THEATRICALS. EDITORS' TABLE. THE DEATH OF THE LATE PRESIDENT.-General Harrison, the patriot, the soldier, and the statesman, has paid the debt of nature. Called from his home by the universal acclamation of || a people, (whither he had retired after fighting the battles of his country, like Cincinnatus of the Roman world,) to wield the helm in the council, as he did the sword in the field. A grateful nation had placed him on the highest pinnacle of honor and entwined the wreath of affection around his aged brows, when the angel of death came upon him, and he was gathered, in the fulness of years and virtue, to another and a better world. The words of a modern author in describing the character of a good and wise man, are truly applicable to our departed father. "No human being ever wore his faculties so meek, or performed great works with less consciousness of their greatness-his was a mighty spirit, unheedful of his might, and guided only by a patriotic love of his country's welfare. In another age, he will stand forth in the formost rank among the master spirits of his century; and be admitted to a place among the chosen of all centuries. His deeds, the memory of what he did and was, will rise afar off, like a towering land-mark in the solitude of the past, when distance shall have dwarfed into invisibility the lesser people that encompassed him and hid him from the near beholder." Peace to his ashes-honor to his name! THE Drama is still below par-almost at any discount. The opera of Zampa, by Herold, has been brought forward at the Park by the principal singers lately attached to the National. As a musical composition, it is very unequal-at times startling you with its grandeur, at others relapsing into common-place strains. The character of the Brigand, by Mr. Manvers, was ill adapted to his musical talents, to say nothing of his acting. He appeared to be striving to do something which he was conscious he was incapable of, imparting to the spectator a feeling of painful anxiety for the result. Mr. Seguin was bold enough in the Lieutenant, and that is all we can say of his performance. Mrs. Seguin, who sustained the heroine, like Mr. Manvers, aimed at what she was not equal to. What is a great fault in this lady, and one too much the case in all singers, we can hardly comprehend a word of what she utters, from her indistinct enunciation, a fault which cannot, (if it can,) be too speedily amended. Miss Poole did the little she had to do, charmingly; in our estimation, her performance was the gem of the opera, and the applause she received was deservedly merited. The chorusses, by far the most efficient part of the music, were ably executed. At the Bowery, Mr. Hamblin has commenced his summer campaign, with an excellent dramatic and equestrian company, and tokens of his success have been given in highly respectable and numerous audiences. Wat Tyler, and the romantic spectacle of Ivanhoe, most splendidly produced, have been the leading features the former introducing the manager in a new melo-dramatic character. The part of Effie by Mrs. Anderson, from the Boston theatres, was well performed; it is one of no great excellence, and consequently a fitting opportunity was not afforded for a developement of her powers; but, in the part of Rebecca, she at once established herself a mistress of her profession, and will prove a valuable acquisition to the theatre. Mr. Barry played with || force and feeling, effecting more for the character than it deserved. But the most attractive of the entertainments, was the performance of the Swiss Brothers, a more delightful exhibition has never yet been presented in America, nor one better calculated to refine and improve the mind, displaying the most eminent models of ancient statuary, with a classical fidelity that leaves an impression almost equal to the beholding of the originals. No artist should neglect viewing them, and every parent would find his benefit in permitting his offspring to look upon these beautiful tableaux. They will excite a curiosity in the youthful mind, which will lead it to an inquiry calculated to lay open some of the most valuable stores of knowledge. At the Olympic, burlesque reigns supreme, and attracts full houses. The Chatham declines in neither popularity nor profit. Mr. Burton, of Philadelphia, has opened the National Opera House with the Naiad Queen, a drama combining all that is magnificent in spectacle-while the Franklin, now styled Little Drury, has fallen into the hands of Messieurs Hield and Gann, who have brought together a useful and talented company. || ter. NEW VOLUME. In an improved garb, fashioned expressly for the "Ladies' Companion," appears the present number, commencing the fifteenth volume; the work having now been in existence for seven successive years, the greatest part of which has embraced a period, unprecedented in the annals of our Constitution, for a prostration of business, and consequently most unpropitious to the cause of letters. To say that we have not been materially affected by such a fortuity, would be a vain boast, and an unfounded assertion; yet, nevertheless, we have found warm and willing hearts who have enabled us steadily to progress in our duties, and ultimately to achieve the proudest wish of our being, the establishing a journal of the highest literary characAt the commencement of the "Companion," the periodical press of America was entirely composed of publications which laid little or no claim to originality, being principally selections from foreign journals, while a fastidious censorship was carefully exerted against the efforts of our native writers, as if literary genius were incompatible with the American character. To be sure, a few bold and original spirits had won for themselves a high reputation, but singular to say, they had first to secure for their writings the stamp of foreign favor, before they were accepted by their countrymen. To reward literary labor, was an act comparatively unknown or seldom thought of in America, and the author who gave his time and talent to such a profession, was obliged to publish at his own risk, and find his reward in the jealous and niggardly praises of a few. Under this state of affairs, it was not, therefore, to be expected that men of genius would employ their faculties in a cause so hopeless, and especially in periodical composition, where they were only tolerated, and ever considered secondary to their NATIVE ACTORS ABROAD.-Mr. Oxley, the young American foreign brethren-hence, to a great extent, the weak and Tragedian, we are happy to learn from the Jamaica journals, unhealthy state of our Magazine literature. With this convichas created quite a sensation by his admirable performance of tion, and a desire to cherish the latent genius of our country, Hamlet. From a long and elaborate article in the Kingston we were first prompted to the publication of the “Companion," Daily Journal we extract the following-" As a performance we and how far our efforts have been crowned with success, the consider it the best ever presented to a Kingston audience. His support of the public is the best criterion, while with honest walk, his entire self-possession, his commanding and truly cha- pride we may aver that the establishing of our Magazine has racteristic appearance, his graceful and classic attitudes, com- created a total revolution in our periodical press, and advanced manded the admiration and elicited the unbounded applause of it to a standard of excellence, commensurate with that of any the assembled multitude. Mr. Oxley's conception and reading country. But for the pages of the "Companion," many of our of the part were faultless. He certainly differs from Macready, most popular writers would have been left to wither in obscurity Kemble, Vandenhoff, or Charles Kean, preserving the happy" and waste their sweetness on the desert air." But, by cheermedium between the methodical, and somewhat prosing style of the three first, and extreme fervor and impetuosity of the latter, and the applauding that did applaud again' when the curtain fell, must have convinced Mr. Oxley that his standing is already appreciated, and that he will ever find our countrymen ready to greet him most warmly, both as an actor and a man." fully receiving their contributions, kindly advising, and liberally remunerating their efforts, we have succeeded in bringing forward a host of writers that now can challenge competition with the most distinguished of the European press. For a proof of this, we need only refer our readers to our early numbers, where they will find that most of the American authors who now enjoy a high renown, there made their first essays and acquired the first basis of their reputation. Our example was speedily followed by many contemporaries, and although we rather rejoice at, than deprecate their doing so, since it has proved so beneficial to the character of our country, yet we boldly claim the honor of having been the first who extended the hand of encouragement to native genius. Nor have our exertions been wanting in securing the services of many of the most popular English writers, at an expense which nothing but a desire to sustain the exalted character of the "Companion" at home and abroad, and a love for the fosterage of genius could have induced us to encounter. An enumeration of a few of the names of those who have adorned our pages, will best evince this fact-Longfellow, Ingraham, Simms, Thomas, Neal, Herbert, Mellen, Sargent, Benjamin, Daniels, Woodworth, Morris, Tuckerman, Street, Dawes, Pike, Hamilton, Mackenzie, of Eng land, with Mesdames Sigourney, Embury, Ellet, Seba Smith, S. C. Hall, of England, Hofland, of England, Browne, of England, Stephens, Osgood, etc., etc., etc., a list that no other Magazine can present, and which stamps the "Companion" with the impress of excellence. Whilst it has ever been our study to render the literary portion of the work its prominent feature, we beg to call the attention of the community to the engravings which monthly adorn our pages, unsurpassed in execution by any similar periodical, and at the same time to claim respect for having been the first who introduced original engravings|| in a monthly publication. "In olden times," worn out plates of Annuals and other works, were deemed sufficient for the pages of a Magazine, and vaunted of as superior embellishments. To retrieve this stain upon the general character of Magazine illustrations, we resolved to hazard the experiment in furnishing original engravings, executed expressly for the "Companion." The result proved successful, laudation and reward from every quarter were bestowed upon us, 'till now we can challenge comparison with, if not superiority over the majority of the most expensive pictorial Annuals. Of the musical department || of the work, it is conceded on all hands to be the most judicious and tasteful of that science which appears in any publication, while no other art, science, or adornment, congenial with the character of the work, will by us, be neglected in consequence of the expense attendant upon its procurement. These explanatory remarks we consider as appropriate, at the commencement of a new volume, inasmuch as many individuals who are anxious to encourage the genius of their native country, may be impressed with the claims the "Ladies' Companion," has upon their consideration and support. DEATH OF RICHARD HAUGHTON, Esq.-It is with the most painful feelings that we record the demise of Richard Haughton, Esq., editor and proprietor of the Boston Atlas, one of the most unflinching advocates in the cause of our present political administration. For many months past he had been laboring under a broken constitution, greatly augmented by his assiduous devotion to the interests of his party, and at length, by the advice of his friends, was on the eve of departing in the Acadia for Europe, on Saturday, the 17th. ultimo, in the hope that a change of climate would restore him to his former state of health, when he was struck with apoplexy, and in a few hours breathed his last. "His age was but forty-two, and few men have devoted themselves with more zeal and judgment to our political revolution, than he-few men could have attracted to him the same number of zealous friends-few will be more lamented in their death. It is a most impressive admonition of the uncertainty of human hopes, and of the wisdom that would teach us to be always ready." TO DELINQUENT SUBSCRIBERS.-As we find courtesy is altogether disregarded by certain individuals in arrears to the "Companion," we beg to assure them that unless our demands are speedily liquidated, we shall resort to the severe but just method of giving their names to the world, on the cover of the magazine. Our terms are so very liberal, that no one who is anxious to be honest, would seek to deprive us of our hard earned dues. THE APOLLO ASSOCIATION.-The exhibition of this year contains many works of excellence, and is, in every respect, equal to its predecessors; nevertheless, there is much room for improvement, many of the pictures being altogether unworthy of gracing the walls of an association which has for its object "the cultivation and diffusion of correct taste in the Fine Arts." We are aware that perfection is not to be found in any thing, and least of all perhaps, in the art of painting. Like the true poet, the painter must have originality of invention, working from inspiration and not guided or trammelled by rule or custom. There is no praise to be bestowed upon him who aims at nothing but being a copyist, and this is too much the case with our American painters. They do not think for themselves, they work under the feeling that nothing can be correct unless it is marked by a style of some foreign master, and as long as this feeling prevails, the artists of our country will never win for themselves that station among the Fine Arts which they are so anxious to attain. When we hear individuals talk of Italian subjects, skies, etc., as being the only proper objects for the pencil of the artist, we ever regard them as speaking about what they do not know, and consider their language only that of cant and ignorance. What country can boast of richer material than our own for the student? Where are there sunuier skies, or lovelier lakes, loftier mountains, grander forests, or nobler rivers? Why, they seem formed for the very nurture of the poet and the painter, and he is no son of genius who seeks for perfection in his art in other lands. We do not deny that much information and many useful hints may be acquired in perusing the works of the great masters, but let our artists depend first upon their own exertions for a name at home, before they seek for instruction in continental study. America has given to the modern world, some of the finest painters-witness West, Copley, Stuart, Allston, and others, all of whom evinced their talent first in their native land before they sought a reputation in a foreign one. We make these remarks in a general sense for the benefit of the art-as a false taste arising from a mistaken love for foreign painters, seems predominant among the works now exhibiting in the Apollo Association. Many of the artists are capable of the highest achievements, but altogether obscure their beauties by a servile imitation of the foreign school. To POSTMASTERS.-We regret at all times to express our censure at a dereliction of duty in our Post Office department. Of late, however, we have received innumerable complaints from various quarters respecting an inattention in the delivery of the 'Companion,' and even when delivered, that the numbers had been previously opened and perused, and in many cases, disgracefully mutilated, such as by extracting the plates and portions of the Magazine. We have refrained in noticing these injurious inno vations upon our interests, until a recent act of this character has been so palpably forced upon our attention, that we are obliged to wave all leniency and mention the circumstance. An esteemed contributor in one of the Southern States, after an unusual delay, received the March number, torn and completely unfit for use, the engraving extracted, and every evidence of its having been perused. He accordingly informed us of the abuse of his property, and requested that we should forward a fresh number; his wish was complied with, but on its receipt to his astonishment and chagrin, he found the same disgraceful outrage had again been perpetrated. A repetition of this conduct has even extended to a third number, so that there appears to be no protection from the petty peculator. This is only one of the many outrages which daily come under our notice, and how to remedy the evil we know not; we hope, however, this notice will induce the postmasters to exert a stricter surveillance over their establishments, as with them alone must rest the evil. WE beg to call the attention of our readers to the beautiful poem in the present number from the pen of the late James Hogg, better known as the Ettrick Shepherd, and now for the first time published. It is characterized by all that wildness of imagination and felicitous expression for which his muse was so peculiar. NEW YORK, JUNE, 1841. INDIAN FALLS. Is beholding the Hudson and its magnificent shores, the mind is apt to be so lost in admiration of them, that all other objects of nature are totally disregarded, and none more so than the many beautiful streams which pour their limpid treasures into this, one of the noblest of our rivers. It is only the pilgrim "with staff and shoon" who penetrates into the bosky dell and gloomy forest and tracing the course of these pellucid streamlets, can tell of the thousand delicious spots which lie secluded in beauty on their verdant banks; spots which have never met the eye of mortal, where the brightest offerings of summer are scattered profusely around, and where the genius of solitude whispers to the contemplative mind, here is the home of " innocence and peace." As you thread the mazes of the tinkling streamlet, now lost to view in some leafy thicket, where not a sunbeam can pierce the gloom, and not a sound is heard save your own footsteps crushing and crackling among the moss clad and withered branches, a strange and mysterious feeling takes possession of your being, and you unconsciously pause and wonder at the solitude of the scene. Proceeding a few paces farther, you behold the clear waters sparkling in the sunshine like flakes of silver, the banks are soft and verdurous, the wild flowers are springing and blushing in the light of heaven. The gold-bosomed bee with "drowsy hum" is flitting from petal to petal, the red bird is chattering from his "pendant bed" in the drooping willow, and the roguish squirrel is bounding from branch to branch and spray to spray. The dragon-fly in his mail of purple and gold, is darting among the osier, the reed and the water-lily, while the speckled trout springs from the streamlet at the gaudy insect of an hour's existence. But soon the fervid sunbeams warn you to seek a cooler retreat, and entering again some leafy covert, a low and sullen murmur falls upon the ear, like the hurtling of distant thunder. The waters sweep along at a swifter pace, crested with foam-bells, as if the overhanging trees had scattered their pearly blossoms on their glassy surface. Louder and louder grows the sound, 'till suddenly emerging from the thicket, you stand before the silver current, leaping and dashing over a rocky precipice into a basin of pure and delicious depth. Beautiful hues are now glancing in the sunbeams. The trees and shrubs which fringe its borders, are laden with gems, as if a myriad of diamonds had been crushed above them and the sparks had settled on the verdant spray. The deer is drinking at the lucid waters, and the heron wheeling above and mingling its scream with the roar of the torrent. The hawk and the eagle, scared from their eyries, soar aloft into the heavens, and wing their way to another and more secluded home. Such are a few of the beauties which will amply repay the pedestrian for And Faith, who looks beyond Yet thou, whose flight On Heaven? And when in radiant dreams thou com'st So softly whispering of an angel's bliss *The only son of Joshua Bates, Esq., of London, whose early death was a source of agonizing grief to his affectionate friends -and whose accomplishments and virtues had awakened the most cheering hopes of future excellence. |