Library Collections: Document: Full Text

We now receive from nearly every State in the Union, and we assure our Editorial friends that our mental equanimity is not at all disturbed by the "noise and confusion" of the outsiders. Amid all the excitement of the coup d'etat inflicted upon half-mad Parisians by Louis Napoleon, and the Kossuth mania of our staid republicans, we float smoothly down the current of time's broad stream, with thick walls and strong doors between us and all such strange doings. And were it not that we are firm supporters of the doctrine of non-intervention, we would solemnly protest against these proceedings of mankind; as it is we will have nothing further to say, -- they must regulate their own actions without our aid. But we shall not refuse our advice, however, when it is called for. Wonder what the world would say if we should take a fancy to have a revolution here. Still, we are a little too sensible, just at the present, to wish for any other than the "established order of things." Perhaps our views may change on this point, and we may, at some future day, go in for the enlargement of our personal liberty. Shall reflect upon this, and possibly, have something more to say in our next.

But we are lengthening our Table out of all proportions with the room we have to set it in. We have expected, for some time, to hear our Publishers warning us off as a waggish attendant on Hall No. -- did a gentleman fiddler on that floor, who, though a very good performer, for one who had been no longer in practice, was yet perhaps rather unusually favored with the "gift of continuance" when once he had made a beginning. Even the cry of "Bed-time, gentlemen," was not always conclusive to his strains. -- "Sir," said our joker, "if you don't leave off a playing there, we shall have to get some fiddler on this hall that will." Well, for our part, we are willing to leave off, without putting our Publishers to the trouble of finding another Editor just to perform so easy and yet not so very easy a part of our office.

And now, good friends of the Opal, we have spread our Table before you. We would that it was supplied, with more rich and delicate viands, but you will recollect that our resources are yet crippled; when more light breaks in upon us, it shall be shed abroad over our pages.