The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-05-28


done full justice to these. and to have entlcav-
orcd to improve upon them, would have been
as lad as Attempting to paint the lily" or
"rcfinc the violc,.' They were ofthc "Ox-hcarL"
variety.
The London Quarterly Review.
We have received the April number Of this
valuable republication and to rs the present
number seems more than usually attractive
We have as yet read only. few of the articles
but these in themselves are worth the subscrip
tion price Of the number. The leading article,
''thc Early Life Of Johnson" is beautifully
written, and presents view Of the life and
character Of the Sage and his Liographer.
which will appear somewhat novel to those
whose knowledge of,hc subject is derived from
the pages Of Macaulay. Tho former clitor of
the Quarterly, Jno Wilson Croker it will be
rscollected published an edition of "Boswells
johnson" which received slashine criticism
from Macaulay. in tho Edinburg Rcpie.c The
present writer though lie does not once men.
tion the name of Mucaulny. seems in penniny
his article, to have had that criticism in view,
and takes pains TO express very different con.
illusions. Ills estimate Of the character of Bos.
well is much more favorable. Macaulay's ar.
ticle indeed is broad charcature
whero truth is sacrificed to cri,ra-
matte polut. Public Speaking" is the title of
a very interesting article. designed to nforce
tho truth that there is no excellence without Ia
bor; and that even the poet draws less inspi-
ration from genius, them is generally imagined.
Death Of H. r. spaon Esq.
The Edgeield Adyertiscr pays feeling tri.
butte to the talents and virtues of II. r. Spann
Esq, prominent member Of that Bar who
died recently whilst on visit to Texas We
make the following extract:
Our community was greatly shockcd on Fri
day last. at receiving the sad intelligence of
the death of the gentleman whose nnme is at
tho head Of this paragraph. lie had gonn to
Texas on business connected " it'll his pro fesyion
and there. in q distant village. among strangers
he cano to his end in manner equally sud.
den and grovous.
bIr. Spunn was n man Of decided talent, con
siderable legal skill. unusually sound judg.
ment, and manifest good tuste iu whatever he
undertook. He had also many shining Quail.
ties Of the heart his hospitality, his social
kindness, his oandor. his libcrality ofscntiment,
his public spirit. his sympathetic flow Of feel
ing whether with JOY or ith woe, were such
as will not soon be forgotten by this community
OF his domestic virtues it is not for us to speak
it is we'll known however to many, and best OF
all to those who SO lately shared with him the
social delights of his now desolate heartstone,
that it was his nature to foster the homo affec-
tions as the dearest and most sacred remnants
Of earthly bliss still permitted to the fallen
race of man. Ifwith these high qualities he
had also his weakness, let them sleep in his
grave. BE it ours now to drop tear of deep
regret over his melancholy fate. and to recall
only those fine endowments o. head and heart
which made the deceased rcmar able man so
far rs his better influences were tested and dc.
veloped.
Attention is directed to the tribute Of re.
sPect. paid hy the members Of the Edgefield
bar. to their deceased brother. Feeling re-
marks were pronounced on the occasion by
the chairman ofshe meeting, Col. J. ?: Carroll.
and by Messrs. MorsSne, Magrath Adams and
Abney. We trust it WILDE in our power to
give next week the brief but highly appropri.
ate addresses Of these gentlemen. The record
would be much priced by the many warm
friends Of Mr.. Spann throughout the district
and especially by his immediate family. Let
his gallant and intelligent little boys have il,
for proud perusal in some coming day.
Banks-Re.umption' Of speoIe Payments
We have received information says the Char
lesion Standard, that the Banks ofthis city wi
resume specie payments on the lst July next
and an announcement ofthe fact will doubtless
cause general feeling Of satisfaction 1t is
known that the Banks Of this State havo for
some time been in condition to do 30 with lit.
tie Inconvenience, and it is believed that they
have only forborne the measure from an un
willingness to occasion the slight contraction
necessary during the business season. This
consideration will ccate TO have influence of.
ter the period above mentioned, and there is
the confident nssurance that at that time our
institutions will return to their normal work.
ing condition without embarrassment to them.
| selves or the community. The merits of the
course pursued by our Banks will doubtless bs
variously estimated. There are thoss who. up.
on. principle, will question whether under any
circumstances it should be within the option Of
such institutions to decline compliance with
their engagements to the public but there
nary. cases reqpire extraordinary action, and
that this like other revolutionary measures,
while It 6 'nnot be iegitimated by pre.existing
| law, may yet become necessary to the more
just and perfect exsTaiss Of the functions in.
| cunlbent upon them. Ifsuch prime iple can
be ever recognized, there can be little question
that there was an occasion for It's application at
msnts They could have sustained themselves
but they would have ovusbsd the country. They
could have paid their obligations promptly. but
| it would have been necessary that they should
have required equally prompt payment from
their debtors. 10 tho then condition Of the
soantry, thsir debtors had.not and could not
proep!o ths,peans Of payment, and tie Banks
litter, would hsvy inbu,i6sd he monstsry
a,,d commercial strustass to an extent&ttst
would havs left to, tlsis,bpsuinunisy bas little
ground of satisfSAtion 1t such am occurrence.