The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-01-11 00:00:00

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they should MO ewessuragement to seditious nelsons, and endanger
the renewal in Martinique of seem like those of St. Domingo.
General For and M. B. Constant supported the motion ; but
the Chainbenftissed to the order of the day.

PARIS.

We have given, from the American Papers, part of the
correspondence relative to the abortive negociation between
the. United States and this country, for the more effectual
suppression of the slave trade. We cannot pronounce a
definitive opinion on the subject, as the whole of it is not
yet beforens; but as far as the correspondence is publishicb
it appears to us clearly that no blame can be imputed to
the British Government for the failure of their anxious
endeavours to put down that atrocious evil. It is a peculiar
inconvenience in the construction of the Government of
the United States, that the measures of the Executive are
liable to be annulled by the Senate. In this case his
MAJESTY had ratified the treaty, which was founded on
instructions received by the American Minister in this
country from the Cabinet at Washington. Yet when it
was discussed by the American Senate, after the ratifi-
cation of his MAJESTY, alterations were made in 'the
very parts originally proposed by their own Government.
The opposition seems to have arisen from the slave-hold-
ing States in the. South. They object to expose suspected
vessels to the same treatment on the coast of America as
in the West Indies. In the Senate, each State has two
Representatives, and•the consent of two thirds of she Sc.-,
nators is necessary to the final confirmation of every treaty
concluded with Foreign Powers. The slave-holding States
have evidently formed a confederacy to defeat the wishes
'of both the Governments. Though they have no objec-
tion whatever to put an end to the supply of slaves to the
West Indies, they will not consent to the adoption of ef-
fectual measures in their own vicinity. Mr. CANNING
properly insists upon the inclusion of America in the
treaty, which would otherwise imply the necessity of ri-
gorous precaution only against ourselves. When the
Right Honoarsble Gentleman offered to restrict the
application of that passage of the treaty to that part
of the American mist where the slave-holding Statee
are situated; \Mr. Ruin: declared the proposal be
wholly inadmissible. The American Minister knew well
the power and feeling of the dissentient party in the Smite,
and he dared not risk their resentment by permitting the
discussion which Mr. CANNING'S proposal would have
involved. However " near the object may be to the heart
of both nations," we applaud the determination of the Right
Honourable Gentleman to decline, in future, advising the
Kix° to ratify.tteaties which may afterwards be rejected
by a factious minority of a foreign senate.

Yesterday was a day memorable on the Stock Exchange.
In the experience of its oldest member, there was never
such a rage for speculation, as there was yesterday in the
American Mining Shares. To draw any proper compa-
rison it would be necessary to go back to the history of the
South Sea bubble. Though no one of the mining projects
may be as wild and extravagant as that celebrated, and we
hope not altogether forgotten, instance of public delusion ;
yet, contrasting the whole amount of the present excite-
ment of the pnblic mind with the grounds on which ex-
pectation has been raised, we really cannot see much diT-
ference between what is now poising before our eyes and
what occurred a century ago. It is notorious that mining,
generally, is the most uncertain pursuit in which capital
can be invested. It is a ruinous lottery, in which the
occasional magnitude of the prizes does not compensate for
the losses sustained by those who draw blanks. In gold
and silver mines the uncertainty is still greater. Nature
yields the superior ores with a niggattlly and reluctant
hand ; and therefore indeed it is that they are precious.
Could they be übtaincd as easily and abundantly as the spe-
culators of the present day seem to suppose, they would no
longer possess the value which now belongs to them. But
there is a charm in the name of the precious metals which
has always infatuated mankind. Every one laughs freely
at the fable of El Dorado, while the sanity of a purchaser
of the Real del Monte Shares at 1,1‘e51., the price actually
given yesterday for a 400!. share, on which only 70/. have
yet been paid, is never suspected. The most extraordinary
fact connected with these mining speculations is, that very
little, if any thing, is known respecting the probable success
of any of tliem All is in that happy state of "glorious
uncertainty" in which the attorneys on each aide delight
to see a well-balanced case at the moment it goes before
the Court. for trial. It seems to be agreed that all these
milling projects shall be fortunate. If the ordinary ex-
ere* of our reason were not enough to convince us of the
absurdity of this expectation, we happen to know some
facts which at least will prevent us from sustaining
the future mortification of repenting at leisure over
our losses, the folly of having suffered ourselves to
be carried away by the current of popular delusion. About
ten or twelve years ago a respectable house in the city sent
out machinery, and em.pended altogether about 100,000/. in
working some of these mines supposed to abound in inex-
haustible riches, easy of obtainment. After acquiring
some experience in this pursuit, they judged it wise to
abandon it, their returns being only just as much as their
expenditure, and the machinery has been left on the spot
to perish. Yet in spite of all the precautions common
sense would dictate, in contempt of every former result of
similar speculations, and in utter indifference even to the
knowledge that may be acquired by a little patience, we
see thousands of individuals pressing forward to embark in
these doubtful and distant enterprises. Four new mining
Companies acre yesterday announced to be forming, two
more for Mexico, one for Peru, and one for Chili. We
have little hope that the Press can to any considerable
event restrain, the enthusiasm, which seems, and we
trust is, at its' height. But there are some to whom
the voice of reason is never addressed in vain. They will
benefit by the admonition, and they may save the friends
who confide in them from the fascinating danger to which
they are exposed. Looking at the usual fluctuations in
public stocks, it must sound incredible in the ears of seine
of our readers, that the shares of the American Mining
Companies yesterday varied 30 per cent. and upwards in
the ceanse of the day, there being no known reason why any
c:tange should have taken place. The Real del Monte
Shares, for example, closed on Saturday at 1,000/., and
yesterday the sum commonly asked for them was 1,5001. !
Was there any advance greater than this in the prcgress of
the South Sea or Mississippi scheme? It is impossible
that all these projects can succeed to the extent requisite to
make the investment of capital in them profitable at the
present prices of shares. Some of them will fail com-
pletely, and the unfortunate speculators will be awaked
from their dream of boundless wealth, only to weep over
the wreck of their fortunes.

Letters from !limotoned of the 14th November state,
that a battle bad been fought near &lona, between the
Greeks and Turks, in which the latter were defeated, and
many spoils taken from th:vn. All fears respecting Mis-
solonehi had subsided. The investment of Patras and
Lepanto is going on very closely, and twelve Greek ships
are blockading the gulph. The arrival of additional sup-
plies from England has given new firmness to the Govern-
ment. Mavrocordato has left for the Mores, and a new
Governor is daily expected.

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- • THE ;BRITISH PRESS. ,-

triton ova CC7IIIIIIIIITOXDZWT.I
ROM, J•w. 7.
The expectations built upon the project of the Emigrant
Indemnity Law have ended in mutual dissatisfaction, as
might naturally have been expected. The Emigrants them-
selves consider the arrangement as falling far' short of their
just claims, while the great body of the people, as well the
freeholders as the holders of stock, look upon the whole grant
made to them as utterly unwarrantable. I am greatly mis-
taken if the carrying this measure into effect will not en-
gender divisions fatal to the repose of France. That M. tie
Vitt.rt.s is not blind to the perplexities which attend it, is
certain, as, a few days previous t• its being laid before the
Chamber, Ire observed—" We are giving ourselves an in-
finite deal of trouble to establish a law, the object of which
it will, perhaps, in the end, be found impossible to accom-
plish." One circumstance, which cannot fail to disconcert
him is, that the public funds have not in the least risen
since the presentation of this his projet de loi sur finiewe-
mitt", as the price of stock has always been the standard to
which he has referred, as the test of public opinion ; and.
at Court lie has always quoted the high price of the Rents:
as a decisive proof of the popularity of his administration.
It is, nererthelcas, not difficult to explain why this project
of his has been discountenanced on 'Change, since, last,

year, when he was to present his proposal for the reduction
of the Rents:, he was reproached with having placed him-
self at the discretion of the Bankers, and of being desirous
of throwing the enormous profits' into their purse, at the
expense a( the Treasury. M. .De Vizizis, this time, to
prevent t similar reproach, hu not had recourse to the
Bankers, but has only escaped enmity in one shape, to
meet it still more formidably in another; for the conse-
quence is, that the Bankers, who are les Maitre: de la
Place, in consequence of their being stockholders to such
vast amount, have made no effort whatever to create a rise
in the funds, from which they are to derive no benefit.
As affairs stand at present, the machine of State may stick
in the mire till doomsday, before these disinterested
countrymen will put their shoulders to the wheel.
There is already another enterprize formed, upon an ex-
tensive plan, which has for its object to advance a sum of
money to the Emigrants, on account, in anticipation of the
reward which they are to receive. Considerable sums have
already been thus advanced to persons of this class, who,
pressed for money, prefer paying, interest to waiting until
the law in their favour can be carried into effect. It is a
curious fact, that a certain M. DE Dot:VILLE makes a
conspicuous figure at the head of these obliging money-
lenders, and though himself one of the old emigrants, makes
not the least scruple to speculate upon the wants of his 9uen.
dam associates in exile. This same M. DE Bouvi Liz is a
Member of the Chamber of Deputies: thus, we have a man
speculating in advance upon the indemnity to be granted,
who is to vote as Deputy upon a measure, in the carrying
of which he has this double interest at stake. What an
independent Senator ! What a disinterested Representative!
Yet into such hands as these are the fortunes and the fate
of France fallen. As the Chamber of Deputies is at this
moment constituted, it is nothing better than a Chamber
of emigrants, assembled to vote a compensation to them-
selves. But matters do not rest here : the clergy are also
in commotion, and, in their tarn, put in a claim to indem-
nity: they complain of being overlooked, and flatter them-
selves, that in the course of the discussion of the prgjel de
loi, there will some Maccabwus arise, who will reproach
the Minister with the contempt he has shown for religion
in contemplating so enormous a pillagers six hundred mil-
lions of francs from the public purse, with as little concern
for their share of the dividend, is if a priesthood did not
exist, or that souls were to be saved cost-free. 1

It is reportetl, that when the Kt Nt; received the felicita-
tions of the Cr,,e de l'Elat, at the commencement of a

New Year, his replies were pronounced in a somewhat
angry tone ; but that when he replied to the Corps Muni-
eipzlof Paris, he appeared ready to shed tears ; those who
were present added to the cry of Vice le Roi! reiterated
Bravoes, as at a theatre.
The town of Auxerre, in the department of Yonne, was
a few days ago the scene of an event which has created a
strong public sensation. A poor priest, about 45 years of
age, was accused of indulging liberal opinions, and was in
consequence dismissed from his functions. The unhappy
man, who bore an excellent private character, found him-
self at once reduced to the deepest misery. He implored
the commiseration of the Missionaries, who were at that
moment at Auxerre, but they had no charity for such an
offending brother. Ile at length waited on the Bishop, in
hopes of inducing him to relent, but the Bishop hail still
less mercy; he ordered him to be turned out of doors. The
poor man, thus driven to despair, and unable to bear up
against the miseries that surrounded him, resolved to put
an end to his existence, which he did ; but previous to
committing the fatal act, he penned a letter, in which he
exposed, in language full of energy, the character and con-
duct of the Bishop, of the Missionaries, and of the Priests
who were his accusers, and implored the vengeance of
Heaven upon these his merciless oppressors. After having
taken measures that this expag should come into hands
through which it might reach the public, be precipitated
himself into the river Yonne, where his body was picked up
a few hours after. The letter has Circulated from hand to
hand, and in a short time several thousand copies were
distributed in the neighbouring towns and villages ; and,
together with the melancholy event which gave rise to it,
it has produced considerable irritation. The public mind
has been so much exasperated, that the Mayor of the town
of Joigny, where these worthy Missionaries were to repair
on leaving Auxerr6, wrote to theta to atstain from coming,
as their arrival might be a signal for popular tumult.
The unfortunate sufferers by the late fire, which wholly
destroyed the Bazaar, are many of' them plunged into the
deepest misery, not having preserve a sous from the con-
flagration. Collections are set on foot for their relief ; but
as the loss is estimated at five hundred thousand francs,
and the maximum of Parisian charity being a piece of WO
sous, or five francs, it is to be feared their indemnity will be
very small. The Egyptian tomb placed there by the late
poor BE Lzo xi is wholly destroyed: this is a great losssto his
unfortunate widow. It is however worthy to remark, that
the little theatre of the celebrated physician, Ls Cosrz,
in the Passage de Panorama, has given the first example to
public establishments, by advertising to give the produce
of the theatre, on the Bth instant, for the benefit of these un-
fortunate sufferers.

It is rather remarkable that we have not hither to had
the least appearance of frost or snow ; the weather has been
uncommonly mild, though rainy, and should the same
temperature continue a few weeks longer, there is no doubt
but the leaves of Spring will make their appearance :
flowers are seen for sale in the public market, as if we were
in the month of May.

An express from Paris, received yesterday, quoted the
French Routes at Mt 95c. They w.cre at:erwards dupe
on the Exchange here at 103 f. 15c.

• ' .

LITERATURE.

A SHORT EXTRACT FROM THE LIFE OF GENERAL
MINA.
PUBLISTIND BT RIAI/LLP.
Taylor and Hessey.

The name of )(AMR MtNA, as we all well remember,
stood highest in renown when the war in the Peninsula
held every patriot in suspense as to the ultimate fate of
Europe. It was this gallant Chief that inspired the warrior
mountaineer of Navarre, his native province, with that
enthusiasm which first led to the deliverance of his country..
When the foreel of Spain retreated before the veteran
I armies of NAPOLEON, it was this heroic leader that organ-
ized those bands of Guerillas that harassed the invading
troops,—mtercepted their supplies,—cut them off in de-
tachments.—and fought with that resistless courage which
the love of liberty can alone create. When the capture of
this distinguished leader, not yet one and twenty, after
a desperate encounter at Pampeluna, closed his short and
brilliant career, his uncle, Esroz Y Mesa, who hu here
given us " a short extract of his life," was the person
whom the Guerillas selected as their leader ; and he showed I
himself, by his noble achievements, well deserving of the
choice. The present publication, as we learn from the
Preface, does but precede a more copious detail of his event-
ful history. ' We refrain from making any extract, pre-
suming, from the short advertisement prefixed, that the
appeal made to la delieadeza de los Senores Editores de
papeks puhlicos is to be so interpreted.

WINDSOR. SUNDAY, JAN. 9.
Yesterday afternoon his Majesty, accompanied by;the
Marquis of Conyngham, left the Royal Lodge in his pony
phaeton, followed by the usual attendants in two other
single phaetons, with the regular retinue, and proceeded to
TViadsor Castle by the private road leading to Frogmbre,
and, entering the Little Park by the dairy, drove through
►he new entrance into the Castle-yard, and round the
square. Mr. ‘Vyattville was not present, but Mr. Jenkins,
the clerk of the works, attended. His Majesty, for the
first time, took a view of the entrance of the subterraneous
passage discovered in the Castle-yard some time back.
The windings of the above passage, it is said, have, since
its discovery, been explored to the distance of upwards of
200 yards, and it is presumed that it leads to the bank of
the River Thames. Such was his Majesty's p,reeptian,
that he observed a pew window constructed since his late
visit.;' when Mr. Jenkins explained the purpose, his Ma-
jesty seemed pleased. His Majesty, on leaving the Castle-
yard, drove round the exterior front of the south and
eastern wings, and returned to the Royal Lodge.
This day his Majesty, and Household attendants, heard
divine service in the library at the Royal Lodge. The Per-
Tics was performed by the Rev. Dr. Starner Clark.
Yesterday her Royal Highness Princess Augusta, at-
tended by Lady Mary Taylor, arrived at Fmgrnore Lodge,
from Bushy Park, where her Royal Highness has been on
a visit to their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess
of Clarence.

This day her Royal Highness Princess Augusta, at-
tended by Lady Mary Taylor, heard divine service at the
parish church,
His Majesty's stag-hounds met on Friday at Stoke
Green, where a fine deer was turned out, which afforded
excellent sport, and, after a run of nearly two hours, was
taken near Taplow.