your health will permit. We adjure you to grant this request, by your own fame, an object which is not more dear to you than it is to us, and we confidently rely upon your respect for public opinion, that you will not cover us with the regret of a refusal. We have spared the annexation of signatures as inadequate and unnecessary, even if our numbers and restricted limits permitted that form The pealing applause of the audience, cach night of your performance, and the united voice which accompanies this, are the best attestation of the public sentiment. Monday, June 23, 1817. In This tasteful expression of public respect was accompanied by a superb crown of laurel to decorate the brows of Mr. Kemble, and both were handed by the audience, from seat to seat, from the back to the front of the Pit, to be presented at the conclusion of the play. They were then delivered by the Gentleman who held them, to M. Talma, the celebrated French Trage dian, who sat in the orchestra, with a request that he would fling them upon the stage for Mr. Kemble. This was executed and applauded, with loud cries for Mr. Fawcett, the Stage Manager, to present them to Mr. Kemble. One of the servants entered to clear the stage, but was warned by the general shout not to touch these testimonies of public respect. Mr. FawCETT entered and took up the satin scroll and crown, and shewed them to the audience with these words: -" Ladies and Gentlemen, I presume that I am to consider this crown and scroll as a mark of public respect to Mr. Kemble. If it be your pleasure to depute me to present the laurel to that Gentleman, it will be the most delightful task which ever fell to my lot to perform.”— The whole house, by a burst of applause and cries of " yes, yes,"-communicated their desire. Mr. Fawcett, with respectful acknowledgments bowing, assured the audience that, in their name he would present their compliment to Mr. Kemble; and withdrew, with the Crown and Address. amidst fresh tokens of esteem and respect for the eminent Actor whom they had just lost. PORTABLE SOUP. The testimonies of respect to this great Performer emanated from various quarters. The plan of an invitation by a Public Advertisement to a dinner at the Freemasons'Hall, and the tribute of a Piece of Plate, in acknowledgment for his professional exertions, were most liberally forwarded by his Brethren and taken up by the Nobility, Gentry, Men of Letters, and Artists of the Country. The idea of an Address for a Farewell, but not a final one, originated in a distant circle of Lovers of the Drama, not personally known to Mr. Kemble. their subsequent choice of a writer, they applied to one who also was an entire stran. ger to Mr. Kemble, and was only known to them by the circumstances of his having, in various Publications, for many years spontaneously expressed his sense of that eminent Actor's powers, He could not, therefore, be supposed to speak any other than his unbiassed opinions, which had already met their concurrence. The manuscript was read in private circles, and in the Pit at Covent Garden, some time before it was printed. Only two days before the first intended night of delivery, a printed copy being, as is customary on such occasions, communicated to reach him; the resolution of Mr. Kemble to persevere in his farewell was received with regret, but not without hope. Printed copies were, also, handed through private circles in town, a week before the farewell night. On that night, between the 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th acts, printed copies were circulated by several Gentlemen in the Pit and Boxes; and were perused with earnest attention. The Receiver was requested to read it aloud, or hand it along the row in the Pit or round always contrived to win the affections the Box in which he was seated. It was at the same time circulated in the Galleries: a copy of it had also been printed in gold letters, upon white satin, surrounded by a wreath of roses, surmou te by a crown of laurel, and encompassed by an outer border embroid 'red in gold: the tassels on each corner were acorns of gold twist. vegetable and animal jelly, and is, THE Portable Soup is concentrated no doubt, a valuable preparation for long voyages; and for the army in an enemy's country, where provisions cannot be readily obtained. It is too highly seasoned for common use. To the Editor of the European Magazine. SIR, BELIEVE you were never acquainted with my late worthy and respected father, Peter Pliant, Esq.-ah! more's the pity. He was a man of such infinite humour and gaiety, that be of every one whom he conversed with. Possessed also of a considerable share of wit and good-nature, he was the life of every family he visited, and a welcome guest every-where; nor was he less admired for the sprightliness of his conversation and his fund of entertainment, than for those solid and sterling qua lities which are necessary to the dignity of human nature. He never lost sight of that prepriety which renders wit agreeable, nor were his views upon serious subjects at all obstructed by the general vivacity of his disposition; at times he would pour the wholesome doctrines of religion and virtue into my bosom, display the superiority of righteous habits, and season his advice with such suitable remarks, that always secured my attention, and, I hope, bettered my heart. I believe, also, you were never acquainted with his son. Peter Pliant, junior (meaning myself)-and-I was going a second time to observe-ah! more's the pity: but, lest your readers should be apt to doubt my claims to an uncommon share of modesty, which I inherited from my mother's side, I shall leave it to Time to determinehowever, to proceed.-I was brought up mostly in the country, spending a few weeks occasionally at an uncle's in London; and as my father was possessed of a comfortable independency, settled to no particular branch of employment. When but a child, I was sent to a school in the village, where many of my own age daily assembled to receive the instructions of an almost superannuated dame, who, however, would often exclaim, that I had more learning in my head than all her other scholars put together, and, without violence to truth, she might have included her own-but my father paid her well for her trouble, and she, of course, had no inclination to underrate my abilities-being the richest man in the village too, she was afraid of offending him. I will not say whether the same motive actuated the parishclerk but true it was, he would often own how I puzzled him with my observations, and astonished him with my arguments, when he met me wandering to school, and was often heard to exclaim, that I knew my catechism better than any one else in the place. The farmers' wives and daughters, too, would praise my behaviour whenever I met them. In short, Sir, Master Peter was an universal favourite. At my father's table, which was often open to his friends, I was constantly indulged with a seat from my earliest recollection, and always remember with pleasure those scenes which invariably : abounded with harmless merriment. I listened with attention to the jokes of the company, and applauded the various sallies of wit and imagination, with the rest. My father, pleased with my discernment, or rather what his partiality considered so, would often pat me on the head, and exclaim, Ah, Peter! thou wilt surely come to something, for I plainly see thou wert never born to disgrace me." Young as I was, I understood these expressions, and, of course, always exerted myself the more till I became famous in the village for my quickness of repartee and shrewdness of mind. Thus passed very happily the first years of my life, till a fatal disorder confined my father to his bed, and gave rise to fears which eventually robbed the poor of a kind friend, and myself of an indulgent and exemplary instructor. A few hours before he resigned his breath to Him who gave it, he summoned me to his chamber; and raising himself as well as extreme debility would allow him, thus addressed me :-" Human life, you see, my son, is ever subject to misfortunes while we are yet in possession of it, and must some day or other sink into eternity. We are ignorant of the hour when Death approaches, therefore it behoves us to be always prepared for its coming. My dissolution I feel is at hand, but I cannot refrain with my latest breath from impressing on your nind the necessity of invariably adopting the principles of religion for your guide and support through life; they will soothe the pangs of misfortune, and enliven the moments of pleasure; and though the vanities of life may attract and please for a while, they must inevitably, sooner or later, fade and decay before the superior attainments of virtue and religion. Thank God! I cannot accuse my heart of any great crime; and though I am fully seusible of my frailties, and aware of my imperfections, I still hope for that mercy which I have endeavoured, however feebly, to deserve." - This discourse, which was often interrupted by his tears, was now discontinued, from his inability to proceed further; he laid his head gently on the pillow, and in a few hours quilted the regions of mor tality for those of endless happiness. I will pass over the immediate events that succeeded this occurrence, and merely state, that I followed him to the grave with sincere sorrow. An event happened at this scene of melancholy, which made me the more regret his loss at the moment, but was afterwards productive of the most agreeable sensations. On arriving at the place of interment, with a few of his select friends, who anxiously desired to pay the last tribute of affection to departed worth, I found almost every inhabitant of the village collected to manifest their respect and gratitude to their benevolent master; and while the feelings of every one were vented in loud sobbings at his loss, I could not help regarding every tear that fell on his account as so many acknowledgments of his humanity and friendship—but I'll dismiss this subject with remarking, that he who leaves bebind him the regret and affection of his fellow-creatures, raises a more lasting monument to his memory than all the pride of wealth or vanity of ostentation can erect. At an early period after his decease, I opened his will in the presence of all his friends and tenants, and found that every one was remembered in some way or other-some token of his regard was distributed to all, and gave more pleasure than things of a much greater value could possibly bestow. After seve ral legacies, which were bequeathed to some of his dearest friends, were paid, I found myself in the possession of an annual income of 8001. and immediately formed a plan of living that I might enjoy life comfortably, and do justice to my father's memory, by acting as he did with regard to his poorer fellow-creatures-I therefore, with a few trifling exceptions, maintained the establishment in the county, and, for the purpose of occasionally varying the scene of life, hired apartments in town, near some relations of mine, whom I shall hereafter have occasion to introduce to your notice, thus alternately devoting my time and attention to each. In the leisure hours which the country afforded. I occasionally amused my self by looking over those papers which my father had, some time before he died, recommended to my attention, and in which I found such a collection of shrewd observations upon mankind, and such a quantity of excellent maxims, that made me peruse them with pleasure. I could not help recalling to my mind bis affection for me, which had induced him thus to engage his atten tion in those things which he knew best calculated to ensure my happiness; and while the tear started in my eye for his loss, my bosom heaved in the recollec-. tion that he had acted through life with all the integrity of an honest and an upright man. I shall conclude this letter by observing, that on a future period i shall continue my own history, and intersperse the account of it with such of those observations I have above mentioned as I think best calculated to ensure the approbation of your readers: in the mean time, beg leave to subscribe myself, Your's, &c. PETER PLIANT. "All is the gift of Industry, whate'er Exalts, embellishes, and renders life Delightful." THOMSON'S Seasons. THE poet has so remarkably, nay, inimitably, set forth the beauties of in-, dustry, that it is, perhaps, but a weak attenipt to elucidate the subject; but as idleness is named the child of sloth, so industry should prompt men, by the labour of their hands and faculties, to the attainment. of a sufficiency; to reader their lives as comfortable as possible through this passage of mortality. But, as man is placed here under the eye of an all-seeing Providence, beneath the inspection of Omniscience itself, he should be extremely careful to obtain nothing but what an honest industry may allot him: whenever methods are pursued to accomplish lucrative designs that bear any contrast to this, will, in no wise render the enjoyment delightful, but sadly embitter, aud give a faise taste to enjoyment itself. We should be much upon our guard not to deviate from this principle, if we expect peace at the last; for as the attainments and acquisitions of such an industry as the poet speaks of, may have a very happy effect in the relish of such good things which the bountifulness of providence has thus bestowed, member the wise saying; "Go to the ant, consider her ways, and be wise." The very insects and creatures inaumerable, have this instinct of making provision against the hapless and approaching period of want. Poverty, is but too universally, known, therefore a picture of its miseries is superfluous and unnecessary; but, indeed, the fate of men is so diversified here, that all are not to enjoy an equality; but, how many more might, if industry were properly attended to, and a little attained by it exalt, embellish, and render life delightful." SIR, in implanting a suitable return of gratitude to the wise giver, and an universal benevolence towards mankind; these are the just and and equitable returns of a feeling mind. A mind thus ennobled, thus qualified, must possess very different reflections from such as have by oppression and injustice, accumulated to themselves ill-gotten wealth, a sort of riches that carry with them their own sting, and serve but to enhance the remorse of their possessor. The industrious labourer, contented in his humble cot with the fruits of his labour, is happier, far happier, with a small portion to furnish his table, than the luxurious, where fashion and extravagance decorate the same. The indus- To the Editor of the European Magazine. trious man has a sensible, pleasing relish of his labours, which the indolent and inactive cannot possibly partake of. As he knows the fatigues of acquiring, so the pleasures of enjoying must necessarily be his just compensa. tion. A competency acquired by industry must be more permanent, and give a greater satisfaction than any other, and a little thus got is commonly seen the most lasting.If sentiments of industry were properly cultivated, universally understood, and as happily received, the errors of a bewitching coveteousness on the one hand, and its opposite, a luxurious prodigality on the other, would, in a great measure, be avoided, and render a medium of Homerton, July 17, 1817. circumstances the most desirable, and having a sufficiency would learn us to be content. Industry, is a virtue calculated by providence as a fit employ for man, provided it be attended to with due restrictions, as not to forget the weightier matters of futurity. Will it not rather increase and add to our piety and devotion? For, he, who by intemperance and other follies is rendered unfit for the necessary callings of his daily necessities, perhaps is an object as unfit and as disqualified, to render the services and duties required of him to the author of his being. Many, by adhering to the proper rules of industry, have been happily preserved from dangers and difficulties, which would otherwise befall them, as well as from the distresses of abject poverty.-It is not my intention to make any remarks on the different orders of men, which, undoubtedly, are intended for wise purposes, to create an emulation among all degrees by industry, that all would re I AM instructed by the Committee of the Hackney Association, for superseding the use of Climbing Boys, by Machinery, in sweeping Chimnies, to request you to insert the accompanying Report of a Committee of the House of Commons on that subject, in your, next Magazine; as it seems most desirable to circulate it as widely as possible, in order that the public mind may be enlightened, and the public interest excited on this subject before the meeting of Parliament. I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, REPORT. The Committee appointed to examine the several Petitions, which have been presented to the House, against the Employment of Boys in Sweeping Chimnies; and who were empowered to report the same, with their Opinion and Observations thereupon, together with the Minutes of the Evidence taken before them;-having examined Evidence upon the subject, have agreed to the following Report: Your committee have felt it their duty, in the first place, to inquire into the laws that at present regulate the trade of chimney sweeping; and they find, that in the year 1788 an Act of Parliament (28 Geo. III. chap. 48.) was passed, intituled, An Act for the better regulation of Chimney Sweepers and their Apprentices." To the preamble of which, they wish to direct the atten tion of the House:-"Whereas the laws now in being, respecting masters and apprentices, do not provide suflicient regulations, so as to prevent various complicated miseries to which boys employed in climbing and cleansing of chinnies are liable, beyond any other employment whatsoever in which boys of tender years are engaged and whereas the misery of the said boys might be much alleviated, if some legal powers and authorities were given for the regulation of chimney sweepers and their apprentices."-This Act, though it has in some respects fulfilled the intention of the legislature, yet your committee have heard in evidence before them, that its principal enacting clause; viz. the regulating the age at which apprentices shall be taken, is constantly evaded; and they are decidedly of opinion, that the various and complicated miseries to which the unfortunate children are exposed, cannot be relieved by regulations. The 28th of Geo. III. enacts, that no person shall employ any boy, in the nature of an apprentice or servant, under the age of eight years; yet your committee have been informed, that infants of the early ages of four, five, and six years, have been employed, it being the practice for parents to sell their children to this trade, under-stating their age; besides, this clause is not considered by the master chimney sweepers as prohibiting their employnient of their own chil dren and instances have been adduced before your committee, that have satisfied them that such cases are by no means unfrequent. Your committee have also heard, from one of the master chimney sweepers, that it is the custom of the trade to take the parents' word for the age of the apprentice-that no other evidence is asked for that he never heard of its being the practice of the masters to get a certificate of the age, and he was ignorant that the Act of Parliament required it. Your committee refer generally to the evidence for proofs of the cruelties that are practised, and of the ill usage, and the peculiar hardships that are the lot of the wretched children who are employed in this trade. It is in evidence that they are stolen from their parents, and inveigled out of workhouses; that in order to conquer the natural repugnance of the infants to ascend the narrow and dangerous chimnies, to clean which their labour is required, blows are used; that pins are forced into their feet by the boy that follows them up the chimney, in order to compel them to ascend it; and that lighted straw has been applied for that purpose; that the children are subject to sores and bruises, and wounds and burns on their thighs, knees, and elbows; and that it will require many months before the extremities of the elbows and knees become sufficiently hard to resist the excoriations to which they are at first subject; and that one of the masters being asked if those boys are employed in sweeping chimnies during the soreness of those parts, he answered, "it depends upon the sort of master they have got. Some are obliged to put them to work sooner than others; you must keep them a little at it even during the sores, or they will never learn their business." Your committee are informed that the deformity of the spine, legs, arms, &c of these boys, proceeds generally, if not wholly, from the circumstance of their being obliged to ascend chimnies at an age when their bones are in a soft and growing state; but likewise, by their being compelled to carry bags of soot and cloths, the weight of which sometimes exceeds 20 or 30 pounds not including the soot, the burden of which they also occasionally bear for a great length of distance and time; the knees and ancle joints become deformed, in the first instance, from the position they are obliged to put them in, in order to support themselves not only while climbing up the chimney, but more particularly so whilst coming down, when they rest solely on the lower extremities, the arms being used for scraping and sweeping down the soot. Your committee refer generally to the observation of every one as to the stinted growth, the deformed state of body, the look of wretchedness and disease which characterizes this unfortunate class: but it is in evidence before them, that there is a formidable complaint which chimney sweepers in particular are liable to; from which circumstance, by way of distinction, it is called the chimney sweepers' cancer. Mr. Wright, a surgeon, informed your commitice, that whilst he was attending Guy's and St. Bartholomew's Hospitals, he had several cases under his care, some of which were operated on ; but in general they are apt to let them go too far before they apply for relief. Cancers of the lips are not so general as |