The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1843-02-03 00:00:00

be any saving from the investigation. If there would not be, it might be worth consideration whether it would not b.. better for the Paid Officers' Committee to suspend thei r labours for the present. Mr. H. LAWRENCE said if he had had anything to do with ,the appointment of sergeant-at-mace he would not have sanctioned it, because he thought it was made more from motives of private friendship than from necessity for the "office. Be should be very sorry at the same time to say any titing disrespectful to Mr. Roscoe. He thought the cheapest way would be to pay the salary, and go on as usual without taking counsel's opinion or going for acts of parliament. _ Mr. HODGSON contended that it was absolutely necessary for the Paid_ Officers' Committee to proceed v quiries ; and that if the council were in an equivocal position with respect to the sergeant-of-mace, they ought to place themselves right as soon as possible. it would be most in consistent for the committee at this stage to sus labours ,nd their Mr. HORNBY begged to ask the chairman of the Paid Officers' Committee whether the doubt as to the legality of paying the sergeant-of-mace, from fees, arose in the mind ?f the town-clerk or among the committee themselves? His reason for asking this question was this—that he always un derstood counsel's opinion had never been taken except upon the requisition of the town-clerk. The town-clerk was the legal adviser of the council; upon any legal difficulty the members resorted to him ; and whenever he was in doubt, it was then proper for counsels' opinion to be taken. No one had a greater respect for the members of the legal pro fession than he (Mr. Horoby) had; and he was glad to see so many of them in the council, because he had always found, In matters of business, that men of such clear heads were eminently proper for such situations ; but he did think that, when solicitors were members of the council they .should consider themselves as members of the council only, -and not as legal advisers. He made 'these remarks in con -sequence of the legal opinions which had been taken upon the compatibility of the offices of town-clerk and clerk of the peace being held by the same person. On that question the town-clerk himself never had the slightest doubt; and, if the opinion of the Paid Officer's Committee had been correct, the council would have been in an awkward situation, for they would have to pay £l6OO a-year for a clerk of the peace, and £2OOO a-year for a Town-clerk. In the, present case he thought the question had been raised very unnecessarily, especially as the Town-clerk, who was the legal adviser.of the council, entertained himself, no doubt. Mr. MOORE said that individually the members of the Paid Officers' Committee would be glad to be relieved from any further labour thereon ; but, as the council had decided they should go on, they would discharge their duties faith fully. As to the expense which had been incurred, the coon cil did not yet know that several departments had been in .quired into, which had not yet been reported upon. As to the Town-clerk's department, Sir Thomas Braucker himself had complained of its inefficiency, and he bad ac ts."" beyond the Paid Officers' Committee, posed to give the borough solicitor £9OO a-year, he moved and the council carried it, that he should have £lOOO. ith regard to the immcdfate question before them, he did not see what the committe were to do in the face of two con flicting opinions, but to take further advice. Mr. Axxix asked who had stated the case for the opinion of Mr. Cowling? The TOWN -CLERK replied that he had. Mr. Ancor then inquired whether the case put to Mr. Cowling was the same as that submitted to Mr. Hender son ? for while they pro- The TOWN -CLERK said that it was precisely the same. Mr. AIKIN.—And the opinions of the counsel were diame trically opposite to each other? The TOWN -CLERK.—Yes. Mr. ALKIN held with Mr. Hornb.y that the opinion of the Town -clerk should have been the rule for the guidance of the committee. If they were to take counsel's opinion upon all subjects in this way, they would be throwing away a great deal of money very uselessly. He should move that the council rest contented with the opinion of the Town-clerk, backed as it was by that of one of the counsel. Mr. BIRKETT asked the Town-clerk whether, under the circumstances now laid before the council, he would not advise a further opinion to be taken ? The TOWN CLERK said he might be allowed to state, upon the question submitted to the council, he had himself never entertained any particle of doubt whatever. His own opinion was in favour of the legality of the appointment and of the payment; but two eminent counsel had been consulted; they had given opposite opinions, and, therefore, he did not see how the council could rest satisfied, strong as his own opinion might be. He thought, as therhad the opinions of the higher branch of the profession than he belonged to, which were diametrically opposed, the council must gu further, and have advice to determine the question one way or the other, and that under such circumstances they would not be justified in listenin g to any opinion from th e T own - c l er k. Mr. H.LAWRENCE contended that they had been making these payments for many years without their being questioned, and, therefore, he did not think it necessary to solve the doubts now raised, either by act of parliament or the con sultations of counsel. Mr. LLOYD replied at considerable :length. He con tended that, with the exception of the responsibility, the office of sergeant-at-mace was a mere sinecure. The salary now attached to it had been calculated upon the basis of the fees, but it now appeared that he was entitled to no fees, therefore it became a grave question whether it was legal to pay the salary. Some further discussion, of a desultory character s fol lowed, after which it was determined that the Town-clerk should prepare a case for the opinion of the Solicitor-General, in which he should embody any fact which could be clearly established. Mr. AIKIN, who had previously called for it, but to no effect, moved that the opinion of the Town-clerk, upon the question which had been made to the committee, be read. The MAYOR said that the decision of the council had put an end to the subject, and it could not be re-opened. Mr. EARLE thought the couhcil should not go to law expenses without knowing what they were going about. The subject then dropped. DOCK COMMITTEE. Mr. SAN DS moved that the proceedings of the Dack Com mittee be confirmed, which having been done, be Pr° - posed that for the future those proceedings should be read immediately after the Watch Committee's. After some Observations from several members, in which it was shown that there was a necessity for the change, the motion was carried. EMPLOYMENT OF A STEAMEn. Mr. Nowrit said, thir4 was "perksps the right time for him to give notice that, at the next meeting, he should move a resolution to the effect that it was expedient that the Council or the Dock Committee, or both conjointly, should provide and maintain a powerful steam-boat, to be used exclusively in aid of the present or any future additional life-boats for the preservation of life and property upon the occasion of wrecks or other disasters at sea ; and that a deputation be appointed to confer with the Dock Committee with the view of effecting this object. For very many years an intention had operated upon his mind, almost with the solemnity of a vow, that whenever or wherever the means might be in his power, Le would promote this object ; and he would now only say, that in the situation lie now filled he should not cease advocating it till he succeeded in persuading the council to carry out what he believed to be a most solemn duty. Mr. Alderman EVANS remarked, that as this was only a notice of motion, he should say nothing upon it at present. THE FIRE IN LAWTON-STREET. The MAYoit read a memorial, very respectfully worded, from fifteen trade smen carrying on business in the Arcade, contiguous to the scene of the late fire at Messrs. Foster and Stewart's premises, in Lawton -street, praying the council to take their case into consideration. Their losses by that calamity amounted to £195. 10s., which, added to the fact that their business had been thereby annihilated, bad com pletely ruined them ; and they now begged for such assistance as the council might have the power to give. liaThe council, it appeared, had no power by law to interfere ; and the memorial was therefore ordered to lie on the table. ROBBERY IN THE PEDLAR'S MARKET. The MAYOR then read a memorial from Thomas Needham, shoemaker, of No. 2, Cropper-street, and occupier of a stall in the Pedlar's Market, setting forth that his stall had been robbed some time ago of goods to the value of £22 les. bd. An application which he made to the Council last month for compensation (he contending that the robbery was committed from the market being left in an insecure state,) had been referred to the ;Markets Committee ; and he had been in formed that they had no power to interfere. In consequence of this result a subscription had been commenced in his fa vour, by which a sum of £6 2s. had been raised ; and he now requested the Council to make him a grwit in aid of his loss out of the surplus fund. Mr. HARBORD spoke in favour of the memorial. Mr. COOPER said he had no doubt at all that if the man were to bring an action against the Corporation he would re cover the amount. That was his legal opinion. (Loud laughter.) Mr. Alderman EARLE.—Is that opinion worth paying for, Mr. Mayor ? (Renewed laughter.) Mr. Alderman EVANS.—II would be good news for many who had had their country houses robbed, to know that they could come upon their landlords for the loss. The memorial was ordered to lie on the table. TILE CORPORATION DOUAY BIBLES AND ST CATHOLIC SCHOOL ?ATRICK'S The MAYOR re a d a l e tt er f rom Mr Edward Bretherton, S - cretary to the comm i ttee o f S t. Patrick's — Catholi c S c h oo l, Chester.street, Toxteth park, enclosin g a memor i a l f rom that body, s i gne d b y the Rev. William Parker, M.A. The memorial set forth that the Douay version of the Bible had been prohibted in the Corporation Schools, and the copies of it formerly in use were now lying .. neglected in the hands of the corporation : the memorialists therefore hoped that the council would direct them to be delivered to the committee, for the use of their schools, which were greatly in want of them. As the Catholic chidren had been virtually expelled 4 .t . cfn the Corporation Schools, memorialists hoped th e i r aPPliation would beconsidered, e on that grou n d, as en ti t l e d to some'eOnaideratio n. They had 817 childre n o f th e poorer i glasses to educat e n schools which they had provided since tile change in corporation system, whilst the mea ns a t th e i r disposal w ere very limited. The memorial co nc l u d e d b y requesting that th e books now lying in the cellar b e d e li vere d over to th em , e i t h er as a free gift, or by way of loan, or at some trifling charge, so as to obviate any legal objection that might be • raised. Mr. Alderman EVANS said he w a s one o f th e l ast men i n the council who would wantonly bring forward anything dis tasteful to the majority ; it would be worst possible mode r a cting ; but he conceived that this memorial had come The in a shape which made it his duty to bysupport its prayer. r t t h m e g town-clerk W ill legal objection which had been raised with these _ as now altogether obviated with regard to .i t a books, by the offer to purchase them T—that was, to give at useless least a nominal equivalent for them. In the Town-hall ; and if the council looked u e lL e n i t y l i i n es g e Bibles and Irish extracts as property, they were bound to make the Most of them by disposing of them one way or another. Holding them was not a desirable speculation .upisonittichvoeaulpnuaceriti of the council ; it was not likely that they would r therefore, as a matter of property, he called upon thecteaenritable o dispose of them, and they could not dispo o s f eof bet ter than by giyin ,, them to a regularly organizedbody who had undertaken the instruction 800 children. Another reason why he supported the memorial was, that w.Ving to the altered system in the ,chools, the council had virtually Yirtually threwn the children out, it was a necessary,;ca o s n n se. fi tience to send their books with them. Besides , this ti n affair of buying or -purchasing, books, it was o ne of restoort_ Ong the bOoki, Once in the poSsession of the children, and Which had been wrested from them. ' 11Ir. BRAMLEY-MOORE asked if they were not corporation property ' Mr. Alderman EVANS said lie had ‘ ,..-'ready explained that they were corporation property f or use f and it they did not aSe 'them they ought to have accompanied' those who were using them at the time tliev were virtually excluded from the . e.hools. If he were told that the hooks themselves, with their notes'and coMments, offended against true religion, a n d Piat'they were of an evil tendency, lie held it Was imperative upon the council to 'order their destruction. This, indeed', Itti4 neeestaty,'beeaue there was no - M iddle course ,'for the Ketplfig of fherti in the ToWn-hall Was rutthing the chance, if they'were bi'd books, that they might hereafter produce evil by getting into the people's hands. The council ought to to look at them either asgood'books, useful for the purpose of religious instruction, or as noxious books which ought to be Oesteoyed. The position of the council was most unfor tUnUtely, in' this 'respect, a false position. The alternativ e be had men ti o ned was imperative upon them,either they ol e e y t theta go into use or to have them d estroyed ; but would dare to destroy them ? Would they dare to burn hundreds Of Bibles, and numbers of the Irish extracts, or selec tiotta from those _Bibles, which had been sanctioned by the legislature, and by tile higir dignitaries of the Zvi and tire c=hurch? Would they venture to exhibit before the country :.n auto dale like that? He apprehended not. What, he would ask, could be the valid objection to letting these books go into hands who were willing and desirous of using them ? He could see none ; and therefore he would move that it be I referred to the Finance Committee to'examine into the num- ber of the books, the number of scholars, and the wants of the schools now applying, and either to give the whole up, or such part as they might think proper. The motion was seconded by M. Alderman EARLE. Mr. Alderman NICOL contended that Mr. Alderman Evan! was labouring under a mistake in the numbers he had stated He (Mr. Nicol) had that morning inquired how many of the Douay Bibles the corporation had, but not of the Irish Ex- tracts, and he had been informed that there.were only about I twenty Bibles, all of which were very much worn. _ _ said be had been informed that Mr. Alderman EVANS there were several hundreds Mr. Alderman NrcoL again stated that he had asked the question only that morning, and the answer was, there were only 19 or 20, he could not recollect which. Mr. Alder Man EARLE remarked, that the number sig feed nothing : it was the principle which was contended in . . Mr. HARBORD stated that there were a great number of the Douay versions in the schools which, when the system was changed, were found to be deficient. It was presumed that some of the boys had taken them, but it was not thought worth while to probe the matter. At all events, as the mode of education adopted by the Reform party had died a natural death, the books must be considered as having, in like man ner, gone to the moths. The Council were not justified in doing that which was prejudicial to their own acts; and, on the other hand, if any member proposed that the books' be burnt, it would be said it was done to insult the feelings of those who differed from them ; therefore, it was far better that this memorial should lie on the table. The schools when conducted by the Reform Party in 1836 were not supported • by the parents of the children in the same proportion as they were now. From a return which he held in his hand, it ap peared, that, at the end of 1837, only the small sum of £OB 7s. 11d. had been paid by the children, whilst in the first year of the present system they produced the sum of £265. Mr. 11. HOLMES asserted that the cause of this was, that the poor people could not afford to pay. Mr. HARBORD said, in continuation, that in the first year of the present system, £6O more had been received than there was_at the end of the third year of the former system. The MAYOR begged pardon for interrupting the speaker, but he must say that be was not now speaking to the point. That was not the number of children in the schools, or what was received from them. Mr. HARBOR') said. he was merely replying to Mr. Evans, who considered that these books were the property of the Roman Catholic children, because they had used them once. They had used them once, but it was gratuitously. Some Douay Bibles had been supplied in the North School, by the Roman Catholic priests ; and when the system was changed, they were permitted to take them away. Mr. Alderman NicoL explained, that be had received his information as to the number of the Bibles from Mr. Okill's office. Mr. HODGSON, after what had passed with regard to the subject of education, confessed that he had not expected to find: the subject agitated so soon again ; but it was perfectly clear to him that the object of the present memorial was not to obtain the few bibles which were in the possession of the Corporation, but to keep alive the question. So far as he was concerned, he must make his acknowledgments to the party who had brought it forward, because it served the great cause he was engaged in promoting by being agitated and re agitated. The cause, Mr. Evans said, was good, and where ignorance was bliss it was folly to be wise. He (Mr. Hodg son) should think that their bliss would be to remain igno rant, and not to expose the darkness of the cause which they were anxious to put before the public. Mr. Evans had stated a reason why he would give up these Douay versions—because, he said, the Douay version was the property of the Catholics —the Roman Catholics he meant—thence confirming what had been all along stated, that the old schools were Ro man Catholic schools, and not for Protestants and Catholics according to the established church. If the books were their property, it must have been in the view that the schools were instituted for the propagation of Popery. (Hear, hear.) He agreed with what had been stated, that the question of giving the books up was one of principle and not of value; and he contended they could neither give nor sell, nor circulate any thing, which, in their belief, tended to evil and not to good. (Hear, hear.) They had decided upon the system they would pursue, and they would not allow anything to be used under their sanction, that was productive of evil. (Hear.) If Mr. Evans moved that the books be destroyed, he (Mr. Hodgson) might not object to such a course; but he had given as a reason why the council should meddle with the subject, the inconsistency of the government in connection with which the majority were acting : they shewed a public inconsistency in the practice which could propound one system of educa tion for Ireland, whilstthey dared not face protestantpopula lion. of England with the same. This was the situation in which the government stood, and they would assuredly receive correction for it. Men could not blow hot and cold : they must follow the course laid down by that which they advo cated as the truth, the whole truth and nothing hut the truth ; they could admit for no temporary purpose of policy, nor for any earthly scheme, the countenance of a system that was unsound. Therefore, he said, the very agitation of the ques tion of the question opened new views, and it shewed to the great Protestant population of this town, who were alive to this question o that a continual expression of their sentiments would do great good, not for the maintenance of men but for the sake of truth. He should move a direct negative to Mr. Alderman Evan's motion. Mr. EARLE said, that as be has merely seconded the mo tion, he had the privilege of making a short reply to Mr. Hodgson. Although Mr. Harbord had been called to order, he (Mr. Earle) hoped he might be allowed to make one ob servation with regard to funds. The very argument which Mr. Harbord bad used, was the very argument of the liberal party for keeping the schools as they were. It was their wretched poverty which prevented the children, when the schools were under the late direction, from paying more money ; whilst the present council was receiving money from children, and from persons who could afford to pay, and they had actually shut up in consequence other schools to which they all subscribed before. Mr. Harbord, therefore, upon that point had cut his own throat. As to the gentle man who had spoken last, who said that because the Douay Bible was in the schools they taught popery ; he (Mr. Earle) could call it nothing but quibbling. They taught good sound religion ' • and a vast number of protestant children went there to learn it. The catholic had as much right to believe the Douay Bible to be true as Mr. Hodgson had to believe the authorised version ; but he should not take the trouble of replying ro his assertions. He should be a fool if he did, they were so nonsensical. .(Cries of " Order.") Mr. HODGSON.—Do you think, Mr. Mayor, that this sort of conduct is allowable ? Mr. EARLE.—Really the observations of Mr. Hodgson are so disgusting that 1 cannot help it. (Renewed cries of " order.") Mr. HODGSON.—I appeal to you, Mr. Mayor, for protec tion aninst this language. _ _ MAYOR.-Air. Earle, you must withdraw the word " disgusting." I think you are wandering from the question. EA;LE.—I will, Mr. Mayor, in deference to you, for I cannot say how much I am satisfied with your conduct in the chair. Mr. HODGSON.—Do you think that is a proper apology, Mr. Mayor? Mr. EARLS.—Why, what would you have? Mr. Hodgson would not take the apologies that some gentlemen can give, and therefore he thinks he can insult those gentlemen. (Cries of " order.") The MAYOR.—I am afraid we are getting from bad to worse. (Renewed cries of " order.") Mr. HODGSON.—I really must appeal to you, Mr. Mayor, to put down such language, otherwise I must retire. The MAYOR expressed his strong disapprobation of the words " insult" and " disgusting ;" the latter had been with drawn, and he was sure that Mr. Earle, beyond the advocacy of his views, did not mean to apply the word "insult" to Mr. Hodgson. Mr. EARLE said that Mr. Hodgson made use of expres sions which no man of common feelings could submit to. Mr. lioncsoN.—Name the expressions. Mr. EARLE.—Oh, they are numerous. I will name them some time or other. (Cries of "name.") Well, they were about Popery. (Cries of " order.") Mr. HODGSON.—Anything insulting in that? Mr. EARLE.— les ; telling us that we taught Popery when we taught no such thing. That is insulting. (Cries of " question.") It is the question. I ask the Mayor if it is not an insult to tell us that we taught Popery ? Mr. MOLLYNEUX.—It was the case ; fornot only was the Douay version there, but also the Popish creed. (Hear.) Mr. tARLE.—We did not teach it. The MAYOR again interfered to restore order. A COUNCILLOR here called out " order, order." Mr. EARLE said, upon his honour he wished that gentle man could be sent to the Education Committee to be in structed, for it would be of great service to him. Mr. Hodgson's abuse of the government might pass for what people would take it ; but the fact was, the government were now carrying out the education which he opposed. Mr. PARKER agreed with Mr. Hodgson that the more this question was agitated the more would Protestant prin ciples take root. It was glorious to contemplate how those feelings had spread throughout the length and breadth of the land, and if any thing could confirm those principles it was the admirable speech delivered by the Mayor's brother, at the opening of the Collegiate Institution. He was satis fied that Liverpool was a more Protestant community since the opening of the Collegiate Institution than it was before. He cared not whether the memorialists had these 20 Douay Bibles or not, seeing that we had the glorious satisfaction of finding protestant principles firmiy 'established in this town ; and he trusted they would for ever be in the ascen dent. Mr. BLACKBURN supported the prayer of the memorialist. Mr. HOUGHTON suggested that there might be some legal difficulty in the way of giving or selling the books; and it was desirable perhaps that the Town-clerk should state his opinions. Mr. Eviovs said he proposed to buy them. The TOWN-CLERK said he must apply to this case pre cisely the same law as he should apply to a case of £5,000 or £lO,OOO. The council certainly had no power, even with the assent of the lords of the treasury, to give anything. A grant for a trifling charge, or a nominal consideration, was legally a transfer for money ; call it a sale if you pleased, but substantially it was a grant, and whatever applied to a gift applied to the transfer of property for a nominal considera tion ; therefore, in neither view proposed by the memorial could this transaction be legally justified. There was ano ther way in which this property may be used, in answer to the memorial, but that depended upon the considaration of the council altogether, whether the use proposed to be made of this property was for the public benefit of the inhabitants or the improvement of the borough. That was a question which rested with the council themselves. Of course, he assumed, there would be no difficulty in the way of surplus income ; but certainly as a gift it could not be justified, and as a gift for a trifling consideration, it remained a gift, and it could not be justified on that ground. Mr. ATKIN said that one portion of the petition was, that the books might be allowed to go by way of loan, or to be hired out. He contended that there was no danger whatever to hP apprehended from the circulation of 'the Douay Bible, as it contained all that was necessary to salvation ; and the objections made to it by scholiasts were too subtle to be com prehended by those among whom it was proposed to disperse these copies: Mr. Liu:LK - Err said Mr. Aikin had begged the whole ques tion, and' he had no right to strain the principle of charity at the expense of truth. The Douav version was objected to, not because it contained the truth, but on account of the notes and comments which the Rdwish church had intro duced into it. Mr. A. Smux, jun., without holding out the slightest prospect of returning to the system adopted in the corpora tion schools prior to the conservative party gaining the as cendandy, could not see that he was doing anything wrong in voting for Mr. Evans 's motion that these books be al lowed, so far as they could legally, for the use of the Roman Catholic children: lie suggested that the Education Corn wittee, ShoUld fix the value of them. • " Mr; LLOYD said Mr. Evans wawa great advocate for the obserianee'of 'the standing (Shiers; yet he p resse d 'his mo tionafter the opinion given by the Town-clerk that the pro position could not be entertained. Mr. CoppEu.—As the q,uestiou is brought forward to try the consistency of the let us go to the vote ! (Laughter.), _ . said there was no abandonment of princi ple in voting that these books be given up ; and if it were merely to get rid oldie application, be should say, if it could be legally done, let the books by all means be granted. Mr. Alderman TURNER defended the memorial from the imputation of factious motives. _ lied, at grea t l engt h . Mr. Alderman EVANs then rep The Towf-r. '-oi.ERK said the questfoli now arose, whether the motion was in order. As put into his hands by Mr. Evans, the motion stated, " That the memorial he referred to the Finance Committee, to examine the number of Bibles, as well as the number of Irish tracts, now in the Town-hall, !ctive wants motion the words " for an equivalent value." Mr. HODGSON objected to the addition of these words, as the debate had been closed. The MAYOR said the change could only be made by per mission of the council. The TOWN-CLERK added that if the alteration was allowed, it must be upon the terms of the Whole subject being again discussed. A long and rather warm discussion followed on this point, which ended in the council declining to allow the proposed addition to be made; and immediately afterwards the coun cil divided upon Mr. Hodgson's amendment, that the prayer of the memorial be rejected. The following was the result : For the amendment . . 22 Against it Majority for the amendment The following is lie voting For the an - iendlent.—Conncillors Shaw, Thompson, North, S. Holum, Toulmin, J. Lawrence, Cooper, Birkett, Procter, Lloyd, Kilshaw, Parker, Brassey, Plumpton, Shep pard, Harbord ; Aldermen Houghton, Griffith, Brancker, Crook, Molyneux, and the Mayor-22. Against the amendment.—Councillors Houghton, Thorn hill, Blackburn, Preston, H. Holmes, Aikin, Bushell, Platt, Smith ; Aldermen Barclay, Earle, Turner, Freine, and Evans-14. After sortie discussion as to whether it was competent for another amendment to be proposed, Mr. AIKIN moved as an amendment upon Mr. Hodgson's proposition, (now become the original motion,) that the sub ject be referred to the Finance Committee to grant the prayer of the petition, if it could be granted legally, and if not, that the books be sold under the direction, or disposed of as they seem best. Mr. EARLE seconded the amendment. After a short debate the council divided on this question, when there appeared,— For the amendment Against it Majority against the amendment, The following is the voting : For the amendment.—Councillors—Houghton, Thornhill, Blackburn, Preston, Aikin, Platt, Smith—Aldermen—Bar clay, Earle, Turner, Frerne, and Evans-12. Against the amendment.—Councillors—Hodgson, Thomp son, North, S. Holme, Toultnin, Lawrence, Cooper, Birkett, Bushell, Procter, Lloyd, Kilshaw, Parker, Brassey, Plump ton, Sheppard, Harbord—Aldermen—Houghton, Griffith, Brancker, Crook, Molyneux, and the Mayor-23. Mr. Hodgson's motion was therefore carried. NEW CLERKS M. Topping was appointed clerk to the Deputy Town. clerk, at a salary of £3OO per annum. The appointment of Mr. Bannister and Mr. Benn, as clerks to the Town-clerk, were postponed to the next monthly council. WATCH RATES Mr. JAMES LAWRENCE moved a watch rate, on the re turn of the overseers for the ensuing year, at the rate of twopence one-ninth of a penny in the pound, being some what less than the rate of last year. The average of the last seven years for Liverpool is £8,527 12s. ld. The return of the assessment for Liverpool is £968,914, which at 2 1-9 d., gives £8,522 17s. Id. The return for Kirkdale is £20,005, which gives £175 12s. 4d. For Everton £50,260, which gives £521 ss. 4d. For West Derby £48,687 which gives £428 ss. 3d. For Toxteth-park £111,218, which gives £978 Cs. ld. Total, 10,626 13s. ld. Mr. PROCTER seconded the motion which was carried. The Council adjourned at a quarter past four o'clock, to the first Wednesday in March. MEETING OF THE DOCK COMMITTEE The usual weekly meeting of this body was held yesterday. There were present, Messrs. Sands, (chairman,) Aikin, Bul ley, Bold, Barclay, Evans, Horsfail, Holt, Molyneux, Nicol, Royden, Smith, and Tobin. The sub-committee of the Marine Department alluded to the services rendered by the Magazines' life-boat to the schooner Dalkeith, which got aground on Burbo Bank on the 22d ult. The crew of the life-boat remained with her all the night, and in the morning succeeded in getting her into deep water, where they left her in safety. The Liverpool life-boat also rendered considerable assistance to the brigan tine Douro, which also grounded on the Burbo Bank. The master, together with three passengers, finding the difficult situation in which the vessel was placed, went on board the light-ship, whence the master proceeded to Liverpool, and having obtained the Albert steamer, as well as the life boat, proceeded to the vessel, from which a quantity of specie was conveyed, and, as well as the passengers on board the light-ship, placed on board the steamer, and the life-boat re turned to port. Mr. UORSFALL thought some compensation ought to be given by the. owners of the vessels to the crew of the life-boat for their services. After some conversation it was thought that it was a mat ter that would be better settled between the parties themselves ; the committee having no power to interfere. I c he Sub-committee of the Marine Department reported, that they had considered the suggestions contained in the let ter of Capt. Sarsfield, but were not prepared to, make any al teration in the mode of mooring the fight--%ips. The SECRETARY read a letter from Messrs. Chapman, Bowman, and Co., to the following effect : " January 30, 1843. " To the Chairman of the Dock Committee. " Sir.—We are under the necessity of giving notice, in behalf of the owners of the ship Ashburton, that we shall hold the Dock Committee liable for all damage sustained by that ship, in hull and rigging, in consequence of having got aground in the Prince's Dock Basin, owing to the improper directions given by the pierhead-master. We have also to state, that Captain Huttlestone has abandoned the charge of the ship to the north harbour-master. " Your obedient servants, " COIAPMAN BOWMAN, and Co." The SECRETARY said that he had also received a second letter, dated 31st January, from Messrs. Chapman, respect ing the vessel alluded to, which was then read : " Liverpool, January 31, 1843. " To the Chairman of the Dock Committee. " Stn.,—Referring to our note of yesterday, we have now to state that we are in possession of evidence to prove that the accident to the Ashburton was entirely caused by the stern hauser being let go when it ought not to have been, (and the order was not given, as at first represented, by the pierhead-master,) without receiving orders to that effect from the pilot. The dock trust is, therefore, excused from any liability. Vs e have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the attention and services rendered by the harbour-master and dock-master of the Waterloo Dock on the occasion.— We are, your obedient servants, " CHAPMAN, BOWMAN, and Co." A letter was then read from Mr. Hodgson, the north har bour-master, to the effect, that the vessel lay in a very dan gerous position while in the Prince's Basin, as there was a strong breeze blowing at the time, and would have been ma terially injured had not proper measures been taken. She only remained aground during one tide, arid the captain had assured Mr. Hodgson that she had not received any damage. No blame could he attached to any of the officers connected with the Dock Estate. NEW DOCK WAREHOUSES The report of Mr. Hartley on the subject of the new Dock warehouses was read, which stated that he had given much attention to the subject, so as to combine the greatest econo my consistent with proper security. A plan was also placed in the committee-room for the inspection of the members. In reply to a question from the Chairman, the Surveyor stated, that the warehouses were as perfectly fire-proof as it was possible to make them. After some conversation, it was suggested by Mr. Bold that the opinion of Messrs. Holine and Stewart should be obtained, and the consideration of the subject left over for a future meeting. The Committee then proceeded to the consideration of financial matters, and soon afterwards adjourned. The gross amount of investments in the Limerick Savings Bank is £127,003. Some one advertises gold, as the only article for stopping the teeth. In stopping the month, gold has often been very useful. The Earl of Aberdeen was unable to attend the Privy Council, on Wednesday, in consequence of indisposition. Dr. Holland is in attendance on his lordship, but his illness is not likely to interfere with his official duties. • A TREASURE.—A few days ago, says f he Echo Tournaisien, a cellar, the existence of which was unknown, was discovered in a piece of ground at St Ghistain, on which stood formerly the large Abbey of that place. 12,000 bottles of fine wines, in excellent preservation, were found in the cellar. On the 21st instant, about three o'clock in the afternoon, four men, whose faces were disguised with handkerchiefs, entered the house of a man named Patrick Balfe, of Bel mount, near Hacketstown, in this county, and after threaten ing Balfe and turning out his family, they levelled his house to the ground!—Bellast Times. THE BAR AND THE PRESS.—The privileges of the bar are properly very extensive. It is only necessary to contrast the position of the feed advocate of a culprit with the unfeed ad vocate of a public causethe barrister with the journalist— to appreciate the prodigious extent of the privileges of the bar. A barrister may tell for his client what he knows to be lies, and malignant lies, and use every artifice to give these lies the colour of truth. It is enough for him if they are set down by an attorney no more responsible than himself. For his client a barrister may insult one whom he knows in his secret heart to be an honest man, as a perjurer and a villain, and try to entrap him into some error that shall afford ground for the odious imputation. That these privileges are not suffered to lie idle is proved by every day's experience ; in deed, the barrister must exercise them if he would thrive in his profession ; for as manners and moral character are no indispensable requisites at the bar, and as he who shall go furthest for a client will cceteris paribus always be preferred in all but the very highest rank of the bar, we are sure to find the readiest perverters of truth, the most unscrupulous bul lies, whether of judges, juries, or witnesses, the favourites. The journalist, on the other hand, generally a man of better birth, education, manners, and morals, than the majority of barristers, and therefore restrained by the feelings proper to this superiority—restrained, too, by the care for a good cha racter, the loss of which, to him, would be fatal—has none of the privileges with which the barrister is armed. So far from being allowed wilfully to state falsehood (a privilage which we most joyfully renounce) he is not always permitted to tell even the truth, and when imposed upon by misinforma tion the clearest proof of the imposition offers no excuse.— Standard. R . —The Times offers some remarks upon the arti cle which we extracted on Tuesday from the Westminster Review, in which we cannot altogether agree. In the first place, we think our contemporary's general estimate of the bar much too high. It has been our good fortune to meet several men of real learning and of gentlemanlike manners at the bar, but it has been also our lot to meet a greater num ber whom this description certainly will not suit. We are willing to concede what may be called the front rank of the Queen's Beneh bar, mustering perhaps a score, as presenting a body of gentlemen of whose manners, at tainments, and talents the profession and the country may be proud. In the equity courts, again, there may be a dozen or a score of gentlemen of a highlY-respectable class; but step into the Common Pleas, and see at what rate learn ing, talents, and manners are valued there. Ask for the leader in that court. Again, our contemporary is, we think, unjust towards the gentlemen practising in the Old Bailey. They are, as far as we can judge, men fully equal to the average 9f the bar in all other respects, and above it in talent. The real question between the bar and the press is, however, less What men may be judged to be, than what from circumstances they must be, The journalist employed, after long trial of the public approbation, and em ployed under a vast variety of subjects, must, if succesful, be a more able, a more accomplished, and a more learned man than the average barrister. And, again, the journalist, whose bread depends as much upon character as upon talent and occasionlhliworyoi iu d nuos u er s s industry , as y aspni , loeoydeftw. character honourable oofap o onre s vrao e nacuti tr i nur n euager t tb e i interests e i xssminct whatever, e s laui pnp c sts o ti n n es h s umt t aarh a neure n aldsy t ete l tw y nboe dhrep b eo i ftw n noh: d ratt ionhapu h degot i hnotei m tet t obinv o naeep a trrsroays: s asnos c t oer r emcu u rbon, p ounc u trldoeei n or to colour a falsehood. —Standard. THE ANTLCOBN-LAW "BANQUET" This feed came off at the Amphitheatre on Tuesday even ing, and, considering the " dreadful note of preparation" cements, by "monopolising" the walls of the town, and by and puffs in the radical papers; considering, the shifts, the turns, the inventions multiform," resorted to by the leaders of the nti-Motiopc sociation, and the labours of their pool' clerks, who for weeks before had been kept night and day scribbling invitations to " distinguished individuals " to be present (and _for which their unfeeling employers ought to be indicted for " cruelty to animals"); considering all these things, the doment—both as regards the attendance of " those of high degree" (said to be ex pected) in noble " lords" and M.P.'s, as well as in " ladies," I and also in the quality and staple of the " blarney" that was I retailed out, after the guttle, in lieu of oratory—fell far short of the anticipations excited amongst the friends of the revo lutionary cause which it was purposed to promote, and who, feeling deceived and disappointed, exhibited most tragical elongations of countenance ; while those, on the contrary, who entertained contrary and loyal opinions —of whom many were present from mere curiosity—enjoyed a hearty laugh at s the proceedings, which they could only regard as a farce. The tables were pretty well attended, as it was known that Mr. Lynn was an excellent caterer ; and it was well that such a repast was provided, as it might otherwise have been imputed to the committee that they took the large sum of admission charged, 12s. 6d. a head, without value given, for beyond the cold collation there was nothing substantial whatever—no ':.feast of reason" and no " flow of soul." The boxes were appropriated for the ladies, at 7s. 6d. each , and exhibited at the back a beggarly account of empty seats' The witches got nothing for their money but the sight of those below enjoying the viands and demolishing the sponge-cake castles, &c. that ornamented the board, until their pretty mouths watered again. We beg pardon ; they had also an opportunity of hearing the blarney aforesaid ; and though some of them retired pretty early, a few remained to the last, thus exhibiting to an extraordinary extent that patience under infliction which is so high an ornament of the sex. The gallery was " opened" to the public—at 2s. 6d. each ; and a few of the front seats only were filled. By the way, of the entertainment—may it not be asked whether there be not gross inconsistency in a set of men exhibiting theirgastronomic powers at a banquet, at 12s. 6d. a head, at a time when they are continually dinning it in our ears that thousands of their poor countrymen are perishing for want of bread ? Why do they not rather take a plain dinner, at their own firesides, and give their five half-crowns to relieve the 'sufferings of those with whom they affect to sympathize? Alas! with philanthropy eternally on their lips, they are devoid of genu ine humanity in their hearts; with all their fine professions, their humanity begins and remains at home; their feasting is but a mockery of those who are fasting, and is but an addi tional evidence of their insincerity—their hypocrisy. The house was decorated with flags and bedaubed with mottoes. Over the chair was hung a large flag, representing Britannia, in sorry plight, manacled and chained to three blocks, or perhaps books, inscribed respectively " Corn Laws," " Monopolies," and " Differential Duties. A figure representing the ghost of Napoleon, appeared in the clouds, staring, as if in triumph, at the fettered Britannia, and be low is inscribed a sentence to the effect that the corn-laws have prostrated and enchained England, which the Berlin De crees had failed to do. A more insulting and traitorous re presentation we never beheld, and we tell the fellow who de signed it, to his teeth, that he lies,—doubly lies *hat Britan nia is not yet enchained ,and that neither the revolutionary spirit which the despot of France may have left behind him, nor any other power on earth shall ever exult in beholding her in the humiliation in which she was there represented. Amongst the delectable mottoes were—" The corn-law is a rent law"—" Free traders are of no party"—"A protected trade is a useless trade," (Qy.)—" Free traders shoulder to shoulder," (when drunk, we suppose, so that they may support each other!)—" If one man receives protection, another pays it," (that is, pays protection; rather a droll sort of payment,)—" No sliding scale"—" No fixed duty"— " Commerce is barter," (what ghost told them that ?) There was also at the back of the stage a representation of a huge sliding scale, or as it was inscribed, a " Starveometer," with a double groove and index. Some little boys were em ployed to pull a bit of red calico up and down one of the grooves to show the rise and fall of prices, to the infinite edification of the youngsters in the upper gallery ! A more ridiculous piece of machinery was never seen ; but it was quite as suitable as the scenery for the farce. The " banquet" being concluded, the chairman (T. Thornely, M.P.) read a great number of letters from " dis tinguished" parties who had been invited, but who non Brant inventi. The Earl of Ducie, who was to be the prime card of the evening, was confined to his bed-room, and could not attend. Lord Kinnaird was doubtful whether he could leave Scotland " this month," and did not come. Lord Radnor could not avail himself of the invitation. The Hon. Fox Maule felt complimented, but had business in London on that very day. Mr. W. Ewart thought "it would be best for him to decline the invitation, as he would be of more real use in London." He showed his good sense in staying where he was and saving his railway fare,as he could really be of no use here. Mr. Oswald, of Glasgow, " was detained by the steamer not sailing as expected"—shame in the Cap tain not to be more punctual. Mr. J. Dennistoun regretted he could not attend ; Sir John Easthope " found it necessary to absent himself;" and lastly, Mr. Thomas Carlyle " was detained by engagements." So many of the intended actors being absent, as might be expected, the performance was like Hamlet (Travestie), with all the principal characters left out by particular and incon trollable misfortune. The committee must have known full well, days (nay, weeks,) before, that one-half of those an nounced in the placards Would not make their appearance, yet " their cry " to the last hour was " still, they come," — for the purpose of disposing of their tickets. " Old Dan " did, however, arrive, and was of course the lion of the night —albeit, lie roared most lamely. On his en t ranee the band played up, and cbaunted, the very sentimental and delicate air of " Jim along Josey !" with the words introduced of " Paddy will you now," &c. This dignified strain quite suited the calibre of the long.ears of the leaguers. Of the speeches it cannot be expected we should say much, in mercy to our readers. The chairman, who will never set the Mersey on fire by his eloquence, did his best. Mr. Vil liers delivered by far the best address of the evening —evin cing much tact, and no small display of eloquence on the wrong side of a question which he has been busy with for years, and on; which he was at home. Colonel Thompson spoke next, and as he is getting old, he urged the training of the youth of Liverpool in " hidden principles," in the hope. perchance, of their perpetuating his own delusions through life,—though, we hope, such principles will remain " hidden" from them. Mr. Quaker Bright made a furious, but im potent attack on a recent speech of the Rev. H. and closed with a scrap or two of poetry. The Great Dan succeeded, and amused the leaguers with a few Irish jokes. Having concluded his part of the farce, he wound up, Irish like, with a bit of the tragic, with reference to the destitute mothers, widows, and orphans of England. Dan is advanced in years, and is evidently as a speaker in the wane. He had better rusticate for the remainder of bis days at Derrynane. General De Lacy Evans let the andience know that he had been abroad ; but what good he had done there or here we could not gather. A M r . J ames Wilson was called on, on th e Interest"fan hour behig byto " Shrewsbury clock," a dryasted, and began and c arr i e d on "Shipping for statement of Imports and exports, quite as interesting as the reading of an old almanac or directory. He partly drove two-thirds of the ladies out of the boxes before he had done with the year 1839, and as there were three years to follow, we seriously thought of sending home for our night cap. The chairman gave him several admonitions private and finally public, and the shuffling and coughing became loud and not to be misunderstood, but " Even though cautioned, he would gabble still."l till at length (happy relief from his unintelligible facts and figures !) the ladies having nearly all disappeared under his continued infliction, and the whole house becoming noisily impatient, he was obliged to close abruptly, amidst loud cheers, not for his speech, but for his sparing of his friends of its further extension. Mr. Sharman Crawford spoke feebly and, happily, briefly. Dr. Bowring with more vehe mence than argument or grammatical accuracy. Mr. Wilson had so monopolized the time of the meeting with his mono polies that several intended toasts were entirely skipped, cut ting out the redoubtable member for Vauxhall ward (Dr. Blackburn,) who, we l earn , h a d, as the Yankees say, " a first rate" speech in his pocket, with which it is to be hoped he will edify the Council on some early occasion. The band played God save the Queen, and so ended " this strange eventful history." BOULOGNE AND CALAIS.—No less than 510 travellers, 25 horses, and 4 carriages, passed through Boulogne during the week ending the 26th of January. Only 213 travellers and 1 carriage emb ar k e d or d i se mbarked at Calais duri ng th e same period. On the 26th ult., Mr. John Gittins, of Shrews bury, Thursday, the suicide, by throwing himself into the river Severn. He had been un fortunate, and his furniture was advertised for sale ; and the prospects of this, and seeing his wife and four children brought to wants preyed heavily on his spirits, and on the morning in question, at five o'clock, he plunged into the river. When the body was found, it ap peared that the unhappy man, in the wildness of his despair, had bound a handkerchief tightly round his nose and mouth, previously to throwing himself into the river, which had in a great measure prevented the body from sinking, although it is probable the sufferings of the deceased were dreadfully prolonged in consequence. At midnight, on Saturday last, a number of ruffians attaeked the farm-house of Mr. Thomas Carr, at Shelton, in York shire. The inmates made a most determined resistance. The ruffians, finding all their efforts to break open the doors use less, commenced firing in at the upper windows of the house, and when Mr. Carr presented himself at his bedroom, and requested them to withdraw, several shots were fired at him, none of which, however, happily took effect. The ruffians ultimately effected an enterance into the house, and, having pinioned Mr. Carr, they threatened him with instant death if he made any alarm. The thieves were in the act of pillaging the house when, from some cause r they became alarmed, and hastily decamped. WRECK O,E A GREEK BRIG.—PLYMOUTH , Ja n . 28.—0 n the night of Friday, the 27 th, the Greek br i g Taxiarches, Captain Carlo Vapapula , from the Danub e, with bones for Hull, but last from Falmouth , where sh e took a p ilot, went on the south-west side of the Raine Head, near this port. Her pilot was below at the time, having previously, it is said, left instructions to have the brig steered to the south-east. Unfortunately she was steered to the north-east. It being thick at the time, and the vessel having a fair wind, and stud ding sails set, ran.well up on the rocks before the crew, knew where they were. One of them had his ribs broken in get ting ashore, the rest, with the pilot, escaped unhurt. The vessel will probably go to pieces. THE BRIGHTON PIER WELL.—The attempt to make an Artesian at the head of the chain pier is still progressing, though as yet no successful result has been obtained. The pipe, through which the water would mount, has now been sunk to the full depth intended-30 feet, which is sufficient to prevent any mixture of the salt with the fresh water. The bore extends some feet deeper, and will he proceeded with till it attain a depth of 100 feet below the surfece of the soil, when it will be a matter of deliberation whether the i s soft chalk, and ne ar ly re s em bl es bit experiment shall be continued any further. There are well founded hopes, howeve r, thautphotreTthheissporiel throughscribedpominhticiis ii t — Brightart Herald. reached wttbeoler a ea ciin appearancespring hss oo will omade e e The war steamer Ariadne , in the service of the Hon. E as t India Company, was wrecked n ear th e entrance o f C husan harbour, on the 23d June last. She was an iron-built steamer, about 400 tons burden, and had two powerful en. gives. She was lost in consequence of striking upon a rock, during the operations prior to the storming and capture of the town of Woosung. She was afterwards hauled into shallow water to be repaired, and at night loud cries were heard on board, when some of the crew of a neighbouring vessel were sent to assist those o s n he bo h a a r d d, s w li h d en off it twhassbdisosk eesninhkainugled for se cur ity, and the w a t er coopvoeored't which he she vessel h a d w as b was rapidly flowing into her hold, and different iron com partments. Boats were instantly launched, and the eN ertions made sncceeded in saving the officers and all an, board excepting three Chinese. These poor fellows went, cidw'n with the vessel and perished. She is irrecoverably' lest. KIRKDALE PETTY SESSIONS. THE LIVER PROSECUTIONS An adjourned Petty Session was held on Tuesday rase, at the Court-house, at Kirkdale, for the purpose of hearing and deciding on the further informations preferred by the pro prietors of the Theatre-Royal, against the actors of the minor theatres. The cases were'heard before the Rev. Miles Formby, chairman, Charles Horsfall, gsq., and Richard Alison, Esq. Mr. James appeared as counsel for tv- - Messrs. Foster, Lloyd. and Waln, attorneys for the actors . Mr. James Norris, attorney ,e proprietor Mr. Sowler Mr. JAMES, in opening the proeeedings,'stated, that there were four informations against ►l'lr. Hoskins ; but that gen tleman was desirous of pleading guilty. He had taken his advice, seeing there was no chance for him of escaping con viction ; and therefore he had thought it was better to with draw his plea of not guilty, and throw himself upon the mercy of the court. The CHAIRMAN said, that Mr. James was of course aware that they had no power to mitigate ? Mr. JAMES said he was quite aware of that; he had ex plained to Mr. Hoskins everything, and he perfectly under stood his position. Mr. Hoskins.—l plead guilty. In extenuation of my fault, I must say that it was necessity which compelled me to com mit it ; and I was not at the time aware that I was acting illegally. The CHAIRMAN.—On former occasions, when an arrange ment bad been made, the informer withdrew his informations. Mr. IVIYERS.—It can't be done in this case. Mr. JAMES.—Mr. Hoskins ,having consented to plead guilty, he was not empowered to do so now. The proprietors were determined to• prevent the infringements upon their property. The CIIAIRMAN.—They may of coarse forego their portion of the penalty ; but the other half mast go to the poor of the parish. Mr. JAMES.—That is arranged. •We may forego one-half of the penalty, unless the offence is repeated. Of course we cannot control the parish authorities. Mr. Hoskins.—lf the parish is not merciful I must throw myself on the county, and make it keep me. Mr. Amos (the governor of Kirkdale Gaol) will have to find me com fortable apartments. (A. laugh.) Four informations were then pressed against Mr. Hoskins, for having taken part in " Jonathan Bradford" and " The Doncaster St. Leger. Mr. Hoskins having withdrawn his plea of not guilty, was convicted, in each case, in £5O. Mr. SOWLER inquired if Mr. James meant to bring on Mr. Conway's case ? Mr. JAMES.—No. Mr. SOWLER.—Why not) Mr. JAMES.—Because I don't choose : I never tell my reasons. The nest case was an information against Charles Melville, who was charged, under the 10th George 11, with having per formed at the Liver Theatre, being an unlicensed place for dramatic entertainments, a part called Monsieur Zephyr, in a drama entitled the Pet of the Petticoats. Mr. Melville pleaded not guilty. Mr. JAMES opened the case by stating that Mr. Melville, on the 19th December, performed the part of Monsieur Ze phyr in a drama entitled the Pet of the Petticoats; that he did so in an unlicensed place of dramatic entertainment ; that he should show by e‘idence that money was paid at thedoors ; The Learned Counsel said that there was no necessity to trace the money into the pockets of Mr. Melville; that it was for Mr. Melville to show the authority of the Lord Chamber lain, or by letters patent permitted him to take part in a thea trical representation in the Liver Theatre. Mr. Peter Godfrey Lloyds proved that the theatre was in the parish of Liverpool ; he went there on the night in ques tion ; saw the persons enter, who paid for their admission ; there was a stage, pit, boxes, and gallery, in all theatres; saw the Pet of the Petticoats; does not know Mr. Melville personally. Cross-examined by Mr. SOWLER.—Is the prompter at the Theatre Royal ; has been there in that situatipn for 27 years; they do not play unlicensed pieces at the Theatre Royal; they might have done so formerly. Mr. SOWLER.—DO you remember the mutiny at the Nore ? Mr. JAMES objected to the question as irrelevant. Mr. SOWLER contended that he bad a right to put what questions he pleased in order to test the credibility of the wit ness. The Court coincided with Mr. James. Cross-examination continued.—Was requested to attend by Mr. Garnett, to see what was performed, not for laying any information, The pit was not tilled : it filled up in the course of the evening. He went because he had nothing to do. The Theatre-royal was closed all that week. Miss Mary Anne Armstrong.—Knows the Liver. Saw the Pet of the Petticoats in the month of Decenber last. Was there three nights. There is a part in it called Mons. Zephyr. Mr. Melville performed that character. Cross-examined.—Has not given evidence any where else. Has not been questioned by Mr. Hammond. Was not in structed by Mr. Hammond what to say. Witness went on to say that she had belonged to the company of the Liver Theatre, but she sought an engagement, of her own accord, at the Theatre-royal, and was accepted. Mr. SOWLER put certain questions to the witness, with the apparent view of eliciting from her how she was employed at the Liver Theatre on the night in question. Mr. JAMES enjoined her to be cautious how she answered any questions that might criminate herself. Mr. SOWLER objected to the interruption, but, on an ap peal to the Court by Mr. JAMES, the CHAIRMAN also cau. tioned the witness. Mr. SOWLER put other questions, which appeared to have the same tendency, when the young lady declined to answer, and Mr. JAMES observed that he would not, on any account, endeavour to entrap a witness. Mr. SOWLER characterised Mr. James's interruption as impertinent. Mr. JAMES said it was his duty to caution the witness. Mr. SOWLER, for the defence, said that he submitted to the Court that no evidence had been brought forward what ever against the defendant that he had performed for hire, gain, or reward. In the first place, there was no evidence whatever that the money at the door had gone into the pockets of Mr. Melville. The Bench should remember that this was a penal information, and that every circumstance ought to be clearly proved, and quoted the acts of Parliament touching the law of the case. Mr. JAMES rose to address the court, but Mr. SOWLER insisted that the learned gentleman had no right to address the court, as he (Mr. Sowler) had not called any witnesses, Mr. JAMES contended successfully that he had a right to address the court on the point of law raised by Mr. Sowler. Mr. James said they had evidence that money was paid at the door, and here was only one person brought forward who had acted on the occasion. Mr. James quoted other sections of the act, and some authorities in support of his views. Mr. SOWLER said, that Mr. James treated the case in a very authoritative and judicial manner. " Sic vole sic jubeo, slat pro ratione voluntas"—the acts of parliament quoted had no more to do with the present case than Julius Caesar's corduroy breeches had to do with the breeches of the guns on the fort. The fact was, that these acts of parliament were framed by Walpole, to prevent the possibility of any thing being represented obnoxious to the king or the govern ment at the time. The magistrates, having retired for about ten minutes, re turned, the chairman stating it was their opinion that a con viction must take place. The next information was against Mrs. Fitzwilliam, for having acted Paul; in the " Pet of the Petticoats," on the 22nd of December last. The defendant pleaded not guilty. • Mr. JAMES opened the case with a few remarks. Thomas Connor, the stage-door keeper at the Theatre Royal, examined, and gave similar testimony as in the other cases in which he appeared as a witness. Benjamin Jones went into the gallery on the 22nd of De cember. Knows the defendant. Is a painter at the Theatre Royal. Has seen Mrs. Fitzwilliam play the same part at the Theatre Royal. Can't say how many times. Was asked to go by Mr. Garnett. Went to Mr. Garnett by Mr. Clarke's direction. Mr. Clarke is the late lessee of the Theatre Royal. Received 3s. Was not told to go into any particular place. Never had any conversation with Mr. Hammond on the sub ject of these informations ; nor with Mr. Clarke. Mr. JAMBS stated, this was his case. Mr. SOWLER, in reply, denounced the proceedings as unjust and tyrannical ; and said that they had been instituted for the purpose of putting money into the pockets of the pro prietors of the Theatre Royal, and that there was no evidence to show that Mrs. Fitzwilliam had acted for hire, gain, or reward. The CHAIRMAN said it was of no use to appeal to their sympathies ; it was a point of law, and they must convict in a penalty of £5O. The CHAIRMAN inquired if Mr. James meant to go on ? Mr. . JAMES —Yes, sir. ..._. The next information was against Mrs. Copeland, for having, on the 20th of December, acted the part of Ann Bradford, in the drama of " Jonathan Bradford."' Mr. JAMES, in opening the case, said he felt called upon to make a few observations in this case, from what had just fallen from his learned friend : in which he stated that they were actuated by pecuniary or vindictive motives in their pro ceedings, or that they had a wish to persecute the poor actors. He felt quite sure that the gentlemen he represented were of too high a standing to deserve such motives imputed to them : and that, in the case of Mr. Hoskins, it would be seen that they were willing to meet the matter with fairness. They wanted their rights ; and have them they would. He was glad to see that his 'caned friend, since they last had the pleasure of meeting him, had so industriously applied himself to the case, for his speech smelt very strong of the lamp. He was for the first time made acquainted with the fact that Julius Caesar wore corderoy breeches; and his quotation in some strange language showed that his studies had been pro fitable. He, for his part, did not profess to know the mean ing of the quotation, as he admitted his want of knowledge in the dead languages; but the charges of tyranny and merce nary motives were utterly undeserved. All his clients wanted was their privileges ; they did not want to take money out of the actors' pockets ; but if they infringed upon their rights and broke the law, they must stand the consequences. He would offer this advice to his learned Friend, and he would recommend him not to give his opinion again as a man so freely as well as well as an advocate, because some time or another he might be placed in a different position, and his opinions then expressed might be remembered injuriously to him. Mr. dames, in an able address, disclaimed with indig nation the idea that these proceedings were instigated by unworthy motives. Edward Williams gave evidence of the acting of the piece. Mr. Conway—ls acquainted with Mrs. Copeland; knows the play of " Jonathan Bradford." (Informations having been laid against Mr. Conway, he was cautioned as to his evidence.) llas seen it peformed. Knows the part of Ann Bradford ; 1 4 :s seen the defendant perform the part. No one has pellormed the part but the defendant in the month pf December. Might or might not have known of any body else play the part. Was in the theatre on the 20th December; saw Mrs. Copeland perform it that cyening: knows only one Mrs. Copeland in Liverpoc%). Cross-exaw — inerLlpes not know the lady in question intim;tely. Imagine s s h e i s th e w if e of her h us b an d. (A laugh.) Supposes she is the wife of the manager. Had received a paper called an information. Uad not instructed any one to appear for him. Mr. JAMES.—Why, my learned friend stated that he was retained. Mr. SOWLER.—Mr. Norris told him he would have to defend. Cross-examination continued.—Professes to be an actor. Has an engagement at the Theatre-Royal. A disagreement, amounting to a personal rudeness, led to his applying to Mr. Hammond for an engagement. Was b►•onght there by a subpoena. No. one had said anything to him elsewhere on the subject. Re-examined by Mr. JADIES.—Has no doubt that Mrs. Copeland played the part in•question on the day mentioned. Mr. SowLEla said that his learned friend appeared greatly to dwell upon his (Mr. Sowler's) inexperience. He thought that since the days of Pitt that had ceased to be a sin ; but it was unfair to build up a natural defect into a sin in his person. His learned friend might plume himself upon his moderation, but he appeared to have an excess of it—and well he might, since they had the power of oppression ; and he could not restrain his feelings of disgust in this case, as, not content with mulcting the husband, they had singled out the wife also. Mr. Sowler attempted to show that, as the wife of Mr. Copeland, his client was not liable, she having acted under her husband's directions, and, control. The bench overruled this paint, as haying been lately set tled decisively, and con%icted. Mrs. COpelapd in the petkaAky of X. 50. Informatiot4 were riext.read,against. Mr. Slpap.„ For having acted at the Amphitleatre the part of .#;ixodlitva, in a drama entitled "I V° Alraschid,' Wished: to, kno.w whether he stood in a worse position that day than, 1e did on the former occasion, as he daderstgoif were other witnesses subpoened against hiin ?: • The CHAIRMAN said he did not Mr. JAMES, in stating this case, and, after a few remarks, called Thomas Connor, who gave similar evidend.,. cases, of having been to the Amphitheatre Sloan perform. Saw him play Bedreddin Mr. Sloan, (who defended himself.)—lt how could I be Bedreddin examined the witness, t Benjamin Jones al: Sloan act the part in c Ai saw me there Sloan cross Ave evidence of hh win" limonv scen M Cross-exantined.—ls a painter. Got 25.. Gd. from Mr. Garnett to go to the theatre. [Mr. Sloan (af ide), 1 shall gel three months, I suppose.] Has no proof br It the bill. The Amphitheatre has a ring and a stage. Calls a play anything with dialogue and action. Mr. Sloan.—Oh ! then you would call a t ght in the street where there is plenty of dialogue and action 1, a play ? witness pausing.) Don't convict yourself. (A laugh Mr. JAMES said be would offer no remarl in reply Mr. Sloan called Mr. W. J. Hammond.—ls the lessee of tl le Theatre-Royal Mr. Sloan once played for him three week s at the Theatre, Royal, York. Did not engaee him ; he p 1 ayed for nothine he was a bad bargain '• he discharged binisi ;he was ineffi cient ; was bad in his fine. Witness hasb.!en engaged at the Amphitheatre ; does not deny that he h as denounced the monopoly ; but was always willing to bow to the law. Mr: Sloan then addressed the bench it) defence, from a written paper, attempting to show there Ns as no case against him. The Magistrates in thi s case convicted also £5O (This defendant's case appeared to excite some interest amongst the minor theatricals present, who, doubtless, ex pected the information would be annihilated altogether.) The next case w•a. against Laura Honey, for bavir 6th December, a . part called Caroline Graritlek, in a drama entitled the Norwood Gipsies. Defendant pleaded on the not guilty Mr. JAMES offered no remarks Two witnesses were called who identified the defendant as taking part in the play in question. The Magistrates convicted in this case also. An information against Mr. Conway, and another against Mrs. Honey, were withdrawn. Mr. JAMES said he was directed to apply under an Act 18th Geo. 3dl cap. 19. for an order from the Court to direct a portion, not exceeding one-fifth, of the penalties in each case to go in mitigation of costs. Mr. SOWLER said he had no objection to offer. The CHAIRMAN said it would be necessary for the bench to have some criterion on which to award the amount of red hi costs in each case After some conversation, in the course of which it was stated that the costs would be upwards of £3oo,—that there were sixteen convictions, and that the expenses would be, at least. £3O a case. Mr. Garnett v•as examined. and swore that the costs would be .tIC case. upon which, that amount per case was allowed i • -'• nut of the 1.-no ties. Mr. Sowler gave formal notice of appehi o❑ behalf of al the defendants. MALF-YEARLI M E ETING OF THE PROPRIETORS aid it NiAli for acting, OF THE GRAtD JUNCTION RAILWAY. and in seen forArer. On Tuesday, at one 'clock the half -yearly meeting of the proprietors of this railway was hell in the Cotton Sales' Room, Liverpool, for the purpuse of declaring a dividene. The attendance was numerous. JonN Moss, Esq., pre sided. The CHAIRMAN said. flint ;., watement of the board he doubted not that it wol ,ghly satisfactorv. l'he company had dangerous corner. The Xlainchester and Birtnin; way had commenced operation:,, anti L.... alarm from that quarter. There were some pc,„ touched upon in the report, to which be should briefly 4. attention. Economy in the working expenses of the lint had been a desideratum ; and the expenditure had bee siderably reduced, though it must be remembered that then line could not be worked without a large outlay. Th e di re ,_ tors had, however, kept . duwn the expenses as far as possible, consistently with ensuring the saf e an d regular woriking of the line. For the building and endowment of the _ • great advantes to War of their servants), ' a sum of £l,OOO had been gran ag ed. Ther Y e was a surplus left from the sum allowed for direction, over and above what had been actually paid to the directors, of £391, and also the proceeds of Sunday travelling (about £500), which some of the proprietors declined to receive, and which remained in the hands of the company, which the board proposed to appropriate to the completion of that ob ject. He then called upon Captain Huish to read the report. The report stated, that the Manchester and Birmingham Railway opened on the 10th of August,' on which day this company ceased to carry passengers and goods between Man chester and the South, via Warrington, but, under arrange ments with the Manchester and Birmingham Company, continue to perform the entire service between Crewe and Birmingham. The abstaction from 44 miles of the line of the who're Manchester traffic, which had not been comperi sated by the increase they were led to expect from the opening of the direct line to Manchester, had seriously affected the receipts. They had also to suffer in common with other leading lines, from the paralysed state of commerce, in the manufacturing districts in particular. Another cause of the depreSsion in their revenue, as compared with the corre sponding half of last year, was, that in the latter the meeting, of the Agricultural Society in Liverpool, in 1841, had added £5,000 to the income of the autumn half-year. The gross receipts for six months just concluded were £207,837. being £33,979 less than the receipts of the half-year ending Dec., 1841. The directors had, however, from the reduction of the Manchester service, &c., been enabled to effect a re duction in the current expenditure of £16,621, as compared with the corresponding half•year; while itic..cased regularity in the trains had been aaintained, together .eith entire free dom from serit cident. The clear profits of the half-year were £119,470, ivii;4l was to be added the surplus of the half-yg , g "Q" From 1.;-- _ ,revious - ~... a thviaen, f£s per - and t amount on the other stock, leavin g the surplus liable for payment of income tax, £3,653 ; deprecia tion and renewal of stock, £5,000 ; and the balance, £6,263, to be carried to the credit of the present half-year. The Manchester and Birmingham traffic had now been conducted by the present route for nearly six months, without any complaint being made iu the executive department. Ne gociations were on foot between this and other companies, to form the proposed railway from Lancaster to Carlisle, pro vided the districts through which it should pass contributed a stipulated amount; and, when these conditions were com plied with, a special general meeting would be summoned. stated, shares scarcely In consequence of the holders of bonds c onsent i ng to let the n money remain at reduced interest, it wou ld not be necessary tomake Tahney report,further calls conclusion,9 nthe new quarter t c a for some time. be expected, that the trade of the country should much longer remain in its present lamentable condition. Any im provement in it will immediwtely be felt on the Grand Junction Railway; and the unceasing attention of your directors and their officers will continue to be devoted to the extension of traffic, and the conducting it on the lowest scale that is consistent with* sound economy, the safety of the public, and the permanent interests of the company." The CHAIRMAN then alluded to certain letters which had appeared in the newspapers, signed by Pickford and Co., accusing the company of putting the law at defiance. He denied that they had any such object, and maintained that the course pursued by the directors was legitimately for the benefit of the public and the interests of the shareholders, who would surely not expect that he should condescend to reply to such effusions. (Cheers.) He invited an enquiry into the subject, as the secretary and Captain Iluish could give every satisfactory information. Mr. L. HEYWORTH could not see why, when the stock was in such admirable condition, they should keep money idle for its renewal, especially when they had money coming in weekly which would at any time be sufficient for any pur poses of renewal or replacement that could be required. The directors had his full and entire confidence, but he was sure that if the money were in his pocket it would fructify to more advantage than lying where it was. Besides, he knew there was a disposition, however steady men might be in their business purposes, to make use of money that was lying idle: he could not better express his meaning than by pa rodying a well-known nursery hymn : " The devil finds some mischief still For idle funds to do." (Laughter.) They should do away with the reserve fund as an example for all other railways. He would like to see the Grand Junction Railway Company stand out at the head of all railway affairs. He would not have the fund done away with too suddenly ; he would move, that it be hereafter done away with, and divided proportionately amongst the share holders. Rather he would give notice, that it was his in tention to move, at the next half-yearly meeting, that the fund be done away with. There was another matter to which he had to draw the attention of the meeting. Some might say, that it was a political question, but he assured them that it was no such thing, but merely a matter connected with business—a matter which they felt in private, and which was particularly felt in a public company like this. It was, there fore, not political, and he brought it forward at the present meeting merely as he would bring before them a pie ce o f business, connected with the railway traffic which touched him and all of them very nearly. It arose, in fact, out of the report. Complaints were made of the depreciation of trade. What railways wanted was a large traffic; but how could they have this, if goods were shut out of the country ? (Or der, order.) A n alteration in the present system would be for the benefit of railways, and he spoke of it merely - matter of business. (Order, order.) If more ge brought into the country, and commerce were increased, railway traffic would necessarily be increased. (Order, or der, hisses, and some confusion.) It was well known that bread had been shut out of the country, and that the poor had suffered greatly. (Renewed cries of order. with hisses and confusion.) He repeated that he meant nothing politi cal. (Oh !oh !) He would proceed if he were permitted. (No, no, hisses and confusion.) If the meeting did not wish to hear him, he would sit down. (Order, order.) It was evident that they could all catch a hint; they knew well what he meant. (Laughter.) He intended to have called upon the meeting to have passed a resolution to petition parlia ment for a repeal of the corn-laws. (Laughter, and loud cries of order, amid which Mr. Heyworth sat down.) Mr. LEWIN MOZLEY wished to call the attention of the meeting to the remarks made by the last speaker on the de preciation fund. As a man of business he must express his admiration of the directors for their proceedings on this point more than any other. Experience had shown that if the funds, set apart for this purpose, were allowed to go into the pockets of the shareholders there to fructify, it would be anticipating the profits of future holders which they would be fairly entitled to. Mr. Mozley proceeded at some length to point out the inevitable result of the gradual wear and tear on machinery, which would lead to its ultimate destruction and to the necessity of replacing it with new, illustrating his observations by several common examples. It was not only a matter of honesty but of wisdom, to maintain th e f un d i n possession for this purpose ; if they did not do so, but acted up to the suggestions of Mr. Heyworth, they would be put ting into their pockets that which would have to be made good by others in future. (Cheers.) Mr. Mozley concluded by expressing the firm determination of the directors to maintain this fund in a state of efficiency, so far as they had the power, by recommendation or by influence with the share holders ; if the fund should become too large or should not be required, then, of course, the surplus or such part as might be deemed in excess, would be divided amongst the shareholders in due proportion. The motion was then put that the report be approved of, and was unanimously carried ; as were resolutions that the dividend be £5, payable on the 15th instant, and that the directors be empowered to make the suggested appropriation for the church and schools , at Crewe, of the - surplus of the money voted to the directors. High encomiums were passed on the directors, and on Captain Huish; and the meeting, after a vote of thanks to the chairmalb. separated, di were FUNERAL OF MR. EDWARD DR UMMOND.—We under stand the iaterment of the mortal remains of the above un fortunate gentleman is fixed t o ta k e place at an early hour morning, at Cha r l ton church near Blackheath, of the Rev. A rt h ur Drummond, the deceased's Rector. is The f unera l will be strictly private, as Brother,t o.wmhoier to-morrow living might be expected from the melancholy circumstances of his death. It may be recollected that Mr. Perceval, who was s h o t in the lobby of the House of Commons by Bellingham, was interred in a vault in this church—a singular coincidence that two persons engaged in political affairs, who had fallen by the hands of assassins, should lie beside each other in death. THE FORCE OF C ONSCIENCE,--4 robbery, attended by the following singular circumstances, occurred this week, at Knutsford ; -- On Tuesd ay evening, Mr. P. Darlington, land lord of the Millar's Vaults, at the above place, had been en gaged in making up five-shilling packets of copper; and, his ' attention being called off for a few minutes, he laid a package of the coin (whi c h h e had in his hand at the time) down in the bar. During his temporary absence, it was conveyed away by some person at present unknown ; and on the fol lowing night, the packet, apparently not having been opened was found in the lobby of the vaults, tied up in a dirty piece of rag, accompanied by the following note, written in a bad hand, on a narrow slip of paper, which, there is reason to suppose, had been so placed by the thief :—" Sir, I return you back your own, which, in an evil hour, I was tempted to take out of your bar, where I saw it lying. I could not resist the temptation to do so ; but when I was going to break it open, my conscience told me what a sin I had fallen into, and so I could not touch it. It is the first time I 7 as guilty of stealing, and I hope I shall be forgiven for doing so ; but I hope you shall not leave anything more in the e _ty% of temptation, as it may lead others to be thieves as well ~,. me. 1 pray your forgiveness for V 3 - -Macclesfield Courier. Drummond MA. DRUMMOND'S LAST lioalTßS.—Mr. aton being suf fered very little pain during his illness—so li.ttlet,sth Sabbath, pressed on this point by Isis medical attendants on h meant by it ; y great sin against } he asked them what they called pain— "On Monday he com plained his suffeintg was from oppression. and after laughing with them about it, in the back to the plained of shooting pain from the wo u n d tbe oppression — a check front, but more of the uneasiness i o This came on the first in breathing—than of anything else. time . to time, and especially nis,:ht, and although relieved from eniy I removed. On Mon "tine to the conclusion by the loss of blood, it was t ae L ee a change in the manner of day evening, at half-past Mr. Guthrie was sent for, who, breathing was observed , end his family there was no on his arrival at seven, recovery, and that any restriction he urns withdrawn. At ten, the usual con had placed op them w d as Mr. Drummond was quite un • took }Alice , an his medical attendants thought it sultanas • as of his danger, . l't to bo of farther use, and to , cooscio declare their inabi i y lc him acquainted with right to the duty of ma tog longer any leave to his family 'clock on Wednesday morning, when his state. AT nine o hope of his could be felt now . retained the power of moving tre pulse con perceptible., heart was alone pera slight fluttering of t his limbs, pressed Mr. ponce which was so . g, endearin asked if all smile on his counters s hand, and with that sweet 0 :ot. h G er hu o rt „ ihe ared r,ie,B replying la t at all hope in hope was and that he must pitt his trust in God, d was over, ed to Live honestly, doing this world e I have endeavour so hie sister, whose self-de he said, ~pwasta.? placeiny hope in God's mercy as much goad as ~, then perhapsas asked eadn hourif he nsrh two,onld for my rademptiounneauelled. Al it who was crying by his side, Turning 1416 " . in :' ,l t e have long and happily together, and my only I P c ' ould, and I , 149 said, . 'live much longer , c said , " The sooner the better—l don't feel pain," and told ° , added,hs with a smile, " That ugly , French word malaise ex moo tally my burthen. ' Shortly after he said, Il re grit is in p a rting ana wit o h n y h o e it in i g '' presses , f Will it be Presumptuous in a man in my situation to ask s for a little wine and water, with soda or potass Water,"‘ and , claomitswk Aformass P b e i ng given to oihti.mouth,m, conveyed it to his .ane..4 . NORTH UNION RAILWAY The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders in the North Union Railway Company was held yesterday, in the Claren don-rooms, South John-street, for the purpose of receiving the report of the directors and the declaration of a dividend. The meeting was but thinly attended. THEODORE W. RATHBONE, Esq., chairman of the Board of Directors, pre sided. The CHAIRMAN commenced the proceedings by reading the following statement:— The Directors have little to add in the way of supplement to the Report, which, according to the practice of this Com pany and in compliance with your wishes they have already circulated, together with the Abstract of the Accounts. Communications are still going on with the Chairman of the Lancaster Railway and Canal Committee on the subject of the joint station arrangements, &c., in Preston, particularly alluded to in the Report of the Directors, and it may be hoped that the public will not be much longer deprived of the bene fit of these arrangements, which this Board is prepared to carry into immediate operation, on their being approved and adopted by their neighbours. As regards your pecuniary in terests they continue to be protected by the extra charge on all passengers beyond the Preston station, which has been made ever since the termination of the original arrangement deprived the North Union Company of any other means of remuneration for this part of their expenditure. The Di rectors regret that the continuance of the regular dividend, less the income tax, leaves so but a balance of undi v id e d nett income to this half year, but you will bear in mind that in consequence of our practice of carefully examining into the degree of wear and tear and the exact condition of the work ing stock of the undertaking, and always reserving the amount requisite to make good and restore that wear and tear, what ever it may be, before making up the account of nett income for dividend : the sum divided is the real bond fide nett amount of profit realized out of the revenue of the undertak ing, and not, as in many railway dividends, an amount eked out by being partly paid out of the capital which is thus left, after each successive dividend, reduced and impaired in amount. We hope that a restoration of the income of which so very peculiar a state of things last year deprived us, together with the improvement we hope to accomplish from other new sources and vigilant attention to all means of real and prudent economy in the expenses, will enable us to maintain the regu lar dividend uninterrupted, if not improved, and ultimately I can entertain no doubt this will be the case ; but if, unfor tunately, we are for a time disappointed in this expectation, we shall resort to no fictitious deceptive schenies to keep up its apparent amount, but frankly and honestly call upon our proprietors to join with ourselves in patiently submitting to such temporary reduction as the real condition of the income requires. With regard to economy and reduction of expen diture, all that is taking place in the leading railway under. takings in every part of the kingdom is so well known to the Board through some one or other of its members, that our Proprietors may be assured no means of doing anything towards the real accomplishment of this object fails to come under the attention and watchful consideration of the ma nagement,-and whilst we concur with the directors of the old est and best managed concerns in the kingdom, in hesitating about extreme reduction of salaries and wages, calculated, it is evident, to impair the efficiency of the establishment and peril the persons and property under our charge, we are, as fast as it is foundipracticable, reducing every part of the esta blishment within the narrowest limits consistent with effici ency, and carrying out every well-ascertained plan for the promotion of real and permanent economy. If we cannot, on this occasion, boast of so large an amount of reduction as some other companies, it must he borne in mind that we are very far from having had the same margin to work upon, and that we set out on the first opening of the line with a propor tionate scale of expenditure in power, maintenance of way, and all the leading items of railway outgoings, scarcely one half that of their cotemporaries and neighbours. On the whole we hope we may congratulate our Proprietors both on the present position and future prospects of the North Union Railway, and we shall be happy to answer any questions or give any further information the Proprietors may desire, after the Report has been read. Mr. JAMES CHAPMAN, secretary to the company, then read the report of the directors to the proprietors. This document commenced by a regret that the general depression of trade, noticed in the two rast half-yearly reports, had continued, which, together with the disturbed state of the manufacturing districts during the most profitable portion of the year, had seriously affected the gross receipts of the last six months in the coaching department, which were nearly £4,000 less than in the corresponding period of 1841, though still £3,250 higher than in the preceding half-year. The receipts from merchandise and coal continued to improve. As a confident expectation seemed fairly warranted that with returning prosperity in the commercial and manufacturing interests, a considerable surplus beyond the present half yearly dividend of £2. 10s. per share would be realised, the directors did not hesitate to recommend the continuance of the regular dividend, warning the proprietors, however, that on the improvement in the revenue the continuance of a future dividend of £5 a year on the shares would depend. Every practicable economy consistent with the efficiency of the railway and the working stock continued to be carefully carried out in the expenses, and every exertion would be made to improve the nett income of the undertaking. The stock of engines and, carriages was efficient, and the depre ciation fund had been reserved before making up the account , of nett income for dividend. The report then expressed a confident anticipation of a source of improved income from the projected Caledonian Railway from Lancaster to Carlisle; and very probably the proprietors would soon be summoned to a special meeting to authorise the directors to unite with other companies in the promotion of this object. It would, however, be only after having an established conviction of the security of what was proposed that the directors would recommend the proprietors any step finally committing them to the proposed measure. The report concluded with some details relative to a joint station with the Lancaster and Preston and the Bolton and Preston lines, at Preston. Appended to the report was a statement of the traffic for one and a half year ending Dec. 3, last; from which it ap peared that the receipts amounted to £30,107 ss. 30., and the expenses to £14,181 7s. Od., leaving a nett balance of £15,925 18s.. 3d. The dividends on 6,3 N. Oozes, at 50s , per share, amounted to £15,847 105.. '. leaving to thecredit of profit and loss account, £7B, Bs. 30. The aeconats were signed by the auditors, Mr.. Reece Bev= and Mr. John Winstanley. - Air. TAYLOR said the charges for traffic were larger in the present dank in, the past ball soar, and he enquired the reason ALA lalkkAN explained that it arose from a heavier trafiic. CALRoW said the true way of forming a comparison was to take a year. On looking-over the account for 1841, he found that the charges then were £5,801, whilst in 1842, they were reduced to £4,060, shewing a reduction of ;£.1,860.. The CHAIRMAN added that this was•one of the items in which the directors would attempt to make SOHle reduction. Mr. TAYLOR observed that the interest %IDOL% loans amounted to £3OO. The CHAIRMAN said there woulilln'a reduction in this respect, because the directors sy,4zo now paying only £4 per cent., whereas the moue:, was borrowed at £5 per cent. Everything that cou!4 be' done in the way of economy was done. It was necaasary too to have an efficient staff, but as to salaries tb. ,- ,4 could not be charged with extravagance.. Mr. IJAinsTow asked why the duty account was. not in the statements among the June accounts ? Mr. CHAPMAN replied that the accounts bad been blended with one another ; but the carrying account was now kept seperate. On the motion of Mr. TAYLOR, seconded by Mr. D. MATHER, it was resolved that the report be adopted, and the accounts ?Asset). Mr. avykm, MATitiw then proposed k dividend of the amount stated by the committee.—Carriedf:' in reply to a proprietor, the CHAIRMAN stated that the dividend would be paid on the 9th February in the usual way by warrants. The general business being terminated, Mr. BRutiviii.ToN spoke warmly of the valuable services of the directors, and moved a vote of thanks to them. M. 13ARIsTON seconded the motion, and it was carried. The proceedings then terminated. TILE POST-OFFICE ROBBERIES AT BRISTOL.-0 , 11 Satur day last, Thomas Davies, the master of the Stapleton Road District Post-office, at Bristol, was brought up before the magistrates charged, along with his wife andi daughter, with purloining a great quantity of letteta, containing cash re mittances. It was proved that a letter containing a sovereign, and directed " Mr. Stephen tinrchell, Blackwood, near New port, Monmouthshire," hsd been delivered to the mate psi soner, in order that 10 , .3 might enclose it in the diarict bag and deliver it c.,t the general Bristol Post-otee, The in spector of police deposed, that in consequence at instructions he searched, the premises of the prisoner., and up stairs found in a box several sums of menu;,_ am ounting in all to between .a 1 and '.1.;7; They afterwards iscovered another box, and •on their asking wbov it was,. the daughter answered, " It is 1 : my brother'S, who, is gotle to China." Witness asked for the I key, to whiclkshe answered that the box contained his clothes, and ha hal l taken Oho key with him. Not being able to get a ke=y to fit it, witness forced it open, and in it found several ! letters, among which was the one in question, directed to, Stephen Burchell, of Blackwood, near Newport. Some 01 the letters contained cash remittances ; from others ) . _ ifo o been taken out. The seals of all of them had hiPU.bfror w !!!: Some of them had been stamped, but other ,were ykt int marked. Mrs. Beard stated that a key had been:fon:4 uP°" Mrs. Davis which fitted the lock of were discovered. The prisoner and MS daughtr,Rfre c oa ' mitted for trial. The wife was liberated. Ole' 60i Wherktu"-e etters'