In our highly favoured and highly professing So. ciety, this spirit has made deep inroads, producing its own corrupt fruits. In many parts of our country, so desolating have been its effects, that he who ruleth in the children of disobedience, hath wrought fearfully among us. Doctrines at variance with the faith of the gospel have been boldly promulgated, and confident denials of the essentials of the Christian religion have been openly avowed.

This unsoundness in principle, although so painful and distressing, is by no means new. In various ages of the church, the same spirit has been manifested. Within our own borders, and at no distant period, similar defections have appeared. Under a high profession of great spiritual attainments, the seeds of infidelity were sown among us, and with the specious pretext of great religious experience, the necessity for watchfulness, and humble depen dence upon the Lord for preservation, was denied by some, who even professed themselves to have attained a state beyond all fear, concern or possibility of falling; having entered into the heaven of rest in this life, and boldly asserted, that we could know nothing of any other heaven, nothing of any other life beyond the present, and that in this life were to be experienced all the dispensations that our blessed Lord passed through, even to the ascending up on high, and setting down on the right hand of God.

As a necessary consequence of this delusion, the Holy Scriptures came to be lightly esteemed, and spoken of as a dead letter, an object of idolatrous worship, and as containing nothing instructive to such an exalted state. The Divine character and offices of our blessed Saviour were, in like manner, treated with irreverence, his sufferings represented to have been for his own sake, and of no efficacy as applied to us.

These antichristian sentiments produced their na. tural fruits; for those who had imbibed them, being puffed up in their own conceit, were unapproachable. by the tender care of friends, and envy, strife and confusion were the consequences; and having no fellowship with the Society, so they had none one with another: and when the whirlwind and the storm which their unruly spirits had raised, were spent by their own violence, they passed away, leaving, in many instances, few traces of their former standing.

These things we steadfastly believe. We believe As in the natural, so in the moral and religious them, because they are testified of in the Holy world, like causes must, and ever will produce simiScriptures, and "all Scripture is given by inspira-lar effects. Whenever doubts are cherished with tion of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for re- respect to the fundamental truths of the gospel, the proof, for correction, for instruction in righteous- mind is rendered incapable of discernment in reliness; that the man' of God may be perfect, thorough-gious things, and the door is open for the admission ly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim, iii. 16. of all that is evil.

you considered, dear friends, the awful consequences of defection in faith upon yourselves? Have you considered that if you reject the chief corner if you undermine the foundation, the superstructure

stone, the building of your hopes will not stand? that must fall?

When the hour approaches, when you must bid adieu to all things visible, when the excitements of

enthusiasm, the pride of opinion, the desire of renown, will have lost all their power to console, where will the anchor of your souls be, who have refused the Christian's hope?

Have you considered the effects of your doubts and defections upon those who behold you? Has there ever been presented to your view, a mourner in Zion, who, convicted of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, goes sorrowing on his way, seeking a deliverer, and crying out in the anguish of his soul, a Saviour or I die, a Redeemer or I perish for ever?

To such an one will you say, the sacrifice of Christ
is of no avail to thee, his death and sufferings have
opened no way for thy escape? Suggest not, we be-
seech you, these sentiments of infidelity; present not
this poisoned chalice to his lips; attempt not to cut
off his only hope, and drive him to despair; but
rather flee yourselves unto Christ, acknowledge him
in all his ways, that he may yet lift you up; for in
him is plenteous redemption and abundant mercy, to
the penitent sons and daughters of men.
Signed on behalf, and by direction of the Yearly
Meeting aforesaid.

ABRAHAM SHEARMAN, Jun. Clerk.
RUTH RODMAN, Clerk.

FOR THE FRIEND.

THE LONDON YEARLY MEETING.

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such body, not in religious fellowship with solemn, impressive, and instructive. At the
us, nor established in accordance with the conclusion of the meeting, a large number of
ancient order of truth. There seemed to be persons remained in the house to bid a final
but one opinion throughout the whole meet- farewell to this truly devoted and faithful ser-
ing upon the case. Several observations in-
deed were made, as to the favourable, the vant of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
providential circumstance of the document The sincere and tender interest evinced by
coming when it did, to allow thus early, of the young people, as well as others, rendered
such an entire denial on the part of the So- the parting scene unusually touching. Soon
ciety here thus collected, of the practice after, escorted by many of her friends, she
and principles of those painfully deluded in-proceeded by one of the steam-boats to the
dividuals.'
ship, lying at anchor off Newcastle.

The following extract of a letter from friend in London to his correspondent in this city, shows that the Yearly Meeting of Friends in Great Britain has taken a decided stand against the American separatists. This circumstance is of great importance; inasmuch as it shows how generally the voice of the Society is raised against those antichristian doctrines, which have rent and divided the Society in so sorrowful a manner. No regular yearly meeting of Friends has recognised the separatists except Baltimore, one of the smallest on this continent; while all the others in the world, omitting Dublin and Ohio, have declared entire disunity with them. And even Ohio has done this by its meetings for sufferings. Such unanimous expression of opinion on a subject of such great interest and importance, is not only cheering and animating to the friends of the gospel, but completely refutes the vain boasting made by the separatists, that the body of the Society is with them.

LONDON, 6 mo. 4th, 1828.

OBITUARY.

Departed this life at Westfield, New Jersey, on the
29th of sixth month last, Lydia Lippincott, widow
of Thomas Lippincott, in the 70th year of her age,
an approved minister of the gospel in the Society of
people called Quakers. She was much beloved and
esteemed-her private character was marked by a
promptness in the performance of her relative and
social duties; being a faithful wife, a tender mother,
and a kind neighbour; diligent in her attention to the
afflicted, and a sincere sympathiser with them in all
their distresses. About the 45th year of her age,
after passing through deep baptisms, she appeared in
the ministry-in the exercise of which she was care-
ful to be bounded by a sense of divine requiring-so
that we trust it may be said, "Her doctrine dropped
as the rain, her speech distilled as the dew, as the
small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers
upon the grass."

Connected with a desire for the welfare of all
mankind, her love to her fellow professors was great,
and she laboured much to preserve the bonds of So-
ciety inviolate. During her indisposition, under ex-
treme suffering, she frequently said, "My only con-
fidence is in the Shepherd and Bishop of souls," and
wished all might come to this. And to some sitting
by her, she said, "I have not the shadow of a doubt
but that heaven is not only a state, but a place of
troubling, and the weary are at rest."
everlasting blessedness, where the wicked cease from

In the course of her sickness, she said, "There is
need of a Saviour and a Reconciler (or Mediator)
between man and his God"-expressing her full con-
viction of faith in the divinity of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and the atonement made by his death on the
cross, and frequently mourned over the desolating
effects of that spirit, which she emphatically said,
"divides in Jacob, and scatters in Israel;" exclaim-
ing often, "What can we do without a Saviour?
He is our Rock." During the latter part of her pro-
tracted illness, she was frequently engaged in fer-
vent supplication, and in repeating some precious
portions of Holy Scripture, evincing to those who
watched with her, that her mind was centered in di-
vine love; so that, we believe, we may say of her as
the blessed Master said of the woman who anointed
could," and, we doubt not, is now reaping the re-

his feet with ointment, "She has done what she

ward of her faith, even the salvation of her soul.

THE FRIEND.

SEVENTH MONTH, 26, 1828.

Having received a number of the printed epistle, or declaration of the late yearly meeting at New York, our subscribers in the country, within the compass of our own yearly meeting-also those to the westward and southward, are informed that we intend to forward a copy to each of them. Those of our subscribers in the city, who wish to have a copy, are requested to call for them at the office of the publisher.

Being again deficient in several of the back numbers, we have not been able in several instances of recent application for com plete files of "The Friend" strictly to comply with the demand. This information seems necessary, that our friends at a distance may govern themselves accordingly in respect to future orders.

Part of an Elegy written at the approach of Spring,

BY JOHN SCOTT.

Is there no power this darkness to remove?
Or raise our views to happier seats above,
The long lost joys of Eden to restore?

Where fear, and pain, and death shall be no more?
Yes, those there are, who know a Saviour's love

The long lost joys of Eden can restore,
And raise their views to happier scenes above,
Where fear, and pain, and death shall be no more.
These, grateful share the gifts of nature's hand;

And in the varied scenes that round them shine,

(Minute and beautiful, or rude and grand,)

Admire th' amazing workmanship divine. Blows not a flow'ret in th' enamell'd vale,

Shines not a pebble where the riv❜let strays,
Sports not an insect on the spicy gale,

For them e'en vernal nature looks more gay,
But claims their wonder and excites their praise.

For them more lovely hues the fields adorn,
To them more fair the fairest smile of day,
To them more sweet the sweetest breath of morn.
They feel the bliss that hope and faith supply;
They pass serene the appointed hours that bring
The day that wafts them to the realms on high,
The day that centres in eternal spring,

"Thou may perhaps be aware before this comes to hand, that our yearly meeting last week, was brought into much concern respecting the state of society with you, more especially in the reading of an epistle from your meeting for sufferings, to ours. We were much surprised soon after it was read, by the After an absence from her native land of appearance of an epistle, put into the clerk's nearly four years, our truly estimable friend, We are apt to be very pert at censuring others, hand out of meeting, purporting to be from Elizabeth Robson, went passenger in the where we will not endure advice ourselves. And "the yearly meeting of" these "Friends" of packet ship Montezuma of this port, which sharp-sighted at spying other men's faults, and so nothing shows our weakness, more, than to be so Philadelphia. It was committed for examina-sailed for Liverpool on first day, the 20th inst. purblind about our own. When the actions of a tion to two or three Friends, who reported its On the morning of that day, she attended the neighbour are upon the stage we can have alsplit wits about us; are so quick and critical, we can to be read. It was of course pronounced spu- meeting in Mulberry street. The congrega- hair, and find out every failure and infirmity; but rious and entirely unfit to be received, still tion was large, in the expectation of its being are without feeling, or have but very little sense of more to be read. Minutes were then agreed the parting religious opportunity, and many well as from an inordinate value of ourselves.-Penn's our own. Much of this comes from ill nature, as upon, not to have any intercourse with any have cause to remember it as one remarkably | Fruits of Solitude.

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A RELIGIOUS AND LITERARY JOURNAL.

VOL. I.

PUBLISHED WEEKLY,

SEVENTH DAY, EIGHTH MONTH, 2, 1828.

BY JOHN RICHARDSON, Corner of Carpenter and Seventh Street,

PHILADELPHIA.

Price Two Dollars per annum, payable in adranoc.

FOR THE FRIEND.

THE SANDWICH ISLANDS. (Continued from page 322.)

One of the most remarkable of the institutions of these islanders was that of cities of refuge, which afforded an inviolable sanctuary to all who sought their protection. There were two of these in Hawaii, one of which, on the southern shore of the island, was an irregular parallelogram, 715 feet long, and 404 feet wide. The walls were twelve feet high and 15 feet thick. It was capable of containing great multitude of people, and was the refuge of the old, the women, and children, in time of war.

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NO. 42.

ters to assist in building and rigging a small schoon. er for the China trade, in which the king was desi rous of engaging. He left with them many useful seeds, and by his well timed visit and friendly assistance, contributed much to fix the growing inclination of these people for trade and industry. Soon after Vancouver's visit, by the death in battle of the king of Oahu, Tamehameha became the undisputed master of the three principal islands. The chieftains of the other islands, intimidated by the terror of his arms, surrendered themselves as tributary princes, and Tamehameha was thus acknowledged as the monarch of the whole group. The protection which he gave to foreigners-the convenient situation of the islands for provisioning, watering, and repairing their ships--the discovery of the fine harbour of Ho noruru in Oahu-and the rich trade in sandal wood, soon rendered these islands a place of resort to all the traders that frequented the north Pacific.

The effect of this intercourse upon the natives soon became apparent. The articles received by them in barter were no longer scraps of iron, nails and beads, or coarse cloths. They began to demand hatchets, knives, guns, and eventually whole cargoes of rich European and India goods, in exchange for their sandal wood and refreshments. This traffic was exclusively in the hands of the chiefs, many of whom have accumulated much wealth in money and foreign merchandize by this means.

three days in the valley of Ono Marino. The forces of Kahoukapu were entirely routed, and that chieftain, after being saved by the generosity of Alapaii, slew himself on the field of battle in an agony of grief and shame. Notwithstanding this defeat, his son Teraiopu succeeded him on the throne, and shortly afterwards occurred the memorable visit of Captain Cook. The strangers were received and treated as the first European visiters have always been in the new world, with the deference due to a superior order of beings. The conflict in which that great seaman lost his life, was the result of an unhappy misunderstanding, which better management on the part of Captain Cook might have prevented. From that time forward the islands were frequently visited, and became, in the end, the chief anchorage ground of the trade of the Pacific Ocean. The unfortuntae La Perouse visited Maui in the year 1786; and some English traders to the north-west coast in the same year, were the first who touched after Cook at Oahu. This kind of intercourse made the islanders sensible of their vast inferiority, and gave them a taste for the luxuries of civilized life. The American traders discovered that sandal wood, a perfume held in great esteem in China, was a native of the forests in the interior, and encouraged a traffic in this article, which greatly enriched many of the chiefs, and in return introduced the luxuries of silk, china and tea. On the death of Teraiopu, his son Kevalao, a weak and sanguinary tyrant, succeeded him. Among other In 1804, Tamehameha had 600 muskets, a park of acts which characterized his reign, his person was artillery, thirty European soldiers, and twenty-one pronounced to be tabu, and whoever of the common schooners. In the year 1817, all opposition to the people looked at him between sunrise and sunset, power of the conqueror had ceased, and from that was punished with death. Such tyranny could not period the whole soul of this noble savage was delong endure. He soon became involved in a war voted to improving the condition of his people. with his cousin Tamehameha, who was the chieftain His navy was much enlarged; and it is not one of over part of the island. In the year 1781, a battle the least singular circumstances of his reign, that took place between them which lasted seven days, he became the purchaser of that celebrated pleasure and was decided at length by the death of Kevalao. ship, the Cleopatra's Barge. What a lesson upon The victor married the daughter of his fallen enemy, the folly and vanity of its builders! Horses had and thus united in his own family, the hereditary been introduced from South America--several forright to the throne of the whole island. Tameham. eigners had formed extensive gardens of foreign and eha, whose reign began with such wisdom and mode- European vegetables-the wild cattle were reclaimration, was one of those ambitious and restless men, ed, and the natives taught the arts of the dairy. The by whose agency states are founded and nations ci- king had bought two American brigs, and placed his vilized. From his earliest youth he had shown an native seamen under the care of foreign officers, to ardent and adventurous spirit. In his native district learn a more extended navigation. His vessels traof Halua, he had planted groves, reclaimed waste ded with China and the north-west coast-several of fields, and brought them into a high state of cultiva- the chiefs, impelled by a laudible curiosity, had vition. He had cut a road to the beach for the con- sited foreign countries-Tamehameha perceived the venience of fishermen, through a rock of lava one value of money, and began to demand it in exchange hundred feet in height; and distinguished himself for for the productions of the island-large warehouses his sagacity and courage. No sooner was he seated were built-the ports and towns strengthened and The early traditions of the island clearly indicate, on the throne of Hawaii, than he began to improve enlarged-the cloths and cutlery of Europe, the porthat voyages had many times been made to the isl- the advantages held out by the frequent visits of the celain and silk of China, were becoming every day ands at a distance, and perhaps to Asia and America. European and American ships. He encouraged in- more common. In short, it has seldom happened At the time of Captain Cook's visit, the islands were genious and industrious foreigners to settle in the isl- that a single reign ever effected so great a change in each governed by an independent Erie or Chief, who ands, and when Captain Vancouver visited them in the condition of a people. Tamehameha died on were often engaged in mutual hostilities. A few 1792, the change already effected was astonishing. the 8th of the 5th month, 1819, after a truly splenyears previously had occurred a revolution, in which The chief owned several European built schooners, did and memorable reign of thirty years. His death "another Helen fired another Troy." Kouipoipoi, a and lived in a brick house-the natives had partially was deeply regretted by all his subjects, and his chief of Hawaii, had decoyed one of the wives of adopted the European dress-had learned the use of bones, according to the peculiar custom of the islKahoukapu, the principal chief of the island, and fire arms-many of them had become good sailors anders, were carefully separated from the flesh, and carried her off to the mountains. His brother Ala- and it was evident that a spirit of improvement and en- divided as sacred relics among the principal chiefs. paii hearing of this atrocious act, repaired to his re- terprise was roused, from which the happiest results He was succeeded by his son Riho Riho, a prince treat, and besought him to restore the woman to her might be expected. Tamehameha was now mas. whose character, although degraded by a brutal lawful husband, pointing out the dangers to which ter of Hawaii and Maui, having subdued the latter drunkenness, exhibited at times a courage and talent he was exposed. His remonstrances were effectual, island by the force of his arms. He received Van-worthy of his birth. The death of Tamehameha was and he assumed the office of mediator with the injur-couver with enthusiasm, and made a formal ces- the signal of revolt to Taumuarii, the tributary king ed chieftain. The latter rejected the generous inter- sion of the sovereignty of the islands to him, in the of Tauai. The young monarch upon hearing of the ference of Alapaii, treated him with the greatest name of the English crown. Vancouver will long be rebellion, determined to try the influence of concilia scorn, and forbade his fickle mistress to approach him remembered as a public benefactor of these rude peo- tory measures. He embarked for Tauai in a canoe, under pain of death. Roused by this unmerited ple. He left on the island a few cattle and sheep, and although overtaken by a severe storm, steered treatment, Alapaii summoned his friends and follow-which the king declared to be tabu for ten years, so his frail bark, at the imminent hazard of his life, to The rival armies met and fought for that it is now well stocked. He allowed his carpen- the revolted island-went alone to the refractory

Such were some of the most striking customs and institutions of the Sandwich islanders, previous to their intercourse with Europeans. They appear to have made as great a progress in the arts of civilization as has ever been attained by a people ignorant of the art of writing and of the use of the metals. In point of moral cultivation, they confirm the universal truth of the wickedness of the natural heart, and lived in a state of utter mental darkness and of unrestrained licentiousness. The year 1778, that in which the light from Europe first dawned upon their horizon, is the great era in their history. The first effects of European influence were no less baneful to them than to the rest of the new world. The population of the islands was reduced in less than forty years, from 400,000 to 150,000—a new and fatal pestilence, one of the judgments inflicted upon vice in this life, devoured the natives-the islands became a public brothel for every ship that floated on the Pacific-and the use of ardent spirits seemed about to complete the work of destruction. Happily the sagacity of one extraordinary man counteracted, indirectly, the progress of this havoc; and by a marvellous interposition of Providence, the light of Christianity has since dawned upon the benighted minds of these poor islanders, and is extending here, at it does wherever it is known, its blessed and healing influ

ences.

ers to arms.

chief-soothed him--won his confidence--received his homage, and returned in peace and triumph to Hawaii.

FOR THE FRIEND.

THE CONDITION OF IRELAND.

Continued from page 323.

a few months after his arrival, these funds were lost During this period, George Tamoree, who had in the wreck of his fortune, and George being left to succeeded his father as chief over the island cf Taui, wander without a protector, enlisted in the navy of revolted from the authority of Karaimoku. His His next enterprise was one that has probably no the United States. Nine years afterwards, at the pe- hopes of success were short lived, for that able miparallel in the history of the world. He resolved-riod of which I now write, he was discovered and re- nister soon quelled the rebellion, and George-such although no convert to the Christian faith, nor with cognised, and placed in the missionary school at has been the change wrought by Christian senti any view to the introduction of a new superstition, to Cornwall. Subsequent events proved that the dis- ments-is suffered to live unmolested in obscurity. abolish the idolatry of his ancestors from his do- cipline of that institution had exerted but a faint in- Keauikoaouli, the son of Riho Riho, who bore minions--and what is more extraordinary still, he fluence upon the character of this half civilized bar- the title of Tamehameha II., has succeeded him with succeeded at a single blow. For six months after the barian. the title of Tamehameha III., and the government death of his father, he held frequent councils with So great was the interest excited by these events, of the island is administered, during his minority, by his chiefs on the subject of the insufficiency of their that in the year 1819, the American Society for the same regency which was appointed on the dereligion on the impotency of their gods, and the op- foreign missions determined to establish a mission-parture of the late monarch for England. pressive nature of the tabu; and succeeded in per- ary station in the Sandwich islands-at that period [To be continued.} suading them to destroy their idols and desecrate the esteemed one of the darkest spots in the heathen temples. It was necessary to obtain the consent of world. In the autumn of that year, the missionary the queen mother to this measure, as her authority family, accompanied by George Tamoree and three was supreme. She was brought over to his views, other natives who had received an education at Cornand a splendid banquet was prepared for the court, wall, embarked for Hawaii. The enterprise was one to be eaten in the presence of the people. The tabu of great hazard, and for a year and a half the friends prohibited the women,even of the highest rank, from of the mission waited with the deepest solicitude and eating with the men or partaking of their food. with gloomy forebodings for intelligence from these When the baked meats were brought to the king, he soldiers of the cross. The result was truly marvelcaused the choicest parts to be taken to his wives, lous. The first words that greeted the ears of the and seating himself at their table, made them par- missionaries upon their landing were, that idolatry take with him of the hitherto forbidden food. The was abolished! that the idols of Hawaii and their temrising fears and superstitions of the people at this ples were destroyed! What more auspicious and ununheard of enormity, were allayed by the priests, looked for commencement ever before attended a siwhose consent to the change had been obtained-the milar enterprise? Well might the missionaries rechieftains generally followed the example of their gard it as the hand of Providence, and blessing their monarch-the idols were overthrown, and the tubu lot that was cast upon these remote shores, piously for ever abolished. One only of the chiefs, Kekuao-exclaim that the way of the Lord had been prepared kaluni, the cousin of the king, instigated by some in the wilderness. disappointed priests, took up arms in defence of the They were favourably received by the king and idols. He met the forces of Riho Riho--was over-principal chiefs, and were soon completely establishpowered and slain in battle, and an end was thus ef-ed in three of the principal islands. Their first lafectually put to idolatry.

bour was to perfect themselves in the language of The occasional visits of Christian men-the reports the natives, and to reduce it to a written vocabulary. of the great changes which Pomare had effected at So successful were they in this undertaking, that in Tahiti, perhaps had their influence in this wonderful the year 1822 the first book in the Hawaiian lanrevolution. Be that as it may, the hand of Provi- guage, a primer, was printed at the missionary press dence is distinctly to be traced in the whole transac-at Oahu. Since that time a considerable part of the tion. Karaimoku-William Pitt, as he is often call- scriptures has been translated and printed. The ed-the favourite minister of Tamehameha, and the prospect of future usefulness induced them to apply Nestor of his son-and his brother Boki, the gover- for an addition to their force; and in the early part nor of Oahu, determined soon after to embrace Chris. of 1823 a reinforcement arrived, in whose number tianity, and were accordingly baptised by the chap- was C. S. Stewart, from whose captivating narrative lain of one of the discovery ships of Captain Freycin- of the events of his residence, this notice is prinet. These events occurred late in the year 1819. cipally extracted. In the mean time events were ripening in an opposite quarter of the globe, which were in their consequences to be the agents of still more surprising and beneficial changes.

Among the natives who had entered into the service of the many foreigners that frequented the Sandwich islands, was a youth named Obookiah, of an intelligent and inquisitive mind. He arrived at New York in the year 1819, and soon after removed to New Haven to reside in the family of the captain with whom he sailed. He was discovered one day weeping at the entrance of one of the buildings of Yale College; and it was found that the cause of his tears was a sense of his own ignorance, and an earnest desire to partake of instruction in that noble institution. A gentleman of piety and intelligence, struck with the singularity of the case, adopted him as his private pupil. His progress in learning was rapid-he became a sincere convert to Christianity, and determined to qualify himself for a religious instructer to his countrymen. The interest excited by his story, gave rise to the Foreign Mission School at Cornwall in Connecticut, where Obookiah was placed preparatory to his return home in the character of a missionary. Providence had ordered it other wise, and the gentle and virtuous islander fell a victim to disease in the year 1827, before he had completed his education.

It was discovered upon examination, that several natives of the Sandwich islands were wandering about the sea ports of the Eastern states. Among them was George Tamoree, the son of that Taumuarii, who had revolted on the death of Tamehameha. His father, with that bold sagacity which marks his countrymen, had sent him to America when only nine years old to be educated. He had furnished the captain under whose care he had placed his son, with funds for his support. The captain dying suddenly

We take the liberty of referring the Lord Lieutenant to two pamphlets which have lately appeared on this subject. The one is entitled, "Statement of some of the causes of the disturbances in Ireland and of the Miserable State of the Peasantry, with a Plan for an Amelioration of their Condition, &c." Dublin, 1825. The other bears the name of Sir Charles Townshend Waller, and is entitled "A Plan for the Relief of the Poor in Ireland, &c." Bath, 1827. In both these pamphlets it is proposed that Joint Stock Companies should be formed, which should invest their capital in the purchase of land, and in building cottages upon it--that the land pur. chased should be divided into lots consisting severally of three acres, with a cottage on each lot--and that these little farms should be let at a moderate rent to families of labouring poor: and in the former of these works, it is particularly recommended that the tenants should have the option of gradually buy. ing off the rental of the lands, and thus making them by degrees their property in fee. It seems probable that an experiment of this description, if fairly made, might, without any material risk of capital, lead to extensive and beneficial consequences.

Another pamphlet to which we are desirous of inviting the Lord Lieutenant's attention, and which we have already placed in his hands, is called "Colonies at Home." It is the work of a well known British philanthropist, who has for many years been engaged in making experiments respecting the proThe British government, as an acknowledgment duce of certain quantities of land of average quality, of the uniform friendship of Tamehameha, had di- under spade cultivation; and who in England, Irerected the governor of New South Wales to build a land, and many other countries, has obtained by perschooner, as a present to the king of the Sandwich sonal observation an extensive knowledge of the islands. This vessel, on her passage from Port Jack-condition of the lower crders. He proposes the for son to Hawaii, touched at Huahine, a missionary mation of villages, consisting of any number of cot station in the Society islands, for provisions. One of tages, on land hired at a ground rent, for the purpose the English missionaries named Ellis, was induced-each cottage to be allotted to a single poor family, to take passage in her, and so pleased was he with with three acres of land, if they are to support them his reception both by the natives and his American selves entirely upon it; or with a less quantity, if brethren, that in the following year he returned and they are also engaged as hired labourers. Two or established a mission under the direction of the Lon- more families to unite in keeping a cow for milk and don Missionary Society. The cordiality with which manure, which he proves may be annually effected these bands have laboured together, and the success on the produce of half an acre-the children of the with which providence has blest their labours, will village to be educated in a school supported by a best be gathered from the passages which I shall small rate on the inhabitants-and the whole community to form an association governed by a few plain regulations. He farther suggests that the ca pital necessary for building the cottages and stocking the farms, a capital to be gradually raised by the tenants, should in the first instance be advanced, at legal interest and on sufficient security, either by the proprietor of the land, or by benevolent societies formed in the district, for the purpose. At Lindfield, in Sussex, this experiment had been tried, with great advantage, as we understand, to the inhabi tants, by the proposer of the plan himself. And at Frederick's Oord, in North Holland, thousands of the poor are comfortably supported, in a somewhat simifar manner, upon small allotments of land. Why should not the same effects be produced in Ireland?

soon quote.

The public history of the islands is marked by one other remarkable event. Riho Riho, instigated by an ardent thirst for knowledge-desirous of seeing the island of which he had heard so many wonderful accounts-of inspecting its laws-of forming a closer alliance with its government-determined to visit Great Britain. He was at that time twenty-eight years of age, and having appointed his favourite minister, Karaimoku, regent, embarked with his queen, Kamehamaru, the brother to his minister, Boki, and several attendant nobles. They were treated with much distinction in England, and are said to have conducted themselves with much propriety. Unfortunately their countrymen were not destined to reap the advantages which the return of It ought to be remembered, that moderate rentals their monarch might have produced. He fell a vic- and certainty of tenure are indispensable to the suc tim with his queen to the measles, in the 7th month, cess of any such measures. From various accounts 1824, and their corpses were sent out with the sur- which have reached us, we apprehend that the very vivors of the party, at the expense of the British contrary of these things, we mean immoderate rengovernment, to Hawaii, in the frigate Blonde, com-tals and a cruel uncertainty of tenure, are to be nummanded by Lord Byron. bered among the most aggravated evils which oppress

But

the people of Ireland. When a gentleman or a no-ding the land, thirty, forty, or fifty, occupying fami- doubt, whether any substantial benefit would arise bleman's lands fall into the hands of middle-men, lies, have in fact been turned adrift, and the land to the Irish poor, especially in the country districts, whose interest it is not so much to preserve and im- which supported them has been divided into perhaps from the introduction amongst them of what may prove the estate, as to obtain the greatest possible half a dozen respectable farms. Even where the expi- be called the modern manufacturing system. Experi quantity of money from the lower tenantry, (that is ration of the lease of a large district of the country ence proves that the institution of large factories is in many cases, from the labouring poor,) or into does not create an opportunity, nothing is more com-too often productive of extensive immorality, as well those of agents, the amount of whose fees and com- mon than notice to quit being given, for the mere as of almost intolerable occasional distress. mission depends on that of their receipts, it is no purpose of annexing the tenement to another farm. there is one species of manufacture carried on in Ire wonder that the rentals, even of miserable huts and The landlords of Ireland are at length deeply con- land, which appears to us to be of a most useful and small plots of ground, should be screwed up to an ex- vinced, that though a stock of cattle or sheep will af- desirable nature-we mean the domestic linen manuorbitantly high point. ford profit, a stock of mere human creatures, unem- facture. In Ulster, the cottager grows his flax, spins On the subject of the uncertainty of tenure, and ployed, will afford none; and they, therefore, are act- his thread, manufactures his linen, and carries his the dismal effects produced by it in Ireland, the fol-ing upon that principle, even in the extreme. If your web to market. The whole operation, from the prolowing extracts from the first of the three pamphlets, Lordships ask me what becomes of this surplus duction of the raw material to the sale of the perfectnow cited, will throw an ample light-"In many in-stock of population, it is a matter on which I have, ed article, centres in himself and his family; and stances it has occurred that a set of tenants have ta- in my late journeys through Ireland, endeavoured to amongst the most pleasing sights which we witness. ken uncultivated poor ground at the foot of a moun- form some opinion, and I conceive that in many in- ed in Ireland was that of a comparatively healthy tain, at a few shillings an acre rent, but without leas- stances they wander about the country as mere men- and well-dressed peasantry, bringing their bundles of es: being either deceived by promises, or unable to dicants; but that more frequently they betake them- linen, under their arms, to the neighbouring town pay for the leases when taking the land; after a few selves to the nearest large towns, and there occupy as for sale on the market day. We are grieved to hear years, by almost incessant labour, the ground being lodgers the most wretched hovels, in the most miserable that this truly salutary domestic trade is under cirrendered of some value, these poor people have been outlets, in the vain hope of occasionally getting a day's cumstances of depression. We fear it can scarcely forced to leave their farms and remove higher up on work. Though this expectation too often proves ill- stand long against the overwhelming competition of the mountain, to begin again on unimproved ground; founded, it is the only course possible for them to British machinery and capital; but we are sure it deand it is no fiction to state, that those who began to take. Their resort to those towns produces such serves the watchful care and protection of a paternal cultivate the soil at the foot of a mountain have, by misery as it is impossible to describe." government. progressive removes, been ultimately placed as near its top as subsistence could be raised; being thus defrauded of the fruits of their early hard labour, and obliged to end their days in want, after spending their lives in toil and pinching penury; having the additional mortification of daily seeing the ground they had in their youth brought first into cultivation, occupied by others."

We received from our friend Col. Currey, and from numerous other persons in the course of our journey, statements which convince us that, since the period when this evidence was given, the cruel practice of forcibly depopulating the lands has been rapidly advancing, and that it has given rise to an extent and degree of misery which has seldom before been known in any country. Must it not be allowed Now, what is the effect of all this grinding and op- that the supposed necessity for such murderous mea pression? The poor people on the estates of such sures arises from the gradual operation of a vicious landlords gradually sink into the extremity of wretch- and tyrannical system in the management of the laedness, listlessness, and want. They are deprived bouring poor? And is not the true remedy to be of all their motives to an honest industry, and are found in the adoption of those wise and benevolent loosened from every tie of attachment to their supe-principles, to which we have already adverted, and riors. They become thievish and idle servants-vio- which appears to have been the means of raising, lent and dangerous neighbours—and miserably dis- upon the improved estates of John Leslie Foster, contented subjects. But the most remarkable fact Lord Headly, and several other such landlords, a respecting them is this-that notwithstanding all comparatively prosperous and peaceable peasantry, those supposed checks to population which are said to to the vast advantage of all the parties concerned? arise from sickness, misery, and want, their numbers Amongst the numerous causes which have occaare perpetually increasing. Sensible that they can sioned the distress and demoralization at present exsink no lower in the scale of wretchedness, and anx-isting in Ireland, it is universally allowed that the jous to secure to themselves the few natural enjoy-absence in another country of so large a proportion ments of which society has not deprived them, they are uniformly found to give themselves up to early and improvident marriages-and the lands on which the whole scene is acted, are presently overrun by a starving and angry population.

But, alas! the piteous tale ends not here. The proprietor, oppressed and half ruined by the poor people on his property, seizes the opportunity of some informality in their tenure, or perhaps of the expiration of their leases, and with one rude stroke sweeps away themselves and their habitations from the face of his estate! "About two years ago," says the author of the same pamphlet, “- -, in the county oftook possession of a considerable tract of land, under and ejectment for non-payment of rent, and without giving the tenants six months' time to redeem, which according to law he was bound to do, actually threw down their houses or cabins at the commencement of a severe winter, having turned the occupants out on the road; and some of them having made a sort of a shed-roof against part of the walls which were left standing, he sent and had these sheds pulled down, and the walls completely levelled, in order to drive the people quite away, making many families destitute wanderers in that inclement season."

The following evidence on this subject was given before a select committee of the House of Lords (we believe in 1825) by John Leslie Forster.

"I conceive that within the last two years, a perfect panic on the subject of population has prevailed upon all persons interested in land in Ireland; and that they are at this moment applying a corrective check of the most violent description. The principle of dispeopling estates is going on in every part of Ireland where it can be effected; in some parts of Ireland more, and in some less. I have known of instances in the south, where on the expiration of a lease affording an opportunity to a landlord of newly divi

of the landed proprietors is one of the principal. Not
only is an immense amount of capital-we under-
stand about three millions sterling-annually drawn
from the heart of the country to which it belongs,
and in which it might have been beneficially expend-
ed; but the care and management of properties is
left in the hands of agents. Their interest in the es-
tates over which they preside must always be very
inferior to that of the proprietors; and they are too
often found to pursue their own pecuniary advan-
tage, at the expense of an oppressed and afflicted
tenantry.

We are aware that to this rule there are many
honourable exceptions. Nevertheless, it must be con-
fessed that nothing is more striking to the eye of
even a cursory observer, during a journey through
Ireland, than the contrast between the estates of
many of the absentees and those which are under
the immediate care of the more enlightened resident
proprietors. In the former there is a very general
appearance of recklessness and abject poverty-the
land wasted-the fences in decay-the hovels of the
poor wretched in the extreme-the people them-
selves ragged, filthy and sullen. In the latter, on the
contrary, we were often cheered by indications of or-
der, industry, and comfort. We have no doubt that
the resident proprietors, who desire to promote the
improvement, not only of their estates, but of the
poor people upon them, have many difficulties to
cope with. We are sure, from various accounts
which have reached us, that they have to undergo
many trials of patience; but they ought to be encour-
aged to a steady perseverance in the line of conduct
which they have adopted by the salutary effects it
has already produced. Were their noble example
universally followed, the miseries of Ireland would
cease.

We are informed that the funds annually voted by Parliament to the linen board have already been diminished; and that there is even a probability of their being entirely withdrawn. But we trust that this will not be the case if it can be made to appear that they may still be usefully applied for the relief of the Irish population. Is it not very desirable that the poor should be provided with the articles employed in spinning, either gratuitously or at a reduced price; and with steeping pools and other needful accommodations in their respective parishes? And would it not promote the purpose for which the funds are granted, were they partly applied in small loans to poor families, to encourage them in the prosecu tion of this staple trade?

The observations which we have hitherto made respecting the poor in Ireland relate chiefly to those in the country. We fear that many of the inhabitants of the towns are in a far more deplorable condition. Driven from the lands on which they once obtained a living, which, though wretched, was all they were taught to want-thousands of half-clad, half-starved people, have of late years found a miserable refuge in the already crowded tenements of the cities and towns, with little or no resources for a maintenance but begging, thieving, and the sympa. thetic charity of their fellow-sufferers. Such, from various accounts which have reached us, we conceive to be the unhappy condition of the lowest order of society in many, if not all the principal towns, especially in Leinster, Munster, and Connaught; and we understand that in Dublin and some other places, their distress has been greatly aggravated by the failure of the manufactures from which they were formerly accustomed to derive their support.

We much regret that we were prevented, by the want of time and the extreme pressure of other engagements, from making more than a cursory visit to the lowest and most distressed parts of that me tropolis. It was very much our wish to have gone from cottage to cottage, in some small district, which might have been fixed on as a specimen, in order that we might form some exact judgment of the state of its inhabitants; but we venture to suggest that nothing can be more easy than privately to institute such an examination in Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, and other principal places; and it is surely highly desirable that both government and the public should be placed in possession of the precise state of the fact. From all that we heard from benevolent individuals who are in the practice of visiting the poor in their own habitations, we believe it would, on such an examination, be ascertained that several families are often crowded, in a most promiscuous and demoralizing manner, into a single tenementthat a very large proportion of the population of these cities is destitute of employment-that another large proportion is employed only partially-that their state of uncleanliness, and their want of proper clothing, is extreme--and that vast numbers, if not It is a question which admits of considerable | absolutely starving, are obliged to content them