MERCANTILE MISCELLANIES.

THE POLICY OF IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT.

THE judgment of all the great moral writers of the age has condemned the practice of imprisonment for debt; all experience is against it; there is not a jailer or a turnkey that ever closed the door on a prisoner who will not confess its inefficacy; we will say nothing of the denunciations of the Scriptures against those who oppress and trample on the poor and the unfortunate, because in this so-called Christian country, Christian principles are always disregarded when any question relating to the making of money is to be considered; but we will speak of it only as a matter of expediency; not as a matter of religion, or of charity, or of justice, or of humanity, but merely as a matter of expediency; and we contend that, viewed only in respect to its unprofitable operation on the commnnity, inasmuch as it prevents a vast number of people from adding by their labors to the general wealth of the country, imprisonment for debt is statistically an inexpedient practice. It cannot be defended as a punishment, because, when plainly stated in that light, it cannot be allowed that punishment should be inflicted before crime be proved, and no one can have the hardihood to say that the bare circumstance of a person not being able to pay his debt makes his failure criminal; because if he were to be considered criminal, it would follow that because the default of A prevented B from paying C, that therefore B, who was prevented, not by his own fault, but by the default of A, from paying C, was a criminal deserving of punishment! a conclusion which, when thus stated, is too absurd for any sane man to assent to. But the actual operation of the law is to punish the innocent man B, for the failure of the other man A: an injustice so monstrous, that, from its injustice alone, it is a matter of amazement how such a law can be persevered in, as it still is, in several of our democratic States!

But, seeing the sure and certain progress of reform, we are led to hope that men will be wise at last, and place the question upon its proper footing; and come, in the end, to see that it is exceedingly prejudicial to the community at large, to strip one of its members of all that he possesses, and to turn him houseless, naked, and friendless, into the streets!

CINCINNATI MERCANTILE LIBRARY ROOMS.

A late number of the Cincinnati Commercial Chronicle furnishes the following description of the new rooms recently fitted up in that city for the use of the Mercantile Library Association :

The new rooms, in the college, of the Mercantile Library Society, were opened to the public last evening. The fitting up, order, arrangement, and tout ensemble are admirable. The library is placed in alcoves, classified by subjects, making the books easy to reach, on any topic. In the reading room, the papers are all filed on beautiful black walnut desks, marked with the name of the State or city where the papers are issued. The desks are much more convenient than those we saw in the Atlantic cities. The rooms are very handsomely carpeted, hung with chandeliers, and adorned with many fine specimens of the arts. The portrait of CHARLES HAMMOND, very properly, is placed at the head of the reading room. That of GENERAL HARRISON is at the head of the library. The large EXCHANGE ROOM we hope will be occupied for the purpose intended. It would be strange if so many and so intelligent a body of merchants as are now in Cincinnati, could not sustain an exchange. On the whole, we have seen nothing in the country established with more just perceptions of its object, and with more promise of success, than the Mercantile Library rooms of Cincinnati. The institution confers the highest credit upon its officers and members, and upon the liberality of the mercantile community. The society now numbers seven hundred members; and we hope it may prove a strong attraction to young merchants.

Mr.

A LARGE AND LIBERAL MERCHANT.

followed up his business with an energy and an ardor which were remarkable, even among the merchants of. London. The seas were covered with his ships; the whole earth was embraced in his speculations. His name was familiar among merchants over all the globe; and his signature to an obligation was as current in value as the coined money of a crowned king. His income more resembled the revenue of a state than the income of a private gentleman; and by the influence of his wealth, he was a power in himself, to which the governments of kingdoms paid deference, and to whom they applied in their pecuniary emergencies as to one whose decision was able to precipitate or prolong the war or peace of empires. With all this, instead of growing hard and covetous with the increase of wealth-an effect which it is sorrowful to observe riches too often produce he became more kindly and affable; his heart grew more compassionate towards the wants and necessities of his fellow creatures; his benevolence increased with his means of doing good; so that it is no wonder that he was as popular among the poor as he was reverenced by the rich, and esteemed by the wise and good.

THE BRITISH MERCHANT.

The following picture, we cannot say how correctly drawn, of the British merchant, is abstracted from Chronicles of "The Fleet," by a Peripatician, which contains two interesting stories, the "Ruined Merchant," and the "Turnkey's Daughter."

There certainly is no character on the face of the earth more estimable than that of the British merchant. His enlarged intercourse with the world leads to an enlarged and liberal spirit of dealing with mankind; his necessary avocations exercise his mind in a wholesome activity; his daily experience of the value of character and of a good name, stimulates him to preserve them, and trains him and fixes him in habits of truth and of fair dealing. Liberality is his motto, charity his virtue, generosity his practice. He is always ready to lend a helping hand to the weak, an assisting one to the unfortunate, and to look with indulgence on the errors of the head, when not accompanied by vices of the heart. His vocation, at the same time that it is one of the most honorable in itself, is also one of the most useful to society. He is one of the connecting links of nations; he is the great agent in the interchange of the products of various lands, and of the commodities and manufactures of different and distant countries-the distributor of the wealth of the world. He is one of the prime promoters and conservators of peace on earth; for no one feels more strongly than he how much the good-will, and the civilization, and the inestimable benefits which enlightened commerce brings, are marred and thrown back by the evil effects of war. He is the friend and the protector of the rights of the laboring poor, because he knows that by their labor all wealth is created.

COTTON-PRESS-LARGE CARGOES.

The advantages arising from the introduction of the cotton-press, says the Savannah Georgian, were again illustrated lately in the case of the bark Georgia, which cleared at Savannah, for Liverpool. The following is the statement of her cargo, as compared with her last, which consisted wholly of uncompressed cotton, viz: Present cargo, 1,580 bales -624,200 lbs. compressed; last cargo, 1,340 bales-478,538 lbs. uncompressed. This shows a gain of 240 bales, or about 145,662 lbs. ; equal, at the present rate of freights, to about $1,500, which is more than sufficient to pay all the expenses of the bark while in port, including the compressing and storing of cargo. This advantage is not altogether in favor of the ship-owner. A part of it, and not an unimportant part, either, goes to the planter who has foresight enough to put up his cotton in square bales.

SPANISH FLOUR IN ENGLAND.

A cargo of Spanish flour, arrived at Lerwick, was sold in the public rooms there, by public auction, recently, and the following prices were obtained:-First quality, 36s. per bartel of 196 lbs.; second do., 31s.; third do., 16s. per barrel of 189 lbs. The vessel that brought this cargo is now taking on board a cargo of fish for Spain, and it is expected she will soon return with more flour.

THE BOOK TRADE.

By the Rev. EDWARD WAYLEN, late Rector
New York: Wiley & Putnam.

1.-Ecclesiastical Reminiscences of the United States. of Christ Church, Rockville, Maryland. 8vo., pp. 501. Mr. Waylen, the author of this work, visited the United States in 1834, and these reminiscenses are the result of eleven years' residence here, during which time he received Orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and was rector of several churches in different sections of the country, and a pretty extensive traveller in other parts. After taking orders in the Church here, he returned to his native country; but, not succeeding in England in obtaining orders, he revisited the United States, and resumed his rectorship in Maryland. He has finally returned to England, and published the present volume, which embraces a series of observations relating to ecclesiastical affairs in this country, the clergy, and, incidentally, the usual notices of men and things which very naturally attract the attention of the foreign resident or traveller. Mr. W. remarks, in his work, that "his having spoken favorably of the Americans as a people, arises from his long and intimate acquaintance with them; during which, he has associated with almost every class in the community." "The Americans, as a race of people," he further remarks, "inherit most of the good, and are free from many of the bad qualities, which distinguish the nation whence they sprung; nor has the free intermixture of continental blood effected any deterioration in their mental or physical qualities." Without any remarkable depth of observation, the writer gives a very fair and impartial statement of the American character and institutions; and he has made no attempt to shape or adapt his narrative to any established model in the same department of authorship.

2.-The Life and Correspondence of John Foster. Edited by J. E. RYLAND. With Notices of Mr. Foster as a Preacher and a Companion. By JOHN SHEPPARD, author of "Thoughts on Devotion," etc., etc. 2 vols., 12mo., pp. 306 and 385. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

Mr. Foster, whose memoirs and correspondence are contained in these volumes, is well known to the more serious reader, from his able essay on "Decision of Character;" a work of great practical utility, and enduring merit. The present memoir, chiefly compiled from his letters, presents, perhaps, a more vivid and truthful exhibition of character, than even a record, by a self-observer, however faithfully intended, if composed after the lapse of years, when the events and emotions they called forth have begun to fade upon the memory. Mr. Ryland, the editor, who seems to have cherished, from early years, sentiments of affectionate veneration towards the subject of his memoirs, appears to have selected, from the ample materials placed at his disposal, whatever would best illustrate the intellectual and moral qualities, the principles and opinions of so distinguished a man; and we are assured that "he has not censoriously allowed the representation to be moulded into a conformity to his own views or convictions, either by omission, on the one hand, or, on the other, by giving greater prominence to any class of sentiments than the place they occupied in Mr. Foster's estimation would justify." Mr. Foster appears to have dissented on one point, only, of dogmatic theology, from the religious community with which he was most intimately connected; and that was, the duration of future punishment, which he has discussed at some length, in a letter to a young minister. 3.—Memoirs and Essays, illustrative of Art, Literature, and Social Morals. By Mrs. JAMESON, author of The Characteristics of Woman," "Memoirs of Female Sovereigns," "Winter Studies and Summer Rambles," etc. New York: Wiley & Putnam's Library of Choice Reading, No. LXIV. Mrs. Jameson is favorably known to the reading public of England and this country as a beautiful essayist, and the present volume will not detract from her previously well-earned reputation, as a chaste and vigorous writer, and a healthful, if not profound thinker. The present volume contains six papers of interest, all evincing, in a remarkable degree, the peculiar features of her mind, as displayed in her former productions.

4.-Works of the Puritan Divines. 18mo., pp. 286. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

This third volume of a uniform series of works which are being reproduced in England and the United States, embraces a memoir of the Rev. John How, one of the old Puritan divines of the sev enteenth century, and a collection of several of his most remarkable discourses and essays on religious subjects, which are thus given in the title-page :-"The Redeemer's Tears, Wept Over Lost Souls; Union among Protestants; Carnality of Religious Contention; Man's Enmity to God; and Reconciliation between God and Man." On several accounts, we consider the republication of these old writings as valuable; the most interesting to us, however, is, that they give a very good view of the genius, philosophy, and theological spirit of the age in which their eminent authors lived. 5.-Responses on the Use of Tobacco. By the Rev. Benjamin IngersOLL LANE, author of the "Mysteries of Tobacco," etc. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

Another lecture on the use of tobacco, in which the positions as to its deleterious influence on health are fortified by a host of letters from doctors of medicine and divinity, honorable legislators and civilians; many of whom, no doubt, speak of its evils from experience.

6.-A Practical Treatise on Dyeing and Calico Printing, including the latest Inventions and Improvements: also a Description of the Origin. Manufacture, Uses, and Chemical Properties of the various Animal. Vegetable, and Mineral Substances employed in these Arts: with an Appendix, comprising Definitions of Chemical Terms; with Tables of Weights, Measures, Thermometers, Hydrometers, &c. &c. By an experienced Dyer, assisted by several scientific Gentlemen. With Engravings on Steel and Wood. Octavo, pp. 704. New York: Harper & Brothers.

None of the works on this subject heretofore published, contain any improvements made in dyeing since 1814. The objects of the present work are thus described by the author in the preface:

"1. To reduce the whole theory of dyeing to the utmost simplicity and accuracy.

"2. To classify, arrange, and define colors, in order to enable those who are pursuing the related branches of study, as well as the artist, to comprehend more easily the nature of each particular hue. tint, and shade, and the relation it bears to the primary elements of light, darkness, and color. 3. To elucidate each particular subject in such a manner as, it is hoped, will impart substantial knowledge to those seeking it, and at the same time exhibit those shoals toward which so many have been attracted by erroneous deductions and false conclusions.

4. To set forth the actual properties, characters, and uses of the various animal, vegetable, and mineral substances employed in dyeing and the auxiliary arts; and,

5. To define the various chemical and technical terms employed in the dye-house, print

works, &c."

To those engaged in dyeing and calico printing, we should consider this work indispensable. It will likewise be useful to the merchant importing or dealing in articles used in dyeing; as each substance, as well as process, employed in this branch of manufacture, receives particular attention. 7.-The Modern British Plutarch; or, Lives of Men distinguished in the Recent History of England for their Talents. Virtues, or Achievements. By W. C. TAYLOR, LL. D., of Trinity College, Dublin, author of "A Manual of Ancient and Modern History," etc. New York: Harper & Brothers' New Miscellany, No. XVII.

In early youth, and more advanced age, we have found biography one of the most interesting and instructive kinds of reading. It has consoled us in trouble, encouraged us to overcome the evils and difficulties, and warned us of the dangers that beset our footsteps in the pathway of life; and, if reading the "lives of great men" has not enabled us to "make our life sublime," it has been of more advantage to us than we can well describe in this place. The volume before us includes comprehensive biographies of nearly forty men, whose names we hear almost daily, in the course of casual conversation-of such men, in the past and passing generation, as appear to have had most influence in moulding the opinions, and shaping the destinies of the Anglo-Saxon race, not only in Great Britain, but in our own country. The biographies are necessarily brief; but the compiler appears to have selected the most salient traits of character, and dwelt only on such events as had a public and historical importance. The list embraces philosophers, statesmen, divines, authors, poets, navigators, inventors, &c.

8.-Life of the Rt. Hon. George Canning. By ROBERT BELL, author of "The History of Russia," "Lives of English Poets," etc. New York: Harper & Brothers' New Miscellany, No. XVI. Few men have been so popular in the British House of Commons as Mr. Canning, and still fewer have run their way against greater prejudices. His public life is intimately associated with the history of the British government; and we are scarcely acquainted with the biography of a modern statesman more interesting in its details, or one that will prove more instructive to those who would acquire a knowledge of the civil and political history of England during a part of the eighteenth, and first quarter of the present century.

9.-The Expedition to Borneo of H. M. S. Dido, for the Suppression of Piracy; with Extracts from the Journal of James Brooke, Esq., of Sarawak, (now Agent of the British Government in Borneo.) By Captain the Hon. HENRY KEPPEL, R. N. New York: Harper & Brothers' New Miscellany. The visit of the British ship Dido to Borneo, and her services against the pirates, occupy comparatively a small portion of this volume of more than four hundred pages. Captain Keppel procured from Mr. Brooke his manuscript journal, a large portion of which he has embodied in the present work. The circumstances connected with Brooke's extraordinary career as a ruler in Borneo, and the remarkable career through which he reached that elevation, appear to be faithfully traced in this narrative. Besides the autobiographical sketch, embracing so singular a portion of his life, extracted from the notes confided to Captain K., it abounds with information concerning the natives, their history, habits, manne.s, and indeed all those facts that give value and impart information, alike interesting and useful, at a time when civilization and commercial enterprise are alive to every new opening for the extension of their influence and their operations.

10.-Temper and Temperament; or, Varieties of Character. By Mrs. ELLIS, author of "Women of England," etc., etc. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The design of this story is excellent, inasmuch as, in the delineation of character, reference is had to its varieties, and the peculiar requirements of different dispositions. But temperament may be modified, and temper improved, by early and judicious culture-and it is the object of Mrs. Ellis to enforce the importance of all those lessons of wisdom that grow out of the subject; not the least of which is, that charity that endureth, hopeth, and believeth all things.

11.-Discourses and Reviews upon Questions in Controversial Theology and Practical Religion. By ORVILLE DEWEY, D. D., Pastor of the Church of the Messiah, in New York. 12mo., pp. 338. New York: C. S. Francis & Co.

The present collection of Dr. Dewey consists partly of discourses not before published, and partly of reprints of former publications; the design of which, as stated by the author, is to give a comprehensive reply to the question, "What is Unitarianism?" As, however, uniformity of faith, except on one or two points, in which all sects agree, forms no part of their creed, we should suppose it would be difficult to make a statement of belief for such a denomination. Dr. Dewey, however, in the main, may be considered the exponent of the conservative portion of the Unitarian sect, and Theodore Parker, of Boston, and others of the same stamp, as the more radical, or transcendental representatives of Unitarian Christianity. "The author's purpose, in this volume, has been, in the first place, to offer a very brief summary of the Unitarian belief; in the next, to lay down the essential principles of religious faith; thirdly, to state and defend the Unitarian construction of the Christian doctrines; fourthly, to illustrate, by analogy, their views of practical religion; and finally, to present the general views entertained among 'orthodox' Unitarians of the scriptures; of the grounds of belief in them; of the nature of their inspiration," etc. The characteristics of Dr. Dewey's style are, great vigor, force, and clearness; and his writings exhibit an apparent boldness in the expression of thoughts and sentiments, not particularly original, but as much so, perhaps, as "thoughts and sentiments" on such subjects usually are. On the whole, these discourses will be considered, by the denomination, as a judicious expose of the leading features of their faith and practice; and as such, will be valuable to the theological inquirer.

12.-Zenobia; or, The Fall of Palmyra. A Historical Romance. In Letters of L. Manlius Piso from Palmyra to his friend Marcus Curtius, at Rome. Sixth edition. Cabinet Library. New York: C. S. Francis & Co. Boston: J. H. Francis.

It is hardly necessary to commend a work so well known as this. Its finished beauty of style would well repay us for the perusal. But it has higher claims in its noble sentiments, and the deep interest attached to the historical characters introduced. Zenobia, in all her beauty, power, and true nobility of soul, lives and moves before us as we read; and the learning and wisdom of Longinus make him seem like a conqueror, even in his prison. Aurelian never appeared so majestic as this victim of his ambition, while laying his head on the fatal block. The author, Rev. Henry A. Ware, has done good service for the literature of America by the production of this truly classical and elegant work. The publishers were wise to include it in their choice Library.

13.-The Epicurean. A Tale. By THOMAS MOORE, Esq., author of "Lalla Rookh," etc., etc. New York: Charles S. Francis.

This well-known and popular tale now forms one of "Francis & Co.'s Cabinet Library of Choice Prose and Poetry." Anything like criticism, on this work, would be out of place. It is, however, a handsome edition; and its publication in the present form will be highly acceptable to all who appreciate this admirable series of publications.

14.-The Principles of Physiology applied to the Preservation of Health, and to the Improvement of Physical and Mental Education. By ANDREW COMBE, M. D. To which is added Notes and Observations by O. S. FOWLER, Practical Phrenologist. New York: Fowler & Wells.

This work was first published in Edinburgh, in 1834-5; and at the close of 1838, six editions, consisting together of eleven thousand copies, were sold in Scotland alone. Several editions have been published in this country, where its circulation has been even more extensive; besides, it has been translated into several of the European languages. The present edition not only embraces numerous and extensive additions made by Dr. Combe, but many valuable notes and observations, the result of the indefatigable labors of Mr. Fowler, whose large experience in practical physiology and phrenology contribute materially to the value and interest of the work, and render it altogether the best and most perfect edition extant. The design of the work is too well known to require description; we consider it one of the best in the English language, and hope to see its suggestions universally adopted.

15.-Love and Parentage, applied to the Improvement of Offspring; including Important Directions and Suggestions to Lovers and the Married, concerning the Strongest Ties, and the most Sacred and Momentous Relations of Life. By O. 8. FowLER, Practical Phrenologist.

This little work, based on the science of phrenology, has already passed through ten editions. The declared object of Mr. Fowler is to develop those laws which govern the pure and tender passion of love, and analyze its facts-" show what parental conditions, physical and mental, will stamp the most favorable impress on the primitive organization, health, talents, virtue, &c., of yet uncreated mortals; and what must naturally entail physical diseases, mental maladies, and vicious predispositions." The subject is one of serious and absorbing interest to the race; and Mr. Fowler here discusses it with great delicacy of feeling, and in a manner that cannot fail of securing the attention of the inquirer. It will, we have no doubt, be productive of great good to all who may be guided by its suggestions and its counsels.