He was received with politeness; but his complaint procured little more than a languid hearing. He had, however, both the candour and the dignity to declare, that "having found, on inquiry, the people were not altogether pleased with their doctrines, he could not think of interfering; especially as every one under his government was at full liberty, on the subject of religion, to think for himself. That he was exceedingly sorry affairs had taken this unfavourable turn; but, under existing circumstances, his advice was, that they should leave the island, and endeavour to establish themselves in places where their preaching would be more acceptable." Of their personal conduct, during their residence in his dominions, he expressed the highest satisfaction; and, as a proof of his sincerity, he gave a testimonial in writing, accompanied with his signature; which plainly evinced, that he had not been induced to credit the various tales which had been circulated, apparently, with no other design than to injure their characters. occasionally spoken in public; and the other had assisted in prayer-meetings. To those natives who are mulattos, it is presumed that the law will extend a degree of protection, which, to foreigners, it has indirectly denied; and, from the manners which prevail among the people, it has been inferred, that the difficulties which they have to encounter will be considerably diminished. The parting scene was of a most affecting nature. Both preachers and people took their leave of each other, under a full conviction that they should meet no more, until they entered into a world of spirits. About the close of the year 1818, they sailed from Hayti; Mr. Brown embarking for New York, and his colleague for one of the West India Islands. Mr. Brown reached New York in safety; and from thence taking his passage for England, reached Liverpool, as already stated, on the 14th of March, 1819. VAIL IN THE REPUBLICAN PART OF He also offered to reimburse them, for CHARACTER AND MANNERS WHICH PREany expenses they might have incurred in their attempts to establish the mission; but as this was declined, he observed, that he "should not think of dismissing the subject from his thoughts, until he had communicated with the society in London, whence they came." These facts, when collectively surveyed, convey an idea, that so far as his own judgment was consulted, he would much rather for them to have staid than to depart. But filling an official situation, he had to consult the general feeling which prevailed among his subjects. In this he discovered a degree of hostility, which he saw no means of subduing, but by such an interposition of power as he was unwilling to risk. THERE is scarcely an inhabitable region But In this island, so jealous are the swarthy inhabitants of those rights which they have acquired, that every white man is viewed with suspicion; and to prevent his gaining any degree of superiority, he is placed under a variety of disabilities by the laws which have been established. White men may reside on the island; but they are expressly forbidden to purchase land, or even to inherit any such permanent property, in what manner soever it may have been acquired. A white merchant may im The opinion of the president, thus unequivocally delivered, finally decided the fate of the mission. Mr. Brown and his colleague accordingly made such arrangements for the welfare of their little society, and the serious among the congregation, as lay in their power; and prepared for their departure. The society, (which, but for this disaster, would have been augmented to fifty members,) and the congrega-port cargoes, and ship them off to other tions, were consigned to the care of two natives, who had been active in promoting the welfare of the infant cause. One of these men had, for some time, islands, but the produce of the country is placed under an interdiction, and secured from his unhallowed touch. He may procure a livelihood by his labour; but the merchandise which he | is permitted to import, he dares not sell as a retailer. He is viewed as a being who is degraded from his forfeited rank in society; and the descendants of his father's slaves exact from him that homage, which his progenitors once extorted from their ancestors. To a mulatto or negro, whether male or female, who has acquired wealth and respectability, he is expected to pull off his hat, when he meets either in the streets; and, to avoid disagreeable consequences, he reluctantly submits to this ordeal of humiliation. A white gentleman, not long since, happening, in Port-au-Prince, to pass near a place in which a black officer was swinging in his hammock, on omitting to perform the ceremony, was reminded of his duty in a surly tone, mixed with a degree of irony, which added to the degradation. "Good morning, Sir," said the black officer. "I say, Good morning, Sir. What! had you forgotten?" The negligent white man took the hint, and returned to do the mortifying penance. The black ladies are particularly alive to these punctilios, and consider themselves insulted when the etiquette of homage is not paid. They rarely omit to remind the sons of their oppressors of their new duties; and express themselves in the language of indignity, which, however unpleasant to hear, must not be resented. The principal object which they seem to have in view, in suffering white men to reside among them, is, on account of their superior attainments in the arts, which they find it necessary to cultivate. But, on all occasions, they are taught to know their station; and little doubt can be entertained, that, when their services are no longer required, their presence will be dispensed with altogether. Of the state of their morals, it will be almost unnecessary to make any thing like a comparative estimate, until a previous question is decided; namely, whether or not they have any? Among the lower orders, the intercourse between the sexes is almost promiscuous. Not one, scarcely, out of a hundred, knows any thing about marriage. For a man to have as many women as he can procure, is tolerated by law, and sanctioned by established custom. To these he may adhere, if he thinks proper; but should he spend his time with others, he has little consciousness of turpitude, and knows nothing of responsibility. Among these domestic hordes, quarrels frequently happen; and when they occur, the man takes his departure with indifference, leaving the women and children to load his memory with reproaches, and to provide for their own support. But, notwithstanding these melancholy instances, no provision is made by law for the maintenance of the poor; and this furnishes a reason why legislative authority has never interposed in these departments of domestic life. Residing in a climate which seems congenial to demi-nakedness, they view clothing as an article of subordinate consideration; and while they can procure plantains and a little fish, they feel but little solicitude for other food. In this state of indolent tranquillity, and moral depravity, bearing a striking resemblance to that of the aboriginal inhabitants, many thousands spend their days, with but few anticipations either for time or eternity. Among the higher orders, vice has not resigned its dominion. Polygamy is not considered as dishonourable; and other modes of life are scarcely branded with the name of sensuality. The intercourse, however, is less promiscuous than among the inferior classes; and marriage is a term that exists in something more than the mere name. The island at large is exceedingly populous, notwithstanding discase is prevalent, and human life consumes with much rapidity. To the constitutions of Europeans, the climate is not congenial, unless they live with much temperance. The soil is rich, almost beyond example; and possesses capabilities of being rendered productive in abundance, of every article of West India produce. But a considerable portion of its lands is now destitute of cultivation. Their sugar has much degenerated in quality; and few efforts are made to recover its former honours. The principal article which they export is coffee. The inhabitants manifest a disposition to crowd into the towns, preferring the vices of their streets, to the innocent simplicities of a country life. To prevent the pernicious consequences of this mode of conduct, some legislative regulations have been recently adopted, which seem to promise many advantages: but time alone can mark the result with certainty. In almost every part under the go vernment of Boyer, the French language | themselves acquainted with European is spoken; and in most places, French customs and manners, air and action, prevail. In the maritime towns, the English language, however, is partially understood. This has been introduced by the vessels which trade from this country and America. Those who deal with these traders, find it necessary to understand their tongue; but beyond the necessities of commercial intercourse, it is but little known. With the state of morals, of which we have spoken, we may connect the principles which seem to prevail. Among the higher orders, the mask of Catholic parade conceals the carcase and the soul of Infidelity. They view religion as a political regulation, and estimate its value on the ground of expediency. They seem to have no particular predilection to any one system, in preference to another, any further than the political interests of the state can be secured by it. Hence they conceive the Catholic to be as well as any other. Whether it be congenial to the word of God, or hostile to it, is rarely with them a point of inquiry; as they view both with the most perfect indifference, in relation to moral duty, and their connexion with an hereafter. In the lower ranks of society, it is not so easy to determine, whether infidelity prevails or not. Thousands among them never yet thought whether Christianity were true or false. But this ignorance generates superstition, in almost every form. With the whole family of good and bad luck,-with bugbear, omen, and presage,-they seem well acquainted; and although the general mass have no fear of God before their eyes, they have their imaginary terrors and their hopes. Amidst this general delinquency of character, one thing, however, is singularly remarkable. In adverting to the disadvantageous struggle between themselves and the French, during that eventful conflict which terminated in their independence, they uniformly ascribe their deliverance to the interposition of God. In arms, in military discipline, and in knowledge, they seem deeply sensible, that they were vastly inferior to their vanquished oppressors; and although they far exceeded them in point of number, they never consider this circumstance as the primary cause of their triumph. Some among them had been trained to arms, and had made discipline; but with the untrained hordes that collected together, and rallied round the standard of independence, stakes, pitchforks, clubs, and bludgeons, were among the implements of destruction. Of all these, they readily acknowledge the inefficiency. They view the pestilence which destroyed their enemies, as their greatest friend; and speak of it as an instrument in the hand of Omnipotence, appointed to seize their invaders when they landed, and to conduct them through the hospital to the grave. Between the territories of Boyer, and those of Christophe, there is no communication. On each side jealousies prevail; and an armed neutrality, border ing on fierceness, and nursing the spirit of determined warfare, characterize both parties. As enemies to the French, and to every nation that would presume to invade their dominions, their interests are mutual; and, probably, an expedi→ tion from Europe, that should menace their liberties, would destroy their domestic animosities; and ultimately render them essential service, by giving unity to their designs, and concentration to their power. At present, however, they appear like rival nations, ready to contend for exclusive empire, which can only be established on the annihilation of the vanquished. Of the various events which take place in the dominions of each other, they know so little, that their intelligence is frequently received through the medium of America; and, in many instances, they obtain from the nations of Europe, their knowledge of transactions which occur in the neighbouring districts. Should this portentous spirit unhappily generate an actual war, France will not be inattentive to the contest. She will wait for a season, till they have wasted their blood, and drained their resources, in these conflicts of domestic ambition; she will then seize the inauspicious moment, throw her legions on their shores, and, unless the elements again conspire to protect their liberties, will reduce them to the dominion of the cowskin, under which the backs of their fathers smarted. Of these consequences, many belonging to each party are not insensible; but, amidst the storms of ambition, their voices are but indistinctly heard. With existing facts, we have some acquaintance; but those distant issues, which lie buried in futurity, nothing but the lapse of time can develop. ww SUICIDE, DUELLING, AND BOXING, BRANCHES OF ONE FAMILY. ALTHOUGH almost every vice has its advocates, as well as votaries, we have not found many who have attempted, in an open and undisguised manner, to undertake the defence of Suicide. David Hume, indeed, has appeared as its sceptical apologist; but his observations are beneath the dignity of his genius, though they may be admitted to be perfectly conformable to the principles of his creed. Men of talent and ingenuity may, without much difficulty, confound and perplex the most simple proposition that can be conceived; and, no doubt, if Hume had undertaken to prove, that ten and ten could not be twenty, he would have advanced some plausible speculations, equally as imposing as those, which in some instances he has presented to the world, apparently with no other view than that of amusing himself with the weaknesses of mankind. The man who could persuade others, that Vice and Virtue might change their essences, had no occasion to despair of success in his attempts to induce a belief that he could neutralize all moral principle, and reduce our ideas of good and evil to mere arbitrary distinction.-But one remove from self-murder, is the barbarous practice of duelling. The act, indeed, is not the same; but, in point of moral turpitude, it will be no easy task to assign to each its specific degree of guilt. If A fights with B, he hires B to shoot him, upon the forfeiture of his life; it is self-murder, through the medium of another. The detestable custom of Boxing is another branch of the same common family, which can hardly plead a previous insult in apology for its barbarities. Its advocates may indeed shelter themselves under the sanction of antiquity. But that school has not much to recommend its example, whose highest moral principle frequently terminated in the barbarous exploits of heroic ferocity. These reflections have been suggested by the following melancholy instance of passion and depravity. On the 17th of February last, a severe boxing-match took place at Renwell, near Stanmore, between Robert Desborough, a workman on the canal, and T. Humberstone, a millwright, in consequence of a previous quarrel, in which the former was struck by the latter. The battle lasted four hours, during which the combatants fell nearly one hundred times, and in which Desbo rough had his jaw broken nearly three quarters of an hour before weakness overcame his fury. At length, Humberstone fell to rise no more. An internal rupture was supposed to have taken place; and shortly afterwards, his spirit entered into eternity, to appear before the bar of God.- -Where is the noble patron of this vice, who does not blush at the fatal effects of the evil which he has cherished, by his wealth, his example, and his authority? DISCOVERY OF A SECRET. A learned Bishop being one day in company with the celebrated David Garrick, their conversation turned on the influence of language, of action, of truth, and of representation, on the passions "But how is it," said his of men. Lordship, addressing himself to Garrick, "that you, who deal in nothing but fiction, can so affect your audiences, as to throw them into tears; while we, who deliver the most awful and interesting truths, can scarcely produce any effect whatever?"-" My Lord," replied the Actor, "here lies the secret: You deliver your truths as if they were fictions; but we deliver our fictions as if they were truths.” REPORT OF BRITISH TRADE AND COMMERCE FOR MARCH, 1819. THE effects of the many heavy failures which have recently taken place, are still very apparent-in the scarcity of money, the want of confidence, and the languishing state of many of the principal branches of trade: the home-consumption of merchandise is diminished; and the defalcation of orders from abroad is considerable. The falling off in the amount of foreign orders cannot be considered very surprising, when the fact is known, that British manufactures have been selling in South America, and the East Indies, at lower prices than the manufacturers can afford them for at home; and that the produce of those countries have in many instances declined so much in value here, that it would have been profitable to have purchased them with a view to their re exportation, and sale at the places from Hence, whence they were received. as none will sell at ruinous prices who can avoid it, the stocks of nearly every description of foreign produce are accu mulating in the warehouses, without the prospect of their being disposed of till the effects of the overtrading, to which they are owing, shall wear out. Happily those effects are not of a permanent nature; and already the import conmissions which the merchants had sent out, have to a great extent been countermanded. The foreign commerce of the British empire is of such vast magnitude, that whatever materially jars its operations, disturbs the harmony, more or less, of every ramification of its internal trade. A long continued vibration, in the prices of articles of general consumption, such as Sugar, Coffee, and Cotton-wool, reaches at last the weaver at his loom, and the smith at his forge, and as it terminates in a decline or enhancement of the value, lessens or increases the demand for their occupa tions. The state of the market for foreign produce, becomes therefore a primary object of attention. The price of Sugar scarcely varies at this time from the rates current at the same period of last year; and the demand for the article, though not lively, cannot be called very dull. Coffee, although 30s to 40s per cwt. above the prices which it brought twelve months ago, is at this time 20s per cwt. lower than in August last; and the present price, which the absence of demand renders still uncertain, may be considered 10s per cwt. lower than at the close of last month. By the fluctuation which speculation has occasioned in this article, very heavy losses have been sustained. Let our readers, who seldom perhaps look at the extended scale of commercial operations, estimate the amount of a depreciation of 20s per cwt. on 500 tons of coffee, and reflect that £10,000, the result of this calculation, is the deficiency of means compared with specific engagements, to a merchant of second or third rate eminence; let them reflect on the numbers whose demands this £10,000 would have satisfied, and then conceive the aggregate effect of deficiencies, taking place in various parts of the kingdom, as within the last month, to twenty times the amount and twenty times the number of instances. Nor is Coffee the article which, to those unaccustomed to the subject, shows most conspicuously the result of an alteration in price; a recession of d. per lb. on a merchant's stock of Cotton-wool, frequently amounts to £10,000; yet in the last month Bengal cotton has declin ed about 3d per lb. and is now 4d per lb below the price obtained for it twelve months ago. The decline of this month has partly been occasioned by a superabundant supply, and partly by the necessities of those who were compelled to sell, at whatever sacrifice: the quantity required for the manufactures has not apparently diminished, although the deficiency of export orders induces the apprehension that this may ere long be the case. Of Dyewoods, Dying Drugs, Hides and Tallow, the stocks are more than adequate to the diminished consumption. Tobacco, and Grain of all descriptions, are affected by the prevalent dulness of trade; and the same observation applies, in a greater or less degree, to almost every other article of Foreign produce. In a favourable state of the internal trade of the country, an increased consumption of Timber takes place at this season of the year; but at present its usual consequences—an increase of demand and prices-are wanting. There appears to be not so much a want of occasion for considerable supplies, as a temporary hesitation to purchase, arising from the fear of disappointment in pecuniary resources, and a desire on the part of the sellers, to deal only for prompt payment. Whilst thus adverting to circumstances of commercial discouragement, we are far from entertaining gloomy ideas of the future. In the general panic, which the stagnation of trade has occasioned, it has been imagined that the distresses of the year 1816 were to be renewed;-a view of the subject which we cannot hesitate to pronounce utterly fallacious. The causes which operated in producing the difficulties of the year alluded to, were of the most extensive and complicated nature; at present, they in a great degree arise from the overtrading to South America and the East Indies, and from incautious speculations in the French funds. In the mean time, the interests of Agriculture have been well sustained, and the farmer has no reason, from general circumstances, to infer that his situation will not improve; the season is rich in promise, and vegetation and field-labour have seldom been so forward. Lead is fifty per cent. higher than in 1816; Iron, Tin and Copper sell at profitable prices; bills for roads and canals, for lighting towns with gas, erecting public edifices, and for effecting a variety of other local improve |
