Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!" I shrieked, | and was forced to bear the insulting charge of Reupstartingpudiation. "Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!

Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!

Leave my loneliness unbroken!-quit the bust above my

door!

Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!"

Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."

And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow
on the floor;

And my soul from out that shadow, that lies floating on the

floor

Shall be lifted-nevermore!

This cry of Repudiation has indeed been too familiar to the ears of Americans; but many of our own people, without examining into the causes of it, have unjustly and criminally joined with foreigners in ridiculing their own country and defaming its character. Fie upon such Americans! There has been little or no repudiation, (as the term ought to be used,) in this Union. Every sentiment of the national mind is utterly opposed to it. If the people of the United States are hasty to be rich, they are essentially honest. Many an upright and honorable man has been forced by unforeseen reverses and difficulties to postpone his obligations, and this is all that the States have done. See how Pennsylvania has redeemed her faith; and so will they all. Harry Bluff has but done justice to Illinois in maintaining her integrity; and by the faith of her old mother and deliverer, Virginia, we believe that she will never be guilty of the charge of Repu

THE LAKES AND THE VALLEY OF THE MISSISSIPPI. diation.

In the last Messenger, Harry Bluff called the attention of our Legislators in Congress and of our people to the vast and important subject of Lake Defences and Western Interests. He proposes that the United States shall purchase the Illinois and Michigan Canal and complete it as a Ship Canal, to serve as a defence, in conjunction with the Naval Depot at Memphis, for our Lake borders and com

merce.

But in undertaking so magnificent a scheme as emptying the great Lakes into the lap of the "Father of Waters," Illinois anticipated her means and crippled herself, so that her good faith became temporarily dimmed and the work was suspended. Lately, however, her commissioners have succeeded in raising funds, and this great enterprise is to be renewed and, we trust, completed.

Such are deemed to be the importance and utility of the Illinois and Michigan Canal for purposes of In presenting his views, new, grand and national, trade. What are they in case of war? The more he was not left to conjecture. The immense com- extensive the commerce of a country, the more merce that presses the bosoms of our Lakes can ruinous to her are the depredations of war, provided already be seen, and the mighty torrent that rolls that commerce be at all exposed to the ravages of unceasingly to the Gulf of Mexico is but an em- the enemy. For the protection of our Atlantic blem of the stream of wealth that continually accom-commerce, we incur the expense of many forts and panies or outspeeds it. Looking to the future, it is not a matter of hope, but of certain calculation, that what now is is but the foreshadowing of what shall be.

garrisons and nearly our whole Navy. For the protection of the Gulf, and consequently the whole Mississippi valley, are the fortifications in the South and West, and the Naval Depot at Memphis, whilst still further defences at Tortugas and Key West are urged and even contemplated.

So long as our country is at peace these two channels of commerce will flow on unimpeded, and even if disunited bear abundant treasures to their But what is there to protect our inland seas, in numerous outlets and reservoirs. But the far- the North, on which enemies' ships have already sighted enterprise of our citizens has already dis- rode and plundered? 'Tis true they were conquered; covered that, even in time of peace, for mere pur- but then we could build ships as fast as they could, poses of intercommunication and trade, it is not and the contest was equal. But now, by means of proper for them to be disunited, being separated, too, the Rideau and Welland Canals, the most poweronly by the short distance of one hundred miles. ful maritime nation in the world, with whom, for Accordingly, the youthful state of Illinois, regard- many reasons, we are more likely to be brought into less of her weakness and small resources, entered conflict than any other, can sail from her own dock upon the magnificent scheme of uniting them by a yards at home straight into Lake Erie, any number large and costly canal. So young as not yet to of armed ships that she may require. What, then, have come into full possession of her patrimony; would avail the skill of our carpenters and seamen, a very large portion of her lands not yet paying her or the gallantry of a Perry? Even if we could build any revenue, the expenses of government, and a fleet and launch it in a fortnight, in that time irrepother necessary institutions, making heavy drafts arable damage could be inflicted by armed steamers, upon her resources, she became involved in debt that might lay waste the whole commerce of the

Lakes. Of all modes of annoyance along an un-1 ocean was cut off. One thousand dollars were paid protected coast, the most certain, expeditious and for the transportation of each of the thirty-two disastrous, is that by armed vessels. On this sub-pounder canon from Washington City to Lake Ontario, for the public service. Our roads became ject we have the following from Harry Bluff, re- almost impassable from the heavy loads which were

ceived too late for insertion in his article.

carried over them. These facts should induce us, "Let those who pretend not to regard the advan-in times of tranquillity, to provide for the national tages and the means of annoyance which these defence, and execute such internal improvements Ship Canals would give England over us in war, as cannot be effected during the agitations of war.' recollect what the Bay States of the Atlantic suf- "Every reflecting man must admit, that with our fered after her cruisers took possession of the Chesa- Lake defences in their present condition, Great peake and Delaware Bays last war. To refresh Britain has it in her power to "exhibit another the memories of all such, I quote from Seybert's phenomenon" in that quarter. If war were deStatistical Annals, published in 1818 and written clared to-morrow, her cruisers on the Lakes would while the misfortunes of the country and the suf- soon cause our Treasury Documents' to show ferings of the Bay people were fresh in the public that New York, and Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan had all ceased to be returned as Lake trading States.

mind.

would

"For a long time the majority of the people of "It is impossible to over-estimate the importance the United States was opposed to an extensive and to the country of this Illinois Canal. The strongpermanent naval establishment; and the force authorized by the legislature, until very lately, was est fortification in war that can be built, it would intended for temporary purposes. A Navy was be of immense advantage to all the valley States considered to be beyond the financial means of our in peace-to Kentucky and Tennessee as well as country; and it was supposed the people would not the rest. The road to market through the Lakes submit to be taxed for its support. Our brilliant is quite as important as the road through the Gulf. success in the late war has changed the public sen- But what, in comparison to what it is now, timent on this subject: many persons who formerly opposed the Navy, now consider it as an essential the Gulf market, the New Orleans trade, be to means of our defence. The late transactions on these two States, if the Mississippi were obstructthe borders of the Chesapeake Bay cannot be for- ed, and their approach from Natchez down were in gotten; the extent of that immense estuary enabled Canal boats, and through such Canals as they have the enemy to sail triumphant into the interior of the United States. For hundreds of miles along be of but little more value to these States than now to the Lakes? The Gulf markets would then the shores of that great bay our people were insulted; our towns were ravaged and destroyed; a the Lake markets now are. But tap these Lakes considerable population was teased and irritated; with steamboat channels, and their markets will, depredations were hourly committed by an enemy in a little while, be crowded with Kentuckians as who could penetrate into the bosom of the country, thickly as the "levy" of New Orleans now is. without our being able to molest him whilst he kept Shall this plan of defending the Lakes be objected on the water. By the time a sufficient force was collected, to check his operations in one situation, to, because it will confer such benefits upon the his ships had already transported him to another, States in peace? If as a means of defence it which was feeble, and offered a booty to him. An would simply answer as well as forts of the same army could make no resistance to this mode of war-cost, this consideration should give it preference, fare: the people were annoyed; and they suffered How much more so, when it answers a hundred in the field only to be satisfied of their inability to check those who had the dominion on our waters. The inhabitants who were in the immediate vicinity In reference to its advantages both in war and were not alone effected by the enemy; his opera- peace, the Illinois and Michigan Canal should be tions extended their influence to our great towns regarded as a great National work; and hence on the Atlantic coast; domestic intercourse and Harry Bluff proposes that the General Government internal commerce were interrupted, whilst that with foreign nations was, in some instances, entirely should purchase it and complete it for the Union. suspended. The treasury documents for 1814 ex- To this the sternest opponents of internal improvehibit the phenomenon of the State of Pennsylvania ments can have no objection;—indeed it has in not being returned in the list of the exporting substance been recommended by the strictest conStates. We were not only deprived of revenue, structionists, as will be seen from the Letter of expenditures were very much augmented. the Hon. Mr. Wentworth. Congress have long

but our

It is probable the amount of the expenditures in

fold better!"

curred on the borders of the Chesapeake would have been in the habit of granting to the new States been adequate to provide naval means for the de- large sections of the public lands to enable them fence of those waters: the people might then have to prosecute their public improvements. During remained at home, secure from depredation in the the present session, efforts have been made to propursuit of their tranquil occupations. The expen

ses of the government, as well as of individuals, cure a fresh grant of lands, for the extension of were very much augmented for every species of this very canal, of which, we think, over two-thirds transportation. Every thing had to be conveyed have been completed, at a cost of some six millions by land carriage. Our communication with the of dollars.

But if, according to the plan of Harry Bluff, it be put down as he demonstrates it should be, to the score of National defences, all objection is removed, and the commercial advantages resulting from the improvement can in no wise invalidate its claim or impair its utility as a defence.

In the present hasty article it is our wish to keep up the interest excited by the more elaborate and able paper of Harry Bluff, and in a desultory way to enforce his proposition.

commerce between Europe and the interior of America and eastern parts of Asia. The river St. Lawrence, fed by the immense inland seas which separate Canada from the United States, is the great commercial artery of North America. Descending from the distant sources of the Kaministiquia and St. Louis, it traverses the solitary lake Winnipeg and Lake of the Woods, opens into the boundless expanse of Lake Superior, and after being swelled by the triagain contracts into the River and Lake of St. butary volumes of the Michigan and Huron waves, Clair; a second time expands into the broad surWhat are the lakes? There are perhaps thou-face of Lake Erie, from whence it is precipitated sands who never thought of the grandeur and importance of these vast inland seas. They know of their existence and geographical position and ex tent, but unless they have paid more attention to topography and to the increasing trade of our country than we suspect, they can have but very inadequate ideas upon the subject.

by the sublime cataract of Niagara into" wide Ontario's boundless lake," and again contracting, finds its way to the sea by the magnificent estuary of the St. Lawrence through the wooded intricacies of the Thousand Islands. Nor are the means of water navigation wanting on the other side of this marvellous series of inland seas. The Rocky Mountains, sunk there to five or six thousand feet These Lakes stretch from New York to the Wis- in height, contain valleys capable of being opened consin Territory, and reflect in their clear waters to artificial navigation by human enterprise; no considerable elevation requires to be passed in mathe shores of six States, that are now or are des-king the passage from the distant sources of the tined to be the most wealthy and productive in the St. Lawrence to the mountain feeders of the CoUnion. Lakes Michigan and Huron seem, as it were, to embrace the State of Michigan, who from nearly her whole extent pours her products upon these waters and sends them to seek a market along with those of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Thus, at this day, millions of property are continually wafted over the lakes from those large and rapidly increasing States. Three years ago we were struck with surprise and admiration on beholding the busy traffic and crowded ports of Cleveland and Buffalo, and other towns on Erie and Ontario. Personal observation first opened our eyes to scenes of enterprise of which we were, until then, ignorant, but have ever since felt proud. We hope soon to have it in our power to lay before our readers facts and statistics from an able pen which will astonish and delight them.

lumbia; the rapid declivity of the range on the
western side soon renders the latter river naviga-
ble, and a deep channel and swelling stream soon
conduct the navigator to the shores of the Pacific.
As clearly as the Mediterranean sea was let in by
the Straits of Gibraltar to form the main channel
of communication and the great artery of life to
the Old World, so surely were the great lakes of
Canada spread in the wilderness of the New, to
penetrate the mighty continent and carry into its
Christian civilization."*
remotest recesses the light and the blessings of

Thus, then, do these lakes, together with the St. Lawrence," the great commercial artery of North America," contribute through their advantages to Canada to the wealth of the British empire. In another place Mr. Alison informs us that shipping to the amount of 800,000 tons is employed in trade with her North American colonies;-and in ten years he anticipates an increase to 1,600,000 tons.

South of this Canada with its "nobler race," " evidently reserved for a more lofty destiny," and also bordering on those "Inland Seas," is a country called the United States: what are its destitinies? What are its people a-doing? It will not do for us to say, for we are a partial judge. Let Mr. Alison speak. After all his glorification of Canada which "nature has marked out for exalted destinies," he makes the following admission:

"Canada, and the other British possessions in North America, though apparently blessed with fewer physical advantages contain a nobler race, and are evidently reserved for a more lofty destination. Every thing there is in proper keeping "So powerful an agent is this system of paper for the development of the combined physical and credit in forcing and maintaining the industry of mental energies of man. There are to be found at the United States, that its influence may be seen in once the hardihood of character which conquers the farthest parts of their possessions; and it is to difficulty, the severity of climate which stimulates the greater advantages they enjoy in this respect, exertion, the natural advantages which reward en- more than any other cause, that the superior popterprise. Nature has marked out this country for ulation, wealth and cultivation of the southern side exalted destinies; for if she has not given it the of the St. Lawrence and lakes, to that which apvirgin mould of the basin of the Missouri, or the pears on the British side of those noble estuaries, giant vegetation and prolific sun of the tropics, she is to be attributed." has bestowed upon it a vast chain of inland lakes, which fit it one day to become the great channel of

*Alison's History: Harpers' edition, vol. IV., p. 423 † lbid. p. 429.

to us the value of those "noble estuaries."

After this, we care not to dispute with him branch of the vast system of rivers which drain the which is the "nobler race;" and as for the effi-rich alluvial plain between the Alleghany and Rocky ciency of the cause, paper money, to produce Mountains, and which, after a course of two thousand five hundred miles in length, empties itself such results, the Historian may settle that with into the gulf of Mexico, below New Orleans. Chancellor Kent and others. The only conclusion Already a great river when it issues in the solitude that we care to deduce is, that "the superior wealth, of the Far West from the Rocky Mountains, its population, and cultivation of the southern side of passage into the plain is worthy of the majestic Between the St. Lawrence and lakes," incalculably enhance character of the Great Father of waters. stupendous walls of rock, twelve hundred feet high, and three leagues in length, whose overhanging cliff's darken the awful passage, it issues forth in a deep and foaming current three hundred yards broad, and, soon swelled by other tributary streams, winds its long and solitary way through the prairies to the falls, sixty miles distant, which rival Niagara itself Ohio, the Tennessee, the Illinois, the Arkansas, in sublimity and grandeur. The Mississippi, the the Kanses, the White River, the Red River, the St. Peter, the Ouisconsin, any one of which exceeds the Rhine or the Danube in magnitude, and which have given their names to the mighty States which already are settled on their shores, are but the rivers, all of which are navigable, each with their tributaries of this prodigious artery. These various own affiliated set of tributary streams, several thousand in number, form a vast chain of inland navigation, all connected together, and issuing into the sea by one channel, which, like the arteries and an immense interior circulation, and convey life veins of the human body, is destined to maintain and health to the farthest extremities of the million of square miles which constitute the magnificent garden of Central America.-Alison's History, Vol. IV., p. 424.

If, in the wise policy of England, their importance and utility have instigated and justified her, as they certainly have done, in constructing the Welland and Rideau canals for the combined objects of trade, defence and aggression, so that her ships can now be laden on the lakes and ride on uninterruptedly to Liverpool, or be armed and equipped at home and sent to sweep the Lakes, how much more expedient, indeed how necessary is it for us to take some corresponding care of our great and expanding interests! Before England executed her canals this union of the Lakes with the Mississippi would have been highly expedient. But now, in calculating the contingencies of war with that country, or any other whom she may befriend, it has become a national necessity. War is certainly a sin and a calamity, and long may it be averted; yea, forever! but it may come; and the better we are prepared the longer will it be averted, the less disastrous when it comes, and the more speedily as well as prosperously terminated. The mind can conceive no greater inducements than these for perfecting our national defences. It may be expensive; but what great boon is not? In order to be great and secure, a nation must be munificent, and none can better afford it than ours. But never was so important an object offered at so little cost as in the case of the Illinois and Michigan canal. Its prime cost will not be proportionably great; its distance is short. In view of its commercial benefits alone, a single State projected it and is still pushing it on; though once on the eve of selling it; and there is every reason to believe that unlike every other construction for defence, it would actually yield a handsome revenue.

Suppose, then, we connect this stupendous river with the Lakes by means of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and consider them but as a continuation of the river itself, there would be an Eastern branch added to the Mississippi, superior to all its other tributaries; and the Northern portions of those States that now send their produce up and down the Ohio, would also empty their treasures into New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis and other places on the Mississippi. What say you to this, Southerners? Their products can not compete with sugar and cotton. These are the very things they will need; and you will receive from them, in lavish abundance, every thing that you require.

But to recur to Mr. Alison. He seems to regard Or even imagining that the stream of commerce the connection of the St. Lawrence with the Lakes should flow in the opposite direction, it is right that as Nature's compensation to Canada in lieu of "the the prolific and growing West should have a choice virgin mould of the basin of the Missouri" and of markets. But who can doubt that there would "the giant vegetation and prolific sun of the trop- be enough for both channels, and to spare. ies." We have also a great river, of which he thus speaks.

We have thus very hastily thrown together the foregoing extracts and observations for the pur“Although the rivers in the United States of pose of coöperating with Harry Bluff in his imporAmerica do not offer the same marvellous advanta- tant, national scheme, and of keeping up an interest ges for foreign commerce which the St. Lawrence in the subject. We would now proceed to consider and its chain of inland seas afford to the activity of the future prospects of the great valley of the West, British enterprise, they are inferior to none in the but our space forbids it, and we must reserve it for world in the immensity of their course and the another time. Foreseeing that this immense region volume of their waters, and present unbounded

facilities both for the export of the produce of the is destined, in less than ten years, to be the seat of suil and the marvellous power of steam-navigation. empire in this confederacy, we would begin in adThe greatest of these is the Missouri, the main vance to awaken our people to a just sense of its

present and increasing consequence and value. [ LIFE OF LORD ELDON. Messrs. Carey & Hart have re

Its situation and interests should be immediately and particularly weighed and consulted, that the way may be duly prepared for the benign and prosperous attainment of the exalted destiny which inevitably awaits it.

Notices of New Works.

published this work in two handsome volumes. We have examining the more costly English copy, and having read several reviews of the work, we think that the publishers should meet with encouragement. The life of such a man must be interesting, if not useful, to our numerous lawyers and still more numerous politicians.

not seen them, but having had an opportunity of cursorily

BRIEF EXPOSITION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE U.
STATES; For the use of schools. By John S. Hart,
Principal of the Philadelphia High School, &c., &c.
Philadelphia; Butler and Williams, 1845.

The object of the author in this little manual is excellent: how he has accomplished it, we have not yet had time to examine. We are indebted to the same publishers, through

HISTORY OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA. By Win. H. J. W. Randolph & Co., for

Prescott. 3 vols 1845.

The Harpers have just issued a new edition of this elegant work. Besides the real beauty and excellence of Mr. Prescott's histories, the choice of his subjects

is well calculated to enhance his fame. He has treated in a very fascinating way the history of the most romantic and exciting periods of the world;-well suited to his style and temperament. He can chain the attention of the most cultivated minds, whilst the thrilling and crowding events that pass in review captivate those who are utterly impatient of every thing that smacks of the Philosophy of History: with this, however, Mr. Prescott is not called to deal particularly. Abroad, too, his subjects are no less interesting, and exciting little of that prejudice and opposition which the historians of his own country, for instance, would have almost necessarily to encounter, we find his merits as readily acknowledged there as by his own delighted countrymen.

When he shall have completed his "Conquest of Peru," about which he is now engaged, his volumes will be amongst the most charming and successful in the whole range of American Literature.

THE CHIMES; Or certain Bells which rang an old year out and a new one in, by Charles Dickens, has been issued by the same enterprising publishers.

THE PICTORIAL BIBLE. No. 18, has been received through Messrs. Drinker & Morris ; and also

HART'S CLASS BOOK OF POETRY, by the same author, consisting of selections from distinguished English and American poets from Chaucer down to N. P. Willis.

LEONARD SCOTT & Co's reprints of Blackwood, the Edinburg and the London and Foreign Quarterlies have been received through the Agent, J. Gill, Esq. If we are to have English Reprints, certainly Scott & Co.'s take the lead; for they are neat and convenient: and perhaps current periodical Literature might be excepted; but the wholesale plunder on the one hand, and discouragement on the other, of

SMITH'S WEEKLY VOLUME, are unpardonable. We aim not at Mr. Smith personally but at his system, which the Messenger condemned all last year. Besides, we have long felt a special abhorrence of Newspaper Books.

THE DEMOCRATIC AND THE AMERICAN REVIEW for February have been received.

MR. BRODHEAD'S ADDRESS, before the Historical Society of New-York; and

THE ROMANCE OF LIFE. A Historical Lecture delivered before the Historical Society of Georgia, by Judge Robert M. Charlton.

Our thanks to their authors. We hope ere long to enjoy

BISHOP THIRLWALL'S HISTORY OF GREECE. No. 6, similar treats in "the Old Dominion." containing most of the era of Demosthenes.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE. Our Thanks to Mr. Markoe for

The Harpers intend soon to issue a beautfiul illustrated copies of Mr. Woodbury's Address and the Memorial to edition of Bryant's Poems.

MICHELET'S HISTORY OF FRANCE; and "THE TRIAL TRIED," a pamphlet in relation to Bishop Onderdonk, have been received from The Appletons.

TO LEA AND BLANCHARD, through Drinker and Morris, we are indebted for several of the last No.'s of the Cyclopædia of Practical Medicine.

Congress. Next month we shall publish an interesting paper addressed to the Institute, by one of its correspon. dents in South America.

MEMOIRS ON THE MILITARY RESOURCES OF THE VAL

LEY OF THE OHIO, &c. By John Sanders, Captain of ELgineers, U. S. A. Our thanks to the donor.

St. Leger L. Carter.

L. & B. intend 300n to issue an illustrated Edition of NUGE BY NUGATOR; or Pieces in Prose and Verse. By Dickens' Chimes. They have already published some beautiful illustrated works.

Mr. Carter, a Virginian, contributed several of the pieces before us to the Messenger. His nugæ contain a great variety, embracing the sentimental, the satirical, the humorous, the fictitious and the historical. The volume is neat and from the press of Woods and Crane, Baltimore.

NIEBUHR'S HISTORY OF ROME. Lea & Blanchard have recently issued a new edition of this great work; which has opened an entirely new field in Historical research and criticism. Besides correcting the numerous fictions of early Roman History, Niebuhr has discovered a class of forgot- SOUTHERN LITERATURE is about to receive valuable ten Literature from which those fables were in all proba-accessions from the pens of the Hon. R. H. Wilde of New bility derived.

Orleans, and Judge A. B. Meek of Tuscaloosa.