gradual imitation of the arbitrary conduct of Mr. Pitt. The case requires to be proved; and a law should be made, with severe penalties, to prevent the commission of this crime:- a crime, in our opinion, far greater than many for which a poor felon is hanged at the gallows. We would propose, then, that any officer in administration, or any of their clerks or secretaries, who solicits by letter, or by personal application, or by any means whatever, the vote of any man for a representative in parliament, should be dismissed from his employment, be rendered incapable of serving his Majesty for seven years, and be fined in one year's salary, one half to go to the informer, the other half to be applied to some public work in the borough, city, or county in which the offence was committed. Letter to a Member of Parliament, on Lord H. Petty's Plan of Finance. To Sir I DEAR SIR, dated this principle to the war taxes, and the whole is founded upon a proposition well known to every one acquainted with numbers, that a small sum above the interest of a loan, applied to the payment of the interest of the loan, and the reduction of the capital, will, in very few years, extinguish the debt. If the interest of money is five per cent., and you ap ply ten per cent, annually to the payment of the interest and the reduction of the principal, the debt will be extinguished in a little less than fourteen years and three months: if six per cent. is applied to the payment of the interest of the loan, and the reduction of the debt, the debt will be extinguished in somewhat less than thirty-seven years. But, though I suggested the propriety of reducing the income tax, and carrying on a war for five years or more without additional taxes, and shewed how loans were to be raised on the income tax, or any other tax, 14th Feb. 1807. I was perfectly sensible of the impronot appropriated to other purposes, CANNOT but approve of part priety of making any loan at all upon of Lord H.Petty's Plan of Finance the strength of those taxes, when we for the present year, since it is esta- had other resources in our hands; blished upon a plan which I submit- and the not availing ourselves of these ted to him myself last year, and after- resources is almost unaccountable in wards communicated to the public a nation so well acquainted as this is in a letter to a friend of mine in the with the use of money. We have Upper House, with a view to prevent commissioners for redeeming, as it what appears to me to be an exces- is called, the national debt: their sive burden, the present property-tax, funds now amount to eight millions or a tax by which the tenth of our five hundred thousand pounds an income is devoted to the service of the nually, for which taxes are provided; public. My plan was stated in a pam- and with this sum they go weekly phlet, entitled, "The Policy of re- into the market to buy up what the ducing the Property Tax, and of carry- minister has borrowed by his loans ing on the War for the next Five the week before. The absurdity of Years without any additional Taxes;" this plan strikes me in so forcible a and I advanced what then appeared manner, that I cannot but think, that to be a paradox, that "the taxes if you applied it to yourself, and to levied upon the subject were not only your own concerns, you would not quite sufficient to carry on a war for suffer the nation to be plundered by the next five years, and beyond, but such a delusion. The millions it has also that the property tax should, in- already lost are considerable: and as stead of being raised to a tenth, be long as the nation permits the operalowered to a twentieth of our in- tion of the sinking fund during the come." This was upon the supposi- time that it is making loans, so long tion, that the minister wanted ten will the nation continue to be a very millions a year; and I proposed to great loser. raise it by loans upon the income tax, I would therefore amend Lord H. reduced to a twentieth, and shewed Petty's plan, which he originally bor the operation of such a principle upon rowed from me, in the following that tax. Lord H. P. has accommo- manner. I would say to him, you shall have twelve millions above war annually, npon that loan, be secured taxes this year. From the sinking upon a portion of the war taxes; but fund you shall have eight millions, do not give up the constitutional and four millions cash, secured on power of the House of Commons, the taxes, which supply the remain- and leave to him the power of raising ing five hundred thousand pounds of loans upon war taxes, ad infinitum, if the sinking fund; and of course this the war should last as long. Let him loan will be paid off in less than four- come to you year by year, and you teen years. If you want twelve mil- will then judge of the exigences of lions next year, you shall have, in the the case. But I forget; you have same manner, seven millions and a been so accustomed to hear the mihalf from the sinking fund, and the nister speak to you en maitre, that remaining four millions and a half, the constitutional checks are out of by a loan secured on the taxes, sup- sight. I, you know, look upon the plying five hundred thousand pounds minister as a high executive officer, of the sinking fund, and so on as long and think that it would be equally for as the war lasts. the interest of the king and people, If the war should last seventeen if he came only occasionally to adyears my sinking fund is reduced to dress you on these subjects, and havnothing but several of the debts ing proposed them, to make his bow upon it were extinguished some and retire. It has been, and I conyears before this time, and the sum ceive is, a great misfortune to both appropriated for their extinction and king and people, that the ministers of interest upon them becomes the se- the crown should be members of parcurity for new loans. If peace should liament. take place before this period, the sink- If the finance minister was not a ing fund is in fuller action, and the member of parliament, and a board extinction of debt might advance was appointed on that subject, it with greater rapidity. That rapidity would produce its plans, and memmay employ the attention of a future bers of parliament would compare time; but he, who looks back to the them with what might be suggested expectations of a ministry at the be- by themselves, or from other quarginning of the last seventeen years, ters. To such a board, the knowwill judge what dependence may be ledge of arithmetical is of more implaced on the expectation of a minister portance than that of rhetorical fiat the end of the next seventeen years. If you are determined, however, to let the delusion of the sinking fund sink into your mind, and overcome the power of common sense and reflection, still let me beg of you to pause, before you give your assent to the present plan of the minister. Let him have a loan for as many millions as he may want for the service of the present year, and let ten per cent. gures. Yet I trust, that it would Your very obedient servant, APOLLONIAN CRITIC. "SEMPER FIDELIS." "The Battle of Maida."-An Heroic gave rise to the present tributary stanzas, was a striking and undeniable proof of the superiority of British valour; and Capt. S. has very properly THE HE custom of recording the taken the opportunity of this spirited achievements of brave and he- and glorious contest, ending in a most roic warriors in verse, is almost coeval decided victory; to arouse the martial with time itself. The battle which genius of his countrymen against the of all mankind. The music by Mr. T. is bold, martial, well-conceived, and properly adapted to the subject. Z. common enemy, perhaps we may say in the strongest terms.-The present, however, is not in the same predicament, and we certainly have perused and played it with considerable pleasure. The melody is prettily imagined, and the Piano Forte part is generally well' arranged. On the whole we rank this among Mr. R's best performances: the words are written in a neat and pathetic style. "Tom Larboard,"ung with unbounded applause by Mr. Gibbon, at the Theatre Royal Drury-Lane, written by Mr. D. Boden, and set to muisc by J. Birch. Price is. We are most friendly to this class of ballads, commonly called sea-songs, which being frequently read and sung by our brave and galiant tars, we helieve to have a strong tendency towards impressing the mind with sentiments the most patriotic and exalted. Mr. Birch has here presented us with a very bold and spirited melody, well suited to the subject. We heartily recommend it, and think it is a song which will become very popular. Z. "I ponder many a silent Hour."Written by Miss Betham, the music composed, and respectfully dedicated to Miss Lyman; by Wm. Walsh (Late of his Majesty's Chapel Royal.) Price is. Z. "We'll meet beside the dusky Glen."A Scottish Ballad, writen by Mr. Robert Tannahill, and set to music with an Accompaniment for the Fiano Forte; by Mr. Ross. Price 1s. This little ballad in the Scottish style is set to music by the composer of the last article, and to say the least of it, is done in a pleasing and fami liar style; and will suit the practice of beginners on the Piano Forte. Z. "Secure by George's Care."-A Glee for four voices. Composed by John Stafford Smith. Price 28. 6ð. The author of the words of this glee (whether or not the same who We are happy in having an occa- composed the music we are not insion to express our good opinion of formed) is, we presume, a true friend Miss B. as a ballad writer: and to do and lover of his country. The sentiher justice we are compelled to say, ments expressed, are such as every that we seldom meet with any thing true Briton must heartily applaud. in the ballad style which to us appears Much modulation is attempted in so pleasing as those few specimens of the music of this glee, and a great hers which we have noticed.-Deli- variety of keys introduced; perhaps cacy, pathos, neatness, and good more than young practitioners will sense, (an article not seldom deficient wish to see: yet we believe from in this species of writing,) appear conspicuous in her compositions. This before us is a charming little ballad; and the music by Mr. Walsh is arranged with taste and ability, and is very suitable to the words. Z. Accept a Heart, my dearest Girl."”- looking over the piece, that the ge neral effect of the whole will be pleasing, although we think that some of the transitions are rather too sudden, and not quite sufficiently prepared. Still when compared with the tame and spiritless productions which we daily see issuing from the press, with scarcely any variation of key, or any thing like musical effect; we must say, the composer is entitled to our praise. 2. "Mysterious Freebooter" arranged as a Duct for two performers on the Fiano Forte, by M. P. Corri. Price 2s. 6d. We have before noticed a piece of The celebrated Overture to the Mr. Ross's, and on account of the words of that piece having been set to music long before Mr. R. took them in hand; and that by an old favourite of the muses, we did not express our admiration of that piece Our readers will recollect that in our number for December we had the We notice this contemptible com satisfaction of warmly recommending this overture to them in its original position merely to put our readers form; and at the same time advised and the public, on their guard against Mr. Corri to arrange it as a duet, a minor species of swindling, which which advice he has taken; and we several low music sellers have lately feel sincere pleasure in assuring the practised; we mean, that of publishlovers of light, fanciful, elegant, and ing the words of some popular songs at the same time (in general) correct with music totally different from that music; that in this duet they will of the original composer's. Thus, no find a piece grateful to their taste. sooner did the excellent song review. Mr. Corri has manifested the same ed in our last article, become popular, skill and ingenuity in the arrange- than out came the paltry thing now be ment, that he did in the composition fore us, for the mere purpose of deceivof the overture. Teachers of music ing those hasty or unwary purchasers, will find this duet an excellent com- who look no further than the first line panion to Martini's celebrated one, of the title of the song they purchase. of the overture to Henry IV. for their Such arts may for a short time answer pupils; and to those gentlemen, as the purpose of Mr. P-e, as far as well as to our fair readers we heartily respects his purse, but if he regards recommend it. L. S. N his reputation, as a respectable musicseller, he will desist from them. Mary, I believ'd thee true."- -A L. S. N. "A Musical Grammar," in four parts: 1. Notation. 2. Melody. 3. Harmony. 4. Rythm. By Dr. Callcott. 8s. Our limits this month will not perThis song is, in our opinion, one of mit us to give a full criticism on this a very superior order; the words, elaborate work, calculated only for without indelicacy, evince all that players on the harpsicord, piano forte, warmth and vigour of imagination, or organ; it having totally slipped the and smoothness of versification, for memory of the author that music which Mr. Moore's songs are so cele- was necessary for performers on the brated. The music by Sir John violin, tenor, violoncello, harp, flute, Stevenson is in a style peculiarly im- oboe, clarinet, &c. &c. The author, pressive and affecting. In short, in after consulting ninety-six different the whole range of modern amatory writers on the science of music, has songs, (if we except Davy's "Just produced us a puzzle for young ke Love.") we know of none superior, very few equal, to this. L. S. N. "Mary, I believe thee true."-A Song with an Accompaniment for the Piano Forte, written by T. Moore, Esq. Price is. SIR, students, instead of a clear method To the Editor of the Apollonian Critic. AM no professor of music, neither am I in the least acquainted with that science, consequently I am not going to criticise on your criticisms, but being a lover of truth, I trouble you merely to state a matter of fact, that in your next Magazine you may rectify a mistake you have been unknowingly led into; and I have the same reason to expect it, as I have no reason to doubt but you will always keep to the true spirit of your motto. In page 351 of your last Volume, you have given a very just general description of the new musical instrument, invented and made by Mr. Hawkins of Dalby Terrace, Islington, and which he calls a CLAVIOLE: but at the close of your paragraph you ay, Mr. Barthelemon was the original projector; in this Sir, permit me to say, that you are wrongly informed. If you mean simply the idea of such an instrument, this cannot hold good, for that it was an idea formed long before Mr. Barthelemon was born, is sufficiently testified by the history of music; if you mean as to the mechanism of the instrument, you must give me leave also to say, that your information is erroneous, as Mr. Barthelemon did not contribute one single idea towards it. I am well aware Mr. Barthelemon did imagine he had assisted Mr. Hawkins with some useful hints, because he advised him to try to inveut something of the kind; in consequence of which a little friendly altercation took place, and it was made very evident to a meeting of the friends of both parties to settle this point, that Mr. Barthele mon did not contribute the least idea towards it; and as further proof of this, I have now before me a letter from Mr. Barthelemon to Mr. Hawkins, wherein are these yor's, "I left you to do the bow either round or little round as you pleased, knowing yogénius" In these words are contained the sum of all the ideas Mr. Barthelemon ever communicated, and he left to Mr Hawkins' genius to form the bow, and all the necessary and ingenious mechanism, to give motion to the bow, to bring it in contact with the strings, and to make the keys act on the strings, so as to produce the delightful harmony for which this instrument is so eminently distinguished. Do not imagine Sir, that I mean to depreciate Mr. Barthelemon by what I have said, far from it, for I have the happiness of the intimacy and friendship of both the parties, and therefore as an impartial friend to both, I cannot bear to see one aggrandized at the expence of the other's merit, but wish to see strict justice done to each; and hence hope your liberal mind will correct the mistake in the next number of your useful Magazine. I am Sir, Yours, &c. JONATHAN PRATT, 86, High-Street, Mary-le-bone. Feb. 15, 1807. TO CORRESPONDENTS. We have punctually considered the Lines to a Sister, by our Correspondent of Eaton-Street. Much as we approve the sentiments of private affection which breathe through the composition in question, and desirous as we are, on every occasion, to gratify the wishes of our friends, we feel nevertheless compelled to decline the publication of the present contribution. Dr. Toulmin's Communications arrived too late for insertion in our current Number. On turning back to our Memoranda Literaria, we find the Poem and Essay of which we are now reminded by J. T., were finally set aside by our critical judgment. We have, therefore, to apologize to him for not having officially informed him of this deci sion: at the same time, we beg leave to assure him, that we by no means wish to discourage him from future exertions. We would advise the writer of the Letter signed Robert Caif, to study his own grammar and orthography, before he presumes to criticise others. We have never seen a more miserable and unfounded production; a production, we suspect, from the pen of a juvenile knight of the pestle and mortar, alarmed lest the dissemination of knowledge may prove injurious to his trade! Lucius will find his Original Letter of Franklin in p. 37, Vol. III. of the works of Franklin. Correct the Press-Page 13, line 11, for Horace, read Virgil. BOOKS PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 1807. As this Department will be of great Importance to AUTHORS and BOOKSELLERS, as well as to Literature in general, it is requested that NOTICES of Works may be forwarded as early as possible (free of Postage), which will be regularly inserted. TH BIOGRAPHY. HE Life of George Washington. Compiled, under the inspection of the Hon. Bushrod Washington, by J. Marshall, vol. V. 8vo. 10s. 6d.This completes the work. The Public Characters for 1807. 8vo. 10s. 6d. DRAMA. three acts, performed at Drury Lane. By J. Kenney, 2s. 6d. The Thespian Preceptor; or, a Full Display of the Scenic Art. 2s. A Short Inquiry into the Policy, False Alarms: a comic opera, in Humanity, and Past Effects of the |