Fixed rates of interest are absurd, because the value of money is constantly varying, being subject to the same law that regulates other articles. Everybody who notices the daily newspaper reports can see for himself that no market is more fluctuating than the money market. At one period and in one state of things money is worth twice as much as at another time and in another state of things. Unless the legislature can stay all the fluctuations of trade, it is idle to think of singling out the article of money, and insisting that that shall command a uniform price.

Other considerations enter into the contract between the borrower and lender affecting the just premium for the use of money. The rate will of course depend, in a measure, upon the security given. In proportion as that is doubtful, should the premium rise. The lender must be compensated for the risk he incurs, as well as for the use of his funds, and it is right and reasonable that he should be.

In short, the laws to which we are objecting are destitute of all sound basis. They are unreasonable, impracticable, oppressive to those whom they profess to protect, embarrass. ing to legitimate trade, and an unwarrantable restriction upon every man's freedom. For these and other reasons they ought to be abolished.

MERCANTILE LIBERALITY.

"Wouldst thou be poor, scatter to the rich, and reap the tares of ingratitude:
Wouldst thou be rich, give unto the poor-thou shalt have thine own with usury:

For the secret hand of Providence prospereth the charitable always,

Good luck shall he have in his pursuits, and his heart shall be glad within him."

Col. Maunsel White, an old and wealthy merchant of New Orleans, has made a donation to the new University of Louisiana, of fifty-six lots in the third municipality. One condition of this donation is, that the said lots shall be leased for a term of thirty years, and the rents appropriated to the establishment of a chair of commerce and statistics in the university. At the expiration of the thirty years, the leases to be renewed or sold again, and so on forever-the proceeds always to be applied in the manner above designated.

A further condition of the gift is, that the chair of commerce and statistics shall have equal position with the other chairs of the university, and shall share equally with them in any appropriation by the State for their endowment.

It is also provided that the excess of the annual income of $1,200 shall be applied to the purchase of a cominercial library, to be attached to the professorship, and to the free use of which the merchants of New Orleans shall be entitled.

Several other gentlemen of New Orleans have made donations to the new university, with various conditions attached.

These are instances worthy of admiration, and worthy, too, of imitation, by those who possess the means. Boston and New Orleans have lately given bright examples, in this regard, to their sister cities. Let those who have wherewith to give, give during their own life-times, that they may see the application, and enjoy the fruits of their munificence.-Charleston News.

MAXIMS AND MORALS FOR MERCHANTS.

1. The world estimates men by their success in life; and, by general consent, success is evidence of superiority.

2. Never, under any circumstances, assume a responsibility you can avoid consistently with your duty to yourself and others.

3. Base all your actions upon a principle of right; preserve your integrity of character, and, in doing this, never reckon the cost.

4. Remember that self-interest is more likely to warp your judgment than all other circumstances combined; therefore, look well to your duty when your interest is concerned. 5. Never make money at the expense of your reputation.

6. Be neither lavish nor niggardly: of the two, avoid the latter. A mean man is universally despised; but public favor is a stepping-stone to preferment-therefore generous feelings should be cultivated.

7. Let your expenses be such as to leave a balance in your pocket. Ready money is a friend in need.

8. Keep clear of the law; for, when you gain your case, you are generally a loser of

money.

9. Never relate your misfortunes, and never grieve over what you cannot prevent. 10. No man who owes as much as he can pay, has any moral right to endorse for another.

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-Lectures on Shakespeare. By H. N. HUDSON. 2 vols. 12mo., pp. 684. New York: Baker & Scribner.

The sixteen lectures embraced between the covers of these two comely looking volumes, are the same, we presume, that were delivered in many of our large cities and towns, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, etc., attracting at the time more than an ordinary degree of attention, being generally listened to by large and gratified audiences; and, with few exceptions, lauded by the periodical press, from the penny daily to the more dignified review and magazine. Several of these we had the pleasure of hearing delivered, and we confess that in the main we were deeply interested by the clear, natural, and forcible delineations of several of Shakespeare's leading characters. They are evidently the result, not only of a long and patient study of Shakespeare, but of every elucidator of him from the times of the poet to the present. The lectures, as Mr. Hudson himself intimates, are not so properly on Shakespeare, as on human nature, Shakespeare being the "For the peculiar excellence of the poet's works is their unequalled ability to instruct us in the things about us, and to strengthen us for the duties that lie before us. If they went above or beside the great practical views and interests of life, it would not be worth any man's study, much less to interpret them." Mr. Hudson is as original in his views of Shakespeare, perhaps more so, than many who have preceded him in the same branch of study; and although he not unfrequently reproduces the thoughts of other minds, he imparts to them a vigorous freshness of style that gives to the whole an air of originality. On the whole, we consider the present work a most valuable addition to the stock of our illustrative Shakespearian literature, and most cheerfully acknowledge our obligations to the author for the pleasure to be derived from the perusal of his admirable lectures. We predict for the publication a permanent popularity.

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2.-Eastern Life, Present and Past. By HARRIET MARTINEAU. 8vo., pp. 523. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard.

Miss Martineau left her beautiful "Ambleside," as she supposed for a few weeks, to visit some of her family and friends in Liverpool, but, on her arrival there, being invited by some friends to accompany them in their proposed travels in the East, in less than a month after our traveller and her companions were on their journey. Although the ground travelled has been often described, and a volume of eastern travels has become almost an every day occurrence, every new traveller sees something, or describes something that his predecessor had passed by unnoticed or unnoted. But few, however, possess the moral and intellectual training of a Martineau. Visiting all the points of interest in Egypt, Palestine, and Syria, she connects her descriptions of scenery with comprehensive accounts of the manners and customs of the people of those regions; and, as a Christian of large and liberal views, speaks of the various developments of the Christian and Mohammedan faith, furnishing more clear and philosophical information on this head than any recent writer. Indeed, scarcely a point of any interest to the Christian or general reader is ieft untouched, and all is of the most satisfactory character, so far, at least, as the author is concerned. On the whole, we consider it one of the most valuable, as it is the most fresh, books of eastern travel that has yet been published. Like Wilkinson, Lane, &c., it will obtain a standard character in this interesting department of literature.

3.-Voices from the Prison; a Selection of Poetry. Written within the Cell, by various Prisoners. With Biographical and Critical Notices. Edited by CHARLES SPEAR. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged by the Author. 18mo., pp. 302. Boston: Published by the Author.

The first edition of this collection of "prison" poetry was published about a year ago. This second edition may be considered almost a new book, as its dimensions have been nearly doubled; besides, it cost the author more labor and research in gathering up the additions, as they are more rare, and of course less accessible. The compiler, Mr. Spear, although in feeble health, and with very limited pecuniary means, has devoted several years of his life to the improvement of the moral, intellectual, and physical condition of prisoners, depending mainly upon the sale of his publications for the means of support while fulfilling his philanthropic mission. Those of our readers who recognize all men, however degraded their condition, as brethren, will bid our author God speed in his noble work, and aid him by purchasing one or more copies of his book. It may be had of the author, No. 40 Cornhill, Boston, or of Fowler and Wells, 131 Nassau-street, New York.

4.-The Land Owner's Manual. Containing a Summary of Statute Regulations, in New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin, concerning Land Titles, Deeds, Mortgages, Sales of Real Estate, Descents, Land Taxes, Tax Sales, Redemptions, Limitations, Exemptions, Interest of Money, and Usury. With an Appendix, containing the Constitution of the United States. By BENJAMIN F. HILL, Counsellor at Law. 8vo., pp, 477. Auburn: J. C. Derby & Co. Buffalo: Derby & Hewson.

The utility of this manual, the design of which is succinctly set forth in the title-page quoted, must be apparent to every one who has an acre of land to sell, or wishes to buy one in any of the States of the American Union. This work, which seems to have been prepared with great care, and covering, as it does, the whole subject, supplies an indispensable want not only of the legal profession generally, but of many business men having dealings in the several States which the work covers. The testimonials of leading lawyers from most of the States in the Union who have examined it, are of such a character as to leave no doubt of its accuracy and reliability.

5.-The Haunted Barque, and Other Poems. By E. CURTIS HINE. 8vo., pp. 108. Auburn J. C. Derby & Co.

Most of the poems in this volume were, as we learn from the author's modest preface, composed at sea, while he was attached to an American frigate, cruising in the Pacific Ocean, to while away the tedious hours-the monotony and ennui of a life on board a ship of war. The partiality of friends, and the author's own belief that some of the pieces possess merit, induced him to lay them before the public. Several of the poems are descriptive of places visited by the voyager, and others were naturally suggested by the circumstances of a seaman's life. The sentiments are pure, and the versification generally correct. Indeed, the pieces possess merit, though not of the highest order.

6.-Hymns for Christian Devotion, especially adapted to the Universalist Denomination. By J. G. ADAMS and E. H. CHAPIN. 18mo., pp. 642. Boston: Abel Tompkins. Great improvement has been made in these collections of sacred or devotional poetry, designed for public worship, within the last ten years. The present collection affords gratifying evidence of this statement. It is quite ample, containing, as it does, more than one thousand hymns, with few exceptions, as elevated in tone and sentiment as they are beautiful in a poetical point of view. There is one feature in the collection which must com mend it to all benevolent minds, and that is, the great number of hymns adapted to the philanthropic movements of our day. Although designed for a denomination, the compilers "intended that it should answer the demands of a liberal and progressive Christianity-a Christianity, under whatever name or pretension found, that would diffuse Christ's spirit, and do his works of truth and love among men.”

7.-The Parents' Guide for the Transmission of Derived Qualities to Offspring and Children, made Easy. By Mrs. HESTER PENDLETON. 12mo., pp. 212. New York: Fowler & Wells.

The subjects treated in this volume are of the highest moment to the physical and moral well-being of the human race, and worthy the most careful study and investigation. The theory which Mrs. P. endeavors to establish, is understood and applied in the improvement of domestic animals, as the horse, hog, sheep, etc., and it would seem that the analogy of improving our own kind, in accordance with the theory, was as capable of demonstration as any problem in Euclid. The present work, we are told, and it bears internal evidence of truthfulness, is the result of long and mature reflection, and "a well grounded induction from history, from observation, and from experience." We earnestly commend its perusal to parents, and, indeed, all who desire to become the progenitors of a noble race.

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8.-Jack Tier, or the Florida Reef. By J. FENIMORE COOPER, author of "the Pilot," "Red Rover," "Two Admirals," Wing and Wing," etc. etc. In 2 vols., 460 pages. New York: Burgess & Stringer. 1848. We have carefully perused this work of Mr. Cooper's, yet not with the delight that many of his former works inspire. There is nothing, in our search through his pages, that will reward us for our trouble; no jewel amidst the unsavoury rubbish. Had it not been for its extensive publicity, we would have pronounced it a direct counterfeit; not thinking such a work could issue from Mr. Cooper's pen. Every novel, that has a genuine excellence, must contain matter that exalts the feelings and heightens the sympathies; it must distill from its pages the purest sentiments, which, like the honeyed dew, will sweeten and animate the diversified particles of our nature. Mr. Cooper's last novel has none of these qualities.

9.-The True Organization of the New Church, as indicated in the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, and Demonstrated by Charles Fourier. 12mo., pp. 454. New York: William Radde.

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The design of this work is, to show that the doctrines of Fourier and Swedenborg har monize that their union constitutes the union of science and religion. "I have tried," says the author, "in explaining Fourier's doctrine, to place it upon the highest ground; and of Swedenborg, I have shown that the doctrine of Fourier is an application to life of Swedenborg's theories." He further attempts to show "that Fourier's doctrine is not a mere doctrine of expediency, but a law of God;" and that its realization upon this earth is especially entrusted to the members of the New Church, (Swedenborg.) They are, more than others, prepared to view Association in its divine light; for Association is the handmaid of faith." This brief summary, drawn from Dr. Hempell's introduction, will give the reader some idea of the nature of the present treatise. The most superficial observer cannot avoid noting the striking points of resemblance in the theories of the two remarkable men here referred to; and we have no hesitation in recommending this work to the notice of every inquirer after truth. This we do without necessarily accepting all the propositions, or adopting the conclusions arrived at by the chain of reasoning so satisfactory to the author's mind. It is a fact that cannot be disguised, that a great change is going on in the minds of earnest men touching many social questions, which have not as yet been satisfactorily answered. God speed every effort to advance the well-being, or elevate the condition of man on earth.

10.-Poems. By JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL. chols. 1848.

Second Series. Cambridge: George Ni

We know not why this volume should be called the second series of Mr. Lowell's poems, as it is the third or fourth volume that he has published. However, it matters not by what title the poems may be ushered into the world, we hail them with gratitude as being the true utterance of the poetic spirit of our age and country. All poetry, in all ages, is but the brightest truth, and by this standard alone should all poetry be tested. The art of poetry is but the faculty of conveying the best thoughts in the best form which they can be made to wear; according to this view of the office of poetry, Mr. Lowell must be regarded as the greatest poet that America has yet produced. Leaving out of sight all his other productions, his Prometheus, and Cromwell, and the " Year's Life," the volume before us contains enough of the brightest order of verse to warrant our opinion of this beautiful writer. We have not space for selections, but if we had, we would select, for the profit of our readers, "The Growth of the Legend," to a " Pine Tree," the "Lines on the Death of a Friend's Child," the "Changeling," and "Columbus." In truth, there is not one poem in the volume that we should feel disposed to omit; but those that we have named are so elevated in thought, so pure in feeling, and so masterly in their construction, that they would hardly fail to compel assent to our opinions of the author from all who should read them. The "Morning Glory," a very sweet and touching poem, is worthy of the other poems in the volume; but we learn from a note to the index that it is not from Mr. Lowell's pen. It is probably from the hand of the M. W. to whom many of his poems are addressed, who is now, we learn, his wife. It reveals a melancholy event which smote heavily upon the hearts of the poet and the writer of the lines.

11.-A Discourse on the Life, Character, and Public Services of James Kent, late Chancellor of the State of New York. By JOHN DUER. 8vo.

The present discourse was delivered, by request, before the Judiciary and Bar of the city and State of New York on the 12th of April, 1848. It bears the impress of the accomplished scholar, and the learned and able jurist. No one, perhaps, better understood or more highly appreciated the venerated Chancellor. That Mr. Duer has done full justice to his character as a jurist and a man, all who knew him will doubtless bear testimony. 12.-Romance of the History of Louisiana. A Series of Lectures. By CHARLES GAYARRE. Utile Dulci. 12mo., pp. 265. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

The history of Louisiana is replete with romantic interest, and in these lectures Gayarre aims to do for Louisiana, " on a small scale, what has been done for Scotland," encircling her waist with the magic zone of romance, and "giving her those letters-patent of nobility, which are recorded forever in the temple of fame." The lectures are written in a graceful and elegant style, every page and paragraph bearing the impress of the classic, finished scholar. Mr. Gayarre exhibits qualities for the historian, scarcely inferior to a Prescott or a Bancroft; and, as a lecturer on history, we should say that he surpasses either.

13.-The Writings of George Washington. Vol. XI. 8vo., pp. 578. New York: Harper & Brothers.

One volume more will complete the re-issue of this new, beautiful, and cheap edition of the Life and Writings of Washington. The present volume contains correspondence, official and private, from the beginning of his presidency to the end of his life. The life, character, and writings of Washington derive a new interest from the momentous political events daily transpiring in the old world; and his noble example of pure, disinterested patriotism is exerting an influence on the destiny of nations, that must advance philanthropic republicanism throughout the world.

14.-The Writings of George Washington, being his Correspondence, Addresses, Messages, and other Papers, Official and Private. Selected and Published from the Original Manuscripts; with a Life of the Author, Notes, and Illustrations. By JARED SPARKS. Volume XII. 8vo., pp. 592. New York: Harper & Brothers. This great American work, that is, the new, beautiful, and cheap edition of the Brothers Harper, is at length brought to a close by the publication of the twelfth volume, which embraces the fifth part, and comprises all the speeches and messages, proclamations and addresses of Washington, extending over the whole period of his administration. The twelve volumes cover about 8,000 pages, and are afforded for $1 50 per volume, or $18 for the complete work, which originally cost more than double that sum. It is a work, as we have often said, that should be in the possession of every public library, and, at the present price, in every private library that can afford it.

15.-History of the Girondists; or, Personal Memoirs of the Patriots of the French Revolution. From Unpublished Sources. By ALPHONSO DE LAMARTINE, author of "Travels in the Holy Land," etc. Vol. III., pp. 538. New York: Harper & Brothers. The third volume of this remarkable work closes the history of the Girondists. In itself deeply interesting, it derives additional interest from the third revolution of France, and the permanent position its author holds in the Provisional Government, created by the memorable events of February last. Appended to the present volume the reader will find a comprehensive, well-written memoir of the author, bringing his life down to the present time. As we have referred to the previous volumes of the work as they appeared, the mere announcement of its completion at this time may be considered as sufficient to answer all the purposes of a more extended notice.

16.-The Boy's Spring Book, descriptive of the Season, Scenery, Rural Life, and Country Amusements. By THOMAS MILLER, author of "Beauties of the Country," "Rural Sketches," etc. With thirty-five Illustrations. New York: Harper & Brothers. The "Summer," "Autumnn," and "Winter," of Mr. Miller, which preceded this fourth of the series, have been well received and universally admired; and we scarcely need add, that the present is equally interesting. It is a delightful book, replete with the gentle and varied teachings of nature in all her beneficent and beautiful forms. The four "Seasons," as illustrated in the four beautiful volumes, should be found in every family library. 17.-Laws and Practice of all Nations and Governments relating to Patents for Inventions; with Tables of Fees and Forms, etc. Compiled and Edited by JOHN L. KINGSLEY, C. E., and JOSEPH P. PIRSSON, C. E., Patent Agents, Editors, and Publishers of the "Eureka, or the National Journal of Inventions, Patents, and Science." 8vo., pp. 200. New York: Kingsley & Pirsson.

The publication of a manual like the present supplies a desideratum of no small importance to inventors, and one that cannot fail of being duly appreciated among a people remarkable for their inventive cleverness. It embraces the statistics, or laws of all nations on the subject, together with the practice and fees. The compilers, Messrs. Kingsley & Pirsson, thoroughly understand the whole subject, having been for some time engaged as agents in procuring patents, as well as in disposing of them at home and abroad, in such a way "as to secure to the inventor an adequate reward for his inventions, if useful." The introduction of the editors gives a clear explanation of the practice and proceedings used in procuring patents throughout the world. It is, we believe, the only complete and reliable work on the subject extant.

18.-The Rural Cemeteries of America. New York: R. Martin.

The fourteenth part of this beautifully illustrated work is before us. It is the seventh of the Mount Auburn series, and embraces a number of tasty designs for monumental enclosures. The letter-press descriptive illustrations are by Miss Cornelia W. Walter, the late sprightly editress of the Boston Transcript. The highly finished line engravings on steel are all drawings taken on the spot by James Smillie, Esq.