FINE ARTS. STATE OF HISTORICAL PAINTING IN ENGLAND. graphic power, he shews an acquaintance with the manners and lives | Decline or Extinction of British Historical Painting from the effects of '-a work diffuse, but written with of fashionable society, and even ventures the exhibition of a known the Church exclusion of Paintings,"character or two; as, for example, that of the now deposed Dandy much knowledge of, and genuine concern for, indigenous art) a golden Brummel, whose wane is here anticipated. We have also a disser- opportunity to Government of proceeding with that excellent purpose. tation on the haut noblesse circle, entitled the Exclusives, a grade It shows how the power of the State under Edward VI. Elizabeth, and their immediate Successors, was employed to overthrow the Historical or which is not approachable by the common herd of fashionables, or if Public style of Painting and Sculpture, and that no inferior Power but seen among them, float along repulsively and unmixedly, like oil that of the State can restore it. It details interesting facts, to show the upon the waters. Our Author, to do him justice, descends not to past and present condition of British Art, and that without the intersport the steward's-room vocabulary and acquirements of friend ference of Government, the inferior branches of Painting can alone be Theodore; but he seems now and then rather anxious to shew his successfully practised. It eulogizes the private and professional charac acquaintance with the minute distinctions of the insect world of ter of Mr. WEST, and states, that if his sons," Mr Raphael and Mr. fashion, and with the manner in which its papilionaceous tribes regard Benjamin WEST, were possessed of an independent fortune, it would be each other: e. g. the hero goes to a ball in Bloomsbury, but having their first pride, as Englishmen, lovers of their country and of the British seen the lawyers' women,' will go no more, and so on. We need School, to follow the noble example set by Sir G. BEAUMONT, by presenting the entire Collection now in their possession to the National scarcely say, that Tremaine has been attributed to an ex-statesman, Gallery, for the benefit of the British Students, and the advancement who has denied it. The quarter was not injudiciously selected, for it of the Fine Arts. But as those gentlemen are not so circumstanced, is evidently an offspring of a member of the religious and political their next pride would be to place them in the National Gallery's school of the late Spencer Perceval, the apotheosis of which pertina- through the wisdom and liberality of his Majesty's Government and cious No-statesmen formally takes place. We doubt any very general Parliament." We advocate the purchase of Mr. WEST's splendid perusal of the third volume of this work; the women will certainly series of Historical Pictures on the public ground of their high and cut it, or rather leave it uncut. It supplies but little conversational acknowledged merits, and their being the production of a great British Master. It would prove a benefit to British Students, an encouragejargon for tea-table use, like Calebs; and besides, supports a party, ment to all British Artists, and would confer a national mark of distinc which is much more anxious for acquiescence than investigation. tion on the British School. We sincerely think that such a purchase What ruling religious body was ever otherwise? ૨. would be a national acquisition, equally honourable to the memory of the great founder and father of the British School, and to the British feeling, good taste, and enlarged views of the Government. The merits of WEST stand proudly forward, not only in the testimony of his works, but in the unbiassed testimony of his professional cotemporaries and of his country." This testimony the writer variously sets forth, giving among other evidence, that of his late Majesty's continued patronage, and the applauding To the patriotic friend of the Fine Arts, that is, to the mind which min- opinions of various acknowledged critics; also, of Sir T. LAWRENCE and gles an earnest desire for their prosperity with its other aspirations for the British Institution, the former having publicly said to the students, the public welfare and honour, the low state of Historical Painting is a that on comparing the grand compositions of WEST in his memory with matter of concern, contributory as that Art so much is to commercial and the master-pieces of Italy which he was examining there, the great British moral, to intellectual, ornamental, and ennobling purposes. This Historical Painter rose in his estimation by the comparison," and also, would be a sufficient ground of regret to every mind which expands that the Gallery of Mr. WEST remained for them, and exists for their "they beyond mere narrow-bounded self to the enlarged wish for the advance instruction." The British Institution announced in 1811, that " of society, and for the general good, were the capacities of our country had purchased Mr. WEST's Christ healing the Sick, for the purpose of men confessedly inadequate to the lifting up their graphic character making it the foundation stone of a British Gallery." Who indeed, above its power of producing, as it does, excellence in the inferior or with any natural or acquired taste, could have seen the pictures, or domestic branches of Painting-its Landscape, Portraiture, and Every-even the prints from them, of St. Stephen stoned, an altar-piece in St. day life. But the regret is sharpened by a conviction, that the same Stephen's, Walbrook, Alexander, a Scotch king, hunting, King Lear in the land which has been fertile in every other noble power and production Storm, Death of Wolfe, &c., without at once assenting to these high esti of mind that has distinguished other nations, is fully capable of this mates of character, or not regarding Mr. WEST as the greatest deceased also, to the perfection which they have carried it—at least in times historical Painter of our country, as Mr. HAYDON is of the living, whose posterior to ancient Greece-or England could not have witnessed such fine painting of Lazarus would be an appropriate companion in such a great efforts as have been made in Painting by the deceased Mr. national establishment of native painting. These Painters, to whom we BARRY, Mr. WEST, and since by Mr. HAYDON. For, coupling what may add Mr. HILTON, are, in fact, in the same class as to kind, whatever If then there be in our these distinguished Artists have accomplished under even such unpropi- they may be in degree, with the old masters. tious circumstances as to have always found them, in despite of economy, public administrators any ambition to obtain a portion of that praise for under pecuniary embarrassment, and to have left them so, with the high taste in, and patronage of, intellect and art, of which some of the most native attainments in the sister art of poetry, the fact of British capabi-illustrious of mankind have been emulous, if they possess any laudable lity of eminence in Painting is satisfactorily established. To what then wish to ameliorate and to raise the condition of art, as they have, and is to be attributed the now deplorable state of Historical Painting in continue to do, that of commerce-if they have any consciousness of the Great Britain, amounting to all but extinction of native production? shame and deterioration to the national character in the existing state of It is owing to a want of the establishment of that system of encourage-high art, and in the ruling power not stirring actively to raise the dement which the History of the Arts proves to have given life to Histori-jected head of native historical Painting, with such opportunities and eal Painting in all those countries where it has flourished, and without facilities before their eyes of so doing, we conjure them, as humble conwhich it never has flourished-the want of Public Patronage. As means veyors of the sentiments of the lovers of the Fine Arts among their countrymust be proportioned to the end, it has been ever found that the limited men, to act upon such feelings and wishes, to change their aspirations into and capricious patronage of individuals has never been adequate to substantial measures, and thus, like the enlightened administration of more than a limited and occasional effort of Historical talent; that so COLBERT, effectively to make power graceful, and to adorn the sceptre of grand a result as the efficient nurture, growth, and maturity of High Art, the state with the flowers of genius. must depend upon that highest, most honourable, and most stimulating species of Patronage a public feeling for High Art; and that as such a feeling has never yet obtained in Great Britain, the circumstance of the depressed state of Historical Painting there is sufficiently accounted for. It was this public feeling, which, after many centuries of gradual and progressive improvement, resulted in the great productions of the republican Greeks, the states of modern Italy, and the kingdom of Spain, and which feeling was nourished by a religious spirit, that delighted ju the embellishment of the numerous places of public worship; and by a high, tasteful, moral, and public spirit, which decorated the public edifices with Paintings and Statues illustrative of History, and especially of the praiseworthy deeds of their countrymen. How then is this requi site feeling or taste to be induced? We answer, by the interference of Giovernment, a mode which we have often recommended from the commencement of the Examiner. “Government (we quote ourselves) may render the Arts invaluable service by opening to them the public purse." A few thousands annually would be sufficient gradually to ornament our Courts of Justice, our Churches, &c. The Government has well commenced, and will, we trust, proceed spiritedly in forming a National Gallery of the Continental and British Masters. Their next purchase for this Gallery will, we hope, be Native Historical Pictures. The splendid collection of pictures, by the late President WEST, now exhibiting in the spacious rooms erected by his Sons. offers" (says an animated and argumentave pub'ication, “ servations on the probable SCOTS JURY TRIAL. R. H. "Report of the Trial, Anderson v. Rintoul and others." This pamphlet is interesting in two points of view. It contains the report of a case where almost the first dawning of the independence of Scottish Juries was exhibited. The verdict which it records goes materially to enlarge the liberty of the press, and to place within the reach of public opinion and public control, a body of men who have but too often been found in need of such a check-the trustees of the numerous charitable institutions which have been scattered by the pious, the benevoient, the ambitious, and the vain, over the face of this favoured island. The action appears to have taken its rise thus: a person to whom a sum of 60001. mortified" or bequeathed for the permanent establishment of an academy in Dundee, had been lent, became bankrupt. It was found that shortly before the bankruptcy, the charitable fund had, to accommodate the debtor, (who was at the same time one of the trustees of the mortified fund) been removed froin an estate worth upwards of 40,000l. upon which it had been secured, to an estate, whose gross rental was only 4001. per annum, and on which a sum of 4000l. had previously been secured, there being in fact not much more than 3001. of revenue to pay 500l., the yearly interest of 10,000 at 5 per cent; and the 40007. creditor being entitled to full payment before any part of the academy money, either principle or interest, could be demanded. It also turned out tha a large arrear of interest on this money had been allowed to ar cumulate in the debtor's hands, where it remained at the time of his bankruptcy without any security. And it was even doubtful whether the charitable fund would not be entirely lost, because the new security had been taken at a time when the debtor was insolvent. The interests of the charity had been neglected in several other particulars of less importance. side in the Jury Court of Scotland. But is it common sense? Besides, why lay so much stress on the word malice? The Jury, in a civil case, such as this was, are called upon to award reparation for an injury actually sustained,-not surely to punish the one party for harbouring malice against the other; and it is difficult to see how the injury can be either increased or diminished by a sentiment of malice existing in the breast of The Burgesses of Dundee, composing the Guildry Incorporation, a the person by whom it is inflicted. We are aware that injuries may be numerous and respectable body, all more or less interested in the pros- sustained, for which no reparation can be given, because the person inperity of the academy, the ruin of whose endowment was thus threatened,flicting them was entitled to do so; and that it may be said that the word met several times to consider whether sometl.ing could not be done to malice is used to distinguish cases of this kind from cases of damages protect the interests of this valuable institution. A Committee was apwhere no such excuse can be made. But, to say the least of it, this is a pointed, which gave in a report, giving a detail of the circumstances (so roundabout way of arriving at the object in view, calculated to mislead far as they had been discovered) attending the transference of the and perplex a Jury. And it seems liable to this farther objection, that securities, and recommending that, if any loss were sustained, the it has a tendency to deprive the Jury of the power of judging of the law trustees, if they did not refund the money willingly, should be compelled as well as the fact; for when the word" malice" is excluded from an to do so by legal process. This report, which was printed and circu- issue (and it appears that the Issue Clerks and the Chief Commissioner Jated amongst the members of the Guildry, as well as the speeches at can do this in Scotland at pleasure) the argument is, that the Jury have the meetings of the Incorporation, which were reported in the news nothing to do but ascertain the extent of the injury inflicted, and award papers of the town, charged the trustees of the charitable fund, of whom proportionate reparation, however much satisfied they may be that the Mr. Anderson the pursuer was one, with gross negligence and misconduct, injury was justly inflicted. in the management of the trust, in which negligence and misconduct, it was said, the pursuer was particularly implicated, as, at the time the transference of securities was effected, he acted in four capacities, namely, as a Trustee of the Mortification, the Provost of Dundee (an office which he then held) being one ex-officio-as Factor of the Trustees-as Factor for their debtor-and as factor for the person who, by a species of legal legerdemain, had got the first security, to the Academy's prejudice. To clear his character from these imputations, and obtain reparation for the injuries they inflicted, the pursuer brought his action, in which he claimed 12,0001. of damages. The defenders were five in number, four of them persons who had spoken at the Guildry meetings, and been of the Committee which framed the report; and the fifth, Mr. Rintoul, the Editor of the Dundee Advertiser newspaper, who was called to answer for the printing of the Committee's report, and publishing in his newspaper the speeches of the other defenders, and some other communications of the same tendency. The case was tried at Edinburgh by a Special Jury on twelve issues for the pursuer, embodying the passages in the report and speeches on which he founded; and on one issue for the defenders, put in with the view of founding a plea of compensation against the pursuer, as the principal proprietor of another newspaper published in Dundee, in which also the whole proceedings of the Guildry had been reported, and where the defenders had been attacked and slandered in a very scurrilous manner, for the part they had taken in the discussion. The speech of Mr. Jeffrey, who was Counsel for the pursuer on this occasion, is dextrous and argumentative; but we can discover in it little of the characteristic excellencies of that brilliant orator. There was indeed little room on his side of the question for the display of his powers. On the other hand, Mr. Moncrieff, who addressed the Jury on the part of the defenders, appears to have been quite in his element; and his speech is one of the best specimens of logical declamation of that impressive pleader. Although the acts of mismanagement charged against the Trustees of the Mortification, and against the pursuer in particular, were clearly made out or admitted in the course of the trial, almost every sentence of the Lord Chief Commissioner's speech to the Jury was fraught with matter pointing to a verdict against the defenders. The Editor of the Advertiser, although he had done little more than report the sentiments of the other defenders, sentiments to which the pursuer had given publicity by means of his own newspaper, was without question a libeller, against whom damages must of necessity be awarded. And the other defenders were also libellers, without excuse, and worthy of being visited with an award of damages, for some such reasons as these: 1st, The matter with which they had meddled not being a " corporate matter," (the trust under which the pursuer acted being a private trust, that is, a trust made by a private individual, although for a public object), they had no right to raise a discussion about it in the Guildry, although separately they might have had a personal interest in it. For this reason, where" malice" was not charged in the issues-(in six of them, which related to speeches made in the Guildry, it was charged; in the other six, which related to printing and publishing, it was omitted) the Jury should discharge the pursuer of the obligation to prove malice by special circumstances. 2d, The statements of the defenders were on the face of them calumnious and injurious to the pursuer, and were virtually admitted to have been false, as the defenders had not taken an issue in justification. These doctrines, and others of minor importance, touching the law of libel, are elaborated in the speech of Chief Commissioner Adam, as given in this pamphlet, at considerable length; but, we must say, in a very rambling and confused way. But what startles us most in this case, is the law which was laid down regarding the issue in justification, that is, an issue taken on the part of the defenders, by which it is understood they undertake to prove that the statements complained of as libellous are true in point of fact. Here the defenders had maintained from the beginning, that every word they had stated regarding the pursuer was substantially true. This allegation is distinctly made in the papers, printed in the pamphlet, from which the Issue Clerks prepared the issues. It was therefore the duty of these Clerks (and perhaps of the Chief Commissioner too) to see that the issues were framed so as to give the defenders an opportunity of establishing this allegation with effect. Whether the Issue Clerks thought, as we think, that the insertion of an issue in justification, after the pursuer had undertaken, as he does by the first twelve issues, to prove that the defenders' statements were false, would have been a piece of useless and unmeaning formality, we will not pretend to say. But in point of fact, it appears that the pursuer did endeavour to prove this; that the defenders attempted to prove the contrary. And we have no hesitation in stating it as our opinion, from the evidence as it appears in this pamphlet, that the latter succeeded in establishing, not only that their statements were substantially true, but that the acts of mismanagement in which the pursuer had been implicated were grosser and more numerous than had been either imagined or stated previous to the judicial investimakes it imperative on a Jury to hold that which is true to be false, be. gation. If there be any law, therefore, which, in such circumstances, cause a piece of mere formality has not been gone through, we say that it is indefensible and monstrous. The plea of compensation set up by the defenders does not appear to us to have been treated by the Judge in a way that is quite logical. He tells us in the first place, that the defence of compensatio injuriarum is one clearly recognised in the law of Scotland. In the next instance, he says, that it is a false assumption that the statement in the newspaper of which the pursuer was a proprietor, contained anything that could be pleaded by the defender in mitigation of damages; although that statement contained a most virulent attack on the defenders as his assailants, in which they are held up to ridicule, contempt, and reprobation, as per sons" who had acted from improper motives, who had been guilty of violence, intemperance, and selfishness, of folly, of lying, of vehement egotism, pert ribaldry, and unblushing falsehood, as reptiles, and as persons altogether unworthy of respect." At the same time the Judge cautiously abstains from saying whether these imputations would not warrants separate action of damages against the pursuer. The amount of his doc trine seems to be, that although they might warrant a separate action, they could not found a plea of compensation; and that a plea of compen sation, let it be ever so good, could never extinguish entirely a claim of damages; it would only go in mitigation of damages; the direct claim must always exceed the compensation, to an extent sufficient to warrant a judgment for expenses, although the expenses, as frequently happens, be the most material part of the question. What is the meaning of compensation? We do say that the Jury were perfectly right in disregarding, as they did, these shadowy and illogical distinctions, and returning a general verdict for the defenders. They found here a man who had, to say the very least of his conduct, grossly neglected what to all intents and purposes was a public duty. They refused to visit with an award of damages those who reminded him of his delinquencies, with a view to a reparation of the loss to which he had exposed the fund he was bound to protect. And their country is indebted to them, not only for the special service which they have thus rendered to the district where the Dundee Academy is situated, but for the example of independence and intelligence which they have thus set to that country of prudence and parsimo FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. Now if this be the Scottish law of libel, we confess we do not at all admire it. Every member of the Guildry incorporation was entitled to reap the benefit of the 60001. donation, by sending his children to the Acade-ny, to which they belong. my it was given to support: every member was entitled to call to account for their management those to whose care the money had been entrusted: yet they were not entitled to meet collectively to discuss the conduct of these managers, and, in the event of mismanagement, to concert measures, in their corporate capacity, for procuring redress, without incurring the imputation and the consequences of doing so maliciously. The law of libel at present seems to be just what the Judge for the time chooses to say it is. This mode of inferring malice, therefore, may be part of the Scottish law of libel as long as Lord Adam continues to pre NORTH AMERICAN UNITED STATES. On the 4th of March, at Washington, about noon, the President Elect, Senate, into the Hall of the Representatives, and took his seat as Chief Magistrate, surrounded by the heads of departments, foreign ambassadors, civil and military officers, judges, &c. in the places respectively allotted to them on such occasions. Silence being proclaimed, Mr. ADAMS rose, and read an Address of considerable length in a clear and deliberate voice. In unfolding the principles by which his conduct would be governed, he felt it necessary to advert to the original object of the Constitution, and to the manner in which its provisions had been carried into practice. In the thirty-six years since that great social compact was established, its powers had been unfolded, and important details added in the spirit in which it was framed. Subordinate departments of the Executive had been created, as well as a supreme judicial tribunal. The general results of the establishment of the Constitution Mr. Adams thus powerfully exhibits: "Since that period, a population of four millions has multiplied to twelve; a territory bounded by the Mississippi, has been extended from sea to sea; new states have been admitted to the Union, in numbers nearly equal to those of the first Confederation; treaties of peace, amity, and commerce, have been concluded with the principal dominions of the earth; the people of other nations, inhabitants of regions acquired, not by conquest but by compact, have been united with us in the participation of our rights and duties, of our burdens and blessings; the forest has fallen by the axe of our woodmen; the soil has been made to teem by the tillage of our farmers; our commerce has whitened every ocean; the dominion of man over physical nature has been extended by the intervention of our artists; liberty and law have marched hand in band; all the purposes of human association have been accomplished as effectively as under any other government on the globe; and at a cost little exceeding; in a whole generation, the expenditure of other nations, in a single year." This picture (proceeded Mr. Adams) of course had its shades. The United States had suffered from the wrongs and injustice of enemies, and from domestic dissensions, "which have more than once appeared to threaten the dissolution of the Union." The causes were to be found in the ferment excited by the revolutionary wars of Europe, in differences of opinion respecting the theory of republican government and their foreign policy, in local jealousies and jarrings. Nevertheless, they had passed through the time of trial with safety; they could now look to the past with exultation, and to the future with hope. The two great political parties into which the country was divided had both been supported, as just men of all sides would now admit, by splendid talents and ardent patriotism. At length, however, all parties were agreed in a political creed, without a dissenting voice that could be heard. All acknowledged "that the will of the people is the source, and the happiness of the people the end, of all legitimate Government upon earth.-That the best security for the beneficence, and the best guarantee against the abuse of power, consists in the freedom, the purity, and the frequency of popular elections. That the freedom of the press and of religious opinion should be inviolate," &c. Nothing remained then, in regard to party hostilities, but for all citizens to discard every remnant of rancour against each other, and to yield to talent and virtue alone that confidence which in times of contention was bestowed only upon partisans. Mr. Adams next adverted to the grand distinction betwixt the General Government and the separate States, and the propriety of settling happily the remaining Constitutional questions concerning their respective powers He alluded to the firm, pacific, enlightened, and improving policy of his immediate predecessor. He reviewed the important benefits, resulting from the administration of "that eminent citizen," and declared that his own duty was clearly comprised in pursuing to their consummation his predecessor's purposes of improvement in their common condition. In conclusion, he observed of himself,-" Less possessed of your confidence, in advance, than any of my predecessors, I am deeply conscious of the prospect, that I shall stand more and oftener in need of your indulgence. Intentions upright and pure; a heart devoted to the welfare of our country, and the unceasing application of all the faculties allotted to me, to her service, are all the pledges that I can give for the faithful performance of the arduous duties am to undertake. To the guidance of the Legislative Councils; to the assistance of the Executive and subordinate Departments; to the friendly co-operation of the respective State Governments; to the candid and liberal support of the people, so far as it may be deserved by honest industry and zeal, I shall look for whatever success may attend my public service; and knowing, that, except the Lord keep the City, the watchman waketh but in vain, with fervent supplications for his favour, to his over-ruling Providence I commit, with humble but fearless confidence, my own fate, aud the future destinies of my country.” A general plandit followed this address and continued for some minutes. The President Elect then descended from the Chair, and placing himself on the right hand of the Judges' table, received from the Chief Justice a volume of the Laws of the United States, from which he read, in a loud and clear voice, the oath of office; at the close of which the plaudits were repeated, mingled with cheers from the galleries, and followed by a salute of artillery. The congratulations which then poured in from every side (says the National Intelligencer) occupied the hands, and could not but reach the heart of the President. The meeting between him and his venerated Predecessor had in it something peculiarly affecting. General Jackson was among the earliest of those who took the hand of the President, and their looks and deportment towards each other were a rebuke to that littleness of party spirit which can see no merit in a rival, and feel on joy in the honour of a competitor. UNITED PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF LORDS. Wednesday, April 13. PETITIONS OF THE CLERGY. Several clerical petitions were presented against the Catholic Claims.Lord HOLLAND presented one in their favour, from the Rev. John White Johnes, curate of North Bovey, Devon; and his Lordship said, that in consequence of the Petitioner's having formerly shown his zeal on the same question, he had found himself precluded from promotion in bis profession. Lord H. observed, that the Catholics merely prayed that they might be permitted to a participation of the same power which every British subject enjoyed. This was the real object of their application; whereas, by the phrases introduced into the petitions of the Clergy, the people were liable to be imposed upon, and to be made to believe that the Catholics were seeking some superiority over other religious sects. The Bishop of CHESTER defended the conduct of the Clergy, and said that the question was not one of a definition of terms, but whether the Roman Catholics should obtain possession of a power which would enable them to rule over their brethren. Lord KING said that the persons from whom those petitions came seemed to maintain the character given of them by Lord Clarendon, who had said, he did not remember the exact words, that of all persons. who could read and write, the clergy were the worst at giving advice. In the present case they came forward to advise Parliament not to do the greatest possible good at the least possible expense. The Bishop of GLOCESTER replied, that the clergy had a right to present petitions, and would always come forward boldly and manfully to state their opinions, in spite of any sarcastic observations which might be thrown out against them. The Earl of LAUDERDALE presented a petition against the Equitable Loan Bill from the Pawnbrokers of London, Westminster, and Southwark. He afterwards presented similar petitions from almost every parish in the metropolis and its environs. Thursday, April 14. Several petitions were presented against the Catholic Claims, one of them from Redford, by the Duke of NEWCASTLE, who hoped that every honest man would come forward and sign petitions against the Catholics. Upon which Lord KING observed, that though great endeavours were making to get up these intolerant petitions, the horrid cry of "No Popery" could no longer be raised with success, MR. KENRICK. The Earl of ESSEX, after alluding to this Magistrate's extraordinary conduct in the case of Franks, &c., wished to learn whether it was the Noble and Learned Lord's determination to retain him in the Commission of the Peace?-To which the LORD CHANCELLOR replied, that Mr. Kenrick being a Judge, he could not be removed from that office except on an address to the Crown from both Houses. The erasure of Magistrates from the rolls certainly rested with the person who held the Great Seal; but he always proceeded with great caution in such matters; for accusation was not conviction. He had received no communication respecting Mr. Kenrick; and the only evidence adduced was the reports in the newspapers, which could not be acted upon.-[Here the conversation terminated.] HOUSE OF COMMONS. Thursday, April 14. Petitions were presented, and ordered to lie on the table, against the Thames Quay Bill, the Metropolitan Fish Company, the Collier Dock Bill, and the Catholic Claims. Mr. PEEL moved for, and obtained, a Select Committee to inquire into a breach of privilege alleged to have been committed by some individuals, who had forged various names to a petition from Ballinosloe, in favour of the Catholic Claims. Sir J. NEWPORT, after some prefatory remarks, moved for a bill "To limit the power of holding a plurality of benefices, and to repeal the statutes granting power to the Archbishops and Bishops to make episcopalian unions in Ireland.—Mr. GOULBOURN consented to the introduction of the bill, and declared that the Irish Prelates were always anxious to promote amendments in the Church.-Leave was given. On the motion of Mr. S. RICE, a Select Committee was appointed to inquire into the state and condition of the Reports and other printed papers The object of the of the House of Commons, and report upon the same. motion was, to secure the preservation of the valuable documents in possession of Parliament, which would otherwise be lost in the crowd of unim portant papers, or become subject to destruction. Friday, April 15. Several petitions were presented for and against the Claims of the Catholics. One was presented against the Thames Quay Bill, when Col. TRENCH said it was not intended to press the Bill during the present Session.-Petitions were likewise presented against the Corn Laws, Stamp and Window Duties; and Mr. HOBHOUSE gave notice of a motion for the repeal of the latter, for the 3d of May. The proposition for a grant of money to Mr. M'Adam, was postponed till Friday fortnight. Some conversation arose respecting the building of the Custom-house, when Mr. Herries intimated that some proceedings would most likely, be taken, but legal steps had not yet been resorted to against Mr. Peto. E. Gough, Gospel-End, Staffordshire, nail factor. Solicitors, Messrs. R. Drury, Shrewsbury, furrier. Solicitor, Mr. Griffiths, Southampton- T. Wilson, Barnsley, Yorkshire, linen manufacturer. Solicitor, Mr. J. Bray, London-wall, livery-stable keeper. Solicitors, Messrs. Watson -Mr. GOURLAY's Communications next week. The Author of the Tract on the CHURCH ESTABLISHMENT (P.) seems to ne, from the sound manner in which he has discussed the subject, to be able to afford, rather than to stand in need of, advice. Our opinion is, that all such National Establishments are pernicious to society, though their ill effects may doubtless be lessened. THE EXAMINER. LONDON, APRIL 17, 1825. THERE has been very little Continental news during the week, of a spre the petition of the French merchants to CHARLES X. praying that simples cific character. From Paris, we are indeed favoured with a version of own in regard to the New Governments of South America. According minded and unsophisticated Monarch to adopt a similar policy to our and commercial firms of France, even the French exports to South the statement of the petitioners,-apparently comprising all the leading quence, it is humbly suggested, that England should not be allowed to America exceed the demand of all the world beside; and, in conbeen yet announced; and when given, we doubt not that it will be geneacquire a paramount claim to advantages so extensive. No reply has ralized into no-meaning; for however strict the principle of legitimacy T. Ash, Birmingham, grocer. Solicitors, Messrs. Ellis and Co. Chancery-in this quarter, there never was a reigning BOURBON yet, who could n. t lane. J. Thompson, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, victualler. J. Mills, St. Clement's Church-yard, Strand, stay-maker. interest of France, or at least of the French people, is so evidently in dispense with any principle upon occasion; and fortunately, the national much asperity, or to any great practical purpose, as concerns the Governagreement with the prayer of the petitioners, it cannot be rejected with Perish Commerce, and let Legitimacy live;" but if they prevail, whit ments in question. Some few French WrveяAMS, indeed, may exclain Solicitor, Mr. Saturday, April 16. BANKRUPTS. J. Dixon, Little East-cheap, baker. Solicitor, Mr. Harmer, M. J. F. Camelo, Devonshire-street, Queen-square, merchant. Solicitors, care we? It is pleasant to turn from the tortnous policy of continental Europe, and behold the exhiltrating spectacle of a free Magistrate formally assun Hatton-ing the heart-ennobling functions allowed him by an adequately represented and completely free Government. We elsewhere give a brief ADAMS speaks so well for itself, commentary would only cloud it. Two abstract of the proceedings on this occasion; and the address of Mr. points in it, however, are worthy particular notice: the one is, that no party now exists in the United States desirous of any alteration in the buted mainly to this desirable consummation. We scratched them to the Constitution; and the other, that their late war with ourselves contriexertion, with a view to progressive power boili naval and otherwise; a production of some extraordinary consequences in the way of energy and moment. That noble burning of the public buildings of Washington result which shows how little Statesmen sometimes calculate beyond the was a fine thing for America! C. Innell, Chalford, clothier. Solicitors, Messrs. Long and Austin, C. Smith, Cranbourne-street, Leicester-square, silk-mercer. Solicitor, G. W. Brealey, Aldersgate-street, linen-draper. Solicitor, Mr. T. S. E. Nicklin, Hulme, Lancashire, joiner. Solicitors, Messrs. Appleby and R. Sutton, Margaret-street, Cavendish-square, colour-dealer. Solicitor, Solicitor, C. N. Finch, Old Cavendish-street, wine-merchant. Solicitor, Mr. J. Ward, George and Vulture Tavern, St. Michael's-alley, Cornhill, merchant. Solicitor, Mr. Miller, New Inn. THE FUNDS.-Consols, as time go, have fallen considerably during the week; but they appear to be slowly recovering; it is, however, becom ing apparent, that the ne plus ultra, for some time to come at least, has been reached; and what is worthy notice, French Rentes, to the no small disadvantage of M. Villele's plan of reduction, exhibit a similar tendency to depression. Friday was settling day at the Foreign Market: it has passed over very quietly; and South American Securities and Greek Scrip have both since showed improvement. There is little going forward in the Share Market, except in the Mines, and in regard to some anticipated Companies, in pure jobbing speculation. Latest quotations Consols, 92 New 4 per Cents, 106} } Consols for Account, 92 Reduced, 918t 34 per Cents. Reduced, 99 † 4 PRICES OF FOREIGN STOCKS YESTERDAY. Brazillian Bonds, 85 Colombian 6 per Cents. (1824) 90 Mexican Bonds, 78% Ditto Scrip, pm. New Prussian 5 per Cents. 100 A fire broke out on Friday night in an unfinished house in Connaughtterrace, Edgware-road, which entirely consumed it, but the timely arrival of the engines stopped the further progress of the fire. A fire broke out early yesterday morning at the house of Mr. Elliott, chemist and druggist, in Fenchurch-street, which entirely consumed the premises. The adjoining house was much damaged. Sunday morning, the extensive lace-manufactory belonging to Messrs. Rice and Oram, at Chard, was totally destroyed by fire. The lowest ❤imate on the loss is computed at 70,0001. The Americau papers bring the memorial prescuted to the two Chambers condition of the new Republic, which, from the extent of the mining enterof the General Congress of the Mexican federation, giving a detail of the interest. The difficulties raised in Colombia as to the reception of the prizes entered into by our countrymen in Mexico, is of considerable the Constitution was not formally established. The statement is very British Consul, appear not to have ocurred in Mexico, possibly because education, settle institutions, and promote a rapid attainment of free and satisfactory in regard to internal relations, and the steps taking to advance regular government. The observations on the mining interests are very specific, and the mines in which British capital is embarked, are thus al Juded to : "Three Companies for working the mines, with very considerable capitals, have been formed in England, and another in Germany, for the same purpose. By means of these Companies, the rich nines in the vein of Del Monte, and in Guanajuato, those of Valenciana, Rayas, Cata, Sirena, and other smaller ones, are actually at work, and others have been contracted for. In Catorce, the working of the mine of Guadaluté has been undertaken, and the draining of that of Concepcion is concluded by means of a steam-engine. Another machine of this kind Ims also been established in Temascaltepec, and the good result which it has had on that vein, as well as on that of Catorce, has proved evidently how preferable its use is over all other engines in those places where the abundance of fuel permits its establishment, although for general purposes its expediency is a question more difficult to resolve." It is pleasant to observe the tone of cordiality towards England displayed in this document, and the dignity and temper evinced throughout. Advices have been received from Sir A. CAMPBELL (since deceased of apoplexy) of a successful expedition against Mortaban, a sea-port town and fortress to the eastward of Rangoon; aud it is reported that the King of Ava has been assassinated; but as the rumour had ouly reached Rangoon on the 6th November, and these despatches are dated on the 7th, its title to belief is not ascertainable. Clerkenwell, on Wednesday evening, for the purpose of petitioning A meeting was held at the Sunday School-room, St. James's-walk, worded. The Reverend Mr. Milne supported it. Mr. Bodkin submitted against the Catholic Claims. The proposed petition was very strongly an amendment, approving of the Bill for emancipating the Catholics; which was carried by a large majority. morning, at the Countess of Guildford's House, Putney Heath-He HENRY FUZELI, R. A.-This distinguished Artist died yesterday was, we believe, 86 or 87 years of age. The French Papers contain a petition from the Merchants of Paris, Mrs. Long Wellesley received from the creditors seven thousand a praying for the appointment of Consuls to the new States of Ameica, and year, four of which she has made over to her husband.-Morning Paper. the formation of treaties with those States. The Etoile answers this Mr. Owen of New Lanark, in Great Britain, delivered, on the 25th Fepetition by an article, in which it contends that the French commerce to bruary, in the Representative Chamber at Washington, his lecture on the South America is sufficiently protected; that no advantage is given in effects and advantages of his system for the Improvement of Society. His the tariffs of the New States to English and American over Freuch ves-lecture is spoken of as being very clear and well delivered. His auditory sels; and that every thing beyond this forms part of the political question, were very numerous. Among the assemblage were the President of the which must be left to the wisdom of " the Monarch, whose royal soul, United States and some of his Secretaries, many members of Congress, wholly engaged in the welfare of his subjects, knows all that ought to be &c.-American Paper. done for the interests, and for its dignity, which is also an interest of the first order." It is generally believed at Naples that Maria Louisa, Archiduchess of Parma, has been for some time privately married to a Count Nieburgh. The Count is represented as a one-eyed man, of very ugly features, with rather a ferocious aspect. The fng-end of the Anti-Catholic faction in Christ-Church, Spitalfields, attempted again on Thursday, to get up a petition against their oppressed Catholic fellow-subjects; but, being vigorously opposed by Mr. BURTON, Mr. H. WHITTLE. and other liberal men, the Intolerants commenced a hideous yell, which was followed by great agitation and confusion. Blows were exchanged indiscriminately; and the result was, that neither the Petition, nor an Amendment which had been proposed, were put from the Chair. Nothing in fact was got up at this Vestry-meeting, but a Fight! The Chief Anti-Catholic agitators were, Messrs. BARTHOLOMEW, JUSTINS, and Clements, said to be a Wesleyan Methodist. A Meeting of the Shareholders of the Rio de la Plata Association was held on Tuesday, at the Crown and Anchor, Sir J. Harrington, Bart. in the Chair. Mr. Barber Beaumont exhibited several plans and maps, from which it appeared that the purchases of land which had been made were very favourably situated. The deed was afterwards read, and it was found to contain a clause which rendered the transfer of shares unobjectionable in the eye of the law. THE SPANISH EMIGRANT.-Those among our readers who kindly contributed to the relief of the gallant Spaniard and his lady, whose melancholy case was detailed in the Examiner some months ago, will be concerned to hear that the condition of these estimable and unfortunate persons is, if possible, worse than ever. In addition to the two young children whom they had to bring out of France (as we have before related) the lady has just given birth to a third; and here is a young wife, accustomed in her own country to the comforts and attention which station and money command, absolutely in want of necessaries, at the moment when she is most helpless and suffering; while her husband has the perhaps still greater misery of beholding her wretched condition without the slightest means of alleviating it. We shall add nothing to these eloquent facts, except that it will give us sincere pleasure if any sympathising persons will make us the medium of conveying succour to this most hapless and deserving family. Subscriptions will be received at our Office, and acknowledged in our columns. NEWSPAPER CHAT. THE WONDERFUL Traveller.—Mr. Holman, a blind gentleman, about 35 years of age, and possessed of an agreeable countenance, arrived in this city (Petersburgli) in July last, and, we understand, that he intends to visit a great part of the world. He inquires into every thing, and examines most bodies by the touch; which astonished us so much, that we could nor have believed it, had we not seen it with our own eyes. When he visited my cabinet, without my saying a word, I took him to the bust of the Emperor, made by Orlovskii: after feeling which a short time, he exclaimed-" This is the bust of the Emperor Alexander." It ought to be observed, that he had previously examinined a bust of his Imperial Mas jesty, in which, as Mr. Holman remarked, the forehead was more covered with hair. He also very justly observed, that the right ear was more perfect than the left in the bust by Orlovskii. Mr. Holman also recognized the busts of Peter the Great, Catharine II. Suvarof, &c.-Svinin's Russian Journal. The dinner which was given on Tuesday to Mr. Lawless, at the City of London Tavern, was attended by thirty persons. Mr. Hunt, who presided, addressed the meeting at some length in praise of Mr. Lawless, whose health he proposed; and this gentleman, in returning thanks, conferred a similar mark of respect upon the chairman. Mr. Cobbett, who was expected at the dinner, sent a letter to excuse himself, on the ground that he would not identify himself with party, or in any way promote a division among the Catholics. PROGRESS OF INFORMATION.-When Mr. BROUGHAM was installed as Lord Rector of the University of Glasgow, he addressed the students at some length, and concluded his harangue with the following patristic, manly, and philosophic observations, in reply to those persons who object to the diffusion of knowledge among the lower orders:"To those who feel alarm, as statesmen and friends of social order, I would address a few words. The cultivation of science has never really promoted turbulence or unbelief; but its progress is the forerunner of liberality and enlightened toleration. He who dreads the light of Truth cannot resist its power. For he may be well assured that the day is at length come which must put to flight the evil spirits of tyranny and persecution. As men will no longer suffer themselves to be led into darkness, so will they no more yield to the evil principle of judging their fellow men not according to the merits of their actions, but the articles of their creed. The great truth has gone forth into all the bounds of the earth, that man shall no more render account tổ man for his belief, over which he has himself no control. Henceforward nothing shall prevail on us to praise or to blame a man for that which he can no more change than he can the hue of his skin, or the height of his stature. Treating with respect those who differ from us, the only practical effect of the difference will be, to cause us to enlighten the ignorance from which it springs, by teaching them if they are wrong, by improving ourselves if we are right, that the only kind of contest the fairest discussion. Then every fear for the universal spread of knowmay be to produce the agreement proceeding from full conviction after edge will be removed, and truth and virtue will watch over the peace of threatens public tranquillity and the confirmation of the liberties of our the country; the sure effect will be the removal of the only danger that native land. For those tyrants who have shed the blood of mankind to extend their empire, and who instinctively hate the light, let them youths who adorn this ancient College, famed for its useful learning, tremble. Let me then indulge in the hope that, among the illustrious there may be found some one, I ask no more, willing to give a bright example to his nation, by taking the lead of his fellows, not in frivolous amusement, not in trifling studies-but in the truly noble task of enlightening the great mass of his countrymen; and of having his own name encircled with honours most worthy of our rational nature, and pronounced with rapture by millions whom his beneficence has raised from ignorance and vice. This is the true mark of all who prize the enjoy And if the benefactors of mankind, when they rest from their pious labours, shall be permitted hereafter to enjoy, as a reward, the privilege of looking down on the blessings with which their toils and sufferings have clothed the scenes of their former existence, do not vainly imagine that in a state of purity and wisdom if will be the founders of mighty dynasties, or the mean followers of tyrants, who have sacrificed to their own aggrandizement the good of countless multitudes, that will be thus gratified. Theirs will be the praise and the triumph, who can trace the effects of their beneficence in the improved condition of their species, and exult in the reflection, that by their deeds joy beamed from the eyes. of the sorrowful. The lovers of truth and virtue trampling under foot tyranny, and driving ignorance from the world, shall reap the precious though costly fruit of their labours, a recompense for long enduring all the hardships and hazards they encountered here below." (Great Cheering.) COMBINATIONS.—The proper remedy for the evils which Mr Huskisson enumerates, lies in the gradual enlightenment of the operatives (who are at present mistaking egregiously their own interests) in the prudence and perseverance of the masters, and in the existing laws,-which are as sufficient as laws need be to enable the latter to purchase the labour of the former in he way that any other commodity is purchased, without being compelled to submit to any terms but such as the situation of the operatives entitles them to exact. Why is Mr Huskisson in such a hurry to crush the combinations of the poor, whilst the combination of the East India merchants, to cheat us with our tea, and the combination of the landed proprietors, to cheat us with our bread, remain unbroken?-Dundee Advertiser. -THE LATE GRAND DUKE OF TUSCANY.-Iis Imperial Highness gets a good word from men of all parties; which proves him at least to have possessed a native kindness of heart. Mr. Landor, who so fearlessly and honourably expressess his disgust and scorn at the conduct of the House of Austria and the horrible tyranny in which Italy is bound, nevertheless records some evidences of the mild spirit and good sense of this sovereign.ment of lasting happiness, or set a value on a high and unsullied renown. "I shall not be accused of flattery" (he says, in a note to the Imaginary Conversations)" in recording some wise remarks and good actions of the Grand Duke; for I am the only Englishman at Florence, I believe, who never goes to court, leaving it to my hatter, who is a very honest man, and to my breeches-maker, who never failed to fit me.-When the minister of Austria, and another, laid before him a list of freemasons, carbonari, and various subjects for imprisonment or exile, he replied, that he knew his people better than strangers could do, and would answer for their conduct.-When some bigot told him that the Florentines ate meat on Fridays, he answered, I am happy they have it to eat.'-When a Pisan professor, a Signor Rossini, who had written sonnets and such other things as the Italians write on every novelty, deaths, marriages, births, arrivals, departures, ribbons, crosses, popes, pandars, catchpoles, academicians, &c. &c. &c. everything in short from which money or meat may be extracted, and had complimented all the invaders and occupants of his country by turns, not without gross invectives against Ferdinand,-congratulated him on his happy and glorious return, he ordered a timepiece to be given him, as the present most proper to a timeserver. There is at present at Stralsund an extraordinary elephant, which has been taught to manœuvre a piece of artillery. He brings a 48-pounder up to the ramparts, loads it, rams it down, points it, lights the match, and fires the cannon, all in seven minutes and a half. |