The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1838-11-16 00:00:00

There are at present 117 vessels building on the River Wear, stand near Sunderland, the average tonnage of which it is calculated will equal 250 tons. In consequence of the very great increase in the business of the customs of this port, the lords of the treasury have considerably increased the establishment as well as the salaries of the various officers.—Newcastle Journal. The Rev. Francis Philips Hume, A.B. has been presented to the perpetual curacy of Birch, near Manchester, vacant by the death of the Rev. Rowland Blayney. Patron, John bickenson, Esq . Major Cruttenden, of the Royal Artillery, who has been for some' time stationed in Manchester, has received a colonel's commission. LUNACY.—A commission of Lunacy sat on Tuesday, at Gray's inn Coffee-house, London, to inquire into the state of mind of Miss Louisa Ridge, a lady of fortune, whose friends reside near Yarmouth. The patient was haunted with a strange notion that Lord Prudhoe, who also she said went by the name of Neville, was desirous of marryiug her. Ample evidence was produced to prove her insanity, and a verdict given accordingly. LAW CHAtiiGES.—itisgenerally rumoured in Westminster Hall this morning, that, in consequence of the continued indisposition of Mr. Baron Bolland, a vavancy on the exche puer bench will shortly be announced, and that the Solicitor- General (Sir R. Rolfe) will he appointed the new judge. A Variety of rumours are also afloat as to who is to succeed Sir It. Rolfe as Solicitor-General. Several names are men tioned, but the prevailing opinion is that the office will be of fered to Mr. Sergeant Wilde. Another rumour is that Loid Plunket wishes to resign the Chancellorship of Ireland, and that he will he succeeded by Sir Juhn Campbell. the present Attorney-General. We give these rumours as we have heard them, without offering any opinion as to their probability. If, however, they should be well founded, there will be va cancies in the representation of Edinburgh and Penryn.— Tuesday's Standard. THU Ray. ARTHUR WILLtS.-A few weeks ago we had the pleasure to announce that the day pupils of Shrewsbury School had presented a gratifying tribute of respect to the Rev. Arthur Willis, on his retirement from the duties of that seminary, to the head mastership of Ludlow school. During the past week the boarders of the above-mentioned establish ment have forwarded to the rev. gentlemen a folio copy of Bagster's Polyglot Bible, in eight languages, most splendidly henna io Turkey morocco, having massive silver clasps and corners, elaborately chased and pierced. Inside the cover of the sacred volume is the following inscription:— A RTHURO WILLIS, M.A. Y I FIO REVEREND°, PR ALCIIPIOR I A MICISSIMO MAGNI AMORIS PA lIVUM TESTIMON HIM C. P. D. D. REG. SCHOL. SALOP. ALUM. M DCCCXX X V 111. QUANTA SOLERTLA EJL S FUER IT QUANTA MORUM SCA VITA S DIU Gli A TEQUE RECORDATURI. —Salopian Journal. There is not only an operative Conservative Association in existence at Darlington, but the other day upwards of a hun:irvd of its members were congregated upon a festive oc casion. This is at least evidence of a happy change in the manners and feelings of a community to which the reproach attaches of having, a few years ago, brutally assaulted the Earl of Tankerville, and destroyed that nobleman's carriage, merely because he chose to act upon his own honest convic tions in the discharge of his public duties in parliament. A council meeting was held yesterday, when Jos. Simpson, Esq., of Bock Lodge, was unanimously elected mayor for the ensuing year, and Messrs. Thos. Taylor, brewer; Thos. Reed. jun., bookseller; John Coull Carr, agent; and Thos. Speeding, shipowner, were re-elected aldermen; and Henry Morton, of Lambton, agent; Jos. Brown, M.D. ; and Win. S. Burn, M.D., were pitcltforked to the dignity of aldermen in the room of Messrs. Philip Laing, Atkin, and Hudsell, who have retired from the council and declined all further corporation honours.—Sunderland Beacon. MIIL A NCHOLY ACCIDENT. —It is with regret we record the following fatal accident to the Rev. W. G. Alaxwell, of Twvning House, Gloucestershire. The reverend gentleman, while pursuing the diversion of shooting, on Monday, in harbour Wood, on his own domain, was in the act of getting over a ditch, using his gun to facilitate his exertions in cross ing it, when, as is conjectured, a brier caught the trigger, and the whale contents of the piece were discharged into his right arm. His two keepers shortly afterwards passing that way, found their master stretched upon the ground weltering in his blood. He was conveyed home without loss of time, and a messenger despatched for Mr. Tate, surgeon, of Tewkes bury, who promptly attended, and, after a trifling delay, performed amputation of the limb; but the effusion of blood bad been so great, previous to the operation, tnat, notwith standing the most active stimulants were administered, this respected and highly-gifted gentleman sank and died from exhaustion within three hours afterwards. STEALING AN INF ANT.—A VOUDg woman, named Ellen Prescott, was brought up at the New Bailey on Monday last, charged with stealing an infant, under the following circurn stances:—Mary Roberts, the mother of the infant, which is only live weeks old, stated that site came from Chester, and was at the overseer's office on Friday, to ask for relief, mid while she was there, the prisoner came in, and told her they would put her in the New Bailey if she wanted any reliet; and she would get her a place, and find some one to nurse the child for her, if she were willing.. Witness assented to this, and went along with the prison er to the Crown and Cushion Inn, where a servant was wanted. The mistress was not in, and they then went to the Flower Pot public-house, where they stayed for two hours, and then went again to the Crown and Cushion. The prisoner said, her mother lived iu a yard near the Clown and Cushion, and she would nurse the child. The prisouer pointed to the house, and witness went into the Crown and Cushion, where she got the situation; but when she went out, the prisoner, whom she had left out side with the child and a bundle of clothes, was not to be found. John Hotly, a lodging-house keeper, stated, that the prisouer lodged with him, and brought the child on Friday afternoon, saying it was her uncle's, and its mother was dead, and its father had given her the clothes to pawu, to provide for it for a time. He thought it was not honestly come by, and went to her mother's, who lives in Pollard - - street, and who said the prisoner's tale as to its being her aunt's child was false.—Mr. Diggles said, the prisoner was found at a spirit vaults ; part of the clothes bad been pledged, hut some of them were found upon her.—Mr. Maude said it was a strange story; but the prisoner might be punished for stealing the clothes. She was committed fur trial.—Man- chester Guardian. ATeoctous tut nEe.—An atrocious murder was commi ted at Niort, on the 4th instant, by a young man named Gilbert, deaf and dumb, on the person of his aunt, with whom he resided. The unfortunate woman, named Devoir, had scolded him some days previously for several petty thefts which he had committed, and had threatened to give him up to the Genclarkerie; and from this circumstance be is sup posed to have" conceived the hatred that prompted him to the commission of his crime. The woman -Devoir slept in a ground-floor room with one of her daughters, and a young son in her bed, while another bed in the same room held Gilbert and her second son, a child : in a room above this slept her two eldest daughters. In the middle of the night, when all were fast asleep, Gilbert rose, lighted three candles, the better to see how to accomplish his purpose, fastened the doors of the room, and then with a shoemaker's knife stabbed his aunt several times in the face, shoulder, and side. Her daughter lying by her side received a deep wound, which is expected to prove mortal, in her chest, and the little boy was struck on the head. At the cries of the victims the young women up stairs rushed dos, - u, and tried to enter the room, but, from the door being fastened, were unable for some time to get in, and heard the murderer the meanwhile inflicting other wounds on their unfortunate mother. At length they burst the door open, when the young man rushed by the other into the street; and, on one of his cousins puttiug her head out of the window to call for assistance, he hurled a heavy stone at her head, and inflicted en it a deep and dangerous wooed. After this he made his, escape; and on the neigh bouts beiug roused, and medical assistance procured, it was found that the poor woman Devoir was perfectly dead, and had received no fewer than fourteen wounds in different parts of her body. Seven cutting-knives covered with blood, with which this barbarous deed had been committed, were scat tered about the floor of the room. No traces.of the murderer have since been discovered.—Galigneni's Messenger. TRINITY CHURCH, Suitewsnutty.--During the present year the chancel of this church has been enlarged at the ex pence of the Rev. Richard Scott, 8.D., of this town, and in the course of the past week the same munificence has caused the windows thereof to be filled with six figures of stained glass, the whole of which are surrounded by a rich border of a Grecian design. The lateral lights contain figures of the four evangelists. In the centre compartment are figures of St. Peter and St. Paul. The former has much gravity of expression, as if saying, " The end of all things is at hand." " Be subject one to another." He holds his symbol, the keys, in one hand, and a book in the other. St. Paul is rich in colouring, and commanding in attitude; keenness of penetra tints, and firmness of purpose, are depicted in his counteoauce. H e susia i n ,, hi s e mblem, a sword, in his left hand, his right being uplifted in the act of exhortation, and his ffoger point ing towards heaven, as to the " crown of righteeusuess." —lt is somewhat difficult to write in terms which shall fully express the beauty of the execution and drawing of these windows, without almost offending by a semblance of indelicate commendation. As elegant and perfect specimens, however, of art, they are unequalled, possessing as a whole an unity of parts, sobered by a propriety of choice 'and deli cute colouring in the respective *ornaments .and drapericis, that unquestionably render...Mr D. Evans, of Shrewsbury, the facile princeps of modern artists in the ancient mystery of glass staining, and at the same time it is to be desired they may long remain as a striking monument of individual spirit and individual taste. The additional enrichment of another of our churches must be highly gratifying to every Salopiau, and as our ecclesiastical edifices justly claim most especial admiration'from all those who visit them, and hold a pre-einiuence above those of any town in the kingdom, it is hoped the suitability of their purpose will not be lost sight of by those for whose particular accommodation they are intended. CHINESE DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND BOUSES.—In domes tic economy they are not surpassed by au y nation; there is no waste, no profusion in any branch: and the most trifling things are turned to advantage, and the very offals are re lished. Contentment reigns even among the wretched; they sit down to a meal censisting of a little willed grass and pota toes with cheerfulness, because they know no better. How ever poor, they are food of inviting . a passing stranger, and offering him a share of their meagre repast. Their dwellings vary much less than the extent of the empire would lead us to believe. Much depends on the materials which can be procured on the spot. Millions of people live in small mud hovels, where granite does not abound ; whilst in places where this is common, they are almost entirely composed of solid rock. 'They possess great skill in cutting and joining it, so that the seam is hardly visible. In the southern regions, the poorer classes live in huts made of kajan leaves. In woody districts the houses are generally built of planks. The foundations are not very deep, arid commonly con sist of granite. Bricks are made in great perfection by the Chinese. They join them together beautifully, so as to form triangles, squares, circles, figures of flowers, &c.; which gives the exterior a very finished appearence. It is a very general custom to raise a mud wall, and plaster it with bricks; but houses of that description are soon soaked through, and overthrown by gales. Brick houses are covered with thick ridges of tiles, with the convex part downwards, and the chinks by laying others athwart. The spars are round and flat : upon these they either put thin bricks. or square Wei, well joined with mortar, so as to admit no rain. The Chinese are a peculiar people, even in their mode of building. The hearth is one of the first parts they construct, but they forget to add a chimney. The interior of the houses of the poor is wretched enough, and such are by far the majority. They consist of one room, which serves the purposes of kitchen, sleeping apartment, parlour, .and stable; the flour n,,t being paved. In the cold regions a flue runs along the room, which serves as an oven for cooking the victuals, and warming• the apartment. The pigs lodge in the snuggest corners; and goats, asses. and colts, share the dwellings of their masters. Such are the hovels of the common peasantry. * * In ad ruing their rooms they are equally economical. A few pictures hung eround, occasionally a mirror, and a few grotesque drawings upon the white wall, are the most common ornaments. Lackered and polished wooden chairs, some tables, a couch, some painted or bickered screens, constitute the furniture. Mud houses are beau tifully pasted with paper. The floors, which are generally paved with bricks, are covered with excellent mats,or iu win ter with carpets or felt. The houses are crowded with inha bitants, who roust be content with a very little space. Eu ropeans could not live in such narrow holes, but China-men, feel very little inconvenience from them. No class is remark %We for cleanliness : and the houses appear worse than stables if beasts have their abode in them. The inhabitants of the City keep their dwellings in better order, and merchants and shopkeepers excel. in tastefully adorning their shops, and lay , . 'flir Out their wares; but there is nevertheless, with much show a want of neatness in the Utterlyr of the buildin.r. Qpvta, THEATRE-ROYAL, LIVERPOOL. FOR THE BENEPH OF R. KEAN, And positively his Last Appearance this Season, on which occasion be will perform the character of IticHAitn THE THIRD, as acted by him Eighteen. Nights, last season, at the Theatre Royal, Drury-lane. r HIS present FRIDAY, November 16. Shakspeare's Tragedy of RICHARD 111. Richard the Third Mr. Kean Henry the Sixth Mr. Gray Prince of Wales M rs. Tellet Earl of Richinoud....Mr. W. Howard Lord Mayor of London Mr. Baker Duke of Buckingham..... Mr. Chaplin Queen Elizabeth Miss Cleaver Duchess of York Mrs. Clarke Lady Anne Miss Faucit To conclude with the Melo-Drania, not acted this season, called T H E It ESE, THE ORPHAN OF GENEVA. Carwin Count de Morville Mr. W. H. Bland Fontaine Mr. Gray Mariette Miss Faucit The Public is respectfully informed that Mr. HENRY BETTY, Son of William Henry West Betty, Esq., cele brated in former years as the young-Roscius,is engaged for FIVE NIGHTS, and will make his first appearance here on MONDAY next, November 19, in the character of SELIM, in the revived Tragedy . of BARBAROSSA. in which his Father first acted on the London stage. On MONDAY next, November 19, will be revived the Tragedy of BARBAROSSA. Selitn, Mr. Henry Betty; Barbarossa, Mr. Stuart ; Otbman, Mr. Gray; Zaphtra, Miss Cleaver; Irene, Miss Faucit. Previous to the Tragedy, an INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS, written expressly for the occasion, will be spoken by Mr. W. H. Bland. To conclude with the Drama of WIILIAM TELL, compressed in three Act. William Tell, Mr. Stuart; Gesler, Mr. Gray; Michael, Mr. W. Howard; Emma, Miss Cleaver. UNDER THE IMMEDIATE PATRONAGE OF THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL THE MAYOR, H. HORNBY, ESQ. ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE. M 0 1:1 15 A i l i ;lAri 'Ft BENEFIT K F m B A R I Il i ,. I ff i , G ; l a pointed for the (MANAGER OF THE EQUESTRIAN DEPARTMENT,) On which occasion the Theatre be honoured with the presence of His Worship the MAYOR, Hugh Hornby Esq. Mr. H. feels great pleasure in being able to announce the First and Only Appearance this Season of MASTER AND MISS GINNETT, The celebrated Equestrians; and MR. BARRY. AS CLOWN TO THE CIECLE. First -Appearance of MASTER JOHN CLARKE, THE YouNG EQuKsrawl. Mr. H. has great pleasure in announcing that it •is his in tention, on the above evening, to bring forward the celebrated Magnificent Spectacle extraordinary, entitled • QUEEN ELIZABETH; OR, THE PRINCELY SPORTS op KENILWORTH CASTLE. Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester—M ADAME SER I_ E. In which she will introduce a Pas de Deux with Madame Pauline Wood, characteristic of the Earl's affection for Anny Robsart, and pourtraying his deception towards the Queen. Spring Miss Campbell. Autumn.. Miss Hengler. Summer—Master J. Heugler. Winter Mr. Brown. Master Richard Verney Mr. Wild. Earl of Essex Mons. Hengler. Sir Walter Raleigh.. —Mr. Hughes. Ladies of the Court of Queen Elizabeth ..Mesdames Twist, Hulse, Butler, Hope, &c. &c. Queen Elizabeth Mrs. HUGHES. Anny Robsart....... ..... Madamt Pauline Wood. PASTORAL BALLET OF THE SEASUNS. Whimsical Congratulatory Address to the Queen, by the Men of Coventry—Antique Dance in Commemoration of the Coquettes of the Danes, in the reign of King Ethelred. Grand Tableau by all the Characters, and the - whole beauti ful Stud of Spotted Horses. For further particulars see bills of the day, which may be be had at the Amphitheatre. TO ADVERTISERS AND SUBSCRIBERS. In - consequence of the recent alterations in the de spatch of the mail bags we find it necessary to go to press at twelve o'clock. This- arrangement will commence with our next publication. We have, therefore, to request our advertising friends to favour us with their orders at an early hour on Monday and Thursday. We cannot ensure the insertion of any advertisement, if sent to the office later than eight o'clock in the evening on each of those days. All other communications intended for insertion fitust reach us on Monday and Thursday morning. By the above arrangement we shall be enabled to sup ply the STANDARD at a much earlier hour than we can at present to most of our distant subscribers. We trust our advertising friends will perceive the necessity of forwarding their orders as early as practicable on the Mondays and Thursdays. Erb e ILibErpoot efrit'tanbarti. MEETING OF THE MASTER DRAPERS. FRIDAY MORNING, NOV. 16, 1838. The last number of the Norfolk Chronicle furnishes us with an additional pi oof of the value of Dennett's tockets, as a means of rescuing shipwrecked mariners from destruction. We quote the following paragraph from the above paper, in the hope that the attention of on nautical readers may be drawn to this important invention: " During the late heavy gales of wind the ship Princess Augusta, of London,..with.a cargo of hemp and linseed, came on shore southward of Southwold har bour, and afterwards was driven northward of the pier by the violence of the wind and sea. A communica tion was obtained at the first fire of one of Dennett's rockets, by Mr. Osborne, chief-officer of the Coast 'Guard ; almost immediately. afterwards all her masts went over the side. The crew 16 in number, were in a short time all safely landed. The rscket, in this case exhibited a great superiority over the mortar, as the latter could not possibly have been conveyed to the spot at least half an hour after the former had been brought to act ; a circumstance which in most cases of shipwreck is of vital importance, as a few moments delay may cause the loss of many lives. We understand that a subscription has been set on foot in this town to defray the expenses of a public ex hibition of Mr. Dennett's apparatus; and we trust that the publicity which will be thus given to this invalua ble means of safety in cases of shipwreck, will lead to its immediate and extensive adoption by the maritime interests of Liverpool. - THE ORANGE INSTITUTION.—We rejoice to find that our Protestant brethren in Ireland hare come to the resolution to revive the Orange Institution in that country. We look upon this determination as an omen for good—as a means of invigorating the cause of religion--- , as a source of effectual protection to the persecuted Protestant population of the sister island. The Roman Catholic inhabitants of Ireland are loud and incessant in their professions of nationality and attachment to -their country ; and it is extremely difficult to disbelieve such professions. It is but natural that a man, - no matter what his colour, or clinic, or caste, should love the land of his home and his fathers. But it must be acknowledged that the Pa pists of. Ireland adopt a very singular method of dis playing their antor patriw. Their habitual policy seems to be to drive the Protestant inhabitants out of the country. To accomplish this end they have re course to every species of brutal intimidation ; and, in very many instances, they do not even stop short of murder in order to secure their object. It is a fact that ' neither admits of contradiction or palliation that there exists an organised system of warfare against the Pro testant-population of that country—a warfare of the most exterminating character. It is no less notorious that the government of Ireland, under the administra tion of the Marquis of Normandy, has afforded the most • ample patronage to the enemies of British . influence in that distracted country, and the most culpable discouragement of Protestant ascendancy. That - such has bee'n 'the consistent and undeviating policy of Lord Normnanbv, notwithstanding his boasted impartiality, must be abundantly evident to every one who has bestowed any attention upon the proud and assuming bearing of the - Papists during the last four years. They make no secret of their superior in fluence with the government. Their priestly leaders enjoy every mark of attention from the constituted authorities. Their influence is paramount and undis puted. They claim the direct patronage of Lord Normanhy and his minions; and the claim is acknow ledged without the slightest constraint or reluctancy. They are enabled to proclaim their ascendancy without fear of contradiction. The Protestant clergy and laity, on the other hand, are depressed and trampled upon with impunity. Their lives and property seem to be held in no esteem whatever. Outrages against both are permitted without even the formality of an inquiry ; and it is only when murder, under the most aggravated circumstances', is superadded to personal violence, that the government interferes on behalf of the most loyal and devoted portion of the Irish popu. That such a state of things ought not to exist admits of no doubt. That the Protestants of Ireland should be devoted to a systematic course of pillage and slaughter, is a position which no sane man would think of justifying. That the clergy and laity of that profession should be consigned to a species of exter minating decimation, or the scarcely less enviable alternative of expatriation, i s a s t a t e o f i,bingswkeli we are sure no British subject would seek to extenuate. And that this is really the condition of the Irish Pro testants no one can possibly doubt. But what is the remedy ? How are we to look for something like an effectual protection to the Protestant interests of Ireland ? It is in vain to appeal to the present government. Its policy appears to lie in the dealing of "heavy blows" and "great discouragement" to Protestantism. It has allied itself with the Papist and Anti-British faction—the "aliens in creed and nation"—the besotted subjects of the See of Rome. What remedy can be proposed to meet the exigency of the case ? We know of none more likely to afford protection to the Protestants of Ireland than the re organisation of the Orange Institution. We confess that we cannot look upon the step which the Irish Orangemen have taken with any other than feelings of satisfaction. Their object is neither selfish nor secta rian. They do not seek for power to the prejudice of others. All that they look for is protection from vio lence and danger—from the corrupt and shameless, and we may add, the exclusive character of the policy pursued by the present government in Ireland. There are many lukewarm friends of Protestantism who object to the revival of the Orange Institution. We do not participate in their sentiments; and we fully respond to the language of our worthy contem • porary—the Morning Herald, in its replication to the Standard on this subject. The latter journal seems to doubt the expediency of the recent proceedings of the Irish Protestants. The Morning Herald very judiciously replies in the following language : " The Standard denies that it ' ever approved of the policy of the orange institution,' and in common justice we must give it the benefit of that disclaimer. Whether it approved of the policy or not, our impres sion certainly was, as we stated yesterday, that it had formerly given its support to the orange cause, when the Rev. Dr. Boyton was its most active leader in Ire land. We thought the Standard had more than once ascribed to orangeism the saving of Ireland in the re bellion of 1798. We must have been mistaken, though we well remember even the whig Globe, under the ad ministration of Lord Grey, describing the Irish orange men as the real friends of British connection in Ire land. That was about the time when the whigs de nounced O'Connell as the enemy of his country in the speech from the throne, and, of course, before the 'compact-alliance' of Lichfield House. "We spoke, yesterday, only of Grangeism in Ire land, where some defensive organisation of the sort seems absolutely necessary for the protection of the lives of Protestants against the plan of massacre in detail, of which Daniel's pattern county,' the blood sprinkled Tipperary, has of late afforded so many ex amples. We acknowledge the service which conser vative associations in this country have rendered to Protestant and constitutional principles. But conser vative associations in Ireland seem to afford no barrier whatever against the tide of Romish and "precursor" agitation lashing the foundations of all " Saxon in stitutions. " As long as the seditious ' green' is the rallying colour of the enemies of the British name and connec- tion, nothing can confront it so effectively as the spirit stirring orange,' associated as it is with so many glorious historical recollections. If peace' had been purchased for Ireland by the sacrifice of the orange institution, we should be the last to wish it recalled to life. But its dissolution has been followed by fiercer Romish agitation, and by more savage unrelenting persecution of Protestants than we ever heard of, ex cept in times of actual rebellion, and then the Pro- testants were not_so badly off as at present, for they had arms in their hands to . defend themselves. Re. cently, at a public meeting in Dublin, Professor Butt expressed himself in the most emphatic terms his regret • for having been one of those who advised the Orange institution to dissolve at the time of the modern " meal-tub plot," touching at the succession to the throne. Our files will show that we described the ad. vice given to the Irish Orangemen, at that time, mud] in the same terms that Professor Butt speaks of ii " Of what use is it to give the milk-and- water advice of a " prudent" forbearance to men whose peaceable demeanour only invites the knife or blunderbuss of the ferocipus assassin ? Let government. put down the profligate and disastrous agitation of O'Connell, for which the powers of the common law are amply suffi cient. Let precursors' and ribandmen,' and all who rally round the • green' ensign of civil and re ligious discord, be made to feel the constitutional au thority of the law—let Protestant life be protected by the vigilance and energy of an honest executive go vernment against .the ruffian violence cf the noon day murderer and the midnight assassin—and we will then join the Standard in deprecating the revival of the Orange institution." NEWFOUNDLAND &BRITISH NORTH AMERICA SOCIETY FOR EDUCATING THE POOR. Last evening, the annual meeting of the above society in „, Liverpool, haying for its object the education of the poor of all classes, in Newfoundland, was held in the Charitable Institution House, Slater-street, the Rev. J. H. Stewart in the chair, the Rev. Chancellor Itaikes being prevented by a severe cold from attending. The meeting was opened by a prayer, by the Rev. Mr. Carpenter. The CHAIRMAN having briefly opened the objects of the society, namely, educating the poor of Newfoundland, and to make them capable of reading the word of God, Mr. SANIUVL CONDER proceeded to address the meeting on behalf of the objects of the society, and to lay the de plorably ignorant state of Newfoundland before them. He divided his subject into four heads. The first of which was the necessity of the society; the second, the willingness of the people to receive instruction; third, that the instruction ought to be according to the precepts of the Bible; and fourth, the good which had already resulted from the labours of the society. He proceeded to establish these points seria tim. He described Newfoundland as an island larger than Ireland, and nearly as large as England, and as contri buting great wealth to this country. It bad an extent of fourteen thousand miles of coast, and this extent of country was peopled chiefly by emigrants from Ireland. It was one of the oldest English coloniis, having been in our possession 320 years. Yet in the whole of that extent of territory peo pled by oar own blood, before the establishment of this so ciety there had been only one school, containing 17 girls, who were taught to read out. of one Bible, which was lent from one to the other. The inhabitants were in a deplorable state of ignorance, and Popery, through the exertions of the Catholic priests, was making rapid strides there, from the want of Protestant clergymen. There was only one to about every 200 miles of coast. Many of the churches which had been built, from this cause were fallen into decay, and fish ermen might be seen mending their nets in them. But now, through the exertions of the society, 40 schools were esta blished there, in which 3,000 children had been taught, and where the unmutilated Bible was taught to them. The tuba.' bitants of the northern part of the island were chiefly Protes- tant; being peopled by emigrants from Dorsetshire and De vonshire. The inhabitants of the southern part were Roman Catholics, having emigrated front Ireland: 2,000 annually emigrated there from Waterford alone. He concluded with imploring the coutributions of the meeting in aid orthe ob- jects of the institution. The meeting was afterwards addressed by the Rev. W. Carpenter, Mr. Bulky, and other gentlemen, and several re solutions were passed, which will be found[in our advertizing columns. Thanks having been given to the chairman, a doxology was sung, and the meeting broke up soon after nine o'clock . LINES TO AN AFFECTIONATE WIFE, ABSENT IN IRELAND. How unfeeling this cold world seems To the desolate heart, and forlorn ! How dimly affection's eye beams, Of its object of lore when 'tie shorn ! Ah, Mary! believe me, I ne'er can feel blest, While I'm in ihe East set, and you in the West. The sun, when his blushes come on, Gives me joy; for before he'll take rest, ' He'll visit, -with smiles, the lov'd one, Who is pensively set its the \Vest ! Ah, Mary, my Mary, look on while he's bright, His splendour, like my love, will soon be in might. 111. But, sure there is hope for the heart, When encumber'd with sorrow and care? Hope, sought for, but vainly, by art, "l'is the genuine offspring of piay'r. Ah, Maly! dear Marv, my feet here find rest, For my prayer is in Heaven for you in the West. I V. Those "pledges of love" which adorn, And give pleasure to you, dearest wife; May piety deck their young moru, And support then thro' this weary life! Alt, Mary ! believe me, we ne'er can feel blest, While absent from God, and our Heavenly rest. Liverpool, November, 1838. W. A. H The treaty of commerce and navigation between France and Belgium has been ratified and exchanged; but, on account of its nature, it cannot be brought into execution until it has received the sanction of the legislatures of the two kingdoms. ALLEGED OUTRAGE AY SOLDIERS AT CHATHAAI.—An in quest was held at Chatham, on Wednesday, upon the body of a marine named Ross, who tiled of erysipelas, supervening upon a wound in the head, alleged to have been inflicted with a club by a soldier of the 67th Regiment, named John Con nell. According to the st.itetnlnt of three witnesses, six or seven marines were sitting in the tap-room of a public-house at Chatham, on Saturday week, when Parnell and about twenty other soldiers, of the 67th and 47th Regiments (ten of whom are in custody,) entered the house armed with sticks, and after some time Connell struck the deceased with a heavy club which he carried. A general row then commenced, in the course of which several of the marines were severely in jured. The witnesses, all of whom are connected with the public-house in question, swore positively that the marines gave no provocation whatever, and that Connell was the only party who struck the deceased. The inquiry was adjourned till Monday, that the body of the deceased might be opened, A further adjotirnnlPPt tat* 04C0 u Neaday, for additional qvidenve, A second meeting of the master drapers, &c., was held in the Clarendon-rooms on Wednesday night, for purposes con nected with the resolution come to by them on the 31st ult. There was a petty full attendance. Mr. Slater was called to the chair. The CHAIRMAN stated that they had previously had the pleasure of meeting with the view of attempting to curtail the hours of business, and they then passed a resolution to carry that object into effect, and appointed a committee to watch over the regulation. The committe had bestowed a great deal of labonr and attention on the charge entrusted to them; and he was happy to say that they had been in great . . . measure successful, niticli more so, in fact, than he had-anti cipated. He had to state, that all the trade, with the excep tion of two or three, had agreed to observe the regulation as to the hours of closing embodied in their resolution. This spoke well of the changewhich had taken place in the minds of the principals since the similar attempt which had been made some years ago—an attempt which was then unsucces ful. A deputation of the committee had called upon some of the dissentients—that were such, at least, last night—and he was enabled to state that four or five of them had come in. However they were called together in case of there remain ng any dissentients to the regulation, to take into considera- tion what steps they should adopt under that circumstance, more especially with respect to those two or three that refuse to come into the arrangement. He might mention that seve ral persons had sent in notes to him -and to the secretary, complaining that, although It iendly to the regulation adopted, their names had pat been inserted in the printed list, and this they thought unjust, as it would make them appear to the public as opposers of it. He said that they had to apologise fur such omissions, which had been inadverientlyi made, and assured the complainants that a correct list should be prepared and published. All persons, therefore, who wished their names to be inserted, were to send them in to the chair man or secretary. Mr. Balscon moved the first resolution, which was to the effect that the conduct of the principals who continued to act in opposition to the expressed feelings of the great body of their fellow-tradesmen, in refusing to close at the hour of eight o'clock, was highly reprehensible, inasmuch as, by keeping open their shops after the hour agreed to, they took an unfair advantage over those who closed at the stipulated time. He thought that experience would teach those that were obstinate, that there was a great deal of personal comfort to be gained by the employers, and no loss would he suffered by them, by closing their shops at an earlier hour. It appeared strange to him that persons could not see that the regulation was one calculated to benefit the employers as well as the employed. But in order to render it beneficial to some, it should be ob- served by all. (Hear, hear.) Mr. GIBSON seconded the resolution, in doing which, he observed that the conduct of the dissentients, few as they were, was such as to call for a vote of censure on them by the trade. He would advise them to do so, and to do it in such a manner as to show that they considered such conduct as personal to themselves. It had bee❑ said that they ought to endeavour to draw i❑ the opponents of their regulation by the cords of love: it had been tried, and the curds of love had been too weak. They (the dissentients) had been waited upon, not only by a deputation of the committee, but by a gentleman of high standing and respectability, who had ex postulated with them in the most friendly manner, but with out effect. The cords of love had no weight; and it was for the meeting to devise what means were to be taken in this exigency. He hoped, however, that whatever resolution was passed, they would pass it to show that they were displeased. 'rhe resolution was then put, and carried unanimously. Mr. BECKWITH observed that a❑ objection had been made to the majority by which the regulation was carried at the late meeting, that it was only one; hut he begged to state, that in the minority there voted, in many instances, the two partners of one firm, which was decidedly unfair. He might as well have brought all his children, his wife, and his ser vants to vote for his amendment. (Laughter.) If the fact which he had stated were taken into consideration, it must be allowed that the majority had been more than one. Mr. TAYLOR moved the second resolution, which proposed that an address should be prepared, calling upon the ladies, the press, and the public to exercise their powerful influence in inducing persons not to transact their business at the un fair houses, but at those which closed at the proper time. He remarked that the press was already o❑ their side, and he thought that the ladies of the town would also be. As to call ing on the public to suspend their encouragement of those chops which belonged to persons refusing to accede to the arrangement, that was a most important point, and he must beg leave to request their attention to a few remarks upon it. He could not think that any arguments were wanted to per suade that assembly to adopt the resolution, as they were all convinced by experience of its necessity. But as they were culling for public support, a few observations might be useful to justify their proceedings before the public. They were all aware that the interference of the community alone could make their exertions effectual, for if they, as recommended by that resolution, would withhold their support from those who would not join their brethren in that humane work, it would bring them, the dissentients, to accord with the gene- ral feeling" far sooner than any persuasion on their part could. The call on the public to withhold their support from those whc refused to maintain that laudable object, could not be viewed as an attempt to injure any of their fellow trades- men, for they were themselves giving up the same opportu nities of business as they were asking from them. They were ail equally as anxious of increasing their trade and ex tending their connexions as any of the non-conformists could be, and from experience they were satisfied that the hour fixed on was quite late enough for all purposes of business in our trade. They neither hoped, nor wished, that the public should continue to discountenance their fellow-tradesmen, when they complied with the majority of the trade. No valid objection against the arrangement now proposed could be offered, for the object was known to all. To say that the public accommodation required longer hours, was to say that u required every hour, for, if that plea was worth anything, it was strong enough to maintain the necessity of keeping open all night. From the good sense, and philanthropic feeling of the community, he had every reason to hope for their support. All perceived that the arrangement was not for the benefit of the emplo)ers, but for that of their assist ants. The masters were free to follow their inclinations at any time, but the assistants were not. Hitherto they had been occupied in their business many hours longer than any mechanic, however humble his employment in lite. Mr. M ASON seconded the resolution. Mr. BECKWITH said that if they wished to become the laugh ing -stocks of the whole town, they would give publicity to tuat resolution. Was there anything so ridiculous as to suppose that the ladies would take the interests of the shopkeepers into consideration? They would consult their own interests. (Hisses.) H iss as they liked, he maintained that ladies would make their purchases where they liked, and for their own ad vantage.—(Cheers, hisses, and some confusion.) The CHAIRMAN hoped that there would be no interruption, and that Mr. Beckwith would be allowed to proceed without annoyance. Mr. Becewrrn said that the interruption was no matter to him ; he was not to he put down by clamour. He asserted that ladies would consult their own convenience in preference to that of the tradesmen. Besides, there are ninny things wanted in a hurry; and did they think that purchasers would wait until they could obtain them at the shop of Mr. Woollright or Mr. Chidson, when they could obtain them anywhere else? It was a most ridiculous supposition, and the resolution was equally ridiculous. Mr. WHITE thought it a most important resolution, and begged leave to differ from Mr. Beckwith. (Mr. BECKWITH, " Oh, it's all right.") He always considered it to be a gene ral maxim, that the interests of the few should give place to . those of the many; and if be understood that maxim aright, it meant that if any large body met together and adopted a certain line of proceeding, involving no sacrifice of principle, it was the duty of the few to concur in the arrangement. He was touch gratified, on looking over the list, to find that the efforts of the committee had been attended with so much suc cess. It was too much to expect that, in so large a body, some rue individuals would not hold out. He hoped, however, that the gentlemen who had given their names to that ad dress, cotnprehending many of the highest and longest stand ing in the town, would not allow the perverseness of a few to cause them to abandon a good object. Every individual that held out was waging an impolitic and uncertain warfare. They had the feelings of the trade against them, and, uotwithstand iag what Mr. Beckwith had said, they had the ladies against them, and the whole body of the drapers' assistants; and if those combined influences did not bring them to, there was very little doubt that in a short time they would be starved into a surrender.—(Hear.) They might safely, therefore, leave the perverse few for a limited time to patronize the gas companies, and to the tender mercies of the light-fingered gentry of the town. Mr. URQUH ART thought the resolution an indiscreet one, inasmuch as it exercised a domination which they had no right to exercise. He was of opinion that if an address were issued to the ladies of Liverpool, showing them the bad phy sical and moral effects of excessive and long-continued la bour, it would be more efficacious iu securing their support in favour of the curtailment than would be the proposed means, and at the saute time less domineering and unrea sonable. Mr. FERGUSON, though in favour of the arrangement come to, weed with what h a d f a ll en f rom M r . Urquhart. The re solution was quite a milk and water thing. The press, it was granted, was on their aide, arid the ladies were invited to as sist them in carrying out their object by refraining from pur chasing at certain shops, and after a certain hour. Now, it was a well known fact, th a t f e w ladies—at least real ladies— went a shipping after ei g ht o ' c l oc k. The shops that kept open supplied servant maids and market women : and what would they care for the resolution ? They would laugh at it, if they ever heard of it, which was not en extremely likely thing. (" Hear, hear," from Mr. Beckwith.) He was quite confident that the resolution would be a piece of waste paper, and to pass it would be to throw away their time, In Man chester, another course had been adopted. Men had been engaged to stand at the doors of the shops that continued open after the regular hour, holding a placard which stated that " respectable people close their shops at eight o'clock." But the class of ladies that went out at night, did not care for that. Mr. TRIPP spoke in favour of the motion, and character ised the opposition as jesuitical and hypocritical. He thought there was nothing either laughable or ridiculous in supposing that the ladies, (who had shown their benevolence of heart in endeavouring to obtain the emancipation of the negroes, in getting up a bazaar in aid of the funds of the medical in stitution, in soliciting subscriptions for the erection of churches, and in a variety of other ways,) would now come forward and aid in carrying out the emancipation of an over worked class, by abstaining from purchasing after eight o'clock, and by recommending visitors at their houses, as well as their domestics, to abstain also. He said that they had op ponents of the most base and sordid kind to struggle with. (Cries of disapprobation.) Yes, he repeated, opponents of a base and sordid character; for when one man in a district refused to accede to the regulation, what could be his motive but to gain a very Sordid advantage over his neighbours ? ( Applause.) Mr. URQUHART here stood up to propose an amendment; but as he had previously spoken, and had then refused to move any amendment, the chairman decided that he was out of order, but suggested that it might be moved by some other person. Mr. COWPER then moved atlamendment, which proposed that an address should be prepared, showing the advantages of closing business at an early hour. and requesting the co operation of shopkeepers and the public in the attainment of the desired object. He thought that if there were a few people who differed from the majority, the very worst way in the world to effect a change in their sentiments or conduct was persecution. The amendment was seconded by Mr. PECK . Mr. WOOLLRIGHT thought the original motion shoUld not be lost sight of altogether. Perhaps it might be an modified, without taking away its spirit, as to embrace the views of all present. He was of opinion that the dissentients could have nothing but a sordid motive—a desire to take an unfair ad vantage of those who would close at an early hour, acd ought not the sense of the public to be taken thereupon ? One single person might he the means of preventing all the gen tlemen in the street front closing at the stipulated time. Mr. WHITE thougt it desirous that they should be unani mous, and therefore proposed a second amendment, to the effect that an address should be prepared, calling upon the press, the ladies, and the public to exercise their powerful influence in support of the regulation which had been ceme to, by affording encouragement to those shops which closed at eight o'clock, by making their purchases before that hour, and by recommending their dependants to do the same. Mr. RALPH seconded the amendment. After sonic furthercouversation, Mr. White agreed to with draw his motion in favour of the last amendment. The votes were then taken. About 10 or 12 held up their hands in favour of Mr. Cooper's amendment. Mr. White's was carried by a large majority. Mr. HUGHES moved a resolution, calling oa all classes of shopkeepers to close their shops at the same hour. Mr. LLOYD seconded the resolution, which was carried without a diseentiont voice, Mr, WooLRIGHT proposed the fourth resolution, which r411. 0 w 0 4 up the lea, 114 rnalv thot the *Fere crimmitttse • • should be empowered to call a public meeting of the whole body of tradesmen, for the Purpose of attempting to carry the foregoing resolution into effect. He said that the main argu ment of the dessentients among their own body was,that it was unfair to call upon them to close their shops, when those of their neighbours were open. He did not think the argu ment was worth much, seeing that tradesmen of a different class could have no influence upon the drapers, however long they remained open. The proposed object, however, was a very important, and he thought would be a beneficial, one. if it could be effected, the principal argument of the dissenti ents would be annihilated. Mr. JEFFERY seconded the resolution, and Mr. Pringle spoke in favour of it at considerable length. Carried unani• tnously. A vote of thanks was passed to the chairman, and the meet ing separated. CORRESPONDENCE. FALLACIES OF THE MERCURY. TO THE EDITOR OP THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. SlR,—Bring in the house of a radical friend of mine the other day, 1 chanced to take up the Liverpool Mercury, a thing which I had often done before but somehow I never could manage to get through an article; for, before I had read a dozen lines, an unaccountable drowsiness came over me, and if I continued it ten minutes, I was sure to fall fast asleep, dreaming of spinning-tops, cork jackets, floating baths, and so on. On this occasion, however, I cast my eyes on an article that both edified and amused me. It is written in rich mercurial style, and I think is beaded "Municipal Elec tions." The highly gifted Editor begins by informing his readers that he had not (as he some time ago promised them) given them a full, true, and particular account of the muni cipal elections throughout the country. The reason he gives for this is, that the accounts of these elections, given in the country journals, were so meagre as to render it impossible (after several attempts) to collect them. Now, to those who had seen a full, clear account of these elections in the con servative journals, this excuse must seem a strange one. It is for the benefit of such persons that I now write. It is my intention to inform them what the learned Editor means by the passage I have quoted shove; the simple English of which would be, that the spirit-stirring Editor of the Mer cury, always on the alert to give his readers a treat, bad souse six months since prepared a long article, commencing, " We have again to congratulate the reformers of England on the glorious victory they have obtained, on the glorious downfall of, &c. &c." This article was actually in type, and not only this, the names of all the corporate towns in England and Wales had been got in type too, with the names of the refor mers first. Nothing now remained but for the venerable Editor to steal the figures from some conservative journal; that is, if the returns were favourable. In due time the first of November comes, and the elections take place. Some week or fortnight after, he of the cork jacket, putting on his spectacles, glances over some good conservative journal, where he knows, from experience, he will get the best infor mation. One glance is enough. The old gentleman starts, takes off his specs., carefully wipes them, and puttilg them on, looks again; but the stubborn figures remain the same. " A conservative triumph, indeed," grunts the old man, with a sigh deep and long. "The article I have written can never be printed. No: we are shamefully beaten. I never can give these accounts in the Mercury, which has been wont to sing the triumph of our party." That this is the true mean ing of the passage, is clear from the solemn and mysterious one that follows. " There is in these elections," says the Editor, " cause for serious alarm." For once 1 agree with him. Yes, sir, to the craft of the Mercury—to the blood thirsty Papist—to the wily Socinian—to the treacherous infi del—to every enemy of England (whether they are her fo reign foes or her own bastard children)—these elections do indeed give great cause of alarm. But to the friends of order and constitutional law—to the lovers of truth and justice—to the champions of our glorious constitution in church and state—to every true son of England—they afford cause for much joy, gratitude, and encouraeement. I would say to all conservatives " onward." Then let your motto be, " for God and your country." You must succeed. England has once spoken, with a voice that made the Popish crew quail, and her Majesty's minister tremble in their seats. The Bri tish lion is awake, though not fully roused. Let our minis ters beware, or they may suffer the fate which nations some times award to traitors. I have neither time nor space to notice the other part at the Mercury's article. Indeed, if I had, it would be unnecessary, as it has appeared in that print after every election for the last ten years. I am, Sir, your's, &c. A LOYALIST. November 14th, 1838. SOUTH TOXTETH WARD. TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. Sts,—On reading the Liverpool Courier of the 14th instant I observed a letter from Mr. I. rancis Jordan, relative to the statement made by me, at a dinner given by the independent Conservative voters to T. M. Gladstone, Esq., for his manly and upright conduct in coming forward as a candidate to represent South 'roxteth Ward. I there observed, that the allusion made by me on that occasion, relative to the conduct of Mr. Jordan in intimidating a voter, was denied by him; but I am fortunately in a situation to wove, by Mr. Pearson, timber merchant, Saint James's-street, the gentleman who was present at the time Mr. Jordan made use of the language in question, that the words expressed by me on the above occasion, relative to his unprincipled conduct, were true. I should like to ascertain where Mr. Jordan obtained the name of the voter alluded to in his letter, for no name was ever mentioned by me at the time, conseqently Mr. Jordan admits that he niust have been on Mr. Tickle's premises at the same time I was, and that the above statement had been there made, or bow could he have jumped to the conclusion that that man was the voter; but a guilty conscience needs no acccuser. Now, Mr. Editor, had I not considered that Mr. Jordan was holding a high and responsible situation as a county magistrate, and another equally as important to our local government, viz, one of the common councillors for South Tnxteth Ward, I should not have considered that the illegal and unprincipled conduct he was guilty of worthy of my notice; but when I see persons clothed with power, their first duty ought to be to obey the laws, and not pervert them by stooping to party spirit, and forcing that spirit of intimida tion and threats which, were he a true conservative of the peace, his duty would have dictated to him other and better steps.-1 am, Mr. Editor, your obedient servant, GEORGE OXLEY. Park-street, Nov. 15th, 1838. TRADESMEN'S REFORM ASSOCIATION. WA RD EXPENSES. I—Everton rent, canvassers, printing, &c.....£40 2 6 2—Scotland ditto .... 38 3 4 3—Vauxhall .... 37 0 3 4—St. Paul's ditto s—Exchange ditto 6—Castle-street ditto 7—St. Peter's ditto B—Pitt-street ditto 9—Great George-street ditto 10—Rodney-street ditto [l—Abercromby ditto [2—Lime-street ditto 13—St. Ann's ditto 14—West Derby ditto .... 39 3 2 .... 32 0 6 .... 39 2 4 .... 32 2 4 .... 36 6 11 .... 31 ' 1 8 .... 55 8 2 .... 51 3 11 .... 39 2 8 .... 33 1 6 .... 25 2 8 s—South Toxteth ditto 6—North Tosteth ditto .... 36 1 4 .... 21 6 3 £586 9 6 Less subscriptions 346 0 0 £240 9 6 N.B.—The qualification for a ward chairman is £5 sub scription, committee-rnau £2, and canvasser Ll per annum. Having expended in the last severe municipal contest more than our receipts, it has become necessary to call upon the Tradesmen's Reform Association fund for assistance to the amount of £l5 per ward—syay, £24o—to cover immediate wants and claims. RECAPITULATION. Annual expenses Tradesmen's Reform Associa tion Expenses to cover the wards 240 0 0 £1357 6 6 The treasurer's accounts of the 9th instant have been adopted by the General Committee. The members are re quested to double their subscriptions. ESTIMATED POPULATION OF LIVERPOOL A census of the population of the parish of Liverpool (in eluding Everton, Edge-bill, and Toxteth,) Noy. 1838: Protestants (including Wesleyans) 172,748 Papists Dissenters Infidels • Unitarians (including Quakers) Jews 1,190 243,189 LIVERPOOL MECHANICS' INSTITUTION. LECTURES ON ASTRONOMY. On Saturday evening Mr. John Wallis delivered his sixth lecture. Owing to the refraction of the atmosphere, we do not see any celestial body in a direct line unless it be in the zenith, and for this reason astronomical observations are generally made when the orb is in that situation. Whenever we see the snn or moon rising, it is oval, on account of the density of the atmosphere near to the horizon, by which the lower limb is more magnified than the upper. Owing to this re fractive power of the atmosphere, we see the celestial bodies for a certain time before they rise and alter they set, the consequence of which is a much longer day than we other wise should have. This refraction is so variable, that it per plexes astronomers more than any other circumstance in astronomical calculations, as the atmosphere is more or less dense at different periods. When the air is humid the re fraction is great, and the distortion of course more. By means of parallax we arrive at the distance of objects, and the manner :n which this iii done is very simple indeed— nothing more than by a trigonometrical survey. Thus, if vie look at an object from two different places, we shall cause the object to make two different angles. Now what we mean by parallax is the angle which two lines subtend at a certain distance. It is evident that if we know the apparent mag nitude of a body and its apparent distance, we can get its true distance. We know the distance of the moon by paral lax to be 240,000 miles, and by a very simple process we thus find the diameter of the moon to be. in round numbers, 21,40 miles. A gentleman once called upon Herschel, and the conversation turning upon the subject of getting at the mag nitude of bodies by parallax, he, not knowing anything about astronomical science, said the thing was impossible. Now Herschel had a transit instrument, to which he had an ex cellent nudiometer fitted. He said to his friend, " Cut a piece of card of au} size, and take it to the bottom of my garden. and if 1 do not tell you its dimensions to a hair's breadth, I will give up the science of astronomy." A card was taken and placed at the bottom of the garden, the astro nomer not. knowing the t4ize of it. Herschel then, by means of his instruments, determined the size to a hair. The tnoon on the average appears of the same magnitude as the sun; therefore, as the parallax of the sun is only the 400th of the moon, the sun's diameter must lie 400 times as great as that of the moon. Owing to the distance of the sun, it is difficult to obtain its parallax, as its diameter only subtends the 200th part of a degree; but by watching the transit of the planet Venus, which was done in 1785 by Dr. Halley, we have been able to obtain it. Mr. Wallis then proceeded to explain, by means of his diagrams and other transparencies, the various modes by which the parallax is determined, but which would he unin telligible to our readers in the absence of the diagrams themselves. On Saturday Mr. W. terminated his course. On Wednesday evening next, Mr. R. B. Haydon, the celebrated and eccentric! painter, whose works are known wherever the fame of British art has travelled, and whose lectures at the Liver Theatre a few years ago excited such a strong sensation in the town, commences a course of lectures upon Painting. This course, we feel confident, will be well attended, as no man living is better qualified to do justice to his subject than Mr. Haydon. LIBERAL DONATIONS.—We have pleasure in announcing that Ralph Peters, Esq., of Southport, with his accustomed liberality, has again become a donor to the cbarities of our town, to which in the course of last week he has given the following suns; Infirmary, £5O; Northern Hospital, £3O Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, £3O; Dispensary, £25; Dist rict Provident, £25; Blue Coat Hospital , £ 25 ; Church of &noand Schoo's, ; pi.jo Arylcup, £'2o; Mooraeldo s . ChtPcqt ' • LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC SOIREE AT THE ROYAL INSTITUTION, COLQUIT•STREET. The first of these agreeable meetings for the present sea son, was held on Wednesday evening last. The attendance was even more numerous than on any of the soirees last sea son, and amongst the visitors were several of the principal families in the town, several members of the Town Couna, of the clergy, and of the bar. The ladies numerically kept pace with the "lords of creation," and contributed by their presence, great gaiety and liveliness to the scene. Promenading commencedas usual, through the different apartments, soon after seven o'clock,and continued till eight, when an adjournment took place to hear the lecture in the theatre of the institution; after the lecture there was a gene ral rush to the coffee rooms, where the refreshing beverage was plentifully provided for those who could insinuate them selves through the crowd to the tables. Promenading was then again resumed till the parties were wearied of it, and retired. Not much change was exhibited in the objects of attraction in the various rooms, but very judicious ar:angements were made for affording more room for the company, by the re moval of several bulky objects—as for instance, an immense stuffed seal, which occupied the centre of the zoological and entomological specimen room. In this room were hung two very beautiful paintings —portraits—by Vandyke, of exquisite finish and colouring, and also one by Bronzino, kindly lent by private individuals to grace the soiree. A number of books of drawings were also strewed about. A German globe, stuck on a pedestal, shewing the various hills, valleys, and rivers on the different continents, by having some soft material moulded on the surface, excited some attention. The chief attraction in this room, however, consisted in a very powerful electro-galvanic battery, which afforded a great deal of amusement in the physiognomical contortions which it produced in those who could muster courage suf ficient to seize the wires and have a shock. The curiosity of some of the ladies so far overcame their fears that several tried the experiment ; and their half-suppressed screen's and the haste in which they were to drop the wires, " like a hot potatoe " (as an Irishman would say,) excited great mer riment. Zlarge fish, made of gold-beater's skin, and filled with gas sufficient to make it float in the air, constituted the only other novelty exhibited in this room. In the top room, a great ntttnber of crayon drawings of statuary, &c., orna mented the walls. Amongst the new mineralogical specimens we observed a very beautiful block of petrified wood from New Holland. It was somewhat of the appearance of mar ble, but with the grain of the wood perfectly plain, so much so that unless felt it would be mistaken for a block of wood. There were also numerous specimens from the quarry at Stotton, in Cheshire, of the footmarks of extinct and un known animals, in relief on slabs of sandstone, which had been taken off layets of clay, which has at some distant period constituted that part of the earth's surface, and in which the footmarks of the animals had been imprinted. The arrangements in the passage hall of the various savage war like, and fishing implements, was also better than last season. These constituted the only material changes we observed. We now come to the lecture of the evening; ,but before a we give an account of that, we may be excused slight di gression on the object of lectures at the soiree, and what in our opinion constitutes their applicability or inapplicability. No doubt, the idea first entertained of holding these soirees was to have a scientific meeting; but to allow the chilliness (if we may be allowed the phrase) of science—its cold, pure intellectuality—to be enlivened and warmed by the cheerful • and social presence of the ladies, and by introducing this change from grave to gay to produce a most agreeable me lange,. This was no doubt a well-conceived arrangement for a meeting of such a character, and was offering a proper food to the intellectual and social refinement the individuals composing such a meeting might be supposed to have. But the all-attractive presence of the ladies soon drew there crowds of gentlemen, who, in their turn, no doubt, because loadstones to the ladies; and the meeting intended at first to be purely a scientific and polite conversatione, began to change its tone to that of a popular and fashionable meeting. Now with all due respect for the people, and also for the people who dub themselves or are dubbed "people of fashion," we do not think that with the mass of them, science, strictly speaking, is an acquisition which many of them possess, or a quality which many of them either understand or have any taste for. The question then arises, having a mixed auditors, assembled by far the major part of them, purely for amuse ment, whether dry science be the proper kind of intellectual food to offer them? We fancy not; and our fancy is con firmed by the facts of the many sleepy eyes, open counte nances, and restless figitiness which many exhibited at the lecture. Amongst the hundreds who attended the soiree on Wednesday evening, how many scientific folks were there? Were there twenty? We doubt it. Well then, when it is apparent that the audience is not a scientific one, does it not behove those who have the management of this affair, to change the intellectual food offered from one of pure science —from one of geology and "new red sand stone," to some general and interesting subject suited to the tastes of the auditory. There are scores of subjects both improving and generally interesting, connected with history, geography, literature, and what is always interesting to man—hirnseif, which might be made the basis of a popular set of lectures, without plunging an unprepared auditory over head and ears into the midst of technicalities which they never heard of before, or presenting before them the abstract conclusions of a science,the principin —the very rudiments of which, they have perhaps to learn We end our long digression with suggesting this hint to the managers of the soirees. The Theatre was quite filled, and also part of the gallery, to hear the lecture. Mr. Yates occupied the chair, and on rising to open the pen. ceedings, he said it had fallen to his lot to take the chair, owing to the absence of the President of the Royal Institution Influenced by the success which had attended the soirees o last winter, the committee had been induced to repeat them this season, upon the same principle as before, the whole being conducted under the same management—the manage ment of the committee of the Royal Institution, and the com mittee of the Literary and. Philosophical Society. Ile should not enlarge further on the advantages attending this descrip tion of conversationes, that subject having been dilated on be- fore. He might briefly advert to the services which bad been rendered to the Institution by these :milks, independent of the advantages which resulted from the union of kindred spi rits on subjects so important as those of literature and science. Thd substantial advantages to the Institution were, that the museum had been enlarged, and other beneficial purposes accomplished by the surplus fund, which was of considerable amount. The cast room had been newly arranged, a circum stance attended with some expense, and other improvements had been made which would not have taken place but for these soirees: so that in whatever point of view they looked upon them, they had reasen to congratulate themselves upon their success. . _ The admittance to the museum was now greatly facilitated by the regulations adopted. Proprietors of the institution and annual subscribers might introduce their friends at any time; and, with regard to lectures, a similar improvement had taken place in the facility of admission, so that it ap peared to him that that branch of the institution which had been held to have languished for a number of years, would now revive, so as to afford very great advantages to the inha bitants of this enlightened town. To the morning lectures, persons might be recommended by proprietors and annual subscribers. The lectures would be repeated in the evenings, and to these lectures the public at large were intended to be admitted upon the payment of Is. each. And, if cheapness could be au inducement to all classes to have recourse to literature and science, he thought they were holding out a lure to them, by cheapness of admission. He wculd not de tain them any longer. He trusted they would find in the course of the season a fund of delight and mental entertain ment. (Applause.) Ile begged to introduce to them the Rev. Thomas Dwyer, who would give them his lucubrations on geology, in connection with the geological antiquities recently found in the vicinity of the Hundred of Wirral. The diagrams and geological draughts which ware intended to illustrate the lecture, were furnished by Mr. Cunningham. The Rev. Mr. DwvErt then proceeded to read a lecture on geology. He commenced with alluding to the vestiges of dif ferent animals which have recently been found in the quar ries at Storton, in Cheshire. He then proceeded to give a description of the face of the county, the situation of the quarry, the commerce of the Mersey. bearing on its ample bosom vessels fron► every clime, and bound for every part of the world; and all that sort of thing; fora full description of which we refer our readers to Pigot's last Directory. The stratum of rock in Lancashire, trotter the surface, was com posed chiefly of new red sand stone. Under this we►e strata of coal and limestone, dipping at various depths. The quarry at Storton was composed of white sand stone; 30 feet below the surface was a seam of clay, which at one time had formed the surface of that part of the earth; and in this were the imprints of the feet of lizards and other reptiles, and the imprint of the feet of a remarkable animal now unknown. Each footstep bore the marks of four fing ers and a thumb; the footsteps were crossed after the manner of walking of a bear, and were twenty-two inches apart, which was about the width of the footstep of a cow, from which the size of the animal might be surmised. This stratum of clay had .been washed over by a large body of sand and water, which formed the sand-stone and retained the impression of the footsteps made in the clay, and which had therefore been preserved. This animal had been named the Chirothelittet, and had been supposed to be of the Kan garoo tribe. Mr. Dwyer illustrated h►s description by allu sion to the disagrams, and appeared perfectly au fait in the science which he was describing. Thanks were then given to the chairmen, and the auditors adjourned to coffee, with which delightful beverage they washed down the dust of geology. Promenading again com menced, and after a very agreeable evening the company began to separate at 10 o'clock. THE THEATRE ROYAL.—Mr. Kean has been playing his round of characters during the week at this theatre, and takes his benefit this evening, in the play of Richard 111. On Monday, Mr. Francis Shand was elected a member of the Dock Committee in the room of Mr. Robertson Glad stone, now a member of the Town-council. WELLING'S HOTEL—When people are from home, whe ther on business or recreation, they always look nut for a temporary residence where the comforts and conveniences of home are most likely to be provided. It is the atten tion paid to this inherent feeling in English bosoms that causes some of the hotels in 'Liverpool to be more exten sively pat ionized than others by the travellers who frequent our town. A creditable auxiliary to the establishments already in existence, has lately appeared under the ma nagement of a lady whose name gives it the title which is prefixed to this paragraph. The advertisemeut states that a spacious pleasure ground is attached to the premises, and when we mention that the mansion occupied by the late John Foster, Esq., and the adjacent land, have been appropriated to the public accommodation, it will be clear that there is no mistake in the description. e have heard the'attention of the hostess and her supernumeraries, the elegance and convenience of the apartments, and the cha racter of the wines, the eatables and other refreshments, greatly eulogised by commercial gentlemen, and the mode ration of the charges has excited, even amongst that expe rienced class, a high degree of astonishment. As good wines have the effect of increasing the number of customers, the rivals in trade of Mrs. Welling, we are sure, will not regret her location in Liverpool. " Hannay and Dietrichsen's Almanack, Astronomical Ephemeris, and Book of Gene-al Information for 1839.—We are positively at a loss for words to express our astonishment at the unparelleled comprehensiveness of the Alinanackjust published by Messrs. Hannay and Dietrichsen, for the ensu ing year. There is scarcely a subject in the usual routine of events to which we do not find reference in this book of WO pages, at the insigniffcant cost of 6d; a sum which positively can little more than cover the price of the paper. The bio graphical and chronological tables are exceedingly interest ing, particularly those for the present year. The tides, e clipses, &c. are duly noticed, and the progress of Encke's comet during the remainder of the present year, and Gain bares in 1839, are traced by diagrams of the heavens. We have the list of the royal households • the House of Lords, giving the titles of the Peers, the family name, the motto of the Peers, and dates of creation; the House of Commons is given twice, first alphabetically, secondly arranged by the places the members represent; the whole of the army list, giving the Officers' names alphabetically arranged, (a desi deratum long wanted) with the dates of Commission, and the appointment the officer holds; the navy list is given in like manner; the bankers, provincial and metropolitan; the corporation dignities; ambassadors and consuls; universi ties; the li s t of fairs throughout the kingdom is by far the best ever printed; and in short, as we have before observed, imformation upon every possible topic of interest is afforded to the public in this most useful pamphlet. Messrs. Hannay and Dictrichsen have certainly put all competition out of the field, for, we should say, it would be impossible for any other firm to produce a similar compilation at five times the cost."--r Morning Chronicle, Oct. 28. Published by the Proprietors, and sold at their warehouse, 63, Oxfordatreet, London; and by all Booksellers and Sta tioners in the kingdom. In 14iYorpol, by Smith, 24, Scot. 141141140 , .; • ' , THE SPEECHES, WRITINGS AND CORRESPOND ENCE OF TITUS O'FLAHERTY, ESQ. [The nature and object of the series of articles now com menced in the Liverpool Standard, will he better seen by and by, than I could here explain or describe to the leader. Suf fice it to say, they will constitute a melange, agreeable, at least, it is to be hoped, to the taste of the liberal party—that bright and honest party to which I am proud to belong, but which, 1 regret to admit, is rapidly diminishing, not in re spectability, because that it never possessed, but in numerical strength throughout the kingdom, or rather eitteendom! T. O'FLAHERTY.I November 14th. My London Political Correspondent writes me a long let ter to-day. H e says the folks talk and think of nothing there except the great conflict which is anticipated, as soon as Parliament re-assembles, between Durham, Melbourne, and Brougham, in the House of Lords. Brougham is represented as " panting for the fray." The latter noble and learned lord calls Durham the Tiger, Melbourne the Lion, and him self the Von Arnburg of the promised piece. Be that the caste or not, no doubt there will be a full house, and plenty of fun ! ' My Correspondent, who is a great reader and literary gos sip, apprizes me of two or three new works and publications, which have just appeared in the metropolis, and which he promises to send me in a few days. The first is No. lof the •• Whig Medical Gazette," published on Saturday last. The following is the advertised table of contents:— I. Lecture on the Digestion of Royal Dinners; on the Indolence, Lethargy, and other Evils they engender in Statesmen, &c. Delivered at the Medical Theatre, in Downing-street, by Professor Melbourne. 11. On the Use of Narcotics in Official Life; containing the result of several Experiments on the Author's Constitution. By Dr. Glenelg. 111. On the Use of Cosmetics in Ditto. By Dr. Palmer ston. IV. Singular Case of the alarming Effects of Fear on the Human Subject, namely, William Lamb, occa sioned by the receipt of a threatening Letter from his Agent and Cousin, George Lamb-ton, in Canada. Communicated by his Medical Attendant. V. Report of a remarkable Phvsiognomical Identity be tween the celebrated Comic Actor Liston, and a certain Irish Secretary. By Assistant-Surgeon Morpeth. VI. On the Anatomy of the Organ of Voice in the Feline Species, and the resemblance in Cadency occasion ally discovered in the Human. By R. L. Shed, of Greenwich Hospital. VIE. The Diseases and Treatment of the Joints of the Dorsal Extremity. By Dan O'Connell, Accoucheur of the Lying (in) Hospital, Dublin. VI 11. Observations on the dangerous Practices and. Recipes of Itinerant Quacks and Empirics. By Dr. Bow ring. IX. Report of a Case of Obliquity or Deception of Vision, wherein the Patient could not distinguish Black from White, when it suited his purpose. By Joseph Hume, Esq., late Surgeon in India, now A.S.S. and Physician to the Incurables. With a variety of other interesting Articles and Intelligence. The second work which he mentions is a New Annual, to be published in a few days, of which he has obtained an early copy. It contains twelve Portraits of the most eminent and unprincipled Whigs and Radicals of the present day. My Correspondent does not furnish me with the set list of literary contributions, but he says he has read and particularly ad mired the following ;—" Lines to my Darlin' Son, Mast Courtenay. By Datuel O'Connell, Esq."—" Ode to Sleep. By Lord Glenelg."—" I got in a Mess, by my Speech at Totness. A dolorous Ballad. By Lord J. Russell."—" Fare well to Cambridge. Written at the close of the late Regis tration Revision. By tke Right Hon. T. S. Rice."—" In teresting Anecdotes of a Watch Dog, the Ponto of Downing street. By Viscount Ebrington."—" Song, Oh! find me a Seat;' addressed to Mr. O'Connell. By William Ewart, Esq."—". Voltaire in Canonicals; or, Sacred Things turned into Farce. By Sidney Smith."—" Of the Comparative Dramatic Genius and Merit of Shakespear and the Author of Don Carlos. By Lord J. Russell."—" Wallace; a Mur derous Tragedy, or Tragedy Murdered. By Murder Young." " A new Canadian Boat Song, for three Voices, as sung by Messrs. Duncombe, Turton, and Gibbon Wakefield," &c. Sir John Campbell announces—" Selections from the Speeches of the Attorney-general in Edinburgh, szc., con taining all the Sneers, and reviling and traducing Remarks on the Peerage. Dedicated to Lady Sttatheden and her el dest Son." THE CORN LAWS.—" Arguments for the Abolition of the Corn Laws; wherein the Author demonstrates that the only way to perpetuate and increase the Tyranny of the Money PoWer in the State, is to annihilate the Counter-interest, that is, the Landed, or Agricultural. By Col. Peyronnet Thomp- LIVERPOOL MUNICIPAL ELECTION.—Now that the muni cipal struggle is well over, I will relate the following anec dote.—A proud Whig canvasser, in Exchange Ward, called upon a Conservative tradesman for his vote. Not receiving a satisfactory answer quite so quick as he desired, he said, " Sir, you must vote my way, or I shall withdraw my custom from your shop." " Your custom and you," retorted the Conservative, " are two contemptible things ;—walk out of my shop." Now, my object in repeating the above, is to as certain whether the reply quted is not libellous. Surely the man who calls a Whig, and a Whig canvasser, a thing, is open to a prosecution ! THE PARLIAMENTARY REGISTRATION. The radical journals published in Liverpool were a short time ago announcing, with a ludicrous and premature air of triumph, that the registration lists would exhibit a great ac cession of ten-pound householders, to the confusion of those who exercise the franchise by virtue of the freedom which they have acquired in the borough. Their cause for gratu lation will be found displayed in the subjoined comparative statement. Allo‘ving fur the votes lost since the revision by removal, death, and for the deductions to be made on ac count of repetition, there will not be more than thirteen thou sand remaining on the lists for the present year. BOROUGH OF LIVERPOOL. REGISTUR OF PARLIAMENTARY 'VOTERS. 1837. Housekeepers Freemen 1838. H oc se k eepe rs 10,591 z 13740 : 3,149 S 124 no 26 Freemen Less Housekeepers Ditto Freemen SUDDEN DEATH OF A POLICE-OFFICER.—On Tuesday afternoon, as police-officer 356, Tracey, was going to t h e north station to report himself unwell and unfit for duty, be fell down in a tit in Milton-street; he was carried home, hut before medical assistance could be obtained, he expired. ROBBERY FROM A DWELLING-HOUSE.--On Tuesday, silver plate to the value of £l5 was stolen from the house of Mr. Swainson, Oxford-street. In the morning, a boy had been there with some luggage, and was left alone in the passage adjoining the pantry for some time, and suspicion has fallen upon him. The police are in search of him. ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.—Mr. Hughes has announced his benefit for Monday evening next, the 19th inst., under the distinguished patronage of the Mayor. The bill of fare pos sesses more than usual attraction ' and will we hope bring to gether a numerous and fashionable audience, as well to do honour to our newly-elected chief magistrate, who intends to be present, as to reward the exertions of this distinguished gentleman. On Tuesday morning the sky presented the most beautiful, appearance of the aurora borealis I ever witnessed, the whole heaven to the north appearing at' one time as if it were co vered with blood. From two till three o'clock (the time the phenomenon was most brilliant) there was no cloud to be seen, save and except a large black and ominous looking one, due north, just above the horizon, and stretching from east to west, front behind which, ever and anon, shot up beautiful narrow white streaks of light, to the highest point of the hea vens, now changing to very broad streaks, and then dying away, succeeded by a large deep red cloud, gradually extend ing itself eastward, and eventually disappearing in that direc tion. At one time (half-past two o'clock) the whole sky was covered with the red appearance, behind which could be seen the white streaks of light in great numbers, shooting up and appearing like so many rockets. I never witnessed so mag nificent a display before; it was grand in the extreme, the morning so clear, too, adding to the beauty of the scene. Thinking, that probably such an early appearance of the Northern lights may denote a severe winter, or vice versa, I have presumed to acquaint you with the circumstance. The morning was very cold and it was freezing hard at the time. —Correspondent (J . the Courier. On Tuesday the anniversary dinner of the Herculaneum Pottery Friendly Society took place at Mr. Powell's, Jack son-street, Toxteth-park. Dinner on the table at three o'clock. This interesting annual fete has been celebrated for many years, and is connected with an object deserving successful imitation, being a sick club, supported by the work men at the pottery, Toxteth-park, assisted by their employ ers, for the relief of the sick among the operatives, and the benefit of their survivors. The present occasion was rendered more interesting by the presentation of a bust (designed by Mr. Jackson, residing near the manufactory, and executed by the workmen) of Mr. Ormandy, surgeon, Great George street, who has been for eight years the medical attendant upon the members of this society. This bust is well model led and finished, an excellent likeness, and very appropriately made of material such as is used in the manufacture of fine earthenware. Several gentlemen of the neighbourhood were present, who expressed their high approbation of the objects and usefulness of the society, amongst whom were Messrs. Thos. Case, Alex. Smith, T. M. Gladstone, the proprietors, and several others. R IVA La v.—The Liverpool radicals, it would seem, are fol lowing the example of the Irish Precursors in the collection of ; but it is questionable if the movements will not spoil the trades of both patties. We have noticed on the walls a bill to the following effect --" English Justice Rent! —The radical reformers of Liverpool respectfully inform the public that a large meeting will be held at the large room, at the bottom of Preston-street, Whitechapel, on Wednesday evening, the 14th instant, at eight o'clock precisely, for the purpose of making arrangements for the collection of a fund to be placed at the disposal of National Convention,' when every true radical is requested to attend, in order to co operate with their brother radicals in every part of the coun trv.—By order of the committee.—R. Todd, secretary."— We believe the owner of the room refused to allow the meet- ing to be held therein, and that it was subsequently proposed to take place on the waste piece of ground adjo►n►ng the French prison, Would not the prison itself suit the parties best? There is a law against vagrancy. CLOSING OF PAWNBROKERS ESTABLISHMENTS.—A few days ago a number of pawnbrokers of this town met together for the purpose of suggesting some plan for the suppression of thieving and pawning at improper hours. There are about 100 pawnbrokers in Liverpool, out of whom 70 of the most respectable have agreed to shut up their shops at seven o'clock in Winter, and eight in Summer, and not later than eleven o'clock on Saturday nights. A deputation was then agreed upon, and Mr. Critchley was appointed, out of their body, to communicate with Mr. Hall on the subject; and he, a few days ago, said he would communicate with the Mayor on the matter, and give his opinion in open court. Yesterday, Mr. Critchley attended at the Police-court, and Mr Hall said be had communicated with the Mayor on the subject, and they felt gratified that the Pawnbrokers had come forward to 'rake the proposition. He hoped those who had not assented to the rule of the majority, would do so. The magistrates had no hesitation in sanctioning and approv ing of the arrangements the majority of the pawnbrokers were about to make. The only thing to be careful of, was not to incommode the poorer classes; but that, he thought, would not be the case with the hours determined upon. He trusted that every respectable man in the trade would see the propriety of acquiescing in the rule. There was another proposition, sot to take in property from any very young person. On the whole, the magistrates felt exceedingly glad that the pawnbrokers should have come forward with the pro posal. Mr. Critchley said be had no doubt the pawnbrokers would be unanimous. The arrangement would not com mence until the Ist of December. The police will, in all probability, keep a sharp look-out after the non-conforming pawnbrokers. ACCID-UNT AT A COAL PIT.-011 Monday last, Abraham Bothwell, a coal-miner, of Shaw Crompton, aged 53 years, was accidentally killed in the coal-pit of Messrs. Milne, Tra. via, and Co., at Broadbent Moss, Oldham, by a fall from waggon ascending the main si9.ft, The unreortutu t to ff w i hal left a family. .