These aggregates compare for three years as follows:

Imports.

1845.

1846.

1847.

1845.

Exports.

1846.

1827.

Specie.. ..782,851....762,679....8,732,382 Specie....3,306,130....1,569,007....3,262,592 Free.......11,144,598..11,138,124....8,180,652 Foreign...4,251,855....2,996,505... 2,299,308 Dutiable...56,357,969..57,567,005...79,534,070 Domestic. 25,022,465..30,259,144...47,860,086 Total......68,285,418..69,467,808...96,447,104 Total.....32,477,450... 34,824,656...53,421,986

Duties..... 17,985,270..16,613,561...20,532,025

This shows a very considerable increase of business; and the year of low tariff contrasts very favorably with the two previous ones of comparative high tariff.

GOSSIP OF THE MONTH.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

A public meeting assembled at the beginning of the month at the Tabernacle, Broadway, to make a demonstration of sympathy for the enlightened efforts of Pope Pius IX, in behalf of the liberties of the Roman States, so long under the oppressive sway of papal and Austrian tyranny. It was highly creditable to our noble city that so large and respectable an assemblage came together for so righteous a cause, appealing so directly to our best feelings and most laudable aspirations. The propriety of such a meeting at such a time, and for such a purpose, cannot be reasonably questioned. For, what cause is more sacred in our eyes than the regeneration of an abused and intelligent nation, and what other country than ours, in the whole world takes and justly ought to take in such an event, so sincere an interest? The comfort and moral aid of this temperate and elevated expression of feeling on the part of the first city in the greatest living republic to the long suffering nations of brutal misrule, will beyond a doubt, be deep and abiding. The apprehension expressed in some quarters, that this marked display of American sympathy, will alarm the absolute powers, (Louis Philippe included,) and will induce them to unite in a more determined combination than ever against the courageous head of the Catholic Church may be true, but the new born zeal likely to be awakened all over Italy when this news shall reach them, will sustain them against farther efforts and all odds that absolutism can bring to bear. It was well and eloquently observed by Mr. Sedgwick, who, with many of our ablest men, addressed the assembly during the evening, that "it was our destiny to champion the cause of Freedom on both sides the Atlantic, and that no matter what might be the counsels of the prudent and the timid, we must go on, and meet the responsibility Heaven had assigned us." This, beyond cavil, is the true American feeling, that of the sober, yet generous-hearted masses, whose will constitutes the only law under which we, as a Government and people, act. There was another feature connected with this meeting we rejoice to notice. It was that lofty spirit of religious and political toleration that brought men of all sects and all parties together to worship like brothers around the holy altar of human liberty. This of itself was an incident that could not but be universally gratifying to all lovers of our country, whilst it may serve as a warning, instructive and pregnant, to our enemies that the jealousies and divisions on which they have so idly counted in times past, are but feeble props to their infamous machination in the future. Let them take heed, and despair, for never as a people were we more united and powerful, and as we rise in the scale of nations and our influence goes

on, spreading and growing, it is sure that we will deem it generous, if not necessary, to give full and bolder expression to our intense abhorrence of that accursed League against the hopes and happiness of mankind, which has too long been allowed to cumber the earth. Its time is evidently drawing to a close, and upon us above all others, in the wisdom of providence, seems to devolve the grand, the sacred duty of hastening its downfall. It is unnecessary to dwell on the proceedings of the meeting, which were orderly and impressive. An address admirably expressed, conveying to his holiness, the Pope, the heartfelt assurances of our sympathies, was unanimously voted. Messrs. B. F. Butler, Sedgwick, Selden and Field, were amongst the most distinguished speakers, whose eloquence gave additional interest to the occasion.

Since our last, we have had a most labored oratorial effort from Mr. Clay. In his previous attempts on the presidency, the great whig orator has tried at least fifty ways of making his election sure by writing as many letters expressing as many different views on the same number of subjects. It turned out on every occasion from 1825 to the last well-remembered canvass, that his epistolary skill was by no means equal to his ambition and the hopes of his desperate party, who clung to him with the tenacity of drowning men. His constant ill-luck in writing has induced him to go back to his old trade of talking, and we have waded through column after column of a long-winded and most clumsily contrived speech. It is high time that our great orators should leave off making "great speeches," really great in nothing but their interminable length. A superior and cultivated intellect is above all displayed in the character and style of a public address. It should ever be suited to the occasion, and nothing is more conclusive proof of its imperfection than inordinate length, when delivered before a large and promiscuous audience. The speeches of our public men of recent years, have in this respect, been insupportable. Compare them with the speeches of the truly great orators of our revolutionary times,-Adams, Franklin, Henry, Jefferson. How tersely, but how comprehensively were expressed the profound thoughts and patriotic views of those educated scholars; and how infinitely superior in matter and manner to the illogical and insipid garrulity of our modern parliamentary Knights. The speech of Mr. Clay is a case in point, and we find no other excuse for its thousand defects of mind and expression than the evident fact of his decaying powers. We shall say no more of it than to express our wonder, "great as our content," that he should so entirely have misapprehended the sense and feelings of this country as seriously to make the preposterous suggestion of stultifying ourselves in the eyes of Europe, by abandoning the whole of our conquests in Mexico, without even the hope of being thanked, and returning home to confess our selves "fools as well as villains."

There is such an utter want of common sense in this ludicrous proposition, that we can do nought else than marvel at its absurdity, and leave it to others as ridiculous as its author to explain or defend. The people of this country, both whig and democrat, may have their doubts of annexing Mexico, thinking it neither wise nor expedient to go that length. They may regret ever having got into the war, and wish with all their hearts, that they were well out of it; but when a public man or a public writer comes deliberately forward and commands them to fall on their recreant knees before the indignant eyes of the Holy alliance and acknowledge themselves everything that is stupid and base, and crave to be forgiven, then we think that he must have reached the condition of one of those "aged men who scold and drivel" without knowing wherefore he is angered. We do not hesitate to give undisguised expression to our feelings as to the position taken by Mr Clay in reference to Mexico, for it is now apparent that we have always, with thousands of well-meaning persons, greatly overrated the honesty of his character and the purity of his motives. Only a year ago, we blushed at the loss of dignity and the display of bad feeling and worse taste that Mr. Clay was guilty of, when at a convivial assembly in New-Orleans, he declared his readiness "to slay a Mexican," but we thought it however the outburst of an intemperate patriotism, respectable even in its excesses. This late speech must now convince every sensible person, that his motives in both cases were hypocritical. Last year he thought the war was popular, this year he thinks it is not; hence

his contradictory expressions. This double-dealing is not the way to the Presidency. The people are not such utter dolts as the veteran politician considers them. Let us look however with pity rather than derision on so painful a spectacle.

THEATRICAL GOSSIP.

THE Astor Place Opera has, since our last, continued to do well. The houses have been good, and the performances satisfactory. Doubts, however, are frequently expressed by those deep in the mysteries of the establishment respecting its success. This seems singular in the face of receipts averaging over $600 per night. To our great astonishment we learned, upon inquiry into this enigma, that there was ground for real apprehensions. The management, whoever they are or have been, have made an egregious error, which they as men of business cannot be disposed to deny. They have rushed thoughtlessly into a quagmire of expense which threatens to swallow them all. Their company is nearly double in number and more than double in price what it should be. Just think of the astounding fact that the curtain rises every night to the tune of over $800 expenses. Why this would sink the establishment if they had ten times the talent and double the audience to support it. The heedlessness with which the matter has been mismanaged is palpable in the fact of four prima donnas being engaged when two only are wanted. This is clear from the intention declared of sending a portion of the company to other cities to diminish the expense of paying them. For half the money given to four there is no doubt two excellent singers might have been had. Economy in theatres as well as in mercantile houses is the first and best rule of successful business, and we recommend its earliest adoption to the powers that preside over the doubtful destinies of the Astor Opera, as the only possible means whereby they can be saved, which we sincerely hope. Our anxiety to preserve the existence of an Italian opera in New-York is the only motive in attacking the inexcusable follies made in its direction. We do so lightly, and in the constant expectation that good will come of it. It is really astonishing that persons of the good sense and experience in matters of business that characterize the gentlemen concerned in the getting up of this temple to a lovely art, should have been so misled hitherto in all their arrangements for securing its success. Bargaining with artistes should not be done (if they are worth engaging at all) in a vile, huckstering spirit; but why secure double when half will do? The worthy individuals alluded to would not have likely laid up the splendid fortunes they rejoice in, had they dispatched four ships to their consignees when two only were required or demanded. To return to the opera performances which of late have been sufficiently varied and attractive. A Debutante la Signora Biscaciante, of Italian origin, though American born, made her appearance in the popular role of Amina. She was only tolerably successful we are sorry to say. Perhaps expectations were too highly raised, and due allowance should be made for the natural emotions of a new appearance before a public vigilant, and uncontrolled by cliques or influence of any sort. It is a singular but striking fact that all artistes, even the most renowned from abroad, are more deeply agitated on presenting themselves for the first time before an American audience than before the most refined assemblages of Europe, not because they consider us better judges of their powers, but they feel they must rely more exclusively upon their own merit for success. Neither cliques, nor claques, nor editors, nor aristocratic patrons, can save them here from a verdict different from that which their real worth commands. They come forth perfectly unsupported by extraneous influences of any kind, and for this simple reason they experience emotions of downright terror they never underwent before. Even the irresistible Fanny Elssler, who could not have been unconscious of her wonderful powers of fascination as exemplified in the enthusiasm of all Europe that stunned her with its frantic plaudits, yet even the overwhelming Fanny confessed that she was never so completely unmanned, (if that's not a bull,) never so entirely overcome, appalled, paralyzed, as on the night of her brilliant debut in New-York. She could scarcely stand when she was actually pushed upon the stage. What then must others less renowned undergo? We saw

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the charming Truffi's fright a couple of weeks since, and we believe that la Biscaciante was nearly as much affected. On Wednesday, the 15th inst., Beneditti made his rentree in his popular character of Edgardo in the Lucia de Lammermoor. He was cordially welcomed and deserved all the applause he received. He sang and played exceedingly well, and we consider his addition a desirable one to the company. But we beg to say a plain word or two respecting this artist, which may be of advantage to all parties. One of the absurdities of the public of New-York-no, not the public en masse, but of some silly portion of them, is to waste an extravagant deal of panegyric, puffing and petting upon an artiste whose merits are likely to make him popular. Mustachioed men are ready to fight for him, whilst the ladies, sensitive souls, show the utmost willingness to die for him. Now this childish and misplaced imitation of European inanities is "tolerable and not to be endured," as worthy Dogberry says. The effect of it on the intoxicated artiste is first to make a fool of him, second to encourage him to play various antics on and off the stage that are sure to seal his fate sooner or later, for his dilettanti friends take to flight the moment he gets into a scrape. Beneditti lost his voice or humbugged the public through these puerilities last year, and if he is inclined to indulge in a similar game this season we do not hesitate to predict an unpleasant result. We expected an ebullition of his overfed vanity in his acting and singing on the night of his rentree, but he pleased us on the contrary by his moderation and judgment. It is well for him if he has found out his latitude and which way his true talent lies. One word of M'lle Truffi, who made her debut in the lovely but difficult role of Lucia. She was evidently suffering from severe indisposition, and we were informed that she had kindly agreed to appear after only three repetitions of the part. Notwithstanding these drawbacks her acting was inimitable in grace and expression, whilst her execution of many of the morceaux left nothing to be desired, and afforded just grounds for the enthusiastic applause which was showered on her. This role is destined to be one of her greatest triumphs; and Beneditti must work hard hereafter to keep up his reputation along side of his formidable and enchanting rival. M'lle Truffi, if we are not mistaken, will yet become an European celebrity. She has every element of immense success in her profession, and if her ambition be equal to her talents our prediction will be verified.

MR. FORREST.-Our distinguished tragedian will leave the north on his last southern tour in the beginning of January direct to New-Orleans, where expectation is on the tiptoe for his coming. His engagement will be brilliant beyond example. His acting, so wonderfully improved, if possible, since his last visit to the Crescent City, guarantees that result; but, from the fact of its being his farewell engagement, we may expect some unusual demonstrations of public enthusiasm for an actor without a rival, and a citizen without reproach. We hear a splendid public dinner in his honor is on the tapis, and other compliments will probably follow. Mr. Forrest will on his return play at St. Louis and Cincinnati, so that we shall not look upon "his like again" in these latitudes till July begins to wane. Few men in any profession work harder than our industrious tragedian, but none are so richly compensated, not merely in vile lucre, but in the hearty admiration of numberless thousands, grateful not only for the fleeting pleasures of the hour, but for the charming souvenirs of a whole life. Who will not treasure up whilst memory holds her seat his thrilling delineations of Lear's misfortunes, of Othello's agony, of Damon's patriotism, and of the high-wrought soul of Virginius? Yes, these are recollections that must embalm for long, long years this gifted actor in the minds of all who have either sensibility or intelligence to feel his magic touch, or comprehend his excellence.

PARK THEATRE.—The only successful engagement played during the month at this Theatre was that of Messrs. Placide and Collins. It was a real treat to our citizens to listen again to the manly, gay voice of their old favorite Placide, whose acting has lost none of its varied beauties, its quaint pathos, rich humor and faithful delineation of nature, sans exaggeration, sans trick, sans defect of any sort. It is unaccountable that our principal Theatres,

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the Park and Broadway, allow such an actor as Placide, whose popularity is equal to his merit, to remain in New-York whole months without engagement. Is it to be wondered at that such stupid indifference to their own interest and public taste should involve them, as present appearances indicate, in final bankruptcy and ruin? Who cares to express sympathy or even to give advice to managements, who have neither wit, enterprize, or apparent desire to escape the fate they seem to court? When two Theatres like these mentioned, in the heart of a populous and theatrical neighborhood, are threatened, in the middle of the theatrical season, with the necessity of closing their doors, there can be only one possible reason for it, which is exactly the case here, that they have no entertainment whatever to offer to the public, worth a third of the price of admission. Since Placide and Collins, an agreeable actor bye the bye, left the Park, the only theatrical provender fished up in some unknown waters have been a few Heron, white not red, which have not served even to stimulate, much less satisfy public appetite.

The Broadway concern has been obliged to take up last month's leavings of the Park, the mongrel, Bishop troupe, made up of shreds and patches of English and Italian, whose ludicrous representations of first class opera would make angels weep, if they could, by any stretch of the imagination, be supposed present at such sorry sights. If Mad. Bishop knew her own interest she would engage a really superior singer like Mad. Pico, and with some skilful subordinates, set off on a tour to the interior, en route to Mexico, where dollars are readily exchanged for notes far inferior to theirs. But it is reported that Mad. Bishop is afraid of such a rival as Mad. Pico, and that her "still, small voice" would be lost in the full, sonorous tones of the finest contralto in the United States. This is an idle fear. At all events Mad. Bishop will learn, after living a little longer amongst us, that she had better think more of her interest and less of herself, and the result will not fail to be both profitable and satisfactory.

The Cunard steamer line from Boston to Liverpool, are coming hereafter to New-York, as the proprietors are alarmed at the rivalry so suddenly evidenced by the appearance of the American line of steamers from New-York, via, Southampton to Bremen. So far, these transatlantic steamers have been wholly supported by American patronage, which, if once withdrawn, will throw them probably on their beam-ends. And this is a result likely to occur from present symptoms. If the American line prove itself to be equal in safety and speed-and who can doubt that American skill is not equal to British any day, on sea or land-it is beyond all question certain, that every true hearted American will cheerfully lend every encouragement to his own country's enterprise. There is another reason stronger still why we should give a rebuke to this English Cunard line, which, in the day of its ascendancy, dared to venture upon a brutal display of hostility to American prejudices that should be remembered

now.

Only last year, that black vagabond, Douglass, who spent his time in England propagating his filthy lies against the United States, which were greedily swallowed by English hypocrites and fools, returned to this country in the Cambria, under the especial protection of Capt. Judkins, who first insisted that this offensive negro should sit at table with American gentlemen, and, failing in this, he magnanimously gave up to his odorous protegé his own bed and state room. The year before that, Capt. Judkins, whose black propensities are strong in the ascendant, authorized this self-same negro to hold forth on his deck against the cruelty and infamy of lying America, that talked of liberty in one breath, and refused to live cheek-by-jowl with their nigger brethren in the next. On remonstrances being temperately made by some American gentlemen, this insolent cub of the sea, Capt. Judkins, threatened to put them in irons! Ought we not to get him up a public dinner, and a cold bath to boot, on his advent in New-York? This suggestion, we learn, is under meditation.