The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1838-02-09 00:00:00

Emperiat Partiament. HOUSE OF LORDS.-MONDAY Ott the order of the day for gi ns nada Bill being.read, Lord BitouGn ANI Moved that Mr. itoebuek should be heard at the bar, which was agreed it); and-Mr..Roebuck was accord ingly heard at great length. The speech was, in substance, a repetition of that which he had previously addressed to the House of COMmons. it produced no discussiOu: in the house, - and the.hill passed through a committee without alteration, and almost without remark. It was ordered to be read a third tiute on Thursday. Ito committee.on the Cu- HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MoNnAy Lord A. Gonyngham took the oaths and his seat.. Mr. \VAKLEY presented a petition frun► the Glasgow cotton spinners, signed by 99k) per Sons, praying that, in consequence of the statements which t►:id beers made against the association in the public press, the house would appoint a crnn►nittee to inquire into the constitut►on of that association, and into all its practices. The petitioners stated that they did not dread in quiry, and prayed the house to make the investigation as searching as possible. JOINT STOCK COMPANILS The CHANcELLoa of the ExcliEttuEit gave notice that he should to-morrow, move for leave to bring in a bill to amend the law relating t o cl er i ca l members of joint-stock companies. This he did in consequence of the decision which had lately taken place in the Court of Exchequer. (Hear, hear, from tbe oppo sition benches.). . _ Mr. Ltumii wished to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intended to renew the committee, and take any tuea sures respecting.the Bauk of England ? The CHANCELLOu of EXCkIb:QUER said it was his inten tion, in the course of rie , :t week, to move the appointment of a committee on joint sto,;kbanks.- On the uaution of 1: r. E. J. STANLEY, a new writ was issued for the Elgin Buro , lighs. in the room of Sir. A. L. Ilay, ap pointed governor of Beimuda. 11AND-LOOM WEAVERS Mr. FLELDEN bet7ged to ask the noble lord (John Russell) whether the committee appointed to inquire into the condition of the hand-144mi weavel„s Wai likely to sit soon? Lord J.' Itt:S.EL'L Was nut aware what piogress the com mittee tied made, or what steps they had taken with respect to the hand-loom wearers. As the hon. member ,had asked him a question, he would, - perhaps allow him to ask him one in re turn. He wished.to know whether the hon. member had given any order for the collection of mobs, to interfere.with the put ti d into operation the poor-law act ? Mr. Ftzt.DEN said that as a member of the poor-law coin inittee, he thought it his duty to scud down two persons to in quire into the distress that existed in Lancashire, and the state of the labouring people there. lle had ; riven them written instructions,' and he had no reason to believe that they had done anything inconsistent with them. lf, however, they had tl:me so, and that, in consecpience of the steps they had adopted, disturbances had taken place, he should be as willing as any person that they should meet the reward which the course -they had adopted merited. POOR RELIEF (IRELAND) BILL. On the motion of Lord J. RUSSEL, the order of the day for the second readinv of the Poor Relief (Ireland) Bilrwas read. --After a short discussion the bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed on Friday nest. PADLIANIErITARY ELECTORS AND FREEMEN. Lord J. liusstut..L tmoved that the house resolve itself into a a committee on the parliamentary electors and freemen bill. Mr. It HINDU said that before the-bill went into that stage he had air:anueildruent to move, by way of instruction to the committee. It was, that the bill should be separated, and divided into two bills.. The hon. weather was understood t. say that the noble lord (J. Russell.) had, in conneetitr, the two distinct subjects of th e ten-pOund ratepaying householders aid the freemen, treated the latter holy of men most ungraciously, Ile then moved, ` 4 That it be an instruction to the committee to divide the bit! into . ) Iwo bills." Alley a short discussion, the hnuse divided, when there ap peared—for the comluittee,• 158; for the amendment, 68; Ina - - jnrity, 90. The house then resolved itself iutc a committee on the bill. On clause 1 being put from the chair, Mr. T. DUNCONIBE said that he should propose an amendment, which was intended to. act as a. must summary repeal of the rate-payiug clause alto gether. • It was to insert, in lines 16 and 17, the Words • except such as shall have become payable from him (the rate-payer) previously to the Ilth day of October in the preceding year: Lord J. IiOssELL said that the lion. member - proposed to ex tend toe franchise to those who paid no taxes—a totally different principle from that intended by the reform bill. if he admitted this amendment, it would go to alter the anciant spirit - of the constitution, and 'establish the principle that iusolvency and beggary were as sufficient qualifications for voting as iude pen7lence and industry. A discussion ensued, in the course of which Sir E. Scol3ol said he was against all alterations in the reforth bill, which had worked better than he had expected it would. This he attri buted to the goottsense of the people - of England. On the division, the numbers were-4or the 'notion, 206; for the amendment, 107 ; majority, 99. After one or two amendments of small importance had been negatived or withdrawn, the bill passed through the committee, and was ordered to be reported. The other bills of the day being then disposed of, the house' adjourned at a quarter to twelve o'clock. HOUSE OF LOtiDS -TrESDAY In the House - tit' LOrtrs . iiiany petitions. were presented; some by Lord BROUGHAM, in favour of the vote by ballot, and :against severe measures towards Canada, only remarkable, per haps. in consequence of the petitioners' omission of the usually respectful language required formally to be undressed to their lordships. 'rlie omission, it will be observed, was noticed by Lords Shaftesbury and Devon, and ridiculed by Lord. Brmigham )2:heir lordships adjourned till 'lliursday. HOUSE OF COM AIONS".---TeADAY Iwthe commons, there were three ballots for committees re. the lioxiwrg6 (euutit,) rps , .6.h, 'anti Sai ford election : petitions, and each coamiittee was obtained. They caused con siderable excitement.. The CHANCELLOR of the ExcIiEQUER obtained leave to firing in a bid " to amend the law with 'regard to clerical members of joint-stock companies;" also, to bring in a bill for the estab lishment of parochial schools in certain parishes in the High of-Scotland. The other c , rle rs were disposed of, and Captain Boldero's mot.in ree s arnin E ; deserters in Canada being -withdrawn, the house adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS—WEDNESDAY. The Speaker took the chair shortly before four o'clock. A. great number of petitions against the rating of Small Te nements bill, and on other subjects were presented. CANADA. Mr. Helm presented a petition, agreed to in August last, at York, Upper Canada, complaining that Sir Francis Head had violated constitution of the Colony. lie believed the chair man and secretary of the meeting at which the petition was agreed to, were now rebels. (Hear; and laughter.) Sir E. KNATCHBULL said if the parties who signed the pe tition were rebels, the house could not receive the petition. Mr. HUME.—The petition was agreed to in August, before the rebellion broke. out, and ought to have been presented sooner. Mr. O'CoNiNELt. was of opinion the house uiust•rec•eive the petition. Parties were nut to be attainted or considered rebels unless convicted as such. The belief of any hon. member on the subject was not sufficient. After x few winds from Mr. GOULBURN, Sir E. KNATCHauLL said. he should not divide the house on the question of receiving the petition, however strong objection inig,bt be to it. The petition was then ordered to lie on the table. Mr. El NIE said. as it was his intention to call the attention of the house to the talle;.Tations.in the petition, he moved that it be printed. After a disultory conversation, the petition was ordered to be printed with the votes. . Mr. flum e then gave notice that he should bring the subject matter of the petition before the hoire to-morrow, cud, at the same time, move for a copy of all hills which had passed the Canadian legislature since Sir FraLcis Head was appointed govern r. 7 Mr. C. BULLER proposed the further consideration of the report on the Controverted Elections Bill until this day. week. R ILTING OF TENEMENTS BILL. Sir H. `'ERNE), said he wished to postpone the second read ing of the Rating of Tenements Bitl until after Easter, (Loud cries of hear, hear.) Sir K. KN ATM-MULL Rllggesfed that it would be better for the bill to Ue read a second time now, and the lion. member move for a select committee to inquire into the subject befoee Easter. • ' . Lord J. Russets, was of Opinion that the emirs° prelanseit,hy. his hon. friend (Sir H. Verney) was the most (move's:eat which Cook be adopted. A desultory discussion ensued in which Lord G. Somerset, Mr. Prvine, Capt. Pechell, Mr. M. Philips, Mr. Briscoe, Lord Sandon, Mr. Wakley, Mr. Aglionby, Mr. Sandford, and Mr. B a i nes took part. Lord RUSSELL said he would undertake, on the part of the government, to move for a select committee to make inquiry into the subject of rating small tenements, and he would also prouitae that some member of the administration should attend the committee, but he could not pledke himself that file govern ment. would undertake to carry the bill'of his hon. friend through liar lament. . . Sir K. PEEL trussed the committee would bring their inquiry to an end as soon as possible, as until the result was known the description of property to which it referred would be unsaleable and greatly affected. TheNseetind reading of the bill was then postponed until after Easter. On the motion of Mr. S. LEFEVRE, the common fields improvement hid wiis read a second time, - The hackney carriages (metropolis) bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed on Monday. Mr. MAKINNON postponed the serond reading of the patterns and inventiiiu hill until this day fortnight. BANKING AND CO - PARTNERSHIP BILL. The CRANCELIMB of the Extrir.Quae moved the second readinv of the banking and co-partnership bill. After a few words from Sir E. St*GDEN, the bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed on Monday. LAW 01 , kIUEL. On the motion of Mn:o 4;N NE17.. - leave was given to bring in a bill to amend the law relating to slander and l►bel. POOR LAW, IRELAND. In answer to a question from Mr. II EH RI Lord J. RUSSELL said he should move the second reading of the Dish poor-law bill on Friday next, and then, if there was time, his right hon. friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer would move that the house resolve itself into a committee of supply. CANADA In answer to a question by Mr. Lora J. liussgt.t. said the instructions which had been laid oo the table of the house, relating to the future government of C.thada, would not he forwarded with the bill to Sir J. Colborne, u. that gallant officer would not act under those instructions. Thev were only to he acted upon by Earl Durham. The house adjourned at five minutes past six o'clock. SUPERINTENDENTREGISTRATIoN MARRIAGES.—Two parties wishing to he married put up their names in the office of Mr. Heywood (the registrar of this district) having speeitied St. James's Chapel, in Whitehaven, as the place in which they should he married. The minister of the chapel, most honour ahly feeling scruples as to the propriety of perforating the cere mony ' ors residing, in ii distant parish, wrote to the re,/ .1,1 flr . t roisk %now if a t•ertifietite from a supertritetolent r iia . r.,v14. :. ,fili i i clergyman to marry those presenting it, i h .!+77>Ask,(4e,s‘ i > ,the district, but out of the parish. 4'he re , ... t•tkirrit,- 1 ti • gAt the matter at rest by.stating that the „„ ,r, ,, . io' . - -, /fiat any church or chapel,. tieing duly %lib S i . R . e '(tom. ' - eh ' Vai-ict. and that it is compulsory on thi, nelolfrerlhit, 4i, rerriony. , This gives the opportunity 0td,70. 1 / 4 , ,'..c . )N0 yyta.7 entrap unwary g i r l s i n t o marriages 444-C. , . t - ire (wisely of themselves and f.imilies.— ' Voneocti ' .7* „..„, •, 1 ,0 .„222_,.....-: -.,,,.. (.0.1 , ,k 1 . E › ve FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. SOUTH •AMERICA. Pegg. — We hav e a d v i ces f ront P eru w hi c h me n t i on t h a t th e republic had been divided into two states, called North anti South Pe, t. and that Santa Cruz had been called to the head of the confederation. The only ports of entry for foreign vesseli' were Callao, Heranchaco, and Paytor.. - Immediately on the arrival of a - foreign vessel, the captain must .present his mani fest in his own language, expressing the marks and numbers of the packages, weignt of the articles in bulk, and burden of the ,vessel, for which a period of four hours is allowed from the time of boarding. Any .excess found on board above the (titan titv mrinifested is subject to confiscation if it ericeed 5 per cent., and, if less than 5 per cent., double duties on such excess' will be charged. Those articles which will be admitted free of duty are coal, maps, and charts, quicksilver, prints, and books of in struction in drawing, natural and scientific curiosities, globes, presses and other printing materials, instruments for tools of ttiide imported by artisans for their own use, surgical and mathematicad instruments, tombstones, stills awl 'machi nery, gold and silver in bars, dust, or coin, parcels of plants, except pulse for purposes -of sale, spars, paving•stoties, music paper, and books. The following articles are prohibited:— guus, pistols,, carbines, powder, indecent or immoral books and paintings, and lead except. shot and in sheets. Vessels are to pay 10 dollars port duties on anchorage, and two reals Per tin provided they land or load cargo. Whale ships are exempt from pay ina tonnage dues, unless they discharge goods over the value of 200 (knit's. Mexico.-IVe have further acconnts from Mexico. A slight earthquake had occurred taeie on the 28fn Nov.; it lasted five minutes, but was productive of no serious injury. The ministei• of the interior had issued instructions to the governments of the departments to employ every menus to suppress the abuses ex isting in the liberty of the press, to proseeute and punish all those who use the press as a medium fur circulating sedition and disturbing the tranquillity of the country. The Apaches still continued to ravage the country of Chihichna. The inhabitants of Iluejohlact asSenibted • their forces,.and, headed by Dr. M. Ralz,a justice - of the peace, advanced to inset them. The action was sanguinary and protracted; but, finally, the Mexicans were overwhelmed with numbers and compelled to fly, leaving a large number of their forces dead upon the field, among others their coMmander and several respectable citizens. The survivors had applied to the prefect of 13a1iza fur additional troops. advices from ltio Janeiro we learn that .the new government had been very energetic, and that public con fidence was much- restored: Money was abundant, and the ministry were active in fining out au expedition against Bahia, and it was confidently expected that the reinforceMent of troops _would soon change the aspect of things there. The market at Rif lalieiro was overstocked with ordinary Itystm 'tea - s, but good tea was 'ranted. The supplies of coffee had been abund ant, buti4erferally . of ordinary quality. Freight continued high. No Vessels remained for charter. Specie was in demand at full prices.• The stuck of coffee to the middle of November was `15,0U0 vag§. • GLASGOW CONSERVATIVE OPERATIVES' ASSOCIATION. ( From the Scottish Guardian.) It will not lie expected that the report of a society like the present, and least of all When it has completed but the first year of its existence, should contain either fulness or diversity of detail. The objects which the association proposed for itself ate few•and simple,and its operations will' be less observed in their silent progress than in their gradual results. The primary .object of its projectors was to establish a rallying point fur-the friends of the constitution amongst the working classes in this city, and thins to unite their moral and political influence in the defence of those ;;rent constitutional piinciples. which utter sections of the working classes wete Combined to subvert. It was a new ei.periment in Scotland. It originated in the spon taneous leeliugs-of the working classes themselves. It has been upheld and promoted by their unaided exertions; and it has been followed with success that has surpassed their expectations, that pledges them to persevere in their efforts, and that en couraAes them to hope fur increasing prosperity and usefulness. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES: The fundamental principle of our union we presume to state in terms which have been exclusively arrogated by lioliticiatis of another school:—We are of opinion that the entt and aim of government should be. to • promote "the greatest:possible h a ppiness of the greatest possible number." These familar and simple words, however they have been misapplied ; see conceive to be expressive of a principle that lies at the basis of the Divine administration both in the physical and moral world. , Philoso phers te:l us - that the common result of-the disposal of the irra tional creation is and ever has been, the greatest posible amount of animal - enjoyment to the greatest number , of individuals ; and - a nigher an , i purer philOsophy has disclosed to us what human sagacity has failed to discover, that the object in the eteation of man was, that he might honour and enjoy his Crea tor here, prepatory to the perfection of his enjoyment hereafter. We conclude, then, that titsnearer the type of human govern mews—the government of families, the government of com munities, an& the government of nations—is approximated to the benevolent geutusaif the•Diviue administration, the greater will be the amount of virtuous enjoyment to the individuals and to the commonwealth.- Bta while we borrow the expressions, f) the greatest possible happiness of the greatest possible num— ber," we repudiate the principles they have been employ e d t o convey. We gu backfor a just construction of them to the elder philosophy—to the times of philosophers who exploded " popular fallacies" which are as old as human nature, ages before the world dreamt of the advent of Jeremy Bentham—of poets who sung the praises of rational liberty, mid chaunted the - dirge of the tyrant, centuries before licentiousness was mis placed fort he true, and the owner of the soil for the other, by a poetical lictton of Ihe Corn-Law Rhymer—of prophets and seers who penetrated the future with a keener glance, and fore saw :lac of a lost world through another vista, than toy Lord Brougham—of philanthropists who laboured to restore the mural and intellectual ulory inalikind, by disseioinating higher and inure subst a nti a l priuciples than those of the Society .for.the, Diffitiiion of Useful Knowledge. Long before the age of a heartless and unprincipled Utilitarianism, there airs an ea , t ere Monarch distinguished more tit• his wisdom than even by his so . vereignly over a great and privileged people—the only man in the history of the world who ever had the option of his own destiny, and perhaps the only man who, with such a choice conceded to hint, would, in- prelerenee to power, and riches, and long life, .have said. Give me wisdom a nd knowledge!"—a man who cultivated scieuce and and the elegant arts, and studied the philo sophy of iniud and matter—who devoted the quiet of a peaceful reign to the search after thegreatgood,aud made experiments upon his theories on a scale of regal magnificence. denying his eyes to ao (desire, and withholding not - his heart from any joy. But his labours and his gratitieatiou s resulted in disappointment and vanity, till the light of eternal truth was revealed to his ' mind ; and he closed the record of investigations, which are as - instructive as they are singular, with this memorable corollary— " Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter? Fear God, ,and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man;" —his whole duty, and by necessary consequence, his whole in terest, •and his whole happiness here,-as a preparation for -a state of happiness perfect in its nature and infinite in its dura tion hereafter. Now this is a principle of the soundest experi mental philosophy, and what is of more importance, it is a prin ciple of Divine Revelation. And if it be the case, that the true interests of individuals and communities are exclusively dependent upon the practical application of this, principle, then are we entitled to assume that the Government of a nation will diffuse the greatest amount of happiness amongst the greatest. amount of population, by instituting and maintaining a provi sion for the inst ruction of its subjects in their duty to God. suf ficient for their present, and expanding with their future neces sities. In other wools, we regard it as t h e fi rs t d u ty o f th e state - to institute, and the paramount duty of the state to maintain a. national church for the religious instruction of the people, and national schools for the intellectual and religious education of their children. We, therefore, adhere cordially and devotedly to the Clnal' of Scotlaud, whose p ar o c hi a l machinery—its mi nisters, elite's, deacons. and schoolmasters—we have seen to be entirely fitted to the religious, moral, and intellectual wants of a people; and we have pledged ourselves to promote, to the utmost of our power, its extension and adaptation to the rapidly increasing necessity of the country. We plead then, with our rulers, that prior to all farther pnli deal reforms, they shall begin with a moral reformation. We presume to telt them, that so long as they are prosecuting poli tical. to the neglect of moral reforms, they are applying their remedies to the, wrung end of the evil—they are attempting to sweeten the stream, while the fountain is impregnated with deadliesepoisen. Let them once convince the working-classes that their circuinstances . are to he ameliorated by a succession of political changes', and they will sow the wind to reap the whirlwind. , If. hey are desirous—and we are sure they are—to preserve the state, and promote the welfare of the community, l et th em invigorate the institutions that once exervised a moral influence upon the national wind, which rendered the people of Scotland the best conditioned 'in the world. The institutions remain; but the overgrowth of the population has left them stunted and dwarfed. " Stands Scotland where she did?" ,Whileour rulers are urging forward political measures in rapid succession, let them pause for a moment, and turn their eyes to the social disorganization of a large proportion of the working classes of Glasgow; and let them ask themselves if their laws • will ever-make a people moral, or contented, or free ? They will find a ready answer in the conduct of individuals who are poli tical refolinerS to a man, and who, while clamouring loud and long for political freedom, were themselves swaying a despot isiii' over their fetlow-mien as dismal and atrocious a tyranny ever devised. Statesmen may give us charters and re-model eur.choStitotion, and legislators may swell the statute-hook with enactments : wit what are these to a depraved state of society? Let statesmen and legislators unite in providing the country with the means of elevating the moral and economical princi ples of the working classes, and they will strike at the root of the evil they seek to remedy. Let them furnish us with the means of making virtuous awl intelligent men, and we shall re pay the Wien with orderly and contented citizens. Next to our religious a n d educational establishments, we value the British constitution, with which they are inseparably con nected : and while we deprecate all changes which should tend to weaken the influence of any one of the constituent branches of the legislature, we are desirous to see every judicious amend ment introduced into the various departments of adininistra lion. We dissent from the advocates of an extension of the suffrage, although we might ourselves be invested with the political franh chise, to the event of such a measure being carried. But the introduction of even a ten pound qualification. according to the admission of its promoters, verged to a perilous extent on the vital principles of the constitution; and while we are in clined to believe that the franchise is in safe keeping, and that the constituency will generally exercise their privilege with pru dence and caution, we are persuaded that it would be dangetous in the extreme to make any further reduction of the qUalitica lion. For ourselves, we are not indifferent to so important a political trust; but instead of endeavouring, to tiring the f,ao chise down to our own level, it shall be our study rather to ele vate ourselves to the level of the franchise. And when we attain that elevation, we shall nether he afraid nor ashaTited to tender our votes for the church and the constitution, without entrenchin, ourselves in the cowardly retreat of the ballot. These are some of the principles on which we were associated, and we invite the workmen of Glasgow who think and feel in common with us, to make the same sacrifices with ourselves, and unite with us in disseminating them among the working classes, W e wnuht infinitely prefer the retirement of domestic life to the destruction and excitement of political discussion ; and we yield only to a strong sense of ditty, when we come be fore the public to assert our opinions, and to seek to promulgate them. But - our interests are identified with the Maintenance of our institntion4; and we shall rdo our best to preserve them. Humble as is //or position in society, we feel that we are the descendants of great ancestors, 'and the legatees of great privi leges—atal let homily , shame descend spoil the into) of this ge neration, if they shrink from the defence of the sacred awl civil institutions, which have been bequeathed to them by patriots *nil martyrs, as their dearest birthright. WILLIAM KEDDIE, Secretary. Lord Brom , '‘till calls I.r,rd Glenelg his noble fri, nrl; hut it must lie aciwitied, uses hiln 111 the same breath most ignobiy — The' late Bishop of Sndnr and Ila❑ was the Right Rev. W. Ward. D. D., prebendary, Salisbury, and rector oi Great Horkesley, Essex. He succeeded the present Bishop of Ro chester, iu 1837, who had filled the see from 1813. E 1,1 VER ~„m ay.r.r3tiPsessclE,r, TOWN COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS. The first quarterly meeting of the council was held on Wed nesday. The Deputy Town Clerk opened the proceedings by readiog over the,,minutes of the last meeting. FINANCE COMMITTEE. A further letter had been received from Mr. Samuel Knipe, stating that the council bad misunderstood the purport of his former letter. Resolved—Th a t i t b e refereed to the "lown Clerk . to report. • Several communications werexeceived from shipwrights, ac quiescing in the determination of the council not to adhere to the higher rents for shipwri,ghts yards formerly resolved on by them, but to accept'a lower rate of rent: Mr. Councillor PLATT wished to know how many of the shipwrights had acceeded to the reduction? Mr. Councillor WALLACE CURE IE said they had received an answer froin one of the shipwrights, accepting and thanking them for.the reduction made; and the reason they had not inure communications was because the reduction had to be confirmed by the council. Mr. Councillor PLATT begged to state that the shipwrights generally thought the present state of rents too high. He be lieved it had been proved that the shipwrights' business was a trade by which they could out live. He was not advocating their cause, but was very Sony fur them. The shipwrights of other parts had greater advantages than they had iu Liverpool. He thought the shipwrights ought to be encouraged. They were a liberal corporation, and they ,ought to be liberal to the shipwrights. He considered the business of the shipwrights as absolutely the cradle in which thebusiness and the prosperity of the towu-had- been cradled; and when they considered the thousands that were supported by this business, he thought it ,:tight to t.e encouraged. He begged to state that the ship• wrights as a body would be exceedingly thankful. He thought it only lair that they should be so treated that they could com pete with the outports. What would be the consequence if the shipwrights _were driven iu some measure away ? When there was a pressure of old business fur repairs, they would not be able get workmen for repairs. • He was willing to admit that the shipwrights had been unreasonable as to wages; but when they considered the risks they run of losing their tools in the docks, rls. 6d. a day was not too much. He advocated •his na tive towu generally, not the cause of the shipwrights. The l'ylayon—Do you wish to refer that part of the report of the finance committee back fur their consideration ? Mr. Councillor PLATr begged to move that that part of the proceedings of the finance committee be referred back to their consideration. Mr. Councillor CoOPER seconded the motion. :llr. Councillor Ullic ItIE said he wa s au a d voca t e f or hi s pa t" . .. live town, and fur the shipwrights as a component part of the Loan as much as his excellent colleague, Mr. Platt. He bad given a reason why answers bad not been further received froth the shipwrights, because they very, properly• thought that the reduction proposed regoired.fhe confirmation of the council. A cart of the shipwrights had accepted the terms propose,d, and one of them who was one of the deputies had pleaded the cause of the shipwrights must ably. He thought the council would agree with him to wait and see what was the effect of the pro posed reduction. Mr. Councillor PLATT said, under these circumstances I shall withdraw my motion. The finance committee proceedings were-then confirmed. The proceedings of the leases and improvement committee acre then confirmed. WATCH COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS The opinion of the town clerk was read on several questions proposed to him. Amongst others, he was of opinion that any member of the council not a member of a committee had no tight to demand to take extracts of the proceedings of such Committee without the sanction of suAt committee. Resolved that the four senior collectors should have £36. each presented to them as a gratuity for their zeal in collecting the lutes, and that the two junior collectors should each have presented to them. It ass Stated that through the exertions of Mr:- Capes Ashlin £9. 13s. per cent additional o❑ the whole amount of the rates, or i 14500. had been collected, being an increase of about £l5OO. on the lighting, and £3OOO. on the sewerage rates. A vacancy was announced in the office 'of beadle, the last beadle having died. The' AI A YOH stated that he had received information from the corouer stating that a beadle should be appointed to summon juries, and he had therefore sent 'to tt.e watch committee a clunmunication to t ecommend - some person to act till the wish of the council-should he known. The watch committee recom mended Archibald Baifnur as a fit persim to till the situatiou. The Mayor then read a letter from Balfour statingthat hitherto he had otilv received Policeman's wages, but he would be quite satisfied with £BO.-per annual salary. Several recomoneuda tionS were 'also Inclosed. The Mayor also read applications for the appointment front a person named 'Thomas Lyon and from other two individuals. rte had put the whole question before the council; and he awaited their pleasure to confirm or nut the yeemntnendation 'of the finance committee to confirm the ap pointment. After a short discussion the appointment of the watch com mittee was confirmed. The proceedings of the Market Committee and Town hall Committee were then confirmed: CUSTOM-HOUSE COMMITTEE. The deputy• TOWN-CLERK read the report of the architect as to the expense of erecting the new Revenue Buildings, and the causes which had conduced to the expense exceeding the origi nalestintate, as follows: That as respected the completion of the buildings, he begged to submit the following as a statement if the probable amounts . of the several works required to be done, and which it would be his study to endeavour not to exceed :—Masonry, £1593185; Brick-work. £169185. 4d ; Joiners and Carpenters, £2112 19s. 10d; Painting £215 IBs. ld ; Plumbing and Glazing, £9BO 10s; Iron-work, £1735 13 s . 31 ; Pl as t er i ng , £1215 I s. 1 0d Labourers' work, £250; Measuring, £150; Contingencies at 5 per cent, £421 4s; total, £BBl5 3s. 4d. The paving and fla t :ging of the area of Canning -place was being executed by the coinnaissioners of paviw 2 , &c., accolding to an arrangement between the Council's ctitunuttee and them, and he believed the following were the proportions or the ex pense to which each party was liable: —Corporation, £2903185; Commissioners; £1399 2s; total, £490.3. The amount of the Corporation;s proportion arose from the following additions to the width of the streets round the buddir,,i , viz. :—North side, 10yi yaids; south side, 'Bl ; east end, 161 ; west end, 161. He then gave a summary of the foregoing statement, - as fol lows: Cost of the revenue - buildings to the 31st October, 1837, £219,366 4s. 6d ; probable_ cost of completing revenue build ings, £8845 3s. 4d; Cornoration Proportion of paving and flag ging, £2903 18s; total, £231,1155. 10d. Expenseiof foundation, as executed in st one 'forty•two feet 8:1; deduct estim a t e d cost i n b r i ck and stone, £l3 6 gives for exp ense of foundation, £50,703 4 d 1 e 5 e . 1). 27- 6748 , c( .3 ) ( s 6)/1. whichoflsB measurement not included in the original esti mate, the saute being done by the surveyors assistant, £1568t1;- total, £51,156 1 Is. 103. • Cost of buildings, exclusive .of. extra depth of foundation, £172,958 14s; original eStimitte, £175,188 6s. 7d; excess £lO7O 75. 5,1. n from circumstances which This excess was said to have arise were not foreseen, (the necessity to chattge the nature of the foundations,) and . not in the works connected with the build in;:ts above the depth of the foundations 'Originally contem plated, and y.hich did nut exceed the amount to a greater ex tent than could have been expected in works of so great mag nitude. It was re , oived that there be a sufficient watch set by night and day at the r evenue b u ildi ngs , t o prevent th e i n j ury and nuis ances which are there committed; and that four watchmen be appointed by night and day. • Mr. Ald erman B OOTH wou ld now move that the council _me morialize the Lords of the TreaSure, to remove the Stamp-office to the Custom-house. He thought it would conduce touch to the convenience of the public to concentrate all the revenue offices in that building. Besides there *as another reason ; in the act of parliament for the building of the custom-house there was an express provision for the removal of the Stamp-office to the Custom-house; and on the faith of that act the money was lent for the building. Mr. Councillor JORDAN seconded the notion. The of persons requirin g stamps had offices in'the neighbourhood of the Custom-hour. majority The motion was put and carried unanirrnusly. The mayor to write a letter to the Lords of the TreasurN. The proceedings of the committe., fur the pecuniary affairs of the churches, were then confirmed. BOROUGH COURT, AND COURT OF REQUISTS coHNIITTEE. The 'l'owN-CLh►tx read the report. of this committee, Which was .ennfirrned. " That the committee have found it expedient to remove for misbehaviour, two officers of the Court of Request - , one a bailiff of the court, and the other a summons clerk—these removals being subject to the confirmation of the council.. "'That the committee have duly considered the special refer ence Made to them upon the reoort of the forrnercommittee, and have proceeded thereon; but that they are not yet prepared to report upon au alteration io the constitution of the Court of Requests. ." That with reference to any such • alteration, and also.with respect to the great alteration. in the law contemplated by the bill before parliament for the abolition of imprisonment for-debt, it may be necessary to petition parliament for leave to bring iu a bill as to the Court of Requests. "That this bill for!the abolition of imprisonment for debt may also make it incumbent on the council, in due regard to the in terests of the public, to bring the Bufough Court before par liament, in order to obtain for its judgment the extent of power against property of debtors, proposed, by the bill before par liament, to be given to the superior court in lieu of imprison ment. " That the committee are advised that circumstances render the present a fayonrable period for obtaining front the legisla ture other important improvements ill the powers and jurisdic tiona the Borough Court. "That under all circumstances, the commute recommend that they should be empowered to take the requisite measures in the present session b) petitioning for bills but the committee would wish to bring the subject fully and forcibly before the council prior to any more expensive proceedings. That the measure proposed would be attended with an ex pense not exceeding £50." DOCK COMMITTEE PitocEEDINGS. Resolved,—that owing to the great space occupied l,c vessels navigated by steam, the aiWOUIII tonnage paid by them 18 not sufficient. Resolved, therefore, that a larger amount of tonnage be charged, or that they be measured different from sailing vessels, in order to afford adequate payment for the room required by them. The committee reported that the Formby light had parted from her anchors on Sunday last. (luting the severe gale ; re solved, that proper anchors he provided. Resolved,—that information be obtained as to the use of the bell, at the hell-light. The report of John Jones, the superintendent of the light ship, as to the damage done to the vessel by .the American packet ship Independence, Proceeding confirmed. GAOL COMMITTER. The TOWN-CLERK then read the report of the gaol committee to the effect, "That the surveyor had, since the last report, furnished them with a second report on the subject of a Hospital for the Gaol, on a scale toaccommodate 1G males and females, and his estimate was within the limit before stated. They had also with his as sistance, made some alterations in the plinkas to the first in tended sites of the new buildings, and hm.l,e'-etecl hint to lay before the Council the plan approved by them, The committee strongly urged the necessity of immediately authorising the ex penditure for the improvements to the present prison. Respect ing the appointment of officers, the committee had proceeded in accordance with the resolution of the Council of 221 of No vember last, referring these appoiotments to them (the com mittee,) The committee had selected ter recommendation to the Council, the Rev. Dr. 1311( ks, to the office of chaplain of the prison, in 'place of the hey. Wiustanley, deceased, to hold his office in manlier provided by the Gewiral Gaol Act, of 4 G. IV. cap. 64, at the solary of £l5O per annum. together with `Ea) per annum in lieu of a house, the latter allowance to cease as a house is provided ; he to hold no oilier office or ap pointment whatever: subject also to the terms recommended by the trustees, and approved by the CounLil on the 22nd Nu% etn- Pt )01, STA NDA RD. bet last, viz. that the chaplain s'atill devote the whole of his time and attention to the prisoners in public and private, as may be most advantageous to them, and especially in case the system of separate confinement as contemplated by the Secre tary of State be carried into effect, the chaplain shall regu larly visit in their cells, such prisoners as du not object to his assistance in consequence of religious scruples, to afford them religious and moral instruction. The committee further re commended Mr. John Ward Ramsden as a schoolmaster at the Borough Prison, to hold his office during the pleasure of the Council, at a salary of £BO. The committee limiter recom mended Mrs. Helen Norris as a schoolmistress for the Borough Prison, at a salary of Ea/ per annum, residence in the prison, and the same allowance as the female turnkeys, or with a fur ther pecuniary allowance instead of residence until the same could be provided. The committee had entered into contracts with Mr. William Aldersev, baker, and Mrs. Close, butcher, for supplying the prison with bread, meal, and butcher's meat, for the current year. They had effected these contracts after publicly advertising for tenders, and the prices at which they had contract e d, wou ld ena bl e them at the end of the year, to show a diminution in the prison expenditure iu these articles. The court of trustees and the committee recommended to the Council, that a vote of !batiks should be passed to the Rev. George Stokes, for his zealous conduct during the ten mouths he had ;Acted as officiating chaplain at the prison, and that the pecuniary remuneration for his services should be the sum of £2OO, being the amount of one year's salary now attached to the office of chaplain." The proceedings were then confirmed. The MAYOR said he might perhaps take that opportunity of correcting an erroneous impression respecting the conduct of the gaoler, who was accused of harshness to the debtors. In conformity with the resolutions of the 9th of Dec. last, the gaol had been put under new regulations, and the debtors had acqui esced in the propriety of it. Formerly the debtors jail had been a disgraceful and immoral place. He believed that the bench of magistrates were of opinion that though the governor acted with great firmness, he had acted with great humanity. SAILOR'S HOME. The MAYOR read the following communication front Mr. James Aiken. •` To the Mayor, Aldermen, &c, "Gentlemen,—Among the various improvements which so happily distinguish the present age, and particularly the town of Liverpool, there is, perhaps, no class for whom so much might be done, and for whom so little has been attempted, as for Bri tish seamen. There is no class more useful, none so friendless, who earn their wages with su much hardship, and spend them with so little benefit. • " With the view to improve their character and condition, a meeting of merchants, shipowners, and others interested in their welfare, was lately convened at the Underwriter's Room, when the resolutions herewith, were a4opted unanimously, and a Provincial Committee appointed to carry those resolUtions into effect. The Committee so appointed deem it their first duty to apPly to the Town Council for aid and co-operation in this important work, and they du so with the greater confidence, impressed strongly with the belief that the protection of the sailor will operate materially iu the prevention of crime. " We abstain from entering into particulars here, but ate prepared to shew that the - instances of detection bear no pro. portion to the daily and hourly occurrence of the crime of plun dering seamen, the means thusobtained, sustaining a vast num ber of the worst characters, and producing effects most demo ralzing and prejudicial to the good government of the town. Tu mitigate the evil it is proposed to erect a building, where a large number of those seamen who choose to avail themselves of it, may be accommodated with board and lodging, and medi cal advice, at a moderate charge, their characters be registered, and where they may safely place their effects and money, which may be drawn out as reluired, interest being allowed on the deposit, so that they may enjoy all the benefits resulting from a saving bank. " When the sailor thus finds a value attached to his moral worth, and the fruits of his labour secured, it is confidently ex pected that his habits will improve, and that those possessing characters at such an establishment for seamanship, sobriety, and good conduct, will meet a preference in the best employ, and thus create a distinction between the bad, good, and indif ferent, a point in which the shipowners and seamen are deeply interested; and that the objections which may at first be raised will soon give way, when the advantages to be derived become apparent. Vv - e . are aware that the power of the Council to grant pecu niary aid is limited, and do not ask it, being confident of raising a sum sufficient for erecting and fitting up a building by au appeal- to the public. The object we have in addressing you is, to solicit a grant of a prof Corporation ground, on which to elect the building, taflifrisult as to its site, and as to the ar rangements proposed, and we beg that your Finance Com mittee, or a Committee appointed for the purpose, will receive a deputation from us for the further consideration of the subject. (Signed) - "JAMES AIKEN, " Chairman of the Provisional Committee." _ _ The resolutions referred to were as follows : " At a highly respectable meeting of the merchants and ship owners, held at the Underwriters' Committee Room, on Friday, the 22(1 instant, at two o'clock, for the purpose of considering the expediency of establishing a Sailors' Home in Liverpool: " John Cropper, jun., Esq., being called to the chair, the following resolutions were unanimously carried:—_ Moved by George Grant, Esq., seconded by James Tyrer, Esq.,—that it is desirable to establish in Liverpool a Sailors' Home, where seamen may be provided with board and lodgings at a moderate charge, where they may find protection front the present Systeth of extortion to which they are exposed, and where means may be taken for improving their moral condition. Moved by James Aiken, Esq., seconded by Samuel Jub, Esq.,•that a provisional committee be now appointed, to con sist of sixteen gentlemen, with leave to add to their number, together with a treasurer and secretary; five members to form a quorum; who shall obtain information as to the probable ex penses of a building and establishment fora Sailors' Home, use their influence and 'exertion to obtain donations and subsciip tions, form a code of laws, and make a full report at a general public ineeting:Jo be called as soon as practicable. " The Billowing gentlemen were then appointed on the com 'inittee :—SirJohn Salusbury, John Cropper, juu., Esq.; Henry Sandbatt, Esq.; Edward Cropper, Esq.; George Grant, Esq.; Adam Hodgson, Esq.; L. Heyworth, jun.. Esq.;, Thomas Stuith,- - Esq.; James Atkin, Esq.; Samuel Job, Esq.; John Lewis Phipps, Esq.; H. C. Chapman, Esq.; Richard Harbord, Esq.; John Clint, Esq.; Joshua Edwar4 Esq.; James `rpm, Esq. _ _ • " Charles Cotesworth, Esq., Treasurer. " Win. John Tomlinson, Secretary, pro tern." The MA Yort said, perhaps the council would think it desirable to refer to the finance committee. The letter was then referred. The TowN-ci:EaK said, it would be understood that there would be the same legal difficulty as to a grant of land as to the grant of money, and which made it necessary at the last session to obtain powers, in their local act, to grant laud to St George Hall and the Mechanics' Institution. Mr. Councillor EA R LE—Did not the act include powers of making giants for other public buildings? He thought there was a clause to that effect. The TOWN -CLERK said, he would examine the act : he had an impression that Mr. Earle•was right. Referred to the committee. The M A you said the next was a letter from the Earl Of Derby, stating that h e had jet received the petition, for the total abo lition of slavery, from the Liverpool Town Council, but as it might be some time before he should again be in London, and have an opportunity of presenting it, he thought it better to re• turn it. Mr. Conn'cillor BLACKBURN begged to move that Lord Brourh•nn present the petition. Mr. JORDAN seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. The Msvon said he had received a letterfrorn Lord Sandon, acknowledging the receipt of the petition of the council against slaverY , and stating that he would take the earliest occasion of presenting it. He had also received a letter from Mr. Cress well, staling that a professional engagement bad called him to Manchester, hut if his colleague had not presented the petition he would take care that it should be presented on Thursday (yesterday.) A communication was read from the Churchwardens of St. Thomas's Church, requesting the council to refund the sum of £4O, given for certain seats for the ministers of St. Thomas's Church, which had been destroyed by the late alterations in the church.— Referred to the Finance Committee. A communication was read from the churchwardens of St. Michael's Church, respecting the erection of a gallery for the children of the church.—Referred to the Finance Committee to communicate with the Church Expenditure Committee, as to the expediency of such a measure. The TowN-ct,Enic said he was directed by the Chairman of the Borough Court and Court of Requests Committee to state that they would proceed immediately to fill up the vacancies of the two officers dismissed. THE POTTOFF ICE. The MAYOR then called on sir. Rainsden to bring forward his motion on the Postofflee, of which he had given notice. Mr. Rastsuhl, then rose, pursuant to his notice, to bring for ward his motion on this subject. He commenced by reading an extract froin the rennet of the commissioners appointed to in quire into the Postoffice, to the effect that facilities of delivery, cheapness, safety, and quickness, were the ends required in a postoffice. In asking the council to agree to his motion, he did not intend that they should pledge themselves to any particular ()Pinions ou the question, which he intended to leave an open one for-the consideration of the committee whom he should have the honour to propose. He did not think that the Postoffice of Liverpool should be the only establishment unreformed in this town. They had made great reforms in their law courts, to the advantage of the public at large—the offices filled by the mayor, the town-clerk, and other public officers of the town-council. had all been reformed, and, therekre, he did not see why they should not enter into the question of Postoffice reform also. It was very true the Postoffice was not under their immediate control, but that council could use its great influence, which was very great, in the correction of evils of which he complained, a nd find some remedy for them; and the evils in the Postotliee system were great he hoped he should be able to convince the council before he sat down. Much had been said respecting the private boxes, but he should enter into that as little as possible. If he had the honour of serving on the committee of which he should move the appointment, he would go into the committee unprejudiced, and inquire whether they were requisite or not with an unbiased mind; but if they were found to be necessary, he did think that the Postoffice ought to give the accommodation without expense, for he did not see why the town of Liv er p oo l s hould be taxed ,C2OOO per annum fair mere private emolument. If they were necessary, and the committee to be appointed thought they were, he - did think that the public should he re lieved from the tax of £2OOO a-year ; but as he had befure re marked, be would say hut little on that part of the subject, for he knew it was touching part of . the question. One of his principal oilects in bringing that question before the council was, to do away with the necessity of sending young men to the Postoffice, which occasioned great destruction of .principle. They all knew the danger to young men when first brought into their counting-houses, iu being put to keep "petty cash," and " Postoffice cash," and in being compelled to idle away their time an hour or two every day in waiting for the opening of the Postoffice. They there gained acquaintances which they ought never to make, and made arrangements - for passing their even ings which ought to be passed in the domestic circle. All com mercial men knew that they frequently had young men whose principles were good when they left their parents, and who, being intrusted with the Postoffice cash, made bad acquain tances aml were led astray. But that was not the only evil of the present system. At the Postoffice crowds were assembled every day which were a disgrace to the town; it was in fact so large, and increasing as the town increased, and would continue to increase, that if a reform were not effected ill's evil would become so intolerable as to force public attention to it. (Loud cries of " Hear, bear.") The crowd was daily so great as to require the police to keep it in order, and h e wou ld as k arty one there if they went for their letters whether they could approach the office to receive them within less than a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes, and running great risk of having their dress s o discomposed as not to be fit to appear in the public street. He had gone fur his letters and been obliged to wan a consider able time, and he thought such a. state of things ought not to exist. He would suggest a simple plan to. remedy this evil, which, at the present time, was undigested in his own mind. His plan was to increase the number of wards, and make a re ceiving house in every waid. that is, sixteen receiving houses. He would have ono or more letter carriers attached to each, and three mail carts t go with the bags at stated times from the central Postoffice, one to the north, another to the south, and one to the centre of the ;own, for the purpos e of taking and re ceiving the bags coivaining all letters deposited in the Postoffice or receiving houses during, their absence. It [night be said that he was el - eating sixteen Post offices in the tow•n— Mr. Councillor BA itcLAy here rose, and suggested t o M r . llamsdeu the pr o pri e ty o f reserv i ng these details for the com mittee. Mr. Rams(len had declared that he did not mean to press the council to anything but the appointment of a corn mil tee, before whom those remarks would be much better made, and he submitted to Mr, Ramsdell the propriety of reserving them for that committee. He merely suggested this to Mr. Ramsdeu for his consideration, to go on or nut as he thought proper. Mr. Councillor RIOUSDEN had no objection to do so, if it were the opinion of the council that he ought to reserve them for the committee; but, for himself, he thought the subject of so much importance to the public at large, who really did not understand the question, that-he begged to differ with Mr. Barclay. He thought he ought in some degree to develope the plan of Mr. Rowland Hill for postuffice reform. ,(Cries of "Go , on, go on.") _ • . _ _ The MAYOR observed that Mr. Ramsden was already in pos session of the chair, and must use his own discretion. Mr. Councillor lianasden continued. T hey had a population in each ward of from 10,000 to 15.000 individuals, who ought to have this convenience, though it might be called a number of postriffices. He thought it possible that four wards in the neigh bourhood of the Postoffice might not require to be visited by the cants. but there were twelve that ought to be consulted; and they had no right to think of the increased expense, because that ought to be borne by the Postoffice, which received quite sufficient from the public to enable them to afford the required additional accommodation. He would not say more on the local Postoffice reform, but proceed at once to notice Mr. R. Hill's plan, on which l►e could not consent to be brief, because he believed it was not fully known by the public at large and by that council; few, indeed, that he hail spoken with on the subject were really acquainted with it. He had been anxious that it should be brought before the council by seine gentleman of more influence than himself, and therefore he had sent it to the Reform Com mittee, desiring that it might be entrusted to some influential member; but it had not so been taker. up, and he therefore felt it his duty to bring it forward, and he now introduced it because he believed it was not really understood by the public and by that council. Petitions had already been presented to the House of Lords on the subject by the London merchants and Bankers, iu which they stated— " That it is of high importance to the success of the commerce, manufactures, and agriculture of this country, and to the pro motion of civilization in every form, that communication by post should be swift, certain and cheap. "That although such communication is now generally certain, yet owing to the frequency of transmission, and to the slowness of delivery, it is not 80 swift:as it readily Might 4)e, and it is not cheap. "That these great evils ofslowness and darkness are not pro ductive of any advantage to the revenue sufficient to counter balance their injurious effects. "That as regards the latter evil in particular, your petitioners are decidedly of opinion that the dearness of postage, instead of being beneficial to the revenue, is positively injurious to it, owing to the great amount of illicit carriage of letters under the preSent system, and to the great extent to which communication is altogether prevented. "That so powerful have been the causes acting against the Postoffice revenue, the chief of which being the high rate of postage, that during the last twenty years, whilst population has increased one-third, and education and commerce in a greater rare, the receipts from the Pustoffice have not increased at all." Signatures—the lord mayor, bankers, merchants, &c. That petition was presented by Lord Ashburton, better known as Mr. Baring, by whom it wa s warm ly su p por t e d. Th e peti tion. he (Lord Ashburton) remarked, was on the subject of the Post-office, a most important subject, yet one much neglected : the present rates of postage disturbed social life, and strewed impediments in the way of science; he considered a tax on the transmission of letters, where carried to the extent it was in this country, to be most ill judged and pernicious. The system re quired thorough reconsideration, and an entire reform. He re commended a pamphlet to particular perusal, written by Mr. Rowland Hill; that pamphlet confirmed his impression that the grievances complained of might be remedied without asacrifice of the revenue. The remedies suggested by that gentleman were-Ist, A great reduction of charges; 2d, The payment of charges in advance ; 3d, The equalization of the rate of charging. The expense of a Post-office establishment was the same whether the letters were conveyed twenty miles or two hundred miles:the only difference caused by distance being the simple expense of conveyance; and Mr. Hill, in his pamphlet, had shown that the expense of carrying a letter to Edinburgh amounted only to a small fraction of a farthing. It was, there fore, an injustice to persons in distant towns to impose on them the present charges. Mr. Hill proposed that no payment should be made at the Post-office, but that covers or stamped envelopes should be purchased to carry the letters free. Mr. Hid calcu lated that a penny for a letter not weighing more than one ounce would prove sufficient. The government ought to give the matter their consideration, if it were only from the fact that the revenue was injuriously affected by the present system. Lord Ashburton further observed, that whilst the consumption of soap had increased one-third in the same time, tea one-half, silk goods doubled, coffee more than tripled, cotton goods four fold in twenty years, yet the Post-office, in 1815, was £1,557,291, and in 1835 £1,540,300, being a small decrease of nett revenue, instead of a large increase during the same period. Another in stance Mr. Hill brings forward, which is very striking, the stage coach duty was in 1815 £1,557,221. - and in 1835 was £1.550,000, being an increase in 20 years of £2,000,0110, whilst no increase whatever, but the contrary has taken place in the Post-office revenue. If it be granted, then, that the demand for the con veyance of letters has increased during the last twenty years in the same ratio as that for the conveyance of persons and parcels, which can scarcely be doubted, it follows inevitably, that. from some cause or other, there is in effect a loss in the Post-office revenue of two millions. In France, where the rates of postage are nut so exorbitant as in this country, the gross receipts are said to have increased from nearly £960,000 iii 1821, to £1,480,000 in 1835, or 54 per cent, in fourteen years. 'The loss of the revenue is, however, far from being the most serious of the injuries inflicted on society by the high rates of Postage. When it is considered how much the religious, moral, and intellectual progress of the people would be accelerated by the unobstructed circulation of letters. and of the many cheap and excellent publications of the present day, the post-office assumes the new and important character of a - powerful•engine of civilization, capable of performing a distinguished part in the great work of national education, but rendered feeble and ineffi cient by erroneous financial arrangements. In addition to the increased correspondence, which, front the causes already stat ed, would arise, it must be carefully borne in mind, that tbis species of communication would be made accessible to new classes, and those very numerous ones—domestic servants for instance, who constitute one of the most numerous classes of labourers, are, in general, so far removed from their friends, as to have little opportunity of personal communication, and when to this we add, the separation occasioned by marriage, appren ticeship, the necessity of seeking employment, going to school, &c., we shall probably come to the conclusion, that there are few families to be found throughout the country, and more espe cially in the manufacturing districts, without some membei, or at least some relative, being so circumstanced as to create a desire for communication by letter. Mr. Hill alludes parti cularly to our respected townsman Mr. Thriruely, the member fur Wolverhampton,'who stated to him, that at the Wolver hampton post-office, he was surprised to leant what a large number of letters were detained for pour periple, until they can raise the postage. The letter-carriers offer them in the first in stance, and then they remain in the post-office perhaps two or three weeks, until the postage can be raised. There were, too, in this town, a class who had no means, from their poverty, of communicating with their friends—a class forming a popula tion of from 50,000 to 60,000 natives of Ireland, who, to com municate with their friends, must incur au expense of fitteen pence, when, probably, their wages were not more than 4s. or ss. a week; for the sake, therefore, of those 50,000 or 60,000 emigrants alone, he would advocate reforms which he then stood up to urge upon their attention. tie could also go on and call their attention to what had been stated by Mr. Porter, of the statistical department of the Board of 'Trade, who said,— that, in the present and future condition of society in this coun try, post communication may be placed amongst the wants of the poor, but it is a want which now must, for time most part, be left ungratified. He says, "The opportunities which I have of procuring franks, enable me to contribute towards keeping alive feelings of kindness and affection on the part of separated rela tives, which might otherwise become blunted or obliterated by disuse. May we not presume that many young persons of both sexes, who are continually drawn to this metropolis from distant parts of the kingdom, and are thenceforth cut off from commu nication with their early guardians might, under different cir cumstauces, be kept from entering upon vicious courses, to which the temptations are so great , and against which the re straints in their case are so few. He says further, facts have come to toy knowledge tending to show, that but for the high rate of postage, many a letter would be written, and many a heart gladdened too, where the revenue and feelings of friends now stiffer alike. In one instance with w hi c h 1 - became ac qualified, a brother and sister had suspended intercourse for nearly thirty years—that they were deterred solely by considera tions of expense is proved by the fact, that on franks being given to them by an M.P., a frequent interchange of letters was the immediate consequence." The distribution of the Penny Ma gazine is an incontrovertible proof of how touch postage may be reduced. The Magazine is sent to every part of the kingdom, and in considerable towns is distributed at the houses of the subsCribers; but the penny charged for the Magazine includes not only the cost of distribution, but the cost of eight large pages of letter-press and wood-cuts, and yet it is well known that the undertaking is a profitable one. In the neighbourhood of Bir mingham, to a distance of twelve or thirteen miles, the carriers are in the constant habit of conveying letters which they deliver at one penny each. It is very improbable that the carriers have any well-organized system of distribution, of course. therefure, they Must be paid something fur time risk of breaking the law. Yet from the open manner in which they proceed, the risk may just be as great. It is the opinieu of a bights' respectable mer chant and manufacturer of Birmingham, that the number of letters distributed by these means very greatly exceeds, in his opinion, the number sent by the post. Mr. Hill goes on to say, that with respect to contraband conveyance, it is beyond all doubt that it is carried on to a great extent. It is well known that in many parts of the country vast numbers are every day forwarded by carriers and c oach-proprietors. Not long ago a seizure took place in a carrier's warehouse of a bag con taining twelve hundred—almost all parcels, especially such as are sent at stated times, contain letters, and not unfrequently large packets are sent by coach, consisting of letters alone. Mr. Hill then says, "'That fortunately this is not a patty ques tion; men of eminence in each political party having expressed the House a themselv e s f avoura bl e t o grea t c h a nges—such as time Luke o f Richm o nd, E ar l S pencer , an d L or d Ashburton, in h Or Lords; an d L or d L ow th er , M r . Hume, Air. Wallace,h Mve r, Warburt o n, a nd m a ny others o f the House of cumnu s declared themselves in favour of extensive reforms. The object in this proposed reform is not to increase the political power of this or that parry, but to benefit all sects in politics and religion, and all classes from the highest to the lowest. To the rich, as to the least wealthy, it will be acceptable, from the increased facilities it will afford for their correspondence. To the middle classes it will bring relief from oppressive and irritating de mands, which they pay grudgingly, and which they will consider intolerable when they are told that neatly the whole charge is a tax ; and, as has been before expressed, to the poor it will afford the means of communication with their distant friends and rela tives, from which they are at present debarred. it „ A I give increased energy to trade; it will remove innumerable tempta tions t o fraud ; an d it will be an important step to general edu cation, the more important, perhaps, because it culls on govern. mart, still less of compulsion, hut merely for the 17ettroval of au obstacle created by the law to that spontaneous education which happily IS extending through the country, and which even the op ponents of a national system will agree ought to be unobstructed in its progress." lie trusted Jar- hail said enough to convince the ceuncil of the necessity of inquiring into the Postaiffic e s y s tem, not only local but general, and he did trust, as he should con clude with a motion in general terms, pledging no gentleman to any particular line of conduct, that the committee for which he asked would be appointed The plan of Mr. Hill was this : "That time me t e carriage of a letter to time most distant place costs only the fraction °fa farthing, and the management and expenses of the Postoffice added. makes the postage of a letter to cost not more than Id. to 11. That the expenses of Post-off,e,..matiage ment may be inaterially reduced by the Stamp,oilice issuing stamped envelopes, at Id for each letter, as letters taut having Fi•BittlAltY 9, IS3B. the postage to collect may be delivered with so much facility, thatiiii Lombard-street 570 have been delivered in half an how, whilst it took an hour and a half to deliver 67 letters, when the postage was collected at the time of delivery—or two minutes for each, letter. This s a ving of tim e w o uld allow th e p rese nt Post-office establishment to do a much larger business, therefore an increase of business would not bring any increase of expense, and therefore all increase of business would be clear profit to the revenue. His calculation was that the increase of business would be fourfold, thereby making the same revenue to the k rovernment as it received at present. The revenue, in th e y ea r 1815, was £1,557,291, and in the year 1835, not more than £1,540,300, being a small amount less than twenty years ago. With these general remarks he should conclude, as he was merely moving for a committee of inquiry. A great number of public bodies had taken up the question, amongst whom were the common council of London, the chambers of commerce of Edinburgh, Dundee, and Hull, and by the common council of Aberdeen, and many other important bodies; and he hoped therefore that the committee would be appointed. To secure unanimity he had in some measure changed his motion, and he now simply 'moved, that a committee should be appointed to inquire into the postoffice system, local as well as general. It pledged no gentleman to any opinion, awl if he had the honour to be appointed, he would go ino the inquiry without any pre judice whatever. Mr. JOHN SMITH rose to order. He thought it was not in order for a gentleman to give notice of one motion and bring forward another. The MA (OR said if the motion were to the effect of the notice it was quite in order. Mr. EARLE said the difficulty could easily be got rid of by moving the present motion as an amen d ment on t h at for which notice had been given. The MAVort said that they were not bound by the mere words of the motion, and that, he believed, was the usual course in another place. (We understood him to allude to the House of Commons.) Mr. Councillor BRIGHT thought it was necessary to give no tice of a motion for quarterly meetings; Mr. Ramsden need not, therefore, confine himself to the notice. The TOWN-CLERK said, as to the question of notice, if it were given in terms so particular as to put them on their guard it was quite sufficient. The MAYOR said the question, as now proposed, was for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the post-office sys tem, local as well as general. Mr. BARCLAY seconded the motion in a brief speeth. Mr. EARLE thought it was as well that the question was re ferred to a committee, but regarding the heavy rate of postage in this country, he did not see why they should not immediately memorialise the government. The question was now under the consideration of government, and if they waited till the next monthly meeting it might be determined. It was right that so extensive a commercial town should express its opinion to go vernment, with whom it would doubtless have some weight. He should be very happy to move that the committee be autho rized to prepare a memorial on the subject, the Mayor to affix the seal. Mr. JOHN SMITH then rose to oppose the motion in tote He would occupy but little of their valuable time, for the merits of the case, if merits there were, were in a' narrow compass. As regarded the boxes of the post-office, he apprehended as they were private arrangements between the postmaster and the merchants, for the convenience of the latter, they (the council) had no right to interfere. If the merchants themselves did not find accommodation from that plan, it would lung since have been abandoned; they had no complaints from the aterehants_, and, therefore, interference on their part was unc a ll e d f ur . With regard to Mr. Ramsden's wish not to have the boxes done away with, but have the charge removed from the parties at present paying, he must say, such an idea was preposterous, for if his wishes were complied with, every individual in the habit of re ceiving letters would req,uire a box, and then the Custom-house itself would not be sufficient to find accommodation. (Hear!-) As to the extra- number of receiving -houses, he doubted not when the post-office was removed to the new custom-house, the proper authorities would attend to it; and as the subject of post office reform was under the consideration of her majesty's go vernment, he thought a memorial would be altogether prema ture and uncalled for. Holding these opinions, he should meet the motion with a direct negative, arid he begged to move, that it be taken into consideration that day six months. Mr. Councillor WOOD seconded the amendment. Mr. Alderman BROWN did not subscribe to the doctrine hinted at that day, and mentioned distinctly at the last meeting of the council, that they should entertain questions only of a local na ture ; for when matters of great interest were brought before the government of the country, he thought it the duty of that, the second commercial town iu the world; to express to govern ment the views they entertained ou what affected the interests of the public at large. He h,ul viewed that question with deep interest, and he did consider the pamphlet of Mr. Hill one of the most valuable that had come under his observation. He had also consulted his friends, and frmn all he could learn, the advantages of the proposed reform were thought so great that uothiug ought to be left undone that that council could do to stimulate the government to carry into effect; even ifa special council had been called to uaemorialise the government on the subject, he thought they would not have been stepping out of their way. lie hoped they would grant the committee, and thereby assist in convincing government of the great importance of the qc Mr. CURRIE thought the council could hardly be prepared to pass the motion, for if they at this day should sit down and form themselves into a committee to inquire into the Post-office sys tem, the general Post-office being situated 200 miles off—for the' motion asked for an inquiry general as well as local—they would be entering on a task totally out of their power. If they were to attempt to carry that motion into effect they would be come ridiculous to their country. If Mr. ltamsden thought it advisable to try the system of Mr. Rowland Hill, be, for one, would gladly agree to memorialize in Its favour, but it was im possible they could enter into a general inquiry. As to the local inquiries at present he should nut go at 'length into that ques tion, but with respect to the tax of £2OOO which it had been said they were called upon to pay—though he thought the sum over stated—he agreed with Mr. John Smith that it was a voluntary tax, and the convenience which it purchased was so great that if the town were canvassed on the subject he thought the ma jority would be in favour of its continuance. He thought it im possible to deliver letters so quickly and conveniently as now, when the merchants could at once ascertain whether they had letters or not by looking at their box. He hoped Mr. Ramsdell would revise his motion as to the general inquiry; and as to the local inquiry, changes were about to be made at the Postoffice, by its removal to the Custom-louse buildings, and government was exhibiting a disposition to give Mr. Ro'i:viand Hill's plan a gradual trial. But a revenue of £1,600,000 a-year was not lightly to be trifled with. • Mr:Councillor BOLTON, said, from the terms of the motion it was his intention to oppose it; but if Mr. liamsden would consent to make it an inquiry of a local nature, whether better means could not be adopted to facilitate the delivery, and to petition parliament for a diminution of the expense of postage, he would concur in the object, though at the same time he thought some observations had been made that were not war ranted. He maintained that the boxes were a great public con venience, and that the merchants got their letters half an hour, or perhaps an hour, sooner than they would by a general deli very. Ame rican pac k ets were frequently arriving in a port like this, and at the present moment American news was of great interest; now, merchants might have that American news at their offices within twenty minutes after the Post-office bad opened, but if they were to be delivered they could not have them for an hour. He had spoken with some brokers on this subject, who received large remittances by letter, and one had remarked to him that if the letters were to be delivered by carriers he would send a person to Manchester to receive his letters there, and come will, them by the railway train. The mode of having boxes was useful; but if Mr. ltauasden would limit his inquiry to what local arrangements could be made, and what reduction could be effected in the rate of postage, he would agree with him. - Mr, AideWe; EVANS opposed the appointment of any com mittee as unnecessary. He agreed that it was quite quite well to give government a hint to look into the mode of improving the general establishment, either by Mr. Rowland Hill's plan or an improvement on that plan ; but he could not conceive the necessity for a committee, and he would recommend the dis posal of the question there at once. With regard to the com mittee for a local inquiry, he considered Mr. Ramsden's object was to have the merchant's letters handed to carriers, and deli vered at their offices. (" No, no," and " Yes, yes.") Mr. Councillor RAMSDEN said he simply asked for a com mittee of inquiry, without pledging himself or the council to any plan in particular. Mr. Alderman EVANs.—Well, if they were to go to govern ment and ask them to intrust the merchants letters to carriers, they would place themselves before government in a very inde corous situation, because, the merchants getting their own letters was a leading argument with them to get the Post-office removed to the new Custenn-house buildings. But the idea of meddling with the local arrangements, when it was likely, with the change, that there would be an enlargement of the number of clerks, and great alterationsin the new edifice —was, to say the least, ream tore. With regard to the doing away with the alphabet (boxes,) by which the merchants bad great convenience, and which the rest of the public had not, because they needed it not, be believed it was a convenience which the merchants had on the cheapest possible terms. The idea of giving merchants' letters into the hands of carriers, and entrusting to them the important cor respondence on which sometimes the very existence of houses depended, was preposterous; whereas, if they allowed them to lie in the boxes as at present, they were either delivered to the principal, who was well known, or to a young man who was hi-s recognised servant. But if they delivered letters to a hundred counting-houses, by one carrier, be must begin with one, and - what then would be the position of the hundredth, while he was delivering the letters to th e o ther ninety- n i ne, an d rece i v i ng h i s postage ? There were cases where a man who received hie letter, in the first instance, might avail himself of the oppor tunity to make his fortune at the cost of the man who received his letter in the last instance, by getting his information earlier. But they must recollect, that if a number of mercantile houses. were always open, there was also a number of minor offices, with limited establishments, which were locked up at particular hours. Attendance might be required on the quay with goods going out and goods received, and they might not have clerks— perhaps they could not afford a sufficient number to have one always there when the postman called, and what then was he to do with the letters ? (Jr perhaps the office might be open, and there might be nobody in but a little dirty boy that they would not trust with their letters, or money to pay the postage. in that case he would go on, and when the principal or his clerk returned, he would be at a loss to know where the carrier was to be found, and instead of the letter-carrier facilitating the receipt of communications, be would he found to he an obstruc tion. Now, they were all able to go to the Postoffice and receive their letters, not from the hands of a letter-carrier, who would deliver them to number one to the delay of ninety-nine. As he could not conceive any alteration as yet contemplated by Mr. Ramsden that would nut be a positive injury, he conceived the appointment of a committee would be altogether a loss of time, and therefore he should oppose it. With regard to the other question; giving government an admonition, or letting them know that we took a very great interest in the improve. anent of the Postoffice establishment, he would concur in it ; but he conceived it was not necessary to refer it to a committee at all, except to draw up the address. Mr. Councillor BRIGHT said that in all the observations made he had only heard one interest mt.ntioned, forgetting that there was a great mass of inhabitants and tradesmen besides. He was willing that the merchants should have every facility af forded them ; they were, of course, the first interest in the town, arid they (the council) had done all they could for the acrern modatien of that body, by procuring the removal of the Post office to the new buildings in Canning-place. But still the question interested a large mass wh ose i nterests ought not to be lost sight of. He did not mean to go into the question at length, nor into that respecting the rate of postage; he should confine himself to the local interests of the inhabitants at large. Mr. liainsden Contemplated that there should be a large umn ber of receiving -houses and letter-carriers, and ha (Mr. Bright) felt obliged to him for bringing the question before the council, b u t whi c h h e was of opinion would be much better discussed in corninittee than in that ire nr i . Mr. Councillor Pe tusTt.,ev wished to ask if the letters in London were not delivered with us much punctuality and as early or earlier than here. Thirty years ago it was the plan to have boxes iu London, and the present system of deliver y there had been adopted in order to relieve the pressure from the win dow. which was so great that the young men had uo chance of reaching for a length of time, and it was found necessary to send their porters rather than their young men, to make their