The New York Herald Newspaper, June 26, 1848, Page 1

Se THE NEW YORK HERALD. Whole No. 6136, Lonpon, June 2, 1843. Affairs in England. b T cannot communicate to your readers the intelli- gence that things are quiet in England ; very far from it ; the nocturnal perambulations of the Chart- ists manage to keep the country en the alert. In some of the provincial towns, such for mstance a8 Bradford, Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester, the mob have committed outrages of no ordinary oc- eurrence, chiefly selecting for their practice the bodies of the special constables, very many of whom they mercilessly thrashed. In London the force for the preservation of the peace is stronger, besides which, nothing is easier than to distribute a few companies of soldiers throughout the me- tropolis ; these, assisted by the regular police constables, are enabled to secure the public peace. ‘The Chartists have confined their meetings to a place called Clerkenwell Green, where they assem- bie in tolerubly large numbers, indulging’ in most violent language, and causing alarm to the neigh- boring shopkgepers. Processions proceed fromall parts of the town to the place of rendezvous, which produce the greatest inconveniences in the streets. The evening betore last, I was coming through one of the principal thoroughfares about ten o'clock, where the mob were coming. _ Without the least ceremony they, stopped the vehicle, and compelled me to stay until their procession had passed. I cannot refrain from repeating the caution expressed in one of my former letters to your readers, not to imagine that there is any connéction between these disorderly Chartists and the charter. The mob who are bow parading the streets, to the inconve- nience of the inhabitants, are nothing more than an idle lot, ready at all times to. create a riot, and to take advantage of the confusion to benefit them- selvi {t1s monstrous that the authorities do not decide upon adopting stringent measures to stop the nuisance which completely puts a check upon trade of every kind. Her royal highness, the Princess Sophia, aunt to Queen’ Victoria, died on Saturday. There is now but one female child of George the Third remaining, viz: the Duchess of Gloucester ; and of the men there, are two—the King of Hanover, and the Duke of Cambridge.— The death of the Princess Sophia has caused many /étes to be postponed, and an extraordinary Gazette ordered that mourning for ten days should be worn. The deceased princess will not be buried with the other members of the As family at Windsor, but is to be interred at Kensal Green cemetery, sitaated about four miles from town. The funeral will be, strictly private, in conformity with the wishes of the deceased. git Mr. Cobden, the member for the West Riding of Yorkshire, was, you are aware, the principal man in the present successful Anti-Corn Law League, his constant attention to which occasioned him to neglect, and eventually retire from his business The wealthy traders, merchants, &ec., of England, who had felt the beneficial influences of his cru- sade against the corn laws, entered into a subseri tion to reimburse Mr, Cobden for the loss of his ba-ine a cotton spinner) ag well as to provide him with funds to live upoa 'o give you an idea of whit the English can do when they have the inclination, the list is now closed, and it amount= to more than seventy-six thousand pounds, (£76,009), which sum Mr. Cobden has, in a very excellent letter of thanks, acknowledged. Thi- gentleman, 1n his place in the House of Commons, told Mr. F. O’Connor, the chartist leader, that his followers were not really desirous of the charter This disconcerted Mr. O’Connor, who, forthwith challenged Mr. Cobden to a public discussion of the qnestion on Whit Monday. I do not expect it will come off, but should it, you shall have full par. ticul irs of the event. ‘The act for limiting the hours of factory labor to ten hours, (more familiarly known as the ten hours bill,) came into operation on the Ist of May last; and so satisfactory has it proved in its results. that the persons whom it materially affected have presented the Queen with a superb gold medal, i: considerstion of her ready acquiescence to th prayer of their petition. The great reform move ment is steadily gaining strength, but; with the ex ception of some public meetings at a few of the principal towns, its proceedings have not been chronicled by any remarkable incident. The de- bate upon the navigation laws has been continued, + but is again adjourned; and the discussion referring to the Spanish affairs the dismissal of Sir Henry Bulwer, has not been brought'ferward in the House, in consequence of the incompleteness of some documents relating to the matter. The English ministry are in an extremely ticklish nee and I think, I may state, without boast, that they will not be in office six weeks hence. They are de: feated night after night, although, it is true, it is not exactly upon any important question. The people are dissatisfied with their doings, and they really do not appear able to extricate themselves. Whei Lord ohn Russell, with his colleagues, were oui of office, some time ago, they strenuously opposed the imposition of any tax upon income ; directly, however, they got into power. the whigs proposed (as | informed you in one of my earlier letters,) to increase the tax from three to five per cent ‘The opposition to this barefaced trick was tre- mendous, since which he has never been trusted by the people. He would never be able to retain his position were it not for the aid of Sir Reber Peel, who carries him through every unpleasan: mutter; but one thing is certain, that Lord Joho Russell must either resign or coalesce with some one more capable of assuming the reins of go- vernment, It is a most extraor inary circumstance that. whenever the whigs are in office, the country is invariably in debt, and all internal affairs go on unpleasantly; discontent appears to thrive and get impudent under their vacillating policy; and it is the general belief that if a general election was 10 take place Lord John Russel! would be in a large minority. About the only attempt he made to re- move existing prejudices was the introduction of the measure forthe removal, of the Jewish dis- abilities; this the aristocratic lords threw out; but, Lord John, resolved not to be defeated, hus hit upon another plan, by which he hopes to gain his end. The oath the members of the Honse of Commons have to take when they enter Parlia- ment is, to the certain things “ upen the true faith of a Christian,” which was of course an insepara- ble barrier to the entrance of the Jewish persua- sion, Lord John Russell in order to get Baron Rothschild in the House to represent the city of London, for which he has been elected nearly a year, has given notice that he will bring forward a motion in aday or two, to alter the form of the oath. Should the lords again defeat his project (and there are cogent reasons for thinking this will be the case,) it is more than probable he will resign, and the choice of Prime Minister must fall on Sir Robert Peel, who is the only man capzble of ma- naging with credit the affairs of this country. A Protectionist party may attempt, but they cannot sueceed,, in these Tiberal times, in getting through the work satistactorily. * . , The Britannia, Captain Long, has arrived, with £3000 specie on freight. From the columns of the American papers, we have gleaned that some irregularity was committed, in order to evade the postage laws. The offence should, of course, be visited with a severe punishment ; but, at the same time, if must be evident that if a reduction of the postage took place on American lettera, there would he no deieiency OF revenue, but an inorease, as the cagrespondence would, become ‘accordingly humerons, It appears that, at the present rate of one shilling the half ounce, that the postage of a ship ton is £ whereas, if reduced to 3d, it would be ab: 958, Last year, emigrants to the Tumber of 360,000 crossed to vour country, and it is computed this year there will be 400,000 ; snrely tron that these persons ‘would ne- ein, wotld warrant the reduction market is decidedly firmer, and ginds thus-Coitsols, 884 ; new Three and Quar- ter per Cents, 834; Reduced Three per Cents, 824; Tank Stock, 191; Long Annuities, 8% to 9-16; India Bonds, 19 to 22 premium ; South Sea Stock, 90 ; Exchequer Bills, 30 to 36 premium. C, P. Ivrerestine Document, Very !—The West Prus- sian peasants have addressed a letter to the pec ot Berlin, which is thus communicated by the Co- logne Gazette :— ™ We peasants from West Prussia warn you Berliners that if you don't get your cursed nest into good order and restore our beloved king to his rights, we peasants will come down unon tg] with a ve nce. You ogs! you have set freo the treacherous Polacks (Poles), and let them loore upon ua to murder and to burn, You have betrayed aud butchered our sons and bro- +Seen, the mazda; anil. taind, we'll remember it. finily since you go.om bragging. and ‘slicer you are too giwargly to floor your mob, Yow rascale! you have - andtrod the Treasury. and you have wantonly des- Hgyed other propest for, of the State which we too had We will make you fork out for It, chaviour has caused the Prince of Prussia to vokt ey. Now. mind! if you don’t yet the Prince back to , combatants of the barricades of February, the de- | his rij ight and to his country before the 24th of May, ‘on shall know eomething of the Wert Prussians, Wen light your thieves’ nest at a hundred placer at once, and burn {t, We peasante will not feed youthat ‘our rabble m: Fedo us. Mind the 24th of May. ¥ il tench you to ape the Fret in + Your pro. | NEW YORK, MONDAY MORNING, JUNE 26, 1848, a SY Price Twe Cente. Opinions in England of the Attempted Revo- lution in France on the 15th of May. [From the London Times. May 18.) Great and sudden as was the fall of the French nation from the treacherous grandeur of the late | monarchy to the impenetrable obscurity and the | formidable difficulties of their present state, we have never entertained a doubt that this revo- lution was but the commencement of frequent convulsions, and that the abyss into which France | has precipitated her destinies will prove, for a con- siderable period of time, not only deep but unfa- thomable. Nevertheless, the compassion and regret which so_ mournful a spectacle as the ruin, of a_ flourishing kingdom, the reverses of civilization, and the misery of a vast popu- lation, are calculated to excye, have led us to re- press the gloomy forebodings which the aspect of such times chain not but suggest. It was due to the men who had stood between Europe and the anarchy of France in the first dreadful moment of unbridled popular power, to give them all the sup- port to which their motives entitled them, and even to afford them the benefit of a confidence we could not unreservedly feel. Nothing but the most superficial acquaintance with the revolution- ary principles which had been let loose upon socie- ty, and with the state of France in particular, could induce any man to delude himself with the notion that the French republic had already ar- rived at the condition of a permanent and uncon- tested power. From day to day the approach of another explosion became more evident and more certain. Before ever parties had been formed in the Assembly, a faction of the most daring charac- ter rose in the streets. The scheme was evidently lanned by some of those who had taken part in the fast crude main which decided the fate of France, At one moment it was so successful that the hall of the Assembly, the Hotel de Ville, and even the Ministry of the Taterior, were in the possession of the mob, and a terrorist provisional government was actually formed. Happily the National Guard and the government were sufficiently on the alert, in spite of the treachery of many of those on whom the command of the civil forcesdevolved. An im- mense demonstration was made in support of the Assembly and the Executive. This frightful con- spiracy was stifled. Paris was saved, and, for some Tittle time, at least, the horde of ferocious in- surgents who had all but seized upon the govern- ment, and who actually did renew some of the most terrible scenes of the Convention, has been putdown. The cause of order is strengthened ; the resistance has begun ; but the certainty of the danger and the vindictive spirit of defeated anar- chy have been augmented also. From the moment it became known that the re- sult of the general elections had given a decided majority to the moderate republican section, and had even brought back to the legislature the lead- ing members of the liberal monarchical party in the late Chamber of Deputies, it was perfectly cer- tain that the minority, allied to the communists and Clubbists of Paris, most of whom had failed in their own elections altogether, would make a violent effort to coerce the Assembly. It was seen that Barbés, one of the most violent of these infuriated patriots, excited to the highest pitch the disgust and horror of his legislative colleagues by the au- dacity of his language and his gestures. Lous Blane had been nox only laughed at and hooted down by the Assembly, but confuted by a sturdy member of that class of operatives which he him- self affectedto represent, and he Bieeny, resented his failure. Some of the other ultra members of the provisional government, had been appeased, hut not satisfied, by a concession. All these pas- sions were eagerly seeking avent. To attack the National Assembly was their first object. The revolution of the 24th ot February was a great les- gon in that spectes of popular warfare. The at- tack was renewed in the same manner; and before the National Assembly had sate for one week in that hall, an irruption of the populace , outraged its iignity, contested its power, forced its, delibera- tions, and, finally, with the grossest insults of word and blow, expelled its members. Thus was our prediction verified to the letter, when we re- narked several weeks ago that no such legislative rody could at this time deliberate with safety in Paris. The first act of the scarcely constituted Assem- bly had been to provide for its owa defence, by giving the Praaidens direct authority over all the military officers whose services might be required for the protection of the palace in which the le- sislature is convened. tt seems that General Courtais, the commandant of the National Guard of Paris, betrayed his trust, and was afraid to act against the people; for on the approach of the mob, he ordered the detachment of the Gardé Mobile on duty to sheath their bayonets, and no effectual measnres were taken to prevent the escalade of the building. Elsewhere, however, more vigor was dispiayed, especially by M. Duclerc, the Minister 9 Pvivance; and, for the first time since the revo- lution of February, the government succeeded in making its power felt, in opposition to the anar- vhical part of the popeicaen of Paris. M. La- martine recovered all his energy; Ledru Rollin certainly exerted himself in defence. of order, and in opposition te this fresh revolution; and the night closed on a decided victory of the establish- ed authorities of the republic. But can anything efface the recollection of such tscene as that of the 15th of May? The French sation had been called upon to intrust the sovereign »ower of the people to an Assembly which held in its hands the very existence of the commonwealth. {n the midst of its deliberations, already ny igitated by the conflicting elements within its hall f meeting, a tumult arose which has been com- pared by one of those who heard it to the roar of a tempestuous ocean at the gates, and in a moment Bedlam broken loose usurped the powers of the great conclave of the nation. A frantic and san- guinary cry for war was the pretext of this extra- vagant demonstration, and in this effervescence of the passions of the lowest rabble in Paris, guided by the worst of men, the name of Poland was used to complete the humiliation of France. In that frightful exhibition of lawless power, the spoliation of the rich—by which term all those possessed of property are of course designated—and an armed invasion of Europe were the two propositions carri- ed by the insane applause of the multitude. Toa certain extent some members of the Assembly, and even of the government, lent themselves to these absurd and atrocious schemes, and promised the people obedience to their demands and the imme- diate gratification of their guilty passions. It was fortunate that even these concessions failed to ap- Pease the tumult; and the temporary dispersal of the Assembly was a less evil than the prostitu- tion of its authority to those who had outraged the dignity and menaced the persons of the national representatives. But the consequences of such an event are momentous and indelible. It has put an end to the delusion that the proclamation of the republic had rallied all classes of Frenchmen round ene principle and one standard. We are told, and traly told, that these bands of ignorant and mis- uided men are the very dregs of the capital. No joubt they are, but what becomes then of the doc- trine of complete equality and universal fraternity ? According to the extravagant formula of the pure democratic creed, these very men, who are at war with the first principles of society, are the political equals of the wisest citizens of France, and the fra- ternity of an indivisible republic includes the dead- liest enemies of its own laws, and tiyose who tram- ple on its own institutions. it is now at least too late to speak as if no such class existed in the ranks ot the people ; and sneh is the eternal inequality of human conditions that in the land of equality this struggle took place between WAN bey orders of the population. The republic itself has been assailed in its most sacred recesses ; the principle of the sovercignty of the nation has been openly attacked by those who pretended to invoke its authori- ty. There is no remedy for such calamities but forcible repression. There 18 no security against them but armed resistance. The government and the Assembly are, therefore, compelled under pain of forfeiting their own existence, to exercise these same rights of defence \y military force, and by the penal sanction of the laws, against which many members of that very government rebelled but ten weeks since, when they were put in force by otherconstituted authorities against themselves. Even the defeat of this aggression is an imperfect security against the recurrence of the danger. Be- fore many weeks have elapsed the donatives lav- ished on the idle and the dissolute must be stopped —the false promises made to the industrious and suffering operatives must be reduced to their na- kedness and impotence. The army of the disaflec- ted is recruited by the most formidable of ali ene- sie, Gesuiuuou and despair. \“Bewaré,’’’ sai Louis Blane, in'the first’ specch he addressed to the Assembl ot bewnee lest the next reyolntion be the revolution of famine,” Unhappily these fresh disiturbanees will only render the progress o| such social calamities more rapid and inevitable ; ‘and after having promised an Eldorado to the | luded and miserable victims of those rash fictions must expect to encounter the armed opposition of an irritated and alarmed community, which will not submit to these inroads and menaces ‘of Ponce, P. R., May 17, 1848. Socal Life in Ponce—Interesting Description of Society in the West Indies—Balls— Dances, §c. As TI promised in my last letter, I will now en-' downs” executed with a better will. See that | 81x foot specimen ot animated ebony, balancing to | deavor to give you and your readers an idea of social life and manners in this, one of the most beautifnl of the, West Indian isl ands. knuckles, bring forth a degree of symphony you would scarce expect from such an uncouth instru- | ment. But the dancers—there’s the fun! Never since the colored race was invented, were “ break- that plump, dainty, litle mulatto girl. How grace- fully he cuts the ‘“ pigeon-wing,” as he bucks up | until his knee is within an inch of his partners’ I have already given you a glimpse of the nature nose, and_ then retires, with his shins describii and importance of our commercial relations wit the United States, and have marked, with sur- prise, the trifling influence which .that intercourse has heretofore exerted upon the somewhat original and peculiar customs of our people. I may now add, that although there are many merchants in the Atlantic cities of the United States who have long been indebted for the most extensive, as well as most profitable part of their business, to this island ; and though few of your grocers are un- aware of the yalue of Porto Rico sugar and cof- fee, yet there is very little known, even by persons of the best general information, of the character of our country and people. It would, perhaps, be well, therefore, to tell you, first, that Porto Rico, for size and population, ranks as the fourth in importance among the ex- tensive roup of islands which form the West In- dian, Hid elago. Its length is a hundred miles, and its width ia a so that its shape is quite a regu- lar, oblong quadrangle. Its surface, like that of the three larger islands, Cuba, St. Domingo and Jamaica, is characterised by a range of moun- tains of no inconsiderable magnitude, which run East and West through its centre. It is this feature which gives rise to the name Antilles, applied by the Spaniards to these islands, So formidable an ob- stacle do these steep, ragged barriers, place in the way of inland travel, that many in going from one port to another, prefer sailing half round the island in a little coasting vessel, rather than msk the dis- location of their necks by taking the short cut over the mountains on horseback. The wild and ro- mantic scenery which they thus miss, would well repay the travellerof leisure, however, for any risk or trouble he might incur in his explorations. I scarcely think it would be possible to concentrate in so small an area a greater number of land- scapes, each one uniting in itself, as they do here, all the grand elements of beauty. From almost every point of view, a single coup d’@il will em- brace the towering peak, the precipice, the smiling hill side, the valley, the cultivated plain, the thatched hut, and olten the sil rore isi and: tog amid the luxuriant verdure of the tropics, or the sea, ever beautiful, rolling its surf upon the yellow sands of the shore. A morningride among the mountains, and a view from one of these peaks, whence the rising sun may be seen as he emerges from the bosom of the ocean, surrounded by a ca- nopy of gorgeously tinted clouds—the varied land- scape below, the distant music of birds, and the fresh, bilmy breeze, loaded with the breath ofa thousand aromati«: plants, form together a combi- nation which could not fail to impress any one pos- sessing an eye, and a heart, with the most exqui- site sensations of delight. _ But I am aware of the inadequacy of a sketch like this to convey a correct impression of the scenes I would describe. They would furnish ample matter for volumes, and would lend lustre to the fame of the artist whose pencil should be the first,to transfer them worthily to canvass, or th» portfolio, ‘ Meanwhile, I will proceed with matters more common place. You must know that a large pro- portion of our population consistsof aclass which, im your slaveholding states, would, I suppose, be called ** poor white folks.” ~The name which they obtain here, ** Jibaros,” is perhaps quite as sigr cant and contemptuous. There is a striking simi- larity, in many points, between these, people and the natives of another green gem _of the sea—the “ finest pisantry” in the world. The resemblance even extende to personal appearance, and you may often be coufronted by a phiz so perfectly Hiberni- an, that you start in astonishment when you hear ity owner swear at his donkey in the classic idiom of Castile, instead of the rich brogue you had ex- pected. The same custom exists among them of waking the dead, so common in Ireland. No soon- er is it announced that a member of a family is dead, than the female portion utter the most frantic cries, beat their breasts, dishevel their hair, and pour out a perfect torrent of lamentationg and ten- der expressions. When they have thusfairly ex- hausted themselves, they change their mood, and, with the greatest sang froid, proceed to array the deceased in his best attire; and making him look as elegant as possible, they stretch him out upon a table in the middle of the floor, where, with light- ed candlesat his head and feet, and the crucifix in his hands, which are crossed wee his breast, he awaits farther proceedings. In the evening, the friends of the family drop in; and ere long, this singular reception room is perhaps crowded, with the old, the young, the grave and gay, who come to pass the night and “make merry” over the last_ mortal remains of their departed host.— Coffee and cigars circulate freely; the fair, as well as the sterner sex indulging lurgely in both luxu- ries, and fun, gossip, and flirtation are the order of thenight. Rather an ill-timed jovialty, according to American ideas of propriety; but I assure you when one becomes accustomed to it, the presence of a defunct guest by no means diminishes the zest of a game of pawns with the black-eyed senoritas, or a quiet rubber of cards with their papas. The death of a child, or ef a young unmarried female, is particularly an occasion of merriment ; some- times among the poorer classes, amounting to the most boisterous conduct; but never, like their Hi- bernian cousins, do they give vent to the exuber- ence of their animal spirits by hammering each other over the sconce. This I look upon as one grand redeeming feature. __ 4 While speaking of the “ Jibaros” I am reminded of one of the proposed measures, and I believe quite an original one, of our new and popular gov- ernor, the Conde de Reuz. His plan is to form the white laboring population into battalions, and com- prciess fix their wages and their hours of labor y general regulations, and make them at all times come-at-able to the planters, through their officers, who will probably be the various civil function- aries of each district. As yet we have heard noth- ing of the minutie of the system, nor is it certain that it will. be pat in operation, but among those best scquantan With the character of the people, and the wants of the country, itis regarded as a most desirable reform, which will tend to prevent all disappointment or imposition on the part of the employer or employee. if _I wish you could have witnessed the reception given by onr little city, a week or two since, to the Conde de Reuz, on the occasion of his first official visit. You would scarcely believe that, amid the general cry of hard times and ruinous prices of sugar, we could afford to appropriat+ $8000 to the getting up of brilliant bulls, concerts, and dinners; yet such is the undeniable fact—and never did our fun-loving people abandon themselves with more devotion to the enjoyments of the flesh. For three days and as many nights, Ponce was fairly given up to the genins of frolic, and the se- nes of carni- val re-enacted, without, however, ita extrayagsnt masquerading. I took a e:rol! an the evening of the grand ball, given hy the “jstticulars” at the town- hall, and chanced to enter just as some of the most splendid forms, that «ver ravished the eye of a dls were sweeping through the evolutions of alively waltz with all the grece se peculiar to the Spanish women .The chandeliers threw a brilliant flood of light upon. tive rich and tastefal costumes of the dancers, and the el of comly Jewelty, "i ‘0 rivalled the electrienl glances that shet forth from —oh, such eyes! Fora while t forgot that I was a sojourner on this mundane ephere, and imagined T had been transported to the enchanted dwell- tug of the houris. But bear how I discover- ed my mistake, Steppmg ont into the pliza, where the “Jibaros” were kicking up a young Bedlam with their fandangos, to the music of home made fiddles and guitars, I be- came involved in the crowd, and before I could think how it happened, I felt myself whirling around in company with a g: ittle brunette, through one of the most intricate and delightful of our contra-danzas. As you may imagine, | was about waked up when I finished my exercise ; but Thad no idea of undertaking another fandango, so I took French leave of my lively partner, and elbowed my way through the crowd toward a new scene of excitement, attracted by the well known sound of the negro bomja. Now, if you ate not euotendy yersed in ‘African lore to know what that mHins, suppose we make a voyage of dis- {poveny towards yonder bamboo but, surrounded | by suoh an exger mob of the dingy votaries of the dance ; and if we can stand the deafening roar of calithumpian band, we shull probsbly be edified ind amused in ne small degree. See those four lusty darkies, with their mouths stretched from ear to enr in the excess of their enjoyment, eact straddling a keg laid on the side, over one end of | which a piece of shee) skin is tighily stretched, | aud upon which he thamps as if for dear life. ‘The ize of the keg, ” perceive, regulates the octaves from bass to treble, and the performers, or rather operators, by the ecientific flourishing of their yh Such terrific figures, that you woul! scarcely thin! it possible he could ever bring them back to sha again, Yet he keeps perfect time with the music, | and his heels never forget to thump on the floor at ; the very moment when they produce the greatest | effect in the deafening chorus. Now the partners | change sides, joining their hands above their heads | and turning each other beneath them—now the four bomba’s strike up a livelier tune ; the dancers become more and more nimble; their heels are | almost invisible, from the rapidity of their move- ments ; they seem to bring into play every muscle, and strain every nerve to “keep up the steam,” the house itself seems to dance, and the tallow candles, the drum, ers, and our phleg- matic selves seem to be: ixed up in one grand jumping medley, wherein it is a question whether awe are on our heads or our feet. To make, if pos- sible, this dire confusion ‘worse confounded,” as the excitement increases, the ‘ fair” por- tion of the company get up} a loud chaunting chorus, as wild agd monotonous as an Indian war song, and one or two of them shake about the ears of their companions a gigantic rattle, made of a dried gourd, filled with pebbles, and another, haps, by dint of hard knocks, makes the soun a triangle, perceptible amid the resounding din. But to cap the climax, just see those pretty, gaily dressed white girls with their beaux, dashing young men “ about town,” mixed in the motly throng, and joining. with heart and soul, as well as wit hands and feet, in this uproarious “kick up” of the darkie. There you see more practical amalgama- tion, both in the spirit and the letter, than you could find in a year’s residence in the strongest haunt of abolitionism in the world. Yet here slavery has existed 1n its most confirmed form centuries. The utmost good feeling prevails as a general thing be- tween the slaves and their masters, and seldom does a bomba dance take place, in which some of When one enters into the spirit of it, it certainly affords him more real hearty enjoyment than he could have any idea of before trying it, There 18 the most respectable young white people do not join, so much life and spint about it, and withal such perfect freedom from restraint and ceremony, that it is popular with all classes. Yours, &c., ANTONIO. Ponce, P. R., June 5, 1348. The Difficulties in the West Indies—Their Effect on Business, &c. In my last I mentioned that an excellent feeling existed between the slaves here and their masters. The latter are kind and indulgent, though firm i their treatment, while the former are generally wil- ling and indusirious. Ihave never seen the slightest indication on their part of a desire for insurrec- tion ; indeed, it would be tit for them to make the attempt, so far inferior are they to the whites in numerical force. Omr people, however, possess very excitable imaginations, and have been not a little alarmed by the recent news from some of the neighboring islands. The actual arrival of a vessel in our harbor, laden with fugiuves from Martinique, seeking the protection of our govera- ment, seemed to bring the clu pelts our very doors. But a moment’s reflection will convince any one, that with the large preponderance of white popu- lation which we possess, and the observance of common precaution, we are perfectly safe. Even admitting that our negroes were turbulent and maliciously disposed, our active and ener- getic governor, General Prim, has taken every measure calculated to inspire confidence, and’ insure tranquillity. His proclamation, with reference to recent events, bas had the effect of producing a great deal of confidence, as it shows he is awake to the importance of pre- vention rather than cure, ‘The general is adding to his popularity every day, by a liberal and judi- cious system of reform in ull departments. He shows his progresista principles at every step, though with caution, and thus far justifies the hopes T expressed in my first letter, in which I announced his appointment in place of the Conde de Mirasol. Oar only fear is that his liberality will not meet the views of the cabinet at Madnd will be recalled"before he tras half fulfi sure of his usefulness. In one important act which he has recently pas- sed he has directly reversed the policy of his pre- decessors; namely, that which refers to the ad- mission and naturalization of foreigners. Former- ly it wasa vexatious and expensive process for a stranger to obtain even the privilege of a temporary residence here, and everything seemed to be done with a view to discourage immigration. Now, on the contrary, inducements are h2ld out, and all the old obstacles are swept away. We trust that ere Jong we shall have a considerable influx of Ameri- can cine and industry, and, God knows we stand in need of both. I presume that accounts have reached you of the wretched state of business hére. I be- lieve it is generally conceded among our mer- chants that they ave never experienced a severer pressure. The extremely low prices of sugar and molasses, added to the slow demand, is the immediate cause of the depression, and I Tegret to say. that the prospect for another year affords very little encouragement. During the past year many of our merchants advanced considerable sums to the planters, on the present crop; and the planters, in turn, expended aaa deal upon the cultivation and improvement of their estates. The result is, an immense amount of produce, with scarcely any sales, and no price. The Playa or Bay, where the merchants reside, actually presents the appearance of a deserted town, the quiet of Sabbath reigning in the streets, which but three months ago were filled with an active and busy crowd. There wil probably be nothing more of any consequence done, nor any farther arrivals of the great needful, specie, for eight or nine months tocome. Capital could now be invested here to very great advantage, for it cannot be doubted that with the great natural resources we possess, and the encour- agement of « wise and liberal government, a very few years will suftice to se us in as pian a condition as any of the West Indian Islands ever enjoyed. Their present dicftiulties would induce many merchants and planters to make large sacri- fices for ready money. Adios. Anronto. Havana, June 2, 1843. Preparatisns for a Change in Cuba—Fortrficatiens, &e., &e. Knowing any information relative to this Island is eagerly seized upon by the majority of your rea- ders, owing to its great commercial value to the States, I beg to take my pen and communicate to you what I trust may not prove uninteresting. Before the arrival of the present Governor Gene- ral, great excitement prevailed amongst this com- muuity what his character would be, as reports had reached here he was of the “ Tacon” school, which would not be acceptable, owing to the step, he would soon have to put to many prevailing vices and disorders, the correcting of which had givea and that he led the mea+ but tothe great disappointment of public expecta: tion, nothing as yet has gcearred to show the man, and all remains surmises ; but after a calm we ge- nerally experience strong bi 8, Which may, eventually, reach a gale with its consequences. This personage has very quietly sent private agents ot his confidence (military men) to sve? place of consequence in this Jxland, hut principally to those having ports, to obtain (and it has been done qui- etly and of served of but by few,) information, the strength of each place, the number of men capable of bearing arms tn its jurisdiction, the employment of all, the shipping materials at hand, &ec. &e. which make some few, and I amongst the number, suspect this calm prognosticates somy new era ia the existence of this rich lsland, which will take many by coup de main. Who knows but what ain, fearful that our unsupagsed achievements in | Mexico, might lead us to further attempts—wishes in time to fartify, wa as to allow her some chance, the brightest gem now shining in her widowed crown. The European news and difficulties, have caused great talk here, and two many to repeat are the suppositions they bring forth ; but. amongst them the following would prove most difficult to resvona to, ‘ What would become of Cuba suould Spam follow France’s steps, and slea proclaim the eman- cipation of hey saves t At Puerto Principe there haye been’ some serious difficulties between the troops stationed thete and the young characters of that place, in which weapons have heew resorted to, but the former have always been in the right, as government must yrotect her own, This, Lam afraid, will not rest quietly, as the young men’ mm privaté accounts, ate not seperagens abd we will hear more of them, until the excitement becomes so intense, that even | dor} i “Tacon” a terrible name for the vicious Cabanos ; | Cutca@o, May 28, 1848. Notes of Travel in the West—Nunois—Its Canals, ¢ Railroads, §:c.—Fuacilities for Agriculture, Stock, $c., §c.—Interesting Particulars. The following 1s hastily made up from notes by the way, during a trip the present spring, from St. Louis over part of northern Illinois and Wiscon- | sin, originally and mainly with a view to see the doings on the Michigan casial; siticetransportation |.began on that valuable work, already proved pow- erful in stimulating trade, and the farmers around to increase theit gram crops, as is abundantly shown by extended fields of spring wheat, corn, &c., on the route. 1 venture to send you these sketches, trusting you may think the information given may possibly prove of service to some of your forty or sixty thousand subscribers, and hun- dreds of thousand readers, especially to the ex- ected emigrants from Europe, Hngland in particu- jar, of the class that have means to purchase and stock farms; indeed, for all who labor—mechanics, farmers, shepherds, ‘&c., &e.—all may, in the range of country alluded to, find resources in soil, wants of settlers, &c:, that-willenable the indus- trious and frugal to become. possessed of adequate income, in a few years, inthe midat of most beau- tiful and varied scenery, richest, deepest soils, most easily worked, and the most pleasant an brightest climate in the United States. From St. Louis on a steamboat, upon the bosom of the “Father of Rivers,” thence upon the River { Illinois, Ireached Peru and La Salle, where for the rst time I saw canal boats, (and beauties they are,) for transit of passengers, on the canal that unites the great lakes with the Mississippi River. The bustle, activity, and quantities of goods, pro- ducts, &c., moving each. way were great—so in contrast with that quiet terminus of the canal but a month or two aires that the mind is led to look forward, half doubting from the great and sudden cuaeies)) change. a year, or three or more, when the business, as is usual in the favored sections and points of the West, will have expanded ten, a hundred, or thousand fold. The farmers at once felt the favorable influence of cheap freights to the great northern and eastern mart Chicago, by a rise in price of grain of 15 to 25 per sent SR Salle is not a pretty place, but will be a large town, ex- panded by trade induced by the canal. Along by, and Sheeran from the canal on either side, the country exhibits valuable land for farming; but some of it is rather too tame and flat for agreeable scenery. There are several flourishing towns along the canal. rapidly increasing in trade, popula- tion, &e., and Ottawa and Iolist take lead. Prices of land for farming along the borders of the canal, and say 20 miles either way, range from eight, ten, to twenty-five dollars per acre, about all of it being owned by settlers and speculators. Chi- cago is now a large _town—city—say of 17,000 in- habitants, and ere 1849, I doubt not will have in- creased to over 20,000. Matters don’t go slow in the west. Indeed, the rapidity with which cities grow up—trade in_proportion—the prairies fill in with population. The figlects of canals and rail- roads; the increase on lakes and rivers of steam- ers, propellers and sailing vessels, astonishes all ; especially those raised in the old countries; an for those to belieye, they must see, as there has been no parallel in Europe at any age, much less the last century. The country around Chicago, for fourteen or eighteen miles, is not agreeable, being nearly a dead flat, and wet at periods; roads consequently bad. But about Fox River, the country greatly improves in all respects, und con- tinues to; especially in scenery, elevation, and slopes and rolls of the prairies; with soils not sur- passed in the west for richness and depth, as the traveller moves westerly or northerly. After pass- ing a few days, and yery satisfactorily, in the “City of Gardens,” (Chicago), a kiad friend took me in his buggy to Fox River, along part of it, and thence toward Rock River. The borders of Fox River, and for some miles each side, are considerably settled, and most of the land taken for farms; the prices of which range from eight to eighteen or twenty dollars per acre, according to U elete &e. Mills, villages; stores, &c., abun- ant. From Geneva, on Fox river, we wandered in about a south-westerly course. The country pleasant, soil good, timber not abundant, nor is it sufficiently watered for many extensive stock farms. Iwas surprised, and agreeably so, to see so many farms, villages, &c., dotted over so exten- sive tract of country, as say from Chicago to Fox river; and onward to Whitesides county, through which Rock river runs, we always had in sight several farms, and equally ten or twenty, with a village now and then, and good flour and saw mills; yet, ’tis only some twenty years ago since the first settlers moved upon this range Panna ‘The last year brought in far more than the number of settlers of any previous year. ‘The country be- gins to be known and appreciated, though steamers do not run through it. Considering the circum- stances, the number of stock, as cattle, sheep, hogs, &c. are numerous, and they yield the husbandmen liberal profits, if peorerly cared for, I observed much neglect, carelessness, with slovenly farming, fencing, &c. We found the roads excellent, when beyond the Ridge, say 14 miles from Chicago. Post offices are very numerous for a country so sparsely settled. _ 5 When approaching Rock River, say twenty or more miles before reaching it, there was a decided improvement in the surface of the country—less tame—more elevated—sloping and rolling—soil at least as good ; and, I thought, better. The views are lovely; all fresh, verdant, and mingled so much with the utile, What a refuge for the thousands who will leave Europe, seeking a home where all is safe, and advancing—where, with a small amount of means, all may possess farms that will afford competence if well worked, and, in a few years, give the possessors independence. Here the choicest, richest spots of land, may be bought so low in price, that the possessor may, and not fear disappointment, look forward to the period when his farm will be worth four or six times what it cost, and within ten years. We meandered with the river—that most beautiful river «with high, clean banks, and bottom of stone; current flowing at the rate of two to three miles per, hour, and the water clear as though just from springs), keeping quite near it, generally moving up stream, say northerly, (toward Wisconsin, | enjoying its pretty, and, at times, beautiful scenery. | As we moved up a more elevated spot, command- ing views of ten or twenty miles in every direction, causing us (companion and self) to. ait that we could not now here pitch our tent for life, and at | ence throw into the stream the baited hook among the thousand fish of various kinds that were sport- ing in the crystal waters, I could not restrain desire—passion—so we drove to the nearest house, borrowed a rade, heavy pole (small tree), with coarse tackle, and a basket to take minnows for bait, and at it we went, and within half an hour killed over 70lbs. of bluck bass, pike, &c., selected some of the best, threw them into our vehicle, and drove on. They were fried where we passed the |night, and delicious they were. | believe tht jwith two anglers we could have filled three or | four barrels with figh im as many hours. We learned:in Whiteside county, that the land down river, until within six or eight miles of the Mississippr. became flat and swampy. But ubove, we found it. change for the better in all respects, expecially in Lee, Oule, and up to Winarbaga counties, In the two former sre some of the mi scenery, that we saw in Illinois or elsewhe! prairie of various surface, from level to slopes, and rolling, with now and then deep, wild ravines and gleas—a pleasing vart ty, as miter of taste, and, in some degree, useful. Toen running over, through these places, streams of . hever- failing water for stock, &o., and, in the midst, a grove of ancient forest trees, of 200 ta 600 neres, Such torm the perfect combination for farming on an extensive scale, and advan- tageourly, and a8 matter of taste for landscape scenery, especially as sometimes may be found an elevated spot in the midst, trom whieh are views from 5 to.25 miles. Such we saw and enjoyed, passing a few days among these beauties of nature. also, a mingling of the artificial, so fur pretty good farming, with good stock, especially large flocks of very choice sheep—very thriving and profitable, | Now, in aid of our purpose, it will be appropriate to make some particular statement received trom a gentleman we passed afew days with, who has | travelled into parts of the four guarters of our globe, Tesiding some quarter ceatury Or more in Asia, an 4 not disapprove of our naming him the West, giving introductoey letters to those wha would visithim. (Well, Mr. John Shillaber, whose addresa is “Dixon, Hlinois,” states that wt will | afford him pleasure to reply to queries regard. ing the country, by letter, o« better, by receiving Visiters seeking a sides on one,o! the best farms we have seen in Illi- nojs, i must break off here—but in a few days I will address you again in continuation, JT may as well state that I saw, in drives of 0 admirable, perfect er mbinstions for farming and | mmunization, ashe desired us jo name. | al hint to all whom we meet, seeking knowledge of | ew home,) was our host; he re- | | or 20 miles around—La Getege as the centre—two jor three spots possesing all, and abundantly, the combinations alluded to, for very perfect farms on | an extensive scale—say 1500 to 4000 acres—that | may now be bought at low price ; but as the canal is now at work, arfd the Chicago and Galena Rail- | road is now being built, running 24 miles or so, northerly and easterly of La Grange, and Congress having granted adonation of a million and » half acres, or thereabdut, of land for building the “Cen- tral Railroad,” to run from Cairo to Galena through Peru, diverging to Chicago, and this Jatter is to pass La Grange, distant about two miles, prices of choice land must, we think, advance in pniee the presentyear. We need not, to the experienced im raral affairs, remark that in ‘laying out im- proving new farms, much expense may be saved by several parties joining in the fencing, &c.; also in | laying. out the approaches, rofids, &c., and as | neighbors be of much assistance to each other in many matte: specially in obtaining choice stock and improvii such economy may be prac- tised in the farms alluded to, and some others equally good, near the boundaries of “La Grange.” oF all [ have seen in the West, the Rock River range of country [ passed over, appears to me the best for settlers who would farm it, especially for stock—sheep husbandry particularly. I will continue my extracts oe . WwW. Ricurterp Sprines, June 21, 1948. A Visit to Richfield Springs—Col. Wm. C. Crain, of Herkimer. I feel something like a felon who has just been teleased from the galleys after a long imprison- ment. I breathe the spicy uirs of heaven, uninfect- ed with the foul load which they often gather du- ring their journey from chaos to those azure fields, where they are put through the process of filtration, -and sent back again to gambol over the bold peaks and the modest valleys of the earth— “Thou eanst not tell whence they cometh, nor whi- ther they goeth.”— Bible, “Bring with thee airs from heaven, or blasts from hell ?""—Hamlet. I breathe these ‘airs from heaven;” those “ aira from hell” never rang through these primitive forests; these cranniesand these crags—these lim- pid brooks and mossy banks—these venerable trees and those islets, are kissed each morning by airs scarce half an hour old; airs just unloosed from their skyey caves. Ileft Albany yesterday morning en route, for the Democratic Convention to be held to-morrow at Utica. Lhad time enough, :and I determined to mike a flying visit to the Richfield Springs. I therefore feft the railroad at Herkimer, and was provided by Mr. N. Smith with a tilbury and a strong horse, to make the ascent to the Springs. I should observe here that the village of Richfield 18 about twelve hundred feet higheg than Herkimer ; the country through which you pass is one of the finest in the world ; the scenery 18 very beautiful. Quitting Herkimer, you make an abrupt ascent of several hundred feet, fom whence you fava a view of the country of some sixty miles in extent; you see at your feet the work of the master artist into whose studio mortal eyes cannot penetrate, but in whose grace we confidently rely ; you eee the ex- panding horizon—the mists, whose blue rivals the blue of the heaven above them; you see only a cor- nerofthe web which the master mechanic has woven; but you are a rapt observer ; you are over- powered; a tear (the fruit of mingled reverence and admiration) glistens in your eye; but you. recover yourself, and you give your horse the rein again, But we proceed on our journey to the Springs. The farms present evidences of high cultivation; little wheat 1s grown upon these hills, the climate being too cold; wheat also suffers from the insect known as the “weevil.” But rye and oats are gown in abundance. The country, in fact, never looked more charming to me. Having been shut up in the eity during the receat hot weather I waa truly glad of an opportunity to leave it for a time. As you approach within a mile of the Springs you see the pretty village of Richfield, with ite snow white cottages, reposing in a valley at your feet. Last year | remember to have sent you an analysis of these waters, it was published in the Herald; they are strongly impregnated with sulphur. These springs are not as widely celebrated as the Saratoga and Sharon Springs in this State and the White Sulphur Springs in Virginia, and there can be nomore desirable place tora summer residénce,than the village of Richfield. Some of the eastem peo- ple, who love quiet, and hate the bustle and jostle of the more noted watering places, make Rich- field their constant residence in summer. There are fine opportunities tor yatching, hunting and fishing, and the society is certainly unexception- able. Invalids who have faith in the virtue of sulphur water, will find Richfield an agreeable re- sidence. Young gentlemen who are suffering with ennut, may come to Richfield ; florists may come, and naturalists will find something here worthy of their attention. Young maidens spoil also come, because it is said that if there were no women in Paradise, the men would become canibals and vat pires. . Thalted at the Spring Hotel, of whith Joshua peniiney Esq. is the proprietor, This hotel has been enlarged and improved, and it will compare favorably with the hotel$ at Saratoga and Newport. All the hotels here are good enough for the ku in Europe who have graciously abdicated their thrones for the people’s sake. They are good enough for any bon vivant or anv millionaire. After my arrival here { remembered that I had | received a kind invitation from the Hon. Wm. ©. Crain to visit him at his residence, which is onl; two-and-a-half miles distant from Richfield. i posted off without much delay, anxious to gi the hand of a man, whose noble heart has endeared him to all who have been so fortunate.as to make his acquantance. Mr. Crain is a democrat ; from the origin of the dissensions which have divided the democratic petty of the North down to the present moment, this gentleman has been regarded br both sections of the party, as a mediator a pacificator; his attitude toward both has been conciliatory. Ifany man im the State can unite the vote of the democratic party, it 1s. Wm, C. Crain, As a manifestation of the kind feelings which are entertained for him by the leaders of both sec- tions, I take leave to say that at the late Syracuse Convention, when concession, and even common parliamentary proprieties were utterly lost sight of, and when the voice of the President was drowne, by the anathemas of the contending fuctions—at this crisis, when silence was for a moment restored, the President of the Convention resorted ta u measure which he believed was the only one which could prevent a personal conflict among the delegates; e appealed to Mr. Crain, who was standing aloof from the halligareon to decide the point of order about which the delegates were contending—Mr- Crain 1s a radi¢al or Van Buren democrat ; (a barn- burner ;) he had witnessed the proceedings of the Cenvennon; he had shared the mortification which his own partizans had suffered, and he yro- bably experienced some feelings of reseniment against the conservatives or hunkers; bu% ft this pitch of passion when order no longer eaisted in the Convention, Mr Crain responded tg the appeal of the President ; he promptly decided the point of order against his friends and in favor ofhis enemies. It wasaconclusive and corset decission and Mr. | Crain saw with satistvetion that his magnanimity | was attended with important result; he saw that he had pacified the members, and that there was no longer danger that this august body would be con- voited into 4 furious mob. This ig one of the ma- | ny wets which have increased Rr ygyen popu \tarity. He was a member of the aoe in. 1332, and also in 1845; he was elected Speaker of the Assembly of 1846 by a commanding malery. I need only say, that he was one of the most ab) | and popular speakers that | Hou He was universal: | will, in all probability, receiv mination for governor this fall. | believe, would be certain. I was received at the mansion of the veteran” colonel with kindness; Virginia ean boast of ne | more hospitable men, Mr. ©, is a very large land- | ed proprietor; he has one thousand acres in Otsego county, and he owas a large tractin Wayne coun- ty. On seeing hin, | was reminded of some of the | nea and ink portraits of the men who lived ia éarlier days of the republic ; he is unostentatious ; | he receives you cordially, but with dignity. Te | was late and’ I supped at the Colonel's board. At- | ter supper I was invited to. remain thi the ai ever presided in the esteemed. Mr. Craim ve the democratic no~ His election, \ ht. } accepted the invitation, and this morning ter breakfast [ quitted his hospitable mansion, « happier man, Mr. Crain urges the nomination of Martin Van Baren for President, He desires thas the Convention shall act with firmness and deci sion. He stands uphe prineiple, and he will defend that principle at all hagards ; he will do se because he believes it is just. | A brakeman on the Fitchburg Railroad, named Wallace, either fell from or was knockad off his car, near Concord, on Thursday, and was so se- verely injured that it is doubtiul whether he can | Survive,