The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1820-01-05 00:00:00

TI-I.E BIIITI Sit 131'tESS.

LONDON,
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5. 1820.

The statements ensile in Parliament by the
CHANCELLOR Of the EXCHEQUER previous to the
recess, hsve had some influence upon the prices of
stuck : consols for account were yestrrilsy at 69.
and a further improvement to enticipated. As the
quarter closes this day, we shall shortly be enabled
to ascertain how far the result justifies Mr. VAN..
SITTART'S sanKuine expectations.
. .

The very low state of the funds during the last
two mouths must have been a source of some grati-
fication to the Lords of the Treasury, as it gave a
greater relative magnitude to the money applicable
in the hands of the Commissioners for liquidating
the national debt than had been calculated by the
Cnancit.Lott of the EXCHEQUER when he made
known his plan of finance in the List Session of
Parliament. The prices, however, were as high as
was Consistent with the interests of the country, and
we freely confess that we should not be sorry that
some means were devised for enabling the Com-
missioners to redeem the debt at nit amount not ex-
ceeding the prices now qiuneil. l'he immense
magnitude of the debt, by absorbing the far greater
portion of the actual capital of the country, and
preventing it from being employed in promoting
profitable labour, is, independent of the weight of
its charger, a great and incalculable evil, while the
fund appropriated for its redemption is now so con-
temptibly trifling that no rational hope can be en-
tertained of its effecting any serious relief to the
country before the return of war shall render it ne-
cessary to recur to the system of borrowing. The
hope of seeing any considerable reduction effected
in the debt is rendered still more desperate by the
knowledge, that even an actual increase in the
amount of the sinking fuud will make little or no
difference in the relative proportion it hears to the
amount of the debt, because the market price of
stock will rise in proportion as the fund increases in
the hands of the Commissioners. If therefore we
look forward to sonic relief from this dreadful and
oppressive weight that paralyses all the energies of
the people, sinks them into au ahject state of
poverty, breaks down their high spirit, and ex-
hausts the resources which should be husbanded
against the hour of danger, some moderate limit
should be placed to the growing amount of the
public debt. This dreadful burden has already
been increased considerably by tlit operation of the
plan for effecting a return to a metallic currency,
and every fraction of increase in the market prices
of stocks, is an addition of the same amount to the
load with which the nation is afflicted. The capi-
tal of the debt at this moment amounts nearly to
SIGHT HUNDRED MILLIONS, but of the public
creditors, whose united debts are comprised within
this enormous mass, how very few are there, if any,
who advanced their capital for the use of the coon-
try at the nomival amount of their credits. By
limiting the amount, therefore, below par, at
which the Commissioner* might redeem. no injury
could be inflicted upon any man, while by fixing
a fair average, a very considerable portion of the
public creditors would gain extensively. Indeed it
would be a gross injustice to the country to pay at
par a debt of, which • very large part was bor-
rowed at between 40 and 0 in the 3 per cents. and
very little, if any, at a higher rate than 70. We
should, horiever, consent to have 70 fixed as the.
highest price for the 3 per cents. (the other Govern•
meat securities bring fixed in the same proportion),
by which means, without doing a positive injury to
any of the public creditors, n limit would be lilac•
ed to the stiii•unt of the delg—the relative propos..
lion which tLe stoking fund bears to the unredeein-
.rd capital would gradually iiicres.—the nejoimi
burden irusilil progressively diminish—the people
would be itspited with courage to meet their diffi-
culties as the limy. ct was unfolded, that the

time wu rapidly approaching when some effectual
relief from their sacrifice, might be expected—and
filially, the pernicious inducement which leads
capitalists, to employ their wealth in speculat►nt
in the funds would be 'removed, and they would
be compelled ha seek other mean• for turiiing it
to advantage, *Lich would redound more to
their own credit, and to the general tisterevta of
mankind.

The greet evil of Mr. Ilicanno's suggestion for
paying the national debt, was the Sllddruilitis with
which 90 vast an 010.1-91i0t1 WIN to he effected. We
are surprised that a man of Mr. IZICAiDo'a excel-
lent understanding could have overlooked the dan-
ger. that must arise—the violent convulsion that
must be felt from permitting such an immense
amount of capital to float at once upon society.
Tins value of all property Most be at once violently
and extensively altered, and many years must elapse
before the country could he revtoied to its natural
condition. In the mean time, how great and
alarming must be the cosifu.ion ! Our limited
experience has shewu us what extensive evils
may arise in a cinotry from on alteration
in
the currency even of 6 or 8 per cent. ; but
such an alteration would be in.igtolic int and
of little importance, in comparison with the
mighty change contemplated by Mr. RICARDO.
We agree, however, with him, that some means
must be speedily devised of counteracting the
evils resulting from the existence of our enormous
debt, but the unlocking of so much capital must
be cautiously effected. If permitted gradually to
escape, it will purify the political ntmospliere, and
descend upon the land in fruitfulness and prospe-
rity ; but if, on the contrary, it be srut forth with-
out restraint or liinit, it will poison the springs of
our strength, and will pervert the greatest blessing
into the greatest mischief.

We are happy to learn from the Glasgow Chronic*,
that trade begins to assume, in that lowa, some ap-
pearance of its wonted activity. Several houses
have engaged a considerable number of weavers,
and it is added, that " more business has been done
in printed goods within these right days, than was
done Stir six months before." The accounts from
Manchester are to the same effect, and we may pre-
sume that a corresponding improvement has taken
place in the cotton trade in general. The approach
of prosperity is any one part °four system cannot fail
of producing a favourablk impression upon the rest,
and us a proof of it. we find not only from the Pro-
viocial Papers, but from private communication,
that the country, even throughout those parts that
were usually distinguished as " the disturbed dis-
tricts," wears theapprarauccof the utmost tranquil.
lity. Indeed from every account which we have
been enabled to collect, we entertain not the least
doubt that the statements made in and out of
Parliament by the partisans of Iklinisters, ►espect-
iug the state of the country, were grossly and
►hamefully exaggerated, for the purpose of attain.
lug a particular object, and now that this object is
attained, they acknowledge the tranquillity, but
attribute it wills unblushing confidence to the vio-
lent mini! unconstitutional measures lately adopted.
To exasperate a people, however, is not the most
probable means of correcting any angry or dis-
affected feelings which they might chance to en-
Certain ; but as those feelings, if really existing
among any considerable portion of the people,
must have originated altogether from idleness and
want, so they will be most effectually counteracted
by such an improvement in the trade and coin-
meter of the country, as will give employment to
the labouring classes, and enable them to support
their families in an independent and comfortulale
manner.

Monday the Doke of Your arrived at York-
house, St. James's Police, from Outlands. Yes-
trtday his Royal Highness held a Levee at his
office in the Horse-gum-do, as Commander-in-Chief.
the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday last,
the 6dd regiment of foot, under the command of
Colonel O'HARA, marched through Gloucester
city, on their route for Bromagrose, Worcester-
shire, which will be head-quarters. Two divisions
of this corps are to be stationed, one ut Alcester,
and another at Hanley.

We.understoud that the toned contribution. le-,
vied on the City of Cadiz, for the purpose of a new
outfit to South America, has been made general in
all the ports and manufacturing towns of Spain. In
Bilbao the sensation created by this rigid and hope-
less measure has been very great. The Biscayans
conceive their privileges ought to have shielded them
from this wanton exaction, which comes in to crown
all their former sufferings and lasiwo.—(Erening
Paper.)
A Gentleman of the first consequence in the
City. well known fee his experience in foreign ex-
changes and money transactions, was employed. es
soon as the late scarcity of silver became apparent,
to remedy the inconvenience, by procuring a supply
of that metal from the Continent ; a commiv.ion
which. we understand, he executed most promptly.
and on very advaritaghlus terms, to the extent of
(ie million and a half sterling.

On the night of the 427th ultimo, the stable awl
a cow.house, at Hinton Hall, Salop, were broken
open, and Mr. REDDROPP (in whose holding the
meanies are) was shot at, and l►is hat shot through.
A reword of fifty politick and a free pardon to ally ac-
complice is offered in last night's Ga:ette. on the
conviction of the offender. A reward ■nd free pai.
don is also offered on the conviction of the person
who fired • loaded pistol out the 291 h ultimo, at •
soldier.' belonging to the 6if regiment of Dragoon
Guards, now stationed at Newcattle-upon-Tyne.

>a':
1140)M it `:•1$ 44
I, 64
*l'4;4

POETRY.

LIN ES
♦on*KIUD TO • WEEPING CHILD.

Thy be those tear—and weep nut so,
Young Pilgrim, in a vale of woe;
There mop be hitter griefs in store—
Then dry those miry, and shed no more :
Fin Moog ham never known the surruN
That loathes to-day—and dreads to-morrow;
Thou ore'er bast fill the pang that reside
Agony fur ever long-tried friends;
Thou neer haat moored o'er hopes he/eked,
Truitrol—and loved—end been deeeiv'd;
IT:rti hilt out bent o'er parent's grave,
Left in the wurbrii wild wildeillt/S
Without one guiding hind to rave,
Without one dusting heart to bless!

As April's situ is seen again
To Lim the pearls fiom hawthorn spray;'
So, sparkling !tiro' those showers or rain,
An orient beam has forced its way.
With that bast smile thy tear-drops eanish'd;
Oh! happy are thy childhood's hunrs--.
Thy zrief, e'coi its cause is banished,
And now again thou treall'at un iturs'is!
Thou'll ,seem know more blissful day—
Erjuy, while H permits its ray.

DllUliY-LANE THKATRE.

Miss Krl.l.Y 'performed the part of Peggy, in
The Country Girl, Lou night, and highly gratified
the •utlience. The play is our which allows the
talents of the perfol meta a fair chance. The cha-
racter.. etrotigly yrt truly drawn,. 11,•c a dialogue
most happily matte tip of the di:went:l simpli-
city of French comedy. with gh of English
humour to guarantee their iiit.erert and
Mao IiCI.LV was ruminate in her delineation of her
shrewd and rustic character. She wavered in the
moot natural way between the frowardness of a tau.
g habit and the timidity of crumbs!' ignorance.
If any defect could he sunned, it would be one
whicl• does her credit ; she relapsed too often and
too much fiom the drnieasour of a country girl
into the mainirrs and accent of • towsiahred Misr.
Her imagination is too good, however, to allow
any other failure. The two Gentlemen who
st.titined the light comedy parts (they shall be
nameless fur the present) are scarcely polished
enoogn, either iu speech sq. manlier, for the
rack they 'Pill as-uncr. Mr. IRUISSI.L clever did
any thing better than his performance of Sparkish.
Mr. DOWTOWS /Wady was a fine series of mutt:
iiePs and cu * g, jealous caution, and besuctrd
folly. Few playa Were ever better acted than this.
the characters being so happily within the range of
any powers if accompanied with judgment.

Prince LttoroLo his rourioql to Claremont,
front Isis visit to the Earl of DARN LEY, at his seat
in livid.

kits Royal Highness the Duke of GLOUCESTER,
wt the tevest of the Corium ,tiott of Gloucester. is
sitting to s young. Artist of inure than common pro-
mise. for hie whole-length portrait ; winch, when
li•tished. will he placed it. this Totory, where it will
form a distitignishrd C0111,1411M11 to the exquisite
likeness of his Gtace tae tuts. Doke of NORFOLK,
which now decorates that room.

Count I.lr.vrs, the Itiii.4an Ambassador. gave
an elegant ewe, taiontel,t mi Monday to the Persian
Ambassador and a large party of ili.tingnishe4 per.
Linage., anvaig whom mere Prince VoLlotisalr.
JUST, NI otopirtir 0 Los DOFF. Mooatewe
1)K Hot K, &e. at his re.ident•e in Ilsrleraitreet.

The F. irl sod Couotrare of LON!DAILE ere eater.
taining a large party of fashion silks theme holidays
at their seat. Cnnttrttmrre. R,lll4nti,hiee.

The E4ll of DAKTMOVIII Rod hi. hes dm. 04
Hon. [heti:Aar LEGGE. Irti 011 Moodily for
C.II;IRM H.Il. Kent. on a visit to the Earl sod
Colintess uf• DA RN LEY.

Yet•lertlay the Highi flail. CHARLES 1.0r4 pre
it utitiol rotertistooolit to the Atetissswtee of the i
Netherlands and u lame party of distiutitsu, at his
seat. Brotnley Hill, Kent.
A person craoung over the Severn. at the New
Passage, was asking the noooer of the host whether
there were ever any penple boat in 11* passage—
" No, Sir," answered the Monannittlisslstre Inc,
" never : my bra:her was drowned here laic week,
but we finind him again the next day." 1
The bete severe weather b r glit but few wild
fowl into the Sussex levels, whit+ perhaps the little I
aim' that prevailed may account fur, as it enabled
them to lie quietly at sea, where they could be in
no want of food.
MEMOIRS of JOHN Evrl.trx, FAQ --br. CamPs
CELL, alien hiog of this celehs ated moo. its his '• Bi-
°graphic; firilanni-a," Pay., Ili,' life which as. extended to
righlysaia years, Ma/ a emirs': B.f impsiry, so oily, roriosit y, in-
stint:tints, mad laturvoltme. 'lle WWI.. of the Creator, and
the minute labours of the creators., were all objecte of his !
pursuit. Ile unfolded the perftetion of the one, and assisted
the iniprrfeetion of the other. lie adored from examination :
was a courtier that flattered only by iuformine Isis prince, i
and by pointing out *bat W 3, IR .W, by fur him to room,.
owner; and 'rally was the origl-bour of the anise!, for there
was ou inns. that ought rot have been the better for him ;
whoever woos a Inn of his Wm Ls, will subaelilse to say ma. ;
eerth.n. fir was our, of the firi.t prninoter• or the Rti)al Su.
del, a patron of the wee 1111 l %is sad the inJigent 1 18.11 pe.
rutted', betriteattle to the lettered would; Inc his
ariunKe and discoveries, be utilities's' she 11.118.81eliasi
Marbles for the Uun'eraisy of (i0n..1, anti-the A. undrliau
Library for the Royal Society. Nor is it the least part of his
praise, that hr, wLu promoted lo Mr. Bo) he the Erretion of a
Philosophical College fur retired and opens' dive pergolas,
had the h .m3B to Wi 111. its ibbisee of active life against Sir
George Mad:easier " Essay an Solitude" Ile knew that re-
. tiremeut in his oast Nowt* um isolually and besietit to luau.
kind; but su those of othrrs, lazioesa tool i 111 l tility. .

Al the libretti% of A gricult held in Brian!,
on Tlititwiay la►t, 1110/. wo. sub.critiett. and p,itl.
to the lutist treasurer, tor tit. .upport of the Gene-
nil Fund; Petit to both I of Pittliattieiit,
Irons occupier', to the "mount of 4,000 Befell, were
; and twelve rogrolised Petilinsis
wore divided utntint; the ►uttt.crtbers, to obtain 'sig-
nature" in the counties of Gloucester AaAl Sotarmi.

MEEDINN OP rit is PROPIIIPTOUS

OF DRURY-LANE THEATRE.

A General Meeting of the Proprietors of Drury_
lane Theatre was held yesterday in the ti.loon,
take into their consideration the nomination of t!,.
General Coiwasittee, mid of a Su tt ee
and also to consider of the pending sppitcatwat
Parliament for a new Act to amend and explain v.e
two former Acts.

Mr. Wean, the Secretary, read the adverti.e_
went, by winch the Meeting was ationnucrd.
Mr. CALCRAtT (having been called to thr
hrietly stifled the object* to wh ch the atteu.
toms i.f the l'r..p.triors was called on the !fervent
act:anion. It was, ioe said, unmet:elm:ire hoe Iona: t:.
go into uny detailed statement of Ow ti,,
theatre, us with these they were already aufticientli
acquainted. Of the application now !wilding ha
Parioament, it was right he should stam that
win, mole with a view of realising the hoires fiehi
out to the renters at the commencement of the
srawm, by enabling the executive of the
tr (((( of their affairs. to do that for their hrtirct
which they were unable to do before. The sin.,
now determined upon would tint ruhjett the Milt.
to any ad,lttioual expense, an:l the interests of the
bond-holilers aiid new renters would nut be offer-to-1
br it ut all. He had the srtisfacitoit to inform tine
Proprietors, that mu far as the sersou had elrewly
gone, the hopes held nut to the renters htfure the
thristre opened, lied been realtfed to their Itille.t
talent. The punctuality, attention, usual aauLly
which masked the conduct of Mr. it
tin'''. 110111111 g lit wish for, and lie had the anus enn-
fidetet hopes that at the drew of the season at ovuos',l
hr in his power to Pub etst to them a slice: neat
equally satisfactory on the flourishing state of the
colleen, under its present cotcumstances.__

Mr. MITCHELL submitted to the Meeting a
motion, opprovoqc of the isoiniontion of the Geo*,
ral Costumier, mud of the applocation now peuittog
in Pau!lament.

A Proprietor inquired if the new renters were to
crone in before the bood.lsolrler4 ?

Mr. CAi.t:tArr replied. " Certainly."
After ■ few observations from Mr. Roam. in
praise of the prevent saasisgentent of the theatre.
Mr. Mitchell's emotion was agreed to, mud the
Merlosg. which lasted but a very short time,
broke up.