But the greatest curiosity in this August number, is a _critique_ upon
Miss Fanny Kemble's Journal. Yes, reader--think of Mrs. Butler, and
all the "terrifying exactions" of her redoubtable book, subjected, on
the very margin of Guinea, to the criticism of an African Editor, who
treats her as unceremoniously, if not as justly, as any critics on
this side of the Atlantic, or on the north side of the Mediterranean.
Imagine him in his elbow chair at Monrovia, his broad nose dilating
and his thick lips swelling with conscious dignity, while he thus
passes judgment upon one who perhaps would hardly suffer him to clean
her shoes. The errors of spelling and syntax (the unsexing of the
authoress included) are doubtless attributable to the printer: but
there are some queer expressions, which seem the editor's own, and
which are rather characteristic of African magniloquence.
"_Francis Ann Butler_.--To the politeness of the supercargo of the
Brig Eliza, we have been indebted for a peep at the Journal of Miss
Kemble, or as announced by the title page, _Francis Ann Butler_. From
the celebrity of the tourist, we had anticipated much; but a perusal
of the book treated us to a most vexatious disappointment. On the
literary merit of the work, we do not feel ourselves competent to
decide. But as it is an immunity allowed ignorance, to admire where it
cannot comprehend, we avail ourselves of the privilege, and put in our
share of admiration at the bold and beautiful figures which adorn the
pages; such as 'Miniature Hell:' 'ghastly smiles of the Devil;' 'Blue
Devils,' &c. These are certainly beauties of which we had no
conceptions, until we got hold of the work. We may be allowed to say,
as we pass, that they are not {159} exactly in unison with that soft
and tender delicacy, of which our imagination had composed the fair
sex, of the higher order. We regret much that the work is not
accompanied by a Lexicon, adapted to the style. The want of one has
deprived us of much gratification; as doubtless the excellences of the
work is locked up in such words as 'daudle,' 'twaddle,' &c., which are
to us 'daudles' indeed, or in plain English, unexplorable regions.
Such works may be of utility in communities, where there is sufficient
discrimination to separate the little grain from the redundancy of
chaff, without being chocked [choked] by it, but we can see no earthly
advantage to us in reading them.
"We will venture to say, however, that if the notes are by the same
hand, the authoress possesses a pretty considerable share of what may
be called sound discriminating judgment on some particulars."
One number of the Herald contains some very sensible observations
(editorial) upon the "_Relations between France and the United
States_;" in which the probability of war is spoken of, and its
occurrence earnestly deprecated. The danger from it, to Liberia, is
considered: fears having been entertained by some, lest France might
involve that colony, as she once did the British settlement at
Freetown, in her quarrel with the mother country.
"The case, however," says the editor, "is not exactly parallel:
Freetown and the whole colony of Sierra Leone, ever since their
establishment, have been under the British flag, and as such,
considered a member of the British empire--and therefore, its
destruction, it might be argued, was perfectly in unison with the
established principles of war. Ours is an experiment for political
existence;--having a distinct and peculiar flag, owing allegiance to
no government, but to that which is represented by the flag that
floats over Liberia.
"We recollect having read, that at the time the great Navigator
Captain Cook, was on his voyage of discovery, war broke out between
England and France, and it was requested that Capt. Cook, should the
enemy fall in with him, be allowed an unmolested passage. The French
king replied, that he warred not on science, nor with the principles
of humanity; and that an expedition undertaken for the benefit of all,
should never meet obstruction from the flag of France."
A paragraph in the same number, announcing the organization of a Court
of Appeals, with appellate jurisdiction in cases where the sum in
dispute exceeds $100, expresses the orthodox republican sentiment,
that "Laws are made for the benefit of the poor, as well as the rich;
and in legislating, the former should be more especially kept in
view."
And in the next column is mentioned the establishment, at Caldwell, of
a FIFTH _Baptist Church_ in the Colony.
Another number states important and cheering facts in regard to the
progress of TEMPERANCE. _Five hundred and three persons had signed the
pledge of total abstinence from the use or sale of spirits, in the
space of one month._
"So great an influence have these Societies exerted upon the community
at large, that a sight of the liquid death has become rare.
"To Liberia's honor be it _trumped_, that for _ten_ gallons sold in
the Colony four months back, there is not _one_ now. There are a few
that advocate the cause of alcohol; but they cannot support their
opposition long. Public opinion is issuing her imperious edicts, and
every opposer will soon be awed into silence."
From the October number we extract the following item.
"_Sabbath School_.--On Sunday the 19th instant, a Sabbath School was
opened in the Second Baptist Chapel: 33 children and 3 adults
presented themselves, and had their names registered as scholars.
Suitable books, such as would enable us to arrange the children in
classes, are very much wanting. As it is, each having a different
book, we are obliged to hear them singly, which makes it extremely
laborious, and precludes the possibility of more than one lesson each,
during the hours of school."
We would gladly copy a perspicuous and rational account which is given
in several chapters, of the _climate_ and _seasons of Africa_, the
_soil of Liberia_, and the _method of clearing lands_; besides many
other sensible and interesting articles, which say a great deal for
the editor, correspondents, and readers, of the Herald: but we have so
far exceeded the space we had allotted for this subject, that we must
here close our remarks.
No one can read the Liberia Herald, without not only wonder, that so
much intellect should emanate from such a source, but the strongest
persuasion, that a colony, which in so brief a time has given such
striking evidences of advancement in whatever distinguishes civilized
from savage man, _must succeed_.