The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-04-14 00:00:00

11100 /LA PH 1LC4.1. VI OT ICS.

The Author of the Sketch Book has excited so strongly
the public attention, and has obtained so &paved a share
of popular favour, that we receive with pleasure this pro-
duction of his earlier genius, which bears about it all the
characteristic excellence of those subsequent works which
have established his fame. These effusions were given to
the world more than twenty years since, anti relate chiefly
to topics of theatrical criticism ; but they bear the stamp
of original thinking, and of a mind accustomed to reflect
shrewdly, and to reason with force. The style of iVssit-
ISGTON Inez:in is peculia7 : it is sarcastic, vigorous, and
full of humour, but restrained at all tittles within the
limits of chaste and classic feelings. The writer, it may
always be seen, is full of resources ; he draws from an ex-
haustless spring ; the slightest topic in his hands is made in-
teresting; however dull in itself, when the gleams of his
fancy are thrown upon it, it becomes illuminated ;—but
such is the magic of Genius, and so great are the illusions
which may be practised upon by the enchantment of
fancy.
The following extract, giving a view of a New York
Theatre, may serve as a specimen of the contents of these
letters ; the admirers of Mr. Irving will recognize him in
every line :
My last communication mentioned my visit to the theatre; the
remarks it contained were chiefly confined to the play and the ac-
tors I I shall now extend them to the audience, who, I assure you,
furnish no inconsiderable part of the entertainment.
As I entered the house some ti ne before the curtain rose, I had
sufficient leisure to make some observations. I visa much amused
with the waggery and humour of the gallery, which, by the way,
is kept in excellent order by the constables who are stationed there.
The noise in this part of the house is somewhat similar to that
which prevailed in Noah's Ark ; for we have an imitation of the
whistles and yells of every kind of animal. This, in sonic mea-
sure, compensates for the want of music, as the gentlemen of our
orchestra are very economic of their brows. foreshow or another,
the anger of the gods seemed to he areused all of a sudden, anti
they commenced a discharge of apple*, nuts, and gingerbread, oa
the beads of the honest folks in the pit, who had no possibility of
retreating trom this new kind of thunderbolts. I can't say but I
was a little irritated at being sainted aside of my head with a rotten
pippin; and was going to shake my cane at them, but was pre.
vented by a decent-boking man behind me, who informed me that
it was useless to threaten or expostulate. They are only an .;riot,
themselves a little at our expenses said he; sit down quietly and
bend your back to it. lily kind neighbour was Interrupteel by a
hard green apple that hit him between the shoulders—he made •
wry face, but knowing it was all a joke, bore the blow like a philo-
sopher. I soon saw the wisdom of this determination • a stray
thunderbolt happened to light on the had of a little sharp. faced
Frenchman, deemed ins whim coat iirwhannill Int 4 who sat
two or three benches a-bead of me. cncrasemed to be an irritable
little animal. Monsieur was terribly exasperated ; he jumped
upon his sat, shook his fist at the gallery, and swore violently
in bad English. This was all nuts to his many permattors; their
attention was wholly turned on him, and he foamed their tarot for
the rest of the evening.
I found the ladies in the boxes, as nasal, studian to please ;
their charms were set off to the greatest advantage; each box was a
little battery in itself, and they all seemed sager to outdo each other
in the havoc they spread around. An arch glance in one box was
rivalled by a smile in another, that smile by a simper in a third,
and in a fourth a most bewitching languish carried all before it.
I was surprised to see some persons reconnoitring the company
through spy-glasses; and was In doubt whether these machines
were used to remedy deficiencies of vision, or whether this was an-
other of the eccentricities of fashion. Jack Stylish has since in-
formed me, that glasses were lately all the go; though bang it,
says Jack, it is quite oat at present; we used to mount our glasses
in great snour but since so many tough jockies have followed the
lead, the bucks have all cat the custom. I give you, Mr. Editor,
the account in my dashing cousin's own language- It is from a
vocabulary I do not well uodetstand.
I was considersbly amused by the queries of the countryman
mentioned in my last, who was sow making his first visit to the
theatre. He kept constantly applying to me for information, and I
readily communicated, as far as my own ignorance wi old permit.
As this honest man was casting his eye round the house, his at.
tention was suddenly arrested. And pray, who are these ? said he.
pointing to a cluster of young fellows. Thar, I suppose, are the
critics, of whom I have heard so much, They have, no doubt, got
together to communicate their remarks, and compare notes ; these
are the persons through whom the audience exercise their judg.
merits, and by whom they are told when they are to applaud Or CIO
hiss. Critics ! ha ! ha! nty dear Sir, they trouble themselves as
little about the elements of criticism, as they do about tither depart-
ments of science and belles-lettres. These are the beaux of the pre-
sent day, who meet here to lounge away an idle hour. and play off
their little nu patinenc ies for the entertainment of the public. Th-y no
more regard the merits of the play, nor of the actors, than my cane.
They even strive so appear inattentive; and I have seen one of them
perched on the front of the box with his back to the stage, sucking
the head of his stick, and staring vacantly at elm audience, insensible
to the most interesting specimens of scenic representation, thuueh the
tear of sensibility was trembling in every eye around him. I have
heard that sonic have even gone so far in search of amusement, as
to propose a game of cards in the theatre, during the performance.
The eyes of my neighbour sparkled at this mformation—his cane;
shook in his hand—the word pt.ppict burst from his lips. Nay,
says I. I don't give this for absolute fact : my cousin Jack was, I
believe, quiz:4g me (as he terms it) when be gave me the infor-
nation. But you seem quite indignant. said I, to the decent-look-
ing man in my rear. It was iron him the exclamation came the
honest 4'lmi:roman was gazing in gaping wonder un sonic new at-
traction. Believe one, said I, if you had them daily before your
eyes, you would get quite used to than. Used to them, replied
he; how is it possible for people of groat* relish such conduct?
Bless you, my friend, people of saw bane necking to do with it;
they merely endure it in silence. These young gentlemen live in
an indulgent age. When I was a young man, such tricks and
follies were lucid in proper conterr.pt. Here I went a little too far;
for, upon better recollection, I must own.ttmat a lapse of yeti's lies :
produced but little alteration In this department of folly and imper-
tinence. But do the ladies admire these minuets? Truly, lam
not as conversant in female circle, us foomerly ; but I should think
it poor compliment to nit fair countrywomen, to suppose them i
pleased with the stupid stare and cant phrases with which these
votaries of fashion add affected to real ignorance.

Our conversation was here interrupted by the ringing of a belt
Now fur the play, said in, companion. No, said I, tt is only for
the musician.. These worthy gentlemen then game crawling out
of heir ho/es, and began, with very solemn and important phiszes,
strumming and tuning their instruments in the usual style of din-
eortlancc, to the great entertaiustrut of the audience. What tune
is that? asked my neighbour, covering his ears. This, said I, is
no tune ; it is only a pleasing sympheny, with whirr; we are re„,
Baled as a preparative. For my part, though I admire the effect
of contrast, I think they might as well play it in their cavern
unit r the stage. The bell rung a second time—and then began
the tune in reality tut I could not help übsening, that the eoun-
trvnian was more diverted with the queer grimaces and contortions
of countenance exhibited by the musicians, than their melodv.
What I heard of the music, I liked very well (though I was told
by one of my neighbours, that the same pieces have been played
every night "for thieve three years; ; but it was often overpowered
by the gentry in thcgallery, who vociferated loudly fur Moll ill the
Wad, and several other airs more suited to their tastes.
I observed that every part of the house has its different depart-11
ment. The good folks of the gallery have all the trouble of order-1
ing the music (their directions, however, are not more frequently
followed than they deserve). The nictle by which they issue their
mandates is stamping, hissing, roaring, whistling; and, when the
musicians ire refractory, groaning in cadence. They also have the
privilege of demanding a how from JOIN (by which name they de-
signate every servant at the theatre, who enters to move a table or
snuff a candle); and of detecting those cunning dogs who peep
front behind the curtain.

We have here as inueb amusing remark as a common
mind would wire-draw into twenty pages. We might make
further quotations, but Mr. living's reputation renders
it superfluous.

The first dinner of the ancirty to celebrate the oommebeement of
this In‘titution, took place yesterday, at the new and elegant house
or the :Society in siuffidk-street. The company were entertained in
the large gallery, which was ornamented with the paintings of our
most celebrated modern artists, and which have been all executed
within the last year. The disposition of the pictures, and the
general arrangement of the rooms, are certainly superior to the
manner in which th-y are exhibited at the Royal Academy,
Somerset-house, to which this is, as it were, an auxiliary, or sup-
plemental at.seciati,:n. At the extremity of the gallery, opposite
the entrance, there lire lan bandipirs ; one set apart fur drawings,
the wher for In ioiitto reg. 'l'hey arc lined with a bright crimson
hanging, which crests a v--- pi • effect oa the mind of

:erY pleasing
the stranger on entrance. As the doors of these apartments
are left open, they appear to the visitor to retire into an
agreeable perspective. The gallery, with their very ornamental
appetidag• et can be embraced under one view, and the comp rferil
is certainly meat pleasing and picturesque. This is a decided ad-
vantage over the Somerset House exhibition, where one has often
to run into •• holes and corners," and thread intricate labyrinths,
before a particular painting or drawing can be discovered. The
extent of the exhibition, to be sure, is far more limited, but then it
should be berme in mind that the present Society is but in its infancy.
The new society of artists has originated, we understand, in me
inadequacy of the moms of Somerset House to contain all the meri-
torious contributions of aspiring artists, who were naturally and
laudably desirous of having their performances before the public.
Under the patronage of their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of Turk
and Sussex, as well as fleet of Mr. Lanihton, M. P , the Honourable
Douglas Kinntird. 31r. llobhouse, and other well-known and
liberal patrons of the arts, this new Society has been encouraged.
The true benefit that must arise to the public from the lair corn.
petition of artist., in their respective branchei, is an manifest, that it
Is needless to enlarge on the many advantages derivable front such
a competition.
IVe have already spoken of the objects of this Society ; but per_
hops the 1 referable mode would be to lay before our readers what
the Society says for itself:—
•' The great increase in the number of artists since the founds-
tion of die Royal Academy by our late revered Monarch, having
rendered the rooms of that valuable national school inadequate O. a
place of exhibition hir the numerous works of art annually sent fur
that purpose ; and the British Institution ( the only public place of
sale) closing its exhibitions of modern art early in April. in order
to diffuse a mew* general taste for the fine arts by an annual display
of the beet works of the old masters ;--a large body of artists have
been induced, ur.der these circumstances, to form themselves into
a Society fur the erection of an extensive Gallery for the Annual
ts'xhibition and Sale of the Works of Living Aniats of the United
Kingdarn, in tic various branches of I'ainting (in Oil and Water
Colouni), Sculpture, Architecture, and Engraving, at the period
when the tasteful and opulent are usually resident in the metropo-
lis, viz. during the months of April, May, June, and July.
The regulations are upon the most liberal principles. All
artiste of merit in the empire have an opportunity of displaying
their works so alto he fairly seen and appreciated by the public,
and they are also eligible as mentholu of the Society. The Gallery,
which is entered by a handsome 'brie facade, in Suffolk-street,
Pall Mall East, consists of a suite nisi' ramie, well proportioned,
sod severally adapted to the various departments of art."
At a few minutes after six o'clock, the Duke of Sussex took the
chair :

.
He was supported by the Honourable Douglu Kinnaird, Mr.
Ilobhoue, M.P., Mr. Larnbton M.P., &c. &c.
On the removal of the cloth, the President proposed,
" The Rinic,"--three times three.
" The Doke of York and the Army."
" The Duke of Clarence and the Navy."
Tine Honourable DOUGLAS KINN•IILD rose.—Gentlemen, I
rise to propose a toast which, I ant sure, is as consonant to the feel-
ings of the praent company as it is to mine; that of his Royal High-
mu the Duke of Sussex. (Applause.) It is needless for me to
enlarge on the affection and gratitude which we all owe hitn fur the
kind superintendence with which he has honoured the various in-
stitutions of this country. But this I will say, that the adventi-
tious circumstance of his high birth is amongst the least influential
consideration which entitles him to our gratitude and esteem. (Hear. '
hear.) With a due sense of what we owe to the kind patronage of
kls Royal II iehness, I beg to propose the health of
" The Duke of Sussex."

The Dikeoi itiasexrose .—Cfentletnen, alloy me to return my
sincerest thanks for the honour you have done me in proposing my
health, and for the very kind and partial Manner in which my
Honourable Friend has submitted it to you. 1 will, however,
take credit to myself, that, in good feelings and warns wishes, my
feelings and wishes keep pane with the warmest friends of the
.s,ciety. (Hear, hear.) Many considerations weigh with me to
induce me to be a friend and patron of this Society, and the
nearest tie that connects me to it is, that it is, al I may
say, an emanation from the Royal Academy ; the Royal Ara.
demy itself emanated from the Society fur the Promotion of
the Commerce, Manufactures, and Arts of this country--a So-
ciety of which I have the honour to be President. As the Royal
Academy has emanated from that Society, anti as the present In-
stitution has Sowed from the Royal Academy, I may consider my-
self in some degree as the grandfather or grandmother of the pre-
sent Society. (Hear, and a laugh.) As I have *hewn a high and
sincere !nerd for the parent Institution, I shall not be wanting in
my anxiety to promote the interests of this, its (*Spring ( A pplause.)
When families meet together, it is generally the lot of the eldest
&monger them to give advice to the younger part of the community;
anti, as I here the advantages of experience in the present instance,
I shalinake the liberty of rendering my advice on the present wen-
sion. )17 advice then is, that, instead of jealousy and dissatbsfec-
don, a spirit of pride and gratification should prevail amongst you.
If we follow the example of nature, we would feel that such a
spieit should prevail amongst you; for the creation of your So-
ciety has been the most apt and happy illustration of the bee-
hive which by division, by an increase, and by a multiply, extends
the societies of an, and benefits and augments the stores of useful
and industrious science. Let us consider the cause of this Institu-
don, and I am sure that neither the Royal Academy nor any
other Society will object to its formation. The present Institu-
tion arose out of the disadvantage of many persons not having
the opportunity of submitting their performances before the public.
There was not accommodation for the many meritorious perform-.
antes of aspiring stasis in Somerset House, and therefore the pre-
sent exhibition was opened. The present Society should only be
considered as a iodide for affording men of minciand of merit to
appear fairly before the public. (Hear, bear.) The Royal Duke
concluded by the expression of an earnest hope that whatever may
be whispered on one side or the other, whatever may he the con
tending opinions and institutions, that this Society would long cos.'
tinue to promote the interests and advantages of British arts.
The health of the President was next proposed.
Alt. HEAPRY (the President) briefly returned thanks. He re-
apitulated the difficulties which the Society had to contend with,
end the success with which it overcame thent. l'he extent
to which they had succeeded would be best estimated by this con-
sideration, that they had arrived, in the very first year of their com_
. meneement, to a degree of perfection and success which they did
not calculate on arriving at, even at the fifth year of their Itnnitu-
tion. (Cheers.) The Hon. Oentleman proceeded in elaborate di.
I tail to relate the rise, progress, and success of the Institution. Be-
t fete he took his scat, he begged to propose the healthi of the liberal
contributors and donors to the Society, amongst whom he men-
tioned the name of Mr. Lambton pre-eminently. It was his first
donation that encouraged and emboldened them to proceed in their
present undertaking, and to him and the other liberal contributors
the Society owed a deep debt of sincere and ardent gratitude.
" Mr. Lambton and the other liberal supporters of the Society."
Three times three.

Mr. Lasfierow rose.—Mr. President and Gentlemen, I can
assure you, with the utmost sincerity, that there is no person
rtnatent here this day who more anxiously desires to promote the
interests of this Institution than myself. In protnoting it, I act
i only in conformity to a principle, which, at an early period of Ilk,
1 laid down for the regulation of my conduct. It is not that lam
insensible of the great merits of the ancient masters • but I am per-
suaded, that, by the cultivation of the British talent we possess,
we will be best able to compete with the ancient master, whose
performances, I admit, are now justly held forth as the models of
imitation. I appreciate the merits of those great masters, but then
I I feel that my duty is to promote the paintings and works of
sculpture of this my native country. (Cheers.) This Society is
j not formed in opposition to any other; it is calculated to promote
and encourage the talent that abounds in the land, but it has
not on in any disposition of jealousy or motive of envy.
; (Hear, bear.) The greater the encouragement given to the arts sod
sciences the greater will be their progress, and consequently the
; mare esti-nable will be the value set upon there. There cannot be
a more fatal enemy to the interests of science and of art, than he
who would fain persuade you that your objects were not consonant
to, but at variance with, the promotion of the art.. With this
impression on my. mitosis 4 hove, along with others, sup weW you,
and m earnest wish is that you may prosper sod sumo& (Chests.)
" The Memory of G III."
Mr. HOFLAND begged to notify that he had mearao Intl-
mation from an I:onorary Member of the Royal Ace y, which
. he was sure would be received with the utmost gratification by the
Iry nt company, from the eminent person who addressed to him the
letter, which he would beg leave to read :
" 13, Lincoln's Inn-fields, April 13, 1821.
" Dear Sir—l regret that a disease in my eyes prevents my hay-
' ing the pleasure of dining with the Society of British Artists to-day,
agreeably to the card 1 have been favoured with.
" From the communication you were pleased to make to me yes-
terday, I am fully persuaded that the 3lembers of your Society arc
anxious to combine their interests with those of the Royal Academy.
The greater the number of enlightened Societies in town and coun-
try, so much the better for the interests of the Fine Arts; they will
all form one family, and I trust their rallying point will always be ;
the Royal Academy.
" To the Founder of the Royal Academy my obligations are
great; of course. I have a deep interest in whatever relates to the
welfare of his noble Institution. The patronage of his late Majesty
gave me the opportunity of pursuing my studies in Italy, and has
thereby enabled me occasionally to assist In relieving the distressed
artist, his widow, and children.
" With this view of the subject. and with these feelings. I have
the most heartfelt satisfaction m whiting succor to the Society of
British Artists, and to offer them, by the accompanying enclosure,
the strongest pledge of my best wishes foe the success of the
Institution. " 1 ant, dear Sir,

---:`fourVs-very truly,
" To J. C. Ilofisnd, Esq. itc." " JOHN SOANE."
Mr. Hofland accompanied the announcement of this letter with
the intimation to the Society, that the individual who bed addressed
it to him bad also contributed fifty guinesa to the &witty. (Ap-
PIIT`"

The PIIITSIDENT next proposed,
" The Roynl Academy."
If r. HF AT on the part of the Royal Aeadcmy, briefly re-
wood thanks.

•
DIX.VER OF TIIE XEW SOCIETY OF ARTISTS. I The tet-Pn tat IDE X T next rose to propose a toast, which, hi
was satisfied, would be gladly received by the present company—:
it was that of the British Institution. There was no insist of chi
present Society who was not, he was sure, sensible of the advaisl
tares which Frey had collectively and individually derived fro*
this Institution. (Hear, hear.) The great disadvantage, however;
under which the modern artists laboured was, that their perform.
ances were not exhibited to the public in the months of May, June,
and July, the period at which the town was crowded with the most
opulent and Literal patrons of the art. The Royal Academe. he
admitted, nossessed the aggregate talent of the errantry. To the Bri-
tish Institution this Society was also deeply indebted, bin he hoped
the present Institution would not fail in presenting claims to the
patronage of the public- Aftc.r having further eulogised he con-
cluded by proposing,
" Prosperity to the British Institution." •
Mr. H. Davis, M. P. root-rod thanks on the part of the British
Institution. lie begged to say dirt there was only one feeling
amongst the members ot that Institution, and that fism whatever
quarter talent came, and on whatever walls the result and fruits of
that talent were displayed. tile British Institution •ostld find its
object mainly promoted. In the view that was before him be stir
many traits of talents which wire highly honourable and creditable
to the present Society of Artists.
The Pageinr.str next proposed—
" Mr. llobhoun, and the Royal Society."
Mr. Iloatiot• sr: rose amid the loud cheerings of the convent,
and spoke to the following effect: Mr. President and (lentleman-a-
-1 I regret extremely that there is not some efficient Member of the
Royal Society present to return you thanks for the distinctiott
which you have just now bestowed upon them. After what tad
been expressed in favour of this Society, I feel it impoiaible to add
I any thing to create a more favourable feeling in its support ; but
I may be perntitted to Ray, tha: I look upon .t as one of the greet
I institutions which go hand in hand with the numerous and multi-
plied associations that add honour and glory to this great and frpu
I country. I (Intent.) Asa Alt:other of the Royal Society, I feel nail
duty to return you thanks en the part of that Society myself; bit then
I must add, that I am lure only as an admirer, rather than as an
emulator of thine proud alai liberal arts in which you so Pre-end: l
nently shine. It has been said that you are the invidious rivals of
I other Softens; but this, with me, I am sure you will deny. You and
merely imitative of other Societies, and that is an emulation which
it is the intereat of the rublic, as well as of yourselves, to (ester and
i encourage. Nut an invidious enmity, but a generous C 11111.1411011—
'• UMW certandi cupidus quam moister amoerm,"
This country, I am sure, is capabbof assuming a station id tided
the promotion of the Arts may Just], be looked upon is a primary
object of conaideratioo. L. was different with integers and with
arts the sciences sometimes discharged the trust that wet reposed
in them. • Thu. in the reign of him who was the most eminent
and powerful of the many who enjoyed power—in the reign of
I Napoleon—the sciences flourished and succeeded, but the arts de-
cayed. The arts could only flourish in a free country, a station
which this nation had ample resources to enede it to IC
SIMS. As to this Society, I can only wish and hope that
it may end as it has commenced. If it entertains a rivals).* with .
any other Society, it is not the rivalithip of enerniei but of
brothent—(applause)—of men engaged in the some pursuit, and
anxious to obtain the same end. (Hear.) I edibles the present
Society mostly because it appear; on its own merits and pretensiorrit
before the public. The public are always a fair and candid tri-
bunal to appeal to. They generally judge coercd ~ and always
honestly. (Cheers.) The august and illustrious Chairman whO
presides here this day, beautltully, and I may say, poetically, lute
illustrated the nature and character of this Society, by en allusion
'o the bee-hive. It is, indeed, a colonization from another Indus;
trious and successful Society, the Royal Academy. In support of
this principle there are to be found in history the most sattafactory
precedents. What was Rome ? it ever become great before is
colonized ? No, it was the extension of its Arti and Sciences, °trite
arms, and its cow; scats to remote nations, that made it the Mos
tnnus and powerful nation that it became. (Hear.) And in the semi
point of view, do I consider that it must materially aid the ad-
vancernent of the arts to have the number of Institutions for
their advancement increased and multiplied. He indeed must
be a cold and dull votary in the Temple of the Arts, who
could forbear to offer some incense on its shrine. (Cheers.)
And I own, from what I see around me—from the pictures of
Superior merit that now adorn your walls, I augur your future
success. I see that you are justified in using the language
which was inscribed as the epitaph of an illostrious person
wiser preceded you. If you seek to know what we have &gni
look around you—"Si moormentom yadrir, eiresiforpice." lam
sure you will succeed--beer in mind, at least, the feeling
that you ought to succeed. Your exertions entitle you to entertain
such a feeling; VIII whether you succeed, as I hope you may, or
whether you tail, as I ant confident sou will nnOet this feeling be
your consolation and your pitch.. (Cheers.) For my own part,
I shall be ever found ready to prove my sincere disposition VS
your interests and objects. lam attached to your Satiety with
view of promoting everything that is British—with a view of
encouraging true English feeling with a view, in fine, of extend-
ing patromige to the aria, to the patronage and encouragetnent if
which those nations owe their tame, which transmitted their great:
nose and grandeur to posterity. t3luch applause).
The Doan of Streets here intimated his intention of depot.
tore to-morrow he had promised to attend at another public din-
ner, and as two large dinners were too much foe one coistitution at
this season of the year, he hoped the present company would
excuse his absence, as he intended to take are both of his conad-
tution, and of tle constitution. (Laughter and applause.)
His Royal Highness then fettled amid the load sheeting of
the company.
On the retirement of the Royal Doke,
Mr. J. C. Hos min in Vice-President. took the Chair.
Amongst the complimentary toasts given under his grimidency,
Air. LASE STUN proposed the health of
" Mr. T.Casmbell and the British Poets."
He had not the pleasure of his personal acquaintance; but, la
common with the company, he admired his great talents.
31r. T. Can POE LI. felt it impossible to especial what he felt at
the honour which had been done him. To the expression of thanks
he begged to add his sincere, cordial, and sangainedesire to pro-
mote the objects and interests of the present Ignitution. (Hear.)
There was a consanguinity, as it were, between the arts of paint-
ing' music, and poetry, which no person was more desirous
of cultivating than himself. He was highly gratified at the
honour he enjoyed in the invitation he received from a com-
pany at which a scion of the British Throne presided. If he had
the wings of an inspired prophet, he Would spread them over this
Society, and say, " May you be blessed, and may you increase."
(Hear, hear.) He concluded with the expression of a hope that a
social kindness and congenial spirit would ever prevail amongst the
oultivators of the respectiie arts of poetry, painting, and music.
Captain 3lost•is entertained the company with a lung oriel?*
song, composed for the occasion; we may take a future opportunity
of laying it before our readers.
At the late hour at which we necemsrily write, we ere oat well
able to lay before our readers a sketch of the several pictures in the
room ; but perhaps it would be unfair to anticipate the exhi-
bition, which does not open until Monday for public inspection.
We cannot refrain, however, from expressing our high nommen-
dation of the picture by Mr. J. 3lartin, the *object of which is the
Set enth Plague in Egypt:—
" And the Lord sod unto .loses, stretch forth thine lucid toward
heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man,
and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the
land of Egypt.
" And 3loses stretched forth his rod towards heaven, and tie.
Lord sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground ;
and the Lord rained hail upon the land of Egypt.
" So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very pity-
aux such as there was none like it in all tbe land of Egypt SWISS it
became a nation.
" Only in tile land of Goshen, where the children of Israel
were, was there no baiL"—Erealta, fish chap. 22d, 23d, 24th, and
2fith verses.
There is oleo a picture by Mr. Simpson, entitled " I will fight,"
which, though plain and unpresuming, struck us as a painting of
very are and conspicuous merit e would wish to see many
performances from the same hand, and we are sure the painter
requires only to be known to become popular.
A correct, though somewhat too youthful portrait of air. R.
_O'Meara was placed In a conspicuous part of one of the smaller
rooms, beside a likeness of the Duke of a ork.
As we mean to return to a detailed review of the collection on
the opening of the exhibitions, we shall for the present confine our-
selvesto the notice of "Silents, intoxicated and moral, reproving
Bacchus and Ariadne on their key and irregular lives," by B. It.
Ilaydon ; and to t. Narcissus," by Glover, both works of very
superior merit. If Mr. Glover always paints so, we will in future e'en
the vanity of his intermingling the landscapes of Claude
pardon
in the collection of his pictures which he annually exhibits
in Bond-street.

In case of the dissolution of Parliament, (says a corres-
pondent) William iVii,:ratn, Esq., the Chairman of the
East India Directors, second son of Sir Robert Wiiiram.
Bart., will offer himself for Leominster, in Mr. Arkwnght's
interest (of Hampton ('.curt) and the interest of the Cor-
poration of that Borough.
A correspondent says, the paving in the streets of London
is shortly to be pulled up by the Oil-gas Company, to lay
their main and service pipes. It is really desirable, that
some remedy for protecting the public from these interrup-
tions, should be adopted by the legislature ; the.frequency
of the occurrence calls for some immediate decisive measure,
to stop the progress of such inconveniences in crowded
cities.

. -

Letters from Monte Video of the 12th of January, re-
ceived yesterday, ►tate, that tae Portuguese troops were em-
harking for Lisbon, and that they would all leave Monte
Video by the end of the month.
We learn, on the authority of letters from Alexandria,
of the 10th of February, that there is no foundation for the
runionr which has been afloat, and occasioned some sen-
sation in England, that the l'acha of Egypt had declared
himself independent of the Ottoman Porte.—Star.
By letters from Missolunghi we learn that Mauro
Micheli, Bey of Mains, and Ex-President of the Execu-
tive Council, who had for some time been in opp tion to
the views of some of the best friends of independence, has
at length made a sacrifice of sll his private interests, and
accepted the command in chief of the army of Livadia. The
treaty with the Albanians for their co-operation with the
Creeks has had only a partial result, but several of the
provinces have declared war against Turkey on their ow*
account. A