FRANCE. FOREIGN NEWS. The increasing demand for books and every species of literature in France, in direct opposition to the wishes of the High Court party, who are influenced by the Jesuits and Apostolicals, has for some time filled the Government with alarm; hence the proposed new law for restricting this flourishing trade, noticed in p. 166. It appears that seven times more books were printed in 1825 than in 1811; and the number for 1826 was one-fifth more than that for 1825. In the Courier Français there is a curious statistical account of the literature of France in 1811 and 1825, drawn up by Count Daru, from which we give the following abstract, being exclusive of official papers or daily Journals :In 1811 there were printed- Sheets. On Legislation On the Sciences The Fine Arts History An important disclosure has taken place the Portuguese rebels, in a recent affair in in Portugal: among the baggage taken from the province of Minho, was found a copy of a letter addressed to the Queen of Por tugal by the Count de Montealegre, one of the rebel Chieftains, (see p. 166), together with a collection of letters between certain persons in Lisbon an the rebel leaders, implicating Peers, deputies, and some eminent merchants. In the letter from the Count to the Queen Mother he says, "he was the first to raise his sword and to proclaim the rights of Don Miguel I." and acknowledging with gratitude the "munificence and 2,831,662 never-enough-to-be-admired generosity" of 2,214,303 Ferdinand: to whom he is indebted for 410,298 signal benefits." He admits that he took 131,133 the command of "the Royalists" from the 1,147,400 Princesses Beira and the Infanta of Spain, and that his nephew, the Marquis of Chaves, was appointed General-in-Chief under him, "at the will of his Catholic Majesty:" thus confirming Ferdinand's connection with the Portuguese Insurrection. 161,525 8,781,826 3,375,891 Divers subjects, Almanacks,&c. 1,885,869 Total 2,509,752 In 1825, the number had risen to 18,452,719 15,922,889 10,928,277 2,804,182 1,457,913 2,937,301 30,205,158 Total 128,010,483 Reckoning eleven sheets to the volume, the difference in favour of 1826, amounts to more than ten millions of volumes. SPAIN. PRUSSIA. An event which has lately occurred in Silesia has caused some sensation. In several villages of the circle of Liegnitz, which is inhabited partly by Catholics and partly 2,915,826 by Protestants, the latter, who live on the best terms with the former, had given them Bibles to read, which were soon in the hands of many Catholics. The Prince 39,457,957 Bishop of Breslaw, M. Von Schimonsky, 3,886.978 was no sooner informed of this than he sent 17,487,037 an ecclesiastical counsellor to the villages, to induce the Catholics, by exhortations and threats, to give up the Bibles. He assembled the Catholic bailiffs, and called on them so assist him in the execution of his mission. The bailiffs refused, and declared that they were themselves among the number of those who were guilty of reading the Bible, and even threatened, as some persons affirm, that they would all go over to the Protestant religion, if they were importuned any farther on this subject. The ecclesiastical counsellor, therefore, returned re infectâ, and made his report to the Prince Bishop. Hereupon, the Bishop is stated to have claimed the assistance of the civil power, with which request the chief president, Von Merkel, did not think it advisable to comply. The King of Spain has issued an ordinance, by which he opens a direct trade between Spain and America in foreign vessels. This ordinance authorizes Spanish merchants to ship goods directly for South America, un er a foreign flag, an to receive South American commodities in Spain upon paying certain duties, without the necessity of a permit in each particular instance, as has hitherto been the case. The Spanish Clergy have given new proofs of their devotedness to the cause of monarchy, by offering to the King's Prime Minister, M. Calomarde, a present of A great number of Catholic Clergymen in Silesia have presented an address to their superior, the Prince Bishop of Breslaw, respecting the abolition of various abuses, which, according to their experience, are the most adverse to the influence of religion. They desire first of all, and especially, the improvement of the liturgy. They require that the whole service shall be henceforward read, not in a language unintelligible to the people, but in their own native German. This important and decisive step of the Clergy of Silesia (a striking contrast to the apostolical intrigues, as they are called, of the bigoted Clergy of Spain, Portugal, and France) will likewise be attended with important and decisive consequences. Silesia, the largest and richest province in the Prussian dominious, contains two millions of inhabitants, of whom about half belong to the Catholic Church. An official account states, that in the four years, 1823-26, 50,890 persons were carried off by extremely sudden death in the Prussian empire; 4591 were murdered, 4087 committed suicide. There were 664 robberies; 11,348 criminals and vagabonds were arrested; there were 11,683 fires, by which 176 churches and convents, 4510 dwelling houses in the towns, and 76,029 In both Houses of Congress bills have been introduced, substantially the same in form, for regulating trade and intercourse between the United States, and the British Colonies. The object of this bill is to prevent the admission of any vessels into the ports of the United States after the 30th of Sept. next, from the Colonies and possessions of Great Britain, including them all by name, except Upper Canada; with a provision for the suspension of the act, if the Ports in the British Colonies and possessions are open to the admission of vessels of the United States, paying no higher or other duties than those levied on the British vessels, &c. &c. COLOMBIA. On the 2d of Jan. the Liberator and Ge neral Paez met in Valentia. The latter submitted himself entirely into the hands of Bolivar, who immediately bestowed on him the title of Superior Chief of Colombia. He is to hold military rank in Colombia under Bolivar, with this title. DOMESTIC OCCURRENCES. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF YORK. A very interesting account of the last illness of the lamented Duke of York has appeared from the pen of his gratefully attached Military Secretary, Lieut.gen. Sir Herbert Taylor, K.G.H. It is written with great feeling and affection, in the form of a Diary or Memorandum, kept between the 9th of June, 1826, (when his Royal Highness's indisposition commenced,) and the 5th of Jan. 1827. Sir Herbert Taylor kindly transmitted us a copy for insertion in our Magazine; but the document having been lithographed for private circulation, unexpectedly obtained admission into the daily journals, which of course frustrated our intentions of giving it entire. However, we cannot resist the gratification of presenting the following extracts. "The interest excited by the situation of the late Duke of York, and by every circumstance connected with his long, painful, and lingering illness, from its commencement until the fatal hour which closed his valuable existence, has been so great, and the general feeling which it produced has caused so many particulars to be circulated and received by the public as authentic, for which there either was no foundation, or at least very imperfect foundation, that I have, upon due consideration, been induced to draw up, from minutes taken during this distress. ing and trying period of my attendance upon His Royal Highness, a statement, not of the progress of the disease, or of the treatment pursued, but of such circumstances and facts as will shew the condition of H. R. H.'s mind under this awful visitation of Providence, will do justice to the exemplary resolution and pious resignation with which he met and submitted to it, and will satisfy his attached friends that H.R. H. was, in every point of view, deserving of the respect and the affection which have so strongly marked their sentiments towards him, and of the deep grief and regret which his death has occasioned in their minds, and in those of the respectable and wellthinking individuals of every class in this country. "His Royal Highness frequently spoke to me of his own situation and feelings, more especially on the 22d of September, when he told me he did his best to submit with patience and resignation; that he tried to keep up his spirits; he met his friends cheerfully, endeavoured to go correctly through what he had to do, and to occupy himself at other times with reading; but when left to his own thoughts, when he went to bed and lay awake, the situation was not agreeable; the contemplation of one's end, not to be met at once, nor within a short given period, but protracted possibly for months, required a struggle, and tried one's resolution. But after all, he did not know that he regretted it, or that he regretted that time was given to him, which had turned his mind to serious reflections, and which he was certain had been very beneficial to him. If it should please God that he should recover, he would become a better man; if he did not recover, he would have to thank God for the time afforded for reflection." "He put various questions to me, with a view to ascertain the causes of what he considered so sudden a change in his state. I accounted for by what I had learnt from the physicians, and ended by repeating that I had felt it my duty, however painful, to speak out. He thanked me, gave me his hand, and said I had acted as I ought, and as he expected, but he pressed me again to state what was the extent of the danger, and whether immediate? I repeated, that I had been assured it was not immediate : whether his case was without hope of recovery? I gave no decided answer, but said, that I could not extract from the physicians any positive opinion, but that their language was not encouraging. He said, I understand you; I may go on for a short time, but may end rapidly; God's will be done-I am resigned.' He then called for his official papers, and transacted his business with composure and his usual attention. He afterwards resumed the previous painful subject. I spoke to him about his private papers, and he confirmed some of the directions previously given to me upon that subject. He then spoke most kindly, took me again by the hand, and said, Thank you, God bless you.' I had hitherto succeeded in controlling my feelings, but I could do so no longer, and I left the ་ "On the morning of the 28th of Dec. his Royal Highness appeared very weak, and had some attacks of nervous faintness, which together with other unfavourable symptoms, satisfied the physicians that the danger was becoming more imminent. The Bishop of London caine at twelve, and desired that three persous should assist at the holy ceremony, and proposed that Sir Henry Halford and I should be added to the Prin cess Sophia, which was mentioned to his Royal Highness, who readily agreed. Upon this occasion he came publicly, and put on his robes. His Royal Highness was quite composed, and nothing could exceed his pious attention, and calm devotion throughout the solemn ceremony. He repeated the prayers, and made the responses in a firm voice. Part of the prayers for the sick were read, but the service was, at the suggestion of Sir H. Halford, the short service. The Bishop was very much affected, particularly when pronouncing the concluding blessing. The Princess Sophia supported herself wonderfully throughout the trying scene, and the Duke was quite free from agitation. After the service was over, he kissed his sister, and shook hands most affectionately with the Bishop, Sir H. Halford, and me, thanking us, and as if taking leave of all." * He "Between one and two, [Jan. 4.] Mr. Macgregor came to tell me that his R. Highness had named me frequently, and at last made them understand that he wished to see me. I immediately went to him; I found him dreadfully changed, very feeble, much oppressed, and evidently unable to distinguish objects clearly. Batchelor named me to him, and I sat down close by his right side. He looked at me with a kind smile, took me by the hand, and I told him I had not left the house since I had last seen him. asked me with difficulty, and in a faint, though steady voice, whether Col. Stephenson was in the house. I said he was, and asked whether he wished to see him; he nodded assent, and I immediately sent for, him. Col. Stephenson went to his left side; but, as his Royal Highness could not see him, I beckoned to him to come to the right side, and I moved back, so as to enable him to come close up, while I supported his Royal Highness, by placing my hand against the pillow, behind his back. He then gave his hand to Col. Stephenson. After some interval, during which his Royal Highness breathed with great difficulty, and was very faint, and during which, Batchelor bathed his temples with Cologne water; he collected his strength, and said in a steady, firm tone of voice, but so low as to be hardly audible, to Col. Stephenson, whose head was further removed than mine, I am now dying.' After this, he dropped his head, and his lips moved for about a minute, as if in prayer. He then looked at us again, and appeared to wish to speak, but au attack of faintness came on, and his respiration was so difficult, and he seemed so weak and exhausted, that I thought he was dying, and expressed that apprehension to Col. Stephenson, who partook of it. Batchelor bathed his temples again, and he rallied, after which he again took Colonel Stephenson's hand, and nodded to Batchelor, who told us he meant we should leave him. The scene was most affecting and trying, but yet in some respects satisfactory, as it showed that he was perfectly aware of his situation, and we concluded that he had seen us together, as being his executors, and meant to take leave of us." * * "At twenty minutes past nine [Jan. 5,] Col. Stephenson called me out, and told me that he was in the last agonies. I hastened down, but my dear master had expired be fore I could reach his room, and I had the comfort of learning that he had expired without any struggle or apparent pain. His countenance indeed confirmed this; it was as calm as possible, and quite free from any distortion; indeed it almost looked as if he had died with a smile upon it." "Such was the end of this amiable, kind, and excellent man, after a long and painful struggle, borne with exemplary resolution and resignation, and I am confident, that the details into which I have entered of the last circumstances of that struggle, will not prove uninteresting to those who were sincerely attached to him." Mayber MONUMENT TO THE DUKE OF YORK. At the meeting for opening a subscription for erecting a monument to the Duke of York, mentioned in our last, p. 168, the Duke of Wellington, having been called to the chair, addressed the meeting to this effect :-We all witnessed the anxiety of the nation during the long and painful illness of his late Royal Highness the Duke of York, which terminated in the event that has given occasion to this Meeting. We likewise witnessed the sincere grief of the public when that lamentable event occurred. His Royal Highness had, by a long period of service, established himself in the respect and regards of the people. Some, who have had the honour of his Royal Highness's acquaintance and friendship, have to lament the loss of a friend, endeared to their memory by many pleasing recollections; whilst the public at large lament the loss of a Prince who, on account of his public virtues, his justice, and steadiness of character, afforded them the best hope, in case it had pleased Providence to have deprived us of his Most Gracious Majesty. Under these circumstances, it is not extraordinary, it is not astonishing that many men should feel an anxiety to testify their grief and sorrow for the loss of his Royal Highness, as well as their respect for his memory, in a manner that will in some degree convey to posterity the high honour which his contemporaries feel in consequence of his private and public virtues; but, above all, in consideration of the services which he performed during the 32 years which he commanded the army, 20 years of which the country was involved in a war of unexampled difficulty and exertion. There are some topics connected with his Royal Highness of which I feel I am GENT. MAG. March, 1827. more entitled than any other man to give my testimony. One of these is, that during the long period of illness under which his Royal Highness laboured, he performed every one of his duties to the utmost detail, and has transferred over to his successor the Army in the highest state of discipline, or der, and efficiency. (Cheers). In addition to this I may be permitted to say, that dur ing the services which I had the honour of performing in the course of that war, I was uniformly excited, encouraged, and support ed by his Royal Highness. (Loud and con tinued cheers). I beg to add, that I never recommended any officer on any occasion for his exertions in the field to his Royal Highness without that officer being in some way or other rewarded. (Cheers). I will not detain you any longer, Gentlemen, with ob servations of mine, but I will proceed to read the resolutions which I have the ho nour to propose for your approbation. But before I do that I will say, that there never was a character, in this or any other country, who merited better than his Royal Highness that his name should be transmitted to posterity with respect and admiration. (Loud applause.) The necessary resolutions were then passed, among which were, that the King should be requested to patronize the under taking, to approve of the model, and to appoint "the place in the Metropolis" where the monument shall be erected. The following personages were appointed the Committee:-Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishops of London and Durham; Dukes of Rutland and Wellington; Marquesses of Hertford, Anglesea, and Londonderry; Earls of Lauderdale, Ludlow, Aberdeen, Verulam, Cathcart, Rosslyn; Viscounts Exmouth and Melville; Lords Farnborough and Geo. Cavendish; Rt. Hon. Charles Arbuthnot; Henry Bankes, esq.; Gen. Sir John Doyle; Sir Wm. Curtis; John Pearce, esq.; Gen. Fred. Maitland; Sir M. W. Ridley; Alex. Baring, esq.; Vice-Adm. Sir G. Cockburn; Admirals Sir B. Hallowell, and Sir Graham Moore; and Sir Thomas Lawrence, Pres. R. A. Nearly 4500l. was then subscribed on the spot, of which the Earl of Darlington gave 300.; Earl Powis, 2001.; the Abp. of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, Dukes ef Rutland and Wellington, Marquis of London and Durham, Hon. F. G. Howard, Anglesea, Earl of Westmorland, Bishops of Sir Chas. Forbes, and Lieut. Gen. John Slade, each 100l.; and very many 501. The sale of the Duke of York's furniture, &c. Feb. 21-24, realized upwards of 6,000L, There was a great competition for a travelling dressing case, used by the illustrious owner during the Holland campaign, which was ultimately knocked down for twenty-one guineas and a half. The invalid chairs had many bidders, and the one in which his late Royal Highness had frequently reposed during his last illness, was sold, after a spirited competition, for twenty-eight guineas and a half. A plain-looking chair, described "Bonaparte's chair," in the catalogue, was knocked down at seven pounds and a crown. A card-box, of elaborate and delicately carved ivory, with the Royal Ducal Arms upon the top, and five other boxes, each with the coronet, and containing 11 dozens of pearl counters, with the arms engraved, and glass shade, sold for twentyseven guineas and a half. Among the linen, a most beautiful Irish damask table cloth, with the royal arms and orders in the pattern, and cipher at the corners (new), 9 Two dozen and nine yards long, 197. 8s. napkins, to correspond with the crest, and collar of the garter in the pattern, 197. 8s. The sale of plate took place March 19— 22, when the most prominent articles were sold as follows:-A magnificent cistern, 18 inches in diameter, the neck and lip enwreathed with vines in fruit, and the handle formed of two figures of Tritons bending over the rim, and looking in. On the outside combats of Roman galleys, with numerous figures very spiritedly designed. This bowl was said by Mr. Christie to have cost his Royal Highness 1,500l. and produced only 4461. A magnificent candelabrum, made by Lewis, of St. James's-street, for the centre of a table, representing Hercules attacking the Hydra, and surrounded by its nine heads, which bear as many nosles for lights. Hylas, the companion of Hercules, is represented in the act of searing a neck of the monster below. The candelabrum was supported on a mass of rock-work, about the base of which are various reptiles. Weight 1,144 ozs. 5 dwts. and the sacrifice, said Mr. ChrisThere is tie, was here indeed great." only one duplicate of this in England. This was knocked down for 6s. an ounce. A grand præfericulum, with scalloped neck and lip, supported by two satyrs seated upon the shoulder, the handle formed of a satyr, rescuing two infant satyrs entwined, rom the folds of a dragon. The oviform body of the vase covered with a spirited relief, representing one of the battles of Alexander. A griffin supports the bowl of the vase, and upon the scalloped foot the arms of France are thrice repeated. This noble piece of plate is 23 inches high to the top of the handle; the weight 220 ozs. 13 dwts. This was likewise made by Mr. Lewis, and was purchased by a gentleman named Thomas, as well as the companion præfericulum, at 12s. 9d. per oz.) A large silver-gilt dish, for the side-board, 25 inches long. In the centre is a Roman triumph, setting out from a ruined city, composed of multitudes of figures, some of them wholly detached from the ground of the dish; the border is embellished with pastoral figures, after Jordaens, which are very richly and beautifully chased; weight 130 ozs. 15 dwts. Great competition was manifested for this and the following lot, a similar dish, the one of which brought one guinea an ounce, and the other a guinea and sixpence. A small circular waiter of solid gold, formed of gold boxes, presented with the freedom of different cities, the arms of all which are accordingly engraven within a border of oak leaves, with the Royal Arms in the centre; a frieze of oak leaves and acorns beautifully chased upon the border; weight 41 ozs 11 dwts. knocked down at 4. 10s. an ounce. An ink-stand (a birth-day present from one of the Princesses,) with a finely modelled figure of a female, in mat gold, kneeling while she attaches a wreath to an Ionic column of burnished gold, having within the wreath the inscription "Vous la meritez," was purchased for a member of the Royal Family, at 12s. 6d. an ounce. The shield of Achilles produced 1000 guineas, as noticed in our memoir of Mr. Flaxman, p. 275. A beautiful tazza, by Lewis, within it a combat of cavalry in relief, and on it a broad frieze of masks and trophies, in cinquo cents taste, sold for 1. 10s. 6d. per oz. about 5s. an ounce more than its cost price. A pair of rich tazzas, also by Lewis, of exquisite designs and workmanship, sold for In one of them the state of 275. an ounce. mankind was represented before the flood, and an allusion to the catastrophe by water, in fine relief, and on the outside wereFaith, Hope, and Charity, in three compartments with trophies. The stem of vase shape supported by termini, in fine cinque cento taste. Figures playing upon musical instruments and trophies, are upon the foot. The other cup represents the story of Lot and his daughters, and the destruction of Sodom by fire. The exterior stem and foot are embellished with similar ornaments. The weight 49 oz. 10 dwts. The silver plate, especially the last three days of the auction, fetched a high price, in many instances more than the purchasers would have been required to give, had they stepped in to any respectable silversmith's shop in London. This circumstance may be attributed to a desire to possess something in the shape of a memento, to be handed down as heir-looms in families, which had once belonged to the Illustrious Prince. The produce of this sale was, we understand, about 22,540/ Another of jewellery, &c, is now in progress. |