The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-06-16 00:00:00

bar belief that frdball6 were in the pistols when discharged, and that the vole was a mere boyish frolic, She also stated that her son brought the pistols home only a few weeks ago, and dreadfully frightened her by holding one of them to her head ; and that some nights since he was locked out, and on being afterwards admitted exhibited great irritability of tem per, and a remarkable strangeness was observed in his man ner. In addition, she likewise stated that he once cut up the sheets and blankets of his bed into shreds, and at ano ther time rode into the parlour on horseback. It has not yet been stated that among the articles found at the prisoner's lodging was a mould for casting bullets, which is nearly new. It has also been ascertained that Oxford a few days since purchased twelve bullets at Green's Shooting gallery in Leicester-square, which he has for the last four or five weeks been in the habit of frequenting. When there, however, he has, we understand, not been at all noticed by the other frequenters, and at each visit he only spent Is., — viz., six shots, three with pistols and three with a rifle, at the latter of which he is most proficient. Since Oxford's incarceration in Newgate a decided altera tion has been noticed in his conduct. He has become low, and his spirits much depressed, and more than once has been found in tears, although he occasionally exhibits a degree of levity unsuited to the serious offence with which he is charged. The governor and chaplain are indefatigable in their attentions to him ; and we understand that in the course of some serious conversation with them he has stated that he felt his own life was gone, but that he cared little about it, only he feared he had also sacrificed that of his mother. Up to a late hour last night the officers engaged in the case were actively employed in endeavouring to ascertain the meaning of the list of names found in the prisoner's room, and also the place of meeting of the society of which the rules have been discovered, but, we believe, with no satisfac tory result. The rules are stated to be twelve in number, and to be writi:en in a neat hand on two sheets of foolscap paper. His Grace the Duke of Wellington, who looked remark ably well, upon his return along Constitution-hill yesterday, after leaving the palace, stopped his carriage and • minutely examined the wall, to ascertain where the ball struck, and inquired with great interest the exact spot and position of the assassin, which were pointed out to his grace by a veteran officer, who happened to be present at the time. The noble duke upon leaving the spot was loudly cheered by the assem bled multitude, which he acknowledged by frequently bowing to them. Several other peers who had accompanied the duke to present the address from the House of Lords also in spected the spot. ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS. On Thursday night the mother of the prisoner, who arrived by the train from Birmingham in the course of the afternoon, applied at the station-house, Gardiner's-lane, for the purpose of obtaining an interview with her guilty and misguided son, she having learned the serious nature of the crime with which he stands charged. She was informed by the inspector on duty that her son had been committed to Newgate that even ing by the Secretary of State for high treason, and that if she wished to see him thei4, she must apply at the home office for an order to that effect. She appeared, as might well be expected, in a very distressed state of mind, but seemed impressed with the notion that he must have been induced to commit the dreadful act through the instigation of more designing persons than himself. She declared that he had always acted towards her in a dutiful manner, but admitted that he occasionally exhibited proofs of a sullen and dogged disposition. She then expressed her determination to apply on the following morning for the necessary order to see her son in Newgate, adding that she was sure, if she could obtain a private interview with him, she had so much reliance upon her influence over him as to induce him to confess who his accomplices were, and the motive which induced them to put him forward as the agent for the com mission of the traitorous and bloodthirsty dsign. She then left the station-horse, and renewed her application yesterday both to the authorities at the Home office and the Commis sioners of Police for the order of admission to Newgate, which she procured towards the close of the day, and arrived at the prison at about six o'clock yesterday evening. The governor of Newgate, however, was not at the prison when she called ; and as the order was worded in the usual man ner, namely, that the applicant might be admitted to see the prisdner at the hours prescribed by the visiting magistrates, and according to the ordinary regulations of the prison, the turnkey on duty informed Mrs. Oxford that it was then too late to see her son, but that she might bring the order in the morning, and be then admitted. The following is a copy of the commitment of the prisoner under the hand and seal of the Home Secretary of State : " The Right Hon. Henry Constantine, Marquis of Nor manby, one of her Majesty's Most lion. Privy Council, and Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department, &c. " These are, in her Majesty's name, to authorise and re quire you to receive the body of Edward Oxford, sent you for high treason, and you are to keep him sate and close until he shall be delivered by due course of law, and for so doing this shall be your warrant. " Given under my hand and seal at Whitehall this 11th day of June, in the year of our Lord 1810. " NORMANBY. " To the Keeper of her Majesty's Gaol of Newgate." It is generally supposed that the prisoner will not undergo any further examination at the Home-office, from the fact that when persons are finally committed for trial by the magistrates they are always sent direct to Newgatc, and this rule would hold good in ordinary cases of felony ; and we be'ieve that the Governor of Newgate would not in general feel himself justified in parting with the custody of a prisoner once committed to his charge without a habeas corpus. In charges of high treason, however, the case is different, as the Governor would be bound to deliver up a prisoner so charged at any time that the Secretary of State might think fit to order his removal for the purpose of being re-examined before his trial, so that it is not at all improbable that Oxford may be again examined at the Home-office, should any fresh facts arise to warrant that step being taken. The Privy Council assembled at two o'clock, when the ex amination of the above witnesses commenced, and was not concluded until half-past four. The witnesses were in wait ing in a private room adjoining the Council-chamber, and were examined separately, and after being strictly charged not to communicate with any person, were ordered to with draw, in order that one might not hear the testimony of the other. After the whole of the evidence had been taken, the witnesses were then separately introduced to the Council, and bound over in their own recognizances in £2OO by the Marquis of Nor►nanby to appear and give evidence against the prisoner on his trial for high treason at the Old Bailey. It is, however, expected that the Privy Council will be again . summoned at the beginning of the week, in order that the prisoner may undergo another examination previous to his trial, as it is very probable other very important evidence will transpire. (From Me Morning Herald of Yesterday.) Since the apprehension of Oxford, every means have been tried for the purpose of ascertaining when or from whom it was likely he had procured the powdr and bullets with which the pistols were loaded, which he fired at the Queen and Prince Albert on the day of the attempted assassination. Within the last twenty-four hours a discovery has been made which is likely to lead to some important information with respect to the prisoner and as to the parties from whom he purchased the powder and balls. About a week ago, Oxford entered the shop of Mr.. William Gray, an oil and colourman in the Westminster-road, between five and six o'clock in the afternoon. At that time Mr. Gray was not in the shop, but his son, a young man of between 18 and 19 years of age, was serving behind the counter, and the moment Oxford entered, he immediately recognised him as having been a schoolfellow of his, between five and six years ago, both of them being under the tuition of Mr. Robinson, who kept a school near the Marsh-gate in the Westminster-road. John Gray (the young man's name,) however, did not at first pretend to know Oxford, when the latter, on advancing to the counter, said, in a tone of surprise, " What, don't you know me, your old schoolfellow ?" Gray then said that he recollected him, upon which Oxford said that he had just come up from Birmingham, and producing a pistol, said that he wanted to purchase some powder and balls for it. Mr. Gray, in reply, said that they sold powder but not bullets, and exhibited a canister of powder, which Oxford, on seeing, said contained more than he required. Oxford then inquired if they had any percussion caps which were adapted for the pistol which he had previously produced, and the answer being in the affirmative, the article he required was exhibited, and he tried the percussion caps and pur chased half a hundred of them. While he was in the shop, Mr. Gray particularly noticed the pistol he drew from his pocket, and remarked that it appeared to be a very good one; upon which Oxford said, " I have another at home; but it is a much better one than the one I have brought out with me." He then inquired of Mr. Gray where he would recommend him to purchase powder and bullets, adding that his reason for not buying the powder of him, was in consequence of his not selling less than a canister, a quantity that he did not want. Mr. Gray mentioned the name of one or two persons in the Strand who sold articles of this description in any quantity, and Oxford, having thanked him, then quitted the shop. Mr. Gray, it appears, although he heard of the atrocious attempt on the lives of the Queen and Prince Albert on the day following that on which it occurred, yet he was not made acquainted with the name of the assassin until Friday evening, owing to his being so much engaged in his business. When, however, he heard the name of Oxford mentioned, together with a description of his person, and that he was a native of Birmingham, it at once occurred to him that it must be the person with whom he went to school, and who produced a pistol in his shop, for which he purchased half a hundred percussion-caps, under the circumstances above detailed. Mr. Gray communicated all the facts within his knowledge of what transpired be tween him and Oxford on the subject to a policeman who happened to be pacing up and down the Westminster-road, and yesterdajaafternoon a messenger was sent to require Mr. Gray's attendance at the office of commissioners of police, for the purpose of his giving a minute statement of all that occurred on the above occasion, with a view that he might he enabled to identify one of the pistols found in Oxford's pos session at the time of his apprehension on Constitution-hill, as well as to give other testimony which will be likely to lead to the discovery of the shop where the pistol and ball were purchased. Since the examination and committal of the prisoner Ox ford, on Thursday last, before the privy council, the deadly weapons with which the assassin attempted the atrocious act have remained in the custody of Mr. May, the super intendent, and one of the inspectors (Mr. Pearce) of the A division, to whom they were given by the policeman who first received them from the hands of Mr. Albert Low, the per son who secured the prisoner and wrenched the pistols from him. Upon the breaking up of the council, strict orders were given to the police that no person should be allowed to inspect the pistols without first applying for and receiving an order from the Homa-office. In the course of Friday and yesterday great numbers of persons, many of distinction, ap plied to Mr. May, at the chief police station in Scotland-yard, for permission to examine the pistols ; but in consequence of the peremptory order issued by the council, they were in every instance referred to the Home-office, and in many cases obtained the required order. Amongst the number were several individuals who had been recently robbed of pis tols similar to those described as having been tak en f rom th e prisoner in the various accounts which have appeared in the papers. About half-past four o'clock yesterday afternoon, r. Lawson, a pawnbroker and salesman, residing at No. 258 , in the Blackfriars-road, having obtained the Horne-office or der through inspector Pearce, was allowed to see the pistols, when he at once identified them as his property. Mr. Law son was then introduced to Mr. Mayne and Col. Rowan, the commissioners of police, before whom he underwent along and very strict examination as to the identification, and fully satisfied the commissioners, from his having, previously to his seeing the pistols, most accurately and minutely described them, that they were the same as were stolen from his shop door, where they were exposed for sale on Tuesday last, by a young man, whom he had every reason to suppose was the prisoner Oxford, from the description given of him in the newspapers. Great interest is attached to this discovery, from the fact of the pistols being so recently stolen as on Tuesday last. The prisoner, it is presumed could not have been in connection with other designing parties, as in that • event there would have been no occasion for a robbery to be committed in order to obtain the weapons with which the lives of her majesty and her royal consort had been attempted. Sergeant Otway was again despatched late on Friday night to Birmingham, to prosecute further inquiries relative to the connections of the prisoner, and to endeavour to ascertain from whom the prisoner had obtained the pistols, as they were proved to be of Birmingham manufacture. The latter part of his mission, by the above discovery, is now however, cleared up. We have heard that the prisoner was practising pistol shooting at the shooting gallery in Waterloo-road until a late hour on Tuesday (the evening before the attack on her Ma jesty), and that he was applauded for the excellence of his shots, having more than once passed a ball through the eye of the target. We understand that the trial of Oxford will not take place at the ensuing giUgiail of the Central Criminal Court, but that a spacial commission will be appointed, and that Lord Denman will try him, assisted by Lord Chief Justice Tindal, and Lord Abinger. If the statute is to be complied with, it would be impossible to try him next week, as ten days' notice is to be given, with a list of the witnesses and jury; consequently three weeks must elapse before the country at large is put in full possession of the evidence which has been adduced before the privy council and the home-office. On Saturday the mother of Oxford was permitted to have an interview with him. As may be anticipated, her feelings were completely overcome when she was ushered into the presence of the prisoner. He, however, evinced no great emotion, nor did he express to her any regret at his situation. During the morning several attempts were made to elicit from him whether he had and confederates in the rash affair, but he refused to communicate on the subject. Once, and only once, he observed to a gedtleman, " Do you think they will transport me for what I have done, if I render some in formation in the matter?" To this question a reply was made, that in the present state of the case it would be im possible to say what course the law would take. Oxford was then asked whether he was not aware of the very serious nature of the crime for which he was committed ; happily his intention bad been frustrated : but had his murderous aim taken effect, the death of a sovereign would have been in volved. He was not effected by the remark, but coolly ob served, " Well, if the Queen had died, another person would have been placed on the throne." Yesterday he attended Divine service in the chapel, and exhibited nothing particular in his demeanour ; but his youth ful appearance excited considerable interest. There were several strangers present. Sir Peter Laurie, Alderman Car roll, the Sheriffs of London, and several riends, all privi leged persons, were among the number. Courvoisier was also present, as well as Gould and Bailey : the two latter appeared in irons. The service was read and the sermon delivered in a most impressive manner, and at the conclusion Oxford left the chapel apparently as much composed as if he was leaving any place of worship at which he had been in the habit of attending. Courvoisier, Gould, and others also left the church as usual, and during the service the two former were observed to look towards frequently. and apparently closely scrutinise, their fellow-prisoner Oxford. A doubt is now beginning to be raised with many of the public, as to whether the pistols were loaded with ball when tired; and the balls not being found seems to strengthen that doubt. Many experienced persons, who have examined the wall in the Park, are of opinion that the marks which are upon it are not those made by a bullet fired from a pistol, and many persons express surprise that an experiment was not made by firing a pistol at the wall, to ascertain whether the marks would be similar. FURTHER PARTICULARS. The Sunday papers contained a great quantity of supposi tious matter relative to Oxford, whose puerile insanity was so near convulsing the country. Many things are said, of which even the must credulous (if they would give them the slightest consideration) must detect the improbability. Oxford was on Saturday visited by his mother, who is a respectable looking person, about 40 years of age. The in terview took place in the presence of the governor, Mr. Cope. Since the statement which appeared in our paper of Friday last, relative to Oxford, the intended regicide, having held a situation as barman at the Shepherd and Flock, High-street, Marylebone, where he remained, with some intermission, about a year and a half, many incidents have been related by persons who have been in the habit of using the douse, which tend to show that at that time the misguided youth had a very strong desire to see the Queen, and it is stated, that amongst those persons who had witnessed his conduct was Inspector Tedman, of the D division, who had frequent opportunities of noticing the same, And was, therefore, able to give some important information to the effect that Oxford was occasionally labouring under a strange hallucination of mind ; he has been frequently heard to express a wish to see her IVlajecty (or, as he called her, " Little Victoria," on the occasion of her opening or proroguing parliament. At the commencement of the last session Inspector Tedman, through the interest of a friend, obtained places at a front window, near to the House of Lords, for Mrs. Minton (wife of the landlord of the public-house above alluded to) and her family, and from which spot they had a good view of the Queen. On that day Oxford seemed particularly anxious to go, and upon being refused he seemed much excited, and remarked, that he would not, on a future occasion, be baulked. Many persons in the neighbourhood have from time to time been witnesses of his extraordinary demeanour. and would willingly come forward to give all the evidence in their power. When not engaged in his business, and while sitting down in front of the bar, he has been observed by Mr. Minton and the barmaid, a respectable young woman named Evans, to be for a few minutes absorbed in deep thought, and then, without any apparent cause, he would burst into tears and conceal his face with his hands. On being spoken to and asked what had affected him, he would stare at the inquirer, and, suddenly starting up, giving way to a fit of laughter, and proceed with his employment as usual. He was also remarked at the above house for his almost constant habit of laughing, and was particularly apt to indulge therein when he had the misfortune to break a glass, or when mischief of any other kind came under his notice ; on this account he was by many persons who regularly drank at the bar, designated as the " laughing hyena." It has furthermore been stated to our informant, and who believes it to be the fact, that Inspector Tedman, who is now and has for some time past been in charge of the late Lord William Russell's house in Norfolk-street, can, if required to do so, relate many other facts respecting the intended regicide which may have the effect of completely setting at rest the question as to his (Oxford's) state of mind during the last 12 or 18 months. The same reserve and the same disposition have always been noticed at each of the situations he has held, nor was there any alteration in him when at home with his family in West-place, where he has shut himself up in his room for a whole week, and so retired has he kept himself, that he would not even leave to take his meals, which were occa sionally carried up to him by his sister. "While so secluded, he was accustomed to occupy himself in reading, and the books he was most fond of were those relating to nautical affairs. His sister, Mrs. Phelps, understood from him that he was going to sea, and that it was upon that account that he bought the pistols, respecting which many particulars have already been given. Oxford's temper is stated to have been most violent ; and, as an instance thereof, it was related to our informant, by the son of Mr. Packman, landlord of the house in West-place, that, a short time ago, while he (Oxford) was in his room, his sister went to him, at which he was so enraged that he flung an ink-stand at her with all his force, but it fortunately missed her, and struck the door. It has been thought extraordinary that Mrs. Oxford should have gone to Birmingham about the time that her son went to Lodge with her at West-place ; but the reason why she did so was, that a very violent quarrel took place between her daughter and son-in-law, Phelps, and she remained there (Birmingham) until she heard of the horrid attempt of her son upon the lives of her Majesty and her illustrious consort Prince Albert. RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH.—WEDNESDAY, June 10. _ THE QUEEN V. THE EASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAY COMPANY. It appears that in this case a rule had been obtained to show cause why a writ of mandamus should not be directed to the Eastern Counties Railway Company, calling upon them to complete the entire line of railway, for making which they had obtained an Act, and not to carry it the whole distance from London to Norwich and Yarmouth. The defendants had made a return to this mandamus, stating, amongst other things, that they had not sufficient funds to make the entire line ; that the money in their hands at the time of making such return was only £9,892, which was wholly inadequate for the purpose of carrying on the line. Sir John Campbell (the Attorney-General) said—l consi der the return to be altogether insufficient. The Company has not raised m ore th an one half of the money which they had the power of raising under the provisions of the Act. The original capital of the Company was to be £1,600,000. and they had an additional power of raising by mortgages a further sum of £533,300. They have the power of raising more than a million beyond that which they have expended. As respects what amount of money they require, that can only be a matter of estimate. It is impossible for them to say that which they at present have in hand is insufficient, and it does not lie with them to say that with a million of money in hand, that the alleged want of funds was a sufficient reason for their not going on with the line. Having obtained this act, they have to perform a duty to the public, and if they neglect that duty this court can issue a mandamus to compel them. They have, by their act, obtained many pri vileges, and as a compensation they are bound to give a bene fit to the public. It would be altogether unjust and disho norgable to declare that they will only do a portion of what they had undertaken to complete. If the return had been that they have expended the whole of their money, they must at their peril fail to find funds for the accomplishment of their promise made with the public. In reply, it was urged by Sir Wm. Follett, in behalf of the company, that the act of parliament under which they were incorporated empowered them to construct a line of railway for the whole distance, but it was by no means compulsory upon them to do so. That the funds which they were em powered to raise under the act were totally inadequate, and even those funds it would be impossible to raise if the man damus applied for was granted. The learned counsel argued at great length against the issue ofthe mandamus, and showed that the compulsory power sought for against the directors was not contemplated by the act, and that its establishment would be destructive of the progress of the undertaking. Mr. Cresswell, in the absence of the Attorney General, re plied to Sir William Follett, and the case stands over. OPENINGS OF RAILWAYS JUNE.—London and Biackwall (throughout) ; Eastern Counties, to Brentwood, 18 miles, probably. Bth.—Lan caster and Preston (throughout.)* Midland Counties (the remaining part.) 12th.—Maryport and Carlisle (partial), 7 miles, principally for coal and lime traffic. 18th.--North Midland (throughont.) JULY Ist or 2nd.—Preston and Wyre ; Hull and Selby, bui not quite certain ; Ist, Great Western, to Farrington ; Bth,—Birmingham and Gloucester, from Bassett-green to Cheltenham, 11 miles. AuGusT.-Chester and Birkenhead, and Chester and Crewe. AL GUST or SEPTEMBER.—Northern and Eastern to Hoddesdon, 16 miles.—Railway Times. * Postponed to the end of the month. WEEKLY RETURN OF TRAFFIC ON RAILWAYS. (Prom the Railway Magazine.) NAME. • Passen- Cash. k y per day . Ip P r mile w. p i' ile ssen day. Pag. gers. X. X. X. Birmingham - 16675 148* 21* - Grand Junction - 8833 904 13 - South Western - 6278 82 11 - Liverp. and Manch. Great Western.... 23545 5503 971 14 - North Midland.... 3364 826 21+ 3 - Newcast. & Carlisle - 1926 32 4; - Greenwich 71961 2528 663 94i 10280 Birmg. & Derby - 1812 34; 5 - Mancester &Leeds 12504 893 66 91 1786 Croydon 18403 1010 96* 14 2629 York &N. Midland 2715 446 231 3; 388 Midland Counties 6839 713 19* 2i 977 Glasgow and Ayr 2344 - - - 391 Eastern Counties Ulster 7026 191 24 3; 1004 Shore. & Brighton 7226 239 40 5j 1033 HARVEST PROSPECTS.—The appearance of the crops in this district is exceedingly favourable, and if the present fine HARVEST PROSPECTS.—Thc appearance of the crops in this district is exceedingly favourable, and if the present fine weather continue, the harvest will be early as well as abun dant. Barley has already shot in many parts, and the Wheat too is coming rapidly into ear. P eas a nd Beans have been growing apace within the last few weeks, and a very fine sample of the former was exhibited in the Green Market, in this town, on Saturday last, and sold for three shillings a peck. Potatoes look well, especially the American early kind. The meadow lands have been very prolific, but the clovers are but ofstunted growth. Upon the whole, so forward a season, or one likely to prove so abundant, has not been experienced for many years. The hay harvest has partially commenced. _ _ Mr. Prentice, of the Manchester Times, has instituted pro ceedings ag a i n st Mr. Condy, one of the proprietors of the Manchester and Salford AdvertisCr, for an alleged libellous article which appeared in the Advertiser of Saturday last. The action will assume such a shape, as to allow the defend ant to prove the truth of his statements, if such be can do. Ebt Ribirpoot &tanbarb. TUESDAY. MORNING, JUNE 16, 1840. We have received our files of the Sydney Commer cial Journal to the Bth, and of the Sydney Gazette to the 4th of February, both inclusive. It appears that at the great annual sales of stock which took place at Sydney, at the commencement of the year, 4,149 head of cattle, 37,460 sheep, and 170 horses were offered for sale, either by auction or private contract. The whole of the stock realised upwards of £60,000. There is no political news of importance from the colony. In our next we shall give a few of the most interesting extracts from these papers. Private accounts from Port Philip describe the state of wages there as enormously high—so much so, in deed, that men servants were demanding and obtain ing £52 per annum, besides board and lodging. If this be true, and there appears no reason to doubt it, this would appear to be the most eligible spot for working men to proceed to. Those, therefore, who are about to emigrate for the purpose of realising a livelihood by industrious pursuits, will probably find Port Philip, at the present moment, preferable to most other places. We are happy to learn that the commerce of New South Wales continued to prosper. The quantity of shipping in the harbour was very large. We have frequently had occasion to deplore the mischievous influence exercised over the minds of the negroes in Jamaica by the Baptist missionaries, and to lament the scandal brought upon the cause of religion itself by their violent and inflammatory harangues. It is, however, a consolation to reflect that there are other missionaries, engaged in instructing the negroes in the island, who have never meddled with political matters, and who have succeeded in gaining the esteem and affection of both employers and labourers, by their mild and unassuming efforts to spread abroad among the whole population the humanising .principles and pacific sway of true Christianity. Among these we must class the clergy of the Church Missionary Society, as well as the ministers of the Moravian and Wesleyan Methodist persuasions. The high estimation in Which the labours of the Church Missionary Society is held by the proprietary body connected with the island may be • inferred from the proceedings at the public meeting, held a few days since, at Willis's Rooms, London, at which resolutions were passed highly approving of the conduct of the missionaries connected with the above society. That meeting was convened for the express purpose of considering the propriety of entering into a subscription in aid of the funds of the society, as connected with Jamaica. It appears that the society had been at very considerable annual expense in sending out missionaries, and affording other religious instruction to the population of Jamaica. The immense exertions in other parts of the world, made by the association, for the conversion of the heathen, had recently so exhausted their treasury, that the committee of the society were com pelled to declare their inability to proceed with their missionary operations in Jamaica, without procuring assistance from the merchants, planters, and proprietors connected with the island. The meeting to which we allude, conscious of the value of th e re li g i ous instruction' communicated by the society, and of the loss which the withdrawal of its missionaries would entail upon the island, determined to come forward and furnish the funds requisite to sustain the future operations of the association in Jamaica. Lord Harewood occupied the chair on the occasion, and resolutions were passed strongly approving of the objects for which the meeting was convened. Among the speakers were the noble chairman, Lord St. Vincent, Sir George Rose, Sir A. Grant, &c. The resolutions, which spoke in very high terms of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, were unauimouslyadopted, and upwards of £6OO were immediately afterwards subscribed in the room. This is a noble beginning, which we hope will generally be followed up, among the merchants and others connected with Jamaica, in other parts of the kingdom. The West India interest in Liverpool will, we feel convinced, emulate the praise worthy example set before them by the promoters of the meeting in London, among whom we are proud to recognize the name of our distinguished townsman John Gladstone, Esq. We feel assured that the sup port which may be rendered by them to the cause of the Church Missionary Society, will be amply repaid in the satisfaction which they will derive from the orderly and industrious conduct of the coloured population of Jamaica, which will result from the extended operations of so excellent a society. The late atrocious attempt upon the life of her Ma jesty has been eagerly seized upon by the ministerial press as the means of damaging, in the public estima tion, the character of the conservative party. Without a tittle of evidence to warrant so improbable a suppo sition, they have not scrupled in hazarding the insinu ation that a body of men, who have always been dis tinguished for their loyalty and devotion to the Sove reign, are willing to ally themselves in treason and mur der with so contemptible a being as this frantic pot boy; to dip their hands in blood for a party object, and to climb into power by a crime which the heart of the most hardened ruffian in existence shudders even to contemplate. That a charge so gross and incredible will have any weight with the respectable portion of our fellow-coun trymen we do not for one instant fear; and we only notice it to hold up to the execration of our readers the character of the base and ruthless faction which can resort to slanders so contemptible to advance their mercenary objects. Fraud and falsehood ever were the distinguishing characteristics of whig tactics ; slander was ever a favourite weapon in a whig hand. From their great progenitor, who " was a liar from the be ginning," they have inherited the subtlety which of old drew even angels aside from their allegiance; and the " bad ambition" which would " rather reign in hell than serve in heaven." We call upon our readers to examine this feature of whig conformation as evidenced in the unmanly attempt to implicate conservative ho nour and loyalty in the murderous attack upon her Majesty. We call upon them to watch the windings of this serpent policy, and to crush beneath the weight of their honest indignation the head of the foul mon ster, Liberalism, whose barbed tongue reeks with the venom which emanates from a had and polluted heart ! We shall not need to wander from our own town to produce an instance of this unmatched malignity of mind. Where the will exists to be base, the perfor mance will always be most strongly and coarsely marked where the ability is least. The polished bravo stabs; the common ruffian mangles his victim : and, whilst the fierce attack of a Junius is formidable from its keen satire and graceful condemnation, the equally rabid assault of a Mercury is distinguished only by its vulgarity, its clumsiness, and the concentration of ma levolence by which it is prompted. From the pages of ,4 Mercury then let us gather a few choice specimens to lay before our readers, in evidence of the feeling which we have noticed as inherent in the character of modern liberalism. In an article, on Friday last, upon the subject of the Queen's attempted assassination, our contemporary as serts that " sufficient had transpired to Tarrant a strong suspicion that the miscreant Oxford was the tool of others in the work of treason and death." We may, for the sake of argument, admit that such a sup position might be made; but, we ask, had anything then, or has anything since transpired, sufficient to warrant the idea that any parties above his own station in life, or having political views, were connected with the murderer ? Certainly not ; and yet with what in decent haste the Mercury proceeds to insinuate that the object of Oxford and his supposed accomplices was a political one—viz., to "clear the way to the throne of England for Ernest of Hanover ;" for, adds our con temporary, " even if the pistols were loaded only with powder, the effect of such a shock on her Majesty, in her present situation, was no doubt calculated, and what that effect might have been or may yet be, will readily be surmised." We presume the surmise in tended to be conveyed in this obscure paragraph is, that the object of the ruffian was to cause, by fright, the postponement at least of the nation's hopes ; but we cannot really imagine that such a refinement of guilt could be meditated ; and the public will scarcely think, with our ingenious contemporary, that this vulgar ma niac could possess such "a method in his madness !" Let us come, however, to the direct and astounding charge which our contemporary brings against the con servative party of having been the cause of this attempt upon the life of the Sovereign and of the Prince of Wales—for our contemporary has had the sagacity to discover the sex of her Majesty's unborn progeny ! From henceforth let Mercury take the precedence of Diana as the tutelary deity of midwives. " From such a calamity," proceeds our contemporary, as the death of her Majesty and her unborn prince, " Providence has, in its mercy, preserved Great Britain and the world. That an attempt should have been made to bring it about can excite surprise in the mind of no man who has paid attention to the fierce ravings of the Bradshaws and Robys, the Greggs and M‘Neiles, the Times and the Mails, some of whom have denied that the Queen is a Christian—others asserted that she has forfeited her right to the throne—others all but de nounced her as a prostitute—and others quoted Jezebel in such guise that the application, whether intended or not, was made to her. For our own part, we are in no degree, surprised at the horrible attempt which has been made on the life of a sovereign so denounced, nor should we be surprised at its recurrence. But, for the present, until the mystery is unravelled, the treason ex posed, and the traitors discovered, we can only say, from all such attempts may Heaven in its goodness preserve her Majesty ! From all traitors, foreign and domestic, THEATRE-ROYAL, LIVERPOOL, The Last Night but Three of the engagement of Mr. YATES, Mr. and Mrs. KEELEY, and Mr. PAUL BEDFORD. JACK SHEPPARD will be repeated every Evening. The engagement of the above Performers will positively terminate on FRIDAY, June 19th. THIS present TUESDAY, June 16, 1840, th e entertain ments will commence with the petit Comedy of the PRINTER'S DEVIL. Pierre Pica.. (his original character).. Mr. ey. After which, for the twelfth time at this Thea ,an entirely New Romantic and Historical Drama, • four Parts, with new Music, Scenery, D es, and Decorations, called JACK SHEPPARD. The Drama produced under the immediate Direction of Mr. YATES. _ _ _ Abram Mendez _ Mr. Yates. Jack Sheppard Mrs. Keeley. Joe Blueskin Mr. Paul Bedford. (As originally performed by them in London.) To conclude with the Musical Farce of WHY DON'T YOU MARRY? Natz Tieck.... (a young Farmer).... Mr. Keeley. As originally performed by him in London. Lissette Gierstein.... Mrs. Keeley. On WEDNESDAY, the Comedy of the HEIR AT LAW. Doctor Panglos. Mr. Yates : Zekiel Homespun, Mr. Keeley ' • Cicely, Mrs. Ke e ley. T o conc l u de with JACK SHEPPARD. 'VOW . OPEN, for PUBLIC INSPECTION, a t the Exhi -1 hibition Rooms, Postoffice-place, Liverpool, a Splendid, Extensive, and highly-interesting COLLECTION of PIG; T ORES, the production of the most celebrated Masters the Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Flemish, French and Englis ools, in subjects from Sacred and Profane History, ndscapes, Domestic Scenes, Game, and Flower Pieces great variety of Interesting Portraits and Fancy Heads • cries of Cabinet Copies, from the celebrated LIIXEMBOI G GALLERY, con sisting of twenty-one highly-finished Pictures, by a French Artist ; a Splendid Picture of the Marriage of George the IV. with Princess Caroline of Brunswick, displaying numerous Portraits of the Royal Family, Ladies of the Court, and Officers of State, all taken from the Life ; with other fine Productions of Art ; the whole having been selected in various parts of the Old and New Continents, by the Agent of a Gentleman of Fortune, who has kindly consented to their being exhibited in Liverpool for a Short Time only, under the Direction of Messrs. T. WINSTANLEY and SONS, who have arranged them as above for that purpose. Oren from Ten in the Morning till Dusk. ADMISSION, ONE SHILLING E ACH . • . _ Descriptive Catalogues (one Shilling each) may be had at the Rooms. :MECHANICS' INSTITUTION. THE EXHIBITION of Paintings, Works of Art, Models, Manufactures, Antiquities, Natural History, &c., will be Opened to the Public on FRIDAY next, the 19th instant. All persons intending to send Articles, ei ter as Loans or Donations, or on Sale, are requeste o com municate immediately with the Secretary. The hours of Admission will be from ~ to 10, p.m. Single AdMission, fro m 9, a . m ., t o 4 . m ., ONE SHIL LING ; and from 4 to 10 p.m., SIXPENCE ; for Children under 14, SIXPENCE at all hours. Season Tickets, (not transferable,) price 2s. 6d., may now be obtained at the institution, or at the Newspaper Offices. W. B. HODGSON, Secretary. ASTRONOMY ►r HE LECTURES on ASTRONOMY which Mr. WAL 1. KER delivered last week, at the LIVER TIIEATRE, and which have given great satisfaction to highly respectable audiences, will be repeated, for the last time in t town, THIS DAY, the 16th, TO -MORROW, the 17th, THURS DAY next, the 18th instant, illustrated by hi lendid Con cave Orrery, 42 feet in circumference, only one ever constructed, with a variety of auxiliary pparatus.—Doors open at Half-past Seven, to commence at Eight o'clock. Boxes, 2s. ; Pit, Is. ; Gallery, 6d. Youths, under 14 years, and Schools, at Half-price to the Boxes and Pit. EXHIBITION. CAPTAIN SIBORN' S MODEL OF THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO. THE celebrated MODEL OF THE BATTLE OF4A TERLOO is NOW OPEN for EXH lON at the GALLERY OF THE UNION MS, Slater street, Bold-street. Open from Ten in the Morning till Ten at Night. Ad mission, One Shilling each. ANATOMICAL VENUS. THE Broprietor begs to return his warmest tbank(to the Inhabitants of Liverpool for the very flatter' reception and extensive patronage his duly appreciate d wonderful production of Art has received since its Tival here, and respectfully intimates, that this will be e LAST WEEK of its Exhibition, as he intends visit ng other towns in England. TUESDAY and FRIDAY for LAMES as usual. Admittance, Is. 53, Bold-street. NATIONAL SCHOOLS' ANNIVERSARY. THE ANNIVERSARY of the NATIONAL SCHOOLS connected with the ESTABLISHED CHURCH will take place on THURSDAY, the 18th inst., when a SUWON will be preached in St. Peter's Church, by the Re " OBERT W. EVANS, M,A., Rector of Tarven, and ow of Trinity College, Cambridge ; after which a C ion will be made in aid of the funds of the different Sch s. The Committee of Management wil attend at the BLUE COAT HOSPITAL, on Monday, the 15th, Tuesday, the 16th, and Wednesday, the 17th inst., from Twelve to Two o'clock, and on the Morning of the Anniversary, for the purpose of distributing Tickets of Admission to the Public. Divine Service will commence at Eleven o'clock. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN !" Profoundly thankful are we of the STANDARD that our name is not found in this black list of accessories to murder and treason ! We have never denied to her Majesty the title of Christian, although we may have wished to see Christianity more in favour at the palace —to see Christianity more in favour and socialism less in favour with her government. We have never as serted that her Majesty has forfeited her right to the throne, although we have never shut our eyes to the fact that " the heavy blows and great discouragements" which her ministers profess their readiness to. deal against those principles which alone seated her illus trious ancestors upon the throne, might be pushed so far as to jeopardise that right. We have never " all but denounced her as a prostitute," or, to use the cor rect" language of our contemporary, quoted Jezeb e l." Where may that author be found, good Mercury ? We have done none of these things —p er p etrate d none of these " fierce ravings"—and are as innocent of any participation as accessories to the attempt upon the life of a sovereign, " so denounced," as is our contempo rary himself. But, seriously, does this besotted scribe imagine that even the muddy souls who, in beer-houses, in shaving-shops, or in taps, muse over his weekly ollapod of stale calumnies and threadbare jokes, can be im posed upon with such trash. as we have just quoted ? Does our contemporary suppose that men can readily be found in England who will be content to swallow such a tissue of gross absurdities ? If he does this we can only pity his hallucination. The great body of the people of England see in this disgraceful outrage an impressive condemnation of a base and venal set of men, who, to preserve for a few more weeks or days the pay without the power of official station, are ready to peril their country's noblest institutions, to weaken the safeguards of the monarchy, and even to expose to the murderer's weapon the sacred p erson o f th e S overeign. The great conservative body throughout the empire revere the person of their monarch, and view with loathing and disgust the unprincipled conduct of a despicable faction which is ever ready to interpose that object of regard as a shield over their own measureless transgressions. Her Majesty individually possesses in a great degree the affections of her people, and peculiarly of the Con servative party. That party—if we may quote the impressive words of Sir Robert Peel—" nevermake the principles or politics of the monarch the condition of their allegiaoe." We can by no means say the same of their Oppmitents. True it is that, when the gale of court favou fills - their sails, an d a fl ow i ng t id e tt bears them gaily on to the objects o f t h e i r am bi t i on, they are ev&r the fawning and obsequiou s slaves of royalty; bytt let their sky be obscured, their elysium disturbed, and the royal eye averted only for an hour, and then where is that exclusive loyalty, that devotion to the person of the Monarch of which we now hear so much and so loudly ? We hear it no longer, but, ' instead, we have the curses loud and deep of disap pointed ambition like the gnashing howl of dogs driven from their meal of corruption. Such a day of trial is, we trust, approaching. Her Majesty will not long be permitted to risk in her own person the consequences of her ministers' unpopularity. Already her princely husband has had an opportunity of witnessing how deep is the loathing with which they are regarded by the respectable classes of British society; and this last atrocious attempt may be instru mental in convincing his Royal Highness of the danger incurred by neglecting such unequivocal demonstra tions. Under a sound Conservative government her Majesty will at least enjoy the protection likely to be afforded her by having around her royal person ministers who will not fear on any occasion to encounter themselves the consequences of their own acts ! It will be seen, from our parliamentary summary, that a further discussion of Lord Stanley's Irish Re gistration Bill took place on Thursday evening, when, on moving that the order of the day be read and the house resolve itself into a committee, an amendment was brought forward by Mr. C. Wood that the Re gistration Bill for England should be first considered, which, after considerable debate, was negatived by a MAJORITY OF ELEVEN, in favour of Lord Stanley's motion, and AGAINST MINISTERS ! Sir D. Norreys then moved, as an amendment to the motion " that the Speaker do leave the chair," an instruction to the committee "to enable every person, otherwise qualified, who shall have for a period of one year paid poor-rates on an annual valuation (to be specified), to register his vote," which was also nega tived, by a majority of 93 in a house of 533 members. Owing to the late hour to which the proceedings had extended, it was then proposed by Lord Stanley to adjourn the committee to Monday (last night), which proposition was, with his usual degree of petu lance, opposed on the part of government by - Lord John Russell. He was, however, at once challenged to proceed to a division on the question; and, it not being either convenient or useful thus to invite ano ther manifestation of the opinion of the house on the character of this shabby and disreputable mode of proceeding, the - Member for Dublin came to the rescue of the Colonial Secretary, and declared his purpose of obstructing the progress of the bill by moving the adjournment of the house. The scene which ensued baffles description. It was one of those trials of the patience of the house, by the exhibition of ferocious blackguardism, to which the mendicant usually resorts when baffled and beaten from a position ; and in which —we are glad to report the fact—he was supported by only a very small, and that by no means the most re spectable, portion of the ministerial party. The length of time, however, during which the uproar prevailed, afforded an excuse to that mean and factious person age, Lord John Russell, of which he was not too higinninded to avail himself. The chairman then re ported progress, and the committee adjourned over to Monday, on which day his little lordship announced his intention of throwing every further impediment in the way of the bill, whilst Mr. O'Connell declared that he himself would not be held bound by any arrange ments which might be entered into. We can, of course,. under these circumstances, form no judgment as to the probable fate of the bill. That ministers are defeated upon it is incontestible, and that they ought either to resign or allow it to pass into a law is equally so. They will, we dare say, do neither ; but if beaten again, as no doubt they will be, on Mon day night, they will quietly hand over the duty of ob structing it to the bully whose peculiarly brazen front is alone capable of the task. It is well known that several of the respectable members of their party—at the head of whom stands Sir B. Hall, the member for Marylebone—have expressed their disinclination to proceed further in a purely factious opposition to the measure ; and the country will therefore have to be hold for the first time, in a reformed House of Com mons, the declared will of a majority, upon a great constitutional question, negatived by the factious ob struction of a minority, led on by a bully whose very name is an odium and a disgrace to the country which has the misfortune to own him. How long will Eng land submit to such a degradation in the face of the whole civilised world ? THE QUEEN OF THE ISLE STEAM-SHlP.—This vessel has recently leceived new steam-boilers, and her speed is considerably improved. She sailed from Douglas for this port on Saturday last, with upwards of three hundred passengers, and made the passage in seven hours. The Isle of Man is now very full of visitors. LIVERPOOL REGATTA, ON THE MERSEY.—IR consequence of the Cork Regatta having been fixed for the 4th of August, the committee of the Mersey Regatta have deemed it expe dient to alter their day of sailing from • the 4th ofAugust to the 21st of July. APPROACHING PARLIAMENTARY REGISTRATION.—TO avoid disfranchisement of electors in boroughs all poor-rates and window-taxes, payable from a voter in respect of his premises, previously to the 6th of April, must be paid on or before the 20th of July, whether demanded by the collector or not. SUMMER CIRCUITS OF THE JUDGES.—Northern: Mr. Justice Coltman, Mr. Baron Rolfe.—Home: Lord Abinger, Mr. Baron Gurney.—Midland: Lord Chief Justice Tindal, Mr. Justice Littledale.—Oxford : Mr. Baron Parke, Mr. Justice Williams.—Norfolk : Mr. Baron Alderson, Mr. Justice Patteson.—Western: Mr. Justice Coleridge, Mr. Justice Maule.—Welsh : Lord Denman, Mr. Justice Erskine.—Mr. Justice Bosanquet remains in town. THE ROYAL GORDOVIGION EISTEDDFOD.—It will be seen from the advertisement that this festival commences to morrow. The procession to escort the president and the Cambrian gentlemen to the field, to re-proclaim the Eistedd vod, will start from the Adelphi at ten o'clock in the morning. The ancient order of Druids, the Ancient Britons, the Cam brian society, &c, have signified th e i r i ntent i on to j o i n the procession with their respective badges of office and "regalia." It will also be accompanied by Mr. Stubb's royal harmonic band—the same that played before her present majesty at the Royal Beaumaris Eisteddvod.—See advt. NEWTON RACES.—It will be perceived, from the advertise ment, that Mr. Towers, of the Angel Inn, Dale-street, has taken the grand stand, during the ensuing races at Newton. From Mr. Towers's well known character we have no doubt that his visitors on the occasion will be amply provided with the choicest wines, &c, as well as with the usual delicacies of the season. MECHANICS' INSTITUTION.--The exhibition of paintings, works of art, models, manufactures, antiquities, &c, at the Mechanics' Instit ut i on, w il l b e opened to the public on Friday next. We believe the collection of curiosities which will be submitted for inspection will be of a very attractive charac ter. Those who intend to contribute any articles for the ex hibition have very little time to lose.—See advt. REGISTRATION OF COUNTY VOTERS.—It may not be useless at this time to remind overseers of the poor, that on the 20th inst., thug are directed by Act of Parliament, (2 William IV., c. 48. s. 37,) to cause to be fixed on or near the doors of all the churches and chapels within their re spective townships, or if there be no church or chapel therein. then to be fixed to some other conspicuous situation, a notice requiring all persons who may be entitled to vote in the election of Knight of the Shire, to serve in parliament, to send in their claims as such voters, to the overseers, on or before the 20th day of July next. The ulterior proceedings to be afterwards pursued, both on the parochial affairs, and of our conservative friends, we shall be happy to quote and lay before them for their guidance, in due course, as such proceedings occur and require their attention. LECTURES ON ASTRONOMY.--The lectures on the sublime science of astronomy, delivered last week by Mr. Walker, at the Liver Theatre, and which elicited such decided marks of approbation, from numerous and highly respectable audiences, will be repeated, for the last time in this town, this evening, and on the evenings of Wednesday (to-morrow) and Thursday next. This interesting course of lectures will be illustrated by Mr. Walker's splendid concave orrery, which is forty-two feet in circumference, (the only one ever constructed, we believe, on his principle,) as well as by the assistance of a variety of pleasing and auxiliary apparatus. The repetition of these instructive lectures will afford an opportunity to those schools and families, who did not avail themselves of the former course, for familiarising the minds of the young with the wonders of the creation, such as, we feel convinced, they cannot enjoy for a long time to come. We hope, therefore, to see the theatre crowded on each oc casion this week. FOREIGN ENGRAVERS.—The admirable productions of British professors in this department of art have long been considered to surpass those of all continental artists, and to present specimens of perfect and inimitable beauty. A refe rence to our advertising columns will show, that Messrs. Perkins and Bacon have produced, in a mere label, a specimen of engraving so minute as to be legible only with a lens; but so perfect as totally to prevent counterfeit and set imitation at defiance. The label in question is designed to put the public on their guard against fraud and imposition as regards that indispensable appendage of the toilet—" ROWLAND'S MACASSAR OIL !" which words are repeated on the label in the minute and beautiful style we have mentioned nearly 1500 times, containing nearly 30,000 letters. ANTI-CORN-LAW CIRCULAR.—In these most eventful times there is nothing surprising to find momentous topics freely discussed on all hands ; and such discussions, it cannot be denied, have a natural tendency to rub off the rust of pre judice and to lead to truth. The value of bread itself as the staff' of life is universally known—but the questions of free or restricted trade in corn appear to have their respective warm advocates. It is a mighty point gained where unanimity prevails upon any great question of vital consequence ; and in no one modern instance, perhaps, is this feeling more pre- Valent, that in the admitted transcendant virtues of that matchless medicine—Atkinson's Infants' Preservative. TRIBUTE TO INDUSTRY.—It always affords us much gratification to be able to notice improvements in agriculture or farm management, and to become the medium of com municating testimonials of approval of care and industry presented by landlords to their tenantry. We need there fore scarcely say, that we have much pleasure in announcing that John R. Shaw, Esq., an opulent landowner, of Cheshire, has, in testimony of the admirable management of Mr. John Poole, of the Arr ow Hill farm, in the parish of Woodchurch, handed to that i n di v id ua l a splendid piece of plate, with the follbwing inscription engraven thereon, and that we shall be glad to add, that other tenants of deserving merit have met with equal encouragement :—" Presented to Mr. John Poole by his landlord, John R. Shaw, Esq., for his persevering endeavours and judicious management in improving the lands in his occupation. Anno 1840." TIIE CROPS.—Very favourable accounts of the forth coming crops, whether of fruits, vegetables, or the more substantial and useful of nature's productions, continue to reach us from all quarters. During the past week innumer able fields of wheat, both in Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, and Yorkshire have shot into ear, and exhibit every appearance of a most productive yield. During the week also the hay harvest has commenced in various parts of the Riding, and will be general in about a fortnight. The Corn harvest is expected to be considerably earlier than that of last year ; the present appearance of the country generally is most promising.—Leeds Intelligencer. CORRESPONDENCE. GORDOVIGION ROYAL EISTEDDVOD. TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. SIR,—As Wednesday next will be the commencement of this Grand Eisteddvod, may I encroach upon your valuable space, at this short period before publication, with a few re marks relative to this novel undertaking in the town of Li verpool? Should you think them worthy of insertion, they will perhaps be read with pleasure by many of your readers, especially the Welsh, who are more deeply interested in the success of this their greatest and most useful national cele bration. If we take into account the variety of the subjects for which prizes are to be competed, and the great importance that belongs to most of them, it will not appear strange that this Eisteddvod has created a more than usual excitement here and in the principality, as well as in many parts of Eng land. Being under the patronage of the R o y a l C onsor t an d the Duke of Sussex, with that of many noblemen, baronets, and gentry, who have contributed towards.its expense, the result will no doubt he as favourable as its most sanguine supporters could reasonably anticipate. As a field of honour able competition has been laid open, not only for Welshmen, but for Englishmen, Scotchmen, and Irishmen; and, as the mode of deciding upon the merits of the compositions pre cludes the possibility of partiality, we may expect that those only will receive the rewards to whom the palm of merit really belongs. Such is the plan of adjudicating the prizes, that they might adopt as their motto, " PALM AM QUI MERUIT FERAT." The poem, in Welsh, on the late disas trous hurricane, and its effect on Liverpool, will, it is to be hoped, be a superior production, for which I am sure many learned and talented competitors have put in their claim ; and the successful piece will be read with a melancholy plea sure throughout the principality. The English poem on the " Resources of Liverpool, and its claims to the title of modern Tyre," will be perused with gratification throughout the Bri tish empire. There is also a Welsh poem on the same sub ject. The " History (in Welsh) of the Welsh Princes" will certainly be soon translated into English. The Welsh and English essay, on the " Character of the Welsh, as a nation, in the present age," will be an interesting production. Two subjects respecting the Bishoprics of Wales, will be likely to lead to some important and beneficial results as regards that portion of the episcop a l be n ch. Th e essa y on "Civil and religious.discord the ruin of the Welsh nation," proposed by the Rev. D. James, of Kirkdale, will be historically instruc tive. It would be unnecessary to comment on all these sub jects, as well as many others that have been submitted to the ordeal of accurate and unbiassed criticism : it is sufficient here to observe, that when they come forth to the light they will be useful companions in the hours of relaxation from the toils of business, imparting amusement and instruction, im proving the taste and strengthening the judgment. I might say more at pres e nt on this interesting subject, hut I fear lest I should too far trespass on your limits. I shall only say, in conclusion, that many an anxious heart, the hand of whose owner has aspired to compete for these honour able rewards of literary glory, must be now palpitating with the disquietude of suspense, awaiting with emotion the an nouncement of discomfiture or the pride of success. Respectfully yours, 15th June, 1840. A CAMBRIAN. REDWING AND MONK STEAMERS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. SIR,—A correspondent of the Liverpool Mail states that the Redwing is the fastest boat on the Mersey; regarding which I beg to state that I have seenherbeaten by the Monk, when that boat plied between the Monks' Ferry and Liver pool. I am, &c., ANOTHER LOVER OF FAIR PLAY. Liverpool, 12th June, 1840. [We feel obliged to our correspondent for calling our at tention to the letter alluded to, and pointing out to us the fact stated. We have no wish to detract from the good qua lities of the Redwing tender as a steamer; but finding it stated by some one who has taken the subject up, that the cause of that vessel being beaten the other day, was the defective and unsafe state of her boilers, we can only reply that we could have had no knowledge of such a circumstance, which, indeed, a good deal surprises us in a Queen's vessel ; and we may add, that the engines of the Archimedes are by no means so effective as they ought to be ; that in place of working up to 80 horses' power, as rated, it only works to from 70 to 73, with 241 revolutions per minute. The Archimedes had also a great number of passengers on board. This may serve as a sort of a set-off to the allegations made of the superiority of the Redwing.] GROSS CASE OF OPPRESSION. TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, SIR,--A friend of mine, a confidential servant in the em ploy of a leading mercantile firm in trading to the United States, was denounced last week by the agents of the Pro tector or Repeal Society, for having as they asserted, intro duced into his warehouse a petition in favour of Lord Stan ley's Irish registration bill. The leading partner ordered him into his presence, and after telling him that he had received letters from several gentlemen belonging to the Protector Society, and had had interviews with others on the subject, and that he could not think of retaining him in his employ any longer. My friend denied the charge, and challenged his accusers to the proof. This was of no avail—go he must, and go he did. This, sir, is called liberalism in the present day. Sorry am Ito think that the O'Connell dynasty should be so predominant in Liverpool : but still more sorry am I to think that a Protestant merchant should suffer himself to be dictated to by a Romish clique, as to what he should do or how he should act towards a faithful Protestant servant. Arid now, sir, I would wish to ask Mr. is he aware that Mr. H— (himself a Catholic), his warehouseman, in troduced a petition into the warehouse for a repeal of the corn laws ? It was three days there, and men were actually called out of the street to sign it, and this was well known to Mr. T---, the principal warehouseman, an ultra liberal. And now, Mr. Editor, if my friend was discharged for a crime for which he challenged his accusers to the proof, what should be done to the two warehousemen (his superiors) who have been guilty of a similar offence, and dare not deny it ? 1 remain, dear sir, ONE INJURED BY A SIMILAR INFLUENCE. OBSERVATIONS ON MR. WILSON'S PAMPHLET ENTITLED " INFLUENCES OF THE CORN LAWS, &c." TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. SIR,—My attention was first called to this publication by the high encomiums passed upon it by the anti-corn law-press, and more especially by extracts published in the Leeds Mer cury of the 18th April. The table there set forth is a most valuable document, and contrary to the intention of either Mr. Wilson or the editors of the Mercury, affords such abundant proof of the excellent working of the present corn laws, that, after a calm and dispassionate examination, no one, I think, can deny that these laws are highly beneficial, and ought to be preserved ; all this I said in a letter dated 23d April, and published in the Leeds Intelligences, and other papers.. Having been thus call e d upon, I h ave rea d the book, and from the style in which it is written, I am not surprised that it should have attracted notice. There are many pas sages in it which I should have been proud to have called my own ; it does not deal in that vulgar abuse and vituperation too common in works advocating a repeal of the corn laws. But there is not in the whole book one line to prove that the present corn laws have acted prejudicially on the country, nor yet one to show that a repeal of them would produce the slightest benefit. The fundamental argument of the author is intended to show the injurious effects of fluctuations in the price of wheat, and that the present corn laws neces sarily produce great and frequent changes of price ; he calls these "the extraordinary fluctuations which have taken place of late years in the price of wheat." This, he says, " must ever continue to be the result of protective an d prohibitory laws, because from this necessary tendency the whole of the evils of the present system have arisen." In speaking of the prejudicial consequences of the present corn laws and those of 1815, be says, " the most Striking feature is the great in equality and fluctuation of price ; " he says also, " no article of extensive consumption in this country ought to be from the nature of its production and consumption so free from fluctuation as wheat." I cannot possibly agree in this opinion. Wheat in its production is subject to vicissitudes of great ex tent ; even in this happy climate a difference of produce amounting to one-fourth or one-sixth has been often known, whilst the absolute necessity of it makes the consumption regular. Mr. Wilson says, "it is therefore plain that ine quality of demand cannot be the cause of fluctuation of prices. if bread corn were as unnecessary as nutmegs, or other luxu ries, a high price would lessen the consumption ; so far from this being the case with wheat, I fear the poor man, when bread is dear, eats less meat, and therfore requires snore bread than usual. But as far as I know, it has ever been a rule in logic first to establish the premises upon which the argu ment is founded. Mr. W. has not done this, nor is it possible for him to do so, because the assumption has no foundation in truth. In answering this the &stand greatest charge which Mr. Wilson has made against the corn laws, I shall, of course, confine myself to the present corn laws, it being both useless and absurd to defend laws which have long since been re pealed. Now, it is quite impossible to suppose that Mr. Wilson has made this heavy accusation against the presen corn laws, for the purpose of misleading his readers, at the same time it is difficult to imagine how such an acute writer could have overlooked facts which had been publicly stated over and over again, and the truth of which could have been so easily ascertained. To show how much Mr. Wilson errs in speaking of the ill effects of the corn laws, whin be says " the most striking feature is the great inequality of fluctua tion of price," I will quote from a table published from par liamentary returns, which gives the price of wheat in each year from 1717 to 1840. This table chews the rate of fluc tuation per cent. in every period of five years down to 1833; thus from 1797 to 1802 the fluctuations are stated to be 220 per cent. ; from 1802 to 1807 100 percent. ; frpm 1807 to 1812 74 per cent. ; from 1812 to-1817 183 per cent. ; from 1817 to 1822 143 per cent. ; from 1822 to 1827 81 per cent., and from 1828, the first year of th e p resen t corn l aws, to 1833, the fluctuations only amounted to 40 per cent. ; as this table goes no further, I must myself calculate the next five years, but to remove all do u bt o f th e accuracy o f my ca l cu l at i ons, I will give the parliamentary returns for these five years : they are 1833, 535. Id. ; 1834, 465. 2d. ; 1335, 395. 4d. ; 1836, 48s. 6d. ; 1837, 555. 10d. The fluctuations are there fore nearly 42 per cent., and I can see no reason why the fluctuations in the following five years should be made greater. The steadiness as well as the moderation of the prices of wheat in the last two years, notwithstanding the very great deficiency of the crops, prove how much the pre sent corn laws tend to keep prices equable. I therefore think the assumption that the corn law is injurious, by causing fluctuations in the price - of wheat, is disproved, and of course all the arguments founded upon it perfectly useless. The average amount of fluctuations in every period of five years for the thirty years immediately preceding the passing of the present corn laws having been 133 per cent., and the average of each five years since the present law being only 41 per cent., the proofs of the advantage of the present corn in preventing great fluctuations in the price of wheat is so triumphant as to leave no doubt of it. There are two other positions which Mr. Wilson seems anxious to establish—one is, that the fluctuations in the price of wheat are not to be attributed to good or bad seasons. He says, "We must at once banish from our mind the com- monly received opinion that the fluctuation of prices are caused by favourable and unfavourable seasons." He says they are the effect of speculations arising from previous high ' or low prices. Now there can be no doubt that improved or neglected tillage would, in a few years, materially alter the quantity of the productions of the earth, and that high or low prices would influence the cultivation is equally certain ; but to deny that good or bad seasons alter these productions in a still more sudden manner, is to deny that which is as clear as noon day sun. Thirdly, Mr. Wilson asserts that the repeal of the corn-laws would not reduce the price of wheat, but the contrary ; the way in which he says this, has the marks of sincerity. He says this opinion is totally diffe rent from what either the agriculturist or the manufacturer holds. True, and it is not very wonderful that people should expect when the market of supply is widely extended, and the demand not in the• smallest degree increased, that a fall of prices should follow ; what may be the effect produced by a continuation of low prices is another question ; but Mr. Wilson anticipates no decline of prices. My opinion, how ever, is, and always has been, unless the seasons prove very ungenial, or the British farmers have a full anticipation of the change, and reduce their cultivation immediately, that a great reduction of prices will be the consequence of the repeal, and I think the natural effect of this reduction (which Mr. H. seems so well to understand), being that British hus bandry will be so much reduced as to occasion in unfavourable seasons, and when our continental friends either cannot or will not minister to our wants, such an advance in the price as has not been known here for many ages past. To pre- 0.:1. ;;., /1 -- . , c , ,_ , _;: i s ) \,•, , r, - "3 ". , ,,,,,•,,ry ...$ . ....1. - -0- 2 q serve a steadiness of prices in corn has always been my own anxious desire, and I know of nothing so likely to effect this great blessing as the preservation of sliding duties, and the maintenance of that law, unaltered, and in all its integrity which has hitherto produced this happy effect. Had this gentleman been more happy in proving his propositions, I should gladly have given him credit for being more able to discuss the merits or demerits of the present corn laws; but though he has as I think failed in proving any one of them, let us not deny him praise for what he has done aright. Many passages in his book proclaim a wise head and a kind heart. I will give two short extracts of that description, he says, " Wherever provisions are dearest, the condition of the bulk of the labourers is de cidedly best, and their ability to command the necessaries, comforts, and even elegancies of life, form a striking contrast with the extreme difficulty with which even the barest neces saries are obtained, where they are cheapest." He says— " compare the condition of the whole labourers of this coun try with that of any of the countries of the continent where provisions are at the lowest prices, compare their diet, clothing, and habitation, with what are allotted to the labour ing classes in Prussia, oland, or France, and see how supe rior the worst classes are in these respects in this country compared with the very best in those of supposed abundance and cheapness." The publication of such truths as these is deserving the highest praise, especially when produced for the benefit of the anti-corn-law people. Mr. Wilson's fourth and last proposition is, " What chan g e in the present corn laws would best suit the interests of all parties ?" To this 1 do not think it necessary to reply, because I think they re quire no alteration, and because to concede anything material would be to destroy. I think the time has now arrived when I may properly retire from the controversy on the long agi tated question of the " corn laws." I entered upon its dis cussion for the purpose, solely, of explaining to my country men, in the best way I was able, the nature and operation of these laws, and if possible to convince them that, whilst af fording a fair, and but a fair protection to the British farmer, they did not injuriously affect the commercial and tnanufae turing interests of the country. I have also been anxious that a question involving such vast and complicated interests should be discussed with temper and sobriety of language, and the progress of the argument in favour of these laws has convinced me that the good sense of my countrymen is not to be abused with impunity, but that time and retlectidn only are necessary to ensure from them a fair and candid judg ment, and 1 trust that henceforth nothing will occur to dis turb that friendly feeling which it is essential should exist between the agricultural and commercial communities. In looking back upon what I have written on this subject, I - feel that I may congratulate myself in having abstained from all asperity of expression, nor have I, to my knowledge, violated in a single instance that respect which was due to those who differed from me in opinion. I have been deeply impressed with a desire to disabuse the public mind, of what I considered very erroneous opinions, and unfounded prejudices, and for this purpose I offered the benefit of my long experience upon subjects connected with the corn laws, and I hope I have not wholly failed in my object. I beg leave, Sir, to thank you for the readiness with which you have published my let ters in your paper, and to offer the same acknowledgment to every other Editor who has condescended to give them in sertion. Should anything arise to require it, I shall be at my post, but I feel persuaded the advantages of the present corn laws are now more known and better appreciated than ... at any former period, and I most sincerely hope the agitation of the question will cease. I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant, JOHN BAKER. Nassau Cottage, Leeds, 9th June, 1840. r cr. _ 4 POLICE 11\-I'ELLIGENCE.-MONDAY. REFUSING A BILLET.--CAUTION TO PUBLICANS. Thomas Painter, the keeper of a beer-house in Newington, appeared to a summons, calling upon him to show cause why he should not be convicted in the penalty of 405., for having refused a billet presented to him by four soldiers of the 12th Lancers, on the 11th instant. _ _ Mr. Featberston, of the billet -office, stated that be issued a billet on the defendant to four soldiers of the 12tk Lancers on the 11th instant. Shortly afterwards the soldiers came back, and said the billet had been refused. Mr. Rushton inquired by whom ? Mr. Featherston.—By the son of the defendant. Mr. Rushton asked where the soldiers were? Mr. Huyton said they had left the town with the regiment. The defendant stated that he was not at home when the case occurred. The soldiers presented the billet to his son, who brought it to him, and he offered to find them another place, or pay them ; but they refused. After that he found them accommodation. Mr. Huyton explained that this was upon another billet, issued on the 14th instant. Mr. Featherston added, that when the soldiers presented the billet, the defendant said be could not accommodate them, but he offered them fourpence each. The soldiers re fused that, and said they wanted dinner ; but he refused to supply them with any. Mr. Rushton asked the defendant what he had to say ? The charge against him was, that he had refused to find the soldiers accommodation ;—that they first wanted a dinner, then a bed, and he refused them both. The defendant replied that there was nobody in the house but a little girl, and she could not prepare them a dinner. Mr. Rushton said that was the very case. The act of par liament made it imperative upon all publicans to obey the regulations therein laid down ; one of which was, that they should furnish the soldiers billeted upon them with meals at requisite times. These men required a meal, and the defen dant said he could not accommodate them. That was no answer to the case. The defendant said be had a witness. He then called his son, who said he had offered to " pay the men out ;" but they refused. The defendant added, that they were officers' soldiers, and were very saucy. Mr. Rushton.—You did not find them accommodation. It is a mistake to suppose that if a soldier refuses to take money offered him in lieu of a bed, you are not bound to ac commodate him. It is a matter of mutual agreement be tween the publican and the soldier. If the soldier refuses to take the money, you must find him accommodation. In this case there is no possible excuse for not finding the dinner. I cannot mitigate the penalty below 40s. The defendant said it was a very great shame and a robbery. Mr. Rushton.—lt ought to be generally known that no publican can force an arrangement with a soldier. He must have such accommodation as is decent and proper, and as the soldier will take. The defendant repeated that he had offered to find very respectable lodgings for the soldiers, but they would not take them. Mr. Rushton said it was in the option of the soldiers to take them ; besides, he had not provided the dinner. The Defendant.—A beer-house cannot find accommodation for four men. Mr. Rushton.—Then you should not keep one. The defendant then paid the fine and left the court. ROBBING A CHILD. Sarah Watson, a married woman, was charged with having stolen a sum of money and a quantity of wearing apparel from a girl, 12 years of age, named Ellen Jenkins, under the following circumstances. Ellen Jenkins stated that she was twelve years of age, and was now living with her sister, Mary Huson, in Peach-street. Her father and mother were dead. On Friday last she re ceived from Mrs. Johnson, a person with whom she had been living in Chester, a bundle containing her wearing apparel, and she started about seven in the morning to conic to Liver pool. When she had got some distance past the Blue School, in Chester, she met the prisoner and another woman. Witness was then riding a cart. The prisoner asked her if she was going to Liverpool, and where to ; and witness told her she was going to her sister, Mary Jenkins, who lived at Mr. Dixon's, in Myrtle -street. The prisoner thereupon said, I know your sister very well, and I will see you sate there ;" and having taken from her the bundle of clothes, asked her if she had any money. Witness told her she had, and the prisoner replied, " Give it to me and I will carry it safe for you." Witness then gave her a green silk purse, containing eleven shillings and one halfcrown. The prisoner put the purse into her breast. Afterwards she said, " your pocket is coming coven," and she pretended to pin it up, but in doing so she untied and took it away. It contained one sovereign, a silver thimble, and a pair of scissors, and at that time they had walked about a mile past the Blue School. The pocket was safe a few minutes before, but witness missed it a few minutes after the prisoner pretended to pin it up. Witness wished to go back and look for it, but the prisoner said, " oh, never mind, you will not find it," The other woman then carried the bundle. They took the boat at Eastham, and landed on George's pier. The prisoner (who was then earring the bundle) and her companion asked wit ness to go forward, but she would not. They walked for ward, and witness heard the prisoner say, " let us try to bag her." The prisoner gave her a halfpenny, and asked her to go'tand buy some " paradise." She went to a shop door, and looking back, saw the two women running away. She ran after them, but they escaped. She inquired from a little girl whether she had seen a woman running with a bundle; she said she had, and took witness to a house, where she found the prisoner, with her bundle of clothes. The articles produced were her property. _ Mary Shaw said . she was the wife of Christopher Shaw, and lived at No. 18, Ryley's-gardens. Between 5 and 6 o'clock on Friday afternoon, the prisoner went to the next door of witness's house, and asked to be allowed to go into the back yard. She had a bundle, tied in a check apron, with her. The mistress of the house said to her, " You seem to be put out of the way, what is the matter ?" She replied, " Will you allow me to sit in your kitchen?" The mistress of the house said again, " You seem very much flurried, what ails you ?" She gave no answer, but asked for a drink of water. Directly afterwards, witness heard a little girl ask if a woman with a bundle had entered the house, and somebody replied, " There has." The witness, Ellen Jenkins, then came to the door, crying. Witness never left the prisoner till a constable apprehended her, and was sure she was the woman who had brought the bundle. Frederick Moore, a clerk, residing No. 13, Ryley's-gar dens said, that between 5 and 6 o'clock ou Friday afternoon, as he was returning home, he saw the witness, Ellen Jenkins, crying. He asked her the reason, and she told him that a woman had run away with her bundle. He asked her where she had seen the woman last, and she gave the same account as above. Witness found the prisoner in the house of Mrs• Kennedy, and the girl claimed the bundle and purse. Wit ness obtained the assistance of police-officer 284, who took the prisoner into custody. James Shenton, police-officer 284, said he apprehended the prisoner, who said the purse and bundle were her own, and that she was the mother of Ellen Jenkins. The girl said she was not her mother. The prisoner was searched in Bridewell, and a halfcrown, a sixpence, and fourpeuce in copper found upon her. Witness kept the girl at his own house until yesterday, when he learned where her sister, Mary Huson, lived. Mary Huson, the wife of Christopher Rochdale Huson, said she lived in Peach-street. She was not aware that her sister was coming from Chester, but yesterday she found her at her house, when she stated that she had been robbed. Witness knew nothing of the prisoner. Mr. Rushton asked the prisoner what she had to say? The prisoner said she was entirely innocent of the offence she was charged with. She was committed for trial at the sessions. A serjeant, belonging to the recruiting service, was fined 2s. 6d. for rescuing a prisoner from the custody of a police man, in the field opposite St. Jude's Church, during the forenoon of this day (Monday.) Mr. Rushton, after a patient investigation, said it was clear the serjeant had acted under a misconception, and therefore, he thought a nominal penalty would meet the justice of the case. James Brown, Esq., of Liverpool, is the purchaser of Lord Wenlock's estate near Wetherby, which was sold last week by Mr. George Robins. The price was 60,000 guineas. THE GRAIN.—In these districts the crops all look very promising. In some parts we understand the spring sown has rather failed, but generally speaking, the appearance of the green fields to the casual observer is most encouraging. —Lancaster Gazette. REMARKS ON THE ROAD IN FRANCE.—No hedges, no divided fields, no cattle grazing ; women doing farm labour ; horses talked to, and reasoned with, instead of being beaten. If a peasant wants to get on a little faster, he descends from his roulage, and runs on before the horse, who immediately sets off after him. No comfortable-looking houses, to which you may suppose Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Smith, or Mr. Higgin botham to have retired after a life spent in business. No nice little gardens, with monthly roses, bee-hives, cabbage:‘, onion-beds, in front of the poor man's cottage ; no wall flowers near the door, nor tuft of house-leek over it ;no lit tle patches of sweet-william, nasturtium, strawberry plants, currant and gooseberry bushes. Thinks Ito myself, may grumble at home, my boys; but you would be sorry to change with your own class in France"—that is. as far us I saw of it. Journal of Barnes, the Pantaloon, in Bentley's Miscellany.