the ground that he is not a native of that republic. An especial
congress has been summoned to decide the question, but so violent is
party spirit between his partisans and those of Vivanco, that
apprehensions of a civil war are entertained.
CUBA is in a state of intense excitement in regard to the anticipated
invasion. The flower of the Spanish army, to the number, as it is said,
of 40,000 men, are concentrated on the island, which is encircled by the
entire disposable naval forces of Spain. The steamer Georgia, on her
late trip, had the misfortune to run aground at the mouth of the
Mississippi, by which she suffered a considerable detention. It was
reported and believed at Havana that she was lying off for the purpose
of taking on board the marauding expedition. On the day of her arrival,
a man was executed for having endeavored to procure pilots for Lopez. He
had been previously subjected to torture, in order to extort a
confession. This is the first public execution that has taken place for
political offenses.
From HAYTI we have the particulars of a conspiracy against the Emperor
Soulouque, in which a number of officers of the Government were
implicated. Many arrests and some executions have taken place in
consequence. The attempt of the American Commissioner and the French and
English Consuls to settle the controversy between the Haytians and
Dominicans, is supposed to have been unsuccessful. The Government has
declined to pay the claims of certain American merchants to which our
Government has repeatedly called its attention.
GREAT BRITAIN.
The event of the month has been the opening of the Great Exhibition. As
if to concentrate attention upon it, all other affairs of interest have
been withdrawn from the stage. No little surprise and indignation were
aroused by the announcement made on the 15th of April, that the Queen
would open the Exhibition in person, but that the holders of tickets and
exhibitors would be excluded from the ceremony. Those who had purchased
tickets for the express purpose of being present at the opening, were
naturally indignant at losing the most interesting part of the show. The
press was unanimous in condemnation of the contemplated exclusion. It
was denounced as an unworthy insinuation that the person of the Queen
would not be secure in public; and as giving countenance to certain
absurd rumors of a projected insurrection. The opposition was so general
that the offensive announcement was withdrawn, and a new programme
substituted, in accordance with which holders of season tickets were
allowed to be present. The rush for these was so great, that the
Commissioners immediately raised the price another guinea. The Queen
proved a greater attraction than Jenny Lind had ever been. We can only
glance at the opening ceremonies. Early in the morning the exhibitors
took their places at their stands; and the spectators came trooping in.
At half-past eleven the Commissioners, foreign and domestic, stationed
themselves in front of a platform of state, under the arch of the
transept. Upon the platform were the Archbishop of Canterbury, the
Ministers and great Officers of State, the Embassadors and Ministers
from foreign Powers, in full dress. At high noon, the royal cortege
entered the Crystal Palace, the choir upraising the national anthem of
"God save the Queen." Then came addresses to the Queen from the
Commissioners and the foreign Embassadors, to which the Queen read
answers handed to her by the Secretary of State; then followed a prayer
pronounced by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and an anthem; a marching in
procession along the nave; a return to the platform, and the
announcement by the Queen that the Exhibition was opened, proclaimed to
the thousands without by a flourish of trumpets and a royal salute from
the park.
Among the visitors to the Crystal Palace during the preparations, was
the Duke of Wellington. Once as he entered the French department, the
workmen uncovered two small silver statuettes of the duke himself and
his great rival Napoleon. The bearded foreigners raised their hats to
the conqueror of Waterloo, who, returning a military salute, passed on.
The proceedings of Parliament are not wholly destitute of interest. A
motion was offered by Mr. Disraeli to the effect, that in the
re-adjustment of taxation, due regard should be had to the distressed
condition of the agricultural classes. This was looked upon as a covert
attack upon the principle of free-trade and upon the Ministers. The
Ministers had a majority of only 13 in a house of 513.--The income-tax
has been renewed for the third time, by a vote of 278 to 230.--Mr. Locke
King's bill for extending the franchise, upon the first reading of
which, in February, the Ministers suffered the defeat which led to their
resignation, came up for a second reading, April 2. It was lost by an
overwhelming majority--299 to 83.--Lord John Russell introduced a motion
that the House should resolve itself into a committee to consider the
mode of administering the oath of abjuration to persons professing the
Jewish religion. It was a simple question whether religious belief
should disqualify men for the exercise of civil rights and political
power. The proposed alteration consists merely in omitting from the
oath, when tendered to Jews, the words, "on the true faith of a
Christian." The motion was vehemently opposed by one or two ultra
members. Sir Robert Inglis took occasion to remind the House that "the
Jews regarded him whom we regarded as our Redeemer, as a crucified
impostor." Mr. Newdegate thought that the Pope might well think it safe
to adopt the course he had recently pursued, when he saw the British
Government and one branch of the Legislature ready to put an end to the
last remnant which distinguished it as a Christian assembly. The motion
prevailed by a vote of 166 to 98. It will pass the Commons, but be lost
in the House of Peers; and Baron Rothschild be as far as ever from his
seat in Parliament.--Lord Ashley proposed a bill to encourage the
establishment of lodging-houses for the laboring classes. It empowers
the authorities of cities and towns to erect buildings for this purpose
and to levy a small tax to defray the cost. When the sum expended shall
have been met by the proceeds of the rents, the surplus rental, after
defraying expenses and the cost of repairs, is to be applied in aid of
the poor rates of the place. Startling statistics are presented, setting
forth the condition of the laboring classes in this respect, and the
consequent disease and immorality.--The subject of the management of the
colonies excites no small interest. A most elaborate speech has been
made on this subject in the House of Commons by Sir William Molesworth.
He proposes that all the colonies, with the exception of those which
possess a peculiar value as military stations, such as Gibraltar and St.
Helena, and the penal colonies, should be made to pay the expense of
their own government and protection; and that ample powers of
self-government should be given them. The speech, which discussed all
the details of the subject, was listened to with great attention. Lord
John Russell, in reply, contended that difference in race would of
itself prevent the colonies from profiting by free constitutions; and if
the national troops were withdrawn, the colonies would fall into hands
hostile to the mother country.
Lord Torrington, whose course as Governor of Ceylon, had been brought
into question in the Commons, defended himself in the House of Peers in
a labored speech. His conduct in declaring and enforcing rigid martial
law, during a native insurrection, was defended by Earl Grey, who
referred to the Duke of Wellington as having been obliged, under similar
circumstances, to adopt measures of great severity. The "Iron Duke"
sharply protested against being brought into comparison, and denied that
he had ever been placed in similar circumstances; as he had never been
suspected of acting as Lord Torrington was charged with having done. To
govern by martial law was to do so by the sole authority of the military
commander; but in such circumstances he had always acted on the
principle, that the government should be conducted in accordance with
the laws of the country itself.
The election of Member from Aylesbury, to fill the vacancy occasioned by
the death of the late Lord Nugent, the biographer of Hampden, has been
declared void, on account of bribery by Mr. Calvert, the successful
candidate. A new election was ordered.
A dinner has been given to Lord Stanley by a large number of Members of
Parliament, in the course of which he made a speech which derives some
importance from the great probability that he will in a few months be
placed at the head of the Government. The gist of the speech was the
assertion of the principle of "moderate duties on foreign imports, at
once to afford a certain check to the unlimited importation of foreign
articles, and at the same time to obtain from foreigners, in imitation
of all other nations, a contribution toward the revenue of the State,
and enable us to take off other taxes." This points to a renewal of the
corn-laws. He also criticised the conduct of Government in relation to
the "Papal Aggression," ridiculing the bill proposed as a "little
microscopic measure."
There is rather more trouble than usual in the Established Church. More
secessions to Rome are announced, some of them being men of rank. One
clergyman falls into an unseemly dispute at the font with the nurse and
parents of an infant brought for baptism, as to whether the child's cap
shall be removed. Neither will yield, and the ceremony is left
unfinished. Another is suspended for addressing Cardinal Wiseman as
"Your Eminence." Another will not read the burial service over the
corpse of a dissenter. The vigilant Bishop of Exeter in a Pastoral
Letter charges the Archbishop of York with a multiplicity of heretical
statements; and summons the clergy of his diocese to express or refuse
their concurrence with him in a declaration of adherence to the article
of the creed respecting baptism, which, he says, was virtually denied in
the decision of the Gorham case, and more than hints at secession from
the Established Church. The Archbishops and twenty two of the Bishops
have issued a letter to their clergy, exhorting them to peace and unity
on the subject of ritual observances, deprecating all innovations, and
recommending them in case of doubt to have resort to the decision of
their bishop.
The general opinion is that the Kaffir war will be protracted and
costly. The savages have committed the most frightful ravages in the
colony. The Governor has issued a second proclamation, demanding a levy
_en masse_. He declares that unless the well-affected and able-bodied
men between the ages of 18 and 25, turn out as before called upon, the
rebellion can not be checked, and if allowed to extend itself, will be
the means of occasioning the most serious evils. Whenever an action can
be brought about the Kaffirs are invariably worsted; but these actions
are so little decisive, that the policy pursued by the United States in
the case of the Seminoles in Florida, of ravaging their country, and
destroying the crops, seems likely to be adopted. The colonists are
debating the question whether they must defray the expenses of the war;
they deny that they are liable, as they had no voice in the policy which
occasioned the outbreak.
The Chartists have issued a new manifesto setting forth their doctrines
and principles. They affirm that the soil is the inalienable inheritance
of all mankind, and the monopoly of it repugnant to the laws of God and
nature, and its nationalization the true source of national prosperity.
They propose a scheme by which the state shall gradually assume
possession of the soil, for the purpose of locating upon it the surplus
population. Of taxation and the national debt they say: "Taxation on
industry represses the production of wealth; on luxuries, encourages
Government in fostering excess; on necessary commodities, acts
injuriously on the people's health and comfort. All taxes, therefore,
ought to be levied on land and accumulated property." "The National Debt
having been incurred by a class government, for class purposes, can not
be considered as legally contracted by the people. It is, moreover,
absurd that future generations should be mortgaged to eternity for the
follies or misfortunes of their ancestors, and the debt be thus repaid
several times over. The National Debt, therefore, ought to be liquidated
by the money now annually paid as interest, applied as repayment of the
capital, until such payment is completed."
The papers are filled with notices of the great increase of emigration,
especially to America. The emigrants are uniformly of a better class
than those who have hitherto decided to leave their country. From
Ireland especially, emigration is almost an epidemic, in the case of
those who have any thing to lose.
A singular instance of legal nicety occurred in a recent trial of a man
charged with threatening to burn the house and ricks of a neighbor. He
wrote, "Perhaps you may have read of Samson and the Philistines. If no
foxes are to be bought there may be something instead." In defence it
was urged that in the passage from the Book of Judges referred to, it is
said that Samson "burnt up the shocks and also the standing corn;" but
no allusion was made to houses or stacks. The prisoner could only have
intended to do what Samson did. Now it was no offense under the statute
to set fire to standing corn; and so an acquittal was demanded. The
judge decided that the plea was valid, and directed the jury to bring in
a verdict of acquittal. They being less perspicacious than the judge,
hesitated for a while, but finally complied.
FRANCE.
Affairs continue to present a critical aspect. It is difficult to see
how Bonaparte can be removed from the Presidency; and still more
difficult to see how he can be continued. The Constitution forbids his
re-election until after an interval of four years from the expiration of
his term. A revisal of the Constitution can be legally effected only by
a Constituant Assembly called by three-fourths of the present
Legislative Assembly; and a bill summoning a Constituant Assembly can
only pass after three readings, with three months intervening between
the readings; and then does not go into effect until two months after
the last reading. Eleven months is therefore the shortest period in
which the alteration can be effected, supposing not a day were lost in
deliberation. In eleven months the election must take place. Meanwhile a
new Ministry has been formed to take the place of the avowedly
provisional one which has carried on the government for some months. It
is composed as follows: Foreign Affairs, M. Baroche; Justice, M. Rouher;
Finances, M. Fould; Interior, M. Leon Faucher; Commerce and Agriculture,
M. Buffet; Marine, M. Chasseloup-Laubat; Public Instruction, M. de
Crousseillies; War, General Randon; Public Works, M. Magne. The last two
were members of the Transition Ministry just displaced. MM. Baroche,
Rouher, Fould, and Buffet, belonged to the Ministry which was broken up
by the Assembly during the Changarnier difficulties. M. Leon Faucher was
Minister of the Interior for a short time, in 1849, but resigned in
consequence of a vote of censure from the Assembly. The other two are
new men. What measures this Ministry proposes nobody is able to say. M.
Leon Faucher, who has the reputation of firmness and ability and who
seems to be the master spirit of the Ministry, presented the official
programme to the Assembly. It only stated that the new cabinet would
defend order, would endeavor to unite the fractions of the majority, and
hoped to be able to calm the public mind, restore confidence, and
promote commerce and manufactures. M. de Saint Beauve, proposed a vote
of want of confidence in the Ministry, which was lost by 327 to 275,
showing a ministerial majority of 52. A reconciliation between the
President and General Changarnier is thought to be probable.
Leading political men are endeavoring to secure the control of a
newspaper to advocate their views. M. Guizot assumes the direction of
the _Assemblee Nationale_, in which he advocates the cause of Bourbon
and Orleans; the fusion of whose interests is by no means abandoned.
Lamartine has added to his multifarious avocations the editorship in
chief of _La Pays_, in which he urges a strict adherence to the
Constitution. Cavaignac has attached himself to _La Siecle_, to uphold
Republicanism. The _Constitutionnel_, the acknowledged organ of the
Bonapartists, suggests that lists should be opened in the several
departments for consulting the wishes of the citizens as to an immediate
revision of the Constitution; each citizen to attach to his signature a
simple _yes_ or _no_; and the lists to be verified by the municipal
authorities.
The five departments of which Lyons is the centre, are the most unquiet
of any in the country. The malcontents are organized into secret
societies, and take occasion of the funerals of any of their
confederates to parade in great numbers. On some occasions from 10,000
to 20,000 have been present. The military commandant has forbidden the
assemblage of more than 300 persons at any funeral. This has called
forth a general expression of indignation from the Republican press.
The students of the University of Paris have made some demonstrations of
sympathy in favor of M. Michelet. One of their meetings was dispersed by
the police, and a number of the students were arrested and thrown into
prison. The printer and publisher of the report of a banquet of the
French refugees in London have been sentenced to a fine of 1000 francs
each, and imprisonment for three and six months. The editor of the
_Courrier de la Somme_ has been tried for publishing an article,
expressing a wish that France, by a signal act of her sovereign will,
"should efface from her brow the lowest stigma, the name of Republic;"
and predicting that the time would come when the inhabitants would offer
up thanks to God upon the grave of the Republic. He was acquitted.--A
Society has been formed in Paris, under the patronage of the Archbishop,
for the purpose of supplying the poor with bread below the cost
price.--A public dinner has been given by the Polish refugees to
Dembinski and Chryzanowski, who have recently arrived, the former from
Turkey, the latter from Italy. Toasts were drank to the Sclavic
fraternity and to the memory of Bem. Warm gratitude was expressed to the
Sultan Abdul Medjid, to whose firmness it was owing that Dembinski was
not then immured in a dungeon.--At the celebration of Holy Week various
sacred relics were exposed to view in the Cathedral of Notre Dame; among
them, if tradition is to be believed, are several fragments of the true
cross, portions of the crown of thorns, and portions of the nails used
at the crucifixion.--An engagement took place on the 10th of April at
Oued-Sahel, in Algeria, between the French troops and a body of natives;
a number of the latter were killed, and the remainder put to flight. The
victors set fire to and destroyed the village of Selloum. The French had
eleven men killed, and thirty-seven wounded.--The Marquis of
Londonderry, who once made a similar attempt in favor of Louis Napoleon
when a prisoner at Ham, has addressed a letter to the President to
induce him to use his influence for the liberation of Abd-el-Kader, or
at least to grant him a personal audience. The ex-prisoner of Ham
replies that the captivity of the Arab chief weighs upon his heart, and
that he is studying the means to effect his liberation. He would be most
happy to see the Emir, but could only do so to announce good news; and
can not therefore accede to the request for an interview until that
period arrives.
GERMANY.
It seems to be settled, if we may speak with confidence of any thing in
the present state of German politics, that the old Frankfort Diet is to
be resuscitated. All that has been attempted during the last three
years, is to be set aside. The Frankfort Parliaments, Erfurt Congresses,
and Dresden Conferences have shown that people and princes are alike
incapable of accomplishing anything; and so they fall back upon the
system formed five-and-thirty years ago by the Holy Alliance. Prussia,
who not six months ago brought half a million soldiers into the field
rather than concede to the recognition of the Diet, is now the first to
demand its restoration. Austria, who was in arms to enforce the decrees
of the Diet, at first coyly hesitated; but by the latest intelligence,
does not seem inclined to oppose it. It still remains doubtful whether
she will persist in the claim for the incorporation of her Sclavic and
Italian possessions into the German Confederation, in spite of the
remonstrances of England and France, who maintain that as the German
Confederation was established, and its limits defined by the Powers of
Europe, for the express purpose of settling the balance of power, the
extending of the limits of the Confederation is properly a European
question. Austria, that seemed two years ago on the point of
dissolution, has gained new vigor, and presents a front apparently
stronger than ever. The Democratic journals of Europe, however, maintain
that all the appearance of prosperity is unreal; that discontent is
growing deeper and deeper throughout her vast and heterogeneous
population; that her immense armies are maintained at a cost far beyond
the means of the Empire to defray; and that national and individual
bankruptcy is impending over her. The minor German States have no choice
but to follow the lead of the two great powers, and from them we have
accounts of petty quarrels between princes and people, but they are
hardly worth the trouble of chronicling. The German refugees, in
imitation of Mazzini and the Italians, have issued notes by way of
raising a loan; the name of Kinkel heads the committee.
SOUTHERN EUROPE.
In PORTUGAL an insurrection has broken out, the result of which is still
undecided. The Marquis of Saldanha took up arms for the overthrow of the
ministry of the Count of Thomar. His attempt met at first with so little
success, that the marquis was on the point of abandoning it, and taking
refuge in England. Subsequently, however, the garrison of Oporto
declared in his favor, and he was recalled. The inhabitants of Oporto
likewise declared for the insurgents.
From SPAIN we hear of Ministerial crises and changes, dissolution of
Cortes, and political movements of various kinds, all growing out of the
impossibility of making the revenues of the Kingdom meet the
expenditures. A royal decree has been issued appointing commissioners to
examine and report on the railroads of France, Germany, Belgium, and
England, with a view to the introduction of similar works in the
Peninsula.
In ITALY the States of the Church have been relieved from one great
annoyance by the death of _Il Passatore_, the leader of a band half
brigands half revolutionists, who was surprised and shot by the
soldiery. The list of prohibited books has received a few recent
additions, among which are D'Harmonville's Dictionary of Dates,
Whately's Logic, and Seymour's Pilgrimage to Rome. On the 29th of March,
the young Emperor of Austria reached Venice, on a tour through his
dominions, when he immediately gave orders, at the instance of Radetsky,
it is said, for the restoration of the freedom of the port of that city.
The 23d of March, the anniversary of the battle of Novara, so fatal to
the dreams of Italian Unity, has been solemnized in various parts of
Italy under the very eyes of the Austrians, by chanting the _De
Profundis_ and other funeral ceremonies. Some students have suffered
punishment for taking part in the solemnities.
THE EAST.
In TURKEY a series of insurrectionary movements has taken place in the
wild districts along the Russian and Austrian frontiers. The latest
intelligence indicates the subjection of the insurgents. Austria is
suspected of complicity in the outbreak, which has no tendency to render
the Porte more contented with the task of acting as jailer to the
remainder of the Hungarian exiles. Austria and Russia seem determined to
push their imperial justice to the utmost, and insist that the refugees
shall be detained two years longer; within which time it is supposed
that death must intervene, to spare any further discussion. The Sultan
is inclined to refuse their demand, and throw himself upon the
protection of France and England. Severe shocks of an earthquake
occurred in various parts of the empire, from February 28, to March 7.
At Macri, in Anatolia, the upper part of the castle was thrown down,
overwhelming the offices of the Austrian Lloyd Steam Navigation Company.
The fortifications and houses likewise suffered great damage. Fissures
were opened in the streets from which poured forth bituminous gases;
springs were stopped up, and new ones opened. A number of towns are
mentioned as having been destroyed. Livessy, containing some 1500
houses, was utterly overthrown, not a dwelling being left standing, and
600 of the inhabitants were buried under the ruins.
From EGYPT we learn that a railroad across the Isthmus of Suez is to be
commenced forthwith, apparently to be constructed mainly by English
capital and engineers. A revolt had broken out in the district of
Senaar. Troops were to be dispatched from Cairo to the scene of
insurrection; but the efforts of the Pacha were seriously shackled by
the exhausted condition of the country, and the apprehended difficulties
with the Porte.
In INDIA, the frontiers of the Company's possessions are infested with
the incursions of the hill robbers, who commit their depredations almost
within gun-shot of the British camps. It is difficult to devise
effectual means of dealing with these plunderers. Regular military
operations are altogether useless, for the robbers will not risk a
contest, except in rare cases. It has been proposed to make the head man
of each village responsible for all outrages committed within its
limits. A number of railroads are in course of construction in different
parts of the country. A plot has been frustrated in Nepaul for the
destruction of Jung Bahadoor, the Nepaulese Embassador, who excited so
much attention in England a few months ago; he acted with most
un-Asiatic decision and promptitude in the suppression of the
conspiracy. The Embassador has refused admittance into Nepaul of a
scientific expedition, having discovered that the entrance of English
travelers and explorers is often followed in India by the appearance of
troops.
Disturbances have recommenced in CHINA. The insurgents were assembled at
late dates at a distance of about sixty miles from Canton, with the
avowed object of overthrowing the present dynasty. The _Friend of China_
says, "His Imperial Majesty's continued possession of the throne, is
quite a matter of uncertainty."
LITERATURE, SCIENCE, ART, PERSONAL MOVEMENTS, ETC.
The PRESIDENT of the United States accompanied by Secretaries WEBSTER,
and GRAHAM, Attorney-General CRITTENDEN, and Postmaster-General HALL,
are at the time when we are obliged to close our Record for the month,
upon a tour to the North. The main reason of this journey is to take
part in the ceremonies which celebrated the successful completion of the
New York and Erie Railroad--the second of those great links which bind
the interior with the seaboard, the great Lakes and the West with the
Atlantic and the East. They left Washington on the morning of May 12;
the affairs of Government being temporarily committed to the charge of
the Secretaries of the Interior, of the Treasury, and of War. At various
places on the route they were welcomed with appropriate ceremonies, and
reached Philadelphia in the afternoon of the same day. Here Mr. Fillmore
briefly addressed the crowd from the piazza of his hotel; and Mr.
Webster, yielding to repeated calls, made a speech in which he spoke of
the influences that surrounded him in the State where the Declaration of
Independence was pronounced, and the Constitution framed. The Union
which was then formed, he said, would last until it had spread from the
Pole to the Equator; and notwithstanding the dangers through which it
had passed, it was now safe. On the morning of the 13th, the President
and Cabinet set out for New York. At Amboy, they were received by the
President and Directors of the Erie Railroad Company, in whose name
CHARLES M. LEUPP, Esq., delivered an appropriate address welcoming the
Chief Magistrate of the nation, to an examination of the great work
which would so largely develop the resources of the country, and
continue to bind still more closely distant portions of the Union. Mr.
Fillmore, in reply, spoke of the work on the completion of which he
hoped soon to congratulate his native State, as one of the most
important enterprises in the world. Passing up the magnificent harbor,
the President and suite were received at Castle Garden as the guests of
the City, by the authorities of New York; the Mayor in his address
alluding to the fact that this was the first moment that the President
had trod the soil of his native State as the Chief Magistrate of the
nation. From Castle Garden a procession was formed, passing up Broadway
and down the Bowery to the City Hall, amid the warmest demonstrations of
welcome. The nature of the occasion deprived the celebration of all
partisan character; the General Committees of the two great political
parties occupied prominent parts of the procession. At one time there
were not less than a hundred thousand spectators between the Battery and
the Park. On the 14th, in company with 480 invited guests, among whom
were Senator Fish, Ex-Governor Marcy, and a large number of the members
of the Legislature, the President and suite left the City by a special
train. All along the route, the utmost enthusiasm was displayed. At
Elmira, where the train arrived at 7 P.M., the night was spent; and the
following day they proceeded to Dunkirk, the terminus of the road, where
extraordinary preparations had been made to celebrate the event which
must result in building a large and flourishing town upon that spot.
At the annual meeting of the _St. George's Society_, the British
Embassador, Mr. BULWER was the principal speaker. In the course of one
of his speeches he alluded to a forgery published in the _American
Celt_, a paper published at Boston, purporting to be a copy of an
intercepted dispatch from him to his Government. He used certain
expressions which a portion of the residents of this City, of Celtic
origin, construed into an insult to themselves and their race; whereupon
they held a public meeting, and prepared a request to be transmitted to
the President, asking him to procure the recall of the offending
minister.
WM. L. MACKENZIE, who took a very prominent part in the Canadian
rebellion of 1837, and subsequently resided for some years as an exile
in this city, has been elected a member of the Canadian Parliament,
beating the candidate supported by Government.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science held during the
past month a very interesting meeting at Cincinnati. Among the papers
read was one upon the "Azoic System of Lake Superior," by Messrs. FOSTER
and WHITNEY, United States Geologists. This system derives its name from
the entire absence in its structure of organic remains, and comprises
the most ancient of the strata constituting the crust of the globe.
Professor AGASSIZ characterized these investigations as conclusive
evidence that we had reached the commencement of animal life, and had a
starting-point from which to proceed. The only event of higher interest
would be the discovery of the skeleton of the first man. Col. WHITTLESEY
presented two skulls found in a bed of marl in Ohio. They are
characterized by great deficiency in the development of the intellectual
organs. The age of the skulls is calculated, from indications
surrounding them, at two thousand years; thus establishing the fact of
the peopling of America at a period much earlier than that usually
assigned. Professor PIERCE read a paper on "the Constitution of Saturn's
Rings," in which he argued that these were not solid but liquid; and
that no irregularities, or combination of irregularities, consistent
with an actual ring, would permit a solid ring to be permanently
maintained by the primary planet; and that a fluid ring could not be
retained by the direct action of its primary. Saturn's rings are
maintained by the constant disturbing force of its satellites; and no
planet can have a ring unless, like Saturn, it have a sufficient number
of properly arranged satellites. One of the most interesting papers read
was the report of the committee upon Professor MITCHEL'S system of
observing Declinations and Right Ascensions. The statements of the
distinguished Western Astronomer, made last year at New Haven, were
received with considerable doubt by the members of the Association.
Among the foremost of the doubters was Professor Pierce, who, at the
solicitation of Mr. Mitchel, was appointed Chairman of the Investigating
Committee. This Committee, composed of the leading names in astronomical
science, after examining his methods and apparatus, made a partial
report, in which the highest and most unqualified approbation is
bestowed upon the entire system adopted by Professor Mitchel. This
triumph was honorable alike to the Professor and his late opponents; and
the victor bore his honors with the modesty appropriate to a lover of
science for its own sake. Professor AGASSIZ read a paper upon the coral
reefs of Florida, embodying the results of recent investigations made by
him, under the auspices of the United States Coast Survey.
Professor MORSE has received from the Prussian Government the "Prussian
Gold Medal of Scientific Merit," as a testimonial for his improvements
in the Magnetic Telegraph. According to the report of the Prussian
commissioner charged with the construction of telegraphic lines, Morse's
telegraph has been found most efficient for great distances.
JENNY LIND has returned to New York after a Southern and Western tour of
unexampled success. So meekly has she borne her honors, that even Envy
would not wish them less. Castle Garden, the scene of her earliest
Transatlantic triumphs, is thronged at each successive concert by
appreciative audiences.
The Gallery of the ART-UNION is now open. Subscribers for the ensuing
year will receive a large engraving from WOODVILLE'S picture of _Mexican
News_, and the second part of the _Gallery of American Art_, comprising
engravings after CROPSEY'S _Harvesting_, KENSETT'S _Mount Washington_,
WOODVILLE'S _Old Seventy-six and Young Forty-eight_, RANNEY'S _Marion
Crossing the Pedee_, and MOUNT'S _Bargaining for a Horse_. The
_Bulletin_ of the Union, to which members are also entitled, in addition
to much valuable information on matters relating to art, will contain
original etchings and wood-cuts. The number for April is embellished
with a cut from Cropsey's _Temple of the Sibyl_, drawn on wood by C.E.
DOePLER, to whom we are indebted for the drawings illustrative of the
Novelty Works in our last Number. It also contains one of Darley's
spirited outlines, illustrative of a scene from Cooper's Prairie.
LEUTZE has nearly completed his second picture of _Washington Crossing
the Delaware_, the original of which was destroyed by fire last January.
It has been purchased by Goupil and Vibert, of Paris, for about $6000.
It will be exhibited in Europe and the United States, and will also be
engraved by Francois, who has so admirably rendered some of the works of
Delaroche. The picture in its unfinished state has been warmly praised
by German critics.
We transfer from the Art-Union _Bulletin_ a notice of the _Game of
Chess_, a picture of great merit, recently painted by Woodville in
Paris. It has been purchased by the Union, and is now in its Gallery.
"This is an exquisitely finished cabinet-piece, which in technical
qualities is probably superior to any thing he has done excepting the
_Old Captain_. It represents the interior of the sitting-room of a noble
mansion in the days of the Tudors. On the right rises the immense
fire-place, with its frontispiece of variegated marbles, supported by
statues and richly carved in the style of the Rennaissance. On the right
of this, in the immediate fore-ground, is a lecturn, upon which rests a
book and a lady's 'kerchief. Standing with his back to the fire, before
the chimney, is a portly gentleman--probably the father of the family
about going forth for a ride, as he has his cap on his head, wears high
boots of buff leather, with spurs, and an outer-coat of velvet trimmed
with fur. He stands with his hands behind him in an easy attitude,
overlooking a game of chess which a visitor is playing with the daughter
of the house. The visitor is on the left of the picture, and sits with
his back to the spectator; and in front is a table which supports the
chess-board. On the other side is the young lady, whose eyes are fixed
upon the game, while the cavalier is lifting a piece with his hand and
looking toward the father as if for approbation of his move. The mother,
and a page, complete the group. This is a tranquil, pleasant picture, in
which the characters of the personages are very nicely indicated. It
places the spectator in the very midst of the domestic life of the times
it portrays. It is, however, in the distribution of light and shadow,
and the wonderful fidelity of its imitations, that the work is most
remarkable. The effect of the light upon the carved marble is done with
wonderful skill, and the representation of violet, fur, satin, and
metals, worthy of a Micris or a Metzu."
POWERS, writing from Florence, thus describes the statue of California,
upon which he is engaged: "I am now making a statue of 'La Dorado,' or
California, an Indian figure surrounded with pearls and precious stones.
A kirtle surrounds her waist, and falls with a feather fringe down to
just above the knees. The kirtle is ornamented with Indian embroidery,
with tracings of gold, and her sandals are tied with golden strings. At
her side stands an inverted cornucopia, from which is issuing at her
feet lumps and grains of native gold, to which she points with her left
hand, which holds the divining rod. With her right hand she conceals
behind her a cluster of thorns. She stands in an undecided
posture--making it doubtful whether she intends to advance or
retire--while her expression is mystical. The gold about her figure must
be represented, of course, by the color as well as the form. She is to
be the Genius of California."
Mr. WHITNEY, the projector of the railroad to the Pacific is now in
London to urge upon Government to undertake the construction of the road
through the British possessions.
Mr. GILBERT, Member of Congress from California, himself a printer, has
presented to the Typographical Society of New York a double number of
the _Alta California_ newspaper, printed upon white satin in letters of
gold.
The _Philadelphia Art Union_ has contracted for an original painting by
Rothermel, which is to be engraved for distribution to its subscribers
the present year. It has likewise provided a portfolio of sketches from
which subjects for commissions may be selected. The plan of this
Association differs from that of the Art Union of this city, in that it
distributes prizes, not pictures, allowing those who draw the prizes to
select their own subjects.
CHILLY MCINTOSH, head war-chief of the Choctaw nation, has been ordained
as a clergyman, and is now preaching in connection with the Baptist
Board.
Sir CHARLES LYELL has delivered a Lecture before the Royal Institution
on Impressions of Rain drops in Ancient and Modern Strata. These
impressions were first observed in 1828, by Dr. Buckland. A close
analogy was discovered between the impressions on the rocks, and those
made by showers of rain upon soft mud. In conclusion, the lecturer
remarked on the important inferences deducible from the discovery of
rain-prints in rocks of remote antiquity. They confirm the ideas
entertained of the humid climate of the carboniferous period, the
forests of which we know were continuous over areas several miles in
diameter. The average dimensions of the drops indicate showers of
ordinary force, and show that the atmosphere corresponded in density, as
well as in the varying temperature of its different currents, with that
which now invests the globe. The triassic hail (indicated by
indentations deeper than those made by rain-drops) implies that some
regions of the atmosphere were at this period intensely cold; and,
coupled with footprints, worm-tracks, and casts of cracks formed by the
drying of mud, which were often found upon the same slabs, these
impressions of rain clearly point to the existence of sea-beaches where
tides rose and fell, and therefore lead us to presume the joint
influence of the moon and the sun. Hence we are lead on to infer that at
this ancient era, the earth with its attendant satellite was revolving
as now around the sun, as the centre of our system, which probably
belonged then as now to one of those countless clusters of stars with
which space is filled.
JOHN CHAPMAN, Manager of the Peninsular Railway Company in India, has
published a pamphlet on the supply of cotton which India may be made to
furnish, in which he undertakes to show, that cotton of a quality which
can be used for three fourths of the manufactures of England, such as
is worth there from three to five pence a pound, can be produced in any
required quantity for from one and one-fourth to one and three-fourths
of a penny per pound. He says it is the difficulty of transportation
which prevents the extensive culture of cotton in India.
M. EOELMEN, the director of the National Porcelain Manufactory of
Sevres, has succeeded in producing crystalized minerals, resembling very
closely those produced by nature--chiefly precious and rare stones
employed by jewelers. To obtain this result, he has dissolved, in boric
acid, alum, zinc, magnesia, oxydes of iron, and chrome, and then
subjecting the solution to evaporation during three days, has obtained
crystals of a mineral substance, equaling in hardness, and in beauty,
and clearness of color, the natural stones. With chrome M. Eoelmen has
made most brilliant rubies, from two to three millimetres in length, and
about as thick as a grain of corn. If rubies can be artificially made,
secrets which the old alchymists pursued can not be far off.
OBITUARIES.
PHILIP HONE for many years an eminent merchant and prominent citizen of
New York, died May 8, in the 71st year of his age. Having at an
unusually early period accumulated what he regarded as a competent
fortune, he withdrew from the distinguished mercantile house of which he
was one of the founders, and devoted his time and means to intellectual
pursuits, dignified and generous hospitality, and the promotion of all
enterprises designed to benefit and honor the city, of which he was
proud to be a citizen. Possessed of a warm and social disposition, a
ready wit, great intelligence, and no ordinary acquirements he gathered
around him a fine library and beautiful works of art, without ever
withdrawing his interest from public affairs. In 1825-6 he was chosen
mayor of New York, and discharged the duties of that post with a
decision, energy, and promptitude which have rarely been equaled. But
his most useful services to the community were in connection with
various associations formed for the public good. He was president of the
first Bank for Savings, and one of the original Board of Trustees, of
which there are now only three surviving members; and one of the
earliest and most efficient friends of the Mercantile Library
Association. A marble bust of him, which adorns the library of that
noble institution, sculptured at the request of the members, testifies
to their appreciation of his character and services. Some few years
since his fortune was considerably impaired by pecuniary reverses, which
befell a near relative; and, although Mr. Hone was not legally
responsible for his obligations, his high sense of mercantile honor
impelled him to discharge them in full. At the accession of General
Taylor, Mr. Hone was appointed Naval Officer of the port of New York,
which office he held at the time when, beloved, prized, and honored by
all who knew him, having honorably maintained through life the character
of an high-minded American merchant, he sank to rest calmly and in full
possession of his faculties.
Commodore JAMES BARRON, Senior Officer in the United States Navy, died
at Norfolk, Virginia, April 21, at the age of 83 years. He commenced his
naval career under the auspices of his father, who commanded the naval
forces of the Commonwealth of Virginia during the Revolutionary War. In
1798 young Barron entered the navy of the United States, with the rank
of lieutenant, and served in the brief war with France. In the year
following he received his commission of captain, and was ordered to the
Mediterranean. In 1807, going out as commander of the Mediterranean
squadron, he was on board the frigate Chesapeake, when she was
treacherously attacked, in a time of profound peace, in our own waters,
by a British vessel of superior force. He was acquitted by a court
martial, from all blame in the affair. His subsequent services were
rendered on shore, mostly at Philadelphia and Norfolk. He early acquired
the reputation of one of the most accomplished and efficient officers in
the service. He originated the first code of signals introduced into the
American navy.
DAVID DAGGETT, LL.D., late Chief Justice of Connecticut, died April 12,
aged 86 years. He was born in Attleboro, Mass., on the last day of the
year, 1764. After graduating at Yale College, he studied law, and was
admitted to the bar in 1786. In 1791 he was elected to the House of
Representatives of the State, of which he was chosen Speaker in 1794, at
the early age of 29. He continued a member of one of the Legislative
Houses almost constantly till 1813, when he was elected to the Senate of
the United States. In 1824 he was chosen Kent Professor of Law in Yale
College, which post he continued to occupy until the infirmities of age
compelled him to resign. In 1826 he was appointed Associate Judge of the
Superior Court of the State by a Legislature, a majority of whom were
opposed to him in politics. Six years after he was made Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court. This office he held until December, 1834, when,
having reached the age of 70 years, he vacated it in accordance with the
provisions of the Constitution. Thus for forty years, from the close of
his 26th to the completion of his 70th year, was Mr. Daggett almost
continually engaged in public service.
Hon. WILLIAM STEELE died at Big Flats, Steuben County, N.Y., on the 4th
of April. He was born at New York in 1762, and was actively engaged
during the closing years of the Revolution. In 1780 he was on board the
gun-ship Aurora, which was captured by the British brig Iris, bearing
the news of the surrender of Charleston to the British. On this occasion
he was severely wounded, and detained a prisoner of war for some months.
In 1785 he was appointed clerk in the Treasury Board. In 1794 he
commanded a troop of horse which took part in the suppression of the
Pennsylvania Insurrection. He resided in New Jersey till 1819, when he
removed to the western part of the State of New York.
Gen. HUGH BRADY, one of the oldest officers in the army of the United
States, was killed at Detroit by a fall from his carriage, at the age of
80 years. He was born in Northumberland County, Penn., and entered the
army in 1792, as an ensign. In 1812 he was appointed Colonel of the 22d
Infantry. At battle of Chippewa his regiment was almost annihilated and
he himself severely wounded. He received the rank of brevet
Brigadier-General in 1822. During the disturbances in Canada he did much
to preserve the peace of the frontier. A few years ago his native State
presented him with a splendid sword, as an acknowledgment of his
character and services.
LITERARY NOTICES
_The Philosophy of Mathematics_ (published by Harper and Brothers), is a
translation by Professor W.H. GILLESPIE, of Union College, of that
portion of COMTE'S "Course of Positive Philosophy" which treats of the
theory of the higher Mathematics. The treatise, in the original, forms
about two-thirds of the first volume of his great work, the whole of
which extends to six large octavo volumes, of six or seven hundred pages
each. The magnitude of this work is alone sufficient to account for the
slow progress which it has made among American mathematical students, to
many of whom it is probably known only by name. In the present form, it
is made accessible to every reader. Its publication will constitute a
new epoch in the mathematical culture of this country, as the original
has done in the development of European science. The opinion of its
merits, expressed by the translator, is by no means extravagant.
"Clearness and depth, comprehensiveness and precision have never,
perhaps, been so remarkably united as in Auguste Comte. He views his
subject from an elevation which gives to each part of the complex whole
its true position and value, while his telescopic glance loses none of
the needful details, and not only itself pierces to the heart of the
matter, but converts its opaqueness into such transparent crystal, that
other eyes are enabled to see as deeply into it as his own." The opinion
of the translator is supported by the emphatic testimonials of several
competent English authorities. Mill, in his "Logic," calls the work of
M. Comte, "by far the greatest yet produced on the Philosophy of the
Sciences," and adds, "of this admirable work, one of the most admirable
portions is that in which he may truly be said to have created the
Philosophy of the higher Mathematics." Moreil, in his "Speculative
Philosophy of Europe," remarks that, "the classification given of the
sciences at large, and their regular order of development is
unquestionably a master-piece of scientific thinking, as simple as it is
comprehensive." Lewes, in his "Biographical History of Philosophy,"
speaks of Comte as "the Bacon of the Nineteenth Century," and adds, "I
unhesitatingly record my conviction that this is the greatest work of
our age."
With his remarkable profoundness and lucidity of thought, M. Comte does
not combine a mastery of language in equal proportion. His style is
never flowing, and often harsh and complicated. It is difficult to
render his peculiar phraseology in an adequate translation. Prof.
Gillespie has evidently performed his task with conscientious diligence,
and has succeeded as well as the nature of the case permits, in doing
justice to his author. He has conferred an important benefit on the
cause of science by the reproduction of this great master-piece of
philosophical discussion, and will, no doubt, receive a grateful
appreciation from his scientific countrymen.
Charles Scribner has published an original _Life of Algernon Sidney_, by
G. VAN SANTVOORD, including copious sketches of several of the
distinguished republicans who were his fellow-laborers in the cause of
political freedom. Among the biographical portraits introduced by the
author, are those of Cromwell, Milton, Sir Henry Vane, Bradshaw, Marten,
Scot, and others. They are drawn with considerable spirit, and evident
historical fidelity. The character of Sidney is described in terms of
warm appreciation, though the partialities of the author have not
clouded the fairness of his judgment. Devoted with enthusiastic
admiration to the memory of the English martyrs for freedom, in the
investigation of their history, he has not neglected the sound
principles of critical research. His volume hears internal marks of
authenticity; its opinions are expressed with discretion and gravity;
its tone partakes of the dignity of its subject; and its style, though
not sparkling with the adornments of rhetoric, is sincere and forcible,
and presents occasional specimens of chaste beauty.
The first American edition of _The Journal and Letters of the Rev. Henry
Martyn_, edited by Rev. S. WILBERFORCE, has been published by M.W. Dodd,
containing a variety of interesting matter, which now appears for the
first time in this country. The original English edition is reduced by
the omission of certain portions, which seemed to be of less value to
the general reader, but no change has been made in the passages
retained, which are a faithful transcript of the language which fell
from the pen of the author. They were written in moments of intimate
self-communion, or in the freedom of familiar correspondence, revealing
the hidden experience of the heart, with the most child-like simplicity;
while every expression betrays the intensity of humiliation and the
yearnings after holiness, which were so deeply inwrought into the
character of the distinguished missionary. With an acute and cultivated
intellect, which enabled him to bear away the highest University honors,
Henry Martyn combined a fervor of devotion, an unworldly forgetfulness
of self, and a passion for the spiritual welfare of his fellow-men,
which in another age would not have failed to win him the canonization
of a saint. The transparent confessions of such a man, describing the
struggles and triumphs of the interior life, must be welcomed by every
religious reader. Nor are they less valuable as an illustration of the
workings of human nature, when under the influence of the strong
emotions engendered by the austere and sublime faith with which the
subject identified his conceptions of Christianity. The American editor
appropriately commends the work to young men in our colleges and
seminaries of learning, with the remark that "Martyn was a scholar of
varied and profound attainments, but he counted it his highest honor to
lay his laurels at his Saviour's feet, and could all the young men in
our colleges go forth in his spirit, the strongholds of error and sin
would be speedily shaken."
_The Water Witch_ forms the last volume of J. FENIMORE COOPER'S
Collective Works, in Geo. P. Putnam's tasteful and convenient edition.
The opinion of the author on the comparative merits of this novel is
briefly stated in the Preface. "The book has proved a comparative
failure. The facts of this country are all so recent and so familiar,
that every innovation on them, by means of the imagination is coldly
received, if it be not absolutely frowned upon. Nevertheless this is
probably the most imaginative book ever written by the author. Its fault
is in blending too much of the real with the purely ideal. Halfway
measures will not do in matters of this sort; and it is always safer to
preserve the identity of a book by a fixed and determinate character,
than to make the effort to steer between the true and the false." In
another passage, Mr. Cooper gives utterance to the fears which haunt his
imagination, in regard to the innovating tendencies of the present day.
"As for the Patroons of Kinderbook, the genus seems about to expire
among us. Not only are we to have no more patroons, but the decree has
gone forth from the virtuous and infallible voters that there are to be
no more estates.
'All the realm shall be in common, and in Cheapside shall my
palfrey go to grass.'
The collected wisdom of the State has decided that it is true policy to
prevent the affluent from converting their money into land. The curse of
mediocrity weighs upon us, and its blunders can be repaired only through
the hard lessons of experience." Mr. Cooper alludes to the great number
of typographical errors which are found in the former editions of this
work. It was written in Italy and first printed in Germany. The American
compositor, conceiving that he had a right to correct the blunders of a
foreigner, took the law into his own hands, and exercised a sovereign
power over the author's orthography. He has endeavored to do himself
justice in this particular, and accordingly claims a greater degree of
improvement for the Water Witch in the present edition, than for any
other work which has passed through his hands.
The serial publication of _London Labor_, by HENRY MAYHEW, from the
press of Harper and Brothers, has reached its fifth number, and thus
far, we discover no diminution of interest in its contents. Mr. Mayhew
has plunged into the thick of what he appropriately styles the nomadic
life of London, and brings up its startling revelations to the light of
day, without the slightest disguise or embellishment. His work contains
the stuff for many novels of real life, which, in the hands of a master,
would rival the creations of Dickens or Thackeray. Some of the most
interesting scenes, which he describes, are related in the words of the
parties concerned, with whom the author appears to have had a perfectly
good understanding. As a contribution to the history of social
development in the nineteenth century, we regard this work as one of the
most important of the day.
_The Fruit Garden_, by P. BARRY (published by Charles Scribner), is a
practical treatise on the cultivation of fruit-trees, with over one
hundred and fifty illustrations, representing the different parts of
trees, all practical operations, designs for plantations, and other
important points in this branch of arboriculture. The extent and variety
of information which it presents, with the clearness of its practical
directions, and its adaptation to American cultivation, will make it a
standard work of reference with intelligent fruit growers.
_The Female Jesuit_ (published by M.W. Dodd), is the title of a
narrative, purporting to be the history of a religious impostor, who,
after a complicated career of intrigue and duplicity in England, was at
length detected in her plots, although no light is thrown on their
origin and purposes. The work is issued with the conviction on the part
of the English editors, that she was the agent of some great system in
the Catholic interest, that may have been brought into action far more
widely than Protestants are aware. In the absence of positive proof,
they hesitate to charge her deception on the Jesuits, but they are
evidently of opinion that the suspicion is warranted by the facts in the
case. The volume, it must be confessed has too much the air of a
romance to command implicit reliance. We should have greater confidence
in it as a history, if it did not show such a studious concealment of
responsible names, with the omission of other circumstances that are
essential to authentic investigation.
_The Wife's Sister; or, The Forbidden Marriage_ is the title of a novel
by Mrs. HUBBACK, niece of Miss Austen (published by Harper and
Brothers), written with more than common graphic power, and unfolding a
plot of great intensity of passion. It was written previously to the
great agitation on the question of the Law of Marriage in England, and
was published without reference to that much debated subject, although
it presents a vivid illustration of the possible effects of the
enactment alluded to, both in its social and personal bearings. Apart
from these considerations, however, it is a story of remarkable
interest, and is well worth perusal by all who have an appetite for a
good novel.
A new volume of _Poems_, by Mrs. E.H. EVANS, has been published by
Lippincott, Grambo, and Co., with an Introduction by her brother, the
distinguished pulpit orator, Rev. T.H. Stockton. The volume consists
principally of effusions marked by a strong religious spirit, and a vein
of modest and tender domestic sentiment. Many of them indicate a true
poetic imagination, but without sufficient affluence or aptness of
diction to do it justice in expression.
_Dealings with the Inquisition_, by Dr. GIACINTO ACHILLI (published by
Harper and Brothers), is a work that has attracted great attention in
England, on account of its relation to the Roman Catholic controversy,
and for the same reason, will find many readers in this country. Falling
under the suspicion of heresy, the author was subjected to the power of
the Inquisition, which, though kept in the back-ground, appears, from
his statements, to have lost none of its vitality with the lapse of
ages. His book is full of curious disclosures, which are apparently
sustained by competent authority.
Geo. P. Putnam has issued _A Treatise on Political Economy_, by GEORGE
OPDYKE, in which the author undertakes to present a system in perfect
harmony with the other portions of our political edifice--a system
grounded on the broad principles of justice and equality, and in all its
doctrines and legislative applications solely designed to illustrate and
enforce those principles. Maintaining the policy of freedom in its
broadest sense--freedom of industry, freedom of trade, and freedom of
political institutions, the volume has been especially prompted by the
desire of the author to disseminate his peculiar views on the subject of
Money. He claims to have discovered a plan for furnishing a paper
currency, which, although irredeemable, and therefore free from the cost
of production, he believes will perform the offices of money much better
than either bank-notes or coin. He sustains his theories with
considerable force of argument, and in a lucid and compact style; but he
has not succeeded in freeing them from difficulties, which must
embarrass their reception by cautious thinkers on the complicated
science to which his work is devoted.
_Harper's New York and Erie Railroad Guide_, by WILLIAM MACLEOD, is a
seasonable publication, which will form an indispensable appendage to
the preparations of the pleasure-hunter, who is about to view, for the
first time, the magnificent scenery on this great public avenue. It
contains nearly a hundred and fifty engravings, from original sketches
made expressly for the work, and executed in the usual admirable style
of Lossing and Barritt. The letter-press descriptions are written in a
lively and pleasing style, and furnish a great amount of geographical
and local information, with regard to the interior of the Empire State.
Every traveler on this route, which is destined to be the favorite
choice of the lover of the grand and imposing in American scenery, no
less than of the hurried business-man with whom time is money, will find
the enjoyment of his tour greatly enhanced by the cheerful and
instructive companionship of this agreeable volume.
Lindsay and Blakiston have published a second series of _Characteristics
of Literature_, by HENRY T. TUCKERMAN, containing essays on Manzoni,
Steele, Humboldt, Madame de Sevigne, Horne Tooke, Wilson, Talfourd,
Beckford, Hazlitt, Everett, and Godwin. They are written in the style of
polished elegance and graceful facility which has given the author such
a high reputation with most cultivated readers. Free from extravagance
of conception or diction, pervaded with a tone of natural and manly
feeling, and thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the best literary
productions, they claim a favorable reception from the public on the
ground of their purity of taste, their refinement of expression, and
their genial and appreciative principles of criticism. The essays on
Humboldt and Horne Tooke, in particular, are, in a high degree, original
and suggestive, and present a very favorable specimen of a kind of
discussion in which the author excels.
_The Gold-Worshipers_ (published by Harper and Brothers), is the title
of a brilliant satirical novel illustrating the mania for speculation,
and the extravagance of fashionable life, which have recently exhibited
such remarkable developments in the highest English society. The
characters are drawn with amusing life-likeness, and must have been
copied from well-known originals. A more spirited and sparkling
commentary on the times has not been issued by the London press.
Robert Carter and Brothers have issued a new volume by Mrs. L.H.
SIGOURNEY, entitled _Letters to my Pupils_, comprising a selection from
her correspondence with the young ladies of her different classes,
during their course of instruction at her private seminary in
Connecticut. They are filled with valuable counsels, marked with the
good sense, affectionate feeling, and practical tendency which are
conspicuous features of the author's mind. In addition to the letters,
the volume contains some pleasing reminiscences of Mrs. Sigourney's
experience as a teacher, with sketches of the character and personal
history of several of her more distinguished pupils, now deceased. The
work will be found to offer a variety of attractive and useful matter
for family reading.
_Maurice Tiernay_, by CHARLES LEVER, has been issued by Harper and
Brothers in their Library of Select Novels. The readers of this Magazine
will no doubt welcome in a permanent shape this favorite story, which
has formed such an agreeable feature in our pages.
Charles Scribner has published a new volume by N.P. WILLIS, with the
characteristic title of _Hurry-Graphs_, containing sketches of scenery,
celebrities, and society, taken from life. It is marked with the nice,
microscopic observation of character and manners which, in the
department of natural science, would make the fortune of an
entomologist, and which, as employed by the author, has given him an
unrivaled reputation as the delineator of the minutest phases of
society. The verbal felicity of his expositions is no less remarkable
than the subtlety of his insight, and so gracefully does he trample on
the received usages of language, that the most obstinate adherent to the
dictionary can not grudge him the words, which he combines in such
bright and fanciful forms in his unlicensed kaleidoscope. In the present
volume, which is filled with all sorts of enticements, we prefer the
descriptions of nature to the sketches of character. Even the dusty
road-side grows delightful under the touches of Willis's
blossom-dropping pen, and when we come to the mountain and lake, it is
like reveling in all the fragrant odors of Paradise. Here the author
feels genially at home, and abandons himself to the natural, joyous,
unreflective impulses of the scene; while, in his portraitures of
character, which are usually more elaborate, he betrays the
consciousness of an obligation to say something, which, if not original,
shall at least astonish the reader with its appearance of novelty. His
judgments, however, are often strikingly acute, and show his ready
perception of individual life, no less than of the motley aspects of
society. In this work they are singularly free from any tincture of
bitterness, the result of a catholic appreciation of character, rather
than of any milky sweetness of temperament.
_Eastbury_ is the title of a recent English novel (published by Harper
and Brothers), which even the opponents of fictitious literature must
commend for its elevated moral tendency, and its pure religious spirit.
It is free from the exaggerated views of life, and the morbid, inflated
sentiment which form the staple of so many fashionable novels. With its
reserved and quiet tone, it may at first disappoint the reader
accustomed to a higher stimulus, but its cool domestic pictures, its
fine illustrations of character, and its truthfulness and beauty of
feeling will win the admiration of the most intelligent judges.
One of the most beautiful books of the season has been issued by J.S.
Redfield, entitled _Episodes of Insect Life_, with copious engravings
illustrative of the department of natural history to which it is
devoted. The anonymous author is a passionate lover of nature, and
describes the results of personal observation in glowing and picturesque
language. Since the elaborate work of Kirby and Spence, nothing has
proceeded from the English press more eminently adapted to inspire a
taste for entomological researches, or treating the curious phenomena of
insect economy with more animation and beauty of style. The fruits of
accurate investigation are embellished with the charm of a lively fancy,
making a volume no less delightful than instructive.
Lippincott, Grambo, and Co. have commenced a new serial publication,
entitled _Arthur's Library for the Household_, consisting of original
tales and sketches by T.S. ARTHUR. The two volumes already published
contain _Woman's Trials_ and _Married Life_. They will speedily be
followed by other volumes, to the number of twelve, printed in uniform
style, and with great typographical neatness. The chaste and elevated
tone of Mr. Arthur's writings, with his uncommon skill in describing the
scenes of real life, has deservedly made him a favorite with a large
class of readers, and will, we have no doubt, guarantee a wide success
to the present publication.
A cheap edition of ARTHUR'S _Works_ is now passing through the press of
T.B. Peterson, Phil., and commands an extensive circulation. The last
volume issued is _The Banker's Wife_, a tale illustrative of American
society, and conveying an admirable moral.
A Leaf from Punch.
[Illustration: TIRED OF THE WORLD.
_Grandmamma._--"Why what's the matter with my Pet?"
_Child._--"Why, Grandma, after giving the subject every consideration, I
have come to the conclusion that--the World is Hollow, and my Doll is
stuffed with Sawdust, so--I--should--like--if you please, to be a Nun?"]
* * * * *
PLEASURE TRIP OF MESSRS. ROBINSON AND JONES.
[Illustration: It is cold on deck, and they think it would be better to
lie down below. Robinson and Jones are here represented at the moment of
entering the cabin. It is inconveniently full already, and every body is
snoring.]
[Illustration: ROBINSON BEFORE AND AFTER A SEA VOYAGE.]
[Illustration: Robinson returns to the deck, and, in despair, seats
himself upon what he considers a pile of cable, coats, canvas, luggage,
&c. How is he to know that it is a lady and gentleman?]
* * * * *
[Illustration: A PERFECT WRETCH.
_Wife._--"Why, dear me, William; how Time flies! I declare we have been
married Ten Years to-day."
_Wretch._--"Have we, love? I am sure I thought it had been a great deal
longer."]
Fashions for Early Summer.
[Illustration: Fig. 1.--VISITING AND CARRIAGE COSTUMES.]
The early days of June often exhibit the coyness of her sister, May; and
while the leaves are broadly expanding, and the buds are every where
bursting into blossom, in full exuberance, cool breezes from the North,
or chilling vapors from the East, sometimes remind those who are riding
or walking, of the breath of Winter. It is not safe permanently to
employ the thin dress fabrics of flowing summer before the middle of the
month. Silks form the most suitable material for out-of-door costume,
and mantelets are more in vogue than the gossamer-like shawls of July.
MANTELETS.--Those composed of _glace_ silks are greatly in favor, being
of moderate size, loose, and rather short; they have, nevertheless, a
novel appearance, the variety in their style depending greatly upon
their trimmings. The waist and shoulders are gracefully marked. The
principal trimmings consist of frillings, or flounces, cut _falbalas_
and _passamenteries arachnees_. These decorations are intended
principally for morning or demi-toilets, those of a more full-dress
description being trimmed with a very deep fall of black lace, or two or
three frillings equally deep and ample.
DRESSES.--Plain bodies, slightly stiffened, are much in fashion. Those
intended for pelisses are of the waistcoat form, cut in the Amazonian
shape, somewhat like that seen in Figure 2 of our first illustration.
Among other elegant styles, is a _robe a la myon_ of gray taffeta,
having the corsage formed of narrow plaits, in style resembling that in
Figure 1 of the above illustration. It forms a kind of fan back; in
front, the folds are made deep upon the top, and descend in a straight
line toward the lower part of the waist.
FIGURE 1 in our first illustration represents an elegant style of
VISITING DRESS. It is of light blue silk; the skirt trimmed with three
rather narrow flounces, waved at the edge, and caught up in a point up
the centre of the front, where they are each confined with a small
_noeud_ of ribbon, the same color of the dress. The high, close-fitting
corsage is entirely formed of narrow folds placed close together; the
opening up the front being concealed by a fluting of ribbon, gradually
narrowing toward the lower part of the waist. Long plain sleeves,
ornamented round the top with a puffing of silk, forming an epaulette.
The sleeves are open up the front of the arm as far as the bend, and
caught across at regular intervals, so as to admit of the under full
white sleeves showing through and forming puffings. Bonnet of white silk
or satin: the exterior decorated with two white ostrich feathers, and
the interior with a wreath of white rose-buds.
FIGURE 2 in our first picture, represents a beautiful CARRIAGE COSTUME.
Plain high dress of violet silk; the body fitting tight has a small
jacket trimmed round with a narrow _ruche_. The body opens in the front
and has a fulling of white lace to give the appearance of the frill of
the habit shirt. The sleeves are not very wide, and are three-quarters
length. They have cuffs cut in points, turned back, and edges with a
narrow _ruche_. The skirt is long and fall, trimmed with rosettes of
ribbon, from which hang two small tassels. _Mantilla_ of rich silk,
trimmed with broad black lace, lined with white silk. Bonnet of _paille
de riz_, decorated with splendid drooping flowers on the right, of a
primrose color.
[Illustration: FIG. 2.--EVENING DRESS.]
FIGURE 2 represents an EVENING COSTUME. Dress of pink _crepe_: the
corsage low; the waist pointed, and of a moderate length. The cape
pointed in the front, falls deep on the shoulders, entirely covering the
plain short sleeves. The cape and the front of the skirt, are trimmed
with white _tulle_ and roses. The skirt is long and full, the trimming,
_en tabliere_, corresponds with the cape. Jupe of rich white silk is
worn underneath. Shoes of pink satin.
[Illustration: FIG. 3.--HEAD-DRESS.]
FIGURE 3 shows a neat style of head-dress for a MORNING COSTUME, which
is composed of folds of ribbon, partly covering a braid of hair on one
side. The dress is high, edged with a lace collar, with a ribbon hanging
in loops in front. The sleeves in morning costumes are generally very
wide from the elbow, three-quarters length, and trimmed to correspond.
The skirt is long and full, bias on each side, the front breadth turned
back; trimmed with _guimpe_.
[Illustration: FIG. 4.--BONNET.]
BONNETS are generally of white silk, formed in various designs,
decorated with different sorts of violets and lilacs of the most
opposite shades. They are very gay, yet very simple. They are generally
somewhat small, having the front rather open at the sides, allowing the
hair to be arranged in full bands, with becoming and fanciful ears in
the interior. Figure 4 represents a bonnet of white satin, covered with
two rows of white lace, divided with a double row of fancy light green
ribbon, and decorated with white daisies in the interior. Bonnets
composed of _crepe_ and _paille_, are decorated with bunches of flowers
composed of the wild violet, with grass and delicate herbs. A very
elegant style of bonnet is composed partly of blonde and fillings of
light green _velours epingle_, ornamented in a fanciful manner with
marabouts.
CAPS are extremely pretty and light in appearance. Some formed of inlet,
relieved with drawings, through which is passed a narrow satin ribbon,
and decorated with _coques_, placed sidewise, are very pretty. A very
charming style of morning caps are those formed of muslin, surmounted
with four small _torsades_ of lilac silk drooping over the forehead, and
encircling the ears. Upon each side is placed a very large _noeud_ of
silk, and at the back two _rachons_ of embroidered muslin, headed with
_torsades_ of ribbon. Another style forms upon the summit of the head,
advancing a little in front, "a la Marie Stuart," having three papillons
of Brussels point lace, divided with pink ribbons. On the sides tufts of
lace, and black and pink ribbons in corkscrews, hanging low.
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
Words surrounded by _ are italicized.
Letters preceded by ^ are superscripts.
Obvious punctuation errors have been repaired, other punctuations have
been left as printed in the paper book.
Titles added to Table of Content and List of Illustrations.
Erroneous page numbers in Table of Content corrected.
Captions added to captionless illustrations.
Obvious printer's errors have been repaired, other inconsistent
spellings have been kept, including:
- use of hyphen (e.g. "clap-trap" and "claptrap");
- accents (e.g. "chateau" and "chateau");
- any other inconsistent spellings (e.g. "diversion" and "divarsion").
Following proper names have been corrected:
- In the Table of Content:
"Novarra" corrected to be "Novara" (battle of Novara),
"Paginini" corrected to be "Paganini" (Anecdotes of Paganini),
"Waterwitch" corrected to be "Water Witch" (Cooper's "Water Witch");
- Pg 16, "Penmaen Mawr" corrected to be "Penmaenmawr" (Of Penmaenmawr);
- Pg 43, "Gunnell" corrected to be "Gunnel" (To Mr. Gunnel);
- Pg 129, "Fanueil" corrected to be "Faneuil" (Faneuil Hall).
Pg 4, word "the" removed (Attacks the <the> nightly thief).
Pg 5, word "a" removed (As if <a> upon).
Pg 66, word "him" removed (have made him <him> a martyr).
Pg 125, word "to" added (whispered to Sophia).
Pg 134, word "April" corrected to "February" (from February 28).
End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Magazine, Vol III, June 1851, by Various