riority; they are Kaleidoscopes. The Philosopher, whose lecture during a penny peep at the moon through a large standing Telescope, in Leicester Fieldd», was listened to with admiration by him who was instructed how to see, and informed of what he saw, and by more than admiration by those who only heard without seeing, now expatiates on the powers of the Kaleidoscope; and pockets his pence in the ratio of fifty or a hundred to one. In vain h we all the Tinmen of town and country, worked night and day to supply the demand; and those who speculate on the late rise in Block Tiu, deduce the the cause, without if, or but,-from the quantity consumed in the manufacture of Kaleidoscopes. It is certain also that the foreign orders for Kaleidoscopes, are wonderfully numerous: that scarcely a mercantile letter arrives ordering "a hundred pieces of mull-mulls, jaconots, hair-cords, and narrow stripes-but what concludes with a kind of Postscript: Be sure you do not forget the Kaleidoscopes." and wonders how any man in his senses can have the assurance to boast so mightily of a mere non-entity! an optical phantasm! He seizes the other end of the instrument, pours out the contents on the table, reduces the stars and ribbands to a few bits of coloured glass; declares that the mountains of gold and silver are nothing better than certain scraps of tissue paper, inscribed with magical characters; calls the most pleasing images mere spectra, visionary appearances, formed by reflection, refraction, aud compound mystification of objects: in no other sense invaluable, than because they have no value-and this, sir, is the whole of the gentleman's famous Kaleidoscope!"-What can we say more? To hiut at the Kaleidoscope as an instrument employed at Court, were to endanger our ears—and yet, if report may be believed-Where is the wonder, now, that we are ingulph'd in despair? All ages have their Kaleidoscopes-the young, the old;-all professions, all occupations; all nations, all governments, all sects, all parties. There are not a few who at this moment turn round their Kalei doscope, till it shews them the humours of a Parliamentary Election, the very ribbands to be worn in their favour as candidatesthe very numbers which will constitute their majority on the poll,-the ceremony called "chairing," in which the victor bears a conspicuous part; and they hear the very shouts of their partizans, crying for ever? Huzza!" This, however, exceeds belief; and some may find, to their cost, that their ears, and perhaps, their eyes, have deceived them. Nay, the Electors themselves may be deceived; for the Kaleidoscope incautiously directed, has the power of making persons, as well as things, appear what they are not: what beautiful expectations will it not raise on a few electioneering promises! with what marvellous endowments will it not embel 66 The mania has extended itself to a sphere of life hitherto thought proof against all infirmities, but those attendant on the worship of Plutus. Around the seat of Commerce in the East of the Metropolis, this is notorious. It is said that in one great house, Bagdad and Bengal, the Pindarrees and the Peishwa, are postponed to the Kaleidoscope:-To another, which may safely take for its motto nec pluribus impar. suspicion attaches, that "the Parlour" itself has lately witnessed at least as much conversation on the cost of Kaleidoscopes as on the price of Bullion: and some go so far to whisper, that "this here beautiful pattern," has in more than one instauce taken precedence of "that there account of a million." The profane insinuate that, the same fascination involves the West: that at a certain house in a certain street, a certain gentlemau will harangue for hours on the properties and prospects of his Ka-lish" a man of the right sort"! It diffuses leidoscope: "you see, sir, that beautiful star in the center; that graceful red line down the middle which closely resembles the order of―Then such mountains of gold and silver! there, sir, hold it in that direction, while I just turn the-O how beautiful! what a happy combination! all the hues of the rainbow! and pray look round the edges: what a delightful series of-yes, sir this is the true-the patentthe invaluable Kaleidoscope !" Unable to bear what he is pleased to term a delusion, up starts a gentleman of the same family as was known in the days of Sir Francis Wronghead of adventurous memory, by the nanie of the Tothersides, a glory, radiant beyond expression, around the head of a mere uinny, and surrounds with an elegance, worthy a better applcation, the person, the talents, the connections, the every thing, of him who was no better than a fool yesterday, and will be no better than a knave to-morrow. Of all things, we intreat our countrymen to keep themselves from the delusions of party Kaleidoscopes. Let them fix in their minds as an unerring principle, that a knave at home will not conduct himself honestly abroad; that their country demands the services of men of sense and understanding, of honour and integrity; and that in using the privilege of choosing such an one, as a representative of that country, it becomes an act of duty imperative on them to employ both discrimi nation and candour. Whether this expectation of an approaching bustle, be the leading cause of the gradual but continuing fall in the prices of the Public Funds, we know not; probably other considerations concur; but it is certain, that before a general election, the Stocks always decline; whence some have inferred, that places and persons have their contemplated value; and that "the worthy and independent Electors of are not without their representatives on the Stock Exchange. Certainly also, the Foreign Loans have their effect; and, as we have repeatedly observed, many fo reigners, perhaps also many natives, will exchange their property in the English Funds, for others offering greater profits. A hint in our last glanced at a difference between the leaders of the Stock Exchange and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The inquisitive affirm, that "the Jews," strengthened by the Judaizing Christians (a namerous sect) are in open opposition to the Chancellor; and are taking their revenge on those who have enabled him to avoid the formalities of an open and acknowledged loan. They mean to beat down Omnium still lower; and possibly, they may succeed to a certain point-but, setiling day must come ;—and then France,—will be decided on at a meeting to be held not many months hence. That Spain has long been occupied in poring through the narrow orifice of a Ka teidoscope, is familiar to our readers: we can say little more about her. As it is impossible for us to determine what parti cular pattern engages her attention at the moment [Her Monarch was always fond of patterns], we must wait till something intelligible, concerning her views, transpires. Portugal has views of her own; but, what they are, must remain in her own mind. Her Transatlantic Provinces seem to be the centre of her power, or at least of her policy, at present, and we cannot well ascertain on what she relies for realizing the aggrandizement she discerns in the spectra of her Kaleidoscope. From South America to North.-The United States have determined to exclude from their ports British Vessels which come from ports to which American vessels are refused admittance. Some, perhäps, will think this measure more propeily belongs to our Commercial Report: we think otherwise; it is a struggle of politics. America wants the West India Islands; and would, willingly foster an interest there, to be employed in due time; but if that interest, with its attendant intercourse be directed to the British Colonies of Nova Scotia, Canada, &c. which can supply the islands with all they need, and may produce abundantly more, we do not see how this can injure the British sway, or affect the supremacy of the mo We learn from goo: authority, that the main branches of the national revenue continue to increase: the comparison is on the whole, favourable; and this, without too much indulging insubstantial speco-ther country. lations, warrants à hope of still better things. Never was a nation so fitted for the Kaleidoscope as the French nation: never was a toy so suited to the French nation, as the Kaleidoscope. Every true French man carries this optical reflector about bim from the day of his birth-and it is the only reflector he does carry. Even as * people, from the first meeting of the Trois Etats, to the last of the "Houdred Days," and amidst every changing form of Government, whether presided by the virtuous Robespierre or the invincible Napoleon, the Kaleidoscope has been in permanent requisition. Let us congratulate that people, if at length it has arrived at a fixed point; and needs no further turning and returning. The present object of the French Government is, how to rid the country of the Army of Occupation, with the least loss of credit and of cash. We presume to think, that this important step -important to Europe, as well as to Is America, then, without her Kaleidoscope? We think not. Our opinion is, that several such instruments will be wanted by America, in different parts, in time and that, the records of passing events, or rather of present maxims and predictions, will be found then to have been rather appearances of wisdom than real emanations of sagacity. We learn that several boxes of this new Instrument have been sent out to India, by a celebrated Optician:-for the use, no doubt, or rather for the amusement of the Rajahs and Nabobs of that interesting country, from which we are in daily expec tation of receiving importaut intelligence. At present, there is so little public news which can be depended on, that had rather frankly confess our ignorance, than affect a knowledge not really in our possession. we There are other countries respecting which we may say the same. Specific intelligence, of a political nature, there is but little there seems to be a general desire | by employing the best means to the best to promote commerce, to further the wel ends, aud contributes essentially to the fare of the people; and, probably, this will personal welfare of the individual, and to produce an effect of which the present ge- the general good of society. It is a pleasneration will not be unconcerned specta-ing, though it may be a delusive speculators, and in which succeeding generations will find abundant means of comfort, eujoyment and happiness. What then, does the Periscopist himself look through a Kaleidoscope? What! begin with despair, and conclude with hope; and not with hope, merely, but with expectation! Even so and certainly this is more pleasing than to begin with expectation and end with despair. The delusions of fancy, like those of the justrument referred to, amount to many millions, and occupy many years in enume. ration and detection; nevertheless, there is a fair and a warrantable degree of speculation, which supports the mind while it | controls it; which directs exertions, exercises natural talents, emulates real wisdom, tion, to anticipate the improvement of maukind; as it is an honourable, though it may prove a feeble, or an ineffectual attempt to promote that improvement. There is some satisfaction in being able to say, we leave the world no worse than we found it: but, the satisfaction is much greater in being allowed to rest assured that the world is something better than it was; and that to this improvement our humble efforts have contributed a modest, if not a more material share. The latest information we have been able to obtain on the subject of Her Majesty's late indisposition, announces so considerable an abatement of disorder, and return towards health, that we stop the press to announce the rentoval of immediate apprehension. Her Majesty has been able to receive visits: and has had the Commercial Chronicle. A calculation is said to have been made of the number of changes that may be effected on this optical glass-from the Sheffield Mer-pleasure of seeing again her son the Duke of Cambridge, who with his Duchess is cury we extract the following paragraph; arrived in London. "Supposing the instrument to contain 20 small pieces of glass, &c. and that you make ten changes in each minute, it will take the juconceivable space of 462,180,899,576 years and 360 days to go through the immense variety of changes it is capable of producing; amounting almost (according to our frail idea of the nature of things) to an eternity Or if you take only 12 small pieces, and make ten changes in each minute, it will then take 33,264 days, or 91 years and 49 days, to exhaust its variations." The first clear mention of this instrument, that we have been able to trace, occurs in New Improvements of Planting and Garden. ing, both Philosophical and Practical, &c. By Rd. Bradley, F.R.S. London, 1718, 8vo." This work is in three parts, In the copy we inspected, the last two are dated, 1720, the third edition. The account is in the third part. It also occurs in Ward's Optics; in Helsham's Lectures on Natural Philosophy, 1743, with a diagram; and the principle, also, in Sturmius's Mathesis Juvemilis, 1708, 8vo. But the public is obliged to Dr. Brewster for rendering it popular at the present time. The Dr. we understand, claims it as a discovery, and has taken out a patent; it is now varied into a great diversity of constructions. | STATE OF TRADE. Lloyd's Coffee-house, May 20, 1818. If we were to limit our attention, at this moment, to the Home Trade, especially to that part of it which depends on the season, and what is called fancy or fashion, we should have to report somewhat like an injurious stagnation; occasioned by an apprehension excited in the public mind of another breach in the Royal Family. The public measures taking, in consequence of convictions evidently felt by those who have the best means of information, and who, as statesmen, are bound to take care that the state sustain no detriment, are sufficiently explicit to warrant a general feeling, coincident with what all know to be the inevitable course of time and nature. In other branches the Home Trade was so continue. Accounts which reach us, becoming brisk; and, most likely, it will imply that most of the leading manufactures of our country are in activity to a very respectable degree; and some of them so closely as to be jealous of any interferlabours. The power of production is cerence by which limits should be set to their tainly carried to a most wonderful extent in this country. Whether it may be too From extensive, is a question to be answered only | disposition throughout Germany. by events. We remember when-many the north we learn, that the extremely years ago—the most enlightened persons brisk demand for Russian articles, last winfeared the consequences, and not without ter, has induced the Emperor of Russia to what they accepted as valid reasons; since lay au additional duty of ten per cent. on that time, production has increased ten the most material articles of export. fold-twenty, fold—incalculably,-yet the articles produced have usually found a sale, in time, though not always according to the wishes or the wants of the holders This remark naturally leads to the consideration of Foreign Commerce; and here we had rather report the opinion of foreigners than of our own merchants; because, however strangely expressed, the dealers abroad are likely to describe their feelings with less caution than confidential agents at home. When we read in an artice from Leipsic, reporting the general results of the May fair, that "the English were numerous, and threw away their goods at very low prices," we are satisfied that, compared with the works of their rivals, Euglish goods were both better and cheaper. The same complaint was made some time ago, in very loud and bitter terms; we then attributed the violence of it to the severity of sufferings in which we ourselves participated. To call it envy was applying rather a harsh appellation to what it must be wished should prove a temporary feeling; it rather excited sympathy. But, by this tube, that has subsided, and we now contemplate the more simple and unmixed spirit of rivalship. No nation can throw away its goods year after year: the thing is impossible. Avoluer circumstance deserving notice, reported from Leipsic is, that “ printed calicoes, of elegant patterns, met a ready sale; and tonnels were not to be had, towards the close of the fair; linens maintained their price; fars were in request; and, in general, all fashionable articles which united beauty with fineuess were much sought after.” This speaks, plainly enough, that property and even wealth are once more in activity on the continent; that the fear of being mulcted by being put in requisition, is not merely abated, but extinct; and that the persuasion of permanency to present peace, prevails, and is general. We must not overlook another very pleasing observation:"the number of country people who visited this fair was very great; and the amount of goods sold in small quantities was very considerable." Tins shews that all ranks participated in the same sentiments, and enjoyed in their respective degrees the same power of purchasing. We presume that the Leipsic May fair, is not far from affording a tolerable criterion of the state of the public mind and Hamburgh, May 12. The following news, which is highly interesting to the commercial world, was posted up to-day in the Borsen-hall:-" By an ukase of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia, which was made public on the 11th (23d) of last month, the export duty on the principal articles of export from Russia has been increased ten cent, as below specified, viz.— Duty according to the Tariff of 1816. In silver. Addition 10 p. ct. R. c. per ............. ........ Hemp, per best, ow .... R. C. 1 0 0 10 We have too good an opinion of the judgement of the Emperor Alexander and his advisers, to question the policy of this edict: if we rightly understand, there was no little competition among buyers at the time we allude to; and this additional tax is so much added to the revenue of the empire, out of the pockets of foreign corr sumers. This addition, it will be observed, attaches on grain, Wheat and Rye, among other articles: it is, therefore, so far in favour of the English farmer. Immense quantities of grain of all kinds, have lately been poured weekly into the port of Lou don; sometimes nearly 30,000 quarters of Wheat only: this has cast a shade over the market; and prices have fallen considerably. Report further affirms that the prospect of the ensuing harvest throughout the Continent is finer than usual at this time of the year; and that so far as can be anticipated, it is also likely to be earlier than usual. Corn, is in consequence, falling in all parts of Europe; and merchants who have quantities in store, take advantage of the moment to send it over to Londou, while the ports are open to receive it; and while the opportunity lasts of obtaining the price which, it would obtain no where else. The ports are open for the free importation of Wheat, Flour, Barley, Rye, Beans, and Peas. The prices of Provisions generally speak ing, continue steady. Extensive sales of Irish Butter have been brought forward lately, which sold to advantage; but, their influence was felt rather in contributing to prevent a rise of price, than in affecting the market. It is not easy to say, what the rate of prime articles from the dairy should be in the month of May on one hand, every cold, chilly, or wet day, affords occasion of apprehension, not to say of fear, on account of unsettled weather; on the other hand, the rising crops of grass, with its favourable nature, and the occasional beauty of the weather, give every room to hope for a plentiful supply, at moderate prices;-but, then the immense consumption of London!! We have seldom had an opportunity of recording the sale prices of the following articles; and especially, within this year or two, since the expences always attendant on war have ceased. COTTON has for some weeks past been received in great quantities: the natural consequence is lower prices, until at least a fair proportion of these arrivals is disposed of. India has contributed more than twenty thousand bags of Bengal Cotton, three thousand of Surat, and a portion, but a moderate portion only, of Bourbou. The prices at Liverpool, like the prices at Loodou. have somewhat given way; not indeed, enough to establish a fixed currency at the lower price; but enough to justify the idea that those who wish to sell must yield to circumstances. Some kinds however were rather scarce; and these were kept up to their full value; but, neither the quantity, nor the amount was great. SUGAR has lately been liable to some suspicion which pointed at the imposition of a new duty, in the shape of an alteration; but the Chancellor of the Exchequer has expressly signified that he has no such intention at present. Sugar, therefore, rests on the proportion between supply and demaud. In our last, we hinted at the probability of new Sugars arriving sooner than bad been expected. They have arrived; but not in very great quantities. There seems nevertheless, to be a strong disposition in the holders to part with their stocks, or at least to diminish them: and it is thought that they are not dissatisfied with the currency of the market. We presume therefore, that it will not immediately be exceeded, except in the instances of Sugars of great body and strength; which are enquired after, and freely realize the higher valuation. The Refined market is rather dull: but Lumps for crushing are in request. Our readers will not be much surprised to learn that the speculation in Oil has ended fatally for the principal speculator. His name appears among the "Whereas's:" not unexpectedly. When we said the whole trade set their faces against him,brought him into jeopardy in Westminster COFFEE fluctuates greatly: on one day Hall, &c. &c. we prepared for the conse- it fetches a great price, another day it quences. This is not the first time; but barely reaches what was thought modeit may probably prove the last time. Ex-rate. Sometimes a holder shall deliver at tremes often meet in the course of events; and wonderful wealth in fact, or in fancy, is closely allied to a wonderfull downfall. HEMP and FLAX have lately experienced but a very moderate demaud: the advantage must be turned in favour of the buyer, if sales to any amount are intended to be made. Tallow has some kind of uncertainty connected with it; except so far as it may now be influenced by the receutjecture may be formed, it should seem, that Tariff. NAVAL STORES are extremely flat. In Tar, Pitch, or Rosin, no business is doing: Turpentine forms an object of difference betweɛn buyer and seller. The holders ask prices much higher than are offered: in fact, the offers are considerably below what is demanded. Spirits are also lower; and are not likely to rise speedily. a handsome profit; and in a day or two, he must admit a reduction. Large arrivals are expected; but those whose interests are inovived, affirm that they will not lower the prices, so as to affect the currency of the market. It is certain, that those who expected much reduction, have not yet seen their expectations fulfilled. It is not safe to anticipate: but so far as a con those who now realize the market prices, iu proportion to the goodness of their Article, will have no reason to repent of it. The following is the report of what has lately been done in Spices: the purchasers have, however, realized a profit on their purchases, for the most part; and probably will eventually raise the prices somewhat higher : |