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Leader (1850-1860), 20th December 1851, Edition Town of 2, Page 1217, Untitled Article

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    • Cmrramrial Iftura.
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      Untitled Article

      ienced authorship , it will be admitted that in P r ( j to the latter nothing should ever in any circumtnces be conceded . I am afraid that the critic in last Saturday ' s Leadei—in his remarks on the verses f the young aspirant to public favour , Mr . A . Smith , ° f Glasgow—has , from some cause or other , overlooked this very important principle and distinction . That , in writing from this place , I may not be-supnosed to be actuated by any unworthy motive , I may remark that I know Mr . Smith only by name ; that I have myself no pretensions to , nor no faculty for , verS e-making ; besides that , being by no means anxious to verify in his case the proverb of " a

      prophet having no honour in his own country , I would naturally rejoice in the fact of Scotland producing w hat she has often done before —a true poet . But , as I have already indicated , there is in poetry to be desiderated something of infinitely more importance than congruity of metaphor , or intensity of passion ; and I cannot help thinking that the mere animalism —the puerile indelicacy—of the sonnet to which your critic points so approvingly , should have met at his hands with a very different reception . It is true that the works of too many men of genius are disfigured by similar blemishes ; and yet at the present day it will hold that , with the wide field of nature

      before him , and the world of thought and feeling within , upon which to operate , an author , and especially a young author , even if he feel at liberty to gloat over and commit to writing his impressions of the turbulent emotions of appetite , should be restrained from making public what no modest man would write , and no modest woman could be expected to read . If this should be thought too severe , I beg to ask the critic , if he have sisters or daughters , whether he considers as fit for their perusal such poetry as the passage in question , or even certain sonnets of an author who is , and that justly , worldlenowned ?

      If , however , it shall be made to appear that there is nothing in the objection I have now mooted—that , in fact , it is to be ascribed entirely to my ignorance of the extent of poetic licence—I am , of course , bound to acquiesce . I should be much better pleased at this , than in being obliged to conclude that the critic in the Leader , emulous of the hardihood in other respects characteristic of that journal , has set the mark of his approbation on poetry , irrespective of a consideration of its moral sentiment and

      tendency . Than this I can conceive of nothing done by an influential public writer to be more unwise or fatal ; for , if ever there was a time when lighter literature should be of a tone pure and healthy , and pruriency of imagination be checked w unsparing hand , it is now , when men ' s minds are stirred and agitated by conflicting speculation on topics of the highest interest—and when the prevalence of sound feeling as to personal morality is indispensable to just and safe conclusions , as well as to the ultimate wellbeing of society . W . M .

      Untitled Article

      A NEW DAILY PAPER . 3 , Kcmpc's-iow , Pimlico , November 17 , 1851 . Sir , —I see , by an advertisement in your paper of Saturday last , that the Ivossuth Demonstration Committee will meet and settle aome financial matters , and consider the future proceedings of the Committee . Now , Sir , I beg leave , through the medium of your " Open Council , " to throw out a hint for their consideration , —that of establishing a Daily Paper—unstamped—at a low price , in order that true statements of the grout struggle now going on may be brought prominently daily before the toiling masses of this country , thereby assisting tho great cause of European liberty .

      ... . , ., The means of obtaining correct information by the people arc of a limited character ; the small fry ot " weddieH , " which . sell immensely , do not , cannot , give to their readers bonu-Jide statements of events ; but muHt gather most , if not all , their information from their more fortunate capitalist brethren—the morning puperH . Those- huge engines — the duiiy presH—can be used for the worst of purposes , —are so UKi'd ( see the Kossuth protruding *) . Why ? lieeuuse it is the interest of the shareholders in them to uphold

      < : < : rtuin HysteniH of government , whether boneiicial to the people at large , or not ; wooing that , if Uichc socalled systems of government perish , no must they—11 () t as individuals , but as individuals possessing power from having power in money . Well , then , having hhowu that the power of the daily press is ° ften used to pervert , rather than to instruct , it is ll » t . eoiiHistrnt with common sense to suppose that the small dieap weekly "—besot as it is with paper duties , Htamp duties , &t :. — -can supply a bettor and to'uer article thiui that from which it ia obliged to

      Copy . Jliiviii fr thus far prefaced , I now come to iho . point . J' ( -t the Committee organize : » h large a hotly of useful , stead y , pnuaieiil men as can be found ready to embark 111 « he eunHO ; collect all moneys , in as largo sums as posHil )! ,. , , m- 1 ,, ; they never ho wnall ; iHsue shiut . s <>( w kind they may think most proper and useful ; K (! t-a fjood staff of writers ; ihhuo ihu first number oi tll ( - I ' lioiMai ' H Truss ( or any other name ) unstamped ; c ° mmon . ce wiuiiuo iu right gyoU uurucut ogauibt all

      stamps and taxes on knowledge . The result will be , that more good will be done in one month for Kossuth , for England , for the whole of Europe , than all the speeches ever delivered , wwreported by Times or Post , or the useless machinery of petition in use by the Anti-Tax-on-Knowledge Society can ever do , with double the capital . With the aid of the people , a paper of the class pointed out—what could not the people do ? With such a power in their < 5 wn hands , despots would soon learn that there is a power ia the pen , and mightier far than that of the sword . I am , Sir , yours truly , "W . Stevens .

      Untitled Article

      " SOCIAL REFORM AND EDUCATION . " Phrenological Museum , 367 , Strand , October 29 , 1851 . Sir , —Having read with great interest the letters of Mr . Coningham and Mr . Travis on Social Eeform and Education in the recent numbers of the Leader , may I be allowed in " Open Council" to make one or two remarks thereon at the present stage of the inquiry ? Both writers in their philosophical attempt to analyse the nature of the being to be educated or improved , before suggesting the methods of education and . improvement themselves , have evidently chosen

      the right path ; and no observer of nature will for a moment dispute the great principle laid down , viz ., " the dependence of character on organization and external circumstances . " But have your correspondents gone far enough ? have they concentrated all the available rays of light which modern philosophy has shed on this subject ? Surely not , or the discoveries of Gall and Spurzheim . might have been made to furnish a yet more definite axiom of equal or greater importance , viz ., that mental manifestation is universally connected with brain , and that by the study of this organ the nature and extent of the mental faculties themselves can be arrived at .

      I know not whether your correspondents have studied the magnificent labours of Gall , in his Anatomie et Physiologie dn Cerveati , or the philosophical and irrefutable analyses of motive and powers , the simple and rational views on education—in the numerous works of Spurzheim . I have done so , and if permitted will on some future occasion show the bearings of this system of mental philosophy on the subject under discussion . Let it suffice for the present to enter a protest against the conclusion of Mr . Coningham , that ' every infant , except in case of organic diseases , is capable of being formed into a very inferior or a very superior being , according to the qualities of the external circumstances allowed to influence that constitution from birth : " or that of

      Mr Travis , " That man is good by nature , or prone to prefer right or good to wrong or evil His past errors have arisen from ignorance , which caused him to adopt false ideas of right and wrong , or of that which is conducive or detrimental to his happiness . " And again—" That the individual whose intelligence and moral feelings have been comparatively well developed ( by education ?) will resist almost or entirely without an effort the temptation which will as certainly produce a vicious will and evil conduct in one who has been leas favourably educated .

      These conclusions , though containing much truth , err in overstating the case—an attributing too much to external , and too little to internal , circumstances . They do not explain how the untaught Murillo could paint artistically at four years old—how Handel , persecuted by his father for his devotion to music , could compose at eight—or Pascal discover for himself in childhood the propositions of Kuclid ' s first book , while the sons of many a millionnaire , with thousands lavished on their education , never attain mediocrity . What " external circumstances , " that do not operate on hundreds similarly chained to poverty and ignorance ) in curly life , developed the

      . spirit of the muse in Ihirns , in liloomiield , and in Elliott , and taught them to sing so sweetly and so well ? Why have persons moving in the highest circles , from whom temptation is utterly removed , been frequently known to appropriate what is not their own , in plain words to steal—while unswerving integrity has been maintained by men tempted by poverty , by associates , almost by education , through a long life ? Mr . Coningham and JVlr . Travis ; tj >| j < ' ; ir to me both to have overlooked the fact , that , education can only give ideas , but . not faculties—that it . tran direct and improve motives , within certain limits , but ; not implant them . The intellectual faculties ami the feelings are innate , and their relative energy

      depends more upon original < onstitution or development than upon subsequent exercise . Yet is education a mighty lever for the elevation of mankind , and none more than the disciples of ( Jail anil Spur / . lieim acknowledge its legitimate influence and its absolute ; necessity , especially when administered according to the principles of that mental philosophy which ( Jail ami his colleague founded ; and Au ^ uste Conu . i ; lias pronounced " one of the principal elements by which the philosophy of the nineleoiuh century will h <; effectually ( delinitivenient ) distinguished from that of the proceeding , a result hitherto so vainly attempted . '' { Philosophic Positive , torn . i 5 , ]> . H' 1 ' 2 . ) JL ' UANO 1 H li . VUA . lJj , Jim .

      Cmrramrial Iftura.

      Cmrramrial Iftura .

      Untitled Article

      BANK OF ENGLAND . An Account , pursuant to the Act 7 th and 8 th Victoria , cap . 32 for the week , ending on Saturday , December 13 , J . 8 j 1 . ISSUE DKFARTM 1 NT . £ £ Notes issued .... 30 , 279 , 620 Government Debt , 11 01 ;) 100 Other Securities .. ^ , 984 , 900 Gold Coin and Bullion 10 , 216 , 245 * Silver Uullion 33 , 375 £ 30 , 879 , 620 £ 30 , 279 , 020 BANKING DEPARTMENT . £ £ Proprietors'Capital . 14 , 553 , 000 Government Secu-Rest 3 , 129 , 894 rities ( including Public Deposits ( in- Dead-weight including- Exche- runty ) K ., 241 , 7 faS quer , Saving-s * Other Securities .. Il , 4 o 4 , J 2 Banks , Commis- Notes li , JJU ,. 5-l . > sioners of National Gold and Silver Debt , and Divi- Coin Oll . ^ bS dend Accounts ) .. 8 , 534 , 018 Other Deposits 9 , 358 , 848 Seven-day andotber Bills 1 , 152 , 453 £ 36 , 728 , 213 £ 36 , 428 , 213 Dated December 18 , 1851 . M . Marshall , Chief Cashier .

      Untitled Article

      SHARKS . Last Official Quotation for Week ending Friday Evening . Kailwayh . Hanks . Aberdeen .. .. Wi , AiiatrnlaHiaii .. .. — Jhititul and Exeter .. KO Hritisli N orth American 45 Caledonian .. .. Iftij Colonial .. .. .. — Kiintrrn CounticH .. — Commercial of London .. ~ . > . \ JC ( lin )> iiiLfti and ( jIum ^ ow — London and Westminster 30 ( jrrut . Northern . . .. 1 H London Joint Stock .. IN ] wieal . S . ik , W . ( Ireland ) 3 . > . { National of Ireland .. — ( ireal . Wcstitru .. .. H . > . { National Provincial .. — Lancashire and Yorkuhiro 57 , '; Proviin-ial of I relaud .. 41 L ; tn < : ust . < : r and Carlinle — U nion of A uutrnliu .. 3 : " > . J l . oml ., I'i i ^ hlon , , fc S . Coattt ' . M / J Union of London .. II London and Kliick wall . . 7 IWinuh . London and N .-W « -ntcni IK ! 1 'olanon .. .. .. — Midland .. .. .. . ') . >^ ltra / ilian Imperial North Hiitiwh .. .. 7 !> if . ( . o , SI .. John del Key 11 ) South- I'iautei'n and Dover ¦— Colin : ( . ' iipju'r .. .- 31 , ' .-lOut . h-Wcsteru .. .. — M Isoki . i . ankou . s . Yoi I ; , Newenn ., He lierwiek 17 !' , Australian A ^ ricull ural I . '> York and North Midland 'JL » Canada 'l ' . )\ IMIUKN . <;< -ncral Slc .-iin .. .. ~ 7 . i Kantand Wetil India .. 112 J ' t-iiiiin . ft Oriental . Steam ti ' it , London ] 1 () Koval Mail Stcani .. NX * St . Kntharine .. .. 7 i » South Australian .. ~\ S

      Untitled Article

      CORN KXCUANCJK . Mark-unk , Friday , December I !) . —Tho Nupplics of VVhi-at during the week have heen very small , cither of Knglish or foreign , out liu ^<; o < . Flour from N « 'w York . On Monday Wheat , wan Is . lower , ; inil no improvement has since taken place ; foreign , however , iu mil . preyed lor sale . OhI . m weie cheaper on Monday , hut . they have Hincc shown a tendency to recover the decline . lieniiu uuti i ' eatf art : both In . cheaper than last . week . JJjuley without alteration . The country markets held during the week have been attended , with the iIuIIiichh uuuul at thia hcuuou of tho your .

      Untitled Article

      w MONEY MARKET AND CITY INTELLIGENCE Saturday . Consols on Monday closed at 96 J ; on Tuesday and Wednesday at 96 ^ §; and on Thursday at 96 $ J . Yesterday the closing price was—Consols , 96 | | , steady market . The fluctuations have been : —Consols , from 96 . } 2 ; Bank Stock , from 214 £ to 215 £ ; and Exchequer Bills , from 48 s . to 51 s . premium . In Foreign Stocks yesterday , the bargains comprised—Brazilian , at 964 , 93 , and 94 J ; the New , 934 ; Buenos Ayres , 50 ; Mexican , for account , 26 J , I , and £ ; the Small , 27 : Russian Four-and a-Half per Cents ., 102 * 102 , 102 J , and % ; Sardinian Five per Cmts ., 83 ? ; Spanish Five per Cents ., 20 f ; Passive , 5 \ ; bpamsh Three per Cents ., 40 J and i ; the New Deferred , 16 . } ; Venezuela , 35-i and 36 ; Dutch Two-and-a-Half per Cents ., 59 ^ , 58 ^ , 59 ^ , and 59 % ; and the Four per Cent . Certificates , 89 | and | .

      Untitled Article

      pEa 20 , 1851 . ] ® f > e % eai > ev . 12 V 7

      Untitled Article

      BRITISH FUNDS FOB- THE PAST WEEK . ( Closing Prices . )

      Untitled Article

      FOREIGN FUNDS . ( Last Official Quotation during- the Week ending Friday Evening-. ) Austrian 5 per Cents . 71 Mexican 5 per Ct . Ace . 23 ? Helfj ian JJds ., 4 J p . Ct . IK ) ¦ -Small .. .. 2 ( i ^ lira / . ilian 5 per Cents . 1 ) 4 Neapolitan ft per Cents . — Huenof ? Ayrea (> p . Cts . 4 f > Peruvian -1 . J per Cents . 87 : { Chilian (> per Cents . .. 1014 Portuguese ft per Cent . ilOJ Danish . > per Cents . .. 102 4 per Cta . Xi . l Dutch - ' 4 per Cent's ... f ) 8 ¦ -Annuities — 4 per Cents . .. bit * Russian , IH 22 , I ' , p . CU . 10 : 57 , Ecuador Honda .. 3 J Span . Ar . tives , ft [> . Cta . 20 < i French f > p . C . An . atl ' nrislOO . CiO Passive .. ft 3 p . Cta ., July 11 , 03 . 7 ft Deterred .. —

      Untitled Article

      Satur . Mond Tues . JFedn . Thurs . Frid . Bank Stock .... 21 ft 214 * 214 J 2 lft B 1 M 3 per Ct . Red .. 07 97 } 97 | 971 9 b ;! 97 . } 3 p . C . Con . Ans . 97 . ? 97 . ? 97 97 £ - 9 ' h 3 p . C . An . 1726 . — —TT \ 3 p . Ct . Con ., Ac . 9 Ti 98 VJ \ 9 ( JJ 96 * ) 0 ? 3 | p . Cent . An . 97 ? 98 § 98 j 97 £ 9 « 4 i' ^ 5 New ft per Cts . —~~ Lon ^ Ans ., 1860 . 7 { 7 7 7 7 Ind . St . lOip . ct . 262 2 G 2 Ditto Bonds .. CO p 61 p 65 p 61 p 95 p 62 p Ex . Hills , 1000 / . ftO p 48 p ft . 'J p 48 p 84 p ft ! P Ditto , 500 t . .. ftO p 48 p 52 p 47 p ft ! P Ditto , Small 50 p 48 p : > 2 p 47 p ftl p 51 P

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Dec. 20, 1851, page 1217, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1914/page/21/