The New York Herald Newspaper, May 13, 1847, Page 2

New York, Tharstay, May 13, WT. Bhemsmtincuraitis MR, BENNETP’S LETTERS FROM EUROPE. Paris, April 18, 1847. ‘The Condition of the Old World—The Food and Financial Crisis. For some months past a panic in the money markets of Western Europe has been generating gradually. More recently this panic has been increasing with considerable rapidity, particu- larly in London and Paris. Since last year all the government stocks in France and England have decreased very much, nearly 10 per cent in *ix months, and great fears are entertained among the bankers and capitalists, that the worst has not yet been seen or felt. The specie is also disappearing rapidly from their banks. The causes of this state of things are compli eated and numerous—some being permanent and tural in the existing condition of Europe, and others accidental, springing from the state of the crops and the failure of certain articles of food. ‘The natural and permanent causes of the panic in the money markets of Western*Europe, may be found in the increase of the population, the character of the governments,and the condition of society. Almost every government in Europe is in debt to a very large extent—Englind at the head of the whole. To pay the interest of these debts, immense taxes are laid upon the working population, while the stockholders are nearly all idle and unproductive. These debts are the legacies of former wars, set on foot by kings, princes, and nobles, to gratify their ambition and power. The mass of the people never have received much benefit from wars or revolutions. But this is not all. ‘These public debts are still increasing. The debt of England has increased of late considerably—and the debt of Franee. since the revolution of 1880, has also increased enormously. This only adds to the public burdens on that score. But again, every governinent in Europe has a vast array of government officers, besides large standing armies, all of whom are consumers of produce; but not one is a producer. Probably the number of these two classes may be put down at two millions of uble bodied men, from princes down to common soldiers, who live out of the earnings of the working classes. Perhaps in all there are twenty millions of people, of all kinds, ages, and sexes, who, by means of the financial and government systems of Europe, live ina state of idleness, luxury, and pleasure, en- tirely paid for out of the earnings of the working classes. Such a system of society, under the natural increase of population, and the exhaustion of the soil, must, in the order of things, produce fear- ful results on the means of subsistence, sooneror later. The power of eating is increasing by a positive ratio over the power of growing food. The soil is limited, but the reproduction of the race, and the ingenuity of idleness, are without limit. The state of society and government even diminishes the number of laborers and the quantity of labor, while it increases by its action the number of idle, luxurious mouths that must be ted and pampered on delicacies. If, in the midst of this condition of society, there is added uny considerable fuilure of the crops, the ele- ments of such a form of society converge at par- ticular §points in scarcity, famine, starvation, disease and death, among the lowest orders; while among the higher clusses, panic, money pressure, disorder of the finances, and threaten- ing revolution, stare them in the face. ‘This point has been almost reached in France and England, and somewhat partially in other European countries. The potato crops failed in Ireland and Scotland, and alsv to a certain ex- tent in France. - The first result of this new element of disorder to modern society in West- ern Europe, was the breaking down of politica! factions in England—afsort of natural revolution in her local government—and in France, the breaking out of emeutes in many af her provinces, the increase of her standing army, and the im- mense gratuitous distribution of food to the tumultuous population of Paris, during the whole of last winter, and yet continued, reviving in our day, the history of Rome under the empe- rors, when the people had to be fed by the reigning emperor; or a revolution would taxe place on the next day. Such is the exact picture of things in Western Europe. It has reached a most momentous point in social and politiéal history. The elements of civilization and barbarism have grown together in the framework of society, like the weed and flower in the half cultivated desert — In London or Paris, almost in the same neigh- borhood, the savage and the civilized breathe the same air. There is no necessity to go backwards into past history a few thousands of years—or to # travel thousands of leagues into the interior of Africa or Asia, to discover specimens of the sa- vage, ignorant, miserable, poor and shocking— such can be found in the narrow streets and dark Janes of London and Paris, and in almost every town in Europe. And in point of ignorance and brutality, the modern savage is probably better entitled to the premium than his ancient brother. The construction of society and government in Europe breeds these strange contrasts—these anomalies. Many see this state of things—many close their eyes to the fact and the issue—and a few try in vain to discover a remedy and a cure. Legislative bodies, such asthe British Parliament and the French Chambers, try to find a remedy; but their selfishness, their ease, and their own monopoly of power and luxury, prevent them from administering any thing but quackery ard expedients of the day. Such is the position of Western Europe. A general panic in the money market, growing and spreading every day, is only the natural results of the conflicting elements of society, rendered more intense by the destruction of a large por- tion of the crops of last year. The extraordinary movements in the construction of railroads all over Enrope, during the last few years, yet con- tinued to a great extent, have had some little in- fluence of a mixed kind on the working of these elements. During the period of construction, the railroad system will add to the intensity of population, without much affecting the means of production. But when all these railroads shall have been finished, a fearful aggravation will be added to the disordered and unequal state of so- ciety. In the meantime, the panic and alarm spread over the different Exchanges of Europe.— In England it is beginning to be mooted whether a paper system of money should not be revived to atem the tide of precious metals setting to the United States. In France the agitation on the Rourse breaks out at intervals, in spite of the loan of the Emperor of Russia. And every- where, calculations are making as to the pros- pects of the next crops, on which so much de- pends, ne regards the money imarket, the ex- changes, the governments, and the state of soci- ety. In England there seems to be a general opinion that during the present year, another de- ficiency will take place in the same description of crops which marked the history of last year. ‘The #ame topic has been much discussed in France—by the government and the journals.— Last year, at the close of the harvest, several merehants of Bordeaux, Marseilles, and Havre, came to Paris and informéd the Minister of Com- merce, that aecording to their information, there was 4 deficiency, and that they intended to send wient—he was confident their inform: merchants gave up their own opinion, and coun- termanded their orders. What was the real fact t ‘The Minister was lead astray by his official in- formers, who wanted “to make a good face to things. ‘The merchants were right. This year, the French government «re acting with more cir- | cumspection—some say, alarm and panic. Be that as itimay, { have received the following statemefit from official sourves, which presents | the view which the government at thistime have crops, &e.i— rage of Fr 50,000,000 Ave arinual potatoe crop ance... . 12 x Estimated crop for pk ROEM ceed Estimated deficiency of subsistence, ‘ilowing for other spring ero 2. .0. 50/000,000 ‘To supply this, there must be Imported, quarters of grain. .....- ae. 3,000,000 ‘This would require a tonnage LEED“ a00,000 ‘The estimate of the French commercial navy (200 ton vessels and upwards) is........ 182,471 This would give 670 vessels, of an average of 270 tons. If this were employed exclusively for all the available part of the year in the import of corn, it could not bring 3,500,000 quarters. If these estimates and statements are any thing like correct, (and they come from official sources) it will be seen that France alone, to leave Eng- land and Ireland out of view, will require a large supply of food from the United States, and partly, also, in United States shipping. A part of the de- ficiency will be received from the Black Sea, the Baltic, and the Mediterranean, but the largest portion, probably, will come from the United States. The tumultuous and revelutionary popu- lation of Paris is now fed by the govern- ment, in some degree gratuitously, as I have already said, as ancient Rome was by the Emperors. Louis Philippe and his cabinet got alurmed last winter at the symptoms which began to manifest themselves, and they hastened to adopt the system by which the Roman Empe- rors prevented the populace of the Eternal City, in the day of its imperial greatness, from creat- ing a revolution and a chunge of dynasty. Paris isthe Rome of the modern world, for Rome itself is only the sepulchre, or tomb, of a great empire. The government here has distributed ; to the populace what are called bons, or little or- ders,which entitle the bearer to a certain amount of bread, at a certain rate under the market price. The following is a copy :— | Ville de Paris. | eee | BON pour obtenir un’ Pain blanc de deux | kilogrammes au prix’ de quartre-vingts centimes. 6 Ce bon ne sera | valable que due 16 au28 février 1847. Le boutan, tra le 4 Le porteur peut go presenter ches VILLE + tous lesboulangers| vx de Paris, ot rendre ce bon applicable. & fon cholx, au pain ——————~ aux prepos administration le | ler mars, a peine , | de decheance, de Ire ou de 2¢ qua- Us, of the present state and future prospects of the e nm was | Barope for cotton, corn, and provisions ;-and { ‘ertoneous® On this high official assurance, these | there is here plenty of gold and silver to pay for | | it during years to come. in Europe, the people | alone sympathise with the American people; the governments and aristocracy believe, and trem- | model republie—a republic which no one doubts | now will be the greatest that the sun ever shone upon. nee oe e ‘ ‘The Anniversaries. We have taken minch pains te give to our read- the several religious, humane and anti-slavery | societies which are now celebrating their anni- versaries in this city. | The proceedings thus far, with the e: | ption of those of the anti-slavery society, which are | characterised by the same amount of bigotry, fanaticism, treason and revolution, are unusually interesting, and will receive the attention they deserve. According to these reports, the pros- peets of all the religious societies are unusually bright and promising. The wandering sheep have been reclaimed, and are now feeding on the Lord’s pasture—in the end to be ived into his fold. ‘ The friends of missions have not been idle. The city and State have been amply supplied with the Old and New Testaments, and an unlimited amount of tracts and other religious republica- tions. The heathen in foreign lands have not been overlooked, but have received the especial attention of our religious people. The abolition- ists, as usual, declaim against the constitution, and exert their puny and imbecile force to its abolishment. If they are to be believed, Amer- ica is an unfortunate country, and Americans the most degenerate race on the face of the earth—a declaration which they would find diffi- cult to prove. It is amusing to hear these long-winded fana- ties speak of the constitution in the manner they do. If it didnot guaranty the liberty of speech, every one of them would be hanged to the first lamp post. In any other country their mouths would be shut in avery summary manner, and themselves lodged in the cells of a prison. Later rrom New Grenava.—By way of Ca- racas we are in receipt of Bogota dates to the 10th March. On the 3d of that month Congress had confirmed the election of Don Rufino Cuer- vo as Vice President of the Republic for the constitutional term commencing the Ist April. Navat [NreuiicEnc .S. frigate Columbia, Commodore Rossean, and brig Bainbridge, Com- mander Pennington, were.at Montevideo, March 12th. All well. Sporting Intelligence. Tux Prize Fiour.—Owing to the length of our numerous reports of the anniversary meetings, and the immense press of other interesting matter, we are una. voldably compelled to postpone until to-morrow the publication of the details ofthe milling match between Sullivan and Caunt. So far as these bons are under the market price, | so far they are gratuities to the populace. Near- ly seven millions of francs, or $1,500,000, have | already been spent on this system, which is con- | fined entirely to the populace of Paris. | In the | provinces, when any disturbance takes place | growing out of the scarcity or high price of pro- | visions, the rioters are put down by the military —uand there the soldiery have been increased.— But in Paris, the populace is of a more savage and resolute character, particularly when hun- | gry; and although there are 30,000 troops in Paris, besides 40,000 National Guard, yet the government have adopted the old Roman method | of feeding, instead of fightingthem. In Ireland, the famine stops revolution, and nearly puts an end to repeal. In Paris, things take a different | shape, for here the populace consider themselves the legitimate successors of the Roman people during the imperial regime—a populace that chan- ged the imperial dynasty whenever they chose, | but particularly when they were threatened with | famine and scarcity of food. According to the best calculations and pros- | pects of the crops and finances of Europe, there | will exist in this part of the world a permanent | demand on the ability of North America for food, | varying according to the seasons, but gradually | increasing as the population increases. During | the coming season, the chances are that the de- mand will be greater than that of last season, | now closing. This demand for food, in addition to the usual supply of cotton, tobacco and other | articles, will necessarily turn the tide of the pre- | cious metals towards the United States, greater than in any former age. For the lust three cen- | turies the precious metals flowed from America | toEurope—the great reflux has now begun, to | pay for food, and it will be out of the power of | man to stop it. In London, the alarm has begun, | and the bank has thrown out, it is said, the bills | of the Rothschilds and Barings, to avast amount, | for fear of losing their specie. The Bank of England has about ten millions of specie in her vaults, or $50,000,000. How much specie there | is in circulation in the country at large, I do not | know ; but under the apprehension that the spe- cie will go gradually, an agitation has begun in | favor of returning to the paper money syatem.— | In France, the same ideas are beginning to ap- pear. The government here is about conferring | on the Battk of France additional powers to issue | paper money, of $40 each bill, asmaller deno | nation than has existed since the era of the re- | public. France haa much more specie in citcula- tion than England, but not in her banks. The following statement has been made by Mr. | Fould, one of the great bankers of Paris, and also a member of the Chamber of Deputies:— Gown ap Sitver iw France, Silver coined from 1795 to 1802 bei ys 1803 to 1847. Gold coined “ Aggregate coined from 1795 to 1847. ..£.5,076,000,000 | Or Dollars. . .. . . 1,013,000,000 | Gold exported toYorelga eountrive, Silver “ is Love on wear and tear. -£.1,778,000,000 | 170,000,000 | In oirc’n among the people ($321,000,000) . £.1,605,000,000 What quantity of gold and silver may be in other countries in Europe, I have no means at hand to ascertain, A vast quantity of the French coinage circulates in Germany and Italy—yet in all those countries the system of paper money has been introduced a few years ago, and it is increasing rapidly. In Austria, paper money is found as low asa florin, and in Prussia as low asathaler—and large quantities of both are in circulation. Aggregate of specie in all Franoe. Of this there is in all the banks... | seen exhibited. Theatricals. Panx Tueatax.—The attractions here continue to draw immense crowds nightly, and we take pleasure to announce that the celebrated and popular tragedian, Mr. Anderson, will appear here this evening in the cha- racter of Gisippus. The tragedy of “Gisippus,”” by Griffin, the author of the “Collegians,” has been pro- nounced a work of high talents by some of the mnost | eminent critics at either side the Atlantic—and the prinefpal character, represented by so distinguished and opular a tragedian as Mr. Anderson, cannot fail to raw a jam house, Mr. A. having arrived from a highly successful tour at the South, will be greeted by bis nu- merous admirers and friends, with an enthusiasm which | has frequently made the walls of “Old Drury’ resound. The cast for Mra. Hunt pla: highly attractive. Bowray Tuxatne.—The liberality at all times evinced by the onterprising manager, Mr. Jackson, in catering for the numerous patrons of * Old Bowery,” has fre- quently called forth the complimentary remarks of the press and the public. Since the opening of the winter season, the feequenters of this truly popular theatre have been nightly presented, with a succession of novel- ties, and the hizhest theatrical attractions, at moderate Prices, and in a style ‘of magnificence which has seldom en equalled here. We would remind the admirors of true dramatic talent, that on this evening will be per- formed the celebrated comedy of the ‘“Inconstant,”” in which the character of young Mirabel will be performed by the celebrated native tragedian, Mr. Murdoch, whose brilliant ability has already gained for him an eminent position upon the boards of our theatres, in all parts of the Union. The attractive bill put forth this evening will draw a ‘jam’ house; and in addition to the ““Incon- stant,” will be performed “My Aunt,” in which Mr. Murdoch will perform the character of Dick Dashall The “Mysteries of Paris” will conclude the entertain. ments of the evening. ‘This is an attractive bill indeed Mx. Avexaxnes.—We would remind the admirers of the above extraordinary necromancer, that he again performs to-morrow evening at the Minerva Rooms, in which he will appear in his celebrated mysterious and oriental soirées. His bill for this evening will be found. ‘as usual, attractive. The foate of this distingnished necromancer have excited the astonishment of some of | the most eminent stateamen and citizens in this Union. | Signor its 1s at the St. Charles Theatre, New Or- | leans. plece will alto be found highly talented: phronia, The bill, it will be seen. is Musical. i Swiss Brit. Rivoens.—These inimitable performers | have nightly drawn jam houses since their late return | from the South. In consequence of the repeated | solicitations of their numerous friends and admirers, | they will remain here another week, having postponed | thelr engagement at Boston. They perform nightly at the Society Lib ‘Those who have not heard these | extraordinary performers should avail themselves of the | other errorists; nearly one present opportunity, which their stay here affords. Cnmistq’s Mixsrarcs.—It is superfluous to speak in commendation of these irresistible performers, with the | idea of recommending persons to visit them, as the comeerts are nightly thronged to overflowing. ‘Their popularity 1s established beyond the doubt of success where they may. In fact, we sec no necessity of t leaving this city, unless it is for the purpose of disse inating thelr mirth and harmonious entertainmes ‘We understand this is their last week, prior to t leaving for the West, Sackep Mvsic Socirty.-We would remind the friends and patrons of this excellent institrition that the | pene | will meet to-morrow evening at the Tabernacle. as will be perceived by the advertisement. ‘The Italian troupe in Boston have produced Verdirs “| Duo Fosearl,” with « new prime donne, Signorine Rai- neri, "The Fine Arts. Luis's Great Provenys—Histoxy oy THe Mextcax Camraton, Uron Caxvass.—Mr. Luis,’ young American artist of the first order, has just completed one of the most interesting subjects we ever remember to have It comprises, in a series of panoramic views, the whole detail of the Mexican campaign, from | the departure of General Taylor's forces from Corpus Christi, up to the battle of Buena Vista. The sketches were furnished by an officer who was present in most cf the battles, who. besides giving the most graphic illus- trations of the different fights, has furnis ed trul curate drawings of the country through which th The picture rm, forming this beautifal panorams at labor, and occupied his close attention since January last. Besides the interest taken in these national subjects, the work. as a master-piece of art, will command the admiration of all. They not only in idea of the battle und, and the brilliant ments of our troops throughout the campaign. but even gives a detailed iMustration of the variour marches, bivoucks, skirmishes, and in fact all the prin- cipal incidents that hsve occurred in the arn y for the last twelvemonths. The panorama occupics nearly « mile of canvass in length. it isto be exhibited in Bor. ton next week. City Intelligence. Fatat Roan Accipent.—As the first upward train of Harlem railroad cars was on its way through the tunnel on Tuesday morning, the brakeman discovered the body A great change for the worse is, therefore, im- | f= inknown man lying on the downward track, where pending over the finance and currency of Eu- | duri rope, heightened and accelerated by the state of society, the forms of government, the increase of population, the character of the crops, and other canses of less intensity. Pressure, panic, paper money, disturbance and revolution, in due time, will end the drama, and lead to the com- mencement of a new age in Western Europe.— In the meantime, let the people of the United States profit by the experience of other nations; for they alone, of any people on earth, have the prospect of centuries, and tens of centuries, before them of comfort, peace, wealth and true glory, if they only manage their affairs ‘with discretion and good sense. Let them finish the out orders to the Black Sea and the United States, | in order to supply the deficiency. ‘The Minister told them thathe had received returns from every | department, and that the crops were not dofi- \ Mexican war as soon as possible--let every young inan who can, go a ploughing, a sowing, | and a reaping—let the carpenters go a ship | building; for there will be gréat demand from | o 4 , * Adently been passed over by # froight train the night. The body of the man was conveyed | to the dead house at the foot of 26th street, where the | Coroner yesterday held an inquest upon it. Nothing | was ascertained, however, on the occasion, as to who he was, or why he was in the tunnel at the hour (about | two o'clock) when the occurrence must have taken place. Verdict,“ Death by injuries received on Monday night, ina manner unknown tothe jury, by a train of the Harlem railroad cars,while passing through the tunnel.” Boann or Enucation.— A meeting of this board was to have convened last orening. but a quorum not being in attendance, the board could not organise. Boston Parens were received early last evening, by way of Springfield and New Haven route. Political. The democratic convention in Alabama brought its labors toa close ou Tuesday the 4th inst., by unani- nominating Hon. Reuben Chapman as a candi- date for governor. ‘The municipal election took place in the city of Lafay ette on ‘Monde: he 3d inst., and resulted in the elec- tion of J. Bouligny as Mayor, and J. J. Michaei attorney; Mr. Warnock arbor master, and ( captain of the watch , elty Clare e ble at the rapid growth and magnitude of the | ers daguerreotype reports of the proceedings of | ANNIVERSARY WEEK IN NEW YORK. | Queer Scene at the Apollo_Common Sense | and Patriotism of the New Yorkers. | Wewere present at the evenfng session of the anti- | slavery people on Tuesday, held at the Ayollo, to hear the noted Douglass, the colored abolition orator. The | large room was filled with men and women, of all colors | and of allages, and presented an audience which con- | centrated the purest kind of fanatics which could have | been guthered together under any circumstances, ‘The | colored gentleman (Douglass) while speaking, denounced | in superlative terms the existing war, as one urged to extond-the area of slavery, and evinced in histone and sentiment 4 predilection so entirely British, that Mr. Strahan, editor of tho Suffolk County Democrat, inter- rupted him, ‘This led to an assault upon Mr, Strahan by one of the audience, and consequently a scene of universal confusion, In the melée were Beverly ‘Tucker, John E, Addison, of Virginia, and company of New York gentlemen, prominent among whom we recognised Mr, Slamm, late editor of the Giobe, so proverbiul for his opposition to abolition anddisunion, The mutter looked serious for some time, and we were ferrful lest it would lead to # riot-in its re- sult, until we perceived Strahan and his friends, xecom- panied by some of the ubolition committee, mount the speaker's rostrum. ‘There was Slamm alongside of Gar- rison, Strahan alongside of Douglass, and Tucker and ‘Addison, Virginians and slaveholders. alongside of some of the darkest specimens of humanity which the occa- sion brought together. It seemed, from what followed, that the offensive, unpatriotic, indced, treasonable lan- guage of Douglas, which caused the uproar, was com- promited on condition that Mr. Strahan should have the privilege of reply, which he did in a manner-so mani; 4nd patriotic as to draw down upon him and the senti- ments he uttered the most unbounded applause. He sustained the war, and the people shouted. He de- nounced abolitionism as an ally of Britain, and the people said * Yea!” He pronounced the whole abolition Movement as unjustifiable and treasonable. When he concluded, which he did amid am applause which tells the soundness of public opinion in this city, he was re- plied to by Garrison, gthe great leader of the Philis- tines, While the latter gentleman was speaking, he was interrupted by Mr. Slamm in the blandest and most polite manner : Mr. $1.amnm—Will the speaker permit me to interrupt him for single moment ? Mr. Gaxnison,—Certainly, vir ! Mr. Siamm—My friend Strahan was grossly assaulted by one of your friends, for pronouncing the assertion of Douglass," that the war with Mexico was a war for the perpetuation der on bis country ; and inthe mel kind enough to beg the return of his hat, for it covers a noble and a big head, (Roars of laughter. Strahan’s head is larger than any of Leary’s blocks.) Mr, Gaunisox—I protest that no friend of mine took Mr. Strahan’s hat, Where's the hat? ‘The hat was recovered, and the anti-abolition party gracefully left the Hall, headed by Mr. Tucker, the gen- tleman with the white hat. This episode to the pro- ceedings of the abolition meeting is indicative that treason no resting place in the hearts of the citizens of New York American Tract Soclety. The twenty-second anniversary of this society was held at the Tabernacle yesterday. Services were com- menced with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Cone. In the ab- sence of the President, Hon, Theodore Frelinghuysen, | Mr. John Tappan, Vice-President, presided. On motion of Wm. A Hallock, Rev. C, G. Somers was chosen Sec- retary. y fe Aten, Esq., Treasurer of the Society, read his annual report. from which we learn that the receipts for eleven mouths to April lst, 1847, were— For publications. 4 ++ $92,380 “ donations... .. 2... 67,770 Mokal rie eich ota iortant a: Sane Grants in money have been made, for Toulouse, (France)... a 300 Baptist mission in Fra: 4 200 Belgium ..... ; 100 Basle, DeMarriot. 3 100 Hungary cuensisseiaisasesss 100 Hamburg Ameriean Baptist mission. 600 Lower Saxony Tract Society. ..... 200 Danmark {tosis asiscsciew s'eststee's 200 Sweden... nae tee 100 St. Petersburg, Russia. . 700 Poland, for temperance pub. . . ; 200 Greece, Rey. Dr. King... 300 American mission in Turkey, 1.500 Ceylon. Bi 600 Madras, 500 Northern India missions. .... 4... 1.600 Siam, Board of Commissioners 400 China Baptist mission... ... 200 General Assembly mission. 500 Board of Commissioners, 800 sandwich Islands... . : 1,000 Hotels as ewile a teaeaiinta dss SOON And exceed those of any previous year by. ;. $8214 Due for paper previons to September 18. 20,742 ‘The Society's house has been rebuilt, for greater security, economy, and efficiency, by a loan secured on the premises, without drawing anything from the chari- table contributions, and the advantages anticipated are fully realized. Me. Wiitam A. Hattock, Secretary of the society, read his annual report of the Publishing and Foreign Department. The results have exceeded those of former years, and promise encouragingly. New publications, 48. in’ five languages, including the new translation of @ Aubigné's History, revised by the author, and ten other volumes, making the whole number 1,262, of which 212 are volumes. In foreign lands 98 new publications have™ been sanctioned, making a total of {2,169, including 172 volumes. ‘The circulation has been | cageord by nearly thirty millions of pages, than during the previous year ; amounting to 515,975 volumes, 5,841,580 publications, or 153,575,624 pages. ‘Total in 22 years—volumes, 3,375,624; publications, $9,693,713; pages, 1,823,272.025. The gra- tuitous distribution by foreign missionaries and chap- Jains to the army and navy, seamen and boatmen, Sab- bath schools, literary and humane institutions, home missionaries, colporieurs, &e., in 1,234 distinet grants, | amounts to 31.098.748 pages ; issued to life members and directors, 4,428,460 pages ; total, 35,925,208 pages. In value nearly $24,000. The .2merican Messenger has had an average monthly circulation of 60.000. R. 8. Coox, Secretary, submitted the annual — for the colportage department, which shows the follow- ing results: — i Number of colporteurs in commission during the whole or part of the year : In commission at the close . soecess 176 Aggregate term of actual service eee syears 14 Number of families visited during the year in the Northern and Middle States... .. pi Southern and South Western do. . Weatern do. ...... se eeee TOA. ose 215,000 Or more than a twentieth part of the population of the United States, The colporteurs have included 44 students of theology. from 17 seminaries and colleges, and have been distri- buted through 27 States, 37 of them for the German, French, Irish, and Norwegian population. Of the whole number of families, more than 30,000 were Romanists or ‘ixth (32,123) were destitute | of all religious books, and 14,665 had not the Scriptures. of whom 15,317 were supplied. T cireulation by colporteurs amounts to 227,116 voluines, by sale, or an average of moro than one book to each family; ‘and 57,228 hooks, and nearly 3,300,000 pagea of tracts among the destitute, gratuitously, Value | of grants by colporteurs Besides this labor, the | colporteurs have held 7,608 public or prayer meetings, | and had religious conversation or preyer with three- fifths (127,037) of all families visited. My. Coox accompanied hia report with some remarks on the benefits of the colportenr system, and gave soiue | forcible illustrations of ita operation in the new States, Rev. Dr. Copmax, of Boston, offered the following re- | solution, which was adopted nem con :- | Resolved, That the report, an abstract of which has | now been rend, beadopted and published under the di- | rection of the executive committee; and that tho society | record their gratitude to God for prosperity in the vari- | ous departments of effort, aud increased facilities for | diffusing the gospel of Christ. ‘The venerable Mr. Hastrvcs then led off in a song, to the tune of Zion, in which the congregation followed, standing, commencing : Yes, we trust the day is break! Joyful times are near at hi God, the mighty God, is spe By his word in every land— When he chooses. Darkness flies at his command. Rev. N. W) Gorwtxen, of the Evangelical Lutheran church, Canandaigua, when the singing moved the following resolution— Resolved. That the unprecedented emigration from the old world, and the spiritual destitution of the emi- grants, demand a rapid extension of the system of col | portage among the masses of our German, French, Irish and other foreign population, if we would secure their highest well bein,, and the best good of our country The reverend mover addressed the assembly in some | general remarks, on the system of colportage, its rise and | progress. It had been in existence, he sald twenty- | two’ years, and it seemed, as though the hand of Almighty God could be distinctly seen in its origin and continuance to the present time. There was acall for the extension of this system throughout thi country. God has placed in our hands the weapons against ignorance and superstition. Ignerance and vice are the parents of tyranny. Ignorance of the many is | power in the hands of the few. He spoke of the im- mense influx of foreigners, most of whom were reared in papal and monarcbal countries, and who if left to their predelictions would subvert our institutions. He alluded to the Gerinan immigrants, and the number in thts country to be about 2,000,000. He sought to improve the moral and intellectual condition of this interesting portion of our people. He felt proud of his ori He | Could point to bis own country us the oradie of the refor- mation. He had sought to improve the sondition of his countrymen here by evangelising them—but feared this | would be impracticnbl by means of lay labor The system of colportage he thought was a means raised | up by God to accomplish this result, Let this system be | Sursvied in the right spirit and by the right men, and it will be the beginning of better days. | The Prestoixe Orricer stated, that it had been the | expeetation that Rey.Mr. Rausehenbush German colpor. tour in Missouri, would address the meeting, but he had | not arrived in the city. Mr. Cox, the Secretary, then stated that he had re- | ceived a letter from Mr, ft, announcing his inability to be present at the anniversaries in this city; whereupon, Rev. Mr. Bancock, of Massachusetts, suconded the re- solution, and it was adopted. Rey. Dr. L. W. Gneex, of the Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, offered the followi Resolved, That the colporteur enterprise is peculiarly adapted to the present condition and wants of our coun- try and the world Dr. Green addressed the meeting for half an hour, | with great eloquence and power, upon the subject of this | resolution, the usefulness of the system of colportage, | emigration to this country, and the necessity of action r ed an aggregate of i those that and immediate aien &. cvengetining we ope darkness or error. use from the audience, and he was followed Mr. Sauppuns Ouse, h - que a in fit cng Bald, seconded the resolution. The spokes praia ‘statements with regard to the course pursued yy, the colporteur while on duty, and gave some inte- resting details of the condition of the le in Virginia in reference Leb, ys Cererpegae improvement. e destitution Kaede seemed almost incredible, in an enlight- ened and populous country like our own. ey. Howey W Benenen, of the Presbyterian church, | Indismapolis, moved the following resolution :— Resolved, ‘That the injurious influence of infidel | and immoral bogks, and the traffic in them, is scarcely | exceeded by the terrific ravages of intemperance; and | that the only security for sound morals and pure reli- | gion in individuals or communities, is found in total ‘abstinence from this means of intoxication and ruin.— ‘There was a time, he said, when the church regarded it as her business to protect itself from the influence of evils without; but her position is now changed, and she is to go forth to seek evils and destroy th Among the evils of the world, few are worse tham bad books, First, those which are heavy, argumentative works ofolden time ; second, those of lighter character and more modern origin, caring not for God, but pro- fessing to admire his wocks ; third, works of infldel ro- manee, professing vast love for humanity, but clothing in attractive forms, characters, whose examples tend only to corrupt and destroy, He alluded particularly to Eugene Sue, George Sand, and their thousand imita- tors, and remarked that few had any conception of the vast multiplication of this literature. The next kind of bad books which he named, was those which professed to be written for medical and scientific purposes ; and the last clase, those which are professedly vile. He then alluded to the colporteur system, by which these books are circulated, drawing most graphic pictures of scenes steamboats and hotels, intimating the extent to which this business is carried on. The deplorable effects next came under review. The reverend gentleman was very happy in his remarks, and was listened to with great at- tention by the crowded auditory. Rev. ‘T, W. Naxp, missionary from Madras, moved the bo a ys Resolved, That absorbing as are the claims of the un- evangelized at home, the society cannot withhold their sympathy and aidjfrom the faithful men whoare seek- ing to revive a pure gospel on the continent of Europe, or the devoted missionaries who are endeavoring to es- tablish Christianity among Pagan nations. Which having been seconded by Rev. Eurxezen Da- vins, was adopted. ‘The doxology was then sung by the congregation, and the meeting adjourned by benediction. Subsequently, the following were chosen the Execu- tive Committee for the ensuing year by the board of di- rectors :— Executive Committe, Punishment. His Hon. Recorder Scorr, on taking the Chair, at the meeting of this Society, at the Apollo Saloon last even- ing, made the following remarks:—“The object, fellow- citizens, of this meeting you no doubtall understand. The grand oe which the society has in view is reform in our laws. ‘e think that punishment by death for murder ought no longer to remain in our statute books, and that its existence is a dis; e to the age in which we live, and [ congratulate the society upon the presence of #0 large and respectable an attendance as I sse here this evening. thus manifesting that a great interest is taken on the subiect. All we wish isa fair discussion, and those who may entertain views different from our own, will be afforded an opportunity of ex- pressing them. It is a well known fact, that the crimi- nal code of England has been very severe, so much #0, that punishment by death was the result of crimes of any magnitude; but since the reign of Victoria, it ap- ears that capital punishment for forgery, and cases of ceny, have been expunged, and their whole code is now nearly as mild as our own, Burglary on hoard « vessel, is punished with death, likewise arson. The age of reform is progressing #0 rupldly there, that I appre- hend we shall have to move faster than we have done of late, to keep pace with them. Blackstone mentions about sixty crimes, as being punishable by death, whereas, at the present time there are very few indeed. I shall not comment any longer upon this subject, as there are several speakers present who will address you. I shall, therefore, conclude my remarks by reading a let- ter on the subject of capital punishment the Rev. Dr. Ford, and published in « work entitled, “Experience in the Old Bailey,” in which the author observes that, after thirty years experience or management in the Old Bailey, capital punishment had no cthoaey. in the preven- tion of crime, notwithstanding whatever theories may be advanced to the contrary, and that until he could discover the N. ite calendar reduced constantly from year to year, he should strenuously urge its abolition. Wm. L. Garrison then rose and proceeded to addrers the audience as follows: Mr. Chairman—I have not prepared resolutions to present to this meeting, although have resolved in my own soul that the punishment of the guilty by death is demoralizing, and, therefore, ought to be immediately abolished. There are, how- ever, many who think that I ought to be hung, and they may say that instinct in a great matter fa, Our conduct towards our fellow beings, that it makes us wondrous kind. Well, be itso, 1 would to God that in reasoning on any question, we may always reason with- in, and not out of ourselves—that we may always make it all our own case ; that we may thereby not be led to do any act of injustice. For instance, if any man advocates war, it is to be presumed that he is wil- ling to engage in the battle himself, although he may not calculate upon having his own brains blown out, for were this point settled. he would be the last man to advocate war. So with slavery—many advocate slavery, #0 long as he can discover any danger of bond- age himself; but the moment he sees himeelf at all in jeopardy, he then sees that it i d cries out. * give meliberty, or give me death. the advocate of the gallows; because he makes no calcu- lation that his own neck encircled by the hangman's noove, But so long as they reeive no danger of their necks, they can see no arm in strangling # man like a dog. ‘The remainder of this gentleman's remarks, as also thore of Dr. Elder, of Philadelphia, and Mr. Titus, are necessarily omitted. At the conclusion of their addresses, and the adoption of a series of resolutions, expressing the sentiments of the society, the meeting adjourned to meet again, this evening, at7 o'clock, at the same place. American Home Missionary Society. This Society held its twenty-fourth anniversary las evening at the Broadway Tabernacle. The President, Henry Dwight,Esq., tookithe ohair at 734 o'clock, and the exercises were commenced with voluntary on the or- gan, followed with prayer by the Rev. : ‘The Treasurer's report was next presented by the ‘Treasurer, Joseph Corning, Esq. It is embodied in the abstract given below. : ‘An abstract of the report of the Executive Commit- tee was then presented by the Rey. Milton Badger, D. D,, one of the Secretaries, ‘The report states that three of the Vice Presidents of the Society. John D. Kecse, Orrin Day, Directors, Rev. William J. Armstrong, D. D., and Rev. Wayne Gridley, have died within the year. ‘The Society has had in its service, the past yeur, 972 ministers of the Gospel, in 26 different States and Ter- ritories, including two who are about to proceed to Ore- gon, The number of congregations supplied, in whole t, is 1,470. A change having been made in the time of closing the missionary year, the returns for this year cover only 11 months. "In this period, the missionaries have perform- 713 years’ labor. Owing to severe pecuniary embarrassments during a large portion of the year, the Executive Committee have been hindered from undertaking most of the enlargo- was proposed a ies have been appointed in the Western States. Many new Sabbath schools have been formed, and efforts directed chiefly to the better organization and instruc- tion of those previously in operation—number of pupils, 73.000, Temperance subscribers, 97,000. Less reliance is had on the pledge, and greater attention given to the diffusion of correct principles on the subject of tempe- rance. ‘There have been added to the church during the year. on profession, 1.980; by letter, 2.420—in all, 4.400. ‘The committee inculcate it as the great design of the society, to secure permanent good, rather than mere temporary success. This is scen in the pains taken to impart doctrinal instruction, and in the prominent ac- tivity of the missionaries in Sabbath schools, in cireu- riptures and tracts; and in their labors for temperance, and inthe cause of the Sabbath. It 18 seen, also. in the commendable efforts of the churches to pro- vide houses for the worship of God. No less than 120 sanctuaries have been reported as finished, or in pro- gress, during the year; « larger proportion than ever without fore d, and without incurring debt. Ax many more have been repaired, or improve’, or relieve from debt idence, also, of better attentio ‘wo discipline. an igher standard of Christian morals ‘The ‘Treasurer's report showy :—Balance. April 15, | 1846, $2.735 25, Receipts to April 1, 1847, $116,717 94— making the resources of the eleven and a half months, $119,493 19. ‘Amount duo to missionaries, at the dato of tho last report, $12,865 37. There has since beeume due the farther sum of $120,033 83—making the linbilides of the year, $132,899 20, ‘Of this sum, $119,170 40 have been paid. There is still due to missionaries for labor performed, $13,728 80. The whole amount pledged for the coming year is $97,276 04; and towards cancelling this, the balance in the treasury is only $282 79 te of receipts is $8,406 76 less than in the year previous. But this thows no falling off in the re- gard of the public, as the time covered by the report is less than a year, and the apparent excess of Inst year is more than accounted for by legacies. The contributions of the churches, which are the true test of the scolety ition, are about $700 more than the year before, m the same proportion for the full perlod of tw months, would have been $9,000 more than last year. At the beginning of the year there were demanded for specific fields nearly 100 additicnal missionaries. For want of the necessary funds, only about one-third of this increase has been attempted. Meanwhile, the emergen- cies of this work have become more pressing. Forwign fmmigration Is tufasing into the very life blood of our social existence strange and ungenial elements. The admission of Texas to the Union added one hundredth art of all the land of the globe to our home missionary Feld, Must the society be debarred by the want of means from making a proportional advance in the great work which is thus devolved on the American churches ? ‘The report proceeds to notice in detail the principal auxiliaries and agencies, the ae sarees, and the Progress urin, je past yeor, After the reodl fing of ihe report the chivir of the Taber- ‘performed a piece of music in very 71 nacle performed © Pitcen offered * that the reports now presented be adopted ‘and published under direction of the Executive committee, The motion being carried, The Rev. Henny W. Bueomnn, of [ndianspol , Ind., forward 0 to — oMnenolved, Srhat be west requires its ministers to b in danger of being placed | id James Roosevelt, Esqs., and two of its | r ago. Thirty-two new | rerance to carry out the schemes of gain in which engage—the wonderful efforta of afi i leaders who labor incessantly until their objec Such energy,. such zeal; the speaker w rye mh ne west, in the work of disseminating gospel truths motion was seconded by the Davis, an English clergyman, who bas been Cayeling for some time in the United States. In the course of his remarks, Mr. D. took oceasion to some compliments to our country and countrymen. ol countryme only condemning, and that in mild terms, the fore Sberen of slavery as he had observed it at the South. Ha wha warm advocate of the voluntary system, and he con- gratulated us upon having no established church to ictate to us in matters which concerned our spiritual welfare. He was brief, but would willingly have been listened to in a longer address, ‘The next resolution was moved by Rev, Walter Clark, of Hartford, Conn, It was Resolved, That in the dominion and purposes of Chriet, there is hope of success for western missions.” “Mr. Clark was followed by the choir, who performed a piece of music apparently prepared for the occasion. » After which, Rev, Asa T’. Hopkins, of Buffalo, was introduced to the audience, and spoke tothe following resolution :— Resolved, That to secure the thorough evangelization of our nation, a new inspiriting of Christian hearts in appropriate labors and sacrifices is indispensable. Mr. H. spoke at length upon the resolution, and as it was growing Inte the audience began to retire some time before he concluded his remarks, but many remained to ear the Rev, Epwanp N. Kinrx, of Boston, who was to speak on. the resolution, “That the evangelization of America is indispensably connected with Messiah's Kingdom.’ When the time for him to appear had arrived, Rey, Mr. Badger, one of the Secretaries of the society, came for- ward and stated that Mr. Kirk had hoped up toa late hour that he should be able to attend the meeting and address the audience, but that his physician ear- nestly advised him not to do so. On hearing this, the audience almost unanimously arose and made their way out of the Tabernacle, rendering it almost unnecessary to dismiss the meeting formally. After, the benediction ‘was pronounced, the members of the society organized for business, and went into the election of officers to serve for the ensuing year. Tho Tabernacle was well filled, and the meeting was as pleasant as could be desired. New York Institution for the Blind. ‘The anniversary exhibition of the pupils of the New York Institution for the Blind, took place yesterday af ternoon, at four o'clock, in the Broadway Tabernacle. ‘The building was crowded in every part, mostly with ladies, and many were unable to obtain seats; but the great interest felt inthe exhibition seemed to do away with all recollection of the fatigue of standing. The pu- pils, to the number, apparently, of about one hundred and twenty or thirty, were arranged on the chotr seats fronting the audionce, and made a very agreeable ap- pearance, the “young ladies being dressed in white and the young gentlemen clothed with a degree of neatness ant simplicity indicative of good taste, While ae audience were gathering, a very pleasing voluntary was performed on the pF if Robert Elder, a graduate of the institution. Next followed a piece of music by band of the blind pupils, and after that commenced the examination in reading. Some portions of Lardner's Cabinet History were read by one of the male pupils, and the book of Psalmy being laid before Miss Bullock, the tutor requested that some one of the audience would select any psalm he might think proper for the young lady to read, The nine- teenth psalm was called for, and Miss Bullock read it with the greatest facility; indeed, it could scarcely be credited by the hearer that the party reading was de- void of sight, and had no other guidance but the touch. ‘The invention of raixed characters has been an inestl mable blessing to the blind. Books printed in charac- ters palpable to the touch, afford the only means by which the moral and intellectual condition of the blind can be permanently benefitted, and they be rendered in any considerable degree independent of the casual and precarious assistance afforded by the eyes of others. After the examination in reading, came singing and music again, and then an examination in geoste by, which gave great satisfaction to those who heard it.— Whe extensive information elicited on this subject from the pupils, showed that thelr course of tuition was by no means superficial, and wasa matter of general admir- ationand astonishment. The first part of the proceed- ings then closed with an examination in history, on which subject the pupils were evidently as well prepared as in geography. During the recess, some very interesting observations respecting instruction for the blind, were made - Bigad ntleman who has the supervision of the institution. — peaking of the introduction of reading among the lind by means of raised characters, he stated that Miss Bullock (who was born blind) upon first acquiring a knowledge of this source of information, was so trans- rted with delight, that she found it difficult to realise er own existence, and had actually to pifeh her arm to discover whether she really was the same flesh and blood she had been. He also expressed a be- lief that the blind could be made familiar with every science, except that of optics ; he doubted whether that science was within their comprehension. (It doubtless escaped his memory that the chair of New- ton in the University of Cambridge was filled by San- derson, who lost his very eye-balla by the small x, when scarcely a year old, and yet before he was thirty, | gave lectures on optics. explaining the theory of vision, and the phenomena of light and colors.) : ‘The second part of the exhibition opened like the first, with music; next to which followed this address, which was delivered in a clear and elegant manner by the gifted authoress:— ADDRESS. BY CYNTHIA BULLOCK, Borne on by time’s unwearied wing, We hail with joy the balmy spring; And come, dear friends, with hearts the while, ‘As gladsome as her own bright smile, ‘To greet, in music’s thrilling tone, ‘The hearts that vibrate with our own; And bring, to deck our rayless night, The gems of intellectual light. That rayless night hath dawned at last, And memory, pond’ring on the past, Recalls the jong and weary hours, Ever yot we culled those mental flowers Abook! 0, ye can never know How we have bathed in tears of wo The treasured page from which in vain, We strove one gleam of light to gain. Now—blessed change | amid those tears, The rainbow smile of joy appears; As ever and anon wo find i Another book to ebeer the blind. ‘Another book ! no diadem Could win from us the priceless gem; Nor half the thrilling Joys bestow, That from its storied pages flow. Well may the warm and generous tide Mantlo each check with honest pride, ‘That in our land of liberty, Columbia's sons, the brave and free, i While winning for our country’s name, | In arts and arms, undying faiue, | Forget not in their proud career, | A holitr claim—the blind to cheer. | | | | At the close of her address Miss Bullock was greeted with warm applause. Examinations in astronomy, che- mistry, arithmetic, and geometry, followed, the whole interapersed with music and chorus singing. Spe- cimens of the various articles manufactured by the pupils in the institution were exhibited on the platform, and excited a great deal of interest. | We noticed willow baskets, paper boxes, Manilla mats, | fancy knitting, bead work, &c., all bearing the marks of skill and ingenuity. It isan admirable feature in this | institution that while moral and fatellectual instruction | is bestowed upon the pupil, he is at the same time taught some handicraft where withal a living could be earned incase of need. As a benevolent institution it must ever rank high in the estimation of the philanthropist. We have only to close our eyes fora moment, to shut out | for a time the glorious light of heaven to conceive the greatness of the privation which the blind endure. What nobler benevolence than that which tends to alleviate such perpetual suffering! The vast assemblage which | congregated in the Tabernacle did not disperse without acquiring some insight into the benefits upon the blind by judicious instruction. City Bible Soctety, Pursuant to notice, the City Bible Society celebrated its ninth anniversary in the Oliver street Church last evening. From some cause or other, the attendance was remarkably small. Tho exercises were commenced by the Rev. Mr. Fish, of New Jersey, reading « portion of the Scriptures. The annual report of the Treasurer was then read. | The receipts for the year. $1,627 13 | | Balance in the treasury. ..... 0.66.4 «$0,000,000 The society's procvedings, as we learned from the | annual report, have been as follows :— | During the past year, one thousand nine bundred and | sixty-eight Bibles, and four thousand two hundred and seventy-three Testaments have been donated to schools and other {nstitutions in this city, State, and other States. The society has sent several Bibles to the West Indies, Oregon, California, and as far as Africa. ‘The United States steamers Vixen and Spitfire were su, 4 From the letters of acknowledgement received for dona- tions of Bibles and Testame: jm A seiag be instances of the good effects of the Holy Scriptures in the conver: sion of sinners were mentioned, which convinoe the so- clety that their Inbors in the great cause in which they are engaged are attended with the most happy results, and encourage the society to persevere in them. Rev. Mr. Mussry addressed the meeting, and said that the work in which the society is ¢ is one which was commenced by Jehovah himself 6000 years ago, nd which is left for Christians to consummate @ World would probably look upon their labors thankless; but although ihey may be unrequited in uniary sense, they are not ina spiritual, It is not, jowever. @ thankless labor, because, in reading over the books of the society, he hud sven sufficient to convince him that many # father and mother, many a son and daughter, will and have blessed the donors of the Bible to them, and this society for their labors. In the labors of the society in diffusing the scriptures, it was aided by principles of justice and righte- ousness—justice, because the sacred book does not belong to any sect or people alone, but is tho property of every son and daughter of Adam. It was committed to the Jews in the first place to be held in trust for the world. It was afterwards committed to the Church, which is bound to give it to the wholo world The field of this Society alone is not the world, | but the world is the field, and overy part of it must be guitivated, that itmay produce fruit to the glory of God. ‘We have the sced, and in contemplating the principles that should urge us on, he would illustrate it in the case | of Ireland, with its famine, its pestilence and death, and no seed. Is it not right and merciful to supply them with the seed of the Kingdom, whioh is the only #4 they need. It is our duty to provide them the