1839.] RAWLE'S LECTURE ON COMMERCE. for so much of their soil as a bull's hide would cover; and her fraud in encircling a much larger territory than one of the parties contemplated, by cutting the hide into the slenderest thongs, may be considered a type of that faithlessness which has always stained the page of Carthagenian history. Did overpeer the petty traffickers She became the mart of nations-extended her territories on every side, and by her commercial wealth and resources, became so eminent as a naval power, as long to enjoy the proud title of mistress of the seas. By a close attention to the arts of trade and that frugality and moderation, by which alone, nations as well as individuals can retain what they acquire, Carthage soon rose To dwell upon the splendid history of this wonderful to great eminence as a commercial and naval power. Her republic, and to point out the causes of her downfall, would navigation extended to the remotest seas the distant require more time than is allotted to a discourse like this; shores of Britain were visited by her adventurous mariners and would, probably, be to repeat what is already known -she explored many parts of the African coast-discover- to the instructed minds to which it is addressed. It will ed the Canary Islands—and some, in the excess of their be sufficient to refer to a single passage, in proof of the conadmiration for her nautical skill and enterprise, have imagin- trolling influence which successful commerce had acquired, ed that she found her way even to the Western world. She in the darkest ages of feudal ignorance, pride and power. acquired dominion over most of the islands in the Medi- In the year 1201, when the republic was under the teranean, including an important part of Sicily; and having magistracy of the venerable Henry Dandolo, whose age early established herself in Spain, drew immense resources verged towards a hundred years, a splendid mission from from the mines, principally of silver, with which that rich the haughty peers of France entered the Venetian territory. country abounded. Wealth poured in upon her through Their object was not, by the power of arms, to impose a thousand channels, and the splendor of Carthage might tribute on a community of wealthy merchants, or to wring have rivalled that of Tyre herself. But the pride of wealth contributions from timid burghers, to whom gold was awakened the spirit of ambition. Not content with the dearer than honor or patriotism, or even to negotiate a triumphs of trade, she aimed at military glory, and the suc- treaty on terms of mutual equality. They approached an cess of her arms roused the jealousy of her mighty neigh. august assembly, conscious of their power and proud of bor. The rivals armed for the contest. Their struggles their importance, to implore, in the language of suppliants, were many, long, and fierce. Carthage displayed a genius aid in what they deemed a holy cause, which their unasfor war, scarcely inferior to that which had raised her to the sisted means dared not undertake. A general assembly highest pinnacle of commercial prosperity; and her chroni was convened in the splendid chapel and palace of St. Mark, cles are illustrated by the distinguished military talents of and in the presence of 10,000 citizens, six haughty noblemany of her generals. In quickness of conception, prompt- men, the representatives, and themselves a distinguished ness of decision, rapidity of action, and fruitfulness of part of the proud chivalry of France, bowing before the resource, as well as in that daring spirit which could con- majesty of the people, declared they were enjoined to fall ceive and execute the extraordinary achievement of trans- prostrate at the feet of the republic, and that they would porting a mighty army, with all the cumbrous appendages of not rise from the ground until she had promised to avenge war, over the rugged and icy passes of the Alps, the character w th them, the injuries of Christ, by transporting the army of Hannibal bore a strong affinity to that of Napoleon; and destined for the furth crusade, to the shores of Palestine. the Carthagenian hero may, perhaps, be pronounced to have In Genoa, the city of palaces, the same causes led to the been before our own day, the greatest captain that the same results. The spirit of commercial rivalry placed her world has known. Hannibal contended with Romans-in competition with Venice herself. Her sails were spread Alexander and Cæsar, principally with barbarians. to every breeze, and her vessels floated on every sea. Seated by the liberality or folly of the Greek Emperor in the suburb of Pera, in the enjoyment of their own habits and governed by their own laws, the power of these mighty merchants enabled them to contend for the dominion of Constantinople, with the representatives of the Cæsars; and in the lofty language of the historian Gibbon, "The Roman empire might soon have sunk into a province of Genoa, if the ambition of the republic had not been checked by the ruin of her freedom and naval power. A long con, test of 130 years was terminated by the triumph of Venice; and the factions of the Genoese compelled them to seek for domestic peace under a foreign lord-the Duke of Milan, or the French king. Yet the spirit of commerce survived that of conquest, and the colony of Pera still awed the capital and navigated the Euxine, till it was involved by the Turks in the final servitude of Constantinople itself." But when Carthage turned aside from the pursuits of commerce to those of war, she courted her own destruction. Her strength was in her trade, and when she neglected that, her power departed, like that of Sampson, under the glittering forfex of Delilah. Carthage sunk under the superior power of Rome, and the earth heaved when the giant fell. At the commencement of the third Punic war, this celebrated and powerful capital is said to have contained 700,000 inhabitants, and to have extended its dominion over 300 African cities. At its termination it was a heap of ruins, among which the exiled Marius wept. After the irruption of the barbarous hordes of the North into the Roman empire, the busy hum of trade was hushed amid the loud din of arms. A heavy cloud settled over the civilized world, and the lights of literature, science, and commerce found a common grave in its dark and murky folds. But the genius of commerce was too elastic, long to be bound in chains. Even in an ignorant age, when war was considered the only honorable pursuit, it burst its bonds, and acquiring a controlling influence over princes and people, opened an avenue for the restoration of letters, sciences, and arts. In the numerous little islands which formerly dotted the surface of the Adriatic sea, near the shore, were laid the foundations of the proud and powerful republic of Venice. They were the refuge of a band of trembling fugitives from the power of the ferocious Attila, who, in the fulness of barbaric pride, declared that the grass never grew on the spot where his horse had trodden. From beginnings so humble and depressed, she soon rose to wealth and splendor. Her "Argosies with portly sail, Like signiors and rich burghers of the flood, It is a grateful and a profitable task, to turn from the pride, pomp, and power with which commercial opulence has surrounded so many nations of the earth, while at the same time, it infused the poison which made them decay and die, to contemplate its happier influence in cultivating the flowers of literature; in laying open the arcana of science, and in unfolding the beauties of art. The history of past magnificence and departed power, may fill the mind with admiration and surprise. It may be instructive, too, "to point a moral or adorn a tale." But the operation of those causes which tend to exalt and improve the condition of man, by instructing his mind, enlarging his views, and refining his heart, is not confined to the place or the period in which they originated, but extends through all space, and endures through all time. To a mercantile family, may, in a large degree, be ascribed the honor of having conferred such blessings on their race. Long before the brilliant era of the family of Medici, Florence had been distinguished above the other states of Italy, by the freedom of her institutions, and her devotion to arts, science, and literature. With an infusion of the aristocratic principle, her government was, in a great degree, popular, and the highest places in her councils were open to all her citizens. As a necessary incident to such a state of things, party rancor frequently agitated her bosom; but the same restless spirit which prompted political animosities, sharpened the intellects of her citizens, and urged them to nobler pursuits. Industry and commerce gave them wealth-taste and habit led them to the cultivation of philosophy and letters. Whether or not, the pedigree of the Medici is, according to some who were disposed to flatter their subsequent greatness, to be referred to a paladin of Charlemagne, and whether or not, the six balls, their well known heraldic blazonry, which are now the insignia of a pawn-broker's shop, (to such vile uses have they come at last,) denote the impression made on the shield of their supposed ancestor by the iron balls which hung from the mace of his gigantic adversary, are matters of too little moment to deserve a thought; but that the family had, for a long time, enjoyed great consideration in Florence, is beyond a doubt. But he who laid the foundation of its unexampled grandeur and importance, was Giovanni de Medici, who, by commercial pursuits, acquired immense wealth, and by his moderation and liberality, secured the confidence of his fellow citizens. He enjoyed that popularity which follows good actions—not that which is pursued by selfish ambition; and his dying injunction to his sons, "to accept only such of the honors of the state as were bestowed on them by the laws and the favor of their fellow citizens," may inculcate a salutary lesson to the ambitious spirits of other republics. One of these sons was Cosmo. Though less resplendent in the eye of the world than that of some of those who succeeded him, the character of Cosmo de Medici will lose little by comparison with any of his illustrious name. Devoted from early life, not only to the affairs of government, but to the most extensive commercial concerns, he greatly increased the wealth, importance, and influence of his family. His mercantile operations frequently controlled the politics of Italy, and their influence was felt even in England, in the contest between the rival houses of York and Lancaster. His genius was lofty, and his acquirements varied and extensive. His tastes and pursuits prompted the inclination, and his vast riches and unbounded influence conferred upon him the power, to encourage and protect men of learning and science. His liberality and benevolence were as boundless as his means of exercising them; and amidst the crowd of eminent men by whom Florence was distinguished, Cosmo de Medici deservedly held the foremost place. Before his day, Dante, Boccaccio, and Petrarch, had introduced the study of the ancient languages; and cultivating their own to the highest degree of refinement, had left the most noble and enduring monuments of their taste and genius. For a time, letters were buried in their graves, and it was reserved to Cosmo to revive and restore them. It was a happy circumstance, not only for that period and for Florence, but for succeeding times and for the world, that the anxiety which prevailed in the early part of the fifteenth century to recover the writings of the ancients, was not confined to scholars and students, or to a few who were eminent for opulence and station. Under the influence and example of Cosmo, it pervaded the minds of the men of wealth and rank by whom he was surrounded; and their superabundant riches, which otherwise would have been lavished in individual ostentation and private luxury, were the means of rescuing from oblivion the treasures of antiquity. The men of learning of the period were not the humble drudges of proud superiors, but in an equal and friendly intercourse with the highest ranks of society, enjoyed that consideration and respect to which their merits justly entitled them. Under such auspices, the mouldering manuscripts of ancient genius, in philosophy and the various branches of literature, which had slumbered for ages in the damp recesses of monasteries, unknown in many instances even to their ghostly guardians, were, at an immense expense of time and money, drawn from their gloomy abodes, to delight the minds of cultivated readers, and to shed the lights of literature on future generations. Europe and Asia were ransacked. Wherever a literary jewel was known to be buried, it was sedulously brought to light, and no price was deemed too great to secure its purchase. As the most prominent and efficient leader in this noble band, to Cosmo de Medici, more, perhaps, than to any other individual, is the world indebted for the enjoyment of those inestimable writings, which have had so much influence in elevating the taste, and fixing the standard of modern literature. Through his munificence and exertions, availing himself of the diligence and knowledge of the most learned men of the day, an extensive collection was made of curious and valuable books, which constituted the foundation on which he and some of his descendants built up the celebrated Laurentian Library. Such an institution might be deemed a sufficient tribute for a single individual to the cause of literature and science. But he did more. Niccolo Niccoli, another learned and eminent Florentine, having at an expense involving the ruin of his fortune, accumulated a large and valuable collection of books in the Greek, Latin, and Oriental languages, died in embarrassed circumstances; and Cosmo, assuming the payment of his debts, on condition that this collection should be placed at his disposal, deposited it for public use in the monastery of San Marco, of which he was himself the founder. His gratitude to Venice, which had received him in his exile, had been previously manifested by the formation, in that city, of the valuable Library of St. George. Nor did his efforts in this respect terminate in what he accomplished in his own person. His literary labors brought to his notice and placed under his protection, an individual in one of the lower orders of the church, of humble birth and slender means, who, by the force of industry, perseverance, and talent, and by that good fortune which indus try, perseverance, and talent always secure, rose with unexampled rapidity to the papal dignity, and rendered the name of Nicholas V. illustrious, not only as a man of great erudition himself, and the encourager and protector of learning in others, but as the founder of the Library of the Vatican. Nothing could be more propitious to the cause of letters, than some of the leading events which marked this interesting period. The capture of Constantinople by Mahomet II. in the year 1453, drove from the Capital of the late Greek empire, a crowd of men of learning; and Florence opened her arms to receive many of them into her bosom. Thus numerous bright stars were added to her resplendent firmament. But it was to the art of printing, at first with blocks of wood and afterwards with moveable types, invented in Germany, and introduced at an early period into Italy, where it was improved by native artists, that learning owed its highest obligations. Its sacred waters, which, but for this happy outlet, would have stagnated in a few broad and deep reservoirs, were sent forth in thousands of fertilizing streams, and places which otherwise would have been barren wastes, became smiling and luxuriant gardens. Nor was it to learning only that the sustaining hand of Cosmo was extended. Under his protecting influence and that of the great and wealthy, whose spirits were kindred with his own, the fine arts, which usually follow in the train of literature, were warmed into life and beauty. The marble breathed beneath the chisel of the sculptor-the canvass glowed under the living colors of the painter-and purity of taste and simplicity, as well as grandeur of design, triumphed in the restoration of the Grecian orders of architecture. It is a beautiful attribute of this illustrious man, that amidst the glories with which he had surrounded his country and himself, the simplicity of his character remained unalloyed, and the purity of his heart untainted. Magnificent in all his public acts, but simple in his habits and prudent in his conduct, he exhibited a model of mercantile 1839.] RAWLE'S LECTURE ON COMMERCE. richness and power of intellect, no one department of art was sufficiently large to fill his capacious mind. With no humble claims to the crown of poetry, in painting, sculpture, and architecture, he was without a competitor; and while the superiority of his own genius shone forth in his works, its influence was manifested in the general improvement of taste and rapid advancement of art which distinguished the period in which he lived. Fanning the sacred fire of his own heaven born genius with inspirations caught from such a master, and fashioning himself on such a model, Raphaelle, another pupil of the same classic school, gave to the world those sublime productions of his pencil which have been the delight and admiration of succeeding ages, and which have stamped upon his name the exalted title of Divine. munificence, and a pattern of republican plainness. His influence placed him at the head of the republic, and before his death he was honored with the enviable title of pater patria. But the flood of glorious light in which the sun of Cosmo set, was outshone by the morning and noontide splendor of his grandson, Lorenzo. In early life he discovered those talents, habits, and dispositions which raised him to the extraordinary grandeur he afterwards attained, and enabled him to confer so many blessings on mankind. Strengthening his mind by the closest application to the business, both of commerce and politics, he at the same time refined his taste and cultivated his intellect by the most assiduous attention to literature and philosophy; and thus, while he greatly enlarged his means, he increased his desire to give that encouragement to learning which has had If the character of Lorenzo shone with extraordinary so happy an influence on the world. Such was the ver- lustre as a princely merchant, an encourager of arts, and a satility of his genius, that while he successfully cultivated protector of learning, it loses none of its brilliancy when almost every branch of literature and science, and became we contemplate him as the director of the affairs of state, eminent even as a poet; while he manifested all the talent and in the exalted political position he occupied in Europe. of a consummate statesman, and all the skill of a thorough Nothing could more strongly exemplify the force of man of business, he at the same time excelled in all those commercial influence when directed by talent, energy, and manly exercises and external accomplishments which dis- moderation, than the potency of his voice in the councils tinguished the high bred gentleman of his day. Succeed- of princes. At a period when feudal aristocracy and ing, on the death of his father Piero, to the enormous baronial pride cast into the shade the quiet pursuits of civil wealth and extended mercantile connexions of his family, life, and the name of merchant was, in general, sufficient to he succeeded also to the spirit of his ancestors, and a very exclude its bearer from the high places, both of the political large proportion of his immense acquisitions was devoted and social system, the prejudices which degraded and sunk to works of public utility. His liberality and munificence, the profession to which he belonged, were forgotten in the in which he surpassed even his illustrious grandfather, at- power which he controlled, and the force and splendor of tracted to Florence scholars of all nations; and learning, his individual character. Money must always be the sinparticularly in the languages of antiquity, became the road ews of war, and he who directs its energies will always to political preferment as well as to wealth and considera- strike a more decided blow, than he who wields the glittertion. Study was the fashion, and the pursuits of learning ing falchion or points the life-destroying tube. Commandwere not supposed to interfere with the graces of the draw- ing immense resources from his general commercial pursuits, ing room. That sex, whose smiles are always withheld and drawing enormous revenues from the banks which his from whatever tends to degrade and injure, and are liberal- house had established in most of the trading cities of Euly bestowed upon every thing which can raise and adorn rope, and conducted with such ability and success, that the society, imbibed the spirit of the times, and many women proudest monarchs were, to use a familiar phrase, glad to of rank and beauty thought it did not diminish their per- obtain a discount, the untitled head of a small Italian resonal attractions, or derogate from their fashionable distinc-public frequently gave a direction to the politics of Europe. tion, to be seen in company with the muses. The names And such was his reputation for wisdom and address, of several of them are enrolled among the distinguished that even the suspicious and crafty Louis II. of France, literary characters of the period, and have left a bright ex-whose character is so beautifully delineated by Scott, someample to their fair sisters of other ages and other climes. times consulted him in his most delicate negotiations. But Skilled himself in an eminent degree, both as a theoretical and practical architect, Lorenzo enriched his native city with many splendid buildings, both public and private, which, while they bore testimony to his liberality and magnificence, proclaimed his adherence to the rules of ancient art, and his study of ancient models. It was during this period, too, when Florence was a garden, whose fragrance we still inhale, that other beautiful flowers were nourished by the same fostering hand. The art of engraving on copper owed its origin to two goldsmiths of Florence. Their invention having been applied by the painters to the dissemination of copies of their own productions and having since been carried to a very high degree of perfection, all the beauties of the great works of art, except their coloring, have been rendered familiar to those who have not had access to the originals. The more curious, but less important art of engraving on gems and stones, was also revived, and afterwards, under the pontificate of Leo X. reached a point of excellence almost equaling that of the ancients. But it was to the Florentine museum, commenced by Cosmo and greatly enlarged by Lorenzo, that the arts were principally indebted for the extraordinary improvement which then marked their progress. Collecting within his own extensive and beautiful gardens, and the buildings which they enclosed, the busts, statues, relievos, and other remains of ancient art, which his own taste and liberality, and those of his ancestors had placed in his possession, he established a school for the study of the antique. It was here that the splendid and diversified genius of Michelagnolo was taught to feel its power, and to throw out that effulgence which illuminated the whole circle of the fine arts. Eclipsing all his predecessors and cotemporaries in * the temptations of political power, and the attractions of splendid alliances, were insufficient to make him swerve from the duty he owed his country. His constant efforts were devoted to the promotion of industry, the security of peace, and the advancement of the happiness of his fellow citizens; and it was only by a departure from the system by which he governed, that Florence lost her liberty, and sunk under despotic power. Kind, benevolent, urbane, unostentatious, his magnificence, like that of his grandfather, was shown in his public acts rather than in his private life. Within the compass of that life, which termi. nated at the early age of 44 years, more was done for the elevation, enlargement, and refinement of the human mind by this single merchant, than has ever been accomplished by any other individual. Without the proud purple of the one, or the indolence and effeminacy of the other, Lorenzo, the Magnificent, was at once the Augustus and Mecenas of the golden age of his country. And if gifted poets have tuned their lyres to his praise, their dulcet notes swelled to a nobler theme, than the inspired strains by which Ovid, Virgil, and Horace exalted the merits of the luxurious Roman and his imperial master. To have dwelt so long upon a family whose commercial influence and importance have showered so many blessings on the world, and shed a halo so bright around the name of merchant, calls for no apology; nor would it be just, either to that family or the subject under consideration, to leave altogether unnoticed another name, which, although perhaps with fewer claims to distinction, has filled a larger space in the eye of the admiring world. Giovanni de Medici, the second son of Lorenzo, was not himself a merchant, but he was descended from a line of merchants, and inherited all that love of learning and spirit of munificence which had rendered his progenitors illustrious. Destined from his cradle to the church, he almost in his cradle received holy orders; and the influence of his family was more easily to be discerned than the purity of the church, in his appointment, before he had attained the age of eight years, by Louis II. of France, to the rich abbacy of Fonte Dolce. Further preferment was de signed for him, and in a very short time afterwards, his infant limbs would have sunk under the weight of the Archiepiscopal mitre of Aix, had it not been discovered before he entered into his high office, that the incumbent for whose successor he was intended, had not yet relinquished his grasp on the privileges and emoluments of his earthly see, to claim his reward in heaven. Graced with a cardinal's hat at thirteen, he was admitted to a full standing in the Sacred College at sixteen, and the gravity of his character, the correctness of his deportment, and his rapid advancement in the various studies to which he devoted himself, formed an excuse for this unprecedented elevation, in the minds of those who measure such things by a far different standard from that which we acknowledge to be the true one. At the age of thirty-seven years, he was invested with the triple crown, which sparkled with more lustre on the brow of Leo X. the name he assumed, than on that of any other individual who has ever filled the Papal throne. Upon his elevation to this high dignity, Rome became the seat of learning and the nursery of genius; and if the world owes the Reformation in a great degree to his errors and his vices, particularly in the corrupt sale of indulgences, it is deeply indebted for the advancement of arts, science, and letters, to his virtues, his talents, and his munificence. councils of the Holy Alliance were controlled by des patches from the counting house of the Rothschilds. But, to the reflecting mind, which delights to dwell upon the prosperity and happiness of the human race, the influence which commerce has had upon England, offers the loveliest, the most enchanting spectacle. Her splendid metropolis-her crowded seaports-ber forests of masts-her busy towns-her industrious ma nufactories-her perfect agriculture-her beautiful landscapes-her magnificent buildings-her noble institutions-her seats of learning; and the happy effect on her society, in softening the features of aristocratic institutions, by making mere rank stoop to mind, present a picture too beautiful and imposing to require it to be contrasted with the neglected fields, the deserted towns, and the lazy population of Spain, and the ignorant and pitiful pride of Spanish magnificos. To a virgin queen, England owes the dawning of her commercial glory; and the liberal views of another virgin queen, give abundant promise, that under her reign, at least, that glory will not be obscured. In speaking of the influence of commerce on the world, that invention by which commerce has been so greatly aided in her enterprises, ought not to be wholly omitted. The invention of the mariner's compass, is usually ascribed to Flavio da Melfi, a Neapolitan, about the year 1302. By others, it is attributed to Marcus Paulus, a Venetian, who, having travelled to China, is said to have brought it back with him in 1260. And this latter opinion derives confirmation from the fact, that the compass first introduced into Europe, was used as it still is by the Chinese. by letting it float on a small piece of cork, instead of making it vibrate on a pivot. This distinguished family, which, by the pursuits of But the Chinese themselves, who in every thing claim commerce, and by giving a true direction to their immense an antiquity far beyond that of all other nations, insist wealth and extraordinary talents, attained an elevation and that it was known to one of their emperors, who was importance to which no other private family has ever risen, a celebrated astronomer, as far back as 1120 years bewas rendered less illustrious by the high dignities with fore Christ. Nor are these all who claim the honour of which some of them were invested, and the splendid alli- the invention. It is said that a French bard, who ances which they formed with the sovereign houses of Eu- flourished about the year 1200, mentions it under the rope, than by the influence of their example in promoting name of the Mariner's stone; and the French characterthose studies and pursuits, which improve and adorn theistically point to the fleur de lis, by which the north condition of their fellow beings. It was not, until prompted by low ambition, they sunk their consequence in the inferior station of Italian princes, that their influence ceased to be felt and acknowledged. The name of Cosmo de Medici, the merchant, fills the civilized world. How few have heard of Cosmo de Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany! Many examples might be adduced of the elevation of other commercial states to dignity and power. The Hanseatic confederacy formed in the middle of the thirteenth century, and composed principally of the leading commercial cities of Germany, would stand out in bold relief, in the respect and homage which their wealth and importance forced from the haughty princes by whom they were surrounded. The commercial spirit of the Portuguese might be pointed to with admiration, when in the beginning of the fif teenth century, under the auspices of the heroic prince Henry, they pushed their discoveries along the coast of Africa as far as the Cape of Good Hope, and a new route to the East Indies was discovered by Vasquez de Gama, which not only increased to an immense extent the wealth, power, and territories of Portugal, but opened new avenues of trade to the whole world. The elastic force of commerce might be seen in the rapidity with which the United Provinces, after having thrown off the yoke of Spain, rose, under mild and equal laws, to the height of wealth and power, notwithstanding the disadvantages of their situation, and the powerful neighbors who hemmed them in on almost every side. And even within the recollection of many in this as sembly, the commanding force of commercial influence has been strikingly manifested, in the great struggle for ascendency between the combined monarchs of Europe and the collossal power of Napoleon, when the point of the card is distinguished, as a conclusive argument in favour of their pretensions. The origin of the invention may be matter of curious and interesting research-the invention itself teemed with the most important consequences. Its magic power marked out a safe and certain path across boundless seas, and opened a way to unknown regions. It was to this little counsellor, that Columbus referred himself, amidst dangers which might have appalled the stoutest soul; and by its silent monitions he was enabled to triumph over the doubts of fainting hearts and the turbulence of rebellious spirits. Under its sure guidance, his mighty mind, more buoyant than the frail bark in which he floated, carried him fearlessly on, to those wonderful discoveries, which have so greatly contributed to give to the modern world those striking features which have since been impressed upon it. A Genoese, of humble birth, but exalted spirit, he, at an early age, adopted the sea-faring life of his father, and became one of the most skilful navigators of Europe. An absorbing object of the period in which he lived, was the discovery of a passage by sea, to the East Indies, and the danger and tediousness of the route by doubling the Cape of Good Hope, called into action the reflecting mind of Columbus, who believed, that by sailing directly westward across the Atlantic, he should probably reach the opposite shores of Asia. His own countrymen were incapable of appreciating his sublime conceptions; and the king of Portugal, to whom he applied for assistance, while he discour aged the projected enterprise, fraudulently, but fruitlessly endeavoured to anticipate the discoveries of the great navi gator, by availing himself of the information, which had been confided to him. Nor did he meet with more to sustain his hopes from the selfish Ferdinand of Arragon, who more richly merits the appellative of "the Cunning," than that of "the wise," which servile flattery has inappropri 1889.1 RAWLE'S LECTURE ON COMMERCE. ately bestowed upon him. Unchilled, however, by what would have frozen the spirits of inferior men, the great mind of Columbus never quailed; and he abated not one tittle of the lofty demands, both of honour and profit, which he originally proposed as the reward of the discoveries he should make. At length, in the noble minded and generous Isabella of Castile, he found a protectress and a friend. Her exalted mind, which soared far above the lowly flight of her crafty consort, embraced his splendid views, and by her assistance, a little fleet was put to sea, which was destined to disembark on shores never before pressed by the foot of civilized man, the most towering spirit of the age. His return, crowned with success from the western world, exhibited a striking contrast to his departure. Seated on their throne, and arrayed in the robes of royalty, the king and queen of Spain received him with honours due to a sovereign prince; and the haughty Ferdinand, who had looked with averted eye, and cold contempt upon the visionary adventurer who asked his aid, did not think him self degraded by rising at the approach of the successful discoverer, who came to fill, even to overflowing, the royal coffers. The discovery of the New World,poured floods of wealth into Europe; and Spain, nourished by this fountain of golden waters, rose, like a towering tree, to a height of disproportioned greatness. But industry and commerce withdrew their fostering hands,--indolence and luxury choked its roots-pride poisoned its sap, and this mighty monarch of the forest, whose wide spread branches, almost overshadowed even its loftiest neighbours, dropt its leaves, and dwindled into a withered trunk, with just enough of foliage left, to intimate the beauty of its former verdure. 11 ance of influence and power, which belongs to no other single class in society; and however personal feeling and professional pride may shrink from the truth, upon them devolves, in a degree proportionably great, the high and responsible duty of determining the standard of the taste, the pursuits, the manners and the morals of the places in which they reside. The prevailing colour will lend its tint to every object. Nor will their influence be felt only within the circle in which they immediately revolve. Its sweet or bitter waters will find their way to the land's most distant borders. The canals and rail roads, which already wind through so many portions of our country, and which the spirit of improvement will, ere long, carry into almost every district, are the arteries and veins through which the stream of commerce is driven from and brought back again, to the metropolis, the heart, to be again sent forth to nourish and sustain the body. If the heart be diseased and corrupt, the infection will poison the blood and spread through the entire system. No one who delights in the name of an American citizen can look back on the commercial history of his country, without feeling the pulse of patriotic pride beat within his bosom. Active energy, extended views, unbounded enterprise, and strict integrity, have hitherto made the character of the true American merchant the pride of his country and the admiration of the world; and the storm which has recently swept through the mercantile community, scattering and sinking the crazy barks, which, with press of sail, and destitute of ballast, tempted the perils of the ocean, has only served to prove the staunchness of the gallant and well appointed ships, "whose march was on the mountain wave, whose home was on the deep." i class, as well as the country, has a deep and abiding interest in preserving the mercantile standard, at its present elevation. The body, in a greater or less degree, is affected by disease in any of its members; and in most cases, the best cure is found, in the preservation of the general health and soundness of the system. If the difference between political and private honesty be too slight to be perceived, except by those whose vision has been rendered oblique by long exposure to an impure atmosphere, the distinction between mercantile integrity and moral rectitude is too nice to be discerned, even by a microscopic eye; and those who imagine they may turn aside from the one, without departing from the other, follow a baleful meteor, whose decep tive light will lead them to a gulf, into which, if their for tunes once fall, they sink to rise no more. But the precious metals by which Europe was enriched The disgr and ruin in which the spirit of reckless and had much less effect on her commercial prosperity, than unprincipled speculation, may have involved a few indivithe new avenues to trade which were laid open to the en-duals, ought not to reflect discredit on the class; but that terprise of her merchants; and even these lose nearly all their importance, when we reflect on the influence which commerce must exercise on the destinies of those people, whom Europe has transplanted on the shores of America. To indulge in visions of the future grandeur of a people, great even in infancy, occupying a territory stretching from the frozen regions of the north, to the torrid latitudes, and which must extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean; with every variety of production, which every variety of soil and climate can yield; with an intelligent, enterprising and rapidly increasing population, in the enjoyment of all those advantages which the accumulated wisdom of past ages and distant countries can bestow, would carry the mind forward, until it is lost in the vastness of the theme. But, while we stand on the borders of this world of wonders, and reflect on the influence which the present may have on the future, we may put up a fervent prayer to Heaven, that the lessons which history imparts, may not be read in vain by those who are to stamp their impress upon the character of their country. As the future man is shadowed forth in the dispositions, feelings, and habits of the child, and as these receive a direction to good or evil, according to the principles by which they are guided and controlled, so the features which this great country shall hereafter exhibit, will greatly depend on the manner in which they are moulded in infancy; and those in whose plastic hands the work is placed, are answerable to their country and their God for its faithful execution. The peculiar characteristics of the American mind, are energy, activity and enterprise. It not only takes fortune at the flood, but seeks to direct its tide and control its course, It pushes on directly to its object and leaps every difficulty which obstructs its progress. Qualities like these, when directed by intelligence, governed by principle and sustain. ed by sufficient capital to prevent failure from involving the ruin of innocent sufferers, give to the merchant's charac ter a force and brilliancy, which, in success, command esteem and admiration. And if the clouds of misfortune should gather round his head, he finds in the sympathy of friends and the respect of the community, (the best balm of hurt minds,) that light, which, while it relieves his present The distinctive character of the inhabitants of these darkness, gives an assurance that prosperity may again United States, is not, and never will be, strictly commer- shine around his path. Contrast the pictures-Where the cial. The immense extent of their landed possessions, the reckless speculator, without principle, without means, and varied luxuriancy of their soil, and the diversified influen- with such credit only as false appearances and a delusive ces of their climate, mark them out as an agricultural peo- exterior can secure, is driven by the mad desire of sudden ple. But with 3000 miles of coast on the Atlantic ocean, wealth, to pursue the prize he pants for, careless of conse and with innumerable ports, possessing every advantage for quences, success may sometimes gild his blemished chaforeign commerce, the great cities of the country will here-racter; and in the selfish pride of imaginary importance, after be, as they now are, the seats of commerce; and upon the reproaches of his heart may be stilled. But if disapthe character of their merchants, will principally depend pointment should check his bold career, and tumble his airthe tone of the communities in which they live. Their built castles to the ground, he reads his disgrace in every numbers, their commanding position, their wealth, their eye; and the injuries of confiding friends, and the indignaconnexion with other pursuits and professions, and their tion of an insulted community, place a load upon his conmeans of controlling to a great extent, the interest of those science (if he have one) which never can be removed. If by whom they are surrounded, give to them a preponder- he is lost, he is lost forever. He is like the tremendous |