The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-08-26
London.


LONDON, August 3, 1872
Caledonia Sfeamr-Ihe Railroads IN England
Business Politicians-Slap Trade-Opea House
-Crifo.
" MosT POTENT GRAVE AND REVEREND SIGNoR"-
That have ta'en, not the old mans daughter,
but myself away, is pretty evident from the date of
this letter and the place 1t comes from How droll
1t seems, to be writing again from London, and not
from along ashore, where have been lately II is
all the more strange when reflect upon the magical
manner | got here, in one of her majesty's mail
steamers, to be sure the noble Caledonia But then
cross the dread Atlantic without having felti it,
it were without having seen it even, is certainly
singular enough. Yes, we slid over the glossy sur
face of stream that reminded me more of some
quiet, respectable lake, in genteman's park, than
the boisterous Atlantic, whose death-lovng labors
we have all heard of and sadly remember. never
once recognized the watery monster in the smooth,
swelling, soft exterior, that greeted contened
gaze from Boston to Liverpool. hereby make our
best acknowledgements TO the water king, through
the columns OF the Herald, that will doubtless reach
him; bat all the rest of my clvilty, and is bound
less | reserve for Captain Lott OF the Caledonia.
What captain, and what vessel he commands
Were not very well satisfied with where l am,
should not mind changing lots with the capt Unques
tionably, this steamer combines in itself every requi
site of safety speed and comfort, that Atlantic av-
ellers need look tor. Her safety Is beyond doubt
it has been tried and not found waning-it is guar
anteed by her solid timbers and excellent cOnsruc
ton. Her speed IS seen In her model, and obtain
ed by her admirable enginesit never tell below ten
miles per hour and often reached thirteen. In COM
fort nothing is left to be improved or desired; her
cabins high, and clean, and well lighted the fare
superior, and the wines excellent and cheap. One
decided advantage she has over all steamers of other
lines in having her dining saloon deck, and away
from the sleeping rooms, that often at sea reveal
sights and sounds not the most agreeable TO dainty
,ah mn n Won
could MT do better it you wish to do 1t well and
quickly, depend upon it.
| came to London by the railroads completed in
my absence; we ratified along smoothly enough to be
sure They are well built, and the carriages Of the
first class here elegant and luxurious. But, my
eyes, how they go 1t! consOled myself with hav-
ing made my will at least twenty times but 1t 8
nothing when one gets used to it, the eels said I;
and if One does die, why it S all the same thing if
goes at the rate of thirty miles an hour or at
slower pace-perhaps the sooner one gets to Heaven
the better.
| have been so immersed in call making and re-
ceiving, since have been in London, that have
not had time to take observations yet to see how the
land lies. Politically, there is little dong. The
government is doing Its best to do nothing at all, and
the nearer it comes to it the better for the governed
II is not only bad legislation, but too much of it, that
aicts all countries, and politicians are such rogues;
give it 'em, Bennett, you know how.
Trade is reviving lutte; whether 1t will last or
swoon of again, cant say. Money matters easy,
and American credit isl don't know where, and
am ashamed to inquire. Talk TO Congress on this
subject; the cure Is with them, and let them tamper
no longer To return moment TO politcs-read and
publish Lord Brougham's astounding speech on the
slave trade last night. He declares, what is un-
doubtedly true that Brtish capital, British agents.
and British speculation, aids most, at this moment
in sustaining the slave trade. Now, after this &C
knowledged as it was last night, will the English
dare longer to lecture and denouncc us upon tar
less crime-our institution OF slavery? / will come
back to this another time.
Let us step into the opera house moment, and
have peep at the new ballet, and an Inspection OF
M Cerito-of the first, it is ordinary enough-flat
in plot, and only redeemed by fine scene or two
OF Cerlto expected good dea last year the papers
pulled warmly-this they have said little. Her o.
pularity, never wide, is already on the wane, and
naturally enough; listen why-in person, she is short
and round shoudered, not at all pretty and wlthoN
expression. This is perfectly true-her legs are
good but short, and what she does with them not all
class of danseuscs; her style is Ia danse large that
is, skipping round the stage with great rapdy and
usually with rotatory movement, that leads to a
very liberal display of the person. In sober earnest,
was shocked at the indecency of the exhibitions;
you may infer what it has been from the fact that
the manager has made her wear longer petticoats
lately She has execution whatever, and vio-
laes the first rule of her art by not keeping herself
straight; she has ponls stoop. There are two
places where she will never succeed-Paris and
New York. In London it is not art they look for
they do not understand it; they contented If
they see great deal for their money. Don't think
lhave any prejudice against Cerito no, good luck to
her, say. only ridicule the idea of her being
grand talent | am sure Augusta haywood will
beat her, if she does not do it already, and hurrah
done for the present. am tired of writing this
morning, and must dress for dinner. So, good bye,
old Teller, as Sammlvel says.
LOCKER On.