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serves our highest respect, admiration, and honor, and her beautiful example gains our warmest gratitude.

The other public work with which Sir Jamsetjee was occupied, while this causeway was being constructed, was the procuring for the city of Poona a regular supply of water. Poona, which was once the capital of the Maratta State, and is still a considerable place, is situated on a high table-land, and is exposed to frequent and long droughts, during which there was frequent suffering from want of this necessary of life. Two considerable streams unite not far from the city; but their bed lies much below the plain on which it is built, and at seasons when they are the fullest, water could be raised from them only with difficulty. It was determined to dam the streams below their point of union, so as to secure at all periods of the year a sufficient supply, and to connect the pond thus formed by suitable works with a reservoir at the city, 9,000 feet in distance from the dam, and elevated 112 feet above it. During the seven months of annual drought, the streams fill but a small portion of their channel; but "in June and July, after a heavy fall of rain, they will sometimes rise as much as from fifteen to twenty feet in hight in twenty-four hours." The difficulty of erecting a wall eighteen feet high and eight hundred and fifty feet long, strong enough to resist such a flood, may be imagined. Plans were obtained from England, and the dam was completed in 1845; "but cholera had broken out in the neighborhood, and but a few people could be got to work, so that it was nearly a month later in being finished than was expected. The river came down a fortnight sooner than was looked for-the very day the work was completed, and before the mortar had hardened sufficiently to withstand the shock-and the whole gave way. It was rebuilt, and again burst through in 1847; and it is now (1849) once more being reconstructed." This last time, we believe, the attempt has succeeded, and Poona has gained one of the greatest blessings that can be bestowed on any city, and more especially on one within the tropics. On this work Sir Jamsetjee must have expended at least 200,000 rupees.

In 1847, Sir Jamsetjee erected at Bombay a dhurmsalla, or hostelry, for the accommodation of the poor travelers, whom business or necessity brings to the city, and who, arriving in great numbers, often had no place of abode or shelter. It is a large and well-constructed building, affording accommo dation for three hundred persons. Not content with erecting it at a cost of 80,000 rupees, Sir Jamsetjee endowed it with 50,000 more for its permanent support, and to this endowment Lady Jamsetjee added a further sum of 20,000 rupees.

Our long list of charities, seeming almost fabulous from their number, their variety, and their amount, is not yet nearly at an end; but our space compels us to bring the account to a close. Not a year has passed without being marked by some act of Sir Jamsetjee's munificence. The schools at Calcutta and Bombay, the benevolent societies, the public works in all parts of the country, have all been aided by his wide-spread charity. No bigoted faith, no false feeling of nationality, no narrow standard of judgment, no contracted theory of duty, has ruled his efforts for the good of mankind— but his high and generous nature

"Grasps the whole worlds of reason, life, and sense,

In one close system of benevolence."

It was in the spring of 1850 that we had the pleasure of knowing Sir Jamsetjee at Bombay. He bears the marks of age in the whiteness of his hair, and the slight tremulousness of his hand; but his expression is quick, and his manners kind and genial, for his heart is warm, and his mind as clear as ever. He lives surrounded with all that should accompany old age -honored by his people, loved by his family and friends, and with the delightful consciousness of the success of his efforts to alleviate misery, and to increase happiness. He has acquired the glory which is best worth having -the glory of good deeds. "Quid enim est melius, aut quid prestantius,

bonitate et beneficentia ?"

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We know of no parallel in the records of biography to the benevolence of this Parsee merchant. The lavish spendings of Herodes Atticus, though greater perhaps in amount, are of little value when compared in character with those of this man. One of the great rewards of such wise liberality is, that its example may stimulate other men to similar excellence. We are accustomed to speak proudly of the generosity and the charities throughout our country. But we have little reason to be proud in this respect. Our pride has arisen from our taking a false standard of comparison. We have compared what we have done with what other nations have omitted to do. We have forgotten that we are the most prosperous community that the world ever saw, and that we should be more blameworthy than any other people were we less liberal. While the laws which regulate the acquisition and the possession of property are so ill understood as they at present are all the world over, benevolence is not simply a duty-it is a necessity. More than anywhere else, it is a necessity in a republic like ours. Benevolence is dictated by the most refined selfishness, as well as by virtue. We have learned that expensive schools are the cheapest institution of the State; we have yet to learn that the prevention of pauperism, at any cost, is cheaper than the care of it when it exists; we have yet to learn that the truest pleasure which wealth can afford is in spending it so as to promote the happiness of others. Nor ought our rich men only to be called on to be benevolent. The portion of our community which is too poor to be charitable is very small. The duty is the same to every man, to give to others according to Let every one in his own way devote a portion of his possessions, it matters not whether it be his labor, his money, or his thoughts, to the good of others. Whatever he does for their happiness will return in tenfold happiness to himself, for benevolence is the most divine of virtues.

his means.

Art. V.-TRADE AND COMMERCE OF MOBILE, 1851–52.

Ir is well known to our readers that for several years past we have transferred to the pages of the Merchants' Magazine and Commercial Review the annual statements of the Trade and Commerce of New Orleans, Cincinnati, St. Louis, &c., as furnished to our hands by the Price Currents of the two former cities, and the Missouri Republican of St. Louis. The Mobile Journal of Commerce, Letter-Sheet Price Current, publishes annually a similar, but less elaborate review of the business of that port, which we purpose to

republish from year to year. In the present number we have embodied in

the review of the Price Current the statistical statements of the business of the port (which usually accompanies the review) for several years past.* REVIEW OF THE BUSINESS OF THE COMMERCIAL YEAR, ENDING AUGUST 31ST, 1852, WITH TABULAR STATEMENTS OF THE TRADE AND COMMERCE Of mobile. The operations of the great staple of Alabama have been on a very large scale. Prices have advanced as steadily as they declined in 1851, and notwithstanding the increase of the crop, the whole, together with a portion of the stock on hand at the opening of the year, has been taken from the market. The Bigbee and the Warrior rivers were very low up to a late date in the year, preventing full receipts and greatly incommoding many of our cotton dealers as well as others, relying upon this portion of the interior for the great bulk of their patronage. The freshet, late in December, however, brought in the planters as well as merchants from that region, and lost time was well made up in obtaining supplies. Our city has been making rapid strides in wealth, population, and prosperity. Almost every old branch of industry appears to have received a stimulant, and goes on with increased activity, while new ones are being daily introduced in our midst. Real estate has advanced largely in all portions of the city, and in some instances rents have improved upwards of 50 per cent. Several new buildings are already completed and ready for their occupants, othersamong them the Battle House-are in a state of forwardness, and will be ready by the first of November; while many others have received additions and have been otherwise altered to suit the purposes of business men. The great work of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad is progressing rapidly; the cars for the past three or four months have been making daily trips to Citronelle-the thirty-three mile station-and we hope before the close of the present year to be able to announce the rails laid a considerable distance through Mississippi, as much has already been done towards finishing the road-bed through that State and Ten-. nessee. The large increase in the amount of business done generally in this city, more particulary that by the rivers, has brought steamboat men to work again, and we understand no less than seven or eight new boats are building in the West, one or two at the North, and one at Meaher's Mills, in our immediate vicinity, for the trade of the coming season, in addition to the number employed last season, to ply these rivers, and the lakes between Mobile and New Orleans. Another important branch of business that we take pleasure in recording, is the commencement of a regular line of steam-packets to run between Mobile and New York, touching at Havana and Key-West, going and returning. The first vessel arrived a month or two ago, the second, a new vessel, called the Black Warrior, is looked for daily, and the the third is now on the stocks in New York. On the 25th and 26th of August-near the close of the commercial year-we were visited by one of the severest and disastrous storms ever known, even to the oldest inhabitant. The waters of the river and bay were blown up to the city, completely flooding the entire of Front, Commerce, and Water streets, and a considerable portion above, causing an immense destruction of property. Nothing being covered by insurance, the whole loss falls upon the owners of property. The confusion attendant upon clearing up rendered it impossible to obtain an accurate account of the stock of groceries at present on hand.

COTTON. We have alluded above to the general features that characterized business in Mobile for the year just closed, so we will now proceed and give a detailed review of the transactions in the staple. At the opening of the year the stock on hand was large, amounting to 27,797 bales, which, added to what was no doubt held over by planters and others in the cotton-growing regions, would have summed up, at the least calculation, 100,000 bales; and some think

* Statistical tables of the Trade and Commerce of Mobile, for previous years, will be found in the volumes of this Magazine from its commencement in 1839.

even 200,000 bales. Prices have gone up steadily from 8 to 9 cents for middlings, the latter being the figure now quoted, and at times, in the months of June, July, and August, 93 cents were given, while in November they were down to 64 cents. The total receipts at this port, including 21,760 bales received at New Orleans direct from Montgomery, are 549,772 bales, against 451,697 bales last year. The amount exported reaches 575,104 bales, exceeding the exports of last year 138,728 bales; and the stock on hand at this port, not cleared, 2,319 bales. The stock held over in the country this season is said to be light. The crop of the United States will be about 3,018,000 bales; that of last year was 2,355,257 bales.

Of the receipts at this port, 24 bales are of the new crop, 14 from the Bigbee, and 10 from the Alabama River, against 401, received at this date last year.

At the opening of the month of September the market was reported quiet, but firm at 8 cents for middlings. Three steamers arrived from Europe during the first week, the first reporting no decided advance, but full and firm prices, and the others, an improvement of and d. in quotations at Liverpool. Buyers became and continued anxious to operate, and were restricted in their transactions by the lightness of the stock, together with unfavorable accounts from the growing crop, accompanied by positive instructions to factors not to sell. Total business of the month, about 3,800 bales-prices at the close 84 cents for middlings. Total receipts 3,525, and exports, 2,775 bales; against 4,700 bales sales, 5,316 receipts, 21,617 exports, and closing 123 cents for middlings same month last year.

October came in on a dull market. The low stage of our rivers, the very light stock on sale, and the relatively high prices asked for that which was offered during the first two weeks, all combined to trammel business. The week following, and the last week, prices drooped rapidly, and holders evinced more disposition to dispose of their stocks than heretofore, and the total sales summed up 9,700 bales. Middlings, 63 a 7 cents. Receipts 4,827, and exports 12,429 bales. Sales same time last year 13,209 bales, receipts 12,724 bales, and exports 7,641. Middlings, 13 a 134 cents.

During the first three weeks of November, no less than six foreign steamers arrived each bringing a decline in the European market of a 4d. The effect produced by these accounts was but slight. There existed a moderate demand to be supplied by a small stock, and prices were maintained until the arrival of more favorable accounts from abroad. Quotations were very regular throughout the whole of the month, and closed at 74 cents in favor of buyers. Sales, 27,100 bales; receipts, 31,395, and exports, 12,870. Last year, sales, 21,600 bales; receipts, 23,363, and exports, 11,077-middlings closing 13 cents.

The month following, the market opened without animation, and prices slightly giving way, more business was done. Later, however, continued telegraphic accounts of improvements in the Liverpool market being received, a better feeling immediately sprung up, and factors' and brokers' views meeting on the advance, the sales of December were run up to 53,000 bales, middlings closing quietly, but firmly, at 7 cents--and a cents lower than quotations a week previous. Receipts 59,138 bales, and exports 37,937. In December, last year 45,400 bales were sold, 97,602 received, 30,833 exported-month closing with middlings at 12 cents.

About the first of the month of January, the rivers having recently become open, the staple came into the market with more freedom, but no reduction in prices followed. Accounts from Europe were, upon the whole, rather favorable. A decline was at one time reported, and on the 3d we quoted middlings 64 a 63; from this, however, our market soon rallied and closed quiet, but firm, at 7 cents for middlings. For the month, the sales were 105,500 bales; receipts, 141,310, and exports 79,057. Last year, same time, sales were 55,300 bales, receipts 97,602, and exports 30,833-middlings 12 cents.

In February, as in the preceding month, the steamer's accounts were generally favorable. At one time prices were up as high as 7, inside for middlings. The

receipts, however, being full, demand somewhat slackened, and prices, at the close of the month in Liverpool, a shade lower, our market settled down at 74 a 74 for middlings. Monthly sales 97,000 bales, receipts 106,176, and exports 95,855. For the corresponding month in 1851, the sales were 63,000 bales, receipts 88,859, and exports 53,229-middlings being then quoted at

10 cents.

March opened with a general demand, at 72 cents for middlings. Holders, notwithstanding the market was easier, were unwilling to make concessions in prices. Additional animation was imparted to business by the arrival of two successive steamers from Liverpool, each announcing an advance in the market; but factors were not then so disposed to make sales, and held out, hoping for a further advance, (which was not received,) thus restricting sales considerably. We report sales for the month 93,000 bales, receipts 92,927, and exports 98,632 -prices very irregular, middlings closing at 7 cents. March, 1851, sales 43,000 bales, receipts 23,608, and exports 55,560-month going on with middlings 10 cents.

Letters by the Pacific, allowing buyers large limits, were received during the early part of the first week and taken advantage of, so that sales were then made at an improvement. Subsequently, accounts came in not so favorable, and there was a little fluctuation in prices, buyers taking what was offered at the current rates, and making the total sales of April 65,100 bales; middlings closing nearly as they opened-7 a 7 cents. Receipts and exports 61,629 and 81,447 bales, against 40,100 bales, sales 17,751 receipts, and 40,901 bales, exports for the same month last year-middlings 10 cents.

Until late in May the demand was best for the higher qualities, and had there been more stock on sale, the business would have far exceeded what we now report. From the start, prices went up rapidly, and the rise extended beyond the limits of this month. Middlings opened at 74 cents and closed at 9 cents. The sales were 65,600 bales, receipts 18,382, and exports 76,800. For the corresponding time in 1851, sales 48,900 bales, receipts 17,771, and exports 40,901middlings closing 8 cents.

On the first of June the stock of the staple had become so reduced as to render large transactions entirely out of the question, and very little effect was produced by the steamer's accounts, either favorable or to the contrary. The month opened with middlings 9 a 9 and closed at 94. Nine and three-quarter cents was the highest point attained by this class of cotton, and that only for a few days. Transactions of the month limited to 9,750 bales, receipts 3,218, and exports 39,189. Last year, same time, the sales were 29,600 bales, receipts 5,228, and exports 28,833--middlings 8 cents at the close.

July was an unparalleledly dull month. Accounts from Europe, by steamers, were generally unfavorable, but a low stock and light demand kept prices nearly at the old figure. During the first week, however, our quotations were reduced a shade, on account of intelligence of the unsettled state of business in Liverpool. Sales reached 5,100 bales, receipts 1,825, and exports 8,169-middlings nominal at 9 cents. Same time last year, sales 24,000 bales, receipts 4,703, and exports 28,833-middling closing 74 cents.

For dullness, the month of August surpassed anything we had previous. From beginning to end the transactions were on the lightest scale, the total amount of sales scarce reaching 3,500 bales-month ending with middlings at 94 cents. Receipts 1,041 bales, exports 3,012 bales. In August, 1851, there were sales 5,900 bales, receipts 571, and exports 1,964--middlings 8 cents.

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