The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-02-02 00:00:00

COVENT-GARDEN TAE.4TAR.

Last night the opera .of the During, in white Miss
Tatno and Mr. Bland sustained the characters of Clore and
e,e-ha, a new piece, entitled Nornh, or the Girl of krin,
wai produced at this Theatre. This trifle is altogether a
non-descript. It has no pretensions to the name of a
farce, and is equally deficient in the liveliness of comedy
and the elevation of tragedy. The store hinges upon the
penitence and Honoree of a widow (Mire Lacy), who in
early life contracted a clandestine marriage, and to screen
herself from the resentment of her father, abandoned an
infant daughter. The foundling (Miss Coward) is adopt-
ed by an Irish schoolmaster (Connor) and gets introduced
into her uncle's (Lord Castklint's) house,: where her mother
resides, as a candidate for the situation of fille-de-chambre,
but not before she hail contrived to. captivate the heart of
young Raymond, his Lordship's nephew and heir presutnp-
tire, who, like another Antony, is ready to give up the
world for love. The necessity for this magnanimous de-
termination, however, is superseded by the discovery of
the foundling's birth, which is effected by the novel inci-
dent of finding a cross, formerly belonging to her mother,
pendent from her neck. The mother of course takes her
neglected child to her heart, and for once the course of true
bee is matte to run smooth.
The performers severally endeavoured by their exertions
to give an interest to a piece which possessed no quality to
insure its success. Miss Lacy portrayed the anguish of
the penitent mother with great nature and feeling. Cooper
was tender and energetic in the lover ; and that excellent
perfonner, Connor, used every endeavour to atone, by his
own vivacity, for the dulness of the task committed to
him.
The audience heard the piece out with good temper, and
it was announced for repetition amidst mingled hisses
and applause ' • but we presume no efforts can sustain that
which is so destitute of intrinsic merit. The house
was tolerably well filled towards the close of the perform-
ance.

Yesterday morning Sir Herbert Taylor tranaacteil mili-
tar. business with the Duke of York, at his Royal High-

ness'3 house In South Audlev-street.

The Duchess of Gloucester arrived at her residence at
Bagshot yesterday, from a visit to the Duke and Duchess
uf Clarence, at their seat at Bushy.
Tim LORD CHANCE have great pleasure in
stating that his Lordship was more free from pain on
Tuesday. and sat up for upwards of three hours in his
room in the evening. The mild weather twiviilently
greatly tended to his Lordship's recovery. MT West
given yesterday, both at his Lordship's residence and at
the Court of Chancery, were—that his Lordship had
passed a good night, and was much better. It was not
expected, however, that his Lordship would be able to
leave his room during the present week.
Yesterday afternoon, at three o'clock, a Cabinet Council
was held at the Secretary of State's Office for Foreign Af-
fairs, which was attended by the Finis of Liverpool, liar-
rowby, and Westmorland, Mr. Secretary Peel, Mr. Po-
cretary Canning, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Vis-
count Melville, Huskisson, &e. The Alinisters sat in de-
liberation till put Ave o'clock.
Yesterday being the day previous to the meeting of the
ensuing Session of Parliament, an assemblage of Peers took
place at the Earl of Liverl's in Whitehall, as Prime
Minister ; and of the Members of the House of' Commons,
at Mr. Secretary Canning s, as leader of the House of
Commons, at his new residence in Downing-street, attached
to the Foreign-office, to which a new entrance has been made
is the square, which was only completed yesterday. The
parties at both assemblies appeared in full dress, with bags
and sworelt • those holding offices in his Majesty's-Govern-
ment were dressed in their official uniforms, the same as at
the King's Court, and those who are members of dis-
tinguished Orders wore their insignia. Among those
present at the Earl of Liverpool's party were—
Visceunt Sidmouth, the Earl of Verulam, Lord Stowell. the
Earl of Ilarrowby' the Duke of Montrose, Viscount Melville,
Lord Giffin& Earl of Macclesfield. Lord Bell n, Earl of West-
morland. Earl Bathurst, and several others.
The following were atnong those of Mr. Secretary Can-
nmg s party
The Spmker of the blouse of Commons. the Right Honourable,
Robert Peel. F. Robinson, W. Huskisson, Charles Grant, Sir C.
Long, Sir Jon Nielson, tba Attorney anti Solieitre-Generals, Mr.
Croker,.Mr. Stuart Wortley, Jun., Mr. Careen Mr, Luahington,
Mr. Freeneantle, Sir Wiliam Congreve, Sir. Ulysses de Burgh,
Lord Granville Somerset, Mr. Wilmot Horton. Mr. Dawson, Ge-
neral Phipps, Mr. Fitzgerald, Sir George Cockburn, Mr. Charles
Warren, Sir William Clinton, Dr. Phillsoune, Mr. Courtenay,
Dlr. Wlden, &c.
The Earl of Liverpool and Mr. Secretary Canning read
to their distinguished parties a copy of the King's speech
to be delivered this day at the opening of the Session of
Parliament, and afterwards the guests were regaled by the
the Ministers with sumptuous dinners.
The Colombian Minister transacted business yesterday
at the Foreign Office.
• --

Yestenlav morning Mr. Clews, the King's Messenger,
wired at the Foreign Mice in Downing-street, from St.
Petersburgb, wiih despatches from our Ambassador at that
Court, to Mr. Secretary Canning. The messenger made
a very expeditious journey, having left St. retersburgh on
the 19th Jannary ; and of course was only thirteen days
on his journey. At the time the messenger left St. Pe-
tersburgh the state of the capital was perfectly tranquil.

The arrival of his Majesty's ship Tartar, Captain Brown,
at Portsmouth from Lima, Ike. is most important. She
btmgs, it is said, near two millions of dollars on mer-
chants account; her specie was insured at Lloyd's to the
amount of 130,000!.
-

COMMkRCIAL EMPARRASMENTS.—We understand it
in contemplation to convene a public meeting, for the
lose of soliciting government to grant, as in former at-
-I:.i!s7 cases of mercantile embarrassment, an issue of Ns-
ti, Tier fills, on the security of actual property.—Bil-
-1 '4,*5 Lira-pool Aduerliser.
.We are sorry to announce that the Gomersal bank, in
West Riding of forkshire, trading under the firm of
. ,aa Taylor and Co., stopped payment on Saturday
'Ning last, owing to the failure of the house of Abraham
°Au!! and Son, of London, on whom they drew. The
:47-tnents of this hank are not very large ; but as they
,Y! provincial notes, and carried on an extensive menu-
!.iring concern in the woollen line, much local inconve-
b 1',.: will he sustained by the stoppage.—Liverpool Ad-
',.er of Tuesday.
The principals in the glove and leather trades at Worcester
?re preparing memorials to the Legislature, pointing out the
14'-,:dies and distress which now pervade those interests in
ee.ly branch, both as regards masters and men, and praying
as: the anticipated measures, to which their origin is ruani-
rwty owing, may be suspended foe the present. . -

BRITISH INSTITUTION.
Yesterday the British Gallery was opened for a private
exhibition to the Governors, Subscribers, and some emi-
nent individuals, ainolig whom were the Marquis of Staf-
ford, the Marquis of Lansdown, Countess de Grey, Sir
George Warrender, and other distinguished amateurs.
Every jnstice appears to have been done to the artists in
the arrangeinent and hanging of the pictures in their
proper lights. As to the retention in Ate gallery of a few
historical pictures which have been seen in former exhi-
bitions, we think it but justice to the Inanagees of the In-
stitution to suppose that if any thing of superior or equal
merit were offered for the present exhibition, these would
not have been retained; for ourselves we think that no-
thing can be more injudicious, both as respects the cultiva-
tion of public taste and the improvement of the English
elitists, than the exhibition of imbecilities in this high line
of the arts; we hope, and have no doubt, that at the next
exhibition at Somerset House something in this depart-
ment will appear worthy of the British nation, and of the
encouragement afforded by the Governors of the British
Institution. In the line in which the taste and talent of
British artists are usually most displayed, we met with
many specimens which afforded us no small pleasure.
Among the landscapes, No. 44, A College Scene near West
Cowes, Isle of Wight, and its companion, No. G 6, A View
sear Lewes, Sussex, both by NASYYTII, are a pair of
charming pictures, in his best manner, and carefully
finished. We know of nothing wanting to make Plit
surrm a perfect landscape painter but a little more force
in his foreground. Next to those we would place two
small landscapes of Rebiagle, No. 14, an livening Scene
with Figures ; No. 86, a Mill Scene, with Figures, and
also 87, by the same hand, in the style of Ruysdael. The
light and shadow and perspective of these beautiful little
pictures were, perfectly understood, .be colouring good,
with the exception of No. 11, the sky of which, as well as
the extremities of the trees, wanted a little more of the

aerial tints.
No. 232. A View of Rouen, from the Paris road„,by C.
It. STANLEY, is a picture of great merit, and possesses
the charm which a correct delineation of nature always car-
ries with it.
107. The Vole of Keswick, by AVILI.I Alf LINTON, is a
good transcript of the scene, and, had the distant moun-
tains been less monotonous, which they might be easily
rendered, it would be a truly fine picture.
IN. Orleans, by G. JON es, is a picture of merit.
122. A Coma/ Scene, between Leyden and Haarlem, J.
B. Caw:a, is excellent; the water is admirably transpa-
rent.
209. A entail Landscape by J. LINELL, is admirable
for depth of colour and poaerful effect.
317. A Landscape. and Cattle, by Woeitztz; 318, A
View on the Aeon at elifion, by C. R. STANLEY ; and 377,
A River &ow, by WILXON,—are all pleasing specimens
of landscape painting, and possess merits which we would
be happy in haring more time to particularize.
274. A Light Breeze, by J. NVILSON ; 388, by G. REP.
NAG LC ; and 102, A Market-Boat on the Scheldt, by STAN-

r t LLD' are excellent.
51. The Convalescent, by W. NiciatrADY, is full of ex-
qnisite feeling and natural sentiment. The children
wrestling is an illustration of this artist's accurate obser-
vation of nature; nothing can be finer than the contrast of
the strenuous effints of the younger boy and the calm in-
difference of the elder. MULIIIIADT is an admirable
draughtsman, a quality which cannot be too highly appre-
ciated, although, unfortunately for the fame of the British
School, it is too often neglected.
19S. a Group of Italian Boys, by R. EDMONATONE-
-193. The Secret, by T. C LAT r. a-112. The Dutch Carnival
Singers, by Wimmta, are all worthy of commendation.
182. The Dog and Shadow-184. Deer-hound and Dead
Game-203. The Widow, by E. LANDS/. La, are small and
admirable specimens of this able artist, particularly the
last. _ .

37. Fresh arrivals of Fish, by 11. PIDDINCI, though a
line of art which we do not much esteem, is in its way so
truly excellent, that we cannot forbear pronouncing it a most
admirable production.
135. T%e Larder, by G. LANCE, is an excellent pic-
ture ; its only defect is the white cloth in the centre, which,
bad it been toned down, would have added considerably to.
the effect.
There is a heed, 139, by Mrs. CARPENTER. This speci-
men by a lady, when compared with the best works in the
gallery, shows that the gentler sex possess an equal ca-
pability with men of attaining excellence in this art; and
we hope soon to see the encouraging example of Mrs. Car-
penter followed by a number of our fair countrywomen.
262. The lifistlttor, by FARRIER, is a composition de-
picting the popular festivity of Christmas Eve. It consists
of numerous figures admirably drawn, and marked with an
appropriate diversity of character, humour, and expression.
The grouping is excellent, the colouring good, and the
light and shadow well understood. The joy-illuminated
visage, and the graceful and animated attitude of the prin-
cipal female figure, is in fine contrast to the modest, down-
cast, and reluctant girl, who is pressed forward by her lover
in order to subject her to the " forfeit."
286. 7'he Little (;inn/, by J. BOADEN ; 2. Children
with the Dove, by W. E. Wear. These pictures have
the merit of recalling delightful reminiscences of two
truly great artists, the first of Sir Joshua Reynolds,
and the last of Correggio. If, as we have heard,
they are painted by young artists, nothing but -strict
attention to correct drawing, and the principles which
directed the colouring of their great originals, can be
requisite to their attaining a high rafik in their profession.
We do not feel ourselves called upon to make any re-
mark upon such of the pictures as have already undergone
the ordeal of criticism, but we cannot help saying, the
oftener we see HAYTER'S Trial of Algernon Sydney, the
more we admire it. As to Mr. Maarttes sublime picture
of the Deluge, and DANDY'S liaised City, we must, with
all due humility, profess our incapacity either to compre-
hend or characterise them. We shall only say, that of this
school we hope we shall have no imitators, as it can only
be tolerated of first-rate genius.
We are sorry not to have seen more sculpture, but sup-
pose it is reserved for Somerset-house. We are much
pleased with the two specimens submitted, the Adonis, by
CAREW, and the interesting figure of •140„ by SIEvIL R.

CUBA.

(From the Washington Gazette,,Dee. 31. J

MEMORIAL OF THE PATRIOTIC SOCIETY FOR
EFFECTING THE LIBERTY OF CUBA.
. . MEXICO, 11125.

The following memorial is made to the Congress Of Mexico), by
us whose names are affixed, of whom some are natives of Cuba,
and others Mexican citizens ; hut both are interested in the happi-
ness of each othtr's country, and feel the sacred enthusiasm in.
spired by love of liberty.
At this moment, when the American Continent has been libe.
rated from for.tgn domination, by its heroic efforts, and when,
particularly, the !motile heretofore oppressed by Spain have broken
the chains- of that barbarous Government, the happy island of
Cubs, the most important and valuable portion of America, is
bending under the yoke of this implacable enemy of liberty. The
wins of Cuba, entertaining the sentiments of their brethren of the
Continent, but entirely insulated, have no recourse but the hope of
liberty from Mexico or Colombia, or the desperate resort of an in.
surrection among an heterogeneous population, the result of which
is extremely problematic.
The inhabitants of this island, the most enthusiastic of liberty,
and din most influential, have not till this time taken any measures
For securing it; but have left their native soil to seek for aid where
they had the bed reasons to expect it, from a powerful nation,
whose interest should induce it to assist a people who must ever be
its allies, and who will be active in the defence of both countries.
Interest and rcziprocal advantage demand that Mexico speedily
succour the island of Cube, and assist in liberating it from the state
' of degradation in which it is held, by the common enemy of the
Americans, railivr by force of habit than by its moral influence ;
by the indolence of all people enjoying certain advantages, than
from their acquiescence in the present political and debasing
system; and by the natural inclination of man to a state of peace,
although sacrificing his liberty ajd dearest rights.
But this route of tranquillity has ceased to be enjoyed by the
Island of Cuba. Its inhabitants, Impressed with the sacredness of
their rights; surrounded by brilliant examples, and instructed by
the practical lessons of so many free people, their immediate neigh-
bours; subjected to a government whose very name is odious to
the world ; lasing, every day
ati
, the commercial relations which con.
stitute their wealth
wealth • fears of an immediate •rlution ; and, im-
pelled by force of lenowl,dge and civilization, to seek • system
more conform/Ode with their Interest and necessities, are already
prepared for revolution. This without the protection of a friendly
nation, would prove disastrous to our brethren ; but, if directed by
this republic, it would scone • complete triumph to the liberty and
independence of Cuba.
Can the Congress of this free people behold with inclifferenee s

friendly anti kindred country plunged into evils that now threaten
it ?We speak not, gentlemen. to your hearts alone—we address your
reason. As governments are not moved by sympathy, like indivi-
duals, sec cotifldently apply to the Mexican Government for aid,
from considerations of policy and advantage. If the interests
of Mexico be identified with those of Cuba, while this Inland re-
mains dependent Mexico cannot be considered secure. Cuba was
the chief point (appal to the conquerors; the best hopes of Spain
rest on it at this day ; it has sustained the Castle of ; its si-
tuation is important, being at the moutb of the Gulf of Mexico,
and contiguous to a principal State of the Confederation ; commer-
cis! nations are deeply concerned in the destiny of this modern
Tyre; and the rich liavannah. the London of America, will ex-
ercise great influence over the State of the new continent. An event
to be deprecated may place this island under the power of a race
of men, who, to the disgrace of humanity, cannot enter into social
relations with civilized nations. Their dominion in the Antilles
would, indeed, have an unfavourable influence on the whole of
America. Are not these considerations, gentlemen, of sufficient
weight to justify you in directing an expedition against Cubs?
What difficulties can be opposed to these irresistible arguments?
Bolivar and the Congress of Colombiadetermined to aid the Peru-
vians from lens powerful motives, as did also Chili and Buenos
Ayres. Dintnnce, the necessity of their own defence, not want of
resources. could restrain them. In Greece, the inhabitants of the
Mnrea, while repelling the barbarians from their soil with one hand,
assisted the islands of the Archipelago with the other.
These examples are not clouded by the uncertainty of ancient
history ; they are events of the present period, and have arisen
from the constitution of society, sympathy of feelings, and simi-
larity of opinions and interests.
To attain the elevation of their brethren of the continent, the
Cubeans possess courage and pattiotinni. But there are obstacles
to all efforts fur obtaining liberty. The 'Themes of pat rime are op-
posed by an established government and the fear of a large slave
population, whose tendency' is to be tree. and whose condition is
now necessary, however unfortunate. The quiet and safety en.
joyed by proprietors, tinder the present system. make despotism
preferable to the dreadful convulsions of a neighbouring island.
whose history forms a corresponding episode to the revolution of
its metropolis. An insurrection of this sort would be far from be-
neficial to the Creoles, or to America in general ; Its horrors would
be greater than our fears.
As the moral influence of Spain declines in Cuba, her physical
force diminishes. This decay of the Spanish Government is attri-
butable to its opposition to civilization and the freedom of its ci-
dreamt colonies. An the government loses its energy, an equili-
brium of power is created between it and public opinion, which sus-
tains time independent party. But as opinion, which gives impulse
to public affairs, cannot suppress the licentiousness of snatchy, and I
as the Spanish Government can have no force, and no other being
organized instead of it, a third party will rise up, which, though
unorganized. possesses all the elements of union, and will give an
entirely different direction to the revolution. We cannot forget the
occurrences of St. Domingo, caused by the vacillation of France,
and the inefficiency of her government in the island. The Creoles
were not capable of freeing themselves from the metropolis, and it
could not keep in subjection the slaves. These acted with no sys-
tem, and were alone propelled by the instinct common to man—of
seeking liberty.
This is the condVion of Cabanscan, the largest island of the
American Archipelago. The commerce between the two countries
will be suppressed, and all political relations prevented, unless
Mexico shall send a competent force, and plant on this island its
independent flag. Ilavannah would then become the central point
to the Amphtetions of the continent of Columbus ; decrees would
issue from these assemblies, honourable to the cause of humanity ;
t the commerce of Republics would freely navigate our waters, and
the flags of friendly nations would be respected ; 41 would be peace,
abundance, and prosperity.
[Signed by sixty persons of distinction, among whom are Gene-
' rale Bravo, Santa Anna, Bustamante, Filisola, and Guerrent, and
• many Members of the Congress.]