Lynchburg Virginian

From the Albany Daily Advertiser.

THE HEIR APPARENT.

There is every reason from what we can gather from foreign papers to suppose that the illness of George the IV. is occasioned by hydrothorax, or dropsy in the chest. This fatal disease, which is probably the final result of excessive sensual indulgence in early life, already has, or speedily will, terminate the mortal career of 'the first gentleman in England.'

With all his excesses, however, the king is a man of sense, and the British people have had occasion to be proud of his reign as one, although mournfully characterized by profuse expenditure, yet exempt from any heavy national disaster. 'Tis true they have sweated and groaned under burdensome taxes, but the king has spent their money with exquisite taste. 'Tis true the royal family draw immense sums from the national treasury, but then they are all exceedingly good humored 'stout gentlemen,' and very clever sharp witted fellows, too, no doubt in their own exclusive circle of 'relatives, friends and acquaintances.' No wonder that Captain Hall felt happy in the consideration of the exalted character of his master. Was he not unconscious of the belief that all the evils which have been thick gathered around 'the last anchor Isle,' were to be dissipated by the smile of the sovereign, bestowed with a ribbon or garter? This happy feeling of security, however, which the personal merits of their monarch seem to have afforded to every loyal Briton, has sustained a severe shock since the commencement of his present indisposition.

The throne of the United Kingdoms will soon be occupied by William IVth, now prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence. It is boldly asserted that his measures will be like those of his brother, yet there are certain stubborn facts remaining in the public memory, which have so seriously affected his character as a man, that it is impossible not to augur unfavorably of the monarch.

The title of Clarence is derived from Clare in Sussex, and originated in the time of Edward III. The present duke is the third son of George the 3d, and was born August 1765. He was destined as the future commander of the Navy, (his brother of York had already monopolized the Army,) but early in life he was commissioned a midshipman, and placed under the supervision of Admiral Digby. In this capacity, he was present at the famous fight of Rodney in 1780. Two and twenty sail of Spanish ships were captured, and one of 64 guns was re-christened 'Prince William,' in consequence of his being present at the capture. Subsequently, he visited New York, and the files of old newspapers published in that city bear testimony to the great satisfaction his visit afforded the belles of that day. Many anecdotes have already found their way to the public eye in relation to his manners, appearance, and pursuits while in port.

In due season the midshipman became a lieutenant, and as to all roads to promotion are generally short cuts, he was soon transformed into a captain. We believe he commanded a frigate, but under what flag officer is not remembered. In 1789 he was created Duke of Clarence and St. Andrews in Great Britain, and Earl of Munster in Ireland, and had sixty thousand dollars per annum settled upon him: pocket money for 'the third calendar, the son of a King,' as the story book says.

He was frequently attendant at the House of Lords, and gained some reputation by his facility in public speaking, and from advocating the cause of the West India Colonists. He was once in favor of the Catholic claims, but found it convenient to change his opinions upon the subject. On the death of Lord Howe he was appointed Admiral, and in 1814 hoisted his flag on board the Royal Charlotte yacht, and took Louis XVIII. to France.

In July 1818, he married Her Serene Highness, Amelia Adelaide-Louisa-Catharine, the eldest daughter of George, late Duke of Saxe-Meiningen, by whom he had two daughters, who both died in infancy.

In 1827, upon a change of ministry, the office of Lord High Admiral was revived, and the Duke of Clarence was appointed to fill it; contrary it is reported to the wishes of his brother, the King, who said, 'As sure as you give William an office under his sole control, he will make some terrible blunder.' Sure enough, 'William' did not belie the prophecy; he made a series of professional visits to the various ports, and as his expenditure was most profuse, he soon came athwart the hawse of Wellington's house, who having no notion of his Royal Highness's fancy, refused to pay the bill. The new Lord High Admiral was obliged to back his topsail, nor did he stop till he had backed out of the scrape and the office together - and it was once more abolished.

Like all the rest of the royal family, the D. of C. has indulged in divers more or less discreditable liaisons. The principal, however, was the one with the celebrated actress Mrs. Jordan; his conduct to her after years of intimacy, was pronounced cruel and unfeeling, and the account of Mrs. Jordan's sufferings at the abrupt separation and the manner of it, as published at the time, was in a high degree touching. Of her daughters, one married an aid de camp to the King, and as late as 1818 Sophia, Mary, Elizabeth, Augusta, and Amelia Fitz Clarence, were pensioners on the civil list for £250 each; at this time the Duke's own allowance was something near £130,000 per annum; there is also a son in the army.

Let those who so unnecessarily clamor about the expenditures of our homely government, think for an instant how immeasurably far behind our mother country we are in this respect.

We now conclude our brief sketch of the new monarch of Great Britain. The impressions of him are unfavorable both at home and abroad, and the British nation have a great deal to dread, should he be prompted by evil advisers. In this country, we are apt to consider the theory of government by which the reigning families of Europe are sustained, as the madness of the many for the gain of the few. Who can tell what frightful dissensions may not occur between the accession of William IV. and the majority of the Princess Victoria? Or in the event of the death of the former and a regency for the latter, what avenues may not be opened to unchastened ambition? The present royal family is unpopular as well as incapable, and who can tell whether, in a fit of universal wrath at governmental abuses, and despair at oppressive taxation, these domesticated Hanoverians may not be driven from the land in a storm of popular tumult and indignation?

By often contemplating the spectacles of royal degeneracy as well as royal splendor, we will learn to value more highly republican simplicity and republican virtue. May a wise Providence guard us from the efforts of mis-guided factonists, under whatever banner they are arrayed, and long avert from us the frightful conclusion to faction and anarchy; to civil dissension and public corruption.