PROPOSED REFORM OF THE BEGGAR's back, a prisoner, to Moriton's house. OPERA. As we believe ourselves to have been exclusively favoured with the outline of this celebrated opera in its intended expurgated form, we conceive it our duty to immediately submit the same to the public, "without note or comment," in order that every individual may make up his own unbiassed opinion on its merits. We shall barely preface it by observing, that the plan seems to be of a much more extensive nature than the public was at first given to understand, amounting to a total change in the object and construction of the piece. The principal character is perhaps too manifestly founded on Miss H. More's excellent romance of" Cælebs." Sir George Woodberry, a young gentleman of very considerable property in the west of England, a Member of Parliament, and of the Society for the Suppression of Vice, adorned with the most elegant and refined manners, and endowed with a true and lively sense of religion, happening by accident to meet with Miss Polly Peach'em in the Hampstead stage, and entering into conversation on the state of the weather, becomes enamoured of the beauties of her mind, and asks permission to visit her at her father's house. This proposal the lovely young creature, actuated by a lively sense of shame for the profligacy of her parents, finds herself obliged to decline; but Sir George, by some means which are unexplained, divining her real motive, becomes only the more seriously desirous of improving the acquaintance thus commenced, for the purpose of rescuing her from a situation so revolting to female purity, and so dangerous to those principles of piety which it seems had been early instilled into her by the precepts and example of a respectable maiden aunt, now deceased. While revolving in his mind the means of putting into execution this worthy design, he happens to be attacked one night, as he is returning on foot from a charitable visit to a poor sick man of the name of Moriton, in the neighbourhood of Bagnigge Wells, by a couple of footpads, whom, with singular dexterity and courage, he disarms, and, putting one to flight, forces the other to surrender at discretion; and brings him VOL. III. He here conceives the first design of that which forms the subsequent plot of the opera. It happens that the Captain Ruffian is the identical Captain Macheath, whom Sir George, on condition of preserving his forfeit life, induces to instruct him in all the mysteries of his profession, so as to enable him to perform the part which he has recently determined to fill. Thus instructed, he introduces himself to Mr Peach'em, having previously ascertained that that worthy character was personally unacquainted with the Captain, although he had had frequent communications with him in the way of trade. Having frequent opportu nities, under his assumed character, of improving the acquaintance with Miss Polly, so casually begun, and finding her, upon further intimacy, all that he had been led to expect from the first favourable impression, he makes his addresses to her in the character he has assumed, and is not a little pleased to witness the virtuous obstinacy with which she refuses to listen to them unless he shall first assure her of having abandoned his evil course of life. For the purpose of furthering this desired object, she is, however, prevailed upon to pretend to her parents that she is clandestinely married to him; and the instrument employed to bring this part of the project to bear, is a young man of good family and connexions, but of a rov ing and unsettled character, who has been disinherited by his father, and reduced, from distress, to associate with thieves and pickpockets, under the assumed name of Filch. The further part of the plot is undertaken by Sir George Woodberry, in conjunction with this young man (whom he has benevolently included in his proposed views of general reformation and happiness), for the immediate purpose of trying the love and constancy of Miss Polly, whom he seriously intends making his wife in the end. Miss Grace Woodberry, Sir George's sister, is another main agent in this design; and Lockit, the rough and unpolished, but well intentioned and pious, keeper of Newgate, is also inlisted in the confederacy. The power of these new dramatis persona procures some of the upper girls of a neighbouring school, on the Madras system of education (to which both 4 D Sir George and his sister are principal subscribers), to act the temporary parts of those poor deluded wretches who, in the old opera, used to afford so much licentious amusement to the galleries; but who, by this ingeni ous contrivance, are converted into a vehicle for much pious and grateful reflection. The part of Lucy Lockit is supported by Miss Grace herself; and thus the piece is naturally conducted to its catastrophe much in the same manner as in the original, proper respect being had to the strict propriety of the principal characters, who, only for a particular purpose, assume the temporary disguise of iniquity. Honest Lockit alone forgets, in one instance, the part he has undertaken to perform-it is when roused to a virtuous indignation by the profligate suggestions of Peach'em, who attempts to engage him as his associate in villany; he collars the scoundrel, and would almost throttle him, but for the timely intervention of Sir George, who reminds him of the part he has undertaken to perform. The conclusion may be easily anticipated. A pretended reprieve, proclaimed by a small number of persons paid to personate the rabble outside of the walls of the prison, having restored the fainting Miss Polly to life, she awakens to receive the passionate declaration of Sir George, of his real person and character, and his devotion to her. He procures for Filch the present of a Bible, from the British and Foreign Bible Society, of which he has long been a most worthy and active member; and upon the poor young man's sincere and genuine repentance, and promise to lead a new life, undertakes to procure for him the forgiveness of his friends, holding out, by way of further encouragement to welldoing, the prospect of being recompensed by the hand and fortune of Miss Grace Woodberry, whose heart, it seems, is deeply interested in his favour. Old Peach'em also repents, and is appointed bailiff of one of his sonin-law's estates in the west. Lockit is offered a noble independent provision, but prefers remaining in the situation in which providence has placed him, and with which he has learned to be content, principally with the view of continuing to contribute to the reform of prisoners committed to his charge. We have been of course obliged to . omit several minor details in this general account of the plan. We have also been promised a sight of the songs, as they are proposed to be amended; and, if we are so far favoured, shall esteem it an essential part of the duty we owe to the public, to lay them before our readers. DETAILS RESPECTING THE PHILIP- [We have been favoured by Captain M Konochie with the following details respecting the Spanish Philippine Islands, which were originally written out for his assistance in compiling his valuable work on the Statistics, &c. of the Principal Shores of the Pacific Ocean, but did not come to hand in time. They come from a gentleman who was long a resident in Manilla, and who realized a handsome fortune by his speculations there.-EDITOR.] Upper Baker Street, London, MY DEAR SIR, 1818. I Now sit down to acquit myself of my promise, to give you such details respecting the Philippine Islands as my long residence in Manilla may have supplied me with. This, however, I must premise, by observing, on the one hand, that it is now nearly twenty years since I left it, during all which time I have had no such communication with any one still residing there, as to enable me in any material degree to correct my previous information, and bring it down to a more recent period; and on the other, however, that the progress of improvement, if indeed improvement be in any progress at all, is at least remarkably slow in these remote Spanish colonies. It is my belief, accordingly, that the picture I am now about to draw of them is still, in all its leading points, as correct as I know it was in 1798. Your first question, with respect to the Spanish population, must refer to native Spaniards only; as their numerous descendants, through all the variety of half-casts, would include onethird at least of the whole population of Luconia. Of native Spaniards, accordingly, settled in the Philippine Islands, the total number may be stated at 2000, not military: the military, including all descriptions, men and officers, are about 2500; out of which number the native regiments are officered. These last, in 1796-7, were almost entirely composed of South Americans, and were reckoned at 5000 men; making a military force of about 7500. The casts bearing a mixture of the Spanish blood are, in Luconia alone, at least 200,000 souls: the Sanglays, or Chinese descendants, are upwards of 20,000 and Indians, who call themselves the original Tagalas, about 340,000:-making a total population in that island of about 600,000 souls. What may be the respective numbers in the other Philippine Islands, I never had any opportunity of learning. I may here further notice, with respect to the population of Luconia, that in the interior of that island alone, of all the Philippines, there is to this day found, exclusively of the Indian tribes, Tagalas, as already mentioned, a race of woolly-headed pigmies, who have no permanent residence, but take up their abode on any spot that strikes their fancy for the moment, moving about from one mountain to another. Sometimes the revenue officers, in quest of contraband goods, surprise some of these creatures, and bring them to Manilla, where I have seen them; but they either find a way to escape, although treated in the mildest manner, or, if too well looked after for that, pine away and die. They are called by the Spaniards Negrettos di Montè, and are wonderfully expert with the bow and arrow. Whether their language bears any affinity to the Papuan or Oceanic negro, the only other woolly-headed tribe found in these seas, I never learned: there is a tradition, however, among the Indians, of their being the aborigines of the island. It is impossible to form any conception of a richer or more beautiful prospect, than meets the eye in every direction, on entering the Bay of Manilla. The country on the right hand slopes gradually down from a very considerable height, quite to the water's edge, and presents the appearance of being in the highest state of cultivation, although, on a nearer approach, the whole is discovered to be the mere work of nature. On the left the high mountains stand more detached and abrupt, but are equally clothed with verdure quite to the summit; the whole bay, which is about 28 leagues round, presenting one of the most picturesque scenes I ever witnessed. Manilla lies in the south-east corner: its situation is very low, on the left bank of a river, which, at this point, is about as wide as the Thames at Vauxhall, and which divides the city from the suburbs. These again are connected, however, by a very handsome bridge. The customhouse, public buildings, and generally every thing relating to commerce, is in the suburbs, the population of which is estimated at 90,000 souls, while that of the city does not exceed 8000. Vessels ride about a mile and a half from the shore, in the road of Manilla; but in the S.W. monsoon, that is, from the middle of April to November, they are forced to take shelter in Cavita, a small but very secure port, about three leagues to the southward of Manilla. The whole island of Luconia is capable of producing every article of the very best quality. As fine sugar, indigo, cotton, and spices, are brought to market in Manilla, as I ever saw in any part of the world; but the quantities cultivated of each are small. As a proof, however, of what the island is capable, were it properly administered," I shall only cite the following fact-In 1793, only one annual cargo of sugar, consisting of about 5000 peculs of 140 weight each, was exported, owing to the Spaniards giving the Indians no encouragement I laid myself to cultivate the cane. out to cultivate an acquaintance with many respectable Indians; and by advancing small sums of money at proper periods, and receiving sugar in repayment, I was enabled to export 15,000 peculs in 1794, and in 1795 not less than 40,000. The cultivation of indigo was then much encouraged by the Philippine company: I think, in 1796, about 9000 quintals of 1 cwt. Spanish each were exported, of which something more than a half was on account of that company. But since 1798, as I learn, the quantity is reduced more than two-thirds from the want of hands, owing, in a great measure, to the great number of natives called out in 1797 as militia, these people never returning to their former industrious habits, after having been thus once enrolled. The same may be said respecting the cotton, pepper, and sugar, the cultivation and manufacture of all of which have suffered from the same cause, the whole being manifestly, however, the fault of the government; for were their masters active, the Indians would be so too. It is their indolence and sluggishness which these poor people conceive enrolment in the militia gives them a right to imitate; nor will any degree of coercion, without example, eradicate the idea. We now come to the articles of import, which consist principally of goods proper for the cargo of the Acapulco galleons, which is the great object which engages the attention of all. This cargo consists of about one-third in various goods from Madras, viz. Pungum cloths, long cloth, printed goods from Pulicat, &c., one-third in muslins, baftas, sannas, &c. from Bengal ;-and one-third in silks, grass cloths, silk stockings, and other Chinese articles, the invoice being required by law not to exceed one million of dollars, but in general about doubling that sum. The tonnage of the galleon is divided and subdivided into bolètas and parts of bolètas. The bolèta is almost equal to a ton, and almost every individual in Manilla has an interest in the vessel, each householder, according to his rank, civil or military, having his share, which is continued to his widow and children. Thus a merchant who wants so much tonnage in the galleon, is obliged to procure it from the various quarters whence it is to be had, according to the quota of each; by which means he may perhaps have to apply to 200 families for the bulk of 50 tons, and to make his separate bargain with them all, the value of the bolèta being only regulated by the demand for it. I have sometimes known 250 dollars given for one, the average price being, however, about 200. The usual time of sailing from Manilla is May, or early in June. The commandant is usually an officer of the navy, appointed by the governor. He has 50 tons privilege, and while on the voyage, is paid and ranks as a brigadier-general. The king pays all the ship's expenses, for which he levies 33 per cent. duty on the valuation of the cargo at Acapulco, which amply reimburses him. All goods imported into Manilla pay a duty of 15 per cent. on the valuation at the custom-house. Bullion, if exported, pays 3 per cent. The re venue of the island is principally derived from a tax on tobacco, of which government has made a complete monopoly, any person using the tobacco growing even in his own fields, being liable to be exchequered. The manufactory for making segars employs at least from 4 to 500 people, so universal being their use, even children of five years of age carry one continually in their mouths. Government also makes a monopoly of a spirit extracted from a kind of palmyra, which they call nepa, of which there is also a very considerable consumption. These, with the polltax, which is very inconsiderable, form the principal sources of revenue, amounting to a total of about one million of dollars, more than half of which is drawn from the tobacco alone. The nepa is calculated at 300,000 dollars. The import and export duties at 180,000, and the capitation tax at 20,000, making in all the sum above stated. The expenses of government are, on the other hand, estimated at two millions of dollars; so you see what a capital hand the Spaniards make of one of the finest islands in the world. The Spanish alone, of all European flags, is admitted into the port of Amoy or Emouy, on the south east coast of China, but very little profit is derived from this indulgence, seldom more than one vessel proceeding thither annually, and her cargo is almost exclusively specie. A very considerable intercourse is, however, maintained on the whole with the cast coast of China as far north as Nankin, from twenty to thirty Chinese junks of very considerable tonnage each being constantly employed in the trade. Their cargoes consist principally of pottery, silks, cooking utensils, &c. averaging 5 or 6,000 dollars each, parcelled out among forty or fifty pedlars, who generally work their passage, and frequently remain behind at Manilla, with a further view to trade among the Indian islands, giving up their places to others desirous of returning with the proceeds of a previous trip of the same nature. The returns from Manilla are spices, dried hides, safron, wood, &c. I forgot to mention, that timber for ship-building, as fine as any in the world, is to be found in Luconia. It is of various kinds, but that called Mo laria is, I think, superior to the teak wood of Malabar. They have likewise the pala maria for masts, which grows to an immense height and thickness. Of this the galleon is entirely masted. Fine timber is to be found in all the islands; also dammer, a species of pitch, abacca, a kind of hemp, with every other article requisite to send a vessel to sea. There are also mines of iron and copper which might be worked to advantage, although both these articles are now imported. The brass pieces of ordnance made at the arsenal are very complete. At Cavita there is an excellent wharf for careening vessels, and the storehouses are in general well supplied with marine stores, both European and Philippine Island growth and manufacture. The natives, with very little instruction, make most excellent ship-wrights. A number of small galleys, of from twenty to fifty tons each, are constantly kept in a state of equipment at Manilla to act against the Moors, as they are called, or Malay pirates, from the Sooloo Archipelago and Mindanao, who cruize about in proas which row and sail very fast, and sometimes land in the night, and carry off the natives from under the very walls of the forts. These galleys are of more expense than use, as I never heard of their taking any of these depredators. As some further check, the Spaniards also maintain a fort and garrison, consisting of a commandant and 250 men, at Samboangan, on the south-west coast of Mindanao; but this too is mere form, for they dare not venture any distance into the country, the natives being resolute in their resistance, when they can, making them prisoners, even from under their own walls; nor will they ever give them up without a ransom suited to their rank. There is a particular fund from the Order of Mercy, at Manilla, which is solely appropriated to aid the private funds of those who are thus unfortunate, and to obtain their release. The monks of this order are generally sent over in the negotiation. With respect to the climate of Luconia, forming the last item in your inquiries, it is in general very wholesome for nine months in the year, and during the rains the air is cool and fresh. There is some difference, however, according to the situation. In Cagayan and the other northern dis tricts it is most healthy, and invalids are frequently sent thither accordingly, particularly from the immediate vicinity of Manilla, which lies low, and is occasionally very sultry. During the rains, however, the southern districts of the island are preferred, as being more sheltered from the strong westerly gales prevalent at that season. The months of December, January, February, and March, are uncommonly fine,-April is variable, towards the end especially, when there are frequent gales of wind from all quarters; and sometimes a tyfoon, or hurricane, generally commencing from the northwest, and completely making the circle of the compass. No description of the tyfoon you can ever have met with can exceed the reality; any vessel encountering it may be considered fortunate, if she save but one lower mast to assist in repairing the wreck on the return of fine weather. Nothing in nature can be more terrible than these gales. About the middle of May, the southwest monsoon is well set, and continues till the first week in October, when the weather becomes again variable. Generally speaking, October and November are the most unhealthy months in the year, the sun being still nearly vertical and very hot, and the exhalations arising from the moist state of the earth after the rains, producing fevers, fluxes, and many other complaints. It is in these months also, that earthquakes are generally felt in Luconia; there were no less than seven severe shocks in November 1796, when I was there. The fine weather commences again in December, and continues as I have said, making, on the whole, a soil and climate by no means disagreeable in themselves, and capable of producing every thing which may be attempted to be reared in them, in a profusion, and of a quality, which but few places can equal, and certainly none excel.-I remain, &c. J. G. REMARKS ON CURRENTS. We know of no subject connected with the mighty deep, which has involved greater diversity of opinion among philosophers, or more perplexed and bewildered unthinking navigators, |