THE DAILY EVENING TELEGRAPH PHILADELPHIA, MONDAY, JULY 19, 18G9.
THE AUGUST MAGAZINES.
"l-IPriNCOTT'S."
From an article on "Jcwph Jefferson,"
in the AngoHt number of ldPVinrott we
take the following ac.ount of the ancestor of
that favorite comedian:
Not many weeks since tho writer enjoyed
h privilege of looking oyer a man.iHcr.pt
Volume entitled "JefferBoiiiaria, ' handsomely
illuminated by one of Mr. Joseph JcfTcrnon s
friends With the assistance of such reool
lections as are retained in this interesting
keepsake, facts gleaned from other sources,
and a tolerable familiarity with the career of
the present Mr. Jefferson, it is hoped that
this Sketch may find readors among a people
with whom its principal subject has become
no great a favorite.
There have been four Jeffersons m the
field If tho American imagination can
travel backward as readily and swiftly at it
can travel forward, mid restore the past as
vividly as it pictures tho future, it will find
Jefferson the first in the palmy days of Old
Dmry, along with Oarrick, and ranking with
Barry,' MoKsop, and Sheridan. He lived in
the golden age of the drama, which loyal sous
of fathers still revere as infinitely superior to
all that they can ever experience. Playing
Mirabel" in The Way. of the World for Mrs.
Abincton's benefit; the "King" to O.ir
rick's "Hamlet;" "Don Frederick" to O.ir
rick's "Don John" in Chance; "Gloster" to
Garritk's "Shore" and Mrs. Canning's "Jane
Shore-" as "Colonel Kivers" in taheDdi
nry;'with the English Itoseiufl as his leader,
ni Sam Foote, and Harry, and Holland, and
Wilkinson, and Mrs. Abington, and Kitty
Clive, and Susanna Cibber as his companions;
ith Sir Joshua Reynolds and Horace WaU
polo, Goldsmith, and Dr. Johnson, William
Hogarth and Edmund Burke as auditors all
actors will agree that Jefforson the First was
fortnnate to live in Ruch an age.
It is not difficult, knowing tho present Jef
ferson, and with tho accouuts that have been
handed down to us, to form an agreeable
ACdiiaintnnce with Jefferson tho First.
An
old-school English actor and
an
old-school English gentleman,
of tho olden time," polite and gal-
"all
laiit
off the stage- and naturally observing
the
etiquette of society on tlie stago,
leloved of his friends and
respecioa uy
a man whose
have excited
his associate actors, he was
artistic merits may never
envy, but whose personal
graces always
insnired love. let a scale
ol merits on
a prominent
the Irish stage, made by
critic of the day, placed him
on the list which included
only fourth
Barry and
Mom-sop; and the GcutlcmarCs Maga
zine, in an obituary notice which ap
peared in the March number of the year
liH)7, speaks of him as "Mr. Jefferson,
comedian, tho friend, contemporary, and
exact prototype of the immortal Garrick."
But, however decided his success may havo
been in comedy or tragedy for he played
both the frank and honest nature of Jeffer
son the First raised him above all the petty
jealousies which find room behind the scenes
nowadays, and which, we may safely con
clude, were not wanting in his own days; for
there are cycles in the theatrical world, as in
tho social and political worlds, where certain
weaknesses, common to human nature, repeat
themselves. There is a paragraph in Tom
Weston's will which bears witness to this
popularity. It reads: "Item. Ihavoplayod
Tinder the management of Mr. Jefferson
at Kichmond, and received from him
every politeness. I therefore leave him all
my stock of prudence, it being the only good
. quality X think lie stands in need of.
There is equally good proof that Jefferson
had the faculty of inspiring love as well as
friendship. Victor's "riecret History of the
Green-lloom" informs us that, "conversant
in amours, Mrs. Abington was resolved to
separate her lovers into two different classes
tho first, those whoso liberality might enable
Iter to live in splendor ; and tho second, those
whom her humor pitched upon;" and that
Jefferson was one of the latter. Butter
evidence still in these days is in the fact
that he married a sweet, virtuous, and ac
complished woman a Miss May. "She had
no of the best dispositions," says Tate Wil
kinson, "that ever harbored in a human
breast; and, more extraordinary, joined to
that meekness, she was one of the most ele
gant women I ever beheld." Miss May was a
prize whom the haudsome Jeff erson did not
win all too easily. Tho lady's father was op
posed to the match, and especially abhorred
the idea of her going upon the stage. There
may have been a mercantile spirit underlying
old Mr. May's opposition, however; for when
he finally gave his assent to the marriage, it
was under a penalty of fivo hundred pounds,
payable when the lady made her first
appearance in public. As a matter of
course, the penalty was assumed; as a matter
of course, the lady soon went upon the stage;
and, as a matter of course, the penalty was
never paid. Her first appearance was at au
amateur entertainment for a charitable pur
pose, when Mrs. Jefferson played in The
funeral, and when Mr. May had to give way
to the universal demand of the profession,
the friends of the family, and the whole pub
lic to see this accomplished lady in a sphere
for which she was a destined ornament.
From that first appearance till tho day of
her death Mrs. Jefferson added lustre to the
name that shines so brilliantly in the
annals of the drama. Speaking of one
of the old masques of tho day in his
uio w Garrick," Davies says: "In this
Jnasque (U.itaituia, !!::) "Britannia" was
represented by Mrs. Jefferson, tho most com
plete liguro in beauty of countenance and
symmetry of form I ever beheld. Tho good
Woman (for sho was virtuous as fair) was so
unaffected and simple in her behavior that
she knew not her power of charming." The
lady died suddenly al ter nn active life, in
which tho harmony of her domestic circle was
never married.
Jefferson tho First was a great friend
fcf Garrick. Now we hear of hiui sup
porting that actor in his leading rolim;
now Mrs. Clive writes to Garrick that
she is about playing at Jefferson's bene
fit; again, an actor named Catherley takes the
pains to exrlain by letter to Garrick tho
cause of his not appearing at Jefferson's beno
lit, and says that some one, "envious of tho
hpppiuess I enjoyed in your friendship, has
lieen endoavorint? to injure me in your opia
ion." That Jefferson the First endeared him
self to all who knew him, and possessed in an
eminent uegreo that good nature which has
been inherited and Americanized by our own
"erlersou, might be attested by a dozen dif
fcront inpiilf nf n. "When I acted t Haves."
Tute Wilkinson tells us, "and spoke a bpeech
two in tho
Andrew rsiice (a
city and an eccentrio
tho whole audience
manner of old
printer of that
genius), it struck
like electricity
.Mr. Jefferson, who performed 'Johnson,' was
uo urnea uy surprise that ho could not pro
ceed for laughter." This magnanimous trait
vi n.uuiijr iuiu ucuunjr recojjuizmg me morii;
At otters is one tluit )m keen, bequeathed, to
Jefferson the Fourth Joseph Jefferson, the
American comedian. Tho writer knows of
an instance which happened in one of our
Western cities. Mr. Jefforson had been play
ing his celebrated character of "Itip Van
Winkle" four consecutive weeks an unusu
ally long run for a Western city when tho
publio demanded to see him in some other of
tho characters in which ho has boon almost
equally successful. In canvassing tho reper
tory of comedies, the manager suggested that
the character of "Dr. Fangloss" should be
chosen. "No. said Mr. Jellerson, althoufia
ho has receivod many handsome compliments
for his portraiture of the greedy pedagoguo;
there is only one man in ino country ma
" . t a iir:n: .
can play Vt. I'angioss, anu mat is v imam
Warren." Thou eh Jefforson tho First was
gathered unto his fathers more than sixty
years ago, his generons spirit still finds a
home in tho breast of his great grandson.
The life of tho first Jefferson, though
roseate with tho social and artistio
charms that brightened his whole career,
was not wanting in tho darker episodes
that seem to bo incidental tno actors
vocation. He managod the Exeter
Theatre and tho Fly mouth Theatre m
Dublin for many years; but in spite of tho
public satisfaction which ho gave, ho was not
ignorant of tho ups and downs of theatricid
management. The accomplishments of Mrs.
Jefferson were not unfrequently subjected
to the trying vicissitudes of an itinerant com
pany of actors, where she played, as occasion
demanded, juvenile lady parts or thoso of
decrepid old men. Mr. Jefforson died in
U'07, at a ripe old age, and at tne nomo ot
his daughter in Yorkshire, but ho
owed the chief support of his
later days to the dramatic fund which
he, with Mr. Hull with wnoni ho divided
his reputation as father of thfj British stago
has established.
About twelve years before the death of tho
first Jefferson, who founded tho dramatic
family which we hope may extend down
several generations of actors to lead and
share the progressive prosperity of the Aniori
can Btage, Jefferson tho Second came to
America, lie retained tno paternal character
istics which are still so notably prominent in
his grandson. Ho was a better actor than his
father, developing fully the humorous
talent of the family. "Ho was then
(February, 17!M!) a youth," wo read in
Dnnlap's "History of tho American
Stage, "but even then an artist. Of a small
and light figure, well formed, with a singular
physiognomy, a nose perfectly Grecian, and
blue eyes full of laughter, ho had tho faculty
of exciting mirth to as great a degree by
power of feature, although handsome, as any
ugly-featured low comedian ever seen." N.
1'. Willis has remarked the striking resein
blaEce which tho present Joseph Jefferson
bears to his grandfather, and at the same ago
the above description would answer for ono
as well as the other. Besides the personal
appearance, there are other curious points of
resemblance. Jefferson the Second was great
in his delineation of old ago; Jefferson tho
Fourth has achieved his greatest artistio suc
cess in his presentment of old Itip Van Win
kle after his twenty years' sleep. Jefferson
the Second was a greater actor than his
father; and there are still living thoso
whose fond recollections of him make
him tho greatest of all comedians: Jefferson
the Fourth is a greater actor than was his
father, and the present generation of theatre
goers will scarcely admit another comedian to
claim an equality in rank and ability. It is a
curious fact that tho autograph of tho second
Jefferson was a prototype of tho fourth Jef
ferson's autograph, both being a graceful suc
cession of parallel curve lines, from which it
is difficult to make out the name; and that
the latter had never seen a specimen of tho
former's penmanship until many years after
his own signature had become stereotyped in
form.
The second Jefferson had a prosperous ca
reer of thirty-six years in this country. He
was the companion and friend of tho elder
William Warren. He died in 1832. while
playing an engagement at his son's theatre in
Harrisburg. Ho hod virtually retired from
the stage some time before, his farewell bene
fit in Philadelphia (after which he spent most
of his time in rest) having been one of tho
saddest episodes in a bright professional life.
Ten years after his death, an old friend and
admirer (Chief Justice Gibson, of tho Su
premo Court of Pennsylvania), paid an elo
quent tribute to his memory by marking his
grave with a handsome slab and an appro
priate epitaph. Wemyss has left us tho fol-
owing portrait: "Mr. Joseph Jefferson was
an actor formed in Nature's merrist mood
a genuine Bon of Momus. There was
a vein of rich humor running through all
he did, which forced you to laugh despite
of yourself. He discarded grimace as un
worthy of him, although no actor ever pos
sessed a greater command over tho muscles of
his own face or the faces of his audience.
compelling you to laugh or cry at his plea
sure. His excellent personation of old men
acquired for him before ho had reached tho
meridian of life tho title of 'Old Jefferson.'
The astonishment of strancrers at seeincr a
good-looking young man pointed out on tho
street as Old Jeff erson, whom they had seen
tne night previous at tho theatre totter
ing apparently on the verge of existence,
was tho greatest compliment that could
be paid to tho talent of tho actor. His
versatility was astonishing liiht comedy, old
men, pantomime, low comedy, and occasion
ally juvenile tragedy. Educated in the very
best school for acquiring knowledge in his
profession, his father having been an actor
01 no mean repute at JJrury .Lane Theatre
during the reign of Garrick, Jefferson was an
adept in all the trickery of tho stage, which,
wnen it, suited ms purpose, ho could turn to
excellent account. In his social
relations ho was what a eentleman shonld
be a kind husband, an affectionate father,
a waiiu friend, and a truly honest man."
The second Jefferson left a son and a
daughter. Miss Jefferson made her debut as
"Bosina," in The tipanUh Barber. Though
her first appearance is recorded as having
been a failure, she was afterward, as Mrs'
Chapman, one of the loading actresses of her
day, occupying a prominent position in tho
old Turk Theatre. His son Joseph Jeffer
son tho Third was born in Philadelphia in
1K)4. His career was a short one, as death
overtook him at the ago of thirty-eight years
and just at tho time when he was at tho turnl
nig point of his theatrical reputation.
Jefferson the Third was not a grcit
actor, and perhaps ho never would havo
been such had ho lived to a greater ago.
Ho inherited the family art, Cut in his
ease it took another direction. He de
veloped an early taste and an ardent
ove for painting, and was placed under
the instruction of Coyle, a celebrated
English scenic artist. But Jefferson loved his
art too well to be successful in this most prac
tical branch of it. His application was not
equal to his fondness, and his work, like his
character, was sketchy. It showed talent but
it lacked finish. The man and tho artist were
too inuvh, merged together to achieve great
things. The family connection with the
stage, and Jefferson's own familiarity with life
behind the scenes, attracted him from the
art which he should have made the study and
practice of his life. Yet his excessive
modesty, in spite of serious application,
kept him from making his appearance
for several years, although he became a the
atrical manager in the mean time. Ferhaps
he never would have made an appearance in
character, had it not been for a circumstance
which involved his keeping faith with the
public a matter in which ho was strictly
confident ious. This circumstance occurred in
1821, when ho was managing a thoatre in
Washington. An unusually largo audience
assembled one evening, when a play
was to be given in which tho come
dian of tho company was to be cost for tho
leading part. While tho orchestra played
the customary overture, and everything
seemed quiet and pleasant in front of tho
curtain, there was great commotion behind
the scenes. The comedian was nowhere to
be found, and Manager Jefferson was in de
spair. Waiting until the last, unwilling to
make nn apology or dismiss tho audience, and
urged to do so by all of the company, Mr.
Jefferson resolved to play tho part of the
missing comedian. The part wos one which
Jefferson had studied before, but in which,
with tho best preparation, he could never
mnke up his mind to appear. Yet, with no
preparation, but under the excitement of the
moment, ho made his debut, and attained a
marked success.
JeffcrRon the Third was too improvident
and careless in business matters to succeed in
management. This hereditary misfortune,
which at last had the. effect of closing his
Washington theatre, was offset by tho most
genial disposition in the world. Tho day
after his failure in Washington, a personal
friend called at Jefferson's house to offer con
dolence. He was informed that Mr. Jeffer
son had gone out fishing. Troublod with an
npprehension lest Jefferson, overcome by his
losses, had resolved to do away with himself,
the friend went in search of him. Ho found
the ex-manager quietly reclining on tho
banks of tho Brandywiue; his sketch-book
lying open at his side, and his fishing-rod
stretched out over tho water.
"Why, Jefferson," asked tho friend, in sur
prise, "how can you devote yourself to tho
pleasures of art when your recent misfor
tunes ought to bo driving you to tno verge oi
despair?''
'Confound it, old boy!" was tho answer: "I
have lost everything, and am so poor, as a
consequence, that I can't even afford to let
anything trouble me."
This characteristic love of art and nature,
this fondness for sport and this imperturba
ble ease of mind, were all.bequeathod to Jef
ferson the Fourth, tho American comedian of
to-day, who is the son of Jefferson the Third
and Mrs. Burke, the celebrated vocalist, and
a half-brother of Charles Burke, who was also
a famous comedian of much tho same style of
acting. A couple of incidents will serve to
illustrate the fact to which allusion is made.
Jefferson is what some of his professional
friends call "spooney on art." He, too,
sketches, and, without making any preten
sions, sketches passably well. His vacations
from professional duty are always spent in
the open country, and his companions are his
gun, his fishing-rod, and his sketch-book.
Some time ago, and before good old John
Sefton passed to that bourne where ho will
probably never play "Jemmy Twitcher" again,
Jefferson saw him near his home in Paradise
valley, whither the latter had gone upon ono
of his summer trips. He found Sefton with
his breeches and coat-sleeves both rolled up,
and standing in the middle of a clear and shal
low stream, where one could scarcely step with
out spoiling the sports of the brook-trout which
sparkled through the crystal waters. Sefton
stood in a crouching attitude, watching with
mingled disappointment and good humor a
little pig which tho stream was carrying down
its current, and which, pig-like, had slipped
from the hands of its owner in its natural
aversion to being washed. Jefferson, with
the true instinct of an artist, dropped his
fishing-tackle, and took his sketch-book to
transfer the ludicrous scene to paper. Sefton
appreciated the humor of the situation, and
only objected when Jefferson began to fill in
the background with a dilapidated old barn,
at which the old gentleman demurred on ac
count of its wretched appearance. The artist
insisted that it was picturesque, however, and
proceeded to put it down. Sefton had to sub
mit, but he had his revenge by writing back
to New York that "Jefferson is here, drawing
the worst 'houses 1 ever saw.
! That Jefferson's love of art and indiffer
ence to profit are as largely developed as were
his father s, is proved by many of his invest
ments. Not many months since he bought a
panorama because he admired it, and put it
in charge of an agent who had been with him
; a long time. The panorama failed to attract
I in spite of its merits, and tho agent wrote
' back that he despaired of overdoing anything
with it besides losing money. "Never mind,
was Jefferson s answer: "it will be a gratifica
tion for those who do go to see it, and you
may draw on me for what money you need."
But tho result was that the panoramic beau
ties now blush unseen in the garret of a Phi
ladelphia theatre. The Philadelphia publio
have not forgotten tho tribute which Jeflor
son paid to art in the production of A Mid
summer Night' Dream. The piece was after
ward produced in tho West, newly appointed
and in every way as complete, but it did not
meet with a patronage equal to the money
that had been expended upon it. "It is all
right," said Jefferson to tho manager when
the attendance began to fall off; "we have
done our duty and have made an artistic sue
cess of the piece. If the people will not como
to see it, it is more their misfortune than ours."
It would bo pleasant for tho writer to dwell
upon tho personal characteristics of Joseph
Jefferson ns illustrated in similar ineideuts,
and he believes that it would not bo uninte
resting to the reader. But this sketch could
scarcely plead the apology of a conscientious
record did it not enter upon tho professional
career of the fourth and greatest actor in th
Jefferson family. This career was begun
very early in life, young Jefferson appearing
in a combat scene at a benefit in Park The
atre when ho could not have beon more
than six years old. His first appear
ance as a man was in Chanfr.m s
National Theatre, in 184!, and already in
18.17, having had considerable success at
Niblo's Garden in the mean time, he was re
garded as the best low comedian of the day.
This reputation he had won by faithful appli
cation, und it was confirmed by his admirable
performance of "Asa Tronchard, in Our
American CUmn, which ho played for one
hundred and fifty consecutive nights, along
with Sothernrm "Lord Dundreary. "e
that time ho has enjoyed the most gratifying
success in England, Australia, and through
out tho United States in "starring tours,
and with the specialty of Itip Van WuthU;
the present version of which he played first in
London, where it kept tho boards of tho
Adelphi Theatre nearly two hundred consecu
tive nights.
J. B. Austin contributes tho following
pnper on "Manifest Destiny:"
This nation should be one from tho Tola
to the Isthmus of Panama, and should domi-i
nate the Caribbean Kea by the possession of
the chain of the Antilles. The purpose of the
present article is to demonstrate that this
'Mnnifost Destiny" is not only entirely prac
ticable, but that its attainment would be
eminently sound political economy, and that
it can beBccured without the echo of acannon,
except in salutes, while it would be attended
by the spontaneous and enthusiastic support
oi me vast majority oi contiguous popula
tions. To commence with Canada. The common
impression that tho Dominion is intensely
English is an error; the mass of the people
there see their own interests as clearly as
similar communities do elsewhere. The tra
veller through the country, particularly if ad
mitted into local society, sees but ono side of
tho question, and may gather altogether er
roneous impressions of general sentiment.
This is especially tho coso through Central
and Eastern Canada. Each town or city has
a local aristocracy, composed of members of
Governinent,of the Parliament, retired officers
of tho army and navy, and civilians who emi
grate to the Provinces to obtain higher interest
on small capital and with cheaper living to
maintain a better position in social life than
they could atlord in tho mother country,
These, with the officials, officers of the garri
sons and a remnant of the descendants of tho
old Loyalists who emigrated from tho Ameri
can colonies during tho war of tho Involu
tion constitute a very minute but exceedingly
pronounced aristocracy, and are naturally
hrm in loyalty and apprehensive of any change
which would tend to bring all classes of tha
population to a common level of political
equality. But underlying this clans is tho
vast multitude of producers tho
i ...
lumbermen, millers, tanners, manu
facturers, and traders to whom
free intercourse with tho neighboring repub
lic is a matter of vital necessity. They pos
sess loyalty to the Crown to a certain extent,
With many of them it is strong, and with full
reciprocity of trade with their neighbors they
would remain in their present political status
possibly lor generations to come; but
without it, union with tho States is in the near
future.
By the termination of tho Reciprocity
Treaty between the United States and Great
Britain, the burdens of restricted intercourse
have been again laid on Canadian producers,
and the result is manifest in a strong and
growing sentiment in favor of political union
with the great republic; to counteract which
tne government oi tno .Dominion is using
every effort to bring about another conven
tion for reciprocity of trade.
Canada is not Utopia yet. Its taxation is
high, and its facilities for procuring loans for
internal improvements limited, owing to tho
extravagant system adopted by its authorities
in administering previous trusts: the govern
ment of tho Dominion is cumbrous and
costly, and tho people see that tho scheme
was projected for the benefit of but a few
politicians anxious to perpetuate their power
and bask in the sunshine of semi-royal splen
dor. In 1801, ono of its prominent olhcials
informed the writer that the debt of the two
provinces East and West amounted to eight
dollars per acre upon tho entire amount of
land then actually under cultivation. Iinmi
gration merely passes through it on its way
to the prairies of the Northwestern States and
Territories of this republic, and at the present
time a formidable exodus is taking place
among that excellent class, tho hardy, indus
trious, economical French of Canada East,
It is curious to observe, upon public
occasions agricultural dinners, etc. etc,
when the citizens of French and Eng
lish descent are brought together, a cer
tain overstrained courtesy, tho superficial
gloss of compliment which only half conceals
a deep antipathy of race. This jealousy con
tinually crops out in the halls of legislation,
If an internal improvement is projected for
Western or Central Canada, a rider to tho
bill is immediately attached in the shape ot a
pier, a half a mile or a mile long, to be
built out into the St. Lawrence from some
small French-Canadian villace down below
Quebec, or some other expensive and unne
cessary work to equalize the appropriations
Under the Dominion these antagonisms have
become still deeper and the dissatisfaction
st ill more decided, particularly through Canada
West. There the burdens of non-reciprocity
are more seriously experienced; and owing
to the character of the inhabitants, their
proximity to the border, and the identity of
their interests with those of their neighbors,
under wise political action upon this side the
overtures for annexation will first como from
Ottawa, and the card-house of the Dominion
tumble to pieces by the removal of its base of
support.
It is self-interest, and that alone, which will
decide tho question. Conversing with a pro
minent Canadian, some one remarked that the
day alter annexation property in the Dominion
would advance in value twenty per cent. "Yes, "
was the reply "nearer fifty." Hence the
question may safely be left to the arbitration
of time. Given ten years, possibly five, of
the existing commercial status, and Canada
West will be in the American Union. How
long the remainder can stay out does not re
quire much consideration.
The sentiment throughout New Brunswick
and Nova Scotia is still more decided. These
provinces were always prosperous, out of
debt, and progressive: they were dragooned
into the Confederation, and in Nova Scotia
the first act of the Dominion authorities was
to take possession of tho surplus of the pro
vincial treasury, while increased taxation
was imposed to meet its proportion of
the common debt an obligation incurred
for the great sums squandered by tho Cana
dian administration for its purely local pur
poses, and now distributed upon theso new
und independent members. The writer, in a
tour through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
in 18t;.'l, was surprised at the bitterness of
public sentiment against incorporation in tho
Dominion, and tho eagerness and favor with
which annexation to the republic was almost
generally entertained.
1 he present efforts in those Provinces to
throw off the shackles of Canadian authority
are still more indicative of the final result,
and we may soon expect the acquisition of a
coast line to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which
will give us tho valuable fisheries, forests and
mines belonging to tho included territories
and the navigation of tho St. Lawrence river.
The same identity of interest will bring in
the Hudson's Bay possessions, and the author
ity of the republic will extend to the Arctic
Oceun.
Leaving the North, we find Cuba in tho
convulsion of insurrection, the prelude to its
ultimate destiny; Mexico, almost ready for
the protectorate which will bo synonymous
with its incorporation; and a largo and grow
ing party throughout the States of Central
America urging tho extension of tho powsr
and influence of the great republio down to
the Isthmus of Panama.
An cajjuent professor of this country, jus$
returned from a scientific exploration of
the island of St. Domingo, brings with hun
a letter from one of the most influential of
its statesmen, in which ho says, "Tell Gene
ral Grant that if ho wonts this island he can
have it."
rorto Rico will undoubtedly follow the lead
of Cuba sooner or later, and with most of tho
Antilles it is but a question of time. Tae
necessity for dominating the Caribbean Sal
is absolute and immediate for this country.
and the effort for tho acquisition of St.
Thomas by the administration of President
Johnson was a far-sighted and states
manlike movement. In tho present
condition of naval improvements,
steam will exercise a controlling influ
ence in the event of war: and a war vessol
leaving our naval stations, even from as far
south as Pensacola, will have exhaustod much
ot her coul before reaching tho meridian of
St. Thomas; hence the necessity of a strona
station and post of supply and refit well up to
windward. Nothing but tho malignity of
partisan opposition, joined porhaps to gross
ignorance on the part of Congressional com
mittees, frustrated tho appropriations neces
sary to carry into effect the treaty of cession
negotiated with the Government of Donnnrk.
Great Britain holds four powerful positions
of constant menaco to this nation Halifax.
Bermuda, Barbados, and Jamaica, with tho
small naval station at Antigua besides. All
these places aro fortified and stockod with
warlike material, and conveniences for supply
find repairs. Halifax and Bermuda are im
mensely powerful both for defense aud
offense: all tho stations are within easy steam
ing distance of each other, and within this
chain of posts we need to secure and main
tain a substantial foothold.
Thero is a marked deficiency in tho infor
mation of tho public at largo concerning tho
real condition of tho West Indian Islands,
borne general idea prevails ot the in
juries inflicted upon the British
Islands by the arbitrary action
of the homo government in tho eman
cipation of the slaves and the abolition
of differential duties in favor of colonial
sugars, whereby tho industry of theso once
important colonies was for a time entirely
firostrated, and the whole system of thoir
abor absolutely demoralized. But since tho
perpetration of theso positive wrongs, tho
policy pursued by tho Government has beon
almost equally disastrous, in its neglect and
in the inffuence accorded to pseudo philan
thropists in regulating to so great an extent
all action respecting tho prosperity of the
colonies. Theso two conditions, neglect and
prejudiced administration, have alienated to
a great degreo the affections of tho colonists
as respects their government, and induced
them to look to the elements
of prosperity existing in other systems,
and their results upon the interests
of their people. In 185:1, when tho writer
passed through the islands on a mission to ono
ot the toouth American republics, ho lound the
sentiment in favor of affiliation with the
United btates not oidy strong in many of tho
colonies, but in some decidedly demonstra
tive. Planters in Dritish Guiana, comment
ing upon the injuries inflicted by tho course
of the home government, did not hositato
to assert that if the United States would
hold out the necessary encouragement,
they would run up the flag at once; and
a leading legal officer at Trinidad remarked
"You are a young man, in the opening of
your olhcial life, and you can in no way se
cure lor yourself a higher lame, nor engage
in a work of such permanent usefulness, as to
devote yourself to the annexation of theso
islands to the United States."
Itepeated visits since to tho different colo
nies have but confirmed these views, and tho
reason is evident. All of them suffer from
want of labor : they need a firm policy with
that useless mass of negro population now
left in their midst as an encumbrance, and
for which they cannot legislate effectually,
At present the tide of emigration passes away
lrom them, and their magnificent sou, climate,
and natural position aro almost wasted,
lhey produce articles ol prime neces
sity to mankind sugar, cotton, tobacco
cocoa, and coffee yet from the scarcity
of labor are obliged to import food from
America. J. he liritish Provinces send carcoei
of salt fish, rice is brought from India to feod
the coolie laborers, and lumber, Hour, butter,
lard, salt beef, pork, biscuit, hay, and oats
from the United States. Incorporated into
the American Union as States, money would
flow in upon them lor internal improve
ments, their labor would be regulated,
immigration attracted, and their produce
reaching its principal consumers free
pf duties, every plantation would at once
appreciate in value to an immen extent,
and all their production be stimulated
and expanded. The advantages are too ob
vious to need recapitulation, and force them
selves upon the attention of every reflecting
mind.
There are some of the islands of no par
ticular value, except as completing tho claim
of possession such as the Virgin group and
the Dutch colonies but these could be pur
chased for moderate amounts and with the
hearty assent of their limited populations.
Tho French islands, Guadaloupe and Mar
tinique, aro so well, governad and generally
prosperous that only tho superior commer
cial privileges, and an augmentation of the
value of their estates arising from the
free market for their products, would in
fluence tho choice of their planters; but tho
English possessions would soon enter by au
open door, particularly those where the
energy and wisdom of local administration
have re-established agriculture by tho intro
duction of coolie labot. Antigua is some
thing like a Canadian town in its sentiment
of local aristocracy, and consequent loyalty;
and in Barbados tho English prejudice re
mains as a consequence of uninterrupted
prosperity arising from its unique position as
respects the control of its labor subsequent to
emancipation; but Barbados is exclusively a
sugar-producing island, and self-interest
would swamp national prejudice; while St.
Vincent, Grenada, Tobago, St. Lucia, Trini
dad, and British Guiana would undoubtedly
welcome political union as soon as its full at
tendant advantages became generally appre
ciated by their planters and merchants.
Dominica is almost abandoned to au idle
nsgro population, and Jamaica is passing
through a political transformation which is
still uncertain as to its results upon tho white
residents of the island. Both are remarkably
valuable as possessions, and to each tlib same
general benefits would become apparent in
the course of time.
In Santa Cruz, upon tho promulgation
of the treaty of cession of St. Thorn ts
by Denmark, strong manifestations of
disappointment were made by the poophi that
it had not also been included in tho transfer,
the resultant advantages being great in view
of its extended cultivation, and tho effect
upon the vales of its tropical produce, and
consequent appreciation in the worth of its
properties and commercial expansion.
The principle of severely letting the colo
nies alone has been firmly established in Groat
iiritain, as well aa their freodom of choice to a
larco extent in socking new political allim
" .. .-. ..j- it.- t .. - : 1 1
upon tne expression oi hid jiojuuhi wi-.i
have shown the tendency of inclination ;
wards union with the republic: I do not
that the sentiment is strong everywhere,
it exist, is strengthening, and may be ct
vatt-d by a sound and far-sighted course
national policy. We know that other l .i,
penn powers ore prepared to sell isolatod V
Indian possessions; so mat mere is no o
cnlty in the future for tho republio to ext
its domain from the Arctic Ocean to the ,
ribbean Soa, and to hold the latter as an
land lake. The day is past when more I
tional origin will permanently control po!
cnl Alliances; the greatest interests or peoj
will decide them, and manifest destiny can
so attained that its processes will be entir
peaceable and harmonious, while accom
nicd with the enthusiastic support of wh
poi minions. 4
There is a natural tendenev am one nei.
boring StateB to merge their individual exi
euco m this great homogeneous power, t
position of which is continental, its oppoj
nines lur expansion is uiuimueu, and its '
tnro grand and magnificent beyond ealct
tion. As it was tho idoa of tho founders
the republic, so let its realization become (
study and ellort ot the wiso and patient
the generation which may witn ess its triuim
SHIPPING.
5
F O It LIVRRPfwil. a
QUKKNSTOWN. Inm.n Lino of
ttiffiiMifkm.8 1,,mtJ MlMj
mj iii iiiuioa. oniurcny, duly 24, t I P. M.
V.nU ""'. HiilifuxluiniUy, July 27. it IP
Citv of Brooklyn. Katurdny, .July HI, at U A. M. J
ity of WanlunKtnn, f-Mitunlny, AuKUHt 7, at 1 P. M.
City 'of Cork, i Halifax. Tiicmlity, AuKuatK), at It P'
v v: .. """ay ana alternate lue
from Fin ib. North Kivor. ,
Bl ' TH MAIl BTP.AMBS BAUJNcl EVERT IATT7BBAT.
FIRST BiNV...$lno:BTKlA.",,,';
lolioiMlon ltir, To Ixradon 1,
To Pari UBl To Pari
FABHAItE BY TtSK TUESDAY STEAMKH. YTA liUlitl
T.vlila in tflnl
tlttlll- 1
Liverpool
tiaii-nx..
.. HU Halifax.... "
ij I St. Joli.'g, N. F.', Y
.to.T.t: r.tuod niiea.
Ticket can be bought her at moderate rata b hm
Wixhine to aond for their fnenda. D
i--r lunuer iniiiruinvMiu l't1 in uomnany'f llffli
JOHN fi HA I K. Arnnt. No 13. HKII A IMAf I v w
C to O'lMlNNKU, k r AULK. Aaenti 5
4S Wo. 1UJHKSNUT Street, Philadelphia
s.CNARLESTON. 8.
TUB SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST
FAST FKEIGHT JL.VSX
EVEBT THURSDAY.
The Steamships PROMETHEUS, Captain Grar '
J. W. KVEHMaN, Captain Snyder. "
WILL FORM A REGULAR WEEKLY LlNB. i
Tlie steamsUlp J. W. EVERMAN win saU
pai uiiuAi.duiy 11, at i: m., irom pier No
below nruce utreit.
Through bills of lading (riven In connection wltn
C. R. R. to points In the South and South west.
Insurance at lowest ratea Rates of freight as lr
as by any other route. For freight, apply to
S22tf
DOCU STREET WHAkV.
Hi. A. houueh a nn I
ONLY DIRECT LINK TO FRANfj
I, I IV 1,1, M NU-IVVAuv 1 Sn ".! P,.aJ"l"
The splendid new veesela on thii favorlta ronta fau
Continent, wiU sail from Pier No. 60 w me7.
L IJTJTD W T l I
iJfFAYCTTfe
oiaruAjtoun
, m i a, PRI01K OF PAS8AGH
in gold (inolnding wine).
TO JJliKST OB HAVRE.
First Cabin .1401 Second Oabin.
, (Inolnding railway ticket, furnished on board.) I
First Cabin $146 Second Cabin... .TT
'1 bese steamers do not carry steerage pssnsngorm. I
Medical attendance free of charge.
American travellers going to or returning from tha as
bnent of Kuroue, by taking the steamers of this Una avoi
nnneue&tiary risks from transit by iCngliah railways an
crossing tha channel, befidns saving time, trouble, an
expense. GKOKUK MACRKNZIk, Agent, i
. No. 5N BROADWAY, New York.
For passage in Philadelphia, apply at Aa'ama- Expnsi
tzTj. . JHELADiaPlTIA. RICHMOND
tT-iPSyVf. LINK
WArVllV O A T IT D l 1 tr
Lj'tjrxt
At noon, from FXKST WUAKJf tOT MARK IF
Street.
TH ROUGH RATES to aU pointa in North 'and Boat!
Carolina, via Seaboard Air Line Railroad, oonneotina
Portsmouth and to Ij'nchburg, Va., Tennessee, andtn
Wet, via Virginia and Tennessee Air Line and Kiohmoat
and Danville Railroad. ,
Freight HANDLKD BUT ONOE, and taken at LOWE!
RATK8 THAN ANY OTHKK LlklC T,
The regularity, safety, and cheapness of thia route eos
carrying every description of freight. i
Mo charge for oomniiasion, drayace, or any expense a
tptnulnr. . n
Steamships insured at the lowest rates.
Freight received daily.
WILLIAM P. OLYDH A OO..
No. 12 8. WHARVES and Pier I N. WUARVKS.
W. P. PORTER. Agent at Kiohmond and Cit Point
T. P. CROW ALL CO., Agents at Norfolk. 1
LORILLARD'S BTKAMHTTTT
link vent 1
new Ynntf.
Bailing Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
REDUCTION OF RATES.
Sprlngr rates, commencing March W.
and after 10th of March freight by this line will b
taken at 19 cents per loo poumls, 4 cents per foot, I
1 cent per gallon, slilp'a option. Advance charre
. . il m t ..til.,.. sn Id,.. t . I . .
oouiu o uu-to uii nut, aruutui received atk t
tunes on covered wkarf. 1
"o. JOHN F. OHIi, S
28C Pier 1 Nortu Wharves. 9
N. B. Extra rates on small packages iron. mntai.T,.5
NEW EXPRESS
LINK
TT Alexandria, Georgetown, and Washington. D.
aaweMU-ur v., via iiiiiuipeae anu uelawu-a ( it h
VWUliwv nv.. v ... ....... ... ' win ui i UIOTC 111 rWftt mntJk Frt
lynohburg, Bristol, KnoAViUe, Nashville, 4alton. Vknd Lht
Southwest.
nu-aniers ioato -7 oTwry oaturaay at BOOH from
flrnt wharf above M arket street.
Jj -night rewived daily. TOT T . 'r
Kft 1 A IVoeW tA UniL ' 5
HYDIt a tyu'.k, Agems, at Ueorgatown i M
KI.UiUDOK CO., AgmiU) at Alexandria. g j
t " M via euu ajuuiti VT naVI gagl
NOTICE. FOR NEW YORK. VIA'
LT?VVP DEl.AWARK ANI RARITAN OANAL
Jt'jomiJ:.! FX PHKSS 8TK A M BOAT COMPA NY.
iiie CUKAi'h.si anq iuiin.iwvi- wter oommanlcsv-
eaniarfl I
mIi Inruurl all ItV Mil ins lltlsXl ninninis as
York., Wortn, Ktutt, ana wet-t, tree oi oouimiiuii.
jjftNaj. rMeivM mm irw-wtirueu on p room rti oUavlin jr terma
Wfl.LIAM p. CIiVJjK 4 OO.t Agents
No. 13 8, ilKLAWAR K Avenue, PhibXlpkU.
5 89
Jto t W'ALL StreVt, New York.
NOTTf IW. V(T xrw-nr ttvt.t- .
I fl--7 via Delaware and Rnritan Oansl, SWIKtV
11J BY1KTBUKS LINK.
.klft'i?" ,y 't68 liun wiu b med on and aftar
the mh of March, tor Jrewhta, which wiU be takoa oaf
aoccuuuoUaUns! terms, apply to J
as M; 18 000,
35 No. I South Wbarvi I
IARZELCflE & BUCHEY.i
Cuubi Ilouae brokers mid Notaries rubllo. I
Uo. 405 LIBJRAHY STRrST. ?
ALL CUSTOM HOUSE BUSINESS TRANSACT ED.
rASSiOTlT3 PltOOTJIlKD.V1" ?
71 OUSE-WAKMINO WITH ST RAM
11 We are iiroDHred to warm l)i.ll,n. i..:,
We arepropxred to warm Dwell
ni all cLlmwh u
nil our 1 uto.it-iiiij.ruvi-i
1 ,(W K'l-fT A M A I1U1 i i-lino
Which, for eihciency and econot-vy, rivals
methods.
all similar
amm w ELifIKLl CO.,
8Rm N:JA NwthJlUOAll Street 1
5bJ'Rv "KARD, VETERINARY SUR
""?3 "EON. treats all dmeasos oi horsoe and eattli
aud all surgical operations, with etlideut iZ" Idaho,
r.