dispatching a portion, he lets a learned brother of sufficient rank haveing good sense and archness, innate modesty, and a disposition to a turn; the "leading" gentlemen however are pretty sure to carve out listen to the seducer, was conveyed with fine discrimination. In a the whole time of the sitting among themselves; while the unlucky word, with less fear of hypercriticism and mere routine notions "juniors" remain day after day without getting even an opportunity of the character before her eyes, we think that the Lady Teazle d to be heard. This is exceedingly hard upon the body of the pro- Miss KELLY will become a first-rate performance. Mrs DAVISON OL fession; and its obvious tendency is to throw still more business into this occasion took the part of Mrs Candour, and represented that the hands of those who are already too much loaded with it to be able veteran scandal-monger with most veteran-like ability. There i to do justice to all their clients; and to keep too long in the shade possibly no actress existing more at home upon the stage than this many deserving and clever men, for want of a fair share of oppor- excellent comedian, whose performance exhibits an understanding of tunity. incidental effect we scarcely ever saw surpassed. As to the rest of The only proper limit to the size of a court of law is the extent the caste, the Sir Peter Teazle of DowTON is well known; he strides within which the proceedings can be properly heard. Now there with no sort of scruple over the partition which divides genteel from can, we believe, be no doubt, that a court, if properly constructed, low comedy--but then he so amuses us! Were his Sir Peter more might be thrice as spacious as the present courts at Westminster, and of the gentleman, as it clearly ought to be, we should not laugh half still everything be as well heard in it as in those wretched closets. so much; added to which, although he can make excellent faces, he Nay, even if the area were not enlarged, a considerable body of spec- cannot for the life of him look querulous. Mr WILLIAMS performed tators might be accommodated by running galleries round three sides Sir Oliver Surface with considerable discrimination; his principal of each court like the boxes of a theatre. So that it is want of will, defect was a deficiency in smoothness and jollity; in short, a precisely not want of means, which keeps the courts at Westminster in their reverse case to that of DowTON. WALLACK was a very fair Charle present inconvenient and disgraceful form. We look however to Mr Surface; but Joseph Surface requires a much more plausible representaPEEL with some hope of redress for this very serious grievance. tive than Mr ARCHER, who exhibited more vinegar than oil. There is possibly not a more difficult character to hit in the whole drama than this finished hypocrite, who is to be at once the most moral and the most seducing of scoundrels. In common hands, the pedant usually predominates; it ought to be the exact reverse, for his pedantry and as the play proceeded, approbation evidently gained ground. is assumed, his facility natural. The house was tolerably well attended,

THEATRICAL EXAMINER.

DRURY LANE.

On Thursday evening, the School for Scandal was performed at this theatre, with some novelty in the caste, the principal feature in which was the assignment of the part of Lady Teazle to Miss KELLY. From the time of CICERO downwards, and doubtless much earlier, the indisposition of mankind to admit excellence in opposing departments of acquirement has been noted, and it is nowhere more true than in reference to the stage. Setting aside the obstacles connected with envy, jealousy, rivalry, and other professional matters, and looking to the spontaneous feelings of play-goers alone, is this indisposition unaccountable? We think not, and that it arises from an involuntary operation of the laws of ideal association. Whenever an actor or actress assumes a character of a different class from that in which they have been chiefly celebrated, the spectator sees more than is present; for he is haunted with the ghosts of old impressions, which will by no means always depart at the word of command. We have in our time seen a great deal of judicious novel attempt fall a victim to these involuntary prepossessions, as well as to the kindred tendency of so associating a character with some particular person's performance of it, as to be unable to conceive it independently of the intruding idea of its primitive or established representative. With the latter of these difficulties Miss KELLY had scarcely to contend; for, with much respectability and talent, we know of no overwhelming excellence in any other representation of Lady Teazle. In respect to the former more general obstacle, it is unavoidable and without the least reason, looking to matter of fact, a recollection of Betty Finnikin may intrude even into Sir Peter Teazle's drawing-room. By a stout exertion of free will-(we are very orthodox)-let us dismiss all these intrusive notions, and endeavour to attend to the Lady Teazle of Miss KELLY, as in justice it ought to be considered. Thus regarded, it was certainly a finely-marked and discriminative performance, checked, we think, by somewhat of apprehension that a higher degree of vivacity would encounter some conventional notions in regard to the elegant fine lady. A certain triumphant air of beauty and fashion will often carry very middling talents through this character with competent applause; but we see no reason that such performances should create a model, when the predominant excellence is of another description. In a word, we thought there was a little too much repression in the hightide of drawing-room spirit, and a timidity on the part of Miss KELLY in the conveyance of her own inimitable archness, which could arise only from a fear of exciting and encountering the intrusive associations to which we have already alluded. We think, however, that she may venture a little further without danger, and certain we are that she may do so in conformity with the author's Lady Teazle, who, as it was well observed when Mrs JORDAN took the character, was not intended for the finished but for the initiative fine lady; the heart was in the road to injury, but was not absolutely injured; primitive simplicity (see account of her education) had given way, but was not extinct. That celebrated actress, therefore, freely indulged the naiveté which was her great characteristic, and we are satisfied that Miss KELLY may do the same. We mention this the more freely, because it is altogether an affair of discretion; the power being out of the question. To descend to particulars, the scenes with Sir Peter were all of them admirable, and the deportment after the falling of the screen was very finely marked, both in its reproof of Joseph Surface and self-reprehensive address to Sir Peterin the latter more particularly. In the previous conversation with Joseph tooy the struggle between interpos

COVENT GARDEN.

-On Monday evening the tragedy of Hamlet was performed at this house, in which a Mr SERLE, who has been playing at the English Theatre, Brussels, assumed the principal character. Unable to go on the evening in question, we attended the second performance on Friday evening. The personal requisites of this gentleman for the stage are very respectable: his figure, which is of the middle height, is well proportioned, his countenance expressive and pleasing, and his action spontaneous and appropriate. His delivery is also extremely easy and natural; and, as a general performance, his Hamict has evinced talents of no common order. On the first evening, according to all the papers, his voice in some respects failed him; but when we heard him, although certainly deficient in volume, and requiring management, we witnessed no very marked deficiency. In the style of his performance, without exhibiting any marks of servile imitation, he is evidently a disciple of the school which the meteoric success of KEAN has for some years set aside,-that wherein study takes the lead of impulse, and everything is the produce of careful consideration. Regarded as a student of this description, Mr SERLE is likely to become no mean acquisition to the stage; as he evidently possesses all the general intelligence, tact, and discrimination, which, added to a due portion of physical requisites, ean scarcely fail of being highly respectable. The power of spontaneous and impulsive personation can scarcely be displayed in the character of Hamlet: on this point therefore we will not dwell; and it is of the less consequence, as our brother critics, especially the silver fork gentry, have voted it to be vulgar, and no longer of the order of the day. Whether he pos sess this power or not, is doubtful; but whether or no, the Hamlet of Mr SERLE does him great credit, both in conception and delivery. We cannot indeed say that we approve of some of his new readings; but it has become a matter of course for every aspiring performer to exercise his sagacity this way; and if regarded as mere experiment, it is at least harmless, if the good only be retained. In all respects, the performance of Mr SERLE was polished and gentlemandy, the soliloquies were spoken with great firmness and deliberation, and that of "Oh what a vile and peasant slave am I!" with great animation and feeling. His banter of Guildenstern, Rosencrants, and Polonius, was also very good, as was likewise his dialogue with the Grave-digger; and we notice these points more especially, as they appeared to us to promise more for a diversity of powers than any other parts of the performance. Of the serious and forcible passages, his interview with the Ghost, and the play-scene, were the most effertive, the latter especially. In the interview with the Queen, we pre sume with a view to more free and unrestrained action, an alteration was made in the stage arrangement, by substituting pictures against the wall for the miniatures suspended about the necks of the perfor mers. We do not regard this as an improvement; but, when we saw it, this scene passed off with much spirit,—an amendment, we are told, from the first night. In short, without hesitation, we regard this first appearance as highly favourable; and without pronouncing judgment from a character so necessarily a thing of close study as Hamlet, we rest with some confidence on the general success of this gentleman the ambitious line which he has chosen. The rest of the performance being well known, requires little observation, with the exception of

Miss HAMMERSLEY'S Ophelia, which was feelingly performed, and Q. sang very delightfully.

FINE ARTS.

WORKS OF THE LATE PRESIDENT.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE EXAMINER.

suffered from the feebleness of the advocate.

sums upon its formation, and we are ready to disburse much more. It is one of the principal modes by which the dignity of the country, and its pre-eminence amongst civilized nations, is to be maintained; we owe it to our gracious Sovereign, the Patron and Protector of the Fine Arts, to the nation over which he rules, and even to our own characters for consistency. But we have resolved that the collection shall not be contaminated by Historic Pictures, at least of British origin;-never yet has Great Britain produced a Painter of Historic subjects worthy of being so honoured, nor a Sculptor who may hope to have his animated marble deposited within its sacred walls."

*

In connection with the reptuation of the country, I have endeavoured to uphold the dignity of the Fine Arts themselves, which will either acquire additional importance and splendour by the placing of Mr West's Pictures in the National Gallery, or inevitably sink in the estimation not only of this but of foreign nations, who will, by the rejection of them, be led to underrate the genius and labours of British Artists, or openly to contemn our mis-appreciation of their talents.

SIR,On reviewing what I have written in your paper on the disposal of the pictures of the late venerable (let me add, still venerated) President of the Royal Academy, I cannot suppress an apprehension that, in the minds of some of your readers, I shall be thought not to have expressed myself with all the force of which the subject was susceptible: and thus, as peradventure hath happened elsewhere, the cause itself may have I could, indeed, expect to add little to the reasoning contained in the pamphlet to which I have before alluded, and which seems to me so cogent in its argumentation, and so, powerful-sometimes even so pa- to "the Father and Founder of Historical Painting" in this country, and The purchase of his pictures is due to the late President as a just tribute thetic +-in its pleading, that they who shall fail to be converted by it, as an honourable testimonial to the man who rescued us from the stigma "would not be convinced though one should rise from the dead.” In a that the climate of Great Britain was fatal to the pretensions of her inhafield which had been already cultivated by abler and more practised bitants in the field of artistic fame. It is true, that Hogarth, Gains hands, it may have even seemed presumptuous in me to labour, since I could neither hope to fertilize the soil, nor to turn up any new and borough and Wilson, Reynolds and Barry, as well as West,—all unhap unknown product; I could not increase the richness of the verdure, nor still boast of Smirke and Stothard, and Wilkie, of Northcote, and pily no more triumphantly refuted the calumny; true, that we can add fragrance to the flowers which are profusely scattered there, but I was desirous to turn the public eye to the freshness and beauty of the Thompson, and Westall,-of Howard and Phillips, of Hilton and Hayscene, and to show, that if the land produced aconite, and henbane, and don,of Cook, Leslie, and a host of others, whose inventive and tasteful pencils disprove the assertion; while the sculptures of Nollekens and deadly nightshade, threatening to smother the fairest blossoms of genius, Banks formerly, and of Flaxman and Westmacott, of Rossi, Chantrey, they are not indigenous to the soil, but that in their stead, a fruitful har- and Bailey, still living and amongst us, yield to no foreign superiority; vest may be reaped, if the roots of Historic Painting be permitted to but I have reason to know, that on the Continent the compositions of. strike deep, and its growth duly encouraged by those who possess the West are more highly esteemed than even the brightest of these; there, power. I have not, at all times, the honour to coincide in opinion with the author just referred to, inasmuch as there appear to be sources of at least, he is Sol resplendens inter Stellas minores. employment open to the Historic Painter, to which the unreflecting or parsimonious policy of the Government cannot bar his access; but it is not the less incumbent on the rulers of a free country, while they listen with assenting readiness to the solicitations of one class of his Majesty's subjects, and with tremulous anxiety to the reproaches of another, to lend with a forward zeal and generous spirit the trifling assistance necessary to that more refined class, from whom is so largely derived the

intellectual character of the 'realm.

In the issue of the cause which I have deliberately espoused, I have no selfish interest to serve; no sordid desire to gratify; my feelings are in common with all those who passionately love the Fine Arts, who take a friendly interest in the welfare of the several professors, and who, so far advanced in knowledge as to perceive what glory may be reaped by the nation, which, with most zeal and liberality, shall cultivate those Arts, are at the same time anxious to confer all possible honour on the meritorious aspirants who shall, by intense application and noble daring, have fairly seated themselves on the topmost branch." Destitute of power myself, I have given my humble suffrage, in behalf, I am conscientiously persuaded, of the honour of the country which I love, and which, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, must inevitably be degraded by the departure of Mr West's pictures to another and a distant land, for which they were not originally destined, and with whose national reputation they never can be so intimately entwined.

It is due also to the virtuous sons of the late President, who, after honouring with exemplary piety the remains of their revered parent, and with true filial affection endeavouring to uphold his reputation, ought not surely to have occasion for lamenting, that, regardless of the wishes and patronage of his Sovereign, and of his own just pretensions to the fame of an Historic Painter, Mr West did not devote his time and talents to the less dignified but more profitable branches of his profession, And, lastly, I have pleaded in behalf of the multitudinous inhabitants of places, and who, while a neighbouring and rival nation expends annually this vast metropolis, and of all those occasionally visiting its public vast sums to please the people, have a reasonable claim on their rulers, to the gratification derivable from the inspection of works which delight the eye, arrest the attention, and improve, at the same time, their morals and

their taste.

These are the reasons which have impelled me earnestly to recommend that the present favorable opportunity of making a vast and valuable augmentation to the National Gallery now about to be erected, be not lost; whatever be the result, I shall not regret the employment of my time and Pen, while the attempt itself is consolatory to my feelings as a lover of my country, and, under all their fascinating aspects, an admirer of the Fine Arts: and though I should share largely in the gratification that would the integrity of my motives, I can sustain from defeat no disgrace; nor, accrue from success, yet, conscious of the enlargement of my views and the Ajaces of the conflict, have been exerted in vain, can I feel either while the spirit and strength and vigour of Shee and Hoare and Carey, surprised or ashamed that the javelin of an unknown and unskilful com batant may have fallen short of its aim.

tion of Telamon, that we retreat less on account of the prowess of the foa If, finally, we be driven from the field, we shall still have the consolathan of the darkness by which he is surrounded.

I remain, Sir, yours respectfully;

J. H.

In behalf, too, of the posthumous glory of George the Third, through whose unceasing protection those pictures may be said to have sprung up, since Mr West has been repeatedly heard to say," Had it not been for his Majesty's condescending kindness and liberal support, I had never been able to devote myself to the Historical and Scriptural subjects before you." And in behalf, also, of our present munificent Sovereign, who, anxious to tread in the footsteps of his revered and excellent father, has now a enviable and princely opportunity of completing the great work which his royal predecessor so generously and graciously began. I advocate this cause, too, for the sake of his Majesty's Ministers, who, as well by ERRATA. In the 2d Letter, Nov. 6, p. 707, line 20, 1st column, for their subsequent declarations, as by the purchase of the Townley, Phi "collection," read" collocation."-Line 27, for "the" unacquaintance, galian, and Elgin Marbles, and more recently, of the Angerstein collection read "their" unacquaintance.-Line 33, 2d column, read "unwieldy." of pictures, have evinced a liberal feeling towards the Fine Arts, and a Second col. line 46, read can the same scrutinizing hand have pur determination no longer to yield the palm of refined taste to the nations, sued," &c.-In the 1st line of the note to p. 708, read who was then the either of the old continent or the new. For the sake of the Directors of Palinurus."-Third Letter, Nov. 13, p. 722, 2d col. line 12, for “inthe British Institution, who bore honourable testimony to the transcen-terest," read" intimacy," and in line 59, for "liberality," read "liberal dant excellence of Mr West as an Historic Painter, and whose sound policy," &c. &c. discretion in so doing was abundantly proved by the high gratification afforded to the countless thousands who repaired to see his picture of Christ Healing the Sick. For the honour of the Royal Academy, the Chair of which Mr West so long and so reputably filled, and to whom the purchase of his works would be a compliment equally delicate and just. For the sake of the whole body of British Artists, at the head of whom, for many years, Mr West confessedly stood, who ought not, and who cannot, in common fairness, be told by those in authority," the National Gallery which we are erecting, to meet the wishes of an intelligent and enlightened people, will consist of works of acknowledged excellence in every department of Art; we have already expended large

Observations on the probable Decline or Extinction of Historic
Painting, &c. &c.

+ See what the writer says on the unhappy fate of poor Proctor.
Land-owners of either House of Parliament.
The Colonial planters and merchants.

..

...

Vide the excellent speech of the present Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the Commons House of Parliament, on the 23d Feb. 1824.

In a conversation which the author had in Paris in the year 1821 with the celebrated Le Thier, the Painter of the Judgment of Brutus, exhibited at the Egyptian Hall, that distinguished artist spoke enthusi astically of the pleasure he derived from his visit to London, and of the merits of various British Artists, but of none with such unbounded respect as of the noble compositions of West.

IRELAND.

NEW CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION.

At a Meeting held on the 25th ult. it was proposed by Mr O'CONNELL, and carried, that a petition should be presented to the Legislature, praying for the repeal of the law prohibiting Catholic Clergymen from marrying Protestants with Catholics.-Mr O'Connell observed, that owing to the state of the law on this subject, two Catholic Priests had been of late :

obliged to fly their country. An Act of George the Second had made it a capital felony for a Catholic Priest to marry a Protestant of any denomination with a Catholic, whether the clergyman was apprised of the religion of the parties or not-nay, even if, unknown to him, either of the parties, though Catholics at the time of the marriage, professed the Protestant Religion within a twelvemonth before the marriage. The refinement of modern wisdom had improved upon the antiquated humanity of this statute, for it not only subjected the Popish offender to the capital penalty, but imposed upon him a fine of 5004. afterwards. (Laughter.) The former statute remained unrepealed. Whether it was annulled by implication by the subsequent Act, would certainly be a question for the twelve Judges..

1

in many instances served with ejectments, and that other means, not quite
so palpable, but equally well understood, were employed in order to
ensure the submission of any hesitating wight who, on future occasions,
should presume to question the Baronet's absolute and undivided property
| in him.'
"And now, Sir, as to the sale of the Electors of the Borough: and
here I shall content myself with stating two facts? the first is-that, some
time in the course of last year, the agent of Sir Thos. Lethbridge delivered
the following proposal, stating that the property was in Taunton and its
neighbourhood, to a gentleman who professed to have an inclination to get
into Parliament :——

"Particulars of a Freehold Interest and Property, for Sale.-The number of Votes in the Borough is under 400. There are 130 in the controul of the Vender: 90 Independent, who support Ministers, and ani formly side with the Vender: 60 under the controul of the Second Member: and about 120 Reformers, who at present divide their Votes. The caly plot of ground within the range of the Borough, in which additional tesements can be erected, is included in the proposed sale, and on this plet 200 tenements may be erected, which would secure to the purchaser the absolute return for both seats. A clear rental of near 9002. per annumis now derived from the 130 houses, and if the additional 200 tenements be erected, they may be immediately let (with their gardens) at a boné fide to build the same for a sum not to exceed 60001.; the price required is rental of a 1000l. per annum. A party is ready, under sufficient securities, 25,000l. The purchaser will be introduced by the present proprietor fin

from him all that countenance and support which will be necessary for placing him on an agreeable footing with the Voters not directly under his controul. There is a considerable Estate, Mansion, &c. within a few miles of the Borough, which may be got at if desirable,'

"The public will judge, after reading this proposal, whether or not it ever entered into the brains of Sir Thos. Lethbridge' that he could sell the Electors of Taunton. This document asserts, that the property duly improved would give to the purchaser the absolute return for BOTH seats, and surely Mr Leigh does not mean to insinuate that the Baronet had held out expectations which had never entered into his brains could be realized. "My second fact is this, and I state it upon, unquestionable authority during the present year, Sir Thos. Lethbridge has offered to sell the property at 27,000l. with the GUARANTEE of a seat in Parliament ...

During the discussion which subsequently arose on the course to be adopted in furtherance of the objects of the Association, Mr O'CONNELL said, "the Duke of York, the Heir Presumptive to the Throne, has called God to witness, that he is an unconceivable enemy to Catholic freedom. It is immaterial to us, how he reconciles his Hanoverian principles with his Irish prejudices. How can he, who expects one day to ascend the throne, countenance the elevation of the Catholics of Hanover to equal power and dignity with the Protestants, in which it is to be supposed they are to be continued, and in the same breath in which he and his brother concede this justice, turn round upon the Catholics of Ireland, and degrade them beneath the condition of their fellow Catholics in Hanover? Is there any man in his senses who will not ask, how this is compatible with justice or policy? But what shall we gain for the Catholics, by demonstrating that such conduct is not reconcileable with justice or good sense? Our only chance of success is in the inten-whose family the property has been for nearly 200 years) and will receive Sity of our own exertions. We are taunted with looking for foreign aid. It is false: we do not look for foreign aid: all we look for is foreign sympathy, foreign reason, foreign judgment. We wish to produce an effect upon the public mind of Europe, for that acts upon the policy of England. Heretofore England has had too much control over the public mind of Europe. We wish that the influence of public opinion may be brought into play against the people of England; and that when they talk of their liberality and of the principles of the Revolution of 1688, they may be told by the voice of Europe, that they are vain, empty boasters; that they assert a principle they do not practise; that they act the part of men who know what is right, but do not practise it." Mr O'Connell proved that England had never made concessions to Ireland but in moments of distress and danger. "Was ever such fatuity known!" he exclaimed," that all our hopes of Emancipation should be made to consist in the distress of the British Government-that they should give us a perpetual interest in seeing England not powerful or prosperous to make us pray if we were only influenced by human motives, and were not animated by the more sublime duties of Christianity-that the Government may be weak and depressed, and that its enemies may be strengthened? That is the policy to which the Heir Presumptive of that splendid throne has pledged himself in the face of all Europe. It is our duty to rescue him from the consequences of his mad and blasphemous oath." Mr SHIEL, in the course of his remarks, deprecated the spirit of egotism and disputation that prevailed in the Association." It seemed," he said, "to be the destiny of our country! The love of disputation is ingrained in the national character.-This vice of ours has been selected for the purposes of ridicule, not only by the writers of England, but by foreign authors. It did not escape the sagacity of Le Sage: When I was in the University of Salamanca,' says Gil Blas, I used occasionally to meet certain Hibernian figures (des figures Hibernoises, il falloit nous voir disputer.) What horrid cries, what frightful exclamations, and all about nothing! We used to rush out of the School of Logic, like maniacs escaped from an asylum; and while we carried on our controversies in the public streets, the passengers stood by and thought us stark-staring mad.'" (Loud cheers.)

BOROUGH MONGERING-SIR THOS, LETHBRIDGE. [We republish the following letter from the Dorchester Journal, because, in the first place, it is the production of an able, upright, and patriotic Elector of Taunton,and in the next, because it is an admirable exposition as well of the profligate Boroughmongering system which prevails in this country, as of the real object which makes the worthy Baronet, Sir Thos. Lethbridge, affect at one time to be a determined Anti-Catholic; at another, a moderate Reformist; and then again, a high-flying Tory?]]\" TO THE EDITOR.

1

"Taunton, Nov. 15, 1825. « SIR,-In one of Mr Henry Leigh's speeches, he says: In regard to the worthy Baronet's attempt to sell the Electors of the Borough, "the idea was too contemptible to deserve notice; which of the Electors was weak enough to suppose that it was possible to be done, or that such a notion could ever have entered into the brains of Sir Thos. Lethbridge, or any one else? Those who knew him (Sir T. L.) knew that, as a man, and a gentleman, and as became a Representative of this great and rich county, he was himself. He had done so on recent occasion in the face of day, and had vindicated his character in the most bold and manly way." In this speech Mr Leigh also assures the meeting, that Sir Thos. Lethbridge never exercised any influence which his pro perty in the town gave him, but in the most legitimate inanner, and through the medium of a most delicate agent. On this latter point would remind Mr Leigh (and the facts are well known to him) that, after the last Elections, the Baronet's tenants, who had dared to vote contrary to the delicate hints given them both by himself!! and his agents, were

"I now proceed to what Mr Leigh calls a most bold and manly vindication, and I shall extract it from the account published by the Committée for the Election of General Peachey and Mr Baylay:

"Mr Bunter begged to ask him whether he had or had not offered his property in the Borough for sale for 27,000, with a guarantee of a seat în Parliament?-Sir Thos. Lethbridge replied, that it might perhaps be sufficient for him to say, that Mr Bunter had no right to put that question to him, but that he would give him such answer as would satisfy any honourable man: and first as to the guarantee, neither Sir Thos. Lethbridge, or Mr Baring, or any one else, could be silly enough to beliere that any property in Taunton could guarantee a seat in Parliament. The people of Taunton knew their own independence of spirit too well to sappose it, and he would add,most positively, that no recent négociation whatever had taken place for the sale of his property in Taunton.”

"Now, Sir, I know not what Mr Leigh may consider § bold and manly,' or how he may think it became a gentleman and the Representative of this great and rich county' to answer; but this I know, that no one, who has not suffered his party zeal or private interest to stultify his understanding, will contend, that Sir Thos. Lethbridge's speech was an answer to my question: in short, that it was anything but an impotent attempt to escape from the difficulties in which he found himself involved, by having mounted the rostrum,' in order to countenance his two nominees-Mr Henry Mervyn Baylay, of Hoo Meávy, and General Peachy, the former of whom he had introduced as a gentleman of respectability in the county of Devon, and worth 5000/, a-year, but in reference to whom, if report speaks truly, he has since said that the fellow ought to have been kicked out of the town. I have not heard what the gallant General, who told as that he is an officer, a magistrate, and a gentleman, and that he would be a pillar of the State,' has said to the Baronet on finding himself so honourably associated; this, however, is his business, and not mine.

"I have now only to repeat my firm belief, that every statement which I have ever made in reference to the attempted sale of Sir Thos. Lethbridge's property and influence in this Borough, or in other words, of the Electors of Taunton is true, and with this impression on my mind, I de not hesitate to quote from a paper, which has had some circulation here, and which concludes with the following observations : Sir Thos. Leth bridge has told you, that your present members are most respectable men, but that he wished to see them turned out of the representation of the Borough, because, upon vital questions questions on which hung the safety of the State, they voted wrong. Yet to one of these very members be offered to sell the property which was to secure to him a seat in Parliament, and the of those questions, so as to overturn the constitution and destroy the state-But this is not all, any res of any party and of any politics, Whig, Tory, or Radical, if he would have given Sir Thos. Lethbridge 27,0001. might have purchased the property the controul of 130 votes the support of 90 who uniformly side with him-the countenance and support which are necessary for placing him on an agreeable footing with the remainder, and a SEAT IN PARLIA MENT.' "I am, Sir, your very obedient servant, 251, all gut. « JAMES BUNTER.”

"We declare, according to our dogmas, that God alone knows the epocha of the restoration of Israel, and that it will be made known to the universe by unequivocal signs, and that every attempt to re-assemble, with a political national object, is forbidden as a crime against divine authority.hulu disetortastoji od div vhigih, bra sering "Major Noah has, without doubt, forgotten that the Israelites, faithful to the principles of their belief, are attached to the countries where they are established, and devoted to the Governments which afford them liberty and protection. They only regard as a matter of joke, the chimerical consulate of a Pseudo Restorer. so soitevį dliw sidiisqmon ei vide old stormmas for ›(Signed). “The Grand Rabbi of Cologna.” | kilo vhầu 100 –– Sarusa bong 30 gaileut, ATTORNIES” CLERKSDA 440 2001

FAILURES IN THE MONEY-MARKET, &c. 7m a celestialdmission-he speaks prophetic-be must be a qualified judge "A new impulse, says the Times, was given on Monday to the state of in Israel he gives his orders to all the Israelites of the world he levies agitation and distrust which has so long yexisted in the city, by the a tax upon all the Hebrew heads, and he goes the length, in his exaltaarrival of intelligence of the failure of the Plymouth Bank of Elford and tion, of making the Central Israelite Consistory of France his Charge Co. It appears that a run exists on most of the banks in the west of Eng-d'Affaires, and has intimated that the President of that administration land, but more particularly in Devonshire and Cornwall. Several ex- will be honoured with the noble place of Commissary of Emigration. presses were sent off to London on Saturday by different houses, who All works wonderfully well; but a few points require to be cleared up either were, or who apprehended themselves to be, in danger of a run,ist, we want proof of the authority and mission of Major Noah'; 3udly, for the purpose of obtaining a supply of gold to meet the emergency, the text of the prophecy, from which it appears that a bog or marsh in The partners of the London banking-houses with whom they kept ac- North America is to be the spot where the dispersed remnants of Israel counts were immediately sought for, on the arrival of the expresses, are to be re-united. Ban Idaon MA Insuphedia divd to x silting wherever they could be found, and some were called from their attend- “To speak seriously, it would be desirable to make Major Noah unance on divine service, to answer the despatches sent by their country derstand, that the venerable Drs Herschell and Meldola, Chief Rabbis at correspondents, All the gold to which access could be got on Sunday London, and myself, refuse the nomination which he has been pleased to was forwarded to the country in postchaises and four, the unusual ap- confer on us. pearance of which, in Lombard street, and its immediate neighbourhood, on that day, collected together a crowd of anxious inquirers to ascertain the cause. The bank, whose failure we have mentioned above, is, we understand, one which has hitherto enjoyed very high credit, and the knowledge of this fact has, we believe, much assisted to increase the alarm felt on that account in London."- "If this failure (observes the Chronicle,) was felt on 'Change, what must the effects have been on the spot? We have been favoured with the sight of a letter dated from Plymouth, on Saturday night, describing the distress and the fermentation among the people, in terms which we are afraid to repeat. Saturday was market day both at Plymouth and Dock, and as the country people would not take a single note, and nothing but notes of one bank or another were forthcoming, the people were almost frantic. The holders of notes are crossing and jostling each other in all directions. At Plymouth, the uproar was dreadful. There was literally a whole popula-subo TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES. tion, with food in abundance staring them in the face, and yet without the means of obtaining it, for gold alone would the sellers take, and gold was not to be had. By break of day all the Banks were surrounded by mobs, and the Civil Power was mustered in front of them. To an agi tated and tumultuous day, succeeded a night of fearful omen to many an unfortunate family. Several of the bankers set off for this metropolis on Friday, in the utmost haste, to obtain, if possible, means to meet the run; but if they should weather the difficulty, who, after such repeated failures and consequent distress and alarm, will have any confidence in the issues of Country Bankers? Indeed, in Plymouth, there has been the utmost shyness on the part of the people with regard to bank-notes since the failure of the bank of Shiells and John. But this failure will be attended with much more extensive distress from the largeness of the concern. Sir Wm. Elford, the head of the firm, is a Baronet, Recorder of Plymouth, and a Magistrate. J. W. Clarke, Esq. another partner, is a Magistrate. The third partner is a Mr Tingcomb. A bill was posted up, stating that, they hoped to meet all demands by getting down large supplies of gold from London, and that the public might rely on it

that their estates are unentailed and unincumbered."

SIR,-Allow me at this season, when the complaints of the miserable venting my lamentations on behalf of a most industrious and ill-requited are daily being aided by your friendly succour, to solicit a corner for body of men-viz. Attornies' Clerks. While the merchant and the banker discharge their assistants, with few exceptions, at an hour amply sufficient to give time for learning and relaxation, and while the shopkeepers men are exciting universal commisseration, it seems to be forgotten that the attorney's clerk is precluded entirely under the present system from keeping pace with the spirit of improvement now so gloriously developing itself. Many of this class have serious duties to perform, and are required to possess a very extended stock of general information to qualify them to fill their stations creditably. When, then, are they to acquire this? Are they to attend the lecture or the reading-room at 10 at night, after being jaded and worn out with nearly 12 hours close ception of the time allotted for dinner (which is too often curtailed) their application to business? Close application, I term it, for, with the exlabour is incessant. Institutions are daily rising, but which of them will delay its sittings to accommodate the attorney's clerk --Assuredly none. In most offices of business the hours are in term, and during the Chancery But most, front of enite, allowing in

dinner-time, and at other periods from nine till eight,

hour to ten.

It said that a large amount of gold and Bank of England notes were sent off by the mail-coaches, both on Monday and Tuesday, to the different country bankers, for the purpose of guarding them against the Now I would suggest, with all humility, that the clerk should be consequences of a run upon them. This precaution has been adopted in allowed to leave one hour earlier, and that it should be a rule that the many instances without instructions, it being obvious that all the mis-regulation so adopted should be observed strictly; for as things now chief which frequently follows a sudden run upon a country bank might stand, the eight o'clock time is oftener extended to nine, and the latter take place before remittances could be obtained from London. writt The failure of the highly-respectable firm of Messrs Davison and Dowsland was announced on Tuesday at the Foreign Stock Exchange, The circumstance caused much, regret, these gentlemen having established, by their general transactions, a character for the greatest honour and integrity, and by having, in a recent instance, voluntarily discharged large debts, with the accumulated interest, for which no legal claim could be made on them. We understand that their present difficulties, which have been principally brought on by the rapid depreciation in foreign securities, are likely to be adjusted in a satisfactory manner to all concerned.-Times.

The notice for calling in Exchequer Bills appeared in Tuesday's Gazette. The increase of interest from 13d. to 2d. per diem on the amount of Exchequer Bills about to be re-issued, raises the interest on each 1007. bill from 21. 5s. 73d, to 31. Os. 10d. per annum, making an addition of interest on the whole amount of Exchequer Bills, if calculated at 4,000,0001, of about 30,0001. per annum.

b you THE JEWS MAJOR NOAH. A recent number of the Journal des Debats contains the following letter on the address of Major Noah, who wishes to colonize the Jews in North America :— 19m 1092919 Toy jedi,nny blat Rood aghind "Sir, The wisdom and love of truth which has long distinguished your journal, and the well-deserved reputation it enjoys in France and foreign countries, induces me to hope you will give insertion to a few observations, which I submit to the public in behalf of reason and truth. De azoit nogu gaiter to towng ait bag "The French and English papers have lately announced the singular project of Major Noah, who calls himself the founder of the city of Ararat, in the United States of North America. Certainly, if Major Noah, being, as many suppose, the proprietor of a great extent of uncultivated territory, would confine himself to engaging adventurers to run the risk of colonization, under the promise of mountains of gold, no one would think of denying him the rank of one of the greatest projectors of he day; but Major Noah plays a much higher game; he dreams of

Let the plan suggested be adopted, or some other equally adequate to remedy the evil, and the Western and City Institutions, just commencing under such favourable auspices, will immediately obtain a large accession of numbers. I am aware that the matter might be put in a much stronger light, but I trust that enough has been said to show that the system is defective, and that Principals as well as Clerks would profit by I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

an alteration of it.
November 29.

AN ATTORNEY'S CLERK.

PROPHECIES FOR 1826,7+ Paxidique »V}

A prophet, they say, is not honoured in his own country; but wherefore, the complainants do not inform us, though peradventure it might be a useful inquiry. One Francis Moore, physician, used however to be much consulted by many ancient ladies and gentlemen, and by not a few substantial yeomen and their spectacled dames; but we hear, such is the lamentable scepticism of the age, that Mr Francis Moore's predictions are now greatly neglected, and in some quarters absolutely scoffed at and reviled." Otimes! O manners!"Whether our venerable seer, Sir WILLON BRACHM, Baronet, K.T.R. who consults the stars for the benefit of the British public and of Messrs Knight and Lacey, Paternoster row, merits any better fate, our readers will be able to judge for themselves, from the following passages, extracted from the just-published" Prophetic Almanac, or Annual Abstract of Celestial Lore, for 1826; »ged bean for runs do Rumour about, with many "its" and "buts," A tale for the gossips proves delightful nuts, Oxford in half whispers puts,,

JANUARY.

Joy a equula e6#5 Which The ascendants of Spain and the city of Lisbon have much concern in the significations here exhibited; and plainly is it indicated that the monks thirst for heretic blood. The King is placed between two factions, in no very enviable posture, and a great maritime power is engaged in the conflict, Mars occupies also the ascendant of America and the House of Gubernatrix, by whom also that country is represented; which denotes a stir in that quarter. door brugt naviy elid stod de atent

An extraordinary contention breaks out, and the features of the heavens authorise the anticipation of an unexpected hostility, attended with unusual exasperation. Time will no doubt affirm what is so obviously sig-mitting violence on some independent petty state, and Hanover is again nified. Vanity so blinds Rulers and their Officers of State, that they look upon themselves rather as paramount controllers of the moral world than as accountable creatures, till their stupidity having run its length, they are dashed to pieces as a potter's vessel. Some cry-out about Ecclesiastical Revenues causes, as it seems, much acrimony and feud.