The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-05-23

give in this days paper, rather interesting sketch
Of the history and prospects fFouricrism. The
lce is from the pen Of one Of the principal philoso
piers OF the sect in this country-Mr Brisbane
| who has had the chief control and management OF
that department Of the Fourierite organ-the Neic
York Iribnne-which has been devoted to the ad-
vocacy of this new system of religion and society
He says little about the progress Of Fsurierism in
his country, dwelling chiefly its spread in France
and Germany, where our readers will perceive,
ne represents its prospects promising in the ex-
treme. The article is written in very cautious
and moderate tone, and gives the reader but poor
idea of the ultra, exravagant, and bizarre tone and
manner which characterize some of the writings and
declarations of these philosophers. Due allowance
WILL of course be made for the exaggeration of the
philosopher in describing the progress of his darling
system the continent OF Europe, but in the main,
the article may be taken toleraby fair and just
sketch of the present condition Of Fourierism in
France and Germany.
Before saying any thing of the new philosophy it
SELF that ultraism of the age Of which it is one OF
the most prominent features, we must have word
or two about the chief philosophers Philosopher
Brisbane has acquired a considerable prominence
amongst these refomers by the untiring industry
and perseverance with which he has advocated the
new faith. Park Goodwin has also been jealous
and aborious disciple. Whilst Mr. Brisbane has been
from day to day devoting column after CO.
umn of the Tribune to the exposition of
the grand scheme for the regeneration Of the
world, Goodwin has been issuing numerous pamph-
lets, in which the glories OF the Jerusalem have
been painted in glowing colors. Horace Greeley
has also been busy-now digging amid the boulders
ofPike county-now lectunng on the sublime science
at Pittsburgh, and now giving to it all the influence
| and aid of his press. Mr. Macdaniel, although not
much known to the public, has also been very ac-
| tive laborer in this field. He edits we believe,
weekly paper, which the philosophers issue in this
city. We must not omit in this list, the celebrated
John A. Collins, Of Skeneateles. for time de-
nounced by his brethren as too radical in his mo-
tons, but now restored to the bosom Of the society,
and acknowledged as faithful laborer in the vine
yard, where he who pulls up and destroys the most,
is regarded as the wisest and most honorable work.
man. Other philosophers there are who occupy the
rank of leaders, but those we have named are the
most prominent in thisregion of the country. They
and their brethren believe that they have received
special Emission they are, as they say in
their own poetic language, Jesus Christs on
small scale, sent to redeem the world from the iron
i d
universal happiness is to be ensured by every mans
doing what seemeth good in his own eyes.
| This Fourierism, we have said, is but one mark,
and token Of the ultraism of the age. The same
speculative, extravagant, wild, and revolutionary sp-
rit is at work throughout all classes of society. We
see it in the churches, in the agitation Of vain and
foolish questions, which are rending in pieces the
various religious bodies. We see it in politics, in
&c both
complishment of stupendous projects of disorgani-
cation and revolution. The public mind appears to
be beset and beeaguered on all sides by disturbing
and bewildering influences. A craving desire for
novelties has been excited. "Who will show us
some new thing % is the cry all hands. There is
a growing disposition to ascribe the evils which
exist in the social condition-poverty, vice, CRIME
not to the true source-he errors and depravity Of
human nature, but to the present organization of
cety. And thus the widest, the most impracticable
and the dangerous theories for the reformation
and elevation of the race have been propounded.-
Thus have been originated Fourierism- socialism
anti-rentsm- abolition of capital punishment-State
Conventionism-all drawing after them their crowds
belonging to all political parties and pro-
ducng the strangest of confusion and poti-
cal disorganization. AT this very moment we see in
organs Vi TIC wing dhu IoCO-
foco parties-the Tribune and Morning Nescs-
standing forth in broherly concord, the represen-
tives of this wild, visionary, and revolutionary
spirit which seeks to unsette, disturb and overtun
the established opinions Of the past on society, re-
igion, government and laws.
The present epoch in this country resembles very
much indeed that which Immediately preceded the
revolution in France at the close of the last century
That memorable era was ushered in by great con-
fict of opinion, in which the ancient landmarks
Of true philosophy and religion were swept away
Voltaire, Rousseau, D'Alember, Madame Dude
FAINT, Md'lle. L'Espinasse, and host of other
philosophers, male and female, by their writings
and teachings contributed immensely to the creation
Of that extraordinary spirit Of revolution which
produced such unparalleled scenes of blood
and infamy. We now live, however, in another
age. The efforts of our modern philosophers-our
Brownsons, Channings, Godwins, Brisbanes, O'Sul-
livans, Greeleys, Miss Fullers and all the rest-may
make up many new passengers for fame; but the
peace and good order of society-the progress of
true Philosophy-the growth Of genuine Christianity
ARE in nowise seriously endangered.
1 Theatricals, &c.
ITALIAN OpRRA.-The engagement of the Italian
troupe at Castle Garden closes tonight renewal
of the engagement will, however, probably be made
at least 1t ought to be. The success of Italian
Opera at this magnificent place of amusement has
been evident, although the weather has not been
very propitious BY all means let the proprietors
secure the troupe for another engagement.
In a few weeks we will have the French operate
company from New Orleans at the Park. Mr. Sut-
ton, who went to Italy two years ago, will return
i fhic briu Tai