retirement of the Marquis of Palmella from his service is so to be considered. The new general, Solignac, has been defeated in a sortie. The cause of the defeat is generally ascribed to Don Pedro withdrawing a body of troops which were intended as a reinforcement. Spanish affairs continue in an unsettled state. An armistice has been concluded between Ibrahim and the Sultan of Turkey, and peace will eventually, we have no doubt, be purchased by the surrender of Syria. The dispute between Carolina and the Government of the United States continues unsettled, and preparations are making on both sides for an appeal to arms; which we earnestly hope may still be avoided. STATE OF COMMERCE, MANUFACTURES, AND AGRICULTURE. FEBRUARY, 1833. THE accounts from the manufacturing districts inform us, that the manufacturers are almost all employed; but the profits, we fear, are extremely low; and the wages are barely sufficient to preserve the operatives from starvation, even although their labour is almost incessant. We refer to an article on the "State of the Country," in this number, which will be found to contain some information on this subject. COTTON MANUFACTURES. -There has been a considerable increase in the export of cotton yarn during the last twelve months, as compared with the preceding year. To Germany alone the increase amounts to near nine millions of pounds weight, and to Russia six millions. The export to India was considerably less than in 1831; and shipments of this article to the Mediterranean, shew a considerable diminution in quantity. The exports of piece goods, however, appear to have been less extensive last year than in 1831. In plain and printed calicoes the decrease, it appears, amounted to near fifty millions of yards. There seems, however, to have been a larger export of muslins, fustians, and some other articles of inferior importance. The prices of cambrics, and of some kinds of calicoes, and of coarse goods generally in the west of England, have been on the increase. Cotton weaving is brisk, and a small advance of wages has been made by the masters; but the workmen can with difficulty earn more than six shillings per week: a power loom weaver will earn seven shillings per week. Though the number of power-looms in Hyds, Duckingfields, Sayley-bridge, and Ashton, amount to at least 14,000, preparations are making for 2000 more. The cotton factories at Rochdale, Heywood, Bury, Oldham, and other places, are working full time, and preparations are making for the building of new factories. At Paisley the shawl trade is uncommonly brisk, and the price of weaving in this branch is on the advance. The finer descriptions of shawl borders are paid 8d. per cover above the table price, which is an advance of one-third on the whole. There has not been so much doing in the imitation line since the years 1824 and 1825; and, indeed, the quantity of these goods made at present is far greater than that of those years, although the price of weaving is now 4d. per cover lower than was paid at the above mentioned periods. With the exception of silk gauze, the prices of weaving every sort of fabric manufactured, have risen consider. ably within these few weeks, and the usual number of workmen are fully employed; while in the silk gauze department the price is steadily pressing downwards, and a very considerable number of the hands are still idle. For the last three years there has been very little doing in this line, except during the spring and summer months. It may appear strange, that while weavers for harnesses in Paisley are in much request, and are receiving a premium to take work, besides a very handsome advance of wages, in Perth harness weavers are dreading to be paid off. The fact is, that the fabrics made in Paisley are of the finest quality, and of such variety, that they are suited for every market; while at Perth they are confined to an article, a great part of which is intended for the Turkish market. The least commotion in that quarter has a powerful effect. It is a well known fact, that the Navarino business ruined the harness trade for a long period. Other branches of plain work continue in a languid state. In the umbrella cloths, no advance of wages has taken place, although all hands are employed. Striped ginghams, crams, and pullicats, are at least as low, if not lower, than ever. At Kilmarnock the shawl printing establishments are fully employed, and the various classes of artisans connected with these works are in receipt of comfortable and regular wages. The weavers even are at present without complaint. Some employed in harness work make very high wages; and such as are engaged in manufacturing the cloth used by the shawl printers, are likewise enabled to earn a very comfortable livelihood. THE WOOL AND WOOLLEN TRADES.These trades, so intimately connected toge ther, are in a state of much activity, and, we hope, of prosperity, though the manufac turers are compelled to put up with a low rate of profit. The work-people in the woollen districts of Yorkshire are generally well employed; the mills are in pretty full work; and the domestic manufacturers could sell even more goods than they make, as is proved by the state of the Leeds and Huddersfield cloth-halls. Within the last two or three months a considerable advance has obtained. We notice an advance on the ROCHDALE FLANNEL MARKET. — The CARPET TRADE. The trade of Kilmar- SILK TRADE. The demand recently has considerably improved, and advanced prices have been obtained for most qualities. The silk weaving at Middleton, Fallsworth, and the neighbouring towns, for several miles round Manchester, is very brisk; so much so, that the weavers confidently anticipate a rise in wages. The fancy weaver can earn about twelve shillings per week, and the plain sarsnet weaver about eight shillings. The calico and No. XII. Vol. II. silk printing is more brisk at Middleton at MANUFACTURING TRADE AT KIRKALDY. Nothing, since the panic in 1825, has occurred to affect this trade in any material degree. Previous to the peace, it consisted almost wholly of ticks and checks. Dowlass is at present the staple article; and the trade is on the increase. The demand for mill-spun yarn has been uncommonly brisk for these some months past; 3 lb. 2s. to 2s. 1d. The weavers are all employed, and would fain hope for better wages. LEATHER TRADE. The state of the tanning and leather trades is extraordinary. Leather is now dearer than it was during the war, and yet bark was then from £10 to £14 the ton, and leather paid a duty of 3d. the lb.; while at present no duty is paid, and bark is only from £5 to £6 the ton. TOBACCO.The price of leaf tobacco has advanced, within these two months, 50 per cent, owing to a failure in the crops. In consequence, an advance of 4d. per pound in the price of manufactured tobacco has taken place. SHEFFIELD. A considerable improvement has taken place in many branches of the local manufactures. In some of the larger establishments, the quantity of work given out lately exceeds that given out in the like period of the preceding year. IRISH MANUFACTURES. - Very great activity prevails at present among the manufactures of Belfast, occasioned by the demands of the English market. This is a satisfactory and cheering proof that the free intercourse between England and Ireland, so far from being injurious to the Irish manufacturing interests, has a direct tendency to promote them. Trade was never better in Ireland than it is at this moment. The plentiful crops of corn and potatoes last year are the principal cause of the activity. COMMERCE. It appears by a table which has been published, that since the principle of free trade has been adopted, although there has in fact been a decrease of British tonnage of about ten per cent, the decrease of foreign tonnage, in 1832, has been more than double than that of British. The total decrease in the port of London in the year 1832, as compared with 1831, is 8794 vessels, 1,666,478 tons. On a comparison of the number of ships of all nations which have passed the Sound in the years 1831 and 1832, it will appear that a considerable decrease has taken place in the last year on the Baltic trade. The total number of vessels which passed the Sound in 1831 was 12,938; in 1832 they amounted to no more than 12,202. In 1831, the number of British ships which passed was 4776; during the last year, 1832, it amounted only to 3531. The peculiar situation of the United States, and the manifest intention of the Government 3 K to make an alteration in the tariff, are already producing its effect upon the unemployed capital in this country. Speculation has begun, and the woollen manufacture in particular feels its effect. The American merchants in this country, from a serious conviction that the repeal of the obnoxious tariff duties will take place, with the least possible delay, have in many instances transmitted large orders to the manufacturing districts for articles which will be chiefly affected by the reduction. An ingenious plan to alter the whole system of the sugar trade, has been submitted to his Majesty's ministers, and to the principal houses connected with the colonial trade in London; it has produced a great sensation. It is contemplated that only one process should take place in the West Indies, that, after the boiling of the sugar cane, the proceeds, in a fluid state, should be shipped for England, to be manufactured here. By a patent taken out, the fluid, by one process, is to be manufactured into refined sugars. The process of making Muscovado sugar, and distilling rum, would all be in England. The person who has submitted this plan has taken out a patent for the refining, by one process, the fluid into lump sugar, in most of the European countries, and, we believe, in America. The plan will create a complete revolution in the sugar trade. It is entertained by the ministers, and approved of by the first houses in the West India trade. The scheme is not new-it has been carried on at New York for six years, by the same gentleman who has now taken out the patent for this country. The cane juice about to be imported into Great Britain, goes through the process to that point which, it is stated, will prevent fermentation on the voyage; it has been contracted for at 15s. per cwt., deliverable in this country, the buyer paying freight, insurance, and all other charges. Lord Auckland, the President of the Board of Trade, has authorized the import at a duty of 12s. per cwt.; of course the latter will be liable to alteration, according to circumstances; it will thus be laid down on the wharf at the rate of 32s. or 33s. per cwt; and it is ealculated that one-half the weight will be sugar. AGRICULTURE Continues in a very depressed state, and the notice given of a motion to bring the Corn Laws under the consideration of Parliament, by preventing speculation, has tended to depress the prices of grain. During January, some few purchases of grain on speculation took place, and on the 25th of that month, 561 quarters of wheat were sold at Haddington, at an average price of 50s. 5d. per quarter, being the highest average during the preceding four months. But the grain markets have since become very dull. The average of the price of grain by which the duty on importation is regulated, for the week ending 14th February, compare with the aggregate average of the five weeks preeeding, shews a decline on every species of grain except rye. Wheat, Barley, Oats, Rye, Beans, Pease, Weekly Average. Aggregate Average. 53s. Duty. 52s. lld. 34s. 8d. 27s. 2d. 17s. shipped in the Tay for the London market; Large quantities of potatoes have been the price given is 9s. per boll, of 32 Dutch done for many years. HORSES. At the Stirling Candlemas Fair, above the usual number were shewo, many of which were of a superior description. Prices were considered to be from 7% to 10 draught horses from £33 to £37. Colts and per cent above those of last year. The best filies rising four years old were most in demand, and brought, the former from £25 to £30, the latter from £25 to £27 10s. Good draught horses were from £12 to £15; inferior animals at all prices from £5 upwards. NEW PUBLICATIONS. THE SKETCH-BOOK OF FASHION."Of all existing novel-writers, the world of Great Britain, Ireland, and the dependences, could least spare Mrs. Gore; the laughing satirist of "Fashionable So. ciety," and the best shot at "folly as it flies" that ever made a successful debut in New Burlington Street. In her works we * Bentley, London. have the point, brilliancy, lightness of touch, and witty harmless malice of a French writer, in alliance with the shrewd. ness and range of observation of a very clever woman, who has seen, and who knows the world," and bottomed (as Dr. Johnson might say) upon a deep stratum of English sterling sense. Late in the month as her tales have reached us, we have turned them eagerly over, even from "The Pavilion" to "The Intrigante." The Maneuverer Outwitted, or Relations from India, is an exceedingly clever sketch, in which poetical justice is rigidly executed upon a cunning catch-match widow, dexterously caught in her own toils. This tale, with many good ordinary characters, has one undoubted original, Mrs. MacWinnepey, a shrewd, meddling, bitter dowager, that accepts the homage, the presents and flatteries of the legacy and husband-hunter who seeks to make her a prey, sees through her paltry arts, and maliciously plays with, mocks, and disappoints her. But it is for the last tale the authoress has reserved all her strength. It is a politico-moral story of the close of the reign of George the IV. Like Apel. les, the painter of the Intrigante has borrowed here a feature, and there a grace, and from many quarters snatched an "art" to make up in her heroine, the first embodying of female political intrigue and ambition which has found its way into any English work of fiction. The delineation cannot be without its use. It gives us as high an idea of depth of the writer's mind. as we previously entertained of her talents and sprightliness. THE LIBRARY OF ROMANCE. THE ROBBER OF THE RHINE."-The first volume of this formidable rival to the Minerva, and other romantic presses, was the Ghost Hunter, by Mr Banim, which we noticed last month. The second volume is the production of the editor; and is likely to be much admired by young novel readers generally; but especially by such as like strong emotion, bold, and outre characters, and a bustling, stimulating story. Many of the scenes are stirring; and of Jews, robbers, &C., &c., there is no end. There is, moreover, a noble and generous hero, and a heroine, all Shaksperian in her devotedness, and high-minded constancy. We wish all suc cess to "the Library of Romance." In THE GEORGIAN ERA.†-This is a brief biography, commemorating the most eminent persons who have flourished in Great Britain since the accession of the Hanoverian family. It is well compiled, and neatly printed; and will form a useful book of reference to many. it the professions are divided, and professional men classified; so that turning to the Lawyers, we have Brougham, Thurlow, Ellenberough, Mackintosh, &c., &c., -to the Navy, Rodney, Nelson, Howe, &c., &c.; and this is observed throughout every department, which we imagine is a new method, and one that certainly favours lucid arrangement. other. The work is useful from bring. ing within small compass the contents of many volumes, from which its condensed information is gathered. The author expresses his gratitude to several gentlemen, who in Indian affairs are certain. ly qualified to impart the most valua ble knowledge. The approaching discussion, or shall we say crisis, in the Company's affairs, gives the work a temporary interest besides what belongs to it intrinsically. INDIA'S CRIES TO BRITISH HUMANITY." This work is already well known in the religious world; and that a third edition is required, inspires us with the hope that the benevolent object of the author has been responded to throughout Britain. The abolition of suttees, the prevention of infanticide, the subversion of idolatry, and generally the improvement of the social condition of the native inhabitants of British India, is the humane and truly Christian design of this meritorions volume, which is worthy of all encouragement from such as lay these things to heart. THE LAST ESSAYS OF ELIA.†-Of this fascinating volume what can be said, but that here we have collected the last essays of him, whom "none but himseft can parallel." If pronounced inferior to the first selection, what is that but saying that in subtilty, tenderness, and a certain rare, quaint, and delicious humour, these Sketches must remain unique and unapproached among English compositions, save by a second best, the present volume, namely. The book is rather high-priced, as times go; but then it is worth its weight in gold. WHYCHCOTTE OF ST. JOHNS. — This is the title given to two volumes of Essays and Sketches, grave and gay, moral, biographical, and critical, and of varying degrees of literary merit; though, while some arcexcellent, all are respectable. Some of them we must have seen before; for we cannot take credit for dreams so full of liveliness and beauty; but as these are subjects upon which publishers or authors have of late resolved not to speak, and may have good reasons for silence, we shall be equally mysterious. It will excite the curiosity of all the world, when we mention that we have sketches of Mrs. Hemans, Mrs. Arbuthnot, and Mrs. Henry Grey of Edinburgh; Sir Hudson Simpkin and Marshall. + Moxon, London. Pp. 283. Lowe, Professor Smythe of Cambridge, Young Napoleon, and Earl Grey, with the Spectre of the Bloody Head, making altogether very agreeable, light, half-hour reading; though a few particularities, we shall not call them personalities, might have been spared. What shall ARTHUR CONINSBY." we make of this romance? It has little story, and not much character; and is nevertheless marked by talent of no ordinary kind. In every page, it bears evidence of the rich and prolific, though immatured mind of the writer; of his cultivation and elegance, and taste in the arts; along with a very remarkable uuskilfulness in the construction of a novel of every-day in terest. There is a feebleness and haze over many parts of the story which looks as if it were a translation; and though many separate scenes are powerful, especially those on Paris; as a whole, it is far from being so effective as the genius displayed by the author ought to have made a work which bears no mark of haste. LIFE OF COWPER, COMPILED FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE, BY THOMAS TAYLOR.t-A Life of Cowper, with as much as possible of his correspondence, is a work which should form a household book in every family that understands the lan guage in which the most popular and be loved of modern poets wrote. Every one likely to purchase this work is already aware of its material; the inimitable letters of Cowper are interwoven into an accurate and luminous narrative, by a writer already favourably distinguished among the working bands of literature; and who is filled with admiration and sympathy for the subject of his interesting memoir. He has executed his task with delicacy and fidelity, and in doing so, performed a useful, and, we doubt not, acceptable service, in placing within the reach of ordinary readers, the biography and the es sence of the delightful correspondence of Cowper. LIFE OF MILTON, BY THE REV. MR. IVEMEY.-Milton has, by his former biographers, been principally consi dered as a poet. In this Memoir, his prose writings-some of them among the noblest effusions of genius, united with the purest love of truth, and the highest spirit of independence which the English language boasts have been more fully considered than in any previous life. Effingham Wilson, London, 2 vols. Pp. 579. + Effingham Wilson, London, 3 vols. + Smith & Elder, Pp. 308. |