Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-06-30

turn would occur in 1852 or 1862. This caicu-
Iaton was confirmed by its re-appearance 10
1862, when its nearest approximation to the sun
took place on the 14th September, on which DAY
it was distant from it IL, $4,000 miles. twas
now for the first time observed with any degree
of accuracy, by HALEY. from whom it has con-
seouen,Iy been denominated "falIey's Comet"
This astronomer compared the results Ut his Sc
veral observations with those made on the comets
of the years 1907 and 1881, and found them
closely to correspond with one another; nom
which he was led to infer, that the three appear
ances belonged to one and the same body. On
this occasion, its revolutions amounted TO n
years, ten months and eighteen days-sI'lng
mean duration of seventy-hve years and nall.
HALEY predicted the return Of the comet in-the
year 1859. Al first. however, it seemed as it
the event would not realize the prediction, as
the comet was tardy in appearing; but to the
delight of every astronomer. 1t became visible AZ
last, and put an end to the doubt which had hi
therto existed az to the durable nature Of such
bodies as comets. 1t attained its solar elevation
on the 18th of March, when its distance from
the sun was II, $50. 900 miles, aud was OF nfrri-
or size to what it had been on lis last appearance.
Its tail was but lightly Illuminated, and not dis
cernabIe except when the sky was clear; on
which account no precise Judgment co1ld be form
ed Of its length.
The weakness Of this irradiation was prInci-
pally owing TO its unfavorable position. Its last
revolution had been seventy-six years and SIX
months. 1t may reasonably be asked. why the
comet consumed whole twelvemonth more III ITS
revolution than was natural to it? TO this it
may be answered, and upon very accurate CAL
culaton, that it first displayed itself close upon
the planet Jupiter, which influenced aud retarded
its movement. Hence it appeared at some
what later period than HALEY had foretod. The
return of the comet in our days ought to take
place in the year 1854; but it is possible it may
be so far influenced by Saturn and Uranus, as
not to make its appearance before 1855, or even
1886. Numberless calculations have already
been formed on this event; and we must leave
it to time to determine which of them are cor
/ rect. Neither can we predetermine what will
be the degree of ITS bllliancy, or the event Of
its tail; these are matters which seem to depend
on circumstances beyond the sphere Of our pre-
, sent knowIedge,-Ffom Paper By Dir. Ha,f-
man, Of Eerlia.
-eosas5esen-
We find, in the Baltimore Patriot, the follow
ing epiiaph, suggested by the political death OF
the "greatest and best"
In perpetual memory of Him
Who BY delusion as singular, it may be hoped,
as strange,
From q successful General
Was metamOrphOsed into a most incapable states
man; in which function
He dsplat ed merit without crime,
Exalted obscurIty without merit,
And constructed Cabinet most like to the image
"Which Northumberland the King had set ups"
Not only defeating the hopes of his friends,
But singularly fulfilling the worst augurics OF his
enemies.
Equally fatal to the Republic
In his friendships and his enmities,
He as naturally adhered TO the bad,
AS he repeled the good.
His history
Most unfortunately for himself
Is forever inwoyen with his country's,
Which finds in him not an example
But a warning,
Not a shining light
But an admonitory beacon.
His biography will instruct by contrast.
His politics are an epitome of what should be a.
voided.
Like Anthony, he has lost the world,
But not for Cleopatra.
And, invertlng the example of Augustus,
He has left of brick
What he found of Marble.
ulStOry, unSWayeu w the utlusIohs Oh the Gay,
Giving to virtue its everything palm.
It's indeIible brand to vice and to weakness,
Will at his expense enforce her maxim anew,
That he is unfit to rule others,
Who cannot govern himself,
And, wondering at his era,
Will vouchsafe to it not even the isuominy of ob-
livion.
-ssedaeeSS6eaa.
Mr.. lngham. says the National Gazette of Sa-
turday, is to be welcomed this day on the borders
of Bucks county, by large number of the demo-
Gratis of the county. The American Sentinel,
sort OF Jackson paper, announces that 'the re,i-
cradle John Paugh, & the Honorable John For"
arrived IN Philadelphia on Friday as a committee
to conduct the Ex-Secretary to the County line
If he has his desers, that is line which the Ex.
Secretary will never pass again as public func-
tionary. York american.
-sae1cao>
The Jackson editors are in high glee because
gentleman Of talents and principle has consented
to take seat in the cabinet. We are not sur.
prised at their rejoicing at such an occurrence.
as, from the recent disclosures, il was more than