The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-02-19 00:00:00

THE PROTECTOR SOCIETY. We have been favoured with a copy of the second edition of Mr. Bretherton's " Letter to Robert 'Wharton, Esq." on this question, and are thereby induced to recur to a sub ject which we have not recently had occasion to advert to. There are forty-eight goodly pages to this pamphlet; but as we may suppose, they are not all strictly confined to the material issue. We 'have rather admired, indeed, how the learned author could write so much, and say so little to the purpose, or to that which we, in our simplicity perhaps, con sider such. In this respect your men who have studied in special pleaders' offices enjoy a vast superiority over the rest of the community, the only drawback from which is, that having become habituated to dealing largely in words, they are sometimes apt to mistake the sign for the thing signified, and lose sight of the substance, while they set an excessive value upon the mere letter of an argument. We have followed Mr. Bretherton in all his meanderings on the question before us ; but we cannot give him credit for having done the slightest damage to the judgment of the re vising barristers—so far from it that we protest we are now more fully convinced of the soundness and perfect correctness of that decision, and we impute this to the palpable deficiency and unsoundness of the case. The judgment of the Revision Court is supported, in our view, by the plain intendment of the Reform Act, and by legal decisions, so far as there are legal decisions applicable to the point. The case of the Queen v. Bridgnorth is a strong one. In that case the mayor of Bridgnorth had refused to insert the names of seventy-eight persons in the burgess list on the ground that they had not paid their rates, or that their rates had not been paid with money drawn from their own re sources. Twenty-six out of the seventy-eight had on former occasions been excused payment of rates on account of po verty, and many had been in receipt of parish relief. Other parties came forward and paid the rates of these paupers, but the mayor rejected them, and the Court of Queen's Bench decided that the mayor did right. This caw was relied upon by the revising barristers in ruling cases analogous, or very pearly so here, and the objectors have not been able to get over it ; nor will they whilst there is a concurrence between common sense and law in settling the question. It is a maxim of our old law-writers that he who sticks at the letter, sticks at the mere rind—qui heret in lilera, heret in certice—in performinng the office of a legal interpreter. Let us abide by the maxim here, and looking at the true in tent and spirit of the Reform Act, we shall see that the deci sion of the Revision Court is completely in harmony with it. The requirements of the 27th section are fourfold—occu pancy, residency, rating, and paying of rates—and these re quirements, we suppose it will be granted, it was meant should be fairly and bona fide satisfied. They are obviously, taken altogether, a property qualification, and nothing more or less. It is required that the person claiming the tranchise shall occupy premises of not less than £lO yearly value, and that he shall have paid the rates due in respect thereof. Let him fail to substantiate either or both of these principal con ditions, and his claim to registration falls instantly to the ground. It is not enough that he should show a sufficiency of value in his holding; he must also prove that he is him self in a condition to occupy it, by having discharged its .rated liabilities. If the legislature make property the test of qualification, as it has done here, we have a right to see that the condition of each individual claimant is answerable thereto. Occupation of premises of the required value does not in itself suffice ; for the occupier, if unable to pay the rates chargeable in respect thereof, is clearly deficient in property with reference to the statutory standard. The suf ficiency of the individual is the point mainly sought to be determined, and this is the mode of ascertaining it which the statute prescribes. The foregoing propositions are obvious and indisputable, and being conceded, enable us to make short work with the doctrines propounded. The proposition which he under takes to maintain is—" that the payment of rates by the party himself with borrowed money, whether repaid or not, is such a payment, supposing all other qualifications to he possessed, as to entitle a party so paying to be registered under the 27th sec. of the Reform Act, and consequently entitles him to a vote." Now we appeal to common sense if this proposition be • not manifestly and grossly inconsistent with the obvious intent of the act ? This is an attempt completely to NULLIFY that part of it which refers to the payment of rates—to set it aside altogether, and to extend the elective franchise to a class of claimants not contemplated by the legislature— namely, those who occupy merely, but may not be asked as to their ability fairly to do so. We submit, however, that this is not law, but the violation of it—not the statute, 2d Wm. IV. ch. 45; but a new act, agreed to by parties of Whose legislative authority we have yet to be made cognizant. • Mr. Bretherton cites the following rules laid down by the revising barristers on the subject of rates and their payment, and states that he dissents from the two last, " so far as to the requiring payment, or the payment being in any way affected by the borrowing money for the purpose." The rules are as follow : Ist. " That if money was given to a party to pay his rates, it was a good payment." 2d. " That if a third party paid without having any com munication with the party claiming a vote it was a bad pay ment." 3d. ," That if a voter borrowed money and with it paid his rates; and on or before the 20th of July, repaid the money so borrowed, it was also a good payment." • 4th. " That if a party borrowed money for the express purpose of paying his rates, and did not on or before the 20th of July; repay such money, it was a bad payment for the pur pose of obtaining the franchise." These four rules might be reduced to one ; but all of them are good and proper, because they harmonise with the spirit of the 27th section of the act; they are illustrations of eases when a party does, and when he does not, give evidence of sufficiency such as that section contemplated. They are ounded in common sense, and require no aids of commen ary or paraphrase to defend them. The object of Mr. Bretherton, and the party for whom he acts, is to enfranchise paupers —men who though in possession of £lO holdings, are unable to pay their rates. That is their simple object, and if they could make the statute bend to their purpose, it would, no doubt, be vastly agreeable, but they have found it a little too tough for their powers ; and their advocate has not in the least improved their case by this publication. We have all heard of the Irish feat of driving a coach and six through an Act of Parliament ; but if Mr. Bretherton, or any other champion of the Protector Society, should esta blish, that where the Reform Act declares that a man shall pay his rates—it does not mean that he shall be able to do so, and that he may discharge the amount with money not his own—money borrowed for the occasion, and which he is not in a condition to repay—or money stolen (!) Why then we should say that Mr. Bretherton, or any other such champion, had far exceeded that feat. We have much more to say on this subject ; but we for bear for the present. TOWN MISSION The annual meeting of the Town Mission was held at the Music Hall, Bold-street, at half-past six o'clock, on Tues day evening, and was very numerously attended—John Crop per, Esq., in the chair. Mr. JONES, the secretary, read the report. It was of a satisfactory character. It stated that the number of agents had been increased, within the year, to nineteen, and, al though the state of the funds, at the commencement of the previous year, was such as to give rise to apprehension that the society might be seriously limited in its operations, yet that the appeals to the Christian public had produced so large a sum as to leave a balance in the treasurer's hands of £177 Ils. The income of the year had amounted to £l5OO, and the total expenditure to £1361. in the course of the next six months a sum of £l5O would be required to pay the salaries of the agents. It was, therefore, hoped that the prosperity of the society would not induce the public to sup pose that it was in immediate want of money. The report proceeded, at considerable length, to detail the beneficial operations of the society in rescuing the spiritually destitute from the error of their ways, and in contributing to the tem poral necessities of the poor. The Rev. JAMES LISTER moved, and the Rev. WILLIAM BEVAN seconded, the adoption of the report. The Rev. Dr. BTRTII proposed the second resolution. " His address was almost entirely devoted to a defence of himself, as a minister of the Church of England, in appearing upon the platform and advocating the interests of the society. Ile said he had received an anonymous letter, in which the writer charged him with inconsistency in coming forward with ranters, methodists, and dissenters belonging to several de nominations, to uphold such a society as the present, inas much as he had, on a former occasion, called dissent a "monstrous evil," and must be aware of the fact that when dissenters visited the houses of members of the Church of England, they did so for the purpose of prevailing on them to embrace the form of worship in use among one or other of their own sects. In reply to th e c h arge of inconsistency, the Doctor stated it to be his firm con v i c ti on th at t h ere was no pure church on earth—that he doubted much whether t h ere ever would, and that, as he looked upon the several classes of sectarians to be his brethren in the ministry, he was f r ee from the charge of inconsistency in aidi ng them , to ad vance the religion of their divine Lord and Master upon earth. He had been himself born and bred a dissenter, but from conviction he h a d embraced the doctrines of the Churchi of England, and that conviction had grown with his growth and strengthened with his strength. He a d m it te d b a yi ng called dissent a "monstrous evil, and he doubted not but his friend Mr. Lister, who was as sturdy a dissenter as could be found, would call the Church of England a " monstrous evil," but that he would hesitate before he called the Christianity of the Church of England by such an appellation. He had no objection to the dissenters endeavouring to make Chris tians of such members of the Church of England as the ministers of that church found it impossible to do, by preaching and exhortation ; and he could only say that if the methodists, as was asserted by his correspondent, made it their practice to prevail upon church protestants to go to their places of worship, it was an example to ministers of the church of England to "go and do likewise. This anony mous correspondent, whose education appeared to he of no ordinary character, had further informed him by way o f threat, that if he (Dr. Byrth) came to the present meeting, he would run the risk of losin g his popularity in Liverpool ; but if thi s s h ou ld so t urn out, he could only say, so much the worse for Liverpool —so much the worse th at such a fell s p ir it of bigotry sho u ld be found to exist among any portion of her inhabitants: He admitted that he was not indifferent to public opinion, because his profession had a right to value, and if possible, to correct it when wrong ; but he greatly feared that the motives which had actuated him to appear at the meeting would be misunderstood by some, and misrepre sented by more. lie regretted to see such an illib eral s p irit manifested by his correspondent, who, like many other pro testants, were unknowingly papists in principle. After som e further remarks on this head, he concluded by saving that he felt it an . honour to be solicited to take apart in the proceed in ougs of the meet i ng, and that he should feel it an equa l hon r • to course 0 M:1e amongst them on future occasions. In the The his observations he was warmly applauded. Dr. Byrth. Mr. HAY - seconded the resolution proposed by The Rev. C. M• BIRRELL proposed, and the Rev. Mr. BEAumoNT seconded, the third resolution. EDWARD seconded the Esq. proposed, and Dr. RAFFLES four " was appointed for t t 12 1 2 Er ;esolution ; after which a committee to the chairman, ancf ensuing year, thanks were returned the meeting separated. THE NIGER EXPEDITION, THE STEAM-SHIPS WII.BERFORCE, ALBERT, AND SOUDAN. Our readers are, no doubt, aware that three iron steam ships have recently been built at this port by Mr. John Laird, of North Birkenhead, for the intended expedition to Western Africa; and, as some accounts of them have recently appeared in several of the London and provincial newspapers, founded on inaccurate data, and, consequently, to a considerable ex tent incorrect, we supply a brief description , from authentic in formation,—now that the expedition is on the eve of starting on a mission which (whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the plan of operations), contemplates an object, in the success of which every friend of humanity must feel deeply interested,—that object being the redemption of an immense, a prolific, and populous, but lengthened continent, from moral and physical debasement, to the humanizing influence of civilization and christianity. The expedition, we may promise, has resulted out of the proceedings of a society which originated in a meeting of noblemen and gentlemen, (of all parties,) held at Westmin ster, in July, 1839—namely, "The Society for the Extinc tion of the Slave-trade and the Civilization of Africa." — Amongst those present were the Bishop of London, the Earl of Chichester, Lord Ashley, Lord Sandon, Sir R. H. Inglis, W. E. Gladstone, Esq., M.P., the Right Honourable Ste phen Lushington, M.P., and other individuals of eminence in and out of parliament. The primary object of the institu tution was the extinction of the slave-trade, (which previous means had failed to effect,)—and the means proposed were " the civilization of Africa, and the encouragement and pro tection of the soil, and of legitimate commerce." A committee was appointed at the original meeting; their application to government t 3 equip an expedition to ascend some of the principal rivers of Western Africa was acceded to ; and in June, 1840, - the parliament voted a sum of money for the purpose, and the construction of the vessels was im mediately proceeded with. The committee instantly took every possible means to obtain such information from former navigat,rs to the coast, and travellers in the interior of the country bordering on the Niger—the great outlet of that part of the globe—as might be available to those employed in the expedition ; and the result has been the accumulation of a vast body of useful and interesting information. They have also engaged the services of a number of nautical, scientific, and professional gentlemen of high standing, many of whom have before visited Africa ; and as every possible appliance has been resorted to in the fitting up and ventilation of the ships that-can conduce to the health, safety, and comfort of all on board, the expedition, it may be said, will start on the enterpriae armed with the experience of the past, and pre pared, so far as human foresight can avail, greatly to lessen, if not, indeed, to overcome, those perils and obstacles which have hitherto beset former explorators of that continent, the climate of which, particularly within the line of confluence of the sea and rivers, is proverbially inimical to European con titutions. In June last the first public meeting of the Society was held at Exeter Hall, on which occasion his Royal Highness Prince Albert occupied the chair ; and a most numerous and anxious audience gave ample testimony of the deep interest felt by the public at large in the cause of African civilisation. The chief intention of the committee (as stated by themselves) has since been directed to " co-operating with her Majesty's government in the equipment of the expedition ; in selecting and engaging the services of scientific men, in every depart ment of natural history, to accompany the expedition ; in preparing vocabularies, (so far as can possibly be done in this country,) of the principal languages of western and cen tral Africa; in procuring the most accurate information as to . . the state of the countries bordering on the mighty waters of the Niger; and otherwise in carrging out to the fullest ex tent the preparatory views of the Society." For a detailed account of these proceedings we refer to a small occasional publication, by the committee, entitled The Friend of Africa," an interesting and intelligent periodical of which the two first numbers have appeared within the present year, —and proceed to a brief description of the marine to be em ployed. Two of the vessels, the Albert of the Wilberforce, are of equal tonnage, steam-power, and equipment • the third, the Soudan, is of a smalle r ca p ac ity, b e i ng calculated for the na vigation of small rivers and inlets. The following are their DIMENSIONS. Albert and Wilberforce. Soudan. 140 feet. 113 feet. 27 feet. 22 feet. 10 feet 6 in. 8 feet 6 in 5 feet 9 in. 4 feet. 440 tons. 250 tons. Length on deck Bea Depth of hold Draught of water Tonnage, about Two sliding keels (each) .. 6 feet deep. 6 feet deep. A description of the Wilberforce, which we have had the pleasure to inspect, in company with Mr. Augustin F. B. Creuze, of her-Majesty's Dock-yard, Portsmouth, and whose name is well-known as a highly-talented writer on naval ar chitecture,—will apply in every material point to her sister ship the Albert. The Wilberforce, which was launched on the 10th of Oct., is (with the exception of her deck planks and interior fittings) entirely built of iron, put together in the same sub stantial manner as that adopted by the same builder in the construction of the war-steamers Nemesis and Phlegethon, of which we supplied a notice in Nov. last, and which are now highly-efficient and serviceable vessels in the East Indies. The large plates of iron forming her bottom and sides are so neatly united, the edges being brought close together, and the surfaces flush, that no seam is observable at a short distance, and the whole appears as smooth as if it were one sheet of metal fashioned, like a copper vessel, into its peculiar form by the hammer. The model of the Wilberforce is exceed ingly fine, combining, so far as that is practicable, the sharp ness required for speed with the comparatively small draught necessary to the navigation for which she is destined. The disadvantages, however, of a long run of flat flooring will be amply compensated for, when she is in sufficiently deep water, by two sliding keels, offering, when down, as ef fectual lateral resistance as if the same surface were in one continuous keel, and which may readily be lowered or raised at pleasure by two well-contrived winches on deck, —so that, as a sea-going vessel, she will have ample hold of the element through which she progresses. She is fitted with Captain Smith's flat-bottomed boats, forming the top of each paddle-box, and which, without de teriorating from her appearance, may be promptly lowered alongside, by means of iron davits, peculiarly formed for the . ._. ....- purpose. The paddle-wheels rise but slightly over the gun waling, scarcily interrupting the line of her sheer, which is nearly straight. She has a handsomely decorated stern, forming a segment of a circle, (and thus adding to her strength); neat quarter galleries, and a handsome figure-head of the late distinguished fi icnd of Africa, whose name she bears. She is purposed for sailing as well as steaming, and is pretty fully and handsomely rigged as a schooner, with a foretopsail and topgallant sail, approximating to an henna . phrodite brig, but with cross-trees in place of a top, anCla Jacob's ladder abaft the topmast in lieu of ratlines on the foretopmast rigging. Her masts rake considerably ; she sets beautifully on the water, and her whole appearance is at once smart and mischievous,—a craft, indeed, to which a slaver, however swift as a sailer, will discreetly concede as wide a berth as possible. Having greater than the usual beam given to steam-ships, her deck is spacious, and in her running rigging, hoisting tackle, &c., many improvements are in troduced. She has a poop quarter deck, of about one-third her length, and rising about three feet above the main deck. The vessel, between the decks is, with the exception of the engine and fire rooms, fitting up in a superior manner for the accommodation of the officers and crew in their respective grades. It may be here remarked that the interior of the vessel is divided into five compartments, by water-tight bulks-heads of iron, fixed athwart-ships, so that a leak in any one of them may easily be overcome. These rise to the deck, and forming transverse fastenings, must greatly in crease the strength of the vessel. They also afford a propor tionate security against fire, in the event of any portion of the interior wood-work becoming ignited. This admirable contrivance (which also renders the vessel a sort of life-boat) originated with Mr. Laird, and has been applied to most of the iron ships he has recently built. The Seamen's Cabin, or forecastle, occupies a large space between decks at the bow, and is fitted up with every atten tion to the comfort of the inmates. Convenient shelves, benches and lockers are fitted round the whole extent of the sides ; the mess-tables are hinged at one end to the sides, and the outer end of each is suspended by an iron rod forming an arch below,—so that when not in use they may be folded back out of the way. The men will sleep in hammocks, to be stowed on deck during the day. At each of the two corners of this apartment, abaft, there is a state-room for the warrant officers. Under the forecastle are the boatswain's, gunner's, and carpenter's store-rooms,--in the fore hold. The whole has the full advantage of the ventillating apperatus, which we shall hereafter notice. Descending further aft,from thedeck, is the apartment for the Midshipmen and Assistant Surgeon. The stair, which is wide, is amidships, and terminates in a spacious square lobby or vestibule which, being surrounded with muskets, pistols, cut lasses, &c., forms an armoury. The room itself runs athwart.. s hips, and is comfortably fitted up and well painted. Here the young gentlemen havelheir library fixtures,' and we ob served several of them laudably employed in study. On one side of the, lobby is the diS pensary or surgery, and next to it a pantry for the midshipmen's mess. Ou the opposite side of the lobby, and also occupying the space between it and the ship's side, there are two rooms for the engineers. Under neath are the chain-cable lockers, the sail and spirit rooms, and tanks for water. The next room abaft is the Gun-Room, for the Lieutenants, i Master, Purser, and Surgeon. This apartment is 15ft. in length by 12 feet in width, and is neatly empannelled, and painted --the pannels in bird's-eye maple, and the styles in grained oak. It is cheerfully lighted from the roof. Venetian blinds, of varnished mahogany, form the upper panels of the doors. There are six commodious state-rooms—three on each side. The furniture is of corresponding neatness. Un derneath are the lieutenant's store-room, and tanks for water and provisions. The Captain's Cabin is also under the poop, and is spacious for the size of the vessel, and replete with every convenience. The staircase is roomy, and is painted in knarled oak. The cabin may be made into two distinct apartments, by folding doors running athwart ships. When opened out, it is about 20 feet square, and forms a handsome room, well lighted by five stern windows, and two circular lantern deck lights, the aftermost of which forms also "the binnacle, im mediately under which is fixed, in brass-work, the magnetic apparatus, for the due action of the compass, on the plan of Professor Airey. There are two spacious.state-rooms attached. The panels and doors are painted in green and white, with Venetian blinds of mahogany, at the top of the former. The furniture is neat and appropriate, without being gaudy—and includes a dining and reading or desk table. Against the the rudder-case is an arm-chair, in which we doubt not will frequently be seated some sable monarch of western Ethiopia, gazing with astonishment at the splendour of this (to him) Leviathan of the deep, propelled by an unaccount able and fearful agency. Under the cabin sole are the captain's store-room, the powder magazine, and the shell and rocket room. There are sofa fixtures on each side the rudder-ease, and abundance of conveniences for books, charts, &c. The floor in this, as in the other cabins, is covered with oil-cloth, which is cooler than carpeting ; the drapery is neat and chaste, and there are several handsome frosted globe-lights appended from the roof. The ship will carry fine chrono meters, and many land as well as nautical instruments for calculation and experiment. The healing art has also been anxiously attended to, not only as regards the ships' com panies in this expedition, but the natives of Africa. An extra supply of medicines and instruments will be carried out ; arl4 means have been adopted to introduce amongst the natives, amongst whom the small-pox make frequent and dreadful devastations, a knowledge of vaccination, to be practiced by themselves. Diverging from the staircase of the main cabin, is also a room for the principal clerk, and a pantry well fitted up. The mode of ventillation is well worthy of notice, peculiar attention having been paid to this department so necessary to the preservation of health, and consequottly to the success of the expedition. Our limited space prevents us from en tering into detail ; but we may state generally that the system adopted is that of Dr. Reid, so far as human means are yet carried out to an extent that gives promise of destroying, available, the deleterious effects of the ma la r ia arising from the stagnation of the silt and vegetable substances washed down by the rivers, and which is peculiarly offensive and dangerous in their admiTkure with the saline waters of the ocean. Large pipes, of a square flat \ form, run along each side of the ship, having communication with every- room and chamber throughout. The working portion of this apparatus consists of two tanners, enclosed in iron work, resembling a winnowing machine, or rather the blasting engine used in raising the furnaces of foundries and smelting works to the requisite heat. These machines, when the engine is in play, are worked by a strap over a wheel on the paddle shaft ; and when the engine is at rest, they may, with facility, be turned by a common crank handle. Certain valves, formed of thin plates of iron, regulate the suction or the draft of air, and the apparatus, acting either as a pump or an injection pipe, may be applied to suck out the warm or foul air from any part of the ship, to be replaced by a cold and healthy blast thrown in. Connected, too, is to be a chamber, in which may be placed cloths, with lime or other chemical substances, for fumigating or medicating the ship with any required vapour, the action of which will neutralize or destroy malignant effluvium. The " Friend to Africa" well remarks on this contrivance that " it seems to be quite possible, that, by a careful Observation of the effects of a ' malaria' atmosphere on the substances in the chamber, a clue may be given to the nature of this hitherto unknown but formidable foe to European life in tropical cli mates—a result which would deserve to be ranked among those discoveries by which science may be truly said to have benefitted mankind. These observations will be conducted by Dr. M`William, the senior medical officer, who fully enters into Dr. Reid's views, and is well qualified to render these experiments subservient to the advancement of knowledge." From the same work we quote the following passage : I I" Each of the larger vessels has two engines of 35 horse power each, and can carry coals for 15 days (of 12 hours). The smaller one has one engine of 35 horse power, and can carry coals for 10 dayS. All the engines are constructed by Mr. Forrester, of Liverpool. The vessels have as roomy and airy accommodation as their size would permit. The Soudan is intended for detached service, when required, up smaller rivers ; for conveying intelligence or invalids, and especi ally for sounding a-head of the other vessels in difficult or unknown navigation. The vessels are thoroughly equipped with every necessary, nay every comfort that prudence or foresight could dictate. The supply of provisions of all kinds is most ample, including preserved meats, chiefly prepared by Goldner, and sufficient for the consumption of the crews for four months." The command of the whole expedition devolves upon Captain Trotter, R.N., who takes the Albert, well known for his zealous services in the suppression of slavery, while in command of the Curlew on the African coast. The two other officers in command are Captain William Allen, R.N., of the Wilberforce, who accompanied the unfortunate Lander in his last expedition, and author of a chart of the river Quorra ; and Capt. Bird Allen, of the Soudan, who was long employed on the survey of the West Indies. All the officers, we may •remark, are clever and scientific men, apparently resolved to pull together; and we sincerely hope they will achieve the object of their hazardous adventure, and earn for themselves the noblest laurels that can be won, in elevating from darkness and barbarity, to light and civili zation, a large portion of the human family. Their noble efforts will doubtless be gallantly seconded by the respective crews, all of whom are chosen men, of approved character, and ability beyond the general class of their own grade in life. They will all merit, and in the event of success, we doubt not, receive, abundant pecuniary as well as moral re ward. The boats over the paddle-boxes are of a peculiar struc ture. They are double-planked, the planks running diago nally from the keel upwards, with felt between. They were built by Mr. Jones, boat-builder, of Mason-street in this town, and will be of much service from their great capacity and light draught of water. These boats are covered cacti with a basket—the largest ever made, fitting over their bottoms ; and these will be covered with water-tight canvas, so that they may themselves be used as light boats for transit of men or goods in very shallow water. Each of the ships also carries a number of smaller gig boats, adapted for rapid rowing or sailing. An outline, though an imperfect one, of the intended route into the interior of the country has already appeared. We have not room to particularize, but shall return to the subject when the official instructions (not yet received by the respective commanders) have transpired. The Soudan and Albert have already made the passage round to London, where they are taking in their final supply of stores. On their passage they were found to steam and sail well, and they are considered by practical men admirably adapted for the service. The Wilberforce sailed at half-past one o'clock on Wed nesday afternoon, to join them, calling at Dublin, for the purpose of making some magnetic experiments. She will also touch, on her way thither, at Plymouth and Portsmouth. The vessels have been equipped under the inspection of Mr. Creuze, of whom we have before had occasion to make honourable mention as a naval architect. The expedition will probably sail finally in March. May God speed them ! - - THEATRE-ROYAL As we noticed in our last, this theatre opened on Monday. Mr. Clarke is now the sole lessee and manager; and if the season is carried on with the spirit manifested au commence ment, without doubt la fin will be advantageous to the ma nager, and leave the " gentle public" nothing to complain of. The drama of " Mungo Park," which has been written, expressly for Mr. Van Amburgh, as a vehicle for the intro duction of his lions, tigers, &c., was produced, and is one of the very best pieces of the sort we ever saw. The plot is fully developed, and the scenes lead on to a termination, without that senseless jumble usually prevalent in amphi theatrical pieces. The incidents of this drama are as fol lows :—Mungo Park (Mr. Gray) having induced the govern ment of this country to assist him in exploring the interior of Africa, lands at Kayee on the river Gambia, with an order upon the governor, Colonel Laidly (Mr. Chaplin), to furnish him with men and equipments for the expedition. Although the season is near the most unhealthy period, Park is deter mined upon prosecuting his intentions, and, after much diffi culty and in spite of all remonstrance, sets out, having pur chased Karfa (Mr. Van Amburgh), an Arab of the Niger, and promised him liberty on condition that he conducts him and his retinue to the banks of the " Great River." Pre vious to his setting out, Park is joined by Toby Gander (Mr. Baker), a naturalist, who visits Africa fur a zoological society, to select specimens for their garden and museum. The expedition meets with dreadful disasters, and at the commencement of the second act, when a period of seven weeks is supposed to have elapsed, only five out of thirty seven men remain. These fall into the hands of a Moorish chief, who has vowed vengeance and destruction to all Euro peans, in consequence of the abduction of his wife in former years by a party to whom he had sliewn hospitality. By this chief the unhappy explorers are doomed to death, and, to make their fate more terrible, they are ordered to be cast into a den full of wild beasts. The daughter of the chief, Immalee (Mrs. Baker), however, induces her father (in consequence of a vow he had made her to grant any favour she might ask of him for having nursed him during sickness) to throw the Arab Karfa alone into the den, having been privately assured by him that he has a charm which gives him a power over all wild animals. The consequence is, that Karfa enters the den, and the animals are seen to crouch at his feet, and, instead of destroying, fondle and caress • him. The chief Ali, astonished at the sight, sets Park and his companions at liberty. Mr. Gray played Captain Park extremely well, and dressed equally so. Mr. Baker, as 'Toby Gander, presented us with an extraordinary impersonation. Being left amonst the five survivors, he dis covers that he has come " four thousand miles to his own funeral," and that he is destined indeed " to stuff animals." If numerous other artistical efforts had not stamped Baker as an actor of great ability, Toby Gander is one he may hang his fame upon. Voice, manner, action, and appearance are all indicative of a person in the very last stage of want and disease. Although it is impossible to refrain from laughing at the oddity of his observations on his situation, one cannot but shudder at the melancholy spectacle . before us, and cast an anxious thought upon those who are shortly leaving this port for the interior of Africa, without a fearful presentiment of their fate perhaps being similar. It is a truly artistical effort. We were pleased to see Mr. Baker so well and enthu siastically received on his entrance. Mrs. Baker looked well, and played Immalee very neatly. She was handsomely and tastefully dressed. Of Van Amburgh's Karfa we can only say that it is a wonderful performance, and we are in doubt whether to give the palm to him or to Carter. Van Am burgh's collection is the finest, but Carter certainly plays more tricks or feats with his animals, and appears to bully them more than Van Amburgh. They are par nobile fra tram, and neither may be jealous of the other's fame. Van Amburgh's fight with a tiger is more extraordinary than Carter's with a leopard. The scenery in " Mungo Park," as well as the dresses, are all new, and the former is very beautiful, and most admirably painted. The first scene, representing the Bay of Kayee, has a charming effect. The jungle scene is very well painted also, and the rocks are admirably arranged. The view of the desert and banks of the Niger is very cleverly done, and the appearance of Karfa dragging the boat up the stream gives great life to the picture. The sun is seen rising from the morning mist, and gradually throws its beams upon the waters. This is very well con trived. The tent of Ali is another extraordinary effort of scenic art : it is decidedly the cleverest thing we ever saw, and it is hardly possible to believe that the tent is only a flat surface. In the last scene a very good deception is also ex hibited. These scenes do very great credit to Mr. John stone ; they are quite after Stanfield's manner, and equal to Danson. Van Amburgh seems to have a perfect command over his animals, and the most timid need not fear any painful result from his performance. The idea that the ani mals can introduce themselves amongst the audience is quite ridiculous, as every precaution is taken to guard against ac cidents. The animals are fine specimens, and well worth seeing. The drama of " Mungo Park" is decidedly, we re peat, the best of its kind ever put upon the stage. The dia logue is full of point and wit, and the situations extremely interesting. A variety of capital farces have been produced each evening since the opening, which have served to intro duce Mr. J. S. Balls, after an absence of some years, and other new faces, of whom we shall speak on a future occa sion. Mr. Balls is as, vivacious and as full of life and spirit as ever Before we dose this notice we shall make a remark in reply to an observation made in a contemporary respecting the introduction of Van Amburgh and his lions upon the stage of the Theatre-Royal, and its alleged desecration of the drama. Without entering into the question, by the follow ing statement it will be seen that the palmiest days of the drama, in the times of the Kembles, tame quadrupeds were brought forward to back those great actors' performances. We give the following : In 1784, " She Stoops to Conquer," " The West Indian," " The Way to Keep Him," and other fine comedies were the novelties of the day. In these, John and Stephen Kem ble, G. F. Cooke, Mrs. Moss, Mrs. Maddocks, Mrs. Knive ton, Mrs. Robinson (Perditta) all performed. They were backed up by dancing dogs, as will be seen by the following postscript, which underlined the bills of the day—" O n ac count of the great demand for places at the Theatre-Royal from the universal satisfaction Signor Scaligoni has given with his amazing exhibition of the Dancing Dogs, and the Dublin Packet's not sailing until Friday morning, he will perform again this evening for the last time." It' the Kern bles, " the great George Frederick Cooke," and the beautiful and fascinating Perditta required " dancing dogs" to back their matchless performances, a Manager, now-a-days, is not to blame in producing a drama where the triumph of man over the wild and fierce denizens of the forest is exhibited. ANOTHER CHARGE OF STABBING.—On Wednesday, at the Police-court, a joiner, from Upper Mann-street, was or dered to pay a fine of £5 or be imprisoned two months for attempting to stab his brother in the head with an open razor. AMMONIATED VAPOUR IN DEAFNESS.—The sufferer from this affliction will read with pleasure that this simple, yet important application, has been successfully applied to 20 persons during the last fortnight, many of the persons to whom it has been applied having been deaf from 10 to 20 years. We insert a few of the worst cases :—Mr. Arundel (from London), Commercial Inn, Lime-street, deaf 20 years, with foetid discharge, cured ; Mr. Cookson, Berry-street, very deaf, with discharge ; Mrs. Eltnar, Duke-street, 14 years, nervous deafness; Mr. Lucas, 1, Guania Grove, 14 years, nervous deafness; Mart. Jones, Lydia Ann-street, some years; Mr. Bennett, 7 years; Mr. Fosbrooke, Oxford street, Scotland-road, improved.—See Advt. THE EXHIBITION ROOMS.—FINE ARTS.—We are glad to find that this fine collection of paintings is becoming ex tremely popular. In the evening, when lit with gas, the room forms an agreeable lounge. Several of the pictures have been sold in Liverpool, which shows that there is an appreciation of works of a first class amongst us. As soon as the works sold are removed, they will be replaced by others, equally valuable and rare ; thus a succession will be kept up th roug h out t h e season . Th ose w h o purchase sea son tickets will be ena bl e d to en j oy man y gratifying visits at a cheap rate. The " Death of Nelson " attracts much atten tion, and never fails to excite the most lively sensations of patriotism and pride for the glory of Old England. MEETING OF THE DOCK COMMITTEE The weekly meeting of the Dock Committee was held yesterday, when the following members were present : Messrs. Benn, Horsfall, Barclay, T. Holt, Holmes, Quayle, Booth, Mellor, Bulley, G. Tobin, Aiken, Middleton, Sands, Smith, Ripley, and Evans.--Mr. Benn, the chairman, presided. James Irving, commander of the stearn.packet City of Carlisle, sent in a letter, stating that he had received a claim on the part of the committee for £ll 19s. 2(1., for da nage done by his vessel to the bridge of Claren !tr: Dock gates, at half-past four, on the morning of tile 2nd Ja wary. He alleged that no notice was given to him of the bridge being closed, which ought to have been, especially as the morning was dark. On the other hand the report of the. north har bour master showed that notice was given to the captain. Mr. Irving was called in, and said the vessel was going at the rate of three miles' an hour, when the gateman ordered him to reverse motion, but it was then too late. The fault he contended lay in the bridge not having been open. To this it was replied, that notice had been given of the bridge being closed, and that it was necessary to be closed for the accommodation of the public. The committee ultimately decided that the evidence was against the captain, and or dered the claim to be enforced. On the recommendation of the sub-committee of works, the surveyor was ordered to purchase a quantity of larch and oak timber. The CHAIRMAN stated that a complaint had been made by Messrs. D. M'Arthur and Co. against James Cosnahan, master of George's Dock, for improper conduct with regard to the schooner Diamond, on the 6th instant. It appeared from the statement of Mr. M'Arthur, that the Diamond, a Scotch trader, wished to remove from George's Dock into Canning Dock, for the purpose of taking in 80 tons of coals and two marine cranks shipped by Messrs. Mather, Tom linson, and Co. The master of George's Dock, however, refused to allow the Diamond to pass in, notwithstanding, according to the statement of the captain, he presented a written order to that effect ; and so much delay was thereby caused, that the vessel had to put to sea without the marine cranks. Mr. Cosnahan, on the other hand, denied the pro duction of any order, and said the application was not made till an hour after high water, when it was inconsistent with the rules for her to be admitted. Mr. M'Arthur, in answer to this, said that on the evening of the sth inst. the captain of the Diamond applied to Mr. Cosnahan, but was refused till the following morning; and that in the morning, when the captain presented the order, the master refused to admit the ship till the Patriot King had come through the gut from the Graving Dock. An hour and a half was thus need lessly lost, and when the Diamond attempted to pass, the gates were shut, whereupoß game recrimination took place. Captain Pindar, of the Patriot King, was called, but his testimony was found to have no reference to the main facts. Mr. Cosnahan denying that he had ever received any written order from the captain of the Diamond, and the captain being at sea, the further investigation of the matter was postponed till his return. The CHAIRMAN next stated that a complaint had been made by Messrs. Berry and Co., of Clarence Foundry, against the keeper of Prince's Dock weighing-machine. The circumstances of the case were these. At various times, from the 25th June, 18-10, Messrs. Berry had sold cart loads of scrap iron, to a dealer named Burke. Each cart load was sent to the Prince's Dock machine to be weighed, and the ticket delivered to the lodge-keeper, at Messrs. Berry's. A few days ago two loads were sent : the first was larger than usual, but on the ticket being returned, the sus picions of the lodge-keeper were excited by less weight being stated than was usual. The second load was afterwards sent ; it was first weighed by Prince's Dock machine, and then by the machine at George's Dock, when the ticket from Prince's Dock was found to represent the weight as 2 cwt. less than it really was. By proceedings of this nature Messrs. Berry and Co. calculated that since June last they had been defrauded to the amount of £3OO. In addition to Mr. Berry, on being called in, stated he had ascertained that Burke had been selling the iron to the foundries for a less price than he had given for it; and further, that he had on one occasion been before the magistrates for substituting one ticket for another, in a weighing-machine book. The wife of the machine keeper, on being called in, said her hus band had been confined for a month by illness, that she did not know Burke at all, and that the apparent mistake in the weight had been caused by the substitution of a ballast ticket. Mr. Berry remarked that the same cart, the same two horses, and the same driver, had always been sent to the machine. He added that a large portion of the iron would have to go to the forge, because it consisted of boiler-makers' scraps,but some of it consisted of iron bolts, and those, he understood, Burke had been in the habit of selling to small dealers. On the suggestion of Mr. HORSF ALL, the case was referred to the sub-committee for further investigation. The CHAIRMAN said that a complaint had been forwarded to him by the stipendiary magistrate, Mr. Rushton, against the master of Prince's Dock, and enclosing a statement made by police-officer No. 421, Peter Dutton. From this state ment it appeared that on the morning of the 12th instant he was on duty at the north end of Prince's Dock. The ship Mary Hartley was hauled off the gridiron, when, by the ne glect of the mate who was in charge of her, the vessel drifted, and ran foul of the bridge. The mate was drunk, and after the vessel had been hauled into dock he abused the officer. Next morning the officer lodged an information before the magistrates against the mate, for not obeying the directions of the dock gatemen. On the hearing Mr. Rushton directed the officer to request the attendance of the dock master (whilst he could have enforced it), and on Saturday afternoon the officer went to him for that purpose. He found him in conversation with the captain and mate of the Mary Hartley, and after they had separated be told the dock master that the magistrate desired h►s attendance, and that of the gatemen. He, however, refused; and neither he nor the gatemen at tended. The Chairman and Mr. Horsfall remarked that it was quite out of courtesy that Mr. Rushton had not sum moned the dock master, and that his conduct appeared in explicable.—Mr. MELLOR said the charge was one of a serious nature, and he should move that further investigation be made into it by the harbour-master's sub-committee.— Agreed to. The HEAD-CONSTABLE reported that a dock gateman had 'alien into Prince's Dock on the Ist inst, but was rescued by a police constable. The officer said the man was rather the worse for liquor. The accident seemed to have been caused by a crane being too near the edge of the quay ; and the head-constable suggested that it be removed so as to prevent danger.—Referred to the sub-committee of works. The report of the Sub-committee of Works,rerommend- ing the deepening of Prince's Basin and Queen's Basin, was reconsidered ; and the work was ordered to be executed by contract, by the men employed on the establishment, Mr. Hartley to mention the amount of the contract before the commencement of the work. 7he_CIIAIRmAN said the next business was the considers- tion of the report of the Harbour Master's Sub-committee, recommending the payment of the dock-masters by fixed salaries, instead of by a rate on the tonnage, and also the erection of houses for the harbour and dock masters; the change in the payment of the dock-masters to commence in June next. Mr. SANDS enquired what object the proposed change was intended to effect? The CHAinmAN replied, the more efficient working of the docks. Mr. MELLOR enquired whether the sub-committee were unanimous in recommending the change ? Mr. SMITH (the Chairman).—Quite so. Mr. SANDS said that Mr. Thornely and other merchants _ had expressed an opinion in favour of the present system. The CHAIRMAN, in reply to a passing remark from some member, said that the master of Brunswick Dock was paid by a fixed salary, and that dock was most efficiently worked. Mr EVANS remarked that the committee had always been in favour of a fixed salary, and would not have departed from that principle had they not been coerced from without. On the motion of Mr. RIPLEY, seconded by Mr. BROWN, that part of the report was confirmed which recommended a change in the mode of paving the dock masters. That part of the Sub-committees report which recom mended the building of houses for the dock and harbour masters was next considered. It was eventually confirmed, on the word provided being substituted for building. John Edwards was appointed a night watchman at 15s. a week wages. On the; application of Messrs. 111`Iver.and Co., the privi lege was granted, for the present, for the Royal North Ameri can Mail Steamers to enter the graving docks, when neces sary, though out of their regular turn. The Parliamentary and Sub-committee of Finance reported that three plans bad been submitted to them for the erection of transit sheds upon the west quay of the Prince's Dock, and an estimate of the cost of each. No. 1 was estimated to cost £15,000, No. 2 £28,000, and No. 3 £21,500. The Sub-com mittee thereupon resolved that the plan No. 3 be approved. and recommended its adoption. The new sheds to be at tached to the old, with the view of reducing their estimated cos t. Report approved. Mr. CHAPMAN gave notice that at the next meeting he should propose the following motion : To call the attention of the committee to the reduction of the dock rates in 1836, stated to be about 38i per cent., but which, although affording great relief on goods, has not proved equally beneficial in its operation on tonnage, owing, it is supposed, in a great measure to the new mode of measuring having subsequently come into active operation, and to give notice of a motion for Thursday next, with a view to the sub ject being referred to the Finance Committee, to report upon the best mode of so apportioning the reduction as to place the rates of tonnage and goods on the same relative footing, with respect to each other, as shewn prior to 1838 ; such re duction, however, not to take place until the passing of the new Dock Bill. Mr. Chapman's notice is founded on the following return : A COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF DOCK DUTIES. PRIOR TO 1836. 833 Duties on Tonnag9.... „ Duties on Merchandise 834 Duties on Tonnage,. s. „ Duties on Merchandise .835 Duties on Tonnage... . Duties on Merchandise X. s. d. X. s. d 79,538 311 103,422 12 5 A 4,061 15 11 107,668 1 9 87,614 14 5 110,993 4 4 251,261 14 3 322,083 18 6 83,754 18 1 107,361 6 2 SUBSEQUENT To 1836. 76,321 11 1 Average of 3 years 838 Duties on Tonnage.... ~ Duties on Merchandise 1839 Duties on Tonnage.... ~ Duties on :Merchandise 1830 Duties on Tonnage.... ~ Duties on Merchandise 69.965 12 10 81,680 8 5 74,874 13 1 92,221 2 85,975 11 9 250,226 1 9 230,815 17 8 Average of 3 years, ;• •• • X 83,408 13 11 76,938 12 6 SUMMARY. £. s. d The Rates on Goods for 3 years prior to 1836 amounted to .... .......... Ditto on Tonnage ditto ...... 107,361 6 2 83,751 18 1 Amount received on Goods over Tonnage £23,606 8 1 The Rates on Goods for 3 years subsequent to 1836 amou nted to Ditto on Tonnage ditto 76,938 12 6 83,408 13 11 Amount received on Tonnage over Goods £6,470 1 5 Liverpool, Feb. 113111, 1841. The committee then separated. LIVER T HE ATRE , — a, " Engagements," " Ten Thou sand a Year," Marian Ramsay," an d " Bl ue J ac k ets " have constituted the amusements this week, and capital houses have been drawn together. " Ten Thousand a Year" continues very attractive, and never fails to excite loud laughter. In Marian Ramsay, or Turn Out, " Hosk i ns, as Gregory, with his exquisite till, completely convulses the audience with laugliter. It is su r p r i s i ng, in these dull times, we do not see more of this mirth -stirring, clever actor. Mrs. Raymond, in " Naval Engagements' has played Miss Morti mer instead of Mrs. Wa y lett, who has been absent this week. Mrs. Raymond's version leaves nothing .to be wished for, indeed we prefer it to Mrs. Wayi e te s. ELECTION or PUBLIC VA CCINATORS.-At a vestry held on Tuesday s i x surgeons were elect e d, according to previous announcement, as contractors to vaccinate all persons apply ing within their respective districts. The number of applicants was fifty, and the following were the parties elected, with the number of votes recorded for e ac h : District 1. St. Martin 5............ Dr. T. A. Ashcroft 20 2. Great Howard-street .. Mr. Chalmers l3 3. Dale-5treet......... Mr. Whitl e y. 4. St. Thomas's . ......... Mr. H. S. Taylor 5. Mount-pleasant........ Mr. W. B. Inman l5 6. Islington-1 ....... Mr. George Gill COMMISSION OE LUNACY, Yesterday, at two o'cllck, the commission de lunatic° in quirendo addressed to Henry Lawrence, Esq., Mr. Brooks, and Mr. Wood, was opened at the Clarendon-rooms, direct ing them to inquire into the state of mind of George Farrar, formerly of Leeds and Holmfirth, dyer, but now an inmate at Walton Lodge near this town, the private asylum under the management of Mr. Squires. A jury of fifteen respect able gentlemen was impannelled by the High Sheriff. Mr. LAWRENCE, after the usual formalities had been gone through, told the jury the object for which they had been summoned. Many of them he had met on similar inquiries before, and as they were familiar with the mode of proceed ing, he should not detain them by explaining it. Mr. KIDD, of Holmfirth, solicitor to the friends of the alleged lunatic, then called the first witness, Mr. T. H. Martin, surgeon, of Holmfirth, who said that George Farrar, the subject of this inquiry, was brought up as a dyer, and that he was about 36 years of age. His father carried on business at llolmforth. but had also a concern at Leeds, which was managed by the eldest son till his death in 1833. After that George Farrar took the management of it, and had a house and establishment in Leeds. Li the latter part of 1836 he married Miss Armstrong, and had issue one son. Witness had been the medical attendant of the family for seven years. On the 28th of January, 1838, witness went with Mr. John H. Farrar, another brother, to Leeds, and found George Farrar in his own house, under restraint. He had been put under restraint by Mr. Hare, surgeon, for having attempted his own life, and that of a person who had been employed to watch him. Witness considered restraint to be necessary at that time. As lie was very irritable, witness suggested his removal from business altogether, and the same day he was removed in a chaise to his father's residence at Holmfirth. His father was then very ill, and witness at tended both professionally, daily, and frequently twice a day from the 28th January to the 11th May. He would, during that period, walk about the house for hours together, with no object in view, and took no notice of any person, and if he could meet with any written papers of any kind he would de stroy them, and if any of the family complained, he made no reply. At other times he was very morose and sullen, and he also complained of Mr. Hare having forcibly taken posses sion of his property, and turned him out of his own house. He expressed apprehensions of being forced to apply to the town for relief, and told his father and mother that if they had anything to do with Mr. Hare, he would serve them likewise. He manifested no desire to return to his wife and child at Leeds. The child was born about ten days before he was put under restraint. His wife came to Holmfirth about three months afterwards ; he was then much excited, and said the child was not his, because his was a very little one, and he had only left him at Leeds a day or two before. He had no idea of dates ; and frequently toolchis sick father by the shoulders and said to him—" Ah, you old dog, you have no business with physic, as you have got no money to pay for it," and said he would let them know who was master soon. His father was seized with apoplexy on the 6th May: witness bled him, but be died in two hours afterwards. Geo. Farrar was present ; he walked about tastingeverything in his way ; he pronounced some brandy and water to be poison, and when he left the room, he said witness had poisoned his father. His father was interred on the 10th May : during the fune ral, and in the church, he was laughing and making faces. Although he was allowed to be at liberty at his father's house, some person was constantly watching him. After his father's death he became much more excited than he was before, and once turned his mother out of the room. Wit ness advised his removal to an asylum, and on the 12th May he was conveyed to Mr. Squires, at Walton Lodge. Witness considered him not to be in a fit state to manage his own affairs during the whole time he attended him. Witness saw him on the 18th July, as he was on his way to the Isle of Man, and the first words he said was, " You have something to answer for." Witness said, " What for ?" He replied, " You killed my father." Witness attempted to reason with him, but could make no impression : his replies to everything were " Yes" or " No." Witness saw him again on his re turn, on the 28th, when he again charged him with having killed his father. In reply to some questions from the jury, Mr. Martin ex pressed his opinion that there was a predisposition to insa nity ; and that before he left Leeds no more restraint was put upon him than was absolutely necessary. Mr. Richard Squires, surgeon, and proprietor of the Asy lum, Walton Lodge, was the next witness. He said he re ceived George Farrar into his care on the 12th of May, 1838. Witness had been in the habit of attending parties whose minds were affected. Hehad seen more or less of such cases since his infancy ; but for the last eight years his attention had been entirely directed to that branch of practice. When Mr. Farrar was first brought he was silent and morose; and for four months he spoke only in monosyllables. He had all the physical appearance of a lunatic, and no person could doubt his being a perfect madman. For nearly three months, wherever he was put, and whether standing or sitting, there he would remain without moving. During that period he was inclined to suicide, but measures were taken to prevent him. Afterwards he became better, and continued so until June 1839. He could then talk rationally upon any subject except family affairs. Mr. Hare, his uncle, wife, and mother often saw him. His sister saw him once. He was always harping upon his first confinement, and nothing less than £lO,OOO. damages would satisfy him for it. He always main tained that he had a right to cut his own throat when he pleased, and that Mr. Hareought not to have prevented him. In August last, his wife and mother attempted to prevail upon him to leave the Asylum, but he showed quite a con trary disposition. The witness then produced some of his letters, addressed to the magistrates of Leeds and others, written in a most incoherent style. Since August 1840 he had been so deranged as not to know witness. He sang fre quently for hours together, night and day, all sorts of jumble. He had also been so violent that he had been placed under restraint ever since. Once he locked and fastened himself in his room, and the door had to be broken open by force. In October his sister saw him, much against witness's will : he told her she was a devil. and would have killed her if witness had not been present. His insanity was one of pre disposition. His family had always shewn him the greatest kindness, and were anxious to have him home. He had never had'a lucid interval since he bad been placed in the Asylum, and witness considered he bad never in that time been com petent to manage his own affairs. Dr. Formby, the visiting physician appointedby the justices to inspect the asylum in the hundred of \Vest Derby, deposed that Mr. Farrar had been quite deranged ever since he was placed there. Mr. FARRAR was then introduced. He was under slight restraint, it being necessary to deal very cautiously with him. His conduct, and his answers to the questions put to him, left no doubt of his insanity. Mr. LAWRENCE then went over the chief points in the evidence ' • and the jury immediately returned a verdict that George Farrar was of unsound mind, and had been incapable of managing his affairs from and since the 28th of January, 1828.—The court then dissolved. ELECTION OF SURGEON FOR THE NORTHERN HOSPITAL. Yesterday the election of house surgeon for the Northern Hospital, in the room of Mr. T. W. Wainwright, deceased, took place at the Clarendon-rooms. The excitement amongst the friends of the respective candidates was very considerable. and long before the hour appointed for the commencement of the voting, as well as during its continuance, a number of coaches, cars, and gigs drove to and from the entrance, and the room was during the whole time, crowded with subscri bers to the charity anxious to pay their subscriptions, and vote for the men of their choice. We observed no fewer than 11 gentlemen at the table receiving money and giving receipts, and the accession to the funds of the charity must have been as great as—at this season of suffering—it was opportune. One gentleman quaintly remarked that it would be a good thing for the institution if they could kill a surgeon a month. The candidates were four in number,—namely, Mr. Stubbs, Mr. Bainbrigge, Mr. Blower, and Mr. Arnott. Mr. Stubbs was proposed by Mr. James Aspinall, seconded by Harmood Banner, Esq. Mr. Blower was proposed by Mr. Warner, seconded by Mr. Watkinson. .• Mr. Arnott was proposed by Mr. Iwrie, seconded by Mr, Tomkinson. Mr. Bainbrigge was proposed by Mr. Arthur Thompson, and seconded by Messrs. Reid, Irving, and Co. Mr. Harbord had declined standing on the previous day, as announced by him in the Courier. The v wing proceeded at a bustling and rapid rate throughout, two ho irs only being allowed for the contest. The receivers of the subscriptions exerted themselves to the utmost, in picking up the " gui neas" and making out the receipts. The voting took place by ballot, so that the numbers for each candidate could not be known—though a pretty general impression soon got abroad that Mr. Stubbs was the favourite. Precisely at three o'clock the poll closed, and the parties present were re quested by the chairman of the committee, Mr. Anderson, to vacate the room, so that the clerks might sum up the voting papers. . . _ This . w . as complied with, and in a few minutes the state a the poll was declared to be as follows : For Mr. Stubbs 38.1 Mr. Bainbrigge Mr. Blower 143 Mr. Arnott Total number polled The announcement of the return of Mr. Stubbs was haile, mongst his friends by loud acclamation. NORTH UNION RAILWAY The half-yearly meeting of the Shareholders in this uncle .aking took place at the" Clarendon Rooms, South street, yesterday The t lIAIRMAN (Theodore Rathbone, Esq.) opened the proceedings by suggesting to the meeting, that if one meet ing only was held per year, it would perhaps be more conve nient for the shareholders, 'and Save expense. Some obser vations having been made on the subject, the Secretary was called upon to read the report, from. which we make the fol lowing extracts : " The directors have great pleasure in calling attention to the steady and rapidly progressive increase of the receipts, in all the different branches of the undertaking; the receipts from the passenger and parcel traffic having increased over those of the corresponding p er i o d o f th former year, £3339 2s. sd. ; those from the goods and merchandise tolls, £6BB 9s. ; and those from tolls on coal, (a business still quite in its infancy on the North Union Railway,) £587 10s; making a total increase of income of £462-1 12s. 3d. this last six months. That this increase of income will be continued, the increasing intercourse with the rising town of Fleetwood, and probable amount of business on the Lancaster line, when the next season for travelling arrives, together with the large coal trade coming on the railway, seem to render quite certain." " The North Union Act authorising the board of directors to declare and make dividends amongst the proprietors out of the clear profits of the undertaking, the directors think they shall consult the convenience and the wishes of their proprietors, by at once declaring a dividend of £2 10s. on each of their 6329 £75 shares, payable on the 25th instant, by warrants, which the secretary will forward immediately after the general meeting on the 18th instant. This dividend will amount to £15,822 10s. and will leave a balance of £1390 12s. 11d., to be carried to the next half-yearly account, out of £17,213 2s. 11d., the nett income of the last six months, after deducting from the receipts all the different disbursements, inclusive bath of interest and the reserved fund of £3631. " The directors have only further to notice the highly gra tifying circumstance, that, from the opening of the North Union Railway, in November, 1838, to the present time, (during which period 419.632 persons have travelled over it, and a speed has been required by the post-office arrange ments fully equal to that of the trains of any other line in the kingdom,) no accident of any importance has occurred to any one passenger." It was moved by Mr. MATHER, and seconded by Mr. TAYLOR, that the report should be received. A conversation then ensued respecting the amount of the surplus fund. Mr. GARNETT suggested that a dividend of £3 instead of £2 10s. per share should be declared. The CHAIRMAN said that as the dividend had been de clared, the suggestion could not be entertained. He (the Chairman), and be was certain the directors also, would be very glad to make the dividend as large as possible. On the subject of abolishing one of the half -yearly meet ings, a further conversation ensued, when it appearing to be the wish of the shareholders that the meeting should take place, The CHAIRMAN said that the directors would not fail to attend to the wish expressed. It was then suggested that the half-yearly me e ti ng s h ou ld be held at Preston and Liverpool alternately. Thanks having been voted to the chairman, the meeting sepgrated. sgßtous CHARGE..OI! ROBBERY One of the most extensive hotAe robberies which has come to light for some time, has just been detected. The parties accused are Sarah Pugh, who has for the last three years been employed as maid servant to Mr. Rodolph Zwilchen bart, and her brother-in-law and sister, Robert Jones and Ann Jones. The case was gone into shortly on Monday last, and was resumed before R. Rodick and John Formby, Esqrs., county magistrates, in the grand jury-room, Sessions-house. The room was much crowded with the friends of the parties. Mr. Wilkins, the barrister, appeared on behalf of the pri soners. The prisoner Sarah Pugh is a very interesting look ing female, and was, we unde rs t an d, a b out to b e marr i e d . Mrs. Jones had a baby in her arms, and, as well as her hus band, appeared deeply afflicted at her situation ; but her sis ter scarcely evinced the least discomfiture. The following is the evidence adduced : Rodolph Zwilchenbart said he was a merchant, and resided at Walton-on-the-Hill. He had resided there since the 7th September, the time be left Shaw-street, Everton. The pri soner Sarah Pugh was in his service, and had been so between two and three years. She was engaged as nurse and maid, to attend upon his late wife. He first began to suspect some thing was wrong in the house last Saturday week, in conse- quence of squabbling about some mourning, which Pugh said had been delivered deficient. In consequence of these suspicions he went into the servant boy's room, and took with him all the servants. He ordered Sarah Pugh to take the mattress off the boy's bed, which she did. A piece of mourning-cloth for black dresses, a gown, and flannel petticoats were found. He asked her how these articles came there. She said it was merino for dresses, and intimated that the articles were her's. She said she often put her shawls and other articles there to keep them straight. In consequence of his suspicions being raised still more, he asked to see her drawers, and accompanied her with the other servants into her room. He opened her draw ers, and in them there was some unmade-up linen and calico; nothing so very important, but still enough to excite still fur ther his suspicions. After seeing these things he went down stairs, cane(' her down, and discharged her then. He told her he was sorry that such things had happened, but, as he had now lost all confidence in her, it was better she should leave his service. He remonstrated with her, and said, " Now, be very careful ; take only what is your own, and leave my property untouched." He further ordered her to call the coachman when she made up her trunk, in order that he might see every thing as she put it in, as that would be both satisfactory to himself and her. She replied that it would be very strange to leave that very night, and asked to be allowed to stay till Monday morning, which request was granted. He did not see her go away, nor did he sedan) , thing that she took with her. He left town for London the same evening on business, about halt an hour after she left. He returned on the Thursday following, and, in consequence of many suspicious circumstances occurring, and a greatnum ber of articles being missing, he bad a regular search through the house on the Friday morning, when, finding an enormous quantity of his household clothing missing, he determined that the prisoner should be followed. There was one ward robe e mtcrely empty, and a great number of _things missing There were not half the articles he expected every where to find On the Saturday morning he gave information to Mr. Whitty of the circumstance - The property which had been recovered was then produced. in order that Mr. Zwil chenbart might identify it. There were eight large boxes, one wicker basket, and four bandboxes, full of articles of al most every kind belonging to a family. Mr. Zwilchenbart identified four gold rings, a silver pencil case, a silver and pearl fruit knife, a purse with three silver thimbles in it, which were found in a small rosewood box belonging to the prisoner, and in one of the smallest of the other boxes he identified a pair of cotton stockings, two silk dresses, three towels, two dressing gowns, a comb, silver thimble, pair of nail scissors, pair of ladies' mittens, three pocket handker chiefs, cotton gown, black crape veil, and black crape tippet, black cotton stockings, several pairs of gloves, part of which ad either the name - " Zwilchenbart," or the ;maiden name f his wife, " Margaret Tetlow," upon them. In the same as there were a great variety of other articles, sheets, _ _ noels, shirts, flannels, &c., which Mr. Zwilchenbart had no oubt taken from his house, but he could not swear to them. Mr. WILKINS, at this stage of the proceedings, intimated 3at, as he did not intend to enter into any defence of the :rvant on that occasion, he hoped the parties for the prose. igainst the other ution would proceed with the eridelic wo prisoners He had one request, however, to make; it , was, that the money which was necessary to conduct the pri soner's defence, and which could not be identified, should be given up.—This was agreed to. . . Zwilchenbart, in the course of further examination, aid the articles were taken from various parts of the house; Ind since his wife's death, having confidence in the prisoner, e had allowed her to keep the keys. Cross-examined by Mr. WILKINS.—The prisoner came .om Mrs. Logan's to live with him, but she had never seen is first wife A quantity of his first wife's clothes were in his possession when the prisoner came to his house in Shaw street. His wife was very kind to the prisoner, whose wages ..... were first £9 or £lO, and raised to £ll, expecting that she would have more work on the increase of the family. Was aware that sometimes an old worn dress was given to he prisoner by his wife. Every three weeks the prisoner of out on Sunday, which was arranged amongst the servants. Articles might have been given to her without his knowledge. Michael O'Hara was examined.—Was an inspector of police. In consequence of information received he went to Wllliames-court, Upper _Mann-street, Toxteth-park, the residence of the PriscinerJones, on Saturday, the 13th inst., ,Icompanied by Jane Williams, cook to Mr. Zwilehenbart. 'he cook went to the house first, and he afterwards went up he court and found Pugh and the cook together at the top of he steps. Jane Williams said to the prisoner, " This is the ,erson that wants you." Witness then went into the house and told the prisoner that he had come about some things which had been stolen from Mr. Zwilchenbart She said ie had none of his property He then asked her if she had ny boxes belonging - to her, and she said she had A red boi was standing near the door, and she said that was hers, at the same time opening it with a key. Jane Williams was .anding by at time, and he said to-11er, " As the prisoner rings the things of her box, when you see any of yoUr mas- T's - property, - just speak. Several articles of wearing ap arel were identified as belonging to her master. Prisoner aid these articles had been given to her by her mistress The cook shook her head and said, " Oh,. Sarah!" He told her that was quite sufficient for him ; she might lock p the box again, Which she did, and he got the key- Jones and his wife were getting their dinners, it being between twelve and one o'clock. There was a small rosewood work box in the place, which the prisoner said belonged to her sis ter, Mrs. Jones, who shook her head said " No." H e turned and said to the prisoner, " Why can't you tell me the truth about this box ; is it yours ? " She seemed fluttered, and hen said it was. It was then opened, and the articles before nentioned, and some money were found in it. He then went ip stairs into the top-room, and saw several other boxes, and wo or three band-boxes. Jones's wife went up shortly after, Int the male prisoner did not come up. He opened two or hree boxes, which the prisoner Pugh said:were hers, but the ook only saw two or three trifling articles, which she iden- tified as being her master's. There were two other boxes in the room, which Mrs. Jones said belonged to a smith, who was then in Gloucester. The small rosewood box having money in it, he was anxious to have it counted before he took it away, and asked the prisoner for the bunch of keys to but she said she had given him the. keys. A search was made for them, but they could not be found. A single key was subsequently produced, which opened the box, wherein were nine sovereigns. He then took the prisoner with her trunks into custody, and they proceeded to the Commission er's office in a car. Mr. Zwilchenbart identified some of the articles found in the small box, and gave the prisoner into custody. She was then searched by a charwoman belonging to the bridewell, and the bunch of keys was found under her arm. Between six and seven o'clock the same evening, wit ness, with another officer, went hack to Jones's house, which was locked up, but, after waiting a few minutes, Jones came up, when witness said, "Jones, we are coming to see you again." He replied, " Very well, sir," opened the door, and they all walked in. He then went up stairs, Jones leading the way with a candle, to search the boxes in the top room. In one box a great quantity of wearing apparel was found, which Mr. Zwilchenbart afterwards claimed ; some of them being marked with . his own name. He then asked Jones if he saw that. Jones shook his head, and said " Yes ; but I know nothing about them." He then sent for a coach, and when the officer was away the wife of Jones came in, whilst her husband and witness were talking in the kitchen. Jones was telling how much he had been Et out' of the way, in consequence of what had happened. _ . When Mrs. Jones came in, witness said, "You've done a pretty thing in telling me a lie about those boxes in the top room. Now I will search your room." The officer who had gone for the coach had then returned, and they then all went into the middle room. There were several boxes in the room. The first they looked at was a trunk, which she said was her own, but he had no occasion to look at it, for theri-vas no thing in it but what belonged to her. He examined it, and turned out several articles with Mr. Zwilchenbart's name on. There were drawers, gowns, a small case with two watches, table cloths, two pair of boots, two pair of trousers, a package of tea, some shirts, and a lady's night chemise in the box. He showed Mrs. Jones the articles with the name on, and asked her if she could read, but he did not recollect her answer. She said there were many articles there which her sister said were given to her. Her husband was there, and he said that people might have such things given to them. The next box they looked into was one which Jones .said belonged to a man who eighteen months ago went up the country, and for whom he was paying money into a building club. In that box there was also a number of articles belonging to Mr. Zwilchenbart, and which bore his name. There were besides, about a dozen pairs of children's fancy booN and shoes, and many articles lying about the room, which bad since been claimed by Mr. Zwilchenbart. Jones said he knew nothing about the articles, and rendered witnesses all the assistance he could. At the bottom of the box there were some clothes which had not been claimed, and which very likely belonged to the man who was up the 'country. Two other boxes were found, and in them articles with the name of the prosecutor upon them. In achest of drawers in the kitchen, many articles were also found. Afteremptying tbe drawerso,vitness saw a box at the end of the drawers. He asked Jones what was in it, but he said he could not tell. The wife said it was a new box, and there was nothing in it. On opening it, however, with a key from the bunch found upon Pugh, there were found whole pieces of flannel, calico, and linen, as well as a great quantity of new baby linen, which Mr. Zwilchenbart said, was made for the baby, which was expected. There were also a great number of stockings, a new silk umbrella ; and at the end of the drawers, four other umbrellas were found, two of them were identified. In the cellar, tied in a handkerchief, ten volumes of books were found ' • amongst them was one which had l a tely been lent to Mrs. Zwilchen bart. Another search was made on Monday, when a large wicker basker, and a band box, were filled with articles found about the house. Mr. WILKINS then addressed the bench. He wished it to be understood that it was his wish that the prisoner Pugh should not enter into her defence then. He considered that Jones was an object of consideration ; for unless' they took it for granted that a man must be cognizant of every thing that was in his house, there was no evidence whereby he could be implicated. He then proceeded at some length to defend the man and his wife, but the magistrates decided on sending them all to trial at the next assizes. John Williams, Jones's landlord, and Mr. Edward Welsh, an architect, spoke as to the good character of Jones and his wife, and, at the request of Mr. Wilkins, they were both ad mitted to bail. Two sureties of £25 each, and themselves Ln £5O, were instantly obtained, and the court adjourned. SOUTH LANCASHIRE CLUB.—This club met on Wednes day and yesterday, and had delightful sport over Southport. The company present were very numerous. The dinner of the worthy judge, Mr. George, gave universal satisfaction.-- Fleetwood Cup, won by Mr. Clarke's Lottery, beating She ridan; Bossed Cup, won by Mr. Bennett's Euclid, beating Cob Cole ; Churehtown Cup, won by Mr. Hoghton's Tyrant, beating Quiz ; Consolation Stakes, won by Mr. Edward's Manfred, beating Touchstone; Bold Stakes, won by Mr. Williams' Priam, beating Exciseman ; Crossen's St a k es , won by Mr. Eden's Emerald, by Echo. BIRDS FROZEN TO DEATH.--The hapless condition of the poor birds during the late snow storm was strikingly evinced in many instances, where, forgetting. their natural shyness, they forsook the fields and woods for the warmth and shelter of the barn and farm-house. A gentleman in Aberdeen shire, writing to us a few day s s i nce, says " I saw a torch ing sight last week at Tulloch, n ear Balla ter, about a dozen of small birds , frozen to the branches of a tree, and some m ore upon a cart all q u it e d ea d . A nother incident of the storm, was the somewhat ludicrous circumstance of a poor cat .that had gone outside of a cottage window, anl' found. standing as stiff and starched as a German soldier,sa w b ow is a 0 1); frozen to the spot, but not dead. Some warm water plied, and the icy chains removed from baudrow , " doing weir—Ai/ernes* Courier. CORRESPONDENCE. WALSALL' ELECTION. TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STAgD.ARD, SlR,—Can you inform me the separate amounts subscribed by some of the leading liberals of this town to pay—of course the legal expences incurred by the anti-corn -law candidate for Walsall.• Report says, a recentlpmade knight headed the list for a goodly sum, and not only so, but he also entertained most liberally the foraging deputation, in search of funds. Your obedient servant, ANTI-BRIBERY. [The worthy knight is probably an advocate of the—reei procity system, as he may have to call upon the Walsall re jected candidate and his friends for a similar contribution, when he himself is scouted from the hustings at Liverpool.] PRAYER-BOOK AND HOMILY SOQIETY, TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. SlR,—Having noticed , in your last number that a sermon had been preached on behalf of the above society by the Rev. Dr. Byrth, on Sunday the 7th inst., after which the sum of £2l. was collected; allow me to advert to the subjiet, with the view of commending the claims of the society to the fur ther consideration and support of the' clergy and gentry of Liverpool. The following statement was made at an open meeting - of the committee and subscribers, held on Monday last, at 38, Church-street, G. B. C arter, Esp. treasurer, in the'chair. During nine years and a half, that is, from Ladyday 1831, to the 30th Sept. 1840, the society's agent at Liverpool liad visited and revisited not fewer than 21,500 ships and other vessels, in endeavouring to promote that department of the society's objects. That during the same period the seamen and boys had been permitted to purchase 3603 prayer-books at reduced' prices ; the loss to the society amounting to Also, that there had been 1465 books of select homilies in English, and 3250 homily tracts in English and foreign languages, distributed gratuitously on board the ships visited; at the cost of the society, amounting to The agent's annual stipend for the same period amounted to Likewise, books had been granted for use on board the Mariner's Church, and loss sus tained on the purchase of prayer-books at a reduced price, amounting to Also, there bad been a loss sustained upon the .sale of books to subscribers, and agents' com mission, amountingio £lBo' 32 0 83 4 0 190 0 0 30 10 ft 54 I 4 2 Making a totsl of The free contributions received by the Parent Society in London, from the Liverpool Asso ciation during the same period, have amounted to 538 11. .q! 248 0 6 Consequently the society has sustained the loss of £290 10 Every person who can duly appreciate the spiritual and scriptural services of our church, contained in the book of common prayer, in the use of them on shore, will most as suredly feel the importance of their use on board ships at sea. Some few years ago, our sailors sadly neglected the duty of prayer on board their vessels when at sea ; bgt, by the efforts of various Christian institutions, and particularly by the in cessant labours of the agents of the'Prayer-Book and Homily Society, in visiting ships in the several ports—under the di vine blessing —their attention in many instances hai been successfully awakened to the importance .of this duty.; 'and by a timely supply of prayer-books, issued with kind per suasive reasoning, many commanders of ships, with their crews, have been brought into the practice of it. The book of common prayer and the homilies of our church have been the means of enlightening the minds of many sailors, of the conversion of some, of consoling some in their distresses, and of preparing others for a wlttery.grave. Ah ! ye !—who enjoy the blessings of this life :—and, ye who partake of the comforts of life, temporal and spiritual, being satiated with all the means of grace onshore :—remem ber the hard labours and pet ilous dangers of seamen. Think! Aye, think ! When howling winds, and thundering storms do roar ; thou seated on thy soft couch, or easy chair; still on the mighty seas—tempest tossed—or sick, or well, the hardy seamen toil—toil 'midst dangers, oft times fatal to theircrazy bark ; and in loftiest, strongest will, in nature sink, and die. Let then the heart of sympathy, the hand of charity, the voice of mercy, be extended to them when in port. Come forward, relieve this society from its present difficulties of debt—declare it free—and bid its agents be cheered in - their labours, and still with diligence and perseverance proceed In their work. Yours greatly obliged, THE VISITING SECRETARY OF THE SOCIETY. *** We beg to call the attention of the public to the so ciety's advertisement in another column, where•it is stated by whom contributions to the society are received,—En. S. THE NEW POOR LAW TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, SlR,—Can you inform your readers whether the select vestry intend calling a meeting of ratepayers on the subject of the introduction of new poor law commissioders? It is really too bad to hare the well-regulated and popular system, at present in operation uprooted without even a protest. Let the public meet and express their sense of this iktrtni nable attempt to legislate for us without our wills, and I have no doubt that such statements would be made as to satisfy even the bashaws of Somerset House, that any change here must be for the worse. This is not a political matter, but amounts just to this—either we are not competent to manage our own business, or else we are to be dragooned into submission to a plan which takes away the controul of the people over their purses, the poor, and the parish.—l am, sir, yours, &c. DICKEY SAM. THE TOOTH ACHE.—We beg leave to recommend Mr. Eg gleston's remedy for the toothache. It is very efficacious. Mr. Clarke, the lessee of the Liverpool and Manchester theatres, has taken the Theatre-Royal, Chester. ARRIVAL OF THE SOUTH AMERICA.—We were indebted last evening to Mr. J. H. Revis, Liverpool agent, and daily correspondent to the London Globe and Shipping Gazelle, for a file of American papers, brcught by the steamer South America, Captain Barstow. The inormation which these papers furnish will be found in another part of one paper. POSITIVE.—The working people would rather pay a little more for their loaves than see thousands of their countrymen who work upon the land of England turned adrift bec•+use corn could be got cheaper from Poland or Hungai y.—Post. MR. WAKLEY.—This gentleman, in the speech . Which he delivered in the House of Commons last week, against the second reading of the Poor Law Bill, pronounced the follow ing commentary on the " liberal" administration :—" In the term 'liberal,' according to some honourable members, was included everything that was great and generous. Doubting of these meanings, he had looked out for the word in Todd's Johnson, and there he found that its meanings were given as generous,' noble," magnanimous," the opposite to par simony and parsimoniousness. He owned, however, that he did not think those terms applied to the term liberal' in its modern political applicatim." He also observed that " the great landowners of the conservative body were the natural - protectors of the poor, who looked to them for protection. They were not alarmed about the corn laws, for they knew that with the rise in the price of bread there must be a cor responding increase in the rate of wages." THE INDEPENDENT WEST MIDDLESEX ASSURANCE COMPANY, AND ITS VlCTlM.—Amongst the sufferers is a very worthy old man, of the name of Samuel Cole, who was formerly in business in the Market-place, in this town, as a clogger. He travelled regularly from the neighbouring towns of Milnethorp, Ambleside, Hawkshead, &c. •, but, notwithstanding the most exemplary steadiness and industry, he was unfortunate, and failed. He afterwards went to Liverpool, where he long stood in the streets with a coffee stall. In this way he managed to scrape together as much money as enabled him to open a small cook-shop. There he succeeded so well, that he managed to remit small sums, from time to time, to his creditors in Kendal; and, in the end, he came over and paid off every one of them, even with interest, though he was not at all bound to do so, for by,this time the " statute of limitations" had completely cleared him of the debt. When he declined business in Liverpool he had .£5OO clear, which he sunk in the Independent West Middle sex Company, and came, with his wife, to Kendal, to live the remainder of his life in independence. He has .lost his " all," and is now going to return to Liverpool, betwixt sixty and seventy years of age, to re-commence business in a cook-shop, which, to a man so far advanced in years, must be a very precarious means of earning a livelihood: It has been proposed that a subscription should be raised for our unfortunate Kendal victim; and certainly a little from each, who have something to spare, might mitigate the pain and privation of the cruel loss which this honest old mast has suffered from his confidence in the integrity of villains. — Kendal paper. CLERICAL.FIRMNESS.—King George IV., desiring in his sickness to receive the holy eucharist, had appointed an hour at which the Bishop of Winchester should administer to him that blessed sacrament. Through carelessness of one of the attendants of his majesty, the bishop received a summons for half an hour after the time appointed by the king.. His majesty was, not unjustly, angry with, the -attendane; but when he seemed to carry his anger beyond.the bounds of a Christian temper, the pious prelate. warned his sovereign of the danger of celebrating.the holiest mysteries of our faith in so improper a spirit, and refused to administer the sacrament under such circumstances. His majesty immediately re called the attendant to his presence ; and it was not till he had expressed his sorrow for his too hasty expression, that he was admitted to the communion.—The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of London, with similar effect, exercised the like discretion with our present gracious sovereign. Her majesty was desirous of receiving the Lord's supper, and being, doubtless, ignorant that it was only to the sick that the sacrament ought to he administered in private according to the rites of the church, she desired the Bishop of London to administer the sacrament to her in the prlace. His lord ship represented to her majesty the impropriety of his com plying with such a request ; and her majesty, conforming to the ecclesiastical rule, received the communion in the Chapel Royal.—These anecdotes are related by the writer from whom they are borrowed in illustration, of the mingled firm ness and discretion with which ecclesiastical discipline should be exercised, so as to promote the object it has in view. This combination is secured in the clergy of the English Church by two circumstances of their condition. They pen dare to be firm, because they are in no way dependent upon the fa , your of those to whom they minister ; while a liberal educa tion, and intercourse with the higher ranki of society, pre ; vents their firmness degenerating into brutal coarseness or unfeeling violence.—Enylisionan'a Journal. CHRISTENING OF THE PRINCESS (AFTERWARDS QpEEN) ELIZABETH.—The following curious details of the chris tening of the Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Ann Boleyn, will not prove altogether uninteresting at the present time, when so much of th e p u bli c attent i on is drawn to the cere monies attending the christening of the Princess Victoria Adelaide Louisa. The details are contained in the " Or doniaces" of the Countess of Richmond and Derby. It is there directed, " That there should be provided for the Queen's bed two pair of sheets, of linen, each four yards broad and five yards long ; two head sheets, three yards broad and four yards long; two l ong an d t wo squar e, pillows of fustiau - , stuff e d w ith fi ne down ; a pane of scaihtf urre d with ermine, and embroide r ed w ith cr i mson upon velvet or rich cloth of gold, and a head-sheet, of like cloth of gold, furred with ermine. A kevertour of fine lawn, offive breaoths, and six yards long ; a mattress -stuffed .with wool; a c f e a ther bed, with a bolster of clOwn ; a spawerof crimson tueesua,sma.remms broidered with crowns of gold, the-King and other devices lined with double cushions s ished with of crim fringe of silk, blue, russet, and 9u to nd r mantle of crimson son damask cloth, cloth of gold; fo a r velvet, plain furred with ermine , round Queen to wear about her in her should carry the child ;if ' a prince, an that a duchess pallet. In the ahrtsten w in tt g h p e r l o o c th es o si f o g n o , l i d t . w b a e s re quiredfor countess was to bear the train. Th earl; if a princess, a hung torches, 200 which, on the reacwhainsgto church and altar were to be the child placed round the foot • the desk be elevated, to afford the people, an opportunity of witnessing the cere mon y. In the infants hand was placed a small ta wewreasallborne church, ta per, to be deposited on the altar. At the church door stood. the serjeant of the King's pantry , with a towel of reynes a bout his neck, and a s ilt-cell a g r odt h ;° i r' s leu la na a an n endu d . ready to take a grain of the salt before it was hallowed. In like manner the serjeant of the ewer was ready to present to the bishops and sponsors the basin to wash ; and the officers of the spicery, as usual, were at hand with the voider of spices." Such were the eererconiesattending a royal christening in Os 16alt century.