us in
the cultivation of the fine arts; but insisting upon countervailing
advantages on our part. At _Yale_ the exercises of the one hundred and
fiftieth Annual Commencement were opened, July 2d, by the _Concio ad
Clerum_, preached by LYMAN ATWATER, D.D., upon Luther's favorite
doctrine of Justification by Faith. DANIEL LORD, Esq., of New York,
delivered the annual oration before the Phi Beta Kappa Society. His
subject was the Influence of the Pulpit and the Bar upon the Community
and upon Social Progress; with special reference to the great
politico-moral questions of the day. DANIEL WEBSTER was elected orator
for next year, and WILLIAM H. SEWARD substitute. The poem was pronounced
by ALFRED B. STREET. It was a graceful sketch of the history of the
Pilgrims, as illustrating their love of liberty. At the meeting of the
Alumni it was announced that Professor KINGSLEY had tendered his
resignation of the Latin Professorship, in pursuance of a resolution
long since formed, to vacate the chair on the completion of the fiftieth
year of his connection with the Faculty of Instruction. The number of
graduates was 92. At _Dartmouth_ an unusually large concourse was
assembled in the expectation that Mr. WEBSTER would be present and take
part in the exercises, it being the fiftieth Commencement since his
graduation. He was not, however, present. The Phi Beta Kappa oration was
delivered by Chief Justice GILCHRIST. The subject of this admirable
oration was Classical Education as one of the best means of Preparation
for the duties of Active Life. In the course of an eloquent delineation
of the Character of Demosthenes, as a statesman and an orator, he said
that Mr. Webster was the man who of all others bore most intellectual
resemblance to the renowned Grecian orator. Mr. SAXE, whose name occurs
more than once in our record of the collegiate exercises of the year,
delivered a poem upon "New England." It was announced that the legacy of
$50,000 left to the College by ABIEL CHANDLER, of Boston, one of the
graduates of Dartmouth, to establish a department for instruction in
practical science and art, had been paid to the college, two years in
advance of the limit allowed by the will of the testator; and that the
department would soon be organized. The graduating class consisted of 43
members. The _University of Vermont_ celebrated its Commencement during
the week beginning August 2. The Baccalaureate Sermon, was preached to a
graduating class of 19, by President SMITH. Apollos, the man "mighty in
the Scriptures," was held up as a pattern and exemplar for those who
were about to commence the battle of life. The Society for Religious
Inquiry was addressed by Rev. HENRY NEILL, of Lenox, Mass. Hon. F.H.
ALLEN, of Boston, addressed the Associated Alumni upon the subject of
Political Economy, not as the mere science of the production and
accumulation of material wealth, but in its nobler aspects, as a
distributor of it among an entire people, and as an instrument in the
formation of the race. Mr. E.P. WHIPPLE, of Boston, the brilliant
Essayist, addressed the Literary Societies, depicting the
characteristics of the English Mind, in a manner worthy of the high
reputation of the orator. Rev. JOHN PIERPONT recited a poem in which the
Yankee Character was keenly anatomized. The Commencement of the
_Wesleyan University_ at Middletown, Conn., occurred August 8. Rev. Dr.
CHEEVER, of New York, addressed the Literary Societies upon "The
Elements of a grand and permanent American Literature." Before the Psi
Upsilon Fraternity a poem was delivered by S.J. PIKE, Esq., and an
oration upon Nationality, by W.G. PRESCOTT, Esq. An address upon
Imagination, by Rev. HENRY WARD BEECHER, and a poem by JOHN J. SAXE,
were delivered before the "Mystical Seven." In connection with this
institution we notice the comparatively large proportion of its Alumni
who have entered the clerical profession, or have become teachers. Of
the 429 graduates, 125 have become clergymen, 25 lawyers, and 16
physicians; 4 have become presidents of colleges, 18 professors, 34
principals of seminaries of learning, and 72 teachers. At _Union
College_, the Theological Society was addressed by LUTHER F. BEECHER,
D.D., upon the Choice of a Profession; the Senate by Hon. MITCHELL
SANFORD, on the Battle of Life. The Phi Beta Kappa oration was by Rev.
T.M. CLARK, of Hartford. E.P. WHIPPLE, the Essayist, delivered before
the Literary Societies the oration, subsequently repeated at the
University of Vermont, on the English Mind. Rev. Dr. HICKOK, of Auburn
Theological Seminary was elected Professor of Moral Philosophy and
Vice-president of the College. The number of graduates was 76.
The number of subscribers to the ART UNION, whose names were registered
prior to July 30, is 5295, an increase of 1732 above those of the
corresponding period last year.--The plaster-models of the celebrated
statues of Christ and the Twelve Apostles, by THORWALDSEN, the marble
copies of which adorn the principal church in Copenhagen, have been
purchased by a gentleman of this city, and will be shortly exhibited
here. They will be accompanied by one or two other works of the great
Danish sculptor.--A colossal statue, in bronze, of DEWITT CLINTON, is to
be erected in Greenwood Cemetery, from a model by H.K. BROWN.--From the
_Bulletin of the Art Union_ we learn that Mr. HUNTINGTON accompanied by
Mr. GRAY, has gone to England. Mr. Gray took with him three of his
paintings: _The Wages of War; Dolce far Niente_, a half-length female
figure; and _Quiet Influences_, a cabinet picture, representing a lady
seated at a window surrounded by books and instruments of music.--The
Art Union is in daily expectation of a _Holy Family_, painted for it by
Mr. PAGE, in Italy. This artist has also shipped to this country a
_Psyche_, taken from a bust by Powers; a copy from Titian's portrait of one
of the Dukes of Urbino; and a _Study of Florentine Nature_.--GREENOUGH'S
group of the Pioneer, designed for the Capitol, of which we gave a
description some months since, is nearly completed.
The steamer Atlantic, the first of the Collins line, whose apprehended
loss, some eight months since, caused such a general feeling of anxiety
throughout the country, and the tidings of whose safety diffused such
universal joy, has again made her appearance in our waters. She was
greeted by cheers long and loud from a great crowd who had assembled to
bid her welcome. At the hour of her arrival from the East, JENNY LIND
was approaching our city from the North. The moment she heard of the
arrival of the steamer, she hastened to the wharf, to greet the
reappearance of the noble vessel, which conveyed her to our shores.
During the month of July the number of immigrants who arrived at the
port of New York was 30,034; of whom about 20,000 were from Great
Britain and Ireland, 4500 from Germany, and 4700 from France.
A convention has been called to meet at New Orleans, to consider the
propriety of taking measures for the construction of a system of
railroads, to connect the States upon the Gulf of Mexico with those of
the West and Northwest. The convention is to be held on the first Monday
in January.
A convention of free people of color has been held at Indianapolis, Ia.,
to deliberate upon matters relating to their interests and prospects as
a class. The convention while insisting upon their right to remain in
this country, passed resolutions affirming the expediency of emigrating,
provided that the laws should become intolerably burdensome to them.
Among the places mentioned as suitable for them to colonize were Canada,
Mexico, Jamaica, and Central America. They expressed a strong
disinclination to emigrate to Liberia.
A treaty has been concluded with the Sioux Indians, by which they cede
to the United States a tract of land in Minnesota, estimated to contain
21,000,000 acres. They reserve to themselves a tract in Upper Minnesota,
100 miles by 20 in extent. They are to receive $305,000 after their
removal to their reservation; and an annual payment of $68,000 a year,
for fifty years.
Mr. BRACE, the American traveler who was arrested and imprisoned in
Hungary, on suspicion of being engaged in plots against the Austrian
Government, has been set at liberty, through the interposition of the
American Charge at Vienna. He has published in several papers, of which
he is correspondent, statements setting forth the harsh treatment to
which he was subjected.
The project of introducing steam communication between New York and
Galway in Ireland, has by no means been abandoned. The Midland Great
Western Railway Company offer a bonus of L500 to the first vessel which
shall deliver her mails at Galway within nine days from her departure
from New York; and an additional sum of L10 for every hour that the
passage falls short of nine days.
A recent arrival at New York has brought 47 Hungarian refugees, of whom
15 were companions of Kossuth at Kutaiah. We find in the European papers
statements that the period of his detention is to expire on the first of
September, when he will be at liberty to go to any part of the world. He
himself, it is evident, entertains no such expectation. In a letter,
dated May 4, to Mr. Homes, American Charge at Constantinople, he says
that no reliance is to be placed upon these reports; and that he is
doomed to perish in captivity. He complains bitterly that the promises
of hospitality which were made to him when he entered the Turkish
dominions, have not been fulfilled. The so-called release of the greater
portion of refugees who accompanied him, instead of being an act of
generosity, is, he says, but an aggravation of the injustice and perfidy
practiced toward him. A great number of exiles wished to share his fate;
but permission was granted to only 23. These, with the exception of
five, were forced to leave him, in spite of their urgent remonstrances.
His request to be allowed to send his children to the United States, in
accordance with the offer of our Government, was denied. Appended to the
letter of Kossuth, is the protest of the refugees, declaring the order
for their separation from Kossuth to be unjust, cruel, and contrary to
the law of nations. They affirm they will only obey it when executed by
actual force.
The 4th of July was celebrated at Turks Island with great good feeling.
British, as well as American subjects were present; and Mr. SPEER, the
British Comptroller of Customs, who presided at the dinner, upon the
invitation of the American consul, offered the following toast: "The
Fourth of July--The day above all others in the political calendar to be
revered by the Americans; and in the celebration of which the most loyal
subjects of her Majesty may properly join."
Mr. WILLIAM RAGLAND, of Virginia, who died in 1849, by his last will and
testament emancipated all his slaves, 90 in number, leaving to them also
the plantation upon which he had resided: or, in case it should be made
illegal for them to remain upon it, the estate was to be sold, and the
proceeds to be employed in settling the slaves elsewhere. The property
thus bequeathed is stated to be worth $50,000. The will was contested by
the relatives of the testator, but its validity has been established by
the Supreme Court sitting at Richmond.
Soundings have been made by the officers of the navy, from which it
appears that the depth of water in the Gulf of Mexico is about a mile,
and that of the Great Atlantic basin, from the capes of Virginia to the
Island of Madeira, about five and a half miles.
There is no little excitement in portions of Texas, arising from the
escape of slaves into Mexico, and the refusal of the Mexican authorities
to surrender them. The number of fugitives is said to amount to 2000.
Threats are made of seizing them by an armed force.
At a conference held by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, with the
Sioux and other Indian tribes, with a view to effect a treaty, a repast
was given to these genuine Native American Red Republicans. The
following are the names of the guests: Hawk-that-hunts-walking,
Sound-of-earth-walking, Red-Eagle, Good-Thunder, The-Wounded, Arrow, Big
Fire, The-Crow, Goes-Flying, Sham-Boy, Eagle Head, Iron-Toe-Nails,
Big-Cloud, Brown-Cloud, Round-Wind, War-Club-of-big-Voice, Earth,
Makes-his-Track.
The first book printed in the State of New York was the Constitution of
the State. It was printed in 1777 by Samuel Loudon, at Fishkill. A copy
of this very rare edition is in possession of Hon. G.C. Verplanck.
SOUTHERN AMERICA.
From _Mexico_ our intelligence continues to be of the most gloomy
character. We have accounts of risings and insurrections in various
States, which do not seem to be parts of any general system, but
isolated and unconnected outbreaks, arising from the decay of all
settled authority. The Government is terribly distressed for the
pecuniary means of carrying on its operations. The Minister of Finance
has addressed a circular to the Governors of the different States,
asking them to co-operate in the measures he has proposed for the supply
of the necessities of Government. He has proposed a plan for augmenting
the revenues, which has been favorably reported upon by committees of
both Houses. He proposes a territorial impost; a general capitation tax;
an augmented duty upon the circulation and export of silver; and a duty
upon the consumption of tobacco. The foreign creditors of the Government
grow clamorous for their dues. The British Minister notifies the
Government that unless prompt measures are taken, so that he shall be
enabled to transmit by the next packet intelligence of a satisfactory
arrangement with the English creditors, decisive measures will be
resorted to. The French and Spanish Ministers, in order not to lose
their share of the spoil, in the event of the total wreck of the ship of
state, give notice that their Governments will follow, in this respect,
the example of the British. In the mean time the relations of Mexico and
the United States are liable at any moment to take a hostile turn,
owing to the action of the Mexican Government in annulling the grant
made to Garray, in relation to the Tehuantepec Railway, whose rights
have passed into the hands of American citizens. As this affair is
likely to prove of ultimate importance, we present a statement,
involving, as we believe, all the essential facts of the case: In March,
1842, Santa Anna being President, a grant of land and valuable
privileges was made to Don Jose Garray, to enable him to establish steam
communication across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the possession of his
rights being guaranteed to his successors, whether natives or
foreigners. In February, 1843, Bravo being President, an order was
issued that Garray should be put in possession of the lands promised
him, which was done. In October of the same year, Santa Anna being again
President, a decree was issued, stating that Garray had completed his
surveys, and ordering the departments in which the work was situated to
furnish him with 300 convicts to carry on the work. In December of the
same year, the time for commencing the works, which was to expire July
1, 1844, was extended for one year. During the course of the year 1845,
Garray asked for a further extension of time, and certain additional
exemptions and privileges. While his request was under favorable
consideration by the Mexican Congress, a revolution occurred in Mexico,
by which Salas was invested with supreme dictatorial power. He issued a
decree still further extending the time for the commencement of the work
till November 5, 1848, previous to which period, it is claimed by the
Company that the work had been actually commenced: this statement,
however, is disputed; it being asserted that for months afterward the
first blow of a spade had not been struck. Meanwhile in 1846-47, Garray
had transferred his right to Manning and Mackintosh, British subjects
residing in Mexico, the transfer being recognized by the Mexican
Government. During the negotiations for peace between Mexico and the
United States, the sum of $15,000,000 was offered by the latter for the
right of way across the Isthmus, which was declined, on the ground that
the right had been already disposed of. Thereupon Mr. P.A. Hargous, an
American citizen, purchased the right of Manning and Mackintosh, and
formed a company to carry on the work. Apprehensive of obstacles arising
from the instability of the Mexican Government, the Company made
overtures for the purpose of placing the work under the joint protection
of the American and Mexican Governments; and also desired to make new
surveys, not feeling full confidence in those which had been made. A
treaty was drawn up in accordance with the request; this draft not being
satisfactory, it was returned to Mexico to be amended. In the mean time
a new Government had been inaugurated, with whom a new treaty was
negotiated, which was accepted by the Company, whose acceptance was made
a condition precedent to the ratification. This treaty was ratified by
the United States Senate, and transmitted to Mexico for ratification. In
the meanwhile, a change took place in the policy of the Mexican
Government, who doubtless began to look with apprehension upon the
bestowal of so extensive privileges upon Americans. A law was passed
annulling the decree of Salas, by which a delay of two years was granted
for the commencement of the work, on the ground that he had no power to
make such a decree, involving as it did a virtual grant of a
considerable amount of the territory of the nation. If the decree of
Salas was annulled, the grant to Garray became invalid, because the
work had not been commenced at the prescribed time. The Company
contend, on their part, that the decree of Salas, under which they hold
their claim, was passed by the actual Government of the country, all of
whose other acts have been recognized as of binding force; and that
under this decree they have made large expenditures. They manifest a
determination to persevere in the accomplishment of the enterprise, in
spite of all the force which the Mexican Government can bring against
them. Communications, the purport of which has not transpired, have been
made by the Government of the United States to that of Mexico, in
relation to this subject. The American Minister, Mr. Letcher, who has
been long detained from his post by ill-health will probably soon return
to Mexico, when it is hoped that this vexatious and intricate affair may
be peaceably arranged.
From _South America_ there is little of special interest. A Brazilian
fleet has made its appearance on the river Plata, but have as yet made
no demonstrations from which their designs can be inferred. A blockade
of the ports of the Argentine Republic is thought probable. In _Chili_
the approaching elections were the occasion of no little excitement. The
right of suffrage is vested in Chilians by birth or naturalization, who
possess a certain amount of property or income, are able to read and
write, and have attained the age of 25 years, if unmarried, or 21 years,
if married. Efforts are made to introduce railroad communication in
Chili and Peru. In _New Granada_, the imposition of a forced loan by
Government has occasioned some revolutionary symptoms, confined
apparently to the southern provinces. The Panama papers of July 21, hint
that any attempt to levy the loan in that city would be the signal of
insurrection, "as it was the firm determination of many of the natives,
as well as the foreign population, not to allow a soldier to enter the
gates of Panama for the purpose of executing the obnoxious decree." The
same papers contain accounts of horrible atrocities committed in the
revolted provinces. Yet the general condition of the State is
represented to be flourishing; the revenue showing a large increase
above that of the previous year.
In _Jamaica_ great complaints are made of the deficiency of labor, owing
to which, one-third of the produce will be lost, for the want of labor
necessary to secure it. Public attention is directed to the free colored
population of the United States, of whom it is said "America could
supply a hundred thousand of these, every one of whom would be useful as
an inhabitant, if he were not valuable as an agriculturist; and if none
but the really industrious were engaged to emigrate, we are of opinion
that a most valuable addition might be made to the population of
Jamaica." A letter from Mr. CLAY to a gentleman in London is published,
favoring the project, though he fears that considerable difficulty would
be experienced in inducing them to emigrate. He also calls the attention
of the West Indians to the fact that the Chinese who have been brought
to Cuba, and elsewhere, form a very valuable class of laborers. A
portion of the Baptist Society having become dissatisfied with their
pastor, and being unable to dissolve the connection, attempted to
demolish the Mission House and Chapel; but were prevented by the
authorities, aided by the military. Twenty-seven of the rioters were
tried and convicted, and sentenced to the penitentiary for terms of from
three to nine months. The house of the pastor was afterward attacked,
and his furniture destroyed.
In _Cuba_ an insurrection broke out in the early part of July at Puerto
Principe, in the eastern part of the island. On the 4th a
_pronunciamiento_ was issued, signed by three individuals, purporting to
be the manifesto of the Liberating Society of Puerto Principe. In the
glowing style which seems natural to the Spanish-American race, it sets
forth the grievances of the Cubans, which are doubtless but too real;
enumerates the resources for resistance at their disposal, among which
are the unanimous determination of the Cubans of all colors; aid from
the kindred races in South America; sympathy and assistance from the
United States; and a climate hostile to European troops. The island of
Cuba is therefore declared free and independent; and the islanders
affirmed to owe no allegiance except to those who, awaiting the general
suffrage of the people, charge themselves with the civil and military
command. The report of these proceedings caused great alarm and
excitement at Havana; but we have yet no means of forming any decisive
opinion as to the extent of the rising. On the one hand, the official
bulletins of the Government represent it as a trifling affair which was
at once put down; giving full particulars of names, dates, and places.
The same mails which bring these dispatches, are loaded down with
letters from the same places, and of the same dates, announcing a
general rising; that the troops of the Government are every where
defeated, and deserting to the popular cause. The Cuban exiles in this
country profess to put implicit faith in the reliability of these
accounts, which they say are confirmed by secret letters. At present the
probability is that the movement has been unsuccessful.
GREAT BRITAIN.
The American Steamer Baltic arrived at New York August 16, having made
the passage in nine days, fourteen hours, and twenty minutes, apparent
time; or, adding the difference of time between the ports, in nine days,
eighteen hours and forty-five minutes, actual time, This is the shortest
passage ever made. In addition to what is stated below, she brings the
news of the passage of the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill in the House of
Lords, and its receipt of the royal signature; so that it has now become
a law.
As the session of Parliament approaches its close, the proceedings begin
to assume some features of interest. The bill to alter the form of the
oath of abjuration, so as to allow Jews to sit in Parliament passed the
Commons with little opposition, its opponents contenting themselves with
expressing their abhorrence of the measure, but leaving to the Peers the
ungracious task of excluding from the other House members duly chosen,
whom that House was anxious to receive; and that by a mere formal test,
designed for quite a different purpose. In the Upper House, as was
foreseen, the bill was lost. Only two of the bishops took part in the
discussion, both of whom were in favor of the bill. Dr. WHATELY, the
distinguished Archbishop of Dublin, advocated the removal of the Jewish
disabilities, on the ground that Christianity did not meddle with
temporalities; and that the free choice by electors of their
representatives should not be interfered with. The Bishop of NORWICH
considered the restriction to be prejudicial, rather than beneficial to
Christianity. Against the bill it was urged that Parliament ought to
maintain its Christian character, and that the Jews were of necessity
opponents of Christianity. The bill was thrown out by a vote of 144 to
108. Immediately after the rejection, Mr. SALOMONS, a Jew, who had been
elected member from Greenwich, appeared at the bar of the House of
Commons, and requested to be sworn on the Old Testament. He took the
oaths of allegiance and supremacy as required; but in the oath of
abjuration, for the concluding words, "on the true faith of a
Christian," he substituted "so help me God." The Speaker decided that he
had not taken the oath, as required, and ordered him to retire without
the bar of the House. This he did after some delay, amidst a scene of
great uproar. At the next meeting he appeared and took his seat within
the bar of the House, and proceeded to vote upon three questions that
came up; thus rendering himself liable to a penalty of L1500. Amidst
great disorder and confusion, he was ordered by a vote of the House, 281
to 81, to withdraw, upon which he was removed by the sergeant-at-arms.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL then moved a resolution, similar to that passed last
year in the case of Baron Rothschild, that Mr. Salomons was not entitled
to sit in the House until he had taken the oath of abjuration according
to law. A meeting was subsequently held of the constituents of Baron
Rothschild, at which he was requested to persist in claiming his seat.
Proceedings have been instituted against Mr. Salomons to recover the
penalty incurred by voting in the House. This will bring the whole
matter before the legal tribunals. It is contended by some of the ablest
counsel that all the essential requirements of the law were complied
with, the precise wording of the oath being merely formal.
The Ecclesiastical Titles Bill, which was so ostentatiously put forward
as the leading measure of the session, passed through its final stage in
the Commons, very tamely, a thin House being present. During the
progress of the bill, in spite of the opposition of the Ministers, it
had been rendered more stringent by the addition of two clauses; one of
which provided that the publication of any bull, brief, rescript, or
other Papal document should subject the publisher to a fine of L100; the
other clause empowered any informer, with the sanction of the law
officers of the Crown, to bring an action for a violation of the
provisions of the bill. Lord JOHN RUSSELL moved the omission of these
clauses, but was defeated. While this vote was taken, the Irish members
left the House, and did not return in time to vote upon the final
passage of the bill, which passed by 263 to 46, a majority of 217. Less
than one half of the members of the House voted. A motion was made, and
lost, that the bill should be entitled "A Bill to prevent the free
exercise of the Roman Catholic Religion in Ireland." Mr. GRATTAN in
moving it, said that the Catholics were delighted to see the bill as it
was, as they wished it to be as discreditable, as tyrannical, and as
unpalatable as it could be made. As the same penalty was attached to the
introduction of bulls as to the assumption of titles, they would be
able, more or less, to violate the provisions of the bill; and, by the
blessing of God, they would violate it as often as possible. Mr.
GLADSTONE, a Tory and High-Churchman, undoubtedly the most able
statesman now in Parliament, protested solemnly against the passage of
the bill, as hostile to the institutions of the country, and to the
Established Church, which it taught to rely upon other support than
spiritual strength and vitality; as tending to weaken the authority of
law in Ireland; as disparaging the principle of religious freedom; and
destroying the bonds of concord and good-will between different classes
and persuasions of her Majesty's subjects. In the Upper House the bill
passed to a second reading by a vote of 265 to 38; within a single vote
of seven to one in its favor. Among those who voted against the bill, we
observe the names of Brougham, Aberdeen, and Denman. The Pope has
recently filled up several of the bishoprics, in accordance with the
decree of Sept. 28, 1850, which occasioned the excitement to which the
Ecclesiastical Titles Bill owes its origin.
A bill, making some alterations in the Chancery system, is under
discussion. Lord BROUGHAM made a speech upon it, urging the absolute
necessity of a thorough reconstruction of that court. It was his last
speech for the session, the state of his health compelling him to take
his leave. He had struggled to the last, in the hope of assisting in the
passage of a measure to which his whole life had been devoted.
Leave has been granted to bring in a bill for the introduction of the
ballot into parliamentary elections. The object of the bill is to
protect voters from intimidation in the exercise of the franchise; and
to diminish the inducements to bribery, by rendering it impossible for
the purchaser of a vote to ascertain whether or not the elector has
fulfilled his bargain.
Ecclesiastical affairs, in one form or another, awaken no little
interest. The Bishop of Exeter's diocesan synod supported that prelate's
views, which are opposed to those of the great majority of the Episcopal
Bench. The question of a Convocation, to decide upon points in
controversy, is agitated; but there is a prevailing apprehension that
the result would be any thing but harmonious. A motion was made in the
Commons for an address to the Queen, urging the adoption of measures to
supply the rapidly increasing spiritual wants of the people. In
connection with this motion, some startling charges were made of abuses
in the management of the ecclesiastical funds. Some years ago it was
determined that the bishops should receive fixed incomes, varying from
L4,500 to L15,000 a year; and that the surplus revenues of their sees
should be paid over to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, to be expended
for Church purposes. It was shown by indisputable statistics, that in a
number of instances the bishops had retained more than they were
entitled to. Specific charges of a still graver nature were made, that
they had used the estates of their bishoprics in such a manner as to
benefit themselves and their friends, at the expense of their sees.
These charges were shown to be more or less erroneous; but a general
impression prevails that the explanations given are far from
satisfactory, and that great abuses exist. On the whole, this is
regarded as the most severe blow that has yet been aimed at the
Establishment.
Lord PALMERSTON announced in Parliament, that the African slave-trade,
north of the Line, was now almost entirely extinct; and the natives who
had hitherto been engaged in it, were turning their attention to the
traffic in the productions of the country, such as palm-oil,
ground-nuts, and ivory. This result he attributed to the vigilance of
the English, French, American, and Portuguese cruisers, together with
the rapid progress made by the Republic of Liberia. Brazil has
heretofore been the principal market for slaves; but owing to the
efficient action of the Government, it has been nearly closed within the
last few months. He was confident that the suppression of the
slave-trade would be permanent, provided the vigilance of the preventive
squadrons was kept up for a while longer.
The returns of the Irish census show an amount of depopulation even
greater than had been anticipated. The following is a comparison of some
of the details with those of the census of 1841:
1841 1851
Inhabitants 8,175,124 6,515,794 1,659,330 decrease
Families 1,472,287 1,207,002 265,285 "
Houses Inhabited 1,328,839 1,047,735 281,104 "
" Building 3,313 2,113 1,200 "
" Uninhabited 52,208 65,159 12,951 increase.
The decrease in the number of houses is quite as startling a fact as
that of the population, and probably represents with tolerable accuracy
the number of evictions effected by the demolition of the cabins of the
peasantry. The rate of depopulation does not vary very materially in the
different sections of the island. The large towns only show any
increase, indicating that the evicted peasantry, driven from their
former residences, take refuge in the cities. The entire increase of
population in the British Islands is but about 600,000. The large cities
have increased more than this; so that the number of the rural
population of the kingdom is less than it was ten years ago. The
population of Ireland in 1821, was 6,801,827; in 1831, 7,667,401; in
1841, 8,175,124; in 1851, 6,515,794; so that it is now nearly 300,000
less than it was thirty years since. The emigration from Ireland during
the last ten years, is estimated at about 1,300,000, of which probably
1,000,000 came directly or indirectly to the United States. Considering
that the emigrants, to a great extent, are the most active and energetic
of the inhabitants, it is safe to conclude that one-third of the
effective strength of the island has been transferred across the
Atlantic in ten years.
A meeting of authors and publishers was held July 1, to consider the
present aspect of the copyright question. Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton
presided and made the opening speech. He said that the recent decision
of Lord Campbell ruined all prospect of international copyright with
France and America, for foreigners would not buy what they could get for
nothing. The effect on literature would be disastrous. In America, where
they get the works of Macaulay for nothing, they are ceasing, he said,
to produce any solid works of their own. Cooper and Irving belong to a
past generation, and with the exception of Mr. Prescott none are rising
to take their place. A resolution was passed, on the motion of Mr. Bohn,
the publisher, to the effect that the decision of Lord Campbell must
prove prejudicial to the interests of British literature, because it
removes the main inducement for foreign states to consent to an
international copyright.
A grand entertainment was given by the Mayor and Corporation of London,
July 9, in honor of the Exhibition. It was attended by the Queen in
state. Great preparations were made to insure a splendid reception; the
streets through which the royal cortege passed were brilliantly
illuminated. But the whole entertainment seems to have been a tasteless
and fussy affair. Among the wines furnished for the royal table was
sherry which had been bottled for the Emperor Napoleon, at a cost of
L600 the pipe; it was 105 years old.
Mr. Peabody, a distinguished American banker residing in London, gave a
splendid entertainment on the 4th of July, at "Willis's Rooms," the very
shrine of the ultra-fashionable world of London, to the American
Minister and a large company of English, American, and foreign guests.
It was designed to show that this day might be rather a pledge of
good-will, than a gage of strife. The most notable incident was the
attendance of the Duke of Wellington.
The Exhibition still continues as successful as ever. The receipts
already far exceed the L300,000, which was the utmost limit conceived
possible a few weeks since. The greatest number of visitors in a single
day was on the 15th of July, when they numbered 74,000. At one time
there were present 61,000 people, equal to the population of a
considerable city. A movement hostile to the permanent retention of the
Crystal Palace upon its present site has been commenced, mainly by the
owners of property in its vicinity. The clergy resident in the district
oppose its continuance on grounds of morality. It has been decided to
allow the building to remain during the winter, in order to test its
adaptation for a winter garden.
FRANCE.