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STe. AW. ROBERTSON,
rt'KMSHKHH or THK I.AW* OF THK UNION.
f*.%ILY PAVKHi : ;
COUNTRY P%PF.*«:
kltilU DOI.LAK8.
trtVK POM.4P*.
SATURDAY MORNING, JULY *.
The usual publication of the Georgian
will be suspended on Tuesday,to enable our
hands to partake in the celebration of the
anniversary of Independence,
Before another publication, the Anniver
sary of the Declaration of the Independence
of the United States will have passed. It
is a day which of all others should be held
^n grateful remembrance by Americai
The Declaration of Independence by the
then British Colonies, was an era not mere
ly in the history of our own country, it was
an important era in the annals of the
world. It gave the first impulse to those
principles which have so generally pervaded
the nations of the earth—it was a declara
tion of rights which at once placed man ou
the footing intended by the Deity—which
elevated him from the mere instrument in
the hands of others, to bo the arbiter of
his own political welfare, by promulgat
ing the solemn truth that lie was born with
certain “unalienable rights"—that govern
ments were instituted for the happiness of
the governed—and that all power is delega
ted to return into his hands.
The Declaration of the Rightn of Man
then made before the world, was nobly
supported by a race of patriots and heroes,
than whom purer, or braver, or wiser, never
appeared. They succeeded, and a nation
was established on the principles of repub
licanism and equality of rights. The go
vernment thus established was considered
by those who labored under the mists ot
prejudice and bigotry as an experiment of
no doubtful nature—it was believed to be
visionary in its origin, and impracticable in
Its execution—it was considered to contain
the seeds of its own dissolution—its down-
fill was prophecied with certainty, and
those who considered the people as th air
own worst enemies, rejoiced in the pros
pect of the annihilation of a nation in which
the dangerous heresy was maintained that
they, and not the monarch, were the foun
tain of honor and power, and the govern-
vermnent the creature of their will, and res
ponsible in all its departments to them, and
ham tlono-
Fiat Detabtment.—‘The organisation of
the Fire Department of New-York has been
justly admired as tho most efficient in the
Jnion—perhaps in the world. In our sub*
sequent columns we publish an interesting
■titutions, the memorable BATTLE OF'work them—1B being required at one, 50 attentir^T for
niTM L» LI lb Ilf f I an,l milk ftlinia kiaii. Ilia nllk.is H....I. , I ,
as much nitre
BUNKER-HILL, and with their blond vin- the other—are much larger, cannot be ban-
dicated for their posterity the privileges and died so easily,
happiness this lund has since enjoyed. Of- ‘quick ; but. whi
nor get inlo operation so
when once in operatiun, they
are irresistible, in their moebunical con*
ofthe greatest responsibility, and to the
citiiene of the most immediate interest es
pecially in this city. An efficient corps of
Firemen.with engines and apparatus, (with
out which it is vain to expect their efficien
cy,) no well rpguialed city in which the
safety and security ofthe lives and properly
ofthe citizens is an object, should bo with
out.
It is said to be an ascertained fact, that
the late extensive speculations in the Eng
lish cotton market have been principally by
the banker Rothschild, and the merchants
Cropper, Benson fe Co. A Loudon paper
rnmarks that “ Rothschild, while he advan
ces Cotton above cent per cent, beats down
with the same hand, the funds of all Europe
6 to 8 per cent, and then getting clear of
his Cotton at the turn of the market to de
cline, buys into all the funds of Europe at
the turn of the Market to rise." This, after
all, is a hazardous business, and the capi
talists who engage in it must be possessed
of a considerable share of prescience to hit
the exact time at which to carry on their
operations. Speculation has no doubt ad
ded to the demand for cotton in the markets
of Europe ; but the rise has not been alto
gether the consequence of speculation
Tho shortness ofthe stocks in Europe—the
increased and continued demand, principal
ly caused by the opening of the trade to
South America—the expected deficiency of
the crops in the places of production, suffi
ciently account for the increased prices
given for the article the present season.—
No doubt seems now to be entertained that
it has arrived at its greatest advance, and
the prudent speculator will guard against a
decline, rather than calculate upon an in
crease in his gains.
President Boi.ivar, in a late message to
the Congress of Peru, announced that ho
had accredited Ww. Tudor, Esq. aa Con
sul General from the United States. He
added, that he had no doubt Englund would
acknowledge the independence of Peru, and
liopeB that France will follow hor example.
By official returns of the late election in
Florida for a Delegate to Congress, the fol
lowing appoars to be the result—White
„ ,, , , , ,, , I ’32 1 Gadsden 460; Hernandez 362 tho
Half a century has elapsed, and how has , • r ...
, .... . “ - first is of course elected.
the prediction been verified ? The progress __
of our country in wealth and respectability | Instructions have been received at Pen-
in every variation of events during that sscola, by the Commandant of Fort San
period, has astonished the nations of the ! Carlos do Barrancas, to deliver up that
earth—the principles on which her govern- post, as may be directed by the Secretary
ment was founded have been disseminated ofthe Navy. General Bernard has arrived
through the world—nearly the whule conti- ; at New Orleans on his way to Pensacola, to
pent of America has thrown off the shackles J 8e lect a spot within the Bay of Pensacola
of despotism and degradation, and has f or the location of a Naval Depot,
formed governments upon the model pre- j __
Bented by her-she finds herself at the head j The merchants of Havana have pnblish-
ofacontiaent of Republics—even in Greece, ‘ edapaper, intended to shew that they en
a spark from the American altar has been tertain no apprehension of revolution—and
caught and has lighted up her ancient glo- that if a change should take place hercat-
?y—and the monarchs of the old world, j ter, it will be without effusion of blood,
trembling for the danger which light and
fleers ofthe Bunker-Hill Monument Asso-
ciatinn. President DANIEL WEBSTER structiun, I see no power gained over our
.-Vice-Presidents, Thomas H. Perkins, Jo- engines, but in the extension of the levers
letter on tho subject, to which we request RP ph Story ; Secretary, Edward Everett; or brakes. The workmanship is (decided
tho attention of our readers. It must be Treasurer, Nathaniel P. Russell. (Here superior to thoso made here, every part be-
•j , , ,u. i?;.. n—em D .i i. follow a list 55 Directors.) Standing Com- ing finished in the must perfect manner.—
evident, that the I ure Department is one . m j t , ee f or co || oc tj n g subscriptions—Henry Messrs. Merrick & Co. are high minded
,e.u -ii-m.- •" *5» a. S. Dearborn, John C. Warren. Edward intelligent men who understand the whole
Everett, George Blakcand Sqmuel l). Har detail, of their business, and are dotermin-
ris. Committee on the form of tho Monu- ed that the engine they aro building for this
ment—Daniel Webster, L. Baldwin, G.' city, shall be second to no one ever built
Stuart, W. Alston, and G. Ticknor.
i in this country. They are assisted and
President of the United States, John Q. i advised by Joseph S. Lewis, and Mr. Graff,
Adams ; Governor of Massachusetts. Levi who have had much experience in hydrau-
l.incoln; Gov. of New Hampshiro, David lies, it being under the superintendence and
L. Murrell ; Guv. of Connecticut, Oliver j direction of thse gentlemen, that the water
Wolcott i Gov. of Vermont, C.P.Van Near, works at Fair Mount have arrived to a do-
r although our firemen possess origin, and endeavoring to prove t|,„
ipidity as any men, and run pendence ofthe intellectual power. ‘ Wt '
1 From Montaigne is
republican principles threaten totheir pnw-
We published a few days since a state
er, are compelled to maintain immense ar- ment ,rom a North-Carolina paper, that
seventeen dead bodies were discovered, in a
mutilated date, at Currituck Inlet. Letters
have stated the some fact; but a genllemnn
arrived in Philadelphia, brings information
that upon a strict examination and search
at the place stated, nothing could be ois
covered. It is therefore hoped that the re
port is unfounded. ,,
mica to put down public opinion—and to pro
tect the power they possess from those to
whom it rightfully belongs.
If any nation on the earth has reason to
rejoice, it is this—if any nation hus reason
to recur with pride to the days which are
past, to dwell on the days which are present,
or to look with highly raised anticipations to
the future it is this—if any nation owes a
peculiar and lasting gratitude to heaven, it
is this.—It is a duty we owe to our country
to celebrate with becoming honors the day
of her birth—it is a duty we owe to the pre
valence of republican institutions to render
impressive the celebration of that event
which first set in motion the gathering ball
of republicanism. Let us then exult; let us
rejoice with “ exceeding great joy”; let us
mark the present anniversary with every
demonstration of affection in onr power to
bestow, or which enthusiasm may dictate.
A seaman belonging to tlio ship Jane,
was detected on Wednesday night in an at
tempt to rob the store of M. Woodworth.
He was examined before the Mayor the next
morning, and committed for trial.
We understand that the attempt ofllau.
to escape, which we alluded to on Friday,
was unsuccessful—ho was detected after he
had freed himself from his irons.
Another steam-boat accident One
of the flues of the now steam-boat Consti
tution, from New-York to Poughkeepsie,
exploded on the 20th nit. by which throe
persons, belonging to the boat, unfortunate
ly lost their lives, by scalding. The com
maudur of tho boat statee the cause of the
accident to be the collapsing of the boiler,
that is the, coniing together of tho flues.—
There were upwards of fifty passeugers on
board,none of whom,however .were injured,
The Livinoston Code The Code of
Civil Law, prepared for the State of Louis
iana, by Mr. Edward Livingston, having
been placed in the hands of all the magis
trates and other officers of the State, was
publicly and formally promulgated at New
Orleans on the 20th of May, to go into ef-
feet in one month from that date, and ac
cordingly it became the law of the State on
Monday tho 20th nit.
From Quebec.— 1 The large ship recent
ly built at Quebec, was to havebccn launch
ed on the 16th ult. On the 14th there wus
a great want of seamen, and many vessels
were detained in consequence.
The managers ofthe Park Theatre, New
York, for the purpose of encouraging ac
quatic sports, have offered a new boat built
for the purpose, as a prize for the victors, in
a boat race to take placo on the 4th of July
A few small articles will be found on our
first page.
The foundation stone of tho Bunker-Hill
Monument, besides coins, contained the fol
lowing inscription :—
On tho XVII day of June, MDCCCXXV
at the request of Bunker-Hill Monument
Association, tho most worshipful JOHN
ABBOT, Grand Master of Masons in Mas-
sachusetts. did in tho presence of General
MriNnTxFJXi?’ Iay lhls corncr -stonc of
MONUMENT, to testify the gratitude „
tile present genoration to their Fathers
whoon the !7th June, 1775, here fought it
the cause of their country, and of freo in
—Gov. of Rhodc-lsland,' James Fenner ;
Gov. of Maine, Albion 1C. Parris. Alox.
Parris, Architest. Corn, tvino and oil, wore
laid upou it, emblematic of plenty, prosper
ity and happiness—and over the spot was
placed a masonic arch with a suitable in
scription. Prsyers were then offered for
the pile about to be reared, and fur the pros
perity of the country, by one of the chap
lains of the fraternity.
From the Boston Courier.—The sub
joined letter fromour intelligent and practi
cal fellow-citizen, Mr. Darrucutt, who was
sent on by the Mayor and Aldermen for tho
purpose of examining tho fire department! of
New-York and Philadelphia, throws so
much important light upon Hie subject, that
we have obtained it ofthe Mayor tor publi
cation.
Boston, June 1,1825.
Hon. Josinh Quincy, Mayor of Boston.
Kir—Agreeably to your request, I have,
during my visit to New-York end Philadol-
phia, made such enquiries relative to the or
ganization of their fire departments, liio
construction, size and power of their <n-
jines, the organization of their hose and
adder companies,and relative to their wholo
police in this respect, as was suggested in
your communication to me, and upon such
other topics as occurred to my mind during
the examinaton—the result of which, os
far as I am able, I will now endeavour to
Inv before you, presuming that as my en
quiries were necessarily desultory, tho in
formation will be ofthe same nature.
The engines in New-York are now made
the corporation yard, by workmen em
ployed by the corporation, who construct as
well as repair all the engines; make and
repair all the hose, and jo every thing ne
cessary in this department. The engines
e all of 6i chambers, work with brakes
at the sides,(in the manner of the Cataract)
are remarkable for tho neatness and be.au-
of their workmanship, are very strong
and compact, are worked ill a small space,
and are easily turned in a narrow passage.
There is attached to each 210 feet of hose,
exclusive of the suction ; they will throw
column of water in a horizontal direction
140 feet with 18 men working at the
brakes; and can wet with their spray tho
cross ofthe Catholic Church, 110 or 12 feet
high, Their hose is attached to the engine
upon a revolving reel, and can be brought
into U60 with great ease and despatch ;
they are in lengths of 50 feet, connected by
coupling arrows, by which means they can
be extended at pleasure without twisting
the hose. These screws are all of one size,
fit with great exactness, and the whole
hose of tho city can be united if necessary
The hose is taken from the engine after
use, and reeled upon a large reel attached
to the engine house, or hung upon racks
until it is drained ofthe water and thorough-
ly dry, after which it is oiled or rubbed over
with currier’s dubbings. Hose must never
be exposed to the sun tu dry, as this har
dens the leather and makes it crack.
Engines, when complete weigh about one
ton. Engines of this construction are made
by Mr. Ephroim Force, who formerly made
them for the Corporation, and some of tho
best now .n use in the city were made by
him. He appears to bean intelligent man.
who understands his business, and is recoin
mended by the late and present chief engi
neers, as a mail in whom confidence may be
placed. '■ The cost of these engines, fully
ornamented, is £900; without the brass
work and ornamental painting £700.—
Should you think proper to order one of
these engines, I have no doubt Mr. Force
will exert himself to produce a machine
which will do him honor. Mr. Franklin
late, and Mr. Cox, present chief engineer
with Mr. Engs, assistant engineer, have
kindly proffered, their services to superin
tend its construction.
Having examined all the engines in New
York and obtained much information rela
tive to their managing at times, and an ar
rangement having been made for an exhibi
tion of several of their companies on a fu
turc day; I thought it would be butter for
me to proceed to Philadelphia, examine in
to their system, and I should (hen be better
able to judge of either. On my arrival,
repaired to the manufactory of Messrs.Mer
rick & Co. who are building the engine for
this city, under the superintendance and di
rection of Joseph S. Lewis, and Frederick
Graff Esqrs. of that city. I hud here
fair nppoportunity of seeing several engines
whibh were undergoing repairs, as well as
those which were building; this enabled
me to judge more correctly of the manner
in which the work was done; and ill justice
to Messrs. Merrick &Co. 1 must say, that
in every respect, they appear to me to bo
made in the most faithful and workmanlike
manner. At my request, one of the en
gines were taken out, filled nnd played; she
threw a/fi/r column of water over the Tow
er ol St. John’s Church, 95 teet high,stand
ing 45 feet from the base ; and 1 have no
doubt but that the water went at leut 25 or
30 feet higher, in Biich quantitities as to do
execution; the bore of the pipe was 1
inch ; in a horizontal line she threw the
water in column 144 feet, and with the
spray over 200 feet, yet this engine was not
supposed to be in the best order, and having
hut 35 men at the brakes,50 being hor com
pliment; they havo thrown the water much
further wnen fully manned. The tub con
tains 220 gallons, ami was ployed out in 41
seconds. This engine has two pipes, can
play from either nr both, throwing the wa
ter 100 feet each way; the chambers nre
9J inches, 9} stroke, and weighs about one
and a half ton; she has no suction hoBe,
but embraces all the other modern improve
ments, and is supposed to bo as good on en
ginu as any in use.
Comparing these engines with those —
New-York, there call bo no doubt but that
the Philadelphia engines will throw a grea
ter quantity to a greater distanco, in agi
en time, than those of New-Yurk, but th
1 require three times the number of men
gree of perfection, that is the admiration
of nil who view them.
The hydraulicon or small supply engines
are found serviceable in the suburbs of Phil
adelphia, where thn waterworks have not
beau extended—They are a small engine
with one chamber, and are used fur forcing
water thro’ hose as a supply to the engines,
one or two of them would be found service
able until our engines shall be furnished
with suction hose.
The lire companies here aro volunteers ;
are under no general head, but each opera
ting at a fire as thought best by their own
engineer; they purchase their own engines,
furnish their own houses, receive no premi
ums, but tho corporation allow £4000
per year, to bn divided among them for re
pairs, fee. But this is so far from paying
thoir expenses, that in many of the compa
nies the expense is £>0 per year each man ;
but there is a spirit irevailing here which
induces the young gentlemen of the city to
seek for admission into the fire companies,
without regard to the sacrifice they ure o-
bliged to make. The spirit is very honora
ble to them.
The manner in which Philadelphia is sup
plied with water allows of thisorganization,
but the system adopted in New York is so
decidedly superior, that I think any further
remarks on their organization unnecessary
There is much difference ol of opinion as
regards Hie rivetted or sewed huso. The
hose companies and engineers in Philadel-
dliia give a decided preferrence to rivetted
hose, while those in New-York are equally
sanguine in favor of sewed. Upon a minute
and careful inspection of both, I can only
6ay, that I should think the riveted hose
tlie strongest, while the sewed hose is the
lightest and most pliable.
On my return to New-York, agreeable to
rrangements previously made, four ofthe
engine companies, viz. 5, 7, 25 & 31, with
the companies attached, assembled in the
Park in front of tho Cityllall, nnd at a signal
given started for thn reservoir, tho engine
urriving first attached her suction hose,
placed it in the reservoir, extending her lea
ding hose2IO feet; the next arriving took
the water from the endof the hose, and so
on successively, until, the line extended 84(1
feet; and such was the udmirable state ot
their discipline, such the perfection of thoir
system, that in 3 minulcs-from the time the
signal was given, the line was formed and
the water thrown upon the City Hull, after
passing through four engines and 84“ feet
of hose. This one fact speaks volumes in
piaiats orUieii ayptcni.
When an alarm of fire is given, the en
gine arriving first, instead of stopping near
the tiro, proceeds to the nearest reservoir of
water, or the river, places her suction hose,
extending her leading hose, and if not long
enough to roach the fire, the next engine
arriving takes her water, thus extending
the line to almost any length until the wa
ter can be brought to bear upou the fire, nnd
in but very few cases do they throw their
water (as with us) from tho goose neck, but
lead their hose immediately into the buil
ding on fire ; in this way the circle of oper
ation is extended, a large spacer is left a-
round the fire for tho removal of goods, fee.
and no wator is wasted. No one can, 1
think, hesitate for a moment in deciding
u(ion the great superiority of this system
over ours of passing the water in buckets,
and every engine crowding into the imme
diate vicinity ofthe tiro, impeding each o
there operations, and tho larger part of tho
ime idle for want of water ; for it will be
conceived, by all who are iu the habit of
observation, I believe, that one engine
browing a steady stream of water, is of
more service than three playing occasion
ally.
In New-York the supreme command at
all fires is vested in the chief engineer; he
takes his place in some conspicuous station;
if in the night, tho chief engineer’s ianthorn
is raised, which serves as a rallying point
here the assistant engineers repair for or
ders, and, all arc bound to obey under a
severe penalty ; here then there is no clash
ing of orders ; if a difference of opinion ari
ses among the assistant engineers, the chief
engineer is the arbiter, anil when it is ne
cessary to take a now position the orders
are given and obeyed without any con
fusion, no struggling for precedence no
altercations who shall pluy ou the fire,
or who shall load the water. No. 7, to the
river; No. 10,take the water from 7; 5
take the water from 10. fe this way tho line
extended until it reaches the fire ; in one
instanen 23 engines were extended in one
line, thuB carrying the water nearly 9000
feet, and keeping the engine next the fire
constantly supplied until it was extinguish
ed. for here the only struggle seems to bo
who shall work the fastest, and it is con
sidered disgraceful for one engine not to
take the water as fast as the other cau sup
ply it.
In addition to tho engines they have hose
anil ladder companies. The hose compa
nies have 1000 feet of hose in 50 ft. lengths,
which is carried to any fire upon a frame
carriage. Tins is used for supply in case
any engine should burst their hose, or the
water should be at a groat distance. Tho
screws to all the hose now in use fit exact
ly, so that tho hoBe of any one engine may
be used by them all.
The ladder companies are organized in
the same manner with the hose companies ;
tlie ladders are carried upon a carriage;—
each company has five or more ladders and
fire hooks of different lengths. Upon tho
alarm being given they repair to the fire ; if
a building should be on fire, they immedi
ately raise and secure the ladder, and by
the time the engine is full the ladder is rai
sed, the man who has the pipe mounts the
ladder and pours his water immediately up
on it—no water being wasted ; for Buch is
the intrepidity of thoir firomon, that they
will enter any building, and carry the water
into the enemy’s own quarters.
The advantage of this system is such
that I cannot too earnestly press it upon your
great risks, both in their persons and
erty, yet they have not been in the habit of
considering the hose system as the best,
and havo seldom used them except in cases
where thoy-could not play from the pipe
the fevers* of this jp,the case in Now-Yurk
—it is freqdbntly Hie case whon fire origin
ates in narrow passage ways, where en
gines cannot operate to advantage, in the
centre of their large squares, that the en-
f rincs are entirely out of view of the fire,
eading their hose^hrougb stores and hou-
sae in the vicinity.
This, with tho efficient organization of
the various component parts of the depart
ment, and the placing ot the whole under
supreme command ot one, is what, in my o-
pinion, after a minute and careful inspection
of their whole system, gives to the fire
men of Now-Yurk such a decided superior
ity over those in our city or any other place
in our country ; to this conclusion my mind
has been irresistibly led- I have felt a de
gree of pride in the character of our fire
men in this city, and never would concede
the point that foes were not hotter mana
ged here than elsewhere; but recent events
have caused a doubt in my mind ; those
doubts are now confirmed—the fault lies
not bo much in the men as in the system.
Accompanying this is the constitution
and bye laws of the liro department of New
York; the act of incorporation and othec
state laws; the ordinances of the corpora
tion, fee. with the constitution and bye
laws of several of the engine, hose, and
ladder companies, both of New-York and
Philadelphia.
The act establishing a Charity Flint!, rner
its your particular attention ; us it has been
the means of keeping the fire companies
full iu New-York. where tbs lnbor and sac
rifices arc immense, not a week pausing that
there is not one or more alarms.
There is also the Chief Engineer’s year-
lv return, showing the number, state and
condition of the whole tire apparatus, the
number of firemen, &. The annexed ac
count af the Fire Department and a sheet
containing tlie name of the chief engineer,
fee. whom by a reference to the laws of the
Corporation, it will be found to be the duty
of the city watch to alarm in case of fire in
the night; it is also the duty of the watch
when giving tho alarm, to cry I he street
where the fire is, by which means the tire
men know to wiiat quarter ol' the oily to
repair in case of tire. I would also suggest
the propriety in our city in case of alarm,
of having the bell nearest the tire continue
ringing while the other bells toll quickly :
this would frequently prevent much contu
sion, and the engines would he enabled to
repair mure directly to the point, of danger,
and while oil fire, should another break out
the alarm would he given by the bell near
est the new point ot danger beginning to
ring.
There are also three letters from Mr.
Phillip Engs, conveying much useful infor
mation; he is one ofthe assisluut engin
eers ; two of these letters were written
previous to my arrival in New-York, with
the intention of giving tu you, Sir, the in
formation therein contained ; but under
standing that some one would repair to New
York tor the purpose of examining into
the detail of their whole operations, ho
conduced not to sornt thou,.
You will perceive by the ordinances of
the Corporation, that it is the duty of the
Mayor, Aldermen, and all the peace offi
cers in case of alarm, to repair to the tire
with their respective badges, for the protec
tion of property, fee. and if a building is to
betaken down to prevent the spreading of
the tire, they are in be consulted by the
chief engineer, but havo no command over
the firemen.
The engine houses are kept locked, but
tho key is kept in some place known to the
members, and young men who are not mem
bers, but a kind of volunteers who attach
themselves to the company, who ns well as
the members, are allowed intake them out.
There is one other subject which 1 think
of so much importance that I cannot puss
over it: that is the sinking of reservoirs;
this has been done partially in New-York,
and has been found so highly important,
thnt they are now extending them to even-
part of the city, they are built of hrick.plus-
terrd with Romun cement, hold 151) to 200
hlids. and cost from SOU to £700 ; they arc
supplied with water from the roofs ofthe
houses, and are generally placed near some
public building ; if one of these reservoirs
had been placed in Kilby street, I have no
doubt that the late destructive tire in that
neighborhood would have been preventod.
Until our city is supplied as iu Philadelphia,
(which I hope will soon be dune) I know of
no other method by which we can obtain a
full supply of water ill case of fire.
Much other useful and interesting matter
will be found in the documents accompany
ing this, which will well repay the perusal.
1 have now, sir, I believe, touched upon
every subject embraced in your communi
cation to me, blended with such reflections
as occurred to me at the moment; but should
there he any pointupnn which von wish for
further inlonnation from my numerous me
moranda and notes, I have uo doubt 1 ahull
be able to give it; 1 have only to regret that
a subject of so much importance was not
coinmittod to some one more able than my
self to do justice to it. But I should not do
justice to myself were 1 to close this very
long communication without expressing, in
the fullest manner, my sense of obligation
to Messrs Joseph S. Lewis and Frederick
Graff, of Philadelphia, Mr. Thomas Frank
lin, late, and Mr. Jameson Cox, present
chief engineer, and Mr, Philip Engs, assis
tant engineer in New-York; they devoted
themselves to my enquiries, and seemed on
ly anxious that 1 should not leave their res
pective cities until 1 had received every in
formation it was in their power to give ; my
thanks are also in an especial manner due
to th* companies attached to Nos. 5, 7, 25,
and 31, in New York, for the promptness
with which, at my request, they assembled
to show me their manner of operating at
tiros ; and from the respective Engine, Hose
and Ladder Companies, both in Philudel
phia and New York, I received every civi
lity and attention. Respectfully yours, fee
GEORGE DARRACOTT-
ts tmjiliar .jj I
T* the editors op the oeoroian.
ON THE INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE
ON THE HUMAN MIND.
Among thn follies of the wise, may be
ranked that Bystem which circumscribes
the energies ofthe human mind, by the
influence of climate. This system has been
confuted, but being still believed by some,
(for there are individuals whom no confu
tation can confute) I think it not an unin
teresting subject that, of enquiring into its
partly derived
extravagant system;
of this class; the for..„. „„ evcr w
writer whose talents were tire miun I
liant and seductive that Europe and 1,
ern literature possessed. He, eve, ?-
lant in stocking the mind by novelties T
covered in the writings of some 0 y
cients,* a few fanciful and casual coli
tures on the influence of climate on iheT'
man mind, and which he also extended i
manners. These slight conjectures ha ■
* 0d *»«!;■» » vid 7? * nd having , dot S
them with his usual ingenuity, and bv i
graces of his fancy, triumphantly dessemi
ated them as a modern discovery. |, ''
the talent orexquisite composition that I 11
to him the power of disguising an eipfi
system. He says, “ The empire of C
is the first of all empires." As w fa
guish climates by degress of lattm* ,'
might by the Batne rule, (as his system '
to indicate, and if 1 may be allowed J?
express myself) distinguish the dwrre, 5
sensibility ; but by suffering these folk!
become agreable, we suffer them to be J.
familiar. *
To combat this brilliant but fallahious n.
pinion of Montaigne, we find t| m ,i...
ghsh poets Gray. Churchill amUm*
who revolted from this position so
human intellect and exertion, have com,,,
ed then ideasin a sarcastic acerbity
the system; but it was the Pkilui'a,
Hume who crushed it. Another ofisw
systeniatisers may he found in M’Kemli.i
translation of the Italian Tilangiere’s b|-.
ence of Legislation. It appears that i' t
marches between M ontaigne, and Bai'.l-i
and their adversaries, by attempting to
shew that climate influences the mind, j.,
relative, not as an absolute cause, and fa
the difference is not perceptable in zeupn,
ate climates. But one of bis reveries ;i
that of drying swamps and felling woocq
to change the character ol* the people.
Now as France is u very extensive coat,
try. nnd has a great variation of climate, it
offered an ample citcnii tin these systemti-1
isers to verity their favorite positions, bj I
tracing the effects of climute through that I
diversified and beautiful country. The in-1
habitants of Picardy for instance, being pit. f
ced in a colder situation than the other pul
vinces, were imagined to he eminent v, I
their indefatigable- labor and roseardie, f
and their writers were supposed tu best;.!
dents of great erudition- Bet here, asal-
moot in every instance, where fuels are pig. I
duced to confirm this fanciful theory, ve I
shall find that moral are often taken fit
physical effects. Normandy having a gir |
inequality of climate, was supposed to w-1
casiou a similar inequality in the literarr I
productions of itB authors; and Aaverg.: I
imying high mountains and deep valhrs, I
was conjectured to produce both men d I
great genius and great dullness; lor tbc.t [
horn on the mountains were said to hart |
more delicate organs and tuoro ellierial spi
rit, than the gross and stupid student, of
the valley. So late as 1771, a learned I
French writer composed a Dissurtatiuiu:
the Physical influence of climates, to prove
that the superiority of the French genius |
wa in consequence ofa teinpprate clinul*
Wo have his own countrymen confuting
tiiis erroneous assertion in an able Iho-ijt
inmate criticism. Ii appears in book Cad,
page 6u0, of Malte Brun’s System of Go
ography, a work that has recently appli
ed ill this city, and which I think will bt i
read with much pleasure and pretit.
These fantastic systetnalirersliava con
stantly levelled thoir national atlacki |
against Great Britain. Profound (lisqni*
tionsand sarcastic exultations have been I
made concerning their tnpgy Islai d; hit |
tlie same fogs remain, while the finest com-
positions enrich their language. The dai
sies of England exhibit models ofthe pur
est taste otliterature, but moral causeshrj
impeded the progress ef tnsfe m that coc
try. When individuals want patron;;:,
they often want genius. Their mmiarc.'.*
have been torpid or parsimonious, but lliui
public, have at length been rapid and rnag- j
niiicent. Montesquieu, Re llos, and Wi>
chelmnn affirmed tiiat Engiishmcn cu. o
have no genius fertile fine arts, lieratire I
tho sensibility oftheir taste was obstructed I
hv an obnoxious clime. These saiitinipnu 1
have been echoed from one to tiio^ other.I
until some oftheir own writers '.Iwig-fa ]
have been pleased to cidaniniatothemseftf--1
Milton, Thompson, Goldsmith, and ov;
Byron, exhibit some of the enchanting aid I
the most vivid scenery in poetry: their am* I
wns, however, considered to be unfair 11
“ skiey influence," but whenever a natinim
impediment is removed and T ime, ill arcr,j
polished nation, subverts such causes,™
people will not foil of equalling the ellortt
of those who have been placed in bapfi i
circumstances. Men of genius cease to n
such, when like tile common people, let
preripitate themselves on one another. *j*
the stupid docility of a flock of sheep*™
follow the one that happens to be the tore-
most. De Foe seems to havo wan*™
wildly in these fancies ; in speaking ot U |
hero “William,” he says,
“ Batavian climates nourished him anl>f- |
Too great a genius for so damp a soli.
Milton has fallen into the same error,(th* I
tho prevailing prejudice of the age) r«pf ( '
ing the influences ofclimatc on the heuH*
mind) he seems to lay a particular s'riss
on the word “cold" in the following lutes,
“ — higher argument
Remains, sufficient of itselfto roisc „ ,
That name, unless an age too late, o)'” I
Climate,or years damp my intended i*n>S'
Even Young, in “ The Merchant."
plains that "his poetic vein run sluie m
cold climatea
Descartes considering that the warm
ofthe climate of France would too mnchi
alt his imagination and disturb that tcBF
rate state of mind necessary for phil°s°f ■
cal discoveries, took refuge in Holland,
all the frost of a Rorthern climate r '
neverrender hisburningiinaginationton’'
the visionary would have dreamt on a r
low of snow. j
Such have been tlie imbecilities ot f ^
men with respect to this their fsvoritofi
tern, and on such foundations ns I n*
numerated havo their brilliant edifices
built; it will, however, be seen that J
tesquieu did nut construct, but only *
cd. It is to bo lamented, (even to this d«
that some superior minds prefer the
vanity of temporary novelties to tM
nite glory ef enduring truths. I, - vprv
link
IIIIB liHIU Utuuco »M , 0 j
i the human mind, and half the wib
of this kind places an additional t ell f’
* Hippocrates, Plato, Aristotle and Sc 1
u’er®
♦ Opinions favorable to this syote
lately delivered by a Professor tuthc