The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1854-03-07 00:00:00

Etberpoot tanbarb. FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. MONDAY MORNING THERE has been no lack of subjects for conversation in political circles during the last forty-eight hours, the budget of this evening forming the most fruitful of the whole. It would be idle to speculate ou that, seeing the telegraphic wire will convey its substance to you in the evening, and I only refer to the question for the purpose of indicating the tone of the clubs—Conservative and Reform—thereanent. Our estimates already are £3,000,000 in advance, without the consideration of a single penny towards the expense of the war, so that a pretty round sum must be raised by one means or another. It is said that Mr. GLADSTONE will this evening move, at once, that the Income Tax be raised to one shilling in the pound, or £5 instead of £3. Of all taxes it is the most available to a finance minister, as it goes with but little delay and charge into the Treasury; it is also essentially a war tax, though we have groaned under its infliction full many a year of peace. Another subject is the case of the soldiers' wives and families left behind ; the long residence of regiments of the line in towns throughout the United Kingdom, but especially in and about the metropolis, has led to matrimonial alliances to a very large extent ; the soldier, in many instances, merging into the quiet civilian, num bers being allowed to work several days a week at trades previously acquired. Hence the painful position of these women, some of them with half-a-dozen children. A plan for their provision is at present under consideration ; and though political economists will doubtless set it down as Utopian, there cannot be a question that, from its prompt and practical character, it will answer all ends in view. 'lt is the proposition of that great lawyer and eminent Conservative statesman, Lord St. LEONARDS (long known as Mr. SUGDEN). He suggests that the children be gathered together in little parties of five or six, and taken in charge by the well-to-do, and put out to lodge with worthy persons in the country. His lordship, whose country seat—a beautiful spot—is within a few miles of town, is willing to take the fatherly care of five children himself, which, he states, he can do at about £8 a year a head. Five times eight are forty. What is 40 a year ? A mere nothing to countless numbers of the upper clases ; I could mention in a breath a dozen names—take that exalted lady, Miss BURDETT COUTTS, as an example, who Could achieve this grand object, and never miss the money. There need not, therefore, be much grieving on this subject. A third topic for gossip is of another character, and I am of opinion means more than meets the eye. I refer to Lord PALMERSTON'S sudden demolition of the Metro politan Sewer Commission at a time when that body was contemplating the achievement of wonders, namely, the outlay of two or three millions of pounds sterling —when - they could get them—in the new draining of the metro polis, clarifying the Thames, and soforth ! But there is something below the surface here. One man in his time, we are told, plays many parts; EDWIN CHA.DWICK has enacted not a few in his fifty odd years ; has he anything to do with Lord PALMERSTON'S recent acts as regards the destruction of the Sewers Commission ? EDWIN . is at the Board of Health—head and front of it. The Board of Health is going to " drain" the metropolis ;—it may be in a double sense. A new building bill is likewise to come out under its auspices. So that Mr. CHADWICK, disliked by Sewer Commissioners, city and metropolitan,—deodo • rizers of ditch water, city and suburban, and other bodies, most potent in their way, will have an addition to pay and patronage, which he probably did not anticipate when he commenced his humble and arduous career in the almost • lowest line of London literature. Yet another subject, and I have done. Lord, JOHN • RUSSELL is a witch—say wizzard, for ;gender's sake—l 'mean one of that order of sprites, who keep the word of promise to the ear and break it to the hope. From the first, I told you all about the vaunted, the promised new Reform Bill. Pitiful as it is, the country is not to have it, and Birkenhead must " wait a wee" for a member. The fact is, there is a split in the Cabinet on this same bill; some for it, some against it; and some caring not a half penny for the measure. I believe among the latter class may be reckoned the public out of doors. The bill is vir tually abandoned,—absorbed by the question of war, and munitions of war. These give good colour, pretext for the withdrawal of the Reform Bill; had they not existed the real truth would have come out, and the coalition would have been broken up; but they hang together, and pro perly so at the present juncture. Meantime, the most casual observer of the conduct of the members of the Cabinet, not only to Cabinet questions, but to each other, as individuals, can plainly see that cordiality is not exten sively cultivated— or warmly. In spite of all the stir and bustle of warlike prepara tion that is now going on, not only in the metropolis, and all the naval ports and military depots of England, but over the whole of the three kingdoms, our pacific ministry still refuses to acknowledge either that we are at war, or that war is, as everyone else considers, inevitable. They still play the shuffling game of procrastination and delay, and resort to the most transparent manoeuvres to gain a little time—to push back the fatal day when the unmistakeable outbreak of hostilities shall compel them to look " grim-visaged war " full in the face, and they must either decide on a bold and manly course, or resign the guidance of this great nation into hands able and competent, and willing to carry it successful through the portentous crisis that is preparing for all Europe. Any sane and logical minds would have concluded, after the contemptuous rejection, by the CzAR, of the well-intended autograph missive of the EMPEROR of the FRENCH, that any further effort to chloroform the Russian Bear would have been—not to say useless—but simply ridiculous ; and yet the very last move of our sapient coalition is to send another address to St. Petersburg, asking, in the po litest terms that could be culled from the "Complete letter writer," that Russia would evacuate the Principalities on or before the 30th of April, and agree to settle all matters in dispute with Turkey amicably—before a county-court judge perhaps ! Why, have not these very terms been rejected over and over again, until the world was sick of hearing their eternal iteration ? Who suggested such a contemptible course can scarcely be doubted ; for even Lord JOHN RUSSELL declares his belief that the proposi tion will only meet the fate of its predecessors, and that, at the end of the next three weeks, we may expect to hear of our message being as cavalierly dismissed from St. Petersburg as our ambassador was a fortnight ago. We are only waiting to have our letter flung back with con tempt in our face ; and then, says the great little lord, " Her MAJESTY will be compelled to send down a message to both Houses of Parliament, to state that she is no longer in friendly relations with all the powers of Europe." It will be curious to see whether, even then, the courtly ABERDEEN will be able to shape his mouth to utter the ugly word "war" In the meantime, if we have not the thing in name, we have something very like the stern reality, and no doubt, as soon as the ice in the Baltic thoroughly breaks up, which will be about contempo raneous with our receipt of the CZAR'S refusal of our proposition, we shall commence aggressive operations there. The appointment of Sir CHAILLEE3 NAPIER to the command of the fleet is a sign that earnest is meant, or, even if it be not, that gallant and practical officer will very soon make it so. The speech of the EMPEROR of the FRENCH, at the opening of the Chambers, shows that we may confidently reckon on the sincere and thorough support of our neighbour and now ally, who is preparing to second us as efficiently in the North as he has already done in the East. At the same time it must be confessed that it is not wholly befitting England's honour, dignity, or interest, that she should be compelled to rely on any other power for being able to count with certainty on beating an enemy in waters so near home as the Baltic. In the Black Sea, or in the Mediterranean, it may pass ; our interests there are more remote, and are more shared by other powers ; we are not so largely bound to insure our own safety, by having it always within our ability to overmatch any or all the rest ; but the Baltic is next door to us, and it is a mortifying eonfession of weakness that we cannot " go in and win" single-handed, but must wait for the co-operation of a fleet which the mutability of human affairs, a caprice, a pique, an accident, ambition, interest, or fifty other incentives may, in a year, a month, or less, direct against ourselves, and in combination with Russia. This ought not to be, and in olden times it never was. The discussion of a private bill in either house of the legislature is about as dull and uninteresting an affair as can well be imagined ; and the Liverpool Improvement Bill, for a short time, at the commencement of business in the Commons on Thursday afternoon, formed no exception to the rule. It appears that a number of petitions against the measure have been presented to the House from divers merchants, manufacturers, and others of Birmingham ; f r om the directors of the Manchester Chamber of Com merce; from the Commercial Association of the same city. Mr. GEACTI, a smart man enough, and who has risen to what he is by his own talent and attention, moved the suspension of a standing order of the house, so that the h os tile petitions might be referred for consideratio n t o the committee on the Improvement Bthaill.— t Mr. WILSON PATTEN* objected to this, observing the standing order referred to was a most salutary one, for it demanded t be presented seven days before the that petitions mus 'ate bill, unless there were strong second reading of any be which he did not r eive reasons for a contrail P ractice, in the present instance with regard to the LiverpP:olclm provement Bill.—Mr. GEACH bowed to the opinion of Mr. bill goes on withr- WILSON PATTEN, so that your bill h as . I have described are ruption as far as petitions s c concerned. The fun of the thing that lion. members, and others about the house, who ou g ht to know something of the question, were at a loss to acco unt for the step Mr. 424 c 1( had taken, save in obedience t o the prayer of ofthe petitions. The I m p rove ment Bill will pass Govern ment is for it ; the rising importance of h Birkenhead, Increas e o f the trade of the Port of Liverpool, population and 80 forth, all call for every improvement t hat can be effected at almost any cost. I now keep sanita r y reflec tions entirely o u t of view ; but if only one half which is stated in Parliament and elsewhere, on that point, be true, then Liverpool ought to cry aloud for improvement and have it. The people who run down, or would run down the care of the Liverp oo l B oar d of Health, I suppose, know little about it; probably —nay, indeed, I know they do—base their aspersions on the former state of your town, which I am not now called upon to describe or vindicate ; but, thanks to that little local bill of yours, which excluded my old acquaintance EwDIN CHADWICK from all interference with the health or disease of Liver pool, matters of a sanitary character are in a pretty healthful state - pardon the apparent pleonasm—notwith standing what may be said to the contrary. Why, I can state for a fact, that the London Board of Health is starved in every way—money—intellect—energy well directed, save in a few examples—starved as compared with Liverpool. I see from a note before me, that Liverpool expends for its board, about £16,000 per annum; sustaining an intelli gent and efficient staff. How much does EDWIN CHAD WICK'S London Board of Health cost ? Put the one sum under the other and subtract. All this is known to Lord PALMERSTON, the best Home Secretary for practical pur poses—because he is prompt—we have had for many a long year. When I stated that the discussion of private bills in Lords and Commons is very uninteresting, two slight exceptions ought to have been taken. All private bills, however insignificant, are of importance to the pro moters ; and though not much noticed by the papers, are much cared for by the parties concerned, as is evidenced by their earnest and constant attendance. The other ex ception is, or rather was, with regard to railway bills. During the heat of the railway speculation, when GEORGE HUDSON could neither take a walk nor a drive, a mile or two in any part of England, without some needy "engineer or surveyor" dogging the " Railway King," . fancying that he was contemplating a new line in the district—during that period the House of Commons presented a most ani mated appearance, on the discussion of a railway bill. Gradients and gauges, broad and narrow, were debated as keenly as corn or currency. Why ? Private property was affected. " The wish was father to the thought" is a nice quota tion ; it was fully exemplified in the library and lobbies of the House of Commons on Tuesday evening, during the discussion of Mr. T. CHAMBERS'S excellent motion that a select committee be appointed to inquire into the existing state and rate of increase of conventual and monastic establishments in Great Britain and Ireland, and to report whether any, and, if any, what alterations were required in the law affecting these establishments. The honourable gentleman, in a speech fraught with rather startling facts, drawn from Roman Catholic sources, showed the ground for the inquiry. The Irish Romanist party in the House, and some of their friends out of it, before the hon. member had concluded his address, began to whisper " count out"—it was tried on. Mr. CHAM BERS continued keeping a house, and something more, notwithstanding that " tocsin of the soul, the dinner bell," had rung, and a count-out did not occur—Lord JOHN RUSSELL and Mr. MIA_LL, or Mi-eau, as the London milk sellers most properly announce and pronounce their hybrid beverage—milk and water—opposed the motion, Lord JOHN talking about non-interference with the education given " within these walls" (monasteries). No doubt the noble lord was so far right when he argued that, if we closed such places, the inmates would go to Belgium, and other places, and there seek the undisturbed opportunity of exercising those devotional feelings, or indulging in those active charities,which made " those ladies,whatever might be thought of their religious tenets, an ornament to their sex." Mi-eau' s remarks were not worth hearing. The whole debate was interesting enough, though stained with much error. The Roman Catholics, we are told, are grow ing with their growth—extending in influence—they in crease and multiply. There may, I have no doubt of it, be the number of monasteries, for men and women, Domi nicans, Franciscans, Augustinians, Grand Carmelites, Bare footed ditto ; friars of orders grey, white, and black, quoted by Mr. CHAMBERS—but Romanism, in spirit, has retro graded ever since the false and ambitious step, four years ago, resolved upon at the Vatican by Pio NONO, and the carrying out of which in England was intrusted to Car dinal WISEMAN, and crushed by that poor feeble measure called " The Ecclesiastical Titles Bill," a measure as pith less as was ever proposed by minister ; yet this pitiful instrument hushed the vaunting of the Papists. They are working hard, however, and collect vast sums of money, wrung from hard hands in all parts of the globe, and they may break out again—yea, will ! They mean it. They cannot help it. Malgri Lord JOHN RUSSELL and Mr. Mum. and Nonconformity, the grand motion was carried by a Protestant majority of 186 to a minority of 119. But the Roman Catholics are only " biding their time ;" they say so. I wonder if honourable members ever take a walk about the sunny hedge-rows within four or five miles of the metropolis ? Here and there they might meet with large and ancient-looking houses of sombre aspect, screened by the trembling poplar, windows all curtained—close as those of any monastery. The pedestrian wonders what these houses are meant for ; if it be a saint's day—and their name is legion,we all know— the organ strains of PERGOLESI, of BACH, of Rossixi— stabat mater—captivate the ear—soften the heart. The " Sounds which delight, And hurt not" the listener outside, roll on till vesper time. These houses are all Roman Catholic establishments. A good lesson in history was given to the young Princes of England the other day in their first visit to the Tower of London. There, by accident, let us leave the starched sentence of the Court newsman, merely setting forth that a visit was paid by the Sovereign, &c. I don't believe the royal children care much for the sight of jewels, even the crown jewels, as those in the Tower are denominated; it may be because they know not the value of their spark ling ; at all events, Colonel WYNDHAM, who has charge of the crown and sceptre, and all and,sundry other royal things, was not long detained in showing them. The regalia at the Tower don't look half so well as paste at the opera; there the latter does sparkle ! The " Bloody Tower," with all its fell records, roused the royal chil dren ; they afterwards looked into two or three rooms still standing, with names in sorrow, engraved an inch deep, of former inhabitants, bright in Heaven's page for all that. Lady JANE GREY, for example. The QUEEN and Prince ALBERT, and the princes and princesses went to see the armoury. There they staid a long time. Thousands upon thousands of guns and pistols of all sorts, from Arquebuse downwards, almost to the Mini 6 and Colt, were fused into one peaceful and incongruous mass, when the ancient for tress, a few years ago, was burnt nearly—thousands upon thousands still remain ; these attracted, more than all jewels of great price or " barbaric pearl," the attention of the visitors. The head gear, helmets—Roman tiles some of them—were examined minutely. The princes did not try them ; 'twas well : it is hazardous for those, who, as the royal children, have the right to roam, and the rare privilege to handle these thrilling reminiscences of chi valry. They are dangerous as practical playthings, for our friend the armourer may be necessarily not forthcoming, when most he is wanted. An inquisitive young French man, replete with genius—cleverness—took up one of ,hese same head-pieces, of which I am treating—one of "The very casques That did affright the air at Agincourt." Parley-vous put on the helm,—click ! click ! and he was nearly choked ; the visor fell, and all the power and inge nuity of the parties present could not get the Frenchman's head out of trouble until the blacksmith was sent for. The springs and locks were secret—very cunning, and very strong—and, though old, not rusty and most workable. After looking at all these things, the royal party ascended various towers and the battlements thereof, enjoying the glorious view and the " sniff," for it was a sunshiny and breezy day, especially up there. Her MAJESTY soon after left, and on Tower-hill, where men, considered " fause loons," lost their heads, was received by thousands of loyal subjects. After that the carriages were driven home to Buckingham Palace without note. Some time ago, I took notice of an order for obscene and other worse than worthless books for the "gold dig gings," which had been received in London ; how it was discussed with aversion at a literary evening meeting, and so forth. Every reader, possessing a well constituted mind, must be gratified on being informed, that even had the party, to whom the order was transmitted from Aus tralia, been inclined to comply with it —auri sacra fames —he could not. The police authorities—however silent the newspapers have been on the subject—have not been idle : they rooted, out waggon-loads deposited for secret publication in various parts of the metropolis—waggon loads of the obscene works. This has been done under the surveillance, instigation, it may be, of the Vice-Sup pression people. The sheets of the works after seizure were cut from top to bottom, and then cast into staining vats, the type being obliterated by the process. These sheets were afterwards converted into large posting bills, being pasted together as such things are. Not a book of the sort referred to can be procured at any price ! In fact the abominable trade is apparently defunct, neither plate nor type to be had. THE PRICE OF BREAD. TO THE EDITOR OP THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. Sin,—At the present time, when provisions of all sorts are so high in price, parties having but scanty incomes are necessarily induced to watch narrowly the state of the markets, and I for one have been an anxious inquirer as to the state of the markets for corn and flour. The obser vation I have made enables me to see that the wholesale rates of both those articles have fallen very considerably within the last month, but I have been unable to discover any reduction in the retail price of flour or bread. This is the more singular, from the fact, that the slightest rise was promptly followed—indeed, in some instances, anticipated —by a rise in the price of both bread and flour. Fair play is a jewel ; and, if we are to suffer from a rise in prices, surely we should not be precluded from all the advantages to be derived from their fall.—l am, Sir, A HOUSEHOLDER. Liverpool, 6th March, 1864. FIRES.—About six o'clock on Saturday evening, a beam under a room belonging to Mrs. Da vies' public-house, Union-street, was discovered to be i gn ited. The West of England engine and the reel from Temple-court were quickly on the spot, and the fire was soon extinguished. As the West of England engine and brigade were return ing from Union-street, they received information of a fire having broken out in a public-house, Maguire-street. They proceeded at once and found that the top room floor was almost entirely burnt, and the furniture Bre. damaged by water. Both the above fires occurred through beams running into the chimney.—About a quarter to nine the same evening a fire also happened on board the brig Robert Preston. The cabin was seriously damaged, and the cargo, which consisted of brandy, fortunately escaped. The reel from Temple-court, under Sergeant Holden, and the West of England engine, under Mr. Barrett, were quickly on the spot, and the fire was soon extinguished. A LITERARY CIIRIOSITY.—The following is a verbatim copy . of a letter, written in a tolerably neat hand, and received a day or two ago, by an emigration house in this town, fro m an intendin g e m i gran t :—" D ear s i r, i tock this opertunitay of senders a fa lines to you to infarm mee whin ther is a vesal goan to sideney and wat stearig pasag woud be and to send mee a rould of what i shaud ave fiting for the voiag south, as cloathing and previshon, as it may tack mee a fu days to get what iwhant or off theris one goan to milbburin befor theris to sidney iwould goa assoone ther as to sidney of inue the rates of the pasage and what it woud bee far theris 4 of hus goang out with the help of god. as Boone as we get a nanswer from you and i hoap you will send mee the hoal acount and pertic kelars of what ishoud do. theris a fu moar of ny neabours intends to go to. wheniget ananser back from you as soone as you send mee the hoal pertickulers as soon as we will get redey soneMOar Francis Quin, cattle Baler, COMMERCIAL 4 MONETARY NEWS MONDAY NIGHT. THE money market during the week has presented few features worthy of notice, the Funds being slightly affected by the increasing probability of war ; but, otherwise, prices have been fairly main tained, the great source of strength being the growing opinion that the preparations which are being carried on with such vigour will be effectual for the successful prosecution of hostilities. The bank returns in the London Gazette on Friday also possessed little interest. The stock of bullion had increased £32,852, and there was also an in crease both in the public and " other" deposits. For commercial purposes money has been in fair demand, but without any material alteration in the rate of discount. The amount of acceptances due on Saturday, the 4th of the month, was unprece deafly large, but everything passed off well. In the manufacturing markets business has been dull, but without any alteration of prices, except in some descriptions of Yarns, which have been about Id. per lb. lower. 4 Cloths of the better descriptions are also lower, owing chiefly to the diminished demand, the unsettled state of political affairs tending to discourage speculation. In the Lace and Hosiery trades some improvement has commenced, but the advance is not to any great extent. In the Woollen districts there appears to be no change. Prices remain steady, so that the trade may be considered in a satisfactory condition. The returns of the Board of Trade for the month ended the sth of February, show a decrease in the export trade amounting in the aggregate to 208,748. The falling off is, of course, attributed to the preparations for war ; but it must be evident that the maintenance of the spirit of last year was hardly probable. The decrease is on most of the more important items, the chief being Cotton Manufactures, £324,378 ; Metals, £83,399 ; Beer, £34,481; Cotton Yarn, £31,383 ; Woollen Manu factures, £25,331 ; Earthenware, £24,940 ; and Linen Manufactures, £12,957. Upon some few articles there appears an increase, the principal be ing Haberdashery, £128,812; Hardware, £35,447; Leather, £20,995 ; and Sationery, £14,561. The amount of foreign articles taken for home con sumption during the month also shows a falling off, with some few exceptions, as will be seen by the following : 1853. 1854. Wheat, quarters Other Grain Inaian Corn 95,925 .. 98,649 Flour and Meal, cwt 303,752 .. 847,880 Butter and Cheese, cwt 47,626 .. 53.922 Eggs, No. Cocoa, lb 352,578 .. 520,827 Coffee .... Sugar Tea, lb 4,403,962 .. 4,027,610 Rice, cwt. Spirits, gallons 456,032 .. 485,119 Wines, gallons Opium. lb 6,335 6,974 Tobacco, lb 2,662,435 .. 2,692,575 Currants, Figs, and Rai sins, cwt... . Spices, lb. Ditto. cwt. 22,461 .. 16,901 101,652 .. 427,920 307 .. 350 Of raw materials for manufactures, the compara tive imports and exports show a decrease in every article but Tallow : Flax, cwt. Imported. 1853. 1854. 69,348 36,824 _ Exported. 1853. 1854. Hemp, cwt 21,477 8,280 Raw Silk, lb 818,638 815,577 30,585 43,900 Cotton. cwt 398,301 317,023 36,547 44,184 Wool, lb Tallow, cwt 40,481 50,013 As regards the Shipping Trade, there were 1756 vessels employed in the Foreign trade, with a tonnage of 530,619 entered inwards ; of which 1498 were sailing vessels, with 448,668 tonnage, and 258 steam-vessels, with 81,951 tonnage ; whilst in the corresponding month of 1853 the number was 2261, with a tonnage of 457,154. There cleared outwards 1781 ships, 434,350 tonnage, of which 1536 were sailing vessels, with 347,200 ton nage, and 245 steam-vessels, with 87,150 tonnage ; whilst in the corresponding month of 1853 there were 1824 ships, 505,438 tonnage. In the Coasting Trade, 8196 vessels, 884,015 tonnage, entered inwards, 6959 being sailing ves sels, with 583,492 tonnage, and 1237 steam-ves sels, 300,523 tonnage ; and 10,059 ships, 1,060,237 tonnage, cleared outwards, of which 8822 were sailing vessels, with tonnage, and 1237 steam-vessels, 289,996 tonnage ; in the correspond ing month of 1853 the numbers were—ships 10,808, tonnage 1,085,015, and ships 10,611, ton nage 1,026,571. We give the following extract from Messrs. T. and H. LITTLEDALE and Co.'s monthly circular— " It is a great satisfaction to observe how little effect the present warlike position of affairs has on prices of Colonial and other Produce, and though operations are much curtailed, buyers and sellers appear to stand still by mutual consent : there is no pressure to realise, and little or nothing doing on speculation—operations are chiefly confined to the daily wants of the trade ; but such is the sound, healthy state of imports, that this tardy position of business excites no impatience or mistrust—the cause is evident, and the effect is quietly submitted to. "War between the Western Powers and the haughty Czar would now seem certain ; but yet, the madness of such a project, should Austria and Prussia stand firm to their present professions, almost forbids us to believe it possible—that one power hitherto considered the most politic and far seeing—not only pacific herself, but claim ing credit for compelling other nations to be so too— should now rush headlong into war against the whole of Europe, the five great powers being determinately and actively engaged in hostilities against her to the certain destruction of her commerce and her naval power—seems to admit of but one solution, that her despotic ruler is insane, or surely he will yet find a way , to escape the severe judgment that must otherwise most justly fall upon him." From Glasgow it is stated that the house of Dickson and Co., whose failure was announced on Saturday, was comparatively a new one. They were Australian merchants, and their difficulties are attributed to the heavy nature of their ship ments to Melbourne and Sydney. In some advices their liabilities, originally estimated at between £300,000 and £400,000, are said not to exceed £200,000. The directors of the General Screw Steam shipping Company are about to recommend to their shareholders the immediate abandonment of the Cape of Good Hope, Mauritius, Ceylon, and Cal cutta mail packet line, and the forfeiture of the contract with the Admiralty for carrying on this service. It appears that the present high price of fuel and the insufficiency of remuneration for the postal service, together with the refusal of the Admiralty to consent to any modification of the company's contract, are the chief reasons which have induced the directors to recommend that the operations of their steamers on this route should be at once brought to a termination. They have, however, consented to despatch the Propontis on the 14th instant from Southampton, and the voy age of this steamer will, it is understood, be the last one to be made to the Cape of Good Hope and Indian ports. Following upon the breaking up of this line, the company have determined to com mence an efficient steam communication with Australia, and have contracted with the Admiralty to provide an alternate monthly mail between Southampton, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. The ships will go direct to Melbourne, a smaller steamer, the Bosphorus, being employed in running to Adelaide, and, perhaps, to King George's Sound. Under the terms of this arrangement the remune ration of the company is dependent upon the postage earned by their steamers both outward, homeward, and intercolonial. The Queen of the South will be the first ship . to start, and is to leave on the 4th of April: It is very probable that a monthly line will be kept up. Our SHARE MARKET has continued inactive throughout the week, and prices have declined one or two per cent. all round. This is partly the result of a little over-speculation, induced by the scarcity of stock at the last settlement, to which however must be added some small amount of selling in apprehension of war and the war budget of this evening. The traffics continue most satis factory. We annex this day's prices :—Blackburn, 5 5-16 Caledonians, 27 71- ; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 661 * 6 I 1 ; Leeds Northern 131 ; London Stock, 1011 1001 1 fc 4 ; Sheffield Stock, 21.1 1' • Midland Stock, 6021211411-1; 11.1 ; North British, 8+; Dover Stock, 18 9-16 York, Newcastle and Berwick, 17. COTTON.—The demand from the trade has been but moderate during the week, and the sales have, in consequence, been limited, the account for the week up to Friday amounting to only 31,720 bales, of which 26,250 were taken by spinnera, and 5,470 on speculation and for export. The advices brought by the Pacific on Thursday, of an increase in price on the other side the Atlantic, had the effect of strengthening the market here, without, however, leading to any advance in value.—TO-DA.Y the sales amounted to between 5,000 and 6,000 bales, and the market closed firmly without any alteration in prices. The following is a comparison of the pre sent rates with those of the corresponding period of last year : 1853. 1854. New Orleans, middling— ...... 5 11-16 cl. 5 13-1 61 fair Uplands, middling 5 9-16 d. 511-16 d. fair PRODUCR.—The markets during the week have been comparatively quiet, Sugar has been in fair demand, at full prices. Coffee, dull. in WO little THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, AND GENERAL COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER doing. Tea, at previous rates. Palm Oil and Tallow rather lower.—To -DAY, the Sugar market has been quiet, and the only sales reported consist of 600 bags Madras, at 30s. 9d. ; 35 hhds. Cuba and Porto Rico, at 355. to 365. 9d. ; and 130 boxes damaged Hayana, at 21s. 6d. for yellow, and 245. per cwt. for white. Nothing has taken place in Molasses, Rum, or Coffee. The sales of Tea are small, but there is considerable inquiry for common Congou under ls. ld. per lb. Of Rice, 500 bags Madras have been sold at 13s. 9d. to 14s. 3d. for Barley grain, and at 15s. 3d. to 15s. 6d. per cwt. for pinky. We have also to notice 50 bales Bombay Hemp, at £26 10s. ; and 130 tons Cam peachy Logwood, at £8 ss. per ton. WooL.—The transactions are so meagre this week that there is very little to report, and the trade indeed is almost at a stand still. Manufacturers are only buying just to supply their immediate wants, and dealers do not seem inclined to increase their stock in the present unsettled state of affairs ; sales are consequently very difficult to make, and for most kinds prices have given way ld to id per lb. Had it not been for the late government con tracts for army clothing, &c., there would have been a general dulness throughout the trade ; but they have tended to keep up the prices of short stapled clothing wools, which are now rather scarce ; with this exception stocks of all descrip tion are very plentiful. The London sales closed on Saturday, and during the last fortnight there has been a gradual decline from the opening prices, on some long and ill-conditioned sorts as much as 21d. per lb., but the general average of decline is about 11d. The total quantity offered was 54,000 bales. Imports for the week, 1,939 bales, viz., 1,515 from the Mediterranean ports, 296 East India, 34 Lisbon, 8 Peruvian, 13 Irish, 63 Scotch, and 10 coastwise. MESSES. WM. GREIAIB AND Co. in their monthly circular say : The transactions for the past month have again been on a very moderate scale, without any material alteration in prices. Considerable orders have been given out for clothing both for the army and navy, and medium qualities of wool suitable for these goods have in consequence been more inquired for; but the present inauspicious aspect of political affairs, coupled with the high prices of provisions of every description, continues to have an unfavourable effect on the market generally. East India wools, of which the imports are again considerable, continue to be in great favour; there is an active demand, and prices are fully maintained. Good long stapled wools—such as Egyptian, Turkey, Oporto, &c., are all in good request ' • but for the lower qualities—Barbary, Crimea, burry and heavy Buenos Ayres, &c., there is no demand, and prices are almost nominal. English and Irish combing wools have also been very heavy of sale, and, with the exception of bright haired medium qualities, prices must again be quoted rather lower. The public sales of Australian wools, which commenced in London on the 9th ult. will close on the 4th inst.; there has been a good attendance of the trade, and, up to this time, the opening prices have been pretty well supported. Messrs. JOSEPH ROBINSON and Co. say Notwithstanding the expectation of immediate hostility with Russia, the Wool market has fully sustained the buoyancy alluded to in the first month of the year. In the districts of manufacture a large consumption is still going on in low foreign Wools, in nearly all the branches in which they are used, and few complaints are made of want of orders ; the portion of the trade the most de pressed are the worsted spinners, owing to their almost entire dependence on a large export of Yarns, which has been sometime wanting, causing a considerable quantity of machinery to be either standing, or working short time; otherwise the trade of the country is healthy, and prices of all classes, with the exception of English, are firmly maintained. The auction sales that have been progressing in London last month have certainly been a drawback to business here ; however, the transactions are to a fair extent. LABOUR MOVEMENT. MEETING OF THE SHOEMAKERS OF LIVERPOOL. YESTERDAY forenoon (being St. Monday with the trade), a meeting of journeymen shoemakers of the town was held at the Concert Hall, for the purpose of extending their trades' union, and advocating the extension of a sick and burial fund in connexion with such societies through out the country. The Hall was not half-filled. About half-an-hour after the time announced for the commence ment of the proceedings, Mr. SINNOTT was called to the chain He explained the object of the meeting to be to consider the best means of furthering a more complete organization of their trade,and extending the power and influence of the union through out the country, by establishing a sick and burial society in connexion with it. The last time that they had met in that hall was to organize, so that they might get an increase of wages. In that he was glad to say that they had succeeded, and their object now should be to pat themselves in a position to prevent those wages being reduced. (Applause.) Many parties had left their society, thinking that, for the payment they made, something should be allowed in cases of sickness and death. Mr. DONOVAN was then called upnn to move the first resolution, which was, "That in the opinion of this meeting it is the interest of every journeyman boot and shoe maker to enrol himself a member of a trade society; and it is further of opinion that the only security we possess is in a general organisation of our trade." He said, to show the necessity of organization, he need only call attention to the admitted fact that some of their trade were the worst-paid class in the country; and they might rest assured that, if they rested on their own resources and did not join the society, they would fall considerably lower. It was a duty they owed to themselves, their families, and the general good, to come forward at once, for whilst the other trades of the country were progressing, they surely should not retrograde. Mr. RICHARDSON seconded the resolution in a very poetical speech. The labourer, he said, was worthy of his hire, and that maxim was certainly not fulfilled when an industrious and honest shoemaker might labour from morning to night, and not earn sufficient for his sub sistence and the education of his children. The masters sought their own interests, and why should not the men seek theirs ? The masters sought to undersell each other at the expense of industry. (Applause.) The Chairman then put the resolution to the meeting, when it was carried unanimously. Mr. LEWIN moved the second resolution, which was declaratory of the expediency of introducing a sick fund throughout the entire trade. - To show the value of a sick fund in connexion with a trades' union, he adduced' the instance of one in connexion with their own (central trade society) in the town. The societies at the out-dis tricts did not adopt the principle of a sick fund, and the con sequence was that the members had left, and the societies were languishing. The low grade that journeymen shoemakers were brought to in this town was not the mas ters' fault, but to the want of union among themselves, and it was doing an injustice to those masters who would pay the fair wages if they did not unite. In the north district, last week, there had been some dispute, in which the men obtained the advantage, from their determination and union. In his experience, wherever in any town the trade society had been stable, it had been the sick fund which had made it stable. (Applause.) At Norwich there was no society, and young boys and girls were set to work almost as soon as they could walk, and they were paid for the single pairs of shoes that were made but by the dozen. (Laughter.) Those shoes found their way to the mercer's shops, where they sold for 3s. 6d. each, and were of such inferior quality that they would actually burst in trying on. This would show how the public were imposed upon, and how the journeymen shoemakers suffered from their want of union. He begged to move—" That, in order to guard against the casualties of our nature, it is necessary to establish a general sick fund, and this meeting pledges itself to use every exertion for that purpose." Mr. Triontsox seconded the resolution. To show the advantages of the sick fund in connexion with the trade society, he instanced, also, the society in the central dis trict. There they paid one shilling every four weeks ; sixpence of that went to support the sick, twopence to bury the dead; £5. was paid on the death of a man, and £3. a woman; and 6s. a week was paid to any man who might fall sick. There was another society, unattached, but still in some connexion with it, by which, when they were sick, they might double the 6s. and get 12s. This sick and burial fund had wrought well, and they had found it to combine the men remarkably together. There was one feature of the society that he might mention. They were 16Q strong, sometimes less, but he never knew a man attached to that society, or his family, who had ever applied to the public or parish for relief. (Loud applause.) The es. was only paid in full to the sick for eight weeks. They had, however, an old member who fell sick when he was eighty years of age. He had ex hausted the time of benefit. As he had always been a good member, the society resolved to give some assistance, but rather than infringe their rules, they raised a subscription, and there was hardly a week till that member died that he did not get 10s. a week. (Applause.) That would show how they stood by each other. (Applause.) Alluding to the divisions that they had sometimes in their trade clubs, the speaker next said that the worst way to improve a society was to forsake it. It might have its faults, but if they would persevere, what was right would be carried at last. The working man, he contended, had po means of raising himself but by a trades' union, and therefore they should cling to it. They had inquired throughout Lancashire and Yorkshire, and found that all the shoemakers' trade societies there had established a sick fund, and the effect had been, that instead of decreasing the number of members they had rather increased. He recommended the two local branches to attach a sick fund, and they would find that it would cement them more firmly together. If they did so they would not find themselves twopence the worse for it at the end of the year. (Applause.) The motion was then put and carried. Mr. THOMAS JONES proposed the third resolution. The working classes in this country, in his opinion, had them selves to blame for a vast deal of the poverty that they had to undergo, When he looked around the hall, and saw the comparatively small attendance, and contrasted it with the number of shoemakers in the town, he might ask if the shoemakers were justly entitled to an advance in the social scale ? It showed that they were indifferent to their own interests, and, if so, they did wrong to com plain in bad times of destitution and the masters' tyranny. They were slaves of their own making, and deserved no better fate. (Applause.) The resolution which he h a d to move was, That we have the power in our own hands of effecting our own emancipation, through the medium of co-operation, and that power this meeting is resolved to employ for our social elevation." Mr. J on e s , w h o i s , we believe, a Chartist orator, at great length then pro ceeded to review what he considered the condition of the working classes in this country, past and present. For merly, he said, the working classes were the serfs of the landowners, and now they were the slaves of wages. For merly they were kept in good physical condition,beeause it was their masters' interest that they should be 80; but now they were used for the purposes of an employer, and then 1 thrown away regardlessly. The genius of Christianity had released them from the first condition, and now he must be released from the latter by the power of co operation. (Applause.) Suppose 1,200 shoe-makers sub scribed 6d. a-week for forty weeks, that would raise £1,200, with which they could open six goods shops, and employ 600 men. When they did, then let any master dare to make an attack upon their wages. They could draw the men out of his shop, and put them into theirs, without having to send them upon tramp as now. That (Mr. Jones said) would be much better than a strike. Strikes had done great injury to the working classes, al though he regarded them as a necessary evil. Ten strikes (which he enumerated) within the present century had cost not less than £2,166,000. He concluded by arguing strongly in favour of the principle of co-operation, as they might then be able, with their own shops open, to set their employers at defiance. Mr. HENRY SMITH, of the Tailors' Institute, seconded the motion, giving the full particulars of the co-operative body with which, as manager, he is of course so intimately acquainted. He stated that the tailors had commenced in 1850, with a capital of only £5, but their business had gradually increased. From Jan. 1852, to Jan. 1853, they did work to the amount of £564, and paid £227 in wages ; from 1853 to 1854 they did work to the amount of £1,069, and paid in wages £451, whilst now their capital was £69 10s. They would shortly require larger premises. (Applause.) Mr. Smith denied that there was identity of interest between the employer and employed, and said that the former were often only investers of capital, and having no knowledge of the trade in which they were en gaged, they could not possibly have any sympathy with the workmen. He said if the Tailors' Institute were properly supported by the working men of the town, they might employ all the slop-shop hands, and give them two thirds more for their labour; and it was their intention to apply for some of the large contracts, although it was a fact that at present our wise corporation were getting some of the police clothes made in London. The resolution was put and carried, the CHAIRMAN remarking, that the subject of co-operation was one which they might take up at a future time, an executive being appointed to carry it out. Thanks were then voted to the chairman, to the reporters present, and to Mr. Smith for his address, and three cheers, not very hearty, having been given for co-operation, the meeting broke up. THE BIRKENHEAD HOSPITAL AND DISPENSARY. WE regret to state that a very serious difference has occurred amongst the subscribers and governors to this excellent charity. At the general annual meetinc , on the 30th of January last, Messrs. Jeannette and Hamilton, two of the late medical officers, were elected consulting surgeons. The meeting was a very small one, and a majority of the committee or board who manage the institution took up the opinion that the election had not been regular, and in compliance with the 14th rule, which prescribes that such appointments shall take place at "the next meeting after the resignation of such officers" —a condition it was contended which had not been strictly complied with. They therefore determined to exercise the powers with which they are vested of calling a special general meeting of the governors to reconsider the question. _ _ _ The meeting took place last night at the Town-hall, in Birkenhead, and the extent of interest felt in the matter was shown by the very numerous and respectable attendance. The Rev. Mr. Knox, the president, occupied the chair, and Mr. W. W. St. George, the secretary, read over the minutes of the previous meetings. Letters were also read from Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Jeannette, returning thanks for the honour of their election, and protesting against the steps taken to disturb it. The CHAIRMAN expressed himself opposed to the view taken by the committee, and thought that the appoint ment had been perfectly consistent with the laws. Mr. POWELL said that his best wishes were with the institution, but he contended that the terms of the 14th rule had not been complied with, and, therefore, moved "That the proceedings at the last annual general meeting, for the election of consulting surgeons, were irregular and illegal, and that such election was null and void." Mr. WILLOUGHBY seconded the motion. Mr. J. W. HARDEN began by expressing his detestation of the anonymous communications which had been circu lated on the subject, and. pledged his reputation as a lawyer that the election had been perfectly legal. He also quoted the opinion of Lord Ellenborough and others who had decided similar cases. The rule he contended was permissive, and not prohibitory. Mr. POWELL, after what Mr. Harden had said, with drew his motion, which was then proposed by Mr. Willoughby and seconded by Mr: Hoare. Mr. WATSON spoke at some length, amid considerable confusion and cries of " Question," in favour of the• motion. At the annual meeting there were only eleven or twelve members present, and he thought that some notice should have been given of' the proposed appontment, that parties might have attended. A very long, confused, and irregular• debate followed, — Mr. Harden, Mr. Bell, solicitor, and the chairman con tending that the only question for the meeting to decide• was the legal construction to be put upon the rule, and' the other party maintaining that the whole question of the appointment should be gone into. • Mr. Macon . , one of the consulting: surgeons, was amongst the latter, and persisted in canvassing what the qualifica tions of a surgeon should be, but was put down by the chairman. _ _ Mr. LITTLE asked whether rale• 6 had been strictly adhered to, which required that their officers should be elected by ballot ? It was stated that that rul. not apply to tho pro sent case. Mr. BARBOUR thought it would be best for the pros perity of the institution to consider the last meeting as null and void, and reconstruct the rule. Mr. PORTER expressed a similar view. The Rev. Mr. LUNDIE spoke against the motion; and Mr. PERCY and Mr. DOVE in favour of it. The CHAIRMAN, after expressing the interest which he felt in the prosperity of the institution of which he had been the founder, and hoping that the present proceedings would prove no injury to it, then put the motion, after a few words from Mr. Willoughby. A question then arose as. to the qualification which should be possessed by gentlemen to entitle them to vote, when the Secretary stated that no subscribers of less than £1 a-year could vote, and none who had been a subscriher in 1853. As it was found, impossible to take a show of hands with any satisfactory result, the gentlemen present separated and went to separate sides of the room. The secretary then counted the heads, when, after considerable delay, it was ascertained that the motion had 26 supporters, and that there were 28 opposed to it. The proceedings of last general meeting were con sequently confirmed, and the election declared valid—a result hailed with loud cheering mingled with hisses. The meeting occupied not less than two hours. THE LATE COLLIERY EXPLOSION NEAR WIGAN-THE INQUEST. WIGAN, MONDAY (YESTERDAY).—The inquiry into the cause of the late accident (adjourned from Friday), was resumed this morning, by a continuance of the examination of Mr. G. E. Elliott, viewer for the Marquis of London derry, at Newcastle. He stated that, when he inspected the mine, he found the ventilation in a satisfactory state. The air would not be so pure when the men were at work, and when shots were being fired. Having carefully examined the mine, and the mode of working it, he did not think he could make a suggestion for the improvement of its ventilation. He did not consider it necessary to sink another shaft to increase the ventilation. Mr. T. E. FORSTER, manager of several coal works at Newcastle, gave a general corroboration to the testimony of the preceding witness. He repeated the statement he had made twelve months ago, that the arrangements of the mine were good, and reflected great credit on Mr. Darlington, the manager. Mr. J. Dickenson, government inspector of mines, in the course of a long examination, gave evidence to the effect, that he believed the explosion to have been caused by the firing of a shot, or more likely to the sudden erup tion of gas into the workings. He expressed it as his opinion that the system of working the mine in an intri cate series of workings, like that pursued in the Arley Mine, was likely to cause explosions ; and stated that some alterations he had recommended in reference to this par ticular, at the time of the previous explosion, had not been carried out. He had no hesitation in saying, that all the explosions which have recently taken place in this district, have been in pits where a mode of working, similar to that adopted in this mine, have been in use. It is not the system generally adopted in Lancashire, although largely acted 'on in the vicinity of Newcastle, and the most extensive explosions have taken place under it. After what has taken place, he would recommend that no gunpowder be used in the pit ; and above all, he would recommend an alteration in the workings; and further, he considered the proprietors had reached the verge, and ought not to proceed further without sinking another shaft. Mr. W. Price, manager to the Earl of Balcarres, had viewed the Arley Mine, at the request of the coroner, and found the workings quite free from gas, and would have had no hesitation in taking a naked candle through the works. No explosion could have occurred from a gradual fouling, and the accident must have arisen from a sudden outburst of gas. Witness considered the Arley Mine coal the most explosive seam in the Lancashire coal fields. After what had happened he should hesitate to employ gunpowder in the mine. He . did not consider the mode of working the Ince Hall Arley Mine unsafe; nor did he think it one of the best ventilated mines he ever saw. Shortly after seven o'clock the inquest was further adjourned to Thursday morning, at ten o'clock, when Mr. Wynne, the other government inspector, will give his evidence, after which, the coroner will sum up, and the jury will consider their verdict. LITERAILY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.—The usual fortnightly meeting of this society took place last night,— Mr. McAndrew presiding. Dr. Hume intimated that, at an early meeting, it was intended to bring before the so ciety specimens of the Saxon Antiquities lately purchased. He next drew the attention of the chemical section of the society to the extraordinary statement made by Dr. Price, relative to the diffusion of gold in the waters of the ocean. A letter was read from Mr. Richard Spence, by Mr. San som, relative to the cryptogamic botany of the upper region of the Amazon. The letter was dated San Carlos, del Rio Negro, 27th August, 1853. A paper was read by Mr. F. W. Bloxam, on the "Minor Poets," in which, after glancing generally at the principles which regulate the poetic art, and making illustrative allusion to the poets of antiquity, he reverted to the early English poets. He then traced the practice of those of the Tudors, Stuarts, Queen Anne, and the Georges ; and adverted in complimentary terms to Longfellow and Poe, although he maintained that Ame rican literature had no claim to the possession of a great poet. He dwelt in very eulogistic terms on the poetry of Tennyson and Mrs. Browning, and severely stigmatised that of Alexander Smith. He concluded his paper by a general complimentary apostrophe to poetry. Dr. Hume, while differing from some of the conclusions of Mr. Bloxam, complimented him on the interesting paper he had read. Mr. Boult and Mr. Reddish followed, expres sing both acquiescence in, and difference from, some of the principles laid down in Mr. Mourn's paper, LATEST INTELLIGENCE. MONDAY EVENING, MARCH 6. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. LONDON. — After official hours, rumours regarding the forthcoming Budget caused a slight rise in the markets generally, and Consols closed at 91/ for Money, and 914 on Account. On 'Change, P. Y. C. Tallow, 635. 6d. on the spot, and 645. forward delivery. Linseed Oil, £34 10s. per ton ; Rape unaltered. Scotch Pig Iron, 78s. ; Spelter dull-300 tons sold at £23 10s. In Saltpetre, Tea, and other articles, little alteration. CABINET COUNCIL.—A Council was held at the Foreign Office this afternoon. THE EASTERN WAR. No news of importance. Two resignations are reported in the Turkish Ministry. It is also said that the Porte is greatly in want of money. BETTING AT TATTERSALL'S—This Dlr. DONCASTER STEEPLE CHASE.-3 to 1 agst Trout, tk ; 4 to 1 agst Bourton, tk ; 4 to 1 agst Oscar, 5 to 1 tk ; 8 to 1 agst Clansman, tk. HOPEFUL STAKES.-2 to 1 agst Cypriana, tk; 4to 1 agst Excitement ; 5 to 1 agst any other. DONCASTER HANDICAP.-4 to 1 agst Lerrywheut, tk ; 5 to 1 agst Hungerford, tk ; 6 to 1 agst Alonzo ; 7 to 1 agst Daniel O'Rourke. WILTSHIRE STAKES, SALISBURY.-4 to 1 agst Panto mime ; 5 to 1 agst any other. CHESTER CUP.-25 to 1 agst Peggy ; 35 to 1 agst Sand hurst ; 50 to 1 agst Torment ; 50 to 1 agst Horatio, tk ; 50 to 1 agst Dr. O'Toole, tk. DERBY.-6 to 1 agst Autocrat, tk ;7to 1 agst King Tom, tk ; 12 to 1 agst Dervish, tk ; 30 to 1 agst Marsyas, tk ; 40 to 1 agst Bessus, tk ; 50 to 1 agst Canute, tk freely. HOUSE OF LORDS.—MoNDer, M,►scH &. Their lordships met at five o'clock. In reply to Lord Feversham, The LORD CHANCELLOR stated that the second reading of the Testamentary Jurisdiction Bill was postponed till next Tuesday. - - A brief discussion arose on an inquiry being put by Lord ST. LEONA.RDS respecting the intention of Govern ment with regard to the Consolidation of the Criminal Mid Statute Law Amendment Bills of last session. In the course of which the LORD CHANCELLOR stated that those bills would be referred to a committee, with a view to their being submitted to the judges, in order that they might have the benefit of their opinion. Lord BROUGHAM suggested that this should be done only with respect to details, and not as regards the prin ciple of codifications. The subject then dropped, and their lordships adjourned at twenty minutes past seven, p.m. HOUSE OF COMMONS—MONDAY, MAscrt 6. - The House met shortly before four o'clock. Mr. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE took the oaths and his seat for Louth. Lord J. RUSSELL gave notice that he should move, on Thursday, that the issue of writs for new elections for boroughs now vacant be further postponed. In answer to Mr. Layard, Lord J. RUSSELL said that the Government had asked the Czar to evacuate the Principalities by the 30th of April. If the Czar acceded to that request, the compliance would not be conclusive of the war between Russia and Turkey.—Mr. LATARD then gave notice that, on a future occasion, he should bring the question before the house in a definite shape. THE BUDGET. Exactly at five o'clock, the house went into Committee of Ways and Means, and the CHANCELLOR of the Ex- CI:MCIVER rose to make his statement respecting the finances of the country. After some introductory obser vations in relation to the gravity of the occasion, he men tioned that, on the 18th of April last, he estimated the total revenue of the country from Customs, Excise, Stamps, Taxes, Income-tax, Post-office, Crown Lands, and mis cellaneous receipts, at £52,990,000, but the actual receipts had been £54,025,000. The expenditure he estimated at £52,183,000 in 1853, but it had only amounted to £51,171,000. The surplus he placed at £2,854,000. He then described the effect of various reductions of duty of the. Customs, particularly on tea, and of the penny re ceipt stamps. With respect to the latter, the result had been very satisfactory, for the receipts, which he esti mated would show a falling off of £37,000 on the year, had actually improved by £36,000 (hear). He had esti mated the Irish Income-tax, at a net amount of £460,000, and he expected it would produce £480,000. This tax had quite answered the expectations of the. Government. The result of the lowering of the tax to incomes of £lOO a year had been exactly such as he had anticipated ; the additional shilling on spirit duties.in Scotland had produced £209,000, and not £278 000, as he had estimated, The augmentation of the spirit duties in Ireland had been altogether satisfactory.. It had produced an increase of £213,000. The result of the succession duties had not produced so much as had been anticipated. Such was generally last year's estimate and the• actual results, and he thought that the whole combined showed that the finances of the country were upon a sound and solid basis. He estimated the receipts for the year 1854 to 1855 were—Customs, £20,175,000 ; Excise, £14,595,000; Stamps, 7,090,000; Taxes, £3,015,000 £6.275.000: Post-office, £1.200,000 ; Crown Lands, £259,000 ; Old Stores, £420,000 ; Miscellaneous,. £3 0,000. Total Estimates. Receipts, £53,349,000. With regard to expenditure, he estimated it as follows : Charge of the funded debt, £27,000 ; charge of unfunded!. debt, £546,000; charges on consolidated fund, £2,460,000 ; army,£6,857;000 ; navy, £7,488,000 ; ordnance, £3,846,000 commissariat, £645,000 ; miscellaneous, £4,775,000 ; militia, £530,000 ; packet service, £792,000 ; extraordi nary military expenditure, £1,250,000; total, £56,189,000; showing a deficiency of £2,840,000. The estimate of expenditure was no less than £4,370,000 in excess of that of last year ; but had it not been for extraordinary charges, owing to circumstances to which he need not refer, there would. have been £1,666,000 which would have been available for the further remission of taxation. The , question then arose—how should the deficiency of £2,840,000 be made up ? He would at once express a hope that the house would not retrace its steps with re gard to , remissions of duty already made (cheers). In the present circumstances of Europe, Government could not propose to part with any of the existing branches of re venue, nor could they suggest the addition of one far thing to our present indirect taxation. We had the means, with regard to our military forces, of carrying on the war with vigour, and he congratulated the house that we had the opinion of Europe with us, which justified a hope that the present might not be a prolonged struggle. Beyond this he could not go. How could the expense be borne ?—would it be right to charge our posterity with the cost of war ? He thought not : and therefore he could not concur with the suggestion of a loan (cheers). So long as the burden was bearable, and so long as the supplies for the year could be borne within the year, Government were determined, therefore, not to resort to the money market (hear). They could not condescend thus to mortgage the industry of posterity. The moral, economical, and industrial interests of the country were opposed to any such expedient. There could not, after this explanation, remain much doubt as to the course which Government intended to propose, and which he believed the house would adopt. He had last year stated that the Income-tax was the great engine to which we must look in case of European necessity, though he had not at that time the remotest idea of so soon calling for its assistance. He proposed, therefore, to provide for the deficiency which he had stated, as well as to provide a moderate margin beyond, by increasing the Income-tax by one-half, and t o levy the whole in addition for, and in respect to, the first moiety of the year. In other words, the Income tax would be double for the last half-year ; this would produce £3,137,000, being one-half of £6,275,000; but he estimated it at £3,307,000. He, therefore, estimated the total Income-tax for 1854-55 at nine million five hundred and eighty-two thousand pounds ; the total income therefore would be £56,656,000, while the expendi ture stood at £56,189,000 ; and thus a small surplus would be left of £467,000. (Hear.) He did not propose to make any additions of duty but in the stamp law with respect to foreign bills, which was in an unsatisfactory state, and which was frequently evaded, to the detriment of the revenue. He proposed to adopt an ad valorem scale of 3d. for each £25, or ls. for each £lOO upon short bills, and of 4d. for each £25, and ls. 4d. for each £lOO, upon long bills. This scale to be carried up to £5,000. He proposed to abolish altogether the distinction between home drawn and foreign drawn bills, and to make them pay precisely the same rate of stamp. (Hear.) Adhesive stamps to be used, so that there could be no obstructions to the trade. These alterations he did not believe would take effect before 6th July. He intended to ask also for a new issue of £1,750,000 exchequer bills, which would only leave the unfunded debt at the amount it was little more than a year ago. These would be really supply-bills, in anticipation of supplies which the house would grant, and they would be paid off when the house had granted the supplies. Describing the mode in which the public balances had been employed in the operations bearing on the last session relative to the public debt, he stated that they had been attended with a saving of £130,000. If, then, the house agreed to the proposal of government, they would double the first half-yearly payment of the income tax in respect to 1854-5, and make provision for the interval before the tax could be levied by an issue bf exchequer bills within the amount of £1,750,000 to be paid out of the growing produce of the revenue. (Hear.) He concluded, exactly at seven o'clock, by moving a resolution for the issue of one million seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds Exchequer Bills, and said the coin ' mittee would meet again on Monday next. ?Jr. WILLIAMS approved of the right hon. gentleman's raising his additional income from an increase of the Income Tax. Mr. HENLEY reminded the right hon. gentleman of the stress laid by the late Sir R. Peel on having a large balance in the Exchequer. He criticised several porti ons of the scheme, especially that relating to the vote for £1,750,000 in Exchequer Bills. He thought the general principles of the plan were sound and unobjectionable. Mr. GLYN made some observations on the Currency Act, in reference to the scheme of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mr. VANCE objected to the ad valorem duty proposed to be levied on the Foreign Bills of Exchange, and trusted that, before the measure was passed, the Chancellor of the Exchequer would re-consider the matter, and take the opinion of the mercantile interest. Mr. MALINS concurred generally in the plan of the right honourable gentleman, but suggested that other ar rangements should be made as regards the Income Tax. He thought it a matter for grave consideration, whether a great war could be carried on with a restricted currency. The CHANCELL O R of the EXCHEQUER, in replying to Mr. Henley, disclaimed the necessity of keeping large balances in the public exchequer, maintaining that the real foundation of the public credit lay in the expenditure being below the revenue. He also replied in detail to the several objections and suggestions thrown out in the dis oussiLon, defending, at considerable length,. the different features which had been impeached er criticised. TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1854. O'CoNwELL doubted whether it was °is .hii/ Minister to try another turn of the scre;:tbd n increased Income Tax for Ireland, beforeratedis to see how the tax already imposed ° P e he co ft (PT' SIBTRORP imputed the position N t roes mismanagement of the g overnm e _ 4 . 04 ways have voted against an Income P3-,..7„110 , though no one was more anxious than war carried on with vigour. Mr. BARING briefly explained the steps taken self, when holding the office of Chancellor. ~ 0 0 Mr. DISRAELI, after some general observato7 g ill there could be no doubt that it was their dtity their hearty support to their Sovereign in the ivar, l stO this country was about to be engaged. He 8 1, 0 14 0 ger give his opposition to any vote which the right . 10 V tleman found it necessary on his own resPo ngl th e 00 1 propose for the purpose of carrying on war; at yQ time, he protested against the principle that dire tion was the only source whence the means ILIA ing it on could be derived. He then criti7 different features of the plan, one portion ° was very clear, and the other involved in reserved some objection to the income tax not regard the balance iu the exchequer tory. When the late government left ot, was £9,000,000 sterling. One year afterw reduced to one half. He estimated the sr at the command of the Chancellor of t, April next at £3,000,000, while his lial lated would be between nine and ten in regarded as a dangerous position for the country, (Hear.) He strongly contras: position of the present government with government of Lord Derby, and charge with having made an entire mistake scheme for the conversion of the various a great reduction in the burthen of the been effected, but which ended in heavy the prices of Public Securities, at differs port of his statement, and analysed, wit's the scheme propounded by the Chancell , quer last session, dwelling forcibly on th ficiency in the Exchequer, on the sth of considered, would amount to about £6. system which produced this deficiency they could not anticipate anything bu and danger. He wished to impress o: that it was their duty to refuse their san ciple of reducing the balance in the Exc; which must force government to depe: bills for carrying on the service of the col Mr. GheirsTONE vindicated himself length from the attack of Mr. Disraeli, fence for alleged mistakes with regard scheme of last year, chiefly on the vas bullion in the coffers of the bank, the prices of corn, the enhanced rates of discos cnmstances, which disturbed his calculati , his plans being carried into full effect. course in reducing the interest of excheqm tained that Mr. Disraeli was wholly in er of that step, and, amidst the cheers of the - demolish the allegations of the right honours , ' l /0 1 6 man, in disparagement of the plan put forth o f with regard to the balances in the exchequer , a id Mr. Disraeli had said so much. Mr. Gladstone tab) astonishing to see a man's mind possessed of 'oen bears and delusions. He denied altogether that balances were in such a state as to he injurious " 0 1 , 0 1 terests of the country, and attributed the inferevi right hon. gentleman to his mental confusion o!oftrol sects. The public balances were taking good ca re , , t , , elves, and time would soon show which were rig '' o figures ; and whenever Mr. Disraeli thought proP e occ:oo forward the subject, he should be perfectly readY Mr. DISRAELt briefly replied, still maintaining t „so loss was incurred on the Exchequer-bill transact o " ill Gladstone. After some further discussion, in which Sir F. Cy' HELDYARD, and Mr. DRUMMOND took part , _boo .e1,750,00G on Exchequer-bills was taken, and lb ejl: sumed. The Church Buildi ngs ' A c t C onl i n uance Bill Wa s ' ' be read a second time. re a d to v An amendment was moved that the hi hp - -- • six months. di After a few words from Mr. G lADSTONE. the bolls -70 For the second reading For the amendment 59 Majority as for the second reading .• l „ve, 5 10 ' The Valuation (Ireland) Bill went into com" amendment was moved by Mr: J.. Co'Coivivetio did After some discussion, it was negatived on 79 to 25. The House divided also on the 3rd cla n s affirmed the principle of exemption in certain Ca?' ' „ e 26;. noes,. 74; majority against, 48.. The reniah u " were agreed to. ute e ' The Commons Enclosure Bill went through casl e lo The house adjourned at forty-tive minutes past ' - _ 0 1, MAB S ' i FUNDS, STOCK, AND SHARE _ r atio!, 0 Pending the financial statement to-night, OV` n ' getwi English Funds are rather limited ; but in cons% thY money purchases, a slight reaction occurred (co' 0 64 pression of yesterday. Railways,, on the whole.: 11 ,, f i cl 9 slightly better towards the close. Land and Da " de' J tions supported at former quotations_ In Mines , lit s4' The Foreign Market generally steadier in ton e ' Four and Half per Cents. recovered I per cent. CLOSING PRICES, it g Consols, Account .. 1 90fr l ir l Bank Stock ........ IS Do.. Money.... I soz 1 Excheq-Bills, LSt Three&QrperCents 924 I illf FOREIGN STOCKS. .• A Mexicans 24i i Spanish Passives • • ,• il •• 1 Spanish Deferred Do. Threes 3i 4 Do. Four & Q r " • 7/ . RAILWAY SHARKS. Caledonian Do. Preference ' / Eastern Counties East Lancashire 63 5 Midland Stock .. •• '' ~Y Great Northern B9 90 North British ..... .. ' Great Western Lanc.and Yorkshire. 661 S. Eastern and Da 1 J Do. Fifths 7 62 York, Newcastle, am th . oil Loudon, Brighton, and 1 Berwick . ~./a. 4 1 South Coast 96 17 York and N. 'lo — Loudon &N. Western 1011 i ii LAND SHARES. .• '• i ' Australian Agricultural 40 2 Peel River . • .... . .t a i S. Australian.... 37 9 Van Dieman's- ••'',... B. American 73 5 N. B. Australian ' , dr. CORN MARKET. is r# l l The Wheat trade opened firm.' An advance of ia 4f, was demanded : little done as yet. Foreign is b e 15 lar enhancement. Flour sells steadily, b u t the re t ri teAD provement in prices. Barley is slow of sale, e maintained. Oats are fully as dear. Beans a" 0 0,' turn higher. Seeds are unaltered. SECOND RBPORT.—The announcement of the a d tiP a ri, Russian ports against exportation of grain caus e ,, s eil, on the part of factors ; but as dealers were not disP:'e o t , the advanced rates required, very little business ? / 10 6 4 0 lint the market closed firm at the full rates of MO" j• 11 Barley, Beans, and Oats, little change. Flour,the r° Seeds steady. PRODUCE MARKET- irc7 Sugar: Foreign wanted at previous rates; tmc 4 „tio / offer. Refined, in good demand for home consig u , r ol b y id to fine grocery lumps, 455. to 48s. 6d. Coffee: , e , and prices rising. Native Ceylon, 475. 6d. tO t A tion, 545. to 765. Tea : good business doing, an d obtained. Ordinary Congou, ls. ld. Cotton small. Rice : more business, at full prices, 0 0 and prices declining. Saltpetre wanted, and ra t o , up. Hemp, clean Petersburg, nominally £5 per , TALLOW MARKET. Tallow firm, with good business. Stock, --, 3 ; e i r t iO against 37,818 casks same time last year. De''' casks, against 1,802 casks same time last year. CATTLE MARKET. The Beast and Sheep trade is dull, at last Mon ',?) Calves are fully maintaining Friday's rates. A d Si Beef 2s Sd to 4s 6d f Veal Mutton..... 38 Od to 5s Oct Pork 3s 4 1 , ARRIVALS. Beasts • 4501 1 Calves ......... • Sheep and Lambs 20710 I Pigs .. " I ffy' MANCHESTER STOCK EXCHAJ co ot,; Blackburn, 5/ ; Caledonians, 273 1; East lia.. n t ul; t,o " Lancashire and Yorkshire, 661 ; London and 1 0 „,,' 104; Manchester, She ffi eld, and Lincoln, 21i '' 60/ # ; Dover'', 1811-16. COLEMAN'S DRAWING-ROOM ENTERTJ. continuing their manifold attractions. It that, yielding to a desire for accommodatingis' e pi, others, who cannot conveniently attend in the4 e is to give a morning performance to-morrow V Ae rtol l '?, AT THE ROYAL AMPH ITHEATRE , MSS ported by the stock company of the establisa,edi been performing a series of tragic and high co 4i ratters to thin, as well as indifferent, audience s ' beaff HIME'S MUSIC -HALL, Bold-street, is about to t A V every Saturday evening for the pe r f o rmance e It f t e concert of vocal and instrumental music, by Union. The first concert is advertised for Maw O r ing next. Miss Jessie Ham mon d an d Mao' ney are the principal vocalists announced. the AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, a piece, ca1117, - derful Woman," has been making a sort A.- - peft has been permitted to do so is, at least, aawalU"" woman. From beginning to end, it is a silliness. A comedian, new to our boards, r' it 0.00/ been performing during the week, and that 46 who is obviously an actor of the right stamp, o f 1),9' as Paul Pry in Poole's well-known plaY.„ " name, besides performing in some vaudeville a 6 11 His Paul Pry is excellent, rich in humour, ao, P"- ife to without condescending to buffoonery. We Pe transferred his engagement for the current ` ve ßal Amphitheatre. He is succeeded at the Theatr e , a troupe of Chinese necromancers , concernin g of adroitness fame speaks highly and well. A MAYOR IN TROUBLB.—At the Cent'of Court, on Thursday, Jeremiah Smith, mays_ s r ra to," elderly man, was f oun d gu ilty o f perjury, him upon examinati on b e f ore an e l ec ti o n coi n ter" House of Commons. O n F r id a y h e was 12 months' imprisonment in Newgate, witboutio ANDERSON, THE FORG ER .—At the Loa°, IP" Criminal-court, on Friday, William Anderssle) convicted on Wednesday of extensive ti / t !' brought up for sentence. Upon being Planieci he handed in a bundle of documents, and aily„t 13 „ :# 1 ,, his sentence postponed until next session, undergo an examination before the Coo° 0 , 11°,i, Bankruptcy, and there examine witnesses, igtpl have the books before them, to prove certaiLleot"4 would remove much- of the prejudice whicl?, oo ced his trial, and show that a portion of the evraoty, correct. The Chief Baron, after perusing titet h f said that they did not give an 1- y ground for 60) tf His lordship then sentenced the prisoner alori,3 penal servitude. The prisoner, upon heari o l :;r 4 . , a e of suddenly drew hiniself up to his full helm_f d DP ( ‘ I his eyes to a fearful extent; his jaw droPP` - ;oa e g tiji fled, and he became a livid blue, and inal'ilite convulsive efforts to hold the dock, he fell A q the arms of the gaoler. His lordship pddl e tyi was any ground for mitigation it might , 10 :" where. Hearing this, he tried to raise hi s L head, and indistinctly ejaculating, There 7 15 fell quite senseless across the gaoler, and I v ' of the dock. ,41 MENDELSSOHN'S ELLIOT,' PHILHARMONIC SO THIS DAY (Tuesday), the 7th ingslit' Gallery, 2a. 6d,.; ..._. Gallery Stalls , Stalls , 55' LIVERPOOI; ; gor o , l .4 , 4 Printed and Published eveiT:Tuesli otPitiro Proprietor, ROBERT PEARSON T tothiv Percy street, at the STANDARD GEN . r , OFFICE, No. 4, ST. GEORCIE'3 CASP S Tuesday, March 7,1864. 'i°l ll o l l;"euritY . „; il I ax, but be to, il• as at all 5 ?.1.0 4 Ace, the !I le Z rwards, they ja t , Iv mal that W ew er ki E x chetPo' t the abilities he t i ; V i ll lisll e etili d ted:li ;fr is' : (l.:uerins:-.11 IlIt' 1 :1 ' 11' last Ye b 3r o 7o 4 '1 s stocks , "i t° 10: 1 k debt was 1 , 0 , 4 t •e h i n °s t ni ges t u iia cu l f se o , ol :erfi' 1 llor of the . 0 ‘le the auticiP,l3. ? ril, l° l l4 f Ap I 6,000 / 0 0 °,. e el i f ; t be pers' -d. at embarrLo' the e e '" e It at ta t i l e 0 , nctiou ~ 00 A , 1 Dhequer ~ v 3 ,00 1 end ou tiv ~, t. ountry• i,e' It E at c° 13 ,„0 . r)1 li, r estiti,,, 4 , k d t o tbe 'Pio I q t arying ael ° D , est , c; 11 . bad liar ot hero, ~, nint, ono e fe o 4 4 1 ions and 116,1,1; 1 Ile P s ' dIP ''' t ie rh r ooru b as i Ise_ltTieetPlivt;oo,,,,; 0i,,,,1i