NATIONAL AFFAIRS.-According to a late statement of the Treasury department, the debt of the United States, at the beginning of the present year, was upwards of fifty eight millions of dollars. This will, probaby, be all paid off in five or six years. For four years, before the last, ten millions, annually, were paid, of the principal and interest of the public debt and in 1828, twelve millions were paid. The income of last year was $24,000,000; and the expenses of government, exclusive of instalment paid of the debt, amounted to $15,000000. There was a balance in the Treasury the beginning of the year 1828, it must be remembered, of $5,000,000. The amount received last year on sale of public lands, was nearly $800,000. The receipts into the Treasury for four years, 1824-1827, inclusive were $98,000,000. Expenses of government and instalments and interest of public debt, for same years were $95,500,000.Amount of importations into United States during same time $350,000,000; of exports for same four years $337,000,000. Of this 223,000,000 were domestic products and manufactures; and 104,000,000 of reexportations of foreign goods and products. Amount of importations, since 1824, have increased 15 per cent. The shipping of United States has increased in the same ratio as the importations and revenue. It now is estimated at 1,500,000 tons; and is greater than that of any other nation, except Great Britain.-Congress has passed some laws favorable to commerce, as the giving longer time for a drawback on foreign products being exported and lessening the duty heretofore required for tonnage.-Some appropriations have been made to assist in internal improvements, but several bills for objects of this nature were rejected, or postponed.-A proposition to make a settlement and establish a post near the mouth of the Columbia or Oregon river, was rejected. So also was a bill providing for an exploring expedition towards the South Pole.-An act was passed extending the benefits of the pension law of 1818, to widows and others, not before included.--The Tariff question was not brought forward, as had been expected.-The session was a short one; and many bills, which were reported, were postponed to the next session.-An important report was made in the Senate and also in the House, on the subject of transporting the mail on the Sabbath. Congress voted not to interfere in the affair.

178; and Mr. Adams received only 83. John C. Calhoun has been reelected Vice President by nearly the same majority. There are different opinions expressed as to the policy Gen. Jackson and his cabinet will pursue. Some fear many removals from office; but others anticipate a magnanimous conduct. The President is said to be a man of great energy and decision of character. We hope he will not be wanting in moderation and prudence. His inaugural address has been construed by his opponents as indicative of an exclusive spirit, and as of a radical character. He speaks, indeed, of the importance of

economy; and censures the exercise of Executive patronage for party purposes. The composition is wanting in ornament, if not elegance. The speech however, is an explicit avowal of the President's principles, and contains a full declaration of his purposes generally, in administering the government. He must be judged by his measures; and where candor and impartiality are in exercise, he will not be condemned, unless his conduct discovers party feelings or arbitrary principles.

The affairs of the nation are in a prosperous state at present, and the prospect before us is cheering to the heart of the true patriot. If the Tariff question is again moved it will probably be with more candor and good temper than formerly; and the difficulty with England respecting our Eastern boundary, and the trade with her colonies in the West Indies, may be settled, it is hoped, honorably to both nations, if a spirit of firmness united with courtesy be brought to the discussion.

The legislature of Massachusetts had a long session, from the first Wednesday of January to 4th day of March. They refused to pass an act for a State tax, as has been usually done, until the three last years. The State is in debt, and the expenditures exceed the receipts into the public treasury. The Representatives have also been paid from the treasury of the Commonwealth, for several years past, without providing for a reimbursement into the treasury, from the respective towns represented, as was always the case, except for these three years. These are great innovations; whether they will be for the welfare of the State, time will discover. The taxing of property and estates belonging to clergymen and instructers of youth is also a 'novel measure in this State, and it is a departure from the principles of our intelligent and patriotic ancestors. A great portion of the time of the Legislature was occupied on the question of a Rail road from Boston to

Connecticut river, and to the western line of the State. A small majority of votes was finally obtained, as to the probable benefit and expediency for the measure; but the subject was postponed to the next session, and there is little reason to believe that the Court will consent to subscribe largely to the plan, on behalf of the Commonwealth. If the project succeed at all, it will probably be by the enterprize and liberality of individuals. We should suppose that every town, through which it was to pass, would also subscribe freely for the undertaking. The citizens of Boston are particularly interested in the construction of a Rail road into the interior of the State and country. They would thus have an easy conveyance for the transportation of heavy articles to and from the country towns and connect themselves in trade with the people of the great agricultural State of New-York. The effect would be the increase and prosperity of our metropolis. A Rail road is proposed from fort Erie, in the northern part of Pennsylvania, to the Hudson below Albany. If one is constructed from Boston to the western part of the State, it might be easily connected with the one contemplated through Pennsylvania. It would add immensely to the trade of Boston.

A proposition was made in the General Court, at the last session, for establishing Lyceums, or High Schools, in the larger towns, where the inhabitants exceed 2000. These institutions would be somewhat similar to Academies, which have been numerous in the State; but the privileges of which are not confined to the youth of the town, where they are located. Lyceums are intended to be for the benefit of the towns, which support them; and youth of a certain age or of particular literary attainments are to be instructed in them. Mathematics, Natural Philosophy and the physical sciences are the studies proposed to be attended to.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS.-The question of removing the civil disabilities of the Catholics in Great Britain, is still agitated in England and Ireland with much feeling. The result is still doubtful. The Episcopal influence in the ministry and in Parliament, especially in the House of Lords, many members of which are Bishops of the English established church, is predominant, and is in strong opposition to the emancipation of the Catholics. All liberal statesmen in England, are now, and have long been in favor of removing the disabilities, to which the Catholics are subject. The protestant dissenters are also in favor of such a measure. But the spirit of the majority of British statesmen and Bishops is against it. It is impossible to predict when the question will be decided, and until it is, the Catholics will not cease to complain and protest.

Mexico has lately, again, been the scene of revolutionary excess. The former President

has been deposed by his rival, not by the vote of the people, but by force. Some lives were sacrificed in effecting this change; but the citizens generally, are said to acquiesce. How soon another revolution will take place, it may be difficult and improper to predict; but there is no good reason for believing, that a permanent and stable government can be maintained until the people are more enlightened and better educated.

The Society of Jesuits has been revived in France, and given great alarm to the most intelligent men in the kingdom, men who are sincere, but enlightened Catholics, and true friends to the present government. The influence is feared, because they are secret in their proceedings, are bigoted and exclusive in their views, and wish to establish the authority of the Pope and Priests in civil matters, as it was two or three centuries ago. Those who have written against the order or society appear to have the popular voice in their favor; but the Jesuits are active and zealous in efforts to maintain and to extend their power.

The literary expedition to Egypt, by M. Champollion, Jr. and other eminent French savans excites great expectation among the antiquaries of Europe. The object is to copy and decypher the hieroglyphic writings on the pyramids and monuments in that country. Champollion has before been in Egypt and made some progress in discovering the meaning of the inscriptions. Important results are predicted, from his researches, as to the ancient history and chronology of Egypt. Sacred history may be elucidated by his discoveries, and its connexion with profane or common history more fully pointed out.

A French traveller by the name of Caille, has actually visited the famed Timbuctoo, a large and populous city, or town, in the interior of Africa. He was disguised as an Arab, professed to be a Mahometan, and went in company with a caravan of traders. He was in very feeble health for some time before he reached the place, and remained there but two weeks; so that only a brief or general account of the city can be expected from him. He is at Paris preparing a narrative of his journey. It is said to be a very large settlement: perhaps as large as Mexico was when visited by the Spaniards in 1520. It is hoped he will be particular and accurate in describing the customs, traditions, manners, occupations and religion of these people, in the interior of Africa.

Montgomery has lately published a volume of poems; the subjects are "The Univer sal Prayer," "Death," "A Vision of Heaven and of Hell." They are treated in the serious spirit, which is proper for such topics;

and cannot be perused without leaving an impression favorable to sobriety of life and spirituality of mind and affections.

Scott has lately given the public a new series of Tales of a Grandfather,' which are founded in historical events that occurred in Scotland and England, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. They are entertaining and instructive; but are particularly intended for the capacity and the benefit of the young.

A late number of the Asiatic Journal contains a long article on the literature of Georgia. This country, it will be recollected, is in the North West of Asia, near the Caucasian mountains, the present popuation of which exceeds two millions and an half. The name given it by the ancients, was Colchis. The inhabitants have their early traditions up to within a short period of the general deluge. A descendant of Japhet is supposed to have made the first settlement in this country. The literature of the Georgians is evidently founded on and connected with the history of the Bible. They call it "the book of books ;" and were favored with a transtation of it into their vernacular tongue, in an early age of Christianity. The writings of the early Christian fathers were also translated into the language of that country. Some ancient copies of these still remain in manuscript. Their religion is that of the Greek Church, with some unimportant variations. MSS. are also said to be in existence which would throw much light on the history of ancient times, so far as that country and vicinity was concerned. They were, however, strangers to either politics or theoretic science. They have been more distinguished for poetry and romance, and yet their poetry has little merit except a profusion of images, of which eastern writers generally are so fond.

The American Journal of Science and Arts. Among the numerous and valuable periodical publications in the United States, whether Re views, Magazines, or other literary Journals, this work, conducted by Professor Silliman, of New Haven, is one of the most valuable. As a Journal of Science, it is certainly the first in America. Professor Silliman is a man of much general literature, and his knowledge of the exact Sciences, is probably greater than that of any other individual in the United States. He is also indefatigable and persevering in his researches. For some years, the Journal of Science was so limited in its circulation, notwithstanding the ability and learning of the Editor, that the publishers of the work were not reimbursed for their actual expenses. The publication is now more justly appreciated; and it is sincerely hoped, that the learned and able Editor will be encouraged to continue it. The two last

numbers are very valuable. In proof of this remark, we inight refer to the articles, "On Mineralogy and Geology of Nova Scotia ;" "On Gases, Acids, and Salts, near the Erie Canal," "On Volcanos and Earthquakes" "On the Vitality of Matter," "on Fossil Remains," and particularly "The Report on a Course of Liberal Education." The latter is a very able and elaborate article, and was prepared by a Committee appointed by the President and Fellows of Yale College. This Report is evidently the result of mature consideration. The great question with the Committee seems to have been, whether any material, and what, changes are proper to be made in the present mode of college instruction, study and discipline. The Committee consider classical learning of great importance, and a necessary foundation for a learned education. The guardians and overseers of Colleges in our country will do well to consult this able Report. An article, purporting to be a "History of Sea Serpentism;" by the very learned Dr. Mitchell, we are inclined to believe, was prepared in haste, and under the influence of some unreasonable scepticism on the subject. The learned Doctor has not referred to the best evidence in the case, that derived from the depositions of Capt. Little and other respectable persons, who saw the Sea Serpent in 1779 and 1780, in the bay of Penobscot.

The fourth and fifth numbers of the Southern Review have been published-the last, in February. They fully sustain the high character acquired by the former numbers. The article in number IV. on the religious opinions and worship of the American Indians, discovers great research. The other articles are written with ability and learning-In the fifth number the principal subjects are "The law of Tenures, 'Chancery, Brown's Philosophy of the Human Mind,' 'Butler's Life of Erasmus.-They who have Jortin will hardly think of purchasing Butler.

The Western Review, published in the state of Ohio, by the Rev. Mr. Flint, is a work of considerable promise. It does not profess to be equal to the North American or Quarterly; but it merits the encouragement of all the friends of good learning. Mr. Flint has a good taste, his style is chaste and perspicuous; and he is industrious in collecting whatever is important in the antiquities and natural history of the "Valley of the Mississippi." He is preparing a new novel, with the title of "Shoshonee Valley"-the leading design of which is to show "the influence of the introduction of the white people into or near the settlements of the native Indians."

The ninth number of the American Quarterly Review has been lately published by Carey & Lea of Philadelphia. The princi

Professor Cleaveland, of Bowdoin College in Maine, is preparing a third edition of his very learned and popular work on mineralogy. The feeble health of the author has hitherto delayed the intended publication.

A new novel writer has appeared in England; and his works rank high among the volumes of romance lately published. He cannot be considered a rival to Scott: But he has studied human nature entirely, and has mixed much with the fashionable society of the world. His remarks are correct and striking; and his design seems to be the moral improvement of his readers. "The Disowned" is the better of the two. In "Pelham," the writer is not sufficiently explicit in his reprobation of the depraved characters, which he has introduced.

Pollok's "Course of Time," we believe, does not continue to receive the very high praise, first bestowed upon it. The poem certainly indicates superior talents in the writer, and the design is excellent.

Books lately published in London. "Tales of the Great St. Bernard," by the Rev. Wm. Croly. "Conversations on Intellectual Philosophy," a familiar explanation of the nature and operation of the human mind. "The Genealogy of Christ Harmonized." "History of Roman Literature from the earliest periods to the Augustine age."

In the Press, "the Book of Jasher," referred to in Joshua. The MS. was brought to England, from the East, in the 13th century; and has lately been discovered among other MSS. belonging to a gentleman's library. Probably it is entitled to no more credit than "the prophecy of Enoch," published a few years ago: and yet it is possible it is a very ancient composition.

The London periodicals for February have appeared, but their contents are not very in

teresting. It is stated, that the long-expected history of Sir James McIntosh is in great forwardness, and that the first volume will soon be published.-"The Collegians," "MyLandlady and her Lodgers," by the author of "Annals of the Parish," have been lately published. Also, "Tales, descriptive, characteristic and allegorical," by the writer of "Antidotes to the Miseries of Human Life."

Carey and Lea of Philadelphia, have lately published " The Conquest of Granada," by Washington Irving. They will soon publish "The Maid of the Mist," by Sir Walter Scott; "The Wish-ton-Wish," by Cooper; "Travels in America," by Capt. Basil Hall.

The second volume of "Life of Gov. Gerry," by J. T. Austin, Esq. has been published in Boston. Hon. Alden Bradford, is preparing a third volume of the History of Massachusetts," from 1790 to 1825.

JOHN THOMAS, Esq. the late Editor of the Cheltenham Chronicle, England, proposes to publish an "English Newspaper, to be called the Western Examiner," printed in a similar manner to the London Examiner. We have heard Mr. Thomas spoken of in high terms, and have no doubt he will conduct the proposed publication ably.

G. and C. Carvill will soon publish "Knapp's Lectures on Christian Theology," translated from the German by Leonard Woods, Jr. Professor Stuart of Andover, says of the work, "There are few writers, whom I have had the pleasure to peruse, for whose opinion I feel a greater veneration than for that of Dr. Knapp." He adds his assent also to some remarks by the translator which close with the following observation: "Though these Lectures were designed principally for the Student in Theology, the Author never loses sight of the ultimate object of all religious instruction. His remarks on the practical importance of the doctrines of Christianity, and his directions as to the best method af presenting them in popular discourse, form a very considerable, and by no means the least valuable part of the work. The whole is free from sectarian bitterness, is marked with peculiar candor, and pervaded by a spirit of warm and enlightened piety."

A volume of a "New Collection of ancient MSS." from the Vatican in Rome, lately published, contains the Commentaries of C. M. Victorinus on the Epistles to the Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians; an Essay in defence of the Christian Religion against the natural philosophers, by the same person. A treatise against the Arians from a Cassinese Codex. An ancient Commentary on Luke. The Gospel of Matthew, according to a most ancient MS.