THE CITIZEN: A MONTHLY PERIODICAL, CHIEFLY DEVOTED TO THE ADVOCACY OF POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS, AND NEW SERIES, No. 7. Are we in earnest? CONTENTS. A Step in the Right Direction England and America-" To be or not to be! Decrease in Population Old Ben Barnes the Pauper Ilustrations of Reform. No. III. Associations The 50 Grant to the Mayor! Will the Mayor call a PAGE TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1845. of those who were never known yet to confer a boon upon the people, that was not extorted from them almost by force as long as they could with safety b. withhold it. 49 50 ib. ib. ib. 51 ib. Public Meeting at the request of 729 Rate-payers?.. 52 Zeal for the Church -The Mystery Explained. No. 5... ib. Monopolist Oppression of the Negroes in Jamaica. Mr. The House of Commons: What it is, and what it should be Intelligence in the Rural Districts: Twywell near Thrap ston ib. 55 ib. ib. 56. UNSTAMPED, 1D. to nere stomach rule? Are they beginning extensively to recognise, in religion and common life, the super. sensias? Are they extricating themselves everywhere from the slavery of The sanguine reformer thinks the the appetite? Is it becoming universal corn-laws, the game-laws, and most of for them to prefer home to the publicthe great monopolies, doomed, because house? Are they showing a growing certain concessions have been made by propensity to recognise great principles, the Conservative government. These and give but a subordinate place to may go, must go, perhaps, before any particular measures? Are they vigovery long time:-but are not the two rously engaged in any great united grand monopolies held by the aris- attempt to secure their political emantocracy-the church and the represen- cipation ;-demanding, with a firm and tation--as yet unshaken? And what fearless voice, those rights which have are we doing to shake them? If dis- been so long withheld? If we could senters generally-(taking that word in find the working and unrepresented its largest sense) - were as brave, class educating themselves, instead of manly, and independent as they ought leaving it to a priesthood or governto be, they would shame churchmen ment; if we found them reading even into a different position;-a churchman the newspapers, for solid information, Ir is a great mercy for those who are, would be ashamed to meet a dissenter instead of those washy tales which by constitution, given more to hope in the street on a Monday morning, swarm in our present literature, like than despondency. It does not signify after having robbed him at church-larvæ in the putrid and fly-visited carwhat a man feeds upon, if he can but after having prayed and worshipped at cass; if we saw them everywhere formlike it and live upon it. The cheerful his expense the day before. As long, ing and well supporting political assoare always fortunate. There are some however, as the dissenter is ever and ciations, having, on all proper occapoliticians of this very happy tempera-anon seen trimming and truckling; as sions, their public meetings, and exment. Some rapid change is always pressing, through their own organs, coming about; some important and fatheir sentiments; if we saw them with vourable crisis always at hand. Look those who sympathise with them, disout where they will, from their wrecked, tinguishing themselves by some visible broken, groaning, rending, and ruinbadge, which they should wear on all threatened vessel, they can always cheer occasions, at church, the chapel, the their hunger-stricken, perishing, and market, the workshop, the news-room, despairing fellows by tidings of a the tea-party; forming themselves into friendly sail in the offing, though none a compact brotherhood; that should be are sufficiently sharp-eyed to see it but perpetually staring the government in themselves; and the long-looked for the face, an object too visible to be vessel never comes. overlooked, too formidable to be despised: we should then hope. Another Parliament would not then pass, without some great change. But at present we are looking upward, and rejoicing in every bit of blue sky that makes its appearance, as the harbinger of fair weather, not noting the masses of mist and vapour which are constantly rising from the jungles, and fens, and marshes of ignorance, indifference, and mean indulgence, by which we are surrounded. If we would have it fair above, there must be something done by way of draining and clearing below. We do long as he creeps and crawls at the feet So slender and feeble an item of Some new agitation, some strong movement in this direction or in that, some prophetic word coming from Lord J. Russell, Brougham-Macaulay, Sir J. Graham, or even Sir Oily himself, is always falling like a fresh dew upon their hopes. We do not like the whining desponding tone adopted by some, who, imagining that nothing is to be done, will attempt nothing. But neither do we like the extreme credulity and political antinomianism of others, A great deal is expected of the who expect salvation wholly without working classes. On what ground? works; by the mere grace and favour Are they rapidly becoming less subject not speak here, however, of education in a common hacknied sense, but of general improvement; greater mental improvement, firmer resolve. We shall be represented, when we are determined so to be. The best education for a democracy is a democracy; but it requires the same virtue to obtain, as to use. We put more confidence in the course of events, however, than on men. By this means, we think, democracy is destined to arise. The force of circumstances tends much, as every body can see, to equalize the social condition.. And thus one class comes to get, often, what it never attempted to obtain; and another loses what it never dreamt of parting with. But still the thing might be quicker and better done. At present the reform-train proves so slow, that one has scarcely patience to travel by such a conveyance;-yet none of us have the heart to put on a little more steam. A STEP IN THE RIGHT It is pleasing to witness now and then, avow the same in the House of Commons; industry are nothing less than the robbery of industry. Making a poor man's field of employment less, is as much an act of spoliation as taking away a part of a rich man's estate. The landlords have rendered their properties more profitable by robbing the poor of a portion of their estate by laws circumscribing their industry. A legislature of the poor, if capable of the dishonesty, would in retaliation, impose restricthat the owners should possess as much as they tions on landed property, pronounce it impolitic do, and take away a fourth or so from each, to be shared amongst the law-givers. The difference between the real and the supposed case is only that between the robbery of the poor by the rich, or that of the rich by the poor; and the acmé of villany has always been held to be the robbery of the poor's box. What says Adam Smith "The property which every man has in his own labour as it is the original foundation of all other property, so it is the most sacred and invaluable, The patrimony of the poor man lies in the strength and dexterity of his hands, and to hinder him from applying that strength and dexterity in the way he thinks proper, without injury to his neighbour, is a plain violation of those sacred rights and pro And this wrong has been done. The poor man is not permitted to make his cloth to exThe truckchange it for the foreigner's corn. ENGLAND AND AMERICA.-John Bull wants a flogging-let's give it to him. He is insolentlet's flog him. He is spreading his power in all quarters of the world. His armies are all over the earth, his ships all over the water, and his merchandise all over land and water. Let's flogperty." him. It will cost us a few hundreds of ships, and a few hundred millions of dollars, and a few score thousands of lives. It will turn society upside down, give rowdies and robbers the upper hand, and entail upon us an aristocracy of mili-ster landlords say you shall buy at our shop and tary heroes for another half-century. All the at our price. You shall want the employment better for that. John Bull needs a flogging, and which the foreigner would give to your industry, he ought to have it. We want a flogging too, for the consequence will be advantageous to our and it would do us good. We want bleeding as well as John Bull; so let us have it. turn to, and have a real Irish knockdown. Who is going to have John Bull set his lions to growling across the water? We'll stop his noise, if it is by thrusting our own heads down his throat. Who is going to spend all his life in merchandising, and manufacturing, and lecturing, and preaching, and printing? Who wants to hear this everlasting talk about conscience and reason, and right and wrong? The world has become stale and insipid. The ships ought to be all captured, and the cities battered down, and the world burnt up, so that we can start again Let us We want There would be fun in that-some interest estates.-Examiner. THE PUSEYITE AND THE CHINA Ar a village not a hundred miles from Welford, in this county, a Puseyite clergyman rechristen a child thought to be at the point of death. The parties furnished a china bason, from which the mystic and regenerating water was taken and sprinkled on the face of the infant; it was declared by virtue of that rite, and according to law, to be a new creature, a child of God, &c. At the conclusion of the ceremony, he enquired the value of the bason. About sixpence was the reply. He laid down a sixpence, and threw the bason into the street. The angry mother, in her ingratitude, somewhat furiously accused him with spoiling her set of china, by destroying the sixpenny bason, as if the advantage received by the child were not infinitely more valuable than the utensil employed in its regencrating. When shall these absurdities ease? sides. Some time since he was called in to Burton Latimer "I suppose, Twang, you are come to apologise for your defence of Ben Barnes last night. Considering your office, and your obligations to me, I am surprised that you should do so, and render it necessary to ask my forgiveness." "I do not ask your forgiveness, Mr. Disher. "Why, Jones and I have re-considered the The clergyman became red, then pale, but Twang proceeded-" I once thought the Church of England the true church, and you, and such as you, the only true ministers-I did think it a great thing to be a parish clerk; but since Ben Barnes "You are impertinent, Twang-What has that to do with it? Pursue the subject no further here; I will endeavour to visit Ben Barnes with you, and to convince him before you, of the error of his ways. Have you time now?" 66 Yes, sir," replied Twang, and both repaired to Ben Barnes's cottage, but by a trifling circumstance, instead of a general attack on Ben's theological errors, the conversation turned upon bowing. BEN BARNES, and Twang, the parish clerk of Filsham, are next door neighbours. They are very intimate, notwithstanding the clergyman has more than once told Twang that Ben Barnes is "an opiniated and unpleasant old man, and that the less people have to do with | him the better." Twang informed Ben of this. Twang and Ben debate many points of doctrine | and propriety. The former becomes sadly puzzled occasionally. Ben puts questions which require to be thought about, before a reply can be given. Poor Twang frequently consults his clergyman, and, furnished with ammunition from that functionary, sometimes returns to the combat with spirit, but seldom achieves a triumph. Indeed, Twang has talked so much to Ben, that the latter's strong mind, and sweet spirit, and admirable conduct, have made a great impression on him, and the vicar thinks he must expel him from his situation. He does "Ben Barnes! - Don't talk to me, Twang, not know how to effect this; for the clerk knows about Ben Barnes. Has Ben Barnes been to two or three things which he fears should be college?-has Ben Barnes been ordained by a made public. Twang heard of his vicar's wishbishop?-is Ben Barnes able to read Greek?" to expel him, from Mr. Jones, the church- Why, sir, I think not; but Ben decided the warden, one night at the Brown Bear, when day in the great trial about the Filsham estate, that gentleman was a little too far gone in and-" liquor. Now, Farmer Jones becomes very devout, in his way, when in his cups. Filsham dolebread is distributed once a month after the sacrament. He that would receive the dolebread must take the Sacrament. Over his third glass of brandy and water, Mr. Jones expatiated on the sinfulness of Old Ben Barnes, who, he said, was certainly an upright man, but he prayed without the prayer-book, and never took the sacrament at church; and that the clergyman believed him to be a schismatic; and, he'd soener give the dole-bread to the dogs than to a schismatic. He did not know what it meant, but it was something "devilish bad." He should never forget Ben's impudence at the board of guardians. Why, Ben said, "I come to ask my rights." There, what do you think of that? "Rights," said farmer Jones, "what right, has he got? No, Twang, you may look. When Ben was ten years younger, the dole-bread was offered to him by Lady Filsham. But Ben said, thank your ladyship, there are others poorer than I am, let them have it. That was Ben's pride; and hypocrisy too, I know. You may look, Twang; you want to side for Ben-you've become a good deal like him, and I can just tell you, that if you don't mind what you are at, we shall contrive to get rid of you. Mr. Disher says so." Twang got no sleep that night, and in the morning he paid a visit to the vicarage at the earliest hour at which his superior could be spoken to by him. That worthy dignitary was seated in his study. He was at breakfast-Farmer Jones was breakfasting with him. Twang made his accustomed bow, which was noticed with "Well Twang." Mr. Disher went on with his egg, Mr. Jones took a slice of ham. Twang felt himself in a position of difficulty. He was, too, hungry, and out of temper. He thought that Farmer Jones looked at him derdingly; and Mr. Disher with partially suppressed_rage. "Well, Twang," the latter repeated-but Twang didn't hear it. fe had fallen into a brown study. "Well, Twang he reiterated loudly, and Twang started, and stared, and stood up, and bowed again. His reverence just then seemed to suffer from so e mental spasm. He motionel Twang to be seated. A silence of some seconds ensued. A biel grace was said at the conclusion of their meal, and Farmer Jones left the room. Mr. Disher spoke One of old Ben Barnes's grandchildren was just passing from his cottage as the clergyman and Twang approached it. He was a clean and plain dressed boy. He did not bow to the clergyman; who stopped and made an angry remark to Twang on the deterioration of village manners. Poor Twang's hand took hold of the string of Ben Barnes' latch, he pulled it, and Mr. Disher having entered first, he followed. There sat Ben. His cottage was tidy, and so was he. Even the clergyman thought Ben's a fine head as he glanced at it; and Ben's countenance furrowed, yet marked by openness and simplicity, was just such as an honest and loving heart should have as an index. Ben bowed not, but asked Mr. Disher respectfully if he would be seated. He sat down. "Ben," said Mr. Disher, "that grandson of yours didn't bow to me. I am afraid he has been badly taught at home." "Why should he bow, Mr. Disher?" asked "Am not I the clergyman of this parish? " should you want my grandson, or me, just to touch a hat? My heart reveres all goodness. I cannot, I will not hide it, Mr Disher-while I love my country, I don't like what you call Church and State. If you come to me for my bow, because the State, or a bishop made by the State, makes you a clergyman, why I won't give it. But, if you were a pastor such as Paul describes in his first epistle to Timothy, in the 3rtl chapter, I'd bow to you, and-" "Why, that's a bishop there. But I see Ben, you've got that from the meeting-house. I dare say you wouldn't bow to a bishop, even if he were an archbishop.' "Why, Mr. Disher, your bishops are such different inen to the old bishops; you see, sir, that in the old times there was ever so many bishops to one church; and somehow or other you have got a lot of churches under one bishop. How is it? But, if a bishop's a good man, I'd how to him, because he's a good man. But, sir, I often fear there's too much of the old Pharisee about many modern clergymen. They love to be called rabbi.” is. "I tell you what, Ben, these notions of yours will do no end of mischief. I am your only true teacher, and you refuse submission. You refuse even to touch your hat. My church is the only true church; and from that you absent yourself without leave. So if you will not bow to the church, I cannot be surprised that you will not bow to me." I don't know what the Church of England I don't know which class of clergy and people she resides in. Lady Filsham once sent a piece of an old magazine with some cheese in it, I forget what it was; but it seemed to say, that the clergy are at loggerheads among themselves, and the people don't think of looking up to them now. They can't bow to men a quarrelling. So they look to the New Testament, where they read that there is only one Master, even Christ, and that all true Christians are brethen." "What you mean to teach me-do you ? You not only refuse to bow, but you presume to instruct your spiritual superior." "Mr. Disher, I am a plain man, and a poor one; you are learned and what they call a gentleman. You get a good deal of money from Filsham vicarage. If, instead of keeping high company, and taking the part of the rich against the poor, and praising your office, and yourself, and exacting bows, you would visit the widow and fatherless in the their affliction, point sinners to the Lamb of God, and speak against the sins of the rich as well as the vices of the poor, and try to make men love God and one another; you would not then be offended that old Ben Baines and his grandson didn't bow to you, for bow to you they assuredly would." "Well done Ben!" uttered Twang; but, as if amazed at his own boldness, he directly added "Oh, dear me!" "Is it not very unbecoming in any person, Mr. Disher shook his head and withdrew, telespecially in youth, not to bow to his clergy-ling Ben that he would send to him a letter on man?” the threefold ministry of the church; and comI'll tell you what, Mr. Disher, I've no objec-manding Twang to be at the vicarage in the tion to bowing, as a token of respect to a good evening. man. But I never did, I never will, touch my hat to any man who is not worthy of love and confidence. Besides, a truly good man don't exact bows. And let me tell you, Mr. Disher, that as I do not respect your principles nor your practices, neither Ben Barnes, nor anybody belonging to him, will bow to you." "I am afraid, Ben, that you are no friend to the Church and State, or you would never treat a clergyman in so impertinent a manner. Then you refuse to bow to me?" "Yes, Mr. Disher. I admire character. Why ILLUSTRATIONS OF REFORM. No. III.-ASSOCIATIONS. IN times more civilised than the present, when whole nations may be expected to feel the sentiment now entertained by a select few, that interest lies close upon duty, and that it is folly to be dishonest or unprincipled, organizations large and bold. may be well supported and prove strongly effective. Hitherto, except in peculiar the very mien and air with which the THE £800 GRANT TO THE MAYOR! Will the Mayor call a Public Meeting at the request of 729 Rate-payers? WIN a few days the following requisition, signed by 729 rate-payers, has been got up for presentation to E. H. Barwell, Esq. MONOPOLIST OPPRESSION OF THE NEGROES IN JAMAICA. Public Meeting-Mr. Knibb's Speech. Most of our readers are aware that the fearless and generous-hearted Wm. Knibb is in this country, on behalf of the Baptist Negro Population of Jamaica, who have been placed in difficulties by the dry season, and the oppressive fiscal regulations of the House of Assembly. On the 18th of June, a County Meeting was held in the Baptist Meeting-house, Collegestreet, Northampton, to receive Mr. Knibb. The attendance was large, and highly respectable. The chair was occupied by the REV. E. T. PRUST, who expressed the pleasure he felt at meeting Mr. Knibb, and his deep sympathy with the sufferings of the Negroes under ecclesiastical and civil oppression. The REV. G. ASHMEAD next addressed the meeting, in a speech marked by his usual analytical power; in which he eloquently denounced irresponsible government, as entirely unsuited to the nature of the governor and the governed. MR. KNIBB then arose; and his reception was most cordial. He looks more tanned by the sun than he did when last in England; and it struck us that he was less robust: but in the course of a long address, consisting of facts, principles, appeals, and denunciations, the audience saw and felt that his love of truth, and liberty, and man, had suffered no diminution; and that he was of all men the man for the post assigned to him by the ordinations of God and the choice of his fellows. The present paper has no further object. than to call some attention to the question, with a view, if possible, to certain practical results. Why was the former society dissolved? What prevents its re-union? Is this practicable and advisable? What position do we hold? What resources have we? What difficulties lie in our path, and in what best way are they surmountable? Questions of this kind it is important that reformers should agree not only in answering, but in the replies they give. Better Very much has to be taken into account have Toryism complete, than the virtual in passing judgment upon men in this. reign of omnipotent Whiggery! Let these They might hold together staunchly, were matters receive once more the hopeful conit not for several very considerable draw-sideration of the county, and we may hope backs. Each, having his own, is ready to to believe ourselves men even yet. believe that the rest may have theirs; and from this under-current of mutual want of confidence there arises a general unsteadiness. All would be firm, if they could believe all others firm. Accordingly, the unanimity an boldness of popular movements in any peculiar times is not a thing at which to wonder: such occasions bring up to the mark, for a season, the real sentiments of the people, for they are confident then in each other, at least, for the passing hour. Under the refreshing breeze, when it comes, the weakest member is strong, and, by sympathy, feels the vigour of the more healthy portions. Even the feeblest We know that the reviving sensation that we feel is of a nature to animate the whole. At these periods Our readers will recollect that £800 was the there is a directness in our efforts which sum granted to the Mayor by the Town-council to especially satisfies the feebler characters. defray the expenses of the Queen's visit. Several of that admirable address. Ile exposed But to undertake a labour that may be lon members of the Town-council, who were elected the schemes by which the planters enand tiresome, a toil of reproach and diffi-as Complete Suffragists, voted for the grant; culty,—to aim at objects that are not to be and, thereby violated their principles. The deavoured to reduce the newly-freed Necomprehended except in the light of general thoroughly inconsistent. Whig members of the Council appear to be gro to the lowest possible social condition, They assailed the by the introduction of labourers from Great principles-that may easily be mistaken, Tories for years, for having voted £1,000 to-Britain and the Continent, the hill-Coolies misrepresented, or obscured,-to be re- wards defraying the election expenses of Sir R. from India, &c.; by unjust laws, affecting formers in all things, and not in particular Gunning. They have ever applauded the repre- household tenures,-first expelling them things only-is a vocation too high for the sentative principle, and denounced all dishonour from their huts, and then passing a vagrant and waste; and yet, to a man they voted for this misapplication of funds, without consulting those who have to furnish the same, after the Mayor had expressly promised that the town should not be taxed. Those gentlemen are however, very brave. They will, at the next, and succeeding municipal elections, appeal to their fellow-townsmen, on the very ground that "the people are the source of all legitimate power," and we heartily trust the people will prove it. We believe that a public protest will be made against the grant; and that counsel's opinion will be taken as to its legality. shall be trusted. many, too pure for the mean and selfish, too large for common minds and for men of little character. These remarks, suggested by a review of the state of the Suffrage adherency in this town and county, are immediately applicable to the purpose of directing to it the attention of our friends. It offers an illustration at hand of the character of reform projects in general, and the means and measure of their successes. And, further, it is a practical considerationmuch that we would do must be done in connection with it. Not to move worlds by miracle, nor even, Jove-like, to rule nations with a nod, are the reformers, at least of these times, called. There are too many, and also of mock-renovators too large a company, for a look or a word of one man to be what they might have been in elder days. Here is work for us, or nowhere; and so much of right manhood as ies in us we have to prove by the manner, "To Edward Harrison Barwell, Esq., Mayor. We cannot find room for even an outline act, to imprison those who had no houses. Moreover, the necessaries of life were highly taxed, so that the poor Negro had to furnish a fund to introduce foreign labour, while sufficient employment could not actually be found for the Jamaica population; as the planters would not attempt to obtain hands on their own private responsibility. The State-church there was described, too, as stepping in to grasp the money of the people, supplied through the House of Assembly, seeming to think ZEAL FOR THE CHURCH.-THE MYS- there, as here, "That it is MORE BLESSED TERY EXPLAINED. "Come with me, and see iny zeal for the Lord of Hosts."- No. 5. In the Morning Chronicle of June the 11th, we TO RECEIVE THAN GIVE." An armed police force is also maintained, at large expense; and which Mr. Knibb proved to be quite unnecessary. During his remarks, the characters of Sir Lionel Smith, and Earl of Mulgrave (now the Marquis of Normanby), were deservedly extolled; the moral and industrious habits of the Ne "On Sunday last, the Reverend Frederick Peel, M. A., Rector of Willingham-by-Stowe, (cousin of the Premier) read in as honorary prebendary of the Prebendall Stall of Milton-cum-groes successfully vindicated; the noble Binbrook, in the Cathedral Church of Lincoln. prospects opening up in Afiica before Ja maica - Christians, and their designs in reference thereto, were forcibly explained; American, Spanish, and French slavery, with the slave traffic, were noticed and assailed; the sugar question was sifted; and, indeed, scarcely any topic of importance connected with Jamaican history, the present state of its society, relations, and prospects, was left untouched. high price of labour, that the average rate of wages in THE HOUSE OF COMMONS WHAT IT IS, AND WHAT IT SHOULD BE. Deep feeling was created by Mr. K.'s relation of an interview, a few days since, with the venerable saint and philanthropist, Thomas Clarkson. The good old man's heart is stil warm towards, his prayers are yet raised for, the Negro. Mr. K. next, and successfully, reasoned out the position, that it is to be by the influence of Christian principles, and not by ships of war, that the horrid slave-system must be put down. THE events of the last few weeks must He was enthusiastically cheered during, have convinced every thoughtful mind how and at the close of his address. The REV. utterly futile it is to expect from the memJ. P. SAFFERY briefly addressed the meet-bers of the present House of Commons ing, urging, that, as the Baptist Missionary anything approaching to a fair represenSociety had granted £6,000 to help their tation of the mass of the people. It is brethren in Jamaica, the meeting should evident that we are not represented, but meet their necessities by contributing betrayed; and that Judas-like, these hotoward the extra outlay. The REV. J. T. nourable men' first put their hands in the BROWN proposed, and the REV. J. LARWILL bag containing the hard-earned savings of seconded, a vote of thanks to Messrs. Knibb the working-man, and then depart to St. Stephen's and sell him for a slave; though and Saffery; which was carried with acclamation. After singing the Doxology, they have wit enough to refrain from the Mr. Prust pronounced the benediction, summary mode of punishing themselves and the meeting broke up. A liberal sum which that apostate practised. Our intewas contributed. rests are sacrificed to party feelings and coatemptible expediency; and all attempts to remedy this growing evil, by petition or any other constitutional method, seem to will be wise betimes, and thus prevent be in vain. We ardently hope our rulers the recurrence of those scenes of violence which took place previously to the passing of the Reform bill, which we, in common with all rightly constituted minds, should deeply deplore. As a specimen of Jamaican legislation, we present the following extract to our readers: "Jamaica is almost entirely dependent on Foreign supplies for food. The duty on flour has been raised from 4s. to 6s. per barrel. Corn meal is an article of great consumption by the labouring population. In the time of slavery, when purchased by the planters to feed the negroes, the duty was three-pence per barrel. Now that the free negro has to purchase it for himself, the duty has been raised to three shillings! When the slave-owners fed their negroes with rice, the duty was one shilling per cwt.; now that the negroes have become buyers of rice, the duty is four shillings per cwt. Salt fish, for slaves, paid a duty of six-pence per cwt.; for free negroes it now pays two shillings per cwt. Turtle, which the negroes do not eat, is duty free. Pork, imported to feed slaves, paid only a trifling tax; now that it is imported to feed the free negroes, it is two shillings and six-pence. Soap to wash the hands of slaves paid nine-pence per box; to wash freemen it must pay two shillings per box. "Since emancipation, the negroes have purchased little freeholds, and a great demand has arisen for timber to build their houses. Before freedom, the tax on white and pitch pine was four shillings; but since, it has been raised to eight shillings for white, and twelve shillings for pitch pine, and the tax on shingles has in like manner been raised from one shilling to four shillings and eight shillings. But whilst the duties on all necessary articles consumed by the negroes have thus been raised since they became freemen, the duty on staves for sugar hogsheads, which they do not use, has been kindly reduced from twelve shillings, (the duty during slavery), to two shillings; and the tax on wooden hoops, which was four shillings, has been reduced to one shilling! The sum expended to import other labourers at the expense of the negroes, up to 1844, amounted to 128,271, besides £95,000 voted for the same object during the present year. "Now, will it be believed, in the face of this outery about the scarcity of labourers, and the We have thus given our ideas of the 'honourable house.' By way of conclusion, we will give a portrait of its features drawn by the hand of a master, which, we think our readers will pronounce a striking likeness, and one doing honour to the abilities of the artist. lar tural and monstrous state of things in this constitution. Such an assembly may be a great wise, awful senate, but it is not, to any popu purpose an House of Commons."-Burke. INTELLIGENCE IN THE RURAL DISTRICTS. TWYWELL, NEAR THRAPSTON. We are continually told that the aristocracy and the church are the glory of England. The error and misery prevailing in our large towns, are described, and placed in contrast with the correct, though limited views, and with the habits, of the rustic population. And certainly it is in the villages that the clergy and oligarchy make themselves most felt. See yonder spot of beauty! The ancient church lifts up its head amid the ancient elms. Around it are lowly cottages, with twining honeysuckles about them; and ruddy countenances within. Here and there is the comfortable homestead of the farmer; and yonder, and near to each other, the mansion of the squire and the rector: both of whom, having been educated at college, are able and dis Those posed to raise, to the highest possible mental attainments, their less wealthy neighbours. neighbours are but few; and, consequently, to the clergyman combined, be an easy work. Oh! what largeness of mind, what acumen, what poetry will you find amid a population thus blessed! ensure their mental culture, will, to the squire and Nay, fool! do men gather grapes of thorns? Do not the church and the aristocracy fatten upon the hear, or read of, a small village, with a clergyman ignorance of the people? Did you ever see, or and a squire in it, in which the people were not uninformed, unthinking, and obsequious? If you go in quest of the scene where the greatest apathy and stupidity reign, is it not notorious that you will find it hard by the residence of the lordly village rector, or in the immediate vicinity of a cathedral? And yet there are people at the present day. silly enough, or impudent enough, to prate about the rural districts. the Church (that is, the Church of England-not the Church of Christ), as the means of enlightening A curious incident in point, has been, on good authority, related to us. Near to each other, and pleasantly situated (not far from Drayton House), are the two small villages of Twywell and Slipton. In these villages there is a sick-club, to which most of the farmers kindly subscribe, and of which the clergyman is the president. Two or three months ago, the club-box, on being opened, was found to have been clandestinely emptied of its treasures. A desire was very naturally felt and expressed for the detection of the thief, and the recovery of the money. Accordingly, the parties interested, or some of them, subscribed (and this was done on a Sunday), in order to send two members of the club to a wise man" in Leicestershire, to consuit him as to the best mode of proceeding. The sum subscribed was twenty shillings. The clergyman knew of the project before the men went; and said that if they succeeded, he would go himself, having lost many things during his life. The two delegates went, according to appointment. The wise man" used a variety of mystifications, and sent the applicants home in hope, charging them, however, to keep the matter as secret as possible. "The virtue, 'spirit, and essence of a House of Commons, consists in its being the express image of the feelings of the nation. It was not intended to be a control upon the people, as of late it has been taught, by a doctrine of the most pernicious tendency; it was designed as a control for the people. A vigilant and jealous eye over judicial magistracy; an auxious care of public money; an openness approaching towards facility, to public complaint; these seem to be the true characteristics of a house of commons. But an addressing house of commons, and a petitioning nation; a house of commons full of confidence, when the nation is plunged in orthampton & Peterhorongb Railway. despair; in the utmost harmony with ministers whom the people regard with the utmost abhorrence; who vote thanks, when public opinion calls upon them for impeachment; who are eager to grant, when the general voice demands account; who in all disputes between the people and administration, presume against the people; who punish their disorders, but refuse even to inquire into the provocations; this is an unna There are three trains leave Northampton for Peterborough daily, viz. at 5min. past 9 a.m.; 5m. past 1 p.m., and 20min. to 7 p.m., calling at the various stations on the line, and arriving at Peterborough at 11 a.m.; to 3 p.m.; and to 9p.m. From Peterborough, at 7 a.m.; past 10 a.m.; and 4 p.m., arriving at Northampton at 10min. to 9 a. m.; 20 min. past 12 p.m.; and 10min. to 6 p.m. |