What repose it gives a State to have wise and just men at the helm of affairs! This epidemic rage—as unstatesmanlike as it is unphilanthropic—so prevalent in the halls of legislation just now, merits the sarcasm of a Lord Brougham. Yet I accord to our Representatives a fair measure of good intentions. The Chinese have no votes, and are not patrons of the press; therefore, it is safe to denounce them. Besides, just now it promises to be a paying as well as a perilless pastime. The rioters have ballots in their hands. “Pathric” counts one (sometimes two or ten) at the polls; and who will defend John? “Pathric” does not care to remember that he was threatened with expulsion on similar grounds, and with equally cogent reasons, in the bygone. It will be well for him to recall the fact; for when once the principle of discrimination is incorporated into the policy of the nation, the bolt that hits John to-day may chance to strike some one else to-morrow. When caste and caprice usurp the place of justice and humanity, every man will thenceforth hold life, liberty and property by sufferance of the mob. It is natural to the weak side of public men, to court the voters’ favor. Not many politicians are tall enough to look over the heads of stump orators and bannered agitators. Has the good God no taller men to send us for these agitated times? * * * * * THE CHILDREN’S PAGE. * * * * * AN OLD-TIME PRAYER MEETING. Among the many things which I have observed is the singular form of worship which the colored people practice here. While at Hampton last term, I read Livingstone’s book about Africa. Some of the religious customs related in that volume have certainly been brought over by our forefathers, and are in this enlightened land found mingled with the true religion. The great belief which our people have in conjuration, (or “throwing for each other,” as they call it) signs, and the returning of departed spirits, confirm the above opinion. Not long ago I went to one of their meetings. It was held in a little church about twenty-two or twenty-three feet long, and twelve feet wide, with three windows, which have shutters of plank, through which, when shut, little or no air can pass. In the middle of the floor sits a large stove in which a very hot fire was kept during the meeting. The preacher was to have come that night, but for some reason he disappointed them. His absence, however, did not prevent their having an “Old-time prayer-meeting,” as they call it. So, after waiting for some time for their pastor to arrive, they commenced the meeting by singing a hymn, given out by one called “the leader of the band.” Prayer and a short exhortation came next. Indeed, these two parts of the opening exercises were well performed by a young man. But, in the scene which followed his excellent prayer and advice, he (though somewhat intelligent) was one of the chief actors.