East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1862-04-01

all knightly accomplishments.
They derived their origin from trib'
of Scandinavians, who, under Rollo, set
tied in France, but, by frequent inter
marriages with the conquered race, they
had almost lost the distinctive traits o
the Mortimer, and become people o.
Celtic habits, physique and manners
They came to England sixty Thousand
strong, but amongst them were sdyen
turers from every country in Europe
where Christianity and chivalry were &C.
knowlodged. Some fifteen thousand
probably, left their bones on the field Of
Hastings, bat plenty more hurried over
to lil their places; and for hundred
years and more, constant stream OF
French Normaus and Flemings poured
into the country. A line of demarcation
was drawn between the sovereign and
the subject races, so oppressive and gall
ing in its character, that time after time
the latter arose in arms, to be alternately
cajoled and massacred into quiesoence.
So things went on for centuries, until
representation drove the descendants
of the ascendant class to iningle in mar
riage with the descendants of the other.
Having thus given brief sk-., h of
the origin of the various races which, at
various times, have made England the
prize of conquest, let US consider how
they have become merged in the present
English people; and, further, in what de-
gree each has contributed a share to the
formation of our national character
First, we have the aborigines, or the
people known to the Romans as the ma
tives Of the country at the period Of
their conquest. They were like the fam
lily from which it is said they sprung;
1.-THE and nimble of body; quick and act
i've of mind; volatile, impetuous aud
brave. They were controlled and guided
by their priests in both sacred and mum
dane things; and delighted in savage and
inhuman butcherics on a Wholesale scale.
They were forbidden to confde to writ.
ing the history either of their country
or of their sacrei ORDER but, as the pco-
pie were completely uncivilized, all learn
ing was confined to the priesthood, who
were at once teachers, bards and histori-
ans. The influence Of this class was so
great, that the Romans found the people
unconquerable, until they ma lie a delib-
erate massacre of the whole order. 1t
might be supposed the great mistress Of
the empires would have made her inhu-
ence extend even to the distant Britain;
but the number of her soldiers and colo
nists were too few, and the time of occu-
pancy too brief, to permit the mass to be
leavened with her enlightenment. How
ever, some good was done, and fresh blood
infused into the nation by her means;
not, however, in sufficient quantity to
add strength, but rather to cause weak
ness in its physical and moral energies.
Then came the Saxons, in such num-
bers as to bury both British barbarism
and Roman civilization. They overlaid
all with the pristine strength of people
uncontaminated by partial contact with
Strong-handed and strong
headed, they carried all before them, and
either swallowed up the ancient race by
preponderating numbers, or drove them
away to the Businesses Of Wales or the
dreary Nilds of Cornwall. Some fled for
refuge TO ireland, others to Scotland;
and the few that were left produced
hardly any effect on the character Of the
people. They were as much opposed in
manners and feelings to the old race, as
they differed in physical peculiarities.--
The Saxon was light haired; burly in
frame; revelling in the belief of grandly
savage hereafter; but despising the wiles
and shackles of a crafty priesthood. His
mind was built of sturdy materials, and
marked with strong individuality. His
descendants, when led by a master mind,
will combine for great end; but when
thrown in mass together, arc irresolute
aud not to be depended on; but throw
each man on his own resources, and his
strength is soon displayed. The Dane
was Of the same origin and similar char.
acter; but with more fire and spirit
The Germanic Teuton was more sluggish
in temperament than his scandinavian
brother, but both were eclipsed in bril-
liancy and dash by their Norman half
brothers. The latter people, as we said,
sprang from the old Scandinavian stock,
but were much changed by long resi-
dence in moro southcrly country, aud
by intermarriage with its natives. The
Norman was brave, and, for the age in
which he lived, polished and refined; be-
slowing great favors on learned men, and
cultivating letters. Crafty and cruel,
bold, INSCRIPTIONS, and fond of martial
adventure, the Norman gives to the char
acter of tho modern Englishman that
active spirit, which in commerce and war
has so distinguished him; but to his
Saxon progenitor he owes his powers Of
endurance, and that dogged perseverance,
which, in whatever he undertakes, up.
holds him until his end is accomplished.
To the Norman he is indebted for his
impulsive desire to rise against oppres-
sion: to tho Saxon, his tenacty in mp
holding his privileges. To the Norman
he owes his love of progression, both
speculative and active; to the Saxon, his
love of order, reverence for forms and
ancient usagcs. Deprived Of either ele
mcnt, his character would be but hall
developed. AS it is, the union has brought
about the greatness and maguifcence OF