Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

Mussulmans to refrain from all spirituons liquors, and to be ever ready to fight the enemy, even before the gates of the capital itself; to remember the example of other nations, who, under circumstances less favourable, have come out triumphantly from the struggles which they had to sustain. The firman concludes by a general appeal to men, from 16 to 60 years, under arms.

GREECE.

According to an official declaration lately carried to Constantinople, by M. Jaubert, dated London, Nov. 16th, and signed by the Earl of Aberdeen, Prince Polignac, and Count Lieven, these Ministers notify to the Porte, that the object of the expedition to the Morea having been attained, the Allied Powers owe it to their dignity to prevent the Morea from being exposed to new invasions. The three Courts therefore declare, that, "till a definitive arrangement, made in common with them, has regulated the lot of the provinces which the Alliance has caused to be cccupied by their troops, they place the Morea and the isles of the Cyclades under their provisional guarantee; and that in virtue of this declaration, they will view as an aggression against themselves the entrance of any tary force into that country."

mili

NORTH AMERICA. RELIGIONS IN NEW YORK.-The number of places of worship in New York is 99, viz:-Trinitarian Presbyterian, 22; Protestant Episcopal, 18; Baptists, 14; Reformed Dutch, 13; Methodist Society, 3; Methodist Episcopal, 7; Methodist African, 3; Independents, 4; Friends, 3; Roman Catholics, 3; Lutherans, 2; Unitarian, 2; Universalists, 2; Moravians, 1; Hebrew Synagogue, 1; New Jerusalem, 1.

SOUTH AMERICA.

In consequence of the declaration of war by Bolivia against Peru, news of which had reached Lima, a proclamation had been issued by Salazar, the Peruvian Vice-President, declaring all the ports in the Pacific, from Tombez to Panama, in a state of blockade. The Peruvian navy, by which this extensive blockade is to be sustained, is stated to consist only of one frigate and several small vessels, all with very efficient crews.

Accounts from Mexico coufirm the surrender of the port of Perote to General Rincon, who had two short actions with Sata Ana, ten days before the surrender, when the latter escaped, and by the last accounts was about three hundred miles in the interior, endeavouring to reach Guatamala, pursued by two superior bodies of the Government troops. It was expected the attempted insurrection would prove beneficial to the republice, by clearing it of a number of ambitious and dangerous men GENT. MAG. January, 1829.

AUSTRALASIA.

73

land.-Extensive arrangements have, for Settlement on the Western Coast of Holsome time past, been in progress, for the formation of a settlement at the Swan River, on the western coast of New Holland, and government for taking formal possession of directions have been given by the English this almost unknown country. A list of the regulations by which emigrants from the United Kingdom to this new settlement are to be governed, has been published. From them it appears, that none but men of some capital are wished for by the King's government as undertakers of the projected enterprise. The state is to be at no expense whatever. The colonist is to support himself and family throughout the voyage and after the disembarkation, and to protect from want, at his own proper charge, any labourers or servants whom he may take ont from England, receiving for each an indem-` nification to the amount of 157. which is decided to be equivalent to 200 acres of land. For each 31. of capital employed upon the enterprise, and proved to have bandry, or other articles applicable to the been expended in stock, implements of huspurposes of productive industry, or to be in the hands of the colonist disposable for such employment, he is to receive 40 acres of land, that is to say, the purchase of his fee-simple estate is to be 1s. 6d. per acre. So that for an outlay of 600l. a man may become master of 8000 acres.

In the early part of last year Captain Stirling, of his Majesty's ship Success, was directed to examine the western coast of New Hollaud from Cape Leeuwin northwards. Cape Leeuwin, or Lion's Land, is the south-west part of New Holland, and was so called from the Dutch ship which first discovered it in 1660. Here it was that the late Captain Fleaders commenced his survey on the 7th of Dec. 1801, which was confined entirely to the south and east coasts; while about the same time an examination of the west and south coasts took place by Captain Baudin, a French navigator. Until the visit of Captain Stirling, in Feb. 1827, we were entirely indebted to Baudin for our knowledge of the Swan River. The object of Captain Stirling's expedition was to ascertain an eligible situation for the establishment of a colony; and the report made by him, after the careful examinationof five hundred miles of coast, has led to the selection of the Swan River, situated in 32 deg. 4 min., and deriving its name from the numerous black swans by which it is frequented. It was surveyed by the French to the distance of about sixty miles. Captain Stirling penetrated to its source, and some way beyond, through an extending picturesque and fertile country, until he

74

Foreign News.-Domestic Occurrences.

arrived at an extensive range of mountains, the view from which presented only a vast and boundless plain. Although Captain Stirling's first interview with the natives in his progress up the river assumed rather a hostile character, it terminated in perfect amity, which continued uninterrupted. The inhabitants were found in the most deplorable state of savage ignorance, clothed merely with a mantle of kangaroo or oppossum skins, and armed with spears pointed by the bones of animals or flint. A stone adze and a mother-of-pearl fishing-hook appeared to be their only implements, with fishing-lines manufactured from the bark of trees. In summer (which, be it observed, is our winter) they frequent the coast in considerable numbers, and live chiefly upon fish taken by spearing, as they are unacquaiuted with the mode of making nets, as well as the construction of a canoe, or even raft of the rudest kind.

The climate of the Swan River is described as extremely salubrious. Although the heat is very great during the middle of the day, yet the frequent showers and cool breezes from the mountains deprive it of any injurious effect. The mornings and the evenings allow ample time for labour, and the nights are clear and beautiful. The heat is probably greater upon the sea shore than inland, owing to the power of the sun on a sandy soil; but it should be stated that no case of

[Jan.

sickness occurred to Capt. Stirling's crew, though they were necessarily much exposed. The soil is described as most inviting to the agriculturist. Springs are abundant; and so rich is the vegetation, that thistles and ferns were observed which had attained the enormous growth of twelve feet. The trees, too, assumed the most luxuriant green possible. Several specimens of minerals were collected by Captain Stirling, which have been deposited with the Geological Society. Of the birds, the most common are the emu or cassowary-the swan, and several species. of the duck tribe, which are particularly numerous-cockatoos, both white and black

quails, pigeons, parroquets, kingfishers, falcons, and many singing birds. On the coast, seals, but of the least valuable kind, abound and both whales and sharks are frequently seen. Fish, of a variety of excellent kinds, is plentiful; and there appears little doubt but that a valuable fishery will result from the establishment of the projected colony. Two ships of war have been appointed to take out the settlers, and Cap-. tain Stirling has been nominated governor of the new settlement. Lieutenant Roe, of the navy, who was employed in the survey of New Holland under Captain King, goes out as surveyor-general to the new colory; and some other officers, selected for their scientific acquirements, have received subordinate appointments.

DOMESTIC OCCURRENCES.

IRELAND.

The Marquis of Anglesea has been recalled from the Viceroyalty of Ireland. The circumstances which led to this event were as follow:-On the 11th of December the Duke of Wellington transmitted the following letter to Dr. Curtis, the Catholic Primate of Ireland, in reply to a letter from that gentleman respecting the Catholic ques

tion.

"My dear Sir, I have received your letter of the 4th instant, and I assure you that you do me justice in believing that I am sincerely anxious to witness the settlement of the Roman Catholic question, which, by benefitting the state, would confer a benefit on every individual belonging to it. But I confess that I see no prospect of such a settlement. Party has been mixed up with the consideration of the question to such a degree, and such violence pervades every discussion of it, that it is impossible to expect to prevail upon men to consider it dispassionately. If we could bury it in oblivion for a short time, and employ that time diligently in the consideration of its difficulties on all sides (for they are very great), I should not despair of seeing a

[blocks in formation]

An intimacy which has long subsisted between the Duke and the Archbishop, originating in some services rendered to the British army at Salamanca by Dr. Curtis, then rector of that place, will account for the apparently strange familiarity of the address. Dr. Curtis obtained his appointment as Archbishop and Catholic Primate through the interest and recommendation of the Duke of Wellington, who has always treated him with marked kindness. The reply of the Archbishop is dated from Drogheda, Dec. 19, in which, among other observations, he says, "My friends have no hesitation in declaring, that the project mentioned by your Grace, of burying the Catholic question in oblivion, for the purpose of considering it more at leisure, is totally inadmissible, and would exasperate in the highest degree those who are already too much excited, and would only consider that measure as a repetition of the same old pretext, so often employed to elude and disappoint their hopes of redress; but that if it even were adopted, it could only serve to augment the difficulties, by allowing the

[blocks in formation]

contending parties, and particularly the enemies of all concession, the opportunities they seek for preparing their means of resistance and violence, which they have latterly carried to the most alarming lengths, which they have avowed and publicly announced in atrocious and sanguinary terms. An effectual remedy would cost your Grace but one word."

On the 22d of December Dr. Curtis wrote to the Marquis of Anglesea, transmitting, at the same time, the Duke of Wellington's letter, with his own reply thereto. On the Dext day the noble Marquis returned an answer, which might be considered as equivalent to a resiguation of his high office. "I did not (says he) know the precise sentiments of the Duke of Wellington upon the present state of the Catholic question. -Knowing it, I shall venture to offer my opinion upon the course that it behoves the Catholics to pursue." "I differ from the opinion of the Duke, that an attempt should be made to bury in oblivion' the question for a short time. First, because the thing is utterly impossible; and next, because, if the thing were possible, I fear that advantage might be taken of the pause, by representing it as a panic achieved by the late violent reaction, and by proclaiming that if the Government at ouce and peremptorily decided against concession, the Catholics would cease to agitate, and then all the miseries of the last years of Ireland will be to be re-acted. What I do recommend is,

that the measure should not be for a moment lost sight of that anxiety should continue to be manifested-that all constitutional (in contradistinction to merely legal) means should be resorted to, to forward the cause; but that, at the same time, the most patient forbearance, the most submissive obedience to the laws should be inculcated."

Shortly after this, it was officially announced, that the Marquis of Anglesea was no longer the Viceroy of Ireland; and ou the 19th of January he took his departure from Dublin. The event was marked by a strong manifestation of public feeling. The prineipal shops were closed, aud at an early hour, the vicinity of the Castle was thronged with a vast assemblage of persons of almost every rank and condition in society. In a short time after, the military proceeded to line the different streets, which were to form the line of route. Sinall parties of the police were interspersed at occasional intervals, and on the Kingstown road were nine detachments of military and mounted police. -The Duke of Northumberland has been appointed to succeed the noble Marquis.

The Lord Chancellor of Ireland has decided that clergymen may hold pluralities of livings, provided they are thirty English miles apart. The judgment was had in the case of the Primate of all Ireland, who refused to grant a faculty to the Rev. Mr.

75

Cotton, who was presented to the living of Thurles, holding at the same time the Archdeaconry of Cashel. The decision is, therefore, in favour of the Archdeacon of Cashel.

SCOTLAND.

Jan. 12. The Anniversary Meeting of the Church Patronage Society was held at chair. In 1824, this society was instituted, Edinburgh, George Sinclair, Esq. in the having two distinct objects, one the acquisition by purchase of rights of patronage offered for sale; and the other, the diffusion of right sentiments regarding the exerblishment by means of public discussion cise of patronage, and their practical estaperiod, the patronage of one parish has among both patrons and people. Since that been acquired by the society for the benefit of the parish; that of another has been so placed, that the society, if duly countethe people. Twenty auxiliaries have, in various quarters of the country, added their weight to the institution; and others are

nanced, will be enabled to restore it also to

about to be formed. The directors dis

tinctly state in the report, in answer to the objections against a popular election, as being ill-qualified to ensure a good appointment, that the right of voting will be confined" to cominunicants admitted to ordinances on discipline." After nominating the officers of the society for the year casuing, the meeting separated.

Jan. 12. The Glasgow Theatre was en tirely destroyed by fire, which was first discovered in the interior by the performers, while engaged in the rehearsal of Blue Beard. In a few minutes the flames extended themselves to every part of the building, until it became one vast and burning mass, and in little more than two hours nothing was visible but a heap of smoking ruins. The engines, except for the purpose of keeping the flames from_the_adjoining houses, were of little use. Two thick walls preserved the houses on the north side; and the New Exchange, on the south, was saved by the efforts of the firemen. The cause of the accident is not explained; but it is said to have arisen from an explosion of gas in the gallery entrance, owing to inattention in turning it off.

Mr. Seymour, the manager, will, it is feared, be ruined by this calamity, as his loss is calculated at 1,500l., and unfortunately he was not insured for a single penuy. The proprietors of the theatre had insured it for 5,500. in various offices. But few articles were saved from the flames. No lives were lost.

The following description of the theatre is given in Dr. Cleland's Annals of Glasgow. "The theatre in Dunlop-street having been found inconvenient, and too small for the

[blocks in formation]

accommodation of the public, a magnificent one has been erected on the west side of Queen-street, on the principle of transferable shares of twenty-five pounds each, from designs by Mr. David Hamilton. This building is one hundred and fifty-eight feet long, and seventy feet wide, calculated to contain fifteen hundred persons, or about 250. per night-being of greater extent than any of the provincial theatres. The east front of the building is composed of an arcade basement, supporting six Ionic columns, thirty feet high, with corresponding pilasters, entablatures, and appropriate devices. The centre, or principal vestibule, which leads to the boxes by a double flight of stairs, is separated from the corridores by a screen, interspersed with Corinthian columns, which gives the entrance a very impressive effect. The spectatory is of an elliptic form, displaying two tier of boxes, slips, and galleries; the proscenium is thirty feet wide, enriched with antique ornaments; and the stage balconies are done up in superior taste. The building and scenery cost upwards of 18,500l."

The Duke of Athol is now building a new palace at Dunkeld, which, judging from the plans, bids fair, in some measure, to vie with the magnificent palace of our Sovereign. It is, however, designed in a style of architecture which may be more properly denominated the abbey than the castellated gothic. The internal arrangements of the rooms are of the same princely dimensions, and the principal entrance is by a porch, sufficiently lofty to admit of a carriage being driven under it. From this porch a vestibule, 50 feet in length, leads into the great hall, 90 feet long; thence to the grand staircase, which is only separated from the hall by a screen of open arches. From the hall and staircase is a coinmunication with the state rooms; and, by a spacious and handsome corridor, attached to the staircase, with the Duke's private apartment. The library, dining, and drawing-room, are each 50 feet by 80, and 22 feet in height, and the other apartments are of corresponding proportions. His Grace, although at the advanced age of 74, takes the greatest interest in the work, which, from its size and splendour, is calculated to transmit his name to posterity as the founder of one of the finest structures in North Britain.

INTELLIGENCE FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF THE COUNTRY. ANTI-CATHOLIC PETITIONS. Meetings have been held in various parts of the kingdom, particularly in the West of England, to prepare petitions against the Catholic claims. On the 16th of Jan. a meeting of the freeholders of Devonshire took place in the Castle Yard, Exeter.

[Jan

There were from twelve to thirteen thou sand persons present, amongst whom were the leading nobility and gentry of the county. The supporters of each party were ranged on opposite sides of the ground, and the movements of the people who attended to support the petition were organized by flag-signals in the same manner as at Penenden-heath, and their applause or disapprobation elicited accordingly. Mr. Fursdon moved the petition, and it was seconded by Mr. Fulford, jun. The earl of Morley moved an amendment, declaring the propriety of leaving the question to the wisdom of Parliament. William Courtenay, Esq. (Deputy Clerk of Parliament) seconded the amendment. Mr. Holdsworth opposed it, and Lord Ebrington supported it. Sir Thomas Lethbridge followed, and denounced the great mass of the Irish Association, of which Lord Ebrington was a member, as traitors, whose suppression the public safety demanded. Mr. Buller moved another amendment, distinctly in favour of concessions to the Catholics. Lord Seymour seconded it. Lord Morley's amendment was negatived by a considerable majority. On Mr. Buller's amendment being put, all the liberal party voted in its favour; but this amendment was negatived, and the original petition adopted, by a considerable majority.

A meeting has been held at Sidmouth, Edward Lee, Esq. in the chair, to petition in favour of Emancipation. The first resolution declared the propriety of leaving the question to Parliament; but an anti-Catholic petition having been circulated as expressing the sentiments of the inhabitants of the eastern part of Devon (in which district Sidmouth is situated), the inhabitants of that town and neighbourhood were induced to come forward, and declare their sentiments to be unchanged on the question. The petition adopted is to be presented in both Houses of Parliament on the night the anti Catholic petition is presented.

At a meeting at Truro, a petition against Emancipation was proposed and seconded

by Dr. Carlion and the Earl of Falmouth. Mr. Budd (editor of the West Briton) and some other gentlemen opposed it, but the petition was carried by a large majority. Meetings have been also held at Bodmin, Launceston, Callington, Helston, and Penzance, to petition against the Catholic claims. At Bodmin, an amendment was moved by W. Peter, Esq. barrister, of Truro, seconded by C. Rashleigh, Esq., and negatived by a great majority. Some gentlemen at the Launceston meeting avowed themselves friendly to Emancipation, but declined offering any opposition to the object of the requisitionists. An amendment was moved at Callington, by W. O. Trelawney, Esq., and seconded at great length by John Rundle, Esq. of Tavistock: it was

[blocks in formation]

rejected by a large majority. At Helston, the petition was unanimously adopted; and at Penzance, after an ineffectual opposition, a similar petition was carried by a Considerable majority.

The Presbytery of Glasgow have had a meeting on the propriety of petitioning respecting Catholic emancipation. After a long debate, a petition against further concessions was carried by twenty-two votes to four.

Similar meetings, which have been held in various parts of the kingdom, have been generally attended with the same results.

During the year 1828, the revenue of Great Britain and Ireland was improved to the amount of 2,000,000l. The consumption of cotton and indigo was greater than ever had before been known. Of cotton the quantities consumed were, in the respective years-1822, 550,800 bags; 1825, 615.940 bags; 1827, 662,900 bags; 1828, 732,700 bags. Of indigo, the quantities sold for home consumption were as follow: -Year 1825, 2,066,938 chests; 1826, 1,766,470 chests; 1827, 2,143,773 chests; 1828, 2,910,053 chests. In the course of 1828, 13,262 ships passed the Sound, viz.: -4,425 English, 2,240 Prussian, 1,322 Swedish, 1,090 from the North, 1,057 Dutch, 908 Danish, 676 of Mecklinburg, 531 Hanoverian, 409 Russian, 216 American, 129 French, 119 from Lubeck, 60 from Bremen, 36 from Oldenburgh, 24 from Hamburgh, 8 Portuguese, and a Sicilian.

That coals are to be found in the neighbourhood of Stamford has been for many years a popular opinion. At Nassington, about six miles south-west of Stamford, the presence of iron ore is so remarkable, that the Earl of Westmorland is at this time employing an active person in digging and boring with a view to the discovery of coal. At present, we believe, the boring is not to any great depth, but the belief that coal will ultimately reward the investigation, is greatly strengthened by the finding of considerable quantities of a beautiful calcareous spar, which is undoubtedly the tale or mica of chemistry; this is usually an intervening

stratum between iron-stone and coal. The iron-stone is so remarkably rich, that Mr. Stanniforth has been able, by the heat of a common smith's forge, to procure metal from it.

A window of painted glass has lately been placed in the chancel of Wonston Church, being the gift of the late Hon. and Rev. A. G. Legge, Chancellor of the diocese of Winchester, and for 31 years rector of the parish of Wonston. The artist, Mr. Edwards, of Winchester, has exhibited a brilliant specimen of his talents and skill. The design is the Ascension of our Saviour; the principal figure in the centre is that of

77

Christ ascending, copied from Raphael: on each side is a cross and other appropriate devices, in rich and glowing colours.

Jan. 2. At a meeting at Leicester, it was resolved to form a Public Banking Company in that town. subscribed is 500,000l. divided into five The capital proposed to be thousand shares of 100l. each; and the Company is to be considered as formed as soon as two thousand shares are subscribed for.

Jan. 19. A public meeting was held on this day, at the London Tavern, to promote a subscription for the distressed inhabitants of Queenborough, who are reduced to the most abject distress by the arbitrary conduct of the select body of the Corporation. The exclusion of the freemen from the oyster beds of the borough, because they refuse to sign a paper acknowledging their submission has, out of a population of 700, left 431 to any bye-laws imposed by the select body, without the slightest resource. Mr. Capel, M. P. for Queenborough (who acted as chairman), Mr. Alderman Lucas, Mr. Platt, Sergeants Merewether and Wilde, and Mr. Adolphus, were among the subscribers.

LONDON AND ITS VICINITY. Jan. 13.

A numerous Meeting of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, was held at the society's house, Lincoln's Inn-fields. The Bishop of London was in the chair. His Lordship was accompanied by the Bishop of Llandaff. The Secretary read a letter from his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, which stated that the society's edition of the Book of Common Prayer in Italian, and intended for circulation in Italy, abounded in error, and was defective in its ecclesiastical phraseology; his Grace, therefore, recommended that it should be withdrawn. A resolution, authorising the Archbishop of Canterbury (in which it was admitted that his Grace was one of the best Italian scholars in the Church) to revise and correct the faulty edition, was agreed to. A report relative to the present state of the society's tracts was then laid before the meeting. Mr. Benson, in reference to the report, gave notice of two resolutions which he intended to put at the next meeting, to take place in February; they were to the following effect:

"That various of the tracts now in circulation by the society have become unsuited to the taste and temper of the present times, and on that account ought to be withdrawn; and that a Committee be appointed to superintend the writing of new tracts, and that such Committee report to the general meeting." The Rev. Mr. Tolley complained that no attention had been paid to a notice which he had taken of an error in the society's edition of Bp.Horsley's Bible. The Bishop of London, who had left the chair, said that

« AnteriorContinuar »