The

taken place as a mere piece of fun. He declared that the marriage was real, and not a fiction, and in proof thereof called the person who had performed the ceremony, who asserted that he was a lawyer and was perfectly competent to legalise such an event. young woman, finding that the case was assuming a serious aspect, began to cry bitterly, and implored that what had taken place should only be regarded as a jest. Her admirer, however, was in earnest, and as there appeared to be no way of escape, she accompanied him home and became his wife. Her parents turned their backs upon her; the marriage was an unhappy one, and after she had given birth to two children her husband deserted her. She endured much privation and suffering, but ultimately, on her parents learning the true state of the case from the representations of a person who was present at the marriage, they relented and received her back to their home and affections. In America marriages may be solemnised without reference to time or place, and in some of the States, ministers of religion, lawyers, magistrates, and other officials can legally marry persons. Divorces are much more frequent here than in England, for a woman can easily obtain a divorce if she can prove that her husband has been guilty of adultery, desertion, habitual drunkenness, cruelty, or has been confined in a State prison. Subsequently, on my return to England, after having accomplished my "American Tour," I found that the first tune which was sung at the "Surprise Party" had become the most popular tune in England. Persons were almost constantly whistling it in the streets, bands of music were playing it on festive occasions, and wherever I went I heard the same tune constantly reminding me of the "Surprise Party," and bringing before me pleasing reminiscences of friends and scenes which excited the most pleasurable reflections.

Sept. 29.-The weather is still very hot, and the high roads very dusty. On inquiry, I find that the roads here are never scraped, nor are they ever repaired, except that occasionally when they become unlevel, an ox is attached to a kind of plough, which cuts down the ridges, and fills up the hollows in the roads, which is a very inexpensive method of repair.

Sept. 30.-Attended service at the Jewish synagogue. It appeared to be numerously and respectably attended, but as the service continues without a moment's intermission from morning till night, persons were constantly arriving and departing throughout the day. Went into Fair Haven, a place

which appears to be supported almost exclusively by the oyster trade. There is no place in the United States where oysters are finer and more abundant. Some have become wealthy men who have engaged in the oyster trade, for they send off large quantities to different parts of the country. They do not pack the bivalves in their shells as is usual in Europe, but they are all opened, cleaned, placed in kegs, some water poured upon them, and then sent off. It is said that all the water is gone when the kegs come to be opened. Perhaps the oysters drink the water while yet alive, or it becomes absorbed in some other way. Oyster opening is quite a trade here, and is chiefly performed by women. I entered one establishment, and found nearly a dozen women so employed, and on making inquiries as to the amount of earnings, I was told that the wages varied, in consequence of working by the piece, but they could each earn from six shillings to eight shillings per day. It appeared a very comfortless sort of business, but there are thousands of persons in England who would be glad to have such a business if they could be as well paid for their work.

Sunday, Oct. 1.-Went to the Universalist Church, and heard the Rev. Moses Ballow preach, the text being 10th chapter of St. Matthew, v. xxxii., "Whosoever, therefore, shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." The minister held that there were more real Christians out of the Church than in it, yet he nevertheless considered it the duty of religious people to become connected with the church. He believed that there were many who embraced the religious views held by the Universalists who had not the moral courage to make a profession of their faith before the world. At the conclusion of the service the sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered, and an invitation was given for all professing Christians present, by whatever name they might be distinguished, to take part in the service. In the evening I attended service at a church where a coloured person preached. His text was, 1 Cor., chap. 1, v. xxvi., "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called." I have often heard local preachers who have not delivered so good a sermon as the negro who officiated. When

he had concluded his discourse another negro took his place, and with stentorian lungs, he addressed the people with such uncommon energy that if he had not been black in the face when he commenced his

discourse he would have been black in the face before he had finished. He strongly condemned the prevailing opinion that the black race was not equal to the white, but it was with him a matter of great indifference as to what opinion people might hold about the negroes, for

God's purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour.

If he had Christ in his possession the white people might have all the world besides; but he would, nevertheless, caution the white people that they must mind how they trod upon the black man, for God would fight for him. Four years ago the great battles commenced, because the white people would not give the black people their liberty, and if they did not take care there would have to be another battle yet. Some white people said that if the coloured people behaved themselves something would be done for them, but he was of opinion that the coloured people had not half the devilment in them which the white people had. He considered himself quite as good as anybody else, and quite equal to any of the royal family. He contended that the blacks ought to have the suffrage as well as the whites, and his remarks were received by the bulk of the audience with every mark of approbation. After he had almost exhausted himself by the rapidity of his utterances, others took part in the service, and they all joined in singing, with great earnestness of manner, Don't be lingering on the shore,

But walk up straight to Heaven's door. The church was much crowded, so much so that when I entered I thought I should not be able to find a seat in the body, and I therefore entered the gallery ; but no sooner had I reached the top of the stairs than a big negro, with a knob stick in his hand, informed me that I could not be permitted to remain there, as the gallery was not intended for white people. I then pushed my way as well as I could towards the centre of the body of the church, when another big negro (also armed with a knob stick) directed me across the aisle, and having instructed another negro (also armed with a knob stick) to conduct me to a seat, I was at length comfortably fixed where I had a good opportunity of hearing and seeing all that took place. The sight of the knob sticks in a place of worship produced in my mind an unpleasant feeling, but it was explained to me that the white people had been accustomed to go there for the purpose of laughing and making fun of the service, and this caused the negroes to select a number of men to act as sentinels and put a stop to any rude be

was more impressed with the singing than I was with the preaching, for there was a peculiarity about it which I had never observed before. There was a trill at the end of each word, and especially at the end of each line, which was particularly musical, and there was such a soothing softness mingling with it which rendered it truly delightful. People may say what they will about nigger minstrels, but it is evident to me that there is naturally in the negro a fine development of musical taste. The service was extended by means of singing and exhortation for several hours, and continued to increase in animation until, at length, two young women commenced dancing and jumping in such an extraordinary manner on that side of the gallery to which I had previously repaired, that all eyes were directed towards them. Nevertheless, the singing went on as before, and the jumping was so mechanical that it harmonised with the tune, and, altogether, there followed a scene of excitement such as 1 have seldom witnessed. There was nothing in the service which appeared to me calculated to awaken such passionate ardour, and while I contemplated the scene I thought there might be something in the natural temperament of these children of the sun which would account for the strange manner in which they conducted the worship of the Almighty. There was no rousing and impassioned eloquence; no touching representtations of the awful terrors of the day of doom; nothing, in fact, but the singing of the songs of the spiritual Canaan, yet these appeared to be sufficient to throw them into the most violent gesticulations, while with rapturous exultation they called out, "Blessed Jesus, we will come to thee.' The jumping continued until, apparently from sheer exhaustion, the women fell upon the floor and remained for some time as if in a state of unconsciousness. The audience paid no attention to what had happened, but went on singing, with great enthusiasm, "We won't go back to Egypt," while their countenances beamed with rapturous pleasure. I left the church with a deep impression that a higher religious culture would soften their heart-felt emotions, and lead to a calmer and more reverential service of God.

Oct. 2.-This was the day appointed for the vote of the citizens of Connecticut to be taken, which would decide whether the State Constitutional Amendment should be passed, which would confer on negroes the right of suffrage. I conversed with a number of the voters, and found that the Democrats gener

but

ally voted no, and the Republicans yes, many of the latter declined voting at all. I went to the poll-booth for the ward in which I lived, and everything was conducted in the most orderly manner. On the voter coming near to the polling-place, he would be certain to meet a person having voting papers, on which was printed the word "No," and there would be another person distributing papers, on which were printed the word "Yes," and the voter usually took one of each. On entering the booth he gave his name and address, and the officials having certified that he was duly qualified to vote, he presented his ticket to the person in attendance at the ballot box, whose duty it was not to look whether the vote was yes or no, but simply to satisfy himself by feeling at it that there was only one ticket, and having done so, he then put it through an aperture in the lid of the box, and when the time arrived for the voting to cease, the tickets were counted for each side, and a true declaration made. There was no excitement whatever, and not the least obstruction in the way of voters, for every man could vote as he liked without being questioned upon it. An Irishman came near to the booth, and was presented with a ticket, but, as he was not able to read, he went up to a negro who was standing near, and asked him to read it for him, which he did. The ticket said "No," and the black man advised him to take a ticket which said "Yes," but whether he did so or not I cannot say. I went to the State House to see if the polling was being carried on in a more spirited manner there, but I found it as quiet as it was in the other district, for the voters kept coming to vote and walking away in as orderly and quiet a way as possible. The vote by ballot is evidently very popular here, for I conversed with persons belonging to different political parties, but they were all satisfied with the operation of the ballot. I was very wishful that the majority of votes should be given on the side of " Yes," for I have no doubt that the coloured people will be invested with the right to vote ultimately, and to deprive them of the right now will only lead to an agitation of a vexed question which never can be set at rest until the right be conceded. Although in this state there is no aristocracy of birth, nor of wealth, there is evidently an aristocracy of colour, for many of the workingmen in this locality are afraid of the negroes being placed on an equality with themselves. Yet it will be difficult to avoid this, for the negroes are making efforts to improve their position by becoming educated, and some of them have succeeded in

acquiring property. When I attended the negro church I only saw one person who was not well dressed, much better dressed than the factory operatives of Lancashire. Some of them had gold watches and guards, and gold rings on their fingers. The Irish population is more opposed to the negro than any other, and probably the reason is that negro labour more frequently comes in competition with their own, than is the case with the English. The vote in New Haven was carried against giving the suffrage to men of colour, there being a majority of 841 who voted "" No," and in the entire State of Connecticut there was a majority of over 6,000. I don't think there were any organised efforts in favour of the suffrage in this state, for there were no public meetings, nor were there any posting bills issued, The Democrats had large bills extensively posted, urging the people to vote "No."

Oct. 3.-Visited the largest clock manufactory in the world. During the last year no fewer than 170,000 clocks were turned out at this establishment. Everything is here done on the principle of division of labour, each clock passing through many hands. Here every wheel and everything connected with a clock is manufactured on the premises, with the exception of the verge.

Oct. 4.-Visited the largest carriage manufactory in the world. The activity and genius of the American people are not more developed in any branch of business than they are in the construction of carriages, and it is said that from this one establishment 5,000 carriages are yearly sent off to distant places. Machinery is adapted to almost every department of the work, and it is said to be accomplished with more exactness than could possibly be the case by hand labour. The work is also so divided and subdivided that each workman devotes his whole time and capacity to doing a single thing, so that every man in his own particular branch attains the very highest degree of perfection. The work proceeds constantly from hand to hand, so that every hour of the day a splendid carriage is turned out fit for a prince to ride in. I was much interested in observing the manner in which a carriage is packed when it has to be sent abroad. The utmost economy of space is combined with excellent precautions to guard against dangerous contingencies. These carriages are sent to all parts of the United States, to Mexico, the West Indies, and to Central and South America. The floor space occupied at this establishment alone is over 85,000 square feet, the space having been increased more than

rently the whole city could be seen, and I thought I never saw such a beautiful city before. The ships in the harbour, the lighthouse, a distant sea view, and other objects, could all be seen with the naked eye. When the children were dismissed, they retired in the most orderly manner, without manifesting either boisterous mirth or rude behaviour. Such perfection of school training I had never witnessed before, and nothing which I had seen in America had interested me so much. There had, doubtless, been very strict discipline exercised to bring the scholars under such easy command, but when once effected, discipline could easily be maintained. In one of the schools of the city since I came here a case has occurred most painful to one of the teachers. A youth became very ungovernable, and refused to submit to the discipline of the school. The teacher acted in a very decided manner, and was determined to compel obedience. The chastisement inflicted was probably severe, the youth having bled profusely, but the teacher succeeded in the accomplishment of his object, his stubborn pupil having yielded obedience to his command. The parents of the youth believing that the punishment inflicted was greater than the circumstances of the case required, entered an action against the teacher, but after a full investigation, the magistracy dismissed the case, and I was told that every case which had previously been brought before the justices of a similar character, had been disposed of in a similar manner. If the teacher had been guilty of wilful cruelty, he would have deserved severe punishment, but when the chastisement was only just sufficient to secure obedience, the magistrates acted wisely in maintaining the dignity of the teacher's position; for had they acted otherwise the teacher's prospects of future usefulness would have been destroyed, and the discipline of the school enfeebled

The system of public instruction in the United States is a great national blessing, and will prove one of the grandest levers in the elevation of the people, morally and intellectually, which has ever been brought into action. There is no sectarian teaching of religion, nor is there anything of a sectarian character in the books of instruction, and this is a very valuable feature; for when all the people have to con ribute to the support of the schools, nothing should be taught to which any persons can entertain a conscientious objection. It is true there are persons who do raise objections, notwithstanding the correctness of the principle acted upon. The Catholics in this city have erected schools of

c

their own-which they have a perfect right to do, providing they do not require others to assist in maintaining them. They have expressed a willingness to give up their schools ard send their children to the public schools, providing other books might be introduced This proposal does not meet with public approbation, and it has originated quite a struggle amongst the people; for the Catholics have been wishful to elect persons on the educational board who are favourable to the change proposed. This week the election has taken place, and there was quite a party movement, the Catholics being defeated. It is a great pity that religious dissention should be permitted to interfere with an institution designed for the public good, and it is to be regretted that the Catholics as a body are by such a contest excluded from taking part in the management of the schools, yet it would be a far greater evil to permit them to introduce changes in the schools such as others would conscientiously object to. As the present plan is based upon the principle of treating all denominations alike, it has my warmest sympathy, and I hope the people will jealously guard against any innovation which would be calculated to impair what appears to be a very efficient system of instruction.

Oct. 6.—Had a pleasant country walk. It is somewhat strange to see the carts drawn by oxen, the drivers seated in the front portion of the vehicles guiding the aminals by means of long whips. On one occasion I saw two oxen in the shafts, and there was also a horse yoked as a leader of the team. I did not like the appearance, for it seemed as if the horse wished to walk faster than the oxen.

Oct 7-During a country walk was much, amused to witness the playfulness of squirrels, which are here very numerous. On the college green there are many large squirrels which have taken up their permanent abode in the large beautiful elms, and they are so tame that when a person goes under the shade of a tree holding out nuts they will jump down upon his shoulders and eat the nuts from his hand. These tame squirrel are highly respected bythe citizens, and there are boxes placed in the trees containing corn and nuts from which they feed themselves. Troughs are also placed at the foot of the trees containing water for their use. The expense of provisioning the squirrels is borne by the citizens at large, who are so pleased with their antics that they do not grumble about the cost.

Oct. 8, Sunday.-Went to Wooster Place Baptist Church, and heard Dr. Judd deliver