Among other experiments going on some time ago in the observatory

inclosure, were some by which Mr. Glaisher sought to discover how much

warmth the earth lost during the hours of night, and how much moisture

the air would take up in a day from a given surface. Upon the long

grass, within the dwarf fence already mentioned were placed all sorts of

odd substances, in little distinct qualities. Ashes wood, leather,

linen, cotton, glass, lead, copper and stone, among other things, were

there to show how each affected the question of radiation. Close by upon

a post was a dish six inches across, in which every day there was

punctually poured one ounce of water, and at the same hour next day, as

punctually was this fluid remeasured to see what had been lost by

evaporation. For three years this latter experiment had been going on,

and the results were posted up in a book; but the figures gave most

contradictory results. There was either something very irregular in the

air, or something very wrong in the apparatus. It was watched for

leakage, but none was found, when one day Mr. Glaisher stepped out of

the magnet-house, and looking toward the stand, the mystery was

revealed. The evaporating dish of the philosopher was being used as a

bath by an irreverent bird! a sparrow was scattering from his wings the

water left to be drunk by the winds of Heaven. Only one thing remained

to be done; and the next minute saw a pen run through the tables that

had taken three years to compile. The labor was lost--the work had to be

begun again.

DOING.

Oh, friend, whoe'er thou art, who dost rejoice

In the sweet tones of thy melodious voice;

Which to thy fancy are so rich and clear,

Falling like music, on the list'ning ear,

Of thee I ask,

What hast thou done of that thou hast to do?

Art silent? Then I say,

Until thy deeds are many let thy words be few.

Oh, man, whoe'er thou art, within whose breast

The glowing thoughts disdain ignoble rest;

Whose soul is laboring with a monstrous birth

Of winged words, to scatter through the earth

Of thee I ask,

What hast thou done of that thou hast to do?

Art silent? Then I say,

Until thy deeds are many let thy words be few.

Oh, brother mine, who would'st reform mankind

Purging the dross, and leaving all refined;

Preaching of sinless love, sobriety,

Of goodness, endless peace, and charity,

Of thee I ask,

What hast thou done of that thou hast to do?

Art silent? Then I say,

Until thy deeds are many let thy words be few.

Speech without action is a moral dearth,

And to advance the world is little worth:

Let us think much, say little, and much do,

If to ourselves and God we will be true;

And ask within,

What have I done of that I have to do?

Is conscience silent--say,

Oh! let my deeds be many and my words be few.

J. G. L. BULLEID.

[From Household Words.]

YOUNG RUSSIA.

Certain social theorists have, of late years, proclaimed themselves to

the puzzled public under the name and signification of "Young." Young

France, Young Germany, and Young England have had their day, and having

now grown older, and by consequence wiser, are comparatively mute. In

accordance with what seems a natural law, it is only when a fashion is

being forgotten where it originated--in the west--that is reaches

Russia, which rigidly keeps a century or so behind the rest of the

Continent. It is only recently, therefore, that we hear of "Young

Russia."

The main principles of all these national youths are alike. They are

pleasingly picturesque--simperingly amiable; with a pretty and piquant

dash of paradox. What they propose is not new birth, or dashing out into

new systems, and taking advantage of new ideas; but reverting to old

systems, and furbishing them up so as to look as good as new.

Re-juvenescence is their aim; the middle ages their motto. Young

England, to wit, desires to replace things as they were in the days of

the pack-horse, the thumb-screw, the monastery, the ducking-stool, the

knight errant, trial by battle, and the donjon-keep. To these he wishes

to apply all possible modern improvements, to adapt them to present

ideas, and to present events. Though he would have no objection to his

mailed knight traveling per first-class railway, he would abolish

luggage-trains to encourage intestine trade and the breed of that noble

animal the pack-horse. He has, indeed, done something in this monastic

line; but his efforts for the dissemination of superstition, and his

denunciations of a certain sort of witchcraft, have signally failed. In

truth, the task he has set himself--that of re-constructing society anew

out of old materials--though highly archaeological, historical, and

poetic, has the fatal disadvantage of being simply impossible. It is

telling the people of the nineteenth century to carry their minds,

habits, and sentiments back, so as to become people of the thirteenth

century; it is trying to make new muslin out of mummy cloth, or razors

out of rusty nails.

"Young Russia" is an equal absurdity, but from a precisely opposite

cause; for, indeed, this sort of youth out of age is a series of

paradoxes. The Russian of the present day _is_ the Russian of past ages.

He exists by rule--the rule of despotism--which is as old as the Medes

and Persians; and which forces him into an iron mould that shapes his

appearance, his mind, and his actions to one pattern, from one

generation to another Hence every thing that lives and breathes in

Russia being antique, there is no appreciable antiquity. The new school,

therefore--even if amateur politics were allowable in Russia, which they

are not, as a large population of exiles in Siberia can testify--has no

materials to work upon. Stagnation is the political law, and "Young

Russia" dies in its babyhood for want of sustenance. What goes by the

name of civilization, is no advance in wealth, morals, or social

happiness. It is merely a tinsel coating over the rottenness and rust

with which Russian life is "sicklied o'er." It has nothing to do with a

single soul below the rank of a noble; and with him it means Champagne,

bad pictures, Parisian tailors, operas, gaming, and other expenses and

elegancies imported from the West. Hundreds of provincial noblemen are

ruined every year in St. Petersburg, in undergoing this process of

civilization. The fortunes thus wasted are enormous; yet there is only

one railroad now in operation throughout the whole empire, and that

belongs to the Emperor, and leads to one of his palaces a few miles from

the capital. Such is Russian civilization. What then is "Young Russia"

to do? Ask one of its youngest apostles, Ivan Vassilievitsch.

This young gentleman--for an introduction to whom we are indebted to

Count Sollogub--was, not long ago, parading the Iverskoy boulevard--one

of the thirteen which half encircle Moscow--when he met a neighbor from

the province of Kazan. Ivan had lately returned from abroad. He was a

perfect specimen of the new school, inside and out. Within, he had

imbibed all the ideas of the juvenile or verdant schools of Germany,

France, and England. Without, he displayed a London macintosh; his coat

and trowsers had been designed and executed by Parisian artists; his

hair was cut in the style of the middle ages; and his chin showed the

remnants of a Vandyke beard. He also resembled the new school in another

respect: he had spent all his money, yet he was separated from home by

the distance of a long--a Russian--journey.

To meet with a neighbor--which he did--who traveled in his own carriage,

in which he offered a seat, was the height of good fortune. The more so,

as Ivan wished to see as much of Russian life on the road as possible,

and to note down his _impressions_ in a journal, whose white leaves were

as yet unsullied with ink. From the information he intended to collect,

he intended to commence helping to re-construct Russian society after

the order of the new Russiaites.

The vehicle in which this great mission was to be performed, was a

humble family affair called a _Tarantas_. After a series of

adventures--but which did not furnish Ivan a single _impression_ for his

note-book--they arrive at Vladimir, the capital of a province or

"government." Here the younger traveler meets with a friend, to whom he

confides his intention of visiting all the other Government towns for

"Young Russia" purposes. His friend's reply is dispiriting to the last

degree.

"There is no difference between our government towns. See one, and

you'll know them all!"

"Is it possible?"

"It is so, I assure you. Every one has a High-street one principal shop,

where the country gentlemen buy silks for their wives, and Champagne

for themselves; then there are the Courts of Justice, the

assembly-rooms, an apothecary's shop, a river, a square, a bazaar, two

or three street-lamps, sentry-boxes for the watchmen, and the governor's

house."

"The society, however, in the government towns must be different?"

"On the contrary. The society is still more uniform than the buildings."

"You astonish me: how is that?"

"Listen. There is, of course, in every government town a governor. These

do not always resemble each other; but as soon as any one of them

appears, police and secretaries immediately become active, merchants and

tradesmen bow, and the gentry draw themselves up, with, however, some

little awe. Wherever the governor goes, he is sure to find Champagne,

the wine so much patronized in the province, and every body drinks a

bumper to the health of the '_father of the province_.' Governors

generally are well-bred, and sometimes very proud. They like to give

dinner-parties, and benevolently condescend to play a game of whist with

rich brandy-contractors and landowners."

"That's a common thing," remarked Ivan Vassilievitsch.

"Do not interrupt me. Besides the governor, there is in nearly every

government town the governor's lady. She is rather a peculiar personage;

generally brought up in one of the two capitals, and spoiled with the

cringing attentions of her company. On her husband's first entry into

office, she is polite and affable; later, she begins to feel weary of

the ordinary provincial intrigues and gossips; she gets accustomed to

the slavish attentions she receives, and lays claim to them. At this

period she surrounds herself with a parasitical suite; she quarrels with

the lady of the vice-governor; she brags of St. Petersburg; speaks with

disdain of her provincial circle, and finally draws upon herself the

utmost universal ill-feeling, which is kept up till the day of her

departure, when all goes into oblivion, every thing is pardoned, and

every body bids her farewell with tears."

"Two persons do not form the whole society of a town," interrupted again

Ivan Vassilievitsch.

"Patience, brother, patience! Certainly there are other persons besides

the two I have just spoken of: there is the vice-governor and his lady;

several presidents, with their respective ladies, and an innumerable

crowd of functionaries serving under their leadership. The ladies are

ever quarreling in words, while their husbands do the same thing upon

foolscap. The presidents, for the most part, are men of advanced age and

business-like habits, with great crosses hanging from their necks, and

are, during the day time, to be seen out of their courts only on

holidays. The government attorney is generally a single man, and an

enviable match. The superior officer of the _gens-d'armes_ is a 'good

fellow.' The nobility-marshal a great sportsman. Besides the government

and the local officers, there live in a government town stingy

landowners, or those who have squandered away their property; they

gamble from evening to morning, nay, from morning to evening too,

without getting the least bit tired of their exercise."

"Now, about their mode of living?" asked Ivan Vassilievitsch.

"The mode of living is a very dull one. At exchange of ceremonious

visits. Intrigues, cards--cards, intrigues. Now and then, perchance, you

may meet with a kind, hospitable family, but such a case is very rare;

you much oftener find a ludicrous affectation to imitate the manners of

an imaginary high life. There are no public amusements in a government

town. During winter a series of balls are announced to take place at the

Assembly-rooms; however from an absurd primness, these balls are little

frequented, because no one wants to be the first in the room. The '_bon

genre_' remains at home and plays whist. In general, I have remarked,

that on arriving in a government town, it seems as if you were too early

or too late for some extraordinary event. You are ever welcomed: 'What a

pity you were not here yesterday!' or, 'You should stay here till

to-morrow.'"

In process of time Ivan Vassilievitsch and his good-natured fat

companion, Vassily Ivanovitsch, reach a borough town, where the Tarantas

breaks down. There is a tavern, and here is a description of it.

"The tavern was like any other tavern--a large wooden hut, with the

usual out-buildings. At the entrance stood an empty cart. The staircase

was crooked and shaky, and at the top of it, like a moving candelabrum,

stood a waiter with a tallow candle in his hand. To the right was the

tap-room, painted from time immemorial to imitate a grove. Tumblers,

tea-pots, decanters, three silver and a great number of pewter spoons,

adorned the shelves of a cup-board; a couple of lads in chintz shirts,

with dirty napkins over their shoulders, busied themselves at the bar.

Through an open door you saw in the next room a billiard-table, and a

hen gravely promenading upon it.

"Our travelers were conducted into the principal room of this elegant

establishment, where they found, seated round a boiling tea-urn, three

merchants--one gray-haired, one red-haired, and one dark-haired. Each of

these was armed with a steaming tumbler; each of them sipped, smacked

his lips, stroked his beard, and sipped again the fragrant beverage.

"The red-haired man was saying,

"'I made, last summer, a splendid bargain. I had bought from a company

of Samara-Tartars, some five hundred bags of prime quality, which I

purchased from a nobleman who was in want of money, but such dreadful

stuff it was, that if it had not been for the very low price, I would

never have thought of looking at it. What did I do? I mixed these two

cargoes and sold the whole lot to a brandy-contractor at Ribna, for

prime quality.'

"'It was a clever speculation,' remarked the dark-haired.

"'A commercial trick!' added the gray-haired.

"While this conversation was proceeding, Vassily Ivanovitsch and Ivan

Vassilievitsch had taken seats at a separate little table; they had

ordered their tea, and were listening to what the three merchants were

saying.

"A poor-looking fellow came in, and took from his breast-pocket an

incredibly dirty sheet of paper, in which were wrapped up bank-notes and

some gold, and handed it over to the gray-haired merchant, who, having

counted them over, said,

"'Five thousand two hundred and seventeen roubles. Is it right?'

"'Quite right, sir.'

"'It shall be delivered according to your wish.'

"'Ivan asked why the sender had not taken a receipt?'

"The red and dark-haired merchants burst out laughing; the gray-haired

got into a passion.

"'A receipt!' he cried out, furiously, 'a receipt! I would have broken

his jaw with his own money, had he dared to ask me for a receipt. I have

been a merchant now more than fifty years, and I have never yet been

insulted by being asked to give a receipt.'

"'You see, sir,' said the red-haired merchant, it is only with noblemen

that such things as receipts and bills of exchange exist. We commercial

people do not make use of them. Our simple word suffices. We have no

time to spare for writing. For instance, sir: here is Sidor Avdeivitsch,

who has millions of roubles in his trade, and his whole writing consists

of a few scraps of paper, for memory's sake, sir.'

"'I don't understand that,' interrupted Ivan Vassilievitsch.

"'How could you, sir? It is mere commercial business, without plan or

_facade_. We ourselves learn it from our childhood: first as errand

boys, then as clerks, till we become partners in the business. I confess

it is hard work.'"

Upon this text Ivan preaches a "Young Russia discourse."

"'Allow me a few words,' he said with fervor. 'It appears to me that we

have in Russia a great number of persons buying and selling, but yet, I

must say, we have no systematic commerce. For commerce, science, and

learning, are indispensable; a conflux of civilized men, clever

mathematical calculations--but not, as seems to be the case with you,

dependence upon mere chance. You earn millions, because you convert the

consumer into a victim, against whom every kind of cheat is pardonable,

and then you lay by farthing by farthing, refusing yourselves not only

all the enjoyments of life, but even the most necessary comforts.... You

brag of your threadbare clothes; but surely this extreme parsimony is a

thousand times more blamable than the opposite prodigality of those of

your comrades who spend their time among gipsies, and their money in

feasting. You boast of your ignorance, because you do not know what

civilization is. Civilization, according to your notions, consists in

shorter laps of a coat, foreign furniture, bronzes, and champagne--in a

word, in outward trifles and silly customs. Trust me, not such is

civilization.... Unite yourselves! Be it your vocation to lay open all

the hidden riches of our great country; to diffuse life and vigor into

all its veins; to take the whole management of its material interests

into your hands. Unite your endeavors in this beautiful deed, and you

may be certain of success! Why should Russia be worse than England?

Comprehend only your calling; let the beam of civilization fall upon

you, and your love for your fatherland will strengthen such a union; and

you will see that not only the whole of Russia, but even the whole world

will be in your hands.'

"At this eloquent conclusion, the red and the dark-haired merchants

opened wide their eyes. They, of course, did not understand a single

word of Ivan Vassilievitsch's speech.

"'Alas, for Young Russia!' Ivan dolefully remarks in another place:

"I thought to study life in the provinces: there is no life in the

provinces; every one there is said to be of the same cut. Life in the

capitals is not a Russian life, but a weak imitation of the petty

perfections and gross vices of modern civilization. Where am I then to

find Russia? In the lower classes, perhaps, in the every-day life of the

Russian peasant? But have I not been now for five days chiefly among

this class? I prick up my ears and listen; I open wide my eyes and look,

and do what I may, I find not the least trifle worth noting in my

'_Impressions_.' The country is dead; there is nothing but land, land,

land; so much land, indeed, that my eyes get tired of looking at it: a

dreadful road, wagons of goods, swearing carriers, drunken stage

inspectors; beetles creeping on every wall; soups with the smell of

tallow candles! How is it possible for any respectable person to occupy

himself with such nasty stuff? And what is yet more provoking, is the

doleful uniformity which tires you so much, and affords you no rest

whatever. Nothing new, nothing unexpected! To-morrow what has been

to-day; to-day what has been yesterday. Here, a post-stage, there a

post-stage, and further the same post-stage again; here, a village elder

asking for drink-money, and again to infinity village elders all asking

for drink-money. What can I write? I begin to agree with Vassily

Ivanovitsch; he is right in saying that we do not travel, and that there

is no traveling in Russia. We simply are going to Mordassy. Alas! for my

'_Impressions_.'"

Whoever wants to know more of this amusing Young Russian, must consult

"The _Tarantas_." We can assure the reader that the book is fraught with

a store of amusement--chiefly descriptions of town and country life in

Russia--not often compressed into the modest and inexpensive compass of

a thin duodecimo.

[From Household Words.]

THE ORPHAN'S VOYAGE HOME.

The men could hardly keep the deck,

So bitter was the night;

Keen northeast winds sang through the shrouds,

The deck was frosty white;

While overhead the glistening stars

Put forth their points of light.

On deck, behind a bale of goods,

Two orphans crouch'd, to sleep;

But 'twas so cold, the youngest boy

In vain tried not to weep:

They were so poor, they had no right

Near cabin doors to creep.

The elder round the younger wrapt

His little ragged cloak,

To shield him from the freezing sleet,

And surf that o'er them broke;

Then drew him closer to his side,

And softly to him spoke:

"The night will not be long"--he said,

"And if the cold winds blow,

We shall the sooner reach our home,

And see the peat-fire glow;

But now the stars are beautiful--

Oh, do not tremble so!

"Come closer!--sleep--forget the frost--

Think of the morning red--

Our father and our mother soon

Will take us to their bed;

And in their warm arms we shall sleep."

He knew not they were dead.

For them no father to the ship

Shall with the morning come;

For them no mother's loving arms

Are spread to take them home:

Meanwhile the cabin passengers

In dreams of pleasure roam.

At length the orphans sank to sleep

All on the freezing deck;

Close huddled side to side--each arm

Clasp'd round the other's neck.

With heads bent down, they dream'd the earth

Was fading to a speck.

The steerage passengers have all

Been taken down below,

And round the stove they warm their limbs

Into a drowsy glow;

And soon within their berths forget

The icy wind and snow.

Now morning dawns: the land in sight

Smiles beam on every face!

The pale and qualmy passengers

Begin the deck to pace,

Seeking along the sun-lit cliffs

Some well known spot to trace.

Only the orphans do not stir,

Of all this bustling train:

They reached their _home_ this starry night!

They will not stir again!

The winter's breath proved kind to them,

And ended all their pain.

But in their deep and freezing sleep,

Clasp'd rigid to each other,

In dreams they cried, "The bright morn breaks,

Home! home! is here, my brother!

The Angel Death has been our friend--

We come! dear Father! Mother!"

[From the Autobiography of Leigh Hunt.]

LORD BYRON, WORDSWORTH, AND CHARLES LAMB.

In this house, Lord Byron continued the visits which he made me in

prison. Unfortunately, I was too ill to return them. He pressed me very

much to go to the theatre with him; but illness, and the dread of

committing my critical independence, alike prevented me. His lordship

was one of a management that governed Drury-lane Theatre at that time,

and that were not successful. He got nothing by it, but petty vexations

and a good deal of scandal.

Lord Byron's appearance at that time was the finest I ever saw it. He

was fatter than before his marriage, but only just enough so to complete

the elegance of his person; and the turn of his head and countenance had

a spirit and elevation in it, which, though not unmixed with disquiet,

gave him altogether a very noble look. His dress, which was black, with

white trowsers, and which he wore buttoned close over the body,

completed the succinctness and gentlemanliness of his appearance. I

remember one day, as he stood looking out of the window, he resembled in

a lively manner the portrait of him by Phillips, by far the best that

has appeared; I mean the best of him at his best time of life, and the

most like him in features as well as expression. He sat one morning so

long, that Lady Byron sent up twice to let him know she was waiting. Her

ladyship used to go on in the carriage to Henderson's nursery ground, to

get flowers. I had not the honor of knowing her, nor ever saw her but

once, when I caught a glimpse of her at the door. I thought she had a

pretty, earnest look, with her "pippin" face; an epithet by which she

playfully designated herself.

* * * * *

It was here also I had the honor of a visit from Mr. Wordsworth. He came

to thank me for the zeal I had shown in advocating the cause of his

genius. I had the pleasure of showing him his book on my shelves by the

side of Milton; a sight which must have been the more agreeable,

inasmuch as the visit was unexpected. He favored me, in return, with

giving his opinion of some of the poets his contemporaries, who would

assuredly not have paid him a visit on the same grounds on which he was

pleased to honor myself. Nor do I believe, that from that day to this,

he thought it becoming in him to reciprocate the least part of any

benefit which a word in good season may have done for him. Lord Byron,

in resentment for my having called him the "prince of the bards of his

time," would not allow him to be even the "one-eyed monarch of the

blind." He said he was the "blind monarch of the one-eyed." I must still

differ with his lordship on that point; but I must own, that, after all

which I have seen and read, posterity, in my opinion, will differ not a

little with one person respecting the amount of merit to be ascribed to

Mr. Wordsworth; though who that one person is, I shall leave the reader

to discover.

Mr. Wordsworth, whom Mr. Hazlitt designated as one who would have had

the wide circle of his humanities made still wider, and a good deal more

pleasant, by dividing a little more of his time between his lakes in

Westmoreland and the hotels of the metropolis, had a dignified manner,

with a deep and roughish, but not unpleasing voice, and an exalted mode

of speaking. He had a habit of keeping his left hand in the bosom of his

waistcoat; and in this attitude, except when he turned round to take one

of the subjects of his criticism from the shelves (for his

contemporaries were there also), he sat dealing forth his eloquent but

hardly catholic judgments. In his "fathers house," there were not "many

mansions." He was as skeptical on the merits of all kinds of poetry but

one, as Richardson was on those of the novels of Fielding.

Under the study in which my visitor and I were sitting was an archway,

leading to a nursery-ground; a cart happened to go through it while I

was inquiring whether he would take any refreshment; and he uttered, in

so lofty a voice, the words, "Any thing which is _going forward_," that

I felt inclined to ask him whether he would take a piece of the cart.

Lamb would certainly have done it. But this was a levity which would

neither have been so proper on my part, after so short an acquaintance,

nor very intelligible perhaps, in any sense of the word, to the serious

poet. There are good-humored warrants for smiling, which lie deeper even

than Mr. Wordsworth's thoughts for tears.

I did not see this distinguished person again till thirty years

afterward; when, I should venture to say, his manner was greatly

superior to what it was in the former instance; indeed, quite natural

and noble, with a cheerful air of animal as well as spiritual

confidence; a gallant bearing, curiously reminding one of a certain

illustrious duke, as I have seen him walking some dozen years ago by a

lady's side, with no unbecoming oblivion of his time of life. I

observed, also, that he no longer committed himself in scornful

criticisms, or, indeed, in any criticisms whatever, at least as far as I

knew. He had found out that he could, at least, afford to be silent.

Indeed, he spoke very little of any thing.

Walter Scott said, that the eyes of Burns were the finest he ever saw. I

can not say the same of Mr. Wordsworth; that is, not in the sense of the

beautiful, or even of the profound. But certainly I never beheld eyes

that looked so inspired or supernatural. They were like fires half

burning, half smouldering, with a sort of acrid fixture of regard, and

seated at the further end of two caverns. One might imagine Ezekiel or

Isaiah to have had such eyes.

* * * * *

Charles Lamb had a head worthy of Aristotle, with as fine a heart as

ever beat in human bosom, and limbs very fragile to sustain it. There

was a caricature of him sold in the shops, which pretended to be a

likeness. Procter went into the shop in a passion, and asked the man

what he meant by putting forth such a libel. The man apologized, and

said that the artist meant no offense. There never was a true portrait

of Lamb. His features were strongly yet delicately cut: he had a fine

eye as well as forehead; and no face carried in it greater marks of

thought and feeling. It resembled that of Bacon, with less worldly vigor

and more sensibility.

As his frame, so was his genius. It was as fit for thought as could be,

and equally as unfit for action; and this rendered him melancholy,

apprehensive, humorous, and willing to make the best of every thing as

it was, both from tenderness of heart and abhorrence of alteration. His

understanding was too great to admit an absurdity; his frame was not

strong enough to deliver it from a fear. His sensibility to strong

contrasts was the foundation of his humor, which was that of a wit at

once melancholy and willing to be pleased. He would beard a

superstition, and shudder at the old phantasm while he did it. One could

have imagined him cracking a jest in the teeth of a ghost, and then

melting into thin air himself, out of a sympathy with the awful. His

humor and his knowledge both, were those of Hamlet, of Moliere, of

Carlin, who shook a city with laughter, and, in order to divert his

melancholy, was recommended to go and hear himself. Yet he extracted a

real pleasure out of his jokes, because good-heartedness retains that

privilege when it fails in every thing else. I should say he

condescended to be a punster, if condescension had been a word befitting

wisdom like his. Being told that somebody had lampooned him, he said,

"Very well, I'll Lamb-pun him." His puns were admirable, and often

contained as deep things as the wisdom of some who have greater names;

such a man, for instance, as Nicole the Frenchman, who was a baby to

him. He would have cracked a score of jokes at him, worth his whole book

of sentences; pelted his head with pearls. Nicole would not have

understood him, but Rochefoucault would, and Pascal, too; and some of

our old Englishmen would have understood him still better. He would have

been worthy of hearing Shakspeare read one of his scenes to him, hot

from the brain. Commonplace found a great comforter in him as long as

it was good-natured; it was to the ill-natured or the dictatorial only

that he was startling. Willing to see society go on as it did, because

he despaired of seeing it otherwise, but not at all agreeing in his

interior with the common notions of crime and punishment, he

"_dumb-founded_" a long tirade one evening, by taking the pipe out of

his mouth, and asking the speaker, "Whether he meant to say that a thief

was not a good man?" To a person abusing Voltaire, and indiscreetly

opposing his character to that of Jesus Christ, he said admirably well

(though he by no means overrated Voltaire, nor wanted reverence in the

other quarter), that "Voltaire was a very good Jesus Christ _for the

French_." He liked to see the church-goers continue to go to church, and

wrote a tale in his sister's admirable little book (_Mrs. Leicester's

School_) to encourage the rising generation to do so; but to a

conscientious deist he had nothing to object; and if an atheist had

found every other door shut against him, he would assuredly not have

found his. I believe he would have had the world remain precisely as it

was, provided it innovated no farther; but this spirit in him was any

thing but a worldly one, or for his own interest. He hardly contemplated

with patience the new buildings in the Regent's Park: and, privately

speaking, he had a grudge against _official_ heaven-expounders, or

clergymen. He would rather, however, have been with a crowd that he

disliked, than felt himself alone. He said to me one day, with a face of

great solemnity, "What must have been that man's feelings, who thought

himself _the first deist_?" Finding no footing in certainty, he

delighted to confound the borders of theoretical truth and falsehood. He

was fond of telling wild stories to children, engrafted on things about

them; wrote letters to people abroad, telling them that a friend of

theirs had come out in genteel comedy; and persuaded George Dyer that

_Lord Castlereagh_ was the author of Waverley! The same excellent person

walking one evening out of his friend's house into the New River, Lamb

(who was from home at the time) wrote a paper under his signature of

Elia, stating, that common friends would have stood dallying on the

bank, have sent for neighbors, &c., but that _he_, in his magnanimity,

jumped in, and rescued his friend after the old noble fashion. He wrote

in the same magazine two lives of Liston and Munden, which the public

took for serious, and which exhibit an extraordinary jumble of imaginary

facts and truth of by-painting. Munden he made born at "Stoke Pogeis:"

the very sound of which was like the actor speaking and digging his

words. He knew how many false conclusions and pretensions are made by

men who profess to be guided by facts only, as if facts could not be

misconceived, or figments taken for them; and, therefore, one day, when

somebody was speaking of a person who valued himself on being a

matter-of-fact man, "Now," said he, "I value myself on being a

matter-of-lie man." This did not hinder his being a man of the greatest

veracity, in the ordinary sense of the word; but "Truth," he said, "was

precious, and not to be wasted on every body."

Lamb had seen strange faces of calamity; but they did not make him love

those of his fellow-creatures the less. Few persons guessed what he had

suffered in the course of his life, till his friend Talfourd wrote an

account of it, and showed the hapless warping that disease had given to

the fine brain of his sister.

AMERICAN VANITY.

We are not at all surprised at what in this country is most foolishly

called the conceit and vanity of the Americans. What people in the world

have so fine, so magnificent a country? Besides that, they have some

reason to be proud of themselves. We have given the chief features of

their eastern and inland territory; if the reader has any imagination

for ideas of this kind, let him picture to himself what will be the

aspect of things when the tide of population has crossed the long range

of the Rocky Mountains, and, occupying the valleys of the western coast,

has built other Bostons and New Yorks in the harbors of Oregon and

California. This tide of population is now advancing along a line of

more than a thousand miles, at the rate of eighteen miles a year; and

each year, as the population behind becomes larger, the number of new

settlers is increased, and the rate of advance is accelerated. This vast

crowd of ever-onward-pressing settlers is not formed of the same

materials as the inhabitants of an European province: that is, there are

not at its head a few intelligent, but delicately-brought-up men of

capital, while all the rest are ignorant laborers; but every one of

these pioneers of civilization can handle the ax and the rifle, and can

"calculate." If ever these magnificent dreams of the American people are

realized--and all that is wanted for their realization is that things

should only go on as they have been going on for the last two

centuries--there will be seated upon that vast continent a population

greater than that of all Europe, all speaking the same language, all

active-minded, intelligent, and well off. They will stand, as it were,

the centre of the world, between the two great oceans, with Europe on

one hand and Asia on the other. With such a future before him, we must

pardon the Yankee if we find a little dash of self-complacency in his

composition; and bear with the surprise and annoyance which he expresses

at finding that we know so little of himself or of his country. Our

humble opinion is that we ought to know better.

Great as is the influence which America has already had upon Europe, we

conceive that this is a mere intimation of the influence which it is

destined to have upon the world.--_Frazer's Mag._

MONTHLY RECORD OF CURRENT EVENTS.

The domestic events of the month (which, in accordance with requests

from many quarters, this Magazine will hereafter regularly record) have

not been numerous or very important. The _Invasion of Cuba_, by a force

collected, organized, armed, officered, and disciplined within the

United States, and the successful repulse of that invasion, have been

the leading topic of comment. The expedition, 300 in number, left New

Orleans, under command of General LOPEZ, on the 25th of April and the 2d

of May, and landed at Cardenas on the morning of the 19th of May. A

brief struggle ensued between the invaders and the troops, in which the

latter were repulsed, the governor captured, his palace plundered, and a

large quantity of public money seized. The invaders had counted upon

accessions to their ranks from the Spanish army, and from the

disaffected inhabitants. In this, however, they were entirely

disappointed, and LOPEZ accordingly re-embarked on the steamer which had

taken him thither, and with a few of his followers, made his escape to

the United States, leaving the great body of his adherents to the tender

mercies of the authorities of Cuba. Lopez has been arrested at New

Orleans, and awaits trial on charge of having violated the United States

neutrality act of 1818: and a good deal of interest is felt in the

disposition which the Cuban authorities will make of the prisoners who

have fallen into their hands. It seems that a Spanish steamer captured

two vessels in the Mexican waters, laden with men whom they suspected of

having intended to join the invading expedition, and took them into

Havana. The President of the United States has made a peremptory demand

for the release of these prisoners, and declares that a clear

distinction must be made between those proved guilty of actual

participation, and those suspected of an intention to join, in the

invasion. The result of this demand is not yet known. It is not

believed, however, that the Cuban authorities will pursue a course of

unnecessary or unjust rigor, as it could scarcely fail to involve them

in serious difficulties with the United States.

Both Houses of CONGRESS are still engaged in debating the various

questions growing out of slavery. In the House a bill for the immediate

admission of California is pending, and debate upon it has been closed;

but a decisive vote is evaded from day to day. Whenever that can be

reached, there will probably be found to be a majority in favor of the

bill. In the Senate a bill is pending which provides: 1. For the

admission of California; 2. For organizing territorial governments for

New Mexico and Utah, without any provision on the subject of slavery;

and 3. For paying Texas a sum not specified, for relinquishing her claim

to a part of New Mexico. The bill has been very fully and very ably

discussed, and votes have been taken upon a great number of amendments

to it, the most important of which was one prohibiting slavery forever

from these territories. This was offered by Senator Seward of New York,

and rejected, 33 to 23. It is believed that the final vote will be taken

upon the hill before many days: the chances are in favor of its passage.

The attention of Congress has been so thoroughly occupied with these

bills, that no other business of any importance has been transacted or

even entertained. The general subject of slavery, which gives to them

all their interest, has entered largely into the public discussions of

the month. Mr. WEBSTER has written a letter to the citizens of

Newburyport, Mass., upon the wrong done to the South by refusing to

surrender their fugitive slaves, urging the necessity for a more

stringent law, and expressing the opinion, that there is nothing, either

in the spirit or the letter of the Constitution, requiring a jury trial

to determine the question of slavery, when an alleged fugitive is

seized. This letter has elicited a reply from Hon. HORACE MANN, of the

House, also from Massachusetts, which enforces the contrary opinion,

with abundant and vehement rhetoric and cogent argument. Prof. STUART,

of Andover, has also published a pamphlet in support of Mr. Webster's

views on the general subject.--The convention of delegates intended to

represent the slave-holding states, called some months since, met at

Nashville, Tenn., on the 3d of June, and adjourned after a session of

ten days. Judge SHARKEY, of Mississippi, presided. The attendance was

thin, delegates being present from less than half the districts

interested, and they having been elected by less than a tenth of the

popular vote. Resolutions were adopted, affirming the claims of the

slave-holding states, and the convention adjourned to meet again six

weeks after the adjournment of Congress, then to take such action as the

legislation of the present session may render necessary.--A new paper

called "The Southern Press" has been established at Washington, for the

express purpose of advocating the interests of slavery. It is under the

patronage of 57 southern members of Congress, and is intended to abstain

from partisan discussions.--The subject of slavery also influences the

action of the State Legislatures, which are in session, to a great

extent. In the Connecticut Senate, resolutions approving of the bill

pending in the U.S. Senate were rejected, 16 to 6. The Legislature has

made two unsuccessful efforts to elect a U. S. Senator, in place of Mr.

Baldwin, whose term expires with this session.--Senator DICKINSON, of

New York, received from his political friends the compliment of a

public dinner in the city of New York, on the 17th ult.--Hon. EDWARD

GILBERT, Member of Congress elect from California, attended a public

dinner at Albany, the place of his early residence, on the 4th. In an

eloquent speech which he made upon that occasion, he expressed the

ardent attachment of California to the Union, and the determination of

her people not to permit slavery to be introduced within her limits.--A

convention in Ohio, to revise the Constitution of that state, is now in

session. The tendency of its action, so far as it is developed, has been

toward greater equality and democratic freedom.--A similar convention is

also in session in Michigan.--Gov. CRITTENDEN of Kentucky, recently

visited Indiana by special invitation of Gov. Wright, of that state. The

two being political opponents, and the visit being in some sense of an

official character, the circumstance has attracted a good deal of

attention. The reception of Gov. Crittenden was public, and very happy

greetings were exchanged on both sides. Gov. C. made a very eloquent

speech, expressing the value of the American Union and the devotion of

the American people to its preservation.--The anniversary of the Battle

of Bunker Hill was celebrated with great _eclat_ at Boston, on the 17th.

The Oration was delivered by the Hon. Edward Everett, and was one of his

most finished and eloquent efforts.--The treaty between Great Britain

and the United States, negotiated at Washington, has been ratified by

the Senate. It is highly honorable to both countries, and advantageous

to the interests of commerce throughout the world. The neutrality of the

Isthmus, in case of war, is mutually guaranteed.--The war between

Faustin and the Dominicans is still continued: a vessel fitted out at

New York, and laden with cannon and munitions of war, for the emperor,

has been seized by the U. S. authorities, and detained for violation of

the neutrality act of 1818.

* * * * *

Our intelligence from CALIFORNIA is to the 1st of May. Trade was dull

but was receiving an impulse from the reopening of the season for

mining. The Legislature had adjourned after passing a large number of

bills. One of its most important acts was one imposing a tax of $25 per

month upon every foreigner who should dig for gold in the mines. The

measure was vindicated on grounds of justice as well as from the

necessities of the state treasury: difficulty was apprehended in some

quarters in attempting to carry it out.--Public meetings had been held

in regard to the unjust delay to which the application of the state for

admission into the Union, is subjected by Congress. Intimations were

thrown out that the state would withdraw her application and maintain

her independence, unless action should be had: but they do not express

any thing like the general sentiment of the people.--New veins of gold

had been discovered--new towns commenced, and emigrants continued to

arrive. Several heavy failures had occurred, but business generally was

good.

From the Isthmus of Panama we have news to the 1st of June. A serious

riot had occurred there between the emigrants and the natives in which

two or three were killed on each side. It grew out of the arrest of a

negro boy on charge of theft, and a supposition on the part of the

natives that the Americans intended to hang him. Such an incident,

however, indicates an unpleasant state of feeling between the parties.

Quiet, however, had been restored.

* * * * *

Of LITERARY and SCIENTIFIC Intelligence there is not much. Notices of

the most important books published during the month will be found in

another department of this Magazine. The question of the _Unity of the

Human Race_ has been recently revived by some incidental remarks made at

Charleston, S. C., by Prof. Agassiz of Harvard, which were opposed to

that theory. Dr. Smyth, a learned divine of that city, wrote a book in

refutation of the Professor; and we observe that the latter has pursued

the matter still farther in a lecture subsequently delivered at Boston.

He does not enter, however, into any full discussion of the subject, but

takes occasion to disavow the intention imputed to him, of designing to

question the authenticity or authority of the Mosaic Record.

Prof. LEWIS, of Union College, has published an Address delivered there

some months since, in which he reviews with great ability the theories

and schemes so abundant at the present day, of which Nature, Progress,

and Ideas are the common watchwords. He treats them all as branches of

_Naturalism_ and as in direct hostility to the Scriptural doctrine of

the Divine government. The discourse is marked by the scholarship,

vigor, and clear analysis which characterize all the productions of this

distinguished writer.--Bishop HUGHES has also entered the lists against

the prevalent Socialism of the day; not, however, in an original work

but by causing to be reprinted the French work of the Abbe Martinet,

entitled "Religion in Society," and by writing an introduction to it.--A

new book on _California_, by Rev. WALTER COLTON, is soon to be issued.

Even in the multiplicity of books upon this subject that have recently

been given to the public, one from Mr. Colton's pen can hardly fail to

attract and reward attention.--A work on the _Logic and Utility of

Mathematics_, by Prof. DAVIES, is announced by Barnes & Co. Prof. D. is

singularly happy in presenting mathematical truth clearly and

attractively to the mind, and we anticipate, in this new work upon the

characteristic advantages of his favorite studies, a production that

will be widely useful, in promoting juster views of Education and better

modes for its successful prosecution.--Prof. BARTLETT of the West Point

Academy, announces a new work on _Natural Philosophy_, for the use of

Colleges, which will be of value.--Mr. E. D. MANSFIELD of Cincinnati, a

clear, strong and judicious writer, has also in press, a Treatise on

_American Education_, which will be pretty certain to contain a good

many practical suggestions worthy of attention.--The Reader of the

opening article in this number of the New Monthly Magazine, will be glad

to learn that an edition of the writings of DE QUINCEY is soon to be

issued from the Boston press of Ticknor, Reed and Fields. No living

English writer equals De Quincey in his peculiar department; in acute

analytical power, and in the precision with which he uses language. He

does not write for the masses--but to literary men, persons of

cultivated taste and a critical habit, an edition of his Essays and

multifarious sketches will be exceedingly acceptable. We presume,

however, that nothing like a complete collection of his writings can be

made.--An illustrated Edition of LONGFELLOW'S _Evangeline_ is also

announced, and a new volume of Poems by JOHN G. WHITTIER, one of the

most vigorous and masculine of living poets. Like other poets of the

day, Mr. Whittier addicts himself somewhat overmuch to hobbies, and his

present volume is to be mainly made up of Poems upon Labor.--LOWELL,

also, has a new Poem in press, called _The Nooning_.--A new volume by

Rev. HENRY GILES, entitled _Christian Thoughts on Life_, is announced.

Mr. Giles is an exceedingly fluent, vigorous and brilliant writer.--A

spicy controversy has grown out of a needless fling at the memory of

John Jacob Astor, in a lecture delivered some months since by the Hon.

Horace Mann. Mr. C. A. Bristed, grandson of the deceased Mr. Astor, has

replied to it in a pungent letter, vindicating his kinsman's character

and assailing with a good degree of vigor and success some of the

radical theories propounded by Mr. Mann.--A new play, entitled _The Very

Age_, by E. S. GOULD, is in press, and will soon be issued by the

Appletons. It is said to be a sharp and successful hit at sundry follies

which have too mush currency in society.--A good deal of public interest

has been excited by the announcement of an alleged scientific discovery

made by Mr. HENRY M. PAINE, of Massachusetts. He claims to have

established the positions that Water is a simple substance: that

hydrogen gas is produced by the combination of positive electricity, and

oxygen by the combination of negative electricity, with water; and that

by passing the hydrogen thus obtained through spirits of turpentine in

its natural state, it becomes carbonized and will support combustion.

The practical result claimed from the discovery is the ability to

furnish _light_ and _heat_ indefinitely at a merely nominal expense. The

importance of it, if it prove to be real, can not well be overrated. The

possibility of the thing, however, is peremptorily denied by scientific

men, and it must be evident to all that it directly contradicts

scientific principles that have been regarded as fundamental. Practical

experiment alone, made under proper restrictions and scientific

supervision, can determine its reality. If established the revolution

it would produce in the economy of life would not be greater than that

which would result from it in the received theories of science.

* * * * *

THE FOREIGN events of the past month have not been of striking interest

or importance. A diplomatic quarrel between England and France is the

only incident which has attracted any general attention. This

misunderstanding has grown out of the demands of British subjects,

supported by their government, against the government of Greece, for

losses sustained through its agency; but it is so entirely a matter of

form that no serious result can well be apprehended. For some years past

the English government has been pressing King Otho to an adjustment of

these claims. One of the most important of them is that of Mr. George

Finlay, who, when the Turks were leaving Greece on the formation of the

Hellenic Kingdom, purchased certain portions of land from some of these

emigrants. This was as long ago as in 1830, and his right to the

property thus purchased and paid for was never disputed. But six years

afterward King Otho seized upon these lands in order to inclose them in

the royal gardens, and he has never paid for the property to this day.

Another claim is that of Mr. Pacifico, a British subject, born at

Gibraltar, and occupying at Athens the office of Portuguese Consul. It

has been the custom for some years at Athens, on Easter-day, to burn an

effigy of Judas Iscariot; but, in 1847, in consequence of the presence

of Baron Rothschild, the government prevented the ceremony. The idle and

reckless portion of the people, to whom such public spectacles are

always matters of most interest, spread the report that Mr. Pacifico,

being a Jew, had occasioned the discontinuance of this custom. A mob was

soon raised by this report, which went to the house of the obnoxious

consul, beat in the door, plundered the house of money to the amount of

9800 drachmas, and destroyed papers proving claims upon the Portuguese

government to the amount of L21,295. For these losses Mr. Pacifico

claimed restitution, and invoked the protection and aid of the British

government in securing it.

These are the leading claims which have given occasion to the pending

difficulties. The British government took up the subject and pressed the

Greek authorities for payment of the claims. This was refused, and force

was resorted to. The ports of Greece were blockaded and a bombardment

threatened. This led France to offer her mediation, and Baron Gros was

dispatched by the French government to Athens to arrange the dispute

with Mr. Wyse, the British agent. The British government, for a long

time, refused to allow the intervention of France, as the question in

controversy was one which did not require or allow such interference But

M. Drouyn de Lhuys being sent to London, a negotiation was prosecuted

for three or four months, which resulted in an agreement between the

two governments. Meantime Baron Gros at Athens, having interrupted

proceedings there, Mr. Wyse resumes his demands upon the government of

Greece, and, by strenuous coercion, secures all he had demanded. And

Lord Palmerston decided that his proceedings must hold good. The French

government was, of course, indignant at this disregard of the London

convention, and withdrew her Minister from London. The dispute, at the

latest dates, had not been settled, but it is not likely to lead to any

thing more serious than a temporary estrangement between the two

nations. It is generally believed that the quarrel is kept open by the

French government, because it serves to divert public attention somewhat

from the unpopular and unconstitutional abridgment of the suffrage, and

because it has created an excitement favorable to the views and purposes

of Louis Napoleon.

Not the least important result of this controversy has been the new

position which it has induced Russia and Austria to take, in regard to

the rights of British subjects residing within their dominions. The

sympathies of these two nations, as well as of France, are, of course,

with Greece: and the attempt of England to extend full protection to its

subjects residing at Athens, has led the Emperor of Russia to address a

note to Lord Palmerston, stating that he utterly rejects the principle

on which British subjects or any other foreign residents in his own

states, or those of any other government, had a right to be treated more

favorably than the native subjects of such state; and he added, that for

his part, he should expect such strangers, the moment they came to

reside in his dominions, to conform themselves to the laws and usages

practiced by Russians. An old law or custom had existed in Russia to

this effect; it had long fallen into desuetude; but on the present

occasion it has been revived by the emperor, and is now in force. The

note of the Emperor of Austria is to the same effect; and though

separate from that of Russia, runs concurrently with it. Lord Palmerston

replied to this note, and received an answer couched in still stronger

language and concluding in the following emphatic clause: "As the manner

in which Lord Palmerston understands the protection due to English

subjects in foreign countries carries with it such serious

inconvenience, Russia and Austria will not henceforth grant the liberty

of residence to English subjects, except on condition of their

renouncing the protection of their Government." These documents have not

been published, but their substance is given, on the authority of the

London Times.

The doings of the British Parliament have not been of special

importance, though they have involved the discussion of important

measures. The misunderstanding with France gave rise to repeated demands

on the part of Lord Brougham and others, and explanations by the

ministers, in which the latter have been vehemently, and with apparent

justice, charged with prevarication and concealment.--The Subject of

University Reform has been incidentally discussed in the House of Lords

but without decisive results.

In the House of Commons attention was called to the case of the black

steward of a British vessel who had been taken out of the ship at

Charleston, S. C. and imprisoned for two months simply because he was _a

Man of Color_.--LORD PALMERSTON said that the case was not new; that

such a law as that mentioned existed in the State of Carolina; and that

the British government had remonstrated against it as a violation of the

principles of international law, as well as of the treaty of 1815: but

the reply had been that the Federal government was unable to revoke the

law, and that, if England insisted, the American government would be

compelled to terminate the treaty of 1815. The English government,

therefore, had not thought it expedient to press the matter further; but

it should be remembered that the law is known, and that those who go

there expose themselves to it voluntarily. This acquiescence of the

British government in a law and practice of one of the United States,

directly in violation of the rights of British subjects, has not escaped

severe animadversion.

The subject of a sinecure office in the Archdiocese of Canterbury has

attracted some attention. It seems that the emoluments of the office of

Register of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, have been from L9000 to

L12,000 per annum, and that the office itself is a sinecure. The usage

has been, that the archbishop for the time being should nominate the

incumbent of the office and two successors. Archbishop Moore appointed

his two sons, and they in succession held the office. Dr. Manners Sutton

appointed his grandson, the present Lord Canterbury, to the reversion of

the office--that grandson being then ten or twelve years old. The late

Dr. Howley made a communication to the government, that, in the

conscientious fulfillment of his duty he could not fill up the reversion

of this sinecure when it became vacant in 1845; and it remained vacant

at his death. When Dr. Sumner, the present archbishop, succeeded, he

found the reversion of the office vacant, and immediately filled it up,

by appointing his son, a young gentleman studying in the Temple. Lord

John Russell stated that the matter was under inquiry and that the

office would either be abolished or greatly altered.--The general

subject of reducing the salaries and wages paid in every department of

the public service, has also been discussed. The general sentiment

seemed to be that the servants of government were not overpaid, and the

motion for an address upon the subject was negatived.

While the bill for the government of the Australian Colonies was up, an

amendment was submitted to deprive the Colonial office of all

interference with the local administration of the colonies, and to give

them the uncontrolled management of their own affairs. Sir W.

Molesworth, who moved the amendment, closed a speech in support of it by

saying that there was a striking analogy between the government of the

United States and that which ought to be the system of government in

their colonial empire. "For," he said, "the United States form a system

of states clustered round a central republic; our colonial empire ought

to be a system of colonies clustered round the hereditary monarchy of

England. The hereditary monarchy should possess the powers of

government, with the exception of that of taxation, which the central

republic possesses. If it possessed less, the empire would cease to be

one body politic; if it continue to possess more, the colonies will be

discontented at the want of self-government, and on the first occasion

will imitate their brethren in America." The motion was negatived by 165

to 42. This vote is important as an indication of the sentiment of

Parliament in regard to Colonial government.--A motion to form an

ecclesiastical Constitution for the Australian Colonies was defeated.

The bill reducing the franchise required to constitute a Parliamentary

voter in Ireland to L8, has been passed. The discussion of this bill,

and the action upon it, is important as showing the tendency of public

sentiment in England toward a greater infusion of the democratic element

into the government. The bill was opposed expressly upon the ground of

its democratic tendencies by Lord Bernard, Mr. Napier, Lord Jocelyn, Mr.

Disraeli, and others, and its principal supporters were Mr. Shell, Sir

James Graham, and Lord John Russell. Sir JAMES GRAHAM'S speech was

remarkable for the broad ground on which he supported the measure;

alluding to the objection that the bill would unduly enlarge the

constituent body, he said, "I do not object to it on that ground. I must

say, considering the increase of the democratic element in our

institutions, that I see the greatest danger in erecting an immense

superstructure upon a narrow electoral basis. Sir, if that

superstructure can not stand upon an extended electoral basis, I am sure

that a narrow basis can not long sustain it. On principle, therefore, I

can not object to this bill as it extends that basis. Allusion has been

made to what has lately been witnessed elsewhere, and I think it is not

good policy to neglect examples which are patent and before our eyes. If

I were to mention what in my humble judgment was the immediate cause of

the fall of the kingly power of Louis Philippe, it would be, that he

attempted to maintain the semblance of representative government with a

constituent body, which, as compared with the great bulk of the

population, was dangerously narrow, and utterly inadequate. What was the

consequence? A tumult arose in the metropolis, and the government was

overthrown without a struggle. His power was buried in this ruin; and

the consequence has been, that for the last two years the nation has

been plunged into anarchy, and property and life have been rendered

insecure. But what is the return of the wave, and the reaction from that

state of things following the universal extension of the suffrage in

France? The return is a desire to base the suffrage, restricted as

compared with universal suffrage, on household suffrage, on permanent

residence, and the payment of local taxation. And, I am sure that that

is a safe basis on which to rest the franchise." These remarks were

loudly cheered throughout. The result of the division was that the third

reading was carried by 254 to 186, and the bill passed.

Other questions not directly political, but involving interests of

importance, have been brought in various ways into discussion, of which

we find a summary notice in the "Household Narrative." The Metropolitan

Interments bill has made no further progress in the House of Commons.

Lord Ashley has withdrawn his opposition to the government proposal for

giving practical efficacy to the Ten Hours Act; and all the more

rational of the Ten Hours champions have signified acquiescence in the

compromise. When the bill shall have passed, factories will be worked

from six to six on five days in the week, and between six and two on

Saturdays, with perfect leisure after two on the latter day, and with an

hour and a half for meals and leisure on each of the former. A measure

not less interesting to masses of the most industrious part of the

population, is the scheme for securing more direct responsibility in the

management of Savings Banks, and for extending the power of government

to grant annuities and life assurances of small amounts through the

medium of those institutions, which is now before the House of Commons

for discussion. Various projects of law reform have been started. A

commission has been issued, preparatory to a reform of the system of

special pleading. Lord Campbell has introduced a bill to simplify

criminal pleadings, and prevent the lamentable and too notorious defects

of justice on small technical points; the same dignitary has declared,

in judgment on a case in the Queen's Bench, that the intervention of an

attorney is not essential in the employment of a barrister, but that the

latter may receive his instructions directly from the party to the suit.

A spirited attempt is in progress, by Mr. Keogh, to reform the

Ecclesiastical Courts in Ireland; and the Lord High Chancellor Cottenham

has issued a series of orders which will have the effect of dispensing,

in a large class of suits, with the formality of bill and answer, and of

providing for the reference to the master, on a mere observance of

certain very simple forms. A motion to repeal the advertisement duty was

lost, 208 to 39. A motion to inquire into the sanitary condition of the

journeymen bakers was negatived, 90 to 44. A bill, the principal object

of which was to place in the hands of the Board of Commissioners the

regulation of all the Irish fisheries, was lost by a majority of 197 to

37. A bill proposing to allow railway companies to buy waste lands on

the margins of their railways and establish cemeteries on them, was

thrown out by 123 to 4. Lord John Russell has introduced a bill to

abolish the _Viceregal Office in Ireland_. The bill gives power to the

Queen to abolish the office by order in Council; to appoint a fourth

Secretary of State, chargeable, like the others, with any of the

functions of a Secretary of State, but in practice with Irish affairs:

some of the functions of the Lord Lieutenant will be transferred to the

Secretary for the Home Department, others be given to Her Majesty in

Council. The Lord Chancellor of Ireland will be President of the Privy

Council in Ireland. The bill was opposed by several Irish members, but

leave was given to bring it in by 107 to 13.

An official correspondence on the intention of Ministers to issue a

Royal Commission of inquiry into the state and revenues of the

UNIVERSITIES of Oxford and Cambridge has appeared in the newspapers.

Lord John Russell, after announcing the Ministerial intention in his

place in Parliament, wrote to the Chancellor of the two Universities "to

explain the views of her Majesty's confidential servants in recommending

this measure to her Majesty's approbation." His letter is now published;

and the other portion of the correspondence given to the public, is the

letter of the Duke of Wellington to the authorities of the University of

Oxford, requesting them to take the Premier's letter into consideration,

and give him the assistance of their opinions in a report; and the

report of the University authorities rendered in compliance with that

request. Lord John Russell, in his letter, after alluding briefly to the

legality of the Commission, puts forward the following general

considerations: "No one will now deny, that in the course of three

centuries the increase of general knowledge, the growth of modern

literature, the discoveries of physical and chemical science, have

rendered changes in the course of study at our national Universities

highly expedient. The Universities themselves have acknowledged this

expediency, and very large reforms of this nature have been adopted both

at Oxford and at Cambridge. These improvements, so wisely conceived,

reflect the highest credit on those learned bodies." He then proceeds to

state the general line of the limitations of the proposed action of the

government, saying that it is not to obstruct, but only to facilitate

the changes and improvements already in progress. Both the Universities

have warmly protested against the Commission.

Preparations for the INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION of 1851 continue to be made.

It is stated that about L50,000 has been subscribed toward the grand

Industrial Exhibition, and nearly 200 local committees formed to

promote. A project has been started to connect with it a religious

congress of the Christians of all nations. To questioning in Parliament,

it has been answered by the Minister that no government supply was

contemplated beyond the expenses of the Royal Commission. The various

German Powers have united, and the Commission in London has apportioned

100,000 square feet of space to the service of the German exhibitors

generally, 60,000 square feet being reserved for the States of the

Zoll-Verein 30,000 for Austria, and 10,000 for the North German States

and the Hanse Towns.

* * * * *

The transactions of the London SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES for the month

present nothing worthy of record. The Zoological Society has received a

new and valuable collection of animals, and among them the first live

hippopotamus ever brought to Europe.--Letters from Mr. LAYARD, who is

prosecuting his researches in the East, have been received to the 18th

of March, in which he mentions the Arab reports of remarkable

antiquities in the desert of Khabour, which have never been visited by

European footsteps, and toward the exploration of which he was just

setting out, with an escort of Arab Sheiks and their followers, in all,

to the number of seventy or eighty in company. During his absence on

this new track, the excavations at Nimrood are to be continued by the

parties employed on that work, which has recently furnished interesting

acquisitions to Mr. Layard's collection. One important inscription is

mentioned, and more winged-lions and bulls.

The Times has an account of a new invention for extinguishing fires, the

work of Mr. Phillips--the agent used being a mixture of gas and vapor. A

public experiment was made with it, at which a compartment of a large

open building, quite twenty feet high inside, was fitted up with

partitions and temporary joisting of light wood, well soaked with pitch

and turpentine, and overhung besides with rags and shavings soaked in

the like manner. The torch was applied to this erection, and the flames,

which ascended immediately, at length roared with a vehemence which

drove the spectators back to a distance of forty feet, and were already

beyond the power of water. The inventor then brought forward one of his

hand machines, and threw out a volume of gaseous vapor, which in half a

minute entirely suppressed all flame and combustion; and to show that

the vapor which now filled the space was quite innoxious, Mr. Phillips

mounted into the loft, and passed and repassed through the midst of it

with a lighted candle in his hand. The machine with which this effect

was accomplished, was rather larger than a good sized coffee-pot, and

consisted of three tin cases, one within another, and mutually

communicating. There was a small quantity of water in the bottom of the

machine, and in the centre case was a composite cake, of the size and

color of peat, containing in the middle of it a phial of sulphuric acid

and chlorate of potash. In order to put the machine into action this

phial is broken, and a gaseous vapor is generated so rapidly and in such

quantity that it immediately rushes out from a lateral spout with great

impetuosity Mr. Phillips explained that a machine of any size could be

made according to the purpose for which it was intended.

Some recent experiments on light, in Paris, have attracted a good deal

of attention in the scientific circles. M. Foucault is said to have

practically demonstrated that light travels less rapidly through water

than through air, though he made his experiments with instruments

devised by M. Arago, and mainly under his direction. The importance of

the discovery may be judged of from the fact that for the last twelve

years M. Arago has been pondering over it, and on the means of effecting

it.

Experiments have been made on the means of protecting the hands against

molten metal. M. Corne, in a paper submitted to the Academy of Sciences,

thus details them:

"Having determined on investigating the question, whether the employment

of liquid sulphurous acid for moistening the hands would produce a

sensation of coldness, when they are immersed in the melted metal, I

immersed my hands, previously moistened with sulphurous acid, in the

melted lead, and experienced a sensation of decided cold. I repeated the

experiment of immersing the hand in melted lead and in fused cast-iron.

Before experimenting with the melted iron, I placed a stick, previously

moistened with water, in the stream of liquid metal, and on withdrawing

it found it to be almost as wet as it was before, scarcely any of the

moisture was evaporated. The moment a dry piece of wood was placed in

contact with the heated metal, combustion took place. M. Covlet and I

then dipped our hands into vessels of the liquid metal, and passed our

fingers several times backward and forward through a stream of metal

flowing from the furnace, the heat from the radiation of the fused metal

being at the same time almost unbearable. We varied these experiments

for upward of two hours; and Madame Covlet, who assisted at these

experiments, permitted her child, a girl of nine years of age, to dip

her hand in a crucible of red hot metal with impunity. We experimented

on the melted iron, both with our hands quite dry, and also when

moistened with water, alcohol, and ether. The same results were obtained

as with melted lead, and each of us experienced a sensation of cold when

employing sulphurous acid."

A circular from Prof. Schumacher has brought an announcement of the

discovery of a new telescopic comet, by Dr. Peterson, at the Royal

Observatory of Altona, on the 1st of May. "Unfavorable weather," says

Mr. Hind, writing to the _Times_, "prevented any accurate observation

that evening, but on the following morning at 11 o'clock, mean time, the

position was in right ascension 19h 24m 8s, and north

declination 71 deg. 19' 34". The comet is therefore situate in the

constellation Draco. The right ascension diminishes about 48" and the

declination increases about 8' in the space of one day.

The LITERARY INTELLIGENCE of the month comprises the issue of no books

of very great pretensions. The _Autobiography of Leigh Hunt_ was just

ready for publication, and from the extracts given in the preceding

pages of this Magazine, our readers will readily judge it to be a book

of more than ordinary interest. It is full of anecdote and incident,

often trivial in themselves, but sketched with that _naivete_ and warmth

of manner which constitute the charm of whatever HUNT writes. It will be

a favorite with summer readers. Two octavo volumes of Selections from

_Modern State Trials_, by Mr. TOWNSEND, have been published: they

comprise only five state trials properly so called, the rest being

trials for murder, forgery, dueling, &c. The book is interesting and

eminently readable. General KLAPKA'S _Memoirs of the War in Hungary_

have been published, and attract the attention of the critical pen. The

author was one of the leading generals in that gallant but unsuccessful

struggle; and his opinions of the men engaged in it, and the causes of

its failure, are therefore entitled to notice and respect. He regards

the raising of the siege of Komorn as the turning point in the campaign.

He speaks of KOSSUTH and GOeRGEY as the two great spirits of the war--the

one a civilian, the other a soldier. The Athenaeum condenses his views

concerning them very successfully. Kossuth, according to him was a great

and generous man, of noble heart and fervid patriotism, at once an

enthusiast and a statesman, gifted with "a mysterious power" over "the

hearts of his countrymen;" possibly, however, of too melancholic and

spiritual a temperament for the crisis, and unfortunately a civilian, so

that notwithstanding his "marvelous influence to rouse and bring into

action the hidden energies of the masses," he could not "give them a

military organization;" Goergey, on the other hand, an able, hard-headed

soldier, believing only in battalions, and capable of using them well,

but wanting enthusiasm, without great principle, without even

patriotism, taciturn and suspicious, chafing against authority, and

aiming throughout chiefly at his own ends in the struggle, wanting that

breadth of intellect or strength of courage that might have made his

selfishness splendid in its achievement. Had Kossuth had the military

training of Goergey, or had Goergey had the heart of Kossuth; or, finally,

had there been a perfect co-operation between the two men and the

parties which they represented, Hungary might have been saved. Nor, so

far as Kossuth was concerned, was there any obstacle to such

co-operation. His disinterestedness, as it led him at last to resign all

into the hands of Goergey, would have led him to do so, had it been

necessary, at first. But Perezel and the other generals, who were

friends of Kossuth, disliked Goergey; never had full trust in him, and

even accused him from the first of treachery. Goergey is alive and rich;

the earth covers the dead bodies of many of his former comrades, pierced

by the bullet or strangled by the ignominious rope, others live exiles

in various lands. Of these last is Kossuth. There is something striking

in the unanimity with which all testimonies combine as to the nobility

of this man. Even Goergey, his foe, once wrote to General

Klapka--"Kossuth alone is a classical and generous character. It is a

pity he is not a soldier." General Klapka's own book is an involuntary

commentary on this one text--"O that Kossuth had been a soldier!"

A volume of selections from papers contributed to the _Edinburgh

Review_, by Mr. HENRY ROGERS, has been published. They relate chiefly to

questions of religious interest, or have an indirect bearing upon

religious philosophy. Comparing them with the similar papers of Sir

James Stephen, a critical journal says, the author is less wide and

comprehensive in his range, in expression less eloquent and original,

but more practical in his views. He attacks the two extremes of

Tractarianism and Skepticism; gives large and sound expositions of Dr.

Whately's views of criminal jurisprudence; and attempts special

biographical sketches, such as Fuller's, Luther's, Pascal's, and

Plato's.

The fourth volume of SOUTHEY'S _Life and Correspondence_ has been

issued, and sustains the interest of this very attractive work.

Southey's Letters are among the best in the language, easy, unaffected,

full of genial, intelligent criticisms upon men, books, and things; and

abounding in attractive glimpses of the lives and characters of the

eminent literary men who were his contemporaries. The new volume

mentions that after Southey's acrimonious letters to Mr. William Smith,

M.P. for Norwich, appeared, he was offered the editorship of the London

Times, with a salary of L2000, and a share of the paper, but declined

it.

The readers of the _Excursion_ will remember that it was announced as

the second part of a poem in three parts, called the _Recluse_. The

first part was biographical, "conducting the history of the author's

mind to the point when he was emboldened to hope that his faculties were

sufficiently matured for entering upon the arduous labor which he had

proposed to himself;" and the third part consisted mainly of meditations

in the author's own person. It is now stated that the poem has been left

in the hands of the author's nephew, Rev. Dr. Christopher Wordsworth,

with directions that it should be published after his decease, together

with such biographical notices as may be requisite to illustrate his

writings. It is in fourteen cantos. A meeting of the personal friends

and admirers of Wordsworth has been held, to take steps to erect a

monument to his memory.

There have been published a large number of books of travel, among which

the following are mentioned:--Lord Chesney has issued the first portion

of his narrative of the Government _Expedition to the Euphrates_; and a

certain Count Sollogub has recorded his traveling impressions of Young

Russia, in a lively little book called _The Tarantas_. An English

artist, lately resident in America, has described his _Adventures in

California_; and Mr. Robert Baird, a Scotch invalid traveling for

health, with strong party prepossessions, but shrewd observant habits,

has published two volumes on the _West Indies and North America in

1849_. Also, pictures of travel in the Canadas, in a book called the

_Shoe and Canoe_, by the Secretary to the Boundary Commissioners, Dr.

Bagley; a very curious and complete revelation of Eastern life, in a

_Two Years' Residence in a Levantine Family_, described by Mr. Bayle St.

John; a peep into _Nuremberg and Franconia_, by Mr. Whiting; a summer

ramble through _Auvergne and Piedmont_, by the intelligent Secretary of

the Royal Society, Mr. Weld; the record of a brief holiday in Spain,

_Gazpacho_, by a fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge; _Notes from

Nineveh_, by a clergyman who has lately had religious duties in the

East; and a satisfactory and compendious compilation called _Nineveh,

and Persepolis_, by one of the officials of the British Museum.

An article in the Quarterly Review, on the _Flight of Louis Philippe and

his Family_, in the Revolution, has attracted a good deal of attention

in Paris. It was written by Mr. Croker, from materials supplied by the

ex-king himself, and denounces Lamartine and the leading actors of the

revolution, with the utmost bitterness. Lamartine has written a reply to

it, the chief object of which is to refute one of the principal

assertions of Mr. Croker, by proving that he, Lamartine, not only did

not take measures to prevent the flight of Louis Philippe and the

members of his family, but that he actually exerted himself actively to

have them placed out of the reach of danger. LEDRU ROLLIN has occupied

his leisure, during his exile in London, by writing a book on the

_Decadence of England_, which abounds in the most extravagant statements

and predictions. It is denounced, in the strongest terms, as a worthless

compound of malice and credulity.

* * * * *

The OBITUARY for the month embraces the name of M. GAY-LUSSAC, one of

the great scientific men of Paris. The _Presse_ says that few men have

led a life so useful, and marked by so many labors. There is no branch

of the physical and chemical sciences which is not indebted to him for

some important discovery. Alone, or in conjunction with other eminent

men, particularly with M. Thenard and M. de Humboldt, he carried his

spirit of investigation into them all. At a very early age he was

elected a member of the Academy of Sciences. In 1810, says M. Pouillet,

speaking in the name of that academy, when the university opened, at

length, its public courses of high teaching, it sought to associate in

that object the most eminent scientific men of France, and M.

Gay-Lussac, though very young, recommended himself to it by the double

title of chemist and natural philosopher. "M. Gay-Lussac was already

famous by his discovery of the fundamental laws of the expansion of gas

and vapors; by a balloon ascent the most important and almost the only

one of which the history of science has any record to keep; and for many

works on chemistry which tended to lay the bases on which that science

was soon afterward to be established." M. Gay-Lussac was a peer of

France.

The Brussels papers mention the premature death of M. P. SOUYET, the

eminent chemist, at the early age of thirty-two. M. Souyet was professor

of chemistry at the _Musee de l'Industrie_, and at the Royal Veterinary

School at Brussels. His funeral, on the 6th inst., was attended by the

most eminent scientific men in Brussels; and M. Quetelet delivered an

address, in which he briefly enumerated the important discoveries and

chemical investigations that have rendered the name of M. Souyet so well

known. M. Souyet had written several valuable chemical works.

The EMPEROR OF CHINA, TAU-KWANG (the Lustre of Reason), "departed upon

the great journey, and mounted upward on the dragon, to be a guest on

high"--in other words died, on the 25th of February, in the sixty-ninth

year of his age, and thirtieth of his reign. His death is said to have

been caused by the fatigue he underwent at the funeral ceremonies of the

late Empress-Dowager, his mother-in-law. The nomination of a successor

in China rests always with the Emperor, and before his death Tau-Kwang

decreed that his fourth and only surviving son should succeed him. He

ascended the throne the day of the Emperor's death, and is to reign

under the title of Sze-hing. He is only nineteen years of age. Keying,

the former Viceroy at Canton, is appointed his principal guardian, and

will no doubt hold a high and an influential position in the Cabinet. It

is not likely that any material change in the policy of the Government

will take place, but from the enlightened character of Keying and his

knowledge of foreigners, the tendency of any new measures will probably

be toward a more liberal course.

The EARL OF ROSCOMMON died on the 15th inst. at Blackrock, near Dublin,

in the fifty-second year of his age.

MAJOR-GENERAL SIR JAMES SUTHERLAND, of the East India Company's Service,

died suddenly on the 15th, at his house. He had enjoyed perfect health

up to the day of his death, when he invited a large number of friends to

dinner. He was giving instructions to his butler with respect to the

wines in his drawing-room, and Lady Sutherland was standing near him. He

suddenly grasped her shoulder, fell to the ground, and died in a few

minutes. He was in the sixty-sixth year of his age, and had seen a great

deal of service in India.

The "Scottish Press" records the demise of MRS. JEFFREY, the widow of

one whose death was so recently the cause of an almost universal sorrow.

Shortly after Lord Jeffrey's decease, his widow, affected in a more than

ordinary degree by the sad event, broke up her establishment, and took

up her abode with Mr. and Mrs. Empson, her son-in-law and daughter.

Though naturally cheerful, her spirits never recovered the shock she

sustained by the death of her distinguished partner, whom she has not

survived four months. Mrs. Jeffrey was born in America, and was the

grandniece of the celebrated John Wilkes, and second wife of the late

Lord Jeffrey, to whom she was married in 1813.

* * * * *

Affairs in FRANCE are without change. The Assembly was proceeding with

the bill for restricting the suffrage, and some of its sections had been

adopted. No doubt was entertained of its final passage. It meets,

however, with stern opposition, and will lay the foundation for a

settled popular discontent, highly unfavorable to the permanence of the

government or the tranquillity of the Republic. No immediate outbreak is

apprehended, as the preparations of the government are too formidable to

allow it the least chance of success. The government has adopted very

stringent measures against the opposition press. On the 14th, M. Boule,

the great printer of the Rue de Coq-Heron, was deprived of his license

as a printer. He was the printer of the "Voix du Peuple," the

"Republique," the "Estafette," and several other papers. The authorities

seized all the presses, and placed seals on them. In consequence of this

step, the Editors issued a joint letter explaining how their papers were

prevented from appearing. The editor of the "Voix du Peuple" was brought

again before the tribunals on the same day for attacks on the

government. In the one case the sentence previously pronounced against

him of a year's imprisonment and a fine of 4000f. for an attack on M.

Fould's budget was confirmed, and for the other he was sentenced to a

year's imprisonment and a fine of 5000f. Courtois and the Abbe Chatel

have been convicted by juries, of inflammatory speeches at electoral

meetings. The former was condemned to a year's imprisonment and 1000f.

fine, and two years' more imprisonment if the fine be not paid. The Abbe

Chatel has a year's imprisonment and 500f. fine. It seems rather

surprising that the government should obtain verdicts against the

Socialists, considering how Socialism has spread in Paris.

The French Embassador having been recalled from St. James's, General la

Hitte, the Minister of War, read to the National Assembly on the 16th, a

letter he had written to the French Embassador at London, in consequence

of infraction, by England, of the conditions on which France had agreed

to act as mediator in the affairs of Greece. The letter, after a summary

of the circumstances of the misunderstanding, and the demand that it

should be set to rights, proceeded to say: "This demand not having been

listened to, it has appeared to us that the prolongation of your sojourn

at London is not compatible with the dignity of the Republic. The

President has ordered me to invite you to return to France, after having

accredited M. Marescalchi in quality of Charge d'Affaires," and

concludes, "You will have the goodness to read this present dispatch to

Lord Palmerston." This announcement was received by the Right with loud

acclamations, the Left, or Mountain party remaining silent.

* * * * *

In GERMANY the Erfurt Parliament, having finished the revisal of its

proposed Constitution for the German Union, dissolved itself, and has

been succeeded by two separate Convocations. The one is held in

Frankfort, and consists of the representatives of the old Germanic

confederation, convoked by the Emperor of Austria, with the object of

re-organizing that confederation. This conference includes all the

secondary States of the old confederation except Oldenburg and Frankfort

itself, though the assembly is held within its own walls. The other,

held at Berlin, was assembled by the king of Prussia, and consisted of

twenty-one heads of sovereign houses, with representatives of the three

Hanse towns, Hamburg, Bremen, and Lubeck. This last convention has

finished its sittings, and the members, previous to separating, were

entertained by the king at a banquet on the 16th, when his majesty

addressed them in a speech expressive of his satisfaction with their

proceedings.

On the 22d _An Attempt was Made on the Life_ of the King of Prussia, by

a Serjeant of artillery named Sesseloge, who fired a pistol at him as he

was setting out for Potsdam, and wounded him slightly in the arm. The

assassin was immediately apprehended.

* * * * *

The only political news from SPAIN during the month, related to some

palace intrigues, in which the Queen, King-Consort, and General Narvaez

were concerned. One evening in the last week of April the King suddenly

notified to General Narvaez and the rest of the cabinet his intention of

quitting Madrid in order not to be present at the accouchement of the

Queen. After exhausting all means of persuasion to induce him to change

his purpose, but which were of no avail, a council of ministers was

held, in which it was decided to oppose by force the King's departure.

His Majesty was placed under arrest. Sentries were stationed at the door

of his apartment, and the King remained a prisoner during four hours, at

the end of which time his Majesty capitulated, and even consented to

accompany the Queen in an open carriage in her usual evening drive on

the Prado.

After a _Drought of Five Years_, the province of Murcia has been visited

by a copious rain. It was curious to observe the young children who had

never seen rain in their lives, evince as much alarm as if some

frightful accident had happened. Rain also has fallen in the vast

"Huerta," or garden-land of Valencia: the simple inhabitants of the

villages, in the height of their joy, have carried their tutelary saints

about the streets with bands of rustic music.

At about a league from Saragossa a _Powder-mill exploded_ and many lives

were lost. Parts of human bodies, remnants of clothing, and the remains

of beasts of burden, were found scattered in every direction. The

edifice was shattered to pieces.

* * * * *

Since the Pope has established himself in ROME, that capital has been

very quiet. The French commandant, General Baraguay d'Hilliers, has

returned to Paris, but the French troops remain. The Pope adheres to his

high-handed measures of reaction. Rome is full of mysterious rumors, not

entitled, however, to much credit. The Pope is accused of an attempt to

escape from that city, and his continuance there is only attributed to

the vigilance with which his movements are watched by the French.

Tuscany is about to be occupied by 14,000 Austrian troops, the time of

occupation to be determined by the will and convenience of the Cabinet

of Vienna. There is a rumor that, as a counterbalance. Savoy is to be

occupied by a French army. It is feared that plans are in agitation for

the political enthrallment of all Italy.

LITERARY NOTICES.

THE UNITY OF THE HUMAN RACES PROVED TO BE THE DOCTRINE OF

SCRIPTURE, REASON, AND SCIENCE. By the Rev. Thomas Smyth, D.D.

New York: George P. Putnam. 12mo, pp. 404.

The question discussed in the present volume, is one that has excited

great attention among modern savans, and more recently, has obtained a

fresh interest from the speculations concerning it by the popular

scientific lecturer Professor Agassiz of Harvard University. In many

respects, Dr. Smyth has shown himself admirably qualified for the task

he has undertaken. He brings to the discussion of the subject, the

resources of great and various learning, the mature results of elaborate

investigation, a familiarity with the labors of previous writers, and a

lively and attractive style of composition. The argument from Scripture

is dwelt upon at considerable length, and though presented in a forcible

manner, betrays the presence of a certain tincture of professional zeal,

which will tend to vitiate the effect on the mind of the scientific

reader. Under the head of the Former Civilization of Black Races of Men,

a great variety of curious facts are adduced, showing the original

sagacity and advancement in all worldly knowledge and science, by which

the family of Ham was distinguished. The testimony of a southern divine

of such high eminence as Dr. Smyth, to the primitive equality in the

intellectual faculties of the negro and European races, is not a little

remarkable, and speaks well for his candor and breadth of comprehension.

The discussion of the origin of the varieties in the human race is

conducted with great ingenuity and copious erudition, but it must be

admitted, hardly succeeds in making out a case to the satisfaction of

the inquirer, who regards the subject only in the light of history and

philosophy.

The influence of the theory which he opposes, on the relations of the

Southern States, is considered by Dr. Smyth to be of a different

character from that set forth by many writers. He believes that it would

be suicidal to the South in the maintenance of her true position toward

her colored population. The diversity of the Black and White races was

never admitted by the fathers of the country. They always recognized the

colored race which had been providentially among them for two centuries

and a half as fellow-beings with the same original attributes, the same

essential character, and the same immortal destiny. The introduction of

a novel theory on the subject, Dr. Smyth maintains, would be in the

highest degree impolitic and dangerous, removing from both master and

servant the strongest bonds which now unite them, and by which they are

restrained from licentious, immoral, and cruel purposes.

Without reference to many statements, which will produce the widest

latitude of opinion in regard both to their soundness and their

accuracy, the work of Dr. Smyth may be commended as a treatise of the

highest importance in the scientific discussion to which it is devoted,

abounding in materials of inestimable value to the student, filled with

the proofs of rare cultivation and scholar-like refinement, and every

way creditable to the attainments and the ability of the author and to

the literature of the South.

HISTORICAL VIEW OF THE LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE OF THE SLAVIC

NATIONS; WITH A SKETCH OF THEIR POPULAR POETRY. By Talvi. With

a preface by Edward Robinson, D.D., LL.D. New York: George P.

Putnam. 12mo., pp. 412.

It is rarely that a subject is treated with the profound investigation,

vigorous analysis, and intelligent comprehensiveness which are exhibited

in the discussion of the interesting literary topics to which the

present work is devoted. The authoress, whose name is concealed in the

mystic word Talvi, is understood to be the lady of Rev. Professor

Robinson, and her rare accomplishments in various departments of

learning have long since established her intellectual reputation in the

most cultivated European circles. Usually written in her native German

language, her productions are perhaps not so extensively known in this

country, although few of our educated scholars are ignorant of her

researches in a province of literature with which her name has become,

to a great degree, identified.

The volume now published is characterized by the extent and thoroughness

of its investigations, its acute and judicious criticisms, its

warm-hearted recognition of true poetry, even in an humble garb, and the

force and facility of its style. The last trait is quite remarkable,

considering the writer is using a foreign language. There is little,

either in the translations or the original portion of the work, to

remind us that it is the production of one to whom the language is not

native.

After describing the old, ecclesiastical Slavic Literature, the

authoress proceeds to the literary monuments of the Eastern and Western

Slavi, giving an elaborate account of the Russian, Servian, Bohemian,

and Polish literatures, with glances at the achievements of several less

important branches of the great Slavic race. In the course of this

discussion, a great variety of rare and curious information is

presented, of high importance to the student of ethnography and history,

and accompanied with complete and lucid references to the original

sources. The most attractive feature of the work to the general reader

will doubtless be the sketch of the popular poetry of the Slavic

nations, illustrated with abundant specimens of songs and ballads, many

of which are marked with a strong natural pathos and tenderness, and all

of them possessing a certain rustic simplicity, which is usually of a

very pleasing character, and seldom offensive.

HINTS TOWARD REFORMS, in Lectures, Addresses, and other

Writings. By Horace Greeley. New York: Harper and Brothers.

12mo pp. 400.

A handsome volume, consisting principally of Lectures delivered before

popular Lyceums and Young Men's Associations, with several brief Essays

on subjects of popular interest. The distinguished author presents his

views on the various topics which come under discussion with inimitable

frankness and good humor, and in the fresh, flowing, unaffected style,

which gives such a charm to the productions of his pen, even with

readers who most strongly dissent from his conclusions. Among the

questions considered in this volume are The Emancipation of Labor, The

Ideal and the Actual of Life, The Formation of Character, The Social

Architects, Alcoholic Liquors, Tobacco, The Trade Reform, The Church and

the Age, Humanity, and several others of perhaps still more general

interest. The admirers of the author, as well as all who are interested

in the question of Social Reform, whether ranking themselves among the

Conservatives or Progressives, will welcome this work as the only

compact and systematic expression of his peculiar theories, now before

the public, and as a valuable manual for reference on many points which

engage a large share of attention at the present day.

ANTONINA; OR, THE FALL OF ROME. A Romance of the Fifth Century.

By W. Wilkie Collins. New York: Harper and Brothers. 8vo, pp.

160.

It is long since the English press has sent forth a more truly classical

and magnificent romance, than the present narrative of some of the

thrilling scenes which attended the downfall of the Roman Empire. The

author has been known heretofore by the biography of his father, the

celebrated historical and landscape painter, the friend of Coleridge and

Allston; but that work gives no promise of the splendor of imagination,

and the rare constructive power which are shown in the composition of

Antonina. It is one of those rich and gorgeous portraitures, glowing

with life and radiant with beauty, which make a profound impression on

their first exhibition, and long continue to haunt the memory with their

images of mingled loveliness and terror.

* * * * *

D. and J. Sadlier have issued a translation of the Abbe Martinet's

celebrated _Solution of Great Problems placed within the Reach of every

Mind_, with a preface by the Rt. Rev. Bishop of New York, Dr. Hughes.

This work holds a high rank in modern Catholic literature, and is

brought before the American public by Bishop Hughes in a warm

introductory encomium. It discusses many of the leading religious

questions of the day in a racy and pointed style, and while opposing

what the author deems the errors of Protestantism in general, reserves

its hottest fire for modern Pantheism, Socialism, Rationalism, and other

kindred innovations, which he regards as gaseous exhalations from the

bottomless pit, taking a visible form in these latter days. From the

well-known ability of the author, and the spicy relish of his pen, the

work is adapted to make a sensation beyond the pale of the Catholic

Church, without taking in account the high-toned sarcasm of the preface,

in which department of composition the talents of Bishop Hughes are

unquestionable.

Harper and Brothers have issued the second number of Lossing's _Field

Book of the Revolution_, a work, which from the novelty of its plan and

the ability of its execution, has already proved a general favorite with

the reading public. It combines the authenticity of history with the

freshness of personal narrative, and in the richness and beauty of its

embellishments is hardly surpassed by any of the serials of the day.

The same house have published an original translation of Lamartine's

_Past, Present, and Future of the French Republic_, which will be read

with interest on account of the character of the author, and the light

it throws on the practical workings of Democracy in France, though it

has little of the fiery rhetoric of most of his former writings.

Harper and Brothers have issued a reprint of Dr. Lardner's _Railway

Economy in Europe and America_, a work overflowing with scientific,

statistical, and practical details, and which will be considered as

essential to all who wish to comprehend the subject, in its various

bearings whether engineers, stockholders, or travelers, as fire and

water to the locomotive. Dr. Lardner has brought together the results of

long and laborious research, and many portions of his descriptive

narrative are as entertaining as a novel, and more so.

D. Appleton & Co. have published _The Lone Dove_, an Indian story of the

revolutionary period, redolent of sentimentality and romance run wild,

betraying a great waste of power on the part of the anonymous writer,

who has evidently more talent than is made use of to advantage in the

present work.

_Mezzofanti's Method applied to the Study of the French Language_, by J.

Romer, published by the same house, is a work of great philological

interest, on account of the curious analogies which it describes, and

contains an excellent collection of specimens from French poets and

prose writers, but its value as a practical manual for the teacher can

be determined only by use.

The _Ojibway Conquest_, by Kah-ge-gah-gah-bowh, or George Copway, issued

by G. Putnam, will find a place among the curiosities of literature as

the production of a native Indian Chief, whose muse has been inspired by

the forest and stream of his original haunts, without having incurred a

large debt to the influence of civilization. Copway is an exemplary

Christian and an intelligent man, but he will get less fame from his

poetry than from his descent.

_Six Months in the Gold Mines_, by E. Gould Buffum, from the press of

Lea and Blanchard, is one of the most readable books which have sprung

up under the California excitement, the author having been familiar with

the country before the gold fever had broken out. His style is

straight-forward and pleasant, showing more of the soldier and

adventurer than the scholar, but none the worse for that. His

information appears to have been collected with great care, when it was

not gained by personal observation, and has the outward and inward signs

of authenticity, to a very satisfactory degree. The book can not fail to

be acceptable to all who have one foot in California, as well as to the

few readers who are not in that condition.

Crocker and Brewster, Boston, have published an admirable treatise,

entitled _Astronomy, or the World as It Is and as It Appears_,

understood to be from the pen of a highly intelligent lady of that city.

It is equally excellent for the chaste beauty of its style, the

clearness of its scientific expositions, and the completeness and

accuracy of the information which it presents.

W. B. Smith and Co., Cincinnati, have published a large _Treatise on the

Principal Diseases of the Interior Valley of North America_, by Daniel

Drake, M.D., which discusses the subject with great learning, and in a

popular style. It can hardly fail to take the rank of a standard

authority in the important department which it treats.

Summer Fashions.

[Illustration: FIG. 1]

FIG. 1. CARRIAGE COSTUME.--Dress of bright apple-green silk; the skirt

with three deep flounces pinked at the edges. The corsage high and

plain. Mantelet of very pale lilac silk, trimmed with two rows of lace

de laine of the same color, and each row of lace surmounted by

passementerie. The lace extends merely round the back part of the

mantelet, and the fronts are trimmed with passementerie only. Bonnet of

white crinoline, with rows of lilac ribbon set on in bouillonnees. The

bonnet is lined with white crape, and the under-trimming consists of

bouquets of lilac and white flowers. Straw-colored kid gloves. White

silk parasol.

FIG. 2. BRIDAL DRESS FOR THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY.--Robe of white poult de

soie. The skirt very full, and ornamented in front with five rows of

lace, finished at each end with bows of white satin. The rows of lace

are of graduated lengths, the lower row being about a quarter and a half

long, and the upper one not more than five or six inches. The corsage is

high at the back, but open in front nearly as low as the waist, and

edged round with a fall of lace, narrowing to a point in front. Within

the corsage is worn a chemisette, composed of rows of lace falling

downward, and finished at the throat by a band of insertion and an

edging standing up. The sleeves are demi-long and loose at the lower

part, and the under-sleeves are composed of three broad rows of lace.

The hair in waved bandeaux on the forehead, and the back hair partly

plaited and partly curled, two long ringlets dropping on each side of

the neck. Wreath of orange blossom, jasmine, and white roses. Long

bridal vail of Brussels net.

FIG. 3.--The revival of an old fashion has recently excited the

attention of the _haut ton_ abroad. A specimen of the style is given in

the Engraving, _fig._ 3. It is designed chiefly for a rich riding-dress,

it being too long in the skirt for the promenade, and not convenient for

the drawing-room. It is called the Moldavian Style; a _petite veste_ of

dark green cloth entirely covered with an embroidery of lace imitating

_guipure_ royal, and displaying the shape to the greatest perfection.

The skirt is very ample and cut in a novel manner so as to fall in long

folds like an antique drapery. The front is ornamented with an

apron-trimming of deep lace. The sleeves are demi-long; the hands and

wrists covered by long white gloves. When in full dress for the saddle,

a gray beaver hat is worn, the brim low in front, and turned up at the

sides, and ornamented with a long, twisted ostrich feather; cambric

collar and _manchettes_ (ruffles) each closed by a double button of

rubies or other precious stones.

[Illustration: FIG. 2.]

[Illustration: FIG. 3.]