Interest made Equity, being a Republication of the Article on the subject of Interest, contained in the Supplement to the Encyclopædia Britannica, from the pen of Mr Macculloch. New York. 1826. 8vo. pp. 32.

THE republication of this piece in the pamphlet form, is owing, we presume, to Professor M'Vickar, of Columbia College, New York. His main object in causing it to be reprinted, as we gather from his preface, was to give wider circulation to Mr Macculloch's opinion of the usury laws. There is but one sentiment, we apprehend, in regard to the impolicy of penal regulations concerning interest, among men of science; and but one sentiment among practical men. But between these two classes of the community, there is a large number of upright, fair-minded men, who, having never possessed themselves of the cogent facts and luminous inductions of the books of political economy, nor ever become familiarized with the actual state of business in the money market, still continue honestly to entertain the most erroneous ideas of the nature of interest. Among these it is, that cool, candid, dispassionate writings, like Mr Macculloch's article, may exercise a beneficial influence.

The subject has lately acquired rather more than usual interest in Massachusetts, in consequence of the recent partial repeal of the laws against usury in this State. At the last session of the Legislature an act was passed, providing in substance, that no contract, on which more than six per cent. has been reserved, shall for that reason be void, but the interest only shall be forfeited; and providing further, that no action shall lie to recover back any excessive interest which shall have been actually paid. We deem this act a most important improvement of our law. Its passage proves that sound and enlightened doctrines on this point are gaining ground, and have already secured a foothold in society. The law, it is true, was opposed with much zeal and perseverance; and the minority subsequently published in the newspapers a formal protest against its enactment. But, although we are entirely satisfied of the perfect sincerity of conviction and integrity of prin

ciple, by which the opponents of the measure were actuated, we cannot but rejoice, that so much advancement has been made in what we consider one of the fundamental doctrines of a liberal policy.

Register of Debates in Congress, comprising the leading Debates and Incidents of the Second Session of the Eighteenth Congress :-together with an Appendix, containing the most important State Papers and Public Documents, to which the Session has given birth. To which are added the Laws enacted during the Session, with a copious Index to the whole. Vol. I. Washington. 1825. Large 8vo. pp. 742. 123.

Messrs Gales and Seaton's excellent reports of the debates in Congress, as published in the National Intelligencer, are well known to the American people, and duly appreciated. We rejoice to see them in a less transitory shape. For although the productions of the newspaper press produce the most extensive influence on the public mind, and present a great mass of the most valuable intelligence to the community, still hardly any thing possesses a less permanent character. The best newspapers are in everybody's hands at the time of publication; but speedily perish, with the exception of the few which are preserved by the curious, or collected in literary repositories. They contain, besides, a large quantity of matter wholly ephemeral in its nature, and of no lasting interest, unless to the professed antiquary. Hence we regard the Congressional Register as containing a most important addition to our stock of historical and political information in a fixed shape, and sincerely hope the publication will be sufficiently encouraged to ensure its continuance. Like the British Parliamentary Register, it will never cease to possess increasing value hereafter, when the individuals, whose honourable efforts fill its pages, shall have passed off the stage of life, to give a place to the laudable ambition of other generations of men. In a word, it comprises, in a durable form, a complete history, for the time being, of "the legislation of the government of the United States."

The second session of the Eighteenth Congress was not marked by so many debates, which strongly fastened the public attention, as the first session of that or of the present Congress. The then approaching election of the President of the United States seemed to be the all-absorbing topic of consideration. Still sever

al debates occurred on subjects unconnected with this, which are instructive and remarkable. The act concerning Gen. Lafayette was a signal proof that republics can sometimes be just, generous, and grateful. And the act consolidating the laws in regard to the post-office, and that for the punishment of crimes against the United States, were business measures, exceedingly creditable to the members who introduced them and carried them through the respective branches of Congress.

INTELLIGENCE.

Antiquarian Society in Normandy. An Antiquarian Society was lately established in Normandy, and is composed of many eminent literary characters. Their chief object is to collect and publish facts tending to illustrate the history of that country, which has been successively occupied by Celts, Gauls, Romans, Saxons, Franks, Neustrians, and Normans. The Society have already published ten volumes.

Asiatic Society. The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland has recently published a volume of papers relating to the history and antiquities of Bengal; some of these refer to inscriptions, which are supposed to fix the true date of some ancient revolutions in that country. Royal Society of Literature. The Royal Society of Literature, instituted in 1824, and more recently incorporated, is in a prosperous state, if we may judge from the imposing account given of a late meeting, and the names of noblemen and bishops who are members of it. Ten associates, who are eminent scholars, have been elected, to whom the king has given one hundred guineas each. A volume is preparing for the press by the Society; and it is particularly engaged on the subject of Egyptian hieroglyphics.

Education in South America. The cause of education is flourishing in South America. There are fifty public schools in Buenos Ayres.

Canada. The attention of the British government is turned to Canada; and means are used to increase its population, and encourage the developement of its natural resources.

Gentleman's Magazine. A writer in the English Gentleman's Magazine, supposes the ruins at Stonehenge to be an antediluvian work. Another writer in that Magazine, undertakes to show, that the English language is derived almost entirely from the Saxon; the proportion of Saxon words in certain chapters of John's Gospel being as nine to ten. And one of its correspondents expresses a doubt, whether the pretended discoveries, and the innovations in science, philosophy, and theology are real improvements, or have tended much to the exaltation and happiness of mankind.

Languages spoken on this Continent. The English language is said to be spoken in America by eleven and a half millions of people; the Spanish, by ten millions; the Indian, by seven and a half; the Portuguese, by three; the French, by one million two hundred thousand; the Dutch, and Danish, and Swedish, by two hundred thousand ;-being twenty-seven millions, in the whole, of people speaking European languages in America.

Newspapers in Greece. We rejoice to learn, that weekly papers continue to be published in several parts of Greece, and are extensively circulated. If well conducted, thay cannot fail to have a good effect upon the interests of civil liberty. "The Chronicle" is published twice a week at Missolonghi; its motto is, "The greatest utility to the greatest number." A gazette at Hydra, twice a week, called "The Friend of the Laws." Journals are published also at Athens and Napoli; and one, called "The Telegraph," at Vienna, in the modern Greek language.

Items from English Periodicals.

On the 9th of December, a French vessel, belonging to St Malo, arrived at the port of St Ives, on her return from St John's River, on the Coast of Africa, with a crew consisting only of twelve men; the captain, supercargo, and eight others, having died in the course of the voyage. When the vessel was boarded, she was found well fitted out for the reception of slaves, with abundance of manacles, chains, and other instruments of torture; there were also found four black men and a boy, who constituted part of the wretched cargo.

The receipts of Customhouse duties at Liverpool, have, in the year just ended, notwithstanding the panic which has prevailed in the interior of the country during the last quarter, exceeded 3,000,000l.

A farmer, named Kingston, of Ditcheat, who was born without arms, is enabled to accomplish with his feet all those purposes for which the hands are generally employed. He shaves and writes with great facility, and in the cricket ground is an admirable bowler.

Mr Macqueen, the editor of the Glasgow Courier, has been voted by the Legislative Assembly of Jamaica, 5000l. to be paid without any deduction, for his unsolicited services in advocating the Colonial interests, and this example of pecuniary reward is recommended to the other islands for adoption.

An ingenious youth of Crowland, has had for some time a flea, with a chain round its neck, and fastened to a cherry stone. He has also made six dozen of silver spoons, which he puts inside the stone.

A steam vessel of from 400 to 500 tons, is now building at Bristol, by the proprietors of the War Office Packets, for the purpose of conveying goods and passengers between that city and Ireland.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

BIOGRAPHY.

The Life of Elisha Tyson, the Philanthropist. By a Citizen of Baltimore.

Memoirs of the late Mrs Susan Huntington, of Boston, Mass. Consisting principally of Extracts from her Journal and Letters; with the Sermon occasioned by her death. By Benjamin Wisner. Boston. 12mo. pp. 408.

DRAMA.

The Widow's Son, or Which is the Traitor; a Melo-Drama. By S. Woodworth, Author of "Deed of Gift,” “Castle of Olmutz," &c. Price 25 cents.

EDUCATION.

The First Lines of English Grammar; being a brief Abstract of the Author's Larger Work. Designed for Young Learners. By Goold Brown. Second edition. New York. 18mo. pp. 108.

A New College Atlas; consisting of a Series of General Maps of the various Grand Divisions of the known World, adapted to the Course of Geographical Instruction, usually pursued in the Colleges and High Schools of the United States. Philadelphia.

Conversations on Natural Philosophy. By the Author of "Conversations on Chemistry," and "Conversations on Political Economy." Improved by the Rev. J. L. Blake, A. M. Eighth edition. Boston. 1826. 12mo. pp. 252.

An Arithmetic; being a Sequel to First Lessons in Arithmetic. By Warren Colburn. Third edition. Boston. 1826. 12mo. pp. 267. The Union Primer, or First Book for Children; compiled for the Sunday School Union, and fitted for the Use of Schools in the United States.

An Outline of Bible History, with Notes and Observations; adapted to the minds of Youth, and designed for Sabbath and other Schools; with Engravings. By Rev. Charles A. Goodrich. Second edition. Hartford. 1826. 18mo. pp. 108.

LAW.

A Report from the Commissioners, appointed to Revise the Statute Laws of the State of New York, prepared in obedience to a Resolution of the Honourable the Assembly. Communicated March 15. Albany. 1826. 8vo. pp. 112.

An Anniversary Discourse, delivered before the Historical Society of New York, December 6, 1823, showing the Origin, Progress, Antiquities, Curiosities, and Nature of the Common Law. By William Sampson, Esq. Also, his Correspondence with various learned Jurists upon the History of the Law; with the addition of several Essays, Tracts, and Documents, relating to the subject, by President Cooper, of Columbia College, S. C., Governor Winslow, S: C., &c. &c. Washington. 1826. 8vo. pp. 202.

Reports of Cases argued and determined in the English Courts of Common Law. Edited by Thomas Sergeant and John C. Lowber, Esqrs. Vol. IX. Parts 3 and 4; containing the second volume of Bingham's Reports in C. P.

MEDICINE.

A Lecture, delivered at the opening of the Medical Department of the Columbia College in the District of Columbia, March 30, 1825. By Thomas Sewall, M. D. Professor of Anatomy and Physiology. Second edition. Washington City. 8vo. pp. 43.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Philadelphia; or, Glances at Surgeons, Physicians, First Circles, Western Parties, &c. Philadelphia. 1826. 18mo.

The Gentleman's Annual Calendar, for 1826; containing an Almanac, List of both Houses of Legislature, Foreign Ministers, &c. Corrected to December 30, 1825. Philadelphia. 18mo. pp. 32.

The Savannah Directory for the year 1826.

An Address in Commemoration of Lexington Battle, delivered April 19, 1826. By W. Emmons. Boston. Published for the Author. 8vo. pp. 16. Cobwebs to Catch Flies, or Dialogues in Short Sentences, adapted to Children from the age of Three to Eight Years.

Select Rhymes for the Nursery, with Twelve Coloured Engravings. A Reply to Judge Johnson's Remarks on an Article in the North American Review, relating to Count Pulaski. By Paul Bentalou, Author of "Pulaski Vindicated." Baltimore. 1826. 8vo.