Obrázky na stránke
PDF
ePub

ments, `but to think of comparing any of them with Mary, was entirely out of the question. She was indeed the emblem of truth, simplicity and innocence, and if there were few more beautiful, there were still fewer so good and amiable, but still as she advanced in years, she grew fonder and fonder of being near Duncan ; and, by the time she was nineteen, was so deeply in love that it affected her manner, her spirits, and her health. At one time she was gay and frisky as a kitten; she would dance, sing, and laugh violently at the most trivial incidents. At other times she was silent and sad, while a languishing softness overspread her features, and added greatly to her charms. The passion was undoubtedly mutual between them; but Duncan, either from a sense of honour, or some other cause, never declared himself farther on the subject than by the most respectful attention, and tender assiduities. Hope and fear thus alternately swayed the heart of poor Mary, and produced in her deportment that variety of affections which could not fail of rendering the sentiments of her artless bosom legible to the eye of experience.

In this state matters stood, when an incident occurred which deranged our social happiness at once, and the time arrived, when the kindest and most affectionate little social band of friends, that ever panted to meet the wishes of each other, were obliged to part.

[ocr errors]

and

Dun

silence. Of the few observations that passed, every one
seemed the progeny of embarrassment and discontent,
our general remarks were strained and cold. Que day at
dinner, after a long and sullen pause, my father said, "I
hope you do not intend to leave us very soon, Duncan?"
"I am thinking of going away to-morrow, Sir," said Dun-
can. The knife fell from my mother's hand; she looked
him steadily in the face for the space of a minute.
can," said she, her voice faultering, and the tears dropping
from her eyes," Duncan, I never durst ask you before,
but I hope you will not leave us altogether.". Duncan thrust
the plate from before him into the middle of the table
took up a book that lay on the window, and looked over
the pages. Mary left the room.-No answer was returned,
nor any further inquiry made; and our little party broke
up in silence.

When we met again in the evening we were still all sullen. My mother tried to speak of indifferent things, but it was apparent that her thoughts had no share in the words that dropped from her tongue. My father at last said, "You will soon forget us, Duncan, but there are some among us who will not so soon forget you." Mary again left the room, and silence ensued, until the family were called together for evening worship. There was one sentence in my father's prayer that night which I think I yet remember word for word. It may appear of little importance to those who are nowise interested, but it affected us deeply, and left not a dry cheek in the family. It run thus: ing before thee, our God; but few as we are, it is probable "We are an unworthy little flock, thou seest here kneelwe shall never all kneel again together before thee in this world. We have long lived together in peace and happi

About 40 years ago the flocks of southern sheep, which have since that period depopulated the Highlands, had not found their way over the Grampian mountains; and the native flocks of that sequestered country were so scanty, that it was found necessary to transport small quantities of wool annually to the north, to furnish materials for clothing the inhabitants. During two months of each summer, the hill countries of the Lowlands were inundat-ness, and hoped to have lived so much longer; but since it

ed by hundreds of women from the Highlands, who bar

is thy will that we part, enable us to submit to thy will

with firmness, and though thou scatter us to the four winds of heaven, may thy almighty arm still be about us for goods and grant that we may all meet hereafter, in another

and a better world!"

[ocr errors]

tered small articles of dress, and of domestic import, for wool: these were known by the appellation of norlan' netties, and few nights passed, during the wool season, that some of them were not lodged at my father's house. It was from two of these that Duncan learned one day who The next morning, after a restless night, Duncan rose and what he was; that he was the laird of Glenegle's only earlys put on his best suit, and packed up some little articles son and heir, and that a large sum had been offered to any tended to be fast asleep. When he was ready to depart, he to carry with him. I lay panting and trembling, but prethat could discover hiin. My parents certainly rejoiced in Duncan's good fortune, yet they were disconsolate at part-bed, and listened if I was sleeping. He then stood long took his bundle below his arm, came up to the side of the ing with him, for he had long ago become to them as a son of their own; and, I seriously believe, that, from the day alternately; and I saw him three or four times wipe his hesitating, looking wistfully to the door, and then to me they first met, to that on which the two norlan' netties eyes. At length he shook mé gently by the shoulder, and came to our house, they never once entertained the idea of asked if I was awake?/L feigned to start, and answered as parting. For my part, I wished that the netties had never been born, or that they had staid at their own home, foring to get hold of my hand. #“Will you not breakfast with if half asleep. “I mustabid you farewell,” said he, gropthe thoughts of being separated from my dear friend, made me sick at heart. All our feelings were, however, nothing, when compared with those of my dear sister Mary. From the day that the two women left our house, she was no more seen to amile; she had never yet divulged the sentiments of her heart to any one, and imagined her love for Duncan a profound secret-no,

She never told her love;
But let concealment, like a worm i' the bud,
Feed on her damask cheek :-she pined in thought 4-
And, with a green and yellow melancholy,
She sat like patience on a monument,
Smiling at grief."

Our social glee and cheerfulness were now completely clouded; we sat down to our meals, and rose froin them in

it is best to steal away, for it will break my heart to také
us, Duncan?" said I., “No," said he, “I am thinking that
leave of your parents, and-" And who, Duncan ?" said F.
said I; "we will all breakfast together for the last time,
“And you,” said he, "Indeed, but it is not best, Duncan,"
and then take a formal and kind leave of each other." We'
did breakfast together, and, as the conversation turned on
former days, it became highly interesting to us all. When
my father had returned thanks to heaven for our meal, wei
knew what was coming, and began to look at each other
Duncan rose, and after we had all loaded him with our bless, |
ings and warmest wishes, he embraced my parents and mes
He turned about. His eyes said plainly, there is somebody
still wanting, but his heart was so full he could not speak.

[ocr errors]

"What is become of Mary ?" said my father.

Mary was gone! We searched the house, the garden, and the houses of all the cottagers, but she was nowhere to be found. Poor lovelorn, forsaken Mary! She had hid herself in the ancient yew that grows in front of the old ruin, that she might see her lover départ, without being herself seen, and might indulge in all the luxury of wo. Poor, tenderhearted Mary! how often have I heard her sigh, and seen her eyes red with weeping; while the smile that played on her languid features, when ought was mentioned to Duncan's recommendation, would have melted a heart of adamant.

I must pass over Duncan's journey to the north Highlands for want of room, but on the evening of the sixth day after leaving my father's house, he reached the mansion-house of Glenegle, which stands in a little beautiful woody strath, commanding a view of the Deu-Caledonian Sea, and part of the Hebrides. Every avenue, tree, and rock was yet familiar to Duncan's recollection, and the feelings of his sensible heart, on approaching the abode of his father, whom he had long scarcely thought of, can only be conceived by a heart like his own. He had, without discovering himself, learned from a peasant that his father was still alive, but that he had never overcome the loss of his son, for whom he lamented every day that his wife and daughter lorded it over him, holding his pleasure at nought, and rendering his age extremely unhappy that they had expelled all his old vassals and farmers, and introduced the lady's vulgar presumptuous relations, who neither paid him rents, honour, nor obedience.,

Old Glenegle was taking his evening walk on the road by which Duncan descended the strath to his dwelling. He was pondering on his misfortunes, and did not even deign to lift his eyes as the young stranger approached, but seemed counting the number of marks which the horses, hoofs had made on the way. "Good e'en to you, Sir," said Duncan. The old man started, and stared him in the face, but with a look so unsteady and harassed that he seemed incapable of distinguishing any lineament or feature of

it. "Good e'en, good e'en," said he, wiped his brow with his arm, and passed by. What there was in the voice that struck him so forcibly it is hard to say. Nature is powerful. Duncan could not think of ought to detain him, and being desirous of seeing how matters went on about the house, thought it best to remain some days in cog. He went into the fore-kitchen, conversed freely with the servants, and soon saw his stepmother and sister appear. The former had all the insolence and ignorant pride of vulgarity raised to wealth and eminence; the other seemed naturally of an amiable disposition, but was entirely ruled by her mother, who taught her to disdain her father, all his relations, and whomsoever he loved. On that same evening he came into the kitchen where she then was chat

ting with Duncan, to whom she seemed attached at first sight. “Lexy, my dear," said he, "did you see my spectacles ?" “Yes,” said she, “I saw them on your nose today at breakfast." "Well, but I have lost them since," said he." You may take up the next you find," said she. wish they may never be more seen." The servants laughed. "I might well have known what information I would get of you," said he, regretfully, "How can you speak in such a style to your father, my dear lady," said Duncan. If I were here I would place you where you should learn better manners. It ill becomes so pretty a

young lady to address an old father thus." "He!" said she, "who minds him! he's a dotard,—an old whining, complaining creature,➡worse than a child." "But com. sider his years, my dear," said Duncan ; “ and, besides, he may have met with crosses and losses sufficient to sour the temper of a younger man. You should, at all events, pity and reverence, but never despise your father." The old ind now joined them. You have yet heard nothing, your man," said the old laird, "if you saw how my heart a sometimes wrung! Yes, I have, had losses, indeed!” » Yo losses ?" said his spouse; "no, you have never had any loss: that did not in the end turn out a vast profit." "Do you then account the loss of a loving wife and a sua sothing?” said he. "But have you not got a loving wife and a danga. ter in their room, you old ungrateful being!” returned she; "the one will not waste your fortune as a prodigiis would have done, and the other will take care of boh pu and that, when you can no longer do either. The loss of your son, indeed!—it was the greatest blessing you have received." "Unfeeling woman!" said he, “but Hear may yet restore that son to protect the grey hairs of has e father from insult, and lay his head in an honoured grave The old man's spirits were quite gone he cried like a cl

coal

his lady mimicked him—his daughter pulled his wig, a the servants raised a horse laugh. "Inhuman wretches!" said Duncan, starting up, and pushing them aside, * L to mock the feelings of an old man, even though he wer not the lord and master of you all; but take notice-te individual among you all that dares to offer such th insult to him, I'll roast on that fire." The old man can to him, and looked him ruefully in the face. “You s pudent, beggarly vagabond !" said the lady, “do

[ocr errors]

you to whom you speak ?-servants turn that wretch out the house, and hunt him with all the dogs in the kennel"

-“Softly, softly, good lady," said Duncan, “ take car that I do not turn you out of the house."-" Alas! goo! | youth," said the old laird, "you little know what you about; for mercy's sake forbear! you are brewing r geance both for yourself and me."_" Fear not," said Darcan. "I will protect you with my life,”, ask you what is your name ?" said the old man, still lo ing earnestly at him." That you may," replied Duc

[ocr errors]

Pray, may

no man has so good a right to ask anything of you have, I am Duncan Campbell, your own long last “M—m―m— my son!" exclaimed the old man, and back on a seat with a convulsive moan. Duncan held b in his arms—he soon recovered, and asked many incohere questions, looked at the two moles on his right leg-k him, and then wept on his bosom for joy. Heaven," said he, "it is long since I could thank heartily for anything; now I do thank thee, indeed, have found my son! my dear son!"

"Oh, God

Contrary to what might have been expected, Danc pretty only sister Alexia, rejoiced most of all in his covery. She was almost wild with joy at finding suc brother-the old lady, her mother, was said to have bitterly in private, but knowing that Duncan would be master, she behaved to him with civility and respect. E thing was committed to his management, and he soon covered that, besides a good clear estate, his father's pers funds were very large. The halls and cottages of Glene, were filled with feasting, joy and gladness.

It was not so at my father's house, misfortunes whing come singly. Scarcely had our feelings overcame

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

shock which they received by the loss of our beloved Duncan, when a more terrible misfortune overtook us. My father, by the monstrous ingratitude of a friend whom he trusted, lost at once the greatest part of his hard-earned fortune The blow came unexpectedly, and distracted his personal affairs to such a degree, that an arrangement seemed almost totally irrecoverable. He struggled on with securities for several months, but perceiving that he was drawing his real friends into danger, by their signing of bonds which he might never be able to redeem, he lost heart entirely, and yielded to the torrent. Mary's mind seemed to gain fresh energy every day. The activity and diligence which she evinced in managing the affairs of the farm, and even in giving advice with regard to other matters, was quite incredible; often have I thought what a treasure that inestimable girl would have been to an industrious man whom she loved. All our efforts availed nothing; my father received letters of horning on bills to a large amount, and we expected every day that he would be taken from us and dragged to a prison.

[ocr errors]

We were all sitting in our little room one day, consulting what was best to be done-we could decide upon nothing, for our case was desperate. We were fallen into a kind of stupor, but the window being up, a sight appeared that quickly thrilled every heart with the keenest sensations of anguish two men came riding sharply up by the back of the old schoolhouse. «Yonder are the lawyers now," said mymother, "what shall we do ?" We hurried to the window, and all of us soon discerned that they were no other than the officers of justice. My mother entreated of my father to escape and hide himself until this first storm was overblown, but he would in nowise consent, assuring us that he had done nothing of which he was ashamed, and that he was determined to meet every one face to face, and let them do their worst; so finding all our entreaties vain, we could do nothing but sit down and weep. At length we heard the noise of their horses at the door. "You had better take the men's horses, James," said my father, "as there is no other man at hand." "We will stay till they rap, if you please," said I. The cautious officer did not however rap, but, afraid lest his debtor should make his escape, he jumped lightly from his horse, and hastened into the house. When we heard him open the outer door, and his footsteps approaching along the entry, our hearts fainted within us— he opened the door and stepped into the room-it was Duncan!our own dearly beloved Duncan. The women uttered an involuntary scream of surprise,but my father ran and got hold of one hand, and I of the other, my mother, too, soon had him in her arms; but our embrace was short, for his eyes fixed on poor sweet Mary, who stood trembling with joy and wonder in a corner of the room,

[ocr errors]

changing
her colour every moment. He snatched her up in
his arms and kissed her lips, and ere ever she was aware,
her pretty arms had encircled his neck. "O, my dear Mary,"
said he, "my heart has been ill at ease since I left you, but
I durst not then tell you a word of my mind, for I little
knew how I was to find affairs in the place where I was
going; but, ah! you little elusive rogue, you owe me
owe me an-
other for the or
ότι 149 που
cheated me out of" so saying, he
pressed his
is lips again to hers, and then led her to a seat.
Duncan then recounted all his adventure
adventures to us, with every
circumstance of his good fortune, our hearts were uplifted
almost past bearing all our own cares and sorrows were

One

now forgotten, and we were once more the happiest little group that ever perhaps sat together. Before the cloth was laid for dinner, Mary ran out to put on her white gown, and comb her yellow hair, but was surprised at meeting with a smart young gentleman in the kitchen, with a scare let neck on his coat, and a gold-laced hat. Mary, having never seen so fine a gentleman, made him a low curtsey, and offered to conduct him to the room; but he smiled, and told her he was the squire's servant. We had all of us forgot to ask for the gentleman that came with Duncan. Duncan and Mary walked for two hours in the garden that evening. We did not know what passed between them, but the next day he asked her in marriage of my parents; and never will I forget the supreme happiness and gratitude that beamed in every face on that happy occasion. I need not tell my readers that my father's affairs were soon retrieved, or that I accompanied my dear Mary a bride to the Highlands, and had the satisfaction of saluting her as Mrs. Campbell, and lady of Glenegle.

CHEAP NEWSPAPERS.-In the State of New York, there are about 234 newspapers. In the city of New York alone, there are 51 papers, of all kinds; 11 of these are published daily, ten twice a-week, 24 weekly, 5 once afortnight, and one monthly. The number of papers printed in the city, in one year, is 9,536,000; in the whole State, 14,536,000. In Great Britain and Ireland, there are only 334 newspapers, of which 17 are daily papers; 13 in London, and 4 in Dublin. Scotland, with all its wealth and intelligence, has not one daily paper. The total amount of the circulation of these papers, is estimated at 27,827,000, with a population of 23 millions. In the whole United States of America, with a population of 10 millions, there are about 800 newspapers, and the total circulation is 64,000,000; thus establishing the fact, that the United States have five newspapers for its population, in proportion to one in the British isles. A newspaper, about the usual size, costs little more than one-sixth of the amount which the stamp-duty, and duties on paper, compel us to charge. There is not, in consequence of this, any portion pers do not find access. There is no book so cheap as a of the population of the United States, to which newspanewspaper. Being new every day or week, it excites to a habit of reading, and affords an easy and agreeable mode of acquiring knowledge, so essential to the welfare of the individual and community. It causes an hour to be spent pleasantly, and oftentimes profitably, which might otherwise have been wasted in idleness and dissipation. Of this description of literature, the Americans have the full benefit. In this country the taxes prohibits the introand the poor are left without being much acquainted with duction of newspapers to the great mass of the population, the circumstances which occasion the gradations of rank and inequality of fortune,-the circumstances which at times elevate or depress the state of wages, with many other things connected with their interests. If the poorer classes of the population enjoyed the same advantages of information which those in a higher sphere possess, they would make known their wants by peaceable and constitutional means, instead of the blinded influence of physical power. In America, the working classes have Journals of their own, which represent their wants and desires. In this country the great majority of this class are excluded from benefits which would undoubtedly tend to improve their moral condition, and do away with those demoralizing habits which frequently give place to hours of listless vacancy. Were the tax entirely removed from newspapers, we would soon witness the salutary effects which would follow such an arrangement, exemplified in the morals, and advancing intelligence of the people.

SCRAPS.

ORIGIN OF CARDS.-About the year 1390, cards are said to have been invented, to divert Charles IV., then King of France, who had fallen into a melancholy disposition. About the same time is found in the account-book of the King's cofferer, the following charge for a pack of painted leaves, bought for the King's amusement-3 livres. Printing and stamping being not then discovered, the cards were painted, which made them dearer.

Of their designs the inventor proposed by the figures of the four suits (or colours) to represent the four classes of men in the kingdom. By the Caesars (Hearts) are meant the gens de chœur-choirmen or ecclesiastics. The nobility, or prime military parts of the kingdom, are represented by the ends or points of lances or pikes, (and our ignorance induced us to call them Spades.) By Diamonds are designed the merchants and tradesmen. Treste, or the trefoil-leaf, or clover-grass, (corruptly called Clubs,) alludes to the husbandmen and peasants.

The "History of the four Kings," which the French, in drollery, sometimes call "the cards," is that of David, Alexander, Cæsar, and Charles-names which were, and still are on the French cards. These respective names represent the four celebrated monarchies of the Jews, Greeks, Romans, and Franks, under Charlemagne. By the Queens, are intended Argine, Esther, Judith, and Pallas, (names retained in the French cards,) typical of birth, piety, fortitude, and wisdom-the qualification residing in each person. By the Knaves, were designed the servants of knights, (for knave originally meant only a servant; and in an old translation of the Bible, Paul is called the knave of Christ. Others fancy that the knights themselves were designed by those cards, becanse Hogier and Lahires, two names on the French cards, were famous knights at the time cards were invented.

A GHOST STORY-PROFESSOR JUNKER.The Professor was in the habit of sleeping next to the place in which he kept his subjects, and one night hearing a noise in that room, and supposing that the cats or mice had got at the bodies, he rose from bed, and, directed by the noise, advanced to the further end of the apartment, where, to his inexpressible horror, he beheld a naked man standing with his back to the wall! His eyes glared, and were widely opened, and his distended nostrils and convulsed features so alarmed the Professor, that he frankly confessed he was so terrified that he retired, with his face to the figure, which followed him to his bed room; but unfortunately in stepping into the chamber, his foot slipped, he fell down, and the candle was extinguished! He crept, however, as quietly and quickly into bed as possible, but was very soon disturbed by the figure pulling at the bed-clothes, and at length seizing his feet, implored him, as the executioner, to spare his life. The Professor, after a few moments' reflection, recollected that one of the subjects which had been brought into the rooms during the day was a man who had been hanged, immediately rose, and, procuring a candle, put those remedies in requisition which are deemed necessary in such cases. The man was perfectly restored to life; but Junker knew not what to do with him as he could not procure a passport, and no one was allowed to pass through the gates without one. However, with some little difficulty, he contrived to get him out of town, and giving him such a sum as his means permitted, wished him farewell, and returned back. Many years afterwards the Professor had some business which took him to Hamburgh, and one day while standing on the Exchange, a very respectable looking man addressed him by Lame, and inquired if he remembered him? He replied that a man in his public capacity could not recollect all the persons who might be introduced to him-but that it was more than likely they had met before. The stranger then

led him aside, and told him he was the person he had saved many years ago in Halle; that on leaving him he had mai his way to Hamburgh, where, by frugality and industry, he had amassed a considerable fortune. He then invited the Professor home with him; treated him sumptuony and dying soon after this, bequeathed all his wealth to Jun. remember the work in which we read it, but know we ker. We quote this anecdote from memory, as we do is correct in the outline, however deficient in detail. Th Professor used to tell the story himself, but not until after the death of the man.

A DINNER AT HAVANNAH.-The charge for dinclusive of French claret. Soups, solids, and dessert wwas one dollar, for which abundant fare was provided, placed on the table at once; the dishes were crowded on are another, and on the ringing of the bell the company hasir took their seats, and made a vigorous onslaught. Every plunged his fork into the dish he liked best; and there was such a scramble, such a clatter of knives and plates, the reminded me of Dugald Dalgetty laying in his provent for three days. Such a quantity of oil and grease, to $35 > thing of garlic, is used in Spanish cookery, that I rear could not play the knife and fork" that my appen prompted me to do, but contrived to allay the cravings of hunger with coffee and bread at the end of the feast. The company consisted of Spaniards, Germans, Frenchmen, it s sians, and English, captains of ships; it was a strange meday both as to language and manners. Most of the guests hat the air of desperadoes and adventurers, and they se very indifferent to common courtesy in their behaviour ta each other: thus, at these houses, it is no uncommon thing to violent quarrels ending in blows. Sometimes they c see joints of meat and glasses flying across the table, a j mence in this way: a skipper asks for an omelet opposite him; a negro runs round to fetch it; in conveying it to t sailor he is stopped half-way by another gentleman, coolly seizes the dish, cuts the omelet in two, takes half t appointed skipper vents his rage by uttering a hearty curse, self, and gives the other half to a friend next him ; the le and sends his glass at the head of the gentleman who thả taken the bread out of his mouth.”—Alexander's Transatlantic Sketches.

[ocr errors]

CLERICAL COMPLIMENT IN GERMANY.-The w riage ceremony was just concluded, and the reverend pries enjoined the bride and bridegroom to think solemnly of the engagement they had contracted. It is true," he adel | "that few marriages promise more substantial happines than yours. Men commonly are "influenced on such a casions, by either beauty, wealth, or youth,—things, r* their essence, vain and frivolous; but he whom you have now taken as a husband was evidently unbiassed by any ~ those paltry considerations, and—” (here the modest bride, overcome by so much flattery, fainted away.)

To the Readers of the Schoolmaster......

The American Indians in Canada-Missionary labours...
Ghosts by Waggery.......

Picture of a London Quarter, and Moral Education of the
People........

King James's Clasp Knife........

USEFUL NOTICES-Improvement of Hesth land, and Cultiva.
tion of Potatoes-Simple and Useful Invention............
Early Days of Lord Brougham-Reward of Authors-Extra-
ordinary Surgical Operation.....................................

MEDICAL SELECTIONS-Estimate of different descriptions of
Food in regard to Nutriment-Effects of different tempers.
tures upon the Body and upon Health-Remedies for Can-
sumption..............

COLUMN FOR THE LADIES-Praise of Womer.....................................
THE STORY-TELLER-Duncan and his Dog.......
Cheap Newspapers......

SCRAPS-Origin of Cards –A Ghost Story-A Dinner at Ha-
vannah-Clerical Compliment in Germany... ....................

EDINBURGH: Printed by and for JoHN JOHNSTONE, TP, St. Jas Square. Published by JOHN Anderson, Jun., Book sefjer, Sä, Nort Bridge Street, Edinburgh; by John Macleod, and ATKINION & AD Booksellers, Glasgow; and sold by all Booksellers and Veridtra Cheap Periodicals.

[merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors]

PARLIAMENT was prorogued on the 16th till the must have been much worse. This will be a warning 16th of October. The King prorogued the Par- against the employment of military in the ensuing liament in person. His Majesty was, if not ill re-elections. Mr. Irving, for one thing, will scarce ceived by the people, as some accounts state, suffered to pass without any of those demonstrations of affectionate loyalty which attended his progresses six months ago. If we may credit prevalent rumours, the Court and the Cabinet shew no cordialty, and feel less. It is expected that there will be some important changes in the Cabinet during the recess of Parliament.

venture, to shew his face in that quarter again. SOMERVILLE, THE FLOGGED SOLDIER OF THE GREYS.-This man's case has been investigated, with the result which every one anticipated from the nature of the Court appointed. Major Wyndham, who ordered his trial and punishment, is rebuked for indiscretion, in letting it be known that writing a political letter was the poor fellow's real offence, while the nominal one was refusing to break his neck by mounting a wild horse. The investigation is more offensive than the original trial-the man is not to be discharged; he is to

BILLS.-The Irish Reform Bill has passed. A Bill has passed for permitting distillation from MANGEL-WURZEL, another for restricting death punishments in forgery cases, save in forging wills and powers of attorney. A Bill for abolish-be dismissed. Beautiful distinction! ing sinecure appointments in the gift of the Lord Chancellor, and putting an end to his perquisites of office, fixes his salary at L.14,000 a-year, with L.5000 of retiring pension. This is manifestly a change for the better; as all is above-board. Still future Chancellors will have no reason to complain that Lord Brougham has unhandsomely cut down their pickings, without securing them a comfortable equivalent. In the meantime, Mr. W. Harvey, a member of the House of Commons, calls the Court in which his Lordship presides, 66 libel on the justice of the country."-The SPEAKER has resigned his office. It is expected that there may be a short Session in December, previous to the dissolution of Parliament. In discussing the Budget, Lord Althorp's bowels have been yearning over the pensioners-the State paupers. He promises that as the present set die out, they shall not be so rapidly replaced; and that L.100,000 per annum will thus be saved. In our monstrous peace-expenditure, this is but a small item; but it is a most irritating one.

IRELAND.---The Irish people having so resolved, have as good as said, that they will no longer submit to pay tithes to the sinecure Church established in their country. They are not able to pay if they were willing, nor yet willing if they were able. The Government is equally resolved that they shall pay tithes---the language of the Lord Chancellor is quite decided.-Without military coercion, tithes cannot be collected in Ireland; nor along with it. "Vigorous measures" are to be adopted; and camps are to be formed throughout the country :---we shall see. Meantime petitions have been sent from Englishmen to the Commons, praying that supplies may be stopped, for employing British troops to coerce Ireland into tithe-paying.

AMERICA. Cholera is desolating several towns both in Canada and the States. It is severe in New York. The Americans have, in favour of our commerce, relaxed their tariff, and are gradually coming to apprehend the advantages of an unrestricted trade among all nations.

GERMANY.-The Despots of Germany have, at the Diet, issued a decree for extinguishing the spirit of liberty in that mighty country. It cannot succeed. William the Fourth, as King of Hanover, has acceded to it.

CLITHEROE.-A Manchester Massacre, on a small scale, was lately acted at this place. Mr. Irving, a Tory candidate, came with his friends to canvass the borough; with the odious reputation of being the nominee of Lord Howe and Lord Brownlow. The people were for Mr. Fort, a libe- RUSSIA---Lord Durham, who was recently sent ral man, and they took the liberty of pelting Mr. on a mission to St. Petersburgh, either to be rid of Irving and his friends out of the town. In the an honest man at home, or to do a bit of popula evening Mr. Irving returned, accompanied by 50 rity abroad, has been received by the Emperor Nidragoons, and two clerical magistrates! and pass.. cholas with all the hollow and hypocritical kindness, ed through the town, as if in defiance of the pub- which the court of Russia knows so well how to lie feeling,a collision was inevitable. Ten or simulate. The Emperor is all goodness and piety twelve persons were sabred. Fortunately none of---(Suwarrow was very devout !)---the Empress all the wounds have proved mortal, though limbs grace and benignity; and the inferior English have been lost. Had the streets not been thinned offers connected with the mission, are lost in adbefore the military appeared, the consequence and rapture! But what is done for Po

Upes.24,1943

[ocr errors]
« PredošláPokračovať »