Page images
PDF
EPUB

sia.In the exchange of Norway for Swe dish Pomerania, Denmark has obtained a fertile and productive addition to her domains.

Baltic Trade.

The following is the amount of the cargoes of all the American vessels (85,) which passed Elsineur in 1815. Of the above number, 26 were in ballast-56 went to St. Petersburgh, direct, 15 to Copenhagen, &c. 2,717,140 lbs. sugar. 1,085,420 do. coffee. 125,744 do. cotton. 5,225,840 do. rice. 105,220 do. cotton yarn and twist. 95,095 do. ginger. 52,512 do. indigo. 30,082 do. pimento. 48,618 do. cocoa. 34,212 do. currants. 17,159 do. gum Senegal. 96,060 do. raisins. 10,100 do. figs. 12,718 do. cassia. 19,775 do. madder. 1,726 do. cloves. 8,150 do. crem tartar. 1,910 do. almonds. 251 do. cardemoms. 410 do. nutmegs. 1,571 do. sassaparella. 325 hogsheads tobacco. 974 50 do. turpentine. casks quercitron_bark. 625 bags tumerick. 399 do. gall. 175 tons Nicaragua wood. 1,553 do. log and fustic wood. 425 do salt. 30 cases camphor. 208 do. claret wine. 1,674 do. oil. 3,723 do. fruit. 10 do. shilack. 62,921 gallons wine. 265 do. brandy. 19,620 do. oil. 106,432 do. rum. 288 logs mahogany.

SWEDEN.

The conspiracy which is stated to have taken place in Sweden, and of which mention is made in a few general terms from every quarter, is still, in respect to the parti

cular circumstances of the case, involved in much mystery. It appears to be obvious that however extended and ramified the plot might have been, it was discovered in time to anticipate its operation, and obviate the mischiefs that it was intended to effect. Troops surround the capital, and every exertion has been made, with complete success, if we may believe the intelligence received on this subject, in crushing this hydra at the moment of its birth. The origin of the conspiracy is attributed to some discontented nobles, whose wives are also charged as accomplices. It is, however, suspected by some that the Crown Prince is not so much alarmed as he affects to be; and this suspicion acquires some co. lour of truth, when it is considered that the new Constitution, to be proposed to the next Diet, will abridge the nobles of some of their privileges, and that government will derive from it an increase of power. The press has been meddling with the succession of the Swedish Crown. A Lt. Otto Nattoch Dag has been found guilty of conspiring to overthrow the existing laws upon that subject, and has been sentenced to death; and, as he had filed before his trial, he has been declared an outlaw.

The Deputies of the Army, at Stockholm, on the first of April, closed their meeting

(which bad not been called together for 23 years) after two months sittings, on the 1st of April.

The organization of this assembly is now changed; the purchases of the higher commissions in the army is limited; the pension fund of a million is placed under a new die rection; wounded officers are entitled to large annuities, and a separate establishment is founded for the support of their widows and orphans. The privates have their own hospital, in the formerly celebrated Convent of Brigitta, at Wadstena, besides two hospitals for the invalids of this garrison, and they enjoy a considerable revenue from all appointments that are made out, besides one per thousand on the sale of all estates. It is now in contemplation to found for their benefit a still larger establishment, towards which near 200,000 dollars, in voluntary contributions, have already been received.

The Military Deputies bave had their audience of leave, of the King, the Crown Prince and Prince Oscar. They were introduced by Field Marshal Count Stedingk, who made a speech to his Majesty, thanking him for the attention paid to the army, for the benefit conferred on the country, and assuring him of their entire devotion: to which the King returned a very gracious answer. His Excellency also made a speech to the Crown Prince, in the usual style of compliment; to which his Highness replied at length.

In the speech of the Crown Prince to the Deputies of the citizens, he thus notices the conspiracy.

'There are (says his Royal Highness) illdisposed men in all countries, but in Sweden, their number is so small, that no extraordinary measures are necessary to repress them.

'The interior peace of the country, is undisturbed; from without there is nothing to fear. We do not meddle with the con cerns of others, and are certain that they will not meddle with ours. Your rights are therefore secured within and without, and every thing announces that we shall not for a long time be obliged to defend them; but should the honour of the nation require it, I will go at the head of a faithful, tried, and disciplined army, supported by the will of the King and the people, and accompanied by the omens of victory, to meet the enemy, and shed all my blood in the defence of my country. I cannot express myself as I could wish, in the Swedish language, but my son speaks it for me; he is educated among you; on him your hopes must repose; but I speak the language of honour and freedom, and every Swede who truly loves his country understands me.'

The Swedish Government is levying a conscription all over the country. The young

men included in the conscription consist of ber. The great attention which you have
five classes, all the youths from the age of 20
to 25, inclusive, forming a well disciplined
and uniform militia, of about 300,000 men,
from which, only in time of war, the regular
regiments raised partly by recruiting, partly
furnished and equipped by the land-owners,
are reinforced and filled up.

The King of Sweden has prohibited the importation of all white cotton goods and muslins, except those brought from India in Swedish ships; also porter and wine, except for the church. The motive assigned for this measure, is to keep down the course of exchange.

RUSSIA.

The Russian empire is in a state of great tranquillity, and the report of an approaching rupture with Turkey, appears to be false: Moscow is fast rising from its ashes, and threatens to rival Petersburg in magnificence. The Imperial court is to reside there during the summer months. The emperor seems to be wholly devoted to the service of his people; his army is soon to be greatly reduced, and he encourages, by every means he can devise, the growth of agriculture, manufactures, commerce, the sciences and the arts. A short time since, he appointed his counsellor of state, the celebrated Count Kotzebue, to edit an immense work, to be circulated in every part of the empire, and be publicly read by the clergy, which is to embrace all the works printed in Europe, on politics, statistics, the military art, manufactures, public instruction, &c. He is to employ as many presses as he may deem necessary; a munificent salary is attached to the appointment; and the count is allowed to reside in any part of Russia or Germany, as he shall find to be most advantageous for the prosecution of bis literary labours. He is now as celebrated for his political as he has been for his dramatic science.

The Russians have lately formed an expedition from some of their settlements upon the N. w. coast of America, and taken posseszion of one of the Sandwich islands.

The reception given to the American Ambassador, Mr. Pinkney, by the Emperor, was very flattering.

The late events in England, it is said, have induced the Emperor Alexander to pause in his system of enfranchising the peasants of his empire!

His Majesty the Emperor of Russia has addressed to the Privy Counsellor Willemer, of Francford, author of a small work entiUed "The hopes of Germany," the following letter.

"I fully agree with you, sir, in the sentiments which you express in transmitting to me your work on the act of fraternal and Christian alliance of the 14th (26th) Septem

shown to studying the sense, announces a purified zeal for good, as well as a remarkable sagacity. A solemn engagement founded on the simple and sublime precepts of the religion of the Saviour-God, offers, no doubt, a vast field to the most interesting meditations. It is to their unity, as well as to the concurrence of the wishes which the friends of humanity form, that the efficient application of those truths to the social and political existence of nations, may result. The ideas exhibited in your production, being evidently directed towards this end of universal utility, it is agreeable to me to testify to you my particular satisfaction, and to give you this assurance of my esteem.

ALEXANDER:

'St. Petersburgh, 30th Nov. 1816.'

ASIA.

EAST-INDIES.

A party of the Pindaries, 3000 strong, have been routed by Major Lushington, at the head of 350 men. These marauders had been ravaging the country and sacking the villages, and it was their intention to sweep the coast as far as Surat.

A meeting of the Asiatic Society was held at their Hall in Chowringhee, at which his Excellency the Right Honourable the Earl of Moira presided. A memorial on the Hinduism of Java was read; and several Images of Booddhu, Ganeshu, Siva, and Parvultu, brought round by Dr. Tytler, were presented to the society. These mythological relics are well deserving the attention of the curi ous in Asiatic antiquities. Specimens of some curious sorts of wood, and of a mineral water, resembling Seltzer water, were also transmitted. The society were likewise presented with a copy of the translation of Lilliwati, a curious treatise on Arithmetic and Geometry, written by Bhasku Acharay, or the author of Bija Gvaht. This translation is the work of Dr. Taylor, of Bombay, to whom the literary world are already indebted for able illustrations of the sciences of ancient India. The learned translaton mentions, in his preface to this treatise, that the author has established, in another work, the doctrine of the earth being a globe, suspended in open space; and not owing its support to the succedeanea, which the Poorans assert. He is also represented as having been acquainted with the principle of attraction-on which modern science has founded so many of her most beautiful speculations.

We are happy to state that a society has been set on foot on the island of Java, by several humane and liberal minded individuals, for the purpose of ameliorating the condition of slaves." This institution kad ob

[ocr errors]

tained the support of a majority of the Engfish inhabitants, many of the Dutch also had entered into its views, and a considerable number of natives of the higher class, bad testified their approval of it. It is much to be wished that these embryo attempts may be persevered in, and eventually crowned with the success they merit, but from the information we have been able to collect respecting the views of the colonists in Java, and the other islands of the Archipelago, we are led to suspect that the system of slavery has been too long and too deeply interwoven with their local policy to admit of any well grounded hope of its speedy abolition, -or that any steps towards a "consummation so devoutly to be wished" will meet with that degree of support, which is necessary to the rendering them even partially effective.

CHINA.

Nautical surveys of the Chinese coast, it is said, have been recently made, by order of the British government, with a view to ascertain the practicability of opening the Chinese trade to all British subjects; and that these surveys have reached England, unexpectedly, by a circuitous route. In consequence a very formidable expedition was contemplated, at the date of our last advices from London, having for its objects to traverse the whole of the Chinese empire, to require an apology from the Emperor, and to claim the occupation by British troops of all the strong places on the Canton river.

Considering the present situation of the foreign relations of China, the following brief account of this vast empire, must excite some interest.

Extent of the empire in

square miles,

The same in acres,
Number of the inhabitants,
Revenues in sterling,

In one word, they neither waste time, nor space, nor materials, and pay scarcely any Nevertheless they are so poor, that taxes. is, they enjoy so few of the necessaries of life, that the law permits the stifling of newly born children, when the parents have not the means of bringing them up.

This account from the best authorities, and which certainly is not far from the truth, affords abundance of materials for thinking to our speculative economists; but if any thing were wanting to complete the strange result of such a population and so much industry, it is that the Chinese despise all other nations, but most of all, commercial ones, and they have always, as much as possible, insisted on having gold or silver in exchange for what they sell to strangers.

AFRICA.

EGYPT.

The plague has raged at Cairo with great fury. But the most extraordinary circumstance from this country, is, that it rained in torrents for four days. An event like this is not recollected, and it nearly destroyed whole villages; the houses being built of unbaked mud, were washed away. If it had lasted a few days longer, it is supposed that half of the city of Cairo would have been destroyed.

TUNIS.

The following is a list of the navy of Tunis, as furnished by an American naval officer.

2 gabarras, mounting 28 18 pounders, and 20 18lb. carronades, 1 do. 28 12's and 20 18's, 1 corvette 24 8 pounders, 1 do. 18 8 do. 2 xebeques 26 8's and 8 24's, 1 do. of said force laid up, 1 do. 14 6 pounders, 1 do. 12 6 poun1.297,999 ders, 1 do. 12 6's, 1 brig 18 8's, 1 schr. 166's, 830,719,369 1 do. 8 18 carronades and 2 long 6's, 1 do. 333,000,000 86 pounders, 1 do. 2 8 do. and 4 4 pounders, 12,140,625. 1 do. 2 6's and 4 4's, 5 small latteen vessels, 2 mounting 2 4's, 1 mounting 2 6's and 24's, 1 mounting 2 8's and 4 6's, 80 gun boats of 1 gun each, 12's 18's and 24's, 4 do. of 2 guns each, 1 24 and 1 6 pounder, 1 bombard of 1 mortar only, 1 do. of 1 do. and 2 4 pounders, 1 old corvette, 20 8 pounders, 1 large frigate building, nearly planked up. In all -108 vessels-413 guns.

This gives 256 persons to a square mile, or 2 1-2 acres to each, which is full one half more in proportion than the population of England.

Industry in China is, nevertheless, carried to the bighest degree; and there are not to be found in China either idle persons or beggars. Every small piece of ground is culti vated, and produces something useful; and all sorts of grain are planted, not sowed, by which means more seed is saved than would supply all the inhabitants of Britain and Ireland.

In that country every one labours, and even rocks are covered with earth, and made to produce. The sides of mountains are cultivated, and irrigation is very general, and conducted with great art and care. Cloth and paper are made from various vegetables, which in Europe are thrown aside as useless.

ALGIERS.

The Danes have sent to Algiers, as their stipulated present, a large vessel loaded with timber, masts, iron work, pitch, tar, and sail cloth. The Dey has equipped, and ready for sea, 3 brigantines and one galliot. These, together with the schooner that was sent soon after the bombardment by Lord Exmouth, to Constantinople with an ambassador and rich presents, constitute the naval force of Algiers. The activity of the Dey, has now

PERU.

within half a year wholly remedied the consequences of the bloodiest battles which the It is stated that the patriot army in Peru shores of Africa have witnessed for many is 3000 strong, and that it has met with consicenturies. The loss consisted in the largest derable success; that general Guemer atpart of the pirate fleet; but the arsenals, the tacked the Spanish army at Jujui, and took magazines, and workshops, the store of am- 300 prisoners, besides bringing off 6 pieces of munition and provisions; in short, all the ele- cannon, a quantity of small arms and militaments of political life, were saved. The ry stores. damaged fortifications are now stronger than before, and the marine, by means of purchase and new built vessels, may be said to be daily increasing. Notwithstanding the last harvest was most excellent, and there is abundance of corn in the country, the Dey will not allow any to be exported to Europe, though pretty high prices have been offered him, particularly by France.

MOROCCO.

VENEZUELA.

No affair of much importance has taken place in this province since the recapture of Barcelona by the royalists. Venezuela bas consumed more troops for Spain than any other of her provinces. At the commencement of the revolution, there were here, it is computed, 4,000 troops in the pay of the mother country, and since that period there have arrived 10,000. But these, together with double the same number of provincial levies, have not been able to arrest the progress of the revolution.

MEXICO.

An extract of a letter from Tangiers, dated early in March, is published in the French papers, which states that the emperor of Morocco will supply the French government with what quantity of grain it needs, without requiring any payment in return. He will The situation of this province seems quite demand no duty, either export or import, undecided. Some accounts represent the on condition that the grain be carried direct royal cause as every where triumphant, and to France. He will immediately furnish state that all the most considerable patriot cargoes for ten vessels, and other vessels will receive cargoes with all despatch.

[blocks in formation]

BUENOS AYRES,

leaders, together with their followers, have taken advantage of a general amnesty and submitted. Other accounts say that the patriots maintain the struggle manfully, and that in some intercepted letters, the royalists declare that the "fire of insurrection in The insurgents make use of every amnesty creases, and is not likely to be extinguished. granted them to escape to their comrades the patriot general Mina had sailed from with the first opportunity." It is stated that Galvestown, and was before Tempico, in the to attack it, being well furnished with artille vicinity of Vera Cruz, and that he intended ry for the purpose.

The royal force in Mexico in 1804, before The city of Buenos Ayres has been illumi- the revolution, has been computed as folnated in celebration of the victory gained lows: infantry of the line, 5,200; cavalry, over the royalists in Chili by San Martin. It 4,700, besides about 20,000 militia. These is stated that the patriots of this place were daily receiving succours, and that the people on the eastern side of the river were arming to drive the Portuguese from Monte

Video.

CHILI.

troops cost about 4,000,000 dollars; and are now fighting Spain. Since the revolution began in Mexico, the troops sent thither have amounted to 15,000.

PORTUGUESE AMERICA.

Pernambuco.

Chili is represented as containing, in the The Provisional Government of Pernam situation and soil of the country, and the buco have decreed that their ports are open character and manners of the people, better to all merchant vessels, even of the nations elements for forming a stable independency with whom they are at war. They are althan any other province in South America; lowed freely to enter, and dispose of their and the success of San Martin here, is re- cargoes, as also to export the amount thereof garded by the patriots as the surest pledge in the produce of the country. All kinds of of their ultimate general triumph. Many corn, flour, peas, beans, and the like; muniare migrating hither from Buenos Ayres. tions of war, gunpowder, lead, shot, balls, arVOL. I. NO. III. 2 F

tillery, sulphur, saltpetre; books, printing laws are considered just; he patronizes edutypes, all kinds of machinery and scientific cation, and the country is supplied with instruments, are permitted to enter free of schools. Foreign missionaries, also, are reduty, for the term of one year from the 13th ceived and treated with urbanity. March, 1817.

Antonio Gonsalvo Da Cruz, ambassador from the provisional government of Pernambuco has arrived in the United States. With four other patriots of distinction, he had been proscribed. The Provisional Government consists of a Council, and an Executive of five members, taken from the professions of agriculture, commerce, the military, the clergy, and the mechanics, which will continue till a constitution be framed. All titles of nobility are abolished; "patriot," and "compatriot," are the only appellations. The provisional government will organize an army of 15,000 men, which will be aided by a militia of 40,000, in Pernambuco alone.

According to some accounts, the patriots do not appear to be so firmly fixed in this province as has been represented. Their port is blockaded by a Portuguese force; business is at a stand, and volunteers are of fering themselves to the Governor of St. Salvador to go against Pernambuco. On the other hand the Pernambucan ambassador states that, although a blockade might have taken place, yet the patriot government were fully prepared for any offensive steps on the part of the royalists, and as to any dissatisfaction with the new government, on the part of the people, it cannot be true. It is again stated, that the whole coast of Brazil is in commotion, and that there is a prospect that the Portuguese government will be entirely thrown off. The new government of Per nambuco have, it is said, fitted out a brig of 22 guns to protect such vessels as may arrive at that place to trade, and more vessels were equipping for the same purpose.

WEST INDIES.

Republic of Hayli.

President Petion has recently got into a difficulty with the government of Buenos Ayres. for having confiscated certain property, captured on the high seas, and sent into Port au Prince, as a neutral port, by Commodore Taylor of the Buenos Ayrean squadron. The Commodore has begun to make reprisals, and has sent Petion a letter, informing him that he shall detain all Haytian vessels he may meet with: if satisfaction be made by Petion, they shall be restored; if -not, they will be considered good and lawful prizes.

The navy of Petion consists of the frigate General Brown, carrying 40 guns and 400 men; the Wilberforce, of 22 guns; the FireFly, of 18 guns, and the Conqueror, of 16 guns, all lying in harbour. The government of Petion is well liked by the people, his

KINGDOM OF HAYTI.

The

The Court of Christophe is modelled after the late court of Bonaparte, and is maintained in much state. The laws of the kingdom are very direct and rigid, and executed with great impartiality and promptitude. commercial code and regulations, though precise, are esteemed wise, and are strictly observed. The police of the kingdom is uncommonly rigorous and efficient. No subject, not even a nobleman, is permitted to be absent from his dwelling after 10 o'clock at night, and if he ever dare neglect this decree, it is only in the company of a stranger, who is not required to observe it. It is considered a high offence for any of the nobility, male or female, to be absent from the palace, Sans Souci, when any fete is given by his Majesty's order, and the person so offending is punished by being put into a strong fortress, forthwith, under military guard. The princes royal are all provided with private tutors, and are said to be docile and ingenious. Parties, however, are said to be forming, headed by the princes of the blood, and the present prospect is, that the succession to the throne will produce contention.

BRITISH AMERICA.

New Brunswick.

Much distress is said to exist in Newfound

land, in consequence of the stagnation of business since the peace, and the failure of last year's harvest. It is stated that 300 persons were last May dependant on charity for arrived from Scotland, but they find it diffisupport, in St. Johns. Many emigrants have

cuit to obtain a comfortable settlement and employment. The people, it is stated, are much dissatisfied with the interdiction of their plaister trade with the United States, and that in consequence thereof some thousands are thrown out of employ.

There was a shock of an earthquake felt at St. Johns, about the middle of May last, which lasted about 15 seconds. The air was perfectly clear, and there was not a breath of wind. It was preceded by a noise, as if a gale of wind had suddenly sprung up, and very soon after the shock, deep moanings were heard for a short time, apparently from the southward. The same shock was felt at Frederickton and St. Andrews, and fully as violent.

UPPER CANADA.

The following is a statement of work performed by a boy, in excavating a piece of ground 9 feet square, by 3 feet 3 inches deep, and wheeling the whole earth 60 feet, in a

« ՆախորդըՇարունակել »