works, and to publish them by subscrip tion. They are chiefly in the hands of an eminent literary friend, whose regard for his memory will secure to the public a complete edition of his writings; and whose labours will be further recommended by their being gratuitously exerted for the benefit of Mr. Sheridan's family.

ment was a branch of the Secretary of
State's Office. Yet, he thought not so
much more, but what there might be a
saving of about £14,000 per annum.
India Colonies, Mauritius, &c. might be
The
transferred to the board of controul. He
bore testimony to the able manner in which
the third Secretary had conducted the bu

Mr. Sheridan has left the following|siness; but now there would be nothing Works:

The Rivals, a Comedy.

St. Patrick's Day, a farce.

The Duruun, a Comic Opera. 'The School for Scandal, a Comedy. A Trip to Scarborough, altered 1777. from Vauburgh

}

The Critic: or Tragedy Rehearsed, 1781. The Camp is attributed to Mr. Sheridan's pen, but it is positively denied by Mr. Tate Wilkinson, that Mr. S. was its -author,

The Drama of Pizarro received many improvements from Mr. Sheridan's pen.

On Tuesday, the 28th of May last, at her house, No. 12, Cold-bath-square, at the advanced age very of 116 years, Mrs. Jane Lewson, commonly called Lady Lewson, from her very eccentric manner of dress. Mrs. Jaue Lewson was born in the year 1700, during the reign of William and Mary, in Essex-street, in the Strand, of most respectable parents of the name of Vaughan, and was married at an early age to a wealthy gentleman of the name o Lewson, then living in the same house.

for him to do: no local militia now stood in the way; no duties to perform.

Mr. Goulburn thought a knowledge of the duties of the office was the best authority on which the house could judge on its importance: what does it perform for the posse-sions reuder it necessary. We could public service? Our extended colonial not shift our colonies from this office, to that; and when application was made, turn them over from office to office. It blished and fixed office, with a respousible was proper that they should have an estaminister to apply to, who might receiv their communications, attend to their interests, and promote measures intended for their welfare. He did not think the house would save 8 or £10,000 per annum, at the hazard of leaving the colonial business undone:-for as to throwing it into the Home Department, that was full-over full, already.

of business by the restoration of many Mr. Wynne thought, that the diminution colonies in consequence of the peace, would,

allow the reduction of the office. Be recollected, that during Mr. Fox's illness, the. business of the Foreign Office was carried, on at Lord Spencer's. Much might be done, by a hearty good will and resolution to reduce expenses.

PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY. CHAP. IV. Third Secretary of State. House of Commons. April 3-Mr. Tierney proposed an address to the Prince Regent, to suppress the Mr. Hiley Addington could assure the office of third Secretary of State. Up to Hon. Gent, that the correspondence with 1763, there were only two Secretaries; the Ireland, and with various parts of the kingcritical situation of America, occasioned dom, was much increased; the business of the institution of a third. In 1782, Mr. the home department had undergone a Burke's bill abolished this third Secretary, great increase, and continued to be proand the public business was conducted by gressively increasing. The superintendtwo till 1794, when in consequence of the ance of the Police of the Metropolis was war with France, Mr. Dundas found addi-becoming most arduous. tional help absolutely necessary. In 1797, Mr. Marryat thought the union into on when the war office was established, the office of two distinct objects would be expense was £10,950 per annum. The ex-found parsimony, not saving. In fact, we pences in the present year amounted to £21,000: the contingencies were formerly £2,000, they are now £9,000. All this might be saved to the country.

The salary of the principal Secretary of State, (Lord Bathurst) with his clerks, was £3,000. Alterations were expected to the amount of £2,000, and the office of Under Secretary would be abolished. He allowed that there was more colonial business now, than when the colonial depart

bad colonies of all languages; each of these colonies had its own laws;-in some, the laws of France; in others the Dutch; in others the Greek; in others, he supposed, those formed by the King of Caudy. So that, in fact, our Colonial office ought to speak all languages, know all usages, be acquainted with all intersts, in order to keep all quiet. All these required different management: but, he wished that British tribunals were erected in all of them; aud

859]

Political Periscope.

ustice administered by British laws.
Mr. Bragge Bathurst did not think the
inhabitants of these various colonies were
in a state to receive the British laws; but,
surely, the inference was undeniable, that
so great diversity required a distinct office
to itself. Does it require a bead of such
office, distinct from all other? for this 18,
in fact, the whole of the question. If the
office be transferred with its clerks, &c.
where would be the mighty saving? An
office requiring familiarity with so many
laws, languages, and habits, was surely
best conducted by itself.

Mr. Banks said, that after what he had heard, it was not without considerable doubt and difficulty, he formed an opinion that it was not conipetent to Parliament to abolish this situation, with due attention to the public business. He thou ht that to effect a saving, certainly considerable, we should suppress a useful and efficient office. It was evident that our Colonies had greatly increased; of course, the bu siness connected with them iure'sed also.

POLITICAL PERISCOPE.

Panorama Office, July 29, 1816.

THE end of the world! my dear Sir, think of that: the end of the world!" Bow can you be so pressing to get a few paltry guineas more,when you are perfectly aware that a few days hence, uay, even to-morrow, What signifies perhaps, may call you to pass accounts of a very different kind! speculating on the welfare of nations, when the world itse f on which they reside, touches on its termination? Those who took on themselves to make this prophecy were novices, or bunglers, at the business. What signs had they detected of the end of the world? Were ministers grown honest ? -or patriots wise? Ead the sex covered up shoulders, neck, and armis? Moreover, Miser had forborne his usury F what what Churchman his ambition? what fi-Churchmen his censures No: the United Kingdom presen's not the smallest sign of the close of that series of events, which has hitherto characterized the present period, the Kaire Yug of the human

race

Mr. Pousouby begged the House to consider the state of the Country, at this time. The Ministers say, it is in profound It is not then our happiness on the presecurity. But, it is, also, in unparalelled sent occasion, to congratulate our readers distress. Is not this a reason for every on their entrance into a new scene of He thought that. possible economy? things: a scene in which deception is unwhen we had thirteen more provinces in known, equally with violence; from which America, we must have had more busicovetousness is banished equally with want; Where would be ness to do than now. where arrogance no longer treads haughtily the incongruity of placing all the islands in on humility, nor mere wealth affects a di the East under the India Company? He tinction to which it is not entitied; nor the thought that, economy having been prosolence of office, overbears the just right mised it should be realized. He hoped the of the oppressed, nor the ties of blood are broken, at the command of mere caprice, nor the sanctions of religion violated merely as a demonstration of wit and spirit

House would shew that it was in earnest in
this most important duty to the public.

Lord Castlereagh admitted the necessity
of economy; but, that must be rendered
effectual by real savings. To abolish an
efficient branch of administration, was to
sacrifice reality to a shadow, The House
would recollect that this third secretary
was a responsible Minister: his engage:
ments, therefore, could not be transferred
to a minister who was not responsible. He
would say, also, tha', in the eye of the
law, there was, in fact, but oxy Secretary
of state; but, for public functions, the
duties of the office had been divided among
If only the mere act of
signing of names were in question, the
labour might be easily performed; but, if
men of enlarged minds, competent to the
consideration of important subjects were
in question, such gentlemen must not be
treated as mere labourers: they must have
time for thought and reflection.

three officers.

Mr. Rose and Lord Teignmouth also spoke:
Division: for motion, 100. Against it, 182.

We have not given the first place in a Periscope, to the Sublime Porte for a long while past, and yet the Sublime Porte.is as well intitled, in its own opinion, to the first place, as any of the Djurs, or Hogs, which affects to claim it. Those who are able to penetrate the secret design with which this place is assigned to this European power, at this time, will easily be lieve that reasous exist for this order, which can at present be only glanced at. We may venture, however, to disclose so much as may be inferred, from the fact of the question having been moved at the Pauoramic board, in which of the Asiatic cities might his Sublime Lighness find the fittest accommodations, and the greatest conve iences as a metropolis? Prussa has been mentioned; Aleppo;-but our Apocalyptic friends insist on Jerusalem;-then follows of course the battle of Megiddo, and after the battle of Megiddo, place the end of the

world if you please. So then, it seems,
that there are some hopes that the world
will have an end,-either now, or then.
We are mistaken, if some of these previous
events are not in contemplation; but, we
derive our opinion rather from the spots in
the moon, than from those in the sun, which
have lately so much engaged astronomers.
Let the reader look on the gradual creeping
forward of Russia, in the rear of the Turk-
'ish dominions on the side of Caucasus, in
Asia, with the access of the British Naval
power from the west, by Malta, and the
Ionian Islands, part of Greece), and direct

this hint to his own inferences.

The Sublime Porte is at this moment placed in little other than a position o obedience to the lufidel Powers; all of whom have exclaimed against the late cruelties of the Turks in the African cities of the Mediterranean. Now, if the Divan punishes these barbarians, it loses its hold ou their fanaticism and prejudices; and if it refuses, and allows the Christian powers to punish them, this opposition to their will, will have its cousequences; and those consequences will involve the honour of the green standard, with the power and predominance of the true believers. Britain, too, has her share in this: a formidable squadron has sailed under Lord Exmouth, to chastise Algiers ;-may it prove happy and fortunate! as we know it will be valiant. But those who think the matter will end there, have a different view of the configurations of the political heavens from ourselves.

The petty states of Italy have affected to put themselves into a bustle on this occasion: they fit out vessels of war! they produce a race of heroes! They rule the waves! Why did they not resist French Tyranny? Why did Nelson and Trowbridge hate them? Where were their hearts and honour, then? and if they have got either since, where did they pick it up ?

If we may judge by a few symptomatic Articles in the French papers, the French nation retains a most unworthy jealousy of English prowess. We go so far as to say, that should the English expedition against Algiers fail, there will not be wanting many in France, who will covertly or openly rejoice in the failure; and should it succeed completely, there will be devised a great variety of reasons for its success, perfectly independent-aye, perfectly independent of British skill and bravery.

France has indeed enough to do to mind her own affairs at present. We have intelligence from several sedute Frenchmen, as well as from our established agents, that

|

there reigns throughout that country, especaily in the commercial towus, a kind of sallen vacation of business no active and vigorous life; no movements so brisk! so incessant! so expressive! The prodigious riches, en numéraire, brought into France by the victorious Napoleon, exhibit no powerful or surprising traces; abiting the demand for frippery and nonsense, though the people do live-there euds their pros perity.

That the Continent, generally, should be in the same enfeebled condition can sur

prize nobody. Such is the fact. The con sequences of its late punishment for the friendly reception of French principies are not yet terminated: nor will they be, instantly. The scourge penetrated to the bone: the smart is yet felt; though the wound may be healed, or kept from further festering. There are many old connections to be renewed; many adjustments of old concerus we have heard of some. We may go further; and say, we have heard it queried among very intelligent people, whether the tide against our Country has Hot reached its lowest ebb, and if so, whether it may not ere long, resume its flow in our favour? If the Public Funds might be taken as authority, this query may be answered satisfactorily. English Stock, 3 per Cent. at 64. is better than French Stock, 5 per Cent. at 58.

The real state of the United Kingdom at this moment is not easily comprehended. That a few years ago certain classes of our countrymen, say, the cotton manufac turers, for instance, were starving, is well known: but, at that time, the iron works, and branches dependent ou them, were prosperous. Now, the cotton trade emplovs all hands, and the iron works discharge their's. What proportion does the number of each bear to that of the ration at large, and to each other, respectively? Supposing a hundred thousand cotton men to have been dying of want formerly, what difference does it make to the nation, as a nation, if the same number of iron men are dying of want, now? We merely hint this, in proof that the real concerns of the nation, which must always be taken on a general and enlarged scale, are not to be compre hended at a glance.

They demand Mucu information and consideration.

For the same reason we disapprove of comparing our Financial difficulties-say for the last quarter, with the corresponding quarter in a year unusually productive: the average of three years is the shortest that should be taken on large calculations;

nor should any inferences be fired as to The removal of taxes, has also, to a cerfuture probabilities, without well weightain degree, lowered the money price of ing the incidental particulars which may many articles of home mauufacture; and it contribute to render any given time, more, follows, as a mere matter of common praor less productive than another given time.dence, that the public hoping to purchase In short, the state of the world, as we have those very articles at a rate lower (mixus, repeatedly explained, is that of Poverty, the tax) a short time hence, will not purand exhaustion, generally: now, how a chase them now, at a dearer rate, (by the commercial country, dealing with poor amount of the tax). Who will brew beer customers, should itself become rich with the weight of sixteen shillings duty on meuing, in the precious metals, is not the mat, when a few days' patience will easily conceived. In the mean while, that relieve him from that duts, and he saves the precious metals do come in from some-sixteen shillings on every bushe' of malt where is clear, or Gold would rise in price, not fall.

We incline so far to a current opinion, as to entreat that our honest countrymen who have votes, will keep themselves disengaged from all adventurers, men of unkuown talents, and other influence inconsistent with the real and unbiassed good of the country.

STATE OF TRADE. Lloyd's Coffee House, July 22, 13!6. Ir is customary to divide trade into two parts; external, which is commerce; and interual, which is properly trade. It is also, divisible in another manner, as to the quantity delivered, and as to the price at which the articles respectively are sold. That is considered as a falling market. which is obliged to be coutent with a price lower than what affords a fair profit to the seller, whatever be the quantify sold. And yet, if this quantity were passed through the Custom House, the export trade, o commerce of the country would appear to be flourishing, while, in reality, the seller was going nothing by his transaction On the other hand, if the commodity sold were delivered at a high profit, the quan tity on the public records, night appear scanty, perhaps trivial; while the setter, with his workmen, considered themselves as driving a prosperous trade.

The value of goods being changed, by the merchaut exporting, and to the merchant importing, whatever duties are charged ad valorem, follow this change; so that if the value be increased, the duty increases with it; if the value be diminished, the duty, is diminished, also. This varia ation has repeatedly appeared in our pages; and we have had occasion to state the real trade of this country, at an amount, very different from its nominal or apparent value. The return of peace has certainly made vast changes in the value of almost every commodity that pass, through the merchant's books; and to a certain degree must have affected the returns at the Custom House.

he uses? And the same calculating spirit finds occasion to exert itself in almost everything that is bought or sold.

The revulsion of prices, or the new esti mate of property, occasioned by the change: from war to peace, extends throughout pos sessions of every kind; and so far as the nominal value of these had been enhanced by the war, and by circumstances arising out of the war, so far it is highly proper, and even necessary that the prices of such ticles should decline. For, supposing that every thing in Britain continued at the late high prices, what hopes could we entertain of meeting competitors in foreign markets? If foreign markets could produce the same kinds of goods, at a lower rate, how should we expect to retain the markets, continuing to charge the higher rate? Our countrymen have had warning enough from us, that the excellence of their goods is their only security.

Now, the prices of all commodities cannot, in a short space of time, find that level at which it may honestly be hoped they will arrive; because, the stock on hand, though made at the highest price, will not tempt purchasers at that high price; it will not be consumed at that price; and what loss attends it must be averaged into the proceeds of several years, at least. This falls heavy on dealers who havề congratulated themselves on having acquired extensive stocks of foreign articles during the war: now peace is come, other dealers importing articles of equal quality at much less cost, can afford to undersell, and actually do undersell, the former adventurers, to the great prolongation of the list of Whereas's, in the Gazette.

This acts also in its way, on the publie income; for those who have formerly paid the high prices, will pay no more if they continues to over stock them; and those can help it; till they have sold off what who now import, as a matter of course, take all advantages; and continue their goods under bond, and the king's locks, to the latest moment, allowed by law. The same sentiment pervades all ranks

quence is a kind of uncertainty introduced among the buyers, who are not yet out of the habit of contemplating the approach of a fleet.

The prices have given way Is. to 2s. the holders have met the buyers; and the buyers have met the holders. This has much accelerated business, and last week has had a fair share of activity. The demand for foreign sugars has long been greatly reduced: it is but a shadow of what

it once was.

COFFEE has revived in demand, and somewhat risen in price.-But there is announced an extensive sale at the India House, which renders all report on the state of the market nugatory. In fact, it is extremely difhcult to say what the price really is. Generally speaking, it is low; yet certainly higher than it was a few weeks ago. The public sales are more lively, so far as affects British coffee; but, The late supplies from Demerary and Ber Dutch coffee is in very languid demand.' bice, were but indifferently approved of; they, too, however, have somewhat felt the general revival.

It is not in our own country only, that this prudence prevails. The Coutinent has been impovershed, is impoverished, and will continue impoverished for some tame to come. It is true, however, that se=" The honest part of the veral large holders have withdrawn ail community confesses it can buy, but it cannot pay: the kuavish part buys, promises, ford them a more favourable moment: ou their sugars from market: time may afand performs nothing. The Continent the other hand, arrivals may take place cannot send us what it has not got-, e. daily and hourly. The pressure for money Money. The Continental dealers are to their very utmost ail seilers; but no buy-prompt payment is worth more than time. is great in the mercantile world; aud ers: of course, they endeavour to deliver their commodities at the best price they can get; but, we have known Continental articles worth sixteen or twenty guineas, two years ago, sold for four, within a few weeks past. It was known also, that others were sent here at per-adventure; such were the straits of the Continental to raise money, no doubt, other cities beside London witnessed the same manœuvres. GOLD, however, comes into this country in greater quantities than it goes out; for it has gradually sunk from its former high price to £3 19s being only is. 1d. above its proper level. Those who are in the secret, foresee another fall; nor do they consider it as incredible, that it COTTON has continued in steady des should sink below the Bank and Miut cheaper to purchase British twist, and to The foreign fabrics still find it price. In fact, as what we receive from work it into cloth, than to spin for themAfrica, &c. (exclusive of the Continent) seives. They therefore contribute essennow reniamus with us, instead of being ex-tially towards keeping the mills in activiposted, the accumulation will gradually be felt in the market, and the holders will while are delivered for home consumption, The finished goods in the mean readily part with it, before the price sinks at a reasonable rate. Liverpool reports a lower; which is the certain way to effect brisk demand, for the Manchester people; that sinking. This may staud as an in- and about 6,500 bags, sold for last week. stance of imported commodities: now what There seems to be some cause to fear lest is the fate of those who have monopolized | ignoraut workmen should interfere injugold? Is their wealth improved or deteri-riously in this frade: they ought to remeinorated, by the change of affairs?

mand.

ty.

ber the proverb "grasp all, lose ail."

PROVISIONS excite more attention at market. Prime beef and pork are on the advance. Butter arriving from Irelandor rather on its passage, is offered at a low rate, for lately the supply has been very extensive. Bacon, at this time of the year, is in cousiderable request, and the consump tion is great, daily. The prime qualities however, are not abundant, but the maje part at present is ordinary.

The delivery of SUGARS from the warehouses continties exceedingly extensive. This is another of those articles which are greatly affected by the peace. The ships no longer sail in fleets, those first ready having waited for convoy; and those last ready being as early at market, as the earliest. The ships now run to market as soon as possible; the consequence is, a kind of novelty m the business, which the trade are hardly yet prepared to meet. Suppose these sugars to be, as many of them really are, an-sian commodities are heavy. The British HEMP, FLAX, TALLOW, and other Rusnounced for sale on their arrival, at Navy is not what it was; the consumption whatever be the current price, the couse- of naval stores generally, is therfore