Holborn early, and saw numberless To the Editor of the European Magazine. persons thronging down the street to witness, as I learnt, the awful sacrifice of their fellow-beings, which they deno-I minated a sight;" and, on their way, they purchased provision to amuse the unoccupied moments. Now, Sir, if it is possible that people can eat and drink at such times, I protest they are wholly unsusceptible of feelings that could at all induce them to profit by example. Here is a powerful and credible instance of personal observation in proof that the attraction is no other than “a gratification of profitless curiosity," which can end only in immaterial influence." I insist, therefore, that, rather than good, evil results; and of all other evils the greatest is, that the spectators imbibe a careless, nay triumphant, feeling by thus learning how quick is the extinction of animal life, and how brief the pang of what may be said to be the greatest of human miseries, and by the further knowledge that life is as soon extinct whether the offender have been guilty of the most heinous crime or trifling transgression. 1 here take occasion to advert to a topic, in aid of my attempt to shew the mistake of our present system, that induces me to think with confidence, insomuch that I make sure of the unqualified concurrence of all classes of readers; and I will propound it in the following negative position, as best showing the conclusion. Then, Sir, did any of us detect our nursemaids with our children visiting the slaughter-houses of this metropolis, should we not severely reprimaud (if not dismiss) them for thus unhumanizing their infant bearts, and seasoning them to bear against the sympathies of their better natures; and would not every one feel dread for consequences, lest such visits to these shambles should engender a hardihood and thirst for other and more awful sacrifices-the sacrifices of our fellowcreatures? And every one must admit, that when the heart is steeled against pity, obedience of all laws human and divine, and social and neighbourly affection, is for ever gone.1 now, Sir, conclude this letter, not without hope that the matter and manner may be worthy a place in your Magazine; and subscribe myself, SIR, should be thought deserving of a F the inclosed observations on Africa place in your intelligent Magazine, they are very much at your service, from, Sir, Your most obedient servant, VASCO DE GAMA, Eton, 10th March, 1818. MEMORIAL OF A PLAN FOR THE CONQUEST OF BARBARY, AND DIFFUSION OF COM, ALGIERS, and the territory belonging to it, is governed by despotic Turks, the refuse of the Ottoman troops, who maintain their power over the Moors and Arabs of the Plains (who are the cultivators of the country), and over the Berebbers (who are the aborigines of the country), or inhabitants of the Mountains of Atlas, which terminate this sovereignty on the south, and divide Algiers from Bled-El-jcreed. The first principle of this barbarous and sanguinary government (according to an African adage) is to "Maintain the arm of power, by making streams of blood flow, without intermission, around the Throne!" This country, the government of which reflects disgrace on Christendom, which has been, during many ages, the scourge of Christian mariners, and of all who navigate those seas, has often been conquered. The Romans reduced Numidia and Mauritania into Roman' provinces. This beautiful garden of the world was afterwards conquered by the Vandals; then by the Greeks, during 1.3 reign of Justinian, under Belisarius; and, finally, three times by the Arabs; viz. in the 647th year of Christ, by Abdallah and Zobeer; in the year 667, by Ak'bah, for the Kalif Moawiah; and in the year 692, by Hassan, governor of Egypt, for the Kalif Abd Elmelik. Not one of the armies of these warriors ever exceeded 50,000 men. After these general conquests, the partial conquests of the Portuguese and Spaniards, about the end of the fifteenth and beginning of the sixteenth century,' were effected by a mere handful of men; and in 1509, the latter rendered the kingdom of Algiers tributary to them; but afterwards, they lost it by the ferocity of their chiefs, the fanaticism of their soldiers and priests, and, fually, by their perfidy and into lerance, they made themselves enemies to the various (Kabyles) tribes of Mauritania, and thereby lost their con quest! The repeated and galling insults of fered by these ruffians to civilized Eu'rope, cannot be efficiently punished by a bombardment-a cruel measure, which puuishes the innocent subjects for the insults of their government. No one acquainted with the character of the natives of Barbary will maintain, that the destruction of a few thousand of the peaceable inhabitants, or the burning of many houses, is a national calamity in the eyes of a Mussulman Chief, who would himself commit the same ravage and destruction that was so gallantly effected by the British fleet, under my Lord Exmouth, for half the money it cost to accomplish it. When my Lord St. Vincent was off Cadiz with the British fleet, and could not obtain the object which he sought of the Emperor of Marocco, his Lordship, after refusing to comply with the Emperor's request, communicated to his Lordship by the Emperor's Envoy, or Agent, Rais Ben Embark, told the Rais to inform his Emperor, that if he did not change his conduct very roon, he would begin a war with him, and such a war as he had neither seen or read of before! When the Rais reported this to the Emperor Soliman, he inquired what kind of a war an Admiral could wage against him. Some one of the Divan observed, that he would destroy the ports on the coast; adding, that it would cost a certain large sum of money to effect that destruction upon which the EmpeFor exclaimed, that, for half that amount, he would himself destroy all these ports-This affair happened in September, 1798. There is a prevailing prophecy in Barbary, that from time immemorial has been generally credited by the inhabitants. It has been transmitted to them by some Fakeer, that the land of the Mussulmen will be wrested from them by the Christians; and there is an impression, that the period when this event will take place is not far distant. They also believe that this event will happen on a Friday (the Mussulmen: Sabbath), whilst they are occupied at their devotions at the Dohor service of prayer. Accordingly at this period, viz. from twelve till half-past one o'clock, the gates of all the towns on the coast are shut and bolted every Friday. This attack, forsooth, is to happen whilst they are occupied at prayer, because they are so infatuated with an opinion of their own valour, that they will not believe that Christians would presume to attack them openly when armed and prepared for the combat. It should seem that these people begin now seriously to anticipate the near approach of this predestined conquest, and have accordingly entered into a kind of Holy Alliance, offensive and defensive, to which, it is said, the Emperor of Marocco, the Dey of Tunis, and that of Tripoli, have acceded; and that this Holy Alliance is crowned by the Ottoman Emperor. It is more than probable, that the Dey of Algiers, goaded by the blow inflicted by my Lord Exmouth, which has increased his hatred of Christians, and has inflamed his desire of revenge, will not fail to seek every opportunity (according to the known principles of Mohommedanisin) of retaliating and insulting the Europeans whenever a favourable opportunity may offer, even at the risk of another bombardment. This opinion has been confirmed by his late conduct, and by the activity that has been manifested in the fortifications, in increasing their military force, in building and equip ping new vessels to infest the Mediterranean with their abominable pira cies; all which proceedings demonstrate the hostile intentions of the Dey, beyond all doubt. PLAN FOR THE CONQUEST OF ALGIERS. The inhabitants of the plains are bigotted to the Mohommedan tencts, but they would readily exchange the iron rod that rules them for a more mild and beneficent form of government. A welldisciplined European army of 50,000 men would assuredly effect their com plete conquest, without much difficulty. Such an army, directed by a Wellington, would perform wonders, and astound the Africans. After the conquest, an energetic, decisive, but beneficent, form of government, would be necessary, to retain the country, and to conquer and annihilate the repuguancy which these people entertain to our religious tenets. A system of rule formed upon the principles of the English constitution, directed by good policy, benevolence, and religious toleration, would not fail to reconcile these hostile tribes, and attach them to rational government. The Berebbers would readily assimilate to such a government; and although by nature a treacherous race, they would rejoice to see the country in possession of a government which they would perceive strove to promote the welfare and prosperity of the mountaineers, as well as the inhabitants of the plains; and their own interest would thus gradually subdue the antipathy resulting from religious prejudices. A general knowledge of the African Arabic would be essentially necessary; and I think a school might be esta blished in England, on the Madras system, for initiating youths (going out to Africa) in the rudiments of that language. This would be attended with most important advantages, and might be accomplished in a very short time. The couquest of Algiers being thus effected, that of the neighbouring states would follow, without difficulty, by a disciplined army of European troops; keeping ever the principle in view, of conciliating the natives, without swerving from an energetic and decisive mode of government. Solomon, and immortalize the Prince Eton, 10th March, 1818. HISTORY OF PETER PLIANT, attention, was "phisiogomy:" the propriety of which he defended on the ground of the old proverb, "the face is an index to the mind." So much, indeed, did he pride himself on his superior discernment in this particular, that he sometimes exceeded the modest boundary of reason; and, like most people who have an extraordinary regard for their own way of thinking, predicted judgments which were often fallacious. If good-humour had not formed a principal ingredient in his composition, bis talent would have been productive of much inconvenience; as it was, the exercise of it sometimes afforded a laugh at his expense. I remember well, a gentleman whom he had invited, after a slight introduction, to spend a day or two with him, mistaking his way, accidentally met him in a very suspicious corner of his farm yard, and not knowing him at first sight, began to exercise a scrutiny into the lines of his countenance: the severity of which was considerably encreased by an attempt, a few days before, to rob his hen-house. Imagining he saw symptoms of roguery in his countenance, he plainly taxed him with the act-an explanation, however, takes place a hearty laugh succeeded, and from that time his skill was On the other hand, we should obtain exerted with more than usual caution,' from this fine country, though he would often laugh at the liberty he had taken with his friend's features. The advantages that would necessarily result from a successful attack upon Africa would be, 1st, An incalculable demand for all our various articles of manufactures. 2d, A similar demand for spices, and East India manufactures, of silk and cotton. 3d, An immense demand for coffees and sugars, manufactured and unmanufactured, as well as for other articles of West India produce. 1st, An immense supply of the finest wheat, and other grain, that the world produces. 2d, We should be able to open a direct communication with the interior regions of Africa, which have baffled the enter prise of ancient and modern Europe; the fertile and populous districts which lie contiguous to the Nile of Soudan, throughout the whole of the interior of Africa, would become, in a few years, as closely connected to us, by a mutual exchange of benefits, as our own colonies; and such a stimulus would be imparted to British enterprise and industry, as would secureto us such stores of gold, as would equal the riches of Europ. Mag. Vol. LXXIII. Mar. 1818. But this study, like all others, is liable to be over-rated; and though the predominant feelings of a man's bosom will impart a corresponding impression to his countenance, deceit will often, to serve its own purposes, throw a veil over the feature: and deluding us into a bilief of honesty, convert the plausible appearance of cunning duplicity inte unsuspecting innocence. The most illiterale disciple of Lavater could have traced, with very little difficulty, the cause of the manifest alterations in Chickweed's eountenance; for surely nothing could have reproD d The sented a greater picture of sullenness and roguery. Had I been at all inclined to the more recent system of craniology, I might have taken advantage of a suspicious lump rising in the form of an obtuse angle on the left side of his head; but confining myself to the more vulgar and accepted demonstrations of common sense, I contented myself with deducing all my inferences from the conversation between him and Mr. Plausible. latter endeavoured to frighten him by assuming an air of authority, and largely expatiated on the great prevalence of the crime; and, observing, that the severity of the punishment depended in a great measure npon the prosecutor's Tenity-it was not exactly in his province to determine, but for ought he knew a prison's door might close on him for ever;-should be sorry to recommend harsh measures, but should not hesitate to enforce the full penalty if the case appeared to him deserving of it. These, and a few other disjointed sentences, uttered with a peculiar degree of gravity, evidently made an impression upon the iron features of Chick weed, who began to grumble out some apology, and hoped we should not use him hardly." "Why, look you, Mr Chickweed," returned the lawyer," the frequency of these depredations renders it necessary for an effectual example; and, unless you can shew sufficient cause why Mr. Pliant should not have recourse to the usual measures for punishment, the law must take its course." During an interesting pause of five minutes which followed this declaration, something appeared considerably to agitate him; and at length, after a great deal of embarassment, he muttered, "that if I would be good enough to release him, he would make it worth my while." This was evidently the prelude to the wished-for communication; and Mr. Plausible, with an affected carelessness, asked the nature of it: which, on being assured of gaining his liberty by telling, stated, "that a few months before he had found a paper relative to Mr. Piiant's estate; and being ignorant of its meaning, he had carried it to Spindle, who snapped at it, and told him he might make a good thing of it-partly explaining its nature, and promising a handsome reward if he succeeded. He had asked him several times for compen sation, but the other always evaded it, and went so far as to hint that the paper was become useless. He knew him, however, too well to be satisfied with this explanation, aud fear alone had hitherto prevented any disclosure, as he dreaded the little man's vengeance, in whose power it was to do him a great deal of mischief; but he hoped that as he had told this secret, we would screen him from the effects of it." A conditional promise to protect him, if his future behaviour justified it, terminated this meeting, and with a low bow, testifying his gratitude, he departed. He was no sooner gone than we set about contriving some plan for the annihilation of Spindle's project, who was now so completely in our power; but our operations were of a very restricted nature, for the identical little gentleman surprised us soon after with a visit to Mr. Plausible. A little reflection enabled us to account with some degree of probability for his appearance; for as it was morally impossible that Chickweed's apprehension could long remain a secret, we bad no doubt that he had heard of it, and forming a tolerably fair conjecture as to the result, hoped to conclude some settlement before it was too late. With a smile resembling a feeble ray of the sun peeping through a misty atmosphere, Mr. Spindle entered the room, and laying aside a considerable portion of his consequence, which he deemed unnecessary on the present occasion, advanced to the table where we were sitting, and with an obsequious nod, hoped we were well. Mr. Plausible slightly returned his awkward civilities, and requesting him to be seated, asked him to what he was indebted for this unexpected honor." 86 Nothing more than the subject which engaged our attention a few days ago, and which I have since been revolving in my mind, and now begin to think as you do-that it would be a considerable saving of time, expense, and litigation, to settle it amicably'there are various methods,' as you observed, and "Come, come, Mr. Spindle, I see you are adopting the very article of my professional creed, which gave you SO much offence; what am I to think of this?" "That it proceeds from a desire to bestow mutual convenience; for on minute investigation, the cause appears to be more intricate than I at first imagined; and as a revival of the claim would expose us to a considerable expense, it would be better to comply with your first proposal, and terminate the affair at once." "Not in such baste, Mr. Spindle; deliberation is necessary in affairs of importance; and it is possible we may yet elect to stand the test of a trial:all hope of our succeeding is not flown yet, I can assure you." A certain levity of manners, which bespoke something like indifference to the proposal, created evident distrust in the mind of the pettyfogging lawyer it was apparent something had turned up against him, and who but Chickweed could have done it. A rapid consultation with himself produced a large concession in his demands, until he lowered his expectations to the payment of a fifty pound note. But how will you reconcile this to Sir Lionel? He will naturally inquire the state of the action, and will expect a full explanation of your proceedings." "O, leave that to me, Sir: 1 can manage him." "Well, Sir, I should feel great pleasure in acceding to your request; but the shock which your conscience must necessarily suffer after your late declaration, and O! don't mention it, Sir-a trifle a trifle." "Very accommodating, upon my word; but I am sorry that the existence of another obstacle is likely yet to overturn your wishes." "What may that be?" answered Spindle, with a vacant stare. A trifle-a trifle-nothing more than the very document we had supposed lost. Your friend Chickweed, you, can bet who has been here before ter explain it; he has "The d-l he has. Oh! the scoundrel." "Prevarication is useless, Mr. Spindle; your intentions are discovered, and to-morrow Sir Lionel will be made acquainted with them. Your only method therefore to deprecate the severity of your punishment, is instantly to deliver up the paper, and prevent unnecessary trouble." All the reply that Spindle made to this intelligence was conveyed in a look particularly bitter and expressive. Shame and mortification sealed his tongue, and he hurried out of the house. As every doubt concerning the invalidity of Sir Lionel's claim had now vanished, nothing remained to perplex me; and Mr. Plausible left me for Lundon, promising to return in the summer, when the country became a fitter object for attraction. Letters by him assured all my friends of the success, which was rendered complete by an interview with Sir Lionel, who expressed his gratification at the discovery of the fraud which had been so artfully concealed. A postscript to Mr. Plausible's letter informed me at the same time that there was fresh cause of concern for the “conscientious lawyer," whose name had been struck off the rolls. Being thus firmly reinstated in my possessions, I turned my thoughts to more agreeable subjects, and began to form some idea of returning for a short time to London. The country, to be sure, was just resuming its picturesque beauties, and nature, with a liberal band, was scattering round her munificent treasures: but there were attractions still more powerful in town-a delightful association of friendship, esteem, and— love. My resolution to address Mr. Manning on the subject of his daughter was firmly made. I found myself unable any longer to resist a declaration so essential to my happiness. I perceived even at my age the allurements of pleasure and dissipation were as feathers in the scale of human happiness, when opposed to the solid comforts of domestic life, and being in a situation to maintain a wife with respectability, if not comparative affluence, I was determined to relinquish the title of a grave bachelor for that of a domesticated husband. But my intentions of returning were frustrated by a letter from Mr. Manning, who informed me that the completion of his purchase only waited for his sanction of the grounds, and that it was his intention in the course of a day or two to intrude upon my hospitality. with "one or two visitors," who were interested in the purchase, and who were anxious to pay their respects to me also. Imagination easily gave his visitors a name, whom I hoped to welcome in the persons of Mrs. and Miss Manning. You will naturally conclude my anxiety in the interval, and the preparations that |