From the Missionary Herald for January, we select the following interesting article: CEYLON. The mission buildings at Manepy were all consumed by fire on the 30th of March, 1831; but by the disinterested kindness of friends in India, nearly enough was contributed in that part of the world to repair the loss. while Mrs. Hill took me to visit their self, will doubtless prove a pleasure and schools, which are under the same roof literary curiosity to some of my friends at with themselves-I was really delighted home." with the exhibition. The girls' school, which is called Philadelphia, particularly pleased me. The most perfect order prevailed throughout; the children looked clean and cheerful, and all were busily employed either in taking their lessons or sewing. In one of the apartments there was a more advanced class, where the older girls were taking lessons in ancient Greek. Mrs. H. told me that these girls, who looked so cheerful, clean and comfortable, were, upon their arrival, objects of the greatest misery and want, some of them actually not having a mouthful to put in their mouths for several days. This good woman seems to be wearing herself out, in acts of kindness. She tells me that the visit of an American lady to Athens, being an unique occurrence, she has given herself a holiday, otherwise she is engaged from eight in the morning until four or five in the evening, in the schools: and that frequently in the evening they are obliged to be engaged in translating lessons, and preparing work for the next day. They seem to be doing an immense deal of good, and I have become quite a convert to missions. As I have become a Philhellen, and do not know in what way * * "Besides the school particularly named 'Philadelphia,' there is an infant school of boys and girls below,-where there are some of the most interesting children I ever beheld. I asked the names of a number of them, which, for the most part, proved to be-Aristides, Themistocles, Dionysius, Helen, Andromache, Penelope. There was a little girl named Aspasia, that promised to rival her namesake in beauty. "Upon going to Mr. Robertson's, who has the direction of the Philhellenic press, he took me into the printing establishment, where they were at that moment striking off copies of Plato's Apology for Socrates. This is the first time Plato has ever been printed in his native city, and as I felt proud that an American press should be the means of furnishing to the descendants of this great philosopher copies of his immortal works, I asked for the sheets they were printing whilst I was there, which, although I am unable to read my EDUCATION-The following table gives a summary of the schools and scholars at each of the stations. Tillipally, Seminary. Boarding Free Males. Free Females. Whole No. of Scholars. 50 922 100 1,072 624 105 83 812 26 Total 83 76 2,910591 3,650 The missionaries have very properly been averse to the establishment of a greater number of free schools, while under the necessity of employing heathen schoolmasters, than they could themselves personally superintend and direct; and they have laboured without ceasing in their higher schools to raise up Christian schoolmasters. And it is animating to witness their success. The number of na. tive free schools supported by the mis sion, is 95; and not less than 30 of these have already been placed under the instruction of native members of the mis. sion church. Other masters are hopefully pious, and are candidates for admission into the church. The whole course and influence of instruction, in these schools, is Christian; and as the number of pious schoolmasters at the disposal of the mission is annually increasing, and as there is no great difficulty in forming new schools, it is easy to foresee the revolution, which must take place in the whole system of education in the district, should the Head of the church continue to smile upon the missionaries, and should they receive proper assistance from this country. Heathen schoolmasters are employ ed in the schools only for want of better; and they are now employed only on condition that they renounce their heathenish ceremonies for the time being, attend divine worship on the Sabbath, and learn and recite stated scripture lessons every week. The free boarding school for females, at Oodooville, called the "female central school," gives continued and increasing satisfaction, as the education of females appears more and more important, and the success and influence of the school more and more manifest. Seven of the pupils are members of the church, four are candidates for admission, and five or six are seriously disposed. Indeed it is very encouraging, that none have been long members of this school without becoming the hopeful subjects of converting grace, and no one has been yet known to dishonour her profession. All who have regularly left the school are married to Christian husbands, and are training up their families in a Christian manner; and though some of them suffer occasionally for want of this world's goods, they appear to suffer patiently, in hope of a better and more enduring inheritance. The influence of Christian households, thus formed and conducted, must eventually be great among a people, to whom domestick happiness is rarely known. The free boarding school for boys, at Tillipally, is called the preparatory school, from its relation to the seminary. Four of the pupils are members of the church, and four or five are candidates for admission. The pupils have made good progress in their studies, and given satisfaction as to their general behaviour. Near the beginning of the year 1831, almost the whole school was awakened to a serious concern for the soul. In the seminary, at Batticotta, are 83 students, 38 of whom are members of the. mission church; 28 were added to the church during the year 1831. There are besides a number of candidates for admission. In all the four classes, and especially in the first, the weight of character and influence is decidedly Christian. Idolatry may possibly have its secret advocates, but it is avowed by none. The expenses incurred in this department, in the year 1831, reckoning the pound sterling at five dollars, which is its value at Ceylon, were as follows:Ninety-three native free schools $2,000 00 Female central school, 383 00 682 00 1,225 00 Preparatory school, Seminary, the pecuniary accounts of the mission for These were the expenses as charged in that year. But reckoning all the expenses which are properly chargeable to the schooling system, the average cost in each of the cases above specified would be somewhat greater. The expense of catechists, readers, and other native assistants was 486 dollars, or about 15 dollars each. MISSION CHURCHES.-The revival of religion, mentioned a year ago as existing at the close of 1830, continued with little abatement till near the end of February. It is found that of the 198 native members of the church received previous to the year 1832, 117 have been connected with the boarding schools and seminary; 30 are schoolmasters and superintendents of schools, and 50 are villagers, including some domesticks in the mission families. Of the schoolmasters and villagers, 30 are more than forty years old-13 over fiftyone is seventy or upwards-and one is above eighty. Besides these, several others of more than the middle age have died, giving hopeful evidence of piety, but without making a publick profession of their faith. These facts are sufficient to show, not only that we have great encouragement to press onward in the religious education of the youth, but that the opinion too commonly entertained of the hopeless state of adult heathens, is not warranted by experience. The admissions to the church in the successive years from 1816, when the mission was established, to the 19th of January, 1832, have been as follows: All of these, except six, were natives. The native church members, now living, and residing at or near the several stations, are as follows: Church at Tillipally, Native Members. 26 Batticotta, 54 Three of the native members have been licensed to preach the gospel. View of Publick Affairs. EUROPE. We have seen no articles of intelligence from Europe, later than those taken from a London paper of the evening of the 27th of December-Advices from France, are two or three days less recent. BRITAIN. The two subjects which engrossed the publick mind at the date of the last news from England, were the Dutch war, and the result of the late elections for members of Parliament. We mentioned last month, that the war with Holland was not popular, and we should judge from all we have seen in British publications since, that the popular dissatisfaction had much increased. The prejudices and sympathies of a nation are not easily or speedily changed; and those of Englishmen have long been far more favourable to the Dutch than to the French. A general war in Europe, moreover, it is apprehended will grow out of the combination of Britain and France to enforce on Holland the decision of the five great powers; and to this, for such an object as the reduction of the citadel of Antwerp, and the opening of the Scheldt for the benefit of Belgium and the disadvantage of Holland, the mass of the English population is decidedly, and we think very justly opposed. Some of the ablest periodicals in the nation, speak in language of decisive disapprobation of the part which the British ministry have taken in this Dutch and Belgic controversy-among the rest, are the Edinburgh Review, and the Christian Observer. Yet it appears that the late elections are likely to give the present ministry a large majority in the next Parliament. The notorious Cobbet is elected, as well as another Ishmaelite, who will agree with nobody but a few radicals. The subject of church reform is largely discussed in numerous pamphlets and newspapers, and fills many pages of the most distinguished periodical publications. It appears to be a point agreed on, that tythes must be abolished, both in England and Ireland. A composition, or something like an equivalent, is talked of, and perhaps will be allowed; but the whole tything system will probably become defunct before the end of the present year. Nor shall we be surprised, if Bishops are entirely excluded from the House of Lords. All distinction between churchmen and dissenters, as to civil privileges, we doubt not will be done away; or at least be so modified, as to have no practical influence. Ireland is still in a most unsettled state. Assassinations and murders are frequently committed-sometimes, it is said, in open day-on all who favour the collection of tythes. Yet it is stated, that the recent elections were conducted in Ireland with far less tumult and violence than in England. Out of more than one hundred members of Parliament from Ireland, not more than 25 could be elected, favourable even to a moderate reform in the church establishment, and to other subjects in which the repealers, as they are called, wish to make thorough work. FRANCE. Nothing of much importance from France has reached us during the last month. A combination of circumstances favourable to their views-the Belgic expedition, the capture of the Duchess de Berri, and the attempted assassination of the king -have contributed to give the French ministry a great ascendancy over the liberals in the House of Deputies. The question relative to an address to the king, to which the liberals were opposed, was decided against them, by a vote of 233 against 119. There is, therefore, no prospect of a speedy change in the cabinet. A declaration of the French government in favour of the persecuted Poles is likely to be made, at the instance of a leader of the liberal party-the ministerial party in the Chambers voting for this, in concert with their rivals. It is stated that the French army in Belgium will not leave that country till the forts on the Scheldt, which are now in possession of the Dutch, shall be given up; and it is feared that this will be refused by the king of Holland, and that the controversy on this point may lead to a general war. It is stated however, that a distinguished negotiator, from Prussia, is appointed to proceed to Paris to endeavour to act as a mediator between France and Holland, in the controversy relative to Belgium. The French troops suffered severely in the siege of Antwerp, and the opposition papers of Paris speak of the loss of life in that siege with much indignation. SPAIN. Great overturnings continue to take place in Spain. The Duke of Medina Celj, and twelve other grandees, have had restored to them the honourable insignia of their rank, of which they had been deprived for favouring liberal principles; and they are now in favour with the king. The ex-minister, Calomarde, is to be tried for high treason. The Marquis of Santa Cruz, another favourer of liberal principles, is appointed commander-in-chief of the Spanish royalist volunteers, said to amount to 200,000 men, and on which the main reliance of the apostolicals was placed, to sustain their wishes and plans-the arms of these troops are be deposited in the ordinance stores of the provinces. The king has signed a decree for assembling the Cortes, and the necessary arrangements for the elections were expected to be completed by the middle of January. A new Council of State has been appointed, consisting of fourteen members, over which the king in person will preside, and through which the dif ferent measures for reform are to be submitted to the Cortes. Measures have also been taken to call in the defaced and nearly worn out coin-paper is issued in lieu of it. The public debt is to be consolidated, and arrangements relative to church property are in contemplation. It appears that the queen is the prime mover of these changes; and time will decide whether there is a disposition in the nation at large to sustain her in the course she has taken. She probably sees that there is no alternative but the carrying of these measures, or losing the throne for herself and her daughter. Every friend of humanity must wish her success. PORTUGAL. Nothing decisive has yet taken place in the expedition of Don Pedro, for the recovery of the crown of Portugal for his daughter. Hopes are entertained that Britain and France will interpose in his favour; and indeed without this, he seems to have very little chance of success. The last accounts from Oporto, however, speak more encouragingly than those which reached us a month ago. ITALY. We know not when the mother of Napoleon Buonaparte will really die. She has expired in the most unequivocal manner in the publick papers, and that repeatedly. But we have seen an article which purports to be a letter written by herself, and dated at Rome in October last, from which we conclude she was then living, for we do not believe her ghost walks and writes. We would not notice this (for we think her life or death of little importance to the publick) if it were not to correct an error which we, among others, have published. GREECE. We hope Greece is approximating, although it be very slowly, to something like a settled state. Their new king, Otho of Bavaria, has left Germany for his Grecian throne, and there seems to be a prospect that he will be received with general favour. We are glad to observe from the letters of Mr. King, which have lately reached this country, that education is more generally favoured by publick sentiment than we had supposed it was. We have received from Mr. Brewer, at Smyrna, the six first copies of" The Friend of Youth," a small sheet published once a fortnight, of which three pages are in English, and one in modern Greek. It seeks patronage from the youth of this country, and must rely on this for continuance, or else be soon dropped. We hope it may be sustained. We will see that any contribution that may be sent to us for this purpose, shall be transmitted to Mr. Brewer. BELGIUM. The siege of the citadel of Antwerp, which has deeply interested both Europe and the United States for some time past, has terminated in the capture of that fortress-It surrendered to the French, on the 24th of December. On the evening of the 23d, its brave and obstinate defender, General Chasse, addressed the following letter to Marshal Gerard "Citadel of Antwerp, Dec. 23. "Marshal-Believing that I have satisfied military honour in the defence of the place, the command of which was entrusted to me, I am desirous of putting an end to the further effusion of blood. In consequence, Marshal, I have the honour to inform you that I am disposed to evacuate the citadel with the forces under my command, and to treat with you for the surrender of this place, as well as for that of the Tete de Flanders, and the dependent forts. To accomplish this end, I propose to you, Marshal, that the firing shall cease on both sides, during the course of this negotiation. I have charged two superior officers to deliver this to your excellency. They are furnished with the instructions necessary to treat for the aforesaid evacuation. Accept, Marshal, the assurance of my high consideration. "BARON CHASSE." In consequence of this letter, articles of capitulation were agreed on, the substance of which is as follows: That the citadel of Antwerp, Tete de Flanders, Burght, D'Austrovil, and Zurndrecht, should be immediately given up. That the commander and his garrison should be considered as prisoners of war until the surrender of forts Lillo and Liefkenshoek. That the garrison should leave the citadel with all the honours of war. That the gar rison should lay down its arms on the glacis of the citadel, on the side next the esplanade. That the garrison should only take away with it such articles as belong immediately to the officers and privates. That the materiel which defended the citadel, should be considered as the property of the Belgian government. That an inventory should be taken of all the materiel, &c. That two battalions of French infantry should take immediate possession of the posts of the half moon, the curtain towards the esplanade, and of the gates of the citadel. That should the King of Holland consent to the surrender of Forts Lillo and Liefkenshoek, General Chasse and the garrison should be escorted by the French to the frontiers of Holland, and there have their arms returned to them. The 16th article makes mention that the gunboats lying in the Scheldt, near the citadel and in the polders, should not be considered as included in the present treaty: Gen. Chasse having declared that they were under the command of Captain Koopman, and that he had no control whatever over them. In conformity with these articles, the French took possession of the different posts mentioned, and jointly with the Dutch, keep the guards of the citadel. Until the return of the messenger to the Hague, nothing will be definitively settled, and a great deal will depend on the reply of the King of Holland, as to his future intentions. Those best acquainted with Dutch politics, feel certain that William never will consent to give up the forts in question voluntarily, and from the consistency of the line of politics he has hitherto followed, the French will be compelled to reduce these forts, and take them if they can. The gunboats mentioned in the capitulation, in attempting to retire, were fired on by the French and Belgians, and their commander, Captain Koopman, caused them to be blown up, to keep them from being taken and employed against the forts still in the occupancy of the Dutch-The crews were all saved. This attack on the gunboats is considered by the Dutch as a violation of the articles of capitulation, and may lead to the most serious consequences. General Chasse was unable to move, from an attack of rheumatism, when the citadel surrendered, and that unpleasant formality was conducted by an inferior officer. It is stated that the bombardment of the place was the most tremendous ever known. More than 2000 bombs were thrown, and the whole citadel was a perfect wreck-And was all this to "satisfy military honour!" So it would seem; for it was probably considered as hopeless from the first that the citadel could be preserved to Holland-If a general war is not the result, it will be wonderful and merciful. HOLLAND.-It appears that the King of Holland is still endeavouring to negotiate with France and Britian, for better terms than those agreed on by the five great powers. His wife has lately been to Berlin, on a visit to her relatives-no doubt to endeavour to engage the King of Prussia to interpose in behalf of Holland, "peaceably if he can, forcibly if he must;" and it would seem from the Prussian monarch's announcement to the Germanic Diet, the advance of his troops to the Netherlands, and the mediation he is attempting in France, that the queen of Holland's representations and requests have not been without effect. PRUSSIA. The representative of the king of Prussia, in the German Diet, presented to that body, in the name of his master, on the 6th of December, a declaration which seems to threaten a general war in Europe more than any thing else we have seen. He declared that the coercive measures adopted by Great Britain and France, " to put in execution the twenty-four articles of the treaty of London, dated 12th November, 1831, were not approved of by the other three great powers concerned in forming those articles." He is, indeed, very cautious and guarded in his language; but the whole import of the declaration is censure on Britain and France. He says, explicitly," Austria, Prussia and Russia, have not failed to take steps to oppose those measures of constraint against an independent state like Holland; at the same time, those three powers have refused to take part in, or approve of them." He informs the Diet that he had ordered a body of his troops" to cover the frontiers on the right bank of the Meuse, opposite to Belgium and Holland;" and that he had informed the courts of Great Britain and France, "that the Meuse shall not be passed, or the right bank of that river be compromised in any way whatever, by the French, Dutch, or Belgian troops, that may be at war on the subject of the citadel of Antwerp." How this will be received by Britain and France remains to be seen. AUSTRIA and RUSSIA.-There is no doubt that these powers are in league with Prussia; and we perceive that there are already in the public prints calculations of the relative forces of the two great combinations, which will be called into opposite action if war should ensue, of which there are many gloomy prognostications in the Englisà T |
