CHAPTER XII.

As the company assembled in the drawing-rooms, Mr. Egerton introduced

Randal Leslie to his eminent friends in a way that greatly contrasted

the distant and admonitory manner which he had exhibited to him in

private. The presentation was made with that cordiality, and that

gracious respect by which those who are in station command notice for

those who have their station yet to win.

"My dear lord, let me introduce to you a kinsman of my late wife's (in a

whisper)--the heir to the elder branch of her family. Stranmore, this is

Mr. Leslie of whom I spoke to you. You, who were so distinguished at

Oxford, will not like him the worse for the prizes he gained there.

Duke, let me present to you Mr. Leslie. The duchess is angry with me for

deserting her balls; I shall hope to make my peace, by providing myself

with a younger and livelier substitute. Ah, Mr. Howard, here is a young

gentleman just fresh from Oxford, who will tell us all about the new

sect springing up there. He has not wasted his time on billiards and

horses."

Leslie was received with all that charming courtesy which is the _To

Kalon_ of an aristocracy.

After dinner, conversation settled on politics. Randal listened with

attention, and in silence, till Egerton drew him gently out; just

enough, and no more--just enough to make his intelligence evident,

without subjecting him to the charge of laying down the law. Egerton

knew how to draw out young men--a difficult art. It was one reason why

he was so peculiarly popular with the more rising members of his party.

The party broke up early.

"We are in time for Almack's," said Egerton, glancing at the clock, "and

I have a voucher for you; come."

Randal followed his patron into the carriage. By the way, Egerton thus

addressed him--

"I shall introduce you to the principal leaders of society; know them

and study them; I do not advise you to attempt to do more--that is, to

attempt to become the fashion. It is a very expensive ambition; some men

it helps, most men it ruins. On the whole, you have better cards in your

hands. Dance or not as it pleases you--don't flirt. If you flirt, people

will inquire into your fortune--an inquiry that will do you little good;

and flirting entangles a young man into marrying. That would never do.

Here we are."

In two minutes more they were in the great ball-room, and Randal's eyes

were dazzled with the lights, the diamonds, the blaze of beauty. Audley

presented him in quick succession to some dozen ladies, and then

disappeared amidst the crowd. Randal was not at a loss; he was without

shyness; or if he had that disabling infirmity, he concealed it. He

answered the languid questions put to him, with a certain spirit that

kept up talk, and left a favorable impression of his agreeable

qualities. But the lady with whom he got on the best, was one who had no

daughters out, a handsome and witty woman of the world--Lady Frederick

Coniers.

"It is your first ball at Almack's, then, Mr. Leslie?"

"My first."

"And you have not secured a partner? Shall I find you one? What do you

think of that pretty girl in pink?"

"I see her--but I can not _think_ of her."

"You are rather, perhaps, like a diplomatist in a new court, and your

first object is to know who is who."

"I confess that on beginning to study the history of my own day, I

should like to distinguish the portraits that illustrate the memoir."

"Give me your arm then, and we will come into the next room. We shall

see the different _notabilites_ enter one by one, and observe without

being observed. This is the least I can do for a friend of Mr.

Egerton's."

"Mr. Egerton, then," said Randal--(as they threaded their way through

the space without the rope that protected the dancers)--"Mr. Egerton has

had the good fortune to win your esteem, even for his friends, however

obscure?"

"Why, to say truth, I think no one whom Mr. Egerton calls his friend

need long remain obscure, if he has the ambition to be otherwise. For

Mr. Egerton holds it a maxim never to forget a friend, nor a service."

"Ah, indeed!" said Randal, surprised.

"And, therefore," continued Lady Frederick, "as he passes through life,

friends gather round him. He will rise even higher yet. Gratitude, Mr.

Leslie, is a very good policy."

"Hem," muttered Mr. Leslie.

They had now gained the room where tea and bread-and-butter were the

homely refreshments to the _habitues_ of what at that day was the most

exclusive assembly in London. They ensconced themselves in a corner by a

window, and Lady Frederick performed her task of cicerone with lively

ease, accompanying each notice of the various persons who passed

panoramically before them with sketch and anecdote, sometimes

good-natured, generally satirical, always graphic and amusing.

By-and-by, Frank Hazeldean, having on his arm a young lady of haughty

air, and with high though delicate features, came to the tea-table.

"The last new Guardsman," said Lady Frederick; "very handsome, and not

yet quite spoiled. But he has got into a dangerous set."

RANDAL.--"The young lady with him is handsome enough to be dangerous."

LADY FREDERICK (laughing).--"No danger for him there--as yet at least.

Lady Mary (the Duke of Knaresborough's daughter) is only in her second

year. The first year, nothing under an earl; the second, nothing under a

baron. It will be full four years before she comes down to a commoner.

Mr. Hazeldean's danger is of another kind. He lives much with men who

are not exactly _mauvais ton_, but certainly not of the best taste. Yet

he is very young; he may extricate himself--leaving half his fortune

behind him. What, he nods to you! You know him?"

"Very well; he is nephew to Mr. Egerton."

"Indeed. I did not know that. Hazeldean is a new name in London. I heard

his father was a plain country gentleman, of good fortune, but not that

he was related to Mr. Egerton."

"Half-brother."

"Will Mr. Egerton pay the young gentleman's debts? He has no sons

himself."

RANDAL.--"Mr. Egerton's fortune comes from his wife, from my

family--from a Leslie, not from a Hazeldean."

Lady Frederick turned sharply, looked at Randal's countenance with more

attention than she had yet vouchsafed to it, and tried to talk of the

Leslies. Randal was very short there.

An hour afterward, Randal, who had not danced, was still in the

refreshment room, but Lady Frederick had long quitted him. He was

talking with some old Etonians who had recognized him, when there

entered a lady of very remarkable appearance, and a murmur passed

through the room as she appeared.

She might be three or four-and-twenty. She was dressed in black velvet,

which contrasted with the alabaster whiteness of her throat and the

clear paleness of her complexion, while it set off the diamonds with

which she was profusely covered. Her hair was of the deepest jet, and

worn simply braided. Her eyes, too, were dark and brilliant, her

features regular and striking; but their expression, when in repose, was

not prepossessing to such as love modesty and softness in the looks of

woman. But when she spoke and smiled, there was so much spirit and

vivacity in the countenance, so much fascination in the smile, that all

which might before have marred the effect of her beauty, strangely and

suddenly disappeared.

"Who is that very handsome woman?" asked Randal.

"An Italian--a Marchesa something," said one of the Etonians.

"Di Negra," suggested another who had been abroad; "she is a widow; her

husband was of the Genoese family of Negra--a younger branch of it."

Several men now gathered thickly around the fair Italian. A few ladies

of the highest rank spoke to her, but with a more distant courtesy than

ladies of high rank usually show to foreigners of such quality as Madame

di Negra. Ladies of a rank less elevated seemed rather shy of her;--that

might be from jealousy. As Randal gazed at the Marchesa with more

admiration than any woman, perhaps, had before excited in him, he heard

a voice near him say--

"Oh, Madame di Negra is resolved to settle among us, and marry an

Englishman."

"If she can find one sufficiently courageous," returned a female voice.

"Well, she is trying hard for Egerton, and he has courage enough for any

thing."

The female voice replied with a laugh, "Mr. Egerton knows the world too

well, and has resisted too many temptations, to be--"

"Hush!--there he is."

Egerton came into the room with his usual firm step and erect mien.

Randal observed that a quick glance was exchanged between him and the

Marchesa; but the Minister passed her by with a bow.

Still Randal watched, and ten minutes afterward, Egerton and the

Marchesa were seated apart in the very same convenient nook that Randal

and Lady Frederick had occupied an hour or so before.

"Is this the reason why Mr. Egerton so insultingly warns me against

counting on his fortune?" muttered Randal. "Does he mean to marry

again?"

Unjust suspicion!--for at that moment these were the words that Audley

Egerton was dropping forth from his lips of bronze--

"Nay, dear Madam, do not ascribe to my frank admiration more gallantry

than it merits. Your conversation charms me, your beauty delights me;

your society is as a holiday that I look forward to in the fatigues of

my life. But I have done with love, and I shall never marry again."

"You almost pique me into trying to win, in order to reject you," said

the Italian, with a flash from her bright eyes.

"I defy even you," answered Audley, with his cold, hard smile. "But to

return to the point: You have more influence at least over this subtle

Embassador; and the secret we speak of I rely on you to obtain me. Ah,

Madam, let us rest as friends. You see I have conquered the unjust

prejudices against you; you are received and _fetee_ every where, as

becomes your birth and your attractions. Rely on me ever, as I on you.

But I shall excite too much envy if I stay here longer, and am vain

enough to think that I may injure you if I provoke the gossip of the

ill-natured. As the avowed friend I can serve you--as the supposed

lover, No----" Audley rose as he said this, and, standing by the chair,

added carelessly, "Apropos, the sum you do me the honor to borrow will

be paid to your bankers to-morrow."

"A thousand thanks!--my brother will hasten to repay you."

Audley bowed. "Your brother, I hope, will repay me in person, not

before. When does he come?"

"Oh, he has again postponed his visit to London; he is so much needed in

Vienna. But while we are talking of him, allow me to ask if your friend,

Lord L'Estrange, is indeed still so bitter against that poor brother of

mine?"

"Still the same."

"It is shameful," cried the Italian, with warmth; "what has my brother

done to him, that he should actually intrigue against the Count in his

own court?"

"Intrigue! I think you wrong Lord L'Estrange; he but represented what he

believed to be the truth, in defense of a ruined exile."

"And you will not tell me where that exile is, or if his daughter still

lives?"

"My dear Marchesa, I have called you friend, therefore, I will not aid

L'Estrange to injure you or yours. But I call L'Estrange a friend also;

and I can not violate the trust that--" Audley stopped short, and bit

his lip. "You understand me," he resumed, with a more genial smile than

usual; and he took his leave.

The Italian's brows met as her eye followed him; then, as she too rose,

that eye encountered Randal's. Each surveyed the other--each felt a

certain strange fascination--a sympathy--not of affection, but of

intellect.

"That young man has the eye of an Italian," said the Marchesa to

herself; and as she passed by him into the ball-room, she turned and

smiled.

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Monthly Record of Current Events.

UNITED STATES.

The political intelligence for the last few weeks is of remote and

secondary, rather than of immediate and primary interest. The political

parties have begun to hold State Conventions, the proceedings and

resolutions of which are of some importance, as indicating the temper

and policy which may be expected to characterize the ensuing elections.

In _Vermont_ the Whig State Convention convened at Bellows Falls, June

25th. Resolutions were passed expressive of continued adherence to the

principles by which the party has been heretofore guided, among which

are specified a tariff of specific duties--so levied as to afford

protection to American industry; appropriations by the Federal

Government for the improvement of harbors and rivers, and a liberal

policy toward actual settlers in the disposition of the public lands.

Slavery is represented as a "moral and political evil," for the

existence of which in the Slaveholding States, the people of Vermont are

nowise responsible, but to the extension or continuation of which under

the authority of the Federal Government, they are opposed. The Fugitive

Slave law is declared to be "a matter of ordinary legislation, open at

all times and on all occasions for discussion, and liable to be modified

or repealed at the pleasure of the people as expressed through their

representatives;" that it is "objectionable in some of its provisions,

and while they cheerfully admit their obligations to obey it as a law of

the land designed to fulfill a requirement of the Constitution," they

insist upon the right of making modifications of it, as time and

experience shall show to be proper. Other resolutions were passed

expressive of attachment to the Union, and of hostility to all doctrines

of secession or disunion, in whatever quarter manifested; and of

concurrence in the "moderate, and discreet, and practicable measures

recommended to Congress in the present National Administration." Hon.

CHARLES K. WILLIAMS was nominated for re-election as Governor. The Free

Soil State Convention was held at Burlington, May 29th. Resolutions were

passed denying the power of the General Government to make

appropriations for purposes of Internal Improvement, unless of a

strictly national character; in opposition to a National Bank;

recommending an equality of protection to all interests; in favor of

free grants to actual settlers of the public lands; denying the power of

Congress over the subject of slavery in the States, which, it is

affirmed, can not claim to be legalized beyond the limits of State

lines; in favor of the Wilmot Proviso, and adverse to the admission of

any new Slave States into the Union; declaring the unconstitutionality

of the Fugitive Slave law; approving of the law of the State, enacted at

the late session of the Legislature, granting the privilege of _habeas

corpus_ to alleged fugitives from labor; and, finally, professing

devotion to the Union, until perverted to an engine of oppression to the

States. A speech, arguing strenuously against the constitutionality of

the Fugitive Slave law, was made by JOHN VAN BUREN, Esq. Hon. LUCIUS B.

PECK was nominated for Governor; he has declined to accept the

nomination on the ground that he can not assent to the resolutions

passed by the Convention, inasmuch as he believes the Fugitive Slave law

to be constitutional, and does not consider the act passed by the late

Legislature, authorizing the State courts to take, by _habeas corpus_, a

slave out of the hands of the United States officers, to be a just

exercise of the power of the State. The Democratic State Convention,

held in May, passed resolutions decidedly approving of the Compromise

measures, which were declared to be a pledge of the fidelity of the

States to each other, and recommending the observance of them with the

utmost fidelity and good faith. Hon. JOHN S. ROBINSON was nominated for

Governor.

In _New Hampshire_ the Democratic State Convention met at Concord on the

9th of June. Resolutions were passed expressive of firm attachment to

the Union; of acquiescence in the Compromise measures; and affirming the

duty, on the part of all citizens, of unconditional submission to the

laws. Hon. LEVI WOODBURY was unanimously presented as a candidate for

the Presidency, subject to the decision of the National Convention to be

held at Baltimore.

In _Pennsylvania_ the State Convention for the nomination of Executive

officers was held at Reading, June 4th. Resolutions were adopted in

favor of a strict construction of the Constitution; affirming the

obligation of Congress to refrain from all exercise of doubtful powers;

declaring that the rights of the individual States ought to be

scrupulously regarded, and that the citizens of one State ought not to

interfere with the domestic institutions of any other; that all

appropriations made by the General Government should be strictly

confined to national objects. Resolutions were passed, fully endorsing

the Compromise measures of the last session; and condemning the State

law of March 3, 1847, withholding the use of the State jails for the

detention of alleged fugitives from service, as interposing obstacles on

the part of the State to the execution of a provision of the

Constitution, and as an infringement of the principles of the

Compromise. It was likewise declared that the Convention was in favor

"in levying duties upon foreign imports, of a reciprocal interchange of

our products with other nations," while "recognizing clearly the

practice of the Government to maintain and preserve in full vigor and

safety all the great industrial pursuits of the country." Hon. WILLIAM

BIGLER was nominated for Governor. No candidate was formally presented

for nomination as President at the ensuing election, although it was

universally understood that the preferences of the Convention were

almost unanimously in favor of Mr. BUCHANAN. The Convention for the

nomination of Judicial officers met at Harrisburg on the 11th of June.

On the 28th of that month a ratification meeting was held at Lancaster,

at which Mr. BUCHANAN made a speech, forcibly advocating the principles

of the resolutions proposed. They embraced a recommendation of a tariff

based upon the _ad valorem_ system, and expressed a cordial adherence to

the principles adopted at the Democratic Convention held at Baltimore in

1848. A strict adherence to the Compromise measures was recommended; the

constitutionality of the Fugitive Slave law, and the duty of its

enforcement on the part of the North, were affirmed. The course of

Governor Johnston in neglecting to sign the bill for the repeal of the

law of March 3, 1847, was declared to be in violation of the wishes of a

large majority of the people of the State. The Whig State Convention met

at Lancaster on the 24th of June. The series of resolutions presented

and adopted, advocate the principle of protection to American industry,

and declare the tariff of 1846 to be unequal in its tendencies, and

ruinous to the interests of Pennsylvania. The attachment of the citizens

of that State to the Constitution is warmly insisted upon; and a

faithful adherence to the Compromise measures is promised. The general

policy of the State and National administrations is fully endorsed. A

special resolution, offered by way of amendment, in favor of the

Fugitive Slave law, was cut off by the previous question, and the series

of resolutions, as presented, was adopted. A resolution was carried,

"That General WINFIELD SCOTT is beyond question the choice of the Whigs

of Pennsylvania as their candidate for the Presidency of 1852, and that

we earnestly recommend him to the Whigs of the Union as the most

deserving and available man for that high office." Gov. JOHNSTON was

re-nominated.

In _Ohio_ the Whig State Convention assembled at Columbus, on the 3d of

July. The resolutions passed affirm that the Conventions of 1848 and

1850 "declare the position of the Whigs of Ohio on State and national

policy: That protection to American Industry, a sound currency, the

improvement of our rivers and harbors, an unyielding opposition to all

encroachment by the Executive Power, and a paramount regard to the

Constitution and the Union," are the cardinal principles of the policy

of the party. All the provisions of the Constitution are declared to be

equally binding. The course of the present National Administration is

unqualifiedly sanctioned. In respect to the Compromise measures, and the

next Presidency, the following resolutions were adopted: "That as the

Compromise measures were not recommended by a Whig Administration, and

were not passed as party measures by Congress, perfect toleration of

opinion respecting those measures should be accorded to Whigs

everywhere." "That it is the desire of the Whigs of Ohio that GEN.

WINFIELD SCOTT should be the candidate of the Whig party for President

of the United States at the election of A. D. 1852: and we cordially

recommend him to the Whigs of the Union as the most deserving and

suitable candidate for that office." Hon. SAMUEL F. VINTON was nominated

as candidate for Governor.

In _Mississippi_ the State Rights Convention was held June 16th, at

Jackson. Resolutions were passed reaffirming the policy indicated by the

Convention of October, 1849, which was in the main as follows: A devoted

and cherished attachment to the Constitution, "as it was formed and not

as an engine of oppression," was expressed. The institution of slavery

was declared to be exclusively under the control of the States in which

it exists; and "all attempts on the part of Congress or others to

interfere with this subject, either directly or indirectly, are in

violation of the Constitution, dangerous to the rights and safety of the

South, and ought to be promptly resisted." The right of Congress to

abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, to prohibit the slave-trade

between the several States, or to prohibit the introduction of slavery

into the Territories of the United States is denied. The Wilmot Proviso

is declared to be "an unjust and insulting discrimination, to which

these States can not without degradation submit." The Legislature is

requested to pass laws to encourage emigration of citizens of the

slave-holding States into the new Territories. The resolutions of the

Nashville Convention of 1850 are sanctioned and approved. The Convention

declare the admission of California into the Union to be the "enactment

of the Wilmot Proviso in another form," as set forth in a letter from

the Congressional delegation of the State, under date of June 21, 1850.

The Compromise measures are disavowed, particularly the admission of

California, the division of Texas, the action on the subject of the

slave-trade in the District of Columbia; and the course of the southern

members of Congress who voted for those measures is most warmly

condemned. While the "right of a State peaceably to withdraw from the

Union, without denial or obstruction," is affirmed, the Convention

"consider it the last remedy, the final alternative, and also declare

that the exercise of it by the State of Mississippi, under existing

circumstances, would be inexpedient, and is a proposition which does not

meet the approbation of this Convention." The platform of the Union

party, as adopted by common consent, declares "The American Union

secondary in importance only to the rights and principles it was

designed to perpetuate." It is represented that in the spirit of

compromise which enabled the original thirteen States to found the

Union, and which the present thirty-one must exercise to perpetuate it,

they have considered the whole series of the Compromise measures, "and

while they do not wholly approve, they will abide by it as a permanent

adjustment of this sectional controversy." It is declared that, as a

last resort, Mississippi ought to resist to the disruption of the Union

any action by Congress upon the subject of slavery in the District of

Columbia or in places subject to the jurisdiction of Congress which

should be inconsistent with the safety or honor of the Slaveholding

States; or the prohibition of the inter-state slave-trade; or the

refusal to admit a new State on account of the existence of slavery; or

the prohibition of the introduction of slavery into Utah or New Mexico;

or any act repealing or materially modifying the Fugitive Slave law;

upon the faithful execution of which depends the preservation of the

Union.

In _California_ the Whig State Convention recommend the extension of the

pre-emption laws over all except the mineral lands of the State; the

donation to each head of a family actually settled upon it, of 160

acres; liberal grants for educational purposes; appropriations for

public improvements; the adoption of measures to construct a railroad to

connect that State with the valley of the Mississippi; the establishment

of steam communication with the Sandwich Islands and with China. The

Compromise measures are also cordially commended.

The Fourth of July was celebrated with more than usual enthusiasm in

almost every section of the country. In Washington, upon the occasion of

laying, by the President, the corner stone of the extension of the

Capitol, MR. WEBSTER delivered an oration which will rank with his most

eloquent speeches. He gave a rapid sketch of the growth and progress of

the Republic, from the time when Berkeley prophesied that the star of

empire was about to take its westward way. He then portrayed the

distinctive nature of American liberty, as distinguished from that of

Greece and Rome, or of modern Europe, and altogether peculiar in its

character. Its prominent and distinguishing characteristic he stated to

consist in the capacity for self-government, developing itself in the

establishment of popular governments by an equal representation; and in

giving to the will of the majority, fairly expressed through its

representatives, the binding force of law; and in the formation of

written constitutions, founded upon the will of the people, regulating

and restraining the powers of Government; added to the strong and

deep-settled conviction of all intelligent persons among us that in

order to support a useful and wise government upon these popular

principles, the general education of the people, and the wide diffusion

of pure morality and true virtue are indispensable. Mr. Webster then

proceeded to deposit under the corner stone a document written by his

own hand, which, after reciting the circumstances of the ceremony, thus

concludes: "If, therefore, it shall be hereafter the will of God, that

this structure shall fall from its base, that its foundations be

upturned, and the deposit beneath this stone brought to the eyes of men,

be it then known that, on this day, the Union of the United States of

America stands firm--that their Constitution still exists unimpaired,

and with all its original usefulness and glory, growing every day

stronger and stronger in the affections of the great body of the

American people, and attracting more and more the admiration of the

world. And all here assembled, whether belonging to public life or to

private life, with hearts devoutly thankful to Almighty God for the

preservation of the liberty and happiness of the country, unite in

sincere and fervent prayers that this deposit, and the walls and arches,

the domes and towers, the columns and entablatures, now to be erected

over it, may endure forever.--God save the United States of America."

After which he presented some statements setting forth in several

aspects the comparative state of the country upon that day, and upon the

same day, fifty-eight years before, when the corner stone of the

original Capitol was laid by the hand of Washington.

The Legislature of _New York_ closed its extra session on the 11th of

July. The skirmishing upon the passage of the Canal Enlargement Bill was

sharp and protracted; but the large majority in its favor in both Houses

pressed it steadily on. Previous to the final passage, a protest was

presented, signed by 32 representatives. In the House the vote stood 81

for and 36 against the Bill. In the Senate the numbers are 22 to 8. The

majority in the Senate was augmented by awarding the seat in the

district in which a tie was returned, to Mr. Gilbert, the candidate in

favor of enlargement, on the ground of illegal votes cast for his

opponent; and by the death of Hon. William H. Brown, Senator from the

first district, who died a few days before the close of the session. As

under the next appropriation New York loses a representative in

Congress, it became necessary to make a new division of the State into

Congressional districts. Of the 33 members to which the State will be

entitled, taking the vote for Governor at the late election as a

criterion, the Whigs will elect 20, the Democrats 13. The Whig majority

for Governor was but 262. In the present Congress the members are

equally divided between the parties. The gain to the Whigs has been

effected by classing together, in several cases, into one district,

counties in which the Democratic majority is large. At the annual

meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, on the 4th of July, a speech

was made by Hon. HAMILTON FISH, Senator-elect, in which he defined his

position with respect to the leading political question of the day. It

will be borne in mind that his refusal to do so while he was a candidate

for the United States Senate, was the ground of the determined

opposition made to his election. He said that while the Compromise

measures were under consideration, they did not meet his approval; one

in particular he thought open to exception as well on the ground of

omission as enactment. But they had been enacted, as he believed,

constitutionally; and from the moment that they became laws, he had

avowed his acquiescence in them; and though he hoped for a modification

of some of their provisions, he thought that the present was not the

time for wise and prudent action. In a word, while he did not approve,

he fully and unreservedly acquiesced. He offered, as a toast, these

fundamental principles: "An incessant attention to preserve inviolate

those exalted rights and liberties of human nature for which they have

fought and bled, and without which the high rank of a rational being is

a curse instead of a blessing."--"An unalterable determination to

promote and cherish, between the respective States, that union and

national honor so essentially necessary to their happiness, and the

future dignity of the American Empire."

The Legislature of _Rhode Island_ adjourned on the 21st of June, after a

session of four and a half days. Among the acts passed was one for

re-organizing the Common School system of the State; and one providing

for secret ballots at elections.

In _Ohio_ the new Constitution, a synopsis of which we gave in our

Number for May, has been accepted by the popular vote, by a decided

majority. The article prohibiting licenses for the sale of ardent

spirits, which was separately submitted to the people, was also adopted,

though by a majority less than that in favor of the other articles.

By a recent law of _Kentucky_, widows having children of an age suitable

for attending common schools, are entitled to vote in the election of

school trustees.

The Governor of _South Carolina_ has issued his proclamation for the

election of representatives to the Southern Congress. He recommends the

choice of two delegates from each Congressional district. The

anniversary of the battle of Fort Moultrie was celebrated at and near

Charleston, on the 28th of June. An address to the Moultrie Guards was

delivered by THOMAS M. HANCKEL, Esq., in the course of which he declared

that the only remedy for the grievances of the South "was to be found in

an inflexible determination to dissolve this Union--a determination

which would accept of no indemnity for the past, listen to no

concessions for the present, and rely on no guarantee for the future;

but which would ask and accept nothing but the sovereign right of

self-government and Southern Independence." Among the toasts given were

the following: "The Compromise--A breach of faith, and a violation of

the Constitution. Resistance is all that is left to freemen."--"Separate

State Action--the test of patriotism."--"Our sister State, Georgia--We

will take all the corn she can raise, but beg of her to keep the Cobb at

home."--"Federal threats and Federal guns--The first none of us fear,

the last, if pointed at us, we will take."

In _Alabama_ Senator CLEMENS is vigorously canvassing the State in

support of the Union party and in defense of the Compromise measures. On

the 2d of June, he made a speech at Florence, in which he commended the

entire series of measures, and defended his own course in relation to

them from attacks made by members of his party. Senator KING has

published a letter in which he announces his decided hostility to the

Compromise measures. He pronounces the admission of California into the

Union an act of injustice. Under no contingency could he have sanctioned

the bill abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia under certain

circumstances; and he should feel himself bound to vote for the repeal

of the emancipation clause, whenever proposed. He would vote again, as

he did at the last Congress, for the repeal of the Mexican law

prohibiting slavery in Utah and New Mexico.

The Legislature of _Connecticut_ adjourned on the 2d of July, without

having made any choice of United States Senator. In the House, a series

of resolutions was passed by a vote of 113 to 35, declaring the duty of

a cheerful submission to law, endorsing the Compromise measures as

constituting a fair and equitable adjustment of the whole vexed

questions at issue, and meeting the full approbation of the Assembly;

pronouncing the Fugitive Slave law to be in accordance with the

Constitution, containing merely enactments to carry into effect the

provisions of that instrument, and calling upon all good citizens to

sustain the requirements of the law. The resolutions were sent to the

Senate at a late period of the session, where various motions of

amendment were made, all of which were lost. Before they could be

finally acted upon, the hour fixed upon for adjournment arrived, when a

motion was made and carried for their indefinite postponement. The

resolutions were returned to the House, and entered upon the journal.

The Legislature of _Michigan_, at its late session, divided the State

into four Congressional districts, as rendered necessary by the results

of the late census. These districts are so arranged that it is supposed

the Democrats will secure the entire delegation in Congress. A number of

Mormons, who had settled on Beaver Island, in Lake Michigan, have been

arrested on charge of various crimes. Among the number was James J.

Strang, who claims and is believed by his followers to be endowed with

special divine inspiration. They have been tried on an indictment for

obstructing the United States mail, and acquitted by the jury after a

very brief consultation.

In _Virginia_ the Convention is laboriously engaged in framing the new

Constitution. In our last Record, by a clerical error, we reversed the

terms of the compromise on the suffrage question. In the House the West

are to have 82 members and the East 68. In the Senate 30 members are to

be chosen from the East and 20 from the West, giving the West a majority

of four on joint ballot. This settlement has been adopted by the

Convention, who have stricken out the clause reported by the committee

prohibiting the Legislature from passing laws for the emancipation of

slaves, and inserted a provision that an emancipated slave remaining in

the State more than twelve months shall be sold. A public dinner was

given to Mr. WEBSTER on the 28th of June, at Capon Springs, in Western

Virginia, at which he made a speech, which was most enthusiastically

received. In the course of it he said: "I make no argument against

resolutions, conventions, secession speeches, or proclamations. Let

these things go on. The whole matter, it is to be hoped, will blow over,

and men will return to a sounder mode of thinking. But one thing,

gentlemen, be assured of--the first step taken in the programme of

secession, which shall be an actual infringement of the Constitution or

the laws, will be promptly met. And I would not remain an hour in any

administration that should not immediately meet any such violation of

the Constitution and the law effectually and at once; and I can assure

you, gentlemen, that all with whom I am at present associated in the

government, entertain the same decided purpose." He concluded with the

following sentiment: "The Union of the States--May those ancient

friends, Virginia and Massachusetts, continue to uphold it as long as

the waves of the Atlantic shall beat on the shores of the one, or the

Alleghanies remain firm on their basis in the territories of the other."

The British Embassador, Sir HENRY LYTTON BULWER, made an eloquent

speech, which was received with warm cheers, and elicited the following

toast: "England and the United States--One language--one creed--one

mission."

From _California_ our dates are to May 31. On the night of the 3d of

May, the anniversary of a great fire of last year, a destructive

conflagration took place in San Francisco, by which a large portion of

the business part of the city was destroyed. The number of buildings

burned is set down at 1500; the loss was at first stated at from ten to

twelve millions, which is probably three or four times the actual

amount. A number of lives were also lost. In one case six persons

undertook the care of a store supposed to be fire-proof; the iron doors

and window-shutters became expanded by the heat to such a degree that it

was impossible to open them, and the inmates were all burned to death.

The work of rebuilding was commenced and carried forward with such

characteristic rapidity, that within ten days after the fire 357

buildings were in process of erection, of which the greater part were

already occupied. At the close of the month it is stated on reliable

authority, that the number of buildings actually tenantable was greater

than before the conflagration. The city of Stockton suffered severely by

a fire on the 12th of May. The amount of gold produced continues to be

very great. The gold bluffs of the Trinity River, the reported discovery

of which caused such an excitement a few months since, prove to be of

little or no value; but the extraction of gold from the auriferous

quartz is rapidly developing itself as experience points out new and

improved methods of procedure. This promises to become the most

productive of all the mining operations in California. It is evident

that the market is altogether overglutted with goods, the large amount

destroyed at the fires, apparently producing no effect upon prices in

general. Political excitement runs high: party lines beginning to be

strictly drawn. The nominations for State officers of both parties have

been made. The depredations and outrages of the Indians have not

altogether ceased. The severe code of Lynch law still continues in

practical force, though instances of its execution are somewhat less

frequently given. Large numbers of emigrants from China are arriving; a

British vessel from Hong Kong lately brought 381 Celestials to San

Francisco. They promise to out-number the emigrants from any other

foreign people, and manifest a most unexpected facility in acquiring the

language, manners, and modes of thought and life of their new homes. An

expedition raised in the southern part of the State, for the purpose of

invading the Mexican province of Lower California, appears to have

miscarried.

In _Oregon_ a treaty has recently been concluded with portions of the

Callapooya and Twallaty tribes of Indians, who cede to the United States

a large tract of the most valuable lands in the valley of the

Willamette. These Indians refuse to leave that portion of the country,

and will probably continue to reside within the limits of the

reservations. Unlike the tribes to the east of the Rocky Mountains, they

are desirous of adopting the habits of civilized life, many of them

being now in the service of the whites as laborers.

In Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and along the whole course of the Upper

Mississippi, great damage has been done by an unusual and long-continued

flood of that river. Many towns of considerable size have been quite

overflowed. At St. Louis, during the greater part of the month of June,

the levee was entirely submerged, and all the stores upon Front-street

filled with water to the depth of several feet. For a vast extent along

the Mississippi, Missouri, and their tributaries the bottom lands have

been submerged for so long a time as to destroy the growing crops. It is

the most disastrous inundation which has occurred for several years.

Three distinct shocks of an earthquake were felt at St. Louis on the 2d

of July. The morning was somewhat cool and cloudy, followed not long

after by a slight rain, with thunder. In the afternoon the weather

cleared up, and so remained for the remainder of the day. The cholera

has appeared at several places in the West, more especially on the line

of the Mississippi. It does not appear, however, to have assumed a

decidedly epidemic character. The troops under the command of Col.

Sumner, on their way to New Mexico, have suffered severely; as well as

the trains of traders. The small pox has committed terrible ravages

among the Sioux and other Indian tribes on the plains of the Northwest.

In January the weather was extremely cold, and some 40 or 50 of the

Indians in exposed situations were frozen to death. Affrays have taken

place among various tribes of Indians in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

A steamer has recently set out from St. Louis, with about 100 voyagers

bound for the Rocky Mountains. The steamer is destined for the mouth of

the Yellowstone, about two thousand miles up the Missouri, the head of

steamboat navigation. From this point the passengers will proceed in

Mackinaw boats to the falls of the Missouri. Most of the passengers are

employees of the American Fur Company. Dr. Evans, U. S. Geologist, is of

the number; and two Jesuit missionaries, Fathers De Smedt and Haeken,

take the opportunity to visit the wild tribes of Indians near the

Mountains, among whom they intend to remain for two or three years.

Brevet General GEORGE TALCOTT, of the Ordnance Department has been tried

by a Court Martial for violation of the regulations of the Department,

for disobedience of orders and instructions; and for conduct unbecoming

a gentleman. He was found guilty of all the charges, and upon all the

specifications with two exceptions, and by sentence of the court, with

the approval of the President of the United States, has been dismissed

from the service.

MR. CHARLES L. BRACE, the "Pedestrian Correspondent" of the

_Independent_ newspaper has been arrested at Grosswardein, in

Transylvania, upon a charge of complicity in some democratic plots. The

only evidence against him seems to be his having letters of introduction

which were thought suspicious, and being in possession of a copy of

Pulzky's "Rights of Hungary." Mr. Brace is a young man of decided

literary talent, who has been for many months performing a pedestrian

tour through Europe for the purpose of learning by personal inspection

the condition of the people. His letters from Europe are among the most

valuable that have been published in this country. He is the writer of

an appreciative and thoughtful critique upon Emerson which appeared some

months since in the _Knickerbocker_ Magazine.

The London _Economist_, in noticing the translation of the "History of

the Colonization of America" by _Talvi_ (Mrs. Robinson), gives some

information in respect to the author which will be new upon this side of

the Atlantic. It says that "Mr. Talvi gives a succinct and carefully

compiled history of the event, which will be acceptable to many readers.

He is a German, probably settled in the States, and his book displays

the pains-taking character of his countrymen."

Mr. B. A. GOULD, of Cambridge, Mass., has received a tender of the

appointment of Professor of Astronomy at the University of Goettingen,

vacated by the recent death of Dr. Goldschmidt.

During the past month have been celebrated the Annual Commencements of a

number of the colleges of the country. Apart from the exercises of the

candidates for collegiate honors, much of the best talent of the country

is usually enlisted in the service of the literary societies connected

with the institutions. First in order of time, this year, we believe,

stands the one hundred and fourth anniversary of _Nassau Hall College_,

in New Jersey. The address before the Literary Societies by Hon. A. W.

VENABLE, of North Carolina, on "The claims of our common country on the

citizen scholar," is characterized as an able and eloquent performance.

The graduating class numbered fifty-four. _The University of New York_

held its commencement on Wednesday, July 2. On the Monday evening

previous, a characteristically brilliant oration was delivered before

the Literary Societies by Rev. Dr. BETHUNE, of Brooklyn. JOHN G. SAXE,

Esq., of Vermont, pronounced a poem, which elicited great admiration.

The annual oration before the Alumni was delivered by HOWARD CROSBY,

Esq. The number of graduates was twenty-two. The commencement of

_Dickinson College_, at Carlisle, Penn., was held June 25th. Rev. Dr.

PECK, the President, tendered his resignation, to take effect at the

close of the next academic year. Rev. O. H. TIFFANY, of Baltimore, was

elected Professor of Mathematics. The graduates numbered sixteen.

_Miami University_, at Oxford, Ohio, held its commencement June 28th,

when eleven students graduated. The different Societies were addressed

by Rev. W. B. SPENCE, of Sidney; Rev. Dr. RICE, of Cincinnati, on the

topic of "Revelation the source of all true philosophy;" and by Rev. S.

W. FISHER, of Cincinnati, in a very able manner. The oration before the

Alumni was delivered by WM. DENNISON, Esq., of Columbus. The

eighty-third annual commencement of _Brown University_, at Providence,

R. I., took place on the 9th of July. The graduating class numbered

thirty-two. N. W. GREENE, Esq., of Cincinnati, delivered before the Phi

Beta Kappa Society an oration of great power and vigor, discussing in an

earnest and vigorous manner some of the great social and political

problems of the day. The address before the Literary Societies was by

ABRAHAM PAYNE, Esq., of Providence. His subject was "Common Sense." A

very interesting discourse was delivered before the Society for

Missionary Inquiry, by Rev. R. TURNBULL, of Hartford, upon the subject

of the "Unity of the human race." The unity advocated was not so much

that arising from a common origin as the deeper unity of a common

nature, capacities, requirements, and destiny. The newly-founded

_University of Rochester_ held its first commencement exercises on the

9th of July. The graduating class numbered thirteen. Rev. HENRY WARD

BEECHER, of Brooklyn, delivered before the Literary Societies his

often-repeated and brilliant discourse on "Character." PARK BENJAMIN,

Esq., recited a sparkling poem, keenly satirizing the all-prevailing

passion of the love of money. On the 10th the anniversary of the

Theological Department of the University was held. The graduating class

was addressed by Prof. J. S. MAGINNIS; and Rev. T. J. CONANT, D.D.,

delivered an inaugural address as Professor of Hebrew, Biblical

Criticism, and Interpretation. The subject of his address was "The

claims of sacred learning." It was amply worthy of the subject and of

the reputation of the distinguished Professor.

SOUTHERN AMERICA.

In _Mexico_ the extra session of Congress was opened on the 1st of June.

Senor Lacunza was chosen President of the Senate, and Senor Alcosta of

the Chamber. On the second day, several financial projects were

broached. Among the means proposed for the support of Government, was

the application to immediate use of the remainder of the indemnity, if

there should be any; a general duty on consumption; a tax upon cotton

manufactures; an increase of the duty on the circulation and export of

coin. The Chambers have agreed to allow the Government to use the

$1,600,000, said to remain of the American indemnity, at the rate of

$250,000 a month, although this money had been specially appropriated to

the interior creditors. An order has been issued for the discharge of

any official who shall speak against the Government. The number of

police in the capital has been augmented, and they are allowed to arm

themselves with pistols. Brigandage does not appear to be diminished.

One of the engineers of the Tehuantepec survey states that a line for a

railroad from the Coatzocoalcos River to the Pacific has been examined,

in no part of which will there be an ascent of more than sixty feet to

the mile. The prosecution of the survey has been prohibited by the

Government, and all Americans engaged in it ordered to leave the

country. Some disturbances have arisen in consequence of this order,

which it is said the Company intend to disregard. Subsequently to the

issuing of the order they advertised at New Orleans for 500 additional

laborers, and two steamboats which they wished to dispatch immediately.

The Mexican consul at New Orleans refused a clearance to a steamer which

the Company wished to send.

The disturbances in _Chili_ and _Peru_ seem to have been effectually

suppressed, though in the latter Republic some uneasiness yet prevails,

owing to the attitude assumed by the partisans of Vivanca.

In the Argentine Republic, and the small States in its neighborhood, the

same singular state of affairs prevails that has existed for some years.

Rosas, though nominally only Governor of Buenos Ayres, is in reality

supreme dictator of the whole Argentine Republic. The elements of

discontent against his administration have, however, so far increased

that there is a probability that his overthrow may be effected. General

Urquiza, Governor of the province of Entrerios, has taken up arms

against Rosas, and calls upon the other provinces for aid. He, however,

does not ask for military assistance, affirming that his own troops are

amply sufficient to overthrow the "fictitious power" of Rosas, which he

affirms to be based solely upon "terror," although he acknowledges that

it has been maintained with "execrable ability." It is quite probable

that Lopez, the successor of Francia, in Paraguay, may be induced to

join Urquiza; for Rosas has always avowed that Paraguay was an integral

portion of the Argentine Republic, and has ever cherished the design of

its invasion, although more urgent occupations have never allowed him

the opportunity to catty the purpose into execution. It has long been

the wish of Lopez to secure the recognition by other nations of the

independence of Paraguay, and it is said that he has lately addressed a

communication to the President of France, designed to effect this

object. Brazil has also a pretext for engaging against Rosas, owing to

his having assumed the responsibility of certain aggressions upon the

Brazilian provinces, committed by General Oribe. If all these separate

interests can be combined at the same moment against Rosas, it is

difficult to see how he can maintain himself, notwithstanding his

undoubted ability.

_Uruguay_ still maintains its singular position. The nominal government

is without power beyond the walls of Montevideo, the capital, which, as

for the last dozen years, is held in a state of siege by General Oribe,

supported by aid from Buenos Ayres.

In _Bolivia_ Government has issued the programme of a new Constitution,

based upon the following articles: "1st. The Government will defend and

uphold the sovereignty and independence of the republic abroad, and

peace and tranquillity at home. 2d. The Catholic religion shall be that

of the State. 3d. The best relations shall be maintained with other

American and European States, and all treaties strictly observed, as

well as neutrality in discussions arising between them. 4th. The civil

liberty of citizens, and the rights of all shall be respected in

conformity with the laws. 5th. The crimes of conspiracy and sedition

shall be judged by verbal courts martial. 6th. The liberty of the press

shall be guaranteed. 7th. Foreigners shall be respected and protected in

the exercise of their trade and commercial pursuits. 8th. A National

Convention shall be convoked. 9th. The independence of the judicial

authority shall be respected. 10th. Official appointments are

conferments. 11th. The political opinions of all citizens shall be

respected. 12th. The Ministers of State shall be responsible for the

acts of their administration." A convention, consisting of fifty-three

delegates, is summoned to meet on the 16th of July.

In the Republics to the North there are discontents. In _New Granada_

there has been an insurrection in the southern provinces, aided by

forces from Equador. The insurgents were defeated in two battles, but in

a third gained some success. A law has been passed for the abolition of

slavery, to take effect on the 1st of January, 1852.

A plot has been brought to light in _Venezuela_, the design of which was

to make way with the President and chief officers of government. A

portion of the conspirators belong to the principal families in

Caraccas. Some have been arrested; others have fled. The President has

been clothed with extraordinary powers to meet the crisis.

In Central America there is reason to hope that a federal confederacy is

about to be established between several States upon a model not unlike

our own government, and under auspices which give hope of its

maintaining a permanent existence. The basis of a confederation between

Nicaragua, San Salvador, and Honduras was formed in November, 1849, and

agreed to by representatives from those states, in December, 1850. A

General Congress, called to meet in December next, is to complete the

details of the Confederacy. These three States embrace a territory of

145,000 square miles, with a population of a little more than a million.

Guatemala and Costa Rica, who have hitherto stood aloof, are invited to

become members of the Confederacy. These States have a territory of

68,000 square miles, and a population of somewhat more than a million.

If all these States can be united, they will possess an area of

territory somewhat greater than that of France. If the town of San Juan

de Nicaragua be given up by Great Britain to the State of Nicaragua, as

there is reason to anticipate, the new State will have the control of

the most important commercial port in the world. And even if surrendered

with the guarantee of its being a free port, according to the Bulwer and

Clayton treaty, the State must derive great advantage from it.

In _Jamaica_ the cholera has broken out with a fresh access of violence.

A vessel from Sierra Leone has recently brought 208 Africans, who had

been captured from a French slaver; they were distributed among the

planters of the interior.

In _Cuba_ the alarm excited by the proposed invasion has passed away.

The number of negroes brought to the island from Africa within the last

fourteen months, is stated to be 14,500. Count Villanueva, for

twenty-five years the able Intendant, or chief fiscal officer of the

island, has resigned his post, much to the regret of the Spanish

Government. The reasons assigned are his own advanced age, and the

delicate state of the health of his wife. But the real cause is supposed

to be the absolute impossibility of making the revenue of the island

adequate to meet the constantly increasing demands of the mother

country. He is said to have opposed the sending out the last

re-enforcement of troops, on the ground that if the people were loyal no

more were needed; if they were not loyal, five times as many would be of

no avail. The expense arising from this last addition of troops is

stated at $2,500,000, which has totally exhausted the treasury.

In _Santa Cruz_ the new Danish Governor was daily expected from

Copenhagen. It was supposed that upon his arrival some important changes

would be made in the laws relating to the colored population. A partial

emancipation of the blacks, after the 1st of October has been provided

for by law.

In _Hayti_ hostilities between the Haytians and Dominicans have taken

place. The former advanced beyond the advanced posts of the latter on

the 29th of May, but were repulsed with some loss; the Dominicans not

losing a man, if we are to believe the bulletin of the President, Baez.

GREAT BRITAIN.

Beyond the continued and triumphant success of the Great Exhibition,

there is little of interest to record. The daily number of visitors upon

the shilling days fluctuates from 50,000 to 70,000, depending much upon

the state of the weather. In very warm days, when the building is

crowded, the heat is almost insupportable. The Queen continues her

almost daily visits, and the absurd apprehension of violence to the

royal person has passed away. The Russian department, the opening of

which was delayed by the detention by ice of the contributions, is now

opened, and astonishes every one by its splendor, giving an idea of the

state of art and manufactures in that empire much higher than had before

been entertained. There is now no talk of removing the Crystal Palace at

the close of the Exhibition; the disposition most likely to be made of

it being to convert it into a winter garden and conservatory.

The Kaffir war proves even more serious than was anticipated. A number

of chiefs, upon whose fidelity to the English reliance had been placed,

and whose followers are at least partially supplied with fire-arms, have

joined their countrymen.

In Parliament nothing of more than local interest has transpired, except

a motion made by Mr. COBDEN, praying the Queen "to enter into

communication with the Government of France to endeavor to prevent in

future the rivalry of warlike preparations, in time of peace, which has

hitherto been the policy of the two Governments, and to promote, if

possible, a mutual reduction of armaments." Lord PALMERSTON, in behalf

of the Ministers, expressed a general concurrence in the object aimed at

by the motion; but wished Mr. Cobden would not press it to a division,

as those who might vote against it would be liable to be misunderstood

to be opposed to the object of the motion, rather than to the means

proposed to accomplish it. The mover withdrew the motion, at the request

of his friends.

An abstract of the census has been published, showing that the

population of Great Britain, including the islands in the British seas,

not including Ireland, is 20,919,531, being an increase in ten years of

2,263,550, or 12.13 per cent. The rate of increase has regularly

diminished, with a single exception, during each successive decennial

period within the century. The returns from Ireland have not been made

up; but there is no doubt that they will indicate a marked decrease of

population. London has increased from 1,948,369 to 2,363,141, or 21.33

per cent, almost double the rate of the country generally. It is worthy

of notice that the number of houses has not increased in a ratio equal

to the population, showing that the population is continually crowding

into closer quarters.

Great exertions have been put forth in Ireland to have some port in that

island selected as one of the places of departure for the transatlantic

steamers. The steamer North America, which had been announced to sail

from New York to Galway, was expected with great anxiety, under the

impression that her passage would prove the precursor of a regular

communication between the two ports. Every effort was made to complete

the railway, so that the passengers might be forwarded without loss of

time. The steamer, it will be recollected, did not sail as advertised,

having been sold at the very moment when her departure was announced.

The Commissioners to whom was referred the question of the selection of

an Irish port for a transatlantic packet station, presented a report

strongly adverse to the project.

At the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Society for the

Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, Prince ALBERT made a speech

which must have sounded somewhat strangely, coming from such an

individual, in the ears of High-Churchmen and ultra-monarchists. He

characterized William III. as the "greatest sovereign the country had to

boast of;" and said that "by his sagacity and energy were secured the

inestimable advantages of the Constitution and the Protestant faith."

The American colonies, he said, were "originally peopled chiefly by

British subjects, who had left their homes to escape the yoke of

religious intolerance and oppression, and who threw off their allegiance

to the mother country in defense of civil and religious rights." An

opinion which hardly accords with the views of Judge HALIBURTON ("Sam

Slick"), in his forthcoming work, "The English in America." Lord JOHN

RUSSELL and Earl GREY were also speakers at the anniversary of this

society.

A disastrous balloon ascent has been made from London by a Mr. and Mrs.

Graham. Owing to a violent wind the balloon became unmanageable, and

narrowly escaped being dashed against the Crystal Palace. It finally

struck against a chimney; the aeronauts were flung out insensible, and

the balloon destroyed.

FRANCE.

The question of the revision of the Constitution overshadows every

other. Apart from its mere partisan aspects, it is of grave and vital

moment to the cause of tranquillity and public order. By what would seem

almost an oversight, the functions of the executive and legislative

branches of the Government expire so nearly at the same time, that at

the period of the election there is practically an interregnum. The

election of the new Assembly must take place between the 45th and the

30th day preceding the expiration of the term of the present legislative

body. The term of the present Assembly expires on the 28th of May, 1852,

so that the new election must occur between the 13th and the 29th of

April. The term of the President ceases on the second Sunday in May, so

that within a month at furthest, possibly within a fortnight, both

branches of the Government have to be renewed. It is this which renders

the coming election so critical. The peculiar state of the suffrage

question furnishes another element of discord. The present Government

was elected by universal suffrage, every Frenchmen, of the age of 21

years, being entitled to vote at the place of his residence. But last

year, by the law of May 31, it was enacted that a legal residence could

only be obtained by a continuous habitation of three years. By this law

the number of voters was reduced from 9,936,004 to 6,809,281,

disfranchising 3,126,723 electors who had the right of voting for the

present Government. The validity of this law is warmly contested; and in

particular it is affirmed that at most it can only apply to the election

of representatives, which, in certain aspects, is a local affair; but

can not refer to the choice of President. It is said that at the

election these 3,000,000 disfranchised voters will present themselves,

and the responsibility of deciding as to the admissibility of their

votes will fall upon the officials of a Government whose term of office

is about to expire; and the duty of enforcing the law will devolve upon

an executive who is supposed to be hostile to it. Add to these the

different factions among the people, each seeking to carry out its own

plans, and it will be seen how pressing is the necessity of some strong

and permanent authority in the Government. This is the ground upon which

the Bonapartists press the absolute necessity of prolonging the tenure

of the President; and with this view they have urged to the utmost the

presentation of petitions for a revision of the Constitution, desiring

simply that the article which renders him ineligible for immediate

re-election should be annulled. These petitions have not been as

numerously signed as was anticipated; from present appearances, the

number of signatures will not exceed a million, of which not more than

one half are in favor of the re-eligibility of the President. These have

all been referred to a committee of fifteen, of whom nine are for and

six against a revision. Of this committee M. de TOCQUEVILLE has been

appointed to draw up the report. He has announced himself in favor of a

revision accomplished in the manner pointed out by the Constitution;

provided that the law of May 31 be repealed, and the elections be by

universal suffrage. This, however, from the constitution of the

Assembly, is manifestly impossible.

At Dijon, on occasion of the opening of a section of the Paris and Lyons

Railway, the President made a speech reflecting severely upon the

Assembly which he charged with a failure to support him in carrying out

the popular improvements which he desired to effect. Though considerably

moderated as published, the speech caused great excitement in the

Assembly. General Changarnier evidently assumed it to be a declaration

on the part of the President of an intention to disregard the

prerogatives of the Assembly, should that body prove adverse to his

plans. He assured the members that in any case they might rely upon the

army, who would implicitly obey their officers. The debates in the

Assembly continue to be very bitter and acrimonious, sometimes hardly

stopping short of personal violence.

GERMANY, ETC.

From the remaining portion of Europe there is little of special

interest. The Frankfort Diet has resumed its regular sittings, but

nothing of importance has been proposed. At Hamburg, an affray occurred

between the populace and a party of Austrian troops, in which lives were

lost.

In Portugal, the Ministry of the Marquis of Saldanha seems likely to

maintain its place.

In Italy there is the same hostility to the Austrian rulers, manifesting

itself as it best may. In Milan, not only is tobacco proscribed by the

people, as a government monopoly, but the purchase of tickets in the

state lotteries is looked upon as an act of treason to the popular

cause. At Pavia, the Count Gyulay, the Military Governor of Lombardy,

appearing in the theatre, almost all the audience rose and left the

house; and the few who remained were received with hisses by the crowd

when they finally came out. At Florence, the Count Guicciardini, and

five others have been sentenced to six months' banishment for being

found, to quote the words of the _proces verbal_, "sitting round a small

table," upon which "occasion Count Piero Guicciardini read and commented

upon a chapter in the Gospel of St. John," in the Italian translation of

Diodati, under circumstances that "offer valid and sufficient proof that

this reading and comment had no other purpose than mutually to insinuate

into the parties religious sentiments and principles contrary to those

prescribed by the Roman Catholic Apostolic Religion."

Literary Notices.

_The Parthenon_ is the title of a serial work on a new plan, published

by Loomis, Griswold, and Co., the first number of which has just been

issued in a style of uncommon typographical elegance, and containing

original articles from several distinguished American writers. It is

intended to present, in this publication, a collection of specimens of

the literary talent and cultivation of the United States, as exhibited

in the productions of our most eminent living authors. Among the

contributors, whose pens are enlisted in the proposed enterprise, we

find the most celebrated names in the field of American letters,

together with a host of lesser lights, who have yet distinction to

achieve. The contents of this number are of a high order, and give a

rich promise of the future excellence of the work. It opens with an

Indian Legend, by Cooper, called "The Lake Gun," which is followed by

poetical contributions from Mrs. Sigourney, Miss Gould, Duganne, and

Ross Wallace.

_Narrative of Travels in America_, by Lady EMMELINE STUART WORTLEY

(published by Harper and Brothers), is a perpetual effusion of

astonishment and admiration at the natural resources and the social

developments of the Western Continent. Lady Wortley is not a traveler of

the regular English stamp, judging every thing American by the standard

of the Old World, and giving vent to the disappointment of absurd

anticipations by ridiculous comparisons. She has no doubt gone to the

contrary extreme, and presented a too rose-colored picture of her

impressions of America. With the quickness of observation, and gayety of

temperament with which she mingled in all classes of American society,

she could not fail to catch its most important features; but we think

she often mistakes the courtesy and deference which her own frankness

and intelligence called forth for a more decidedly national

characteristic than is warranted by facts. On questions at issue between

her own country and the United States, she uniformly takes sides with

the latter. She shows a warm American heart every where, without the

slightest disposition to flatter English prejudices. Evidently her

nature is strongly magnetic; she wears her foreign habits like a glove,

and throws them off at pleasure; adapting herself with cordial facility

to the domestic life of New England, or the brilliant _far niente_ of

Mexico. This disposition gives her book a highly personal and often

gossiping character. She talks of the acquaintances she forms with the

delight of a joyous child, who has found a new amusement, and generally

with as little reserve. No one can complain of her fastidiousness, or of

her unwillingness to be pleased. Indeed, the whole volume gives you the

idea of a frank, impulsive, high-hearted Englishwoman, rejoicing to

escape for a while from the restraints of conventional etiquette, and

expressing herself with the careless ease of a perfectly natural

character, among scenes of constant novelty and excitement. So

completely does she throw herself into the mood of the passing moment,

that she adopts all sorts of American colloquialisms, with as much

readiness as if she had been to "the manner born," embroidering her

pages with a profusion of familiar expressions, caught from the

rebellious volubility of Brother Jonathan, and which most shock the

"ears polite" in every drawing-room in England. It will be seen that her

work belongs to the amusing order of travels, and makes no pretensions

to intense gravity or profound wisdom. You read it as you would listen

to the rattling talk of the author, pleased with its vivacity and

unstarched grace, with its off-hand descriptions of comical adventures,

and its glowing pictures of natural scenes, while you forgive a good

deal of superfluous loquacity to her irrepressible good-humor and

evident kindness of heart.

James Munroe and Co. have issued the first volume of a new edition of

_The Works of Shakspeare_, edited by Rev. H. N. HUDSON. In its external

appearance, this edition is intended, as nearly as possible, to be a

fac-simile of the celebrated Chiswick edition, while the numerous errors

and corruptions, with which that edition abounds, have been removed by

the diligence and sagacity of the present editor. Every line, every

word, every letter, and every point has been thoroughly revised, with

the determination to present nothing but the genuine text of Shakspeare.

This volume contains The Tempest, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Two

Gentlemen of Verona, and The Twelfth Night, with introductions by the

Editor, written with his usual acuteness, and more than his usual

modesty. His Shakspearian learning, and enthusiastic reverence of the

author, admirably qualify him to superintend an edition of his works,

and we shall look with confidence to these successive volumes as an

important aid to the enlightened appreciation of the immortal Poet.

_The History of Josephine_, by JOHN S. C. ABBOTT (published by Harper

and Brothers), is a lively and beautiful portraiture of the romantic

career of the fascinating and unfortunate Empress. Without presenting

any new incidents in her extraordinary life, Mr. Abbott has related her

well-known history with such dramatic effect, that his work has all the

charm of novelty. It will be read with great interest, even by those who

are familiar with the subject.

A new edition of _Fresh Gleanings_, by IK. MARVEL, has been issued by

Charles Scribner. It will be read with a new zest of delight by those

whose hearts have vibrated to the rich touches of feeling in the

_Reveries of a Bachelor_, or who have rejoiced in the refined, delicious

humor of the _Lorgnette_, now acknowledged as the production of the same

versatile pen. The author, DONALD MITCHELL, under all his amusing

disguises, can not quite conceal the exquisite refinement of his

imagination, nor his manly sympathy with the many-colored phases of

life, which will make his name a "household word" among the lovers of a

chaste and elevated literature. This edition is introduced with a dainty

preface.

LOSSING'S _Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution_, now publishing by

Harper and Brothers, has reached the fifteenth number, and fully

sustains the character which has won for it such a welcome reception in

all parts of the Union. The historical narrative is agreeably

diversified by a copious and well-authenticated collection of anecdotes,

and the illustrations taken from drawings on the spot, give a vivid

impression of many of the most important localities which have now

become classical by their association with the Revolution.

_The Daughter of Night_, by S. W. Fullom (published by Harper and

Brothers), is a recent English novel, which in spite of a good deal of

exaggeration, leaves a deep impression on the mind of the reader. The

scene is laid in the present day, and the principal materials are drawn

from the state of the population in the mining districts of England.

Among other incidents, the ravages of the cholera among the laboring

classes are described with frightful effect, showing a rare power of

tragic representation.

Editor's Drawer.

We have forgotten (or never knew) who it is that speaks of the "small

sweet courtesies of life," but the term is as true as it is felicitous.

There _are_ such courtesies, and the habitual employment of them is the

surest evidence of a good heart as well as refined manners. "I never

look," said a benevolent lady to a friend walking down Broadway one

morning, "at a deformed person in the street, except directly in the

face. How many a pang has been caused to the physically unfortunate by a

lingering glance at a deformed limb, a "marked" face, or other physical

defect, to a scrutiny of which the afflicted are so painfully

sensitive!" There was a tenderness, a humanity in this remark, and

therefore it was recorded at the time, as being worthy, not only of

remembrance, but of heedful regard and emulation. Yes; and that woman

would leave the arm of her husband in the street, and push from off the

side-walk with her little foot a piece of orange-peel, a peach-skin, or

other the like slippery obstruction, lest _somebody_ should step upon

it, slide, fall, and break or dislocate a limb. "These are little things

to speak of," the reader may say, and they are; but still, they are

"close devotements, working _from the heart_" that with such an one, a

too common selfishness, or indifference to the good of others, "does not

_rule_."

* * * * *

One of our "bold peasantry, a nations pride," disdaining California and

its temptations, thus signifies his contentment with his little

mountain-farm in "dear old New England:"

"Let others, dazzled by the shining ore,

Delve in the soil to gather golden store;

Let, others, patient of the menial toil,

And daily suffering, seek the precious spoil;

I'll work instead, exempt from fear or harm,

The fruitful "placers" of my mountain farm;

Where the bright plow-share opens richest veins,

From whence shall issue countless golden grains,

Which in the fullness of the year shall come,

In bounteous sheaves to bless my harvest-home."

* * * * *

It was well said by an eminent man, that, during the prevalence, or

expected prevalence, of any unusual epidemic, "cheerful-minded persons

and cheerful looks, are more to be valued than all the drugs of the

city." His further remarks are worthy of heed just now, in an

anticipated or predicted "cholera-time:" "A great portion of mankind

have a wonderful proclivity to groan, repine, whine, snarl, and find

fault with every body and every thing, making other people miserable,

and rendering themselves intolerable nuisances. At a time when all

excitement, alarm, and panic are to be studiously avoided, as promotive

or incitive of diseases, these groaners, these incessant predicters of

more trouble, more sickness, and more deaths; these persons with rueful

countenances, should be shut up, kept out of sight. They fret, annoy,

and disgust all healthy, sensible people, and are 'sure death' to

persons of diseased body and mind; while on the other hand, the

cheerful-minded man or woman, with pleasant aspect, rejuvenates and

fortifies the minds of all; filling the soul of the sick and desponding

with hope, confidence, and courage. A cheerful-minded physician, who can

inspire his patients with a firm faith and hope of recovery, is to be

preferred, in nine cases out of ten, to the physician of gloomy

misgivings and lugubrious countenance." This is good advice. We know an

old weather-croaker who at all times "never expects any more really

pleasant weather." If it happens to _be_ pleasant, he says: "Ah! my

young friend, we shall _pay for this_--a mere weather-breeder--a

weather-breeder, sir." If it is _not_ pleasant, he reverses his

grumbling. "Ah, sir, just as I told you--just as I expected!"

* * * * *

When the development of what are termed "Spiritual Rappings" was first

made in this city, we were of a party who visited the exhibitors of the

phenomena, or whatever else it may be called. Surprised, amazed, yet not

satisfied, we returned home. In the evening, at a friend's house, the

conversation turned upon the scene we had witnessed. Some importing

deception, collusion, &c.; while others avowed, almost with "fear and

trembling" their full belief in the operation of a spiritual agency in

producing the sounds. "I know nothing whatever," said a gentleman who

chanced to be present, and who had remained entirely silent during the

discussion, which however he seemed to be regarding very attentively, "I

know nothing whatever about these 'Spiritual Rappings,' for I have not

heard them, nor had an opportunity of testing the various ways in which

it is alleged they may be produced; but if you will permit me, and I

shall not be considered as inflicting a story upon your company, I will

tell you what I _have_ seen, and which I think partook somewhat of the

nature of those mysterious spiritual communications of which you have

been speaking.

"I presume that many of you remember the case of RACHEL BAKER, the

Somnambulist-preacher, who, some twenty-eight or thirty years ago, in

one of the interior counties of this State, attracted so much the wonder

and curiosity of the public. She was an ignorant, unlettered girl, of

some nineteen or twenty years of age. Her parents were poor, and were

unable to give her any education. She could read the BIBLE only with

great difficulty, and even that little with apparently but small

understanding of the force and extent of its moral and religious

teachings. Although indigent and ignorant, her character, however humble

and undeveloped, was unblemished. She was of a religious turn of mind,

and was a regular attendant of the Methodist meetings, which were only

occasionally held in the sparsely-populated neighborhood where she

resided.

"Such was the young girl who subsequently became the theme of almost

every journal in the United States, and whose fame, or perhaps more

properly notoriety, extended to England and France; awakening in each

country elaborate psychological and physiological discussions concerning

the nature of the peculiar case of 'RACHEL BAKER, _the American

Somnambulist_.' But I am getting a little before my story.

"One hot evening, about midsummer, somewhat earlier than was usual with

her, RACHEL took a candle and ascended the ladder which served as stairs

to lead to the open chamber or garret which contained her humble bed. A

short time after midnight, her mother, being accidentally awake, and

talking with her father, heard her, as she expressed, 'gabbling to

herself in a dream.' She called aloud to her daughter, but received no

answer; but her talk, in a low tone of voice, continued as before. The

mother now awoke her husband, and lighting a candle, they ascended

together to RACHEL'S apartment.

"She lay upon her bed on her back, her face turned to the rafters and

shingled roof of the rude dwelling. Her eyes were wide open; her hands

clasped convulsively over her bosom; and she was pronouncing a prayer.

After finishing her prayer, she lay silent for a few moments, and then

awakening with a start, and gazing wildly around her, she demanded to

know of her wonder-stricken and agitated parents, why they were there,

and 'what that _light_ was for?'

"'You waked your father and me, by talking in your sleep, Rachel; when

we called to you, you did not answer, and we came up to see what was the

matter. You've been dreaming, haven't you, Rachel?'

"'No, mother, I've had no dream; you have wakened me from a sound and

sweet sleep.'

"The parents retired, went down the ladder to their own apartment, and

Rachel fell into a sound sleep, and slept until morning. All the

following day, however, she was indisposed; her eyes were heavy, her

step faltering, and her whole manner indolent and _ennuyee_. The same

somnambulism occurred every night for a week; until at length the rumor

of the phenomena was noised about the country, and excited a wide and

general curiosity. And when inquiry was made of the mother as to the

character of Rachel's 'talk in her sleep,' she said, 'It was first-rate

preaching--as good as any minister's; and her prayers,' she added,

'_was_ beautiful to hear.'

"About this time Mr. W---- G----, a man of rare self-attainments in

practical science and philosophy, and of the highest reputation for

general intelligence--(an ornament, moreover, to the agriculturists of

New York, toward whose interests no man in the State subsequently more

efficiently contributed)--invited Rachel to pass a short time at the

house of his father, an opulent farmer in the little town of O----, in

the county of Onondaga.

"She came after some considerable persuasion; and here it was, being at

that time on a tour in the western part of the State, that I first saw

the remarkable spiritual development of which I spoke a while ago.

Rachel had already spoken three nights, utterly unconscious to herself,

although surrounded by gradually-increasing numbers, who had been

attracted by a natural curiosity to hear her. Up to this time she had

not herself been made aware of the continuance of her 'sleep-talking.'

During the day she would assist the family in various domestic matters;

and she was given to understand by Mr. G----, that it was intended to

assist her to attain such proficiency in a common education as would

enable her to read the Bible freely, to understand its plainest

precepts, to write and to speak with grammatical correctness. She seemed

anxious to avail herself of such an opportunity, and was thus entirely

deceived as to the real purpose of the visit which she was induced to

make.

"The house of Mr. G---- contained upon the ground-floor four apartments;

an 'east' and 'west room,' the first of which contained the library of

the younger Mr. G----, an organ, &c.; and the second was the 'spare

room,' _par excellence_, in other words, the best parlor: these were

connected by an 'entry' or passage-way; and opening into this parlor was

another large room, where the family took their meals, held family

worship, &c. Adjoining this room was a large kitchen. But let me

describe the scene on the first night in which I saw Rachel Baker.

"It was on the evening of a hot day in summer. I had been permitted to

come into the dining-room with the family, and was seated accidentally

near the unconscious somnambulist. Conversation turned upon various

matters, as it was intended purposely to prevent the least suspicion of

there being any curiosity concerning her. The 'men-folks' talked of

harvesting and other agricultural matters, and the 'women-kind' of their

domestic affairs. Meanwhile twilight was deepening; the 'east room' was

filling with the neighbors, who approached in a direction whence they

could not be seen by any of us who were in the sitting-room. I was

saying something to Rachel of an indifferent nature, when I thought I

saw a slight twitching about the eyelids, and an unwonted heaviness in

the expression of her eyes. The conversation was now vigorously renewed,

but she seemed to be gradually losing all interest in it; and presently

she observed, 'I am tired and sleepy, and I guess I'll go to bed.'

'Certainly, Rachel, if you wish,' said Mrs. G----; 'take a candle with

you.'

"She left the chair in which she had been sitting by my side, took up a

candle, bade us 'good-night,' left the room, and closed the door behind

her.

"All was now expectation. We heard the subdued rustling of the crowd in

the 'east room,' while we in the sitting-room were awaiting the

involuntary signal which would render it proper to enter the parlor

where the bed of the somnambulist was placed. Presently a subdued groan

was heard. We seized the candles which had been lighted after she had

retired, and entered her apartment, into which also was pouring a crowd

of persons from the 'east room.'

"I shall never forget the scene that was now presented. The face of the

somnambulist, which, without being handsome, was extremely interesting,

was turned toward the ceiling; her large blue eyes were wide open, and

their pupils seemed to fill the entire eye-balls, giving her what the

Germans call an "interior" or soul-look. Her hands were crossed upon her

bosom over the bed-clothes; nor did she once move them, or her eyes, so

much even as to wink, during the whole evening. And so tightly did she

press them, that the blood settled for the time under her nails, and at

length grew black like the fingers of a corpse. She lay for the space of

a few minutes motionless and silent. She then began a short prayer in a

voice calm and solemn, which, although, not at all loud, could be heard

plainly in all the apartments, while the hushed attention of the hearers

kept the house as still as the grave. I remember that the prayer was

fervent, brief, and beautiful, and in language simple and pure.

"After the prayer, she lay for some time silent and motionless;

affording space, as some supposed, for the singing of a hymn, as in the

regular exercises of the sanctuary. Then she began her discourse, which

usually continued about half an hour. It was not a discourse from any

particular text, although it was connected, regular, and nobly

illustrated by the most apposite quotations from the Bible. If

interrupted by any questions, she would pause, make answer, and

immediately resume the broken chain of her remarks. The evening I was

present, a distinguished clergyman of this city, who had come expressly

to visit her, interrupted her with:

"'Rachel, why do you consider yourself called upon to address your

fellow-sinners, and by what authority do you speak.'

"'I even I,' she answered, 'a woman of the dust, am moved by the SPIRIT

which liveth and moveth all things. Necessity is laid upon me; for I

speak through HIM who hath said, "Upon my young men and maidens will I

pour out my Spirit, and the young men shall see visions and the young

maidens dream dreams."' The passage quoted was to this purport. Although

the somnambulist was utterly ignorant of correct language, never

speaking, when awake, without the grossest blunders in grammar, yet in

all passages and discourses which she delivered in her somnambulent

state, in all the answers to questions which were propounded to her she

never committed the slightest error. I wish I could remember a passage

of her discourse the second night I heard her. It was replete with the

most admirable imagery, and its pathos was infinitely touching. She was

visited at the house of Mr. G---- by some of the most eminent clergymen

and _savans_ of New York, and other cities; among others, if I remember

rightly, by the celebrated Dr. SAMUEL L. MITCHELL. After her discourse

was finished, she would be silent and motionless, as before she began

it, then pronounce a prayer; and at last relapse into a disturbed

slumber, from which she would gradually arouse, groaning as if in pain,

her hands relaxing and falling by her side, and her frame trembling as

if 'rent with mortal agony.'

"Her somnambulism continued for some two or three months afterward; all

physical remedies were tried, but without avail. She died in about a

year afterward, her case baffling to the last all attempts at

explanation of the mysterious agency by which it was produced."

* * * * *

DR. OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES tells us how the members of the medical

profession feel when the "poison-chalice" of their prescriptions is

commended to their own lips; in other words, when the visitor becomes

the visitee:

"Just change the time, the person, and the place

And be yourself the 'interesting case;'

You'll gain some knowledge which it's well to learn;

In future practice it may serve your turn.

Leeches, for instance--pleasing creatures quite;

Try them, and, bless you! don't you think they bite?

You raise a blister for the smallest cause,

And be yourself the great sublime it draws;

And, trust my statement, you will not deny

The worst of draughtsmen is your Spanish Fly.

It's mighty easy ordering when you please,

'_Infusi Sennae, capiat uncias tres_';

It's mighty different when you quackle down

Your own three ounces of the liquid brown.

'_Pilula Pulvis_'--pleasant words enough,

When _other_ jaws receive the shocking stuff;

But oh! what flattery can disguise the groan,

That meets the gulp which sends it through your own!"

* * * * *

"Ah! they are very busy and bustling here _now_, but they will all be

still enough by-and-by," said a clergyman from the country, as he passed

with his friend, for the first time, through Cortlandt-street into

crowded Broadway, at its most peopled hour. "And," said our informant

(the friend alluded to, who had lived in the Great Metropolis all his

life), "I never before felt so forcibly, so sudden was the observation,

and so fervent the expression of the speaker, the truth of his remark.

To _me_, the scene before us was an every-day one; to _him_, spending

his days in the calm retirement of the country, the crowd, the roaring

of the wheels, the sumptuous vehicles of Wealth, and the bedizened

trappings of Pride, presented a contrast so strong, that the exclamation

which he made was forced from him by the overpowering thought: "Ye busy,

hurrying throng, ye rich men, ye vain and proud men, where will all

these things be, where will _you_ be seventy years from now?" "After

all," says SYDNEY SMITH, "take some thoughtful moment of life, and add

together two ideas of pride and of man: behold him, creature of a span

high, stalking through infinite space, in all the grandeur of

littleness. Perched on a speck of the universe, every wind of heaven

strikes into his blood the coldness of death; his soul floats from his

body like melody from the string. Day and night, as dust on the wheel,

he is rolled along the heavens, through a labyrinth of worlds, and all

the creations of GOD are flaming above and beneath. Is _this_ a creature

to make himself a crown of glory? to mock at his fellows, sprung from

the dust to which they must alike return? Does the proud man not err?

does he not suffer? does he not die? When he reasons, is he never

stopped by difficulties? When he acts, is he never tempted by pleasures?

When he lives, is he free from pain? when he dies can he escape the

common grave? Pride is not the heritage of man. Humility should dwell

with Frailty, and atone for ignorance, error, and imperfection."

* * * * *

That sort of curiosity which invests murderers and their secret motives

with so much interest, instances of which may be seen any week almost in

our very midst, was finely satirized many years ago by a writer in one

of the English or Scottish periodicals. The criminal was arrested for

the murder of an old woman, who had no money to tempt his avarice, and

he resisted all inquiries touching the motives which induced him to

commit the horrid deed. He "couldn't tell," he said; "it was a sudden

impulse--a sort of a whisper; SATAN put it into his head." He had no

reason for doing it; didn't know _why_ he did it. Ladies brought tracts

and cakes to his prison, and begged him to "make a clean breast of it."

Why did he do it? "LORD knows," said he, "_I_ don't." At his trial the

jury brought him in guilty, but recommended him to mercy, provided he

gave his reasons. He said he "hadn't any; he killed the old 'oman

off-hand; it was a sudden start--the same as a frisk: he couldn't

account for it; it was done in a dream, like." Finally the day appointed

for his execution arrived; and the sheriff, under-sheriffs, clergy,

reporters, etc., all implored him to make a full confession, now that

his time had come. A phrenologist, knowing that although "Murder had no

tongue, it could speak with most miraculous _organ_," felt the devoted

head, but was none the wiser. The interest in the murderer was now

increased tenfold; and such was the demand for locks of the culprit's

hair, that when he was led forth to the scaffold, there remained upon

his head but a few carroty clippings; "and all this while," says the

writer in parenthesis, "there was poor old HONESTY toiling for a

shilling a day, wet or shine, and not one Christian man or woman to ask

him for so much as one white hair of his head!" Well, the murderer,

unyielding to the end, stands at last upon the scaffold, the focus of

the gaze of ten thousand sons and daughters of curiosity, in the street,

at the windows, on the house-tops. The hangman is adjusting the rope;

the clergyman is reading the death-service; the fatal bolt is about to

be withdrawn; when a desperate individual, in a straw-hat, a light blue

jacket, striped trowsers, and Hessian boots, with an umbrella under his

arm, dashes in before the clergyman, and in hurried accents puts the old

question, "Why did you do it?" "Why, then," said the convict, with an

impatient motion of his cropped head, "I did it--_to get my hair cut!_"

And he had not miscalculated the sympathy with crime which was to denude

his guilty head for "keep sakes!"

* * * * *

Those who have risen early on a Sabbath morning in the country, and

experienced the solemn stillness and holy calm of the hour, will read

the following lines with something of the religious fervor with which

they came warm from the heart of the author:

"How calm comes on this holy day!

Morning unfolds the eastern sky,

And upward takes his lofty way

Triumphant to her throne on high.

Earth glorious wakes as o'er her breast

The morning flings her rosy ray,

And blushing from her dreamless rest

Unvails her to the gaze of day:

So still the scene each wakeful sound

Seems hallowed music breathing round.

"The night-winds to their mountain caves,

The morning mist to heaven's blue steep

And to their ocean depths the waves

Are gone, their holy rest to keep,

'Tis tranquil all, around, above,

The forests far which bound the scene

Are peaceful as their Maker's love,

Like hills of everlasting green.

And clouds like earthly barriers stand,

Or bulwarks of some viewless land."

Now those lines came to our recollection on one occasion many months

since, simply by way of direct contrast, which is one of the curious, if

not unexplainable operations of the human mind. We had been reading a

long description, in a letter from a traveler, of life in the English

coal-mines and of the "Sabbath privileges" of the thirty-five thousand

men and boys who labor in the vast coal-fields of Durham and

Northumberland, in England. There they are, and there they spend their

long nights of labor, for day is not for them, hundreds of fathoms down

in subterranean depths; never breathing pure air, but often stagnant and

exhausted, when the stream of ventilation does not permeate the

ever-lengthening gallery, and are almost always inhaling noxious gases.

Not only is the atmospheric medium rarefied by a perpetual summer heat,

without one glimpse of summer day, but every now and then occur terrific

explosions of the "fire-damp," instantaneously thundering through a

Vulcanian region, with more certain death to all within its range than

there was ever dealt by artillery on the surface of the earth: or a gush

of poisonous vapor in one moment extinguishes the candles and the lives

of the workmen, and changes the scene of unceasing toil into a catacomb

inconceivably more awful than any of the great receptacles of death that

bear that name: or the ill-propped vault gives way, and bodies, never to

be seen until the resurrection, are buried under the ruins of a

pestilential cavern: often, too, life is sacrificed to carelessness or

parsimony, and a few "indulgences" are perhaps given to the widow and

orphans, to hush up the "casualty" within the neighborhood of the pit.

Seldom does a visitor venture to plunge into the Hades-like profound. No

attraction in the scenery of the miserable villages above ground brings

a stranger to meddle with a population that never come to the surface

except to eat or sleep. Yes, there is one exception. On that thrice

happy day of rest, when even the burden of the beast is unloosed, the

sober, humbly-clad colliers, as clean as they can make themselves,

emerge from darkness into light, and hear from the lips of some brother

"pitman," in their own familiar _patois_, the "glad tidings of

salvation."

* * * * *

There are numerous pictures of NAPOLEON: Napoleon in scenes of triumph

in peace, and of sublime grandeur in war. He has been depicted crossing

the Alps; at Marengo, at Austerlitz, at the bridge of Lodi, at Jena, at

Moscow, by the Nile; gazing at the everlasting pyramids; entering sacked

cities, bivouacked at night, and the like. But of all the pictures that

we have ever seen of the Great Captain, one which has pleased us most,

and which seems to represent him in the most gratifying light, is a

picture which depicts him sitting upon a sofa in his library, a book in

his hand, which he is perusing attentively; while his little son,

reclining on one end of the sofa, lies asleep with his head resting on

his father's lap--pillowed on those adipose limbs, that look as if they

had been melted and run into the close-fitting breeches which they

inhabit. This is a picture which, unlike the others, represents the

great original as "one of us"--a man and a father, and not as a

successful warrior or a triumphant victor.

* * * * *

Speaking nearly a century ago, an old English worthy laments the "good

old times" when a book was bequeathed as an invaluable legacy, and if

given to a religious house, was offered on the altar, and deemed a gift

worthy of salvation; and when a prelate borrowed a Bible, his cathedral

gave a bond for its return. Libraries then consisted of a few tracts,

chained or kept in chests. The famous Library of Oxford, celebrated by

Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, contained only six hundred volumes! What

would _then_ have been thought of the "making of many books," of which

"there is no end" in these our days?

* * * * *

There is a striking example of the style of "Sir PERTINAX MAC

SYCOPHANT," in a character of MARSTON'S "_What you Will_." Here is a

slight specimen of his "booing and booing:"

"Sir, I protest I not only take distinct notice of your dear

rarities of exterior presence, but also I protest I am most

vehemently enamored, and very passionately dote on your inward

adornments and habilities of spirit. I protest I shall be proud to

do you most obsequious vassalage."

* * * * *

We find upon a scrap in the "drawer" these two stanzas taken from a

German hymn, entitled, "_Kindliches Gemuethe_," or Childlike Temper:

"His mother's arms his chief enjoyment;

To be there is his loved employment;

Early and late to see her face,

And tenderly her neck embrace.

"O Innocence! sweet child's existence!

This have I learnt, through God's assistance,

He who possesses thee is wise,

And valued in the ALMIGHTY'S eyes."

"Valued" is doubtless a stronger word in the original German, but it may

have been difficult to render into our vernacular.

* * * * *

It would be a curious question whether, supposing the sun could be

inhabited, its citizens would be as large, in proportion to the size of

that luminary as we mundanes are in proportion to the earth. This, it

strikes us, is one of those questions which it would be difficult to

answer to general satisfaction. We remember some old philosopher who

once complained that a flea had a good deal more proportional force

than, from his size, he was entitled to. Although weighing only a single

grain, it is endowed with the ability to jump an inch and a half at a

spring. Now a man weighing an hundred and fifty pounds, ought, "by the

same rule," to be able to make a spring over a space of twelve thousand

eight hundred miles, which would be equivalent to jumping from Gotham to

Cochin China, or round the world in two jumps. A man capable of doing

that, might be set down "pretty spry."

WOMAN'S EMANCIPATION.

(BEING A LETTER ADDRESSED TO MR. PUNCH, WITH A DRAWING, BY A

STRONG-MINDED AMERICAN WOMAN.)

[Illustration]

It is quite easy to realize the considerable difficulty that the natives

of this old country are like to have in estimating the rapid progress of

ideas on all subjects among us, the Anglo-Saxons of the Western World.

Mind travels with us on a rail-car, or a high-pressure river-boat. The

snags and sawyers of prejudice, which render so dangerous the navigation

of Time's almighty river, whose water-power has toppled over these

giant-growths of the world, without being able to detach them from the

congenial mud from which they draw their nutriment, are dashed aside or

run down in the headlong career of the United States mind.

We laugh to scorn the dangers of popular effervescence. Our

almighty-browed and cavernous-eyed statesmen sit, heroically, on the

safety-valve, and the mighty ark of our vast Empire of the West moves on

at a pressure on the square inch which would rend into shivers the

rotten boiler-plates of your outworn states of the Old World.

To use a phrase which the refined manners of our ladies have banished

from the drawing-room, and the saloon of the boarding-house, _we_ go

ahead. And our progress is the progress of all--not of high and low, for

we have abolished the odious distinction--but of man, woman, and child,

each in his or her several sphere.

Our babies are preternaturally sharp, and highly independent from the

cradle. The high-souled American boy will not submit to be whipped at

school. That punishment is confined to the lower animals.

But it is among _our_ sex--among women (for I am a woman, and my name is

THEODOSIA EUDOXIA BANG, of Boston, U.S., Principal of the Homeopathic

and Collegiate Thomsonian Institute for developing the female mind in

that intellectual city) that the stranger may realize, in the most

convincing manner, the progressional influences of the democratic

institutions it is our privilege to live under.

An American female--for I do not like the term Lady, which suggests the

outworn distinctions of feudalism--can travel alone from one end of the

States to the other; from the majestic waters of Niagara to the mystic

banks of the Yellowstone, or the rolling prairies of Texas. The American

female delivers lectures, edits newspapers, and similar organs of

opinion, which exert so mighty a leverage on the national mind of our

great people, is privileged to become a martyr to her principles, and to

utter her soul from the platform, by the side of the gifted POE or the

immortal PEABODY. All this in these old countries is the peculiar

privilege of man, as opposed to woman. The female is consigned to the

slavish duties of the house. In America the degrading cares of the

household are comparatively unknown to our sex. The American wife

resides in a boarding-house, and, consigning the petty cares of daily

life to the helps of the establishment, enjoys leisure for higher

pursuits, and can follow her vast aspirations upward, or in any other

direction.

We are emancipating ourselves, among other badges of the slavery of

feudalism, from the inconvenient dress of the European female. With

man's functions, we have asserted our right to his garb, and especially

to that part of it which invests the lower extremities. With this great

symbol, we have adopted others--the hat, the cigar, the paletot or round

jacket. And it is generally calculated that the dress of the Emancipated

American female is quite pretty--as becoming in all points as it is

manly and independent. I inclose a drawing made by my gifted

fellow-citizen, INCREASEN TARBOX, of Boston, U.S., for the _Free Woman's

Banner_, a periodical under my conduct, aided by several gifted women of

acknowledged progressive opinions.

I appeal to my sisters of the Old World, with confidence, for their

sympathy and their countenance in the struggle in which _we_ are

engaged, and which will soon be found among them also. For I feel that I

have a mission across the broad Atlantic, and the steamers are now

running at reduced fares. I hope to rear the standard of Female

Emancipation on the roof of the Crystal Palace, in London Hyde Park.

Empty wit may sneer at its form, which is bifurcate. And why not?

MOHAMMED warred under the Petticoat of his wife KADIGA. The American

female Emancipist marches on her holy war under the distinguishing

garment of her husband. In the compartment devoted to the United States

in your Exposition, my sisters of the old country may see this banner by

the side of a uniform of female freedom--such as my drawing

represents--the garb of martyrdom for a month; the trappings of triumph

for all ages of the future!

THEODOSIA E. BANG, M.A.,

M.C.P., [Greek: Ph.D.K.], K.L.M., &c., &c. (of Boston, U.S.)

Three Leaves from Punch.

[Illustration: "THERE, NOW;--THAT'S A CIGAR I CAN CONFIDENTLY

RECOMMEND!"

"WELL; PUT ME UP A DOZEN TO TRY!"]

[Illustration: THE INTERESTING STORY.

_First Ticket-Porter._--"AND SO, YOU KNOW, THAT'S ALL I KNOWS ABOUT IT."

_Second Ticket-Porter._--"WELL! I DON'T KNOW AS EVER I KNOWED A MAN AS

KNOWS AS MUCH AS YOU KNOWS!"]

[Illustration: ELEGANT AND RATIONAL DINNER COSTUME FOR THIS CLOSE

WEATHER.]

[Illustration: A WET DAY AT A COUNTRY INN.

_Guest_--"IS THAT YOUR NOTION OF SOMETHING AMUSING?"]

[Illustration: _Bathing-Woman_--"MASTER FRANKY WOULDN'T CRY! NO! NOT

HE!--HE'LL COME TO HIS MARTHA, AND BATHE LIKE A MAN!"]

[Illustration: AFFECTING--RATHER!

_Alfred._--"TELL ME, MY OWN ONE. IS THERE ANY THING ELSE YOU HAVE TO

SAY, BEFORE I GO?"

_Emma._--"YES, DEAREST--DO NOT--OH DO NOT FORGET TO BRING

THE--TH--TH--BRUNSWICK SAUSAGE FROM F-F-F-FORT--NUM AND MASON'S."]

[Illustration: REAL ENJOYMENT.

_Annie._--"GOOD-BY, DEAR. YOU MUST COME AGAIN SOON, AND SPEND A GOOD

LONG DAY, AND THEN I CAN SHOW YOU ALL MY NEW THINGS."

_Clara._--"OH! THAT WILL BE NICE! GOOD-BY, DEAR." (_Kiss and exit._)]

[Illustration: "SEE, DEAR, WHAT A SWEET DOLL MA-A HAS MADE FOR ME."]

[Illustration: SINGULAR OPTICAL DELUSION.

_Gentleman._--"THERE, LOVE; DO YOU SEE THAT STEAMER?"

_Lady._--"OH, DISTINCTLY! THERE ARE TWO!"]

[Illustration: A MOST ALARMING SWELLING!]

[Illustration: SUNBEAMS FROM CUCUMBERS; OR, GEMS FROM ADVERTISEMENTS

SCHOLASTIC!

_Mother._--"AND--PRAY, DOCTOR, WHAT ARE YOUR TERMS FOR HEDUCATING LITTLE

BOYS?"

_The Principal._--"WHY, MY DEAR MADAM, MY USUAL TERMS ARE SEVENTY

GUINEAS _PER ANNUM_ (TO USE THE LANGUAGE OF THE ANCIENT ROMANS), BUT TO

EFFECT MY OBJECT (?) QUICKLY, I WOULD TAKE A FEW FOR WHAT I COULD GET;

PROVIDED THEY BE GENTLEMEN, LIKE YOUR DEAR LITTLE BOY THERE; BUT (AGAIN

TO USE THE LATIN TONGUE), IT IS A _SINE QUA NON_ THAT THEY SHOULD BE

GENTLEMEN!!!"]

[Illustration: _First Old Foozle._--"WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE PAPER,

SIR? THERE'S NOTHING IN IT."

_Second Old Foozle._--"THEN WHAT THE DEUCE DID YOU KEEP IT SO LONG

FOR?"]

[Illustration: LITTLE LESSONS FOR LITTLE LADIES.

FAN-NY FAL-LAL, al-though she was not rich, nor a per-son of rank, was a

ve-ry fine La-dy. She would pass all her time read-ing nov-els and

work-ing cro-chet, but would neg-lect her house-hold du-ties; so her

hus-band, who was a ve-ry nice man, and fond of a nice din-ner, be-came

a mem-ber of a Club, and used to stop out ve-ry late at night, which led

to ma-ny quar-rels. How fool-ish it was of FAN-NY to neg-lect her

house-hold du-ties, and not to make her AL-BERT hap-py at home!]

FASHIONS FOR AUGUST.

[Illustration: FIG. 1.--PROMENADE AND YOUNG LADY'S MORNING COSTUME.]

We have very little change to note in the forms of dress, since our

last; and while "the dog-star rages," materials suitable for the heat of

July will be appropriate. For out-of-door costume, silks of light

texture, and hues accordant with those of surrounding nature, such as

peach, lilac, violet, buff, green, pink, &c., are in vogue. Mantelets

are much worn, and are of two different forms--the scarf mantelet, and

the little round shawl mantelet. These, particularly the shawl mantelet,

are beautifully embroidered and deeply fringed, giving them an

exceedingly rich appearance. They have mostly a double collar attached.

PROMENADE COSTUME.--The figure on the right, in our first illustration,

represents a beautiful style of walking costume. The dress is of

light-textured silk. Body high, open in front, and having at the edge,

as a lapel, two vandyked and goffered trimmings, with very little

fullness. The under one meets the upper about two-thirds down the front.

The body has a rounded point in front, and the trimming goes to the

bottom. The sleeves are almost tight for about two-thirds of the arm,

and end in a frill, on which are set two smaller frills, vandyked and

goffered at the edges. The skirt has three flounces; the first, six

inches below the waist, is ten inches deep; the second is twelve, and

the third fourteen inches. Each of these flounces, already a little

drawn, is trimmed at bottom with two vandyked frills of two inches in

width. They are held in, when sewed on, so as to be full on the large

ones. The habit shirt is composed of two valenciennes at the collar, and

of muslin puffs; the under-sleeve, trimmed with a narrow valenciennes,

is formed of muslin _bouillonnes_, diminishing toward the bottom.

The bonnet is an elegant style. It is drawn, of net, blond, and silk;

the edge of the poke has a roll of silk; above and below there is a

transparent width of net, about two inches deep, and two blond frills

drawn shell-shape. All the inside of the poke and crown is composed of a

kind of _carapace_ made of silk, with small folds lapping over each

other. On one side there are two large moss-roses with buds and leaves.

A blond, about an inch and a half wide, goes over the roses, and is

continued in waves all along the piping. On the other side there are no

flowers, but instead of them are a net _bouillonne_ and three blond

frills. The curtain is of puffed net, with blonds and no frills.

YOUNG LADY'S MORNING COSTUME.--The figure on the left represents an

elegant morning costume for a young lady. Hair in bandeaux, forming a

puff which spreads well at the bottom. The points are carried back to

meet under the knot. The back hair is done up in a torsade with black

velvet ribbons, the two ends of which float behind. Frock of plaid silk,

skirt very full. _Canezou_, or jacket, of embroidered muslin, trimmed

with embroidered and festooned bands. It is open and square in front,

with five bands for trimming. The sleeves are demi-length, and trimmed

in a similar manner. The under-chemisette is of plaited net, with a

narrow lace at the edge.

[Illustration: FIG. 2.--JACKETS.]

Jackets are now much worn, not only as a part of a morning costume, but

as an elegant addition to a visiting dress. Figure 2 represents two of

these. The first, held in the hand, is of light blue silk, and intended

as an accompaniment to a visiting dress of the same material. It is

trimmed round the lower part, as well as the sleeves and lapels or

facings, with a narrow frilling of the same, fastened down the front

with three large rosettes of silk, the corsage being sufficiently open

to show the habit-shirt, decorated with a frilling of white lace. The

large white under-sleeves are decorated with a double fall of white

lace. On the half-length figure is represented the jacket of a morning

costume. It is of white jaconet muslin, trimmed with lace and rows of

pink ribbon of different widths. Long sleeves made rather loose, and

encircled with lace and ribbon, finished with a noeud of the latter,

on the top of the wrist. Under close sleeve trimmed with rows of lace

placed close together. This figure also shows a pretty style of cap,

made of white lace, trimmed round the back part with four rows of narrow

white lace, finished on each side with a bow and ends of pink ribbon,

with loops on each side of the face.

A beautiful style of EVENING DRESS is a robe of white cachmere, trimmed

with very deep flounces, each finished with stripes of silk woven in the

material. The body open, square in the front; made very high and open,

across the chest, terminating below the waist with basquines, which give

it some what the appearance of a little vest, or jacket.

[Illustration: FIG. 3.--BOY'S DRESS.]

FIGURE 3 represents a pleasing style of dress for a little boy. A

Charles-the-Ninth cap of black velvet, with a well-rolled feather on one

side, and proceeding from a cabbage-rose of black satin ribbon. Coat of

black velvet, without any seam at the waist. It is hollowed out at the

side and back seams, like a lady's paletot, tight over the breast, and

fastened with little jet buttons. Sleeves half short, also with buttons.

Under the coat is a tunic of plaid poplin, black and red. This tunic is

full of gathers like a Scotch kilt. Plaid stockings, stripes sloping;

small black gaiters with jet buttons. Collar sewed on to a band; the

trimmings of the under-sleeves and trowsers are of the older style of

English embroidery.

The taste for flowers, those gems which give exquisite beauty to

nature's pictures, is becoming more and more prevalent. Nearly every

bonnet is decorated with flowers, particularly those of rice straw.

Heaths, lilies, violets, roses, &c., with straw, oats, asparagus,

butter-cups, and fancy trifles are used in giving grace and beauty to

bonnets.

END

Changes Made To The Text

Transcriber's note: A table of contents has been added. Blank pages have

been deleted. The publisher's inadvertent omissions of important

punctuation have been corrected. 'oe' ligatures have been converted to

just 'oe'. Other detected publisher's errors were corrected as follows:

p. 385: on which they conduc[conduct] their whaling

p. 289: with an ancient piece of tapesty[tapestry]

p. 291: thousand little conveniencies[conveniences]

p. 299: rancorous recollection of the occurence[occurrence],

p. 301: By the brillance[brilliance] of her conversational

p. 304: when folks spok[spoke] of Andre and his wife

p. 310: revelations of the sybil[sibyl] concerned

p. 334: how can this [be] part of myself?

p. 335: to literary socities[societies]

p. 337: country disstricts[districts]

p. 352: and gay boddice[bodice]

p. 365: The general fully corrobarated[corroborated]

p. 366: and rolling lazily adown[down] the

p. 368: round, and [in] one fearful lesson teach these same whitecoats

p. 368: drive a brave enemy to depair[despair]

p. 370: two unfurnished rooms; the lagest[largest] contained her

p. 374: they anticipate inuendoes[innuendoes], and meet

p. 384: accordingly went, accompaniod[accompanied] by

p. 399: but my husband is harder nor[than] I, and he said

p. 408: why should be[he] put himself

* * * * *