gage against Russia, but to whom arms have vice as if she had herself placed an army at his hitherto been refused. They may not present disposal. At least half the slaughter of our such disciplined and indomitable soldiers as those troops which has taken place in the Crimea is of Western Europe, but they are well able to the work of Austrian diplomacy. And having meet Russians and to fight Russians after their done us this service, her Court now falls back own fushion. into line with Prussia, and ambiguously gives The principalities, and their Rouman popula-out at Frankfort that if Russia makes no attack tion are perfectly capable of raising an army of 40 or 50,000 men, and of feeding and supporting them in the field. But we have allowed Austria to occupy these countries under the pretence of quieting them, whereas the only policy_pursued has been to despoil and disarm them. Is this to be permitted to go on? Austria, by re-establishing in office all the old agents and servants of Russia, has thus far only identified her cause with that of the Czar. The Wallachian patriots, exiled by Russia, remain more strictly exiled by Again we ask if this is to be allowed to go on, Austria. The very peasantry are watched as and if it is for the interest of the Allies that, jealously by the Austrians as by the Russians, with their consent and co-operation, a Russian and thus the power of a country is paralyzed, regime should be maintained in the Principaliwhich, organized in independence might already ties, their patriots still exiled, their armaments have afforded us an amount of material aid not prevented. Austrian troops in Moldavia and elsewhere obtainable. Wallachia have served merely to enable Russia

on the Principalities, there is no fear of Austria's drawing the sword. In other words, the guarantees which she was ready, as she led us to believe, to demand of Russia, in concert with the Allies, she now flings overboard completely; and it is no longer as parties to a common conference against Russia that we have to regard the Ger man Powers, but as States combined to maintain a menacing neutrality far more hostile to us than to Russia.

On the first news of the battle of the Alma, to transport her southern battalions to Sebastoand the supposed capture of Sebastopol, Austria pol. Is it right that this state of things should seat to congratulate the Allies. What has she continue? Or would it not be better that the done since? She has gradually so withdrawn revenues of the Principalities should no longer from that quasi-hostile attitude to the Czar, as to be employed merely to fatten Croats, but to invite and encourage him to withdraw his armies maintain a force really hostile to Russia, and then approaching and threatening Gallicia. By sincerely interested in the alliance against her? this policy, and by throwing difficulties in the If it be true, as we see announced since this way of the bulk of the Turkish army entering was written, that the French Government have the Principalities, Austria has enabled Russia to resolved to send at once two divisions into the concentrate 100,000 men in or around Sebasto-Principalities, these questions are likely to repol. She has thus done the Czar as good ser-ceive speedy solution.

From the Economist, 25 Nov.
WAR PRICES A FALLACY.

The

ciated in consequence. It is true that for the first four or five years of the suspension the depreciation was not so great; but towards 1809 it became A GREAT effort has been made by some of our very considerable, and continued so during the most influential contemporaries to connect the whole of the remainder of the war. For a long unexpected high price of corn with the war. Be-time a guinea was worth 27s, and at particular cause during the long war, from 1791 to 1815, moments sold even for considerably more. there were several years of very high prices, and high price was thus to a considerable extent generally a range of good prices, it has been the nominal; it was a price expressed in a depreciated fashion, without any very minute inquiry into currency. There were, therefore, two causes to the actual causes which during the period in which the high prices of the last war may be atquestion were calculated to produce such an ef- tributable, neitheir of which is applicable now. fect, to attribute it simply and in general terms First, there were series of years in which the to the war. If, however, this be a popular falla- crops universally failed, which led to the very cy or error, it is extremely desirable that it high prices in particular years; and next, there should be dissipated. For it is plain that there was a depreciated currency which led to a geneare two consequences which are certain to arise ral range of nominally high prices over the whole from such a conviction, both of which may, if period." carried to excess, be productive of public evil. No such causes affect the market price now. First, there have not been wanting already evi- Our currency is of full value, and in a most perdences of a somewhat painful kind, that the ex- fect condition. And while there may be a doubt pectation of high prices has been regarded by cer- expressed in some quarters whether the last hartain growers of grain as an ample satisfaction for vest has proved really as good as was expected, all the evils and cost of the war, and that, on that and whether the opinion formed of it was not an rather than the higher ground of great, national, exaggeration of the fact, yet it is impossible to and European considerations-the war is looked suspect that the harvest has been a bad one. upon by them with a favor which might outlive Last week we inserted a letter from a very emithe necessity for its continuation. On the other nent authority in such matters, which, so far as his hand, there have also been symptoms in large district of the country was concerned, went to populous neighborhoods of some discontent aris-show that the crop had really not proved to be so ing from the high price of bread, and connecting good, and that the farmers had experienced some it with the war. disappointment. To-day we insert a letter from As to the real cause of the present high price" Another Farmer" in the same spirit. But even of grain, and how far it will be sustained, there are no doubt very various opinions. But at least we think it will not be difficult to show that there are no satisfactory reasons for attributing it to the war; and, moreover, that there were causes in existence during the early years of the century sufficient to account for the high prices during But why should war lead to high prices, unless the war which do not apply to the present time. it be accompanied, as it was in the last war, with But, in the first place, we may remark that dur- financial difficulties, a suspension of cash paying the long war there were considerable fluctua- ments, and a depreciation of currency: and even *tions in price. In 1792 the price of wheat was in that case, the high price arising from such too 418 9d, and it advanced regularly until 1796, frequent accompaniments of war, would be rather when it was 76s 3d; but it again fell in 1798 to nominal than real. But apart from considerations 50s 4d; in 1800 and 1801 the price was respec- of currency, what reasons can be suggested for tively 110s 3d and 113s 11d; but in 1803 it fell high prices during war? Price is determined by to 57s 1d; from that time till 1809 it fluctuated supply and demand. Any circumstance, therefrom 60s to 94s; and in 1810 it rose to an aver fore, which creates a general deficiency of supply, age of 110s 3d, and continued generally above or a general increase of demand, will undoubted100s till the close of 1813; in 1814 it fell to ly tend to raise prices. Does war do the one or 728 ld, and in 1815, before the close of the war, the other? So far as the home supply is conto 638 8d. But examining these great fluctua- cerned, there can be no reason for saying that it tions, are there no causes irrespective of the war, is affected by war. Cultivation goes on as usual, to which the high range of prices may be attrib- and the result, as in times of peace, is determined uted? In the first place, there was the great by the character of the season. No doubt, so far failure of the harvests in 1799 and in 1800, which as foreign supplies are concerned, they may be was quite sufficient to account for the remarkable very much affected by war, or they may not, acprices in 1800 and 1801; again, the failing har-cording to its character. We will hereafter exvest in succession from 1809 to 1813 were suffi- amine how far they are likely to be so by the cient to account for the extraordinary prices at present war. Then so far as demand is conthat period. But was there no other general cerned, can it be said that there is anything in a cause which, during the greater part of that pe-war which is likely to increase it? There is a riod, very materially affected prices altogether? It will be observed that up to 1799 the prices of wheat continued moderate. In that year the Bank suspended cash payments. The circulation of the country became less or more depre

all that this exceptional evidence would imply is, that the great expectations formed of the harvest have not been realized. No one attempts to say that at least it was not a good harvest. Neither of the great influencing causes during the last war, therefore, exist now.

vague notion that the supplies of the army tend to a considerable increase of consumption, but there seems no foundation for such an impression. In the first place, the consumption of our largest armies is so small, compared with our entire

English markets have been large in the last two months, when compared with the very small deliveries of 1853, but they do not so much exceed those of 1852. In the months of October and November the quantities of English wheat returned in the Gazette were :

means and demand upon it, that it could make Nor has a corresponding effort been made to no perceptible influence upon the whole; in the supply home-grown wheat to make up the denext place, even though all the supplies were ficiency. It is true that the weekly sales in the seut from home, it would only be providing abroad for the same persons who had before been provided for at home; and in the last place, it is a fact that the great bulk of the actual consumption of food in a campaign is purchased on the spot; and therefore, so far as this goes, the consumption at home is rather relieved than increased. Then, again, as to the great bulk of the population at home, it is not likely that a period of war, when they are more highly taxed, and when therefore they can have a smaller portion of their entire income applicable to their general expenditure than usual, can lead to an increased consumption; on the contrary, the tendency will be to a diminished demand.

1852. 1853.

1854.

qrs.

.972,206

.758,061 1,109,144

So that 136,938 qrs have been returned more in the present year than in the ordinary year of 1852; but of course these returns represent but a small portion of the entire sales of the whole country. In the great reduction of stocks both here and throughout the West of Europe, and in absence of imports, suspended in consequence of the low prices some time ago, we may discover reasonable causes for the present high prices, without attributing them to the vague and unintelligible consequences of a war; and the first symptom of a fall in price will be when foreign supplies begin to arrive more quickly, and the British farmers to sell their large crop more freely.

From The Spectator 20 Nov. LADY FRANKLIN.

While, therefore, there are some grounds for saying that the circumstances of war would lead to a reduced demand, and thus tend to lower prices, there is only one circumstance which would tend in an opposite direction-viz., the extent to which it might interrupt foreign supplies. How far, then, does the present war affect our foreign supplies? Of the entire importation of wheat and flour, the portion direct from Russia constitutes about 14 per cent.; but as the whole importations do not form more than about 20 per cent. of our entire consumption, the quantity derived from Russia is very little more than 2 per cent. of the whole. Again, during the first nine months of this year, the importations of wheat from Russian ports direct has been LADY FRANKLIN, we understand, contem525,000 qrs, against 773,000 qrs last year; so plates the renewal of a task which it would be a that the deficiency has been but 248,000 qrs. It disgrace to the country to leave to her. Already is true, however, that recently the exportation has been prohibited, and the supply from that quarter has entirely ceased. It is also true that the occupation of the mouths of the Danube by the Russian forces has up to this time rendered it necessary to continue the blockade, and the large stores of wheat in the Principalities and in the Danubian ports have of late been pent up in granary and lost to the markets of Europe. But all this amounts to nothing as between a good and a bad harvest, and of itself could exert no perceptible influence upon prices.

the country and its official representatives have tarnished their honor by their treatment of this lady. When she urged the necessity of searching for her husband, the answer was thrown out in some quarters, that it was too late. We now know that it was not too late; that Sir John Franklin and several of his companions were alive down to a late period in the spring of 1850. We therefore have arrived at the point of confirming the conclusion to which Lady Franklin with great probability had come before that year.

In another respect her sagacity has been justiThe truth is, that the war has little or no con- fied by the event. She instructed two of the capnection with the high price of grain. If it had, tains of vessels which she sent out (Forsyth and how does it happen that for many months after Kennedy) to explore southwards from Boothia the declaration of war prices were rapidly re- to the mouth of the Great Fish River; and if duced, week by week and month by month? they had done so, three or four years ago, we We are rather disposed to believe that it is to should have then had the information now the fact that prices fell too much, in anticipation brought to us. The possibility of saving some of the harvest, that we are now suffering higher of the party would have been greater; and a fact prices than the quality of the harvest would which may perhaps be more important to some seem to justify. Our prices were speculatively persons,-the cost of the great exploring expedireduced below the level of other countries, and tions since sent out to Wellington Channel and stocks in the West of Europe being so much ex- Melville Island, would have been entirely superhausted, the exports from countries where any seded. surplus existed, and even from this country, were directed to France, Belgium, Holland, and Ger- portion at least of Franklin's party; we know many, in all of which countries prices, were how to trace back towards the site where they higher than here. In consequence of this, our abandoned their ships, and to recover such recimports in the months of July, August, Septem-ords as they may have left. In order to make ber, and October in the present year have barely full use of this information, however, it is desirareached 750,000 qrs, against 2,132.000 qrs in the ble to employ in the search competent Arctic same months of 1853, and 1,362,000 qrs in 1852. naval explorers. And we understand by a letter

We now have a clue to the ultimate fate of a

from Sir Roderick Murchison, which was to have jects, it is worth while to try the practice of exbeen read at the last meeting of the Geograph-perienced men, who often, in the long run, find ical Society, that in default of such efforts on the out the remedy. One proposition is made by Mr. part of Government, Lady Franklin has resolved William France, of Leeds, which may be easily to expend the last remnant of the fortune coming tried, and which, as it succeeded in one case to her by her husband's will, in fitting out merits consideration; at all events it is of easy another expedition, aided by a last appeal for proof. Mr. France says:Fifteen years ago, I the assistance of her friends. Is it possible that shipped a large iron boiler in one of my vessels, the Government and the country can leave Lady which stood two feet above the hatchway. The Franklin to make this further sacrifice? captain was told it would attract the needle. She has already made enough, and more than Before leaving the coast he found that to be the enough. If a better use of her suggestions and case, when he ordered the cook to bring the round her assistance has not been made, it is because iron beef-kettle, which was in daily use. He her own officers disregarded her instructions, placed a compass inside it, when he found it perhaps on the ground that they emanated from travelled correctly. I do not know whether it a woman. By that neglect, however, while the has been tried in those large steamers crossing public money has been expended, she is brought the Atlantic, but should suggest to the captains to the verge of poverty. It is true that Franklin the propriety of trying the experiment, as it will was her husband; and she, while she possessed cost them nothing.-Courier.

NEW BOOKS.

a penny of her own, was bound to devote it to
his rescue. As to her duty there is no question;
but was the duty of the country less? Did
Franklin go out in the service of his wife, or of
his country? Did he encounter death in any
mission of hers, or in adding to that knowledge
which he had already procured for his country? from the publishers: :-
Domestic affection pointed out her duty; public
virtue should point out another kind of duty
towards a public servant.

We have received the following new books

with Christ, will afford clearer views of duty, richer stores of knowledge, and a higher spiritual enjoyment, than whole days spent with the wisest of human authors."]

Life-Scenes of the Messiah. By the Rev. Rufus W. Clark. John P. Jewett & Co.: Boston. [In This has been felt so strongly, that a consider- twenty-five chapters, beginning with "The Foreable sum of money was handed to Lady Frank-runner," and ending with "The Ascension," lin for her assistance in one of the earlier expe- there are arranged a succession of Scenes in the ditions. But it was not English money. The Life of Our Lord. "One hour of communion £1,500 which was sent to Lady Franklin, with touching expressions of admiration for her conduct, came-not from England, which subscribed about £300-from the poor colony of Van Diemen's Land. The colony gave £1,500. The Lady has given many thousands; and she is ready, if necessary, that the entire remainder of her means should follow. It would not be the first time that a generous and noble creature had been reduced to total destitution through the outrage of public virtue. In past times there has been much open neglect of conscientious motive. In our day, we talk of "conscience," "improved knowledge," "practical Christianity," "regularity of justice;" and we allow Lady Franklin to make herself a beggar in paying the debts of the public!

We do not say in what mode this injustice could best be repaired. A public subscription would possibly prove a public disgrace, as there is no excitement to make the people sensible of their duty. The House of Commons, which ought to be the custodier of the national honor, as well as its purse, might "debate" the debt! The Royal hand has more summary resources for a just generosity. But we only point to the fact, that it will be a shameful breach of trust towards Sir John Franklin, if the legacy that he left to his widow be exhausted in discharging the obligation of the State.

Leaves from the Tree Igdrasyl. By Martha Russell. John P. Jewett & Co.: Boston. [Contents: The Diary; Love's Labor not Lost; A Tale of the Colony Times; Uncle John's Visit; An Incident on the Sea-Shore; Death by the WaySide; Little Bessia. These fill half the Volume; the remainder consists of Sketches of Our Village, in twelve chapters and Subjects.]

The Lady's Almanac for 1855. John P. Jewett & Co.: Boston. [A very pretty little book, of which thousands will, no doubt, be given away before 1855.

The Plurality of Worlds. With an Introduction by President Hitchcock. A New Edition. To which is added a Supplementary Dialogue, in which the Author reviews his Reviewers. Gould & Lincoln: Boston.

The Mothers of the Bible. By Mrs. S. G. Ashton. With an Introductory Essay, by the Rev. A. L Stone. "All Scripture is profitable." John P Jewett & Co.: Boston. "We freely confess that if we wish a truthful portraiture of female character, we should look to woman to sketch it. She can best appreciate her own sex, and detect all the lights and shades so necessary to form the perfect picture. While Mrs. Ashton had, in the accomplishment of her task, no liberty to range beyond the facts of Scripture, she has succeeded in presenting the mothers of the Bible in a manner so fascinating and true, as to promise gratification and instruction to the reader.-Presby

SCIENCE versus AN IRON POT. In the present day, when we hear so much about the local attraction of the compass on shipboard, and when scientific men overwhelm us with corrective pro-terian.