66 10.-The Life and Times of Alexander Hamilton. By SAMUEL M. SMUCKER, A. M., author of the "Court and Reign of Catherine II.," " Emperor Nicholas I.," " Memorable Scenes in French History." 12mo., pp. 408. Boston and Chicago: L. P. Crown & Co. 66 The reading public are indebted to Mr. Smucker for several popular publications of an historical and biographical character. Beside the cumbersome and diffuse memoir by his son, John C. Hamilton, and the small, meagre work of Dr. Renwick, we are not aware of the existence of any other reliable memoir of remarkable incidents of Hamilton's career. It is well, and we believe truly, remarked by the author of the present work, that few men have lived whose virtues were so transcendant, whose motives were so disinterested, whose usefulness was so extensive and so permanent, yet against whom the envious, the malicious, fabricated so many baseless and absurd slanders. As time recedes, his character shines brighter, and the false and erroneous impressions which once existed in regard to his political principles and personal qualities, have in a measure become rectified. Remembering the severe order given by Cromwell to the limner who executed his portrait, to paint him as he was, and not to omit the parts which embellished his stern visage, Mr. Smucker has not overlooked to note the real defects in Hamilton's character. The fact that Hamilton possessed the confidence of Washington, is enough to endear his name to every honest, patriotic American. The author regards him as second in the hearts of his countrymen. The publication of so complete and satisfactory, yet succint and popular a life of Hamilton, supplies a want in our historical and biographical literature long felt by a large portion of the reading public. His name and character would be worthy themes for a Bancroft, Everett, Prescott, or any of the eminent biographers of the immortal Washington. 11.-America and Europe. By ADAM G. DE GUROWSKI. 12mo., pp. 411. New York: D. Appleton & Co. The best books, that is, the most philosophical publications pertaining to the United States of America, have either been originally written in other than the English language, or emanated from the French or German mind. We mean by this, essays touching the genius of our political, civil, or religious institutions. The present work, as the name of its author indicates, is the production of an intelligent and educated foreigner. Without professing to accept the varied speculations of A. G. De Gurowski, we may say that he has embraced in his view a series of well considered ideas, that cannot fail to attract the attention of that increasing class of minds who are desirous of solving the problem of American and European civilization. The work is divided into thirteen chapters, the scope of which may be inferred from the titles, viz.: Population, Races, Character, Democracy, Self-Government, Slavery Manifold Destiny, Foreign Element, Education, the Press, the Pulpit, the American Mind, Customs, Habits, Manners, etc., Country and City. The author regards the social and historical stand points reached by America, as having solved several problems, which up to this time have been distinctly regarded as nearly, if not quite, "indissoluble." 12.--The Story of a Pocket Bible, with illustrations. New York: Wiley & Halsted. This is an exceedingly interesting and instructive story, something on the plan of the Adventures of a Piece of Money, we have forgotten whether of a penny or guinea. The story of the Pocket Bible commences with its first possession by a child, and passes through a great variety of hands and usage, sometimes pleasantly located, and at others in uncomfortable places, in scenes of sorrow and joy, in the desolate and in the happy home, sometimes read, and others doomed to perpetual silence, by the bed-side of the dying, and at another on the table of the relentless creditor. Through all its changes it imparts its precepts and parables of piety and humanity. It is, we repeat, an interesting and instructive story, well calculated to impart useful lessons to those who would be amused and instructed by the simple narrative of its peregrinations. 13.-The Gallows, the Prison, and the Poor-House. A Plea for Humanity, showing the demands of Christianity in behalf of the criminal and perishing classes. By G. W. QUINBY. 12mo., pp. 326. Cincinnati: G. W. Quinby. Boston: A. Tompkins. The author believes the world has advanced in its humanity, but that there is room for still greater advancement, and he writes under the conviction, obtained from reading, personal investigation in jails, and prisons, among prisoners, and intercourse among the poor, the ignorant, and unfortunate, that the Christian world is governed too generally by revenge, and too little by the spirit of true humanity. The results of these investigations he has presented to the reader in the present work in a clear and convincing light. His arguments, drawn from every tenable source, against the infliction of the death penalty, though not new, are presented with great force and clearness. This philosophy is based on fact. The volume is divided into three parts. In the first, the growth and progress of humanity, and the gallows, are discussed in their varied bearings. The second part is devoted to the prison and the criminal, and the third to the alms-house. We recommend the work as one eminently adapted to the spirit of the age, and well calculated to promote the best and truest development of humanity. 14.-Irish Eloquence. The Speeches of the Celebrated Irish Orators, Philips, Curran, and Grattan. To which is added the powerful appeal of Robert Emmet at the close of his trial for high treason. Selected by A MEMBER OF THE BAR. 8vo., pp. 548. Boston: Patrick Donahoe. This volume opens with a preface to the speeches of Charles Philips, delivered at the bar on various public occasions, and a letter to George IV., which cover one hundred and eighty pages of the volume. It is a reprint of the only edition “offered to the world in authentic form." We have next in order the "Speeches of the Right Hon. John Philpot Curran, Master of the Rolls in Ireland,” beginning on page 179, and ending on page 477. The third part of the volume is devoted to the "Speeches of the Right Hon. Henry Grattan." There are attached to the opening of each orator explanatory and critical prefaces, and the volume closes with the memorable and patriotic speech of Emmet, as delivered at the Session House, Dublin, before Lord Norbury. This work furnishes some of the best specimens of true Irish eloquence in our language. 15.-Things not Generally Known. A popular hand-book of facts not readily accessible in literature, history, and science. Edited by DAVID A. WELLS, author of "Knowledge is Power," "Familiar Science," etc. 12mo., pp. 432. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Mr. Wells has been quite successful in the compilation of useful and popular works. The volume contains a good number of items curious and useful, gathered from the broad fields of literature, history, and science, which are not contained in encyclopedias and ordinary hand-books. The various matters are classed under six general departments, embracing in their scope language, manners and laws, history, geography and statistics, the physical sciences, arts, and manufactories. 16.-Elements of Intellectual Philosophy; designed for a Text-Book and for Private Reading. By HUBBARD WINSLOW, author of Philosophical Traits, Social and Civil Duties, Young Man's Aid, etc. 12mo., pp. 415. Boston: Hickling, Swan & Brewer. The first edition of this work was published in 1852, and the second in 1854. We do not know how many copies have been published, but if the circulation of the work were measured by its merits, we should say the number would be large. Those who think with Pope, that "the proper study of mankind is man," will find in this treatise valuable assistance in the prosecution of that study. It seems to us that the author has rendered his statements and discussions as thorough, laminous, and condensed as the nature of the work would admit. Technical terms are mostly avoided, and quotations from foreign languages are introduced only in English. The author has, we think, succeeded in his aim of bringing every sentence of his book within the apprehension of all who are accustomed to reflect. 17.-Priesthood and Clergy unknown to Christianity; or, the Church a Community of Co-equal Brethren. A Canto. By CAMPAGINATOR. 12mo., pp. 168. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippencott & Co. The author of this work does not deny "a divine priesthood in Christ, nor a spiritual priesthood" as pertaining to his people. But he denies the existence of any other, and "goes against all priesthood and clergy visibly and eternally embodied in a distinct class or caste." He brings and weaves "together, from whatever quarter would yield it, a mass of evidence to the nulity of the distinction between clergy and laity"-a distinction which he regards as of baneful effects upon the interior life of the Church. The author's views are clearly and distinctly enunciated and sustained. 18.-Rosella of Laconia; or, Legends of the White Mountains and Merry-Meeting Bay. By J. W. SCRIBNER, M. D. 12mo., pp. 490. Boston: James French & Co. The principal scenes in these legends, we are told by the author, who is worthy of credence, are for the most part authenticated historical facts. A leading feature of the work is to show how unjustly the Indian has been cheated of his possessions and drove from the honored graves of his fathers, how he strove to avenge his wrongs by taking the lives of his oppressors. It is an interesting book, and the legends it contains are well calculated to amuse readers generally. 19.-Hand Books for Home Improvement. No. 1, How to Write; No. 2, How to Talk. 12mo., pp. 156, 156. New York: Fowler & Wells. Two very cleverly prepared manuals for popular instruction. In "how to talk," we have directions for acquiring a grammatical, easy, and graceful style of speaking, conversation, &c. Several hundred errors in speaking, are pointed out and corrected. How to write" embraces kinds of penmanship, practical rules for literary composition in general, and epostolary and newspaper writing, and proof correcting in particular, &c. Forms for letters of every discription are introduced. 20.-Scandal. By MRS J. T. BECKFORD. 12mo., pp. 394. Boston: Shepherd, Clark & Brown. The author, while she has one object, a large circulation for her "Scandal," claims a higher, holier motive, paramount to all pecuniary or selfish ends--a desire to embody "Scandal" and set it before the world as it is, the most hideous of all evils; and at the same time place in contrast its great conqueror, Truth, the most beautiful of all good. To upraise the undeservedly fallen, and make the sitters upon stolen thrones feel their false position, constitute a theme for Mrs. Beckford's inspiration. It is a good one, and we hope it may prove successful. 21.-The War-Trail; or the Hunt of the Wild Horse. A Romance of the Prairie. By Capt. MAYNE REID, author of the "Hunters' Feast," "Scalp Hunters," Rifle Rangers," etc. 12mo., pp. 489. New York: Robert M. De Witt. As a writer of "half-wild, half-civilized, half-hunter, half-military adventures," Capt. Reid has no equal. His style is emphatically his own, and his narratives, or romances, find captivated readers among all ages. The " War-Trail" has been pronounced by some to be the best from his prolific pen. We feel quite sure it will be gratefully received by all who have read his previous productions. The volume is copiously illustrated with original desings engraved by N. Orr. 22.-The Border Rover. By EMERSON BENNETT. 12mo., pp. 524. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson. The other works of Emerson Bennett viz., Pioneer's Daughter, Clara Moreland, Viola, The Forged Will, Ellen Norbury, Bride of the Wilderness. Kate Clarendon, and the Heiress of Bellefonte, and Walde-Warren, all published by Mr. Peterson, have had an extensive circulation, and enjoy a wide popularity among the lovers of stirring romance, and we have no doubt the "Border Rover," which is equal to the best of the author's previously published works, will meet with similar success. CONTENTS OF NO. IV., VOL. XXXVII. ARTICLES. ART. I. EXPORT TRADE OF SOUTHERN RUSSIA. PAGE 408 IL POLITICAL ECONOMY. CHAPTER VII. CREDIT. By AMASA WALKER, late Secre tary of State of Massachusetts... III EUROPEAN COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE. No. VII. By GEORge Francis TRAIN, Esq 411 422 IV. SPECIE PRICES AND RESULTS. By CHARLES H. CARROLL, Merchant, of Mass..... 429 ' V. “WHY HAVE WE NOT MORE MERCHANT STATESMEN?" By RICHARD SULLEY, Esq., of New York VL COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CITIES OF THE UNITED STATES. NUMBER L. DUBUQUE, IOWA. History of Dubuque-Statistics of Progress and Population-Location-Trade of Dubuque from 1851 to 1855-Mercantile and Manufacturing Business - Stores and Shops-Railroad and Steamboat Business in 1836-Express, Telegraph, and Exchange Business-Business of the Post-office-City ImprovementsPrincipal Buildings, etc.... VII. THE CHIEF CAUSE OF WESTERN FAILURES. BY DANIEL R. HUNDLEY, Esq., of Chicago, Ill... JOURNAL OF MERCANTILE LAW. Buits to Recover Freight, and to Recover Damages to Cotton Charter Party-to Freight Ship with Full Cargo from Boston to Calcutta and Back. Law of Louisiana Relative to Investment of the Funds of Minors....... Alleged Bad Stowage of Flour....... ..... COMMERCIAL CHRONICLE AND REVIEW: 435 438 444 446 447 448 449 450 451 EMBRACING A FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, ETC., ILLUS TRATED WITH TABLES, ETC., AS FOLLOWS: The Financial Revulsion-Attendant Difficulties and Failures-The Effects of Sudden Panic in Igniting a Train Already Laid-The Lesson to be Learned-Changes of Bank Policy in Relation to Loans on Call and Interest on Deposits-Contempt for Slow Gains and Patient Toil -The Stock Market-Business at the Assay-office and at the Mints-The Bank MovementImports and Exports at New York for August, and since January 1st-Imports and Exports from all the Ports of the United States to Foreign Ports for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1857-Exports of Produce, etc... 452-461 New York Cotton Market. By CHARLES W. FREDERICKSON, Broker, New York............. JOURNAL OF BANKING, CURRENCY, AND FINANCE. Condition of the Banks of Illinois 461 465 Condition of the Free Banks in Indiana.-Distribution of Wealth in Great Britain Valuation of Property in Baltimore.-Rates of Taxation in Charleston for City Purposes.. 470 470 Valuation of Property in Nashville in 1857.-London View of the New York Stock Market.... 471 The Daily Banking Business of Philadelphia... 472 How a Money Panic was made in London 473 VOL. XXXVII.-NO. IV. 26 COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS. PAGE Tariff of the Ionian Islands.. Walnuts-Entry Claimed as "Fruit." Cotton Fabrics, Cords or Corduroy, Velveteens, etc.: Entry Claimed as Velvet in the Piece, or Cotton Velvet... 474 475 Almonds-Entry Claimed as "Fruit." 475 476 476 477 478 479 480 Cotton Fabric; Gingham-Entry Claimed as a Manufacture of Cotton.... Wood's Patent Dry or Boiler Felt.-Chlorate of Potash and Sal Acetosella.-Borax.. STATISTICS OF TRADE AND COMMERCE. Commerce of Brazil in 1855-56. Proforma Account of Muscovado Sugar from Matanzas to New York-Cost at Various Prices and Rates of Exchange, Based Upon the Above Froforma-Net Proceeds of New York Prices ..... 481 462-488 Proforma Account of Molasses from Matanzas to New York-Cost at Various Prices and Rates A Fixed Light, Varied by Flashes, at Princess Bay Lighthouse, Lower Bay, New York... 484-485 486 487 488 491 492 492 Morris Island (S. C.) Range Beacon.-Blackwater Bank Light-vessel, Southeast Coast of Ireland 493 Front Range Beacon, Sullivan's Island, S. C.... Change of Lights on Block Island, R. L.-Buoy Off Chincoteague Inlet.... JOURNAL OF INSURANCE. Statistics of Insurance in Europe.-Novel Life Insurance Case. RAILROAD, CANAL, AND STEAMBOAT STATISTICS. Investments in Railroads, and Income of the New Jersey. Massachusetts Railroad Dividends.-British Railway Traffic.. Six Months of Steamboat and Railroad Accidents in 1857.... Progress of Railways in Canada.... JOURNAL OF MINING AND MANUFACTURES. Song of the Anvil.-Manganese: a New Application of It... The Coal Wealth of Western Virginia -Reduction of Iron Ores... 501 503 504 Improvement in Manufacturing Cast Steel.-Zinc for Ship Building Profitable Farming in Wisconsin.-The North American Hemp and Cotton Plant.... Emigration from Europe-Immigration into the United States Through Canada 506 507 508 ..... 509 ...... 510 511 .......... 514 Shopping in Toulouse-The Lady and the Lunatic Clerk.. Commercial Value of English Newspapers.-Business Men and the Law.-Inherited Wealth... 520 515 516 513 519 519 THE BOOK TRADE. Notices of New Works or New Editions...... 521-528 |