ART. VIII. The United States and Canada, in 1832, 1833, and 1834. By C. D. ARFWEDSON, Esq. Two vols. London: 1834.

THE author of this new book on America is a Swede, who it seems travelled two years in the United States, and who has written and published his travels in our own language. An edition of the work has also been published in Swedish at Stockholm, where the political institutions of this country are daily a subject of discussion.

The circumstances which caused the rise of Marshal Bernadotte are now almost forgotten. Four years after he was elected Crown Prince of Sweden, the peace concluded with Denmark at Kiel was established by the cession of Norway; and upon the death of Charles XIII, February 5, 1818, Bernadotte became the sovereign of two proud and free-spirited nations. In Sweden, the aristocracy has always been predominant; but in Norway there is no hereditary nobility, and the democracy has its full share of influence. In both kingdoms the peasantry and citizens form distinct estates. The different constitutions of these two countries, with their different manner of representation and government, presented many serious difficulties to the new king. But Bernadotte overcame them all, and he is now the only sovereign in Europe who has kept possession of a throne, acquired during the wars of Napoleon. He has assumed for his motto, "the people's love is my reward." And upon the discovery of a conspiracy against him a few years ago, he is said to have addressed the following language to a deputation of his subjects: I came among you with no other credentials than my sword and my actions. These claims have been augmented by the adoption of the King, and the unanimous choice of a free people. On this I found my rights, and as long as honour and justice are not banished from the earth, these rights will be more legitimate and sacred than if I were descended from Odin. I have not opened a way by arms to the throne of Sweden; I have been called by the free choice of the nation, and on this right I rely." The frequent expression of such popular sentiments, without any flagrant violation of the constitutional rights of either kingdom, and his great ability and deep policy, have fixed this soldier of fortune firmly upon the throne, to which he thus boasts that he has been called by the free choice of the nation.

The policy of Charles XIV is well known. Although separated in a great measure by natural situation, and commercial interests from the rest of Europe, Sweden, in a time of profound peace, is burdened with a standing army of 50,000 men, a per

manently fortified camp, and a large and well appointed navy. The king is therefore at the head of an armed force, which derives its existence from him. The aristocracy, whose allegiance is natural, are profusely decorated with titles and orders; and patents of nobility are frequently granted to eminent merchants and bankers, whose wealth and influence thenceforth uphold the crown. The liberty of the press is established by law; but it is at the same time subjected to so many restrictions, that its existence is merely nominal. Political and common debating societies cannot be formed without the permission of the government, and even the literary and scientific institutions, for which Stockholm is deservedly celebrated, are principally directed by men of rank and official dignity.

The democracy of Norway, and the republican party in Sweden, have been long united in determined efforts to counteract the tendency of this political system. They cannot hope, and perhaps do not wish to change the form of the government, but they, without doubt, interpose a strong check upon the royal influence. These northern patriots seem to be more disinterested than patriots usually are. They can gain nothing by their opposition to the measures of a monarch who is too well established to be overthrown, and who moreover has always carefully abstained from any arbitrary stretch of power, that might afford a pretext for exciting turbulence among the people; while like all who are openly disaffected to the government under which they live, they must often be thwarted in their endeavours to advance their own private views and interests. It is true, they can persuade themselves that they preserve their country from the evils of despotism; but such a persuasion would badly compensate the generality of men for continued efforts without the chance of ultimate success-for vain ambition and disappointed hopes.

It is soon apparent to which of these parties Mr. Arfwedson belongs. He thus speaks of the anniversary of the 4th July at

sea

"No comparison can be drawn between a beautiful day at sea and one on shore: there is something so delightful and reviving in the former, that its influence is irresistible. The 4th of July was just one of this description. Who is the American that does not rejoice at the recollection of what occurred on that day, 1776? Who is ignorant of the memorable act then signed by the boldest men in the colonies? Who has forgotten the determined step adopted by these patriots to declare themselves free and independent, in defiance of the power and fleets of the mother country? An American is justly proud of the result of this revolution, when comparing the past with the present."

The Hall of Independence at Philadelphia excites more reflections.

"Historical recollections moreover, attach to this building so much interest, that

it is next to impossible to approach it without reverence. It was within its precincts that America shook off her fetters. Here it was also that the first impulse

was given to the extraordinary revolution, which ended in the total emancipation of the colonies. It was here, in short, that a handful of bold patriots risked the chance of an ignominious death, as rebels, or the immortal glory of heroes of Liberty. It was here that the signatures were affixed to an act, which has already had, and will for ages to come, have an immense influence on the destinies of the world."

The cholera was raging in New York when this Republican Traveller landed there, and gave him occasion for some strange assertions as to the inhumanity and selfishness of the Ameri

cans.

"If a miserable object was lying in the street, suffering under the double calamity of poverty and disease, instead of lending him assistance, people would run away and leave him to his fate. Why? Because he had got the cholera. If the driver of a simple and unattended hearse was seen accelerating the speed of his horses, the question was asked, Why does he go so fast? Because the hearse contains a number of the dead, victims to the cholera; they must immediately go to the burying ground, without ceremony and without friends."

The whole may be a traveller's exaggeration; but the most revolting selfishness characterizes every where the panic of pestilence. New York is properly called a town "that could not boast of any particular cleanliness," and some of the customs there are honestly criticized. Mr. Arfwedson then sets out upon the Northern tour, and visits and describes nearly all the places on that well known route. Upon one of the North River steamboats he first discovers that women are treated with civility in America.

"A young American, with whom I had been in company a few days before, in one of the first houses in New York, was seated at the long table between two females of humble condition in life. I saw him, with perfect attention, serve both his neighbours, before he thought of himself, and during the whole repast, continue his civilities with so much grace, that the example might serve as a salutary lesson to many a European coxcomb, who certainly will not put himself to inconvenience for the sake of being attentive to females of so mediocre a station in life, and to whom nature has besides refused the advantage of beauty. A young Frenchman, who came to America about the same time I did, could not help remarking to the American, that he was surprised to see a man of birth, of blood, condescend so far, as to enter into conversation with a couple of vulgar women. The American answered, that it appeared to him equally extraordinary how a man of birth could ever forget the respect due to every female by a person of education, let her rank be what it will in society."

The following must be inserted for the advantage of future travellers in the United States.

"Our slow progress was not to be attributed either to the badness of the roads, or to the horses, which had an appearance of strength, but entirely to the drivers. They were changed several times in the course of the day, but to the regret of all present, little was gained by the alteration. One in particular, was excessively slow in his motions, and rather abusive. I do not know if I was the unfortunate cause of it; my companions pretended I was, for having inadvertently, and certainly without intending, or even supposing it would give offence, addressed him by the disreputable title of coachman, always used in England, and which I thought was also applicable here. Enough; I discontinued the word from that hour, as long as I remained in America, and never forgot, upon subsequent occasions, to call republican coachmen drivers."

In the course of this tour, there are many excellent observations about the prosperity and happiness of the poorer classes in

America. The story of "The Locksmith of Springfield" is well written and highly interesting, and the traveller's general conclusion on this subject is the fair result of a careful and unprejudiced examination.

"A European, travelling in this direction, cannot help admiring the general appearance of comfort and prosperity so singularly striking. To an inhabitant of the Scandinavian Peninsula, accustomed to different scenes, it is peculiarly gratifying to witness, instead of gorgeous palaces by the side of poor huts, a row of neat country houses, inhabited by independent farmers. A Swedish servant, lately arrived in America, on looking around and perceiving the happy state so generally diffused, exclaimed with surprise, and characteristic simplicity, Sir, have the goodness to inform me where the peasantry live in this country?"

Boston is very much admired, and occupies many pages. Its general appearance, literary institutions, and hospitable inhabitants are all praised. A curious custom, however, is noticed, which exists in several of the American cities.

"I had often heard that married men in America are in the habit of attending market themselves, in the morning, to provide the necessary articles for their families; a custom which, with us on the other side of the Atlantic, exclusively belongs to the department of the cook. Mrs. Trollope mentioned the same in her history of 'Domestic Manners of the Americans,' but on that very account, I considered the statement an exaggeration, and rather inclined to the contrary opinion. During my stay in Boston, however, I had frequent opportunities of witnessing the prevalence of this custom, and found that almost all the married men performed this morning walk. At first it appeared strange to me, how they could so correctly know the exact market prices of the most trifling article; but it was soon explained. At a dinner, at which I happened to be present, the lady of the house showed perfect ignorance of the cost of the vegetables and fruit, and was obliged to apply to the husband for information, which she did in these words-My dear, what is the price of sweet potatoes? Grapes and peaches, what are they worth? But each country has its customs; I shall therefore abstain from all comment, merely mentioning the circumstance."

Mr. Arfwedson next gives the history of the sect of religious fanatics, called Shakers, who make dancing a part of their worship, like many of the early religious. He fills thirty pages with their uninteresting superstitions, and then sets about enumerating the different denominations of Christians that exist in the United States, with the main articles of their faith. A Table is annexed, which is very long, but far from complete. He thinks the distinctions between these multitudinous sects may be classed as follows:

1st. Differences of opinion with regard to the Redeemer. 2d. Difference of opinion of the clemency of God. 3d. Difference of opinion as to the forms of worship. This part of the book is able, and exhibits a calm, philosophic mind. The information collected here, required a great deal of labour and research. It is valuable, and authentic, and may be safely referred to, as authority upon the subject. There are some sensible observations about the alleged want of an established religion in the United States.

"America, it is well known, has no established religion. Fugitive pilgrims, persecuted in England for their religious opinions, sought in the New World that liberty of conscience which was denied them in the Old. Every opinion of the Deity was here unshackled. Religion was considered the exclusive property of conscience and God, and exempt from all other restraint. The State was distinct from the Church neither had a right to interfere with the other, except to protect individuals in the quiet exercise of the creed which they conceived to be the only true one. Even the clergy was in most of the Constitutions of the States, by particular clauses, excluded from all participation in public affairs. Thus, one of the most important and eventful experiments, ever attempted upon so extensive a scale, was made, namely: whether religion may be sustained in a country without the protection or support of the government. The period elapsed since the creation of the republic, certainly speaks in favour of its practicability: how far the experience of future times will justify it, I do not venture to anticipate. This freedom of religion has, however, been the means of forming a great many sects, the names of which, and their varied professions, as I have already stated, it is no easy matter to enumerate. The difference in many is but trifling, and only perceptible in exterior forms. A great number are solely distinguished by insignificant modifications of the same creed. When a young clergyman, for instance, commences his career, to gain importance and make proselytes, he generally pretends to deviate from the other followers in the observance of some unmeaning exterior form, without however rejecting the fundamental principles upon which the sect is founded. His friends then lose no time in building a church for him. The adherents now meet to listen to the new preacher, and in a short time his congregation becomes so considerable that he obtains a comfortable livelihood by it."

After the first four books of the Science of Legislation, by Filangieri, were published at Naples, towards the close of the last century, a general anxiety was manifested in Europe for the appearance of the fifth book, which was to treat of the laws that concern religion. The untimely death of Filangieri was considered a misfortune, for the eminent ability he had shown in the discussion of a subject from which theorists had been excluded by common consent, persuaded many that he was destined to work a change in the principles of modern legislation. The state of Europe, too, at that time, seemed to threaten convulsion and anarchy, and the selfish fears of men disposed them to listen to the voice which so opportunely pointed out a way of escape from the evils they had brought upon themselves. Although Filangieri did not live to finish the fifth book of his treatise, he went far enough with it to show what were his sentiments as to legislation upon religious faith, and ecclesiastical establishments. His work is probably little read or cared for in this country-the only country, perhaps, where it can now be of any use.

"Religion, which precedes, prepares, produces, accompanies, and follows the origin, the progress, and the development of civil society; religion, which in the savage is a timid worship offered to the unknown cause of his terror and his fears; which, in the rude and barbarous societies, is the beginning of civil authority, which, although yet unable to endure in the hands of their fellow men, they place willingly in those of their Deities; which, in civilized societies, can so well assist the public authority in extending the sanction of the laws, and in obtaining that which those laws cannot prescribe, as well as in avoiding that which they cannot prohibit; religion, finally, which, while it may be productive of so much good, may also degenerate into a source of lamentable evil, such as has been so often seen to proceed from enthusiasm and fanatacism; religion, I repeat, so inherent in the nature of man, so necessary to the formation, perfection, and preservation of society, and so formida