The Sun.
London, England, 1835-12-30 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY, I)ECEMBER 30, 1835
NAL S, D

'sole time that greater satisfaction and more equal justice
Would be secured to the public officers generally.
The accompanying Report of the Secretary of War will
put you in possession of the operations of the department
ni ed to his care, in all its din ersified relations, during the
Past year.
.._lam gratified in being able to inform you that no
ur
rence has required any movement of the military
farce, except such as is common to a state of peace. The
.Cervices of the army have been limited to their usual
duties at the various garrisons upon the Atlantic and in-
n(l frontier, with the exceptions stated by the Secretary
1
°I Var. Our small military establishment appears to be
equate to the 'purposes for which it is maintained, and
it forms a nucleus around which additional force may be
collected, should public exigencies unfortunately requii e
any increase of our military means.
The various acts of Congress which have been recently
passed in relation to the army, have improved its condition
an
rendered its organization more useful and efficient.
Lt is at all times in a prompt state for and vigorous ac-
tion .
, and it contains within itself the power of extension to
any useful limit ; while, at the same time, it preserves that
knowledge, both theoretical and practical, which education
alone can give, and which, if not acquired and preserved in
time of peace, must be sought under great disadvantage in
tinle of war.
, The duties of the Engineer Corps press heavily upon that
branch of the service ; and the public interest requires an
addition to its strength. The nature of the work in which
the officers are engaged render necessary professional know
ledge and experience, and there is no economy in commit-
`.4l.7 to them more duties than they can perform, or in as-
-81 gning these to other persons temporarily employed, and
'OO often, of necessity, without all the qualifications which
such service demands. I recommend this subject to your
ac,ttention, and also the proposition submitted at the last
)!ssion of Congress, and now renewed, for a re• organization
oferected
the Topographical Corps. This re-organization can be
enected without any addition to the present expenditure,
asd with much advantage to the public service. The
branch of duties which devolves upon these officers is at all
times interesting to the community, and the information
furnished by them is useful in peace and in war.
Much loss and inconvenience have been experienced in
nsequence of the failure of the Bill containing the ordi-
nary appropriations for fortifications, which passed one
branch of the National Legislature at the last session, but
wks lost in the other. This failure was the more regretted,
not only because it necessarily interrupted and delayed the
progress of a system of natioaal defence, projected imme-
u,iately after the last war, and since steadily pursued, but
also because it contained a contingent appropriation, in-
serted in accordance with the views of the Executive in aid
of this important object, and other branches of the national
defence, some portions of which might have been most
usefully applied during the past season. I invite your
early attention to that part of the report of the Secretary
of War which relates to this subject, and recommend an
appropriation sufficiently liberal to accelerate the armament
,of the fortifications, agreeably to the proposition submitted
nY him, and to place our whole Atlantic sea board in a corn-
Plete state of defence. A just regard to the permanent in-
terests of the country evidently requires this measure, but
there are also other reasons which, at the present junc-
ture, give it peculiar force, and make it my duty to call to
the subject
:your special consideration.
The present system of military education has been in
operation sufficiently lone. to test its usefulness, and it has
given to the arrny a valuable body of officers. It is not
alone in the improvement, discipline, and operation
also ex-
of the
troops that these officers are employed ; they are
tetasivelr engaged in the administrative and fiscal concerns
of the various matters confided to the war department ; in
the execution of the staff duties, usually appertaining to
Military oajanization ; in the removal of the Indians, and
in the disbursement of the various expedit
of roads, and n
ures growine. out
of our Indian relations ; in the formatnion i
the improvement of harbours and rivers ; in the construction
of fortifications ; in the fabrication of much of the materiel
required for the public defence ; and in the preservation,
distribution, and accountability of the whole ; and in other
miscellaneous duties, not- admitting of classification.
These diversified functions embrace very heavy expe
b usndi-
i-
ture of public money, and require fidelity, science, and
ness habits in their execution : and a system which shall
secure these qualifications is demanded by the public inte-
-
rest. That this object has been, ia a great measure, ob
tained by the Military Academy, is shown by the state of
' the service, and by the prompt accountability which has
generally followe the, necessary adof military educatio nvances. Like all oth,
no
er
Political systems, present
doubt, has its imperfections, both of principle and practice ;
hut I trust these can be improved by rigid inspections, and
by legislative scrutiny, without destroying the institution
tself.
Occurrences to which we as well as all nations are liabl
the
e,
both in our internal and external relations, point to
necessity. of an-efficient organization of the militia. lum
ogain induced by the importance of the subject to bring
it ~a) your attention. To suppress domestic violence and to
repe; foreign invasion, should these calamities overtake us,
we mu at rely, in the first instance, upon the great body of
the comoueity, whose will has instituted, and whose power
Must support, the Government. A large standing military
force is not consonant to the spirit four
insti
lessons tutions,
fornor
. to the feelings of our countrymen ;
and he of -
met days, and
enormouso of our own time, show the danger,
as well as the expense, of these permanent and
extensive military organizations. That just medium which
avaaids an inadequate preparation on the one hand, and the
dangef and expense of a large force on the other, is what our
constituents have a right to expect from their Government.
This object can be obtained only by tile maintenance of a
small military force, and by such an organization of the
physical strength of the country .as may bring this power
into operation whenever its services are required. A claa-
,slscation of the population offers the most obvious means
of „effecting this organization. Such a division may be II
Made as will be just-to all, by transferring each, at a
proper period of life, from one class to another, and by
calling first for the Services of that class,
is qualifiedwh
er for
instruction or action, which, from age,
for the duty, and may be called to perform it with
in succession will be ready
least injury to themselves or to the ps
to require addi-
ublic. Should the
danger ever become so
in
a
tional, force, the other classes
for the call. And if, in addition to this organization, vo-
luntary associations were encourag nd ed, a inducements held
out.for their formation, our militia. would be in a state of
when we are at peace, is the pro- '
efficient service. Now,
per time to digest and establish a practicable system. The
object is certainly worth the experiblessings ofment, and waorrepulath thelican
ex-
pense. No one appreciating the
government, can object to his share of the burden which ,
such a plan may impose. Indeed a moderate portion on f
the national funds could scarcely be better applied
carrying into effect and continuing such an arrangement,
and in giving the necessary elementary instruction. We
are happily at peace ayith all the World. A sincere desire
to continue so, and fixed determination to give no just
cause of offence to other nations, furnish, unfortunately, no
certain grounds of expectation that this relation will be un-
interrupted. With this determination to give no offence is
associated a resolution, equally decided, tamely to submit
to, mine. The armour and the attitude of defence afford
the best security against those collisions which the ambition,
or interest, or some other passinn of nations, not more jus-
tifiable, is liable to produce. In many
therecountri3 it is co
dered unsafe to put arms in the hands of eople, and
to' instinct them in the elements of militarit iy s
recollected
knowledge.
That fear can have no place here, when
that the people are the sovereign power. Our Govern-
ment was instituted, and is supported by the ballot-box,
not by the musket. Whatever changes await it, still greater
changes must be made in our social institutions, before our
political system can yield to physical force. In every aspect,
therefore, in which I can view the subject, I am impressed
pith the importance of a prompt and efficient organization
of time militia.
Tiv: plan of•removing the aboriginal peo United ple who yet rte
e-
main within the settled portions
the country West of the Mississippi river, approaches its
consummation. It was adopted on the most mature con-
sideration of the condition of this race, and ought to be
persisted in till the object is accomplished, and prosecuted
with as much vigour as a just regard to their circumstan-
ces will permit, and as fast as their consente
improvement can ' be obof
a
tained. All preceding experiments for th
the Indians have failed. It seacnis now to be an .esta.-
klishecl fact tl'at they cannot live 'in contact with a eivi-
lized community and prosper. Ages of fruitless endea-
vors have, at length, brought us to a knowledge of this
principle of intercommuniastion witb them. The pet we
cannot recal, but the future we cad provide for. Inde-
pecdently of the treaty stipulations into whiala we have en-
tered with the various tribes, for the usufruetnary rights
they have ceded to us,. no one can doubt. the moral etatY
of the Government of the United States to protect, and if
possible, to preserve and perpetuate the scattered remnants
of this race, which are left within our borders. in the
. . al 1e
discharge of this duty, an extensive region in the sa. est haa
been assigned for their permanent residence. Jt has been
divided into districts, and allotted amongst them. :Many
Lave already removed, and others era preparing to go Many
with the exception of two small bands, tiring in Ohio and
Indiana, not exceeding 1,50,0 persons, and of teen Cherokees,
all the tribes on the east side of the Mississipi, anti ex-
tending from Lake Michigan to FloPida, • have entered.
into engagements which will lead to their tagiAphintation.
The plan for their removal and re-establishment is
founded upon the knowledge we have pined
it of their chen-
a-
racter And habits, and has been dictated by spirit of
larged liberality. A territory eaceeding
...relinquished. has been granted to each
tri in exteiat that
be. ,Of its eh-
' asnate, afad capacity to support ;iti igd,lurs Foraltte

tion, the representations are highly favourable. To these
districts the Indians are removed at the expense of the
United States ; and with certain supplies of bloating, arms,
ammunition, and other indispensable articles, they are also
furnished gratuitously with provisions for the period of a
year after. their arrival at their new homes. In that time,
from the nature of the country, and of the product raised
by them, they can subsist themselves by agricultural labour,
if they choose to resort to that mode of life ; if they do not,
they are upon the skirts of the great prairies, where" count-
less herds of buffalo roam, and a short time suffices to adapt
their own habits to the changes which a change of the
animals destined for their food must require.
_Ample ar-
rangements have been set apart for the maintenance of
schools ; in some instances council-houses and churches are
to be erected, dwellings constructed for the chiefs, and mills
for common use. Funds have been set apart for the main-
tenance of the poor ; the most necessary mechanical arts
have been introduced, and blacksmiths, gunsmiths, wheel-
wrights, millwrights, &c. are supported among them. Steel
and iron, and sometimes salt, are purchased for them ; and
ploughs, and other farming utensils, domestic animals, looms,
spinning wheels, cards,- &c. are presented to them. And
besides these beneficial arrangements, annuities are, in all
cases, paid, amounting-in some instances to more than 30
dollars for each individual of the tribe, and in all cases suf-
ficiently great, if justly divided and prudently expended, to
enable them, in addition to their own exertions, to live com-
fortably. As as a stimulus for exertion, it is now provided
by law that, " in all casss of the appointment of interpre-
ters, or other persons employed for the benefit of the In-
dians, a preference shall be given to persons of Indian de-
scent, if such can be found, who are properly qualified for
the discharge of their duties."
Such are the arrangements for the physical comfort, and
for the moral improvement of the Indians. The necessary
measures for their political advancement, and for their se-
paration from our citizens, have not been neglected. . The
pledge of the United States has been given by Congress that
that the-country destined for the residence of this people, shall
be for ever " secured and guaranteed to them." A country
west of Missouri and Arkansas, has been assigned to them,
into which the white Settlements are not to be pushed. No
political communities can be formed in that extensive region,
except those which are established by the Indians themselves,
or by the United States for them, and with their concurrence.
A barrier has thus been raised for their protection against the
encroachments of our citizens, and guarding the Indians, as
far as possible, from those evils which have brought them to
their present condition. Summary authority has been given,
by law, to destroy all ardent spirits found in their country,
without waiting the doubtful result and slow progress of a legal
seizure. I consider the absolute and unconditional interdic-
tion of this article among this people as the first and
great
step in their amelioration. Half-way measures will answer
no purpose. These cannot successfully contend against the
cupidity of the seller and the overpowering appetite of the
buyer. And the destructive effects of the traffic are marked in
every page of the history of our Indian intercourse.
Some general legislation seems necessary for the regulation
of the relations which will 'exist in this new state of things
between the Government and people of the United States,
and these transplanted Indian tribes ; and for the establish-
ment among the latter, and with theieown consent, of some
principles of intercommunication, which their juxtaposition
will call for ; that moral may be substituted for physical force;
the authority of a few and simple laws, for the tomahawk; and
that an end may be put to those bloody wars, whose prosecution'
seems to have made part of their social system.
After the further details of this arrangement are completed,
with a very general supervision over them, they ought to be
left to the progress of events. These, I indulge the hope,
will -secure their prosperity and improvement ; and a large
portion of the moral debt we owe them will then be paid.
The Report from the Secretary of the Navy, showing the
condition of that branch of the public service, is recommended
to your special attention. It appears from it, that our naval
force at present in commission, with all the activity which can
be given to it, is inadequate to the protection of our rapidly
increasing commerce. This consideration, and the more ge-
neral one which regards this arm of the national defence as our
best security against foreign aggressions, strongly urge the
continuance of the measures which promote its gradual en-
largement, and a speedy increase of the force which has been
heretofore employed abroad and at home. You will perceive,
from the estimates which appear in the Report of the Secretary
of the Navy, that the expenditures necessary to this increase of
its force, though of considerable amount, are small compared
with the benefit which they will secure to the country.
As a means of strengthening this national arm, I also re-
commend to your particular attention the propriety of the sug-
gestion which attracted the consideration of Congress at the
last session, respecting the enlistment of boys at a suitable age
in the service. In this manner a nursery of skilful and able-
bodied seamen can be established, which will be of the greatest
importance. Next to the capacity to put afloat and arm the
requisite number of ships, is the possession of the means to
man them efficiently ; and nothing seems better calculated to
aid this object than the measure proposed. As an auxiliary
to the advantages derived from our extensive commercial
marine, it would furnish us with a resource ample enough for
all the exigencies which can be anticipated. Considering the
state of our resources, it cannot be doubted that whatever pro-
vision the liberality and wisdom of Congress may now adopt
with a view to the perfect organization of this branch of our
service, will meet the approbation of all classes of our citizens.
By the Report of the Postmaster-General, it appears that the
revenue of that department during the year ending on the 30th
of June last, exceeded its accruing responsibilities 236,206
dollars ; and that the surplus of the present fiscal year is esti-
mated at 476,227 dollars. It further appears that the debt of
the department on the Ist of July last, including the amount
due to contractors for the quarter then just expired, was
about 1,064,381 dollars, exceeding the available means about
23,700 dollars; and that, on the Ist instant, about 597,077
dollars of this debt had been paid; 409,991 dollars out of
postages accruing before July, and ,187,086 dollars out of
postages accruing since. In these payments are included
67,000 dollars of the old debt due to banks. After making
these payments, the department had 73,000 dollars in bank
on the Ist instant. The pleasing assurance is given, that
the department is entirely free from embarrassment, and
that, by collection of outstanding balances, using the current
surplus, the remaining portion of the bank debt, and most
of the other debt, will probably be paid in April next, leav-
ing thereafter a heavy amount to be applied in extending
the mail facilities of the country. Reserving a consider-
able sum for the improvement of existing mail routes, it is
stated that the department will be able to sustain with per-
fect convenience an annual charge of 300,000 dollars for the
support of new routes, to commence as soon as they can be
established and put into operation.
The measures adopted by the Postmaster-General to bring
the means of the department into action, and to effect a speedy
extinguishment of its debt, as well as produce an efficient ad-
ministration of its affairs, will be found detailed at length in
his able_and luminous report. Aided by a reorganisation on
the principles suggested, and such salutary provisions in the
laws regulating its administrative duties as the wisdom of Con-
gress may devise or approve, that important department will
goon attain a degree of usefulness proportioned to the increase
of our population and the extension of our settlements.
Particular attention is solicited to that portion of the re-
port of the Postmaster-General which- relates to the carriage
of the mails of the United States upon rail. roads constructed
by private -Corporations under the authority of the several
States. The reliance which the General Government can
place on those roads, as a means of carrying on its operations,
and the principles on which the use of them is to be ob-
tained, cannot too soon be considered and settled. Already
the spirit of monopoly begins to exhibit its natural propen-
sities, in attempts to exact from the public, for services which
it supposes cannot be obtained on other terms, the most ex-
travagant compensation. If these claims be persisted in, the
question may arise whether a combination of citizens, acting
under charters of incorporation from the States, can, by a di-
r'ect refusal, or the demand of an exorbitant price, exclude
the United States from the use of the established channels of
communication between the different sections of the country ;
and whether the United States cannot, without transcending
their Constitutional powers secure to the Post Office Depart-
ment the use of those roads by an Act of Congress which shall
provide within itself some equitable mode of adjusting the
amount of compensation. To obviate, if possible, the neces-
sity of considering this question, it is suggested whether it be
not expedient to fix by law, the amounts which shall be of-
fered to railroad companies for the conveyance of the mails,
graduated according to their average weight, to be ascertained
and declared by the Postmaster-General. It is probable that
a liberal proposition of that sort would be accepted.
In- connection with these provisions in relation to the Post-
office Department, I must also invite your attention to the
painful excitement produced in the South, by attempts to cir-
culate through the mails inflammatory appeals addressed to
the passions of the slaves, in prints, and in various sorts of
publications, calculated to stimulate them to insurrection, and
to produce all the horrors of a servile war;
There is, doubtless, no respectable portion of our country-
men who can be so far misled as to feel any other sentiment
than that of indignant regret at conduct so destructive to the
harmony and peace of the country, and so repugnant to the
principles of our national compact, and to the dictates of hu-
manity and religion. Our happiness and prosperity essentially
depend upon peace within our borders—and peace depends
upon the maintenance, in gc.ocl faith, of those compromises of
the Constitution upon which the Union is founded. It is for-
tunate for the_ country, that the good sense,_ the generous
feeling, and the deep-rooted attachment of the people of the
neassloeholding States to the Union, -and to their fellow-
citizens of the game in the South; have given so strong and
impressive a tone tothe sentiments entertained against the
proceedings of the misguided persons who have engaged in
these unponstitutional and wicked attempts, and especially
against the ess;ssaries from foreign parts who havo dared to
interfere in this maasr, as to authorize the hope, that those
atternpts will no longer be perf4tpd it. But if these expres-
sions of Aim public will shall not be stifiaielat to effect so de-
sirable a rekalit, pet a doubt can be entertained teat the pon-
slaveholding States, au P.r from countenancing the slightest
interference with the constitutional richts of the South, will'be
prompt to ettereise their authority hi sumo-Gee-4w, se far as in
them lies, whatevee calculated to produce this evil.
-In leaving the care of other branches of this interesting
subject to 06 f3tdte authorities, to when, they properly belong,
it is nevertheless peeper lor Congress to take such measures
as will prevent the Yost-Office Depti:lmerit, wirick "ido-
sitsts.4 t foster amicable intercourse and tresPliellce
between o all ike an
tnpmbers of the confecleracy, from being used
as an instrument of an opposite character. The General Go-
„vernment, to which the great trust is, confided, of preserving,
inviolate Ihe relations erettied amon the States by the Con-
-o.

stitution, is especially bound to avoid in its own action, any-
thing that may disturb them. I would therefore call the spe-
cial attention of Congress to the subject, and respectfully
gest the propriety of passing such a law as will prohibit, wi-
der severe penalties, the circulation in the Southern States,
through the mail, of incendiary publication 3 intended to in-
stigate the slaves to insurrection.
I felt it to be my duty, in the first message which I com-
municated to Congress, to urge upon its attention the pro-
priety of amending that part of the. Constitution which pro-
vides for the election of the President and Vice-President of
the United States. The leading object which I had in view
was the adoption of some new provisions, which would secure
to the people the performance of this high duty, without any
'ntermediate agency. In my annual cornmunictions since,
I have enforced the same views, from a sincere conviction
that the best interests of the country would be promoted by
their adoption. If the subject were an ordinary one, I should
have regarded the failure of Congress to act upon it as an in-
dication of their judgment, that the disadvantages which be-
long to the present system. were not so great as those which
would result from any attainable substitute that had been sub-
mitted to their consideration : recollecting, however, that
propositions to introduce a new feature in our fundamental
law cannot be too patiently examined, and ought not to be
received with favour, until the great body of the people are
thoroughly impressed with their necessity and value, as a re-
medy for real evils, I feel that, in renewing the recommen-
I have heretofore made on this subject, I am not transcending
the bounds of a just deference to the sense of Congress, or
to the disposition of the people. However much we may
differ in the choice of the measures which should guide the
Administration of the Government, there can be but little
doubt in the minds of those who are really friendly to the
republican features of our 'system, that one of its most im-
portant securities consists in the separation of the Legislative
and Executive Powers, at the same time that each is held re-
sponsible to the great source of authority which is acknow-
ledged to be supreme, in the will of the people constitutionally
expressed. My reflection and experience satisfy me, that the
framers of the. Constitution, although they were anxious to
mark this feature as a settled and fixed principle in the struc-
sure of the Government, did not adopt all the precautions that
were necessary to secure its practical observance, and that we
cannot be said to have carried into complete effect their in-
tentions until the evils which arise from this organic defect are

remedied.
Considering the great extent of our Confederacy, the rapid
increase of its population, and the diversity of their interests
and pursuits, it cannot be disguised that the contingency by
which one branch of the Legislature is to form itself into an
electoral.college, cannot become one of ordinary occurrence,
without producing incalculable mischief. What was intended
as the medicine of the Constitution in extreme cases, cannot
be frequently used without changing its character, and sooner
or later, producing incurable disorder.
Every election by the House of Representatives is calcu-
lated to lessen the force of that security which is derived from
the distinct and separate character of the Legislative and Ex=
ecutive functions, and while it exposes each to temptations ad-
verse to their efficiency as organs of the Constitution arid laws,
its tendency will be to unite both in resisting the will of the
people, and thus give a direction to the Government anti-re-
publican and dangerous. All history tells us that a free
people should be watchful of delegated power, and shoUld
never acquiesce in a practice which will' diminish their control
over it. This obligation, so universal in its application to all
the principles of a republic, is peculiarly so in ours, where the
formation of parties founded on sectional interests is so much
fostered by the extent of our territory. These interests, re-
presented by candidates for the Presidency, arc constantly
prone, in the zeal of party and selfish objects, to generate in-
fluences unmindful of the general good, and forgetful of the
restraints which the great body of the people would enforce, if
they were in no contingency to lose the right of expressing
their will. The experience of our country, from the formation
of Government to the present day,_ demonstrate that the people
cannot too soon adopt a stronger safeguard for their right to
elect the highest officer known to the Constitution, than is
contained in that sacred instrument as it now stands.
It is my duty to call the particular attention of Congress to
the present condition of the District of Columbia. From
whatever cause the great depression has arisen which now.
exists in the pecuniary concerns of this District, it is proper
that its situation should be fully understood, and such relief
or remedies provided as are consistent with the powers of
Congress. I earnestly recommend the extension of every
political right to the citizens of the District which their true
interests require, arid which does not conflict with the pro-
visions of the Constitution. It is believed that the laws for
the government of the district require revisal and amendment,
and that much good may be done by modifying the Penal
Code, so as to give uniformity to its provisions.
Your attention is also invited to the defects which exist in
the Judicial system of the United States. As at present
organized, the States of the Union derive unequal advantages
from the Federal Judiciary, which have been so often pointed
out, that I deem it unnecessary to repeat them here. It is
hoped that the present Congress will extend to all the States,
that equality, in respect to the benefits of the laws of the
Union, which can only be secured by the uniformity and effi-
ciency of the Judicial system.
With these observations on the topics of general interest
which are deemed worthy of your consideration, I leave them
to your care, trusting that the legislative measures they call
for will be met as the wants and the best interests of our
beloved country demand.
Washington, Dec. 7, 1835.

ANDREW JACKSON.

NOVELTIES IN LIT ERA TURE.—The Poetry of
Life, by Miss Stickney ; The Philosophy of History, by
Schlegel ; The Vow of the Peacock, by Miss Landon ;
Democracy in America, by De 'Focqueville ; The Student,
by Mr. Bulwer ; The Naval Service, by Captain Glascock ;
James on the Educational Institutions of Germany ;
Hogg's Travels and Mr. Lodge's Peerage for 1836.
The above are published by Messrs. Saunders and Otley,
Conduit-street, and may be had of the booksellers through-
out the kingdom.
WINDSOR CASTLE BY MOONLIGHT.—TiiIs en-
graving, which appears in that costly volume, the " Book of
Gems," is from a painting by Hofland, and illustrates a beau-
tiful passage in the poetry of the chivalrous Surrey. The
" Book of Gems" contains fifty-three of the most exquisite
engravings that have ever appeared ; fifty of them being
illustrations of some of the bewitching fancies of fifty Eng-
lish poets. ,Pen and pencil truly vie with each other for
mastery in this volume, and, magnificent as are the selec-
tions here made from the pages of the great immortals of a
past age, the painters come into a full share of the praises
that will be awarded to the work by every mind in which
the sense of beauty is not utterly extinguished.
. •
THE NEW NOVEL OF MY AUNT PONTYPOOL 18
entitled to take a permanent stand among the first novels
of character of the day. Two of the-best and most sus-
tained portraitures are Colonel Adair, and Lord Meth-
wynn ; the former the model of a poor, proud, honorable,
and gentlemanly soldier, whose ideas of what is correct. and
regular have been strengthened by military discipline ; the
latter a polite, good-natured, sensible, man of the world,
who acting up to the direction of Polonius, is never false to
any one because he is always true to himself. The female
characters are drawn with great tact and delicacy.
SERIOUS AND MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.-011
Saturday evening, about seven o'clock, a very singular and
affecting accident occurred to a man named Nelson Abbott,
a foreman in the London Dock, and his wife, an aged
couple, residing in Ratcliff-highway. • It appears that Ab-
bott and his wife had just left their room on the second-
floor of the house where they lodged, with the intention of
proceeding to market, when the man made a false step,
and was precipitated from the top to the bottom of the
stairs. His wife, in endeavouring to save him from falling,
missed her grasp, and also fell down the stairs in like man-
ner. The noise alarmed the inmates, who found the old
couple lying in a state of insensibility at the bottom of the
stairs—the man, as far as external appearances went, ap-
parently uninjured, but his wife had her head cut
.open,
and received other injuries of a very serious nature. Messrs.
Hopko and Betson, two respectable surgeons, were imme-
diately called in,' who found Abbott to he quite dead, and
it seems he never moved or spoke after the accident. The
surgeons then attended to the woman ; but on learning the
fate of her unfortunate husband she became quite frantic,
and tore the dressings from the wounds. When she became
shore calm she was removed to the London Hospital, and
yesterday she was Pronounced out of danger, and was ena-
bled to walk home.
•

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CORONER'S INQUEST.—MOnaay evening an in-
quest was held at the Doyly Arms, Blucklancl's-lane,
Chelsea, before Mr. Stirling, on view of the 'body of
Mr. John Ford, aged 56, late butler in the service of
the Dowager Countess of Browulow, which situation he
had held for a number of. years, who put a period to
his existence. Witnesses were examined, whose testi-
monies went to prove that the mind of the deceased had
for some months past been in a low dejected state. The
surgeons described the nature of the wound, which had
divided the windpipe, carotid artery,. and all the principal
vessels, and must have caused death instantaneously. The
Jury expressed themselves satisfied, and returned a verdict
of " Temporary derangement."
FOOL-HARDY EXPLOIT.—On Friday last, at
Backford, Cheshire, a man who bad been drinking at a
public-bouse, allowed himself, for a wager of 145., to be
fastened to the sails of a windmill adjoining the village ;
the point to be determined being-, whether he could re-
main in that situation until the sails should have per-
formed eight revolutions. Having accomplished the feat,
the sails were stopped, and the man taken down. lie
was found unhurt, but almost in a state of insensibility
and On being carried to a neighbouring surgeon's and bled,
was little the worse for. his fool-hardy experiment, which,
however, he expressed his determination never to repeat.
ro..rtio who fastened him to the sails, and the miller
who permitted it, would have looked very foolish if the
man had died, and they had been sent to 'prison fot: man-
§l4llglltPF,7,,Pfer?ool 4ferCUrg!
• He tligitglit the happiest life vas OW, a a mail Qi
buStness, with some- literary pursuits .for his . amusement ;
and that, in general, no one could be virtuous or happy that
Was not completely employed.