The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1847-12-28 00:00:00

Dee. 28, 184'7. tooi C The Health Committee haTe decided by a majority of one against the admission of reporters into their meetings. The Isaac Wright, which arrived at Liverpool from New York on Thursday, brought 54,000 sovereigns. Mr. Joseph Weave, formerly connected with the main 'bridewell in this town, has been recommended by the ma gistrates of Birkenhead as the bridewell-keeper there. Sir John Gladstone has been presented with the free- Zorn of Burntisland, for his exertions in establishing a ferry between that port and Granton. On Thursday, Frederick Lee, a boy living in Park street, was bunted to death by going too near the fire and allowing his pinafore to ignite. The Health Committee have agreed with Mr. Rose, of Manchester, for the removal of the night-soil, at £10,500 a-year. There were several other offers. On Sunday, John Roberts, of Paul-street, was going up stairs, when he fell' down suddenly, and died almost immediately. The cause of death was disease of the heart. On Monday, James Dixon was working at the Bruns wick Dock, when a large pole, which he and some others were about to carry, fell, and struck him on the head. He died in a few minutes. The Rev. A Hume, L.L.D., has kindly offered, gratui tously, to assist any of the teachers of Liverpool in their studies, to enable them to obtain the Government certi :ficate. DEATH BY SCALDING,—About six weeks ago a child sixteen months old, the daughter of ,a person living in .Reynard -street, fell against the grate, and threw overherself a teapot filled with tea, by which she was so much scalded that she died on Thursday. On Friday, the Bart of Sefton and a fashionable party, in three carriages, visited the Amphitheatre, for the pur .pose of witnessing the performances of the French com pany. His lordship seemed greatly delighted, for he was eager in the expression of his applause. A mail is in future to be made up at the General Post .tiffice for the west coast of Africa on the evening of the -last day of every month. The mails will be conveyed by her Majesty's ships, which will call at Madeira and Sierra Leone. LAMENTABLE SUICIDE.—A lady, moving in a respect able walk of life, the wife of a timber dealer, residing in Toxteth-park, committed suicide on Thursday morning last by cutting her throat with a carving knife. A verdict of temporary insanity was returned by the coroner's jury. A LIBERAL LANDLORD.—OiI Thursday last, Robert 116, 0 4 . D . rga of _Rirkenhead!i2 jt rt fat geese amongst nis cottage ten , Christmas dinner. 'The geese were fed upon the farm of William Walker, Esq., at Stourton. On Wednesday, Matthew Kendall, a man considerably advanced in years, was killed by falling into a stone quarry. a height of 23 feet. He was taken up in a state of insensibility, and conveyed to his own home, where he died on Wednesday. from concussion of the brain. NEWSPAPERS FREE TO AND FROM BRAZIL.—On and from the Ist of January next. newspapers posted within a week from the day of publication, and addressed to any part of the Brazilian dominions, will be sent free of postage. In like manner, Brazilian newspapers will be delivered, without any charge, in the United Kingdom. DEATH FROM SUFFOCATION BY GAS.—On Friday night, Thomas Carrie, who kept a small shop in Mary bone, complained of a slight indisposition, and went to bed. The following morning he was found dead, having been suffocated, in consequence of an escape of gas from a defective pipe. it On Wednesday, the body of a man unknown was found floating in the river opposite the Victoria Dock ; it ap peared to have been only a short time in the water. In his pocket was a tin case, containing two discharges and a register ticket, and on them were written the name of " Richard Jones." The Mayor presided at the Saturday evening concert for the working classes on Saturday week. Mr. Henry Russell was the vocalist of the evening. His Worship said that if he had doubts as to the propriety of such meetings, they were entirely dissipated that evening. He -had experienced great delight in being there. BIRKENHEAD DOCK COMMISSIONERS.—John H. Greene, Esq., and John Hartley Hind, Esq., are, we understand, the two Commissioners selected by the Lords Commissioners of Woods and Forests to represent the township of Birkenhead under the new act, and to see the Crown's works fully carried out and completed. DEATH FROM DRINKING Rum.—On Wednesday, a lad aged 15, named Edward M'Gonegal, was engaged by the wife of a publican to assist her in getting in a load of coals, - and took the liberty of pulling the tap out of a rum cask, and he drank so much of the spirit that he was car ried home in a state of stupefaction, and died on the fol lowing morning. THE LATE GALES.—Several disasters are reported off the coast of Ireland, during the storm of Friday week, but no vessel having been disabled in the immediate neighbourhood, The Sea, Captain D. Wolf, from Hull to Quebec, put back to this port on Thursday, after being at sea twenty-two days, with serious damage, which she is now getting repaired in the Brunswick Dock. On Tuesday night, a woman named Sarah Martindale died from injuries received in consequence of being burnt. She lived in a cellar in Great Crosshall-street, and on Wednesday week smoke was observed issuing from the door, which induced a neighbour to go in, when she found the deceased in flames, who said she was seeking a shilling near the fire-place, when her clothes ignited. On the 11th of October last, Esther George, who resi ded in Ashley - street , was crossing London - ro ad, when a car, which was being driven up the street, came in con tact with her and knocked her down. The vehicle was stopped immediately, before the wheels reached her. -15 ne suitained a dislocatiatrortire - bipTaesmeertnncr-mim.- rieS, which caused her death on Wednesday last. • HEALTH OF THE TOWN.—The last reports of the me dical staff are decidedly favourable, both with reference to the general cases under their treatment, and those of fever. Of the latter, there are 111 new cases ; but the total number is reduced from 1,767 to 1.732 ; and there is reason to hope that if the present dry bracing weather continues, a still greater diminution will be exhibited. On Thursday night, the Mayor entertained about forty . gentlemen to dinner. A glee party, under the direction of Mr. Geo. Holden, was in attendance; and we under -stand that Mr. Henry Russell's song, " There 's a good time coming, boys," was sung at the special request of his worship, who heard it for the first time last week at the Saturday evening concerts. NEW CHAPELS.—On Sunday, a new Welsh chapel, in connection with the Wesleyan Methodist Association, was opened in Gill-street; and on Christmas Day, a new -chapel in Shaw-street, Everton, belonging to the Bap tists, was opened for divine service. The latter has been built by the congregation formerly meeting at the chapel in Byrom-street, which building has been purchased by the London and North Western Railway. Mr. B. R. Isaac has commenced an effort for a national memorial to Mendelssohn. A grand concert, is to be given in this town in aid of it. Mr. J. B. Cooper, the honorary secretary of the Liedertafel Society has, with becoming taste and earnestness, addressed a letter to a contemporary, calling on the admirers of Mendellsohn not to allow the movement to end with a concert. He says, " Let the amount raised be characteristic of the ad miration felt by the musical people of Liverpool for the worth of the departed genius. I call upon the public of the town, by the animus which prompts the subscription, to prove the fallacy of the charge hitherto made against us, ' that there is a lack of musical feeling, and a want of -appreciation of the beauties of the science in Liverpool.' This is a good opportunity for their doing so ; would to Heaven it had been occasioned by any other event." MARINERS' CHURCH SCHOOL. - We were highly delighted in witnessing the examin..tion of the children of the above school, on Monday last. Several members of the committee, friends and parents of the children, were present. The number of children assembled were 68. All the classes were separately examined in their various studies. The examination in the Maynard, (the (the excellentcriptureswas .-eonducted by the Rev. William m and valuable incumbent of the Mariners' a C progressl also u with r Church,) , of) their who htehi er expressed himself highly pleased with the children in their reading and spelling, and general knowledge of the Bible. Miss Simon, the head mistress of the school, conducted the secular department in grammar, geography, and arithmetic, and we feel con.. vinced that the answers elicited would have done credit to any adult. The writing was excellent, and the singing and recitations pleasing. Buns and oranges were distri buted to the children, after which the school dispersed for the Christmas vacation. CHURCH OF ENGLAND NORTH SCHOOLS.—Anexami- nation of the children attending these schools took place on Tuesday evening. Among those present we observed the Rev. H. H. Higgins, the Rev. Mr. Cox, and the Rev. V.A. Power_ _Mr. Power commenced with the Bible ; next Mr. Higgins took the Church Catechism ; Mr. Power then took English history. The master, Mr. Bowes, examined the scholars in sacred and secular geo graphy. It was intended that arithmetic should stand aext, but time would not allow. We were utterly amazed at the answers of the children, and it was evident that they were intelligently taught. At the conclusion, Mr. Higgins addressed those present. He said, much as he had seen of schools, never had one come under his notice where the improvement was so manifest. He had been present at many examinations in that room, but he could scarcely conceive it to be the same. All this improvement had been effected in the short time since Mr. Bowes had been appointed master. Mr. Power then made a short address, and the evening's proceedings concluded by singing the national anthem. Mr. Whiteman, of the Brunswick Hotel, opens a new club on Friday next, to be called the Brunswick Club, for the amusement, recreation, and intellectual enjoyment of tradesmen, clerks, and other respectable inhabitants, after the fatigues of the day. The club will be plentifully:sup plied with newspapers, and billiard, bagatelle, and chess rooms will be attached, at which these games may be in. dulged in by all who choose to take part in them. We wish the club every success. Next Friday the opening dinner will take place, on which occasion we learn that the worthy host is determined to tax to theiittermboystthe resources Mr. of his cuisne. The chair will be taken Dignan, and the vice-chair will be occupied by Mr. Cross ley, the respected chairman of the Guardian Society. We may safely augur the success and the good management of a club opened to the public under such auspices. Yesterday was really a wintry one. Indeed it was so piercing cold that there was a perfect comfort in gazing on those who defied the chilly wind engarbed in furs ; while the groups of well-dressed ladies who wanted those ornamental essentials were really pitiable. At such a time a glance of the beautifully fitted shop of Mr. Ireland, of Bold-street, which has lately been so much in creased in size as now to be the largest in the retail trade in the kingdom, is really gratifying. The stock is not less extensive than the premises ; for Mr. Ireland, being a manufacturer, requires room for those novelties he is daily producing from his works, and which has facilities which enable him to offer on terms few can equal. The prices of the finest furs, owing to depression of trade ge nerally, are much lower than they have been for many previous years, or are likely to be again. 847. MARY. as bust-- e limited his head. occurred Bank of Overland in India commer- try. The he Bank, s precise , be made dends, is anal proof re, on el — profit of otect the xked that F returns, arable in-- ived from y the an -3 very se saleable ; medium ;bout the rhursday There is districts, upon by es of the n of the £533,738 169,600 8,026 £51,620 472,593 1,102,360 ,758,255,_ pullion in crease of urn. nd Co.'s —" Not interest and the )t in our less this ity, both general , xtreme ovement tral eon now are, impor• that, at wonted time of springs stroyed, ;pension 'lir Rl!' 3. This market iirtually promi— riet, we he cer rom the ited by others, 300,000 the last 3r India Ind our i of the luarter, a more ing our lders im lasgow, y ; but, o snort r could of their In Ed n made leclared - Ld more ntants, rietors, ding to keepers. Messrs. s stated veri ria be sus -311, but letters ount of - papers. ery de- TS paid , w from worse. r that a mid, at of lld. Ind the n-lA/Br it C an as the e prices , money. etv was -street, ssiah," Dcalists George , which dridge. Mr. J. of our will be ighout, y been rnongst to us a, ions P. ly and auction creased e well neces- welfare s have ,nchee— ock, at Led his Mem e Maw espect. 7erpool ?a, the ce, the on, the ssocia- Mere* COM- a, ana conse-_ ith the in re- general a large ne and evenue isump r corn ❑g our , in the tired in is inju ial • nth, in 3rience ROBBERY OF NOTES.—SESSIONg COURT.—On Wed nesday, William Mitchell and John Burgess were tried before the .Recorder ' on a charge of having feloniously stolen, on the 26th of October last, one bank note, for the payment of £5O, eight sovereigns, and 30s. 6d, in silver, the property of Mary Mathison, and John Burgess was further indicted for having received the same, well knowing them to have been stolen. The circumstances of the case were given at some length in our police intelligence a week or two ago. Mitchell was found guilty, and the other prisoner acquitted. The witnesses were then bound in recognizances of £5O each to appear and prosecute Bur gess at the next sessions upon another indictment, which will then be preferred against him, for having received the property, knowing it to have been stolen. The Recorder deferred passing sentence on Mitchell. THE MARRETS.—It would, perhaps, be invidious to notice otherwise than generally the plentiful provision made for Christmas by the caterers of good cheer. But we cannot pass over the " shov," for really it was so, at the shop of Mr. Tomlinson, where two fine heads of bulls, with gilded and decorated horns, attracted the attention of passers by. Some splendid meat was offered for sale, and, no doubt, a good portion of it would be disposed of. There were some fine carcases of animals fed by John Latouehe, Esq., of H irriston- hall, Kildare; and, although we must feel grateful for the provision thus sent over to England, we could not help wishing that every Paddy had a joint for his own table. A monster pig was displayed at the shop of Mr. Clarke. It wei4hed forty eight score and four pounds; and we observed grunters from the piggeries of Sir Thomas Birch, Bart., our respected M.P., and also from those of the Marquis of Londonderry. DARING OUTRAGE AND HIGHWAY ROBBERY NEAR LIVERPOOL.—On Monday evening last, one of the most daring and impudent robberies which we have for some time heard of, occurred on the West Derby-road, near Liverpool. About half-past six o'clock in the evening, J. Houghton, Esq., and his three sisters, accompanied by Miss Toulmin, sister to Mr. Councillor Toulmin, were proceeding in a iiackney-coach from their residence at West Derby, to the Philharmonic Concert, at the Colle giate Institution, and when they arrived near the Zoologi cal Gardens, about one mile and a half from Liverpool, five men, armed with large horse pistols, and one with a formidable carving knife, which looked indeed more like a swood, rushed from the hedge into the middle of the road, and having got possession of the horse'S head, stop ped the vehicle. Three of the men then presented their pistols to the occupants of the carriage, a fourth presented a pistol at the head of the driver, whilst the other, who had possession of the horse's head, said to the driver that same hi - AM rnli'l7 - eTte t tint Tie animal's neck. In the meantime, the rest of the mis. creants continued to hold their pistols to the heads of the affrighted passengers, threatening that if they did not give up all the money in their possession, they would shoot them. Fortunately, they had at the time very little in their possession ; but their threats were se appalling, more especially to the females, that Mr. Houghton gave up to them all the money he had in his possession, which was, luckily only a few shillings. At this moment, one of the omnibuses to West Derby, from Liverpool, was approach ing, on seeing which the villains made off with their booty. The ladies were so alarmed at what had happened, that they declined to proceed ou to the concert, but stepped out of the hackney-coach, and the whole party returned to West Derby in the omnibus. Only a very few minutes before the above outrage took place, a gentleman was re turning home from Liverpool, on foot, when five men, supposed to be the same party, jumped over a wall into the road, and jostled him off the footpath, and were pro ceeding to attack him, when an omnibus came up, and they made off towards Liverpool. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. On Friday, a carter of the name of Robert Owen was fined 20s. and costs, for cruelty to a horse in Brunswick road. On Friday, Alexander Chine, the cook of the Hottin guer, and Ellen ,Batty, weae convicted in £lOO eacb, for having smuggled eighr and a half pounds of foreign ma nufactured tobacco. A poor Irish lad, of very forlorn appearance, was charged, before Mr. Rushton, on Friday, with stealing two penny worth of bread from a baker's shop. The lad was asked if he would be sent back to Ireland, but declined. and was committed to gaol for a month. BASE COIN.—"It is necessary to put our readers upon their guard against a parcel of fellows who are going about the town passing base coin. A great number of persons were committed to gaol last week by Mr. Rushton for this offence. The effects of the inclement weather were demonstrated in the Police-court, on Friday, in the nature of the charges brought before the magistrate. Two miserable looking men were sentto prison in default of paying the fine for breaking a lamp, which had been done to insure them the shelter of the borough gaol. Numerous charges of street begging were preferred likewise. SAVAGE ASSAULT.—At the Police-court, on Tuesday, five men, Michael M'Laughlan, Patrick Quinn, Patrick Kelly, William Kelly, and Michael Kelly, were charged with a violent assault on the person of Bartho!omew Monaghan, on Saturday night, in Henry Edward-street. He was severely struck, and was, moreover, stabbed in two places near the neck, by two of the prisoners, who were brothers. On the case being fully gone into, Patk. Kelly, against whom there was no evidence, was discharged. The other four were committed to take their trial at the next assizes. The prisoners were stated to have a pique at complainant, for having given evidence against them in a murder case in Ireland. EXCISE PROSECUTIONS.—At the Police-court, on xr. Ewcise, preferred charges against several parties for offences against the ex cise laws. An officer of excise proved that he had bought a bottle of gooseberry wine from Mr. O'Donnell, on the sth November, and it appeared it was sweet British wine, he having a license to sell foreign wine. The case went against the defendant and he was fined in the mitigated penalty of £l2 10s. Several other parties were fined for selling tea, raisin wine, &c., without the proper license. Edward Dugdale, for working an illicit still, was fined £2OO, and Patrick Maguire, a fireman on board the Ros common, Dublin steamer, was fined £25 for concealing 23 bladders, containing 20 gallons of whisky, in a hollow iron beam in the engine-room of the steamer. SmoxE.—On Tuesday Joseph Kaye, aliaB Joseph Duke, master of the Britannia, Birkenhead steam-boat, was summoned to the Police-court, charged with allowing smoke to escape from the chimney of the steamer on the 9th instant. The defence being insufficient, he was fined £5 and costs.—Mr. William Pritchard, proprietor of a rice mill in Manesty-lane, was summoned for permitting smoke to escape from his furnace on the 18th instant ; and Messrs. Edward Clark and Son, proprietors of a rice mill in Henry-street, were summoned for a similar offence. Smoke burners were applied to both these furnaces. The apparatus to the former gentleman's boiler, it was stated, had cost £200; and in both cases it appeared they had given instructions to their engineers to be careful in the use of the burners. A fine of £5 and costs was inflicted in both cases. REGULATIONS OF THE SLAUGHTER HOUSES.—OR Tuesday last four men were brought before Mr. Rushton, on a charge of felony, in having abstracted from the slaughter houses at the back of Russell-street, a quantity of " slink " veal (the calves of cows extracted after the slaughter of the animal), which it was assumed they sold for human food. The prisoners were found carrying a calf of this description, which it appeared they had bought, they being sub-tenants, so that the charge of felony could not be sustained. It appeared the Abbatoir Company had sold such stuff for dogs' meat. Mr. Rushton said the easiest way would be to give all the tenants notice to quit, and then re-let the slaughter houses, subject to a written agreement.—Mr. Townsend said they were deter mined to protect the respectable trader and the public against having the " slinks " brought into use.—The pri soners were discharged. LOCAL MEETINGS. Docx COMMITTEE.—Mr. Charles Purnell, master of the King's Dock for a period of twenty-five years, was promoted to the Queen 's Dock at a salary of £3OO per annum.—Several dock-gatemen were appointed to the Brunswick Dock.—A letter was received from Chapman, Bowman, and Co., expressing their thanks for the prompt attention the Dock Committee had given to the erection of a shed for wrecked goods.—lt was ordered that the usual announcement against servants of the Trust receiv ing Christmas-boxes should be made public.—A letter was received from Mr. W. Brideson, stating that he had succeeded in constructing a life-boat, which possessed the great desideratum of always righting itself, in whatever position it was placed by the elements ; it had been exa mined and approved of by several scientific and practical gentlemen in this town. A model of the boat accompa nied the letter. The matter was referred. WEST DERBY GUARDIANS. — At the usual meeting on Wednesday, Mr. Roskell occupied the chair, and there were present eleven other guardians. From the weekly report of the fever hospital, it appeared that 15 patients had been dismissed, cured, and that only one had died. The checks signed for outdoor relief amounted in all to £227.—A discussion took place respecting the charges made on a former eixasion by Mr. Peers, honorary over seer, against Mr. Hudson, collector for the rural division. Mr. Hudson underwent a long examination, and Mr. Appleby moved an adjournment of the question, Mr. Peers being absent. This was negatived, and a motion was passed to the effect that Mr. Hudson had discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of the board.—A me morial was agreed to respecting the collection of the county rates. After a discussion it was agreed that all deputy-registrars (who, it appears, are eligible to sit at the board, though registrars are not) should have brass plates on their doors. NORTH AND SOUTH WALES BANK. — A second and pretty numerous meeting of the proprietors took place at the Clarendon Rooms en Thursday, Richard Griffith, Esq., chairman of the directors, presiding. It appeared from the report, that the bank would be in a position to commence the payment of its notes in circulation on Mon day the 3rd of January next, at the head office, at all the branches, and also in London. The announcement was received with cheers. The circulation being reduced to a safe minimum, the payment of all deposits under £2O would follow as the next and final step towards a com plete resumption of the operations of the bank. The re port dwelt upon the absolute necessity, however, that existed for a large proportion of the reference shares being subscribed for : not merely to aid in the resumption of the bank, but to provide it with the working capital re quisite to enable it to conduct its renewed operations with ease, safety, and profit. To facilitate the taking of these shares the directors announced that they had determined to make them payable in four instalments of £2los. each, instead of two instalments of £5 each, as originally pro posed. The report, which was received throughout with decided marks of approval, concluded by stating that tha liabilities of the bank, which, at the date of the stoppage, were 4610,000, were now only 4402,000. THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. MEETING OF THE §giNOT VESTRY. On Tuesday the usual meeting Was held. The Rev. Rector Campbell presided. It appeared from the proceedings of the Workhouse Committee that a special meeting of that body had been held on Monday, at which charges of gross imniornlity in the workhouse were preferred against Dr. Brett, and the committee being convinced that the same were well found ed, resolved that he be no longer allowed to remain on the premises, or to officiate in the house as house surgeon. The Irish Relief Committee reported that the number of medical cases under treatment in the town, for the week ending the 17th instant, was 5345, including 2170 fever cases, being an increase for that week of 135 general cases and 106 fever cases. For the week ending the 17th inst., the medical cases were 5412, including 1995 fever cases, being an increase of 67 general cases and 35 fever cases. Dr. Gartside recommended a rearrangement of the me dical districts, and a dismissal of all the medical assistants ; and this recommendation is now under the consideration of the committee. The Health Committee, through the Town-clerk, inti mated the possibility of cholera making its appearance in Liverpool, and requested the parochial authorities to make all the necessary arrangements in the event of such a fear ful contingency. The CHAIRMAN.—Perhaps this would be a fitting op portunity to address a few observations to you with refer ence to a document I hold in my hand, and which is entitled the " First report of the commissioners appointed to inquire whether any and what special means may be requisite for the improvement of the health of the metro polis ;" and, as this has reference particularly to thi resolution of the Sanatory Committee of the Town Council respecting the cholera, which has just been read, the first point I would direct attention to is the conviction of the commissioners that the cholera is certainly coming. They say they have received a communication from Sir William Pym, informing them of the advices which had been re ceived from the English consuls " of the steady progress of this pestilence precisely upon its former track in 1832." The next is, that there are no human means of preventing its approach, that it is not contagious, not infectious, not caused by contact, not communicated by noxious exhala tions proceeding from a body in a state of disease, but that it is atmospheric, a visitation of Providence, proceeding from the peculiar state of the air. It appears that it came from France suddenly in 1832, and made its appearance in England without the least warning, except that which arose from an anticipation of its progress, and that no sanatory regulation could by any possibility have prevented it. (Hear, hear.) Again, there is another thing in this fEr COntr i tiVoUrl t thin it g i ditg b t ie -h b e c r ;Z l Si n e l t e e l l,' that that " no measures of alleviation can materially avail against a malady which almost sets at defiance the resources of medical art," and that " it begins and ends its mortal course in a few hours, and destroys one-half of those whom it attacks." But there are subsequent considerations which may tend to diminish the apprehensions we may be expected to entertain from the approach of this very for midable visitor. It appears that it confines itself chiefly to particular localities—that it follows the track of rivers and water-courses, and, like an evil spirit, hovers over ditches. cesspools, and drains. It appears further, that it is most prevalent in particular classes of society. It at tacks the drunkard. Therefore, gentlemen, if we are cleanly and sober, as I hope you all are, and live in good air, we need not be afraid of cholera ourselves, but that, unfortunately, does not apply to those persons with whom we have more particularly to deal—the sick and destitute poor ; they are not cleanly, they are not sober, and they cannot live in good air. Then there is another thing somewhat consolatory, that when the cholera prevails typhus disappears. We have not two plagues at the same time; and it so happened, in this town, that when it pre vailed here, although the mortality was increased in the three months of July, August, and September, the mor tality for the whole year was not increased at all. Now we proceed to consider what the remedies are. In the first place the commissioners say cholera hospitals are of no use ; that they do more harm than good. They, there fore, do not recommend that any cholera hospitals should be established, but that the patients should be treated at their own homes, and they say that cleanliness and venti lation are the only palliatives. It is by proper draining, by cleansing cesspools, by emptying privies, and taking away every sort of noxious filth, that the liabilities to cholera may be diminished ; but, above all other things, the commissioners say, that overcrowding must be pre vented. Overcrowding is the thing of all others, gentle men, to which we should direct our attention ; and the inhabitants ought to co-operate with us in preventing this overcrowding, by discouraging, as far as they possibly can, the immigration of Irish poor into this town. (Hear, hear.) If the cellars and small lodging-houses of this town are overcrowded, and it pleases Almighty God to visit us with this infliction of cholera, the consequences must not only be very awful, but extremely expensive, because we must do what we can to take care of those poor in a state of disease. And, although whatever precautions may be taken, the disease may spread, it is of the utmost importance that more than usual precautions should be taken, for Liverpool has the reputation of being the most unhealthy town in England, but it is so because it is the fever ward of Ireland, and it is not fitting that such a town should be made a pest-house for the reception and propagation of infectious disorders. (Hear, bear.) The way to prevent this is to prevent overcrowding, in co operation with the Sanatory Committee, and to cause cleansing and ventilation by every means in our power ; and if we do this, I must confess I think we need have no apprehension of the cholera, because when it prevailed here it did not produce an increase in the average morta lity of the year. (Applause.) After a great many alterations, the following resolution was, upon the motion of AitAiy.B.qusohr. adopted, and the. subject dropped for trig present ' That the select Vestry are ready to take any steps in their power to provide against the approach of the cholera, but that the matter rests almost entirely with the Health Committee, the chief measures of prevention being, according to the Me tropolitan Sanatory Commissioners--ventilation, the cleansing of cesspools and drains, the removal of stagnant water and noxious filth on unoccupied land, and the pre vention of overcrowding in the cellars and low lodging houses of the town." The Workhouse Committee recommended three gentle men as possessing sufficient testimonials to be appointed successor to Dr. Brett, as in-door medical officer of the Workhouse. These gentlemen were Messrs. Newton, Ellerton, and Steele. Mr. JOHNSON moved the appointment of a tried servant of the parish, Mr. H. B. Steele, who would, he was sure, give the board general satisfaction. Mr. SEWARD seconded the motion ; and Mr. Steele was unanimously appointed to the office. LAUNCH OF A BRAZILIAN STEAM FRIGATE. • In our paper of the 30th of last month, we furnished an account of a frigate, then in course of building by our townsman, Mr. Royden, 1 - 33 6n-street, for the Emperor or Brazils. In noticing the launtl', we need, therefore, (without repeating details,) merely e as a reminiscence that the vessel is built of the very best timer, with cop per fastenings ; that her burthen is about 880 ionsher engine power 300 horse, and that she will be fitted with two 68-ppund guns, working on circles, forward and aft, and some artillery of smaller calibre at the sides. She is to be fitted in every respect as a man-of-war, somewhat similar to the Fury, belonging to our Government. and her cabins will be finished in polished mahogany. She is purposed to run along the coast and up the rivers and creeks of the Brazilian coast, and is consequently con structed to float upon a comparatively light draught of water—spy 12 feet—when all her fuel, engines, &c., are on board .. Though, for this purpose, she is necessarily full-built amidships ; her extremities are finely and sym metrically drawn in, and she has all the appearance of a i smart vessel when afloat. She has a handsome figure head, and a round stern for the better working of the large after gun, in addition to extra strength. The launch took place shortly before noon, and, not withstanding the extremely cold state of the atmosphere, the attendance was very numerous, including many of the most respectable families and individuals of the town and neighbourhood. The vessel bore on centre poles two British ensigns, and at the fore and pique respectively the Brazilian flag —a yellow diamond within a green ground— and in the diamond, a globe surrounded by stars, and surmounted by a crown—the whole enwreathed with laurel. The vessel went off in the most gratifying style, taking the water like a duck. The shouts of applause were loud and long. The vessel floated, as near as we could guess, in about six-and-a-half feet of water, fully realising the expectations entertained of her powers of floatation. She was named The Alfonso, by Miss Grenfell, daughter of Admiral Grenfell, the employe of the emperor, who has been long in his service, but is a patriotic native of this country. The launching of the ship was assisted by the superintendence of Mr. Lancas ter, one of our able Liverpool pilots, and by him she was safely taken into the Coburg Dock, where her appearance excited great interest amongst the nautical men who hap pened to be in that locality ' . lmmediate!y atter the launch, the invited company and their friends, in all about 300 sat down in the mould room, a very large apartment, beautifully decorated with flags, evergreens, BEr., and partook of a supzrb c o llation, including hot soup, &c., and a desert and wines. Admi ral Grenfell occupied the chair, and in a British sailor like manner introduced the several toasts with great force and peculiar brevity—hitting, in fact the nail on the head, at a blow. This was the signal for general brevity, by the rest of the company,—the more acceptable from the coldness of the day. After the usual loyal toasts, Captain SIDNEY GRENFELL, R.N., ably replied to the toast of " The Navy." He said that in no part of the world would the warm feeling in which the toast was given be so complimentary to the service as in Liverpool. No port was more . celebrated for the spirit, enterprise, and fair dealing of her merchants; and he entertained no doubt but that in the event of war, supported by the stout hearts and strong arms of such men, Britain had no occa sion to dread a foe from any part o f world. The CHAIRMAN proposed the health of the Emperor of the Brazils, whose flag had that day floated over the vessel they had seen launched. That prince, he said, was possessed of all the abilities that became a throne, and all the virtues that could adorn private life. (Cheers.) Mr. Stubbs's Philharmonic Band was present (having previously played at the launch), and in, we think, good taste—the Emperor being attached to our government, rnd having no national anthem—played " God save the Queen." Mr. Stubbs added much to the effect of the music during the entertainment by his double octave of hand-bells. The health of the Marquis de Lisboa, the representative of his Brazilian Majesty, who was unavoidably absent, was drunk with all the honours. The CHAIRMAN (who had superintended the building of the frigate) proposed the health of Mr. Royden and the Shipbuilders of Liverpool. He had found in Mr. Royden all the friendly feeling, skill in his profession, and frank bearing for which his country was so celebrated. (Cheers, and Hearts of Oak" from the band.) Mr. ROYDEN, in a good-humoured reply, said that he hoped the present vessel for his Brazilian Majesty would give satisfaction, and that if he wanted another, he would give Liverpool the preference. Even if he (Mr. R.) were not the builder, he should rejoice to meet, at any other yard in Liverpool, such a company as the present. He proposed " the health of Admiral Grenfell, the chairman." (Cheers.) The CHAIRMAN, in responding, said that though nearly all his life had been spent in the service of foreign states, yet nothing was so grateful to his feelings as the commen dations of his own countrymen. In whatever capacity he bad been, his constant aim and object had been to support abroad the high and honourable character of the British subject. He proposed the health, in highly complimentary terms, of John Brumley Moore, Esq., the chairman of the Dock Committee. Alderman JOHN BRAMLEY-MOORE then rose to reply, and was cordially received. He said that in his opinion he might with great propriety have permitted the music to pass instead of his troubling them with a speech. (No, no.) However he could not allow this opportunity to pass with out expressing to them how sensibly he felt the kind man ner in which they had been pleased to receive his name. (Cheers.) He felt great gratification in being present on such an occasion—and he felt that gratification the more sensibly because it was the launch of a noble vessel be longing to a country with which he was himself intimately connected. (Hear, hear.) From that launch, from the fact that such a vessel was built in the port of Liverpool, he might infer that there was a great desire on the part of his Brazilian Majesty to promote that peace with this country which had already done so much to promote the happiness and prosperity of both countries. (Cheers.) And he had no doubt but that those friendly and amicable relations would still subsist between the countries so long as such men as Admiral Grenfell and the Marquis of Lisboa represented that kingdom in this country. (Hear and cheers.) In conclusion, he would again thank them for their kindness to himself. (Cheers.) Alderman MOORE proposed success to the noble vessel just launched. (Drunk with all the honours.) The health of " Miss Greenfell, and that of the ladies present," having been duly honoured, the company sepa rated. LAUNCH OF THE WHITEHAVEN STEAM-SHIP. On Wednesday last there was launched, from the yard of Messrs. T. Vernon and Co., South-shore, a very fine iron steam-ship, named the Whitehaven, and intended to run between this port and Whitehaven, in conjunction with the steamer Queen, a vessel already highly celebrated for her qualities as an admirable and swift sea-boat. The Whitehaven was designed, or (in other words) modelled, by the gentleman from whose mould the Queen was con structed—our townsman Mr. John Grantham—and as it is generally adaitted that " experience makes perfect," we scarcely venture too much when we say that in this case, the modeller has, in all probability, surpassed himself. It is a questionable policy, on his part to furnish the form of one vessel for the same company, that shall beat his former sample. This is, howerer, a matter that rests amongst the parties themselves ; and we delight to do honour to that quality of our countrymen, which naturally gratified by one achievement, proceeds to one still more ennobling. This is the progressive force of genuine in tellect. The burthen of the Whitehaven is 550 tons, and her engines, constructed by the Butterley Iron Company, in Derbyshire, on the oscillating principle, are of 300 horse power and considered to be, by practical men, fine and efficient specimens of mechanism. She has a beautiful figure-head, and a stern correspondingly embellished. The launch was one of the most even and beautiful we have ever witnessed, and was hailed with loud acclama tions by a large assemblage who had gathered to the spot, distant as it was from the town, and notwithstanding the coldness of the day and the early hour ; for it is necessary, owing to the currents, to launch at this southern part of the estuary of our river some time before high water, which occurred on that day shortly after eleven o'clock. The vessel floated lightly and beautifully, realising all, in appearance and draught of water, that could he antici pated. After the launch, a large portion of the company par took of refreshments, a la foureheile, in the large room appropriated for drawing and modelling, on the premises —the more immediate friends of the builders and owners of the vessel. The health of Mrs. Bell, who had, in a spirited manner, given the vessel her name, was drunk with all the honours, and was feelingly responded to by her worthy husband, Mr. D. Bell, of Wavertree, who proposed the health and success of Messrs. T. Vernon and Co. the builders, of w h om , as f a ithf u l t ra d esmen , h e expressed his high commendation. Mr. VERNON, sen., modestly replied. This was the second iron ship they had built for the same proprietors, and he trusted she would turn out to be quite as successful as her predecessor, " The Queen." He alluded to the depressed state of affairs ; but seeing so delighted a com pany around him, could not but consider the day as one of brightness amongst the general gloom, and one from which they might augur the advent of happier commercial times. He hoped again to meet with such a company on a simi larly auspicious occasion ; and after passing a high com pliment on the owners of the new ship for their enter prise and perseverance, proposed the health of that com pany-. Mr. DowsoN replied in impressive terms. He stated that he had been agent for the company for twenty years ; thanked those present for their attendance, and lamented that one gentleman belonging to the firm, and who would have rejoiced to be present, was prevented by sickness. Mr. VERNON, sen., proposed the health of Mr. John Grantham, the marine architect of the ship, with whom he had enjoyed a long and pleasing acquaintance, and of whose professional skill and acquirements he entertained a high opinion. That gentleman had been honoured by the mo delling of a considerable number of vessels built in the s ame yard, which, he was happy to say, had given entire satisfaction. He passed a high eulogiutn on the character of the owners, whose cordial co-operation and friendship he h ad experienced throughout. He proposed the health of a gentleman who had, with great success, for two years com manded the Queen, launched from that yard, and who was appointed to navigate the new ship. No one, he felt assured, was better qualified for so responsible a duty than Captain Thompson. Capt. T. in returning thanks, paid a high compliment, in his sailor-like fashion, to the proposer of the toast. He said that when he first saw "The Queen," he consi dered her to be a vessel especially adapted, from her sharp appearance, to become the coffin of her crew ; but now, speaking not from theory, but from practice, (and after a service of 13 or 14 years with the company,) he could pro nounce her to be one of the best sea-boats in which be had ever sailed. The Whitehaven was nearly of the same form u the Queen, and he had no doubt but she would prove to be fully as swift. Mr. VERNON gave the health of his old and esteemed friend, Mr. Dowson, the Liverpool agent of the Company. Mr. D., in responding, said he and his friends had long done business with Messrs. Vernon, and on all occasions with mutual satisfaction. Mr. GRANTHAM proposed the health of those gentle men who had so largely promoted the interests of the Company in Whitehaven, and who were highly entitled to the utmost commendation—Messrs. Fisher and Stewart -1 the agents. Their sons, who happened to be present, and both most prOmising youths, would, he felt assured, con vey to them the warm feeling here evinced on the men tion of their names. Mr. CHARLES FISHER, of Whitehaven. modestly and neatly returned thanks, as the representative of the parties. Capt. THOMPSON, in giving the health of " The Ladies" who had honoured them with their company, preferred a high tribute to the whole sex, stating that during the late gale he had more of them as passengers—fearless and amiable—than gentlemen, and that without them the company might almost close. shop. The cheering at this toast was, if possible, more pro longed, on the part of the ladies especially, than all that had preceded it; and a good-humoured whisper ran, and was speedily taken up, that the fair patronizers of the launch were well aware that the captain was " a bachelor." Several other toasts supervened, and were ably, re plied to. It was stated that the cabins of the Whitehaven would be finished in polished mahogany, under the plan and superintendence of Mr. Vernon, jun., and Capt. Thomp son, and that the whole would be in perfect keeping, to surpass, if possible, the similar fittings of the far-famed Orion. We can but say, in conclusion, that, though the meeting was brief, the enthusiasm was great, and that the kindest reciprocal wishes were expressed for the success of the owners and builders of the Whitehaven, a vessel, which we entertain no doubt, will confer additional honour upon our port, from the elegance, adaptation, and fidelity of her construction. BIRKENHEAD COMMISSIONERS. There was an adjourned meeting of this board on Tues day evening. C. Bentham, Esq., in the chair. Mr. MALLABY thought it due to Mr. North and the bondholders, to endeavour to carry out practically the suggestion which had been made to the last meeting. He understood that suggestion to be, that a person should be appointed, competent and fully acquainted with accounts, to superintend the collection of all moneys received by the Commissioners ; to see that they were paid into some bank, in order to the final and just payment of the sums to the proper parties ; and as the Commissioners intended to deal justly and honestly with the bondholders, he thought they should at once proceed to the appointment of a competent person, and to name the bank. Mr. HIND proposed that Mr. J. B. Wilcox be appointed to perform the duties mentioned in Mr. North's letter of the 7th instant. After some discussion, the motion was put snd carried. Mr. MALLABY said it appeared to him that the matter had better be referred to a committee, to fix the salary, either monthly, half-yearly or at a certain rate per annum, so as to entitle them to three months' notice to dispense with his services. After some discussion,it was ultimately agreed that the tcmooantfteerr with ascertaintlht i ou m l w d rh. be North referred t hoe rrtht hoenret the ee appointment t a he F i iy o in bj a e n c c t Finance onfCommittee Wilcox, is being ec employed in other duties of a financial character connected with the Commissioners, and to report their opinion of the remuneration, to be fixed accordingly. Mr. MALLABY said he should most strenuously oppose any further burdens being placed upon the tenants of property in the township. He was of opinion that any additional tax for the purpose of paying the interest upon the bonds should be essentially a landlord's rate on all property in the township, productive and unprcductive, because the greatest portion of the debt by the township to the bondholders had been incurred in improvements, which had increased the value of the property of the landowners, and they ought to bear the burthen of it. This led to a considerable discussion, in which Mr. Thompson took an opposite view of the subject to that expressed by Mr. Mallaby, in the course of which, Mr. HIND stated that the value of land had increased 500 per cent., whilst household property had not increased more than 20 per cent. THE JOURNAL AND FINE -ART CRITICISM. We should never have alluded to the diatribes in the Journal, imputing to us and others the crime of having been supplied with critiques on pictures exhibited by the Liverpool Institution, but that our silence may be mis construed injuriously to a gentleman whose name has been mentioned in connection with the criticisms which have appeared in this paper upon the exhibitions of this and last year. We refer to Mr. Huggins, of this town, brother to the rising artist of the same name, , whose denial of the original imputation levelled against him is met by an assertion of the Journal, that a gentleman of " most unimpeachable veracity" has assured him that he can name " the time, place, and occasion of an under taking" of Mr. Huggins to supply us with " the sub stance of criticisms on the Liverpool Exhibition of last year." We certainly do not know or care who this gen tleman of " most unequivocal veracity," who has conde scended to play the part of jackal to our contemporary, may be ; but we must unequivocally deny that Mr. Hug gins ever wrote or dictated one line in our paper, against which the objection of the Journal will apply. We have asked his opinion, as we have asked those of others , upon the merits of paintings, upon which we have felt 'a distrust of our own judgment ; and upon one occasion last season, he furnished us in writing with his opinion of about half-a-dozen works by London artists, none of them being members of the Academy, or connected with him, to our knowledge. We treated the remarks in question as we should have treated verbal remarks only ; and adopted, as we have ever done, our own previous opinion, slightly modified perhaps, but not essentially. The critiques which have appeared in the STANDARD in the present year, and which the Journal says bear marks of being by the same hand as those of last year, cannot fail to bear such marks, both being written by ourselves. As to Mr. Huggins having anything to do with them, we don't think we ever spoke to him on the subject of paint ing this year, or saw him at the Exhibition. As to the same parties being noticed at length this year and last, it may be so, as we make it a point to bestow the greate t portion of our space upon native artists. Our contempo rary will not find that we havedeviated from this practice, District Rtius, On Sunday week, charcoal was used to warm Garstang church, as the stove pipes had not yet been fixed, the fumes produced such an effect on the congregation, flat several persons fainted, and the others retired when the minister proceeded to the vestry to take off his surplice. TARVIN HALL SCHOOL.—The examination of the pu pils educated at this establishment closed on Thursday week, with a most satisfactory result; and the juvenile concert and speeches in the evening afforded the greatest delight to a very numerous and most respectable party of visitors from Chester and the neighbouring district. A SIGN OF THE TIMES.—The late porter at the Royal Manchester Institution having recently died, an adver tisement was issued for an individual to act as porter there ; salary 16s. a-week. Upwards of four hundred written applications have been received in consequence, many of them from small tradesmen and others of re spectability. On Thursday morning, at an early hour, a fire broke out in a clothes shop occupied by Mr. Charles Healey, in Shudehill, Manchester. Unfortunately, a servant maid and a little girl of Mr. Healey's, aged 6, were burnt to death before assistance could be rendered. The shop is not much injured, but the whole of the furniture is de stroyed, and the premises, which belong to Mrs. Nevitt, of this town, are damaged to the extent of about £2OO. EXTRAORDINARY SUPERSTITION. — On Friday, Satur day, and Sunday week, two men, one of them named Baxter, confined themselves in a room at Rochdale, ob stinately refusing to take anything but water, saying that they should be translated to another world on Monday. When the day arrived, however, they found themselves yet remaining in this lower world, where they still are. One of them, it is said, gave up a good situation at a foundry, a few weeks ago, to prepare himself for the journey. The deluded men founded their convictions on the 12th chapter of St. Luke's Gospel. EMPLOYMENT IN LANCASHIRE. — We are glad to announce that there is still a considerable increase in the number of persons employed, both in Manchester and the neighbouring districts. Within the borough of Manchester the total number of hands employed full time last week was 26,496 ; in the present week, 26,902 ; the number working short time last week was 8,481 ; in the present week, 8,164. The number wholly out of employment last week, 9,228 ; in the present week, 9,141. Several of the mills in Oldham and other places are resuming work ; and there is the prospect, on the opening of the new year. of most of the factories throwing open their doors again. The feeling among all classes is much better than it was only a week ago. TnE "COTTON FAMINE."—Mr. Fielden has addressed a letter to the factory operatives exhorting them not to yield to their masters' entreaties for a modification of the ten hours' bill, With reference to a scarcity of cotton he says, " In the year 1847, the mills on the average have not worked eight hours per day, and the consumption of cotton has been only about 20,000 bales per week, against upwards of 30,000 bales per week in each of the years 1845 and 1846, when twelve hours were worked; and the stock in Liverpool, as reported on Saturday last, was only 365,660 bales against 420,310 bales in the corresponding week in 1846; that is, 54,640 bales less on Saturday last; and it cannot be disproved, that the increase of mills and ma chinery, since 1844, has been so great, that were they all brought into full action, more cotton would be consumed in 1845, or in 1846, when twelve hours were worked. Let these wiseacres, then, show, if they can, that the cotton famine would not be experienced next year, if they suc ceed in obtaining a repeal of the ten hours' bill, and that they, as well as you, would not be great sufferers by work ing either eleven or twelve hours per day." FORETHOUGHT AND SAGACITY OF RATS.—III cutting through an embankment in a field adjoining the river Lune the other day, for the formation of one of the cul verts rendered necessary by the passing of the North- Western Railway in that direction, the labourers met with between Islb. and 201 b. of eels, some quite fresh, and others in the last stage of putrefaction. They varied from a quarter to half a pound in weight, and consisted of the common silver-bellied, or river eel, and lilliputian specimens of the conger, or sea eel. The latter, of course, had come up with the tide. As teeth marks were visible on the heads of most of them, it was conjectured they had been destroyed in that way, and stored for winter provision, by some animal whose retreat was not far distant. This proved to be the case. On digging a little further out bounced a matronly rat, with seven half-grown young ones at her heels. The workmen gave chase, and ultimately succeeded in killing both mother and progeny, with a solitary exception, the trunk of a neighbouring tree affording an asylum to one of the family. The embankment is about 100 yards from the water's edge, so that it must have required considerable time and la bour on the part of the old rat to have dragged the eels thither.—Lancaster Guardian. A RICH BEGGAR. — Many of our readers residing in Chester, or who frequently visit the ancient city, will no doubt recollect an old woman, apparently paralytic, who was generally to be seen begging in the streets. She was dressed in a ragged blue coat, and wore a man's hat, that had, doubtless, weathered many a storm. Her name is Anne Price : she is of Welsh descent. Her age was about three score years and ten. She had pursued her calling in Chester for nearly twenty years past. On Mon day she was found in the street, having fallen in a fit of apoplexy. She was immediately removed to the Work house. The officials proceeded to the house where she had lived, or rather existed. Upon an entrance being ef fected, a scene presented itself almost beyond description. The lower room was completely filled with rags, bones, broken furniture, crockery, and filth. In some pillow cases, on which it is conjectured she laid her head at nights, were discovered sums of money, the greater portion in sovereigns of the present reign, which do not appear to have been at all used to the amount of about £220, in addition to which it has been discovered that she has had for several years £lOO to her credit in the bank of Messrs. Lloyd, at Wrexham, the interest of which she had re ceived regularly every three years. She is still in the workhouse, on a comfortable bed, fed on the fat of the land, little dreaming that it is at her own expense ! MURDER.—We have to record a shocking murder, at Captain Fold, near Oldham. On Saturday evening week, James Duckworth, an out-door labourer, residing at Heywood, was at the Dog and Partridge public-house. Captain Fold, when, being tipsy, he quarrelled with two men respecting some occurrences at a new house in the neighbourhood belonging to Richard Kay, Esq.; and Duckworth, who was the private watchman, was charged by some of the parties with having been the means of get ting them discharged sumo weeks . 6 .. Two of theta left. the house about the same time as Duckworth. Between eight and nine o'clock the same night, Duckworth was found groaning in the coach road leading to Mr. Kay's house, about 100 yards from the Dog and Partridge pub lic-house, and about 35 yards from the gates on the high way; he was lying on his face, bleeding from several wounds at the back of his head, and unable to speak. He was moved to the Dog and Partridge, where medical as sistance was procured, but he never spoke, and died at eight o'clock on Sunday morning. He was about 54 years of age, and has left a widow and several children, most of them grown up. Near where he was found in the, coach road was a leg, taken from a cart belonging to the land lord of the Dog and Partridge, which was saturated with blood, particularly the staple at one end of it. It is sup posed the wounds on the back of deceased's head had been inflicted with the cart leg. The deceased, when found, had both his hands in his breeches pockets. From foot marks near the spot, it was evident that more than one person was present at the time he was murdered. Informa tion was given of the circumstances at the county police station, Heywood, and Sergeant Priddon and another officer, assisted by other persons, went in search of the party with whom deceased had quarrelled at the public house, and who, it is said, left about the same time as Duckworth. About ten minutes past twelve o'clock the same night, the police went to the Farewell Inn, Castleton Moor, near the Blue Pits railway station, where they took into custody the two men with whom the deceased had quarrelled at the public-house. A CASE FOR LORD DENMAN.—In a small hamlet, not many miles from Bolton, lives a poor but honest man, a member of a sect of dissenters who have erected a small place of worship there. Old Tummy is laudably zealous in obtaining converts, and with an assiduity that would do credit to any clergyman, he is inviting his neighbours to attend divine service with him. Amongst the rest, Tummy set himself the task of persuading a notoriously profane character, who had so fa* set at defiance the laws of consanguinity and Lord Denu.an as to marry his own aunt. Tummy's perseverance at last prevailed, and toge ther they went. But judge of the man's surprise when the preacher took his text out of Proverbs—" Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways, and be wise." Things passed on very peaceably until the preacher re peated the words of the text, when an awfully threatening look was cast upon'Tummy. Presently, when describing various kinds of spiritual sluggards, the preacher began to address the words of the text to each character ; bang goes the man's elbow into Tummy's ribs. " Ugh !" re. plied he. A second and third re-application, with an in crease of force, made Tummy welcome, with unusual delight the close of the sermon. But things had not ended here; for no sooner had the two got out of the chapel and into the lane, than Tummy's highly offended friend attacked, and down with him. "Nea, devil ! aw'/ warm thy kettle ! wot has tha bin tellin yon chap aw abeawt me for ? does t'think aw'm gooin for t'come here to be made such a foo on by thee ?" In vain Tummy protested his innocence. " Tha's bin tellin him aw abeawt mi, aw tell thee, or else has cud th'chap loan as Iw'd wed my ant ? didn't he keep tellin mi for t'goo too hurl an' theear aw keard, bike a foo, as a wur, un aw th' foke gawpin un starin at mi ; but aw wish hoo'd bin thear hursel, hoo'd ha' warin'd booath parson mi thee too." The bystanders knowing the party, easily disco vered the nature of the mistake, and endeavoured to con vince the man of it. Whether they succeeded or not can not be said ; but he went off vowing and swearing he would " ne'er stick his yed into a Methody meetin' again.", —Bolton Chronicle. POTATOES.—We have no particular nostrum to offer as a cure for the potato disease, hut would merely direct at tention to the importance of some extra care in the pre servation of the seed. The potato has undoubtedly been blessed with a most singular hardihood of constitution, or it had by this time been extinct, or nearly so ; for what plant, or rather tuber, has endured so much abuse for so long a period as this root ? By abuse we mean premature sprouting, and the necessary exhaustion consequent upon this ; and in addition the accumulative evils arising front annual fermentation in pits; the latter process is, at least, unknown to the plant in its native regions. Lancashire, it is well known, is famed for the production of excellent potatoes •, and a neighbouring district called Wallasey in Wirrall has long been noted for very early potatoes, which find their vay into the Liverpool and Manchester markets at a period so early as would astonish folks at the southern part of this island, who have a much superior climate to deal with. The following is the system by which these early potatoes are produced ; there is no mystery about the affair, their plans are few, simple, and successful. With regard to the seed, they take as much care over it as the Arabians are said to do with their horses. Harold Littledale ' Esq., so celebrated for agri cultural improvements at Liscard, is the proprietor of a considerable tract of this potato ground, which is let out in small portions to industrious cottages. These, for the most part, keep their seed potatoes in their upper rooms, frequently spread beneath their beds, about three or four inches in thickness; fermentation being studiously avoided. The potatoes in this situation begin to sprout in Decem_ her; and in January many of them are planted, great care being taken not to rub out or injure the sprouts. When. the potatoes are breaking ground they are covered. as the market gardeners cover their early radishes, with a, soft, light kind of grass, which grows in the neighbourhood, and which is cut and dried for the purpose. They are un covered in fine days, and covered up in due time, whilst the soil is warm. The locality of these gardens is cer tainly most favourable for the purpose ; the soil is a dark kind of alluvium, dry and mellow, and slopes from a backing of very high ground, which wards off the northern blast, down to the river; the inclination being as great as that given to the roof of a cucumber frame. After their early potatoes are taken up the ground is cropped with broccoli, or the various greens, turnips, &c.—Gardeners' Chronicle. CORRESPONDENCE. EDUCATION. TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. SIR,—In your Standard of last Tuesday are contained speeches on education by three most distinguished indivi duals—Mr. Baron Alderson, the Lord Bishop of Chester, and our worthy chief magistrate, Thos. B. Horsfall, Esq.; and when we consider that these three may not impro perly be called the representatives of important portions of our great community, engaged in the church, at the bar, and in commerce, we might naturally expect great good to arise if their opinions were acted upon by those who have the management of schools. The opinions as expressed in those speeches evidently proceed from. deep thought, mature reflection, and a holy zeal to benefit our fellow-men, and expressed in such affectionate lan guage, that few, if any, could be found who could take upon themselves to deny, or even doubt their truth. Yet, strange as it may appear, there is very little effort made, compared with what there ought to be, to make things better in our town. It almost seems as though our local authorities had every other interest at heart but that which alone is capable of making the rising generation better members of society than the present are. It is no, longer doubted, that where ignorance is, there is wicked ness, and nothing but wickedness can be expected from it; and not to educate, is to foster ignorance. It is true, there are schools in town, and these schools are generally well attended. The Scriptures are taught in them, and much good is done by them. But still, thousands (I know it) in Liverpool, who ought to be at school, and who never were there, are at this moment ramblinc,r, in the streets. Now, I think, if the vast sums spent every year by the Corporation, in various ways, comparatively to little purpose, were applied to educational purposes, a great deal of good would be done, without which it would. be very unreasonable to expect less crime. Let me respectfully call the attention of our worthy chief magistrate to this subject, and assure him that if be would use his influence for the promotion of so desirable an object, his name would be thankfully remembered by future generations.—l am, Sir, your very obedient servant, E. S. Liverpool, 24th December, 1847. AMUSEMENTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS. However depressing to the spirits may be such a state of commercial affairs as that under which we labour at present, it would seem that the various caterers of amuse— ments for the season are determined at least to make an effort to dispel our vapours. For the juvenile portion of the community the enterprising lessee of the Theatre Royal, it will be seen, has provided a pantomime, full of spectacle, processions, tricks, and fun of every sort. The French company at the Amphitheatre give a series of morning performances, which will no doubt attract numbers of the rising generation to wonder at their fearless horennanship and great talent. Mr. Batty offers additional attractions at the Adelphi ; and the Liver also puts in its claims to a portion of the public support in this festive season. The Collegiate Institution has provided a series of thirty concerts, - at ei cheap rate, and the programmes of which are well selected. The Concert-hall in Lord Nelson-street will also have unusual attractions. Last night Mrs. H. Beale gave a concert in the Royal Assembly-rooms ; and everywhere preparations are being made to enable all who can enjoy it, to pass a " merry Christmas." We trust that the effort will be crowned with success. The repining and moping amongst us ought to remember that " care killed a cat," and that the best way to repair past misfortunes is to cheer up our spirits, and resolve to face the future with energy and a determination to triumph over the difficultieS with which we are surrounded. MENDELSSOHN'S " ELIJAH." Last Wednesday evening, the second performance or this grand work was given by the members of the Philhar monic Society, and the manner in which it was presented to the andience is calculated to raise a higher feeling of admiration, if possible, of the musical capabilities of the society, and prove that talent of a very high order does exist among our own townsmen, and that if more atten tion was given by the public to the delightful and elevat ing science of music, Liverpool would rank as the first musical town in the kingdom. Of the oratorio of " Elijah," when we say that we were delighted beyond measure, we believe that we only ex press the feelings of the audience assembled last Wednes day, who testified by their applause their appreciation of the heavenly work of the much lamented composer, and the spirited style in which it was performed. Indeed it was a musical treat of the highest order, one calculated to raise the listener above the world of common place things, and cause him to meditate on the wonders of the great ruler of the universe. _ _ _ At the commencement of the performance, as a tribute to the memory of the composer, the chorus " 0 happy and blest are they who•have endured, for though the body dies, the soul shall live for ever," from the oratorio of " St. Paul" was given with great effect. The introductory recitative was well delivered by Mr. Armstrong, who took the part of Elijah. The overture whl. follnivAd roftw.t.a_ ~,.....i- .....a.;* .... ki.. ;..,,...-......nt a l performers, and was a masterly piece of execution. The first chorus, " Help Lord ! wilt thou quite destroy us ?" was quite electrical. The recitative 'Ye people, rend your hearts and not your garments" was exquisitely de livered by Mr. Bishop, as Obadiah ; great taste and much study were evident in this piece. The air which followed " If with all your hearts you seek me truly," by the same gentleman, was sung sweetly, particularly the words ' Thus saith the Lord," rapturous applause followed, and many murmurs of " Beautiful, beautiful !" could be heard among the delighted audience. Miss Stott and Mr. Armstrong gave great satisfaction in the recitative and air, commencing with " What have Ito do with thee, 0 man of God." The quartet, " Cast thy burden upon the Lord,"by Miss Stott, Miss Parsons, Mr. Bishop, and Mr. Armstrong, was exquisitely sung; and the air, "Is not his word like a fire, ' by the_ latter gentleman, was executed in a masterly manner, and wag received with applause. At the termination of the first part of the oratorio, the last chorus was much applauded, and was repeated. The second part commenced with the air "Hear, Oh Is rael," by Miss Stott, which was a chaste piece of singing. The chorus which followed, and the recitative and chorus, " The Lord bath exalted thee from among the people ► " by Miss Parsons and Mr. Armst r o n g, was a perfect tre at to any lover of music. - Too niuch praise cannot be bestowed upon Mr. Arm strong for the artistical skill displayed in the air ' ," It is enough, 0 Lord ! now take away my life, for I am not better than piy fathers." The trio, by Miss Stott, Miss E. Stott, and Miss Par sons, " Lift thine eyes to the mountains, whence cometh help," was encored. The recitative, by Mr. Armstrong, ~ I go 111 T way in the strength of the Lord," was also re ceived with evident delight. Mr. Bishop's air, " Thee shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in their heavenly Father's realm," NM a perfect gem, and received with the highest applause. The choruses were sung with great precision and much expression. We seldom remember having heard better. Miss Stott and Miss Parsons both sang with much taste and feeling the parts given them. Both Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Bishop acquitted themselves admirably, the rich, mellow voice of the first gentleman being particularly noticed in some of the recitations. Altogether, it was a delightful performance ; and we hope it will not be long before the inhabitants of Liverpool whiVatnitbhd to hoes the oratorio of Elijah again. .:.,,...... r _ , tk Ptit -;:-, ( ?? j e 4".. - -kkt - t\ -(4\ C vitoA4--::1-0, 'i: 4 --,-,, • - t - =-1 - 7, - -/V4) (1 ,...-- 7 0 (zv1 P I tER ...:4 , A 11,7 ~'~ ~i L)