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It is said that the British government has signi. Since that time there have been built or repaired fied its intention to give permission to any of the 3,137 of stone, and 5,561 of wood-in all 8,688.followers of Bonaparte at St. Helena, to quit that Of booths and shops there were 6,324 of stone, island, who may apply for leave so to do. and 2,197 of wood-in all 8,521. Of these there re The Washington City Gazette says "The En-mained undamaged, 989 of stone, and 379 of wood glish newspapers contain an account of a smart-in all 1,368. shock of an earthquake at St. Helena.

t

Napoleon, There have been rebuilt or repaired 5,102 of stone, and 447 of wood-in all 5,549.

we are told, attempted to leave his residence on
the occasion, but was prevented, it is said, by the
sentinels; who, perhaps, thought the earthquake a
mere trick of Napoleon's to effect his escape."
[It is right enough to impute an earthquake to
"French influence." A learned justice of the peace
in Delaware once said, in an electioneering ha-
rangue, that that influence had affected the price
of shingles in the swamps of Sussex county, and had
also affected the crops of corn; and, believing that,
one may believe any thing.]

LUCIEN BONAPARTE.

The report about the escape of Lucien Bonaparte is not confirmed. An article from Rome, dated Nov. 8, details an attempt made to seize his person at his seat near Frascati, by robbers-in which a relative was carried off in his stead. The object of the robbers appears to have been to obtain a ransom for him, as they demand 3000 crowns for the person they took, and will kill him if it is not paid. The band is commanded by a famous fellow named Baibone; it is numerous, and defies the authority and power of the pope.

ITALY.

The population of Moscow consists of 197,482 male inhabitants, and 114,518 females-in all 312,000 souls.

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Russia, continues, it is said, to urge the other powers to form a league for the total suppression of the piracies of the Barbary states.

The Algerine squadron have lately captured Dutch, Russian, and Swedish vessels.

The bey of Tripoli has consented to receive a man of science and literature at his court. Joseph In the ruins of Herculaneum, says a late London Nitchie, esq. now private secretary of sir Charles paper, there have been found loaves of bread, baked Stewart, is selected as highly qualified. He will in the reign of Titus, and which still bear the babe appointed British consul at Tripoli, and travel ker's mark, indicating the quality of the flour, with the caravan to Tombuctoo.

which was probably prescribed by regulations of London, Nov. 28.-The plague having horribly the police. There have also been found utensils of depopulated Algiers, the new dey has commanded bronze, which instead of being tined like our ours, that all the unmarried men, above 20 years of age, are weil silvered. The ancients doubtless preferred should be conducted to the public place and amply this method as more wholesome and more durable. gratified with the bastinado, to give them a desire The government of Parma has prohibited, under for wedlock. This is the prelude of a new empire the severest penalties, every person, not connected of woman, which is about to be established among with the military state, to wear mustachios, or other the barbarians; and it must be said that the educamilitary insignia! tion of the young men has commenced even before marriage.

GERMANY.

Madam Murat, having purchased the "lordship of Orth," with sovereignty over the people, &c. her son will become an Austrian nobleman!

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A Russian force is stated to have taken posses sion of one of the Sandwich islands.

Moscow, Oct. 25. The following statement has been laid before his majesty, respecting the destruction of public and private buildings during the French invasion.

Of public buildings destined for divine worship, there were 358, of which 348 are now restored, so as to be fit for use.

Of dwelling houses, there were at that time 2,567 of stone, 6,591 of wood-in all, 9,158. On the ene my's retreat there remained undamaged of stone, 526, of wood, 2,100-in all, 2,626.

WEST INDIES.

2,559,422lbs. of sugar were exported from Bar. badoes to the United States, in the year 1817, up to the 25th of Sept. last.

BRITISH AMERICA.

The citizens of Boston contributed $7,500 for the relief of the sufferers by the late fires at St. John's, N. F-those of New York $5,482; of Philadelphia $1,207. The money was invested in such articles as it was believed would be most useful to the sufferers, and shipped immediately. The BosThis is as it should be. ton Insurance office underwrote the risk gratis.

Among the exports from Lower Canada, during the year 1817, were 109,071 cwt. Ashes; 145,660 bushels wheat; 38,047 bbls flour; 10,477 bushels flaxseed; 350,000 skins, furs; 36,023 pieces masts, spars and other timber; 1,897,446 pieces staves and heading; and 1,955 bbls. pork. Among the imports were 1,125,848 gallons rum; 44,660 gallons brandy; 12,646 gallons gin; 225.000 gallons wine; 2,510,967 lbs Muscovado, and 609,170 lbs. refined sugar; 35,995 lbs. coffee; 254,248 lbs, tea; 186,247 minots salt; 376,634lbs. leaf tobacco, and merchandize paying an ad valorem duty of 6 per cent. of the value of 1672,876

The number of vessels which entered was 332, of 77,115 tons, and with 3,629 men. Cleared, 334 vessels, 76,559 tons, 3,950 men.

NEW SERIES. No. 25-VOL. I] BALTIMORE, FEB. 14, 1818. [No. 25-Vor XIII. WHOLE No. 337.

THE PAST-THE PRESENT-FOR THE FUTURE.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY H. Niles, at $5 per annUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.

years

The bus ness of this sheet has been much derang deed, will last longer than two or three ed by the postponement of a long editorial article in more, is very doubtful. type, to see what the events of the coming week Cotton can be raised in India cheaper than may bring forth. The thing has been, by some unknown means, buzzed among the citizens, so as to we can raise it; and, in the present state of render this note necessary; and those interested are commerce, the carriage of it has a very small assured that it is reformation only which can keep effect on its price. The culture in India is back the truth, though a great bubble should burst extending, and can be extended to any deby telling it. mand for the material---from the vast popul tion whose labor may be directed to it.

The next number of the WEEKLY REGISTER will complete the 13th vol. or the 1st of the new series-and then it will be expected that all who It is only about three years since the trade neglected the advance payment in September last, of the East Indies was thrown open to the Briwill settle up-it being the regular period as ori tish merchants, generally; and the import of ginally proposed and agreed to, between the editor cotton, of no consideration with the lords of and his subscribers, for that most important purpose. India in London, has requited the expenditure And, when that period arrives those who yet re and risk of private individuals better than. main 2, 3, 4, 5 or, some, 6 years indebted on our books, from the impossibility that bas existed in perhaps, any other trade that they can employ determining the real state of certain accounts, by their vessels in, in time of peace. reason of the imperfect returns received from some What is the consequence? Three years ago of our agents--must expect to have their papers no cotton (comparatively speaking) was in discontinued, if, in the interim, their accounts are not closed, of which they have been notified.

means are weak.

ported from India-but last year ninety-thou sand bales were received in England; the present year may give an import of 150,000; the next of 250,000;-the next, a quantity suflicient to exclude all American cottons, except sea-islands, from the British market, unless at

But, as a small tribute of respect to the many who have truly supported the WEEKLY REGISTER, and to shew to all that we are willing to exert our selves to deserve support as it is afforded, we issue an extra sheet, as a supplement to the last number, to dispose of several interesting articles. Such a supplement causes an immediate cost of sixty dol- exceedingly low prices. The increase of ships, lars, merely for paper and workmanship; yet we since the "free trade to India," has been at most sincerely regret that we cannot publish them the average of 60 ships of 400 tons each, per oftener than we do. "The spirit is willing" but the annum. Calculate the amount that the pro bable number of vessels now engaged in the Though there are many subjects more really trade will carry. important before the public consideration, there is not, perhaps, any thing that more interests it than "A wise man foreseeth the evil." Our plau the dispute between captain Perry, of the navy, ters have been told of this over and over and and captain Heath, late of the marine corps. To over again, and it has been made known to assist a just determination, we have copied the them as though an angel spoke it," that they speech of Mr. Johnson, of Virginia, as introducto must rely upon a domestic consumption to ry to his motion for an enquiry, and followed it by the documents furnished at the request of the house insure to them a liberal and just price for their of representatives; so arranged at the end of the article. But, engulphed in the love of foreig present number as to be concluded at the com- trade, because at this moment they are makmencement of the next, and prevent a break when ing money faster than they know what to do with it, they enjoy the present and care receipt of a letter "concerning the late disturbances nothing for the future. If they can make me in the Mediterranean fleet." No particulars are ney enough in the three years that are to conne given, and the editor at present declines to com-to support themselves and those dependent Fmunicate them. We suppose they have some con-upon them their lifetimes, it is well: but they nection with the affair between capts. Perry and ought to pause a little to enquire about it.

the volume is bound.

.The editor of the Democratic Press mentions the

Heath.

American Cotton.

In the decay of this branch of the national industry, in consequence of the low price the article, through the revolutions of com This very valuable product of agriculture, merce, it can easily happen, in less than ( and great staple for export from the United years, that we ourselves may import coffer States, is about to undergo a large diminution from India to supply our domestic wanis. in price, or encounter a most formidable re- Stranger things than this have happened in the duction as to its European consumption. trade of the world. England was our chief market for and still What will the people then think of a requires a vast quantity from us; but whether warning voice that told them-the interes the demand, except at very low prices, in-lagriculture and manufactures in the United

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States are inseparable; neglect the latter, and tions springing up in several counties to cherish

the former will not, cannot, supply our desires. Let us take care of the "HOME MARKET”—

it is the only one that can be depended upon; it is the stay and support of national prosperity---It is the ark of safety.

its interests. Having received but a small portion of direct encouragement from government, it has a fertile soil, cherished by a benign climate, been left to its own energies; and supported by cultivated by industry, and protected by liberty,

it has diffused its bounties over the country, and has relieved the wants of the old world.Bank Anecdotes. Relying hitherto almost exclusively on the fer. tility of our soil and the extent of our posses. Scene--neighboring. Time--before a late court. sions, we have not adopted those improvements President of a bank. Well, Mr. Clerk, we which the experience of modern times bas indicatshall give you a fine harvest next court; weed. And it has not been sufficiently understood have nearly one hundred writs to issue. that agriculture is a science, as well as an art; that Clerk of the court, (rubbing his hands)--it demands the labor of the mind as well as of the That's good news--but what are all these writs for?

President. O, they are against persons indebted to the bank, who have let their notes lie over.

Clerk. Well, well---that's right. But how is it that some persons do not issue writs against you, seeing that you suffer your notes to lie over every day, and have done so for several years?

hands; and that its successful cultivation is intimately allied with the most profound investigation of philosophy, and the most elaborate exertions of the human mind.

If not the exclusive duty, it is certainly the peculiar province of the state governments to superintend and advance the interests of agriculture.— To this end, it is advisable to constitute a board, composed of the most experienced and best informed agriculturalists, and to render it their duty to diffuse agricultural knowledge; to correspond with

the county societies, to communicate to them benPresident. They dare not. We would ruineficial discoveries and improvements; to introduce any man that should attempt to make us pay of husbandry, and labor saving machines; to explore useful seeds, plants, trees and animals, implements him his money against our consent.

the minerals of the country, and to publish period. Clerk. then you are above the law? ically, the most valuable observations and treatises President. To be sure-the law is only on husbandry, horticulture and rural economy.made for the government of the vulgar, such The county societies ought to be enabled to disas farmers and mechanics-nor has it any tribute adequate premiums; and a professorship of thing to with them, if they are bank directors. agriculture connected with the board or attached to the university, might also be constituted, emClerk. That's lucky; or you would be war bracing the kindred sciences of chemistry and ranted or sued one hundred times every day. geology, mineralogy, botany, and the other departThe fact, by way of explanation. A ments of natural history. By which means a combank at which does not pay its debts plete course of agricultural education would be and which has not paid them for several years, taught, developing the principles of the science, lately instituted almost 100 suits against indi-illustrating the practice of the art, and restoring viduals indebted to it-and the people suffer this first and best pursuit of man to that intellec tual rank which it ought to occupy in the scale of the wreck of property, thereby occasioned, human estimation. with the meekness of slaves! Such things have Good markets for agricultural productions are happened in most country places and small the vital incentive to agricultural industry: and towns where banks have been established.-nothing tends more directly to the promotion of Thousands of farmers, who lived happily and were prosperous, before the introduction of those institutions,--coming into contact with them, have been beggared and driven from their farms.

Legislature of New-York..

GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. Gentlemen of the senate and of the assembly.

these, than the establishment of cheap and easy modes of transportation, and the erection of flotof commerce, trade and manufactures. As foreign rishing villages, towns and cities under the auspices markets are always fluctuating in their prices, and uncertain as to their exigencies, we must rely principally on our own internal consumption for the staple and permanent support of agriculture. But this can only be effected by the excitement of other kinds of industry, and the creation of a great manufacturing interest. Every friend of this country must Among the important duties enjoined upon the contemplate with regret the prostration of our executive by the constitution, he is required to manufactories. The excessive importation of forecommend such subjects to the consideration of reign fabrics was the signal of ruin to institutions the legislature, as shall appear to him to concern founded by enterprising industry, reared by benethe good government, welfare and prosperity of ficial skill and identified with the general wel this state. On this occasion I feel a peculiar grati-fare. The raw materials of iron, wollen and cotton fication in the performance of this duty, from a manufactures are abundant, and those for the minor persuasion that I address myself to a legislature and auxiliary ones can in most cases be procured competent to distinguish, and anxious to promote at home with equal facility. Nothing is wanting the true interests of our country. to destroy foreign competition but the steady pro

As agriculture is the source of our subsistence, tection of the government and the public spirit of the basis of our strength, and the foundation of the country. High duties and prohibitory provi. our prosperity, it is pleasing to observe the public sions applied to foreign productions, afford the attention awakened to its importance, and associa-Imost efficient encouragement to our manufactures

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and these measures appertain to the legitimate | Near sixty miles of the western canal have been functions of the national government. But much contracted for to be finished within the present may be done by the state government by liberal year, and it is probable that the whole of the northaccommodations, by judicious exemptions and by ern canal will be disposed of in the same manner the whole weight of its influence, and much more before the ensuing spring. may be accomplished by the public spirit of the Notwithstanding the unfavorable season, the incommunity. For I am persuaded, that if every experience of the contractors, and the late comcitizen who adopts the fabrics of other nations, mencement of operations, it is understood that would seriously consider that he is not only pay work to the extent of 15 miles has already been ing taxes for the support of foreign governments, done on the western canal. And it is confidently but that he participates in undermining one of the believed that the aggregate expense will be within main pillars of our productive industry, he would the estimates of the commissioners. The enhance imitate the honorable preference which you havement of the profits of agriculture; the excitement this day evinced in favor of American manufactures of manufacturing industry; the activity of internal The internal trade of a country is equally essen trade; the benefits of lucrative traffic; the inter tial to the prosperity of agriculture, of manufc-change of valuable commodities; the commerce of tures and of commerce; for embracing the interests fertile, remote and wide-spread regions, and the of all, it extends its enlivening influence to every approximation of the most distant parts of the important department of human industry. But it union by the facility and rapidity of communication can never be advantageously nor extensively pur-that will result from the completion of these stusued and cultivated without easy and rapid com- pendous works, will spread the blessings of plenty munications by water courses, roads and canals. and opulence to an immeasurable extent. and it is among the first duties of government to sources of the state are fully adequate without exfacilitate the transportation of commodities, by traneous aid: and when we consider that every por opening and ameliorating all the channels of bene- tion of the nation will feel the animating spirit and ficial intercourse; for in peace or in war it is equal-vivifying influence of these great works; that they ly essential to our cardinal interests. will receive the benedictions of posterity and, com

The re

The removal of the obstructions to the navigamand the approbation of the civilized world, we are tion of our principal river, has heretofore occupied required to persevere by every dictate of interest, the attention and received the assistance of the by every sentiment of honor, by every injunction of state. These impediments being principally occa-patriotism, and by every consideration which ought sioned by alluvial depositions and existing only at to influence the councils and govern the conduct of the head of the navigation, can be easily removed, a free, high-minded, enlightened and magnanimous if a proper plan be adopted. But instead of one people. concentrated effort, embracing the whole object and under the control of one board, several attempts have been made at different points and un. der different commissioners. And as they were confined to the improvements of particular parts, their efforts have not been attended with complete success. The unexpended appropriations, in addi tion to what has already been done, will go far towards accomplishing this important work. And it is a subject worthy of your particular attention and of your munificent interposition.

In 1815, an act was passed for incorporating a company for opening the navigation between the head waters of the Seneca lake and the Chemung river. And in March last a law was enacted by the legislature of Pennsylvania, authorizing the ap pointment of commissioners to view and examine the route of a contemplated canal to connect the waters of the Seneca lake and Tioga river, and to report on the practicability, importance and probable expense of making and completing it. In pur suance of which, commissioners have been appointThe immense capital expended in turnpike roads ed, have made the requisite examinations, and have has been very conducive to the promotion of inland probably performed the other duties assigned to trade. But the statutes prescribing the mode of them. Although the obvious tendency of this pro constructing them, of inspecting them before the ject is to facilicate the transportation of commodi proprietors are authorized to receive toll, and of ties from this to neighboring states, yet from & coercing their repair, are not sufficiently circum. full persuasion that the prosperity of our country spect in their provisions nor energetic in their en-will be best advanced by multiplying the markets forcements. The inspectors appointed to pronounce for our productions, and by intimate and beneficial on the completion of roads are sometimes selected connexions between the different members of the with an imperfect knowledge of their qualifications, confederacy, I consider it our incumbent duty to and without any information as to their connexion overlook local considerations and geographical with the propri tors of the roads to be examined,and distinctions, and to afford our cordial co-operation their proceedings are conducted without the sanc- The fund appropriated to common schools con ́tion of an oath, and are not restrained by any declar-sists of about one million of dollars, and eighty ed penalties. The statutes providing for keeping thousand acres of land. The income for distributheir roads in good order, have been in a state of in- tion this year is 60,000 dollars. Having participatexecution in most of the counties in consequence of ed in the first establishment of the Lancasterian the new appointment of commissioners. And it is system in this country, having carefully observed not made the special duty of the ministerial officers its progress, and witnessed its benefits, I can co afiof justice to complain when these communications dently recommend it as an invaluable improveare not maintained in a good state. Owing to this ment, which by a wonderful combination of econo. combination of unpropitious circumstances, the my in expense and rapidity of instruction, has crecondition of these roads is a subject of general and ated a new era in education-and I am desirous4 well founded complaint, and calls loudly for the that all our common schools should be supplied application of efficacious correctives. with teachers of this description. As this system

i congratulate you upon the auspicious com-operates with the same efficacy in education, that mencement and successful progress of the contem-labor-saving machinery does in the useful arts, it plated water communications between the great will be readily perceived that it is peculiarly adap ́western and northern lakes and the Atlantic ocean.ed to this country.

For if by its means one teacher can perform the extensive and invaluable collections of the works functions of ten, and if a pupil can learn in one of the fine arts; of our animal, vegetable and mineweek as much as he would in one month in the ral productions; and of books and manuscripts illuscommon way, it is evident that more wealth, more trating our civil, ecclesiastical and natural history, labor, more time and more industry can be devoted our geography, antiquities and statistics. They to the ordinary occupations of life without inter. are also zealously engaged in exploring the extenfering with the dispensation of knowledge, Where- sive field of natural science; in developing the ever it has been attempted, it has succeeded, and principles of political philosophy, and in exalting several parts of the state have experienced its be the literature of our country. Whenever such innefits. Competent teachers can be educated for stitutions appear, they are entitled to the counthis express purpose, and in sufficient number to tenance of government, for there will ever be an supply all our common schools, by sending intelli-intimate and immutable alliance between their adgent young men to the Lancasterian seminaries in vancement and the glory and prosperity of the New York, where they will be instructed gratuitous state. The state of our finances, demands your mature ly,and where in the course of a few months they will acquire sufficient knowledge of the system. Appro-consideration. It appears that the funds of the priations for this purpose by the several common state amount schools out of their portion of the general fund, under the direction of the superintendant, will defray the small expense attending the attainment of this important object.

The flourishing condition of our higher seminaries of education is a pleasing demonstration of the increasing progress of mental improvement, and a powerful incentive to liberal dispensations of public patronage. Under the auspices of learned and enlightened instructors, our colleges are constantly increasing in students, and extending in useful nes: and the intermediate seminaries between the common schools and colleges, have also greatly diffused the blessings of education. Funds to the amount of 750,000 dollars have been granted to the three colleges, and about 100,000 dollars to the thirty eight incorporated academies. While this liberality of patronage reflects honor on the state, it cannot be too forcibly inculcated nor too generally understood, that in promoting the great interests of moral and intellectual cultivation there can be no prodigality in the application of the public treasure.

And that the debts of the state

amount to

composed of the following specifica

cations:

$4,500.000

2,710,082 50

$1,106,397 50 777,009 00

Stock bearing 7 per cent. interest,
Stock bearing 6 per cent. interest,
Debt to the bank of New-York, bear-
ing an interest of 6 per cent."

It

further appears that the sum total of expenditures for fortifications, arsenals, magazines, ordnance, arms, ammunition and other warlike stores; for the pay of militia, sea-fencibles, and volunteers, is That the amount of direct taxes of the national government, assumed and paid by this state, is,

826,685 00

2,710,082 50

$846,350 83

1,113,126 23

Making in the whole $1,959,477 06, of debt incurred by the state, in consequence of its patriotic exertions for the public defence, and for the The colleges of physicians and surgeons are payment of which a tax of two mills on a dollar eminently deserving of public consideration.- has been imposed.

The increase of the institution in New York in the It will be observed that we pay a war interest of number of its students, in the amplitude of its ac-7 per cent. for a considerable part of this debt.— commodations, and in the respectability of its cha-As the stock is redeemable, it will be easy to pay racter, has kept pace with the science and celebri it off by a new loan at six per cent. It will be adty of its professors. And the recent addition of visable to dispose of the three per cent. stock, and distinguished teachers to the establishment in to apply the avails to the reduction of the debt.Fairfield, places it on high ground, and in the These proceeds, together with $226,000 of the reroad to prosperity and usefulness.-The appro-venue of last year, and a new loan of 1,100,000 priations to medical education do not exceed dollars at six per cent. will extinguish the whole 60,000 dollars, a sum by no means commensurate of the present stock in May or June next, and leave with the importance of the object. Every well about 150,000 dollars applicable to extraordinary educated physician becomes not only a conserva- purposes. The canal stock is not included in this tor of health, but a missionary of science. Where- statement, because the finances of this work are to ever he establishes himself he will convey and be kept distinct from the ordinary revenues of the communicate useful knowledge. Two hundred of state.

our youth annually dispersed over the country, in- If this plan should be adopted, our debt would structed in medical knowledge and its cognate be reduced to 1,900,000 dollars.

sciences, will in the course of a few years effect I also recommend the reduction of the tax to half an augmentation of the state of general informa-its present amount. The annual revenue will still tion equally honorable and beneficial to the com- be about 500,000; and as our permament expenses, munity. And no measure can be more conducive including the interests of the public debt, will not to the prosperity of our medical institutions, to exceed 440,000 dollars, there will remain a surplus the respectability of the profession, and to the pre-of 60,000 dollars applicable to extraordinary observation of the public health, than a law render- jects. This sum may be encreased to upwards of ing an attendance upon lectures in the university 100,000 by financial improvements. The funds of an indispensable passport to medical practice. the state will be augmented by the payment of the The principal societies devoted to literature, science and the arts in the city of New York, have by the liberal patronage of the municipal authorities been collected in a spacious and accommodating edifice under the denomination of the New York institution. These associations are forming

debt due from the United States, which has not yet been adjusted; and great and useful accessions may be made in other respects. The imposition of auction duties in lieu of those of the United States, lately withdrawn, will protect our regular traders, afford some relief to our manufactories,

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