Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-02-20
Extract from a letter dated Paris. I'd Jan.


"The affairs OF Portugal, which were the
grand topic Of discourse here for day or two,
have ceased to occupy public attention, and no.
thing Of interest is on the taPis, except the pro-
ject for regulating the press. This subject has
really assumed an air ofimportance The plan
as reported in the Cumberland which was
no doubt cut and dried by the minis,ry-ex-
ceeds in its provisions the worst fears Of the Ii.
b.rals, and the highest antici pations, or even
hopes, Of the less violent of the ultras. 1t is
evident that nothing short Of a fetter Of iron
upon writer's and editors will satisfy the court;
and for that very reason think they will be
frustrated Had they brough, forward the bu-
siness in a more moderate temper, and asked
for fewer restrictions, they might, perhaps,
have gained something; but public opinion,
which for years mas been acquiring strength
in this country that has at last become formi-
dable, will, l feel satisfied, deer even the most
fool hardy Of the court minions in the cham.
bers from pressing the project into law.
That the cabinet should indulge no fondness
for the press, is not to be wondered at. The
censorship Of the latter over their proceedings
has been fearless and inflexible. 1t has resisted
the sway of both their batteries & their frowns.
To an honest ministry, there would be nothing
painful in this; but to those now ruling in
France, it IS different thing Corrupt to the
very centre, they are as sensitive as the aspen,
and trembling as hares, so long as the freedom
Of speech and publication are allowed. But, as
said before, believe they have counted with.
out their host.
In Freach literature there has been no novel.
ty Of late, except the publication Of volume OF
odes from Casimir Delavigne. This writer is
fertile, and has many merits, not the least OF
which is his love Of freedom. But there is a.
mother book, which, considering the su2rema-
cy Of its subject, and the ecat Of its appearance
here, should not be forgotten. 1t is new edi.
ton Of the .4hn0naeh des Commands, with an a2.
pendix containing thirty new dishes as com.
bined and digested BY the highest gastronomie
skill, and vouched for by the most approved pa
lates, Of the capital You may think, perhaps,
with Jaques, that this is giving "a sum OF more
to that which has too much," the varieties oil
the art being already infinite; but as the subj.
mites Of French cookery are one Of the grand
points Of national reputation and national pride.
the Improvements referred to are regarded as
any thing but Insignificant, and are accordingly
the theme Of much eloquent remark from the
periodical essayists.
with the exception OIL these matters nave
nothing to communicate. Paris is unwonted.
ly quiet, and if it were not emphatically and
truly "le centre du bon gouti" and OF fashion
and gaie,y besides, it would be absolutely dull
Being so characterised, however, it is impossi.
bic that i, should not always furnish, at least
to stranger. some object of entertainment
and some means Of helping him to pass away
his time. Accordingly, succeeded in escap-
ing ennui, and am perfectly satisfied with my
present sojourn."