The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-01-01 00:00:00

when I was born, and, with the blessing of Almighty God, she shall be a nation when I die." The testimony of Mr. Dillon Browne is to the same effect : " Tell me," quoth he, "in what part of Ireland is not re peal the only object of the hoped of the:people ? In the county of Galway there are 400,000 repealers ; in the county of Mayo them are 400,000 repealers ; all over Ireland there is not an honest and intelligent mau that is not a repealer. In fact, every liberal is a repealer, except some fellow who may have a sinister object in view, and who wishes to crouch, and fawn, and flatter before the government of the day—(hear, and cheers.) No, Sir, the repeal question is co-extensive with the population of Ireland." Who, after this, will have the hardihood to assert that the Repeal agitation has made "no progress in Ireland ?" LOCAL NEWS SQUINTING CURED.--=Certain surgeons, casually visiting this town, having informed the public that they are here for the purpose of performing the above cure, probably assuming that the resident practitioners are ignorant of the operation, Mr. Bainbrigge begs to state, that several of his professional brethren have by this method successfully treated the dis figurement, and that for some months past he himself has satisfactorily performed the operation, and continues to do so, gratuitously, in all cases occurring among the lower classes. —6B, Moinzt-pleasant, Liverpool. TRIBUTE OF RESPECT.—On Sunday last, the Rev. Win. Bentley preached his farewell sermon to the congregation of St. Peter's Church, Ashton. On Monday, we understand, a very handsOme acknowledgment of Mr. Bentley's services was made, in the form of a suitable piece of plate, which was presented to him by a deputation of those who had known him and honoured him as a friend, and participated in his valuable Ministrations as a clergyman. The rev. gentleman has removed to Manchester, to assume the ministry of St. Matthew's, in the room of the Rev. Mr. Kidd. FIRE AT WARRINGTON.—A fire broke out at one o'clock on Tuesday morning, in Mr. Litton's corn-mill, at Warring ton. Among the parties assembled by the alarm was John Wilson Patten, -Esq., M.P., who rendered very important service, both by his suggestions and his personal exertions. The damage was confined to the boiler-house and drying shed. The engine and engine-house were a little injured, and the drying-kilns destroyed, FRANKLIN CLUB DISCUSSIONS.—There was a good dis cussion at the Tabernacle, Great Charlotte-street, on Tues day last, upon thd question " Ought extended education to precede any large extension of the suffrage?" The advocates of immediate universal suffrage—relicts of the extinct chartist bubble—spoke in favour of their claims. The discussion throughout was conducted in a very able and satisfactory manner, anti adjourned to Tuesday next. - INQUEST. —Yesterday an inquest was held at the Coro ner's-office, on view of the body of a wretched female, 44 years of age. The deceased was a keeper of a house of ill fame, in Moore-court, Albion-street, and died suddenly in bed on Tuesday morning last. It appeared that the deceased was much addicted to hard drinking, and frequently took laudanum. On a post mortem examination it was found, that extensive inflammation of the stomach and bowels had taken place, and that patches of gangrene were visible. Verdict—" Died from natural causes." CAUTION.—LEAVING CELLAR LIDS OPEN.—At the Police-court yesterday, a respectably dressed female com plained of Mrs. Horner, publican, of Fleet-street. The . complainant said that on Monday evening, as she was going for some milk with a jug in each hand, she fell at the cellar entrance of the defendant. the lid of which was about half a yard from being placed in its proper position. She had two joints of one of her fingers broken by the fall, and was other wise much shaken. The defendant denied that the lid was off, and produced a servant girl as a witness, but failed to show satisfactorily that it was in its place, and the magis trate required her to pay ss. and costs. ECLIPSES IN 1841.—1 n 1841 there will be four eclipses of the sun and two of the moon :-1. A partial eclipse of the sun, invisible at Greenwich. 2. A total eclipe of the moon, visible at Greenwich. 3. A partial eclipse of the sun, invi sible at Greenwich. 4. A partial eclipse of the sun, invisible at Greenwich. 5. A total eclipse of the moon, invisible at Greenwich. 6. A partial eclipse of the sun, invisible at Greenwich. GRAND SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT. — The second concert of this splendid series took place in the Theatre Royal on Tuesday evening. Miss Birch, Miss Hawes, Mr. Bennett, and Mr. Phillips were the vocalists. We have space only to say that they sustained their high reputation, and received unqualified approbation. Mr. Jarrett performed two pieces on the horn, in which he displayed amazing command over that difficult instrument. The band was most efficient. The overtures to Fidelio and Semiramide were performed admir ably, and elicited genuine applause. Altogether this concert afforded unmingled satisfaction to a numerous, fashionable, and brilliant auditory. FATAL ACCIDENT.—An inquest was held yesterday before P. F. Curry, Esq., coroner, on view of the body of John Evans. John Ackerley, the keeper of a coal yard in Mill street, said he knew the deceased, who was a cow-keeper, and lived in Front Wolf-street. On Tuesday last, Ackerley was passing along Gore-street, when he observed a cart laden with manure, and two horses in it, at the cow-house, belonging to the deceased, in that street. The trace-horse was yoked alongside the shaft-horse, and the deceased had hold of the shaft-horse's head. There was a slight rise in the pavement, and when the cart came to the top of it, it went with great force across the street, and the off-shaft of the cart crushed the deceased up against the opposite wall of the street. Ackerley ran and took hold of the shaft-horse's head, and backed him from the wall, and the deceased then fell down. A man came to assist the witness, and they found the decased was quite dead. He was probably dead before he fell, as the shaft went with great force against his breast. The cart and horses belonged to a farmer at Speke, to whom the deceased had sold the manure. The body was carried home.—The jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death." SHOP ROBBERY AT MANCHESTER.—On Sunday evening ago about seven o'clock, Mr. Fisher, pawnbroker and hatter, Deaugate, on going to the 'shop in which he carries on the pawnbroking business, at the corner of Alport-town, and in which no one sleeps, found that it had been broken into by some thieves, who had scaled the back yard wall, and forced the door. On looking round, he missed seven pounds worth of copper, four silver table spoons, two tea spoons, and a gold ring; and all the other plate and watches, to the value of about £3OO, were laid ready to be taken away. A dog was kept on the premises ; but it was laid dead on the floor, and is supposed to have been poisoned. DEATH OF A CHILD BY BURNING.—On the evening of Wednesday week, a child of three years old, named Margaret Murphy, whose parents live in Crosbie-street, was left with three other children, the eldest of whom was not six years of age, whilst the mother went down stairs for some water. There was a good fire in the grate at the time, but it was not blazing, as fresh coals had just been put on. The mother bad not been absent above two or three minutes, when she heard the deceased screaming, and on running up stairs found her in flames, which she soon extinguished by wrapping her clothes round her. She was much burnt on her body and face, and was carried to the Dispensary, was there dressed, and was afterwards carried home. She was attended by a surgeon, but did not get better, and died on the night of Wednesday. Verdict—" Died by burning ; but how the fire originated there was no evidence to show." AN IMPUDENT THIEF.—John Broadley, aged about 23, was charged, at the police-office, on Tuesday, with having entered the cellar of Mary Houghton, and attempted to steal a quantity of wearing apparel. Mary Houghton stated that she resided in a cellar in School-lane. About ten o'clock that morning she went out to get some water, leaving the cellar door on the latch. She was absent about two minutes. On her return she found the prisoner in the cellar. He was very coolly turning over the clothes in her box, and had already appropriated her cloak. She screamed, and closed the door, upon which some assistance arrived, and the prisoner was secured. The cloak was stated to be worth a guinea. When they were at bridewell the prisoner said—" Do n't say you saw me with your cloak, or they 'll send me to the sessions." The prisoner, in his defence, stated, that he went into the cellar to light his pipe. The complainant entered while he was there, and upon set Ilg him, screamed out that he was going to rob her. He was committed for trial. • • •-• AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH.—Yesterday an inquisition was taken before Mr. Curry, on view of the body of Mr. Richard Harrison Hall, who died in the house of a friend in an awfully sudden manner. Mrs. Elizabeth Aggatt, wife of Mr. John Aggatt, of Newshran-street, said the deceased was a friend of theirs, and was in the habit of visiting at their house. He was an assistant in the office of Mr. John Caton Thompson. The deceased went to their house on Wednes day night last, and he then appeared to be in his usual good health. The family were just sitting down to supper when he came in. He had sat at table about a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes, when he suddenly slided off his chair on to the floor. At first it was thought he was only in joke. He called a female who was at that time in the house by name twice. Mrs. Aggatt then sprang from her seat and she and Mrs. Hemingway, who was of the party, went to him, and raising his head, thought he was in a fainting fit. He was not then quite dead. The servants were called and sent for some of the neighbours, and three doctors were with the deceased in a few minutes ; but the deceased was quite dead. Mr. Reuben Hemingway, surgeon, Cheshire, said he had known the deceased for many years ; he had laboured under a disease of the heart for a longtime, and he (Mr. H.) was of opinion that that disease was the cause of his sudden death. The jury returned a verdict of—" Death from natu ral causes." REPEAL OF THE UNION.—The large room adjoining the York Hotel was crowded on Wednesday night, oy a curious assemblage of oyster dealers, cads, scavengers, and pig-dri vers, who had been industriously collected together, for the ostensible purpose of petitioning parliament to repeal the legislative union between England and Ireland. The real .design of the meeting was to puff the embryo merits of some sew paper, which, it is said, is about to be published under ithe illustrious patronage of the Protector Society. The prin ciples of this paper are to be crouching obedience to the great Irish mendicant, to keep up a regular howl against the act 4if union, and to be the ready receptacle of all the filth which it may please Popish priests to compound and throw at the institutions of the country. Besides these, another part of the business of the meeting consisted in dealing out a truly liberal share of Anse to the respectable old lady of Lord street. The burning eloquence of the shining lights of re peal will not, in consequence, go down to posterity, nor be even so much as mentioned in the wonderful index which is in preparation for those who like to hear of sieves holding water, of cork jackets, or ef the old " Council of Ten." Several persons made speeches, and resolutions were passed for petitioning, and for supporting the new competitor of our friend the Journal. - • • 16. , a • •••••. BURNLEY PAROCHIAL CHURCH.—We have great plea sure in reporting, that the repairs and improvements which were some time since commenced in the above venerable edifice are now almost completed, and that too in a style which reflects great credit on the congregation for their libe rality in supplying the necessary means, and on the parties more immediately connected with the work for the good taste with which it has been designed and executed. The old chancel window has been taken out, and a handsome new one with figured, painted, and stained glass, put in its place. At the altar several improvements have taken place ; the floor has been covered with with a rich Brussels carpet and rugget, the communion table has had a new top put on, and its cushions as well as those of the pulpit , h ave been covered with ric h silk velvet, of a ruby colour, and ornamented with lace and fringe. The pulpit itself has been re-varnished, painted, and fitted up with gas ; and a new Bible and Prayer book have been supplied for the reading-desk. Nearly the whole of the body of the church has been painted, and along the floor of the middle aisle and about the pulpit new mat ting has been laid down. Moreen coverings have been put upon the footstools and chairs ; and many of the pews have been_ ,, newly cushioned and lined with scarlet cloth ; and the I.,nery has been hung round with scarlet cloth and fringe. treat de effect of the alteration is such as to increase in a structure. It the solemn effect produced by this venerable It would, however, be a great improvement if the organ, W i lk west •11 is now at the chancel end, were removed to the jug to gallery , obtai n , an object which the parishioners are endeavour whole expens t e a o r which we hope to see accomplished. The has been def y of necessarily very considerable, weal thy members o f th by a liberal subscription among the e congregation.—Blackburn Standard. LADIES' CHARITY BALL.—The annual ball took place last evening, at the Town•hall. There were upwards of 640 present, being rather more than last year. Dancing com menced at ten o'clock. Amongst those present were—The Mayor and party, Mr. Thornely, M.P., Mr. Jas. Aspinall, Mr. and Mrs. Langton, Mr. W. Earle, Mr. H. Earle, Mr. Robertson Gladstone, Mr. J. P. Heywood, the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Denman, Mr. Walker and party, Lady Brancker, Major and Mr. Lahey (of the 10th), Mr. and Mrs. W. Tay leur, Mr. E. Littledale, Messrs. Barned. Stewards—Mr. Serjeantson, Mr. Marriott, Mr. M. Gladstone, and Mi. R. Houghton. • CONSERVATIVE NEWSROOM.—Last evening, Mr. Lang shaw, the proprietor of the Conservative Newsroom, gave a supper to a large body of the subscribers to that useful and highly-respectable establishment. Mr. Woolfall presided. Amongst those present were the representatives of many of the leading commercial firms in the town. After the removal of the cloth, the usual loyal toasts were given, and responded to with honest English enthusiasm ; then followed the customary conservative toasts, all of which, particularly that of " The Duke," elicited thunders of applause. Others of a miscel laneous character succeeded, and altogether the new year was ushered in as cheerfully as we hope all our friends may be spared to enjoy it. In the mean time we would recommend Mr. Langshaw s establishment to public support, for it is well deserving of it. THEFTS.-At the Police Court, yesterday, a young man, named Thomas Fallows, was charged with stealing a quan tity of ship copper from the cabin of a vessel in which he was employed. He was committed to prison for three months.—Another youth was committed for a like period, for stealing a shawl from the shop of Mr. Roberts, draper. HOURS or BUSINESS.—We hear that a memorial from the Tradesmen's Assistants' Association has been presented to the Mayor, and that a deputation of their committee has had an audience of his worship. It is said that some public demonstration is likely to result from this pr9ceeding. EXTRAORDINARY QUICK PASSAGE.—The City of Ham burg steamer, belonging to the General Steam Navigation Company, sailed from off the Tower, London, on Wednes day, landed her mail, passengers, and cargo at Cuxhaven, and was moored off the Tower again the following Sunday, being the quickest passage ever made. THE REV. R. P. ITUDDICOM'S FAREWELL SERMONS.— Our readers will recollect that we published some portions of one of the farewell sermons of the Rev. R. P. Buddicom in our number of Tuesday. The numerous members of that estimable gentleman's late congregation will be glad to hear that, at the urgent request of manffriends, he has consented to publish both discourses, and that they are now in the press. FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCIETY. — In the notice which we recently gave of the performance of Handel's Messiah, by the Festival Choral Society, we omitted to mention that a young lady named France, made her first appearance in pub lic. She sang the air " Thou didst not leave his soul in hell," in a manner which gave promise of future excellence, and was loudly applauded. Her voice is of a rich quality, of considerable compass, and her intonation unexceptionable. She will soon become a favourite at the performances of the Choral Society. VALUABLE PROPERTY IN LIVERPOOL.—There is not safer investment for money than in houses and land—the latter is perhaps preferable. In Liverpool the value of land has risen in a most astonishing degree ; in all quarters of the town the advance has been equally great ; we see the out skirts spreading east, north, and south, so that in a few years that which is now considered as outskirt will be looked upon as central. We make these remarks, as we notice some valuable property advertised by Mr. Williams for sale, and can recommend him to the notice of those intending to invest their spare cash. TDB DRUIDICAL ROCK HARMONICON.—This very inge nious instrument has attracted all the musical people in Li verpool to see it. Without exception, they have pronounced it to be the most remarkable instrument of its kind ever seen. The inventor appears well satisfied with his reception in Liverpool, as he has been much visited. Ills sons have been practising hard to acquire new melodies. The instru ment has been very carefully tuned since its arrival in Liver pool ; this rendered it still more agreeable to the ear, as it exhibited when it was first put up many " untuneful notes." MODEL. OF THE LAKE DISTHICT.—We had the pleasure yesterday of inspecting a very ingenious model of the Lake District in the North. This model has been constructed by Mr. Flintoff, and exhibits a great display of patience, indus try, and topographical knowledge. The mountains hnd lakes, with the towns, villages, and roads, are distinctly laid before the spectators, with the straggling farm-houses, mansions, and domains. This model is on the scale of a mile to the inch, and takes in upwards of fifty miles of district. The wonderful construction of the lake district is shown at once, and cannot fail to give rise to conjecture as to the effects of the Noachian deluge upon it. It appears as if there had been mighty tides or currents, which, on subsiding, had left their residua in the form they now appear. •We strongly recom mend this model to notice. STREET ROBBERY.—At the police-office, on Tuesday, Mary Rice, a dissolute woman of very forbidding aspect, was placed at the bar, charged with having robbed John Bridge, a joiner. The complainant stated that about two o'clock on Sunday morning last, he was on his way home through Sir Thomas's-buildings, where he met the prisoner. She accosted him, and notwithstanding his repeatedly-ex pressed desire that she would leave him, persisted in walking by his side. He had in his pocket a half-crown, and lid in copper. At length she turned away, upon which he imme diately missed his money. He pursued the prisoner, and quickly overtook her. 1 - Th called " Police !" and officer Chippendale came to his assistance and took her to bridewell, where she was searched by Mrs. Rummage. Half-a-crown, andAd in copper,•were found in her possession. The pri soner, in her defence, alleged that the complainant had given her the half-crown. She was committed for trial. LIVER THEATRE.—Mrs. Waylett has been delighting the audiences at the Liver with her delightful acting and exqui site singing. The houses have been well attended, and the audiences appear to have been delighted with the evening's amusements. The Liver company is unequalled for talent out of London : we think that it would be in vain to find its equal. SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT.—The second concert of the season took place on Tuesday evening, at the Theatre-Royal. It was brilliantly and fashionably attended. _The concert appeared to give the utmost satisfaction. The singers were in excellent voice. Mr. Jarrett, on the born, delighted the auditory with harmonious strains. The eclat with which these concerts have gone off, will induce many to attend at the concluding evenings. .Mr. Ashton deserves.the highest praise for his spirit and enterprise, without which there would have been a want of these delightful entertainments. CHARGE OF ASSAULT.-At the police-court, yesterday, a young married man, named John Wrigley, appeared before Mr. Rushton, to answer a charge against him by a young woman, his , spouse. The complainant stated that she lived in Golden-court, Shaw's-brow, and that her husband, who also lived in the house, frequently struck her, and that he also threw cold water upon her and her child, and otherwise ill-used her. She wished to leave him, and that he should be required to give her a separate maintenance. Mr. Rushton enquired how long they had been married. and she replied, sixteen months. The defendant denied having struck the complainant, and said that the quarrels between them were caused by her mother living with them. He then began to recriminate upon his wife, winding up by saying—" A short time before I was married she hit me with the poker." -(A laugh.) Mr. Rushton—" Why, then, did you marry her ?" GP • The complainant said that her mother was about 70 years of age. and that her husband was aware when he married that she had no friend but her (complainant) to support her. The defendant said he had no objection to live with his wife if the old woman, who made all the mischief, was elsewhere. Finally, he agreed to allow his wife Gs. a-week as a separate allowance ; which Mr. Rushton advised her to accept, and dismissed the parties, expressing a hope that they would think seriously of their folly, and ere long make matters up. THE CHASE.—The Cheshire Fox Hounds. will meet to morrow, (Saturday,) Jan. 2, at Three Greyhounds ; Monday, the 4th, at Bolesworth Castle ; Wednesday, the 6th, at Black Dog, Thursday, the 7th, at Duddon Heath ; Saturday, the 9th, at Dunham Massey. At half-past ten o'clock.—Mr. Leche's Fox Hounds will meet to-morrow, Saturday, Jan. 2, at Penley Hall ; Tuesday, the sth, at Gallantry Bank ; Thurs day, the 7th, at Sarn Bridge ; Saturday, the 9th, at Burras H all. At half-past ten o'clock.—The Shropshire Hounds will meet to-morrow, (Saturday,) Jan. 2, at Child's Ercall. At half-past ten o'clock.—The United Pack will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Bahaithlan ; Saturday, the 9th, at Craven Arms ; Thursday, the 14th, at Chatwall. At nine o'clock (weather permitting.) BIRKENHEAD LIGHTED WITH GAS Another great stride has been made in the improvement of Birkenhead, which was, on Saturday night last, lighted up, for the first time, with gas. We have more than once, in the course of our remarks on the growing importance of this place, spoken of the enterprising spirit of Mr. Wm. Jack son. who is ever foremost amongst those who seek to procure for the inhabitants of Birkenhead every available advantage. His public spirit in accepting a contract of such importance as the supply of gas to such a community as that of the town in question, for so long a period, on his own individual re sponsibility, destitute of any act of incorporation, and of the usual powers for the easy recovery of debts, cannot be too highly applauded. It shows that regardless of personal risk, he is ready to undertake anything within his power that will tend to the general good and convenience of those by whom he is surrounded. We look upon the work that has just been so happily completed under his auspices, as one of the greatest advances that the township has yet made. The illumination of the streets, and avenues of Birkenhead with gas, as it will make the place greatly more agreeable for residence, will tend to give still more decided impulse to its fast growing im portance, and in a still greater degree to increase its popula tion. It is barely four months since the operations for the erec tion of the gas-works at Birkenhead were commenced. Dur ing a great portion of this time the business was retarded by uufayourable wearber ths.t the. whole completed in about nine weeks, though from the nature of the ground the work was one of great labour and difficulty. The contractors for the erection were Messrs. J. and W. Walker, Mr. Henry Steel, the engineer of the new Liverpool Gas Company, directing the construction of the apparatus. Mr. Hedley, the present manager of the works, was in con stant attendance from the commencement ; and to the active superintendence of these gentlemen may be attributed the steady and rapid advance of the undertaking to its prese n t state of perfection. From the time when the first ground was broken to the present, all has progressed smoothly, not one accident of any sort having occurred during the whole time. The building is a very neat and handsome structure of stone and brick, sufficiently large for present purposes, and so constructed that it can be enlarged by the erection of other compartntents, so as to meet the growing wants of the neighbourhood.. The apparatus has been made on the best principle, and many improvements, suggested by Mr. Steel, have been made in both that and the building. The streets of the township, now that they are so brilliantly lighted, present an unusually handsome, and, in some in stances, elegant appearance, The gas is made from the best cannel coal, and is particularly clear and bright. The shops are generally most su perbly illuminated , and man y h ouses have already been fitted up tor being lighted with gas. The street lamps are not unlike tho s e of Liverpool, and the lights therein are large, and exceedingly effective. About seven miles of mains have been laid, so that there is scarcely an inhabited thoroughfare in the township that is not now illu minated. The railway statio n is most brilli an tl y li g h te d up, which will be a great conven ience to passenge rs . by the trains. The churches and chapels in the vicinity are also availing themselves of the advantage which has been placed within their reach, and they will all, ere Jong , be lighted with gas . In the market the improvement is felt to be of the highest value, and its shops and area present, instead of the gloom which lately pervaded them after sunset, a glare equa l t o th at of noonday. No part of Birkenhead will feel the advantage more strongly than the ferries. Here, we have no doubt, the superior light will be the means of preventing many acci dents. The slips and piers are now easily discernible, the beams of the gas being scattered far and wide over the spar kling waters of the Mersey. The ferry at Woodside is most profusely lighted, and, as it is approached from the river, presents a very beautiful object to the spectator. Indeed, the whole town, when viewed from the water at night , has a brilliant and striking appearance, from the innumerable dots of light with which it is spangled. We trust the speculation will turn out profitable to the spirited contractor, and that it will long be our pleasing task to record instances of the ad- vancing wealth and prosperity of Birkenhead. The lately apparent convalescence of Lord Albert Conyngham has been succeeded by a relapse of the most alarming nature, from which fears of the worst have been hourly anticipated.—Kentish Gazette. THE COTTON- TRADE. We have great pleasure in laying before our reader the following copy of the Cotton Brokers' General Circular for the close of the year 1840 : There has seldom been a period during which the move ments of the cotton-trade have been so much in unison with ilepreisior: so intense and wide-spreading as to be mistaken 'by some for the first symptoms of the decline and fall of this branch of national industry, .had been succeeded by a slow, but progressive amendment, and for several weeks before the commencement of the new year, almost every department of the ootton manufacture had resumed its wonted activity. The stocks in the ports and the interior, if not very heavy, were still ample in the face a coming crop, which, according to all reports from the United States, gave promise of being most abundant; prices were moderate, compared with what they had been, and money, though not wanting for all the legiti mate purposes of business, was neither then, nor likely to be, so cheap as to invite extravagant speculation, or to provoke excessive production. Such being the poSture of affairs in the month of December, 1839, it required no gift of prophecy to predict that the ap proaching year would be one of great plenty, low prices, large consumption, and small profits. If these results were pretty accurately foreseen, so have the incidents of the year been few and uninteresting. The commercial operations in cotton have in fact been permitted to flow in their natural channel. The functions of the private trader have ceased to be invaded and usurped by the American banks, and the in tercourse between the two countries being freed from this pernicious interference, prices on both sides of the water have found their proper level, to the manifest advantage and secu rity of planter, shipper, importer, and consumer. But the great event of the year is the marvellous increase in the growth, of cotton in the United States. In order to exhibit this important fact in its true magnitude and propor tions, it is necessary to take a retrospective glance at the question of crons for several years past. Beginning, then, with the year 1830, it will be seen that the crop of 1830-31 was 1,038,848 bales. Increase 6} per cent. 1831-32 „ 987,477 ~ Decrease 5 1832-33 „ 1,070,4 M „ Increase 81 „ 1833-31 „ 1,205,394 „ ~ PP 1834-35 „ 1,254,328 „ 4 )1 If 1835-3 T „ 1,360,725 „ 81 ~ tt 1836-37 „ 1,422,930 „ „ 1837-38 „ 1,801,497 ~ ~ 261 IP 1838-39 „ 1,360,532 „ Decrease 24/ ~ 1839-40 „ 2,177,835 „ Increase 60 ~ In examining this statement, the eye will at once rest upon the sudden and extraordinary increase in the crop of 1837-38, and again, with an interval of an year only, in that of 1839-40, which contrasts strongly with the easy and pretty equal stages by which the production had been advancing for, the seven preceding years. Various causes, or a combination of them, may be assigned for these remarkable mode of culture, an extension of the cultivation, not only in the old districts, but into latitudes less exposed to frosts and to variable seasons, and chiefly (especially with reference to the last crop) the coincidence of a most ffivourable summer, with an unprecedenteily open winter. But the fact itself, however brought about, is full of interest to the cotton trade, as it is destined probably to work important changes, and at no very distant period. The new year had scarcely commenced before the appre hensions of an overwhelming import were manifested in a desire to rvaiize existing prices, and by the last week in January fair qualities of American had fallen -ad per lb. No change beyond an occasional fluctuation of id per lb occurred until the beginning of June, when prices experienced a fur ther reduction of id per lb, making the decline ld per lb since the first week of the year. This was the lowest point of the market ; and it is a circumstance worthy of notice, that with an import almost unexampled in amount, with an average stock of 470,000 bales and with money never cheap, and at times exorbitantly dear, fair Uplands should not have varied more than id to Id per lb for the six months between June and November. Steady rather than extensive buying was the characteristic of the market during this period. The trade as a body—some from not seeing any adequate induce ment to hold stock, and not a few from a necessity imposed upon them by the state of commercial credit—took little more than they required for their immediate wants. The business on speculation, though crippled from the latter cave, was by no means inconsiderable; but though spread pretty equally throughout the year, it did not assume a very decided cha- ractertill towards the middle of August, when the fate of the harvest was supposed to be no longer doubtful. The market, however, after a week or two relapsed into its former apathy, and what with the stringent measures of the Bank for cur tailing discounts, and the threatening aspect of political af fairs, it was as low perhaps in point of feeling in the latter end of October and the beginning of November as at any period of that year. From that time there has been a growing impression that prices had seen their lowest, and the improvement which had been gradually taking place in the manufacturing business seemed to point to the probability and reasonableness of some advance. Coming upon a market thus, predisposed, it was to be expected that any accounts in the slightest degree unfa vourable to the prospect of the crop would be eagerly pressed into the service. The reports accordingly received a fort night ago of the frosts in some districts, and unpropitious weather in others, by which the picking had been prema turely suspended, have not been without their effect ; and though the injury is not pretended to be to an extent to awa ken any serious apprehensions for the safety of the crop, yet coupled with other advices of a similar tendency, they go far to negative the possibility of what the holders had the most reason to dread—the recurrence of another crop such as that of last year. Be this as it may, the market has since worn a more cheerful aspect, and both speculators and the trade have purchased with more avidity than for mouths past, at a gradual advance of about id per lb since the movement began in the second week in December, thus placing the rites of American cotton on the last day of th e y ear w ithi n id per lb for the middling, and Id per lb for the better qual ities, of what they were on the first. Surats, which from the large quantity imported have played a more important 'part than ususal, have partaken of the same fluctuations as Ame • rican, and bear the same relative price at the close as at the commencement of the year. For all descriptions of long-stapled cotton this has been a year of much disappointment. Fair Sea Islands, which opened at 22d per lb, before the end of January fell' to 16d per lb, and by the middle of the following month to 13d per lb ; in a few weeks they rallied again to 141 d per lb, and vi brated between that price and 51d per lb for the remainder tif the year. • Egyptians in the first two months experienced a reduction of 2d per lb, of which they recovered Id in the course of the two next ; and during the last three months they have gained another id per lb. Brazils continued at a decline of id per lb for several months, and finally settled down in October at the lowest point, from which they have never moved, Pernams and Bahias being ld per lb and Ma ranlvms lid per lb below what they were at the beginning of the year. From first totlast, the demand for these descrip tions has been extremely languid, owing to the limited wants of the spinners of the finer numbers of yarn. The stocks on hand are consequently disproportioned to the consumption, though the supply has been rather less than more than it was the previous year. _ For the details of Stocks and Imports, reference is re quested to the annexed Tables. The import from the United States into the kingdom exceeds that of last year by 420,723 bales ; that of Surats is also larger by 83,819 bales, owing partly to an abundant crop, and partly to the inter ruption of the intercourse between India and China, which has been the means of diverting a portion of the Cotton des tined for the latter to this country. The growth of the Bra zils appears to be on the decline. the supplies thence having been diminishing for some years. From Egypt the import has been the same within three or four thousand bales in ex cess of last year's. The stock of all kinds in the ports amounts to 464,100 bales, being an increase upon the stocks held at the corresponding period of last year of 198,610 bales. The deliveries to the trade, according to the usual mode of ascertaining them, have been from Liverpool, Lon don and Glasgow 1,285,598 bales, or at the rate of 24,721 bales per week, which quantity may be taken to repre.ent also the consumption, supposing the stocks in the interior to be the same as at this time last year. This latter is a point always difficult of proof; but from the known inability of many of the spinners to hold stock, and from general in quiries, this may be assumed in.the affirmative ; but ad mitting that it is some 30,000 bales more, according to the opinion of many, the difference, in dealing with such large quantities, cannot materially affect the result. This increase in the consumption of 3015 bales pe r wee k, or 14 per cent. upon last year s, is the more remarkable as having been ac complished without the addition, in any corresponding de gree, of new mills or new machinery. The narrow margin left for profit has led to the introduction of more expeditious , processes, whilst the cheapness of the raw material has offered every encouragement for the production of a more substantial fabric. The demand indeed has been chiefly for low numbers of yarn and for heavy goods, which for the last few months at least have found a ready market at home and abroad. The stocks of goods are believed to be more consi derable than those of yarn, the export of the latter having been, according to " Burn's Commercial Glance," greater by about 33 per cent. during the first nine months this year than for the corresponding period last. In goods the ex. port, as given by the same publication, has been less, but owing to the variety in the denominations the comparison in point of weight cannot so readily be made. With respect to the future, upon which some opinion on this annual occasion is expected, the issue of the last crop has involved the subject in greater difficulty than usual. So long as the growth of cotton in America proceeded with the steady march which characterised it for several years prior to 1837, a period during which the rate of increase was seldom less than 4 per cent. or more than 8 per cent. per annum, the supply might be regarded, if not as a fixed quantity, at least as vibrating between such narrow limits as rendered it not likely, singly considered, to effect any great or perma nent revolution in the standard of prices. But what has been the experience of the last three years? The first gave a crop exceeding by no less than 2€4 per cent. that of the year before, which, be it observed, was larger by 5 per cent. than any former one the ..rond, though viaited by a long drought, which materially injured the plant, produced a full average of the four previous sears, omitting the large crop of the preceding year ; and the third yielded an increase of 21 per cent. not upon the failing crop which it followed, but upon that of the year but one before, which, it must be re membered, was larger by 261 per cent. than any upon record up to that time, thus showing an increase in the last crop of 53 per cent. upon that of the year 1836-37. From whatever cause arising, (and some, at least, of those men tioned in a former part as the most probable ones will not be considered to be purely accidental), these results cannot but tend to throw an uncertainty around all calcula tions founded on supply, and to unsettle the received notions as to what are high or low prices ; for, although it be true that the consumption has been able to cope with an import greater, into the kingdom, than last year's by 484,000 bales, without either an extraordinary depression of price or an inconvenient accumulation of stock, it must not be forgotten that the crop now under discussion came upon the heels of one as deficient as the other was superabundant. To put a case more nearly parallel with the circumstances of the cur rent year, it should be asked—what would have been the state of things at the present moment but for the casualty which befel the crop of 1837-8? It is difficult to resist the belief that the stocks on hand would have been larger, and the prices lower; and if the forthcoming crop is not to fall short of 1,800,000 bales, (which is admitted, in spite of all untoward events), the conclusion would seem to be as inevi table, that prices cannot on the average much exceed, if at 'all, those of this year. Some allowance must, no doubt, be made for a reasonable increase in the wants of all the cotton-consuming countries; but on the other hand, let it be kept steadily in view, that the first condition of that increase is a low price. Attempts to reduce to figures quan tities so liable to disturbing causes are usually attended with but little success ; the following statement however is sub mitted as a =ere approximation, to be taken for what it is worth. On the last occasion of a crop of 1,800,000 bales in 1838, this country received 1,123,000 bales. The Continent, as well as America herself, will require a larger supply than at the period alluded to, but both have considerably antici pated these additional wants by the larger portion they have either retained or imported of the late crop. The imports, indeed, of American cotton into the different ports of the Continent have been more than double what they were last year, viz. 629,000 bales against 276,000 bales. - Great Britain may then fairly claim 1,050,000 bales To this add the import from all other quarters, estimated to be the same as this year, say And the stock now on hand in Liver pool, London and Glasgow 464,100 364,000 Dedu c ti ng w h a t may b e ta k en f or ex, 1,878,100 portation 120,000 Gives a total for the service of the year -----1,758,100 The following is a statement of the total amount of im ports into the port of Liverpool during 'each month in the years 1838, 1839, and 1840 respectively : 184. January :i 53111 46907 111221 Febrtlary .... __ _. _ . March April May June July August September October . 48171 29126 62814 November 14109 27717 54625 December 37418 41918 46420 Totals 828604 1016510 1414726 The following are the particulars of the stock of Cotton in the Port of Liverpool, on the 31st of De cember, for the last four years : Descriptions Sea Island Stained Ditto Upland Alabama and Mobile New Orleans Pernambuco and Ceara Maranham Bahia and Maceio Egyptian Demerara and Berbice, West India Carthagena Peruvian Smyrna Surat . . Madras Bengal . Manilla 1460 3220 3550 5180 770 1330 800 310 . 5290 . 68860 41210 82950 5760 17640 33660 58830 4970 98050 79140 123900 11780 11720 6810 • 9070 6180 9050 1160 7760 330 8330 1750 5500 13350 5320 11590 20760 710 640 400 349 500 230 610 10 ,. .)0 4690 4640 1000 1130 €3lO 250 1060 6320 810 840 1160 4180 270 700 .. 240 39940 16510 19300 36860 2030 400 1890 1400 2100 580 960 350 180 30 .. The following table exhibits the comparative prices of Cotton at the same periods Descriptions 1839. 1840 d. d. d. d. d. d. d. d. Sea Island. Stained Ditto 6 10 7 15 7 14 6 12 Upland 7 9 7 9 51 74 51 7 Alabama and Mobile 61 9 7 9 51 81 5+ 7 New Orleans 7 94 7+ 91 6 81 51 7/ Pernambuco & Ceara 9+ 101 9+ 10+ 9 10+ 8+ 9 Maranham 7l 10 7 1 91 810 61 81 Bahia and Maceio Egyptian Demerara & Berbice 912 10 14 812 8 91 West India 74 10 7 9 7 9 6 71 Car thagena sf 6 54 6 5/ 6 4/ 5 Laguira, &c 6l 8/ 7 81 8+ 9 61 8 Peruvian Smyrna 7 8 61 7 6 6/ Surat .. 41 6+ 51 61 4/ 6+ 4 5 Madras 44 64 54 6 54 6 44- 4 Bengal 4 5 5+ 6+ 4+ 54 4 4$ Manilla 7+ 8 + • • • • • • STOCKS IN TIIE PORTS OF LONDON AND GLASGOW, 30TH DECEMBER, 1840. Descriptions. Loud. Glas. Atlantic States 1352 8.. New Orleans Pernambuco.. ..... ~,.. v .. Bahia, &c. lin .. Maranham Smyrna Egyptian Demerara and Berbice West India, &c. Bourbun Surat 3l7solßengal Madras lO5lO 50660 47248 EXPORT OF COTTON WOOL FROM LIVERPOOL, LONDON, AND GLASGOW, IN THE YEAR 11340, COMPARED WITH 1839 AND 1838. LIVERPOOL To Continent of Europe To Ireland 1840. 1839. 1838. 55347 76192 51633 11610 10086 12357 Totals 66957 86278 63990 Now, allowing a weekly delivery of 25,500 bales, which is surely.,ample, the stock, on these data, this time next year will be 432,100 bales ; a quantity large enough to allay all fears of any thing bordering on a deficiency, and to ensure moderate prices. The precise limits of the latter will be determined by public opinion, acted upon as it will be, not always ac cording to sound reason, by the passing events of the day,— by the prospects of peace or war,—by the price of food,—by the scarcity or abundance of money real or artificial,—and by many other considerations, often swelled on the impulse of the moment into undue importance. Taking an enlarged or as it may be termed a national view of the subject, the greatest calamity that could befal the cotton trade would be a return to high prices. If it is to maintain its supremacy, if it is to continue not only to extend the occupation of territory exclusively its own, but to en croach upon that of the kindred staples of silk, flax, and wool, it must rest on the broad and secure base of large stocks and low prices of the raw material ; else the skill, the enterprise and the industry of our manufacturers will be de frauded of their just reward, and their labour will be in vain. IMPORTS, EXPORTS, AND STOCKS OF COTTON The annual statement of the imports, exports, and stock of cotton wool for the port of Liverpool, has just been published, From this document we deduce the following particulars : IMPORT OF COTTON WOOL INTO LIVERPOOL IN THE YEAR 1840, AS COMPARED WITH THE YEARS 1838 AND 1839. Descriptions Atlantic States 455484 342442 483254 New Orleans and Mobile... Pernambuco and Ceara Bahia and Maceio Maranham Egyptian Demerara and Berbice 1320 1221 409 Barbadoes 294 306 205 West India ll9OB 26.34 1382 Laguira, Peru, and Carthagena 14793 24511 18283 Surat Bengal. Smyrna Totals. 1328604 1016510 1414726 LONDON To Continent of Europe To Continent of Europe To Ireland.. Totals GLASGOW 1840. 1839. 1838. 53800 34100 43835 1840. 1839. 1838 50 620 Taken on speculation this year Same period 1839 Taken for export this year Same period 1839 50 650 229,200 261,470 55,490 81,730 DEC. 3 1 . — At the commencement of the week much busi ness was transacted in cotton. This caused the disposal of a considerable quantity of American and Surat at id, and in a few instances d, per lb. more than last week. The demand has since not been so large, and the price demanded on Monday is not now asked ; but both sorts mentioned are offered at about id advance on the prices of this day week. Brazil, Egyptian, a n d S ea I s l an d maintain the prices of last week. 5000 American and 1200 Surat on speculation. THURSDAY NlGHT.—Since stock-taking, the weekly ac counts having proved so correct, the market closes in the same dull manner as it has remained for the last three days. About 3000 bales sold to -day. VOCAL CLASS AT THE MECHANICS' INSTITUTION The senior division of this class gave a public exhibition at the Mechanics' Institution last evening. The theatre was but half filled, no doubt from the little notoriety given to the matter. W. assure those who knew of it, and did not attend, that they lost a great treat. The pupils were twenty in num ber. The following glees, choruses, and madrigals were sung : PART I. 1. Glorious Apollo-2. Spring's Delights-3. Hail Smiling Morn-4. Lovely seems the Moorish-5. Bright Sword 6. Horn of the Chase -7. Mynheer Vandunck. PART 11. 8. Life's a Bumper-9. In the Twilight Glade-10. This Pleasant Month of May-11. Towers and Battlements-12. Breath Soft, ye Winds ----13. Mighty Conqueror-14. Hart and Hind-15. God Save the Q ueen . _ _ No. 7 was capitally sting, as was No. 12. The soft and plain tive character of the glee being well expressed, Nos. 3, 6, and 9 were encored. We must say that the proficiency o f thi s c l ass d oes . M r. George Eyton infinite credit.. His pupils sang in excellent time and tune, and seemed perfectly to understand their subject. We sincerely hope that there will be another ex hibition shortly, and that every publicity will be given to it ; and we strongly recommend all who love music to attend. The charming glees and madrigals of British composers are unequalled for harmony and melody, and a cultivation of glee singing cannot but afford gratification to the pupil. We shall have something to say upon this subject if we perceive that another meeting takes place. The vocal class consists of 100 pupils, and has been esta blished about twelve months : there are 25 in each class. They are taught upon a system by which every pup il i s tho roughly made acquainted with the principles of the art. RECORDS OF WESLEYAN LIFE London Hamilton, Adams, Si' Co This work, which we have just received, is from the pen of a lay member of the Wesleyan body. It is designed to exhibit the doctrines and discipline of the Wesleyan church, and, being written in the form of narrative, is highly interest ing and instructive. The domestic intercourse and religious experience of the members of a Wesleyan family, f orm th e groundwork of the author's statements ; and at the same time that the views and practices of th e persons amongst whom the writer has chosen to place himself are fairly and correctly stated, we are bound to add, that the position of the same persons towards our established church is detailed with propriety and truth. The book must be in the hands of every Wesleyan, though there is much that is calculated to attract and improve the general reader. We may perhaps make some extracts from the work in future numbers. EXPLOSION OF FIRE DAMP. — Last week an explosion of carboretted hydrogen gas occurred at D rewy dd co lli ery , near Carmarthen, in consequence of a man, n ame d E van M oor l a , using a common candle instead of a safety lamp. The ex plosion caused a considerable portion of the timber support ing the roof to fall, together with an immense quantity of rubbish, and the poor man was buried b eneat h t h e ru i ns. A great number of neighbouring colliers se t t o wor k w i t h a l l possible speed, but nine hours elapsed before they succeeded in bringing the body to the mouth of the shaft, when it was found to be quite dead. Two men were also seriously injured by the explosion. The air which ascended the shaft was so violent that it blew several of the m en ' s h ats from off their heads (at the mouth of the pit), and caused a convulsion in the earth similar to that of an earthquake. The new bridge built across the riv er T e ifi, near Llandvsill, called Allt-y-Cavan bridge, was ca rr i e d d own b y the- im mense flood which rose in that river last week. The bridge had only been completed a few months since, and the erect tion of it cost upwards of £lOOO. MEETING OF THE DOCK COMMITTEE The Dock Committee held their weekly meeting yesterday There were present Messrs. Benn, Barclay, Middleton, J Holmes, Hornby, Booth, ll ors f a ll, Mellor, Moon, G. Holt Evans, Aikin, nod Tobin. In the absence of Mr. Leathoin the deputy-chairman—Mr. Benn, presided. The British and North American Association presented a memorial urging upon the committee the necessity of forth with completing the shed round Brunswick dock basin, and of repairing some of the approaches thereto. The memorial also represented that ship-owners were sustaining great in convenience from the want of graving -dock accommodation, and strongly recommended that a tire engine should be ap propriated to each graving -dock in the port. The memorial was referred to the Board of Works. The South Harbour Master and the Head Constable re ported the tire which took place in the ship England, the circumstances of which were narrated in the last number of the STANDARD. A letter was read from Mr. Sands, inclosing a memorial from John Edgar. It appeared that the memorialist had been a gateman at the Brunswick dock, and whilst in the discharge of his duty a rope caught his leg and fractured it. He was taken to the Infirmary, where the limb was ampu tated. When he recovered he received an allowance from the charity fund, and Mr. Hartley appointed him a watch man during the completion of the Coburg dock : when that was done he was discharged, and being without employment• he now solicited some assistance from the committee, in whose service he had been eight years.—Referred to the sub committee of finance. . Another memorial was presented from the British and North , American Association requesting the committee to furnish a return of all the ships entered in all the docks, the cargo and tonnage of each, and the amount of dues paid for each, from the 30th June to the 31st December : and also the expenses of maintaining each dock in the port during the same period. Mr. HORSFALL said it would not be fair to make the re turn for the last six months in the year. Let it be for a year. The CII AIRM AN said no accounts were kept of a kind to enable the committee to make such a return. Mr. AIKIN agreed with Mr. Horsfall that it would be quite unfair to make the return for six months only. The CHAIRMAN observed that if it commenced with Janu ary, that diffieuty would be obviated. Mr. lYttmLort stated that the sub-committee of finance had that morning agreed to a resolution which he thought would meet the wishes of the memorialists. The SECRETARY read the resolution. It was to the effect that a record be kept of every ship in each dock, the place from whence each had sailed, and the time each remained in Mr. EVANS asked Mr. Middleton [a member of the asso ciation, who had been requested to move for the return,] what was the object of*the memorialists in desiring to have this information ?.fle.supposed the memorial would not have been sent if there had not been some reason for it, and cer tainly the Dock Committee had a right to know what that reason was. Mr. MIDDLETON said he was not at the meeting at which the memorial was agreed to. Mr. EVANS said then the memorial was a mere barren, ur supported enquiry. Mr. BooTil said it might be necessary to mention, that when the Sub-committee of Finance passed the resolution just read, they had no knowledge whatever of the memorial. Mr. Evans.—This looks like the old leaven of the ware house interest. Mr. MIDDLETON.—Nothing of the kind. Mr. AIKIN made some observations concerning the dock rate-payers who paid less rates than £lO per annum, and the desirableness as we understood of registering them, so as to ascertain who had and who had not the right of voting. Mr. EvA NS said that, by this memorial, there was an at tempt to distinguish betwee❑ the different trades of the port. They had all one common interest, yet they all hated each other, and were jealous of each other's increase. If the me morialists thought the committee would legislate in a hostile or rival way between different trades, they were altogether mistaken. The CFIAIRMAN thought, as to the receipts, it would be much better to render the amount paid upon each article, in stead ofdistinguishing the receipts of one dock from another. The coasting vessels in Salthouse Dock for instance paid nothing, whilst the expense of maintaining that dock was as great as the maintainance of any other dock. Mr. MIDDLETON said there had formerly been lerrisintinn can Association now wanted was to ascertain to what extent of accommodation they were entitled. Mr. EVANS replied - that, however failing they might be in other branches of commerce, greater accommodation was given to ships here than in any other port in the kingdom, Some further discussion followed, at the end of which, the memorial was referred to the Sub-committee of Finance. Mr. AIKIN suggested that, as an accumulation of vessels i a George's Dock might soon be expected, the dredging m chine be worked in it by night as well as day. A MEMBER expressed a doubt whether the machine could be worked by night, as lights were strictly prohibited from being in any of the docks by the act , of parliament. The SECRETARY referred to the act, and it was found that the committee had power to order lights to be used for the purpose of repairing or cleansing in the night. A resolution was therefore passed, directing the work to be forthwith commenced, under the superintendence of Mr. Hartley. Mr. - HORSFALL was sorry that Mr. Chapman was not pre sent to-day, in consequence of what he had said a few weeks ago with - regard to this estate. On that occasion Mr. Chap man thought it right to bring forward his own views, and he thought proper to bring certain charges against the surveyor. He (Mr. Horsfall) hoped that all the members of that com mittee went there with the intention of doing their duty. not only with regard to finding fault with their officers, if there was occasion for it, but as to the best and most economical management of the estate. If they did not go there with that motive, they had no business there at all. No doubt Mr. Chapman had brought forward his views and charges from the best of motives, but he (Mr. Horsfall) wished he had done so with more consideration. The charges he had made stood so very broad and distinct against Mr. Hartley, that he (Mr. Horsfall) could not go into company without the subject being mentioned, and others alleged which af fected his reputation as an engineer. Mr. Chapman's alle gations went strongly against Mr. Hartley's character, and he (Mr. Horsfall) was very sorry Mr. Chapman was not pre sent to hear the remarks he intended to make. Mr. Chap man had charged Mr. Hartley with incapacity in the management of the estate, and with an extravagance which amounted to something like a misapplication of half its funds. Such an impression had been made upon the minds of the public. Now, in so charging the surveyor of the es tate, he also charged to some extent, the committee itself ; anti he (Mr. Horsfall) h i ving been a member of the com mittee ever since the change which introduced Mr. Hartley, now about sixteen years, if Mr. Hartley been wrong, he (Mr. Horsfall) was a participator in that wrong. A very able sub-committee, however, had been appointed to inves tigate the charges made by Mr. Chapman : he (Mr. Horsfall) hoped they would go through the whole of them carefully, and then he should be satisfied. With regard to Mr. Hart ley he felt bound to say, that he had never known a more in dustrious man : it had been his lot to see him at his occupa tion very early in the morning; upon some occasions he knew he had been engaged between four and five o'clock in the morning, and very commonly at six. A more industri ous man, indeed, could not be found. Upon the question of his capacity there might be differences of opinion ; but if we looked at the works, north and south, which he had com pleted,they would be found to bear comparison, with any works in the kingdom. They certainly would with any that he (Mr. Horsfall) had hitherto seen. The quality of his masonry was unquestionable, and his iron work was as good, at the least, as any he had•ever seen. Mr. Hartley, like other men, was not infallible, and he might have been mistaken ; but how far that warrrauted such charges as Mr. Chapman had brought against him, was very questionable. Having known Mr. Hartley for the last sixteen years, and that a more industrious servant the Dock-estate could not have, he (Mr. Horsfall) had thought it right to make these observa tions. The sub-committee which had been appointed had a very arduous duty to perform, and he hoped—he was sure—they would do it well. The great difficulty which he (Mr. Horsfall) saw in their way would be that of making comparisons between work which Mr. Hartley had done for the estate and that which might have been done by contract. In entering into this comparison it might, per haps, be said that Mr. Hartley had been lavish in his expen diture ; but at the same time it ought to be remembered that the work had been done for the use of posterity, and must, therefore, necessarily be expensive. On all accounts, he had to request that the sub-committee would lose no time in mak ing their report, for until then injustice was done to Mr. Hartley, from Mr. Chapman's charges hanging over him. With regard to the suggestion for the appointment of a con sulting superior engineer, Mr. Hartley could not object to that. Whenever the committee went before parliament that was always the case, but he (Mr. Horsfall) did not recollect that the engineer was consulted as to design; it was only, he believed, as to the mode of execution. Mr. EVANS thought that the Only instance of Mr. Hartley suffering in reputation was from the misapprehension by the public of the word sill in speaking of the Queen's Graving Dock. Mr. HORSPALL admitted that as far as the sill of the graving dock was concerned, Mr. Chapman had substantiated his charge against Mr. Hartley. But as to the perpendicu larity of the walls it was a choice of evils, whether to make them as they now stood or to lessen the quay room. Mr. NI ELLOR, in Mr. Chapman's absence, would state on his behalf that his objections applied to the system more than to the individual. Mr. Chapman was convinced, from the great variety of trades carried on by Mr. Hartley, that it was impossible for one man effectually to superintend them ; and he conceived it would be better for the different kinds of work to be executed by contract. Mr. HORSFALL had always been of the same opinion ; nevertheless, that was a subject for the investigation of the committee. Mr. Hartley certainly could not efficiently super intend all the different trades which wore oar. iod ..a that was the great objection he (Mr. Horsfall) had to his manage ment. Mr. TOBIN objected to the system of contracts, especially for small articles, on the ground that durability and superior quality could not be secured. After a few words from Mr. AIKIN and Mr. EVANS, the conversation dropped, and the committee separated. An old soldier; who had fought in the famous battle of Fontenoy, died near Perigueux, a few days since, aged 117. His wife, who survives him, is 98. A man named Evan Jones, who is supposed to have rob bed several churches in Wales, has been committed for trial at the Flint assizes, on the charge of having committed sa crilege in the church of Halkin. NANTWICH.—The notorious housebreaker, Joseph Banks, late of Over, who made his escape from Knutsford, last Oc tober sessions, was re-taken at Nantwich, on Saturday night, and lodged safely in the lock-ups. We hear that Sheridan Knowles is again at work for Ellen Tree, in London. Ile has already produced one new tragedy this season, and it is reported that he is busily engaged upon a comedy. WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.—The next meeting of the Conference will be held in Manchester next July, and it is generally expected that the Rev. James Dixon will be elected to the office of president. This gentleman is well known to the public as the eloquent and powerful advocate of consti tutional and protestant principles, and his election will do infinite credit to that loyal and respectable sect of religionists. . , E. S. CAYLEY, Esct., M.P.—We had the satisfaction of stating in our paper a fortnight ago, that the worthy member for the North Riding •had so far recovered that be would be able to attend the opening of parliament. Although this is the case, the state of Mr, Cayley's health will prevent him from taking that active part in public business which he was accustomed to take ; but the honourable member will be able to watch over the interests of his constituents with the same fidelity he has ever evinced.—Yorkshireman. THE WILL or TILE LATE EARL OF DUCIE.—The will of the Right Hon. Thomas, Earl of Ducie, Baron Ducie, late of Tortworth, in the county of Gloucester, has just been proved in the Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury, in Doctors' Commons, by the Right Hon. Henry George Francis, Earl of Ducie, the son, and James Houghton Lang ton, Esq., the executors. The personal property of the de ceased earl is sworn under £70,000. The late earl was born on the 31st August, 1776 ; succeeded his father, the late lord, the 20th August, 1808 ; married, the sth Dec. 1797, Frances, only daughter of Henry, first Earl of Carnarvon, and was advanced to the dignities of Earl Ducie and Baron Moreton, by patent, the 28th of January, 1837. The Earl of Denbigh, Master of the Horse to her majesty the queen dowager, is a son-in-law of the late earl, and has a legacy under the will.— The Britannia. ~..pressect _pie an opinion of the spiritin which I write. I have no quarrel with the Mercury. There are, in my humble opinion, few pro vincial papers in the kingdom can lay better claim to talent when treating upon mere secular matters. From its politics I deem it no trivial privilege to dissent, and upon many oc casions I have noticed with pain and regret its perverted views of Theology ; but still I would fain hope that its columns are not dead to conviction, nor its " wound altogether incurable." Having said thus much, I shall now introduce to your read ers Dr. Philpotts, and leave him to defend himself, after I have said something in the way of information as to the occa sion upon which he recorded the sentiments which I am now about to transcribe. Mr. Southey, the poet laureate, published a work called " The Book of the Church." The late truly amiable, and in many respects deeply read, Mr. Charles Butler, a Roman Catholic barrister, replied to this book, in a work which he called the " Book of the Roman Catholic Church." This work elicited from Dr. Henry Philpotts, then rector of Stan hope, and now, by Divine permission, Bishop of Exeter, a series of letters, which letters were published by Murray, Albemarle-street, 1825. The opening of the first letter to Mr. Butler is well worth transcribing :—" Sir,—l have read your Book of the Ro man Catholic Church,' andiu common, I conceive, with all your readers, have been much gratified with the tone and temper in which it is written. If, in one or two instances, your zeal has made you, for a while, forget your charity, yet your politeness is always unimpaired, and you never appear to be more in your natural character than in smoothing the asperities of controversy, and deprecating violence. It has, indeed, been suggested by some of your critics, that you have no objection to see your cause supported by others in language which you NV ()via yourself bc -r a l s - T;m — ed - t j ouseTan - ci they appeal, for the justice of this suspicion, to your strong recommendation of a work from which every moderate per son of every party turns with disgust; I mean Strictures on the Poet Laureaes Book,' written, as you tell us, by Dr. Milner." This extract will answer as a specimen of the respect with which Dr. Philpotts regarded his opponent, as well also as of the spirit with which he approached the controversy. I did not at first intend transcribing other than the matter of absolution; but intimately connected as absolution and con ' . . . fession are in the Romish Church, it is necessary to a fair " hearing of both sides,",that I should begin with Dr. Phil potts on auricular confession in the Church of Rome. " We are now" (writes Dr. Philpotts, at page 196) " come to a part of our subject on which I feel it difficult to write without exoressinz more warmth of indigo:Aim, doctrine of your church than it would, perhaps, in address ing you, become me to exhibit. I abstain, therefore, and shall content myself with simply stating, in the first instance, what that doctrine is. But in order to do this satisfactorily, it is necessary that I should say something, for the informa- _ tion of my Protestant r ea d ers , o f th e supposed sacrament to which CONFESSION and ABSOLUTION belong. " It is, then, the doctrine of the Church of R - _ ,me, that mdr- sacrament of penance ; and of this sacrament the form, that which constitutes it a sacrament, is the speech of the priest, ego to absolvo, Src., ; that the matter of it, or rather, as the Council of Trent (seas. xiv.) expresses it, quasi matter, are the acts of the penitent himself, namely contrition, con fession to the priest, and satisfaction, Of these acts, con trition is ` the inward grief and detestation on account of sin committed, with a purpose of not sinning in future.' It is sometimes made perfect with love, and reconciles the sinner to God before recourse has actually been had to the sacra ment of penance ; but then the reconciliation is not to be ascribed to contrition, without the wish and purpose (sine sacramenti voto, sess. xiv.) of having recourse to the sacra ment, which wish and purpose are included in that perfect contrition. But imperfect contrition, or attrition, as it is called, since it commonly arises either from a consideration of the baseness of sin, or from the fear of hell and punish ment, if it exclude the present will of sinning, and be accom panied with the hope of pardon, is an impulse of the Holy Spirit; and, therefore, though by itself without the sacra ment of penance, it will not lead the sinner to justification, yet it disposes him to obtain the grace of God in that sacra ment. In short, the Council of Trent has settled (and so it is stated by Bellarmine, De Penni'. lib. ii. c. 18, ad finem, and admitted, I believe, universally) that attrition, though by itself it will not do, yet with ABSOLUTION it is sufficien t. " It will be observed, that the council has not declared, whe.. ther Attrition includes the love of God in any measure (P degree. The absence' of any express affirmation would, in this case, seem to imply the negative. Yet the scandal aris ing from such a doctrine, and the arguments raised against it by protestant writers, have induced many of your divines to maintain that some degree of the love of God, an initial love of Him is necessary. But this doctrine is opposed by other and higher authorities, in particularly one, which is instar omnium, Clement XI. pronouncing ex cathedra in the well known bull Unigenitus,' a bull admitted, I believe, after whatever difficulties, by all your churches in Continental Europe. [Yes, and in Ireland also. P.] He has therein condemned the following positions : 47. ' The obedience of the law ought to flow from its source, that is, love; when the love of God is its principle within, and the glory of God its end, then the outer act is pure; without it, it is nothing but hypocrisy, or false righteousness.' 49. 'As there is no sin without self. love, so there is no good work without the love of God.' These propositions, I are condemned ; and thus authority is given to the Jesuits, in whose especial favour that bull issued, for maintaining that—' Men are not obliged to love God in order to be reconciled to Him in the sacrament of penance, nor to refer all their actions to Him ; that it is sufficient to serve Him through the fear of hell ; and those sinners who have no better disposition than a strong fear of being damned, who repent of their crimes only on this motive, and who would, by consequence, in the bottom of their heart, wish that there was no such thing as religion, are nevertheless in a state to receive absolution, and that they ought to be admitted to the sacrament.' La constitution Unigenitus, avec des remarques des notes, p. 20. " Such, sir, is the doctrine for which the Church of Rome is answerable; it flows from the principle laid down by the Council of Trent, and has been virtually set forth (through condemnation of better principles) by the highest authority of your church. The next particular is Confession, which, I need scarcely add, is not merely, as with us, a humble acknowledgment of our guilt before God, and a private or open acknowledgment of our offences against our neighbour (according as the duty of compensating the injury done to him shall require); but it is a secret, indeed, but a full and unreserved, disclosure of every mortal sin, with all the circumstances which may change the nature of it, to the priest. Of venial sins it is not necessary, though right and useful, to make a similar confession : but as for mortal sins, the penitent must explore every hidden thought, and all the darkest recesses of his conscience, in order that he may make the confession as full and complete as possible. Con. Trid., Sess. XIV., c. 5. " This is enjoined by the great Council of Lateran, to be done by every one, arrived at the years of discretion, at least once in every year, at Easter (Con. Labb., tom. xi. p. 174); and although that provision is not indispensable, yet the Council of Trent hath decreed that sacramental confession is absolutely necessary to salvation : an anathema is pro nounced against all who presume to say the contrary. Con. Trid., Sess. XIV., can. 6. Such is the doctrine of your church on this particular. On the practical mischiefs to which it leads, the opposite extremes of extreme scrupulosity and callous indifference,-- still more, on its glaring tendency to rob the tender, un hacknied, unseared conscience of youth of that which is at once its best protection and its most appropriate grace, the delicacy of ingenuous shame ; on its telling those into whose young bosoms the first ideas of inipurity never perhaps in truded, without exciting a thrill of terror, that they must dwell on the thought from which their better minds recoil; that they are to register it faithfully in their memory, and in due time give utterance to it in the presence of one whose sex ought to inspire them with dread, even if his character he as holy as his office,—on these, and consequences scarcely less mischievous than these, I forbear to enlarge. Let me only say, that they are not imaginary. I have looked into a tract, which you inform us is the most popular of all your books of devotion, ' The Garden of the Soul.' I have read there (I acknowledge it with pleasure) sentiments of piety as warm and as just, as the expression often is beautiful ; but I have also read one page—prescribing a course of self-exami nation previous to confession—to which I cannot even allude without disgust. Nothing, 1 verily believe, more loathsome or polluting, could be found in the journal of a brothel. Tell us not that the young penitent is not obliged to conf ess these things, such of them at least as fall short of mortal sin: the Catechism of Trent requires that not only deeds and words, but even thoughts, be recollected and confessed : the Council itself recommends the,ccrnfession• even of venial sins; and if it did not, would you begin thus early to corrupt and harden their conscience by setting it to work on these nice distinctions? " But I turn to the remaining actof the penitent, SATISFACTION. Satisfaction in general is defined by the Catechism of the Council of Trent, perfect payment of a debt ; and in the present case, the word is used to express the compensation made when a man pays to God something in full on account of sins committed. Cat. Rom. p. 2. Sa cramental satisfaction is the discharging such penances as shall be enjoined by the priest after confession. But it is not necessary to his obtaining the end and benefit of the sacrament, reconciliation with God, that he should complete this satisfaction. He may, if he choose, neglect all the pe nances enjoined him ; and yet the grace of the sacrament, add the consequent right and title to admission into Heaven, will remain unimpaired, so long as he does not fall again into mortal sin. Meanwhile, the unfulfilled satisfaction (if also unremitted) will stand in account against him, and will re main to be discharged in Purgatory ; unless some of the various expedients for his release, of which we have already seen and heard enough, be happily adopted. On this article, therefore, I shall not dwell ; but shall proceed to absolu tion." Seeing, sir, that I have already carried out this letter to an extent farther than may be convenient to your space, I shall here leave off, and, as proposed above, in my next " proceed to absolution." I am, sir, yours faithfully, St. Helens, 30th Dec., 1840. PACIANUS. HER MAJESTY AND THE PRINCESS ROYAL.--The care and attention bestowed upon the infant Princess Royal by its nurse and various attendants are only to be equalled by the great anxiety manifested by its royal parents, her Majesty and Prince Albert, for its health and welfare. Immediately her Majesty has risen in the morning, and entered the break fast-room, intelligence of the state of health of the infant Princess is communicated to the Queen by the Baroness Lehzen ; and as soon as breakfast is concluded, h.sr Majesty (who is generally accompanied by Prince Albert) proceeds to the nursery, and there remains, usually for about half - an hour. in consequence of the extreme severity of the weather since the arrival of the Court at Windsor, the royal infant (who is in most excellent health, not having experienced the slightest indisposition since she has been at the Castle) has not been taken beyond the nursery and the other rooms con nected with that department of the royal household appropri ated to the use of her Royal Highness and her several at tendants. It is the invariable cnstom of her Majesty, upon leaving the drawmg-room at night, and previously to retiring to rest, to visit the nursery for the purpose of ascertaining the state of health, and taking leave, of the infant Princess. The Barcelona papers mention that a few weeks since a young French actress of great beauty, named Augustine Joly, who had not long been on the boards of the theatre in that capital, committed suicide by stifling herself with charcoal. CATHOLIC & POPISH FORMS OF ABSOLUTION. SECOND EDITION. LETTER 111. Standard Office, Three o' Clock THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. —The public are much indebted to your contemporary rcury tor having, in the first place, mooted the sub " Priestly Absolution," and; in the second place, for connecting the name and authority of Dr. Philpotts with the same. And, although I am inclined to be of opinion ) that the write r o f t h e art i cle, when engaged in discharging (From Messrs. R. MAKIN 3. SONS' Circular. this important service, was, to all intents and purposes, un- By the official retu rn o f th e averages rece i ve d h ere t hi s conscious of what th e resu l t m i g h t b e ; yet, now that he has morning, the duty on foreign Wheat is raised to 275. Bd., on rendered such essential good to the cause of truth generally, as well as to our much libelled church specially, I would, Barley and Indian Corn to 13s. 10d. per quarter, on Flour to therefore, respectfully invite him and others who may think 16s 7id per barrel, remaining upon all other foreign produce with him to approach the examination of the matter under the same as last week. consideration in honest candour, not permitting for a single In consequence of this being the first day in the new year, moment the intrusion of pre .conceived fancies to prejudice or warp the judgment. Let this be but done in the way now our Corn Exchange was nearly deserted by both town and recommended, and I cannot help hoping but that a " leader" country buyers this morning ; and the —in the Mercury will er e long ingenuously admit that there is attendance, still waiting the result of future imports, were so indeed a wide—a very wide, difference between the con *trained confession and j u di c i a l ab so l u ti on of modern Rome completely on the reserve as t o p rec l u d e even t h e appearance as exhibited in her formularies, and the voluntary confession of more than a few retail transactions in any branch of the and declarative absolution cited from the office of the " trade : as, however, the canals will shortly be clear of ice, tation of the Sick" as set forth by the Church of England in holders seemed to look forward to a renewed intercourse her Book of Common Prayer. lam thankful to the Editor [I suppose lam correct] of the Mercury for having, in his with the markets of the interior ; and- firmly adhering to 0 - " Notice to Correspondents," favourab' LIVERPOOL CORN EXCHANGE,--THIS DAY mall number in . . general currency of Tuesday last, our quotations invariably remained unaltered. Upon a change of wind the frost has disappeared, and many vessels, previously detained at sea, having entered this port, we have to note a fair supply of Grain, Flour, and Oatmeal already in, with the prospect of further arrivals daily; anti cipating which, the millers and dealers have been rather in active between the close of Tuesday's market and to-day, but without producing any material effect in the value of any article of the Corn Trade during that period. ICOTTON MARKET, HALF-PAST Two o'CLocx, P.M New Year's day being usually considered a half holiday, we have not had much business doing, notwithstanding from 2,500 to 3,000 bales have been sold at the full prices of Wed nesday, and the market closes steadily. SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE, FRIDAY. JANUARY I Wind N.W ARRIVED.—WiIIiam Rathbone, Davis, from Bonny, sailed 27th September, in company with the Commerce fur this port—Diadem, from Jamaica—Carthaginian, from Quebec Oporto, Spears, from Nassau ; Margaret Henderson, Ewing, from Monte Video; and Leopard, from New Orleans, off Cove Acadia, (steamer,) hence for Halifax, was spoken gth December, at noon, in lat 50, long 21 Robert Watson, from Quebec for this port, was spoken 24th Dec., 25th December, and supplied will in rat 51, long 16 Vitula, from Quebec off' Cor provisions by the Shenandoah Magnet, (packet,) from Rio Janeiro off Falmouth William and Mary, from Quebec at Genoa Lady Brougham, Downes, sailed from Messina Mary Anne. Giles, 11th Dec., both for this port CONSTANTINOPLE, Dec. B.—Three English vessels, and a great number of Greek, Austrian, Sardinian, and Neapolitan vessels are reported to have been lost in the Black Sea, during a dreadful gale on the night of the Ist instant CROOKIIAvEN, Dec. 26.- 45, long The 011ava was 7th Dec., and token 23d Nov., in lat 5, with the crew of a water) MALTA, Dec. 27.—8 y accounts from Marmora Bay of the 14th instant H.M.S. Zebra, 16, had been driven on shore and totaily wrecked : three of the crew drowned. H.M.S. Pique, 36, had her masts carried away Cove, Dec. 30.—A ship of about 400 tons, with the lower masts standing, had poop and topgallant forecastle linoQ capstan, at: inaltogaity doors, with tents on the top, and apparently but recent abandoned, was passed 16th instant, in lat 54, long 23 THE NIGER EXPEDITION At the ur bent request of several respected friends we insert the following appeal on the subject of the iu led expedition ugh we do not see any reason for changing our opinion respecting the policy of the proposed expedition, we cannot avoid wishing success to this fresh effort on behalf of the poor Africans. We trust that the ends contemplated by the originators of this humane en terprise may be, under the Divine blessing, accomplished. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth rn James v In a very interesting and able address published by the Rev. James Haldane Stewart, inviting the Christian commu nity to united prayer on the Ist of January, 1841, a promi nent place is given to the subject of the great enterprise which has lately been undertaken for the extinction of the slave trade, and for the civilisation of Africa. The whole of that address must meet with the warmest concurreice of every Christian ; but though several impres sive appeals have been made on the subject, and extensively responded to, yet there is still space for further attempts to explain the views of those who originated the projected un dertaking, and to arouse the feelings of the public. We have heard of the horrors of the slave trade from our infancy, and have, perhaps, been ready to turn from the sub ject in disgust and despair. This would, however, be un worthy of the philanthropist, an d s till more of the Christian. Realise for a moment, to your own mind, the condition of Africa—her state of insecurity, alarm, and des:olution. Pic ture to yourself the systematic capture and sale of her inha bitants, to the awful daily average of one thousand human beings. Imagine the untold horrors of the middle passage— the shelves of human beings, with their heads pressed be tween their knees for want of space either to sit upright or to lie at length—the stench—the thirst—the groans of the dying —the weak cries of the tortured children —the scene of al most unmingled misery and despair ! Examine the facts, — the bare dry statistics of this case,—all that is • asked is a cold, calculating, criticizing investigation. Alas ! not one tittle of the awful catalogue of wrongs and disprosed ! fferings can be The Niger Expedition is an effort—another noble effort— made by the government of our country for the cure of this evil. It is the fixed conviction of men of the greatest know ledge and experience on this subject, that having hitherto failed in our efforts to put down the slave trade by force, we must try another method ; and as we cannot coerce the Europeans, who are the gainers by the dreadful traffi., we must seek to influence the Africans, who are the losers by it to its abandonment. The Niger Expedition is, therefor sent forth to form treaties with the native princes— lighten their minds upon the impolicy, as well as the vc,eKeu miss, of their present course, arid thus to pave the way for the introduction of agriculture, commerce, and above all—far above all—of Christianity into those desolate regions. The expedition is to consist of three iron steam-vessels: the Albert, the Wilberforce, and the Soudan. They carry with them surgeons and men of scie nce , b otan i sts, survey ors, geographers, geologists, and a gr i cu l tur i sts. They are provided with seeds, implements, medicines, and presents furnished from private as well as public sources. One of the main objects of the expedition, in the minds of its principal promoters, will be to prepare the way for the entrance of Christian teachers, who will, it is trusted, be poured into Africa from many sections of the Church of Christ; above all, from that people so providently preparing for this work,—the emancipated negroes of our West India Colonies The expedition is appointed to sail in January next who will not be ready to use the almost prophetic 1, of the poet— Soft airs and gentle heavings of the wave Impel the fleet—whose errand is to save, To succour wasted regions, and to place • The smile of opulence on sorrow's face ! May nothing adverse, nothing unforeseen, Impede the bark, that ploughs the deep serene; That flies, like Gabriel, on his Lord's commands A herald of God's love, to Pagan lands ! But let not our interest expend itself in mere good wishe Let us fervently supplicate the Divine Majesty for a blessi; on this noble enterprise. Let part of the Ist of January dedicated to this purpose. On that day may the heartfi prayers of hundreds and thousands of Christians ascend the throne of grace for the success of this undertaking-- 1 the guidance and preservation of its agents—for the outpou ing of the Holy Spirit of God upon them and upon t wretched millions of Africa—and for the uplifting of the iu of the Most High ; to the support and deliverance of t captives traversing the desert, or slave ships. Mark the promises on behalf of the needy and thy. have no helper—" For the oppression of the poor, k. sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord." — A , xii, 5. . " Let the si g hi ng o f t h e pr i soner come before Thee according to the greatness of Thy power preserve Thou those that are appointed to die."—Ps. lxxix, 11. "n' us glad according to the days wherein Thou hast a. and the years wherein we have seen evil."—Ps. xc, again—" I, the Lord, build the ruined places and pi that was desolate; I, the Lord, have spoken it, and 1 a,. it."—Ezek. xxxvi, 36. But, " Thus saith the Lord God, a will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them."—Ezek. xxxvi, 37. In obedience to this command, and resting on the assu rance that " If two of you shall agree together touching anything that ye shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven," let us unite with our fellow- Christians in making the Niger expedition'a special object of remembrance before God on Friday, the Ist of January. Throughout the period of its absence may we continually lift up our hearts to God for His favour, protection, and blessing on this effort, that under His, guidance " well and solidly lay the foundation of measures which ma, issue in the utter extinction of the slave-trade, and the full participation by Africa in the gospel of Christ."—" Never was there a case which more required the divine blessing ; the novelty of the attempt—the perils which attend it—and the mighty consequences, both temporal and spiritual, which may flow from it,—all seem to say, you are lost unless you are guided through your difficulties by divine skill, and en counter the obstacles and enemies who will oppose you, by the help of the Lord." Let British Christians, then, re member Africa and this momentous undertaking before " the throne of grace," and that in connection with the sure promise of the Lord Jesus to his disciples—" Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father, in my name, He will give it you." The clerks in the Bank of England are about 700 in num ber. THE FROST.—The river Ouse is covered with a fine sheet of ice, some parts of which are of first-rate quality for ska ting. On Wednesday some excellent sport was afforded by a match at cricket, all the players being in skates, and we believe another match will be played on Monday, with a race for a heavy wager between a skater and a runner, for 100 yards, the former giving the latter half the distance.—Bed ford Reformer. Mr. Beckford has determined to dismantle Lansdowne Tower, and sell by auction all the articles of vertu it con tains. The reason assigned for this circumstance is, that the tower has been se vera l ti mes attempted to be brokenl open by expert thieves, whom he fears will mutilate what they cannot take away.—Bath Herald. MELANCHOLY CIRCUMSTANCE.—A person of the name of Campbell, who was for some time shepherd on the farm of Liaran, and lived with his wife and family in a very remote place on the hill called Corribbachdidh-nam-Fiadb, being an expert angler, and close to Lecherrechd-sid., he very fre quently, when his pastoral avocations permitted him, em ployed his time in fishing on this lake ; and having one day caught a large trout, he received (no unusual tiling) a slight scratch from its teeth, when he was in the nor of extricating, the hook from its mouth. Of this he took little notice at, first, but as it bled very profusely, and his hand began rapidly , to swell, he hastened home to his wife, and they Loth every means in their power to stop the blood, but to nu Baffled and alarmed, the wife proposed, as a forlorn hope,. that she would go to the Strati for the assistance a others,, and having received his concurre nce , l she started in, t4l? mid dle of the night, and travelle d tel miles through, a. dark ands dreary hill, ere she arrived atsaonuyothridmiatlnh:bd.ai,intlie,, ohaniadv.,inGsghrceeo,a.mtiltLy..: fatiguedtesdh alarm,e h c e a r ine tohe and I:10;41 411 g, flew back to her be returning, outran individuals who set out for her assist-. ante, an d, with the speed of be loved But, alas k what must have been her feel ings when she cast h bar arrival, presen eyes upon the sad spectacle which, on lying pale in the arms of death, an her husband. a Ded itself — the l j ig e ll e: dearest to her ort, l e e ti s r s t h e children crying around him„—perth Coterie r.. young ng father- •