Star. — London, England, 1830-07-30 00:00:00

SPIRIT OF THE JOURNALS. T 1 strs.—A thousand questions are asked, and the keenest cu. riosity evinced, with respect to the state of France I The questions can only be answered, or the curiosity satisfied, by the narration of events as they occur ; for we will really cot take upon us to pro phesy what will be the result of the late extra constitutional attack open the chartered rights of the people. We will not even attempt to predict one hour what may happen the next, for popular move• molts are more uncertain than the changes of the wind ; and where bloodshed is hazarded, we at least sball be cautious of saying any thing calculated to produce excitement on either side. We will not urge others on to dangers in which we cannot participate. We are friends to liberty ; and if we were to be asked how liberty was to be secured in France without insurrection and revolt,'"we could hardly say ; but in this country the tribunals and juries would afford the next civil resource. If the same or similar remedies exist in France ; let those who think the late or. dinance of the King illegal bring the matter to a trial, either by refusing the taxes, and obliging the Court to sue for them, or by commencing process against those who have broken up the print ing-presses. If juries, chosen from the people, decide in favour of the Court in these cases. there is an end of the matter for the present, and the French people cannot have liberty, and the charter, because they are unworthy of them. But if, as it is more natural to expect, juries decide in favour of the subject, then the King must either dismiss his present Ministers, and recall his late edict, and give back the charter pure and unsophisticated, or he must shut up the courts of law ; and this last step would of course dissolve all allegiance, and be the signal for a civil war,—if the French have any eivil.war blood in them. Reasoning and legitimate resources would be at as end, and brutal force would take their place. If, as it is stated, a protest has been signed by a great number of the Peers in France. against the obnoxious edict, this measure may have great effect upon the Royal mind, and the minds of his Majesty's ministers. For our own parts we think that the objection taken to the edict has great force,—that in annulling a Parliament which has never sat for the dispatch of business,—in die. solving a legislative body which has never been assembled, it fires a shot into a vacant space,—it does nothing ; and that the deputies chosen must at least meet once before they can be dismissed. But sup pose the new little departmental Parliament, chosen, according to the rules prescribed in the Royal edict, were, when assembled, to lean to the popular side, where would the King then be? And if it were to lean to the King's aide, where would the little Parliament itself be? • Does his Majesty expect to govern France by means of an oligarchy of 258 members ? if so, he would soon find himself the slave of that oligarchy, instead of the ruler of the nation. He would not dare to bestow a place or confer an honour, except on its members or their connexions. Ile had better at once throw himself upon the affections of his people, than enter upon such a course, even it he could run it with success. HERALD —We do not remember such an instance of political self.condemnation as the friends of the Ministry seem inclined to exhibit at the ensuing General Election. At not one single place, as yet, where popular feeling can show itself, has a single candidate started avowedly as a Ministerial man ; while, in places where the popularity of the government might be put most unequivocally to the test, all is silent as the grave. In Middlesex, the metropolitan county, where votes are more equally distributed between men of all descriptions than in any other—if we except, perhaps, the counties of York and Lancaster—Mr. Hume, the most indefa tigable opponent of Government, is, it seems, to be allowed quietly to walk over the course; while in Westminster, com prising that part of the metropolis in which the very seat of Government, with all its influence, is placed, the old Members are to remain unmolested, though it is quite notorious that so weak is their personal hold upon the great body of their constituents, that almost a breath of opposition could shake them. These must be very mortifying circumstances, cape. chilly to a man of high spirit like the Duke of Wellington ; and will not his Grace atop to ask why these things are so?—why he, who was the most popular man in the country, and who has acquired, in one capacity, the strongest claims to its lasting gratitude and applause, should, as a Minister of State, sink so comparatively low in public estimation ? The answer, if his Grace does honestly ask the question, may be mortifying, but it must be useful. His Grace has taken a false estimate of the situation of the country, and, setting out on false premises, his means and his conclusions have been alike erroneous. We do not say that the Duke of Wellington's errors have been all of his own creating; on the cont rary , we ate free to confess that he found much of the mischief ready prepared to his hand. His foreign situation was the work of Mr. Canning—his free-trade errors those of Mr. Huskisson—and those of currency the mistakes of a band of political theorists, of whom his colleague, Sir Robert Peel, was, unfortunately, the organ. But, when the uke of Wellington found himself involved in the blundering imbecilities of the convention of Cintra, he soon had the manliness and good sense to emancipate himself from a contamination equally injurious to his own good name, and to the interests and destinies of his coun try. And why has he not displayed the same courage and foresight in his civil, as he exhibited on all occasions in his military ca.. -pacify ? Does lie think that nations can be governed with the same facility that armies are commanded; or that a mere name supremely eminent in a military point of view as his own is, can supply the want of that knowledge which is alone the sure sup port to real and useful power in civil affairs ? But the Duke of Wellington is, we conceive, by far too sensible a man not, sooner or later, to see his errors ; and we know nothing more likely at once to sting his just pride, and awaken his recollection, than the galling tact, that while professing to appeal to the people in the election of a new parliament, in no place where that appeal can be really made, and fairly put to the test, is there a candidate with boldness enough to come forward and manfully call for the people's suffrages on the ground of being the friend and supporter of the ministry. We speak of the failings of the Duke as a statesman more " in sorrow than in anger." The sycophants who, for their own selfish pur poses, applaud his errors, and cheer him on in measures subversive of the welfare of the country, are the worst enemies of his fame...— We have always done justice to his merits; but if we were to sacri• lice truth to flattery, or to allow our reason to be dazzled by the splendour of his former exploits, when it is our duty to form a cor rect estimate of his present measures, we would be justly reckoned among those who sacrifice the interests of a country to the fascina tion of a name. CH eon ICLE.—The Kings of Europe ought not to deceive them. selves. They can in no other way prove their not participating in the measures of the French Government, than in distinctly con. laming the departure from truth and principle of the French King. The people have seen so math of perfidy in the revolutions of Spain, Portogal,and Italy,that thejwill believe this a part of a common sys. m, if they have not distinct evidence to the contrary. They will be lieVe in a conspiracy of Kings against nations, in a separate morality for Kings, and that no arrangement, no contract, can be safely .mtcred into with them. nitre is already but too strong an incli • nation to believe that the Holy Alliance was at the bottom of the counter-revolutionary movements in the Peninsula and Italy. The mere disavowal of all participation in the proceedings of the French Government will not. therefore, be sufficient. The people must be taught to believe that the other Kings of Europe are as hostile to the measures as they are themselves. We repeat it, that thepresetst is the cause of crowned Nails. With the present diffusion of Intel. ligence, and the present distribution of property in Europe, it is quite impossible, that any goverament can long maintain its ground, if the a ill of the people he not deemed the guide of those who rule. It is the interest of Kings to identify themselves as much as possible with the people,to cause themselves to be viewed as firstmagistrates,and not As owners of the country. For their common interest, theyought to separate themselves from the French King. If they do not accom tnotlatc themselves to the spirit of the age, the age will sooner or later trample them in nu dust. Every prudent king ought, there. tore, to consider the cause of Kings as inseparable front the good will of the people. The people have everywhere their eyes on the lioverittnentA. Every step is of importance. Let it not be forgotten that a victory over the people is never final, and that the conspiracy of ail the Sovereigns of Europe would be insufficient to extinguish in the people the love for in dependence. which grows with the growth of nations in indus. try and civilization. The only effect of such a conspiracy would be the lesson, that king. are to be considered as beasts of prey, which every matt ought to devour. On the other hand, every man would be taught to believe, that as kings can keep no faith with the people. the people can keep no faith with kings. We must do the people of this country, of all parties, the justice to say that there was yesterday but one loud condemnation of the course pursued by the French Go vernment. We do not think so ill of the blinlatry as to believe that they do not share the common feeling of abhorrence. Nay, a!latever the other Sovereigns of Europe may think of the working ,it the French Constinition, it would require good evidence to in duce us to believe that they sat.ction the daring steps of the Frail+ Government. They dare not, they will not so far insult the nations entnittitted to their care, as to countenance the Immoral conduct of she French Government. T lIE ELECTIONS. CANTERBURY ELECTION. STATE OF TILE POLL AT TUE CLOSE AT SIX O'CLOCK. Mr. Wat50n............ Mr. Baring.. Lord Fordirich l5B Esszit.—There ate now three candidates in the field for the ho nour of representing this county, and a long, arduous, and spirited contest is anticipated. They Mlle forward each on a particular interest. Mr. Western relies on the support of the IVhigs and agti culturists. Colonel Tyrrell is the son of Sir John Tyrrell, Bart. of Boreham ' a staunch Tory. The lion. Mr. Wellesley must, there fore, look for support, not to the heads of either party, but to the freeholders, with whom he has certainly become highly popular. The High Sheriff has appointed Friday week for holding the elec tion. There are about 9,000 freeholders in the county, and any thing like a vigorous contest would cost each candidate •20,0001. at least. BIALDON.-Mr. T. 11. hennard and Mr. Quintin Dick, will walk over the course, there being no third man. The election is tixcd for Friday next. The tug of war will be strong at ',ewes. We adhere to our first impression, that the order of the poll will be as follows: Shelley, Kemp, Donovan.—Brightgn Gaseitc. In the county of Cumberland all will be peace, and, we think we, may say, unanmity. Sir John Lowther and Sir James Graham will be returned without opposition.— Caraberland Packet. At Carlisle, the Blues are at war among themselves. Mr. How ard has been here in the !eluting-strings of Papa—not he of Rome —who seems anxious to guard the young candidate from the dangers which beset inexperience on its assumption of the duties and digni ties of manhood. The youthful aspirant, however, let off a fine flyaway speech, and knows how to deal in magnificent promises. Yet all is not gold that glitters; nor is the Carlisle election likely to be, as our country friends say, " all honey and butter." There will be a pretty fair proportion of vinegar and pepper in the mess. Cumberland Packet. Bzawscx.—The Election is to commence on Saturday, the 31st of July. STAFFORD.—The election for this borough commences on Friday, the 30th. Day of nomination for the county, 29th July and the day fixed for the election, Saturday, 7th August. ; CARNARVON.—Sir C. Paget has relinquished the contest of this borough, but recommends a Mr. Lloyd Edwards. Mr. John Wood, a barrister, and late member fur Preston, left York hastily last night, upon receiving intelligence that the con. stituency there are about to oppose to him Mr. Hunt. VORKSIIIHE ELECTION.—We have received an extraordinary supplement to the Lends Mercury, containing an account of the proceedings at the Leeds Cloth Hall, on the nomination of Mr. Brougham and Lord Morreth. We have not room for the whole, but the following extract from Mr. Brougham's speech is too portant to be postponed : "Go where you will, take the exatuple of this gnat county of.Vork, which is a fair representative both as to the landed interest, the mer cantile interest, the wealth and population, and of all sects and polies in religion and politic:, of the people of England. My Bonoutable Friend, Mr. Duncumbe, differs with me on some points ; but I am willing, and even am ready, to do justice to his integrity, and to his consistency, for he opposes the Govern ment because he thinks the Government wrong. You may hear in one quarter Mr. Duncombe proposed, you may hear in ano ther quarter another worthy man proposed, and in another of my Noble Friend (Lord Morpeth), who has so distinguished himself to-day and in Parliament—and you hear in another that I am named amongst them ; but there is one pasty I never hear mentioned the Ministry; although they are the King's Ministers, and have the giving away of places they seem by common consent to be forgotten, as if they had no na tural existence. I can only account for it by saying that they are not so important as they ought to be ; front which I draw two conclusions, one for their own consideration, and one for yours." A simultaneous and general cheer concluded the public business of the day, and it is quite impossible to conceive that any thing could be mere gratifying to the feelings of the candidates and their friends, than the scenes they had just witnessed. Nor was it the least part of the gratification enjoyed by the friends of Lord Morpeth and Mr. Brougham, that they were accompanied by Sir John Johnstone and Mr. Strickland, as the impression upon their minds, when conveyed to their friends of the landed interest, must convince them that any opposition that might be raised against ;either of them would be utterly futile. This tribute of re spect to talents and patriotism, be it remembered too, is free and unbought—not a shilling has been expended by either of the candi dates. A new era has arisen in Yorkshire in the history of elec. tions ; and, in future, candidates will have to draw, not upon their purses, but upon their principles and their talents for their success. So bright an example will, we trust, at no distant time, animate the constituency in every county and popular borough in the kingdom. After visiting the Trustees of the White Cloth-Hall in their chamber, and receiving from them, on principle, the most cordial and general assutances of that support, which up to this day was divided and uncertain, Mr. Brougham proceeded to Hud dersfield, where he addressed assembled thousands of the manufac turers, and other freeholders, and where his reception amongst that warm-hearted people was, if possible, more enthusiastic than at Leeds. On his return he met the freeholders of Dewsbury and Heck mondwike, and here again he lighted up a dame that is spread ing over the western hills, and will burn with an ardour that will be felt in its most fervent glow in the city of York at the approaching election. Lord Morpeth, who is labouring under slight indispo sition, and is pressed by public duties at the Assizes, returned to York, but It is his Lordship's intention to visit Huddersfield next Tuesday, and we believe both his Lordship and Mr. Brougham will visit Bradford on Thursday next: from Bradford Mr. Brougham will proceed that day to Halifax, anti front thence to Sheffield, where, from all we hear, his reception will add fresh laurels to the triumphs preparing for him, and for his noble colleague, by the free. holders of the county of York. We hear that the borough of Cotton, with the park and mansion, has been purchased by Lord Monson for 180,0001.—w Brighton Gazette. In the neighbourhood of Dulwich and of Sydenham, the farmers have been cutting and carrying their oats for several days past. His Grace the Archbishop of Dublin has returned to town from North Wales; and it affords us infinite satisfaction in being able to state that his Grace is greatly improved in health and appearance—.Dsgin Paper. A first dividend of four shillings in the pound is an nounced for payment to the creditors of tile late firm of Birch and Yates, bankers, of Stafford. The final dividend, it is expected, will be about nine shillings. The exceedingly fine weather is already having a most cheering influence on the prospects of the harvest ; indeed rye and oats, at Colnbrook, near Hounslow:, and other places, near London, have been cut, and some of it carried in excellent condition. GLAsoow, JULY 28.—Fresh herrings are now ex ceedingly plentiful Large arrivals take place daily at the Broomie law. On Saturday there were seven wherries loaded, and they sold with wonderful despatch at Gs. lid. per hundred. On the streets they are retailed at eight for Gd. New salt herrings are becoming very reasonable in price. A week or two ago they were purchased at 31. Si. a barrel; to-day, however, they are offered at 21. G. a barrel. The general excellent quality of the fish has this season caused a greater consumption than usual. TEIG MOUTH, JULY 28.—Monday, at P.M. Torbay exhibited one of the most beautifully animated and interesting spec tacles ever witnessed since the Channel Fleet lay here, in a Regatta, consisting of 70 sail of a variety of yachts, pleasure, fishing, and row boats, all contending for their respective prises. The concourse of persons at Torquay, the rendezvous, was altogether unprece dented ; and a grand ball, attended by nearly 200 of the •gentry of the place and neighbourhood, concluded the festivities. The Scor pion, Liberty, Neuha, Hely., and the Lord of the Isles, were among the yatchts present on this festive occasion. LONGFORD.—We have learned that Sir George Fe therstone has resigned. If no other candidate shall appear, I.ord Forbes and Mr. Anthony Lefroy will be returned without opposition. The election for this county is fixed for the 10th of next month, and a warm contest for the representation is anticipated. The candidates are Mr. Bastard, Sir T. I). Acland, and Lord Ebrinoton, all of whom are well known to the freeholders of this extensive county. We cat only repeat what we stated In our last ; let the electors do their duty to their King, country, and them-' selves, and in doing so it will be a never-failing source of gratifica tion to proclaim that they are true friends to the land which gave them birth. Committees for the different candidates are formed, ani making every exertion in favour of their respective favourites. raouth Journal. CORK CITY ELECTION. - REASONS AGAINST BEING AN M. P.—Rumour says that Mr. Daniel Callaghan and his brother, Mr. Gerard Callaghan, submitted their respective preten sions to the arbitration of six friends, and that the decision of the arbitrators was communicated to the latter in the following terms t " Mr. Oerard Callaghan, as your brother is an unmarried man, sod has no family, for these and many other reason, it is - ur opinion that he is the litter candidate." Mr. Ja e n a senummtns bas been spoken of again as determined to start for the eq.—Cork Chronicle. THEATRFS. II AY3IARKEI"I'IIEATR L. A new musical farce. in two acts, was produced at this theatre last night, under the title of Honest Frauds. It is from the pen of Mr. Luxe, and founded upon Scarves celebrated piece Let Charlatanism., to which have been added other materials of Eng lish origin. Emma (Mrs. ASHTON) the daughter of Sir Gregory Gudgeon (WILLIAMS), a Hampshire Knight, and Harry Onslow (Hone), a young professor of music. having formed an attachment in the country which is disapproved of by the Lady's father, in conse. quence of the lover possessing neither wealth nor celebrity. Hay ing, however, no other objection to its addresses, he merely pro. hibits them for two years, which he assigns as a period of pro. bation for the exercise of his art in London, promising his con sent if within that time lie shall strive at eminence. The two years having elapsed without the fulfilment of the condi. Lion, the Knight has promised to grant Ibis daughter's hand to the relative of a friend, and brings him to town for that purpose. Onslow, however, being apprized of l,isintention, has taken lodgings in the hotel in which Sir Gregory's niece, Mrs Alderman Modely ( Mrs. T. HILL), has taken apartments for them. Here he accidentally encounters a friend and schoolfellow, Jack Flammerton (VININo), who being made acquainted with,' his position, conspires with Mrs. Modely and his friend Charles Asset (Battrum.) to impose upon the Knight, by fabricating for Onslow a fictitious celebrity. Mean. time the residence of Onslow is rendered intolerable by the in cessant singing of a musical cobler, Madrigal Blerrypatelt (REEve) whose stall is immediately under his window, and who is about to be married to Kitty (Mrs. Huststr,) the daughter of Barney O'Cag . ‘l'Eris'rEit,) an Irish cooper. Flannuerton resolves to rid hisfriend of the nuisance, and, finding that the joyousness of 3lerrypatch is just in proportion to his poverty, presents him with twenty sovereigns. This bad the desired effect. Elated at becom ing " a man of property," he abdicates his stall, determines to abandon Kitty, and throwing down a shoe, declares it shall be the last he will ever last, though he should last for everlasting. He soon finds, however, that with the acquisition of his money lie has lost his mirth, and returns to his last and his sweetheart as the only sources front which he can expect happiness. The " honest fraud" upon Sir Gregory is successful, and the lovers ate united. ENGLISH OPERA. The performances commenced with the Burletta of Midas, which► has been got up for the purpose of introducing Miss COYENEY, already a public favourite, to this theatre. She has mote talent than is usual at her age. Her voice is not, perhaps, of very good quality; but her taste and talent are sufficient to gain her celebrity and ad vancement. She acquitted herself most creditably as Apollo last night, and was encored in her two principal songs. The But letta was on the whole much better performed than on any represen tations of it we remember, even at the great theatres, for many years. J. RUSSELL, SALTER, and THORNE, MM. C. JONES, Miss FE R. Gusow, and Al i‘s H. CAWSE. exerted their talents to the best possible effect. The Skeleton Lover, which has undergone considerable ptuning in its last act, followed, and was heard somewhat more favourably than on its first representation. It was followed by the revival of an interlude canal Wanted a &merlins. It is but an indifferent affair, and numberless are the pieces of this class which might have been more wisely fixed on fen the purpose of displaying the talents of Miss KELLY, to whom alone the reproduction of last night is entitled for the consideration it received. The per formances concluded with a repetition of the new " dramatic foolery" of Sparrow Shooetty. This farcetta may be perused verbatim, front its first syllable to its last, under the title of "Spar row Shooting, a dramatic foolery for the Ist of April," in the New Month!, Magazine for April the Ist, 1830. This authority is not alluded to in the bills. We question the sufficient import. ance for adramatie representation of what the writer intended simply as a ptusagere whim for one day. Several of the broad " fooleries" were laughed at, but there was considerable opposition towards the conclusion. and SIR JAM ES MACKINTOSH. TO TIIE EDITOR OF THE STAR. 05-lAN Sts,—ln your paper of the 6th inst. you incautiously inserted an extract from Dr. LAIONER'S Cabinet Cyclopedia, Vol. VIII. professed to be a portion of Sir JAMES MACKINTOSH'S History of England. That paragraph wu inserted in what you call your Scintilla, and very properly so, for it is a spark which you, and Sir, JAMES, ought to regret having thrown through the world, u being altogether inconsistent with philosophy, argument, or histo rical fact. _ _ _ Sir JAmEs says, " Some tragmenta of the songs of the Scottish 1 highlanders of very uncertain antiquity, appear to have fallen into the hands Of Macpherson, a young man of no mean genius, unac quainted with the higher criticism applied to the genuineness of an. cient writings—and who was too much& stranger to the studious world, to have learnt those refinements which extend probity to literature, as well as to property." Whatever Sir Jraszs may think, the WORLD will generally admit that genius is seldom met, without re fisement and probity in her train Ha ought also to remember that some years before the first appearance of OSSIAM'S Poems, a most daring imposition was attempted, and for a time successfully, upon the ablest critics of the day, by a Scotchman of the name of LAUDER, and, for aught I know, of the same family as Sir James's friend, AIALCOLM LAnna—in proving that John Milton was a plagiary—and that his Paradise Lost was no. thing but a tissue of piracies from various foreign learned writers, which 1111L•rox had collated, and therefrom formed his celebrated work. To such a length did this literary Impostor carry his daring falsehoods, that many of the most learned men of the day—among the rest Dr. Jorrosox and Dr. PERCY—were convinced that Lamest had made ont a case of want of" probity"against the illus trious; Milton;—when Dr. DOUGLAS, afterwards Bishop of Salis busy, devoting touch time and trouble to the yin. dication of MiIton—LAUDER was at last compelled to admit that his quotations were all fictions ;—such authors as mere quoted, never havinj had any mutate*, except in his own wickedly fertile ima gination. It was not long before that the learned men of the day were for a time imposed upon by spurious productions, reported to be Shakspeare's—and by the Rowlteian manuscripts, said to be found in aniold trunk at Bristol. No wonder, then, that the learned who had suffered themselves to be deceived three times as above stated—and in one cue by a boy 19 years of age—should for ever after doubt the authenticity of any ancient poems. It is well for them that they had formed their religious creed, previous to the appecrance of Ossian, in their vernacular tongue; otherwise their reasoning against the works of the son of Fingal, as well as that of Sir JAMES, would equally apply to overturning all the truths of the Old Testament. Sir JAMES MACKINTOSH says, " Since the keen and search ing publication of Mr. Laing, these poems have fallen in reputation, as they lost the character of genuineness. They had been admired by all the nations, and by all the men of genius in Europe." Sir JAMES himself gives the lie direct to the above two short sentences, in his succeeding one, where lie states that " they formed almost the whole poetical library of Napoleon—a man who, whatever may be finally thought of him in other respects, must be owned to be, by the transeendant vigour dills powers, entitled to a place in the first class of intnian minds." Now for the truth as regards Mr. Lainy's edition of Walden. That edition was published long before Buono parte was publicly known ; yet it appears Mr. Laing's reasoning against Ossian's authenticity, was not "entitled to a place in the first class of human minds." The compliment paid by Sir Janes to Boonaparte, is very proper—it shows a sense of gratitude.— Buonaparte was a great means of obtaining for Sir JAMES those honours and comforts which he now enjoys. If Peltier had not been persecuted, from the land of his birth, by an upstart Corsican, and driven to England, where the " first class of - human minds" prosecuted him in the King's Bench in 1802, Sir Janws would not have had it in his power to defend Peltier against the then first Consul. of FRANCE, in such a manner as to instantly prociere for him a .ludgeship in India, a subsequent pension at home, and the honour of a seat in the King's Privy Council. Now for the Italian " version" !—Sit JAMES does rot say whether this version was taken from -Ifaephcrson, or from his friend Maleohn Lainy's edition—and it would appear that he dues not even know the nane of the translator. 1 will tell him that it was from the original Gaelic care:ion of Ossian's wolks, by Macpherson— and translated by the celebrated Italian Abbe CICANOTTI one of the most accomplished scholars of the day—and who learnt the ancient language of Caledonia fur the purpose of being acquainted with Oesierts in the Original ; and what induced him to do so was the following cir cumstance :—ln the years 1793 told 1794, while the late Admiral Lord Boon commanded the British fleet in the Mediterranean, Mr. JOHN M'A Winn a, a native of Caledonia, and a good Celtic scho lar, attended his Lordship as his Secretary. He had frequently oc. casion to be ashore in the Ports of Italy, where, among others, he often met with Cicaeovvi, who spoke English and wrote it cor rectly. Their conversation often turned upon the beauties of Os. SIAN. /11‘Aavuu a told his friend, that however poetic the ancient bard was in the English translation, many of his lasules were lost by the translator. The Abbe, at this time, had thoughts of tran slating Ossian from the English version, into Italian; but from what Al'ilavnun told him, he commenced studying the Gaelic, and by the assistance of his friend, who furnished hint with a few elementary books, the Abbe, was soon enabled to read Osamu in the Original ; and from it be gave the world that edition " which so posed their Alerts," as Sir Janus is pleased to say ;—but which "Jenard shout dee whole poetical library of Napoleon." The Abbe CICAROTTI, in his own Italian dissertation upon Ossian's Poems, alludes to claims put forth by several framed natives of Ireland do favour of their author being a native of Erin, and not of Caledonia. The Abbe concludes this part of the dissertation with them remarkable words :—" Toone, as a einem Ohs teor:d, it loaners not, whether °faux was barn in the Biss o/ Ireland. or Mountains of Scotland; brat se one will deny that he was the son of the Muses." PHII.O PnaLoszaus. RUINING:IAM POLITICAL. UNION. According to postponement, in order ►o wait the convLiii .4c.: of Si, Ftancis Burdett, the tiro annual meeting of the Political took place at Mr. Beat dswor.lt's Repositeri, on Monday last. Mr. T. ATTWOOD moved that Sir F. Burdett do Like the eltss:. This havin. , been done with acclamation, Sir F. liunnETT rose and addressed the meetine. lie r menced Ly expressing his gratification at seeing so :11111!enSe. semblagc of his fellow-countrymen assembled together for the per • pose of promoting an object which he had laboured to eueomphie during the whole of his political life. All his labours in the caue of reform had hitherto produced little effect upon et, refer I.:cute and little would ever he effected urless by a general imiou are °potation of the people. It was perfectly in vain to expect to make any impression upon the bands of individuals interested in tl•e pre sent corruptions, for they were too true to the duties which they owed to their constituents to allow any rentonetraneft of the people to have any effect upon their minds. Ile had himself a curious duty to petform, which was to explain how he was justitiri in giv ing them credit for such a faithful and cattscientious discharge of their duty to their constituents. The fact say, the mmotity of these gentlemen bad but about ind constituents, and most faithfully del they discharge their duty to that select number. They would es• sily learn what might be expected front the fidelity of menthere freely returned by the people at large, when they bay how elstlfulle and carefully theinteresta of this select number of con:elite-me wet, guarded by their faithful representative:. He cautioned the pu'elie against being led, by passing events, from the real and vital que.- don of reform, as nothing could be more daitg,:rons to lifteity the eyes of the public being tutned to things whi c h wonieS ultimately be of no avail. He alluded to what w ere file ay cal: e the elections of the people. They all knew that clunties were t sidered the most tree and independent; but they all linnet lir ne, that the man of the greatest wealth was always the surest et hes election, and that it was now esteemed, even by the rich, an act o: great folly, certainly of great injury, to stand for a county. It nete equally unnecessary for him to inform them boa small a pe.ti le at county members the House of Commons contained. So renurieue.y deficient, indeed, was the house of popular reptesentatives, One i 1793 Lord Grey offered to prove at the bar, that a majority of to members were merely the nominees of Peers, or other great landed es borough proprietors. With respect to the last Par:iament, it we:A.: not thank hint fur what he was going to sey, roe would they be skit . prised. He was going to make their d, ihece. The Het:omelet- Baronet then proceeded to argue, that the mejotity of the I:elm ben of Parliament, as at present constituted, were, on the whole, fair representatives of their constituents. lie would defy any man to prove an instance where any of those returned for Peat. had acted contrary to the orders or the directions of those by whom they were returned. (Great cheering.) If they tare only as true to the interests el the people, and the nrinciy! of the British constitution, as they were to their constituents, tl: • people of England would speedily be res:ured to their birthright. It was to advance this object they were met that day,—en obje nut hostile to the constitution, but as much for the benefit of ti King on his throne, as the happiness of the people. It was not directed against any Minister, so much as intended to rescue ail ministers from the hands of a boroughniongeriog faction. Irbil. upon this topic, he might be allowed to express his satisfaction in being able to state his entire confidence in the present king, who. in the short time he bad been on the throne of his futeSithers. had di.. ' played more true English feeling, and performed more acts vote benevolence, than had been displayed or pe•rionticel by any Bet tish Sovereign for reigns past. He had called forth gallant lees who had been laid on the shelf neglerted, and rewanled them tee services long since performed—rewards which they meat long teii ce have despaired of ever receiving. One of his firer tete was the re calling to his court an old and gallant friend of Lord Nal. son, whose name would be long renumbered in the naval ae nals of his country. (Cheers.) lie had likewise shown the ranee kindly considerations for the comforts and convenience of ail classes of his subjects. In the recent opening of St. James's park. he had displayed a desire to comply with the request of the init.:. bitants of Westminster, who had now a ready access to its walks. In short, in William the Fourth they had now a King of England, and not the King of a faction.—(Cheering.) Now, therefore, war the time to press all subjects ;of national importance. Sir Francis then stated, that so long ago as the close of the American war, the subject of reform bad been introduced into Parliament by Mr. Pitt, with an eloquence which completely dazzled the people of England. Those, therefore, who charged Mr. Pitt's former friends with being apostates because they advocated reform, were themselves the apos tates ; for that great man was one of the earliest and first advocate* for its necessity. There were records of his sentiments en that huh. ject, from which lie had made extracts to allow what were his prin ciples, and the reason with which he accompanied them. They would be found to be the same as those they were that day met to support; and which he should always fee! honoured in advocatin g ;, either in Birmingham or elsewhere, whenever he thought hits ex ertions would prove useful. lie made this condition. because there had been, and might be, seasons when all efforts yule worse than useless. Sonic, therefore, had accused him of lukewarm_ uses and indolence (a voice from the crowd exclaimed s old Cobb( it') Sir Francis, " Ay, and honest men too." (Laughter and cheers.) - But he would defy any one to say, that in the ccutse of his long po litical life he had neglected, upon all fair occaseione, to come torwurel in the cause of reform. as warmly and zealously as when he first be. carne its advocate. The hon. baronet then proceeded to read ex tracts from a speech delivered by Mr. Pitt on the 17:h of May. 1782, in the course of which he indulged in the most severe sarcacone on the present vicious system of borough representation. The wars of old Sarum or damn had nothing to do with the British corm:- tution, except so far as it assisted their proprietors to fiil their pockets out of the public purse. What had the Nabob of Arcot to do with the constitution of England ? and yet it wes nototious that he had at one time seven members sitting in the English Patlia. merit? The present system of representation had, hewer et, this redeeming quality—that an honest men, who wished to serve his country, might, by an outlay of 4,0001. or 6,0001. purchase a bo rough. So bad, therefore, was the system, that even an evil itself became a mitigation of a greater evil, turd without which there would be a total monopoly in the hands of a few. Another proof of tote state of affairs was to be found in the fact, dirt at the pre sent time the largest counties, the tepresentation of which was the family glory of what Mr. Bentham called " the puree. brandishing tyranny," were now going a begging. (Hear, hear.) Government, he thought, had shown a want of policy in not trans ferring the elective franchise of East Retford to the great and he portant town of Birmingham, and allowed them a representntiee acquainted with its numerous interests. It must be perfectly knout, to all how unconvernent members of the House of Commons ge nerally were with these subjects ; and that such a state of thinge ought not to be endured. He would asset t that there was no spe cks of reform which would not be a benefit, it it were only a change. That led him to point out the necessity of union. lie deprecated all extremes which disconnected the reformers freon eras other. Some points had been gained ; they were new enablrl to speak of the corruption of the House of Commons in tweets for which formerly an offending member would have been consigned to the Tower, so perfectly shanteletes had Parliament become. fn this state of things the people of England were called upon to unite reso lutely in a pull, a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether ; and they would assuredly ultimately succeed in overthrowing this Dragon in its own temple, and, as in the use of the Blown of old. shame its own worshippers. (Cheers.) Parliament was so eorreht that the cleverest or most ingenious man would hid it in possible to suggest or devise a plan which so invariably operated against itte interests of the people. Sir Francis, atter stating that he should always be found at his post. concluded a hong and able speech, which the above is a mere outline, by expressing the pride he tilt in being leagued in the Name cause with the Birmingham Union. His services were altogether at its command, with a certainty of prompt attention. (Loud cheering.) Mr. AnTwoo° then addressed the meeting, erd in the enuret of a sexy long speech dwelt largely on the distress of the country aid its causes, contending that such distress did exist, whetever might be said to the contrary. He considered the only temedy to be that governments should be held answerable. In Turkey they hail strange customs—and one of diem was to cut off the heads of gene rals unsuccessful in battle. Now, though he would not recommend such a policy as this in England, yet he would undertake to a..e. that if a law was passed to hang the :ministers whenever a genetil state of trade occurred, the child .n the cradle would never live to hear of a bad state of trade again. (Cheers.) Mr. Attwood con cluded by reading the report of the Union. and moving its adoptien. Various resolutions were then put and caried, connected with the 'ejects of the meeting. After a vote of thanks to Mr. E. Da venport, for his services to the Union, had been tr oved ard atconden. Sir F. BUnDETT said, he could bear teetlinony to the truth et all that had been said in favour of Mr. Daeenport's services in Far. liantent ; and it was only to be regretted that such was the state ec' the representation, that he feared the country was not likely again e • have the honour and the bent lit of his services. Mr. Daniwrontr expressed his satisfaction in liiivihg been slob to render them service, however trivial. He joined most conlialiy in all those sentiments of confidence , which had been expressed t wards his Majesty. The virtues or the King afforded at lean one ray of hope and the only one, he feared—from whielt the people might look for redress lie assured them he felt honoured by being considered ass mendee of the Union, and would further acid, that it the arm of persecitt• should be extended to the Society, and o victim was wanted, be should be found willing wak e ready at all times to be that vietint.—(Cheers). On a proposition and vote of thanks to Sir F. Burdett, he res• and paid he could not take leave of the met ting without expressing the deep impression made upon him by the preceediegs of mat day. He must say that they he out prospects of nice, as is the great cause with which be was identified, which he had never b e f ore en. !enabled during she whok of his political life.--(Chosra.) When they met again, he hoped it would be more a meeting of congratu. I