The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1826-03-28 00:00:00

d. c k. The second piece was called Emmeline of Min or What will be the end of it, which introduced Mr. :trillion), who sang a very pleasing cavatina by Ilorn, o il e d " I've been warring." This piece, as may be sup pesed from its title, was full of love. minder, and mys toy, and ended in matrimony and a blow-ou. The per formances concluded with Hot and Cold, or Harlequin snot Ball, a very pleasing pantomime, in which Grimaldi, j un i.rought strongly to our recollection the pleasurable r„wernbrauces of cattier days, when , on these boards , w e w itnessed the care-killing exertions of his inimitable father. As yet, certainly, the son has not attained that rich vein of humour which the father so eminently possesses; but there a re sufficient d e monstrations of talent about him, over the g entral run of clowns, to show that when time shell have mature d his judgment, he will be inferior to his father a t one . His leer and squint are fac similes of the meld en, and se agree with the remark of a lady in our box, that be was the wry spit of his father." These pro dueions are all said to be from the pelt of Mr. T. Dib din, and, were we disposed, which we are not, to subject them w any critical ordeal, it would be very unfair to do so, on a night when nut ab ov e one word in ten reached the hoses, from the continual noise of the gods in the gallery sod the infernals in the pit. By-the-bye, for the informs.. thla of those whom it may concern, moonlight nights are not p oe itivey essential annouhe mons in the bills of this theatre as formerly, as the gag has extended itself thus far is its progress to the Ncrth Pole ; and the circumstance of the once dreary Spa-fields being now covered with some thousands of houses, has brought Saller's Wells into Lon dun. Indeed we shoidel ahnust have totgotten its local eamesiou with the political pantomime played there a tea years since, but that the name of the Harlequin on that occasion was brought to oar recollection, by being placarded during the performance last evening in" Hunt's matchless." M our tea*, are aware this house has a wine-licence, and we beg to say tor the government and insurance of those who are disposed to taste it, that the new river, which is reported to flow in the neighbourhood, has not found its way into the cellars of this establishment. Indeed at one time it was conducted into this theatre, which gave the manger an opportunity of having an overflowing house at plmsure. We sincerely hope he may suter from inunda tion, but not from water, his contract there having ceased, but from the visits of his friends, from the kindly recol lections we bear him for "Auld tang sync." ASTLEY'S THEATRE. We seldom recollect the opening of any metropolitan theatre prefaced by so many sounding promises as has been the opening of the above theatre for the ensuing season, and seldom have we been more miserably disappointed thsti we were last evening, while witnessing the result of the immense preparations made by the proprietors for the public amusement. In the first place there was to be an e entirely new grand melo-dramatic Eastern spectacle, in the scenery of which no less than thirty-two (we believe that is the number) artists have been employed for several months past." Or the piece we will speak in its proper place; but wi th respect to the scenery, we will juit take t hat whirls has been most prominently put forward, and then say, " nun disce omen" The drop scene we have no doubt was intended to create a great impression, for the artist seemed resolved to display all the learning he was toaster of upon one sheet of canvas. On the left hand is a piece of architecture, which tray Le meant for any thing or nothing—but immediately ad joining it is an attempt at the representation of the Coli seum at Rome. The artist, dominion, bad heard of such a building, but we rather imagine be could never have seen a better picture of it than such as those wood-cuts which hele to adorn a child's horn-book. That which he has deputed certainly does not possess a greater portion of architectural beauty. At the base of this building are an immense quantity of clouds lying comfortably upon the earth, in order to afford a firmer path for the Chariot of the Sun, which is just starting front the Coliseum to give light to all the world. On the right hand, above the Chariot of the Sun. is another figure—but here we must stop and own ourselves completely baffled. The artist should have taken pity upon our ignorance, and fol lowed the example of his no less celebrated bro tber, who wrote in lgrge characters beneath the semblance upon his mummer" This Is a horse." For fear we might perchance betray still greater ignorance in a science in which we are by no means proficient', we will proceed at once to tles entertainments, which com menced with the National Anthem of " God save the King," sung by the whole vocal strength of the com pany. Now it might not be altogether generous to snake any comment upon the manner in which this anthem was executed, for we do presume that they would have sung it well if they could. And when we consider that amongst the whole company there is not a single individual, male or female, who understands anything of singing, it alight perhaps be too much to expect them to sing it otherwise than execrably. There was, however, accompanying this anthem a little incidental local picture and allegory, (God save the mark !) an allegory representing the King's Arms. An allegory—what a happy title—end good reader what think you might have been this allegory ?—nothing more nor less than the royal arms, with a donkey and a Manx pony for supporters. The donkey, it is true, had got something over has head, to give him die appearance of a lion ; and the Manx pony had a horn of blue and silver tin, the na tural colour, of course, of the horn of the unicorn. The tremendous roars of laughter at this pompous alleory— this local picture—had well nigh been mistaken for an encore of the anthem, which we verily believe that his Majesty himself, had he been present, would have deemed a severe penance. With respect to the Burmese War, it is a tissue of sickly parade. We do not pretend to de scribe the plot ; for, as to story, we may say, " Lcrd bless you, Sir, there is none to tell." Suffice it, that it pretends to be a description of the Burmese War, from which it receives its name. The dialogue is miser ably stupid. Herring as a sailor, and Lawrence as an old soldier, attempt to enliven it—but we have done with it ;we are fond of theatrical amusements, and can bear a tolerable portion of " balsam," but we know of no inducement which could again lead us to witness such performances. As it was, we left, together with the most sensible and by tar the larger portion of the audience, before the commence went of the last piece. SURREY. This commodious little theatre Presented last night a va riety of entertainments, intended to suit all tastes. Otway's celebrated tragedy of Venice Preserved was brought for ward, under the name of The Con,piracy, The character of Bel rid era was sustained by Miss Louis, in a respectable man se►; and we say this with a full recollection of some highly gifted actresses, whose names are intimately associated with' the character. Mr. Mortimer played ✓u tier with consider able energy ; and Mr. Cobham, from the Dover Theatre, made his re-appearance in London in the arduous cha racter of Pierre, which, under all the circumstances, could not !XI pronounced a failure. The scenery, by Mr. Tomkins, le:lie:a great credit on that artiat. The second pet - of the evening's entertainment was The Apprentices' °pins,. or The one, Lad; a new piece by Mr. C. ; intended to elucidate the celebrated paint ings of lingual, in which he represented the happy conse quences of industry and good conduct, and the unfortunate results of idlenne and immorality. The principal character of the Idle Apprentice was assigned to Mr. Vale, whose acting abounded in humour. although but badly supported by the other performers. The concluding entertainment v (mid baits name appear to have been intended for the quality, who might be returning at a late hour front Greenwich fair • and if such was th e d es ign, it WAP most suceeasful, as as been proved by the necessity of appealing to the audience for a patient hearing. The arrangements of the theatre rvflect great credit on the proprietor and manager, who appear to pay every Mimi* attention to public convenience. BURO. The I ea -t whi c h can active pleasure from the gledness of othoft, has perhaps no better oppartunity of enjoying its benevolent sympathy than that afforled during the holiday aeation,'when mirth relta 1, we may almost ray, despotically. We may obterve, alao, its sovereignty is no where more apparent than at the thtatret, each of which possesses to a certain extent its particular connections. The Coburg is tertaisly entitled to rank amongst the first of those generally classed as minors. It had no sinner oFened, than it suc ceeded in establishing a peculiar reputation, which, by an unusual uniformity of mamgemtmt, it has maintained up to the ptet;:nt lime. lb: lasformarees hive been remark- able for extraordinary boldness, fidelity, and energy. They have r ourtrayed with vigour all the " pomp and circum stance of glorious war;" and they have possessed themselves of that soul—awakening spirit which characterised the olden dsys of chivalry—which constituted the magic of the tournament. The latter has been mainly derived from the Poet of the North, whose works promise to ctolorc, even as long u the bills, craigs, and glens they describe ; and who, by the way, as we judge from his recent productions, _ . seems aispopell: like the battla of ancient clay; to become warrior ass well as minstrel—to stick the feather in his bonnet which he has hitherto held in his hind. Thrre can be no doubt hut that the principal contributor% to the success of . • • . . this species of representation have been Messrs. Blanchard and Bradley. Combats on the stage are generally destroyed by a want of expertness in the combatants ; but these intli vitluals are sufficiently skilful to avoid an ,exhibition of the trickery of their art, and the illusion being, therefore, un disturbed, they are enabled to add all that sanguinary, ttr rifie, that Germanic—if we may he allowed the term— detail, which, but for the faithfulness of the portrait, weuhl excite disgust anti deprecation. On what principle it is that we derive pleasure from an exhibition of tuf feting humanity, as witnessed through the mystic veil of the drama, we leave the philosophers to explain more satis factorily than they have hitherto. It is sufficient for us to observe, that 'these gentlemen, feeling their power, boldly made the experiment, and succeeded. The result id, they, and the species of drama peculiar to this theatre, possess their exclusive votaries, whose admiration is as thcitled as hrthat of others who may he attached 15 an higher order of composition and representation. While adverting to the great theatres we may observe, that fre quently as they have invaded, we might almost say, the property of the minors, their efforts have seldom been attended with success. They almost invariably fail in melo-drama, notwithstrinling the advantages they may be supposed to possess, derivable from their su periority of scenery, capacity of stage, command of machinery, and, in fact, of all the elements composing either the picturesque, beautiful, or sublime, of the drama. We say, notwithstanding that. they boast their advantages, they talk of " Guns and wounds—God save the mark !"—as did the Popinjay described by Hotspur. They want the master spirits, the genius of the scene They give us the storm, without that which is necessary to a development of its terror—the lightning, while, from the conflicting blades of our two before-named comba tants, the fire-flash streams as wrathfully as ever did that gas-, rated in the angry eye of Jove. Until the patent theatres can approach nearer the excellence attained by the s, it would be wiser, perhaps, that they did not a to appropriate Wet which has, of necessity, become the only legitimate foundation of the latter's claim to patronage. ' • The Coburg has been much improved during the re. cess. Without, a neat portico has been erected, which affords a convenient shelter. Within, in addition to a thorough renovation of the gilding, a new proscenium has been constructed, which detracts something, perhaps, from the stage, but which adds to the convenience of hearing. This has enabled the managers to furnish six additional stage boxes, supported by elegant gold pilasters of the Corinthian order. The first piece was a mere sketclt for the purpose of intro ducing the dramatis person engaged for the season, and Mr. Davidge, as the new proprietor, whose early manifestations of a liberal feeling will, we trust, berewarded Is they deserve. The piece consisted principally of selections from many that have previously been played at this theatre, and hail acquired popularity. It is called The Managers Vision. The manager tails asleep on. his couch, and these recite tations are supposed to compose his dream. The piece is wound up by his waking, and being gratified by the intel ligence that there is a corps at his command. which will realise what he supposes an " airy nothing." Amongst the recitations there was one given by Young from the City of the Plague, exhibiting considerable power and judgment. Blanchard gave a scene from the Maid of Genoa, as a drunken corporal, which was inimitable. This was the best thing of the evening. lie sustained most ably his part in a combat; the difficulty under which he laboured of regulating himself, while subject to the influence of his potations, being humourously contrasted with his practical advantage as a sword's-man. Huntley was announced in the bills to appear in this and the second piece ; but an apo logy was made for him on account of indisposition. The Old Man of the Mountain, or the Castellan's Son, was also performed for the first time. It is founded on one of Kotzebue's pieces, and is dramatised, we understand, by Mr. H. M. Milner. The scene is laid in Switzerland. The original proprietor of the Castle of Thurn and his daugh ter, are supposed to have been murdered at the instigation of Welzendorf (Rowbotham), who, thirsting for the for mer's honours and possessions, adopts the readiest means of acquiring them. His intentions are, however, frus trated by Sigismorn (Hemmings), the next of kin to the murdered Lord, who, with his partner, Zerilder (Miss Watson), succeeds to their relative's estates. Welzendorf having been defpted, ceases to pursue the object of his desire until he'ineets Zerilder, with whom he becomes enamoured. This is a new incentive to action, and he devises various means to compass the ruin of his rival, and to obtain possession of his lady. As a sort of underplot, Sehoohert, an old warden, has a daughter. Laurina (Mrs. Young) who is attached to Alarie (Blanchard) a faithful domestic of the rightful Lord. The father, however, perversely wishing to wed her to some other, she flies to an old hermit, called the Man of the Moastain. She is subsequently forced from his pro tection ; Sigismorn is taken prisoner by Welzendorf, and confined in his own castle, which the Hermit healing, he repairs to. It subsequently turns out that the Hermit is the rightful possessor, supposed to be murdered, and Lauriaa proves to be his daughter. Supposing his daughter dead, he has allowed his relative to enjoy possession of his rights, himself giving preference to a life of solitude ; but he now sees reason 'for as- I setting his title, the usurper is overthrown, and an ' equitable adjustment ensues. From the sketch we have given it will be judged the plot affords ample scope for the exercise of an author's ingenuity. The opportunity has not been lost; the numerous vicissitudes, the hair breadth escapes, and the sufferiogs absolutely sus tained, create their varying and appropriate degrees of interest. There is also a character given to Davidge which is intended to be whimsical. This will admit of some ju dicious altetation. The jokes are sparingly interspersed, and even these are not remarkable for their freshness. Blanchard played with his usual spirit; Rowbotham made a formidable usurper; Young also acquitted himself well; and, with a few exceptions, sic de rrteris. In reference to the females, Miss Watson, Mrs. Young. and Mrs. Da vidge arc so well known at this Louie that they need no particular comment. GREENWICH FAIR. The holiday-folk have been filled with apprehensions for some time past, that the annual festivity at this celebrated spot was about to be abolished by the rude arm of magis terial power, and that (like Stepney, Peckham, and Hamp stead) Greenwich Fair would be placed amongst those by gone amusements in which the lieges of former days Were wont to take pleasure. These dismal forebodings, how ever, were all dispelled yesterday, when the preparations made for this year's entertainment were beheld. The numberless attractions which give animation to a scene of this kind were all in readiness, and it is scarcely necessary to add that Punch and his incomparable Dulcinea were not wanting. But, notwithstanding the magnitude of the preparations, and the uninterrupted fineness of the day, the immber present was comparatively small—not so many by one-half as we have observed on similar occasions. Perhaps this is to be attributed to the apprehension which we before alluded to, and which we understand very ge nerally prevailed. We suppose we should be thought too sanguine, dill we ascribe it to the prevalence of a more retitled taste amongst the lower classes of our population. Be this as it may, the Park, which usually displayed a " goodly show" oil .hose occasions, was almost empty yes terday; only a few straggling visitors enjoyed the charming prospect which its summit affords, and which, i❑ our opi nion, would amply repay a visit to Greenwich, even on a fair day. The clearness of the weather yesterday allowed it to be seen to gi at advantage. The splendid Palace, in which a grateful nation has lodged its war-worn defenders, standing in the fungtouna—old Father Thames rolling THE BRITISH PRESS. by, wafting the riches of the world to this modern Tyre; anti, at a distance, the cloud-encompassed horizon, in which London " Like s 'all bully lift* Its bead." The immediate neighbourhood of the fair was much hem r attended than the Park ; and, towards evening, all descriptions of vehicles, from the spruce Whiny to the crazy dust-cart, were put in requisition, and the genuine sons and daueliters of frolic and fun kept up the sport to an advanced hour of the night. EPPING 11 UNT. Some difference of opinion prevails as to the period of the year when the good and worthy citizens of London en- . • Joy the greatest Cationic of amusement. Many arc of opinion that Christmas is the genuine season of fun and frolic, but we confess that to us Easter always appeared to present the greatest temptation to indulge in hilarity. It is true that a considerable degree of satisfaction and gra tification is experienced during the Christmas suits, ',villa, on which occasion the good folks of the metropolis ►hanage to r►create themselves with every luxury that may be supposed to attach to the necessity of their condition. There is a proverb that " Christmas comes but once a-year, And when it comes it brings good cheer." No doubt exists as to the second part of the proverb, and the first at one period was equally true; but some persona cavil on account of the little Christmas which divides the honour, notwithstanding the change of style. The enter tainn ems of Christmas, big and little, ate, however, con fined to the domestic circle, and , do not present any na tional aspect by which foreigners could judge of the cht recta of the country. There is, indeed, at Christmas, a hunt on St. Stephen's day, but on account of the many accidents likely to result from it, it is not attended in the •same manner as the Epping Itum.4.vkich signalizes.Esster an:oog the citizens of London. The ground is generally too hard to allow the Nimrods of the city to venture on their hunters with impunity. But when Easter approaches, how different is the picture presented. Then comes the season for sporting in town and its vicinity, in despite of the feudal laws which monopolize the forests of the king dom to royalty and nobility. Last year a great deal of the interest which belongs to the solemnity of the Epping Hunt, was in consequence of the uncertainty which prevailed as to the critical period of Easter. The Literati differed with the Almanacs about the dominical letter, and though the public were greatly edified, they were not much instructed by the discussion whie t ti ensued. The difference, however, served to destroy us some degree the interest which appertained to the .Epping Hunt, which must al ways be held on Easter Monday,. according to the usage of our ancestors. The demolition of various fairs during the past year, also contributed to fix a greater degree of interest on the Easter Hunt. The festivals of Greenwich had been curtailed of their due dimensions, and thus Epping was left without competition for popular favour. In truth, the ex hibition which the Hunt yesterday presented, was of a ' description extremely creditable to the gymnastics of Lon don. We never witnessed so few riders unhorsed out of such a multitudinous muster as generally attends. During the preceding weeks we observed numerous pupils practising in the riding school of Mr. Humphrey, in the Waterloo road, and they proved themselves no mean proficients among the followers of the stag. Others, who bad only the advantage of training according to the Voelker system on hobby horses, were not so successful in escaping from the casualties of the forest. At the crow of the cock, their civic bird, the citizens of London yesterday began the bustle of preparation. Every animal which hatl any pretension to be called a horse, cocked his ears, and directed his head towards Epping, with a kind of instinctive propensity for sport. The road was crowded with all sorts of vehicles and horsemen, among whom we could distinguish several of the Senators of St. Stephen's Chapel, desirous to spend one of their Easter Holidays at Epping. The weather was delightful for the occasion, and the way was enlivened by many of the fashionables of Whitechapel. It was reported that Monsieur Louis, the French giant, intended to enjoy the chace, but such, we regret to state, was not the case, for, on inquiry, we ascer tained that his Highness was disabled by a severe fall which he swittained from—his favourite thirty-inch pony. In compensation, however, for his absence, we were much gratified to behold several hunters equipped in the City Light Horse costume and habiliments. They knew that ' the stag at bay is a dangerous foe," and wished to guard against the contingencies of his desperation, by providing the holsters of their saddles with pistols primed and loaded. The farewells between those cavaliers and their spouses were more affecting than the parting between (lector and Andromache, or that of Black-eyed Susan and her Sweet William. Many were the admonitions given by the cautious matrons to their husbands to take care of their safety and to preserve their dear persons, but when the stag burst on the view the advice was forgotten, amidst the enli veningsounds of the Hunting Chorus in Dee Freischutz. The weather was extremely propitious, for the sun shone plea santly, and the ground in the Forest had been softened by the preceding rains, so as to afford a comfortable seat for those who were tired of the saddle, and desirous of repo sing on the green sod. The actual hunt was not very in teresting to the majority of those who attended, as the stag, which was a stranger to the country, when emanci pated from the cart, immediately diverged into the copses, and was soon lost to the greater number of the pursuers. After a run of half an hour, however, he was taken in a pond, and several, who were unable to follow his slot, were gratified by a view of his capture. Among those who witnessed the event was a celebrated citizen, who grievously deplored the calamity, even to tears. A disciple .of Dr. Spurzheim immediately took out his memorandum book, and inserted a anery, whether horns were not a branch of the organ of sympathy? The hint may prove useful to the science of Phrenology, and it luckily happens that much difficulty v:ill not be experienced an finding skulls whereon to try the experiment. When the racing and chacing terminated, the hunters of the day recollected that Epping was famous for its ham, and sausages, and accordingly regaled themselves, as good Christians at Easter ought to do, at Mr. Runmding's refectory. More falls oc curred during the return home than at any period of the day. Several signalized themselves, whether designedly or accidentally, by somersets that were much superior to the exhibitions which we subsequently witnessed at Astley's Amphitheatre. Surgeona, as usual, were in attendance, but we were glad to learn that their services were dispensed with, as the losses of the day consisted more of leather than of limbs. The tanners may expect a brisk trade during the week. "'fake it for all and all," the Epping Hunt of yesterday did not evince any symptoms of degeneracy in the eques trian aspirants of London, although some indiviluals com plained that they had been disappointed in not getting the brush. Such accidents, however, will happen occasionally in stag hunts, but it should he considered that no fault is imputable to the warmth of March, which, instead of the fierceness of the lion, yesterday assumed the mildness of the lamb. The advocates of Christmas may boast of their pro verbial distich, but we defy any poet to comprise in a couplet the various amusements of Easter in London, and particularly the Epping Hunt. We here beg leave to state, that we do not mean any invidious comparison be tween it and Mr. Orator Hunt, who also contributes to the gratification of the polished society of the metropolis. Nevertheless, we mast insist that there is no proverb nor (as a facetious friend remarked) adverb, sufficiently ener getic to expresss the delights of the Epping Hunt. --- A most destructive fire broke out at the farm of Mr, Kirkby, at Stansted Rye, on Friday last, between three and four o'clock in the afternoon, in consequence of some embers blowing to the side of a barn, then being done over with gas tar, which took fire, and ran up to the thateh with such rapidity, that in a few minutes the whole of the buildings were in flames, and in about two hours reduced to ashes. Some threshed and unthreshed corn, a quantity of hay and straw, besides agricultural implements, chaise and harness, and most of the poultry, were consumed ; there being only time to save the horses, and very few other things. The wind keeping in one point, nearly to the east, and there being a plentiful supply of water, aided by the prompt assistance of the inhabitants in the neigh bourhood, and engines, the house, which was to the north, and four ricks of ha%, about 2bo loads, on the south, were preserved frown the ;it:souring element. The property was iessred. ELECTION INTELLIGENCE. Mr. Sergeant Wilde has been invited to became a can didate for the representation of Exeter. The current report in Staffordshire is, that Lord Sandon (son of the Earl of Ilarrowby) will offer himself for the representation of tl t . county. Mr. Benyon retires from Stafford, on account of his age and infirmities; there is said to lie an intention to invite Mr. Campbell, the bar rister, to stand for the borough. At Newcastle-under- Lyme, Mr. IVilmot Horton is considered as secure, for he stands well with all parties. IVe understand that no op position is expected against the Peel interest at Tamworth. . • REPRESENTATION OF TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN.— Mr. Croker has, we understand, signified his intention of contesting the University, upon the elevation of Mr. Plunkett. CARLOW ELECTION.—The High Sheriff's notice con venes the county for 'Thursday, the 6th of April next, r.i th , election of a Member in Parliament, in the room of the present Lord Downes. The only Address to the electors is that of Mr. Kavanagh, who will, it is supposed, fill the vacant seat. STATE OF TE-ADE. CORK, MARCH 19.—Business was this day ressmed at the old Bank-house, for the purpose of closing the ac counts of the establishment—but it is not intended by Mr. Pike's family to continue the banking business. At Messrs. Lomond and Co.'s sale of piece goods on Thursday. a great many purchasers appeared, and eatserly competed fur the different lots. 10", 11QQ. and 13" power-loom calicoes, which were not expected to bring more than 65., 75., and Ss., sold at Gs. id., 7s. 10d., and 95., subject to a discount of 21 per cent. for bills at three months' I date. Other goods sold readily, but at low rates. At tLe close, out of nearly 3000 pieces, only 150 remained unsold. It was remarked that few or uo goods were bought in by the owners, but that almost all the gales were fair bona fide onc.u.—Glasr,w Chronicle. The victuallers in town, who have a pretty fair ready money business, are, in general, drawing about 20s. a-day less than they did before the commencement of the reaction in the currency. This may be considered about 20 per cent. on the whole drawings, but it must be recollected that there has been a considerable reduction in the prices of the articles. &It butter, for instance, is down from .sd. to sd. a-lb. Butter may now be got for lod. or 12d., which last spring would have brought Is. 4d. and Is. .sd. There were more sales effected on Tuesday, in the staple manufactures of Dundee, than there has been for six wee ks past. The general opinion seems to be that goods are now at the lowest price, and that we shall soon have more de mand.—Dundee Advertiser. There are symptoms of reviving trade at Montrose— freights low hut ships freighting. A sale of Dundee os naburgs has imparted a stimulus. One fraction on the yard, or one penny on the Ppi mile, would set the wheels in motion. Bact.non Hoax.—Stepney-green, which has long been the resort of the holiday folks, was yesterday thronged to ex cess, in consequence of an announcement having been sent forth during the week, that a new aeronaut, Mr. W. Penny, would ascend with his balloon, the Royal George, from the grounds in the rear of the Ben Jonson Tavern, contiguous to the green. The bills stated that the infla tion was to commence at two o'clock, and the balloon ascend at four precisely. Long before the time appointed, crowds of persona were seen flocking to the spot, many, taking Stepney church-yard in the way, pail] a visit to the celebrated tomb of Dame Berry. to admire the cold marble memento of " the fish and the ring." The whole legend ary tradition was told a thousand times over, and, in the interest which it excited, the aeronaut and his balloon were alsoost forgotten. At a little before one o'clock several thousands of persons had collected, and curiosity was on the tiptoe of expectation; but to their great surprise and dismay, a placard was exhibited, importing that Mr. Penny s balloon ascent was unavoidably postponed until Monday, the 311 of April, and the reasons assigned were the unfavourable state of the weather and the dampness,of the ground. The multitude retired under an evident feel ing of vexation, protesting that Mr. Penny's balloon was nothing but a " catch-penny." Roans a GAM s.—These manly sports, ins.i tuted by the Society of Scottish Borderers, wete held in Yarrow on the 17th instant, as usual ; and the (lay being fine, an im mense number of attendants and competitors appeared on the ground at an early hour. The prizes were superfine blue bonnets. The leaping was won by Andrew Beattie, Craikhopo, in Teriotdale—distance 42 feet. The first race by Robert Laidlaw, Chapelhope, Yarrow ; and the second by John Rae, Fauldshope, Ettrick. The first prize for wrestling was gained by George Best, Yarrow; thirty-two competitors. The second by Thomas Anderson, Ettrick ; thirty-two competitors. The third by Mr. Wil liam Glendinning, Eskdalemuir. This young gentleman, only eighteen years of age, threw many of the strongest men on the field, and had ssry nearly won both of the former prizes. The competition MS excellent ; for never so many real strong men appeared. The prize for putting the stone was likewise won by Mr. Wm. Glendinning. The match at the ball, after a terrible contest, which lasted three hours and three-quarters, was at last won by the men of Ettrick. The most perfect harmony and good humour prevailed t;rrough the whole day, and eke the night. Some business was also transacted. The largest stock of sheep in the county was said that day, and a number of lasses were bespoke, both for short and long terms.—Coledonian Mercury. A tradesman, of Horsham, whose wife has for some time been confined to her bed, and attended by her sister, is now the general subject of conversation in that town. The sister was missing about eight o'clock, and every possible search was tirade for her without effect; and, when the servant was sent to a neighbouring public house to acquaint her master with the circumstance, it was discovered that he had not been there that (lay. The brother of the ladies being informed of the affair, and making inquiries about the town, found they bad left the place together in a post chaise, in the direction of Brighton, about four o'clock. They were followed by the brother and a friend, and traced to an inn on the Brighton road, about twenty miles off, at which place the pursuers arrived about four o'clock in the morning. The landlord being called up, said there was a gentleman and his wife arrived about nine o'clock ; that they supped and went to bed. This, with other proofs, as luggage, &c. convinced them they were on the right scent; therefore, provided with horsewhips, they proceeded up stairs, and disturbed the happy pair. Having obtained ad mittance, the lady was taken back again, and the gentle man was astonished by the application of two horsewhips, which were used with great effect. Coo gTv OF WATERFORD.—A Waterford paper states, that on Saturday night week there was some Mobbing at Kilmactliomas, in that county, in consequence of which ten men were sent in on Sunday, under an unusually strong guard, and committed to the county gaol. On the preced ing Tuesday night there had been troublesome assemblages of the people. The following is a requisition for a meet ing of Magistrates on the subject:— TO THE MAGISTRATES OF THE COUNTY OF WATERFORD. Gentlemen,—l hsve received a requisition from several Ma gistrates assembled at Kilm.icthomas, requiring me, as Governor of the county of Waterford, to convene a meeting of the Magis trates, to investigate the causes of a riot which took ice at that town on the evening of Saturday, the 11111 instant, and to devise means Gf suppressing such disgraceful outrages. And, in com pliance with that requisition, I hereby call noon you, one and all, to meet me at Dungarvan, ut one o'clock, P.M. on Thursday, the 23d instant. " WaTt aronn. Governor of the county of Waterford. " Curmglimore, 12th March, 1826." An accident of a most alarming and distressing nature occurred on Wednesday last, to two of the daughters of the Rev. Sir John Robinson, Bart. residing at Hall Barn, near Beaconsfield. The ladies were returning from their drive in a feur-wheeled chaise, drawn by one horse, and in descending the hill new: the house , some part of the carriage touched the horse, which instantly set off at full speed, by which the carriage was overturned, and the young ladies thrown out on some stone pitching near the door. By this accident the arm of the eldest was frac tured near the elbow joint, and the other received a severe contusion on the back part of the head, which fractured the skull, and for some hours she was considered to be in imminent danger; but hopes are entertained that the in jury will not prove fatal. TO THE EDITOR OF THE BRITICH pnrss. Sin—May I be allowed to offer some doubts upon the jostles of thnsearrailines which Buenos Ayres has commenced agai n st Brea , , upon which subject you seem to share the general prejudice in thus country. The superior merits of Rept:Wham Qaarrtniente Cla afford no argument (were they superior). as i 1 is is question of com plicated right which might have equally arisen between two Its- The only seaports and considerable towns of who is called La Hands Oriental, Alonte•Video, and Sin Sacramento, *ere founded by the Portuguese Government of Brazil ; and of it many disputa were ceded to Spain, about IGO wears 'gm In 1869 Buenos Ayres and all its Viceroyalty (except "Upper Peru) revolted, and became independent. But the Elands Oriente{ remafeed to Spain under the ill-fated Gen. Ktio, and after 'yards under Gen. Vigoelet, till 1814. That is to say, the above-mentioned seaports did ; for the enunny people, a very fleece and wild race. had previously taken arum under Anigas and Fructuoso Ribere.And blockaded simile places by bird. la 1814 Monte-Video was taken by storm, under the aus pices of lion Carlos Alvear, a Buenos-Ayrean General, but by the forces of Artigat. I cannot say if it was months, or only weeks, before Alvear wed sent about his business, and Artigas set up an independent tyranny in his own person. plundering all his neighlroure by sea and land. He made frequent incursions into the lands of the Republic, seam. tidies threatet ing Buenos-Ayres; and, on the other hand, used tet ravage the Rio Grande frontiers, and excite the Brazilian negroes to rev. It. Buenos-Ayres was then weak and helpless, and the King of Portugal, by a military and naval expedition. subdued the country and expelled Artigam. This was done, in 1817. When Brazil declared her independence, a schism moss among the troops stationed there; and upon that ocusida the ('abikio of Monte ' Video declared their adhesion to the new empire, and swore fidelity to Don Pedro. Fructuoso Klima publiphed prnelaniatiors flaming with devotion to the House of Brsganaa, and sarcasms upon the Buenos-Ayreans, and sent his brother, Bernaba Ribero, to Rio Janeiro, to lay his protestations at the !bid of the throne. 1 This very mar., after eight years of peaceful submission, does, at the secret instigation of Las Hermit Buenos-Ayres, raise a revolt anumg the Llaneros, or wild buffalo hunters of the plains round Monte-Video, and as soon as the revolt (think)* ennsiattnei, Go. vernor Las Hens discovers that ht: is entitled to the coast which the Brazilians concitered front A taigas with their swords and tbei money, and openly joins the traitor (and can there be a beam Fritetumo Ribero. .. . The right to the fertitori seems very doubtful. The month, was tounded by Portugal, yielded to Spain, passed from Spain hands to the freebootSs Artigas and Ribera, and was conquered from them by the arms of American Portugal, now Bra4B. Thii is not the worst of titles ; but this at least must be plain, 1 think, to every man's judgment, that Buenos Ayres has no' tight to in. rade the Brazilian frontier, as it luta for nine years been consti tuted, without first paying up, or tendering to pay, the following. indemnities :—First, the damages done by Amps at sea and, land. Second, the expenses of conquering him ; and third,. the expenses of the civil and military government of the country since that time. No Seth offer has been made by Buenos Ayres, and believe they are an incapable or paying for the subjugation of Ar. tigas es they were of subjugating him. • Lastly. what security can they offer for the future good geolert ment of the Province, that it may not become again a nuisances Can they manage Fructuoso Ribero any better now than they could then ? The English newspapers seem all nn one side, 'treeing to run down a country in which our stockholdus have a great Interest, and our merchants a much greater. You will therefore do an set of justice hi giving publicity to these rentatks. X. I'S. I will explain a tnistalt. , which all our journalists have fallen into, of supptiv,ing that the Brazilians of Rio Grande have revolted. When the Oriental was annexed to Brazil it became part of It io Onside, and 'Hien the Rio Grande rebels are *pokes uf, Inn:tuns° and his peOple are meant. THE SILK MIDS. The Bill to regulate the importation of Silk Goods, for a tithe, m he limited, has been printed, porstrant to an order of the Ikon of Commons. The follorrieg Is a copy:— " Whereas, by an Act passed in the Lint session of Parliament entitled ' An Act to repeal the several Laws relating to the Cut. toms,' the laws by which the importation of wrought silks is pro hibited, will, from and after the sth day of July next, be repealed ; and it is expedient to make regulations fur the importation of such goods when the same shall become lawful : "And whereas by another Act passed in the last scssionof Parlia ment. entitled • An Act for granting Duties of Customs,' certain rated duties are charged upon the importation of raw and thrown silk, according to the weight thereof, and a duty of 30!. per eentnial in charged upon the importation of wrought silks according to die value thereof; and it is expedient that during the pleasure of Par. hament the raid rated duties should he reduced, and also that the amount of duty intended to be raised 'icon the importation of wrought silky should, as far as mat be practicable, be ascertained and charged by a rated duty according to the weight thereof. In. stead of a duty pie centum according to the value: be it therefoek enacted, by the King's Moot Excellent :Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and 'temporal. and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the au thority of the name, That, from and aid during the con tinuance of this act, in lieu and instead of the duties impaled by the lant-mentioned act, and set forth in a table thereunto annexed, denominated Tables of Ditties of Customs Inwards,' the several duties set forth in figures is the table hereinafter contained, and denominated' Table of Duties on Silk floods,' Muth be raised. levied, collected, and paid unto his Majesty, in the like manner as if the same had been imposed by the said act hereinbefore rate. timed, and net forth in the said table thereunto annexed. " And he it further enacted, That it shall not be lawful to im port into the:United Kingdom any wrought silks, or silks mixed with any other material except into the port of London, and in ships of the burden of seventy tons or upwards, nor unless In packages each of which shall contain one hundred pounds weight at least of such silks ; nor in pieces except of the following dinten. sions, that is to say, if such silks be ribands, then only in;separsre and entire pieces of uniform quality, not less than thirty-hve yards and a half in length, nor mare than thirty-six and a half yards In length, or in pieces not less than seventeen and a half yards in length, nor more than eighteen and a half yards in length ; and if they be braid silks (not being handkerchiefs, shawls, or scarfs), then only in separate anti entire pieces of uniform quality, nut leas than fifty-nine and a half yards in length, nor more than sixty and a half yards in length ; and that such silks shall not he wound upon blocks or rollers : Provided always, that nothing herein con. tained shall extend to prevent any passenger coming into any port in the United Kingdom from bringing with hint or her any articles of silk made up and being for his or her own use, so that the quantity of the same does nut exceed ten pounds in weight in the whole : Provided also, that the duty on the same, whether worn or not, he in all cases ascertained and charged according to the value, and not according to the weight thereof. " Provided always, and be it further enacted, That nothing , contained in this Act shall extend to prohibit the entering, for home consumption, any wrought silks, after the - next, which shall have been warehoused before the 13th day of .larch, 11121, nor to prohibit the importation of any wrought silks from any t place within the limits of the East India Company's charter, until after the -. " And be it further enacted, That all silks brought Into the United Kingdom contrary to the provisions of this Act, shall from and atter the said - be deemed to be prohibited to he im ported under the provisions of the said Act of the last Session of Parliament, entitled 'An Act for the genetal regulation of the Customs,' as fully and effectually as the same now are and will continue to he prohibited by the said Act, until after the said silk of greater less entire length thin is hereinbefore required, or if two separate lengths be wound or folded together, then such package, and all the goods contained therein, shall he forfeited : and if any piece of silk be wound upon a block or roller, tile same shall be forfeited. " And be it further enacted, That if any ship, vessel, or boat. not lacing of the burden of 70 tons, or not proceeding on her direct voyage for the port of London, wind and weather permitting. ' shall have on board any silk goods, swab as are prohibited by this Act to be imported, except into the port of London, or it any ship, vessel, or boat shall have on baud any silk goods, such as are not permitted to be imported, such goofs shall in all such cases be deemed to he goods liable to forfeiture within the meaning of an Act passed in the last Session of Parliament, entitled An Act for the ylevention of Smuggling.' " And be it further enacted, That all piece goods of silk, the produce of places within the limits of the East India Company's charter, which shall have been sold nt the public sales of the said Company, and which shall be legally entered for home use before the , shall be deemed piece goods imported from places within the said limits. .• And he it further enacted. That this Act shall continue in force until the next Session of Parliament. " And be it further enacted, TlPit this Act may be aimmdell, al tered, or repealed by any Act to be passed in the present Session of l'arilament." William llicks, a fine youth, nine years of age, was killed in Crawford-street, on Saturday, while playing at marbles. So intent was he on his game, that he did not perceive % cart heavily laden, by which he was knocked down, and so dreadfully bruised as to survive only a few minutes. The great public convenience already felt by the system of despatch adopted by the London Carrier Company, has stamped its character with value and milk). Parcels, like letters by the two-penny .post, are de livered three times a day to all parts of tomlon, and twice a day to the distance of ten miles. The carts will call at any particular place for goods, and convey them to their intended denittatton (at a low charge), however circuitous, without any trouble, or charge for book:ug, and thus obviate the difficulty of transferring thew to other vehicles on the present objectionable plan. II in,- merchants, grocers, schools, laundresses, sal, smen, servants, and persons going on board steam packets, will find great advantage in employing tit?, Company's carts. R -cciptl are giver by the drivers for the security of the parties. Central Office, G 9, Groat Queen-street ; Lincoln's-inn-fields. I I '_ •~. i, , I . ~H I 1 . • i. • ~. 3 i , ~1l