The New York Herald Newspaper, January 2, 1870, Page 5

EET mo MEXICO. The Grand Demonstrations in Honor of Seward. THE BALL AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE. ey Senors Tejada and Ro- mero’s Banquets. Tho Zona Libre Question in the Mexican Congross. The steamsnip City of Mexico, from Vera Cras, December 21, via Havana, brings as the lollowing news from Mexico." ‘The purser will receive thanks for favors receivea, Tho Grand Fete nt the National Theatre in Henor of Mr. Seward—The Decorations Numbers Present—Romero’s Banquet to the Ailustrious American—Senor Lerdo de Teja- due Entertainment=—Speeches of Komero and Seward. ° Ciry oF MEXICO, Dec. 10, 1869, The a@rand bali given last night in the National theatre by the government caps the climax of the series of compliments which have been showered upon Mr. Seward in Mexico. For several days a heavy force of men were en- gaged in preparing the decorations ef the building. ‘The whole capital was ransacked for articles with which to beautify the house. The entire length of “Calle de Vergara’? was decorated with Ohinese anterns, and thousands of lights, m the national colors of red, white and green, illuminated the front of the house. Mirrorw, Italian vases, chandeilers, brackets without momber were borrowed from the Palace for the in- terior. Piants, founta.ns, flags and ianterns deco- rated the grand portico and patio. The National theatre of Mexico, when it was finished, at a cost of $400,000, in 1844, was considered the finest structure of the kind on the Contiment. The floor seats nearly 1,000 people, and the siage corresponds in size. The floor can be raised to the level of the stage, present- tng an extensive floor, upon which, it Is said, 600 couples may dance at once. The paicos were hand- somely furnisned, every one being titted up with Gauze curtains of tne Mexican colors, and during the ball were filled with all the ¢liie and beauty of Mexico. it is estimated that 3,00 or 4,000 people were present at this grand en- tainment, which was probably by far the most extensive which has ever taken place in this country or which wili take place for years vo come. Sapper was served in the halls of the theatre to the iramense company, while Mr. Seward and trienas, the Cabinet and diplomatic corps were entertainea im @ smaller room apart. Many toasts were pro- posed on all sides and the best of feeling prevatied, The ball began at ten and continued untu daylight. Fabulous sums are spoken of as the cost of this affair. Certainly the government of Mexico could not have treated Mr. Seward in a more princely manner than ithas, and as an expression of its sentiments to- wards the United States it could not snow in a more generous manner ite appreciation of the assistance which it may consider that it received from that country. On the 3a of this month Mr. Seward was enter- tamed by Mr. Romero. A limited number were pre- sent, including a number of ladies, Atl the close of dinner Mr. Romero began the Soasts, as follows:— . SENOR ROMERO'S TOAST, GENTLEMEN—If to every American who loves the Imdependence of hia country it gives tue most Fron tive sauafacuion tosee among us as a guest of tne nation the Hon, Wiliam H. Seward, it 1s more espe- cially 80 to me, from the fact that baving had the honor of representing Mexico at Washington during the period of the interventional difficulties I had Special opportunities of knowing bis elevated aims Fespecting Mexico and his political foresight, which im the midst of the greatest dangers to his country trom the outside, was able to re-estabilsh the Union within the. United States, without involving his country ina foretpe War, and at the same time co- operate in a pacific but eMicacious manner towards the evacuation of Mexieo by the French forces. 1 should consider myself personally wanting in duty were to allow the present opportu- to pass, in which I enjoy the honor of seeing Mr. Seward in my country and receiving him in my own house, without manifesting to him my scknowledgment as a Mexican and @ friend, of his disinterested services to my conn and for his personal attentions towards myself, While he had the direction of the foreign policy of the United States. I feel @ double sausiaction in seeing him among us, because bis visit to Mexico will nave proved my good faith whenI gave my optnion Teepecting affalis in sexico, atid of the political aad social state of the republic, should the result iseif of the French intervention not have been sufficient to satisfy him on that point. The presence among us of 4 statesman us distinguished as Mr. Seward, with honorable antecedents, and bis elevated patriotism in the United States, is an event upon which the republic should conwratu- late iteelf; for in the fature there will ve neard in her defence ap impartial and authorized voice which will contribute towards dissipating the incorrect ideas entertained abroad respecting Mexico. I, there- fore, think it opportune gentlemen, to propose a wast, which I have nodoubt wiil be received by ali with satisfaction:—May the visisof Mr. Seward ve asfruitiul in beneficial results towards the honor, credit, pabito good, as his stay in the State Depart- ment of the United States proved to be in contri- buting towards the happy issue of independence and self-government of Mexico, Mr. Seward then responded:— SPEECH OF MR. SEWARD. Althongh my meiory does not go back so far, yet I know historically that the world accepted with gratification und hope the revolution in Mexico when begun under the illustrious Hidalgo. 1 think, morfover, that Mexico was favored by the patience and expectation of the nations until independence ‘Was secured and established under the lead of Ytur- bide. But when it was seen that although inde- ea and sovereignty had been gained, yet he republic had not been eifectually estabiished and the Mexican people became involved in a pro- tracted and turbulent storm, appearing one yeur above the waves in the form of an unsettled monarchy, the next taking on the majesuc prestige of an empire; then a constitutional repubiie, and that republic afterwards giving piace to Tepeated dictatorship. The confidence of mankind gave way to despondency and ultimate despair. in all courts and capitals the uniform exclamation was: “Mexico 13 in anarchy and 18 incapable of self- government; she must be saved by foreigu inter- vention.” kven in the Congress of the Uniied States a proposition for a Unitea States protecto- rate over Mexico preceded the audacious tmperial invasion which was finally adopted by France, ‘That intervention occurred at the moment when tie United States themselves were straggling with a re- bellion the most fearful that any nation was ever cailed to encounter. The people of the American Union then, for the first time, comprehended that the safety of the republic in Mexico, however hope- less 1t might seem, Was nevertheless essential to the salvation of the United states. Nevertheless, neitner nation was at that time able to give armed assistance, or ovher than moral sup- port to the other. Each was obliged, by a gupreme necessity to fight its own military battles, while to effect the necessary.concert in its mora! action was the great trial of the administrations in both countries. ‘In all revoiutions uose who preside over the movement on eltuer side may reason & priort, and they may respectively ground their ex- pectations of triumph upon prineipies which tuey regard as ciementary. The masses arrayed on both sides, on the contrary, may reason frou the events and developments of the nour. I was able to main- taia at ail times, as all the world knows, an entire confidence in the success of the government of the United States and no less confidence in tue tramph of the government here. While i could suffictentiy at all times explain the reasons of my confidence in the former case, you, Mr. Romero, remember how often and how profoundiy i expressed iy regret that the want Of personal acquaintance 1 Mexico disabled me from assigaing satisfactory rea- sons for my saith in the success of the republican government here and how constantly { assured you Uhai if life and bealth should be voachsafed me 1 intended at the earliest moment to study if practi- cabie in Mexico the foundation of my hopes of peace aad republican government, At last I have seen Mexico. I have stood on the fatal bill of the Cerro de las Campunas, in Querétaro and beside the graves of Miramon and Mejia and of Comonfort and Z: goza in Mexico, I now know not only that Mexico wili remain independent, republican, and enjoy ace aud prosperity in the future, but kuow also the grounds upgn which this nniwayering faith can safely rest. [ shall henceforth be able to assure my counurymen and ailwhom it may concern that Mexico will remain independent because the sense of independence ts the strougest popular element in Mexico, and as sirong as it isin France, in Great Britain or in the United States, 1 now that sexico wili remain re- Publican, because the peopie of Mexico, with uniin- portant individual exceptions, prefer the republican system ofyovernment and will submit to no other. | know Mexico will remain at peace, because no tor- eign nation will now assail her, and because taction ‘bas heiiuver any longer @ leader suMciently desper- ale or popular delusions suificiently general for coming agen whe standard of civil war. . tons, Mr. Seb; ‘ NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, 1870.-TRIPLE SHEET. Mexico _ will pregeren, wise amfautration vored ational can restore the national industry ant entafprise, and same conditions even an unwise one could not jong delay or binder that achievement. 1 could not leave Mexico, Mr. Romero, without giv- ex itude I feel to the Provi- ingvon, as well as for the great indulgence of being allowed to renew and reaftirm those relations 10 exico, Various toasts were proposed and speeches made by Ministers Lerdo, lalewas and Messrs. Nelson and Frederick W. Seward, after which Mr. Komero pro- oses (he health of General Grant alter the foluw- lug preliminary spece! 1 @ M. ROMERO'S SPRECH, ‘The year 1861, without calculation or effort, and almost without any expectation on my part, brought me to @ position in which [ had to coniront a des- perate, organized and even armed resistance vo al the great politica: 1deas which 1 had fondiy cherished and peacefully promulgated through a@ period of Many years. Slavery had takea BP. arms in alan for tts fife and had organized rebellion aiming at the dissolution of the American Union. spain, deriding What under tue clroumstances seemed the imbecue theory of the Monroe doctrine, through the treach- ery of President Santa Anna gained possession of tue city of san Domingo and re-established avice royaity in that island, and soou after- wards seized the Chincha Islands from Peru. Great Britain, not yet cordially reconciled to the independence of her former colonies, the United States, struck bauds with France, whico had been their ancient ally, but was now under ® ballucination of imperial ambition, and with the concurrence—voluntary 10 some cases and forced tn others—of the other maritime Powers of Western Burope, lilted the rebels of the United Staves to the rank and advantage of lawful belligerents. Toe statesmen of Europe, with ite press almost unani- mous, announced that the United States of America had ceased vo exist a8 one whole sovereign and organized nation. The Euperor of France, emboid- ened by the seeming prostration of the United States, landed invading armies at Vera Cruz aud Acapulco and overran tho territories of Mexico, overthrowing all its republican institutions and estabiigiti upon their ruins European empire. Wien the United States in anal 1, Bt. Dowingo re-established as a monarchy and Mexico ‘48 an empire, {t Was unavoidable that republicanism maust perish throughout the whole continent, and that thereafter there would remain for those who nad been its heroes, its friends, ita advocates and its martyrs, only the same sentiments of reverence aud py with which mankind are accustomed to con- \miplate the memories of Themistocies and Demos- thenes, of Vato and of Cicero. In that hour of su- preme trial 1 thought I knew better than the enemies of our sacred causo, the resources, the energies and the virtues of the tmperilled nations. In the name of the United States i called upon the republican rulers and statesmen of the continent for moral mon sympathy, common danger und com- mon ambition to be falthtul and persever- im their own republics. The universal newer was ual to the expecta tion, ‘The United ites became for the first time, im sincerity and ear- hestness, the friend and ally of every other republi- can State im America, and ali the republican States beeame from that hour the friends and allies of the United States. This alliance commanded respect and confidence in unexpected quarters. Switzerland, Italy, Russia, North Germany, Turkey, Egypt Morocco, Siam and China became the friends ani moral allies of the American republic, and their triumph at last was complete. e United States were restored and slavery abolished. St. Domingo was evacuated, Peru was left independent and Mex- ico resumed her noble republican autonomy. For the heroes who led republican forces in this great contest, Scott, Grant, Sherman, McClellan, Farragut and So many others in the United States; Zarragoza, Diaz, Arteaga, Salazar, Escobedo and Corona in Mex- ico; for the statesmen who directed the councils of the nations who took part in—Lincoln, Johnson, Stevens and Stanton in thé United States; Juarez, Lirdo, Iglesias and Romero in Mexico; Goris- chakofm, Bright, #ismarck and Napoleon (Jerome) in Europe. I come to feel and acknowledge senti- ments of gratitude, of respect and of affection not inferior in iorce to tuose of fraternal confidence and affection, This is the manner, Mr. Lerdo, by whico you have won me to your side and secured my ‘ardent wishes for your future proaperity and success 48 & Wan, o minister and a statesman. If { have not 80 expressed myself hereto: aince my arrival in Mexico, it was only because | was waiting for this most seasouable occasion. ‘The guests retired at @ seasonable hour. It be- came generally acknowledged to have been one of the most agreeaoie entertainments which bave been given during Mr, Seward’s visit. The latter gentie- man and iriends will probably leave this city early next week, and depart for the Unived States, after having remained ® few days im Puebla, visiting the mammoth pyramids and otner Indian remains whicu are to be seen in that neighbo! 5 Mr. Seward was the guest of Mr. Lerdo de Tejada on the jth of Novemover. The description of the entertainment I take trom the Opinion Nacional. Tne sumptuous dinner which the Minister of Rela- asuian Lerdo de Teyada, gave In honor of the illustrious traveller the night of the 30th of November past, took place in the house in is sireet of San Francisco, The service was magnificent and the guests merry, among whom were Mr. Seward and party, Mr. Nelson and his secretary, the Consul of the United States and the gentiewen in charge of the German Confederation. In seasonable time Mr. Lerdo arose and toasted Mr. Seward in 4 short and eloquent speecn, consid- ering bis personal qualities and circumstances, to which the latier replied. Mr. Nelson toasted afterwards Mr. Lerdo in a few words, but in the elegant language for which he is noted. Mr. Fitch took the floor to express lis gratitude for the kinaness and distinction with which Mr. Seward aud his friends had been treated since their arrival im the republic, and to present his wisues that the government and Congress may terminate witu prosperity the graud work of political restora- tion of the country, Which they conceived and put to execution with so much intelligence, Mr. Lerda brought out’ another toast, stating that he wished the relations between Mexico gud the United States and the German Confederation to be cordial and lasting. Mr. Schiotger seconded his toast, manifesting Wisues to the same effect, and, finally, the Consui of the United States brought out a toast for the pros- perity aud growth of commerce. In that happy reunion of strictly private charac- ter reigned the greatest animation and cordiality, and when it broke up, at half-pasteleven o’ciock at were it bore pleasant and graitying recollections to all. Departure of Mr. Seward—Weather and Healtth—Gevernor Bacz’s Arrival—Prp- ceedings in CongressThe Zona Libre Question. City or Mexico, Dec. 19, 1869. Mr. Seward and friends left tnis city yesterday morning at ten o’ciock for Puebla in a special train. He was accompanied to the station by Minis- ter Lerdo, and was met there by a large number of people, including President Juarez and the Mintsters of his Cabinet and mauy Americans. Quitea num- ber of ladies and ‘gentlemen accompanied them on the journey as far as the halfway station, to return by the up train, Mr. Seward takes on with bim to the States the daughter of an American who lived for many years in Guanajuato, For the last month the weather in Mexico has been quite cold, and the whole populace has been subjected to colds, miluenza and pulmonary difficul- ties. White summer clothing is required while walk- ing on the sunny side of the street, only heavy win- ter clothing fs comfortable on the shady side, There has been an unusual number of deaths, pariiculariy among the poor, who have dropped of in great numbers with tung diseases. Everybody has been suffering from acold, which is sald to be the case every year atthis time. This complaint has been facetiously called the ‘“Liegado de Seward” (arrivai of Seward.) Hach year it haga different name, A year ago it was calied thesyeliow shawi, from the prevailing fashion of the day. ‘The rioters who were arrested in Puebla at the time of the attack on the Protestgnts, have all been set at liberty without having suered any further punhment than a short confinement. A short time since a body of cavalry between here and Toluca were surprised by pronunctados, who came down upon them from the mountains, ‘hey were completely routed, tosing thirty-six horses, most of their arms, four men and an officer killed and a dozen.or more wounded. ‘The matter nas been kept quiet notwithstanding the proximity to the city, nothing being said regarding it in the papers of the capital. Information has just reached here that a wagon train with goods was attacked py a band of over 100 men this side of Queretaro, who killed some of the Grivers, drove off the balance and took the gooda. This is @ step in advance of ordinary diligence robbing, and, If true, will not have a beneficial effect ‘on the internal commerce of the country. Ex-Governor José Bag arrived here this morning from the United States. Congress having decided that ois titie of membership is good he will proba- biy at once take his seat in that body. Tue city Mayor was te be elected this morning at ten, and Mr. Baz evidently had reasons for desiring to be pre- sent, for he paid $100 fora locomotive jast night to bring him up to the pulque train from Puebla. He could not otherwise have reached here before this afternoon, which would have been too latc for the election. The following 1s @ report of a discussion in Con- gress, on December 14, on tne bill for the abolition of the Zona Libre, taken from the Diario Oscial, comprised mostly of speeches in favor of the bill:— Carballo Ortegat objected to the continuance of the Zona Lipre, a8 he considered it to be in opposition to article twenty-eight of the constitution, which gaye that there should be no ench privileres, He Considered it a Prejudicial to the Eastern States. He Pe ag Bye) the frontier could be declared ports of Seppe, 26 had been intimated by the Minister of Haci and 9 with that leman in the statement that the States of Sonora, Chiapas, Yucatan and the ‘Territory of Lower Calliornia would soon solicit the same favor, He denied the existence of the o: nication to which Mr. Guzman had re- ferred, and requested the Minister of Hacienda to state whether it was troo that the Cabinet at Wash- ington had set a communication in threat terms to the Mexican government, The 6 ended by clearing himsaif of vie charge of retrogres- sion, of which he was accused, by reciting various events of his tie, which proved the contrary. Mr. Mejia objected to the idea of privilege, denying that be had favored it, Hesaid that to his conceotion the frontiers only should ve protected; taney should re- ceive some protection 1a order to be abie to compete advantageously with such a powerlul antagonist as she one confronting them. The General touched upon those points indicated by C. Guzman, ampilty- ing some facts, and demonstrating that Yucatan, Chiapas, &c., would present tbemuelves to claim te game privilege, for those State had not the incon- venience of @ bar like that of the Kio Grande, so Gengerdhs and causing such large expenses to ships Ld ng, through it, @ Minister of the Treasury said, if the question whieh the Deputy of Vera Cruz has had the good- ness fo ask me ts based upon the desire of knowing if the government of the United staves has made gome sort of demand or action or a threat to the government of the repuolic referring Lo the abolish: mem of the Zona Libre, I way siate, first of ali, that Jam not the organ which can give (his information. Congress knows very well that the foreign govern- Menis treat with the government of the republic through our Ministry of Foreign Relations, and in ‘that Ministry may possibly be something referring to this business, although unknown to the Treasury. As @ great many communications res; Libre, which were directed by States to the Ministry of Foreign Kelations, have peen communicated by (iat Mimetry to the Treasury, 1t 8 not improbable that if such a communication had been received by that depart. meat it would have been forwarded to me. Besides this, @ business of such gravity Would have been discussed and considered by @ *jt_ta’’ of ministers; butin hermanner have I beeu informed of it. In consideration of ali these tacts I beiteve t! 1 may assure the Chamber that the government of th republic has received no communication whatever from the United States indicating an exaction or Unreat, with the ovject of influencing by uniawful means the intention of the President of the republic for the abolition of tne Zona Libre. I is not likely that the government of the United States, wuich ip the times of adversity used no pressing means, when it might bave proposed w bargain for its fwvors, would now be forthcoming with de- mands, which, however important it may be said to be to it interests, can be but a secondary matter to them. Ido not wish to leave this rostrum, gen- uemen, without stating that it appears to me higaly improper that one of the speakers, who has men- tioned this business, should crowd in the iteresta ana desires of a foreign government in @ question Walch ig enurely internal, Ihe intention of making the position of the Executive and that of tue depu- ues Who sympathize with nim sppear as if caused a the suggestions of a foreign government 1s bighly improper and ts an offence to the patriotism of the government and Congress, and de- cidedly not a very legai manner to excite the patri- otisin of this assembly 1m favor of un institution which, if it improves one iocailty, is bound to ruin the general interests of the nation. On this account only the will of the Executive has been heard in op- Position to it, and not on account of any suggestion ofa foreign Power. If the speaker to wnom | al- fuded has iimited himeell in saying that the republic has a perfect rignt .o establish her fiscal legisiation in whatever mauner may seem convenient to ber | Would bave nothing to opserue, but when it 18 said that the governiment is giving Way to tne dictation of a foreiga government, to the disadvantage of the national interest, then | consider it my duty to pro- test against such serious and unfounded accusations, Fortunately every Cougressaian kaows very weil what the conduct of government avout the point has been, Neither threats, iustigations, mungues uur the power of turee of the principal Kuropeau nations, which were in full play dury the intervention, have been able tw make the i dent swerve a@ particie from the predetermined course of his duty, Tne republic has, without doubt, on account of the generous and atsincerested policy whicu the government of the United States displayed towards Mexico, reasous for ackuowiedgment and gratitude towards tuem. ‘The President has not car- Tied these sentiments Wo the degree of accepting the indicated desires of the Unitea States, believing that Possibly the imterests Of the nation might be imjured thereby. We tad a recentexampile of this, which ig still iresh in the memory of all. When te Arch- duke Ferdinand Maximilian was laced 10 the Submission of judgment by the authority of the republic, the United states, urged by foreign nations, wih whom they were im harmony and for whom they had motives of consideration, offered its mediation, with the object of sav- ing tne Ife of the usurper. ‘he President of the republic thought tat by favoring the wishes of the Cabinet of Washington, with whom he had been on verws of good friendship aud hign Conaideration, he might tjure the interests of tne nation, and reluctantly refused to listen to the ad- vice of a friendly government, which, througn its moral assistance im a@ critical epoch, did the repub- hic distinguished services. An administration waich bas bedaved in this manner in such dificult circum- stances should not be exposed to tnsimuations of Unis kind which we have heard in this chamber, and of which it appears that 1¢ constitutes the principal arguments of the sustainers of the conservation and excension of the Zona Libre. Tne President of the republic believes that the general interests of the country are belug rumed by the zona liore as is existg_ now, ds wishes §=to be understood by Congress that his opinion in this Tespect is equally as loyal and patriotic as that of tbe deputies who are ol a contrary opluion. Before couciuding 1 have to state to the Chamber that besides tuat communication of the government of the United States about tne Zona Libre, which has been read and published, anotuer has been received, Of iater date, of (ne present administration of the United States. It is of a mucd more conciliatory and iriendly character than the firet communication. it cannot, without a great offence to good sense, be considered to bave the aspect of exaction, much less that of a threat. It is Impossible for anybody know- ing the normal principies of the United States, and knowing the sentiments of friendsip and conside- ration Which it haa for Mexico, to believe 1t would assume a threatening tone concerning a matter which 18 of aimost insignificant interest to them, compared witu the liberal, social and philanthropi- cal principles which form the bi of the policy of the present North American admmmistracon. ViSIT TG A CHINESE SILK FACTORY. (Canton correspondence Cincinnati Commercial. } directed my guide to take me into the silk- weaving streets. We soon entered them. I at once distauunted to make @ careful observation of their modus operandi tor the production of this renowned fabric of Oriental 1oomy. All around me was silk, slik, nothing but silk. In small dark houses, little better than hovels, were seen people, chiefly wo- men, dyeing this delicate textile. Outside, in litile filthy yards ana pig styes, over the ground where the family swine were wallowing, were placed bam- boo poles, Whereon were hanging skeins of colored silk just from the dye, and glowimg with the most vivid hues as they hung for drving in the sunshiue over the loathsome pools below. 1 visited several of their weaving shops. They wero quite similar in their 1xtures and arrangements. I spent some time in examining one of the largest. 1t was, perhaps, 100 feet long and about sixteen feet wide. The wails were of coarse clay blocks, sun-dried, unplerced by asingle aperture ior al or light save at the frout, which was entirely open the whole breadth of the butiding. The door was simply ef trodden clay, un- even and uniidy. An aisie ran down the centre, JUst wide enough for one persen to pass; on either side of this were ranged (the nearest looms, and standin as close togetner as they couid be placed. ‘Two or three persons were employed on the work of each loom. ‘tie looms are plain, common looking afairs, alinost precisely of the same kind, as to ap- pearance ana mode of manipulation, as were those upon which our grandmothers iu Ohio used to weave the linsey-woolsey for the wear of us Western boys, when even the preacher was alinost a stranger to broadcloth, Squatting myself down by one of these friendly looking acquamtances of my boyhood, | leiwurely watched the delicate and diigent manipu- lations of the weaver and bis assistants as their shutties few to and fro im the mazy mystery of figures and flowers that came gradually out larger 4nd plainer upon the glowing surface of the gorgeous fabric which those skilful Workmen were there cre- ating under my eye. So complex were the move- ments ol tue men on these siinpie looking machines, aud so marvelloualy beautiful were the products re- sulting toerefrom, thas | gazed with unbounded amazement upon this work of silk weaving us it progressed vefore me. The weather being warm and the shop crowded the workmen were almost baked. My visit inter- ested tuem waniicatly, yet not # loom ceased its checking, clacking noiwe, not a man leit lis employ- ment to gaze; bus | detected them giving furtive glances aud exchanging mutual smiles amoug tuem- selves al the Curious stranger Who had thus uncere- montously squatted Dimself down in their midst, vy one of these humole looking looms, on a common dirs floor, within womely clad walls, wuere, never- theless are produced those magnificent fabrics which for ages and throughout the world have been the pride ol wealth, tne envy of beauty and the admiraiion and desire of royalty. Far down and nearly to the extreme limit of this tong room was a plain board counter, extending quite across the room. Behind it stood the proprietor of the fac- vory, a smooth-faced, richly ciad Chinaman. Direcuy im the building was unroofed, thereby aiford- pacious skylight; except this, window there wasnone. Through this skylight, and down upon the counter below, tne sunsiine feil upon the finished work of this dingy, dirty, squalid looking workshop. The proprietot busy measuring off and packing up the proaucts of his looms. And as the sunlight streamed jull upon the gorgeous colors of those maguificent silks, sating and brocades which the proprietor Was tossing about in billowy radiance it seemed to my eyes, as i stood far up in the feedie ght of the contre of tne room, as though he were tossing and toying with rainbows. From places so hambie and surrodudings #0 squalid as this come those bie fo fabrica which are to decorate paiaces ani to adorn the persons of princes and monarchs of the earto, The simplest post oMce tu the worid is to be found in the Straits of Magellan. It consists of a barrel suspended by a chain attached to # rock opposite Tierra de! Fuego, Every ship that passes makes it B point to open It and deliver the con! far as ite destination will alle’ RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. Religious Services To-Day. Bishop Snow will preach in the University, Wash- ington square, this afternoon at three o'clock, on “Spiritualism alias Diabolism.”’ ‘The Chureh of the Poritans will attend divine ser- vice to-day in Apollo Hall, corner of Twenty-eighth street and Broadway. Preaching by the Rev. Dr. Cheever at hall-past ten o'clock, on “A Year Begun with God.” Rey. R. N. Bellows will conduct the free services al Brevoort Lal, 154 East Fifty-fourth street, be tween Lexington and Third avenues, to-day at half- past ten A. M. and nalf-past seven P, M. Morning subject—The Siznificance of the Year.”” Atthe Forty-second street Presbyterian church, Rev. Dr. Scott preaches morning and evening, “The Golden Calf.” Rev. George Hepworth will preach m the Unurch of the Messiah, Park avenue, this morning and even- ing. Subject in the evening—The Old Year and the New.” Rey. Charles B. Smyth preaches this morning in the East Eleventh street church, near Third avenue. Rey. Dr. Wescott will preach in Plymouth Bap- tist church, Fitty-first street, between Ninth and Tenth avenues, tuts morning at haif-past ten o'clock, and in the evening at half-past seven o’clock. Rev. Moses Hull will speak before the Society of Spiritualists, at the Everett Rooms, this morning at half-past ten and this evening at half-past seven o'clock. At St. Luke’s Methodist Episcopal ehurch, Forty- first street, near Sixth avenue, preaching at half- past ten A. M. and half-past seven P. M. by Rev. Dr. R. 8. Foster, . At the Church of Our Saviour (Sixth Universalist), Thirty-fifth street, mear Sixth avenue, Rev. J. M. Pyilman, pastor, preaches this morning at @ quarter t eleven o’clock and this evening at half-past seven. Rev. Dr. Robinson, of Rochester, will preach in the Calvary Baptist churcn, West Twenty-third street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues, at half-past ten o'clock A, M. and half-past seven P. M. At the Free Will Baptist church, Seventeenth street, west Sixth avenue, there will be preaching this morning, at half-past ten o*clock, by Rev. 0. E. Blake. Ordinance of Lord’s Supper at the close of service. Rey. Dr. Ball will preach in the evening at Dalt-past seven o'clock. At the free Church of the Holy Light, Seventh ave- ne, next to Thirty-fourth street, services will be held at half-past ten o’clock A.M. and haif-past seven o'clock P.M. Rev.*Eastburn Benjamin wil) preach, At the French Caurch du St. Esprit, Rev. Dr. Ver- ren, rector, there will be divine service in French this morning, at balf-past ten o’clock. Mr. Giles lectures on “Writing the Law Upon the Heart” in the New Jerusalem church, on Thirty-fifth street, between Fourth and Lexington avenues. At the new church enterprise, Fiftieth street, be- tween Broadway and Eighth avenue, Rev. P. A. Saxton preaches this morning at half-past ten o'clock and this evening at half-past seven o’clock. William P. Corbit will preach in the John street Methodist Episcopal church at half-past ten o’clock A. M. and at seven o'clock P. M. Z At Zion church, Madigon avenue, corner of Thirty- eighth street, services will bereafter be at eleven o'clock A. M. and half-past seven P. M. Services at Zion chapel, Third avenue, between Thirty-eightn and Thirty-ninth streets, at half-past ten A. M. and hall-past three P. M. Rev. H. D. Ganse will nold @ special service for young men this evening, at half-past seven o'clock, in the lecture room of the Young Men’s Christian Association's new building, corner of Fourth avenue and Twenty-third street. The closing services in St. Jobn’s church, corner of Washington and Jobnson streets, Brooklyn, be- fore removing to the new chapel, on Douglass street, near Seventh avenue and Prospect Park, will take place to-day, at half-past ten o’clock A. M. and half- past seven P.M. Rev. Prof. Samuel Roosevelt Jonn- son, D. D., will preach the historical sermon im the morning and addresses are expected in the even- ing. The Question of Papal Infallibilizxy. To THE EpiToR OF THE HERALD:— Among the questions which it is supposed will be discussed by the Ecumenical Council tne one which excites most general interest 1s undoabtedly that of Papal infallibility, and already some of the most dis- tinguished Catholic historians and theologians have expressed their opinions upon it. They have generally nnited in condemning it; and, indeed, it must be admitted that neither history nor reason appears to justify the proposed dogma. Among the arguments afforded by history tne con- demnation of Pope Honortus I. by the Vouncil of Constantinople, in 680, might be cited. By this Council Honorious was pronounced a heretic. From this it te evident that if Papal infallibility was not wholly unthought of in the seventh century, it was Not, at least, a prevaili ug doctrine. Again, at the close of that melancholy period whicu Catholics must ever regard with sorrow, when for more than @ generation two rival Popes thundered anathemas at each other, and finally three pontiffs in different purts of Europe claimed the leadership of the faithfui, we find that this shameful schism was ended by the Council of Constance, which met in the year 1414, and deposed the three rivals and elected another, Martin V., in their stead, But if the Pope, which dignity must have belonged by right to Do one of those de- posed,, be infallibie, the action of this Councli was certainly an unjustifiable usurpation of authority. It 1s true that the supremacy of the Pope bas nad many advocates, is not # newly proposed doc- trine, One of its most prominent advocates was Pope Pius II., elected in 1458, who, before his eleva- hon to the papacy, held that Coupcils were superior tothe Pope, but after his election publishes a bull in condemnation of himself and in favor of the papal authority over Councils, calling upon the world to listen rather to what he said in nis mature years than to the erroneous opinions of his youth. in wis Case Were Is reason to lear that his judgment was warped by his ambition, Otuer pontiils have apparently been inclined to accord some authority to the bishops of the Church, and the threat of assembling a Council has been used agalust a pope not without effect. Tae Jesuit order has long cherished this dogma, but they have not succeeded in waking it popular among Catholics. ‘There are few questions upon which so many arguments mignt be offered on eitner side. It is, in Tact, a teupthug Held for argumentation. But it ap- pears diticult to reconcile the weil known text from which the Jhurch derives her authority with Papal Personal inialiuiity, It was not against the Pope, tm se, that the great promise was made that the gates of hell should Hot prevail, but against the Church; aud the word church does not surely mean one person, ~ A Geueral Council represents the Church, and Catholics pera admit that it is reasonable to believe in its infailibility. If, too, the Council of Constantinople could condemn Pope Honorius we must acknowledge that 11 had autno- rity superior to his. Hence be, and of course all Popes, have been fallible. if the Council was falli- bie when it pronounced Honorius a heretic the pres- ent Council may be fallible when it declares the Pope iniallibie. It wiil scarcely be said that botn Pope and Council in union may be infailible in making such @ declaration, for when the Pontit, not being necessarily free from error in proclaiming this doziaa, Would be certainly infallible in regard to none, ‘There ls another argument which may be brought to beur upon this question, which is, perhaps, We most dificuit of ali—whether, in declaring such a dogma, aud thus renouncing its authority aud the uthority of ai future Councils, the Council does not exceed ite power? Can a Council thus render nugatory in advance the decrees of all Councils to come? ‘Tle question {s indeed a puzzling one, and is lukely to create endless controversy. Lustiy, the Council should got declare any dogma without deileving that the common sense of Catho- lics (broughout tue world i8 in ite favor, The dog- ma of the immaculate conception was not promul- gated until almost all the Catholic bishops had been cousulted and they nad declarea their own opinions and those of their people to be in its favor. What, then, 14 the opinion of Catholics upon this subject? ‘The sentiments of Frencn, German and Polish Catho- lics are undouotedly opposed to it. The Americans have #0 far been silent; not because, we think, thac whey are atiached to the doctrine proposed, but rather because they have had confidence in their bishops. ‘Lo them, we suspect, the late reports froin Rome that the American ULishops are disposed to be ultramontane have not been welcom Papal infallibility is nos only & sabject of interest to Catnolics, but from its e»mnection with temporal ju aely for nothing should they pray more tervently than that if this question be brought before the as- semoiled prelates they may discuss 16 with wisdom and decide tt with justice, A CATHOLIC, A Catholic Question—What Becomes of Money ? To PHE EDITOR OF THE HRRALD:— Perbaps you can give us some information con- cerning the collections which are ,annuaily taken up in Catholic churches for the support of those who are studying for the priesthood. the ‘This year, in the Dicecse ef New Yor® alone, | and chapels, 290 clergymen and 20,067 Susday there were $16,158 45 collected for this pur- pose, At the present time there are ffieen students supported by the diocese at the annual ex- pense of $225 for each, Thus there are $3,376 spent by the diocese for the support of its students. There ure more students in other places prepart for this diocese, but they pay for themselves, We know, alo, that a8 Boon as One of those for whom the dio- cese pays is ordained a certain amount of his salary 1s topped yearly unui! the ull amount which was expended for his education is returned, with inter- est, Now, what becomes of the rest of the money collected, together with that which 18 paid back? And, remember, this is only one diocese of which we speak. ‘here are like collections made ouce a year | 4 each of forty-six dioceses, kOe of the collections | amounting to much more than those of New Yoré, | while none are Less than $10,000, The Week of Prayer. It 1s now pine years since the Evangelical Alliance | issued their first invitation tv Cliristians \hroughout the world to set apart the first week of the New Year for united prayer on agreed subjects. The Evangell- cat Alliance in the United States have revised the schedule of topics abroaa, and, suiting it to our speciai circumstances, we recommend the following subjects for concert im prayer on the successive days of meeting:— SunDay, Jan 2.—Sermons—‘'Person ana Work or the Holy Spirt.”—Gal. v., 22, 23. ~ : Monbay, Jap. 3.—Personal—Thanksgiving for in- dividual mercies; confession of sin, ahd prayer for personal holiness and wore entire cousecrauion tu God's service. TUBSDAY,Jan. 4.--National—Prayer for the Presi- dent of the United States and all in authority in our own aud other lauds; for uuiversal peace; for re- moval of political corruptiun and merease of in- tegrity and righteousness in goverument; for re- ligious liberty and advances of truth in countries w ane F religious liberty is eujoyed and where it is B01 ug WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6.—Domestic and Social— Prayer for parents and children and the biessings of the Coristian home; tor employers she ein- ployed; for all schools and colleges. THURSDAY, Jav. 6.—Christian Union—Thavkagiv- ing for Christian union and i: Beagen, for its increase; special supplication in behalf of the efforts of une Evangelicai Alliance in this country, and for the Divine blessing on the assembly of Christiqns from all countries tu be held in the autumn of this year in New York, . Fripay, Jan, 7—The Christian Church—Praver for all the ministers of the Word and that the Lord ‘Would gend forth more laborers; for ail officers and memberg of Christian Churches; for the removal of faise doctrines, and especially for the blessing of God upon ail members of the Roman Catnoic Church, that he wouid overrule the Ecumenical Council tn Kome, for the dissemination of Lis Gospel and te overthrow of hierarcichal domination, SaTurpay, Jan. 8.—Tne World.—Prayer for the spread of Goa's Word and pure literature in all lands; for men of commerce and science; that our civilization may be Christianized and its material resources consecrate; for Christians in heathen and grants in America; ior missionaries and missionary and religious societies, and for the conversion of Wwe world to Christ. SuNDAY, Jan. 9.—1 Cor. xtil. Personal Appearanc® of the Pope. The London ews of December 17 says:—A pri- vate letter, dated the 8th, from a visitor to Rome, Who was lately favored with @ private audience at the Vatican, describes the Pope as “looking mucii worn and fatigued; but his energy,” adds the writer, “ia wonderful, and be ts in great spirits in spite of anxiety and age.” It is really wonderful to think of the bod id mel labors which this fue and proacuing his eightieto year, 13 undergoing at this critical time. It must need all the enthusiasm of an ardent faith and all the energy of @ Axed purpose to bear lum up through the inces- want ceremonies, audiences, copsultations, religious functions and cares of temporal government, which hundredfold by the presence of and the conduct of the commit- tees of that ecc.esiaslicalp arilament in tue midst of ie solemmities of the Christmas season. Missionary Increase in Madagascar. The London Missionary Society have received a strong appeal from the missionaries in Madagascar for a large increase oftheir force if they are to hold their own and keep pace with the spread Of Chris- Uanity, especially since the open adhesion of the Queen of the country. The appeal speaks of their increase as “astonishing,” and it is added that ‘-be- tween May, 1867, and December, 1868, 30,000 were added to the number attending services, and tiat the number of separate congregations had during the same time risen from ¥2 to 148. The current year bids fair to show even a more remarkable in- crease. Already twenty or thirty pew congregations have been formed since January, and some of the existing congregations have been doubled within the same time, About 120 chapels are ut che present time being eitner butlt or enlarged. German Pictista, Acorrespondent of The Christian Witness gives an account of the Pietists of Germany, who accept the orthodox creeds, though with allegorizing and epiritualizing liberty. They have a deep ijaith in Christ’s spiritual presence in the Eucharist, and no less in all that concerns daliy itfe. They use the crucifix in a Way that seews ritualistic—placing it on their altars, bedsides and bosoms, and yet not making it in any way an opject of idolatry. They practice non-resistance in voth Church aud Suite, thus preserving faith, but never being aggressive reformers. Their missionary fervor 1s # marked pecullarity, and the wasle Missionary Institute is manned by them. This school bags sent out more misstonaries than any other in the world. The Inver Mission is to a great extent under their tnfueace, as are also their deaconesses, of whom there are 600 in their seventy-four hospitals and homes. The Episcopal Church in Iowa and Illinois. ‘The returns to the sixteenth annual convention of the Episcopal Charch in lowa, and to tue thirty-sec- ond in Illinois, give the loilowing statistics of the condition of that Church in these dioceses:— Jowa, Tlinois, Clergy... 35 89 Parishes Families 1,483 Individuals. 6,841 Baptisms 263 Condrmations. 236 Cominunicants.. 1,931 Sunday achool teache 365 Sunday school echoiars 2,696 Oserings—Parochial $55,534 D 38,870 800 Total.. $60,205 Religious Notes. ‘The new Methodist church at Boston Highlands ts provided with a “reporters’ pew,” fitted up with every conventen ‘The three Unitarian clergymen in Michigan have united with eight Universalists in organizing a Lib- eral Christian Conference, ‘The two Methodist bodies in Canada, the Wesley- ans and the Methodist Episcopais, are considering the expediency of uniting as one church. A bible society has lately been founded in Russta which has already distributed 50,000 copies of the New Testament in the Russtan language. On the 6th of December the Crown Prince of Prus- sia laid tne foundation stone of the new German Protestant church at Cairo. The King of Prussia has subscribed 20,000f. to the building. Three years ago the Southern Metnodists had bat one church in Baltimore. Now they shave nine. Reports also show theif progress (urther nerthward, ag in lowa, Iltigois and Indiana. The United Presbyterians in the South are taking bad to license as exhorvers some of their Inaymen, and employ them as workers in holding servicea and expound the nature of practical godliness. ‘The Congregational Churches in California number forty-eight, being again of four during the year; number of ministers forty-nine, a gaia of five; num ber of members 2,071, a gain of 131, ‘ In Nevada Territory the church membership 15 less than one-fAftieth of the entre populatiop. The Con: gregationalists and Baptists have as yet no orgaui- vations, The Episcopalians, Methodists and I’resby- terians have each four churches, The first Synod of the Reformed Church of Nosh Alyerica met in Philadeipnia one huudred and twenty-three years ago, composed of ‘tuirty-one ministers and elders, representing a few thousand soul Now the Synod bas 200 ates. represent- ing ministers, 1,200 congregations and 250,000 baptized souls, ‘The Universalists in the United States have 792 societies and 584 ministers, connected with elghty- two upsociations. Theis deuomimational schuols— consisting of three colleges. Wo theological semi- naries and five ucademi¢s—numbvered last year 1,490 students, These Insututious have an aggregate en- dowment of $2,000,000, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, when one day riding through the country, Was saluted by a fellow who was lying in @ ditcn, “Helio? Father Wesley, | am glad to see you. How do you do?” “I don’t know you,” said Mr, Wesley, reining up up his horse. “Who are you?” “pont you know me?’ Why, you are the very ma: that converted me.” “1 reckon Iain,” said Mr. Wesley, putting spurs to his horse; ‘at least one (hing 1a evident, the Lord had nothing to do with 1." The journal of the Episcopal Convention shows seventy nie churches and chapels in New York city and Hari. The jargeat contributions reported are irom Trinity church, with its three chapels, $54,254; Grace church, with chapei, $49,115; St. George and two chapels, $35,675; Incarnation, $20,451; Calvary, $25,860. ity, with ite chapeia, has 2,140 communicants; St. George, 1,560; Grace, 80% ‘There are i the whole diocese 196 churchas Lecture of Rev. Dr. Euthorn at the Temple Adath Jeshurum em the Third and Fourth Renciutions of the Rabbinical Cenference— Jewish Priesthood=—The Prophet Ezekiel a Reformer of the Mosaic Institute of Priest- hood—Mixed Marriages. ‘The anxiety of Israelives to hear from the mouth of the learned ana eloquent preacher tie explana- tions of the resolutions passed vy the Rabbinical Conference, brought again a very large audience to the temple in Thirty-ninth street. The lecturer con- tinued the subject on which he treated in last Satur- day’s lecture, ‘The Jewish Priesthood.” Referring to verses sixteen to thirty-one in Ezexiel, he said the attempt of the prophet Ezekiel to effect a reform in the Temple service is so remarkable that the Talmud- iste hesitated to receive the book of Ezekiel in the biblical canon, and only after a certain Chananhiah ben Chiskiah had studied is and gave explanations harmonizing it with the standard of faith they with- drew thelr objections. To us its intent is more patent, Ezekiel tived at @ time when Israel had sunk to the lowest state of depravity, that of idol- atry, and when he sought reiief in the reform of the priestly institution. He transfers the daues trom the High Priest to hia subordinate colieagues, und increases the severity of the laws as ards their persons. 1t was evidently the intention of the Prophet to simplily the service and to abolish the oMice of High Priest as superfuous. Une of those functions was the pronunciation of the divine ora- cle, and this bad ceased with the destrucuion of the first Temple. The demorahzation of the ordinary priesis was very great during the first Temple, whue the High Priests were pattcras of purity. The great responsibility of their position spurred them to greater purity, aad their subordinates looked up to them as to a God and bagked in the sunshine of their sanctity. Men are apt to excuse their own Lge With the energy of others, and while it will not always do to charge their sins to others, they claim the credit of others. Ezekiel attempted, therefore, to transfer the responsibility of the priestly station to all alike. He orders, therefore, that all should wear linen robes, which, according to the Mosaic law, only the High Priest was permitted to wear. He also wished to strengthen the barrier that stood between them and the people. They should stand forth as shining paragons. Weakening the position of tue High Priest, be wished to strengthen the priestly caste; hence the prohibition of marriags with a divorced woman or a widow; of pope among the people in their oMcial dress, of eating o! meat of the «torn snd deceased.”’ The command thas ould marry only a daughter of tueir own 8 remarkable, ‘The marriage between an i lite and one not of the Jewish race is certainly prohibited, not on account of greater sacredness of the Jewish biood, but because of the lendeucy such unarri; bad Lo a falling away from the God of Is- raél, The priest was, moreover, forbidden the con- suiMMation of such # Marriage as his blood was to re- main undefiled. [cannot enter at engin to-day on the reasons why even on the ground of reformed Judaism; mixed marriages cannot ve sanctioned, though we do not deem our blood nobier than that of other races, but | oiay say that much to-day. ‘True, reformed Judaisin, coupled wala sincere re- ligiosoty, dates trom hoary autiqaity and proceeds View riously onward, unconcerned of the enraged bow,ings to the right or the ieft. Ezekiei predicted the return of Isra¢i to the Holy Land when 1 was yet in Babylonian exile. Did be err? Certainly bis visions were shrouded in mist. He connected with his prophecy the hope of a reinstatement of the Davidian dynasty ant @ worship, which boih were never realized; but tne essential of bis prophecy, the return and reform of God’s peopie, the great idea for which he labored, and which one after him, the second Isalah, pronounced with @ farther reaching eye, and in Namwlog words, “All this Das oeen ful- filed. Israel has achieved a viciory in Lhe world that will carry out it# giorious mussion Lo the fui lest exteat, LITERATURE Reviews of New Books. THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT oF ReELIGIOUS Bsuigy. By 3. Baring-Gould, M. A. Part L. Baa pieniast end Mosaisia, Sew York: D. Apple ton & Lo, We have read tis book with more than ordinary interest. Coming from @ professed believer in Christiaaity, it is a curious as well a8 vaiuable pro- duction. The author tgnores entirely the existence ofaGod and the truth of revelation, and argues from & strictly philosophic standpoint. Although the contents of the book cover over four hundred pages the reasonlug is #0 close and perspicuous that anything like an exhaustive review would consume far greater space than we can spare. Hegthenism and Mo#aism are subjected to a searching, and, on the whole, impartial criticism. The physical organ ization of the human race and its capactty for re- ceiving and developing the religious instinct, the origin of the religious idea, the idew of tmmortaliiy and the law of religious development are all ex- platned and argued in aciear and agreeable atyie. ‘rhe origin and character of po.ytheisw and mytu- ology, idolatry, theocracies, ihe ethics of religion, origin and bistory of monotheism and panthcism, theosophy, the idea o. evil, asceticism and inysticism, sacrifice and sacraments, form subjects lor most instructive chapters. The work ends with @ keen aualysis Of tue Duman deals. While we do not mean to be considered ax endorsing all the views contained im the book we lo not hesitate to recommend 1b as oue of the most thougutfal and valuabie of philo- sopdical writings. if it does not in every respect satisfactorily Getermine the religious insiincts of man, it at least gives us a very fair history of ‘the origin and deveiopment of religious belief,” such Os 18 Litle Clans It io be. The extensive researches of the author enavied bim to inclade ali peoples, from the earliest ages to the dawn of Christianity, and to trace cher gradual progress from the mows debasing superstiliou to the pure ideal of a divine esscuce, This volume will oe followed by another devoted to the Christian faith. In this second work the writer proposes “to show how that Caristiynity by its fundamental postuiate—toe incautation— assumes to meet all these instincts (religious instincts of humanity); how it actuwily does so meet them, and how failure is due to counteractlag poutical or social causes.” If Wie proposed book is anything equal to the one before us We shall weicowe it with the livelesf interest TEN WORKING DssIGNS FOR CATHOLIC Cuvacnss, By an ecclesiastical archiieck New York: D. & J, Sadier & Co. ‘The object of this large volume is to supply a Want which must be greatly felt in this church building country, With the increase of Curisuan congregations all over the United States churches of every denomination are being constantly erected, and a work of this Kind will prove of minite vaiue to both pastors and congregauious, furnisiing as it does not only pians and designs for the elevations, external and interior, of tie buildings, but care- fully prepared estimates of ail the expenses, dowu to the minutest detail, so that, in fact, every pastor can almost be his own builder, or at least he is not likely to be deirauded ’ in the — estimates for the work. Aijthough the ttle indicates that these designs are intended for Catholic chuyches, it appears to us that they are sfitabie for churehes of ail denominations, There is not # pian in the book that would not answer quite as well for any Protestant place of worship, with # sight moditica- ion in the invertor, such, for instance, as a change in the sanctuary and altar. We may add that the pur- pose of the author is not to supply designa for ex- Densive churches, but rather for those of moderate cost, graduating from about $2,500 to $27,000. The “get up’ of the Look is exceedingly fine, indeed, in tne best style of the publishers. ‘ihe letterpress is large and clear, printed on half tinted paper of the best quality, and ive engravings are admirably exe- cuted. We stiould judge that this will prove a most acceptable voiume to ecclesiastical architects ana pastors uf congregations throughout the country. A COMMENTARY ON THE HOLY SCRIPTURES: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical; with special reference to Ministers and Students. By Joun Peter Lange, D.D. Translated from the Germau, and edited, with additions, by Philip Schail, D, Uv. New York: Charles Scrioner & Co. This massive volume ts the production of several eminent English and American diviwes, and is a translation from the work of Dr. Otto Zickler, We distinguished German theologian. It embraces vol- ume ten of the Old ‘Testament, coutaining Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. To the origi nal the American editors have made considerabie additions. Inthe Proverbs Dr. Charies A. Aiken, tne transiator, las superseded the test of the au- thorized version by a ctrical version in accordane with tue law of Hebrew poetry. In Ecclesiastes :ac common version for the Commentary has beca re- Vained, but in a separate appendix che translator, Dr. Taylor Lewis, bas given his metrical veraioa, whicn will be read with considerable inierest. The transiation of the Song of Solomon ts the work ut Dr. W. H. Green, and 1s in all respects equal to the others. To the thevlogical student no beiter com- mentary on the Scriptures than this could be ob- tained. The editor, Dr. Schaff, hes perférined his work with marked good judgment and ability. ‘Twistkp THREADS. By M. 1. Nauman. Putlade:- phia: Claxton, Remsen & Haffeliinger. ‘This 1s another of the old stories oit told and ever dear to the hearts of sentimental misses, ‘The orphan daughter of @ clergyman, Who is compeiled to teacn french for a living, tells the story of ber checkered career, her joys and happiness, her loves anu disap- pointments, until that tide in the affairs of life nows vaward with her to forsune and felicity, in the shepe of a loved #gd loving husband. And, enjoying domestic bliss, we leave Maud Elinor Porsytue, formerly Lennox, with her dearest Maunce for # lutvie wWhise; for, beyond @ doubt, she will appear to us again with another name, and. teil her lot us hope, 1k nO jess agreeable manaer an tells it bere.