Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, February 21, 1876, Page 2

. THE PULPIT. fhe Rev. J. W. Bain on the Do- moralizing Influcnce of the Theatre, He Arrays tho Great, Good, and Bad of All Ages to Bear Testimony Against It, Somothing About tho Rev, Pearsall Smitl’s Beecherlsm in England, £s Dootrines CUcmpared to Mormonizm Aro Moderate and Tame, THE THEATRE. BEMMON DY TIHE NLY, 3, W, DA Tho Rov. J. V. Baiu proachod aa follows dpon #The Theatre™ last evouing at the United Pros- byterian Church, corner of Monros and Iaulina slrosta : And certatn of (he chicf of Asts, which wors his frionds, sont unto him, desiring him that be would not ndventurs himaeif inlo tho theatro.—~defs, zir, 31, After what I esid on last Babbath, you doubt- lees {nfor thatIdo not consider the thoatro n safo oducator of mind or lLoatt, or a safo plnao of culortainment or mmusement. From this toxt I draw the trutli that it is an act of true friondsbilp to desire any man not to venture himeolt into tho theatro. Why? Becauso it is a placo dangerous to his intollootual, moral, oivil, and spiritus! lifo. Tho mob of solfiak, av- aricious, 1nflamed Grecks and exasperatod Jowa mado it unsafo for Paul at this timo, but one- mics of a different but worso charactor, now found thoro, make {t movo unsate, I theraforo claim to bo prompted by tho trao friondship of a man, a8 well as tho duty of a pastor and pub- Mo toaclior, fn this warning sgainst tho theatre, and oxpect Lo show that it {8 & dangerous place, Not becauso evory drama, (ragedy, or comody prenontod there is falao or corrupt, for this wonld not be true. Not heeansa overy actor and spoctator thore [s corrupt or corrupting, for this {8 oot truo, Not bocauge ovary principlo for the government and conduck of lifo presonted thoro 1s untruo aud perniclous, for this ia not corroot, Not becauso its acting is nil carioaturcs and in- decent, or its oloquence all passion and raut *to split the cars of groundlings," or its music ol unchnste; wo make no such Indlyerime inato mweeping vordict, which could not be eupported by ovidesco, But we do charge that much of Its teaching Is vory orroncous, and 0 far from belng o cultivalor of good tasto and a friond of virtus, wo do say, by its manner of porsonating vica and virtue, by its sentimonts Wncornhlg right and wrong, and by its dross, mueic, and assoclutions,; itfhas over tondod so promoto idlences, olfominncy, and lowdness, and to corrupt soclety mnd tho individual, .T'hla chargo wo proposa to sustain b{ sbundant proof. To argue from tho naturo and manner of tho acting, from tho sentimonts aud spirit present- ed, from the habits and charactor of the aotors, tho character of a largo majority of tha patrouns, and from tho ovhlent iniusuce around us. would be the shortest and ensiest way of proof; but then it might bo eaid . this 18 only thoe expression of your education, preju- dice, or position, aud your reputation, und ox- perience, aud lenrntog, and age {a not weighty enongh to_mako your assertions sufficionk. Therefere, I proposo to jproface my own argn. ments and opinious with tho testimony of emi- nent persons of various poaitions, profesaions, puremts, and charactors, Irlends and foes, rune ning through tho lifo of' the drama, and it Las hod n protty loog life, surely long enough to fully teat its mesits. Rollln in his anciont his- tary tells us tragedy, a4 a play, was invonted by ‘Tiespls, & Grook, 1B, O. 554, and was desigued to bo used in the worship of Dacchus, tho god of wino or drankouness, But Xschylus (born B, C. 480) made such improvemonts upon the drama Jio has evar since been regarded 08 the father of thatupecios of composition; and iEachylus, Bophocics, and Euripedos have ever been the most distinguished among the Grecks, Trom Atliona tho. drama was carried to Rome, wnd hoth tho Itomans and (ircoks became so naseionately fond of the stage as to neglect al- most overy duty, and luvish thio greater part of Ihoir proj orty npon ita fntoxications. T'he ox- tent and grandeur of their theatres was almost acredible. 'Lho thoatro at Athens would hotd Iron 15,000 to 20,000, snd tho theutro of Beaurus, at Jtome, would reat 80,000 spectators, and cost £5,000,000, and Itoiliu tells uy, in order to sbate tho heat from the perspiration and breath of such o vast assembly, they devised means by which wator.was currlad to the upper part of the butlding and distilled in 6 fine perfumed dow over tue audienco, diffusing o gratefal coolness sud flagrant oxhalations throuch the air, Noth- iug was sparcd that would minister to sonsuous dolight. 1 shall not take your time to sbow how, daring the prevaleucs of primitive pure Chris- tionity, tho drama declined until tho art wag al- most lost for ages, then rovived in what was called the sacred Myetorios, thees fo'lowed by tho Moralities, or allogories of moral qualities, these succeeded by the masks, until the modern drama, in tho form of comedy, was introaucod by Cardioal Bibbious, in the play | of “Colundnia;” but with tnis insigniticant skotch. I axk you tolisten to tho testimony of somo of tho bext, wiseat, and worst of maukind, from various walks of life, ay to tho character aad {nfluonce of tha atage. Bolon, ono of 1ho sevon wise men of Greeco, and the resowned law-giver, who witnosacd the very first of tho drumis by ‘hespia, wo are told by Kollln, siguitied his disapprobation by striking his staff upon tho grouud, and doclares #if wo upplaud fa:sehood (n a public exhibition, wo shall soon flnd it in our contracts and covo- nonts.” Plato, the disciple of Hocratos, whoso gonfus ol echolara ndnut and adwiro, said : % Playa raiso tho paselona oad porvert the uso of them s and, of conmequence, are daugorous to morality.” Thorefors ho forbade thom in hi jmaginary republio. Aristotlo, the fllustrious plilosopher, sald : **I'he seolog of comodios opght to ba forbidden to youny peeple antil thoir yirtuo s fortified and made proof against de- baucbery.” o have not yot dircuvured at what Ago porsona becomo provl sgainsb corruption, sud Aristotle does not toll ue, Pisutae, who futroduced comedy Into lomo, eays: “Poots bave composed fuwy compdles by which good men aro wado Lotter." O Plaatus’ own tragedies & critio sayns *Sluch {8 vulgar § the jests (0w and sometimos obscono. Ovld, tho Roman poot, most famous for fllth, rocomtucnds the theatro s * favorabla to disso- lutenens of piinciples and maanera” ! Yot in 1y old ago ho advised the Emperar Augustus to suppress it, as o chief causo of corruption. Bon- oca, tho mout illustrious lloman moralist, who was contemporary with 8Bt, Paul, says of thoutrio~ ai toprosentations ;: ** Nothing t so damagiog to #ood morals 88 to bo prosont wh any of theso spectacles, Vico oaslly flnds Its way uto the hoart through tho pleasnrablo emotlons which they excita,” Jullan tho Apostato, imperor of Itomo, of the fourth century, who employed il bis imperial power and rusvurces (o subvert Chiristlunity and ro-catablish pogamsm, {ssuod a decroo ‘‘that oouo of his Enum or thoso employed at tho al- tar should bo sllowed to sttend thoatros or ba seon 10 the cowpany of a dancer or aclol the rossou ho gave for ina probibition was “that tho Galllesns (as Lie called Chiistiaus), gaiued thelr wicendency by their priests and poo- plo nvnidiog guch “causes of corrup- don and tho prolligasy to which thoy led "1 Hollin Jn hia Ancient istory (rp. 75-74) gives a8 ouo of the priucipte causes of the de- tline and fall of the Athonisn Htate *iheir foudness for theatrical ropresentations,” Sava Justin: ¢ 1t ongendors {dlencus, soft licentlous snd Juxurious habits of life, lothargio sloth and sffeminacy.” Now we offer you the lestimouy of & varlety of persous of much moro rocent times 88 _to tha charsster of much of the dra- matio writlng and the tage, ‘Thoy are wolocted from almost every (rufl!\m aud yozition in_lifo, 1l of acknowledged learnine and noto, Firet, we offer the French ciitioof the Greck dramn, Tather Brumoi, as Holin calla him, @ priest of the Romish Church. Clos= wyg Lis dissortation oun the Ureek theatre uosayst I have given an sccount of everys thing w8 far ug was coustatont with moral do- sonoy. No peu, however cynical or houthenlxh, would venture to produce i open day tho hor- dd pussages which I have put out of sight. Tho rery suppression will easily show to what a de free the Athemans wers infoctod with liceutious Aces of imeginsuoa aud corrups priveiple, e~ dglou nud virtuo obligo us not to spread it be- fore tbo oyes of niankind.” Kuch wsa the bad sharactor of the aucient drams, snd the modein '8 only a Jittle fess intawoun 1f cowpetont Judgos pay bo trusted, 1 now quote from * A Blhors Viaw of the Iumorality aud I’rofaneness of the nglish Btage, by Biehop Collier, English Episco- palian,’” Nemembor, he waa far from au sxcotio, wus & determiced eusmy of the Puritan priveis ples and E‘rm!cu, ‘y‘ez in'the preface of his book : 4 Nothiug Lias dons more to debauch the ju which hie “lived than the stage-poots and the play-house.” I guoto vext from * Klements -l siazn,” by Joxd Kames, Ho was a Judge TIHE CHICAGO TRIBUNE: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1876. - e and a practicing lawyer for thirly years, for fifty yoars a writdr on law, metaphssies, criticism, eto., and, I auppose, & nko(nlm in roligion, Of Engllah comedy ko anys {lerv. 2 8o, 2)t “It is thero an ostabiished ruls fo dack out tho chiol characters with overy vico in fashion, howovar gross. 1ut aa such characters viowed in & true light would Lo disgustful, caro is taken to disguise their deformity undor tho emUollishments of art, aprightlinees, and good hrmor, which 1n & mixod company maks o oapl- tal figuro. It roquires nobt time nor much thonght to diacover the polsanoua intluenco of auch plays. A young man of figure, omaucipatod fiom tha soverity and reatraiats of a collego ad- ucation, ropaira to the Capital; tho play-housa becomes hig favorito amtsoment, and fio 18 on- ohnanted with tho gavety and eplendor of tha chiof personages. 'I'he disgust which vice glvos him at first soon woars off, to make way for pesw notions, more lboral In hia opinion, by which a soveroign contompt for religion, aud = declaved war upon Lhe purity of tho femalo 8ox, are convorted from intamious vices to bo fagbionablo virtues. ‘Tho infection pronds tlirough all ranks and bacomea univorsal { Gind~ ly would I tiston to any one who would undertako to provo that what i1 havo boen deacribing 1 chimorical | But the dissoluteness of our young peopio of birth will not suffer mo Lo daubtits reality." Such waa the judgmout of n loarned man of tho world aa. to” tho inflitonco of the themtre upon tho young people of Kn- glish rank, Dr, Obauning, = Unitanan, and, oo all - know, sposad Lo be Iiboral towsrds all polite amusomonts, says in his works (1:}1. 342-033) 1+ ©In il prosont stato tho theatre descrves ©io encouragoment, It is sn aceurnulatlon of immoral jotliouces. It bns nourished {ntemperaace and all vice. In saying this I donotsay the wnusoment [a radically cusautially ovil,” How ofton is v disgracod b monstrous distortious of human naturo, an atill moro disgraced by profsuonces, conrzeness, indelleacy, and low wit, such R4 no woman worthy af the namoe can hoar withont a blush, and no man can take pleasuro in without degra- dation of bhimeelf, Is 1t possible that 8 Christinn oud roftued peoplo can ro- sort o a theatro, swhero exhibitiona of dencing aro givon fit only for Lrothels, sud where tho mou% ltcentlous class of tho community throng uuconoealod to tempt and to destroy. That tho thoatro should bo aufferad to exist in {ts prosent degredation [s a ropronch to tha community,” Romomber this was no sout old Puritan, but the polite, rofinod, and liberal Dr. Channing, in_ro- tinod and intolloctunl Boston, at tho timo whon soro of the grontest in histriouto art gracod hor siagal And bore I may quoto H. W, Beocher as o witness, I suppose without an a) mlo‘;y. For. whother fallon or not, or however deeply falien, doow not Invalidate his tostumony oo tlis poiat. For two roasonsa Lo iy o good k- noes: Ilirat, his cloqueitco and love of oratory are undeninble, hia litoraty attainments aud love of literature are undoniable, his passion for music, nnd lus wonderful gifts as an actor bimselr, posscasing tho vary charactoristics that incline him to Judgo tho theatro most favorably, Socondly, and'the world of ploasure havo aver #aid ho fa no cynic; o bolloves iu o morry, rol- licking llfu,lya in o sormon to young men, in tho daya of hiw purity and prime, after descant- ing at longth snd uvelull'f upon tho corrupting litoraturo, asuociatlons, and fesvinations of the thoatre, Lo closes by saying *‘tha theatro must Lo corrupt to live, and those attend it will be corrupted.” 'Who distinguished Sammel John- son, teacher and friend of Uarrick, says of tho life of a player, It {s **that oonditlon which makes nlmost evory man, for whatevor resson (ho docs nob say), soutompluous, 1n8g- Iont, potutant, selfish, ond brutal,” If this is 148 effoct npon tho actor, it caonot be good for tho Bpoctators. Sir Walter Beott.—and no one will suspect him a8 boing ovor-scrupulons from bLia roligious tenots and tastes,~ns ha wrote for tho theairo, nttended the theatre, and in his easays on tho drama attompta to dofend the the- atro; yot ho ndmits that tho most refined thoa- tres I tho world aco * destinod (o company so eosndalous that porsons not very mice in their taste of socioty must exclaim agalpst tho abuse,” and declaros 1t **impossiblo to ex- clude o certaln dovcription of fomalos.. Tho best part of tho housa is openly and avowedly sot off for their roception, and no pert is froo from thelr intrusion, or at least irom the disgusting improprivties to which their noighborhood gives riso. No man of doli- oacy would wish the femalo part of his family oxposad to such scones; no nian of sonso would wish to put youth of the male sex [n the way of such temptations.” He furthor says : **Unless in tho caso of strong attractions upon the stago, rostitutes and their admirers nsually form s nrgo part of tho sudience.” Remember *it wad no$ sn cnomy that eaid this,” yot it in possiblo it “may have Yeen “worso in Edioburg thon 1t is jo_Obieago!l I now offer tho judgment of ITaonah Moro* eminoutas A lndy, as & Christian, as a writor, aud as a phitantbroplst ; tno friond and favorite of Dr, Buwuel Johnson, nnd of David Garrick, Lis pupil, who was **the most distingnished actor aver produced by tho Euglish stage.” Sho was tho nuthor of a number of tragedles, nud certalnly bad oxcoliont opportunitios of noting tho cfoct of thaatrical amusomonta in the most favorablo conditions. For tho stage hnas nover shouo brighter than under Garrick's manago- ment, for ho atiempted a thorough reform in tho condact and licenso of tho drams, inost creditablo to his genlus and character, Han- nah Aore witnceeod this attompt ot re- form, and thus records ita fallure, therofors her testimony should bnve forco, In Lor works (Profaco to Tragedios, vol. 1, G2, 610,) shio says : “From my youitful courso of reading, and early habits of socioty and conversativ, 1 had been led toentertnln that common but I muss now think dolumve and groundicss hopo, that the stage, nudercortain rogulations, might Lo con- vorted into a school of virtue. ‘I'hat it requirea nothing more thau a corract judgmout, and a critical solootion, to trausform n porniciyua pleasuro into a profitable entortainment, Un- fortunately this Utopian good caunot bo pro- ducod, until not ths stugo itsell ouly "has undergone a completo punlication, but until tho audience shall bo puritied also, Thoro muast always bo o congruity botween tho tasto of tho poctutor and the paturo of the spoctaclo, 1 order to offect that point of unfon which cau produce picasure; for it must bo remembored it people go to the thentro, not to bo 1nstruot- el but to bo plonsod, If the. eentimouts and pasewns exhibitod svero no longer accommodated {o the sontimouts of tho audieuce, corrpt naturoe would eoon withdraw Itscit trom tho vapid amusoment, and thin Lonoues bo thio roward of tho retformor.” Kl tells us sho hiad nover road nuy of thoso treatlses or sermons by divines sguinst tho theatrs, but that her couvictions ato tho result of exporience and obsorva- ton of tho veutimonts, mannors, and asso- clations of tho place, thorefore not found- ed eithor on heursay or projudico, She furthor roprosouts thows amudomonts as Iaying o forbidden woighit upun tho roul, * irritating tho besotting sii, obstructing spizitual minded- nesy, inllaming tho just of the tloah, the luut of the oye, aud the prido of hife." After aflirmiug that * “the LEnglish drawatio pools ero in genoral moro licentlous than thoso uf ‘wost othor countries,” she _contine uos 1o this Iapguugo: “What I jneist on is, that there alniost 1noyltably runa through the wab ol Lrugio dratn (comody i8 still \rcruu{, o prominent thrend of false principlo, It is gonerally the loadiug objest of tho post to orect s gtawdard of honor fn dirock oppoeition 1o tho mtandmd of Chbrise tianity ; d this i3 not done subordivataly ineidentally, or occasiounlly, but worldly bhonor i the very saul. and spirit, and n(n-mvm‘l princt- plo of tho dramu. Howor s the religion of tragody. Tt 18 hier woral and ponticat law, Iler dictates farm ite iustitutes, Foar nud shuinoare the capital crimes of lor cods, Against thoso all the eloquenco of her most pawerful ploadors, agaiuat thouo lior panal statutes, pistol, aword, and polsou, are In full forcs. lIujured honor can ouly be viudicated at tho polut of the aword ; the stains of 1n£umd reputation can only bo waslied out fn Dlood. Love, jealousy, taired, awbition, pride, rovenge, are 100 olien oluvated into tho rauk of eplondid virtuos, and form w dozzling system of worldiy morality,” aud such a poruicious systom of mor- ality is most Imprersively and offuctually taught by belvg personated, * roalized, embodicd, mada olive, furinshed with organs, olothed, docoratud, brought futo lively discourse, into iutoresting actiou, enforeod with all tha vnorgy of passion, adorooed with all the graces of language, and ex~ bivited with evory ald of emphatical delivery, and evory attraction of approprista gesture.” ‘What wonder 1f it shut tho pure morality of ho gospel ouc of tho heart ? Haying given you the testimony of an eminent Chrintian lady-writor who gave lLer obsorvation snd experieuce from attouding the theatre, I will pivo that of o moub mnotorlous infidel, who speaks from esperience, Jean Jucquos Rossesu, sccording Lo Lis own cunfcssion, was aroprobate sud rake, yot when 1t was proposod to ostublish & theatre 1 his oative city of Uouuva, fur the svowed purposs of “relaxing the ‘lmniunul and luglemi of Christian oraly,” be wroto agalust it with gruat zeal wud foree, and declarcd **tho theatio is u alljcasos a selool of vice.” ile says, **1obsorve, iu general, that tho situation of g aotor is u state of licentiousnces and bed morals ; that the men aro sbaudoved todisorder ; thiat tho women lead & Besndulous lifo; that tho oae aud the other, ot ouce avaricious and pro- fane, ever ovorwhelmed with dobt, aud ever prodigal, are as uorostruined in tholr alaposition &s they are vold of scruple Iu ruspoct to sho woany of providing for1t. luall countriss their pro- fesaion is diehonorable j thove who exercised it are coutemnod. Thiy coutempt 18 strongest wherever Lo wannere 456 Lost puro ; aud there 2 aro conntrles of innoconce snd simplicity whero tle trado of an actor {s hold almost in hotror. It i Impossiblo that an ostablishment mo cone trary to our suciant manners can bo applanded. How many genoroun citizena will sos with fndig- uation this nionumont of Inxury and offeminacy raiso [tsolf ou the ruins ofjour ancliout l'mnlmu{. Whore is the imprudent mother who would daro to carry her danghtor to this davger- ous Bchool; and how many reavectablo women would think themsolvea diahonorsd in going thare! Mlotives of morals, virtue, and putriotism, will restraiu somo wliom roligion would not restrain from going." Buoh was the opinian of one ruled by no tigher principle than rogard for tho peaca of Lis native cily, and the virtuo and eafcty of tho ecciety {n whioh he lived, I concludetlisarray of sitnonsos with ihat of W, 0. Macready, who hicaded tho list of dis- tlogulshod nctorsin bis dni. Rotlring from the stago Lo took up lis rosidonce at Buorborne, England, surroundod with his interesting family, Among otlier rules for tho govornment of his amily thoro fs oue from whicu it is maid ko nover dovlated: it da this: “Nono of wy obildron shall ever, With my con- scot, or on any pretense, ootor & theatro, or liava auy vieiting couucction with actors or nctroswes.” Thia from ona who liad the ugeri- onco of yoars to learn tho Lisighs and dopth of theatijcal morality, and wituessed tho purity and vollution of ita dovotoes, thorofora conld do- clare, *‘I'hera la nothing but mixchief and ruin.” You eannot have {ailod to notice, in this array of witneasos, 1 have principally acleotad from thosa who themselvos Liad heon visitors to the thoatro, therefors who could not bocbarged with speak- ing moroly from prejudice or hearsay, I might Lave taken the testimony of Wilberforco, With- orapoon, Ifervey, Dr. Itusb, and a hoat of con- sistout opposers who wero nover loside o theatre, but it is ovident what objoction would Lave Loon made to these. I might liavo also shown that tls thontro Lias Leon con- domned by logislativo_onactmouts, among ovory poople, pagan and Chrstisu, and by almost eyvery Uovoruwmont, ot ono timo or anotter, In Wilihm 1 ryano's collection of tosfiniong,yoi will find tho logislative ouactnionts of a great num- bor of Pagan and Christian 8tates, natious, magistratcs, Emperors, and Princes. Eugland, Hootland, and France Lave all had, enacimonts either for their roforn or total supprossion. Tho Amerlean Congrosa in 1778 earncatly rocoms mondod tha States *“to suppress all thaatrical entortalnments aa productivo of tdlonoas, dissl~ pation, and a goneral dopravity of principlos and manners.” The prosont generation is swnmpu the only period in 2,000 yoars thathad no law in operation against this dissipating amusomont, and this not becanse the thoatro {8 now moro ro- gunlml 28 & schiool of virtue thanin formor agos, ut tho conviction of socioty (whotbor right or wrang) f¢ that this ovil, like somo others, should bo supprossed through religious influcnce and moral argumont addressed to tho intellizonce and virtuo of the pooplo, rathor than by legisia- tivo prohibition. Whataver may be our viows as to tho right or wrong, 'wisdom or non.wisdom, of such logisiation, doos not such legsl action, fro- quent and turough a long period of timo, show that tho morality of tho thesatre is not favorablo o tho ‘wolfara of tho State? 1 wmight rofer to the fact that the Church of GUod iu all hor forms and denominations umvorsally took position agalnat the theatro, Pryme's collection gives the united testimony of the Jewish aud Christian chnrclies ; he gives tho deltborate acta of fifty-four anciont and modarn, genoral, national, and provincial Coun~ cils and Bynods, both of the Western and Enst- ern churchos, againss 8. And no Assombly, Couuell, Couference, Association, Hynod, or Prosbytory of any branch of tho Evangolical Chuzch has ever givon it any sct of oncourage- ment, and only in times of marked coldness or dofcction have any of thom fatled to tostify against t, Now,1s it not unreasanablo and bordoting on audacily to say thab this avimosity ia the result of misinforma~ tion avd projudice? And can tho friv- olous charge of Intolorance, superstition, and overmuch righteousncss sot amdo this united testimonv? 1f 8o, then tho ovidonce of tho nise sud good through the agos is worthlces to st~ tlo any question of morale. And hero I drop the subjoct for tho present, intonding at othor times to offer some arguuonts and reasons that may como closer to our Lomos, also to roply to somo argumenta offerod in defonss, and anawer soma ?\wrlol on this subject, I only desiro, a8 a riend and pastor, to provall with you through the forco of reason and truth, not projudice or #ophistry, Jut bofore I lot yon go I wigs you to romombor this truth : that life1s not a moro i)lu)', neither drama, comedy, nor farco, t ° Bhakepearo's figure bs allowable that “All tho world is a stngo, and all the men and womon merely players,” it is _a very sorious play, bofore the Holy Oune, Who wit- neesach and will judgoe tho action of hands, and foct, and tongue, aud oye, and hoart, and boforo tho aseomblod universe of angels, devils, and mon, the last act, tho final award shall be pro- soulod] And whaon that curtaiu which now hides from ua tho Great Boyond shall rise, sball wo look into the efutgent hight and glory of tho face of reconciled Love, or {oto the laming oye of offendod, consuming Justico? ** Ior wo mukt all appear boforo tho Judgment-soat of Christ, that overy one may roceive the things dono in his bods, nccording to that Le Lath dono, whotber'it Lo good or bad.” it AN ENGLISH BEECHZER. A DRITISH RKLIGIOUS BCANDAL. Tho Toronto Glebe comments oditorially at sonie lougth on a now ecandal in Englaud which in likoly to inflict on that couutry somothing like the samo unpleasantoess which this coantry un- dorwent wheu the groat dofondant and plaintint first bogan to mako statements, A portion of tho (lobe's article I given below : A lively contraversy la at present going on §i fous circles In Britaln over the unpleasant cel somowhat noted American preacher of Perfectionlam, wwho hias been turniug tlie heads of o good numbor of nen aud wotaen fu the ** higher flrcfu * of roliglons society, butls in London and {ho Provinces, Tuis gen- tloman's uamo ia Pearsall Smith, 1o waa greatly fakon notice of by prominent Evangelfcal minlstern of the Oburch of Englaud, aud for s time was * the rage,” A cloud, however, laa come over hilm, snd he has found It necessary for tho* recuporation of his hoalth " sud tlie atesdylng of his shattared norvous system to ruturn to America in s grost hurry, 'The real causc, Lowuver, of thls sudden departurs from the sceno of bis labors and triumphs s, it secms, not the ostensible ono, nnd great efforts are being made to hush up 'the whole matter aud prevent acandal, It-is eomewhat dificult to say what Mr, Smith bas been suyivg wnd doing, ae tho anxlety fo keoy It alf quiet s very great. ‘'wo or threo Canous snd soveral dignifiod clergymen have boen writing ou Lo subject, aud thure areubundauce of contradictions aul deprocations, Lut, ou the otlier hand, cerlain {ournale, o Uaptiaf oo 1 paticular, seem dotéruninod @ probe the matter to the hotfom, ond, truth to way, tho revclatious given and prowisod are far from wayary, ‘Tle oy, Mr. Blackwood, & rather prominent Evan. gelicsl elergyman, whils fully couvinced of tha pro- prioty ¢ D, Huith's ceaning {0 proch, snd_of bis foiug ssay Liome, bl kald 1 8 letier putliahied {n tho tecard (Lt ho "belioved Mr. Bmilh's conduot was *free from ovil jutentions, 'To this the cditor of tho Frecman roplica * “Iho peeatstences with which the plirans I sdherea to domands of us tobo evon more azplicit, Wo say then that tho things dune sud the couversations held in privato with ladlos were such as may not bo mous Uoned, snd such as BIr, Blackwood could not Lear, even when appealed to by o victim, What ia the use, therefore, of talking abaub evil futentions? The facl 18 that the Council ailowed themsslves Lo bo persusded thabilio avil had not inoiudwd o pacticular crinulnal act, and that act was not cousclotaly dveigned by Mr, Soiith, aud this is what thoy mean by acquitting *our voor friend * of *evil iutentions,’ In vur auulr(mcn( a1 guided Iav tLo toachings of Christ, tha conduct fiag been fafnitely woree than_what human lsws hold criminal, and it Lias boou such that if legal criminality s not been committed suoh mitst! have Lsen {he e oritablo {aus, polluting ldess uto purs minds; to deliberataly wel oucslf to inflams tle lower maturoas o prefended moana uf elcvating tha Digher, and #oof eifocting spiritusl good, fs tho moat awful tuluy wa hovo over heard of, und of this Afr, llackwood's Council caunot, do not, scquit ielr sllenced leader, 1t s ldloto deny vague rumors that thu doctrine {s one akin to Mormonlsul and Soclalism; it fa one with which thess ore modarate and tamo, Air, Blackwood hes uot hintod that the Freeman'a nos count of tho doctrine has been wrong, for the only foult i our general deacription of 1t iu tho uavoida- blo one, that we havoused delicale torms to pequaint our roaders with the apecios of abominabie teuchinge dt Lecame our duly to denounce. We hsd hoped ta 13y o more npon the terrible outgrowtl, sud werd turoing with vellef to exsmive thoss mistaken dao- trines which have been §1s_seed-plot, but when & now Stlempt i made o gloss over tio past, and hints ore let fall sbout the possibility of such a toacher's roap- Deatauce, i hecomen fieccsury to syvert tw i moro Tatiful sbpecty of tha quostion,” Al further tho editor aays s !t Ir, Blackwood allows” thal Mr. Smith's public Howa wore coustdared by bimaolf and butter sullorls 1l tending Lo lower *tho stundard of Loliness,” thu extennation of aln fn Ged's obfldren,’ and of wny crrolieua dudtrive, or for any Incorrectucss of ito, 4 Lie deules iy counection between the publicaud privats teachiugl The yublio doctriug opeuy & door for all coueeivablo” doluslons aud tomptations, and yot whon (he tescher Licomes (o 4yuhjcel uf a pecdllarly vubtle and povertul wplritual doluviou ! there 1a 1o counoctiun betwocu tho cutera i I8, ADPrOV er fra 1 » touchiug acconnt of Alr, Hiitl's sickica, ng t ppar tiat iat was the ooly ressou supt tight to Awmerica, wisen thoy {lcinselvos bad Efated upoi b gl i at ouce, 1o prevent cau- dulv,” Un thi pofut our terrible Bapist editor usuy the following launguage, which uninitisied taymeu like ourselves would be dnclined to suy was rathie sppro- priatu if the facts aro as represented ; W1 fa bad cuuugh to terpt wen fo despalr of Clrlatisuity to bave tcas dixcoveriss coming oub one slter anotler, L4 reveald such analarmivg asmount of reserve aud disipgentouages t if there werw uo Obristisn leaders fu our churches whowe outspoken frunkucay 16 b guarantes of huuesty w sbould fear the 4UU Waz bbout tu gu duwi vl our prophets, sud au vor of ab- in. hour of darkness drawing nigh apace. It is time all Quristlsn peopls learnt the duty Liught by John of trying the spirita of seif-intruded teacliers and novelty- promoting gentlemen, whioss purtea are open {o nil smooth-taiking * revivers ? of roligion, * Conventions * and *confereiicos ara belng {naugurnted in many distrteta by nntried alrapgers, whose unctuous con- voraation s their chief passport to confidence, Lot our sabstantial lsymen, however, whoss houses thoy mako tholr inn, da fhele duty 10 sscertaining whom they ste (o receivo before aliawing wandersta to ap- peat hefare the publla undor thels” Implied ssvotion as gurats.” An clement of humor 1a Introdaced into the whola malter by Mr, Itenry Vaslor, the Ferfectionlst presch- or, whio cauncd canalierable stir in Torunto Jast win. tef, coming out in & very vigorous letter to the editor of tha I'recman—a lotter whichi scems to savor more of Mr, Vatley's butcher daya than of those In which he * has consed from strife and from sin.'"? Mr. Var- ley wax ialely sald to Do on tho point of death., Ie miuist, howover, liave recovered, for ho writes 1 tho following fashion o the naughty editor, who will per- siat in not helioving in Mr. Pearsall Bulih: “In our trade you wonld be hiorsewhipped 8 an ex. ample and warning. I do not know whether yon uaye aehort and cany method of this urt, T ani sorry to have ocoanfon t0 use my returning atrengtli in wriling toyou, ~In the same articlo you dared fo call tho hoitored secvait of Chirlut, Pearsall Smith, an exposed arch flend, Bir, it {s & malignant lander, and I will givo £80 o 8 fund to bring an sction agatbst you for ono of tho vlleat ¢ defamationn of charactar’ over e tompted, namoly, the atiempt to sttach vilo alandor, reproacti, and aiigma, not wpon Pearsall Gmith only, but upon thousands of God's children {aking part fn the Oxford aud Brighton Conventions, To attempt to tdentify “tho teachinga at these conforences witls thin porsonal caas i thie consummation of Iniquity, » lie sgainst the Ifoly Ghoal, aull sn ontrags worihy ho ZPriuce of Darkurss, ‘The threatened editor takes the mattor coolly enongh, and saya be {8 quite prapared to endure passively the threatened horsowhipping if Mr. Vurley wilt cortify that 1 futllcting i) hie s exbibiling the temper and apirit fontered by tne Ligher life.” 1o says, moro- avor, Lo naver callsd Mr, Snulth an “arch fiend,—ouly an “arch deceivor," andadds bis boliof that Mr, Var- ley miht find bottor use for his £30 thau “in golog to lay eontrary, to Seripture” 1In shord, tbe religious publie of Dritain havs in ‘hand & nasty caso of the Deechior order, only, the Free- man says, tho details aro auch that, If given in & court of law, thio court would be previonaly cleared of ladics, and no mewspaper eilber could or would publish thom, “Certainly," §t ia sdded, *'tha columns of the Freeman' will mover 'be dofiled by thele appoarance.” The apologiats of Mr, Smith, 1t in but fair to add, urge thas hin * only mistake has Deen that on occasiona Lio hiaa not boen a0 Judicious s he, porbaps, ought {o hava oan. ot exatnplo,” 1t s added, + the customs of Awmeriean soclety parmit gontlemon 'to Xian thioir fomale scquaintances oecaatone ally,—s nractice whick, howover tnnocently It may be done, 14 traught with danger of leading to'serious mis- undorstandings, as several ministers have found to thelr cost,” 1t wauld appear from thia that Mr, Smith had not beon of the opiniou of Dr, De Witt Talinage, that av- cry man, and_eapechally every minister of the Gospel, “l“ soarcely be too economical i kissing othier juen's wives, el MISCELLANEOUS, MODDY AND BANKY, New Yonk, Fob. 20.—Tho special mervices at the Hippodrome to-day wers vory largely at- tonded, tho meoting for ladios belng the largost ainco tho rovival-services bogan, It ls already aovidont that the !ll{‘mndmmu-mv(vnl wilt bo tho meavs of strongthenfug a large numbor of churches In thia city, Lotwoon 7,000 and 8,000 men filled the Iargo hall at the Iippodrome this®evening, tho sor- vices boing oxclusively for males, A large number of olcrsymnn ocoupled meats on tho platform. Moody took for his text “ Whora art thou? ™ and showed tho folly of hiding sin, and paying that it any came forward lufi confousod thelt eins to the Bavior e would show tho way to ealvation. A large numbor rore to be praged for, and the servicos closed with tho benodiction, HEORUR, Bpecral Dispaich to T'he Chcaas Triduns. Keoruk, Ia., Fob, 20,—Aflor seven woeks of faituful and unromitting offorts, the Union ro- ylval moetings were brought to a close this even- ing. Thointerest Las not flagged fn tho loast, aud tho meetings could, no doubt, have boen succceafully maintained much longor, but the ministors whio havo been conducting them say their oucrgien aro exhausted, and givo this satho only reason for bringiug them to s closs. There- vival haa not bean upon the shouting order nt all, snd has not boen characterized by any unduo oxcltoment. On the contrary, the outpouring Hooma to have beon tho result of & epontancous rolinfous awakening, stimulstod by thoe united efforts of tho pastors of the various evangolical churchies of this city, assistod during a largo part of tho timo by the Rav, Mr. Claggett, of Missouri, an osrnost rovivallst, who possosecs no epecisl forco or powerful maguetio influonico. Over 200 mootlogs have boon hold, and about 300 converts are olaimed. THE GREAT SCANDAL. ANOTHER LETTER FROM OLIVER JOHNSON, New York Sun, Feb. 19, Tho following lotter waa writton by Oliver Johngon more than aix monthe afier he becamo Bir. Baeclior’s assoclate on the Christian Union. Ho biad avidently forgotten its exiatonco while writing the oxplanatory lotter ¢ Ava, Ty, 1875,—My Dear Carpenter: , , . I can. not eea that your explanation proscnis any facls that €an justity your Lreach of my confidence, and tha more 1 thiuk of {4 tlie mors amaring your conrms seus to me, 1 am aa friendly to T, 'T. {Tusodors Tile ton] w8 yoii are, and woull do as much to screon bim 8s you would, Noltng eould, well be of » worso tendency for Aum than’ your recog- utlon and countenancing of Weat. The slmpls truth 1a that ho does fiof, represent ¥, G, [Hymouth Ohurelr), but runs without being sent. 1 fa of small accounty aud mostly sceking porsonal notorlety, 1o tells the most outrageons fufschicods whon Lo speaks of Mr, Hallidny beiog removed from Ao clorkalip, Ar, H, was mado clerk of the church ot the aouuil moating, sud cannot, even by the church itsclf, bo fub out of oftice Lefors the end of hie term, utless )y oxcommunication from the body. The truth I8, that thore has been no meeling of the church ico Janugry, sad tho atfempt of Wost to carry on discipiine by the Examiniug Committee Is perfoctly foolish, as avery intelligent Qongregutionalist kuows, Then Weeblies In roporting Liat corlain (Llugs wero fald by Mr, I (Leecher] or T, T, [Theodore Tilton], Tho lattar will not be disciptined at nll, I holfeve., On tho contrary, ho will ba trestad, I beHave. by tho chuch, whien thio qecation comea up, if ever it does, s nok a member, Boweu's attetnpt 10 fight Lis battle be- Dind Theodore and under Alrs, Woodhnil's petticoats will bo defeated, I inve no doubt. If he cau't provo Lis own allegations, he'll go to 116 wall For God's sake, Frank, 1 beg you to remember that T [Tilton's] futerests aro preclsely thoss of tho other party [liceclior), viz. ¢ that e scandal should be suf- ferel to dio ouf, 1 Weal's plan fs carzled out, it will ruin tho ous [Tilton) a8 much na_the other [Licecker). Lray to keop out of the fool's trap set on avery side, aud avold talking with people who come to purip you a3 West did, Iugreat hus'e, but affectionately yours, . [ULIVER JouxNs0N.) ANOTHER SUGGESTION TO PLYMOUTH CHURCH, New York World, Feb. 18, Tho Rov. Dr. Gordon Hall, pastor of the Fd- warda Cougregationnl Church, of Northampton, Masa., sont, at tho wish of the church, with its declination to attend tho Advisory Councll, o lotter to Mr, HMalltday, concluding as followa s Binice tha bold, dofiant letter of Mr, Bowen has been publishied, aud {s now added o other conelderations calling for » Gouncil that shisll praba the vital ques- flous to the Lottum, it seems to me that sny resuils toucling mere matlers of usago and rogularity could carry liille wolglit or dlynity while so muck graver waticrs uro barred out, Will ot Plymouth Clurch lso zathor thay gain if this s suffered io Twrito s frioud. Yill §t not be for thelr ser: and honor, lnder i clrcumatances, to postpooe Tais Gomell 5 ‘Ko Lake thie crodit of declaring tint, they are quito ay dlesirous aa any ona elso can e that thcse clinrgss of Lawen aud company should be_thoroughly sified {0 the satisfaction of all fair-minded men? Your own §oud (rleuds are bacoming couriuced st tla cato must ultimately come fo this; and they would e greatly prefee “that Plymouth = Church and it pastor “should invite Luis thorough treat. ment, than fhat 1t slonld come sboub in any othor way, Now, what {f you should send out ‘word that (hls Conuctl s postpoied or set asido, in viow of tha present phaso of the matter, sud will thin iutent, that ua soon aa practicabls one should be callcd of nich n character, aud with such powsrs as o cone vinco any one that full, Louest inyestigalion was courted as by thoso who love Jight, Might not Flytn- outh Churcl thu find a way Lo cecape the woeting of this Gouncil, which I fear inay indizect uliimate bearlugn ba otherwiss than heipful aud com Tortablo? [ wrllo it ue espressiuy the views of ofber {riandu of the Plymouth Church bealdm myselt, both fu the miniutry and out of it, 1f ther ls no wledom fn it, you will st least accept it as kiudly in- tended, If §t'ls worth attontion, wake such uss ‘of it w nol without biope that, by such a courss s abovo wuggested, the Joug-Louored and beloved Brother Deeclicr wight bo fully reloptated in the con. Adeuco of the churchus, PROF, PHELPS AND PLYMOUTH OHURCH. Prof. Austin Phelps, of Audover Theological Bomlnary, has written aa follows to the Boston Journal z Anpaven, Feb 17, 1876,—7o the Editore af ihe Hor- fon Journal; The repors iu the Journal of this morn. luxm[mlmulurhlu “ucens' ata westing of the # Advisory Council ¥ {u Brooklyn, makes it yroper for e to uxy that I have addrl d no lettor to Mr, seacher, oz 10 the Plymouth Churoh, ur {0 Auy mem. Ler Lheroof, or to the Advisory Qouncil, on tLe subject of tha rocent action of tho Obutch in the Audover ‘Cheological Heminary, Nor 1 suthorized tho pllbljnllhm of any lstier o 4 ubject, 11%1u true that I have been wdreased by letters of inquiry and of eriticism reapecting thst sction, to which, in tho ordinary course of my private cor. respoudence, [ have ropliod as seemed to me trutbful aud wise, Irubably sowe one uf iose replles hos found {ts way to the baudy of iodividusie in Nz, Leoctor's coutidence, 1 make this statment not Lecauss I have suy opinions ou tho subject to couceal from those whu care fo know ibem, but u the fntereat of the kindly, relaiions subsisli batweeni me wud the Sominary Ohurch, snd thoss o wmy collesgues from whom 1 bave bLita reluctaully culnpelled to disscut {n this matter, all good zuen can but yoesens thelr mouls {n pas aud fu s } ! pectiog this most painfal mystery, which for this present claudn oue Congregationat firmament, we ebaliall g0 eye to oye fu theend, AustiN PixLrs, MR, BOWEN'S CASE. New York Tribune, Feo, 19, The following is o copy of thoe lottor sent to Mr. Bowen by the Examining Committoe, in angwor to his demand for chargos, and the quos- tions which wauld be propounded to him: BnooxLN, Fob, 17, 1816.=)Ir, Henry C. Poteen— 8in: The Examining ' Committes hava dirsctod me to 127 thnd tlioy nte acling under exprest lustructionn fron the church, embraced Iu o resolution, a copy of which bas Leen transmitced to you, In the Judgmiant of the Committen, fbere 19 no” ground for yonr ~ asertion you are on trisk " They are making n preliminsry {nvoatigation into insinnations or charges which you liave made againet A fellow-member of tho church, concerning which yon have repeatedly _sxpresacd ursell ready to give the cssontinl facts,” Thosa facta oty domab, Tlio Gommitles, thesefore, fanow tiole roghest tlint you sppear st the time and place pecined in ny letter of the 12th in: Jar the puirpose theroin named, Respectfally, L. HALLIVAY, Clotk, BOWEN ON HIS OWN CASE. New York Independant, Feb 17, Plymouth Church hiag In one way and another boen gatting rid of all thoss membors swho sro not ready to stand by the paator, whethor right or wrong, Mr. Dowen bad reason many yoars ago to rotira from that Actlve participation in tho affairs of Plymonth Church which as an offl. cor hio biad mailitained from its foundation. His ardout love for the church, howovor, in which Do folt ho had as much rl&:h‘. 84 any other man, pravented him from withdrawiog from it, and he fully appreclatod tho invaluablo publio Isbors of its pastor, At lsat, after his confidenco in tho pastor bad beon uttorly wnderminod, ho was compoelled to reply to tho compinint of & mom- ber that e waa convinced beyond the shadow of & doubt that Mr, Bocchor was uuworthy to bo paslorof 8 Christion cliurch. This gave tho church tho opportunity they doslred to procaed to exvol him. Instead, howovor, of presonting bim for trial B3 o elan- doror, tho church o endeavoring to in- duo him to lay open to them, in tho first Kllto, all tho ovidenca which ho would use in is dofonse whon tried, Thla Lo refuscs to do. It thoy want to expol him, as iz confessod, thon lot thom try him, ‘Thio regalar rule ia to provido & member on trial with au indiotmont and tha. names of witnosacs, while Lo is never required to furnish tho vawesof his own witnosses. They reverso this aquitablo rule, and require him in advanco to tell them who his witnoases would bo, wlile thoy refaee to give him even an indictment. It thoy care tonct in that way, Ar. Bowon can cortalnly stand it. e will remom- bor the story of astudent who npxnnrml for liconsizo boforo the New Iaven Asmociation about the timo of tho arbitrary occloainstioal procoodinga in Lr, Cheover's church, in this city. Mo apologized for having mislaid a lottor of recommendation from his church, **What church fs it # asked Dr. Loonard Baovn. * The Church of tho Puritans, in Now York,” was tho roply. "It is of no consequenco whatover,” answored Dr. Dacon ** but if you have a letter of oxcommunication, it may be'of somo advan- tago to you,” INTERESTING DISCOVERY. IRolics of mn Anclont Qity in Now Madrid County, Minsvuri. 8%, Liouis Nepublican, Feo, 16, Capt. Whitely Las juat returned from Now Badrid County with over 100 moro spooimons of pottory and rolica of the pre-historie rosidents of Missour, which will bo classilled and addod to the Contonnial collection. Capt. Whitely and tho party who accompanied him havo traced the romalns of n former oxtonaive city, which show tho ovidoncos of having been donseoly r{vopn- Iated, Tho city was surrounded by fortifioa- tions,—tho cmbankments with covored ways connecting tho outworks of which have been traced for eoveral miles. ‘The remaine ot mounds, serving elthor for outlooks to watch an onamy, or ag comotorios for tho burlal “of “tho dond, 1 which ara found skolotons, associated with drinking- vossels, aro also found distributed about tha aros of this anclont cncampment. The [ndu- bitable tracon of tho dwollings, strects, and av- ennos, wore sleo traced over large ‘mmonu of tho graunds, tho proper survey of which would dounbtless tond to thraw now light on the origin of theso people, Tho houscs wors quito emall, from 8 to 1% foot in dinmoter, and located about 10 foot apart, Thoy oxlsted fn mf:"'“ TOWE, withs strgots and avonuns runnlnfi throngh tha city at right angles and at propor distances apart. The foundations of tho dwoelllngs, if not tho en- tiro structuro, woro mado of & kind of adobo brick, of arod color like modern briek, but of coaraor material, Tho brick, apecimona of which wero brought up hora by Capt. Whitoly, have Lransvorao bioles passing through, Bupposcd by some to nct a8 vontilators to tho dwolllngs, s, tho bricks boing lald flatwiso In tho wall, the sides of tho houso would bo lhuruh{ ploreod with 2 multitudo of holos for tho -admission of the outsido air. Anathor and more probable thoory i, that the bricks 1 s malloablo stato wero plercod with round sticks for the moro readily handling and burmng, and tue sticks having burned out, leave tho Improssion of their form, in the shape of a hole, Thoesites of theso nncient habita- tions are plainly obscrved by a sunken dopres- sion of sovornl feet in the ground, leaving evi. donga ltko that scon tn tho altes of domolished habitations froquently met with In tho country in modern timnes, At first aight of theao habita- tions, tho obsorver might bo led to belioye tuat thoso anclont paoplo lived in cellars and built their housoa nnder ground ; but this impression will vanish on roflecting that tho accumulated dobrin of ages has ontombed theao dwellings bo- noath the surfaco, Ieside, on one side of tho anclent city, thore is still a lake or marvh, which at some remate period may bhave overflowed ita banke, submerging portions of tho site of tha ancient city long after ita oxtinclion, avd sdded Ity doposils to tho accumulating debris, Tho site of tho city fa now covered with troes, mostly oak, of au ancleut frnwlh.nhowlng that thousanda of yoars havo rolled round before the handiwork of theeo carly Missourians was exbumed for ox- hibition at the Contennial, The poitery brought up hioro this timo by the Indefatigable antiquar- inn, some of which wag taken out on Saturday lagt, consists largoly of drinking-cups, culinary utoneils, aud Lottles of a gourd-shape, Thero aro aleo rudo trowels nnd tools used for fashion- fng and oroamenting the pottery, and whot- stonos for sinrpening tho atone axea and othor {ostrumonts in uso. ~But the fantastio charactor of the ornawnontation of the vedsols 8 what strikos avery ouo with surprise. Thore are vory nceurate figures of fish, frops, hodgehoge, nud such anlmals ns existed ab tho timo; boaidos, among tho featherod tribes are tho gooso, duck, owl, bl.mwk. sud probably the rooster from hia comb, ‘I'sera are miniaturo busta of male hendscarved out of slay, repressutivg & Lypo of faco mora ro- sombling the suciont Aztoo ruco than the modern Amorican Indinu; but further and moro carofut inquiry is nocosuary before coming to any cons clusion on this polat which wonld tend to settlo tho origin of thoso varly buildors and tux-payory of tho Htate, FRENCIL I'EOPLE, The Feasantry and the Bonrgeolsle, 3Ir. Phillp Alibort Hawsrton, fu biw last work, “Hound My Iloure,” givos somo intorosting sketchies of Fronch life, The chaptersof most political Intorost (saya the Pall Mall udget) sro tho two that rolato to thoe peasantry, It would bo rash to tako Mr, Ilamerton's siatoments ay certainly truo of the wholo of a cl at ouoa K0 largo aud so widaly distributod 4 but there in so little direct ovidouce obisinablo abous tho habits and foolings of tuis sll-importaut elemont fn Fronch saciety that ovon a siugle witueas isof roal value, 1, however, Mr, Hawmerton Is right about tho rapidity with whioch news, or ratlior something that” passed for nows, obtains ourroncy among the peasantry, it would seom to follow that = what “applies to tho class in ono part of Frauce applios to it also In overy other part. * \What tho poaa. antry aro vaying sud thjoking in one department of Irance at a givon tme thoy are saymng and thinking io otberdeparimants a huudred losgucs away, though thore may bo no obvious communi- cation botween them,"” Blr. lamorion givea g instauocs the univorsal bellof of the poassutry duriug the war that the priests woro P'russian agente, and an earlisr beliet, from whioh the sec- oud had sprung, that the Pope wanted to be Kiug of Frauce, and Lad only been preventod Trom selzing the throno by the timely occupa- tion of Nome by French troops, ‘I'ieso boliofa aro curious in shothor w:!, ecause they show bow littlo real hold the Church has upon the peseantry, oxcopt in o far au it appeals to the getioral dislike of chuugo which is alweys strong amung propertied class wiich la very iguoraut aud makes woney slowly, According -to Mr, Humerton, no political }umy aud no political opinions liave sny spocial iufluence with tho peasnntry, ‘Thoy dislike tho Legitimlate, bu- causs thoy assoclato them wilh the curvees of the pre-revoiution period; they de not under- staud who tho Orloanists aro; thoy Lave » kiodly feollug for Napoleou _ 1L; end thero s womothing in Hepublicau- lam tbat suits their fudopendonce and thelr saditional disliko of the uobility, and they huve beow s good deal fmprossed by the number of rich mieu who havo Intely decfared themsclves lepublizany, & fact which hus gone eomo way to shake tholr old identifieation of Republicaniam and enolistion. The immenaa ignorance of tho pensaniry has nocesearily baon a barrier agalnat tho propagation of political [dean. 1t 18 not, ce cording to Mr, ITamorton, that tha Fronch poss- aut despisea knowledgo 8o mitch na that Lo does not know thero Is such a thing, ‘1o lives in & world £0 largo and #o virlhly importans,—tho ponsant world,—that its opiuion of whal la necossary seoms the final decislon of common Ecnno,” * Tho simulianeous appesrance of the eamo lkleaa among bha peasantry In different partnof Franco muet bo ontirely dus to tho op- oration of the sama eaneo on slinilat matorinls, beeauso tho Fronch poasant ia fgnoraut of the yory oxistence of Lis follow peasauty at a dls- tance, ilo has_ abaclutely no geograpbical knowladgo, Mr. Hamerton mentions n caso of & peasant girl who loft Lior natlva village with the family in which sho was servant, and who had to Rive uI: hior placo, much against her own will, bo- causa her rolatives threatoned to disinberit her, on tho ground that sho *‘Liad gone to miscondiet herael?'in foreign parts.”” Yot slio was living anly 80 miles fram home, and atill in Contral Franco, Tverytbing beyond thelt own district i4 equally unknown ground to the L'renoh puns- aotry, Thoy do not kuow whors Alsace and Lorraina are, and Mr. damorton found it im- o0saiblo to convince ane of thom that & war bo- sweon 1taly and Lapland was improbable, There 11 no dewiro on tho part of the voasant to soo his sona rained alove thia condition, e 18 not diesatisilod with hia lat either for nimaclt or for thom, and ho knows by » sure fustinct that if thioy are educated thoy will coato to bo peasants, or if thoy remain Enu-mu that Loy will strugglo agaiust that wolght of custom which to hlm has all tho sacroduces of roligion, Now all the peasnuta drons alike, livo alike, and bave a com- mon feoling that education will dostroy the old rural life, tho old rural virtues, snd oven tho old rural langusgo. Tho rucal virlues aro almost all summod up In thrift; Many Iin- glishmon will yead with surprnise Mr. liamor- ton's account of peasant cookory. Tho skill in turning avomhlnfi to account and the abilit 0 mako an atiractiva moal out of the most ordf- nary and oven the most unpromising matorials which we cnmmvn:{ associate with lronch- women ia_only found In tho middle and upper clasgos, Tho possants live much lesa comfort ably than they might Jive, ovon without spending monoy. Thelr droed of extravagauco ia 5o groat that thoy disliko cookory bocatsgo it is associated with oxtravagance, Except on great occasions thoy nover eat meat, and whon thoy have it it is alwaya in tho form of plain boiled beof, Matton they will not touch, and thoy have a similar pro- Judice againet auy moat that s not fresh cooked. “ A peanant'girl shen sho goea as sorvant into bourgools family will not touch auy rechauffe, ovan whon aho Lins sosn it sorved at hor mastor's tablo, and if thero ia nothiug elso for dinnor sha will eat dry bread.” Tlna almost entire absti- nonco from meat loads the peasant to placa his wholo {doa of merry-makivg 1n eating meat, At a weddlng, for examplo, thora will be tlve conrsoa of meat ot each of ssvoral moals, with no nddi- tlon of vagotablos or pastry of nny kina, and tho poasant will oat overy ove of them, con- tentedly roturning tho noxt day to bis hot-water soup and potatoes. 'Tho samo alterndtiona gov- ern him i drinkiug, 1io usually drinks no wine for twenty-nino days, and gets arunk st market on tho thirtioth, Mr, Hamorton atirlbutes thia to tho pleasure in occasiounl excossos **which meema t0 bo nocessary to human nature fo s cers taln slago of civilization.” 1t {8 probably holped Dy the refloction that occasional excesuca are In & man's powor to forego if times aro bad, where- na groator regutarity of comfort would moan n correapondiug rogularity of what thoe poasaut thinka noodless outlay, Tho Fronch bourgeolsio bave vt:ri dlltoront notions of cownfore, but as regards tho cssen- tials of frugality fhioy are hiardly less romarka- blo thon the poasantry, “The genuine bour- fm’i" uncontamiuated by arlstocratio or arbiatio dens, Invariably saves monoy, however poor he may bs,” 1t they grow richior thoy do not iu- cronse their exponditare at all in proportion to sheir incronso of incomo. If they grow poarer, aven for a time, tholr exponditure ia nalinch- ingly roducad, 8o that whon doit and avefr comes to bo balanced *there may bo n nou in favor of avoir,” They ars wondorfully froo from any tandenoy to despleo small gains or to think thoin hardly earnsd by considerablo toil. Mr, Ilam- orton’ montions ono case in which mau with £400 or £L600 a yoar made bis only son & milway guard; an- otbor in which tho possocssor of an income of noarly tho same smount was a clork in the Post-Oflfco at £80 & yoar; snother where a young man with s good allowanve from his mother gavo his wholo timo to work 1nvolviug minutely wearisomo drudgery for vory sms. Pay. ! couras, $ho excessive dovotion to mouuy-gutth which this fmpliea Lins its ovil aide, but Mr. Hamorton asks fairly onough that gomething should Lo sot down to tho credit of thoso who are actuated by it. Toowe no man anything, aud to make provision for their fami- lios against accideutal misfortuns, ara rospaocta- ble purposes, and the very parsimony of the Fronch burgeois is itsslf a guaranteethat he saves for thoso bolougiug to him moro than for Limyelf, Onoman of Mr, Hamerton's soquaint- snce, who biad the roputation of Loing extromo- ly avariclous, and had neyver epent moro than £860 8 year on Limself and bis wifo, had bought hils Iather » snug littly proporty, hind madu baud- some yearly allowancos to Lils own and his wife's poor rolations, had givon bis son-in-law £400 & yoar whon ho was laid aside from work, and hod ofton assisted frionds, BHIL tho bonrgoois potlon of thrift {8 compatiblo with [m- monse and accumulated ~ practical skill in the art of living, aod Mr. Hamorton doscribea thoir lifo as * tho most com- ploto lifo in tho world that can bo had for a mod- orate oxpouditure,” Unfortunately, tho guod sido of this economy does not seom to bo eep- arablo from tho bad side, excopt in indlvidnal casos here and thore, T'ho reaction agawst the monuucssos of tho bourgeoisie, which iy often obsorvablo fu thoso who bave rsen tom highor social lovel, usually runs ioto the opposito ox- tromo of oxtravagance., Amoug tho upper clasaes, oven ia remots Elfll of tho aauntry, the luxury of the Hecond Lmptre Los loft its mark in the displacomont of the old, simple hospitait ty, when the host brought out a bottle of old wino and tho biostess provided su additional dish and put on a betcer gawn, by eluborate dinnors brought down from Paris and eaton by ladies who have tried to mako thomselves “ look liko gravures de modes.” As tho incomos of tho country geutry have nob risen In accordance with thoir oxponditure, thoy aro naturally ‘loes ablo to invite thoir frienda oxcept st rare futor- vals. e Cremntion in Milan, Pall Man Gazelte, The Milan newspapers publish dotailed mo- counta of the cremation of tho body of Bignor Keltor, ‘The ceromony appoara tohave attracted much attention, sud a grest aumber of persons woro fuvited to be proseut, Amoug thoss who attonded wers ropresontatives of tho muuci- patity of Milan, of tho provinclal and communal saitary counoils, of tho loarnod ayd sciontitla A'rofessions, together with many distinguishod membors of Ailaucse wsocioty, and Lrofs, Lolil and Clotlostti, tho luventors of the system of cromatlon employed. Fho * crematory chapel, which ing been bullt in the pubtic comotery out of funds loft by Bignor Koller for the purpose, 1a about 60 foot in depth, with a frontage of abou 40 foet, fu tho Dorio style of srchitecture, ang being ralsed about 3 foct abavo the lavel of the comotery, in approached by stapa. In shapo it conaists of twodietinct but cone nooted parts, The first and wain part, whiok {s & porfuct square, {8 supported at each avglo b pierced pllastors botween which, at tho back au front of the building, stand two columus. The socond portion is divided into two semi-circular parts, oach of which is supported by six coluimns, 1n the contro s placed tho urn for cromation. Ilobind tho chapel rises s boundary wall i such & way as to concoal an apparatus for manuface turing gaa; and 1o conncotion with this 1s & tower abont 80 feet high, which kides b chimnoy 80 arrauged aa to carry off the smoke f tho gas apparatus, sud, by moaus f lllgfll oonnectod with the urn, the gases givun off by the body in the process of crematica, Over the principal front of tho chapel is the jnecription ; ** Templa for cromation, oracted at the wish of Alborio Koller, aud given by his boird to the commune of Milan" STaveiva To thischapel, on the of Janusry—the first ..umvm'fiy of his doath—was broughs tho body of Biguor Alberta Keller, {u complisnce with his wlfi. for cremation, The coflin, having been opeued at ono ond, was placed near tho urn, sbove which ailame wasplaying, and then Hy somae unsoen contrivauce,tiie hody was oune lfaymrhhm? tha urn, and submitiod to the ace on o ngnoJr Pers, the Protestont minister, clothed ina black oloak and bleck cap, pronounced s discourse in French, commendlng tho example sot by Signor Kellor, and coutendivg tuat nolther in religion nor gouod Inulll!? was there anything opposed td ihe practice of cremation, 1o waa followed Ly threv otler sposkers—Erof. Clerl- coltl, who oxfionndnd hiv system; and Prof, Polettl, of the Univeraity of Fadua; sud Doctor Plol, who wpoke of cremation ss & stop in ad- vance in the path of humaulty, and as B prac- tico sauctioncd by civilized peoples, luterns. tlonal congrenses, aud political aud scientitie writors, Moauwhile, by looking through sn sperture In tho uru tho porsony prosont cculd wos the body 1 procees of cremation, Itrested upon akindof geidiron surrounded by flamoa given off from 217 jeta of guL Neneatls was placed a recepitacle to catch {lo ashos sa they fell, 'T'o & pervon mercly looking on nothing waa yisle ble of the process tnt the bright flams which burned stoadily ovor the urn sud a densscolumn of smoke which escaped fromtho towor. Tha ceremony lasted about An hoirand a half, at the end of which tino tho nenwas opened and the Lody was found complotely ealcined. Durivg cra- mation no offensive smell was porcolved, It s, however, lhopad that the systam will bo shortly improved, soasto produce & taore complets Inciuoration. FADBLES, | sy New York World, \ TUE PUTAIGIAN AND THE UTRYA, - A Physician who, with s wallot upon his back, bad gono out ons dark and cheerless night to contom plate this besuties of Nature in tha vicln. ity of & Charch-yard, thought ihat he heard a aaund from s iewly-mado Grave. Cautionsly hastoning thither, what wao hin {ndignation to scon Llyona fearing ravonously at the sods! Hoizing & Hpade,* which providentislly waa in his ‘unllun, with ono blow he lald the animal dead. Moral.—Two of a Irads can nover agres, * A Thireo Bpot, TILE RTATESMAN AND THE ACORN, A Blatosman ontos wont ont into & Southern Toreat, aud, lying down honoath an umbrageons Oak, placed his Carpot Bng under his head and foll asloop. It chancod that su Acorn foll from » bough of tho Osl and strack the slumberoy in the oyo. Iustead of discovering tho Theory of Gravitation, ho at onco flod to the noarest town, telegraphed to Washington for Troops, aud was olactad to tho Bonate. o Moral—Great Folks from Liitls Acorns Grow, . TUE YAIN NUINOCENOS. A Thinocoros who was drinking at a Nmpld Btream obaorved thoroin tha rofloctod imaga of his llorn and Legs, * Alas!" quoth he, * that s auimal withs euoli mansivo Logs should Lo dis- figured by mo Sosignificant » 1lornl” At thia moment his moditations woro intorry, Mtg{ the baying of a pack of Hounds, Awsy Eu fled, but s Legs rofused I.oonnvel him with snciont spood, and tumlnfi round as the haying pack gained on him bo disseminated crude Bausage- Mesat nnd Driving Qloves over that moction of tho Continont. **Lsoo,” he criod, as ho axaltod tho last Hound Into the spaclous Firmament on bigh, "that the Logs I admired would have proved my rnin had not my deplsed Horan losurs od my safety,” Moral.—Bome Peoplo don't know what'a Good for Thom, i THE MISSIONARY AND TNE TIGER, As & ploua Mlulunnfi was traveling through tho Junglo, ho chanced to ohsorve a Leopard Iying under a Plsutalo Treo. Deing undosirous of intruding upon tho animal's privacy, o made n wido dotour, and was 80 unforiunate sa to on- countor beuneath a lofty Bamboo & Tiger, ¢ Wast do'youn here?” demanded tho flerco Aaimal, in an sugry voico. ‘It Is rathor I who should ask that quostion,” replied tho Misstonary; *for I lott you but a monient sitoo beneath that Plan. tnin, and now hero you aro again, whoreas the Beriptura expressly teachos you that the Loopard canuot chango his spote,"" ¢ It does," raplied the quur L!" ut I am a eroature of quite anothos Stripe.” Ho aaying he sprang upon tho Mission« ary aod dovoured him. i ,\lloru(—’.l'uem are Excoptions to every Gonoral ule, 42 —_— THE BLOOMINGTON TRAVELINGJSALESMEN. &Spectat Dispalch to The Cheaso Tridune, Broomixaton, Iil, Fob. 20.~The Blooming ton commorolal travolera aro a set of nen whe evidently do not bollove In holng Imposed npox by botela—at loast this s & concluslon’ whick Is vaturally deduced upon roading a sories of res olutions passed by the commercial pilgrima of this city at o meeting held by them last ovening, The mocting waa for tho purposs of hoaring tho roport of the Tieasurer appolnted by thow to handle tne funds provided for thoir ball and banquet at . the Ashloy Honse last Monday oveniog. ‘Tho banquet gava genorel dissatisfaction, bolng scanty and poorly sorved. ‘Fho resolutions wero to tho effoct that tho uavelors, havo been imposed on by Bill & Craumeor, of the Asnley Iouse, by their non. fulfillment of contract, ~ advised tho friends of Bloomington iravelers to shun the houss whila managed by thom; stated that blame cannot be attached to the commerainl men, who provided funds ltherally to make the affair n succoss, and provided tor fuo publication of the rosolutione i the papers of Bloomlvgton, Chicago, and other citics. Y TELEGRAPHIC BREVITIES, Traine on the Covinglon, Columbus & Blaok IIiile Railroad will be rouning 30 milos wast of Bioux City by May 1. A etage lino will com- monco ruuning from Blonx City to the Black ille noxt woek, aud carry passougers, mail, and oxpress, Tho Indlans of the Upper M. souri objecs to miners croesing thetr reservation, but as yot havo not shown suy declded Lostility. bttt bt i ban Itcported Discovery of n Dinmond Doe pusit tn Californio. san Franctaco Bulletin, A roport hing just boon roceived of the meck doutal discovery of a deposit of brilllants In the coast rango of Ban Mateo County. ‘Fhe nar{ ia told by Goorga ¥. Moudou, the dlscoverar, Mr. Moudou says that on Bundsy last he visited the family of ‘James W. Boll, "ownor of tho DBell ranch on Ban Uruiorio Crack, San Mateo Oonnty, Whilo there, tho subject of tho existence of quicksilver on the Bell ranch was broached, and Mondon suggostod to James A, Boll, a #on of the Jamca W. Hell abova mentioned, that they prospect the adjacont hills for cinna- bLar, Moudon's proposition was accopted, and the two At once ntarted ous with plcks, shovol, and pan. They sscendod San Urogorio Crook, which is & narrow ravine, boundod on eack slde Ly stoop and rocky slopes. ‘Their attontion was flually attracted by a largs bowlder realing in a crovico in the rock on a bed of bright uaud. After a hittlo labor the bowlder was removed, and bohiud it lay & masa of brill- int crystals embedded in the sand, Neither of tho two men kuow the nature of the brillisnte thoy had o uuexpoctedly unearthed, but both ware impressod with tho idea that they wors of soma valuo. Hastily scranlog together tho cone tonta of tho cravico, thoy packed it carefully ine to bags and thon concoalod them, have l’las. however, proviously picked out from k. to -800 spocimens “of the Bspark- ling orystals. Thoy then relurnsd to the ranch Louso, and showod one of the speci- mona fo tho older Boll, Ho at onoo gave it sa his opinion that the stone was a rough dismond, and was vory auxions to learn the wherasbouta of the discovery. Neithor his won nor Mondou would, however, give any information whatever uatil be gave them a LIl of sale for » third ine tarest eact in a diamoud claim on San Gregario| Urosk, roserving to bimsoll the other third. ‘The bill of sale ropresonts that **the claim Is partio- ularly descrnibed about 4 foot square under a big bowlder rook.” ‘L'ho discoverer, George K, Mone dog, furthor alloges that ho shomed sume of the apaclmens to porsons in the Lown of San Mateo, Wwho profess to bo precious-stons experts, sod they pronouncad thom to be pure diamonds. s is now iu tiils city, and says that bo took oos of the stones, assorted to bave boen found under the bowlder, to s jowelor, whose name bo pad not taken the paing to sucartan, and Lis ok only doclarcd 1t to bo & rough dlamond, but offerod him §35 for it. The sione i abont ana-third tho 8ize of an ordivary gardon pex. 'L'e large ost specimony sro doublo the sizo of a casior beau, Mondon snys that .he aud his pariner proa- pected tho neighiborhiood earefully for other de- posits, but failed to find any, e zepresenty that great oxcitomont provails among the neigh+ boring ranchmeon, who have lefs plow, harrow, and seodiug-machiuncs, aud taken to the hills to prospoct for dlamoudé, ‘This afterncon he re- turny to Ilodwood City to record his clalm, in the richuess of whick he hus, apparently, the Rroatest falth, ——— A Crazy Iorse, A Mnsaschuaetts paper sayy that on Saturdsy, a8 Mr, J, B, Noodham, of Puabody, that Stats, was ridiog in tho noighboring town of Danvers, he was attacked by an infuristod horse, which, for a milo, with mouth wide open, lips turned back, eyos Jiko balls of five, continually at- umfiud to bite him from bohind tha open” bug- , i all the timo striking the horse in the face, whlch ouly sesmod to augment hls fury. The noiss of the whip urgod ou Mr, Needham's horse to a foarful spoed down tho bills of the Ne: buryport turnplke. At the foot of one of t! long llls Mr, Nesduam sheored off, twice bhe ‘whealed complotely szound to svoid {ue boaat, eud twico it camo slongside of his horse snd commenced biting. After croesiog the Andover turnpike, the Lorse made three attempte 8t Alr. N m's Lorse's windpipe, and soized tho bresst-plate sud crowdod the horss and buggy down sn embankmoant, whers the horss stopped, held by tho iuturiated aoimal, untll the harness waa bitien and torn off, leaviog She car- riage free. . Needham romsined in $he bug- i:v until bis horse was cloar, then lot him go.! {ls horss went home, followed by the orazy anl- wal, aud by the efforts of soveral meighbors sfter & long tussle ho was rascusd somewhsh bitten. Tho otlier auimal, which bLehuved 80 liko & wauimo horso, it in eald is always orazed when he sués & whito hores, aud unce bit & picce Qut of liis owner's baud, A short fime since it attacked & horao fu Middloton, and wss elubbed Ly n posse of men until soveral of its 1ekh WaF8 knoskad out Lefore {6 Wwa¥ couqueseds \