1935 to the Castilian language, previously to making this | the enumeration of his own titles, prefixed by Mr. comparison, there are two things which strike us as Conde, to his "Domination of the Arabs in Spain," somewhat remarkable therein. The first is, that he was librarian and antiquarian of the Academy of in so short a time as that occupied by his visit, he History-a doctor of laws, and not of theolgy. He should have been able, in the scarcity of books was a learned and able man, a diligent and faithful which he describes, to find classics enough for a historian.36 His premature death, in 1820, after fair parallel; and the other is the fact, that, at the the first volume of his work had just gone through very moment alluded to, Mr. Irving was in Madrid, the press, was a heavy loss to his country and to drawing from a literature in which no "counter- literature. After the good services which he renpart" to himself could be found--and from a work, dered while living, he would seem to deserve a just published, where literature was "actually little repose in his grave. It is fortunate indeed dead”—the materials of a production, on which he for him, that he has passed away. A few more rests his own claims to immortality! travellers-a few more reviewers, would soon effectually disguise him from himself. While upon this branch of the subject, we will present two further illustrations. In the last edition From the literature we pass with Mr. Slidell to of 'A Year in Spain,' we find the following as- the universities of Spain, and to the state of public sertion: "Spanish literature testifies to the na- education. His conclusion is, of course, a round tional indifference to rural attractions. The cata- one. "The Spaniards, as a people, are ignorantlogue of her poets contains no prototype to the supremely ignorant." The blame of such a state name of Thompson, and the silly and sheepish pas- of things is next thrown on the clergy, who liketorals of Cervantes, are the most eloquent proofs wise have a section devoted to their benefit. We of the deficiency."" are not anxious to provoke any of the odium theoIt is hard to tell what pastorals of Cervantes are logicum, which would inevitably follow any discushere alluded to, (unless the Galatea); but it is cer- sion, involving the delicate question of clerical putain, that to none of his poetry, did that great wri-rity and intelligence. We will only remark, that ter himself attach much importance. As to the in the "Discussions on the Inquisition," which general fact embraced in the remark, we have to took place in the Cortes of 1812 and 1813, and to ask, with surprise, whether Mr. Slidell could pos- which we referred in our last number, the efforts sibly have forgotten, that Garcilaso," whom he him- of many of the clergy who participated, were conself refers to as classic, derives his highest repu- spicuous, not only for erudition, logic and elegance, tation from his exquisite pastorals? Could he have but for the most liberal and expanded sentiments.* heard of Montemayor, of Lope de Vega, of Valbu- As an act too of justice, and somewhat germaine to ena," of Gil Polo ? Is it easy for him to find a single the subject, as illustrating our traveller's spirit, we Spanish bard, of established reptutation, who did not will here apologize for having, in our last, given seek, from time to time, new and refreshing inspi- credit to Mr. Goodrich, for what was in reality a ration, from the flower and the greensward-from merit of Mr. Slidell's. We mean the introduction springtime and autumn? It was the peculiar trait to the American public, of "the glorious martyr, of their muse in the sixteenth century, according San Poncio, advocate and protector against bedto Mr. Hallam;33 not less so in the age which bugs." In his first edition, our traveller omitted followed, and down to the rich pictures of rural this good saint, by some extraordinary oversight; beauty, which have been painted by Zorilla in our but, no doubt, deeming the mention of his existence own day; it has continued a pervading spirit. Some very important in conveying a proper "notion" of of the highest efforts of Leon and Melendez were Spanish character and mauners-besides being elevated and purified by its influence, and it has somewhat "picturesque and peculiar"-he profurnished to almost all, a refuge, in which they duced him in his more elaborate publication." We were safe from the persecution, to which a tyran- trust that the "glorious martyr" will not be unnical government would have condemned the at- mindful of this good turn, but will ever hover the tempt to move in a bolder sphere. guardian spirit of our author's "bug"-less bed, whispering Titania's The next task which devolves on us, is one of charity. In our last number, we rescued the historian Conde from the hands of the North Ameri "Music-such as charmeth sleep." To the evil of general ignorance, Mr. Slidell can Review, which, of its own mere motion, had sees no remedy, save the influence of "free, happy transformed him into a Frenchman. It is now for and enlightened France."40 We are not here, in us to protest against the right of Mr. Slidell (with the face of history, to deny that Spain, at the mono canonical authority that we wot off), to clothe the same unfortunate and persecuted individual, in the habit of a " Jeromite monk."34 30 1 Hallam's Lit. 219. According to a Vol. 3 p. 146. 311 Mart. de a Rosa 205. 32 Id. 287. Clemencin, Don Quij. Introd. XVIL "1 Hall. Lit. 338. 34 Year in Sp., vol. 3, p. 65. 35 Madrid 1820. 36 Prescott, 313 note. 37 Old edit. 387. 38 Cadiz 1813. 39 Vol. 1, p. 140. 40 Old edit. 393. In the 5th vol. of the History of Spain, in the Cabinet Cyclopedia, p. 258, it is asserted that the Spanish secular clergy will compare advantageously with the clergy of the Church of England. VOL. VIII-40 ment of Mr. Slidell's visit, was in a state of deep of education. That their system was a wise and and melancholy despotism. The constitution had, liberal one, we have the subsequent testimony of not long before, been broken down by the assis- Mr. Slidell himself to prove. In "Spain Retance of the Duc D'Angouléme-the champion visited," he calls them "the most enlightened of of legitimacy and ignorance-the stone given by Spanish clergymen," and laments the probable "free, happy and enlightened France," to a sister misfortune of their second expulsion. In the abnation, calling for the bread of similar happiness, sence too of any such admission, the history of freedom and cultivation. The institutions of civi- that celebrated order, everywhere, demonstrates, lized improvement having been removed-absolute that in the matter of the diffusion of learning, there powers, tremendous in reaction, had almost anni- was, with them, no want of industry, ability and hilated every thing but hope. It is not however success. Their political influence may be a matto be inferred, that because King Ferdinand had ter of discussion, but there is no one who will asfettered men's tongues and hands, he had likewise sert that the atmosphere which was around their paralyzed every thought and feeling. Despotic institutions could be that of "supreme ignorance." edicts cannot make men unlearn what they know. Upon their expulsion, and towards the close of his It is one thing to enforce silence: another, to take reign, Charles III, surrounded by able ministers away the faculty of speech. If we look at the and counsellors, gave a new impulse to public inoutbreak of the Spanish mind, during the two in-struction. From these enlightened men, he learned tervals of constitutional rule, the activity of the the errors which had crept into the preceding syspress, the political movement, the philosophical tem, and endeavored to counteract its too scholasexamination of the old system, and the arguments tic and abstract tendency." Campomanes, Joveladduced in support of the new, we shall soon con- lanos and Cadalso, lent him their suggestions vince ourselves that a spirit was then abroad, to- and assistance.* Institutes and academies were tally irreconcilable with the supreme ignoranee established for the purpose of popularizing knowpredicated above." In the discussions of the Cor-ledge. The lesser universities were discarded tes of 1812, which were published in twenty-as nests of subtle and disputatious frivolity-while three volumes, evidence will be found, to satisfy in their stead, primary schools, and seminaries the most skeptical, as to the existence of a class, for more advanced instruction, were scattered whose sentiments, acquirements and ability, would through the kingdom." The care which had be honorable to any people. been so long monopolized by the higher and less In the thorough reform which followed the death available branches, was now more usefully deof Ferdinand in 1833, and which has gone on, voted to the dissemination of scientific and practiwidening the sphere of literature and freedom, as cal information. The institute of Oviedo, estabwell as of the arts and sciences, to a degree which lished by Jovellanos and others, produced the two those who have not examined the subject will Arguelles and the Count of Toreno, with many hardly believe there is every demonstration, that more who made themselves prominent during the the leaven which once existed, continued to work, troubled movements to which we have heretofore actively though noiselessly, through the interval of referred. To Toreno, we owe a masterly history tyrannical dominion. The sudden expansion of of the invasion of Napoleon, and the wars and reevery department of knowledge-the establishment volutions consequent thereupon." To Canga Arof presses and the swarm of publications-the uni-guelles, his country is indebted for a defence against versal development of energy and thought, in the the misrepresentations of English historians, upon midst of a devastating civil war-must all have re- the same subject, as well as for various other poquired the agency of men of cultivated minds, litical and economical productions. Agustin Arstimulated and sustained by congeniality among guelles was regarded as the Cicero of the Cortes of the mass. Whence then did these men spring at 1812 and 182247-has subsequently distinguished so brief a summons? There is no legend, even in himself by his written efforts, and is now the guarlegendary Spain, that they came down from the dian of the infant Queen. All of these gentlemen clouds, when Ferdinand, according to the charita- are yet living to attest the excellence of the sysble but doubtful assertion of the royal bulletin, as- tem, which fitted them to tread their several walks cended to the regions above them. Who were with honor. their teachers? Where did they find, among their "antique tomes," the materials for so rapid and complete a revolution? A slight review of historical facts, will enable us to answer these questions. Down to the year 1767, when the Jesuits were expelled from Spain, they had the general control 41 Ed. Rev., No. 79, p. 53. 46 The reign of Charles IV, as it brought little of glory or of benefit to the Spanish people, in any way, preserved its consistency, by doing nothing for the cause of education. The establishments of 42 Vol 2, p. 111. 43 Jovellanos Infor. de ley Agrar. 297 to 325. 44 Gaceta de Madrid, Univ. Men. 45 Madrid 1835, 5 vols. oct. 46 London 1829. 47 Ed. Rev., No. 79, p. 55. Valdes, Quintana and other kindred spirits, quickened the impulse thus given. * his predecessor, continued however to exercise an | lect of the nation and its promise were up, and extensive and profitable influence-although great burning with enthusiasm." A bright light seemed neglect was shown to the primary schools. Not- to gild the whole soil, which for so many years had withstanding this depression, the education of many been stained with blood, and darkened by oppreswho figured in the Cortes of 1820, and who are sion. Suddenly that light went out. Despotism, now prominent, belonged to this era. The inva- unable to triumph of itself, sought elsewhere the sion of Napoleon of course threw all things in con- elements of success, and found them among the fusion; but we find that public instruction was the "free, happy, and enlightened." Properly indeed, first care of the constitutionalists in 1812. The but sadly, is it remarked by the writer, from whom committee by whom the Constitution was reported, we have collected some of these details-"This accompanied it by a preliminary discourse, in which noble system, the Spaniards had the honor of formits complicated variety of subjects, and all the dif-ing; to others belongs the responsibility of its overficulties which surrounded the task, are set forth throw."52 and analyzed, with views so liberal and statesmanlike, that the document will bear a favorable comparison with the best state-papers of its day. Among the ends to be gained by the Constitution, they enumerate the extension of education, and enlarge upon the benefits to arise from a comprehensive system, in which a strict supervision was to be kept over the morals and fitness of the instructors, and a liberal support to be given to those who might occupy so responsible a situation. Accordingly, the ninth Title of the Constitution is "Of Public Instruction;" and provision is therein It seems to us that the brief historical review made for the establishment of a general Directory which we have taken, must negative, to a candid of Studies, and a uniform system of education mind, the extreme conclusions which Mr. Slidell throughout the kingdom. Primary schools were has promulged. It is impossible that a nationdirected in all the towns of the monarchy. From agitated for more than a quarter of a century by these, the system passed through intermediate in- great political and moral revolutions-with sysstitutions up to universities-all to be subject to tems of education, such as we have described, for the control of the Cortes, and all to be placed on so much longer time abroad among its peoplethe same footing, of visitation and inspection. In with the popular mind, attracted by so many causes, all, it was made obligatory, to instil a knowledge of to a knowledge of these systems-with so many the principles of freedom and the constitution, evidences of deep thought upon government and jointly with the lore of the past, and the discoveries of science and the arts. Upon the downfall of the Constitution, in 1823, not only the subjects but the modes of instruction were changed. A new system, suited to the principles of the government," was adopted; and although primary schools were not actually abolished, they were so scantily supplied with support that few of them lingered long. The universities returned, once more, to those unprofitable studies, in which despotism is always willing that the intellect of those whom it oppresses, shall waste its strength and freshness. 49 56 political science-it is, we submit, impossible that such a nation could have relapsed, in three years, The short duration of constitutional rule, in 1812, into the state of supreme and degraded ignorance, prevented this plan from being realized; but in which Mr. Slidell has described. It is too, very 1820 it went into operation, with the veteran biog-questionable whether the land would have been rapher, poet and statesman, Don Manuel Josef nearer to redemption, had Mr. Slidell been chosen Quintana, at its head. 50 The wants of the nation for its political guide. In his first edition," he were then actively investigated, and the remedy seemed to think that the prostration of the clergy, applied with so much energy, that at the end of and the quiet influence of French vicinity, would twenty months, three-fourths of the people had work out the regeneration to which the Constitubeen supplied with primary schools, commodious tion had been inadequate. In that of 1836, he buildings, and capable instructors. Poor children brings himself to the widely different conclusion, were admitted gratuitously; and it was made the that "a despotism under clerical influence," was duty of every parent, under a penalty, to have his the only settled form of government then practicaoffspring thus instructed. The universities were ble, or likely to be so for years to come. reorganized, and a central university and a poly- such a government, headed by Don Carlos, he contechnic school were established in Madrid. The cludes that Spain would find her surest path to medical colleges were placed on a new footing; in improvement and peace. Recent events do seem fine, an impulse was given to every department of to have falsified this prophecy. The popularity learning, while over all were extended the zealous which was supposed to belong to Don Carlos, but care of the constituted authorities, and the wings which was, in effect, the zealous love of the Norof a liberated press. Crowds of youth rushed to thern Provinces for their fueros or privileges, of the fountains of improvement. The whole intel- 51 Ed. Rev. ub. supr. 52 Prof. Pizarro-Journ. Lit. 45 Journ. Lit. Con. 232: 49 Prel. Disc 113-14. 50 Journ. Conven. ub. supr. Spain Revis. 21. 54 Proc. Am. Lyc., No. IV. 56 Vol. 3, p. 312. Lit. Conven. 234. 55 632 $ p. 393. Under which they imagined him to be the friend-that years. It is for this that his downfall should be popularity has passed away. New ideas have hailed, as a triumph, far more important than the triumphed. Don Carlos is an exile; and, after so mere overthrow of a bad dynasty by a single many years of bloodshed and of misery, during people. which he was ever unable to possess himself of a forbidden. Now we are very far from supposing that this movement of his Majesty was prompted by any of the objections which the work presents to ourselves. We rather imagine that the censure of Ferdinand himself and his disgraceful rule, procured for Mr. Slidell the honor of being invited to remain beyond the frontier. It is needless to say that in this part of his views, Mr. Slidell and ourselves have no difference of opinion. We cannot 57 Before we take leave of Mr. Slidell, it may be single fortified city, it cannot be much feared that as well to mention that the "Year in Spain" was the people will willingly return to the ancient or-suppressed in that country by royal order, and the der of despotism, and encounter again therefor, the reëntrance of the author into the kingdom expressly sacrifices which have cost them so many tears of bitterness already. The truth is, that the old generation, to whom ignorance and slavery were a habit, have now nearly all been buried. The pcople of this day, are the children of this century, and of its movements and opinions. Under the regency of the soldier of fortune, who has gathered the reins of government in his strong hand, and who yet wears honorably the temporary crown which he won by good service, they find that the however avoid thinking, that the King was right energies of their country have come forth. They in deeming the book not over well-digested; and see an undivided and a manly front presented to the there is a tone in Mr. Slidell's reference to the world-they feel a protecting arm stretched over order, which half inclines us to believe that he their domestic prosperity. If the rule be as yet a himself did not feel disposed altogether to deny it. stern one, it is because sternness is needed--but, in In spite of this effusion of royal indignation, so the multitude of able men and tried patriots, whom very childishly put forth, Mr. Slidell did visit the Espartero has gathered around him, and who cling kingdom again in 1834; and to that visit we owe to his government as their salvation, the people two more very pleasant and popular volumes, in have found a security and a pledge, which are fast which the author appears anxious to atone for his removing all doubts from their minds. Spain, it is abuse of despotism, by extending a profusion of true, may yet be considered as unsettled in her des- similar compliments to the then liberal party. tiny-but though she waver from the line, she can- From the tone of this work, which is altogether not leave it altogether. There is a point beyond sketchy, and which contains the substance of a which nations must pass, before they can be sure short ramble to and from Madrid, through some of of their stability; that once gained, they will find the northern provinces, we cannot fail to see that it harder to retrograde than to advance. If the it contains the material of the political reflections liberal powers of Europe, instead of vexing the attached to the new edition of the old work, and to new government with childish disputes and em- which we have heretofore extended our notice. barrassing intrigue, would give it an honest, sym- In "Spain Revisited," the reader will find the pathetic support, or allow it to flourish of itself," picturesque and peculiar"-the "eccentricities they would act, even as to their own interests, with and absurdities," plentifully and graphically descria wisdom which seems now to be foreign to their bed. Like the great master of fable, the author makes councils. In the coming and not far distant con- little distinction between men and beasts, if they test, which is to shake the foundations of Europe, will subserve his purpose. Mules and their muleit needs no cunning discernment, to foresee that teers-pigs, donkeys and innkeepers, fill, in their the Spanish Peninsula may be an agent, mighty respective turns, equally prominent places in his for weal or for woe. Her fruitful soil-her innu- pictures. In no place does the narrative languish merable resources-cultivated and developed by industry and enterprise, and all tending to heighten and strengthen the established constancy of her people-would make her, under the guidance of free institutions, a precious ally, and a formidable foe. for want of poignancy, or the illustration grow dull from the absence of caricature. Yet with all this, who shall quarrel? The jokes and the stories, the adventures of men and animals, are not made loops whereon to hang profound political disquisitions, or France, Spain and England united, would be moral apophthegms. The work professes to amuse, irresistible. Let her, on the contrary, be crippled not to instruct. In the very dedication to his esby jealousy-wounded by reproach, and broken by timable friend and brother officer, Lieut. Upshur, strife with her energies wasted, her intellect the author puts us on our guard, by contrasting, darkened, her fountains dried up-and there would with his own habit of lingering on their travel, pour into her territories, hordes that would make "to join in idle gossip with peasant or muleteer;" her a Russia of the South, a nucleus of triumph for his companion's graver devotion to scientific and the enemies of man. It was with a view to this, philosophical observation. Thus forewarned, we that Carlos, without any revenue but pillage, was sustained, by foreign but secret aid, for so many 67 Spain Revisited, 13. ook for gossip only, and we find it. We have the written conversation of a clever, ready man, whose magination is not too conscientious, nor his temer too severe "to set the table on a roar"-and who has been so willing to see and hear wonders, hat he has provoked other folk's desire to gratify is curiosity. We rise from the perusal of such a ook, not much edified to be sure, but still grateful or an hour of lively intellectual pastime. Our raver feelings are not disappointed, for they were ot enlisted; and if we find sins to condemn, they re of omission, not of perpetration. If we are ot enlightened, neither are we misled; and so in oint of usefulness, we place the lighter volume bove its more pretending, but more mistaken fel w. No human voice was here, save savage yell, Mother of waters Thy noble streams did glide Through countless years; and bright and free, As beauteous daughters, They lift their voice on high, And clap their hands as they go by Proud Baltimore's rich monuments and domes, HISTORY OF THE KNIGHTS OF MALTA. BY WM. W. ANDREWS, AMERICAN CONSUL AT MALTA. PART VI. We could have wished that Mr. Slidell had en- Election of L'Isle Adam as Grand-Master; Siege of Rhodes, inion. S. Teackle Wallis ODE TO CHESAPEAKE BAY. BY SEBA SMITH. Thou Ocean Bay! The fleets of half the world; Nor distant far the time, When in thy solitude sublime, ave light canoe by artless savage plied, o sail was ever seen to skim thy billowy tide. Bright Chesapeake Though now thy shores are crown'd That well bespeak Adam succeeded in his election by the great preponderance of French interest. Historians allow he had only a strong mind to recommend him; while the Englishman had at his command a princely fortune, was of good natural abilities, and well skilled in diplomacy. As one of the first questions asked, may be, by whom was the Order of "St. John" established, and for what purpose? I trust I may be excused for this digression, while I give a brief account of the Knights in 1099, the time when the foundation of the Order was laid at Jerusalem by the pious Gerard. Never could this worthy individual have thought, when he was collecting a few friends in his own humble dwelling for the purpose of charity, that he should be called the founder of an institution, the power of which was destined to make the Sultan quake on his throne; and wherein all the Princes of Europe would seek to enter. Gerard and his companions, becoming more and more pious, and desirous of being known as a religious body, asked of the Pope a "regular habit." Their request was granted; that of St. Augustin being given, on condition that each one of the mem |