The Statesman.
London, England, 1821-03-26 00:00:00

THE STA'rEAMAI

the irresistible force of truth even in the French tri-
bunals.

When the pleadings arrive we shall lay copious ex-
tracts from them, as well as the evidence, before the
public; in the meantime we cannot help noticing the
examination of General LAVATETTZ. whose replies to
the President, when interrogated relative to his private
correspondence with the accused, are said to have
been of the most dignified and impressive description.
On his leaving the Court the whole auditory rose and
observed a dead silence.

This forenoon arrived Dutch Papers, of which the
following are extracts :
VIENNA, MARCH 11.—No news of any importance
have been received here from Naples. A mournful
silence and anxiety continued to prevail there among
all well-disposed citizens, since the murder of the
Director of l'olice, thanpietror. The journals contain
only violent articles respecting the imprisonment of
the King, comparisons between his situation and that
of Cbar;es 11. at Bayonne, and other polemical dis-
sertations.
Among the pamphlets that have lately appeared, a
small work under the title of " History of the Nea-
politan Revolution, by Biagio Oambui,* is tie most
remarkable. The real or pretended author of this
work is a Neapolitan advocate. The work is, how-
ever, properly, the secret history of the confederacy,
which in the month of July last, effected the over-
throw of the Sicilian Monarchy. A Liest.-Colonel of
the Renck! Staff, de Conciliis, now Deputy in the
PArliament, appears here as the author and proper
ventral point of the conspiracy.
Scarcely had this little pamphlet appeared, when the
lioternment caused it to be seised in the booksellers
shops, and even made diligent search for the copies,
which had been already distributed. Whether this
measure was the result of the conviction, that this
pamphlet, written indeed, in a revolntionary spirit, but
bearing every evidence of truth, would deprive the
revolution of the appearance of popularity ; or because

it might too clearly spew the real authors of the mis-
chief, the object is ho ever attained, hardly a copy
remaining in circulation.
The latest accounts from Sicily all agree in stating,
th:it the n hole nation ait with anxious expectation
for the progress of events, in order to throw off the
yoke of the Neapolitan parliament.
Fess:Kerner, Msecit 17.-1 n the last Sittings of
the Diet in the mouth of February, the assembly
voted on the projet on a Military Constitution for the
lierman Confederation. Teu votes were in favour of
a•cepting the 2.1 articles of which it consists, and
six others have reserved their opinion. On account
of the urgent necessity of the case, these have been Je-
quested to lose as little time as possible.
hlaarn 12.—A report respecting some
alarming cirrumstances, said to have taken place at
an entertainment, given by the Students at this Uni-
versity, has been publicly contradicted by the Pro-
Rector.
Bacessis, \Linen 2.l.—Many of the principal inha-
bitants of Colberg House have ventured to petition the
King of the Netherlands, for the head of the celebrated
Sehill, which is preserved in spirits, in the Cabinet of
Natural History, at Laycen ; they intend to erect a
mommient at their expense, to the memory of this
heroic patriot.

The T.►ble we constructed and inserted in our paper
of N10.:(1aV last contains an account of all the varia-
tions that have been made in the coins of this conntrv,
since the Conquest; but, as we all know too well, these
are not the only changes that have been made in our
touner. For these last 25 years we have bad woeful
experie: ce of thee effects of the substitution of paper
fur metallic minty. tireat mischief has been done,
in former times, by alterations in the circulating me-
dium, and chiefly by the effects which those changes
boh on previous pecuniary Contracts. As mischief
of that kind, however, is greatest when the atuonnt of
those contracts is greatest, and as the amount of the
present governsnent debt, addod to the immense mass

of pecuniary engagements of all kinds, introduced by
the per3i.ions use of paper money, places the present
• period above all competition with any former one, in
that respect, we need be under no surprise at finding
ourselves, as Milton saes of Satan,
" Only supreme
In misery ; such joy ambition finds."
The Bank by its issues of notes, and the Govern-
ment by those of Exchequer Bills, and other paper
Pledges. was for years depreciating the circulating
"'dim, and, of course, ruining all those who had
made contracts to receive ; and then, suddenly turn-
ing re—tilt!, the Bank withdraws its notes and
ruins all those who have made contracts to pay. The
1.01f11117, however, being infinitely less numerous than
the later, who were created by the very operation
of tlo.e i•surs, the evils produced in the former case
were bit trifles to the present. Thus does the Bank,
like another monster, devour its ow n offspring. The
ilimien• ion of 2,009,000, in the amount of Bank of
Eneland notes, is not, alone, sufficient to account fur
the present depression of the prices of all sorts of
rommoinies and consequent embarrassments of all
those who have debts to pay with their produce. If,
however. to this diminution, we add that of the country
Bank motes, and, in particular, the destruction of pri-
vate bills of exchange, o hich depended upon the Bank
i"" for th ir existence; we shall be at no loss to
account fur a great part of the present distress. The
reutaincier belongs to the pressure of the taxes, prin-

dimity levied for the payment of the Government
debt. The pressure of these taxes was amply burthen-

some, without the addition of cent. per cent. or more,

to their amount, by raising the value of money. I t
may be thought, by those who look only at the prices

of gold and silver, that this addition is above the
truth; but we mast bear in mind, that although gold
and silver are, like other commodities, depressed in
price by contracting the circulating medium, yet that
by that means their use, as mone✓, is increased, and
that they are thereby prevented from sinking so low
in

price as other com►nodities.
By the " RICARDO system" it is proposed to make
bank notes, payable, in large sums, in gold bullion,
the circulating medium. This seems to be chiefly in-
tended to save the expense of the wear and tear of

coin ; but surely the expense of the renewed of Bank
notes must be equally great ; and it must also in some
shape or other full on the community. Besides, the
circulating medium would be diluted in the rime pro.
portion as that in which paper was used. The poor
man would not have the same advantage, in case of
alarm, as the rich one ; and, as seasons of alarm must
occur, it would be liable to all the fluctuations of any
other paper mosey, sad mass be attended by the same
disasterous consequences. This scheme is nothing
less than an attempt to create something equally vain

able with gold and silver, oat of worthless ntter; 'ls;
beace its futility and the hopelessness of the labours
of the inimitable Hank note Commissioners.

Mr. BARING, considering that gold and silver are
liable to teoporary fluctuations in their relative va-
lues, in order to make the " Ricardo systeum" more
steady, propases to regulate it by a double standard,
that to give the Bank the option of paying eitl:er in
gold or silver; in silver, as we stated on Monday last,
when gold is enhanced, and rice reran. But irrthis way
the Bank would have the same option whether the va-
riation arose from the depreciation of one metal, or
from the enhancement of the other ; and suppose, that,
by the discovery of new mines, one of the metals
should become greatly and permanently depreciated,
then payment would be made in that metal alone, and
we should he in just the same situation as if that metal
had been the sole standard. By adopting one standanl,
only of the two, it is an equal chance whether we take the
one that becomes depreciated or not ; but by taking
both, we make sure of having the wrong one, and
lose a material check against the unequalled distribu-
tion of the precious metals. Mr. BARING has thus to-
tally forgotten the effects of a depression, whilst
striving to guard against those of a temporary eleva-
tion of one of the metals. The only way in which a
double standard, if it might be so called, would be ad-
missible in a wholesome system would be by introduc-
ing anti recogaising pecuniary eestraets, in Irbil* ill
should be stipulated, whether the payment should be
in gold or silver.
On some future opportunity we shall resume the
consideration of this important and extensive subject.
and endeavour to render our illustrations of it as com-
plete as poasible, by adding a snpplenmentary table of
the amount of the issues of paper and metalic money.
In the mean time we take occasion, on the snggestion
of a respectable correspondent, to rectify our date of
the period when the Tiny weight was introduced in
the English Mint; instead of time Tower, as it was
called, or Snxon pound. The period, as appears by a
Royal Proclamation, was the 39th of October 1327, in
the 18th of Hester VIII. We would also add, from
the information of the same kind friend, that by the
following copy of an assize of Bread, in the 51 st of
HENRI' 111. the weights then in common use bad
the saute denomination as the silver coins." When a quar-
ter of wheat is sold for xij. d. then wastel," or fine
Bread, "of a ferthing, shall weigh vj. lb. and
xvj. 5."

Accounts from Paris, of the 23d instant, state that
on the Imh it was reported at Lyons, that a complete
revolution had taken place in the capital ; that the tri-
coloured cockade was mounted ; that the King hail ab-
dicated, &c. Much agitation was caused by these ru-
mours; several groups were formed on the Place des
Terreaux. It appears. also, that the arrival of a cou-
rier, and strange events of which he was supposed to
have brought intelligence, were announced mina attested
in the most positive manner by a Sieu► Vinay, a physi-
cian, in one of the most frequented coffee-houses of the
city. Hut the falsehood of these reports was soon made
known. The Sieur Vinay was arrested and delivered
into the hands of the King's Attorney. It is to he re-
marked, that these accounts were circulated in Lyons on
the same day on which the official confirmation of the
revolution of Piedmont was received, which was on the
Sunday. On the 20th inst. a mach more serious effort
to excite disorder than that at Lyons, was made at
Urenoble. A report was spread, that a courier had ar-
rived with the news of the King's abdication; that the
tai-coloured cockade had been hoisted, and the consti-
tution of 1791 proclaimed. The inhabitants quickly
assembled in different parts of the city to confer to-
gether. A tai-coloured standard was hoisted tieneral
Pamphile Lacroix put the garrison under arms. lln the
approach of the troops the seditious dispersed. Several
were arrested. One of them who wore a tri•coloureml
cockade in his hat, was wounded by a sabre. Us the
evening of the 20th tranquillity was entirely restored.
We have just received intelligence, upon which we
pledge our faith, that the most violent discussions have
taken place in both Houses of Parliament at Hanover.
The Ministers have been obliged to interpose the ltoy-
al Authority, and have dissolved the Chambers. Our
Correspondent add!, that this measure is owing to the
great difficulty felt by the King's Ministers to offer a
satisfactory reply to the propositions made on the part
of the Senate. He adds, that there exists a spirit
among the middling classes, which looks with anxiety
to the abolition of time privileges of the Nobility. There
reigns through the whole country, to use his words,
•' Die hochster spammeg" (the highest excitement.)
Expectations is on the alert respecting Prussia.
Prussian bonds have fallen 3 per cent.

rc BILLS.

The Dublin men arrived rhl afar/tie, state the
feeling of the people there on the debate on the se-
cond reading of the Catholic Bill. So far as we can
collect they are pleased with the success which bad
hitherto attended the measure, though some parte of
Bill were considered highly objectionable. " We ettasll
fcss," says 7%e Dublin Morning Post, " that we are
no great admirers of the Bills in their present *hope.
It is a question with ns, whether, if they be not con-
siderably altered, their passing would not be an evil
as great, or greater, than the present system, bad as it
is ; but we wish to see the matter discussed with due i
deliberation, and in proper time. We wish for the en-1
biassed opinions of the Heads of the Catholic Clergy
before the provisions which affect their Order, or the
discipline of their Church, shall become a subject for
Lay interference."
The Dublin Reciting Post expresses similar senti-
ments; and adverting to the proposition of Mr. Croker
relative to the provision for the ' 'atholic Priests, observes
"the House may be assured that the Country will not
listen to it fora tootneut—and that it will nut, for emo-
llient, he entertained by the Clergy. The Catholic Clergy
are sufficiently well provided for already. The parish
Priests are men, generally speaking, in good circum-
stances, and the Curates, we believe, are more com-
fortable than the similar class in the Established
March. They derive their income from the good will
of the people entrusted to their spiritual care. If
their income be forced front their flocks, we will ven-
ture to say that they will lose, in • the course of 20
years, the wholesome influence which they now exer-
cise. It is, therefore, a question, which Protestant
and Catholic, layman and Ecclesiastic, should join in
deprecating."
By an advertisement in those papers it appears,
that a general meeting of the Roman Catholic Clergy
of Dublin, was to be held this day at the request of
the Reverend Dr. Troy, to take into coasideratioa the
hills now pending in the House of Commons. Mr.
O'Connell has published a lung letter iu disapproval
of them.
'I lie Dulliii Peening' Post which calculated upon a
majority of 29 or 310 in favour of the measure in the
House of Commons, expects that in the House of
Lords the majority will be greater. With respect to
the Royal sentiments on the subject, it presumes to say
" that his Majesty, being son aided by some Peer, his per•
serial friend, as to his opinion, declared, that lie would
nut interfere directly or indirectly ; that any Noble
rd was at full liberty to follow the bias of his ewu
nclination ; but that should the Bill pass both Houses
of Parliament, he iron 41 hare great pleasure bighting
it the Royal Assent." And in a subsequent paper,
the editor observes, " we have to add, that we have re-
ceived a letter from a distinguished Member of Parlia-
ment, stating, that there is no doubt of the final tri-
umph of the cause—that this is the opinion of Mr.
Plunkett himself—and that THE KIND WILL
HIS ROYAL ASSENT IN HIS MAJESTY'S
CASTLE OF DUBLIN."

The occasion of Sir John Newport having moved
the second reading of the Catholic Bill, was 114 ins to
Mr. Plunkett's baring been recalled to Ireland,_ in
cOnseitience of the alarming indispneition of his
amiable wife. The Dublin papers of this morning
state the fact of his recal, but mention no further par-
icolars of the condition of his lady.
The royal yachts at Deptford are ordered to be
fitted for sea, and to accompany his Majesty nn his
voyage to Ireland. It is said his Majesty will em-
bark at Wigton, and proceed to Plymouth to view the
Breakwater, anti thence to Dublin.
The Earl of Fife, it is said, has been dismissed from
his office in the Household of the King, and Lord
Loraine has been appointed to his place, for the ho-
nest rote his Lordship gave in Parliament for the re-
peal of the Malt Duty Act. It is, indeed, lamentable
to see the Royal authority converted to such uses by an
Administration, who shew by this measure that even
the personal friends of his Majesty must be sacrificed to
their purposes, and fur an act too which will endear
the Noble Earl to his country, as well as all those
persons whose names are found in that majority.
Extract of a letttr received by a tis-atlesuan is
Norwich, dated Napl,.s, March Ist, 1 l
"As I fear you will hear various unfounded reports
as to the state of this city, I hasten to embrace the pre-
sent opportunity of a courier's departure for England, he
inform you we are quite sate, and that up to the present
moment not the slightest disturbance, or even the least
appearance of it, has occurred. I went to the PAW-,
merit the other day, when the Committee appointed IS:
take into consideration the documents received from ,
Laybaeli made their report.—The business and arrang*
ments of the House were tnost orderly, and the speeches
of many of the orators very eloquent and energetic. As
I soon as the report was read, the cry of Duerr* (war) was
universal throughout the House, which was re-echoed
by every individual present (and there was an immense
munber of visitors, both foreigners as well as Neapoli-
tans,) and for some minutes no other sound was to he
Such was the indignation felt at the infamous
ristilinds of Russia, Prussia, and Austria.
" The Austrians anticipated the reply, and before
they received it, their army was already in mo-
tion.—They are now within one day's march of
Rome, where it appears they have fiat:ed.—Some
think they do not feel themselves strong enough to ad-
ranee, whilst others are of opinioa negotiations are on
toot between England and France and the Allies to pre-
vent war : certain, however, it is, they have halted.—
It is said their army is not more than 30,1000 strong,
whilst tile Neapolitan troops on the frontiers alone
amount to 160,1M10. The greatest enthusiasm prevails
amongst all classes of society, and it is curious to seethe
flocks of peasants arriving every slay from the provinces,
offering their services to I iorernmeut. A few slays since
a large body of Franciscan Friars and Priests armed
themselves at their own expense, and marched towards
the frontiers. The passes in the Seapolitan states are
very strong, and if the men are judiciously posted they
may defy the Allies; in short, Austria appears to be
, playing a dangerous game: her own troops think their
amuse a bad one, and every one who has travelled in the
' North of Italy can testify. how dissatisfied the whole
' country under their dominion is. They only want an
' opportunity to revolt, and I hope it will be granted
them. The old King of Naples is declared by the Par-
, liatnent to be a prisouer.
" Notwithstanding all this fervour, do not be surprised
to hear that Naples is in tha possession of the Anstrians•,
if they advance, I shall expect them here by the lath
instant. They do not appear at present to molest the
' post."
One of the Brighton Safety Coaches (Newman's
Patent,) on Tuesday afternoon, overturned near
Patcham.
rant

: . "

A ROYAL mar ro THE OPERA!!!

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STATESMAN.

Sin—During my residence in Paris, (which by the
bye was before the assassination of the Duke de Berri
had made Dramas awful and ontiilows,) I was one morn-
ing, after breakfast, amusing myself with toy pencil,
when an English acquaintance rushed into my apart-
ment, so s cerenionie, and all aghast, told me there
was something drradfirl the mutter% down draw the
pencil and np started I. Ile told me with frightful
rapidity that all Paris was in commotion—that patrols
were moving in every direction—that they were
doubling the guards at all the palaces anti posts--that
barriers were erecting at certain streets, and carriages
not permitted to pas' them—and that the &titre.%
visitors were flying in pursuit of each other in a state
of consternation mil panic to ascertain what was tee
matter.
Both then, and on a former visit to that capital, of
unexpected insurrection and instantaaeoas revolution
—I had, in spite of amusements, suffered such inces-
sant anxiety anti apprehensiou fur any dear iit'orsty.
that I Now gave myself up as lost. "Ali." said i,
"at last!" As well as I was able, I scribbled a no's
to a young Frenchman, in whom I had ciantitlenee,
requesting him to come to tue immediately, and made
the gentleman who gave me this, start my messenger.
The moment I was alone 1 dew to " pactsing up"
and to examine my cursed " rnssronw." Whilst
was up to nay neck in soiled linen, in stept the tqo
gentlemen. The young Frenchman eoutirmei tli
description of fir Englishman, and seemed as marls
deligked, as we were alarmed. "Do, for Uotl's sake, '
said I, " bring me word what's the matter," I actn•
ally thrust them both out of my room.
The dread of detention had so affected my spirits,
I was unable to resume my rummage. I was in ac
agony—l heard the cannonading—the tocsin. My
betel was the hastile—the Cunciergeri. The wee:
was the Place de them° I felt the gullotine. I hal
almost worked my imagination up to frenzy, when I
was again started by a loud noise on the stairs. IN
bounced any two scouts in convulsions of laughte..
" Damn the old dogs," says Monsieur, flinging Lis
gloves Oil the table. " The King's going is
Opera."
At twelve o'clock at noon, was Paris thrown iL•
I confusion—put mailer martial loso—and the Englis'
visitors frightened out of their wits, I.cause
the desired, the beloved, Wu that evening going to
the Opera!!!
Happy tieorge the Fourth; the oily King ou earti.
who has his liberty—if he chooses! !
('evil-street, March 19, lAttl. J. B.
• The Place de Grave is the square where the guitiot.:e
performs its bloody executioas.