The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-01-09 00:00:00

Jan 9, 1844 C• GENERAL MISCELLANY. on d- Ly, as hare 17 is Lying ag- CCl iron Ftail ately even f the smith into the river Thames. New and toria From Tiing. 5 de ,hose parry. been ty to road ;ter, ming cork, Let is previous year. light days from the are 'ene- I the ional this icate lied ca i,4oo ye a and Of than been v for ilea, sets the ive, fol. age ;43, !eks 0,000 000 ,cOO )ili the the Ten aR .ophe aday. a the osion fined the s, in man o the night aving atur usted neg xplo- lenee h the oded. I im th of .et of ie pit which urt— dis.c effort Ina's, ssing itely. oat time On Sunday last a hive of bees swarmed in the parish of Easton, near Wickham Market. On Friday week the shock of an earthquake was felt in the island of Guernsey. The cuckoo was frequently heard in Balderstone during Christmas week.—Blackburn Standard. NEW M AGISTR A TE.—On Thursday lest, /It the quarter sessions, the Hon. Colin Lindsay, son of the Earl of Bal- carres, took the oaths, and qualified as a magistrate. Madame Vestris and Mr. C. Matthews re-appeared at the H aymarket on Saturday evening week after an absence of several weeks. On Tuesday evenlig a female committed suicide by throwing he r s e lf o ff th e sus pension bridge at Hammer . . The Plymouth Journal states, that there are two hun dred apples as large as walnuts on a tree in a garden at Stonehouse. The United States Customs have decided not to allow the drawback on coals in future to the steamer Great Western ; this will make a serious difference to the com- The London New Price Current of Tuesday published an annual statement of the deliveries of goods : in almost every instance there is an increase as compared with the INCOME TAX.—We understand that persons claiming allowance for empty property. for the year ending sth of April last, are required to .nake their claims on or before the Ist of February next, or they will not be allowed. CHALLENGE TO MR. COBDEN.—Mr. Feargns O'Con nor has addressed a letter to the Manchester Courier en gaging to discuss with him the propriety of a repeal of the Corn Laws on Mr. Cobden's own terms. DEATH or GIBSYDE FAIRY. —This celebrated brood mare, the Grandam of Mundig and Cotherstone, both Derby winners, the property of John Bowes, Esq., M.P. died at Streatlam Paddocks, on Saturday last, in the 33rd year of his age, completely worn out with old age. DEATH FROM SLEEPING ON A. DAMP BED.—The Shrewsbury Journal mentions the demise of Mr. John Morris hop-merchant, of Mardol, in that town, whose death was caused by having slept in a damp bed at an inn, in Nantwieh, a fortnight before. It is a curious fact that the new year's receipts at the Edinburgh Zoological Gardens have exactly doubled every year since its opening. In 1841, the receipts were £3O ; in 1842, £6O ; in 1843, £l2O ; and ti.is year they amounted to £240. EXTRAORDINARY MUNIFICENCE.- - The following most munificent bequests have been made by the late Dr. Beckwith. of York :—X2OOO for the bells of York Min ster. £3OOO to restore the Chapter-house, £lO,OOO to the Museum, £5OOO to the Blind School, and £5OOO for the Penitentiary. EXPLOSION OF A BOILER AT MIDDLIESBRO'.—OD St!. turduy last an explosion, from the blowing up of a boiler, occurred at the iron works of Messrs. Bolckow and Vaughan, Middlesbro'-on-Tees. We regret to add thnt one man lost his life and two others were dangerously wounded. THE TOBACCO TRADE.—From the result of the inter views had by deputations of the tobacco trade with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, it is inferred that no re duction of duty is contemplated, but that there will be an alteration in the excise law affecting the article. This will be news for many of the trade.—Globe, Tuesday. A new description of augur for boring wood has been invented by an American gentleman ; it is constructed in a spiral form, exactly similar in appearance to a cork screw, which empties itself of the fragments of wood without having occasion to withdraw it from the bore, as is the case with augurs on the common principle. An official address from the general treasurers and se- cretaries of the Wesleyan Missionary Society has just been published, from which it appears, that, on an inves tigation of the probable state of the finances for 1843, there is some reason to apprehend that the income of the year will fall short of the expenditure by not less than from ten to twelve thousand pounds. According to a report made by Mr. Braidwood, the number of fires and alarms in London, which have hap pened from Jan. 1 to December 31, 1843, at which the engines of the establishment have been called into requi sition, amount to 901. It further trentions that the fires, by which premi ses were t ota lly d e stroyed, number 298, buildings considerably damaged 231. NAPTH A. OR LIQUID GAS LAMPS.—These lamps having come into extensive use, and several cases of fire having arisen from them, the attention of the principal fire insurance companies has been directed to the danger arising from them ; and we are told that several of the offices have resolved not to issue any policies on premises where they are used. THE POTTERIES.—WE have great pleasure in stating that the trade in Staffordshire is very good. The potte ries are in full employ, and the iron business improving, with an increasing demand, and steady advancing prices. Many blast furnaces that had ceased smelting are now re charged and in full operation—a beneficial effect to the numerous colliers in that district.—Derby Mercury. One day last week a sailor-looking man was found dead in a sitting position, near a public-house at Chelsea. He had only one leg : in his pocket was found the duplicate of a leather leg which had been pawned that day for seven shillings. It was ascertained that his death had arisen from natural causes—ossification of the 'valves of the heart. It is now positively stated that a Chinese ambassador: " a real live China mandarin"—deputed by his Celestial Majesty, the imperial brother to the sun and cousin german to the moon—is about forthwith to exhibit his pigtail and five-clawed dragon, his peacock's feather and red button, among the blue ribands, black rods, white sticks, and garters, of the Court of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. PRESENT TO HER MAJESTY.—Eight most beautiful and pure-bred bantams (consisting of a cock and three bens of gold, and the like number and description of sil ver, bantams) arrived at Windsor Castle on Monday week, as a present to the Queen, from Mr. W. H. Hol combe, of Campden, in Gloucestershire, a gentleman who Las long been celebrated for his peculiar breed of this rare and curious species of domestic birds. A HOUSE DIVIDED, & c.—The League are in high delight at a letter, whichwas sent to them, a few days ago, from the Marquis of NV estminster, containing a sub scription of £5OO. How this subscription was wrung from the noble marquis, perhaps Lord R. Grosvenor can tell. Certain it is, that the house of Grosvenor is divided against itself, as the well-known principles of the two elder sons of the marquis, in contrast with those of the member for Chester and the father, can testify. ANTI-LEA CUE SOCIETIES.—We are glad to observe that the agricultural interest is becoming alive to the ne cessity of energy and union in resisting the machinations of the Anti Corn -law League. Associations are about to be formed in Sussex, Kent, Warwickshire, Lincoln, Hun tingdon, and other counties ; and one has been already organised in Essex, for the above important purpose. The association already formed is the " Essex Agricultural Protection Society." THE WIDOW OF Mr. A SPINALI.'S LATE GA ME - EPLR--A subscription has been set on foot for the relict and family of poor Scholfield, late gamekeeper of John Aspinall. Esq., of Standen-hall, Mitton, who was shot in an affray with poachers in Mitton Wood, a few weeks since. The subscription already amounts to a sum adequate to secure an allowance of five shillings a week to the widow and family of the deceased for four years. LOVE AND MURDER.—On Wednesday night, a young: man, named Sumner, who was paving his addresses to a girl named Shelton, both of Arnold, was talking with his 'AY-love in the town street, when her father came to them, and told his daughter to go home. She refused, 'when he went and fetched a bill-hook or hand-bill. and inflicted such a severe wound upon Simmer as to fracture his skull. The brutal fellow has absconded, and his vic tim now lies in a most dangerous state.—Nollingham Journal. PRESTON, FLEETWOOD, AND LYTHAM.—A general order has been received from the Customs announcing that the Lords of the Treasury have constituted Preston an independent port of the 6th class ; and directed that Fleetwood, the present head port of the district, be a creek within the port cif Preston :—and, further, " ap- Pointing Lytham within the port of Preston to be the proper station for all vessels coming to, or departing from, the said port to bring to, for the boarding or land ing of officers of the Customs." SURRENDER OF AN INCENDIARY.—On' Thursday afternoon, a young man named Thomas Katterns, by trade a weaver, residing at Kettering, in Northampton shire, surrendered himself into the custody of constable Dudenev, of the Northamptonshire police, uknowledging that he had set fire to a stack of wheat on the premises of Mr. John Gotch, a farmer and butcher, of Kettering, on the night of the 23d of Fehruary, 1539. On the fol lowing day, the prisoner underwent a lengthened exami nation before the Rev. J. Hogg, a magistrate of Ketter ing, when he was fully committed for trial at the next assizes. r RICHARD DAnn.--The order for the transmission of this unhappy young man to England is in the hands of the authorities here; but it is held back from a kind and merciful consideration, and will not be put in force until a few day s b e f ore the commencement of the assizes ; his imprisonment in the common gaol of the county conse quently, be v er y b r i e f. V cry b r i e f, a l so , w ill be his trial ; evid ence of his insanity for some time previous to Its melan c h o l y consu mmation - will be given by one or two of his intimate friends, artists, sufficiently to satisfy the jury, although forming but a small part of the proofs that might he adduced, if necessary, and the poor fellow will be at once r emoved to some lunatic asylum for the re mainder of his sad life. Latest accounts describe him as in a bad state of health, but receiving unremitting atten tion from the persons under whose care he is placed at Fontai nbleau.—Art-Union. TH E HIGH LEIGH BURGLARS.—Thomas Riley, Richd. Holbrook, and Joseph Holbrook, weavers, were placed at the bar at the Chester assizes, on Wednesday, charged with having, on the 14th of October last, burglariously entered the dwelling.bouse of one Lettice Widders, at 11, g 1 ? Leigh, and stolen therefrom fifty sovereigns, her monies. Thi s h irglary was of the most atrocious descrip tion, perpetrated in the middle of the night by armed men, with blackened face,, under circumstances of almost unparalleled atrocity. The evidence has appeared so recently that it will not be requisite to insert it here. The • learned jud ge summed the case up very elaborately, re capitulating most minutely the evidence that had been loffered, when the jury returned a verdict of guilty. The earned j u d ge, after commenting upon the heinousness of he offence, sentenced them to be severally transported for eighteen years. FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Friday week, John Cnbbon, master of a small vessel called the Laxey Mines, belong ing to Douglas, Isle of Man, met his death in a very un accountable manner. The vessel having discharged her cargo at Runcorn, was on the morning of Thursday week about t• proceed to Liverpool, when the master missed his punt, or boat, and, supposing that it had drifted away, he sent two men in search of it. They returned without being able to find it, or to learn anything respecting it, and the captain fancying that his men had not performed their errand with sufficient attention, went off hastily in search of the missing boat, and was never more beard of alive. Many speculations were raised as to what had become of him, the most probable of which seemed to be that he had fallen into one of the docks. RELIGIOUS ENTHUSIASM.—Daring the whole of last week, speci , l services were appointed to be observed daily at the Wesleyan chapel, at Holmfirth ; and as early as six o'clock in the morning numbers of devotee; might be observed wending their way towards the meeting-house. It was on one of these occasions that a most melancholy incident occurred, by which considerable alarm was com municated to the assembled members. Amongst the congregation was the wife of a respectable general shop keeper in the neighbourhood, named Joshua Mosely, a woman noted for her activity in the Methodist cause, and for her regular attendance at the chapel. On this parti cular occasion, however, she prayed with more than ordi nary zeal, and ultimately worked herself up to such a pitch of imaginary and extravagant inspiration or delirium, as to produce a decided state of insanity, in which state, lamentable to relate, the unfortunate woman still remains. —Leeds Intelligencer. - • - Mr. Ferrand is rendering high service to the industrial interests of England, evoking, as he is everywhere doing, the expression of a spirit of deep hostility, on the part of the manufacturing operatives, to the doctrines of the Anti- Corn-Law League. If our landowners were wise, they would turn to account those manifestations of popular feeling which are now taking place in the north of England. Mr. Ferrand has been busied for some weeks in rousing the labourers of the north to rescue Mr. Oastler from prison. When we consider the poverty of these labourers, and the drains to which their very limited means have been so often subjected by noisy and greedy demagogues —when we consider, on the other hand, Mr. Oastler's high and old-fashioned toryism, as well as the non-politi cal cause of his incarceration—we can regard the present movement in his behalf as nothing more nor less than a national movement in favour of the policy of naorEcTioN. W. uld that our agricultural capitalists—landowners and farmers—possessed the same clearness of view, and the same energy of character, which distinguish the oppressed operatives of Lancashire and li r Jrkshire.—Morning Post. THE CHESHIRE MURDERS.—At the Chester assizes, on Thursday, before Mr. Justice Wightman, George Fox was indicted for the wilful murder of his wife, at Stock port. On the day named in the indictment, it appears that the prisoner came home in a state of intoxication, and soon afterwards his wife came in, when they had a quarrel, and the wife left the house. Mr. Temple con tended that the death of the deceased was occasioned by accidentally falling down stairs. The jury found ,he pri soner guilty of manslaughter, and he was sentenced to be imprisoned in Chester Castle for two years.—On the same day, Samuel Maddocks •was charged with the wilful murder of Matthias Bailey, gamekeeper to George Wil braham, Esq., of Delamere House, on the 28th of July, at Crowton ; and on the arraignment pleaded not guilty. The chief witness was Joseph Clarke, a labourer, who swore that he had seen Maddocks shoot the gamekeeper, but whose evidence was rendered rather questionable by the fact that he himself had been accused of the murder. The jury, having retired, and remained absent about half an hour, gave a verdict of " Not guilty." SHOCKING MURDER.—On Sabbath last, tho dead body of an old man, named John Geddes, a labourer, residing in a cottage by himself, on the farm of Longford, about three miles from the village of West Calder, was found in a shockingly mangled state on the floor of his own dwelling. He had been missing for several days, but as he was in the frequ nt habit of working at a distance from home, no alarm was excited among the neighbours till Saturday night. On Sabbath, therefore, it was re solved to break open the house to see whether he might not be lying ill, when the neighbours were horrified to find his murdered body stretched on the floor in a state almost indescribable. On removing an old shirt which was thrown over the body, they found a deep fracture in the skull, the left eye knocked 'into the head, the bone of the eye-brow broken, the nose all but torn off, the jaw- bone and collar-bone and collar-bone and all his ribs but two broken ! A more horrible sight has seldom been seen. A pair of tongs covered with blood were found at the fireside, with which the wounds had evidently been inflicted. The deceased, though a labourer, had the re putation of some wealth, and probably the possession of that might have been the object of the murderer.— Glasgow paper. LONDON DOCKS.—On Tuesday the half-yearly general meeting of the proprietors of this company was held. Mr. J. D. Powles read the report, and the statement of accounts for the half year ending the 30th of November last. The number of loaded ships which entered the docks from foreign parts, during that period, was 570, of 136,026 tons, and in the same time of 1842, 676, of 149,452 tons. There was an increase in the income, or earnings, of £14.513 lls. 4d., viz., to £197,168 15s. 7d., although a decrease bad occurred in the tonnage, the corn-laden ships which entered having fallen off, in the six months to November 30th last, to 8,436 tons, or a de crease of 25,446 tons, as compared with the same period of 1841. The general business was better. The directors recommended .the construction of new warehouses, in order to meet the increased wants expected to arise from the extension of the China trade, and recommended that a dividend of 2 per cent. should be declared for the half year ending the 31st of December last. After a discus sion of some length, the report and dividend were agreed to, thanks were voted to the chairman and directors, and the meeting adjourned. ARE THE PEOPLE THE SOURCE OF POWER ?—A con temporary writer says, " a claim to dominion, wherever it is lodged, must be ultimately referred back to the ex plicit or implied consent of the people." This, of course, is but a fair inference from the favourite maxim that the people is the only source of legitimate power. But op posed as we are to oppression, under whatever pretence it may exist, we are unable to subscribe to the truth of this maxim. Power, we helieve, has a much higher source than what is here ascr►bed to it. We would say, in the language of the Divine founder of Christianity, " Shew us a penny." " Whose image is this, and what is that superscription ? "—" Victoria Regina Dei Gratia." Does Dei Gratia signify, by permission of the people? No : it refers to a higher power ; that power " by whom kings reign and princes decree justice." We are no advo cates for the divine right of kings to govern wrong. That is a totally different affair. The principles of Mauna Charta provide against any such abuse of the royal prero gative ; but at the same time we would caution the advo cates of popular rights against the use of arguments which can have no force whatever with those who are attached to the ancient and well-tried principles of the British constitution. Newcastle Advertiser, (Whig Paper.) ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN.-011 the motion of Mr. Stuart Wortley a return was ordered by the House of Commons in March last "of all illegitmate children whose baptisms were registered by the clergymen in the several parishes of Lancashire, the West Riding of Yorkshire, Norfolk, Surrey, and Herefordshire, during the years 1831, 1132, and 1833, and during the years 1839, 1840, and 1841." The return shows a great number of mate children who have been baptised in the years men tioned, and by analogy there are numerous persons in the same counties who are likewise illegitimate; but the erec tion of churches and the recent act for providing for the spiritual destitution in populous parishes, will, it is hoped, be used to call forth the life they have received in the baptismal covenant, and be the means of unfolding into active exercise the gift bestowed upon them. It appears that in the county of Lancaster the number registered in 1831 was 1,739 ; in 1832, 1,833 ; and in 1833, 1818 ; making a total of 5,390. In the other three years there were registered by clergymen in baptism-1,988 in 1839, 2,045 in 1840, and 2,129 in 1841, making a total i❑ the period of 6,172, being nearly 1,000 over the former period. The West Riding of Yorkshire shows 3,332 in the three first years and 3,082 in the second three years. In the county of Norfolk the numbers in the first-mentioned years were 2.028, arid in the second 2,422. In Surrey, 959 were baptised in the first period, and 1,066 in the second. In Hereford there were 720 in 1831, 1832, and. 1833, and in the second three years 681. The return fur ther states the numbers in the various parishes, and the information afforded incontestibly shows the necessity for the exertions of those intrusted with spiritual instruction, whilst their temporal affairs should not be neglected by others. GUANO irnom CATTUNESS.—We believe that Guano is scarcely known in Caithness further than what our farm ers have read of it in the newspapers and agricultural ma gazines, if we except a trial made by some half-dozen of our proprietors and large farmers, who had a small im portation of it from South America, via Liverpool, last I season. We confess we have not turned our attention to the subject, and are, therefore, not prepared to write on it; but, the matter having been pointed out to us by a correspondent, we readily seize upon the contents of his note, with the hope that by so doing we may set some of our enterprising landlords or tenants on experimenting with this new and valuable manure. Our friend says, " I wonder you have not taken up the subject of guano, and explained to your readers, more esp ec i a ll y t o your l an d e d proprietors, that there is a great abundance of it to be found in Caithness, Sutherland, Orkney, and Zetland, amongst the islands, stacks, and cliffs of the rock s . Th ere must be immense deposits of birds' dung on the se coas t s , which could be collected at a trifling evpense. I last year made trial of it from an island near Inchcolm, took a boat in the morning, a ,d, with some small spades, mason's trowels, and some bags, clambered to the top, about 80 feet high, to the resort of the sea-fowl, from which, in an hour's time, three of us nearly filled the boat with excel lent stuff resembling dirty lime. The season was past to try it on vegetables, and not being a farmer, I used it i n top-dressing a flower garden, where it had an astonishing effect. The feeding fibres of the plants came to the sur face, and laid hold of the small pieces as greedily as a hawk would his prey ; it was interesting to observe the feeders of the dahlias coming to the surface, a hundred at a time, as small as threads, attached to a small piece, not larger than a walnut. I had a delightful show of them, hut will not have the pith of the guano until next summer. I am certain Sir George Dunbar could take a vast quan tity of it from the rocks on his estate of Hempriggs, Noss, &c." We shall be glad to hear the result of any experi ment made with guano in this or neighbouring counties, and shall be happy to record the same in our journal for the benefit of others. Why go to Africa for what may be procured at home ? We believe that heavy rain r .rinf'es the strength of this manure, which may be one objection againq what is found in this country.—John 0' Groats Journal. THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. ST. MARY'S CHURCH. BIRKENHEAD. The congregation of this church have presented the Rev. A. Knox with a beautiful cover and cushions for the communion-table, with carpet, &c., as will be seen by the following address and reply : " Birkenhead, 30th December, 1843. "TO THE REV. ANDREW KNOX, INCUMBENT OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH, BIRKENHEAD. "VERY DEAR SIR,—It affords us no ordinary plea sure, and we esteem it to be a very high privilege, that we have an opportunity of testifying our sincere and increas ing attachment to the venerable establishment of which your congregation forms a part. " We are gratified that the sacred edifice in which we are accustomed to worship has been rendered so comfort able and complete in its internal arrangements, by the re cent alterations ; and, that the general effect may be still further improved, allow us to present to the church, through yourself, a new covet, &c.. for the communion table. In doing this, we acknowledge the obligations we are under to a bountiful Providence, and we heartily join with this offering our earnest prayers that you may be long spared to minister to the church in holy things, and especially that both you and ourselves, following on to apprehend those things which are eternal, may receive from the God of consolation that joy and peace which the world can neither give nor take away. We remain, very dear Sir, With affectionate esteem, (Names attached as per Subscription-book.) " Birkenhead Abbey, January 1. 1814. "MY DEAR FRIENDS,--I sincerely thank you for your very affectionate address accompanying a rich and beauti ful velvet covering, with other furniture for the commu nion-table in my church. Of the numerous offerings of affectio❑ and esteem I have received from you from time to time, I can truly say I value this most, because it ho hours the house of God in which it is my happy privilege to minister unto you the Gospel of Christ with all its or dinances. I rejoice in your expression of sincere and in creasing attachment to the National Established Church, of which we are members, believing, as I do, that it is a pure branch of the Universal Church of Christ, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, as a pillar and ground of truth, holding forth the word of life, and protesting against heresy. It has for centuries proved, under God, a blessing to our nation; it is daily increas ing in life and efficiency ; and, I doubt not, is preserved to become a still greater blessing to our nation, and to the ends of the earth. May we value more and more the means of grace it, provides so abundantly for our spiritual improvement : may we often meet around that table which you have so liberally adorned, there, in obedience to the command of our Lord and Saviour, to celebrate the sa crament of his body and blood, in remembrance of his meritorious cross and passion, who gave himself for our sins, and by one offering bath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. " Believe me to remain, my dear friends, " With much affection, "Your friend and servant, for Christ's sake, "ANDREW KNOX." MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF BIRKENHEAD. —On Tuesday evening the usual monthly meeting of the Commissioners of Birkenhead was held at the Town hail, for the despatch of business. Shortly after seven o'clock, the chair was taken by J. H. Greene, Esq., at which time we noticed the following members present : Messrs. Watson, Hind, Dale, Howard, Laid, Stansfield, Pim, M'Nicol, Appleton, and J. S. Jackson. From the proceedings of the committees it appeared, that Mr. Walker proposed to sell 3,096 square yards of land, on one side of Hamilton-street, opposite the square, at 235. each ; that Mr. John E. Brine was recommended to be appointed as general-surveyor to the townships:; that, in consideration of the Corporation of Liverpool paying a certain sum of money, a sewer and a road be made, and that alterations to the new market be agreed upon. Mr. Mallaby suggested that the Finance Committee should be the parties appointed to sell, subject to a consultation with the other committees, and that certain distinctions, which he specified, should be made between the Improvement and Road Committees. The Watch Committee recom mended that the constables should subscribe threepence a week for the payment of a medical man to attend on them during their illness. The Ferry Company reported that there had been a continued improvement in the re ceipts, and that they would have a new boat ready this month, to be called "The Queen." Mr. Mallaby stated, that all the purchases from Messrs. Price and Jackson had been that day completed at Chester, and that notices had been served upon him, as the representative of the Com missioners, respecting the Birkenhead docks, which related to the proposed sewer, the opening of the waters, and the inclosing of the shore opposite the Woodside property. The serving of the notices was, he said, a mere matter of form. After the several recommendations had been adopted, the meeting adjourned. SEAMEN'S MEETING—MERCHANT SEAMAN'S FUND. —On Thursday evening a public meeting of shipmasters, shipowners, and seamen, was held at Seamen's Meeting Room, Wapping, for the pnrpose, as stated in the placard, of appointing fifteen trustees for the management of the Merchant Seamen's Fund for this port for the present year. pursuant to the act 4th and sth of William Fourth, cap. 52. There were about 100 persons present. The placard was signed by five shipmasters and two shipowners belonging to the port. Mr. Evans, solicitor, was in at tendance. On the motion of Captain Ward, seconded by Captain Jones, Mr. George Pryde was called to the chair. Mr. Evans stated that a meeting had been held on the day previous at the Underwriters' Room to elect trustees, but he gave it as his opinion that that meeting was ille gally constituted, as the notice had not been given in pur suance of the act, which required that it should be signed by five owners or shipmasters of the port. Taking these points into consideration, he was of opinion that the ap pointments were consequently illegal. Mr. Evans then read over the act of Parliament, observing that lest the Corporation seal should be attached to the proceedings of the meeting held on Wednesday, he had given notice of its illegality before a magistrate, and likewise that a meet ing, properly convened in accordance with the terms of the act, would be called to elect the trustees, and a deed forwarded to the authorities, containing an account of the the proceedings, and that if the Corporation should con firm the wrong appointment, an appeal would be made against it in the C . onrt of Queen's Bench. On the mo tion of Mr. Samuel Reid, seconded by Mr. William Co nelly, a list of fifteen gentlemen was read to the meeting, whom he proposed as trustees for the ensuing year. The chairman having stated the qualification which was neces sary to entitle parties to vote, thirteen shipmasters and shipowners came forward and attached their signatures to the document containii , g the list of trustees. Thanks were then voted to the chairman, and the meeting separated. MERCHANTS' SEAMEN'S FUND.—On Wednesday last, a meeting was held in the Underwriters' Room, for the purpose of appointing trustees to this fund, in accor dance with the act of Parliament. The chair was occupied by Wm. Potter, Esq., who, after stating the object of the meeting, said it would be better to read over the accounts, and then proceed to elect the trustees, which was accord ingly agreed upon : it appeared the receipts during the past year amounted to £5,755 18s. 2d., and the disburse ments to £7,556 35., which had been paid in pensions, &c., and which was independently of charges. The chair man intimated that there would be three vacancies to be filled up in the list of trustees, occasioned by the resigna tion of the Messrs. Dixon and Mr. C. Horstall. A list of names, including those of last year, with the addition of Mr. George Kendall, Mr. Wm. Tapley, and Mr. Jas. Ritson, was then proposed by Mr. S. Sandbach, and adopted by the meeting. Mr. H. C. Chapman observed that he had heard a great deal out of doors as to the ap propriation of the fund for the seamen, who imagined that the amount received was not disbursed. He thought there was no ground for such an impression, as the sea men not only got the money received, but the interest of the £50,000 which had been so often alluded to ; if that were more generally known, any bitter feeling which might exist out of doors would be put an end to, as it was a great pity there should be any dissatisfaction on the part of those who deserved so well to be provided for. He wished to know whether the accounts might not be pub lished in the local and other papers, and also in the Ship ping Gazelle. Mr. Tyrer observed that the committee had in one or two instances been rather niggardly in dis tributing the funds. The Chairman said there was a scale laid down varying according to age, and although there was a discretionary power vested in the trustees, who generally took a course rather in favour of the applicant than otherwise, he bad no doubt the trustees would adopt the suggestion as to having the accounts published in the Shipping Gazette, and that copies might be tinted and sent to the Custom-house for distribution among the sea men, or in any way that might be considered the most desirable. Thanks were then voted to the Chairman, and the meeting separated. LIVERPOOL MARINE SOCIETY.--On Tuesday, the annual general meeting of the members of the Liverpool Marine Society was held at the Clarendon-rooms, South J n-street , for the purpose of transacting the usual busi ness. The chair was taken, shortly after two o'clock, by William Potter, Esq., at which time there were very few members present. Mr. Moss read the statement of accounts, from which it appeared that the receipts, inclu ding the balance in hand last year, amounted to £12,358 13s. 5d., and that, deducting the annuities and other ex penses, there was a balance remaining of £ll,BBl 19s. 6d., £11,834 of which was vested with the commissioners for the reduction of the national debt. The subscriptions from honorary members had amounted during the year to £l9 17s. there were twenty-seven marine members on the books; and there were twenty-three widows, three cap tains and one orphan, receiving annuities from the society. It was then proposed to make the annuities somewhat higher, and to give to the twenty-three widows £l6 each, to the three captains £2O each, and to one orphan £B, which would make a total of £436. The chairman stated that the average age of the annuitants, not including the orphan, was 68 years, and that this age was such as to make it probable that the annuities would be increased during the next three years, even without any additional receipts, thereby making the society more eligible for those to enter who had not already entered. It was remarked by one gentleman that the captains of vessels must not be aware of the advantages of the society, or they would join it in great numbers; and Mr. Moss and Mr. Rowett stated that the immense amount of the balance in hand (nearly £12,000) prevented many from subscribing, an opinion being abroad that with . such a balance the society could not possibly be in any difficulty. The trustees are the Rev. John Gladstone, M.A., Thomas Booth, and Joseph Brooks Yates, Esqrs. The following directors were appointed : Wm. Potter, Esq, president, Alexander Smith, jun., and James Stitt, Esqrs ; vice-presidents, William Rowett, Charles Cotesworth, Duncan Gibb, and H. G. Sutton, Esqrs., Capt. Thomas Ogilby, Capt. David Smith. Capt. Si rovan, Capt. Teske' , and Capt. Tummons. NA illiarr. Huson, - Esq., was elucted treasurer; Samuel MOSS, Esq., secretary ; C. S. Middleton, Esq., auditor; and William Gill, Esq., medical examiner. The meeting then separated. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS. On Wednesday, the usual monthly meeting of the Council was held at the Town-hall, for the despatch of business. The Mayor took the chair shortly after eleven o'clock, at which time there were about twenty-sir mem- bers in their respective places. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Deputy Town-clerk, after having read the minutes of the last meeting, submitted the proceedings of the Ft nance Committee, which comprised a recommendation for the payment of the following subscrptions and gratui ties .—The Dispensaries, £157 10s. ; the Northern Hos pital, £100; the Southern Hospital, £lOO • the Opthal mic Institution, £ 3O ; the Refuge for the Destitute, £25; the Botanic Garden, £100; and the Royal Institution, £lOO. It appeared from the proceedings that Mr. Cole had offered £lOOO per statute acre for a piece of land lying west of Gill-brook, in Cheshire, containing 80 statute acres, and that, in his letter, he wished to know whether the committee were willing to sell the land at Seacombe, on the opposite side of the pool. In a second communication from Mr. Cole he amended his offer for the 80 statute acres, by tendering £l2OO, instead of £lOOO aper statute acre. In reply, the committee stated that they did not feel themselves justified in accepting his offer without again advertising the sale of the land by tender; and they recommended advertisements to be accordingly inserted in the local papers. The committee reported, that, in their opinion, the central dock station could not be given up for the purposes of a sailors' home, because of its excellent situation and other advantages, without occasioning inconveniences and pecuniary loss; and they directed the surveyor to report whether any other build ing could be appropriated to those purposes. It further appeared that a sub-committee had investigated the accounts of the Corporation, and that the result of their labours was to the effect, that the nett annual income, from all sources, could not be estimated for the current year at more than £130,650, and the expenditure at not less than £127,798, leaving a grand suplus of £2,852. Allowing £2,212 for the public charities and other discre tionary sources of expenditure, the nett surplus would only amount to £640. The committee then proceeded to urge the necessity of using the utmost economy in the management of the estate, and said this was the more incumbent in order to prevent the laying of a gaol rate upon the inhabitants, now that the council were required, under the act of 1842, to proceed with the George's Pier, the Assize Courts, and the New Prison. The committee, in conclusion, reported that the Governor and Company of. the Bank of England had offered the sum of £19,500 for the Queen's Arms Hotel, Castle -street, and that the Commercial Bank had agreed to pay £lOOO for the re moval of the arch-way attached to the hotel and leading into Cook-street. _ _ Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE, in moving the confirmation of the proceedings, said, he thought it his duty, in the first instance, to allude to the offer which the committee had received for the Queen's Arms Hotel from the Bank of England. Negotiations for the sale had been for some time pending; and negotiations had also been going on with the Commercial Bank for the advantages that that bank would derive from increased access to Cook-street •, but it was only on Friday last that those negotiations had been brought to a successful issue. He considered it a most important and advantageous sale. The Queen's arms would thus be sold, subject to the approval of the council, for the sum of £20,500. In addition to this, £l,OOO would be received from the Commercial Blnk, in consideration of the privileges they would enjoy by the removal of the arch-way; but as that sum would go in reduction of the sum the Bank of England was to pay, the whole proceeds of the sale would amount to £20,500. The building, which stood upon 1,0394 yards, would thus be disposed of as freehold property ; and by this sale the Bank of England would not only be brought into a more central and convenient situation, but the council would also effect what had long been desired, the widening of Cook-street, for the arch was to be abandoned and street enlarged. He hoped the sale would be confirmed ; and although the property was to be sold freehold, yet he believed the treasurer would have no hesitation in acce ding to the request of the council in the manner proposed. (Hear.) With respect to the payment of the usual grant of £157 10s. to the Dispensaries, he wished to mention that a memorial had been presented to the council praying for an additional subscription for those institutions, and that the committeehad received communications imploring a further sum of money. He should be willing to strain a point in order to comply with those requests, but it was quite impossible in the present state of the finances. The fear of the committee was, lest they should be obliged to come and ask the council not to give any money at all to the charities. He felt that it was a reproach to the town that charities so much deserving of support should be languishing for want of aid ; but he hoped that when the subject was fairly represented to the community they would see the necessity of supporting the Dispensa ries, which were the most valuable public charities in the town. (Hear.) He then proposed the payment of the several subscriptions and gratuities above detailed. Mr. MOORE thought that, with a nett surplus income of only £640, they might withhold their subscriptions from the Botanic Gardens and Royal Institution, if those were places in which the public at large did not partici pate. How did the public participate in the Royal Insti tution? (" It is open.") Yes, it was open once a month ; but how did the public participate in its advantages? He a t h t iMr g .e b vG t e t .n he tns u b b eL s l c p r : i p ri,e t E i d o s n foc s rE t ot the b he o op t u h rge t i l b et r . institutionsio Moore rein m e i r g r h o t, r when he said the public derived no advantages from the Botanic Gardens and Royal Institution ; for no fewer than 2500 persons every month frequented the Royal Institu tion, which was as good an establishment of the kind as any out of London. lie hoped the Museum and Gallery of Arts would be thrown open to the public. He was op posed to the withdrawal of the grants at present, thinking that the parties ought, at least, to get a year's notice. (Hear.) Mr. Nicol, asked the quantity of land already sold at Birkenhead—the quantity unsold—the lineal extent of pool-frontage sold and unsold, and the quality of the sea wall required to be constructed by the tenants? Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE, after having referred the mem bers to a map of the estate which lay upon the table, said that they bad sold altogether about 275,000 square yards. Those were not all recent sales ; for 18,000 yards on the Seacombe side of the river had been sold some time ago to Mr. Bibby. Those 275,000 yards had a frontage to the river generally, with the exception of 42,000 yards sold to Mr. Brownrigg : they were, wht.t he considered, river lots. The council had not sold any land to the west of Mr. Pim's. The quantity unsold was about 600,000 square yards. Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE said, in answer to Mr. Alder man Nicol, that the whole of the land abutted the pool, though some of it extended a good way back toward Bid ston Hill, and that in round numbers £145,000 was to be received for the property sold. And in answer to the same gentleman, the Town-Clerk stated, that the purchasers were bound to erect a substantial sea-wall in front of the land. Mr. EVANS noticed the remark of Mr. Moore, that the expenditure of the corporate funds ought to have the whole of the community in view, and said that he would like to see Mr. Moore a member of the Education Com mittee, where such liberal opinions were very much wanted. Mr. MOORE considered that the cases were not anala gous ; for, while the Corporation Schools were open to all, the Royal Institution, he contended, was not open to all, except upon one day in the month. Mr. HODGSON was desirous of confirming the grant, believing that the benefits conferred were adequate to the expenditure. He contended that the corporate funds were not in such a deplorable condition as to render it impos sible for them to eke out the sum mentioned. He agreed in the principle laid down, that they were called upon to expend for the public good ; but he conceived that to with hold a scriptural education, and to attempt to introduce the poison of infidelity and Socinianism, would be the most deplorable system that could be pursued. God's blessing could not be on it, and confusion and error would be the consequence. Mr. NORTH contended, for reasons which he could not state publicly, that the sale of the Cheshire property by tender was not the course best calculated to obtain the highest price. Nothing was easier, in matters of the kind, than a confederation of half-a-dozen. Mr. PARKER thought that if the Finance Committee had consulted Mr. North and others, whose knowledge of Cheshire people and Cheshire tricks was considerable, the council would be in a different position from what it was at present. They all knew what a mighty bubble had lately risen up on the other side of the water. The Mr. Cole who had made the tender for the SO acres was a commissioner of Birkenhead; and no doubt the pur chase of those 80 acres was part of the mighty plan. He wished to know whether the £5 deposit on the Cheshire purchases was secure ? The TOWN-CLERK replied in the affirmative, and said there wee no fear of the dep./at. , Mr. PARKER then asked what the Finance Committee had done on the subject of the town-dues which had been referred to them ? He wished this important question to be placed on a firm basis ; and if the chairman of the Fi nance Committee did not allude to it,he would give notice for a special committee of the council to go into the ques tion at once, for it ought not to be postponed. (Hear.) Mr. ISAAC Hot.MES said, he did not view the state of the corporate finances in the gloomy light in which others appeared to regard it. There would be a nett balance of £640; £145,000 would be raised by the sale of the Che shire property ; 600,000 square yards were still to be sold ; and the site of the borough gaol would bring in a deal of money : so that, in fact, their prospects were perfectly flattering. (A laugh.) Wby, a more brilliant prospect had never been offered to any corporation! (Laughter.) There would be half a million of money coming into their coffers in the course of about twelve months. They were in a very brilliant situation indeed ; and there was no occasion for them to withdraw their subscriptions from the Botanic Garden and the Royal Institution. Mr. BIRKETT reminded the council that the report already read gave an estimate merely of the probable re ceipts and the expenditure of the present year, and that the interest on the Cheshire sales had been taken into the estimation. They could not realise the money from the borough gaol until the new gaol was built; and they all knew that a gaol could not be built in a night. They could only calculate on half-a-year's interest on the Che shire sales. Mr. MOORE asked whether the materials were included in the sale of the Queen's Arms. Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE replied in the affirmative. Mr. AIKIN was disappointed that reasons had not been assigned why , the central dock s t a ti on was n ot assigned for a Sailors Home. He had good reasons for knowing the grounds upon which the Watch Committee had re fused the central station, than which there was not a more desirable building in the town for the required purpose. It was because of the site, because of the size, because of its expense, and, also, because they thought the sailors might be accommodated anywhere else equally well. He hoped the demand heretofore made fur the building by a large number of highly-respectable inhabitants, would not be resisted, and that the subject would be referred back. Mr. TuaNEa said• the report of the committee gave a complete answer to all Mr. Aikin had advanced, and that, in his opinion, any situation would answer for a Sailors' Home. Mr. THORNHILL thought it highly necessary that the Head Constable should live in the immediate contieuity of the To wn-hall, and th a t M r . Aiki n oug ht no t t o h ave imputed imprope r motives to the Watch Committee, when they had given an opinion to the best of their jndg ment. r ol mir . t e ist a so yallodtwasn't that his language I out ; the town. AIKIN rt police e m tothreaet was s y u h n ad ca ti ll e e e d n actuated a a t n ed d af o n i n ogl ors h r.i s a t: dm:Hro,b,oote motives Home dislodge tdh , i vt the e r : p i t r o hm o a c dr r . bi m ei eo o n t us i iG v m e s s popf,N t la o ttrehtt d t she h oot e minds of the committee in coming to their calledainavvgaelan:f : cginsaei solemnly olohueeoo smtd m s um b a;l f ns noa e l ryi for committee. podeafiaenetcoei certain t o sol M n s r Thornhill h ch imputedto quote m any l bew placed ie r u. r e ebsi o TAdinep w p oit ita o dnfiKi M The Mayor and Mr. Blackburn having given it as their opinions that improper motives had not been attri buted. Mr. Atxrx said, that some had dared to impute words to him which he had never uttered, and that it was in their own imagination the improper motives existed, and nowhere else. The standing orders having been suspended, the follow ing resolution, proposed by Sir Thomas Brancker, was unanimously adopted ;—" That it be an instruction to the Finance Committee to proceed with the sale of th e Q ueen ' s Arm., as freehold of inheritance, for £19,500, exclusive of £lOOO to be o btained from the Commercial Bank, fo r removing the a rch -way in Cook-street." Mr. G. H. Lawrence then replied. He thought the committee had acted wisely and judiciously in the sale of the land at Birkenhead, and that they would be in a much better position now for watching the Birkenhead Bill in Parliament. There were tenders then in the Town hall for an additional quantity of the land, but they were as yet unopened, in order to ascertain first whether the Council would receive tenders or not. He was in favour of tenders on financial and public grounds ; and he could assure them, that if it had not been for the sale of the Birkenhead land, it might have been his duty to come down and tell them, not only that they could not support their schools and public charities, but that they should lay on a borough rate. It was all very well to talk of pleasing prospects. They had no right to speculate on futurity. They should recollect the enormous debt they would have to contract for the borough gaol and the as size courts. (Hear.) He had a word to say on the sub ject of the Town-dues. That subject had been referred to the Finance Committee. It had engrossed the atten tion of a sub-committee for many days. They had con sulted parties, and they had had legal opinions. The re sult of their labours was now in his hands. The report had not yet been presented to the Finance Committee; but in case the latter should approve of it, his own im pression was that they would at once act upon the recom mendations of the sub -committee, and that Mr. Corrie would be at once instructed to carry out their views. In all probability, it would not be necessary that the matter should be again brought before the Council.—(Hear.) — If the Birkenhead Bill was what he expected it to be, the Council would oppose it. If it assailed the property of the Corporation and the town-dues it would be opp3sed. —(Hear, hear.) Mr. NORTH moved, as an amendment, that the pro ceedings be confirmed, except so much thereof as relate to the continuation of the sales of the Wallasey estate by tender, the Council being of opinion that all such public sales, if any, should be by public auction. Mr. TURNER seconded the amendment. The council divided, when there appeared for Mr. North's amendment, 24; against it, 20: majority, 4. For.—Messrs. Thornhill, Chalmer, Preston, Thomp son, Edwards, North, Aikin, Tinne, Sothern, Royden, G. G. Hornby, Kilshaw, Parker, Plumpton, Lace, Her bord, R. Houghton (ald.), Bailey, J. Lawrence, Turner, Crook, Moore, Molyneux, and Evans. Against.—Messrs. Hodgson, Shaw, I. Holmes, Black burn, Hornby, H. Holmes, J. Holmes, Birkett, Wood, G. H. Lawrence, Leigh, Trotman, Sheppard, Barclay, Smith, Sir T. Brancker, Holt, Nicol, Moon, and the Mayor. Mr. Hominy moved, as an amendment, that in all fur ther sales the property shall be first offered to public competition. Mr. BULLEY seconded the amendment. Mr. Nicol., said the plain English of the matter was, whether the Corporation should sell the land, or whether Parliament should sell it for them. Mr. EVANS said, that if he thought the tenders were open and uncombined he should be in favour of the sale in that manner, instead of by auction. He recollected on one occasion when Mr. Shiel got up and interfered with most admirable sales of property with the same proposi tion that they must have au auction. And what was the consequence of that auction ? Why , that they bad lostlower their private offers, and that they had to accep t a iae rices fter the abortive auction hadtaken place. (Hear, hear a .) Mr. HoDusoN alluded to the sanguine speculations which existed, in the present state of the money market, with respect to every description of property, and said that while he should go on offering the land for sale, he would exercise his judgment as to whether he would sell or not. Mr. BIRKETT said, that if they failed in making favour able sales now, their successors would feel the ill effects of their supineness hereafter. Mr. PARKER thought the bubble on the other side of the water would speedily burst. (A laugh.) They all knew what it was to build castles in the air, but it had been left to the Commissioners of Birkenhead to build docks in the air. (Great laughter.) The amendment moved by Mr. Hugh Hornby haying been withdrawn, Mr. Nicol. moved an amendment to the effect, that the proceedings of the Finance Committee be confirmed, with the exception of that part which related to the Birkenhead tenders, which is confirmed, with an instruction that the tenders be submitted to the council at a meeting on Thurs day, accompanied by a report of the Finance Comm:nee thereon. The council divided, when there appeared for Mr. Ni col's amendmene, 27; against it, 14: majority, 13. Mr. NrcoL's amendment was accordingly declared to have been carried; and the remainder of the proceedings were confirmed. Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE moved the appointment of an officer for the collection of the dock penalties, in the place of Richard Robinson, deceased, at a salary not exceeding £llO a year ; and the allowance, under special circum stance, of the enrolment of the indentures of apprentice ship of William L. Alexander and John Gardner White. Agreed to. WATCH COMMITTEE. The proceedings of the Watca, Lighting, Cleansing, and Fire-police Committees, comprising a recommendation to the council to lay a warehouse fire-police rate of twopence in the pound for the year 1814, and the laying of a watch rate upon the parish of Liverpool, the townships of Kirk dale and Everton, and those parts of the township of West Derby and the eara-parochial place of Toxteth-park which are within the borough, were read and confirmed. It appeared from those proceedings that an application had been made by Mr. Commissioner Dowling, to be placed upon the same footing, and with the same powers as Mr. W bitty, the head-constable, and that the commit tee stated, after having heard evidence upon the subject, that the application could not be complied with. A letter from Messrs. Brancker and Co., acknowledging the ser vices of the Mayor, Mr. Whiny, and others, at the late fire, was inserted upon the minutes. Upon the motion of Mr. Blackburn, the Council ad journed at ten minutes atter three o'clock, to the following day. THURSDAY. The attendance of members at the commencement of the proceedings was not numerous. DOCK COMMITTEE. The MAYOR intimated that all new matter relating to the cocks would be read at the special meeting to be called some time this month, and the proceedings under the old acts were read and confirmed. _ Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE expressed regret at the loss sus tained by the Dock Committee in the resignation of Mr. C. Horsfall, than whom a more valuable member never entered the room. MARKET COMMITTEE. Mr. BOUTFLOWER called the attention of the council to the fraud committed on the public by women dressing themselves as persons from the country, and selling bacon to housekeepers as country led, which had actually been fed in Liverpool. Mr. Alderman EVANS did not know how they could interfere. - - - M;:i'itymrToN said a greater nuisance was the block ing up of Great Charlotte-street on Saturdays. Mr. J. LAWRENCE said it was appropriated according to law. The proceedings of the Courts of Law Committee were then read and confirmed. EDUCATION COMMITTEE. The average attendance at the schools for the last month was stated to be as follows : North School. South School. Boys .. 242 Girls. infants.. Total .. Number on the books. 789 ... : .... •••• Mr. Alderman MOLYNEUX having moved the confima tion of the proceedings, e and said be regretted, as be al who att9ded the schools belonged. had that the council came to the determi waMysr. regretted, BLACKBURN ros and it prevented the public from determi nation to refuse the information as to the different sects I to t waswhich a serious the children o m omission, i 0 n , knowing the state of the schools, and whether they were accomplishing the object for which they were designed. It would be a waste of tune to attempt to prove, ipso facto, i that the children w ere e xcluded from attending the schools. Nl r. B question (interrptng).—lt was not in order to discuss t i o n of princ i ple without notice. a r q R Mr. BLACKBUR N sai d the proceedings of the Education Committee were befor e them, and he apprehended he bad a right to ma ke any observations upon those proceedings. Every one wo uld adm it that the Roman Catholics were excluded from the schools. Mr. HODGSON and Mr. BIRICETT.—I do not. M r . BLACKBURN was then proceeding with a speech, in which he was railing, as usual, about the violation of con science. &c., when he was asked by the Mayor if he in tended to conclude by a motion. mr. BLACKBURN said he thought the question should not be asked. The MAYOR.—It is the opinion of toe that, as you are going into the merits of the case, you should conclude with a motion. Mr. BLACKBURN said that in order to bring himself within the rule, he would conclude with a motion, to the effect that the different sects to which the scholars belonged should hereafter be stated. . . Mr. BIRKETT thought he could not do that without notice. The MAYOR said a resolution was passed by the coun cil, that the Education committee should discontinue giv ing to the council a statement of the different sects who came to the school, and therefore it was necessary to give notice of a motion of the kind just adverted to. Mr. H. HORNBY thought the interruption given to Mr. Blackburn extremely uncalled for. The MAYOR said he was told by the Town-Clerk that Mr. Blackburn was proceeding irregularly, and he bad a right to say so. Mr. H. HORNBY said it was an irregularity usually adopted on the reading of the proceedings of all commit tees of the council. Mr. BLACKBURN reminded the Mayor that on Wed nesday Mr. Aikin brought forward a resolution to the effect that no more land in Cheshire should be sold, al though the council had previously determined to go on with the sales. Mr. HODGSON had no doubt there was irregularity the day previous, but, said he " let Mr. Blackburn be heard. Give every opportunity. I did hear that he was going to make some large protest, and we are quite prepared to meet any arguments." Mr. BLACKBURN.—I will not accept the privilege. If I have not a perfect right to speak, I will sit down now, and at another council bring forward the matter. I will not condescend to receive any civility, in this way, from Mr. David Hodgson or any other man, or ev qi yourself Mr. Mayor. (Cries of " Order, order," " Chair, chair.") If I have not a perfect right to speak, I will not speak at all. rg r n.h . hd Ae L ti nbwi A gdeh c .roo E uGlui e a geß g 4hr r usFt e oFe e t so d iatrisg i ou n i tnvoteowhpeohi notice.nue ag i n o bhe n i vtee w i t i w t h uld Mr. b eB better a e c t k t e b r u torn, o n , buthav e y ma t l h l o m ug z io t r p it r y op t e lgo a t i n h st o m M to u a t r h t e he s Mr. GLADSTONN thought the opinion of every member of the council, on a subject of so much importance, was entitled to the best consideration. He thought Mr. Black burn had been actuated by the best motives in attempting to take this opportunity of stating his opinions. If he had given notice, it would have created, as that question always did, considerable excitement in the room, In his (Mr. Gladstone's) opinion, Mr. Blackburn took the wisest course ; and, if allowed to proceed, the subject might have been discussed without creating so much excitement as it usually did. He conceived nothing could he worse than an attempt on the part of that council, even at the expense of a little irregularity, to suppress the discussion of a subject of so much importance. Mr. BIRKETT had no wish to shrink from the subject; but if notice had been given the chairs would have been better filled. Mr. PARKER would vote for Mr. Blackburn going for ward. He knew they could meet them on all points. The Town Clerk's I,w might be very well : but they must guided by the sense of the council. (Go on.) Mr. BLACKBURN.—If the council decide to go on, I shall decline it for the present. The MAYOR.—It is a matter of right, and not of favour, if the council decide that you shall go on. (Go on.) Mr. BLACKBURN.—I will not proceed Mr. Mayor. We shall have a regular set-to. Mr. Maxim/ . hoped Mr. - Blackburn would ask for a special day, or else he might speak for an hour and three Quarters, Erni nobody have time to answe r him. The proceedings of the committee were then confirmed. CHURCH EXPENDITUR E COMMITTEE. Mr. Bias Err, in rep l y to Mr. G. H. Lawrenc e , sa id THE TOWN COMMITT EE. the question as to the alteration of St. Luke'b Church or was still under coostihdeerTwatoionn, Clerk. The committee was waiting t f h o e r T tohhebe Observatory n aget i eA o oi n riy: o f gus were then confi rme d, as a l so t h ose o f committee., Mr. BIRKETT moved the confirmation of the procee dings of this committee, and also that Mr. Chalmer, who had been unintentionally left off all committees, should be added to the committee. FIRS COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee were read and pas sed. In them a resolution was recorded to the effect that medals should be ordered for the porters, warehousemen, &c. Mr. IslicoL, in reply to Mr. Parker, said the medals would be so constructed that they might be worn on the arm or round the neck ; but they must be worn in a con spicuous part. - - THE MAYOR'S COMMHNICATIONS. A letter from Mr. Richard Brooke, as to the restric tions on leases in Catherine and Canning-streets, was re (erred to the Finance committee. An account of unclaimed moneys, amounting to £589 2s. 4d. paid into the Court of Requests during the past year, was referred to the Court of Requests committee. THE LAND IN CHESHIRE. Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE said the Finance committee had been requested to report as to the tenders for the land at Wallasey Pool. He now held in his hand the resolution which the Finance committee had come to. The tenders were not so numerous as he had expected. There were only eight or nine of them related to property, which was not advertised at all. The first offer was for a piece of land adjoining Mr. Laird's previous purchase. That gentleman now offered 15s. per yard for 7000 square yards. This was back land, and the price for which the other land was sold was 10s. per yard. The only altera tion in the conditions was, that he should pay 10 per cent. deposit instead of 5 per cent., and pay half the expenses of making the road. Mr. Lawrence concluded by moving that the sale take place on these terms. Mr. AIKIN moved, as an amendment, that the mini mum price should be 20s. Mr. EDWARDS seconded the amendment. After some conversation the Council went to the vote, when there appeared 21 in favour of the amendment, and 22 against it, namely : For.—Messrs. Thornhill, T. Holmes, Holt, Chalmer, Blundell, Edwards, North, H. Holmes, Aikin, Sothern, Boyden, G. G. iornby, Kilshaw, Parker, Turner, Plumpton, Barclay, Houghton, Bulley, J. Lawrence, and Molyneux. Against it.—Messrs. Blackburn, Thompson, H. Horn by, J. Holmes, 'Dune, Rae, Birkett, Wood, Boutflower, Gladstone, Lloyd, G. H. Lawrence, Leigh, Lace, Trot man, Harbord, Sheppard, Brancker, Nicol, Moon, Evans, and the Mayor. Some further conversation took place, after which the Council proceeded to vote on the original motion, au thorising the selling of the land. There appeared in favor of selling, 20 ; against, 18 ; namely : For selling the Land.—Messrs. Blackburn, H. Holmes, H. Hornby, J. ['Ames, Rae, Birkett, Wood, Boutflower, Gladstone, G. H. Lawrence, Leigh, Trotrnan, Sheppard, Barclay, Brancker, Holt, Nicol, Molyneux, Moon, and the Mayor. Against it.—Messrs. I. Holmes, Chalmer, Edwards, North, Aikin, Tinne, Sothern, Royden, G. G. Hornby, Kilshaw, Lloyd, Parker, Plumpton, Lace, Harbord, Houghton, Bulley, and J. Lawrence. Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE then stated that the second tender was from Messrs. Laird and Jackson, who offered for 38,000 yards, and for another quantity of 50,000 yards more remote from Liverpool. The resolution of the com mittee yard wa forthats 38,0 they should yards. accept the tender of 14s. per square Several gentlemen objected to the sale, on the ground that the price was too low, and the offer was rejected with out a division. Mr. NORTH then moved a recommendation to the Finance Committee, that no further sale of the Walla sey Pool Estate should take place, except by public auction. Mr. PARKER seconded the motion. Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE said there was R letter from Mr. Cole, offering to take 80 acres at £1,200 an acre ; that subject was still under consideration • but if Mr. North's proposition was carried that would fall to the ground. The Council proceeded to vote on Mr. North's mo tion. There appeared in favour of it 19; against it, 18; namely, For the motion.—Messrs. Thornhill, Isaac Holmes, Chalmer, Edwards, North, H. Holmes, Aikin, Tinne, Rae, Royden, Kilsbaw, Lloyd, Parker, Plumpton, Harbord, Houghton, lien., Bulley, J. Lawrence, and Turner. Against it.—Messrs. Hodgson, Blackburn, H. Hamby, J. Holmes, Birkett, Wood, Boutflower, G. H. Lawrence. Leigh, Lace, Trotman, Sheppard, Barclay, Brancker, Holt, Nicol, and the Mayor. Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE.—Is it the wish of the Council that we should offer this property by public auction ? (.• Yes, at once.") Mr. Alderman TURNER asked who had the manage ment of the conservancy of the river as to the firing of guns? The Halifax steamers, on their arriving, fired guns, and it was a great nuisance. The Acadia came in the other morning at four o'clock, and fired four guns. He was sure nearly all the people in Rodney-street were wakened by them, and many of the ladies were frightened. (Laughter.) The TOWN-CLERK said the conservancy, so far as that went, was invested in the magistrates, who could inflict a penalty. The Council adjourned at five minutes to three o'clock. LIVERPOOL GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLE-CHASE.." This " crack" affair is fixed to take place on Wednesday the 28th of February next. There are already upwards of twenty subscribers to the grand race; and in addition to the Champion Hurdle Race, there will be a match for £3OO a-side, between Lord Maidstone's Wiverton and the Hon. S. Herbert's celebrated old racer, Arctic. over four miles of the steeple-chase• country. The Waterloo Coursing Meeting comes off on Tuesday, the 27th, and Thursday, the 29th, so that the lovers of long-tails, and the sons of Nimrod, may expect a rich treat. FORGERY.—On Thursday last Mr. W. Taylor, woollen manufacturer, of Saddleworth, was committed to take his trial at the Liverpool assizes for having knowingly uttered a forged bill of exchange for the payment of £224. 14s. to the order of John Brown, of Wooldale, drawu on the Oldham Banking Company. CHESTER ASSIZES—THE MORMON MANSLAUGHTIIR• —On Tuesday last, Jonathan Pogmore, aged 44, and Thos. Cartwright, aged 28, two Mormonite blacksmiths, were charged with the manslaughter of Sarah Cartwright, who, it will be remembered, was drowned whilst the pri soners, one of whom was her husband, were baptizing her in Coppen.hall Brook, near Crewe, on the night of the 23rd of November last. The prisoners were acquitted by direction of the Judge, in consequence of all the material witnesses having absented themselves, whilst the prose cuting attorney also kept out of the way.