The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-09-21

the guests with cordial welcome, and extended TO
them the most courteous asiduit3cs throughout the
evening. The Gallery was well htlcd 1t an early
hour with the collection of artists and amateurs,
whom the occasion had called together, but without
the crowded assembly that would have made the
union uncomfortable Among the guests were
| ex- Lieut.. Governor Bradish, Hon Mr.. Poussin,
Minister to the United States from the French Re
public; Rev. DIR. Bethune of Philadelphia; Rev.
Mr.. Magoon, recently of Cincinnati; Rev. Messrs.
Stelleville and Abbott, of New York; Messrs.
Doughty, Huntington, Crosby, Hicks, artists; and
of the press of the city, Messrs. Raymond, Brooks,
Duykinck, and others
After passing hour or two in viewing the paint
ings, with which the walls of both galleries are
covered, the company were invited to a simple and
elegant collation. in the new gallery-Mr. Wet
more presiding with his usual urbanity and self
possession. After the guests had displayed their
versatility OF taste in doing justice to the ands,
with which the table was crowned, they adj
dressed by General Wetmore Mr.. Poussin, Mr..
Doughty, Rev. Mr.. Magoon, Mr.. McMichael of
Philadelphia, Rev. DIR. Bethunc, MIR. Bradish, MIR.
Brooks, and Col Golden. The remarks of General
Wcunore were extremely appropriate and felic-
tos, dwelling the progress of art in this country,
and the influence of the American Union on the en-
couragement of native .artists The speech of DIR.
Bethune was splendid burst of extemporaneous
eloquence, marked with feeling and beauty of the
highest order, and breathing the sentiments Of
pure and exalted patriotism which it displayed in
Just and delicate appreciation of the lofty mission
OF creative art. He urged the importance Of Guilt
vating sculpture as well as painting in this coun-
try, Of selecting for the themes of these kindred
arts the thrilling incidents of American history,
and of Disturbing the absurd idea that patriotism
must always be invested with the Roman toga.
His sentiments were responded to by the audience
with cheers ofapplause, and evidently made deep
and favorable impression all present. We
gret that our space iurbids to give full report
of the respective speeches, each of which excel
lent in its kind, combining sense and sentiment,
wisdom and wit, and above all, an exemplary
brevity worthy Of all praise and imitation. The
occasion brought to close by the humorous
and well directed hits of Colonel Golden, the Presi
dent of the Gas Company, who always throws
stream of light on every subject that he touches.
The new gallery is erected on lot in Mercer
street, which was bought for the purpose in May
last il is eighty four feet long by twenty four feet
wide, and with the old gallery forms suite Of
apartments to which there is probably nothing of
the kind superior in this country. The effect on
entering the room was exceedingly brilliant and
imposing; nor was it diminished by more detailed
examination of the pictures on the walls.
YUoATAN.-The Mexican news which we pub
lishcd yesterday contained very significant
nouncement, made on the authority of the Trait
d' Union. We allude to the statement that the
British government had offered its mediation to that
of Mexico in the war between the European and
aboriginal races, now waging in the peninsula of
Yucatan. 1t is certainly very philanthropic in
England TO come forward with offer to restore
peace to country so long distracted by intestine
war, and for such blessing we might think the
Yucatecos should be grateful, did we not remem-
Der that the exercise of the same dsinterestedness
in India always resulted in some benefit to the
British. 1t would not be difficult to divine the ad
vantage coveted in this instance, which seems also
to be well understood by the Trait d. Union. The
object clearly is to gain footing that part of
the continent, pcrhaps for the purpose of securing
the right of way between the waters of the Atlantic
and those of the Pacific, or possibly to consummate
the plan foreshadowed not very long since by the
London Times. Jealous of the rising greatness of
Gtnta hat Is
Mexico will always preclude her from successfully
combating us, and fearing that the passion for
territorial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT will impel the Ameri-
to extend their limits still further to the south,
the Times intimates that the true policy of Great
Britain would be to colonze Yucatan with members
of the Anglo-Saxon race, who alone could effectu
ally resist advance in that direction. Whether
even this plan would produce the desired effect
may well be doubted; yet taking into consideration
the revelations of the influential journal we have
alluded to in connexon with recent events, we can
have no doubt that some such motive actuates the
British government.-N. o. Picdrlne, 9Th.