Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-11-30
EDITORIAL. CORRESPONDENCE.
BosToN, NeyEMBEs 49, 1850.

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political contests are the safety-valves of re.
publcs." Robespierre used to. assert, agitate the
caldron, and the foul air will escape" But in
this old Commonwealth elections are but safety-
valves to disappointed demagogues-to bitter Sec
tional feeling--to disO-ganizers and to dscordant
spirits !. their combined exhalations producing the
most baneful consequences on the health of the
body polite. The great questions upon which
depend the honor of our country abroad and her
prosperity at home are set aside to make room for
few cant phrases set in frames Of popular preju.
dice, and calculated to excite the passions. "Con-
sistency is set at defiance, and we have Just seen
free-trade Democrats high-tarif Free-Soilers, and
anti-law Abolhionsts unite heart and hand to de-
feat the Wings. They succeeded, and have set
aside the principles which have done SO much for
the prosperity Of the State to make room for their
patchwork substitutes. This change may infuse
new life and vigor into old Massachusetts,, but such
changes often act on the body polite like violent
stimulants On the natural body, and bring on de-
bility, if not decay.
The Union Whigs," however do not despair !;
for there are bonds which unite the friends of the
Constitution throughout the Union which will sur
vive this defeat, though there are deserters
at this trying moment. silent political revolu-
ton is now going on throughout the State, ard ere
many days when words have been spoken which
will appeal to every conservative hearty you will
find party formed here upon true constitutional
grounds The refusal Of tie people to let George Thomp
son speak in Faneu Hall proves that they think the aga
tors have gone aenough and If the United States marshal
here socs aid depend upon it he will find enough citizens
ready to establish the rights Of persons and prop~ty
The Industrial Exhibition London has last attracted
public attention here, and large manufacturing establish
ents are preparing specimens Of their productions The
mechanics also intending send samples of their hand
work, and artists hope find place for their pro-
auctions.
Mr. Peter Stevenson, Of Charlestown, has executed
piece Of ststuay from block of Vermont MARBLE which
highly spoken of,by competent judges. The subject is
Dyng Indian Chief" Of Ee-size, in falling attitude,
which develops the muscles and displays great anatomical
knowledge the part of the artist. .....,
The are in Aourishng condition here Just now.
Harding, Willard and Others have orders for portraits
but landscape and historical painters find slow sale for their
productions. King the sculptor is execaing feke
busts. .."',. .- .,
As to the drama, (Which banished from Boston)
we have six Theatres, most Of them disguised lyceums,
museums aheneums. Shakespeare rarely obtains hear
ing, but meoramas put money in the managers purses,
the ballet is applauded and thousands aock the fairy
spectacle Of cinderella" .o
The "lecures" have commenced and popular orators
forth every afternoon discourse before village ~
ceum and return early the morning They receive from
ten to fifty dosr and the ecture repeated through
the season. tits profitable work. Mr.. James, the novelist
has delivered course civilization and history here and
hereabouts, but is not popular In social life he very at
tractve, and has received much attention. 1
In the Literary world there is of interest. Mr..
Longfellow will not publish any thing this winter DR..
Holmes is busy engaged at the Medical College and the
rest Of aathordom has been ndugng in political vagaes
such extent to stop all attempts at composition One
or two weekly newspapers talked of and
Of those already established the verge Of bankruptcy
The citizen sodiery" rejoicing at the prospect Of
percussion lock muskes the Aduant General having made
arrangements to supply them during the winter. Each
now receives yearly bounty Of $780, and this ghtens
the expenses of muserng, the companies in fine
don, and will sustain the laws il so ordered.
Mr.. WEBSTER left to-day for the District Sir HEHRT
BuLwER is here again, and not in very good health Butt
will not attempt to send "news" by mail which will be
flashed the wires to New Orleans letter reach
New York. L'EcRIvAILLLEUR.