HASZ.‘\RD’S (HZ

E'I"l‘E JUNE 7.

THE uoos’s uorrotts. To run Eon-on or Hassano’s Gaza-rrl. Dear Sir. _

The Islander of the 16th inst: contains some editorial remarks on the sujbattof a letter htely addressed to the London wherein an op- inion ls advanced apparently contradictory to actions commonly _entcrtaitved"‘respectiog the motion on her axis. and is therefore

trestedb the learned Editor with no little con- ,

tern t may however be allowed to express a doubt ifhis observations will tend very clearly to illucidate the subject he treats of, if not rstlier to Ilsistify it inlhe minds of the uninitiated, of whom I am quite willing, ifthe Editor pleases, to be set down as one. I cannot conceive on what grounds he assumes that Jelioger Symmontls should he ignorant that the pole of the Earth sltvays points to one particular part of the Firmament, for I think it highly probably be was as well aware of that fact as even the learned editor himself, or any person having the slightest acquaintance with colonial Phenomena‘ There is a schoolboy say- ing that "the North star is off sf.tr."—:intl it hap- pens to be so very remote that the whole diameter of the Earth’: orbit subtends no sensible angle at the star, or is but a dot or point as seen from thence, though measuring shout 100 millions of smiles iu round numbers, a distance of which the rnind can form no adeqttate cenceptioii. 'l‘lie ap- parent place of the North star is iievertlieless sub- yect toatrifling variation owing totlie precession of the Equinoxes, which slightly affects the incliit- ation ofthe Earth's axis, but if the Editor had earned s star ofless declination than the Polar one—that is nearer the plane of the Ecliptic or Earth’s path in the heavens, I think it would have been better in connexion with his illustration of “a pen, or small ball with a mark on it,” \\'lllCll is a mode of illustration often nientioiied in elo- sncntary works on Astronomy, and is generally described as follows:-Let a cantllv he placed in

the centre ofa table, and a ball suspended by a “

string he ntoved (notswung) round it, keeping a particular point on the balls surface directed to- wards a mark outside of its circle ofmotioii—-as ti remote corner ofthe room for instance, atid each position ofthe hall's surface will be successively illuminated liy the candle. But this affords no illustration of the Moon's motion, nor does it go to confutc the theory advanced by Symtnonds, nor throw muchlliglit upon|tlie subject ; any more than the iocontroveriable facts, so gravely propoundcd by the editor. that the Moon's real motion through space is neither in a circle nor an ellipse, and that her path is always concave as seen from the Sun —all which, i take it for granted has been too clearly demonstrated to be contradicted by any one ' ‘ con’: monthly orbit then, is certain- ly not a circle, but it may be considered as such in re crence to her primary planet the Earth, and I ough the learned Editor objects to a carriage

wheel, yet I venture to think it may serve the‘

snare pttrpoae of illustration, although like the former one. not strictly correct. Let the cttrriage be propped up on one side, as for cleaning, and the wheel turned round by the liand,—a spot or nail on the tire or nave will then revolve in circles round the centre of the axle; but let the prop be taken away and the carriage drawn slung, over a con- vex part ofthe road for example, and the same spot will still revolve in circles round the axle, hot, the axle itself being then in motion the actual line or curve dcartbed by a mark on the tire, will be altogether dtfl'ereiit from what it was, when the carriage was at rest ;snd this may afford sti sp- promixsts illustration of the Moon’s path round the Sun in company with our Earth. though it may not conduct us to a fair consideration of the question now before us.

To come nearer the learned Editor's own mode of illustration, let us form a circle to represent the Moon's orbit. suppoes of fine wire which has been first drawn through a perforated glass head —-of the kind used for ornament to represent the Icon herself. can it is manifest that the head nay he slid quite round the circle, without any

' tiovi being given it on its axis, and but one side min while he presented to the centre of the circle. Ali independent motion on its verticls axis is here

hpssstble, as the wire passes through the head at WI

sight 'lQHl.!lIOI'Ol0q sI_l soy Other than a motion psrpendiculsrhto her orbit. was never attributed to ' or own site. Or the whole wire

oessasily he turesd towards the centre as before ; ‘nor can it he sflrmsd is ciiher case that the head has any inotibii on its axis , in pendent of its orbitsat circa It so tlfe ti Orrery when turned round by s winsh. present but one side to the centre of the iostruumnt, un- less there is a socoiidsry ‘motion given them on their axes, by some complex machinery. ~ ' To pursue the inquiry a little further I may be allowed to supposes particular spot on the Moon's ' gm-face, a high mountain for instance, to he coni- poeedof lostletons, adamant, or any substance, sluts owing to magnetism, gravity, or acute hitherto unexplained low, is kept constantly turn- ed towards the Earth, the centre of attraction and also nearly about ' the‘ centre of motion, to the Icon in her monthly rsvolsttons. In that case , 3.,» only isotico is her orbitusl one, as nts'n-itsned Syrncnds, for independent of it, she liss no gllier. 'l‘o render this more familiar let a ball of wood or ivo be attached to -one end of a string, she other so being Irmly held by the head, and

If

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the ball swung round in circles, the hand of course being the centre of motion. It is evident that the side of the ball from which the string leads, must all the while keep_ inwards towards the hand ; and can it be maititainetl, tn the face of this, that the hall has two motions? that It I motion on its own axis, apart from the circular impetus givenit by the hand-1 think not, and this is no more than is asserted by Symons in reference to the Moon. If the Moon revolved rottnd the Earth ss_the ball is moved round the candle in the illustration first dcscribed—thst is with a mark on _one'stde directed to it distant object outside the orbtt—iu that case remote bodies, such as used stars, would have us apparent inction, as seen from the mount while the Earth would appear to move one? round her in a lunstion, vsiived from her .lL_qIIIl0flIl or Polar regions if she can be said to have such. But if her motion be like that ofa ball swung round by a string, the Earth alone must appear stationary from the Moons surface, while ll bodies outside her orbit seem to make. monthly revolutions, the Sun and_Planets varying trotn the fixed stars only as to time; and it may be as well to mention that the inferior planets ltsve not here, been taken into considerstioa._

if what has been advanced by Jeltnger Symons is unpopular, that does not prove it false. Lvrn his name whic sounds odd, may carry some prejudice along with it, as Amos Cottle s most have done to Lord liyron ; but had the theory been propounded by Sir John Herschel, or Professor Airy. it might have met with it gentler reception in the scientific world. Scrupuluos "Fellows of e lioyal Society,” would very possibly have bowed their heads, in obst-quious deference to the prestige oftt nsme,and thetruth olthc theory would never have beenqucstioned iii the columns of the Islander. We all remember having heard the question. as to the weight of a fish, subtnitti-d to the aforesaid learned Body by a Montticltof face- tiuus memory; btit these are doubtless “more enlightened tiiiies! _ . _

Symous‘ illustration is extremely simple. but that may be one objection to it : for how _tnt1cc could it happen that so plain n_ principle in Mechanics was never before applied, in expla- nation of the Moon’s apparent rotation on her ttxis! New tlicorics, though obvious to the understanding, are sometimes unnccouutably opposed, even by ersona ol eductttion, us the c auge in the Cu ertdur, though the result of accurate l't‘r't'ill'Cll founded oti it long series 0 Astronomical <-lsservutions. wits carried through Parliament with tlilliculty, being directly at variance with tho rejudiccs ol'_u lnrge port of the Nation; and (rulilco was imprtsoiicd for life, simply for maintaining his honest con- viction that the earth revolt ed round the Sun ! Fortunately for “ Her Mnjesty’s Inspector of Schools,” his lot has fallen in a free land. and his “Vineyard” in more pleasant places :— otlicrwise, judging by the tone nnd spirit of what has been advanced by Collcginris to con- trtidict him. he mi lit, ere this, he on his way to some pcnnl co any to atone for his rttve ollcuce ; or perhaps be doomed to earn his rend amidst the blessings of Responsible Govern- meet. us now administered in Prince Edward Island: and the Lord have mercy on him, if ex sad to the surveillance of it free press, as “ us actor of Schools” under the new Educa- tion Xct!

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Feeling that lhsve trespasscd at _too great lenght on your space, I must apologize for re- questing permission to conclude with a short story :—An English nobleman when in l’ttt-is, laida considerable wager with some Frcnc

ntlemett. that he would ride his horse it given

istnucs in it given space of time. While the we r was pending the French academicians heldeen extraordinary meeting, where they made most elaborate calculations, proving to demonstration that, from the op sition the air would make to the bodies of t e man and one, the foot was absolutely impossible. Their calculations were read in almost cvory Court in Europe, and regarded as the highest efort of human ius..bur notwithstanding all this, the Englis an rode his horse, and also

his

5'

wager. I remain, dear Sir, Your obedient servant, Observation Cove, May 27th. 1856. —<—-1-O}---~~ Joan Buann’s Fur-t-1:.-—Thc fluit with which '.lohu Bunyan bcguilcd the tediousness of his captive hours, is uotv in the possession of Mr. Howells, tailor, Gainsborough. In appearance it does not look unlike the leg of a stool—out ‘of which it is said that Bunyan, while in rison, manufactured it When the turn- ey, attracted by the sound of music, en- tered his cell to ascertain, if possible, the cause oftlie harmony, the flute was re- placed in the stool, and by this means detection was avoided.-—Lincolnsbirc Times.

oz:-1

“ A codlish breakfast ‘and an India rubber cost will keep a man dry all day!”

TIAL ILICTION.-—’l'flI SKELETON IN Till AMERICAN CLOSET.

We are on the eve of a presidential election. We have already passed seventeen of these Olyirtpisdst but the one now approaching out- strips iu importance till its redecessors except the first. That prticlatined Washington the coit- stitutional cliicfut‘ a cluster of struggling but vic- torious colonies: this is to decide the late of the African race, and perhaps our own as a republic. My meaning may not be understood by Euro- peans without an explanation.

At all periods we, like the men of other na- tions, have ranged ourselves under two or more

rest parties. At all times,soms domestic or foreign question has sllorded cause, occasion, or rctext for suclt division. 'l'ho existence of African slavery in the midst of so free and so- lightetied a State has always been “ a stumbling stone " to other nations who have read our att- iiusls or surveyed our progress. And conceal or deny the fact as we may, this “ institution” has made us all our trouble from the beginning. It interposed the most serious barrier to our con- federation, altsr our independence had been won. it has mixed itself up with all public questions and debates ever since. It has coloured all otir ltome and foreign policy. It has made and tin- made tariflb of duties. lt liss declared war and made peace. It has raised up dsinsgogues and cast down statesmen. Every great niati, the re- public has had or made, has writltetl under the

ressure of this " question,” like Ltiocoon iii the folds ol't|ie serpent. It has met us at every tiirit—in public and in private life. It has been the skeleton in the closet of our republic.

t. is so ct. The great question iiotv is, what shall we do with it. Skcletoiis are usually kept under lock and key. Every ody knows that surgeons keep these ugly tliings—but it is equally certain, that they are not intended for general inspection. In our case, this skeleton has opened the door himself, and not being satisfied with this partial exposure of himself, he has stalk- ed out itttu the parlor with fttll day-light blazing all round his hideous bones. But even this did not satisfy him. He stood before its in the dirt- ing room-he penetrated the librnry—ltu walked

sat tlottn at the table—lie out our brctikftist, our dinner, our lllp[lt:l'—lle took possession of the liotise—the whole ltutiso—antl now he threatens to turn us otit of doors. This is exactly the state and cottditioii of the slavery question is this rcpiiblicto-day. -

Slavery has asked for too much, and now it will lose till. l’eople do not like to see skeletons act in this rude way. They ought to behave better. if they do not, they should be made. If they will not stay iii closets, they rtiost be put out of doors entirely, and when they are turned into the streets the vciiest boys will throw stones at tlit-in. This great eltelctoit (or perhaps, since it is a living thing, [had better call it this tape worm uftiur iepitlt|ic,) has behaved quite badly of late. it had fifteen republican states to occu- py. Any cliirurgcon, and all common folk, would declare this ample territory for a monster, —liow much stnpler for a skeleton? Since l82l—-when a solemn act of Congress declared that slavery should never extend beyond the southern litie of Missouri It lies been universal- ly uritlcrstood, that the very utmost the south could claim tvas the iott-nsion of slavery over territory lying south of89 (leg. 30 min. Hence slic extended. We bought Loiisiana frotn France and Florida from Spsiit. These made three southern states. Then we stole Texas frotn Mexico, and added to the Union its broadest state. Next, the tape-worm crossed the Rio Grands, and swallowed an area of land several times larger than France, from which we have carved

New eIico.&c. No thanks to the lspc-Worm, that he could not extract the vitality from these states. and infuse into them the deadly virus of African bondage. The efl'ort was indeed made, and it was no baby-play. But the men who acmigrsted to those new regions knew how para- lyaing a thin slavery is, and when they went to their bsIlot- us. they put in frss-votes. and each election made a free state.

Thus defeated in its latter attempts, slavery turned " at bay,” likes hunted stag. its tac- tics were changed. it could gain little or no- thing in the south. It rnadea clutch st Cuba: but when it liecatne known that Cuba, if seized, would be declared a free state, lilibusteristti in that direction died out, and nothing was left there.

Then came another, a hat elfor and ' made a crisis in the re ublic. he skeleton looked north, totvtrds ‘tee soil-—towsrtfl the broad virgin land, ten times broader than" l-Ztiiglsfid ruled fora thoussud',yesrs and the tape-worm said, “ This will I devour." To get it, the Missouri line must lie abolished. General Pierce joined in this villsnoos combination, under a pledge of re- election from the South—a pledge the south is just ready to break at Cincinnati. The work was done. The spirit of the free north was wounded. for the north loved the south; the spirit of the free ntirth was roused ; it became in- dignant, and it declared, that slavery should go no further. It protested against the iniquit ; it complained of the wrong, but without avail: It tlisnsant its free and liberty-loving men to Ken-

sas, to live on its soil, to make their homes, and

fill GREAT ISSUE IN THI NIXT PIIIIIIIIN-'

into the ltitchen—he went up to the parrot-he“

oitt cm tree, known on the map as California,

to secure those homes for ever from the blighting cares of African slavery.

The south became alarmed, and its plrliagng and champions stsrtcda crusade for tho extermi- nation of free institutions in Kansas-—whitc and black, both races. all the salts. If the slave- holdsr could not be free to lash his negro there to an ungrateful and killing task, the free Anglo. Saxon man should not be tree to go to his ballot-

ox and vote for liberty. Hence the origin of border-rutftanism—s just name for s most black and despicable fact. The free state than were‘ driven from the polls ; they were shot doom like mad dogs; they had no rifles nor revolvers.

This could not last. These srtis were not sent to them-—they were carried—snd carried by com- rades who knew how to use them. Betimca the free state men of Karissa were formidable, be- cause tlisy could kill every border-ruflisn who crossed the river to molest them. The current began to run the other way, and it is now a fors- goue conclusion, that Kansas will he a free state. So the skeleton must either go btick,to his narrow quarters in the closet, or the boys (fifteen millions) will throw stones at it.

This will doubtless be the great issue in the next presidential election. Already the demo- cratic party has planted itself on the platform of slavery propagaiitlirrn, an r. Buchanan has endorsed it, with the hope of rescliing the pre- sidency. All ollier candidates have followed suit throughout the democratic ranks, and it is now certain that the National Nomitiatitig Democratic Convention, which meets in Cincinnati in six weeks, will ptit up a man who holds to this creed. With him they expect to carry every southern state, and possibly they msy.—Btit this will not be enough. They must get 27 electoral votes frotii the north (iii addition to the whole south) in order to succeed. At the same time, the Anti- Kausas party will be in the held, in the same Inontli of June, with their candidate ; and, from present signs, it is likely, that the will form a coliatiuii or combiiiatioii wtili the Ixnow-nothings ( a party stronger than their own) and both will thus unite oit at common candidate. in this event, they may faiily hope for success. If, tlierefcro, only too candidates enter the field, the great issue, which from the beginning of the govern- ment lias always been itiuvitable, will come. We shall resolve ourselves into a pro-slavery and an anti-slavery party, the whole country voting at once on this question. Any man can guess the final result,tvhen this point shall have been reach- ed. The skeleton had better stayed in the closet.

To show how far Mr. Pierce, the President, has gone down in public esteem, it is only neces- sary to look at the late election in Connecticut, and in New Hampshire, his native state. He and his party have been beaten there, and in spite of the ttiost pcrscvcritig t-xertions,antl tltc profusett expenditure of money. Tito President sent seve- ral of his most clcqucnt clturttpions from the south to advocate his cause itt those states. But they came back no longer Pierce men themselves.

‘hey tlo itot hesitate to any so. This fact, which has now been known some days, has put an end to M r. l’icrce’s prospects of reiioniinatioti, if in- deed any reuiaited to him. For a while, it seem- ed probnl-le, that Mr. Buchanan’s chances were the best ; but such is no longer the comtnon opin- ion. Prcbably some man who does not expect the honour will receive it. But if the coalition between the Free State, and the Know-nothing patties takes place. it is a matter of little or no‘ importance whom the Democrats nominate—their man will be beaten. lit the meantime, Mr. Fill- motc, it is thought. will decline the nomination which he received from it section of the American party,siticc there does not appear to be the re- motcst chance of his election.—N¢ic York Paper.

We take the followin excellent anecdote from the Knickerbocker for luy. It is told by a gentleman of the old school. Said he:—

" When I was a merchant in William street, sotne forty years ago, there was a young fellow who failed in business rather unnecessii-ally, as we thought, and James l.———-and some others, includin myself, his creditors hsda meeting to over ook his accounts. stoo up his edger, and the account of A—-—wss turned to. Well. 3500 due. Was this good! Afraid is was all bad. ‘a. account M3300. How about this? Might get it but doubtful. A third, very similar. A four ditto, and so on, showin a bad state of things, and reek ess- ness in den. ing with it-rcspousi ls men. ow- cver the accounts were none largo. .

Presently wocsntc to the ascent of Messrs-

(lorco th Oohi. Well, who were they! ‘their account was s an . , wco stake something of a dividend. heir names

were unknown to us. Were they re .1 After some preliminaries, the debtor sai : “ To tell the trut ,1 am ashsm to confess it, but Ihnve s at this amount ttoflckia with cer- tain ladies, whose society I hid better have left clone and this account stands for ‘ Question Company and Coach Hire.’ How the old‘ gen- tlaatsri lau bed, so he sold me this. Wd were getting to t s end of the route. and there was no time to say more. ' But,‘ said my venera- ble fricrrd, ‘ I am satisfied that this firm of Car- co do Colii figures as large! in the books of our ycung hcnkrttptt now-a ays, as it did forty I