No. Y. Price One Penny, And now the time in special is, by privilege, to write and speak what may help to the further discussing of matters in agitation. The Temple of Janus with his two controvcrsal faces, might now not ^ insignificantly be set open : and though all the winds of doctrine were let loose to play upon the earth, so Truth be in the field we do injuriously, by Hocusing and prohibiting, to misdoubt her strength. Let her and falsehood grapple. Who ever knew Truth put to the worse, in a free and open encounter Her confuting is the best and surest suppressing.— MILTON'S AREOPAGITIC A. 01) 11 LETTER BOX. OUR BOROUGH M. P.' s. To the Publisher of the Free Press. SIB,— I was much amused the other day, tby the perusal of a letter in the Free Press, signed " Peter Peerabout," of Petticoat Lane, in which he states the particulars of the performances of our borough M. P.' s in the last session of parliament, to be as follows:— Mr. Wood Ti speeches, 5 motions, / amendments, and 5 divisions of the house. Mr. Protheroe 27 speeches, 1 notice, and 1 motion— and that " more than half the members never spoke once during the session ; so that our M. l'.' s are above par." As I am one of those who dojiot estimate a member of parliament either by the number of speeches he delivers or motions he makes, your correspondent will, I trust, excuse the liberty I am taking in request- ing biin to tell us, in your next Free Press, how many votes each of our members gave during the past ses- sion, and how many times they voted in opposition to each other. This, with a copy of each motion on which they voted, and also those at which they were absent, would be very interesting to many of your readers, and tend as much as any thing I can suggest to " teach our M. P.' s to mind their P's and Q's." Votes are, in my opinion, the principal performances of an M. P. to which Electors ought to turn their attention ; and be who is most frequently at his post when a division takes place, proves himself most attentive to the interests of those whom he professes to represent. 1 remain, Sir, Yours, & c. A BURGESS OF HALIFAX. Sept. 21, 1842. ' THE DECLINE OF SOLID LEARNING. " Nations resemble those distant stars In the firmament, which seem brightest on the eve of their extinction."— Mr. D. Mackintosh. To the Editors of the Free Press. GENTLEMEN,— As jou had the goodness to insert, in a late number of your paper, some extracts, for- warded to you by me, from a pamphlet written by Mr. D. Mackintosh, it is noiv necessary, perhaps, that I should also furnish you with some " Statistical Facts," in support of the sentiments contained in the extracts, and which have been impugned by your Correspon- dent D. As I previously stated, to discuss a subject so boundless in matter for grave consideration, and so vastly important in its bearings on the destiny of our country and mankind, would require more time than I have at my command, and would occupy more space than your bumble- sized, hut excellent, sheet could afford; and, therefore, I shall be content to know that, through jour kind favour, I have brought certain great truths before the minds of some, who else might have slumbered On, without an effort to avert an impending national evil. There may be much good in progress : but we can find little profound or fervid thought expressed in the higher forms of literature. The noblest subjects of the intellect receive, as I have before stated, com- paratively little attention. We see an almost total indifference to intellectual and moral science. " In England," says a distinguished foreigner,— himself a giant in the world of mind, " there is a great want of philosophy, in the true sense of that word. If we examine her Reviews, in which much of the intellec- tual power of the nation is expended, we meet perpetually a jargon of criticism, which shows a singular want of great and general principles in esti- mating works ot art." Cut I am insensibly wandering beyond the bounds I bad prescribed for myself, on sitting down; and, in transcribing from the Appendix to Mr. Mackintosh's pamphlet, the following " Statistical Facts," I would merely further add, that it is only in justice to the writer, ( who has spent much time in inquiry, in the different cities and towns of the United Kingdom,) that your readers should know that the statements previously presented, have not been made on any idle or improper data. " Out of twenty booksellers in Edinburgh," says Mr. Mackintosh, " only one can be said to be in the habit of selling works of a solid character. Mr. Thomas Cliirk has lost, to a great extent, on the works lie has published, on account of their being of a philosophical character. About the year 1820, Lord Jeffrey spoke of philosophy as being fashion- able; and, in the days of Hume, the company of no oue was so much desired, at parties, as that of the distinguished metaphysician. . Now, philosophy has been banished from the fashionable world ; and con- versation as nearly allied as possible to that of gypsies, has taken its place. The University is not much above one half as well attended as it formerly was. The meetings of the Royal Society have dwindled into a handful. The School of Arts has nearly evaporated. The Philosophical Association and other kindred in- stitutions have nearly become extinct. In theological libraries, it is customary to exclude ail works of science; ant! standard religious works are seldom read. In religious libraries, throughout the kingdom, in every instance which I have met with, the works which are read are those which have something amus- ing, tragic, or romantic, in their contents. There about fifty circulating libraries for novels in Edin- burgh, where once there was scarcely one. The scientific institutions of the following towns, ( and they are only a few amongst thousands,) have nearly or altogether become extinct:— Kirkaldy, Dunferm- line, Arbroath, Montrose, Perth, Peterhead, Banff, Elgin, Inverness, & c. Many libraries containing solid works, in these towns, have become nearly extinct. Academies teaching the higher branches of learning, in Cupar, Fife, Banff, Nairn, Inverness, Tain, & c. are now nearly or altogether defunct. The University of Aberdeen has declined to an almost incredible extent. The principal bookseller of that town, would require, as he told us, to shut his shop, excepting for the sup- port of a few country families. Scarcely one scientific work is ever called for in the Literary and Philosoph* ical Society of Newcastle. Only about fifty people, at an average, pay directly for lectures to that insti- tution. About fifty people, at an average, at Sunder- land, pay for lectures to the Literary and Philosophical Society of that town. In London, publishers of solid works have failed, in almost every instance ; whilst vendors of light and flippant works have made for- tunes. In Leeds, in the Church Library, none but the most superficial works,— those requiring little exertion of thought, can be said to be read. Cham- bers' Edinburgh Journal started with scientific articles in every number. Now, few articles that can be called solid, are to be found in that publication. About twelve scientific journals have ceased to be ; while a great number of Jim- Crow publications have sprung up in their stead." * * * " In Blackwood's Magazine, until lately, a meta- pbpsical article appeared in each number. It has now been found necessary to discontinue it. Several periodicals, such as the Monthly Chronicle, commen- ced with scientific articles ; but soon found it neces- sary to abandon them, with the exception of a slight occasional illustration. The only periodical which lies kept up its character is the Quarterly Review The Edinburgh Review has sunk into a receptacle of Utilitarianism. The articles, or portions of articles, relating to the higher departments of science, such as the Nebulte, have been excluded from the last edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, as being ap • patently too deep for the present age." And now, I beg the good natured Trio,— whose indulgence, I assure you, I shall not again crave, will request their printer to exercise somewhat more of caution, as he puts these sentences into print. In my last there were several blunders, which I may as well take this opportunity of rectifying. In the first line of the first paragraph, there occurred the word " as," instead of " and ;" in the second paragraph, there appeared " foundationof knowledge," where it should have read, " fountain of knowledge," and, in the last paragraph, instead of the words " light up apace," were substituted " light up a place."* Wishing success to your literary trifle,— that this little purling stream of the pure waters of Helicon may continue in its course, uncontaminated by the slime and impurity of other waters, I have pleasure in assuring you that I am, Gentlemen, Always yours very sincerely, A LOVER OP KNOWLEDGE. Saturday Sept. 24, 1842. THE DECLINE OF SOLID LEARNING. To the Editors of the Free Press. GENTLEMEN,— I have read, with a good deal of interest, the two letters appearing in the Free Press, — the one, on the falling off of sterling knowledge ; the other, its attempted refutation. I say attempted refutation ; for ( I beg the writer's pardon,) a more complete failure there could not possibly be. Nay; by a reference to the letter, the writer acknowledged it himself, by setting up an apology for the readers of such works as Cleave's Gazette. For my own part, I think that,— after taking a calm and deliberate survey of society as at present con- stituted, apart from all the tinsel of outward appear- ances,— it is impossible to come to any other conclusion, than that there is a great decline of solid knowledge. I will endeavour, as briefly as possible, to make good my assertion, by adverting, first, to the modes of educating the great bulk of our population ; . and, secondly, to the superficial knowledge now so generally diffused. Witness the different newspaper advertisements :— Grammar taught in six short, easy lessons:— French * Note by the Printer's Devil.— What an ungrateful fellow this is ! Did not these very blunders prove the truth of his argument ? Did not they show the decline of solid learning, even amongst the disciples of Faust ? And yet, he is so un- grateful as to complain of that for which he ought to have been thankful! Blow, blow, thou winter wind! Thou art not so unkind As man's ingratitude i 2 THE HALIFAX FREE PRESS. taught in six short, easy lessons; so that a person will he able to converse, and understand the language, without the trouble of acquiring its rudiments :— Writing ( I will not quarrel so much with this as some of the others, being more a mechanical art; but yet aptly bearing upon the proof of superficial education;) — this, too, is taught in six short, easy lessons :— Modern boarding school accomplishments ; when the whole system seems merely adapted for outward dis- play, and more especially among the fair sex. I by no means mean to assert this to be the case in every school. No ; thank God ! there are still left many exceptions; but I maintain that, in the generality of instances, those accomplishments most calculated to deceive,— light and ephemeral as a butterfly's wing, ( there is a busy friend of mine, peeping over my shoulder, says,—" calculated to win a lover and disappoint a husband '."— An impudent dog !) are by far more in vogue than are others of a more solid and substantial kind. X might pursue the subject still further, as regards the male sex. Languages are ( said to be) acquired ; mathematical problems solved; chemistry, botany, algebra, astronomy, and I know not how many other fine things, are all as " familiar as household words " to the little " just- breeched" gentleman; and, at fourteen, he is turned into the world with his head full of nothings ; his mind conceited and puffed up with the importance of itself; and five out of the half dozen are unable to work a rule of three question, or to repeat the multiplication table. And what is the reason ? Simply because they have not time given them really to master one quarter of what they attempt. Hence, solid learning is rarely met with. I will now take a passing survey of the weekly- prints, and what makes them so much sought after; — such, for instance, as Cleave's Gazette, London News, with the countless host of other weekly infidel and obscene publications, that are greedily sought after, by thousands, on the Sabbath day ; and I would ask, will they, in such as these, meet with any thing to feed and expand the intellect ? Even the great Bacon, I fancy, could not have gleaned much solid information from such works; and we all know that, according as the mind is well or ill regulated, so will be the amount of good or evil that will be left, after perusing any volume ; and I presume, because such as these are sought after, they prove a greater depth of knowledge,— a greater profundity of intellect But I will take an immense stride upwards. The monthly publications :— here, too, I cannot but see a terrible falling off in that which is calculated to be of a sound and lasting benefit to the public. What good, for instance, are such works as Nicholas Nickleby, Humphrey's Clock, Jack Slieppard, cum multis aliis, — I repeat, what good are such as these calculated to do to the rising generation ? In the last- named, we have vice and crime stripped of their ugliness ;— nay the perpetrators of it made into heroes. Now, I confidently ask, do such as these speak in favour of either writers or readers ? Would authors write, or publishers print, such filthy trash, if they were not certain that the public appetite was sufficiently depraved to make it a certain speculation.? Why, the stage itself ( with the exception of two or three of the first houses) exhibits, to thousands, vice and immorality of every shape and hue ; and even when it cannot come under that denomination, still they are enact- ments of trifles,— flimsy plots, with nothing about them to feed the. intellect,— to hold up the mirror to man. No. The sublime writings of Shakespeare are often recited to rows of empty benches ; whilst Jack Sheppard can always fill the house to overflowing. Is this a proof of solidity of learning ? But, to pursue the emanations of the press :^ the monthly magazines, such as the mighty Blackwood's, Fraser's, & c. Are not, I ask, all these, made subser- vient, to the generality of readers, by their light tales ( exquisite, I grant you, many of them are.) such Ten Thousand a Year, Diary of a Physician, Tom Crin- gle's Log, and hundreds of such like ? Take the various Cyclopaedias,— multum inparvo,— Jacks of all trades masters of none ;— the Annuals, composed of pretty pictures, wishy- washy tales, love sonnets ; & c :— pic- torial editions of various works of interest, but not of sufficient interest to find many readers, in this our day of solid learning, without the aid of illustration — Bible stories ; nay, so low is popular taste fallen that the holy and sublime truths of our religion must be wrapped up in tales,— aye, fictitious tales,' dia- logues, or what not, to make them read by our highly intellectual population ! This is a very superficial view of the question ; but I have said enough to bear out my assertion; and, having filled my paper, beg to subscribe myself, Yours respectfully, A FRIEND TO REAL LEARNING. Sept. 26, 1842. ACTION. EXERCISES, REVIEWS, AND LETTER II. To the Editors of the Free Press. GENTLEMEN,— Amongst those before whom the Exercises have passed under review is one, who in the midst of many thousand spectators, takes the name of " THE Spectator," preeminently — a re- Viewer by profession, and if not exactly what a commander- in- chief is at a review of armaments and troops, has a desire that his decisions and his dicta should be not less conclusive on books and politics. This party's opinions, both on literary and political subjects, were formerly much Referred to; but, although still considered an authority of some weight on questions of literature and art, it has ceased to be influential as a political organ ; and no wonder, for when a publication is wanting in those essential qualifications— consistency and adherence to clearly definedprinciples— it necessarily loses all its influence. Of the want of consistency in the Spectator, and deviation from the principles which it formerly ad- vocated, all those who have been regular, or even occasional, readers, must be well aware : indeed, so great is the change, that, from having been for many years the zealous and able advocate of the principles of Radical Reform, the Spectator has become the avowed advocate of the Peel administration ! That I may not be charged with misrepresentation, I refer to the paper for Sept. 10, where, in an article evidently written to meet the feeling which the change had excited, and to justify themselves for their defec- tion from the popular ranks, they say— The present government needs no support of ours; it is a necessity of the present time, the only possible government in the present conjuncture!" And in the same article they say— " There is nothing for it but to make ourselves as com- fortable as we can under the Government God his given us[ !!), and help every good work. as we see occasion 1" Why, the united Conservatism of all the bench of bishops, including the Archbishop of Canterbury him self, could not produce a more devout defence of a despotism, whether oligarchic or monarchical. What a valuable auxiliary would the Spectator, in its new character, have been to Bishop Laud, Strafford, and Charles I., to defend " the right- divine of the kings to govern wrong 1" But then, says the Spectator, not only are we to make ourselves comfortable under this God- sent go- vernment, but we are to " help on every good work as we see occasion " and so I have no doubt would say the bishops and archbishops, and the most ultra- Conservative lay- peers in the House of Lords ; all profess the desire to help on good works as they " see occasion ;" the main point is what are the good works which they see occasion to help forward. Fortu- nately, the Spectator, in the same article, furnishes us with a clue to what he considers good works, and the degree in which they are to be helped forward. " We think our countrymen might be rendered more com- fortable in their circumstances, were industry liberated from certain trammels and shackles, and if they could be persuaded to disperse themselves more equally over the regions which belong to Great Britain." That is to say, don't take off all the trammels and shackles from industry ; we don't " see occasion" to take off all; that would be too radical a measure; takeoff such as are comprehended in the new tariff. Keep on the sugar monopoly,— but above all things keep on the Corn Law.* You cannot have a more powerful argument for this persuasion of the people •' to disperse themselves over the immense regions which belong to Great Britain." Prevent them from having food at home, and you compel them either to die of hunger or go forth to seek it in other regions. This distinction between the literary and political status of the Spectator at present it is important to bear in mind, because it accounts for the wayin which they have reviewed " The Exercises." They could not shut their eyes altogether to the literary merits of the work, without committing on injustice too glaring, and compromising their reputation; hence they admit that the various subjects treated on were. " Not taken up on the spur of the moment by a writer ne- cessitated to write, but evidently handled because the pre- * Since the above was written, an article has appeared in the Spectator to the effect that that the Quarterly Review and the Times having shown a tendency towards further altera- tion in the Corn Law, and that it being probably Peel's in- tention to make further concessions on this point; the Spectator expresses its approval.— Of course. vious knowledge of the author had given him views and information, which he took the occasion of imparting." And they add " As respects variety of subject, few writers of the present day can vie with the Colonel, regard being had to the es- sential qualities just hinted at— that his variety is not a mere change of mode, as from novels to poems, or from poems to dramas ; or of general subject, as from history to Action ; or from topic to topie within the range of general education and worldly discourse, as in Sydney Smith : but it is essen- tially based on a course of scientific study even in morals and politics. It is the more permanent nature of his matter, springing from this learned acquaintance with his subjects, which is one main characteristic of Col, Thompson's writings; and which gives him, where republication is concerned, some advantage over every periodical author, not perhaps except- ing Sydney Smith himself. His manner, too, is equally dis- tinctive; but in manner he has some equals, and Sydney Smith is unquestionably his superior. In saying this, it is at once admitted that passages could be produced from Col. Thompson of equal effect to any from the witty divine ; it may also be allowed, that the topics of the soldier are fre. quently of a much more abstruse nature than those of the clergyman: pure mathematics— or the mathematics of music— or questions of value— or even scientific argument upon Free Trade— not admitting of that lucid exposition, to the general reader, which questions in literature, morals, and politics allow." So far, I have no complaint to make of the opinions pronounced by the Spectatorbut acting under the political bias, and another bias which I may have occasion to refer to, it seems to have been considered necessary by the Spectator to qualify this admission by " stills," and " buts," and " notwithstandings," until the merits of the Exercises are tempered down much below their intrinsic worth. However, as is usual with parties who have not a good case, in attempting to prove what is not true, they prove too much ; and although the article of the Spectator is specious, and written in a masterly " man- ner," yet it contains a complete refutation of its own charges or objections. For instance, they say— " Still, we suspect that each of these subjects might be presented with more clearness than Col. Thompson presents them as wholes ( for particular parts are often struck out with an unrivalled clearness). Whether the cause is to be found in the little leisure which the writer allows himself for revision— or whether he uses mathematical and logical formulas needlessly and pedantically— or whether he has borrowed a notion from his master Bentham that a proper description consists in the enumeration of every particular — or whether there is some deficiency in mental perception and comprehensiveness, which prevents his distinctly see- ing those things which alone are essential to the establish- mentofhis views— we believe the fact to be, that some of Col. Thompson's expositions are obscurer than is necessary. In scientific topics he has not the pellucid clearness which distinguishes Bailey, of Sheffield, though much excelling him in impressing particular parts; and in more general questions he wants the finish and clearness that characterise Sydney Smith." The object of this seems to be to show that there is considerable obscurity in the Colonel's mode of writ- ing : yet we find, in the same paper, " After this, it may be asked, what is the Colonel's dis- tinguishing characteristic. To which the answer must be, that of an illustrator— that quality by which something ( no matter whether disputed, admitted, or not disallowed) is presented to the mind with such felicity of phrase or of image that the idea seems to be presented for the first time."" In the first of these paragraphs, it is intimated that his besetting sin is obscurity of style; and in the next, his " distinguished characteristic " is the power of illustrating, and that too " with such felicity of phrase or of image, that the idea seems presented for the first time"! To illustrate is, I believe, to elucidate, to make clear, to explain, and he whose distinguished characteristic is that of an illustrator, must necessarily be the very reverse of obscure. I wonder how it happened that the Spectator should have brought forward the names of Sydney Smith or of Bailey, and instituted a comparison between their writings and those of Col. T. There is a proverb which says " comparisons are odious." I do not believe the gallant officer would wish to have bis merits acknowledged to the prejudice of any other writer, nor that the other writers have any desire to be considered his rivals. He has endeavoured to do ample justice to both, on various occasions. In reviewing one of Mr. Bailey's productions, Col. T. says, " If a man could be offered the paternity of any comparatively modern books that he chose, he would not hazard much by deciding that next after the Wealth of Nations, he would request to honoured with a relationship to the Essays on the Formation and Publication of Opinion." This it will be admit- ted is a sufficient testimony in favour of Mr. Bailey ; and in speaking of Sydney Smith he advises that the Whigs should reward him with a bishopric. These are pretty clear proofs that lie recognised their res- pective merits ; but why they should be dragged into comparison with him I know not. " In different ways men differently excel;" and of course there are many individuals who in particular departments excel individuals who are far their superiors in a higher and wider range. Sydney Smith and Bailey are instances of men who do one thing well. Col. T. has proved his capability of doing not merely one thing well, but several things superlatively well. If it were true, as stated by the Spectator, that the writings of him whose " distinguishing characteristic is that of an illustrator," have not the " pellucid clearness " of THE HALIFAX FREE PRESS. 3 Bailey, let it be recollected that the latter devotes many years to the completion of a small treatise, whilst the former pours out from the treasury of his rich mind a continual stream of thought— and even if the writings of Sydney Smith may in the estimation of some be superior in " manner," so long as there exists the immense superiority in the Colonel's writ- ing as to matter, he may smile at the petty attempt to depreciate his worth. " His master, Bentham," is also brought into the arena by the Spectator, and apparently with no kindly motive. To have been the associate and the personal friend of the great philosopher, is a privilege of which even Col. Thompson himself may be proud. The es- teem in which he held his venerated friend, is shown in the brief memorial of him contained in the pro- gramme of the Westminster Review for July, 1832, wherein it is said—" His writings have been a leading instrument— it would perhaps he no error to say the leading instrument— in effecting the change of opin- ions at home and on the continent, which is heaving ' up the crust of the old world like the imprisoned waters of the Geologists. They have substituted a new rule— a new measure ; they have caused the materials of human society to gravitate towards another centre of attraction than before." But Col. T. was not the servile copier of Bentham, or ofanyother man. Smiliarity of thought on many subjects occasioned a friendship between the two great men. The difference in age would be sufficient to cause Bentbam to be considered in the light of a teacher or master, rather than an equal— but there i3, in the fourth volume of the Exercises, a paper on Morals written many years before Col. Thompson's acquaintance with Bentham, showing how little he was indebted to Bentham for the opinions he held, and how strikingly their train of thought resembled each other. If Plato felt it no degradation to have been the disciple of Socrates or even to acknowledge him as his master, Colonel T. need not object to stand in the same relationship to Bentham. To inti- mate that be can have borrowed any of the peculiarity of style from Benthdm, is contrary to fact. When did Bentham ever write in so popular a style as to have 40,000 copies of one of his productions issued, as was the case with one of Col. Thompson's articles, the Catholic State Waggon ; and as to the Catechism of the Corn Laws, probably a still greater number have been, and will yet be issued. When did Bailey or Sydney Smith, or even the Spectator, publish any thing half as successful ? But I return to the Spec- tator versus the Spectator, and let him speak for himself. " Notwithstanding the number of his works, the extent of his acquirements, the learned character of his general matter, and the seeming novelty of his views, we doubt whether Col. Thompson can be considered as a discoverer of truths, even in a limited degree. Some might go further, anddoubt whether he can always apprehend actual truth,— meaning by that phrase a thing which is true in the abstract, but not in the actual circumstances of the case." What is meant by a discoverer of truths is not very obvious. Col. T. never set up as an inventor ; and as 1 suppose the Spectator would admit that the Exer- cises abound in truths— for it has not been attempted to be shown tlrey are erroneous— then if he did not invent the truths, he must have discovered them. If it be denied that he has been very successful as a dis coverer of fallacies; and as to separate the tares or the chaff from the wheat is the best or only mode of ob- taining pure wheat, so perhaps to detect and separate the fallacies which exist and pass current to such au extent as to darken truths, may be one mode of dis- covering truth and illustrating it. It would certainly require a more skilful discoverer of truth than Col, T. to discover the truth of the charges made or rather insinuated by the Spectator,- but one much less skil- ful than himself in detecting fallacies may serve to show that numerous fallacies exist, andindeed glaring contradictions. Let rne revert, as an example, to the second sentence of the quotation last introduced. It is very ambiguous, perhaps designedly so, perhaps the writer did not exactly know what he meant and there- fore failed in conveying clearly his meaning to others ; but the meaning it seems intended to convey is, that though Col. T. can apprehend abstract truth, he is delicient in the perception of practical truth. Now observe what follows in this same criticism of the Spectator, and then judge between the two: — " In saying that Colonel Thompson is not a discoverer of truths, we mean of truth embracing a philosophical princi- ple. His large experience of life, and his constant observa- tion of it, have not only given him miginal images for many of his illustrations, but have also enabled a man of his shrewd- ness to perceive many of what may be called sensible truths, or truths discovered by ' sensible' persons." So that in denying him practical knowledge or ideas, a clear apprehension of " actual truth," as is done in the first of these quotations; abstract or philosophical knowledge, " that which is true in the abstract but not in the actual circumstances of the case," is con- ceded to him ; whilst in the latter quotation, in order that ^ the writer may with the better grace deny his philosophical knowledge, he allows his practical knowledge! The fact is that he has the rare merit of combining a knowledge and love of abstract or philosophical truth, with the practical application of it to the circumstan- ces of real life, and that, beyond any other individual of his day;— hence the immense value of such a mind, as fitting him for a statesman and a legislator of the highest order. His penetration and acuteness of judgment— his aptitude in discovering fallacies, en- able him to detect at a glance the anomalies and errors which abound in laws now existing, or laws which are proposed to be added to our statute book. Ilis philosophical knowledge enables him to decide what is best in the abstract—" his shrewdness, to perceive what are called sensible truths," his experi- ence of the world enables him to point out the appli- cation of the abstract to the actual or real, and bis distinguishing characteristic that of an illustrator, enables him " to present it to the mind with such felicity of phrase or of image," as to carry convic- tion to all impartial and attentive minds— but accord- ing to the Spectator at present we want not legislative Reforms or legislative Reformers, " tbe presenl government is the only possible government 1" it is " the government God has given us!" It may be God who has sent uf^ this second " Ileaven- born minister" and ministry, or it may be that we are in- debted to an exalted personage held in less veneration. I know there is a proverb, not very classical, perhaps, hut very expressive, that " God sends food, and the Devil sends cooks," and I know that the food provi- ded in abundance for all, has been taken in hand by our cooks or governors, and if not put in the hot oven, it has been put into tbe cold one ( the bonding warehouses) of the land- owners, and a pretty heavy tax charged for the process. For my own part however, I take courage, that if God has sent us a Peel and a venal metropolitan press to put the drag chain on the chariot wheel of legisla- tive and commercial Reform, he has also sent us a Thompson and a provincial press to accelerate the motion of the vehicle or altogether remove the re- tarding force. I have now finished dissecting the literary criticism of the Spectator, but it will be necessary to say something on its political criticism of tbe author, which must be the subject of my next letter. I am, & c. COADJUTOR. P. S. I beg to observe that my signature must not he taken to imply that I am a Coadjutor of the " Free Press," but of the gentleman whose works form the subject of my remarks. THE SELECTOR. GRASSL AND HIS FAMILY. [ From Maimer's Musical Times.) The most surprising circumstance with regard to the Music of Germany is to find the art pursued in places utterly destitute of every means of instruction. A man was mentioned to us, who, without possessing the slightest notion of Music, had notwithstanding instructed himself in it, and seemed to have nurtured his children with it, at an age when their food is generally of a much more homely nature. We were excessively anxious to see him, and extended our journey from the Tyrol to Berchtesgaden, in the environs of Salzburgh. It is there that tbe Konig- see ( King's lake) one of the loveliest in the whole Tyrol, covers a space of from seven to ten miles, lying between two mountains, the one tbe Giihl, the other tbe Watzmann; the latter- is remarkable for its great height; its double peaks extend far beyond the reach of the eye to regions of eternal snow; they leave the clouds far below them, and the thick vapour almost conceals from view a ridge of arched rock, from beneath which, wild torrents are ever rushing from the melting snows, forming cascades as they foam and hurry downwards, until their restless course is checked by the calm clear waters of the lake. Amidst these glaciers I saw herds of chamois wan- dering along the snow of their native mountains, or bounding from crag to crag across the precipices. As we went along to the house whither we had been directed, we heard several Tyrolese airs, often ac- companied by the Hitter. At length we reached the humble abode. The door was closed, and we knocked in vain for admission ; the whole family were out at work on the mountains. Grassl, his wife and children, were climbing the rocks in search of wood and aro- matic herbs. This man, whopossessed no other means of subsistence beyond what arose from the sale of simples, so laboriously obtained by him and his family, built with his own hands, assisted by his wife and children, the little hut which they inhabited; and every evening, when they reached home, worn out with the toils of the day, after partaking of a frugal repast, they would indemnify themselves for all their hardships, by Music. Grassl acquired the notes and measures, and aided by no other master than his own incredible perseverance, succeeded in mastering the principles of this art. Gradually he learned to play the violin, bassoon, clarionet, flute, octave flute, trumpet, chromatic trumpet, horn, and trombone; nor did he rest there, for this musical philosopher has inoculated his children with his own knowledge. Every summer evening the peasantry assemble before their hut, where, seated round a table, they perform their concerts, and hold their family festivi- ties ; strangers flock hither from all parts, led by curiosity to bear this extraordinary family. The Queen of Bavaria, who owns considerable property in these parts, was also very anxious to see these in- teresting musicians, and arrived with her suite at their abode one evening about five o'cloelc. The little family were still at their labours, some leading the cows to pasture, others digging potatoes. Tbe Queen sent for them, and on their arrival, without sparing time to change their dress, or perform their ablutions, they all took their seats at their table, whilst the poor children, with their begrimed hands and heated brows, began playing the Bavarian March, Saltzburg Waltz, Chamois Hunter's Song, now on stringed, now no wind instruments, sometimes on brass instruments only: one lad, a child but five years old, was perched upon a chair, and played a double bass. It is need- less to add that they excited the astonishment and admiration of their illustrious audience, and were in- vited by the Queen to the Court of Bavaria. As for us humble individuals, who boasted of no lace- bedizened lacqueys to despatch to the inhabi- tants of the little hut with magnificent promises of royal favour, we were compelled to take our departure without seeing them, although most anxious to hear them, and that from no idle curiosity, but from tbe interest which is ever awakened in us at the sight of a primitive, hard working race, whose manners and habits are so thoroughly congenial to the country they inhabit, and the toils by which they earn their daily bread. The man excited in us lively and genuine interest. We could well imagine what a soul must be his who could thus tame down to his will the stern obstacles which were opposed to the hardy mountaineer, who, hearkening to the promptings of that spark of genius lighted up by Nature in every breast, arduously and ardently worked on till he bad attained bis ends. Within his bosom rose a still small voice, and he felt irresistibly urged on towards all he had dreamt of as best and holiest on earth. He thirsts for knowledge, and none can slake that thirst; he cares not for masters, he asks but for books. Books has lie none, still will he invent a system— yet how accomplish his scheme without instruments? At length, after unheard- of trials, he succeeds in procuring some, but of a most indifferent quality; however, he sets to work, invents his system, imparts it to all abouthim, and instructs his children, even those yet in their cradle. Verily such a man is no ordinary character, and has the greatest claims on our notice and respect. Thus it was, that this mountaineer imbued his family with the principles of that art which Jean Jacques termed, " the solace of his life." Who can withhold their sympathy from this peasant, thus rich in the midst of poverty ; happy, though almost a dweller in solitude ? It was with extreme regret, and as though we had been deprived of some precious thing, that we journeyed onward; we should have considered ourselves honoured had we been admitted within the walls of their hut, or permitted to gaze on their mountain home. Little did I think I should see these worthy peasants father, mother, and children, in the capital of France. Grassl one day resolved upon leaving bis native mountains with his wonderful family, in the hopes of earning bread for himself and them at a somewhat less precarious rate than hunting for simples in the midst of precipices. He went to Vienna, was presented to the Emperor, and excited the admiration of the whole Court. Encouraged by the success of his first efforts, he started for Italy, and was every where greeted with the same wonder and enthusiasm. At length he reached Paris, where we ourselves can speak to tbe astonishment of the public, who overwhelmed the little musicians with applause. It was at the Gymnase Musical that we first saw the Grassl family, and watched the father, surrounded by Francis, Joseph, Madeline, and four other of his children, not much taller than a young chamois ; and surely to see him thus was as gratifying a spectacle as tbe one Her Majesty of Bavaria witnessed in the heart of the Tyrol. What a wonderful little fellow was that same Francis, who played the most difficult instr^ 2 THE HALIFAX FREE PRESS. ments one after another, trombone, trumpet, cornet, a- piston, clarionet., as though he were a full- grown man ! and little Antony too,, with his chubby legs, who played the flageolet better than the lifer of a regiment, and the trumpet than any of the band in the Guards. He was obliged to get on a chair to reach with his left hand to the top of the great double- bass, the very bow of which was as big as himself. Liltle Madeline too, about the size of a boot, used to play her little CUCKOO; her way of joining in, and her ex- treme). accuracy, would have done credit to many a member of the theatrical orchestras. And at the conclusion of the performances, when they were most enthusiastically applauded, they would make a very low bow, and waft kisses with their tiny hands to the public; in short the simplicity of this family was as pleasing as their talent was wonderful. It was a picturesque and diverting sight t£> heboid . these worthy people, denizens of a hut by the lake side, in the costume of their native home, with their shirtsleeves and red waistcoat, breeches, and white stockings. Grassl and his children have returned to the Tyrol, where they live happily, and are always willing to guide the traveller across the winding mountain paths or dangerous fields of snow ; or hoisting the sail of their little skiff, they will convey him alorg the clear blue lake, and share their humble meal with him ; and whan the shades of evening bid him cease his wanderings, they lftvite him across the threshold of their lowly abode to listen to their strains. OCTOBER. Then came October, fuU. of merry glee, For yet his noule was totty of the must. Which he was treading, in the wine- fat's see. And of Che joyous oyle, whose gentle gust Made him so ffolltclr, and so full iflust: Upon a; dreadfuil; se'orpion he did ride. The same which by Dianae's doom unjust Slew great Orion; and eeke by his side He had bis ploughing- share, and coulter ready tyde. SPENSER. The sere leaf, flitting on the blast, The hips and haws in every hedge, Bespeak October come. At last, We stand on Winter's crumbling edge: Like Nature's opening grave, we eye The two brief months not yet « one by. BERNARD BARTON. This is the tenth month of the year ; But was the eighth in the calendar of Romulus, and derived its name from octo, eight, and imber, a shower. Under the reign of Antoninus, the senate were inclined to give to this month the name of Faustinas, in honour of Faustina, the wife of that Prince. Comraodus gave it the name of Invietus, nnconquered; and Domitian that of Dornitianus; but, notwithstanding all these denominations, it still retains its original name. Scorpio is the sign into which the Sun enters during this month ; and this is referred to in the stanza quoted above, from Spenser. Verstegan tells us that, among our Saxon ancestors, " October had the name Wyn- monat;" wyn signify- ing wine : ." and albeit," he adds, " they had not anciently wines made in Germany, yet in this season liad they them from divers countries adjoining." Dr. Sayer says that they aiso called the month " winter- fulletb." " In a garment of ydlow and carnation," says Peacliam, in his " Gentleman's Exercise" f4to. 1661) " upon his head a garland of oake leaves, with the acornes ; in his right hand the sign Scorpio ; in his left a basket of servises, medlers, and chestnuts, and other fruits, that ripen at tbs later time of the year ; his rone is of the colour of the leaves and flowers decaying." CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK. 1st, SATURDAY. Saint Remigius. Remigins, or Remy, the great Apostle of the French, was born, in 439, at Landen, where he so closely pursued his studies, that he was supposed to lead a monastic life. After the death of Bennadius, he was, on account of his exenjplary piety and extraordinary learning, chosen Bishop of Rheims. He was then only 22 years of age. He converted to Christianity not only King Clovis, ( or Clodoveus) but also many of his subjects. Remigius baptized Clovis by trine immersion ; and that monarch's ac- cession to the church is deemed to have been the origin of the " most Christian king," and the " eldest son of the church," as titles of the kings of France. Remigius died in 535, being 96 years of age, and having held his bishoprick 74 years. The cruise which he used in anointing Clovis, has been preserved at Rheims; and is still used in the coronation cere monies of the monarchs of France, Pheasant shooting begins. London University opened, 1828. The first lecture was delivered to the medical classes, on that day, by Mr. ( afterwards Sir Charles) Bell. The institution is now called University College ; the London Uni- versity, for the bestowineut of degrees, having since been established, by the government. Ripponden Fair. New law for the sale of bread by weight, came into operation, 1836. Mr. Sadler attempted to cross the channel, from Dublin to Liverpool, in his bf. lloon, 1812. Huddersfield first lighted with gas, 1821. 2nd, SUNDAY. Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity. Zante taken, 1809. Nottingham Goose Fair. Major Andr6 apprehended in America, and hanged as a spy, 1780. An advertisement of this date says,—" Safe and expeditiousTravelling with Machines on Steel Springs, in four days to London, from the old King's Arms, ia Leeds, every Monday and Wednesday." 1764. 3rd, MONDAY. Aberford Fair. Addingham Fair. Archbishop Tillotson born, 1730. He was a native of [ laugh End, in Sowerby; and there is a monument to his memory, in Sowerby church. Robert Barclay, author of the " Apology for Quakers," died, 1690. 4th, TUESDAY. Captain J. II. Tuckcy died, 1816. He was a native of Ireland, and wrote a valuable professional work on " Maritime Geography." He was a most enter- prising navigator ; and died, off the southern coast of Africa, in his 40th year. New River brought to London, 1614. Bishop Heber died, 1833. John Rennie, the celebrated engineer, died, 1821. Huddersfield Fair. Great Reform Meeting on Skircoat Moor, 1819. 5th, WEDNESDAY. Claudius John Rich died, 1821, He wrote " Me- moirs of ancient Babylon ;" and was appointed Re- sident of the East India Company, at Bagdad, before he was 17 years of age, in consequence of his great literary attainments. He died at Shiraz, of cholera, aged 35. Geo. Fothergill, D. D. died, 1760. Dr. F's writings have been, by some, classed with those of Chilling- worth and Hooker. Dewsbury, Pontefract, and Wibsey Fairs. Old Parr died, aged 152 years, 1635. Pope Gregory introduced the New Style ; the 5th of the month being counted the 15th, 1582. 6th, THURSDAY. Saint Faith. This Virgin martyr was a native of Aquitaine, and suffered death, under Dacian ; the most cruel torments being inflicted upon her. Butler says that she was the titular saint of several churches in France, particularly that of Longuevillc, in Nor- mandy, which was enriched by Walter Giffard, Earl of Buckingham. He also says she was " patroness of the priory of Hcrsam, in the county of Norfolk ;" that " the subterraneous chapel of St. Faith, built under St. Paul's, in London, was also famous ;" and that " an arm of the saint was formerly kept at Glastcnbury." The Queen Dowager of Wurternberg died, 1828. Charlotte Augusta Matilda, Princess Royal of Eng- land, was the eldest daughter of George III. She was born Sept. 29, 1766; married, May 18, 1797, to Frederick, king of Wurtetnberg, who died Oct. 30, 1816, leaving no issue. Henry Kirke White died, 1806. Unhappy White ! White life was in its spring, And thy young Muse just waved her joyous wing, The spoiler came, and all thy promise fair Has sought the grave. BYRON. Countde Lacepede died, 1825. He was the favourite pupil of Buffon, and published a continuation of that eminent naturalist's great work. He also wrote two novels, and gave lectures at the Jardin des Plantes. He died of small pox, aged 68. Peace with America proclaimed, 1783. Louis Philippe born, 1773. Riego executed, 1823. 7TH, FRIDAY. Zimmerman, author of a well known work on " Solitude," died, 1795. Peace of Aix la Chapelle signed, 1748. 8th, SATURDAY. Reform Bill thrown out, 1831. Melt ham Fair. Admiral Benbow died, after having had his legs shattered io an action, 1702. And when his legs were shot away, He fought upon his stumps. OUR SCRAPE00K. " A thing of Shreds and Patches." " Is your master up ?"—" Yes, Sir ; the butler and I carried him up, about three o'clock." Lady , being at a masquerade, stepped up to the Duchess of ., with the usual question, " Do you know me ?"—" Yes ;" replied the Duchess : " ignorance and impudonce are known every where." Lord Essex advised his kinsman, Roger, Earl of Rutland, rather to go a hundred miles to speak with one wise man, than five miles to see a fair town. The wisest and happiest man is he who, by constant attention of thought, discovers the greatest oppor- tunity of doing good ; and, with ardent and animated resolution, breaks through every opposition, that he may improve these opportunities.— Doddridge. Misunderstanding ami inattention create more un- easiness in the world than deception and artifice ; or, at least, their consequences are more universal.— Goethe. SINGING FOR THE MILLION.— Why is singing for the million the best substitute for universal suffrage ? Because it will give every one a voice in the country.—• Punch. The consummate epicurism and coarse manners of Quin, the actor, often rendered him a very disagreeable guest. Dining one day with the Duchess of Marl- borough, her Grace, to bis great surprise, helped herself to the leanest part of a haunch of venison, which stood near her. " What 1" said Quin, " and does your Grace eat no fat ?"—" Not of venison, Sir."—" Never, my Lady Duchess?"—" Never, I assure you." Too ranch affected to restrain his penuine sentiments, the epicure exclaimed, " I like to dine with such fools," It is said of Sir Isaac Newton, that he never pro- nounced the naive of God, without moving his hat, and otherwise expressing the most devout respect. Da not offend a bad man ; because he will stick at nothing-, to be revenged : and it is cruel to insult a good man, who deserves nothing but good. A great man may easily crush you ; and there is none so mean but is able do mischief. Therefore follow peace with all men. DOMESTIC HAPPINESS.— Talk of F. ime and Ro- mance !— All the glory and adventure in the worid are not worth one single hour of domestic bliss. It sounds like a claptrap; but the solitary splendour with which I am now surrounded, tells me, too earnestly, it is truth — D'Israeli the Younger. SHARP RETORT.—" Will you ' lend father your newspaper, Sir ? He only just wants to read it."—' " Y(' s, mv boy ; and ask him to lend me his dinner. I only just want to eat it." Servants' strict regard for truth must be weakened by the practice of denying their masters, at the same tims they know they are at home. If I accustom a servant to tell a lie for me, have I not reason to apprehend that he will tell many lies for himself ? — Johnson. FITNESS FOR GOVERNING.— A man must first govern himself, ere he be lit to govern a family ; and his family, ere he be fit to bear the government in the commonwealth.— Sir Walter Raleigh. TO CORRESPONDENTS. The letter signed " Present Time" may probably he more appropriate at some " future time ;" and is, accordingly, postponed ; sine die. The Knight would have inserted it; but was outvoted by the Monk and the Hermit. A Charade, by D., is accepted. " Monitors" letter came to hand after " Our Letter Box" had been filled up. *'. The Morning Star" does not shine brightly enough for our columns. The letter of " A Townsman," on " Public Spirit in Halifax,'- is again unavoidably postponed, on account of the great length of other communications. The subject is not one which will be deteriorated by delay. A letter from Mr. D. Mackintosh, in reply to the statements of " D." should have been inserted-, had it reached us in time; but we did not get it until Thursday afternoon, it shall appear next week. In future the Free Press will be ready for publication early on a Friday afternoon. Mr. T. Crossley has our thanks for his favours, which are always welcome. " Coadjutor" will oblige us by curtailing his future letters; that in the present number is much longer than will gene- rally suit our columns. HALIFAX :— Printed and Sold, for the Proprietors, at the General Printing Office of H. Martin, Upper George Yard. Letters to the Editors should be received at our pub" lisher's, by Wednesday evening, at latest; and advertisements by noon on Thursday. No credit will be given, either for tlie paper or for adver- tisements.