ENGLAND'S COMMERCE WITH RUSSIA IN PEACE AND WAR.

At a late meeting of the London Statistical Society a paper on this subject was read by J. T. Dawson, Esq. The paper was divided into four parts:

The first part, being merely preliminary, embraced a description of the area and population of Russia in Europe, and showed that the artificial system of Peter the Great, as continued by his successors during the last century and a half, had not materially altered the natural constitution of the Russian empire; that St Petersburg, though by this system made the capital city and chief port of the empire, did not as yet possess that character apart from the compulsion exercised by the government; that the central provinces around Moscow were by much the most thickly peopled; and that the natural centers of production and consumption were still found at Moscow and Warsaw. The population of the nine provinces on the Baltic, from Finland to Poland, inclusive, was about 12,400,000; and was distributed in proportions varying in density southward, from 17 persons per English square mile in Finland, to 103 per square mile in Poland. The five Black Sea provinces, from Bessarabia to the country of the Don Cossacks, had a population of about 4,150,000; the average num. ber being about 26 per square mile, and Bessarabia being by much the most popu lous. The ten central provinces around Moscow had a population of about 14,000,000, giving an average of 80 persons to the square mile. The artificial character of St. Petersburg as a city was attested by the census, which, in a population of nearly 500,000, showed-exclusive of military and foreigners-only about 16 females to 35 males, children included.

The second part of the paper described the Commerce of Russia, marking its characteristic features by comparison with that of England and France. The 28,000,000

of the British people annually exported produce to the value of about £90,000,000 sterling; the 36,000,000 of the French exported to the value of about £50,000,000; and the 67,000,000 of European Russians exported to the value of about £14,000,000. Russia exported raw produce almost exclusively, consisting chiefly of grain, tallow, flax, linseed, hemp, wool, timber, and bristles; the three items first named commonly exceeded in value all the rest. The imports consisted chiefly of the produce of more southern and of tropical countries, of manufactures, and of raw materials, and machinery for some cotton and other factories maintained in the central districts, under the cover of high protective duties. Sugar, coffee, tobacco, wine, and fruit, figured largely in the first class. Silk, woolen, and cotton goods, with some hardwares and jewelry, in the second. And raw cotton and yarn, with silk, wool, machinery, and dye-stuffs, with a considerable quantity of salt, (scarce in Russia,) completed the list of principal articles. Not more than one-sixth of the shipping frequenting Russian ports was owned by Russian subjects; the trade of the chief ports was almost exclusively in the hands of resident foreign merchants, and the capital employed in carrying it on was foreign in a still larger proportion, England taking the lead alike in supplying mercantile skill, capital, and shipping. The Russian tariff was highly protective, and had the effect of keeping the Russian people, excepting the noble class, ignorant of most of the comforts and luxuries enjoyed by the inhabitants of other parts of Europe of similar productive power. The flatness of the country, however, with the prevalence of snow during some months of every year over the greater part of its surface, made traveling comparatively cheap and rapid; and the rivers intersecting the country in all directions, improved by numerous canals, gave a very complete system of water communication, and thus added to the facilities of interior Commerce.

The third part of the paper was devoted to the Commerce between Russia and the United Kingdom, and showed that the Russian people were not only very small consumers of British produce, but had for some years been reducing their demand for it. We took from them by far the larger share of all they exported, and they took from us cotton, raw and in yarn, wool, dye-stuffs, machinery, and coal, with salt, sugar, and drugs, and some woven fabrics and furs; the whole being little more than half the value of the Russian produce they sent to this country. The balance was settled by Russian imports from France and elsewhere, paid for in drafts upon London. About two-thirds, in value, of the imports of Russia from this country consisted, in fact, of the materials of manufacturing, in Russia, goods that we could supply to the Russian consumers at a much less cost. The nobles, however, very generally disdained the produce of the native looms. Six of the articles we imported from Russia we had hitherto received thence in quantities, forming a very considerable proportion of our total supply for the year. These were grain, hemp, flax, tallow, bristles, and linseed.

Taking the trade of the fourteen years, 1840-53, as a test, the author showed that we were indebted to Russia for about 14 per cent of our total imports of grain; that in the first seven years of this period we were so indebted for about 72 per cent, and in the latter seven for about 62 per cent of our supply of hemp, and that about two-thirds of our supply of imported flax had come thence; but that our supplies of grain, hemp, and tallow had been steadily increasing from other quarters more rapidly than from Russia; that we had a home supply of flax and linseed; and that a total deprivation of the supplies of Russia would seriously affect us in the comparatively trifling article of bristles.

The fourth part of the paper was on the probable effect of the war, and went far to dispel any fears arising out of the extent of our dependence upon Russia for raw materials. A careful review of the sources and channels of the interior Commerce of Russia led directly to the conclusion that, excepting grain and seeds, for neither of which were we largely dependent upon Russia, the most natural exit for the greater part of the trade was through East Prussia, by the ports of Danzig, Elbing, Konigsburg, and Memel; and that these ports were equally convenient for the imports, excepting only such part of them as went to supply the artificial city at the head of the Gulf of Finland. Hence that, so long as Prussia remained neutral, the only effect would probably be a diversion of the trade from the forced routes through St. Petersburg and Riga to its more natural ways further south, damaging, by reversal, the despotic system of the government, and somewhat harassing by the change all who were immediately dependent upon the interior trade, but not materially injuring the bulk of the population, and much increasing the probability of their being soon brought into freer communication with the more civilized nations of Europe.

THE ENERGETIC MERCHANT.

A disastrous fire had swept away in one night a mighty mass of property, and among the vast crowd that gathered to see the ruins in the morning, was one who had by that fire lost a large fortune, and scarcely a dollar was left. A friend stepped up expressed some words of sympathy, hoping he would not be discouraged. Discouraged!" was the energetic reply; "why, sir, I feel just as fresh now to begin life again as when I hadn't a dollar in the world. No fire shall burn up my resolution."

That man proved as good as his word, and another fortune showed what facilities are afforded to true energy in our day.

This freshness of true energy is a fine thing to contemplate. It is to the merchant what it is to the artist who spreads his brush across the glowing canvas, blots out the labor of months or years, and begins his great work anew. No man arrives to the possession of the highest manliness who permits any power of the elements, any disaster of fortune, to lessen his energy. The true dominion to which every man should aspire is a complete conquest over every possibility of ill fortune, so that amid the devastation of an earthquake or the sweep of the destructive fire, he may preserve that freshness of energy which is ready to begin life anew. He then has, in reference to the struggles of mercantile life, the feeling of one of Napoleon's marshals who, when defeated in one engagement, pulled out his watch, counted the hours, and then exclaimed, "A victory yet before sunset !" And a victory he did achieve. Like him, O baffled brother, put forth a fresh energy, and let not the sun go down upon your discouragement!

THE WIVES AND DAUGHTERS OF MERCHANTS.

66

The editor of the Newburyport Union-who is a woman— -speaking of the alleged extravagance of wives and daughters, says that a great part of it arises from their being kept in ignorance of business affairs. Was it the habit of men to interest their wives and families in the details of the day-book and ledger, she thinks we should hear much less talk about unreasonable expenditures. But if men will persist in treating women as fools or children, they must expect them to act accordingly. Did any one ever know of a woman' urging her husband into unnecessary expenses,' who was thoroughly acquainted with his resources, and made a confidant of in all business matters? We do not believe the world can furnish an instance. Let business men try the experiment of making their wives and daughters the confidential clerks (so far as knowledge is concerned) of their establishments, and we should hear no more lamentations about $500 shawls and $3,000 parties."

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-Lectures on the True, the Beautiful, and the Good. By M. V. COUSIN. Increased by an Appendix on French Art. Translated, with the approbation of M. Cousin, by O. W. WIGHT, translator of Cousin's "Course of the Modern History of Philosophy," American Editor of Sir William Hamilton's Philosophy, author of the romance of" Abelard and Eloise,” &c., &c. 8vo., pp. 391. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

The eighteen lectures that compose this volume contain (and we have M. Cousin's authority for the statement,) the abridged but exact expression of his convictions on the fundamental points of philosophic science. In it will be seen the method that is the role of his enterprise, his principles, his processes, his results. Under the three heads-the True, the Beautiful, and the Good, M. C. embraces psychology, which he places at the head of all philosophy, æsthetics, and natural right. Mr. Wight, the authorized translator, and a most enthusiastic disciple of the author, regards it, in a philosophical point of view, the most important of all the distinguished author's works, for the reason that it contains a complete summary and lucid exposition of the various parts of his system. The translation is highly creditable to the taste and scholarship of Mr. Wight.

2.-Life in Abyssinia: being Notes collected during Three Years' Residence and Travel in that Country. By MANSFIELD PARKYNS. In two vols. 12mo., pp. 355 and 350. New York: D. Appleton.

Three years residence and travel in one country will afford sufficient time to acquire a pretty good knowledge of the place and the people. Mr. Parkyns, an intelligent, educated, and sensible Englishman, with large perceptive faculties, we are not surprised to find has produced a work abounding in varied information, touching all matters of interest to all who "hunger and thirst" for a knowledge of foreign lands, or remote parts of our earth. Besides the interesting incidents of his residence and his travels, he has furnished a fund of facts and statements pertaining to the mannera and customs of the people, their religion, institutions, personal appearance, dress, history, &c., &c. The work is handsomely illustrated, and published in the characteristically beautiful style of the enterprising house named in the title-page, above quoted, and is a most valuable addition to the literature of travel.

3.-Russia. Translated from the French of the Marquis DE CUSTINE. 12mo., pp. 500. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

Marquis De Custine, the author of the present volume, commenced his travels in Russia in June, 1839, and from his high position as a French nobleman, enjoyed rare advantages of becoming acquainted with the person and character of the Emperor Nicholas, his court and his people. His account of what he saw in Russia is as varied as the varying and errant life of the traveler. He visits not only the royal capital, but goes into the heart of the country, and describes everything relating to the manners, customs and habits of the people with a scrupulous exactitude, and with a minuteness of detail as singular, in works of travel, as rare. We have read portions of the volume with more than ordinary interest, for we are impressed with a feeling that we were perusing the reliable statements of an honest, intelligent and philosophical observer. It is in our judgment the best work on Russia that has ever been published. It is certainly the most comprehensive we have seen.

4.-The Orator's Touchstone; or Eloquence Simplified. 12mo., pp. 327. New York: Harper & Brothers.

Mr. McQueen understands his subject, and has produced a manual covering the whole ground of public speaking. It embraces a comprehensive system of instruction for the improvement of the voice, and for advancement in the general art of public speaking. In a free country like our own, where every man is a representative, and may be a speaker, the utility of a work that teaches the most effective method of addressing masses of men cannot fail of being useful. This essay on the subject abounds in useful rules and suggestions, and no one who ever desires or expects to speak in public should fail to make it his study.

5.-Sunny Memories of Foreign Lands. By Mrs. HARRIET BEECHER STOWE, author of " Uncle Tom's Cabin," &c. Illustrated from Designs by Hammatt Billings. In two vols. 12mo., pp. 326 and 431. Boston: Phillips, Sampson, & Co.

Dr. Franklin said in his life-time that there were two classes of persons, one that looked on the ugly, and the other on the handsome leg. Mrs. Stowe, in the present instance certainly belongs to the latter class, for the book will be found truly what its name denotes-"Sunny Memories." How could it well be otherwise, treated as she was by the lords and ladies and literati of "foreign lands," and especially of Old England. The couleur de rose, under the circumstances, in her descriptions of characters and scenes, is quite pardonable, and in much better taste than were the "notes" of Dickens, after his idolization in America. It is well and justly remarked in her preface, that "England and America have heretofore abounded towards each other in illiberal criticisms," and as there is not an unfavorable aspect of things in the old world which has not become familiar to the American reader, a little of the other side may have a useful influence. Preferring to look on the "sunny side" of men and things, these volumes have to us a peculiar charm, and few, if any, who may take them up will fail to read on unto the end. The illustrations are in the best style of the art, and on the whole we regard Mrs. Stowe's book as the most interesting of its class, that has been written or published in a long time.

6.—Lectures on Romanism; being Illustrations and Refutations of the Errors of Romanism and Tractarianism. By Rev. Joux CUMMING, D. D., Minister of the Scotch Church, Crown Court, Covent Garden. London. 12mo., pp. 728. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co.

With theology as the conductors of a commercial magazine we have nothing to do; and the notice we take of such publications must therefore, of necessity, be of the descriptive rather than of the critical character. Dr. Cumming, as we have before stated, and as is known to most of our readers, is among the most eloquent preachers of the National Scotch Church in London. The present volume contains fourteen lectures, in which the learned Doctor handles the Roman Catholic Church, its doctrines and its formularies, its pope and its priests, without gloves. The lectures, when delivered, were listened to by crowded houses, and with universal admiration by all Protestant sects. They display much research and learning, and are written in the characteristi cally eloquent, forcible, and original style of the celebrated author. He combats with reason and with argument what he regards as the errors of the Romish Church, and we may say, that they are the ablest expose of that Church and its theology we have

ever seen.

7.—Wordurfari or Rambles in Iceland. By PLINY MILES. York: Charles B. Norton.

12mo., pp. 334. New

We like the off hand, unpretending, racy, and lively style in which this book of travels is written. After a dilligent and long continued search on all the maps of all the Wylds, Johnstones, and Coltons, the author tells us he could find but one land that was untrodden. Iceland was the shining bit of glacier, the one piece of virgin ore, and straitway to Iceland he went. The result is, he has given us an intelligible, and what appears on its face a faithful account of that "lonely isle of the north." His object has been to present a readable and truthful narrative, to create some interest in the people, the literature, and the productions of Iceland. In our judgment he has accomplished that object in the most satisfactory manner. It is a valuable and readable work-just what has been wanted-a good thing and in season.

8.-Leather Stocking and Silk; or, Hunter John Myers and his Times.. A Story of Virginia. 12mo., pp. 408. New York: Harper & Brothers.

In this "well told tale" the writer sketches in outline, with a good deal of genuine wit and humor, some of the personages, and modes of life and thought in Virginia, at the commencement of the present century. The chief character, Leather Stocking, had a real existence, and is drawn, we are told, with as near an approach to life in personal and characteristic traits, as the writer found it possible. The story has more of the sunny than the shady in it, and will be read with pleasure, if not with profit. 9.-A New Tale of a Tub. An Adventure in Verse. With Illustrations after Designs by Lieut. J. S. COLTON. New York: John Wiley.

A new edition of one of the most amusing pieces of wit and humor in our language. The illustrations are capital.

10.-Hills, Lakes, and Forest Streams; or a Tramp in the Chateaugy Woods. By S. H. HAMMOND. 12mo. pp. 340. New York: James C. Derby. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co.

Mr. Hammond, the author of this volume, is the editor of the " Albany State Register," and many of the sketches contained in it were by him contributed to its colunins. They attracted at the time more than ordinary attention, and he was induced to give them to the public in the more durable and permanent form of the "bound book.” With an ardent love of hill, lake, and forest, he climbed the one and wandered around and through the others, and engaged in all the pastimes and sports such places and such scenes offered. The results of his wanderings are gracefully and graphically given us in these pages. They are so full of interest, that one can scarcely take up the volume, or rather lay it down, until he reads “THE END.”

11.-More Worlds than One, the Creed of the Philosopher and the Hope of the Christian. By Sir DAVID BREWSTER, K. H., D. C. L., &c., &c. 18mo., pp. 265. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers.

An essay published a short time since, entitled a " Plurality of Worlds," denies the existence of any other than the earth we inhabit. That essay was able and ingenious, but we have our doubts as to the sincerity of the writer. The volume before us is a criticism of that work. Dr. Brewster devotes the principal part of it to a statement in favor of a “Plurality of Worlds," and answers the various objections urged against it by the author of that essay, examining at the same time the grounds upon which he attempted to establish the extraordinary doctrine, "that the Earth is really the largest planetary body in the Solar System, its domestic hearth, and the only World in the Universe!"

12.- Fashion and Famine. By Mrs. ANN S. STEPHENS. 12mo., pp. 426. New York: Bunce & Brother.

A story of American life, by a well-known writer, whose contributions to our periodical literature have already secured a well-earned reputation. The scene is laid in New York city, and many of the characters are drawn from real life. She portrays with a graphic hand the extreme conditions of city life. The work is weli calculated to make an impression, and if it had been heralded, as some works of far less merit, its circulation would be commensurate with the most sanguine expectations of the author and publishers. As it is, we entertain no doubt of its success.

13.-Magdalen Hepburn. A Story of the Scottish Reformation. By the Author of "Passages in the Life of Mrs. Margaret Maitland," " Adam Græme," &c. 12mo., three volumes in one, pp. 400. New York: Riker, Thorn & Co.

The history of the Scottish Reformation, as it is termed, is full of the material for romance. The author, availing herself of the incidents and characters of those days, has succeeded in producing a story of more than ordinary interest; and all who have read and admired her "Margaret Maitland," republished in this country by Stringer & Townsend, and noticed in the Merchants' Magazine, will find in the volume before us a work of equal, or even greater interest.

14.-The New York Crystal Palace. Illustrated Descriptions of the Building. By GEORGE CARSTENSEN and CHARLES GILDEMEISTER, Architects of the Building. 4to., pp. 86. New York: Riker, Thorne & Co.

This volume contains not only a technical descriptive record, but a general and popular description of the origin, construction, and progress of the Crystal Palace in New York. It is amply illustrated with a beautifully executed oil color exterior view, and six large plates containing plans, sections, and details, from the working drawings of the architects. As a work of art and science it reflects credit upon the authors and publishers.

15-Tales of the Five Senses. By GERARD GRIFFIN, author of "The Collegians," "Tales of the Jury Room," "The Rivals,"" Tales of the Munster Festivals," &c., &c. 18mo., pp. 284. New York: D. & J. Sadlier.

In order to excite in young persons a right feeling of the value of that frame with which the Author of Nature has gifted man on earth, the author wrote this volume, illustrative of external sensation. It is certainly a very pleasing and attractive method of conveying to the mind of the young a knowledge of his fearfully and wonderfully" constructed organism. The tales will interest and instruct the general reader as well as Catholic Christians.