The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-11
mis- CELLAN EO u s.
From the New York True sun.
TRAVELLERS IN AMERICA.

From the New York True sun.
TRAVELLERS IN AMERICA.
Mr. Lyell's book is quite gem. We gather
from every page Of this work the most valuable IN
formation. His discussion the supposed recess
sion of the Niagara falls is exceedingly learned, but
has not general interest enough for the columns OF
newspaper. He explored the mines of Blossburg,
and found surprising analogy between their fossil
characters and those of Europe. Hestyes the coal
the ''true coal" of America and suspects the origin
Of this mineral not to be in drilled plants, but those
growing in the locality.
He remarks with much appreciation the spirit OF
ealantry which actuates the American people in
their treatment of females, and particularly when
they are travelling without protection, lie also
notes the fondness of citizens for pleasureexcur-
sions, in which ''they delight to spend their spare
cash." This is striking feature indicative OF the
general prosperity of our country and the rational
amusements which crafty the public taste. In
speaking of some of their national traits, Mr.. Lyel
says: "We have met with no bcggars, witnessed no
signs of want, but everywhere the most unequvo-
cad proofs of prosperity and rapid progress IN agri-
culture, commerce, and great public works Ia
spite of the constant influx of uneducated and pen
niless adventures from Europe, | believe II would
be impossible to find five millions in any other re-
gion Of the globe, New York and New Engand,)
whose average moral, social, and intellectual condi-
ton stands so hghn "Elad Spain coonized this
region, how different would have been Its career OF
civilizationn
We next find a minute and admirable essay on
the anthracite region of Pennsylvania, where moth
ing strikes his attention forcbly that the great
thickness of the coal strata. We recommend his
chapter this subject to the attention of the scien-
tihc.
On his return to Boston, he visited the factories of
Lowell, and adds his testimony in their favor TO
that of Miss Martineau, recently strengthened by
that of DR. Scoresby. He thinks the system very
satisfactory one but doubts whether IT could be IN
troduced into England in consequence OF ''the lower
grade of the operatives, and the ignorance OF the
lower classes.n We recommend this passage to
the attention of British critics. who will not believe
that "any good can come out of Nazareth"
He speaks highly Of the hospitality he received
while travelling in Virginia
In relation 10 the condition of the negroes, he OBJ
serves: "They appear, as far as | have yet seen
them whether in domestic service or on the farms
very cheerful and free from care; better fed than a
large class Of the laboing population Of Europe" He
asked colored woman in Georgia, whether she
was the slave Of family Of his acquaintance. She
answered merrily, and with much truth as mer-
riment, "Yes; belong to them, and they belong to
me-"
On another occasion colored coachman, who
was driving his own master and the author, dropped
one Of his white gloves, and nothing would do but
he must go back mile or more to regain 1t. His
master very quietly pulled off pair he himself was
wearing and handed them to the coachman, on which
he set off without further hesitation.
A singular fact is stated by Mr.. Lyell, in relation
to gradual and perceptble change in the climate
ofSouth Carolina, or at least some portions of that
State. On the banks of the Cooper river, for exam
yer and ague, to abandon their country seats. And
this was not so formerly. "When the English ar
my campaigning on the banks of the Cooper
| and Sanee rivers, during the revolutionary war,
they encamped with impuniy in places where it
would now be death to remain for q few days in the
haN,a nc sL .zt,ar 10 n
| subject of much controversy. There are no fevers
| there in the winter season, even where there is
dampness. Marshes overlooked by the tide are
| found healthy neighborhoods. 1t is attributable
| somewhat to the clearing away ofthe woods, and
| the exposure of the decomposed vegetable matter.
Be the cause what it may, it becomes serious af-
fair. lsthe white population in consequence TO de-
crease, and are the blacks to possess their lands at
| some future day; Is not the migration from the
South to the North greatly to increase in coming
years. These are grave questions, to which politi-
! clans and economists may well give some attention.
Once more let to Mr.. Lyell's remarks in re-
| lation TO these slaves
safer the accounts had read of their sufferings,
was agreeably surprised to find them in general,
80 remarkably cheerful and light-hearted. We
might even say that they labor with higher motives
than the whites, dsinterestcd love of doing their
duty" "They never appear to be oyerworked; and
| the rapidity with which they increase beyond the
whites, shows that they are not in a state of dis
| comfort, oppression, and misery"
The whole of his remarks OH the subject of sla-
very temperate, well-considered, and judcious.
| He thinks the swell meaning among the aboli-
uonists are not far removed from the class of the
most mischievous; and that time alone can change,
if ever, the present domestic institutions of the
| South.
| We find very interesting chapter in relation TO
the debts of the States, and American capitalists 1t
| is written with the usual candor of the author
We have also some valuable remarks on the geol-
ogy of Manhattan and Long Islands--on the famous
fossil footsteps of birds found the red sandstone
of Connecticut riveron the American universities,
sectaran spirit, and Harvard College, and only re-
greet that, mere review like this we cannot en-
ter into the details which have found attrac.
| tive