CONTAINING THE POLITICAL AND LITERARY PORTIONS OF THE NUMBERS PUBLISHED IN JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, AND DECEMBER, 1839. WASHINGTON, D. C. PUBLISHED BY LANGTREE AND O'SULLIVAN. 1839. SUCH of our readers as have turned their attention to the social and political condition of France during the last few years, must be aware of the influence exercised upon the temper of that mercurial people by the Charivari-a satirical periodical embellished with caricatures. Its malicious wit became so formidable to the Government, that the famous September laws against seditious publications owe their origin in a great measure to its success. Repeated prosecutions and convictions at last compelled its conductors to confine their talents to the illustration of the social profligacy with which Paris abounds in common with other great cities. The most amusing scenes of the Charivari are composed of only two characters, who are exhibited as the heroes of all kinds of speculations and adventures. These are Robert Macaire, and his friend Bertrand, who have both served under the penal laws. Equally knaves, in accordance with the uniform practice of combined rascality, the ingenuity of one of these worthies is continually devoted to the contrivance of schemes, of which the other becomes the victim. Among the most characteristic interviews between Robert and Bertrand is one, where the former, with ringlets of seducing luxuriance around his face-his green coat ornamented with alternate patches and perforations—his red inexpressibles similarly embellished—and his hat carrying unquestionable evidence of time and hard usage, knowingly perched on one side of his head;-presenting to the spectator that air of complacent swagger and indescribable consequence, which we frequently witness in those distinguished personages in our cities, who, with more ample means bestowed with greater taste and refinement upon their external appointments, manage to derive immense profits from the industry of individuals of more humble pretensions by similar schemes;-- The highly interesting and important trial of Dr. T. W. DYOTT, THE Banker, for fraudulent bankruptcy, with the speeches of counsel, &c., Philadelphia, 1839. |