want of annual parliaments and universal suffrage. But what chiefly distinguished this meeting from every one previously held in Scotland, was the undisguised contempt for religion which pervaded all their speeches. It was asserted, that the clergy gulled every government, and that it was their infamous combination with the landed proprietors which had cheated the poor out of their rights. All those who attended church were denounced as hypocrites, because they went to hear clergymen descant on charity, morality, and virtues which they well knew the preachers themselves never practised. Bible societies came in for their share of abuse, and much contempt was expressed for their patrons, who, it was alleged, contributed cheerfully to every fantastic proposal, if it was only supposed to be religious, while they withheld their assistance from actual objects of charity at their own door, and who received, with open arms, every adventurer with a begging scheme, while they neglected modest merit in their poor neighbours. Plays, concerts, balls, and all kinds of amusement, were advertised for the benefit of Missionary Societies; and one speaker, following out these views, declared, that he should not be in the least surprised to see the Sultan Katte Ghery standing at the end of the old bridge on the Glasgow fair week, with a rowley powley, the profits of which were to be appropriated to the diffusion of the gospel in foreign parts. Saving banks, wittily pronounced shaving banks, were next the topic of ridicule, and the proceedings at Manchester were declared to have no parallel except the massacre at Glencoe. The meeting concluded with a resolution relative to the establishment of an independent newspaper; till the accomplishment of which most desirable event, it was resolved to support Wooler's Black Dwarf, the Manchester Observer, the Statesman, and the Belfast Irishman. After this they quietly dispersed. The num ber of persons present at this meeting, many of them evidently spectators from curiosity, did not exceed 2000.

SEPTEMBER.

Hunt has endeavoured to turn the tables against his prosecutors at Manchester. At the Lancaster assizes, which commenced on the 1st instant, he preferred bilis of indictment against several individuals of the Manchester cavalry, for maliciously cutting and wounding, &c., and against the persons who made oath before the magistrates concerning the nature of the meeting, charging them with wilful and corrupt perjury. The Grand Jury have thrown out all these bills, except one against Richard Owen, a pawnbroker in Manchester, or wilful and corrupt perjury. The Grand Jury, at the same time, four.d true

bills against Hunt and his associates for conspiracy. These characters are at liberty on bail, and have all traversed the indictments until next assizes.

Meeting at Westminster.-On the 2d instant, a meeting of the inhabitants of Westminster took place in Palace-yard, for the purpose of considering the conduct of the Manchester magistrates. Sir Francis Burdett in the chair. The number of persons assembled is computed at 40,000. Resolutions were passed strongly disapproving of the conduct of the magistrates of Manchester; and an address to the Prince Regent, founded on these resolutions, was unanimously voted.

Visit of Prince Leopold to Scotland.On the 18th ult. Edinburgh was honoured by a visit from his Royal Highness Prince Leopold, who came that morning from the seat of the Earl of Lauderdale at Dunbar. The Prince was received with indescribable enthusiasm by all ranks of people wherever he went. He spent two days in visiting all that is remarkable, and his affability gained him the esteem of all who had the honour of being admitted to his presence. On the 20th his Royal Highness left this city to visit the Marquis of Huntly, and enjoy the sport of shooting at his romantic hunting seat of Kinrara cottage. After passing through Perth and Dunkeld, where his reception was equally flattering, the Prince was received by the noble Marquis at Dalwhinnie, on the Saturday; and after spending the Sunday at Laggan, they proceeded on Monday to Kinrara. The weather has since proved admirable, and the time of the distinguished party has been pleasantly divided, between the moors of Badenoch and the elegant hospitalities of Kinrara. His Royal Highness is said to have often expressed himself in glowing terms of admiration, in the course of his journey through the endless diversity of sublime, picturesque, and romantic scenery which enriches the route by which he approached the Highlands; but by nothing did he appear so much struck and delighted, as by a scene conjured up at the command of his noble host at Kinrara, and which almost realized the apparition of Roderick Dhu's mountain ambuscade. Prince Leopold, conducted by his host, ascended Tor Alvie, where the Marchioness of Huntly, and a small party of Highland ladics and gentlemen, waited to receive him. In the middle of this ceremonial, and amidst comparative stillness and solitude the piper suddenly sounded the rallying note, and in an instant the height was transformed into something like a beleaguered station, where the Marquis and his guest stood pre-eminent, encircled by several hundred of hardy Highlanders, equipped in their native warlike

garb-each pouring forth the "wild greet ing of the mountaineer" to this illustrious stranger.

The Prince has besides visited Inverness, Gordon Castle, Elgin, Fochabers, and many other places in the north, from whence he has returned to Kinrara; and after passing some longer time there he proposes to return by Inverary and Buchanan House to Edinburgh, to be present at and patronise the approaching Musical Festival in that city.

Singular Accident.-On Tuesday the 24th ult. a boy, named Paton, residing at Carnbeddie in Perthshire, playing with a double barbed fly-hook, incautiously swallowed it, and the barb stuck a considerable way down his throat. He was sent to Perth, and from thence to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, for surgical assistance. This case, on account of its singularity, and the apparent difficulty and danger in hazarding any operation for the extraction of the hook, had excited a considerable degree of interest and curiosity. On Saturday last, the 4th inst. Mr Gillespie, one of the surgeons to the Royal Infirmary, succeeded in sately effecting its removal by means of an instrument of a very simple construction, made by an ingenious artist of this place, which being passed down to the hook, so entangled it, that it was brought out entire, without inflicting any injury upon the throat, or causing much pain to the boy, who has since returned home perfectly cured.

16. Reform Meeting and Riots at Paisley. On Saturday, the 11th, a reform meeting took place in the vicinity of Paisley, which, we regret to state, terminated in riot and disturbance. There were between 12,000 and 18,000 persons present, who assembled with the usual ensigns and banners. These having been prohibited by proclamation of the Sheriff, some of them were seized by the constables, when the

multitudes were returning from the meeting. The crowd resisted, and commenced throwing stones and other missiles, by which the council-chamber windows were broken; and similar outrages took place in various parts of the town. The mili tary were called in from Glasgow, who dispersed the rioters about three on the Sunday morning. On Sunday, when the magistrates were going to church, they were insulted by the populace, and rioting was again commenced, and many enormities committed. The riot act was read thrice before nine o'clock; and the military, in clearing the streets, were at one time seriously opposed by numbers who had armed themselves with bars of iron torn from the railing in front of a church. On Monday the streets continued crowded; and the authorities having procured a reinforcement of troops, read the riot act at two o'clock in the afternoon; and about five the crowd were compelled by the soldiers, with the least possible injury, to leave the streets. In all these cases the troops were not called in, until it was absolutely necessary, and, according to all accounts, both the civil and military authorities behaved with a moderation highly creditable. No lives were lost, nor any very serious personal injury sustained.

Riot in Glasgow. On Monday night, Glasgow was the scene of most disgraceful outrages. About dusk. a mob collected, to the amount of 3000, apparently for the sole purpose of mischief and plunder. They accordingly procceded to break the lamps in different streets, to plunder provision shops, and to attack some private houses. About nine o'clock the riot act was read by the Magistrates, and the military proceeded to disperse the mob. At midnight the customary peace was restored, and next morning there was no appearance of out

rage.

CAP. VIII. An act to continue, until 25th day of March 1820, an act of the last session of Parliament for preventing aliens from becoming naturalized, or being made or becoming denizens, except in certain cases. March 23.

Cap. IX. An act for punishing mutiny and desertion, and for the better payment

of the army and their quarters.—March 23.

Cap. X. An act for the regulating of his Majesty's royal marine forces while on shore.March 23.

Cap. XI. An act to indemnify such per sons in the United Kingdoms as have omitted to qualify themselves for offices and

employments, and for extending the times limited for certain of those purposes respectively, until the 25th day of March 1820, and to permit such persons in Great Britain, as have omitted to file affidavits of the execution of indentures of clerks to attornies and solicitors, to make and file the same on or before the first day of Hitary Term 1820, and allow persons to make and file such affidavits, although the persons whom they served shall have neglected to take out their annual certificates. -March 23.

Cap. XIII. To continue two acts of the 56th and 58th years of his present Majesty, for reducing the duties payable on horses used for the purposes therein mentioned, to the 5th day of April 1821; and to reduce the duties chargeable under certain acts of the 48th and 52d years of his present Majesty, in respect of certain horses, mares, geldings, and mules.

March 31.

31.

Cap. XXI. To amend several acts for purchasing an estate for the Duke of Wellington.-March 31.

Cap. XXII. For the further regulation of his Majesty's Household, and the care of his Royal Person, during the continuance of his indisposition.-April 6.

Cap. XXIII. To retrain, until the end of the present session of Parliament, the Governor and Company of the Bank of England from making payments in cash under certain notices given by them for that purpose.-April 6.

Cap. XXIV. To restrain, until the end of the present session of Parliament, the Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland from making payments in the gold coin of this realm, under certain notices given by them.-April 8.

Cap. XXV. To enable his Majesty to fix the rate and direct the disposal of freight money, for the conveyance of specie and jewels on board his Majesty's ships and vessels.-April 8.

Cap. XXVI. For fixing the rates of subsistence to be paid to innkeepers and others on quartering soldiers.-April &

Cap. XXVII. To facilitate the trial of felonies committed on board vessels employed on canals, navigable rivers, and inland navigations.-May 19.

Cap. XXVIII. To empower magistrates to divide the Court of Quarter Sessions.-May 19.

Cap. XXIX. To repeal the duties on mineral alkali, and on articles containing mineral alkali and other articles, and to impose other duties in lieu thereof.-May

19.

Cap. XXX. For vesting in commissioners the line of road from Shrewsbury, in the county of Salop, to Bangor Ferry, in the county of Carnarvon, and for discharging the trustees under several acts of the 17th, 28th, 36th, 41st, 42d, 47th, and 50th years of his present Majesty, from the future repair and maintenance thereof; and for altering and repealing so much of the said acts as affects the said line of road. May 19.

Cap. XXXI. To enable certain commissioners fully to carry into effect several conventions for liquidating claims of British subjects and others against the Government of France.-May 19.

Cap. XXXII.-To continue until the 5th day of July 1822, and amend so much of an act made in the 55th year of his present Majesty, for granting, until the 5th day of April 1819, additional duties of excise in Great Britain, as far as relates to tobacco and snuff, and certain excise licences. -May 19.

LONDON.

King's Theatre. Last week, Mr Waters paid into the accountant general's office, the sum of L. 4595, 7s. 8d. which completes his purchase of the King's Theatre. The point now remaining for decision in the Court of Chancery in the matter of Waters v. Taylor is their respective moie. ties of a very large sum lying in the above office, and which we understand amounts to nearly L. 100,000.-Lit. Gaz.

Covent Garden Theatre opened on Monday the 6th September, after a vacation of little more than two months, with the tragedy of Macbeth:-Macbeth by Mr Charles Kemble; Maduff by Mr Yates. During

that interval much has been done in the

way of embellishment. The gilding has been refreshed. The pale ground on the pannel and ceiling has received a slight tint of yellow, and affords a better relief than formerly to the ornaments dispersed over it. The pillars which support the boxes have been covered with burnished gold. The front of the slips has been enriched with crimson drapery. In short, a splendour has been communicated to the general effect of which we entirely approve, conceiving as we do that the appearance of buildings appropriated to amusement and gaiety should always be in harmony with their objects.

The choice of a commencing perform ance we highly applaud. Macbeth possesses qualities which, to use the admirably expressive language that has been ap plied to a different purpose, "are rare in their separate excellence, wonderful in their combination!" It traces with exquisite skill the progress of one of the most powerful and destructive passions that can agitate the breast of man; and in doing so it exhibits all that can interest in character, all that can amuse in story, all that can instruct in morals, all that can delight in poetry, all that can appal in superstition. Summoning "metaphysical aid" to the influence produced by the highest human agency, to this gorgeous tragedy" peculiarly refers the passage in Johnson's culogium on Shakespeare, in which the latter is described as having

"Exhausted worlds, and then imagined new."

On Wednesday, as if the managers were laudably resolved that Thalia should advance pari passu with her dignified and solemn sister, they produced the finest comedy of modern times. Who will for a moment hesitate to say, that it must have been the School for Scandal? It stands out, as artists call it, powerfully relieved

by the back-ground of all contemporary productions of a similar nature; and can by no heedlessness be passed over by the "mind's eye." While amusing and probable incident, while various and entertaining and contrasted character, while the happiest stage effect, while natural but elegant dialogue, while the most sound and brilliant wit continue to charm, never will this chef-d'œuvre of genius cease to be read or witnessed with delight. Nor do we think the objections which have been frequently made to its morality so well founded as some imagine. We hope that no persons are more sensible than ourselves of the value of prudence and justice. It is to be regretted that there is a tone, and that there are expressions in some scenes of The School for Scandal, which seem to place those qualities in a less estimable point of view than that in which they ought always to be regarded. But while this evil is admitted, let not the ample atonement that is made in other respects be forgotten. For our parts, we consider hypocrisy and calumny, as vices of a much baser nature, of a much deeper dye than extravagance, however reprehensible; and when were hypocrisy and calumny ever more successfully exposed? Of the latter in particular, that besetting sin of society, in all its gradations-that poisoner of the cup of felicity-that disturber of the tranquillity and comfort of human life, from the humblest to the most exalted rank, from the village tea-table to the coterie in St James's who has ever so strongly represented the pernicious tendency-who has ever depicted it in such odious and revolting colours as Sheridan?

It was the debut of that very charming acThe performance went off with eclat. tress Mrs Davison at Covent Garden; and we do hope that the public will now be gratified by her frequent appearance. She played Lady Teazle with great vivacity and effect. Of Farren's Sir Peter we have more than once spoken. It was a highly comic portrait of an uxorious old man. C. Kemble performed Charles Surface with his usual gaiety and gentlemanly deportment, although, with reference to the latter quality, he appeared to us occasionally to indulge in an excess of ease which almost degenerated into lounging. We do not know any man on the stage, however, who could sustain the part so happily. It is difficult to conceive characters more suited to the peculiar abilities of Terry, Blanchard, and Liston, than Sir Oliver Surface, Sir Benjamin Backbite, and Crabtree. Macready, than whom no more powerful

actor treads the boards, was not quite so effective in Joseph Surface as we expected. His conception was admirable; but, although his voice is, in general, remarkably rich and forcible. he murmured a great portion of the dialogue in a manner which rendered it inaudible to those who were removed but a short distance from the stage. Simmons's Moses was highly amusing. Chapman and Connor acquitted themselves very creditably. Mrs Gibbs's Mrs Candour has too often delighted the town to render our encomium necessary. Miss Foote was very amiable in Maria. In her own department Mrs Connor is a very interesting and good actress; but as Lady Sneerwell she was not equal to the excellent performers by whom she was surrounded, and appeared like a frigate (though certainly a very fine one) taken on an emergency into the line in a naval engagement. The whole together afforded a rich treat-Lit. Gaz.

Hay-Market.—“Ladies at Home; or, Gentlemen we can do without you;” a piece similar to that brought out at the English Opera House, and acted entirely by women, was brought forward here on Saturday the 7th August. The principal actresses are Mrs Edwin and Mrs Gibbs; Mrs Liston has a song. It was ably performed and excited much merriment. The race of priority has been gained by the Strand House, which it is stated prepared the whole in three days. This was at least a run before being acted, and we doubt not but as an agreeable bagatelle, the Ladies' coteries will run, like their tongues, for many nights to come.-Lit. Gaz.

English Opera House.-On Friday the 6th August, a whimsical entertainment, imported from Paris, and entitled "Belles without Beaux; or the Ladies among themselves;" was produced at this Theatre. The punishment, or rather the conversion of a prude is the object of this drama, and, in extension of the legal principle of offenders being tried by their peers, the whole of this affair is committed to the charge of female performers. The denouement convinces the prude that women may be suspected and slandered without cause.

The dialogue is rather smart, and the double-entendres very little beyond what might be uttered by modest persons, and listened to by moral audiences. There is nothing that the Society for the Suppression of Vice can lay hold of. Miss Carew sings a pretty song in the sweetest manner, and Miss Kelly, as Doran, an arch one; thus favoured by a lively plot, pleasing music, and admirable acting, the piece was deservedly successful. It is precisely one of these gay and amusing things which are suitable to such places of entertainment. Perhaps some curtailment would render it still more piquant; but as it was, it was

given out for repetition by Miss Kelly with unanimous applause.

On Thursday the 19th inst. a new Musical Drama was produced at this Theatre, called The Brown Man. It is from the French; and is in name only an imitation of "L'Homme Gris," on which Mr Jones founded his "Green Man." The original is by no means so good as its predecessor; and justice compels us to say, that the inferiority is not repaired in the translation. The plot of this trifle is scarcely worth detailing.-Lit. Gaz.

EDINBURGH.

Theatre-Royal.-Miss O'Neill followed Mr Farren in the succession of London performers at this theatre. She performed several of her most favourite characters to respectable but not crowded audiences, and had Evadne for her benefit. She was succeeded by Mr Henry Erskine Johnston for four nights, when the theatre closed on the 11th for a fortnight. It re-opens on Monday the 27th September with Mr Kean, who is engaged for twelve nights previous to his departure for America.

The Grand Musical Festival, for the benefit of the Charitable Institutions of Edinburgh, 1819, is advertised to commence on Tuesday, October 19th, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg.

There will be six performances; three of which will consist of selections of Sacred Music from the works of Handèl, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Pergolesi, and including the Messiah, the Creation, Mount of Olives, Requiem, &c. to take place in the Parliament House on the mornings of Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.And three Miscellaneous Concerts of Ancient and Modern Music, which will take place in the Theatre on the evenings of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The principal Vocal Performers are Miss Stephens, Miss Goodall, Miss Paton, Signora Corri, Mr Bellamy, Mr Jager, Mr Swift, and Mr Braham; and the principal Instrumental Performers,-Principal First Violin, Mr White; Principal S cond, Mr Penson: Principal Violoncello, Mr Lindley; Double Bass, Mr Dragonetti; Tenor, Mr R. Ashley; Flute, Mr Ireland; Clarionet, Mr Wilman; Hautboy, Mr Gries bach; Horns, Messrs l'etrides; Bassoon, Mr Holmes; Trumpet, Mr Schmidt; Trombone, Mr Mariotti; Double Dru.ns, Mr Jenkinson ;-the Leader of the Band, Mr Yaniewicz.

The Choruses will be completed, and filled by the most eminent singers from Lancashire, Yorkshire, Litchfield Cathedral, Edinburgh Institution, &c.

The whole Band, which will be on the grandest scale, to be conducted by Sir George Smart. Mr Mather will preside at the Organ.