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must always look to the general patronage for support. If, however, society here is to be cut up into as many coteries as there are denominations of christians, it is evident that no one of them could support these extensive establishments which form the germs from which all great cities spring. We would have no scope for capital, no room for its profitable investment, and our city would soon droop into insignificance, as enterprise and industry found themselves without inducement for exertion.

It is ridiculously absurd to attempt to make this question one of isolated sectarian concern. It comes home to the practical every day business transactions of life. Its discussion falls within the province of all interested in the general prosperity.

We now dismiss the subject definitely; remarking that our object has been neither hostility to one church nor partiality to another. If we know ourselves we have no such motives to gratify. Our sole aim has been to point out an evil which common sense is sufficient to perceive would operate seriously and permanently against the growth and prosperity of Memphis.

PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF A BREMEN MERCHANT.

We furnish, happily, more frequently in the pages of the Merchants' Magazine' biographical sketches of merchants, who, by their enterprise, industry, economy and last but not least, integrity, have reached the "golden gate" of success in commercial life. Such examples are not lost in their influence on the rising generation of merchants. Nor will, in our judgment, the subjoined curious narrative of a Bremen merchant, translated from the Zolnische Zeitung of September 11, 1851.

Henry Engelbert Haase, now sixty-eight years of age, having, when five years old, been left the orphan of a small trader in Bremen, was adopted by a near relative of his mother and brought up by him as his own son. This person, whose name was Geisler, afterwards took him as a partner in business, and when he died, in 1806, Haase continued the business in connection with Geisler's widow, for about twenty years, when the establishment was closed, Haase being considered as a man of large property. He was one of the most highly respected men in Bremen-holding several public offices, a trustee of the school fund, of the Missionary and Bible Societies, an administrator on the estates of many deceased persons, and a guardian of several orphan children. He gave the impression of the most active benevolence, and the the highest integrity, and abounded in both public and private charities. No one ever sought his aid in vain. He always gave with great liberality. Obliging in the highest degree, he was always the man to whom his friends entrusted their obligations when they were absent, on journeys or otherwise, from the city. Whatever was placed in the hands of Haase was deemed perfectly safe. In 1813 he married into an old Bremen family, but his wife died on the birth of her first child in 1814. Since 1830, in which year he inherited $80,000 from the widow of Geisler, he was an alderman of the city. A certain coxcombry-for instance, he wore jewels and lace, which was not usual, and took every means to conceal his age-was forgiven him on account of the high esteem which he universally enjoyed. No one ever ventured in the slightest degree to ridicule Alderman Haase-in the opinion of every one, he stood firmer than any man in Bremen. With remarkable hospitality, he entertained, every week, a distinguished company of both sexes, and it was considered a great honor to be invited to his parties. A degree of luxury was exhibited at his dinners which was excusable only in a rich man without children. He pursued this course since 1806. His reputation for honesty was perfect; but at that time he had commenced a career of swindling on a large scale. In the very first year of his establishment, he spent a great portion of the property of the widow, deceiving her with false accounts, and paying interest on sums which were no longer in existence. In taking possession of the Geisler legacy, he paid the tax of $8,000 to the State, although the property had been previously made away with. This tax was paid with the public money, which, since that time, he had used for himself, squandering it both in luxury and charity. The whole amount of his defalcation is not yet fully known. But it is certain that there is a deficit of $100,000 in the School Fund, $8,000 in the Fund of St. Stephen's Church, which he attended twice every Sunday, and $9,000 in the Missionary Socety. In his annual statement of the different funds, he solicited the inspection of the books, and often pretended that the value of the property had increased by advantageous purchase and sale of stocks, frequently offering the overseers to show them

the certificates in various closets and oaken chests. It was naturally deemed a gross imputation on such an accurate accountant to accept the offer. In order to preserve the honor of the city several of the inhabitants were willing to advance $10,000 or even $20,000 to hush up the matter; but it was too late; the affair had already got wind. Justice must accordingly take its course. Every one sees that it is a great misfortune for Bremen, the consequences of which cannot as yet be fully calculated. On Saturday, when the explosion took place, men wept like children; they were pale as death when they met on the Exchange, and all business came to a stand still. The streets were perfectly hushed; people stood in groups, speaking to each other in whispers of the astounding disclosures. The demeanor of Haase at the examination greatly surprised the judges. With great composure he listened to the charge, displaying no traces of distraction; and he still remains in a state of self deception, persuaded that he will receive pardon, as he confessed the crime and yielded himself to justice when he gave up the accounts and resigned his office.

SKETCH OF A BALTIMORE MERCHANT.

We take great pleasure in recording in the pages of the Merchants' Magazine, notices of the character of men whose lives have been devoted to mercantile pursuits, especially when that character has been free from the blemishes which detract from the reputation of the intelligent and upright merchant. With this view we extract from the Baltimore Price Current, the following brief sketch of JAMES BEATTY, one of Baltimore's "oldest and best merchants," recently deceased.

Mr. B. was a man of no ordinary mind; It had been much improved in his earlier years, by extensive travel, and remained active and vigorous to the last. His long life was well spent, and those who had known him say that in all his relations he had never failed to perform his duty faithfully; and it was remarked by him only a few days before his death that he knew of no act to regret, and if he had his life to live anew, he did not think he could improve upon it. Throughout a mercantile career of more than sixty years, he had been universally admired and esteemed; and now when it is fully realized that his valuable life is closed, and his presence lost to the community with which he had been so long identified, a blank the most profound is felt at the sad though common dispensation. He has gone, but the light of his influence still shines brightly and his memory will be longest kept fresh among those who - knew him best.

Mr. Beatty was born in Fredericktown, Md., in 1770, and came to Baltimore about the year 1786. For a considerable length of time he was associated in business with Gen. Stricker, upon whose resignation as navy agent at Baltimore, under President Jefferson, he succeeded to that office, which he filled with the greatest ability until the administration of Gen. Jackson, a period of nearly twenty years.

Mr. Beatty was very fond of relating anecdotes of former days. Among numerous others which his remarkable memory retained, was one connected with the period of our last war with England, and which demonstrates the truth of our statements, in the obituary of James Wilson* in reference to the liberality of one of our old mercantile houses. It is not only an instance of liberality, but of the most disinterested patriotism. At the time of the approach of the British forces toward Baltimore, the U. S. navy agent, Mr. Beatty, was placed in a somewhat unpleasant situation by repeated threats from the soldiers in the regular army that unless they received, within a stated period, all the wages due them, they had determined to revolt. The amount of funds in his hands was far short of what was required, and the banks of the city were called upon to aid in making it up; but after this request had been complied with, there was still not enough to satisfy the demand. At this juncture, Mr. Beatty happening one day to meet Mr. James Wilson, the latter gentlemen made inquiry as to how matters stood with him in relation to the raising of the funds. Mr. B. related the circumstances, upon which Mr. Wilson requested him to step to his counting-room, and he would give hím a check for the sum yet wanting, which was over $50,000. Mr. B. went to the bank, and the check was duly cashed-the soldiers returned to duty-the battle of North Point was fought shortly afterwards, the war was closed, and government again

In the Merchants' Magazine for April, 1851, (vol. xxiv., page 516,) we published, under the title of "a merchant, philanthropist and christian," a brief biographical notice of Mr. James Wilson, the gentleman alluded to in the present sketch.

became enabled to discharge all its minor debts. Mr. Beatty made out a statement of the indebtedness of government to Mr. Wilson, including interest, which he presented to Mr. Wilson for his approval. "Mr. Beatty" said the patriotic merchant, "you have allowed me interest on the sum loaned; sir, I want no interest-the money was lying idle, and it was just as well that government should have the use of it."

COMMERCIAL HONESTY AT A DISCOUNT.

We find the following in the New York correspondence of the New Orleans Commercial Bulletin:

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Cheseboro, Stearns & Co., (who failed a few days ago, but which I hesitated then to name to you,) are to declare to day how much they can pay on their $700,000 of liability. "They will pay twenty-five per cent," I heard a clerk in a store say this morning. They will be fools, if they do," exclaimed his employer, an old man in gold spectacles. I suppose, sir," he added, turning to me, "that you will think it strange that I should say so. But they had better stow away all they can. They can as well put away two hundred thousand dollars as not, and the world will think better of them for doing it. Their honesty will not keep them from being despised if they are poor. Look at my own case," he continued. "On the night of the Great Fire' in shis city, I was worth $200,000. The next morning the contents of my store, worth all that, were destroyed, and only $9,000 insured. I gave up all I had in the world to my creditors, including a home in Warren-street worth $30,000. Not a cent was reserved. And was my honesty appreciated? Not at all. My poverty rendered me despised. One man whom I owed $6,000, which I paid, principal and interest, called me scoundrel,' though I paid a hundred cents on a dollar. That man, rich as he then was, has broken to pieces, and paid only twelve and a-half cents on a dollar. There's my friend who failed at the same time I did, and saved $150,000, and there is neighbor so and so, a similar case." And he went on and named over some half a dozen wealthy men, who have got rich by bankruptcy. "They ride in their carriages, and here I am keeping this little shop." "I told him I had much rather be in his shoes than theirs, for conscious meanness must mar all their pleasure. "The world don't agree with you," he rejoined bitterly. I was sorry to see the old man have so much feeling on the subject. The rich men whom he named may flourish for a time, but " verily they will have their reward.”

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THE EFFECT OF WAR ON COMMERCE.

The following statements, which we extract from Baine's History of Liverpool, strikingly illustrate the results of a naval war to the mercantile classes :—

THE AMERICAN WAR AND THE COTTON TRADE.-In spite of the efforts of the merchants engaged in the American trade, of many of the ablest men in the country unconnected with Commerce, and of the urgent and angry remonstrances of the American Government, the English Government adhered resolutely to the policy of the orders in council, until the spring of 1812. According to a statement of President Madison to the American people, upward of a thousand American vessels were seized, under these orders, in the high seas. These were carried into English ports; many of them condemned, and all subjected to heavy losses. During the whole of this time, from 1807 to 1812, the American merchants of Liverpool continued to remonstrate against these orders, both on the ground of policy and principle. They contended that, by inducing the American Government to retaliate, they inflicted infinitely greater evils on England than on France; and, moreover, that however just they might be as measures of retaliation against France, they were altogether unjust in their operation on neutral nations. At the beginning of 1812, these remonstrances became more urgent, as the commercial and manufacturing distresses became greater; and as it became more evident that a perseverance in the policy of the orders in council would produce a war with America. In the years 1810 and 1811, the opponents of the orders of council obtained the powerful assistance of the present Lord Brougham, then Mr. Brougham, who was already pre-eminent among cotemporary statesmen and orators, for his great attainments and his powerful eloquence. By his advocacy, aided by the pressure of the mercantile and commercial classes, the English Government had resolved to suspend the orders in council. The repeal of the orders was celebrated in Liverpool by a public dinner, at which Mr. Brougham was present, and by a public

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meeting, at which thanks were voted to the leading men who had taken part in procuring their repeal; among whom Mr. Thornely, the present member for Wolverhampton, had particularly distinguished himself by his activity and zeal. Unfortunately, the concession came too late. War against England was declared by the American Government in the same month, of June. In the course of this war, which lasted more than two years and a half, the losses of both nations were enormous, while their successes were so nearly balanced that they were both heartily glad to accept the mediation of the Emperor of Russia to put an end to the strife. In the course of the conflict, from eight hundred to a thousand English merchant ships were taken by the American privateers and ships of war; and at least an equal number of American merchantmen were taken by British cruizers. In the latter part of the war, the risk of capture was so great, that the freight on cotton from Savannah to France rose to 10d. a pound. At the close of the contest, upward of 200,000 bales of cotton, which was more than a year's supply, were piled up in the warehouses of America; while in this country, that great article of consumption was sold at prices ruinous to trade. The Liverpool Mercury of May 7th, 1813, quoting from an American insurance list, says: "The following is a statement of the premiums of insurance on the coasting trade of Boston, on the 3d ult.:-To Eastport, 7 to 10 per cent; other eastern ports, 2 to 5; to New York, £6 to £7 10s.; to Philadelphia, £10; to the Chesapeake, £12 to £15; to North Carolina, £17 to £18; to South Carolina, £21 to £28; to Savannah, £22 to £25. With regard to foreign trade, it is emphatically stated in the insurance list that there is none remaining, except to France, and the premium upon voyages to that quarter is 30 to 50 per cent !" On the other side of the account it appeared, from a return made to the House of Lords, that from the 1st of October, 1812, to the 1st of May, 1813 382 British ships were captured by the Americans, of which 66 were retaken and 20 restored, leaving a loss of nearly 300 British ships in seven months.

MAXIMS FOR YOUNG MERCHANTS.

Keep good company or none. Never be idle. If your hands cannot be usefully employed, attend to the cultivation of your mind. Always speak the truth. Make few promises. Live up to your engagements. Keep your own secrets, if you have any. When you speak to a person, look him in the face. Good company and good conversation are the very sinews of virtue. Good character is above all things else. Your character cannot be essentially injured except by your own acts. If any one speaks evil of you, let your life be so that none will believe him. Drink no kind of intoxicating liquors. Ever live, misfortune excepted, within your income. When you retire to bed, think over what you have been doing during the day. Make no haste to be rich if you would prosper. Small and steady gains give competency with tranquillity of mind. Never play at any kind of game of chance. Avoid temptation, through fear you may not withstand it. Earn money before you spend it. Never run in debt, unless you see a way to get out again. Never borrow if you can possibly avoid it. Do not marry until you are able to support a wife. Never speak evil of any one. Be just before you are generous. Keep yourself innocent, if you would be hap py. Save when you are young to spend when you are old. Read over the above maxims at least once a week, and adopt the maxims and examples of mercantile morality inculcated and exhibited from time to time in the pages of the Merchants' Magazine, and success will crown your efforts in the battle of life.

PHILLIPS' PATENT FIRE ANNIHILATOR.

We learn from the Liverpool Chronicle that Lord Derby has put the efficacy of the machines to a severe test. He had the building in the park, at Knowsley, known as the dairy, which his Lordship is about to pull down, prepared for the purpose. The building is circular and of considerable dimensions, with windows and doors all round, all of which were taken out, admitting a strong current of air, which was increased by a sort of funnel ventilator opening through the roof. This was filled with a very large body of dry poles, pine boards, a large quantity of dried faggots, and the place well bedded with shavings, &c. For the purpose of keeping up a fierce fire, a dozen tar barrels were placed in the center of this pile. Mr. Francis Morton, of the firm of Francis and H. J. Morton, of North John-street, the sole agents for the patent, attended and minutely described the invention and the machines to Lord and Lady Derby. The fire was allowed to burn for some time when his Lordship gave the word, and the

machines were struck off. From the moment the vapor was brought to bear upon the burning pile, the flames became instantly controlled, and were extinguished with the marvelous rapidity which characterizes the invention, and in a few minutes the whole body of fire was put out. All present expressed their satisfaction at the complete success which had attended the trial.

THE TRICKS OF TRADE.

It would seem, from the following lines by "Eunice," a fair contributor to the colums of the "Carpet Bag," that the "tricks of trade" are not confined to the "goods, wares, and merchandise" of the merchant and mechanic, but that the D. D. and the M. D., and even "Eunice," are not exempt from their influence.

THE TRICKS OF TRADE.

BY EUNICE.

"There are tricks in all trades," says the worthy So I'll give him this powder to weaken him divine,

"But professions are held to be free,

And mine is a holy calling-at least

They can find no fault with me."

Then other men's sermons are preached as his

own.

And the author no credit is paid: Of course it is only a sad mistake

But it looks like a "trick of trade."

"Tis the tricks of trade and the gift of gab
Fills the lawyer's purse with gold,
And little he cares, if 'tis gain to him,
Though a hundred hearts are sold.

He can take the poor, honest widow's last mite,
And the orphan's last loaf of bread,
And still his conscience, (if any he has,)
With "it is only a trick of trade."

The skillful M. D. some patient has,

Who is gaining in strength each day— 'Tis a pity, sighs he, such a chance to lose In a family able to pay;

down,

And his friends will all think he must die, And I'll visit him often, till on my books His father stands pretty high.

I can easily raise him at any time,

And 'twill add to my practice, I'm sure,
For the case will be told of for miles around
As a most miraculous cure.

What matters it if, by some schemes of mine,
Some few in their graves are laid?
They only take their chance with the rest-
It is only a "trick of trade."

So goes the world. I know a young man
Who is worth his thousands to-day,
And thousands more will be added to that
When an uncle steps out of the way.

I scraped an acquaintance the other night,
And siege to his heart I laid-
And if I win it, you may rest assured,
It is only a "trick of trade."

COMMERCIAL PROGRESS OF THE AMERICANS.

An English cotemporary thus describes the social and commercial phenomena which the United States now exhibits, for which, as the writer justly remarks, it would be in vain to seek a parallel in the past history of the human race.

In an interval of little more than half a century it appears that this extraordinary people have increased above 500 per cent in numbers; their national revenue has augmented nearly 700 per cent, while their public expenditure has increased little more than 400 per cent. The prodigious extension of their commerce is indicated by an increase of nearly 500 per cent in their imports and exports, and 600 per cent in their shipping. The increased activity of their internal communications is expounded by the number of their post-offices, which has been increased more than a hundred fold, the extent of their post roads, which has been increased thirty-six fold, and the cost of their post-office, which has been augmented in a seventy-two fold ratio. The augmentation of their machinery of public instruction is indicated by the extent of their public libraries, which have increased in a thirty-two fold ratio, and by the creation of school libraries, amounting to 2,000,000 volumes. They have completed a system of canal navigation, which, placed in a continuous line, would extend from London to Calcutta, and a system of railways which, continuously extended, would stretch from London to Van Dieman's Land, and have provided locomotive machinery by which that distance would be traveled over in three weeks, at the cost of 14d. per mile.

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