If we would gain knowledge, we must inquire; if we would inquire with advantage, we must investigate without prejudice, and judge without interest; but neither investigation nor judgment is of any avail, unless our decision influence our actions.-Common Sense.
THE wants of a great commercial and enterprising nation, are constantly exciting the ingenuity of its people to improve the facilities of intercourse. The cause of the prosperity of all countries, and the chief means of increasing it, the thoughtful mind is struck with wonder and admiration at what has been accomplished in our own, within only the last twenty years. A great and unexpected step has been taken, both at sea and on land, from a tedious and uncertain conveyance, to the luxurious ease of rapid motion, as safe as certain. Yet the progression stops not, but gathers fresh vigour from every exhibition of the power of steam, surprising and prodigal as it is. A friendly rivalry of extension now exists, with unexampled energy, between the two great antagonists, land and water communication. The former is without limit, because without drawbacks. The greatest obstacles to the equally rapid extension of the latter, are found in the enormous consumption of fuel, the more valuable space it occupies, the rapid destruction of the boilers, and their difficulty of repair at a distance from England. No plan, combining simplicity, cheapness, durability, and efficiency, has hitherto been discovered to remove them. An