whether he had the liberality to sneer in private at the honest prejudices of his people, to which he outwardly professed a politic regard-or, whether he could return from performing his solemn mockery before the altars of his country's religion, to revel in free and convivial blasphemies with his companions at the royal feast of reason. There have been monarchs to the taste of the class of philosophers to whom we allude -but happily not in England. It is the highest praise of George III. that he was truly a British Monarch in his whole feelings, principles, and habits-and while it may be justly affirmed of him, that, by example as well as by policy, he was the great patron of all that is most generous, solid, and characteristic of his people, his memory can lose nothing by the reproaches of those whose applause it would be infamy to deserve. They may sneer at the tameness of character superinduced by the regular practice of the domestic virtues at the mediocrity of understanding indicated to their depraved natures by the solemn submission of spirit to the duties of religion-they may smile at the manly and vigorous rusticity which it was the pride of the Monarch to restore by his example, and which was most valued in England's best and brightest days; but in all these traits of the character of the departed Monarch, every genuine Englishman recognises something which distinguished his Sovereign from a mere gaudy abstraction of regal power-which imparted its peculiar quality to his sway and proclaimed him to be truly a British King. It would require a volume to give even a sketch of the great public events upon which the name of George III. will be imperishably superscribed by history. The general cast of his disposition and character, with regard to political matters, may easily be gathered, however, even from the most vague and hasty glance at the great transactions of his reign. In its commencement he was injuriously branded by the virulence of faction as a Tory, in the stern and obsolete sense of that foolish name. While the species was no longer extant, but had passed away with the barbarism and stupidity in which alone it could have breathed, that man who had just ascended the mightiest throne in Christendom in the vigour of the very principles by which Toryism was for ever overthrown, and who of all men upon earth, had the most powerful motives for abjuring it, was suspected of a fantastic bias in favour of this longextinguished political superstition. The choice of a minister, who was recommended to him by ties which it can never be generous or noble to forget, was the single point upon which this miserable charge was made to turn. But, besides that the calumnies by which Lord Bute was overwhelmed, have since been exposed, so as to force the conviction, if not the contrition of those who tried to blacken his memory, the whole course of the late Monarch's political career was a conclusive comment upon the malignant slanders which sought to cloud the dawn of his administration. The name of Wilkes has perished-or is remembered only for scorn and shame; but the memory of his royal master, whom he dared, in a paroxysm of insolent folly, to rate as an antagonist and a rival, stretches its mighty shadow over a scene of political magnificence, upon which the intrepid demagogue, even in the height of his popularity, would have been but an imperceptible atom. We rejoice in this-for Wilkes, even considered as a minion of party, was not of the true English breed, but presented an aspect of unblushing licentiousness and profanity, which nothing but the more matured profligacy of our own days could have surpassed.-The American war formed the test at once of the Monarch's principles and of his spirit. The universal voice of his people resented, in the first instance, the audacious pretensions, and the fac tious machinations of the revolted colonies; and the late King, when he frowned upon the infant seditions of his transatlantic subjects, appeared but as the index of the mind and soul of England. The chance of war declared indeed in favour of rebellion; but the most renowned of our modern statesmen-the man of the peoplethe illustrious advocate of popular rights; but the proud spirit also which spurned from it popular license with disdain, was the foremost to declare, that the sovereignty of England over her rebel colonies ought never to be abandoned; and that, in the glorious struggle, it was her duty to nail the colours to the mast. It is well enough to say now, that it was not a limb but an excrescence that was lopped off, and that it was folly to attempt to retain it-and from what the world has seen of the spirit and tendencies of American patriotism, it may be concluded that England has suffer ed little by being dissevered from the mighty mass of occidental pollution. But such were not the sentiments na tural to the injured Monarch-for they were not the sentiments of what was great and high-spirited among his people. He vindicated the dignity of his crown by pushing, to the farthest verge, that coercion which aimed at upholding the integrity of its domi nions-he deserved success, although he could not command it; and while the difficulties of a savage and remote warfare baffled all rational calculation -when rebellion raised its triumphant crest over the disasters of legitimate power-when fortune had decided contrary to every anticipation of reason, and had established a new order of things, which it was scarcely worth while to lament, and vain to resist, the sagacity as well as the magnani mity of the Sovereign were conspicuously displayed in that memorable remark to the first of his American subjects, whom he saw in the novel dignity of the ambassador of an independent state, that he, the King of England, had been the last man in his dominions to recognise the independence of America, and would also be the last to violate it. The man who could speak thus, aye, and who could act up to the dignity of his royal pledge, was worthy to rule over a people, to whose legitimate pride the revolt of America could not but be offensive, but to whose lofty political system the independence of nations must, when once established, appear for ever sacred. The great and prominent event which distinguished his Majesty's reign, which, although it occurred in a foreign country, deeply coloured and affected the entire course of our domestic policy,-which shook the civilized world with its volcanic agitations, and rolled its burning lava over the entire surface of Christendom, which, although originating in the special profligacy and peculiar misfortunes of one great nation, has insinuated itself into the very being and history of all, and is destined to form VOL. VI. for the future, the universal basis of human reasoning and policy,-was the French Revolution. In the great crisis, produced by this event, his late Majesty was still worthy of himself and of his people. As a British Sovereign, reposing upon the deep and stable foundations of a constitution, adapted at once to the dig nity and the imperfections of our common nature, and turning to scorn all the illusions of theory, by the visi ble presence of various and unquestioned good, he could not look with favour upon a system over which em piricism presided, and in which the dawning of frenzy was coeval almost with the first movements of reform. As a Christian, he could not behold with indifference the march of the most daring impiety, nor, as a mighty prince, could he listen with equanimity to the crash of neighbouring thrones, or view with composure the subversion of empire. But, above all, as the beloved chief of a generous and noble people, deeply participating their genius, and attached to their proud habitudes of thought and of action, he could not but contemplate with horror the advance of an appalling spirit, which declared war against all that had been consecrated by their veneration for ages; which singled them out for experiment and for vengeance, and which threatened to tear up by the roots whatever was most hallowed to their remembrance. The popular Monarch of England, in the highest and most generous sense of that term, could not take part in this foul conspiracy, or refrain from animating, by his own resolute defiance, the staggering resolution of his subjects. And for this great work, it was the good fortune of the late King to find a minister equal to the undertaking, which fate had summoned him to perform,—a gigantic spirit, fitted to bear and to repel the terrors of mightiest revolutions. It was the glory of the King that he could select, appreciate, and confide in this great Minister. William Pitt's was indeed a majestic mind,-nursed and cherished to its palmy state of moral and intellectual grandeur in the rich mould of English freedom. There was, in all things, a fine sympathy betwixt him and his royal inas4 D ter-a conspicuous unity of aim and equal devotion of patriotism-a love of England, and of all that is implied in that venerable name, which no caprice of fortune could abate or extinguish. Together they walked in noble sincerity of purpose, and heroic energy of resolution, throughout the darkest periods of our modern history -struggling to defend the ark of the British constitution, and the majesty of the British name, against the storms by which they were assailed-maintaining the native hue of courage and constancy amid the wreck of empire and the desolation of the civilized world-and putting their humble but assured trust in the immortal energy of principle, of which it did not please Providence that they should witness the final triumph, but which, through the prevailing power of their spirit and their example, was destined, at last, to hold its rejoicings over the honoured tomb of the great minister, and around the unconscious solitude of his royal and revered master. We cannot think of disturbing for a moment the solemnity of such contemplations, by turning aside to notice the vulgar herds of faction which suc cessively arrayed themselves in resistance to the royal and illustrious champions of their country's independence and fame. It has now pleased fate to round the course of our late monarch's earthly career, without having permitted them to make any sensible breach upon its magnificent continuity; and the sceptre which has dropped from his hand has been transferred to a successor, who will never bend it to their fantastic insolence and presumption. Be it their bitter portion to remember, that they struggled to embarrass the career of a prince who was justly revered as the idol of his people, and that they struggled in vain-and that his fame is now equally beyond the scope of their pa negyric and invective for it is recorded in the triumph of all generous principle, and the glory of a mighty people, whose regrets now gather round his tomb, while their affections shall beam for ever upon his blessed memory. LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. Connexion of Moon and Weather. Dr Olbers denies that any connexion between the changes of the moon and of the weather is ever observable in the north of Germany; and he asserts that, in the course of an extensive medical practice, continued for a number of years, with his attention constantly directed to the lunar periods, he has never been able to discover the slightest connexion between those periods and the increase or decrease of discases, or their symptoms. Greenland.-Gieske, the mineralogist, after a residence of eight years, draws a sombrous picture of the colony of East Greenland, which he visited and explored to the 62d degree of latitude. He is confident, from the information given him by the natives, that at present that rigorous coast is not inhabited, or even habitable, beyond the 64th degree at farthest; and that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to penetrate further. Salt Mines of Meurthe.-The researches for the discovery of rock-salt, which commenced in July last at Moyenire, in the department of La Meurthe, is carried on to advantage. After exploring to the depth of 200 feet, and reaching the first layer, which is eleven feet in thickness, the workmen had to perforate a bed of gypsum and clay of 546 feet, when they came to a second stratum of salt, eight feet in thickness. It is intended to remove the researches to two other neighbouring points, to ascertain the breadth and magnitude of the whole bed. The two points form a triangle nearly equilateral, each side of which may be about 6 or 700 toises in length. One of these points is in the city of Vic, and the other to the south of it. On this latter point, they have already pierced to the depth of twenty-five feet of vegetable earth: the orifice of each bore is 34 inches, which constantly fills up with fresh water. The salt of the first bed is extremely white, and transparent as rock-crystal. It is likewise very pure, and free from every noxious or terrene substance. The second appears to be intermixed with gyp seous or argilaceous substances, but in a very small proportion. This salt is brown, not unlike a clouded flint; both the kinds are very compact, well crystallized, the frac tures cubical, and the saline taste superior to that of any salt obtained by evaporation. It contains but very little of muriate of magnesia, or of sulphate of lime. Work on Petrifactions.-M. Lamouroux, Professor of Natural History in the Royal Academy of Caen, is about pubJishing a work (with 40 plates), containing some account of the marine polypi that so abound in the calcareous formations of Lower Normandy. One stratum in the vicinity of Caen is almost entirely composed of them. They are in perfect conservation; and, from the singular characters which they exhibit, M. Lamouroux gives figures of the natural size, with some essential parts magnified by the aid of optical glasses. The work will be of use to geologists, by making them acquainted with antediluvian animals of a description not visible or known at present. Some constitute new genera, and others belong to known genera: among these latter are sponges, and other animals of a similar kind. The work will include a figure and description of the fossile crocodile that has been discovered near Caen. State of German Literature in Sweden.German literature has been very much cultivated of late years in Sweden. Exclusive of a collection of classical German authors printed at Upsal, in the original language (sixty-six volumes in the whole), the best works of various authors have been translated into Swedish. Lalande's Journey to India.-M. de Lalande, associate naturalist to the king's garden, Paris, has just set out on his travels to the Cape of Good Hope, where he will pursue his researches in botany, zoology, and the various departments of natural history. From thence he will proceed to India to prosecute the ulterior objects of his mission in the Indian Seas. Killing Animals by Carbonic Acid.A new method of putting animals to death, without pain, has been proposed by Dr Thornton; in consequence of the employment of which, it is said, the meat would look better, last better, keep better, and salt better. These desiderata are proposed to be attained by means of fixed air. Crocodiles' Flesh an Article of Food.At Sennaar crocodiles are often brought to market, and their flesh is publicly sold there. I once tasted some of the meat at Esne, in Upper Egypt; it is of a dirty white colour, not unlike young veal, with a slight fishy smell; the animal had been caught by some fishermen in a strong net, and was above twelve feet in length. The Governor of Esne ordered it to be brought into his court-yard, where more than a hundred balls were fired against it without any effect, till it was thrown upon its back, and the contents of a small swivel discharged at its belly, the skin of which is much softer than that of the back.Burckhardt's Travels. Remarkable Phenomena at Christiana.The following curious details have been received from Christiana, in Norway : Roberts, C. Gurney Slade, Somersetshire, innkeeper Roberts, W. Chowbent, Lancashire, innkeeper Ray, J. & Ray, J. R. Clare, Suffolk, bankers Riley, J. Leicester, grocer Rabbeth, W. Red-Lion-passage, Red-Lion-square Smith, T. Leeds, worsted-spinner Sidney, R. Newman-street, Oxford-road, picturedealer Scott, A John-street, Commercial-road, dealer Sinclair, J. Brighthelmstone, bookbinder Swaine, J. Bristol, dealer Sellers, H. Burnley, cotton-spinner Scott, J. Fore-street, corn-dealer Simpson, C. Stretford, nurseryman Skinner, S. Sharpe's buildings, Rosemary-lane, slopseller Smith, I. D. St G. Rotherhithe, cork-manufacturer Taylor, M. Long-lane, dealer in cotton Thompson H. & Moses, T. Rotherhithe, winemerchants Trustrum, J. Grove, Great Guildford-street, carpenter Twiddy, G. Bread-street-hill, oil and colourman Tyler, J. Petworth, spirit-merchant Whitfield, W. P. Commercial-road, porter and wine merchant Womack, J. W. Norwich, linen-draper Wynn, W. Dean-street, Soho, watch-maker Wheeler, H. sen. Flandford-forum, Dorsetshire, ALPHABETICAL LIST of SCOTCH BANKRUPTCIES, announced between 1st and 31st January 1820, extracted from the Edinburgh Gazette. Attwell, Wm, brush and basket maker, Glasgow Alexander, John, distiller, Linlithgow Brown, Robert, horse and cattle-dealer and grazier, Byers, Richard, & Co. spirit-dealers, Glasgow Laird, Anthony, cooper and fish-curer, Leith Thomson, John, Robroyston, flesher, cattle and horse dealer, Calton, Glasgow White & Downie, merchants, Glasgow Woodman & Lookup, tanners and skinners, Dumfries DIVIDENDS. Francis Garbett & Co. late of Carron Wharf; a dividend on 15th February Gillies, Colin, merchant, Brechin; a dividend on 14th February Lawrie, Andrew & Son, upholsterers, Edinburgh; a dividend on 28th February M'Farlane, Rennie, & Co. merchants, Glasgow; a dividend on 14th February Macharg & Wallace, merchants, Ayr; a dividend on 8th February Petrie, James. jun. merchant, Aberdeen; a dividend on 14th February Scott, J. sen. & Co. merchants and agents, Glasgow; a dividend on 11th March Sheriff, Robert, manufacturer, Glasgow; a dividend on 16th February. Wheat, red, new 56 to 60 Boilers 8. Fine ditto.. 62 to 60 Tick 66 Foreign Fine s. Wheat, 46 to 48 -to per 70 lbs. 40 to 42 English, new ... Pease, grey 36 0 to 40 Boiling. 45 0 to 52 0 9 0 to 10 9 Flour, Eng. pr. 280 lb. 35 to 38 American. 8 3 to 90 Fine 540 to 56 0 36 to 38 Dantzic 9 6 to 10 0 Irishp.240lb.41 0 to 45 19 to 21 Dutch Red 00 to 00 Amer. p. 196 lb. 21 to 23 Riga 80 to 8 5 Do, in bond 34 0 to 35 0 22 to 24 Archangel. 7 6 to 7 9 Sour 34 0 to 36 0 25 to 27 Canada... 0 0 to 0 0 Oatmeal, per 240 lb. 21 to 26 Scotch .90 to 96 English 35 0 to 35 0 27 to 29 Irish, new 8 6 to 9 3 Scotch... 28 0 to 34 0 55 to 60 Barley, per 60 lbs. Irish.... 27 0 to 32 0 55 Eng. grind..44 to 16 Bran, p.24 lb. 00 to 00 50- Malting 50 to 0 0 28 Scotch Fine. Hog Pease. .. 50 to 60 Flour, p. sack 65 to 70 Seconds .40 to 42 North Country .42 to 44 Pollard 50 to White pease 42 to 45 Bran 45 to 20 to 8 to Oats, per 45 lb. 84 to 0 82 to 0 60 to 100 English 46 0 to 50 0 Bacon, per cwt. |