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a scrivener, who, though of middle age, has contracted a passion for Margaret, the object also of Dalgarno's lawless desire. Her preference for Nigel, and the circumstance of Nigel's being assisted by the King, who was his father's debtor, with jewels, whereon James authorises him to raise a sum for paying off a mortgage of his estates (pledged greatly below their value, nominally to Skourlie, but in secret for Dalgarno's use), are considerations which irritate Dalgarno against Nigel; who, for having drawn his sword within the Royal precincts, in rescue of Margaret from an attempt of Dalgarno to force her off, is fain to take sanctuary in Whitefriars (alias Alsatia), at the house of Trapbois, the usurer, who is to raise the money on the jewels. To prevent the completion of the payment within the few remaining hours of the mortgage term, Dalgarno, who on failure of redemption would become sole lord of Nigel's fortunes, comes, masked and cloaked, with Peppercole, into the usurer's house, with a view of seizing and secreting the jewels. Trapbois is gagged by Dalgarno with a scarf, and, in his struggle, the noose of the scarf sliding, becomes entangled round his throat, and strangles him. Dalgarno is wounded by Nigel in the wrist, but escapes with the jewels. The play now deviates still further from the track of the novel. Nigel, being proved to have suddenly quitted the fatal scene, with the old man's daughter and some valuable property, is next morning, at Dalgarno's suggestion, charged with the murder: a charge corroborated by the non-appearance of the daughter at the inquest held by Hildebrod. Afewminutes only before the expiration of the term, the mortgage is paid off to Skour. lie by Strappet from a secret source: while Nigel is brought from the tower, and examined by the King in the presence of Margaret: she having claimed, under suspicious circumstances, and in the disguise of a Scottish page, a promise which James, when she had sung before him in that dress at a mumming, had made, that he would grant the page a boon; which boon she wishes to receive in the shape of Nigel's pardon. The evidence of the murder now pressing Nigel, Skourlie, who has before unsuccessfully sought the hand of Margaret, promises that on her consenting to bestow it on him, he will acquit the accused. She, in agony, is yielding, when the rich asurer's daughter arrives, accounts for her absence from the inquest, by explaining how she has secretly been employed in raising the

redemption money of her deliverer's estates; and, finally, by the scarf which is identified for Dalgarno's, as well as by the wound on his wrist, proves him the real felon. Margaret is thus rescued from Skourlie, and united to Nigel. Of this adaptation we regret that we cannot say the judgment was equal to the liberality. No expense has been spared in the getting up of the piece with adequate splendour and effect, but the manufacture of the plot was so injudicious, that no actual attraction of “ pomp and circumsatnces" could make full amends for the intellectual deficiency. The dramatist had, perhaps, the ambition to share the praise of originality with the novelist, and we believe he so far succeeded that the latter would find it difficult to recognize his own production, The deviations, purposely made from the story, have been made for the worse, and have only the effect of rendering the denouement more improbable, or more tedious. The powerful character Dalgarno was played with much spirit and propriety by Mr. C. Kemble. As Skourlie, Mr. Farren was peculiar and effective. Mr. Fawcett gave vivacity and humour to Strappet. Mr. Farley performed Peppercole, a second Pistol, with that broad burlesque which suited the part. Mr. Bartley was very animated in King James, but was more like a jolly, blundering alderman than a scholastic King, and rather too vulgar in his accent and manner. Lord Nigel found in Mr. Abbot a precise and stately representative, but nothing more. Trapbois gave Mr. Blanchard an opportunity of shewing, with a painful fidelity, the habits of a veteran usurer. Miss Foote played Margaret interestingly. Bridget was performed in character by Mrs. Chatterley; and Miss Lacy, as Martha, reached the heart, and commanded the feelings of the audience. The Prologue, or induction, as it is more logically than dramatically called, was recited by Miss Foote and Mr. Yates, and though unattractive in itself, received some favour from the effect of their delivery.

The opera of Love in a Village has been brought out of at this theatre, principally for the purpose of bringing out Miss Paton in Rosetta, although it was also made the vehicle of intro ducing a Mr. Larkin in the character of Young Meadows. The Rosetta of Miss Paton is a performance of no common kind. The taste and feeling of her musical execution were never apparent. The voice of Miss Paton is not only melodious, but in its compass includes the highest tones and the clearest articulation, These qualities

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were rendered peculiarly conspicuous in "How blest the Maid," "The Traveller benighted," "Young I am and sore afraid," and "Go, naughty Man;" of which the last two, in addition to being admirably sung, were acted with a degree of naiveté and archness which gave the highest finish to the brilliant vivacity of the composition.

The new performer, Mr. Larkin, is a native of Dublin, and a pupil of Mr. Bishop. We fear we must pronounce his powers to be inadequate to the extent of a London Theatre. That he possesses a respectable portion of musical science is evident, although faling far short of masterly and high finish. Some of his lower notes are rich, but as he ascended he became wiry; nor is his falsetto agreeable. His best song was "Still in hopes to get the better," which was deservedly encored. His introduction of "The Thorn" was also honoured in the same way. Mr. Larkin

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very well received.

A new after-piece has also been produced at the theatre. called The Duel; or, The two Nephews. This piece is in the Pierce Egan-ish style of caricature, and has been very favourably received.

It was the intention of the manager to commence the Lent Concerts with a new opera, entitled The Lady of the Lake, but on account of the sudden indisposition of Miss M. Tree, The Creation was substituted as most of the audience were ignorant of his alteration, although the usual notice had been posted at the doors, considerable discontent was manifested. The overture was well performed, and Mr. Nelson sustained the recitative very efficiently. Madame Bulgari, who made her first appearance on this occasion, has a clear and correct intonation and a moderate extent of compass. She displayed considerable cultivation.

POLITICAL DIGEST.

BRITISH PARLIAMENT—House of LORDS. On the 4th of February the United Parliament was opened by Commission, and his Majesty was prevented by indisposition from opening it in person; the Commissioners were the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Harrowby, the Earl of Westmorland, and the Earl of Shaftesbury. We are sorry that we have not space to insert the Speech which was delivered by the Chancellor, as it plainly indicates the favourable disposition of Government towards the Spaniards, and pledges the Ministry to a system of reduction of taxation, which has already been acted upon by Mr. Robinson, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer. The passage in his Majesty's Speech, relative to the impending war between France and Spain, is not less honourable to the Ministry than grateful to the feelings of every independant man in the kingdom. "Faithful to the principles which his Majesty has promulgated to the world, as constituting the rule of his conduct, his Majesty declined being a party to any proceedings at Verona which could be deemed an interference in the internal concerns of Spain on the part of foreign powers." The sentiments expressed in the Speech were ably enforced by Lord Liverpool in the course of the debate that followed; that nobleman did ample justice to the wisdom and moderation

of those illustrious men, in whose bands are now deposited the destinies of the Peninsula. His lordship said, "the policy of the British Government rested on the principles of the law of nations, that allowed every country to be the judge of how it could be best governed, and what ought to be its institutions; and the exceptions to the rule must stand on their own particular merits. The Spanish Constitution had been acknowledged by England; and Spain, however she resisted foreign interference in her own internal affairs, had distinctly disclaimed any desire to effect any changes in other countries. Whatever defects might exist in the institutions of Spain, there had been a less taint of blood, of crime, and of violence, throughout the career of those who had conducted its affairs, than was afforded by any example of a similar revolution in modern times."

Feb. 7th.-Lord Ellenborough gave notice of a bill to remedy the mistakes in the late Marriage Act, and Lord Redesdale and the Lord Chancellor promised their assistance towards framing the intended bill.

Feb. 17th.-In answer to an allusion made by the Marquis of Lansdown to the Austrian Loan, the Earl of Liverpool had no hesitation in saying, that the principle of an arrangement for the repayment of the loan had been agreed to by the Austrian Government. He

trusted he should soon be able to announce that the arrangement had been finally concluded.

HOUSE OF COMMONS. On the 4th of February the Speaker having read a copy of the Speech, an address was moved by Mr. Childe, which was seconded by Mr. Wildman. Sir Joseph Yorke expressed himself as to the Spa-' nish cause in a manner that drew forth a high eulogium from Mr. Brougham, who immediately followed in a speech, which for eloquence, sound argument and constitutional feeling, has seldom been exceeded. During the course of his speech he gave the Ministers a very high and deserved commendation; he said that "he felt extreme gratifica tion, in common with every thinking man in the House, at the sound and liberal views which Ministers bad taken. He was sure that the communication would diffuse universal joy throughout England; that it would diffuse spirit and confidence through out Spain, that it would carry comfort to all independent States, and propor tionate dismay to the Allies calling themselves Holy, who had issued a Manifesto against liberty in the abstract and wherever it was to be found; and who now were arming their barbarous or half-civilized bands to carry their Manifesto into execution."

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In reply to Mr. Peel, Sir James Mackintosh, in an irresistible and argumentative speech, exposed the danger that would inevitably visit this country, if the Holy Allies on the Continent, now leagued against liberty, should succeed in their desigus against Spain. clearly proved that "the Despots of the Continent avowed principles subversive of the Law of Nations, destructive of the rights of Independent States, involving Europe iu hostilities, affecting the security of his Majesty's dominions and the honour of his Crown, and levelled directly against the glory, liberty, and safety of Great Britain." Feb. 10th. Mr. Goulburn stated, that the Irish Government had, from the first moment of its arrival, been sedulously anxious to discover some just mode of removing the evils which arose from the present system of collecting tithes. In a short time he should have a proposition to submit on the subject, on the part of the Irish Government. After this Mr. Peel thought that Mr. Hume should postpone the motion of which he had lately given notice, till the proposition of his Right Hon. Friend (Mr. Goulburn) had been, brought before the House, But Mr. Hume saw no reason why he should

give way upon this subject, and, after some severe reflections on the delays that had taken place on this subject, stated, that he should propose first, a Resolution to express that the Church Property of Ireland, which was in the possession of Bishops, Deans, and Chapters, was much too large. He should then submit, in the second place, in. stead of absentee Clergymen, with 2,0007, or 3,0001. per year, and starving Curates, that every Clergyman should have sufficient to support him respectably. He would undertake to shew, that if the Church Property of Ireland were properly let, it would produce three or four millions a year, and that this might, abolishing tithes altogether, go to a general fund to pay all the clergymen so as to allow them to live like gentlemen, and make them useful..

Feb, 14-Sir Thomas Lethbridge expressed his regret that the King's Speech did not hold out some specific relief to the Agricultural Interest ; which drew from Mr. Secretary Canning a manly and candid avowal of the sentiments of Ministers on this important matter. He regretted, as much as the Hon. Baronet, that Ministers had been unable to give in the Speech any promise of specific relief; but all would admit the unfairness and imprudence of holding out expectations which must be afterwards disappointed. The only measure directed to the relief of the Agriculture of the country, which it is the intention of Ministers to propose, will be comprised in a remission of direct taxation.

Feb. 18. The discussion of the Catholic, Question, to be moved by Mr, Plunket, was postponed till the 17th of April.

Feb. 19.-Mr. Hume moved a Resolution, which stated that the recent appointment of Lord Beresford to the office of Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance was inconsistent with the recommendation of the Commissioners of Military Inquiry; at variance with the professions of economy from the Throne, and without a due consideration of the situation of the country, which required every possible reduction. After a speech from Mr. Ward and Mr. Canning, followed by an Amendment proposed by Mr. Macdonald which was negatiyed, Mr.Hume's motion was put to the vote, when there appeared for it 73, against it 200; majority, 127.

Feb. 20.-Lord John Russell, in pursuance of a notice, moved the appoint ment of a Committee to inquire into and report upon the Right of Voting, and

the Number of Voters, in the different Towns and Boroughs of England sending Members to Parliament. The noble Lord remarked on the necessity of such information, with a view to afford himself and the House materials for proper consideration of his motion for Reform, on the 11th of March, which had for its object the disfranchisement of the worst boroughs. This motion being opposed by Mr. Canning, the House divided for the motion, 90, against it, 128; majority, 38.

Feb. 21.-Mr. Robinson laid before the House his proposed reduction of taxes. Some of the smaller items of Assessed Taxes would be abolished altogether: such as the tax on occasional servants, amounting to 37,2007; on jobbing gardeners, 19,7007.; on the lower classes of taxed carts, 9,3007.; on ponies under thirteen hands, 4,180%.; on small horses employed by farmers, who are also tradesmen, 6,5007. The remaining reductions would be fifty per cent. that is to say, from the tax on male servants, 150,9001. will be withdrawn; from that

on clerks, shopmen, and travellers, 98,5007.; from four-wheeled carriages, 145,0001.; from two-wheeled carriages, 98,0007.; from the higher class of taxed carts, 17,6307.; from the lower duties on horses and mules, 72,5001. In regard to the taxes on carriages and servants, the Right Hon. Gentleman observed, that they were considered to affect only those classes which could bear them best; but he did not think it was very material whether a tax was paid by one class or by another; the repeal of it would be beneficial so far as it went. The window tax would also be reduced generally fifty per cent. and that part of it which affected ground-floor shop windows would be repealed altogether. In regard to Irish Assessed Taxes, he proposed their total repeal—(cheers)— theydid not produce more than 100,000Z. and that deficiency could be made good by a saving in the collection of the Irisk Customs. Resolutions founded on the statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer were agreed to, and the House adjourned.

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WORCESTERSHIRE-Saturday, March

8, Worcester.

STAFFORDSHIRE-Thursday, March

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BRECON Charles Prichard, of Tre- 19, Shrewsbury.

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24, Hereford.

MONMOUTHSHIRE-Saturday, March

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DENBIGH Sir David Erskine, of Pwll y Crochon, bart.

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LINCOLNSHIRE-Saturday, March 8, Castle of Lincoln.

CITY OF DITTO-Same Day, City of Ditto.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE-Monday, Mar.

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The following are the names of the Gentlemen who are to compose the New Board of Customs in Ireland :Mr. Boothley, and the Hon. J. H. Keith Stuart, from the English Board; the Hon. A. A. H. Hutchinson, H. S. King, Esq., and Charles Boyd, Esq., who lately held the office of Surveyor-General in London.

The Excise Board is to be managed by five Commissioners, viz.: Mr. Mortlock and Mr. Trafuses, from the English Excise Board; Mr. Hewitt and Mr. Plunkett, who were Members of the old Board; and Mr. Cotto, who lately held the office of Surveyor-General.

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