"April 13th, 1861," is now taken notice of in our Almanacs, as a day henceforth to he remembered, as that upon which Fort Sumter was bombarded, and the American war commenced.

It is now, instead of "thirty days," nearly four years since this awful calamity fell upon that great portion of the Western Continent, previously known as the "United States." We should like to see on the "13th of April," 1865, a permanent separation between the North and South, and a cessation of hostilities. We fear, however, this apparently very desirable state of things, will not, at such an early date, be altogether realized. Mr Lincoln, it seems, is to preside over the Federal government four years more; and, we suppose the bare fact of his being re-elected, as it is termed-although the Southern States, of course, have had neither part nor lot in that matter-will be regarded by many as a proof positive that his administration and policy have received the national sanction. Militating against our wishes, then, we see staring us in the face, as visible as was the handwriting on the wall of the palace of Belshazzar, that "the Federal Union shall never be permanently dissolved, until not only the armies of devoted soldiers sent into the field by Jefferson Davis, but also the whole people of the South, master and servant, white and black, shall be 'wiped' out of creation!" This is a sad alternative. Can we believe that all those who voted that Abraham Lincoln should continue his war policy, were fully aware of the awful responsibility of their actions? Let us be more charitable towards them, and reflect a little; for even universal suffrage may not always secure a perfect expression of the public mind.

It is, in our opinion, more than probable that for every popular and independent vote that was dropped into the ballot-box, there may have been one dropped in from considerations widely differing from a sanctioning of that exterminating policy, so recklessly carried out by the Lincoln government. The direct disposal of many millions of dollars a year, it is fair to assume (considering the frailty of poor human nature), exerted a powerful influence upon those connected with the Federal government, from the highest official to the humblest dependent. We will charitably suppose that the public mind has not been fairly represented by the result of the late election; through the imperfection of the electioneering machinery, and the obvious

G

pressure which would be put upon the by-no-means-immaculate representative system of the Northern States.

We have no doubt, too, that many voted for Mr. Lincoln, urged on by the government Press, which, prior to the contest, put forth its strongest efforts to induce men to do so, whilst in a state of alarm, between hope and fear; under the influence of hope, because they were told the rebellion was just on the point of being crushed out; that Mr. Lincoln had, at length, got his foot firmly upon the neck of the postrate Confederacy, and that the life would soon be squeezed out of it under the influence of fear, because they were warned against voting for a change of administration, lest the war, which was devastating their homes, should be prolonged to an indefinite period; and lest the enemy, taking advantage of the change,-which he would construe into a weakness to cope with him-should become more defiant, and more powerful for mischief than ever. We say, between hope and fear, we believe many a vote was given in favour of the retention of a government, whose views and aims the voter, since the election, has seen cause to hate with all his heart and soul.

That a majority was polled in favour of Abraham Lincoln we cannot pretend to deny; but we will never believe that all who voted for him, gave their deliberate assent and consent to wipe out of existence hundreds of thousands of their fellow-men! Oh! for a policy of recognition-the North of the South-in preference to an endless war! This policy, however, has never entered into their councils since the war began; it has never been a distinct issue in any election; or, we believe there would be found a very considerable number of men in the North, who are longing for an equitable adjustment of the differences, that would give their adhesion to it.

We also believe that able leaders would soon be forthcoming, if a strong and powerful element, aiming at a just pacification, were to come out from the masses, with a determination to make itself felt in the exigences of the times. We should like to see a popular expression of the public mind, in the Northern States, on the question of recognition, and not that hateful ferocity of dealing with the faithful adherents of President Davis, which must ultimately lead to certain exhaustion, and possible extermination. The Southern States have endeavoured most heroically to free themselves from the fetters of tyranny and the "screw," and we should like to see their efforts crowned with success.

STITCH-STITCH-STITCH!

We should like to see introduced into Parliament, during the next Session, a Bill that should have for its object the "amelioration of the condition of poor seamstresses '-a Bill that would limit the hours of their labour to ten or twelve at the most. It is no use trusting to employers; the records of the police-courts afford us ample proof that, in many cases, the more prosperous the employer the more cruel and exacting he is towards those whom he employs.

Lately, a Lady, using for her signature "Of the West end," publicly came forward-to her honour be it spoken-in anticipation of the season, and endeavoured to say a word in behalf of those unfortunate young women, who appear doomed to drag out a miserable existence, on a mere pittance, whilst they work sixteen or seventeen hours out of the twenty-four, for those who breathe a very different atmosphere from themselves, and who neither care for the woes nor the wants, the sufferings nor the sorrows of those to whom they are, in a great measure, indebted for the splendour in which

they are attired. But without the interference of the legislature, we have not the slightest hope that any particular change will be brought about. Ladies may write, and Poets may embody their wishes in beautiful and affecting language, having the same good end in view, but it will all be to no purpose, until a law shall be passed in favour of poor needle-women, with very severe penalties attached to the violation of it.

The "paying of bills promptly, by ladies of fashion," is a good suggestion, but, though it would benefit employers, in a most positive and direct manner, we fear it would rather have a negative tendency as it regards the employed. The rule seems to be, in nine cases out of ten, to have the marimum amount of work done for the minimum amount of pay, and to keep the poor creatures to it incessantly, or nearly so, in order to increase the profits! A short time ago we saw it stated: "The ordinary working hours in some Millinery and Dressmaking Establishments are, from January to June, from six to twelve, and before a drawing room, till four the following morning! Many of the older hands rarely obtaining more than three or four nights' sleep in the week!" This is very sad It knocks at the doors of our hearts for compassion, and for aid, if possible. Let us not fear to speak of these stubborn, ugly, and disgraceful facts, and let us hope that ere long we shall see our wishes realized. We would recommend to all the oppressors of these dreary drudges in their "dog holes" the following verses from Thomas Hood, who " Song of the Shirt."

"Work-Work-Work!
My labour never flags;
And what are its wages?

A bed of straw,
A crust of bread-and rags.
That shatter'd roof-and this naked floor-
A table-a broken chair-

And a wall so blank, my shadow I thank
For sometimes falling there!
January, 1865.

Oh! but for one short hour!

sang the

A respite however brief!
No blessed leisure for Love or Hope,
But only time for Grief!

A little weeping would ease my heart,
But in their briny bed

My tears must stop, for every drop
Hinders needle and thread!"

LEO MYRON.

(Continued from page 128.)

Leo lay still during this conversation, trembling at first with fear, lest Mr. Eastman should discover him. When it turned, however, on private affairs, he considered it would be more honourable to shew himself-let the consequences be what they may, and he was about to do so, when he heard his own name mentioned. Curiosity detained him, he could not stir; the desire to hear what next would be said about himself; and it certainly (he thought) concerned him to become aware of the real position he occupied in other persons' estimation. These considerations fixed him to the spot. "They might have doubts of my honesty, my prudence, or twenty other things," thought he, "more or less injurious to my character; I am certainly justified in remaining where I am" "I bought a most beautiful turbot this morning," at length, said Mrs. Eastman, "and I have looked at the cookery book to see the nicest way for it to be cooked; but I cannot decide, they all seem equally delicious. Will you dear, just come with me into the parlour, and decide on which you should prefer?"

"Yes love! you go now, and I will be with you in one minute." Mrs. Eastman immediately left the shop, and her husband rang the bell, which on Tom's answering he was desired to remain there; and Mr. Eastman then followed his wife. He was no sooner gone, than Leo instantly darted out from his place of concealment, and said, "All right Tom! they don't know I was there, I shall never forget your kindness: I was dreadfully fearful I should be discovered " "So was 1," returned Tom, "and if they had found you, I should certainly have been sacked for telling a lie I'm thankful it has turned out so well as it has" Leo hastily put his hand into his pocket, drew forth a shilling, gave it to Tom, and hurried away to the back premises, where his master supposed him to have been at work.

Mrs Eastman in less than a week, kept close to her room, and before a fortnight had elapsed she was confined of a son. Leo, in honour of the occasion, it being the first-born, was treated with a glass of hot gin and water, which owing to the fatherly care of Mr. Eastman, who was so obliging as to brew it for him, did not produce the least exciting effect upon his nerves, as it was not too strong of gin

When the child was about six weeks old, it was christened at the Parish Church. Mr. Mark Abram at the request of the happy mother, and a Mr. Mythe, a highly respectable solicitor accepted the responsibility of godfathers, while a rich old lady was flattered into becoming a godmother.

A few days after the christening, the new apprentice, Manchap, arrived. He was a short, thickset youth, with dark complexion, and of grave physiognomy. Leo found him on making the first advances towards a friendship, most agreeable and good tempered; which latter opinion he never had occasion to alter. A sympathy of feeling soon sprang up between them, from the circumstance of their living in the same house, and being subject to the same treatment; and the tie which thus connected them received but few strains. Leo now became closely observant of the actions both of Mr. and Mrs. Eastman. This worthy couple dined alone three or four times a week, and, at first, when they commenced the practice, Leo had the curiosity to enquire of the cook, what they had had for dinner: sometimes it was a cut of salmon, a woodcock, or partridges, and a variety of other savory dishes, while he and Manchap were feasted on hashed mutton, or Irish stew, made after the most approved receipt, and containing all the proper ingredients. Mr. Abram was occasionally smuggled upstairs to dine with Mr. and Mrs. Eastman, for he was their son's godfather.

CHAPTER IV.

An explosion and its consequences.

The second half of Leo's premium had now been paid to Mr. Eastman, who doubtless secretly congratulated himself upon his good fortune. Leo learnt from Manchap that his premium would be paid in three instalments, extending over nearly the whole period for which he was bound; and this circumstance was quite convincing to Myron, that it would be himself Mr. Eastman would endeavour to get rid of This fancied conviction prepared his mind to judge of circumstances in the most favorable light for their being more fully confirmed. He soon determined to acquaint his father with

his settled resolution of leaving Mr. Eastman, as every hour he now passed beneath his roof became more irksome: and with such an intention he walked home one evening.