The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1838-03-23 00:00:00

imperial Parliament. • tfo. HOUSE OF LORDS.—MoNnAv. Earl STANHOPE presented petitions for the repeal of what several petitioners termed the " accursed" poor law amend ment act. His lordship entered into details of its working at Sevenoaks, &c. COLONEL SHAW KENNEDY. The Earl of WICKLOW wished to ask the noble viscount op posite a quifilkln upon a subject that had created a great sur prise in this - Wintry, and alarm in Ireland. He did not wish to raise any debdtio but simply to ask the noble viscount if it were true that Colonel Shaw. Kennedy, lately at the head of the police in Ireland, had resigned ? Viscount MELBOURNE.—It is true—he has resigned. The Earl of Wick tow.—As it is desirable that the public mind should be •tranquillised in Ireland on this matter, I wish to silt the noble viscount whether he has any objection to lay on the table of Mir house any correspondence that may have taken place on the subject? Viscount MELBOURNE.—Certainly Ido object. It would be very inconvenient, I apprehend, to lay on the table of the house the reasons for which resignations take place. Lord LIFFORD begged to ask the noble viscount whether he would have any objection to lay on the table any part of the correspondence ? Lord MELBOURNE objected to produce any part of such a correspondence, which was strictly of a confidential nature. Lord WHARNCL IFFE having presented petitions for the abo lition of the negro apprenticeships, The Marquis of SLIGO observed that information recently obtained by him had much changed his opinions on this sub ject, and that there now required very little to make him a de cided abolitionist. The Earl of RIPON presented a petition from the diocese of Down, complaining of the want of church accommodation ; and inquired whether any alteration of the church tempora lities' bill was contemplated ? Lord MELBOURNE answered in the negative ; he was not aware of any such intention. ABOLITION OF NEGRO APPRENTICESHIP. Lord BROUGHAM said that he had now to present a bill for the immediate abolition of negro apprenticeship. The bill provided that it should cease and determine on the Ist of August, 18.38, instead of the let of August, 1810. He presented the bill thus early in order that, before it was pressed to its latest stage in either house, an opportuity might be afforded of seeing whether or not the colonial legislatures, immediately and directly re presenting and in communication with the planters themselves, were disposed to do upon this great and interesting question. In the meantime he would move, that the bill be read a first time and printed. The bill was the❑ read a first time, and ordered to be printed. Lord FALKLAND moved for a return of the uumber of illegi timate children born during the three years previous and sub sequent to the poor law bill in the ten counties into which that bill was first introduced.—Adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS.-MONDAY. READING ELECTION. _ Sir T. TROUBRIDGC;ppeared at the bar, and stated, that the committee appointed to try the merits of the petition against the return for Reading, had determined that Charles Fyshe Palmer, Esq., had been duly returned as a burgess to serve that borough in parliament. CARLOW COUNTY ELECTION. Mr. J. MILDMA Y appeared at the bar, and stated that the committee appointed to try the merits of the petition against the return tor the county of Carlow had determined that N. A. Vigors, Esq., and J. E. Yates, Esq., had been duly elected. WALSALL ELECTION Mr. SANDFORD appeared at the bar, and stated, that the committee appointed to try the merits of the petition against the return of the borough of Walsall had determined that Mr. Finch, the sitting member, had been duly elected. Many petitions were afterwards presented on various sub j ects. r. E. J. STANLEY moved for a new writ for Devizes. Capt. J. W. Deans Dundas having been appointed " clerk of the ordnance."—Ordered. _ The Marquis of CHANDO3 inquired whether the motion for a bill, to admit, under certain regulations, foreign corn, bonded, in this country, to be ground in certain mills, and manufactured for exportation only, would be brought forward to-day? Col. SEALE answered in the affirmative. _ _ L;;;(1.1iu;;ELL deferred answering an inquiry made by the Marquis of CHDNDOS, as to whether there would be any objection to produce the papers connected with the Earl of Durham's appointment. He also deferred the mutiny bills, and the further army estimates. A. conversation took place regarding the disbanding of sundry yeomanry corps, and not disbanding others. Sir E. KNATCHBULL asked whether it was the intention of government to bring in a bill to amend the Poor Law Act du ring the present session? He alluded more particularly to those parts of it which imposed certain duties upon constables with out remuneration, and to another part by which individuals were bound to support their poor relatives. Lord J. RUSSELL said that with respect to the first question, it might be necessary, in cases where the commissioners could not allow any thing to constables, to make some alteration. As to the second question, it relating to the operation of the Poor Law Act, he should not feel justified in taking any step until the committee on the poor laws had made their report. IRISH POOR-LAW BILL.—The house then went into com mittee on the Irish Poor-Law Bill, and after several amend ments had been moved by Mr. O'CoNNELL and others, and severally negatived, they proceeded as far as the 100th clause, when the chairman reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again to-day. The Mutiny and Marine Mutiny Bills were read a second time.—The house adjourned at a quarter before one o'clock. HOUSE OF LORDS.-TUESDAY. The Earl of SHA FTESBURY presented the report of the Resi dence of Clergy Bill, which was agreed to, and the bill ordered to be reacithe third time on Thursday. tine EarUof WINCHELSEA presented a petition from protes tant inhabitants of Lambeth, adverting to the spread of popery at home and in the colonies, and praying fur the adoption of measures for the more effectual protection of protestant estab lishments. _ _ The Earl of RteoN presented a petition from Barbadian pro prietors, expressive of astonishment at Lord Glenelg's Negro Apprenticeship Regulation Bill, settinv: forth that, as far as Baibadoes was concerned, it was uncalled for and unjust: and praying that it might not pass into a law. He regretted that Lord Glenelg was not present to hear this petition. THE POOR LAW. Lord WYNFORD presented a petition from Lewes against the Poor Laws Amendment Act, representing that crime had much increased in Sussex since the passing of that act. The Duke of RictimoND denied that this representation was founded on fact. Lord WINFORD replied that such might be the case in the noble duke's part of the county; it was not so in other parts of the county : and that crime had also increased within the like period, in Kent, Dorsetshire, and almost every other county. Earl STANHOPE presented many similar petitions from dif ferent parts of the country, namely, against the above act. He then brought forward the motion of which he had given notice, namely, for "a statement of the petitions presented to that house, during the last session of parliament, on the subject of the act intituled An Act for the Amendment and better Ad ministration of the Laws relating to the Poor in England and Wales ;' specifying the number of signatures to each; the des cription of the persons from whom each petition proceeded, whether owners and occupiers of land, rate-payers, inhabitants, guardians, or others, and whether they were or were not as sembled at a public meeting held for the purpose of petitioning; the place or places from which each petition proceeded ; and the prayer of each petition, whether for the repeal of the said act,7or for its amendment, or for its continuance, or for what other purpose." He supported the motion, it will be seen, with great earnestness, and iuteresting varieties of detail. It had been urged as an act calculated to benefit the poor, and itn prove their character; he asked whether any of that class had come forward in support of the bill? Lord BtrouGH am entered into a defence of the act, assumng himself to have been personally attacked in the assaults on Ll i p act, and maintained that it had been assailed everywhere by " big words" unsupported by facts, and representations unsus tained anywhere by proofs. Lord MELBOURNE considered that the motion, from the man ner in which it was brought forward, could not be supported; he must oppose it. After an extended discussion the motion was negatived with out a division. Their lordship's sat till about eleven o'clock. HOUSE OF COMMONS.-TUESDAY. There were two ballots lorelecir;n — CornaiTt;e;, namely, for Kerry county and Newry; the parties to the Bridgewater peti tion did nut appear. The committee on the Youghal petition reported that Mr. Howard had been duly returned. Sir B. PEEL presented a petition from the clergy in several parishes in Downshire, giving affecting representations of the state of the churches there. Mr. PAKINGTON moved for leave to alter and amend the laws relating to the office of comity coroner. After considerable opposition, and Lord J. Russell represent ing that he did nut think it advisable to take away the election of coroner from the freeholders, and transfer it to the magistrates, the motion was withdrawn. BONDED CORN. COI. SEA LE moved for leave to bring in a bill "to admit, under certain regulations, foreign corn bonded in this country to be ground in certain mills, and manufactured for exportation only." The Marquis of CHAN DOS opposed the motion, as a side-wind attack upon the corn laws. Mr. P. THoMPSON said he should not oppose the introduction of the bill. After extended discussion' in which many members took part Col. Wood and Alderman Thompson supporting the motion,) the motion was carried on a division (the Marquis of Cbandos pressing it,) the numbers being—Ayes, 127; Noes, 92; Majority, 35. Mr. P. THOMPSON obtained leave to bring in a bill to provide fur " I nteruational Copy w right " Mr. LAN GDA LE moved " That it be an instruction to the poor law committee to inquire how far the regulations of the poor law commissioners have been compatible with the inmates of work houses attending their respective places of worship on the Sab bath day, and to inquire and report how provision may be made for securing to all such inmates the power of attending Divine service according to their respective creeds." The motion, however, was eventually withdrawn, on the under standing that Mr. Langdale should be added to the poor law committee, where the consideration of the subject could be more appropriately brought under consideration. Col. DAVIES obtained leave to bring in a bill "to regulate the office of high-sheriff in England and Wales." Mr. BARRON, after an extended and very desultory discussion, obtained leave to bring in a bill " to consolidate the jurisdiction of ecclesiastical courts in Ireland." Lerd J. RussFAA, an moving for leave to bring in a bill "to carry into effect, with certain modifications, the fourth report of the church commissioners," entered into explanations of the departures from the report; and added that, on moving the se cond reading of the bill, he would enter into full details. He afiet wards stated that he did not propose tomove the second reading until a fortnight after Easter. On the motion of Sir H. PA RNELL, Lord Ashley was substi tuted for Lord Lowther on the combination of workmen com mittee. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for Ireland obtained leave to bring in a bill to make more effectual provision for the prevention of offences of insane persons in Ireland. Mr. VIGORS rose to present a petition, but, it being half after twelve o'clock, the house was counted, and "counted out." HOUSE OF COMMONS—WEDNESDAY. The Speaker took the chair at 10 minutes before four o'clock. The Clerk of the Crown atten,led and amended the return for the borough of Evesham, by substituting the name of Lurd Marcus Hill for Mr. Borthwick. Mr• brought in a bill to amend an act for the Recovery of Small Debts in the county of Lancaster. Mr• BAINE S presented a petition from Leeds praying for an alteration in the Factory Bill. A number of petitions. praying for the total abolition of negro slavery, were presented. GALWAY ELECTION. The SPEAKER informed the house that the examiners ap pointed tgo inquire into the sufficiency of the sureties to prose cute the petition against the return for the county of Galway reported that, in point of property, the sureties were sufficient, but one of them was improperly described. He was entitled " Esquire," when it appeared that he was a clerk in a brewery or distillery. Col. PERCIVAL said, the surety having served on the grand jury entitled him to be designated Esquire. A discussion ensued, in which Sir E Knatchhull, Mr. Shaw, Sir E. Sugden, Mr. Freshfield, Mr. Blake, Mr. D. Browne, and other members took part. Sir. E. KNATCHBULL said, after the examiners had reported on the sufficiency of a surety, the matter was disposed of. The ATTORNEY GENERAL said, all mankind now-a-days were entitled Esquires. (Laughter). After some further conversation the matter dropped. CONTROVERTED ELECTIONS. Lord J. RussELL said he had to state to the house that the hon. member for Liskeard had had, at his (Lord J. Russell's) request, postponed the further consideration of the Controverted Elections Bill from Friday next to Friday se'nnight. LORD'S DAY BILL. Mr. PIA MPXRE moved the second reading of the bill for the better observance of the Lord's day. The hon. member said he should not be intimidated by any sneer from proceeding with the measure, which he considered absolutely necessary for the better observance of the Sabbath. The hon. member proceeded to read the evidence of magistrates and others, who were exa mined before a committee appointed to inquire into the subject. That evidence went to prove that, in many of the streets of the metropolis, the great majority of the shops were kept open on Sundays. There was a strong and growing feeling, in the country against this practice. Petitions, signed by 206,000 per sons, had been presented to the house praying for a better ob servance of the Lord's day. The clergy of all classes also wished for some legislative enactment on the subject. The bill he now proposed to be read a second time was not so extensive as the bill of last session. Its object was to prohibit trading on the Lord's day, and to punish by fine individuals offending. The first fine was a small one, but he proposed to increase it on every subsequent conviction. The buying and selling of milk was exempted from the bill, and also the purchasing of beer within certain hours. It also exempted cases were persons went bona fide to public houses to eat and obtain refreshments. No less than 120,000 persons were employed on a Sunday in navi gating the canals, &c. Without being charged with enthu siasm he might br►ng this important subject under the notice of the house. He, therefore moved that the bill be read, a second time. Mr. Mitris trusted the house would approach so grave and important a subject with that solemnity which it demanded. Public opinion had bean largely excited on the subject. A large body of the community had solicited the house to take the subject into consideration, but the hon. member and the house would bear in mind that public opinion was doing more to ac complish what he wished than any legislative act could. (Hear.) It was for the house to say whether they could agree to the bill without exacting any unjust sacrifice. (Hear.) By the bill all baking-houses in London would be shut up, and the poor pre vented from obtaining a comfortable dinner on a Sunday. The act itself could not be brought into operation without the em ployment of a considerable number of persons on Sundays. (Hear.) He could not consent unnecessarily to interfere with the comforts of the poor man. The Church of England did not call for such a measure. . . Sir C. STYLES said, he felt it his duty to support the bill, not on the ground that the protestant religion required any legislative protection, but to protect those who had a desire to reverence the sabbath-day, but, from their worldly calling were unable to do so. If one tradesman in any street opened his shop on a Sunday, other tradesmen were compelled to do the same. Mr. A. WHITE said he should support the second reading, but he should wish to see some of the clauses altered in com mittee. He hoped this bill would have the effect of doing away with Sunday trading. Sir. It. lisiGus said the question had been so frequently dis cussed, that he would not take up much of the time of the house. The bill before the house was restricted to one simple propo sition, viz., to prevent Sunday trading. It could not be said that any one of the amusements or enjoyments of the poor was interferred with. He should therefore give his cordial support to the second reading. Sir. E SCG DEN intended to vote for the second reading; but if the bill was not very much altered, he should oppose it at every future stage. As the bill at present stood, it would ,be impossible ; if a poor man found it necessary to go a few miles from home on the Sunday, he would not be able to obtain any refreshment whatever. Sir F. CANNING rose amidst cries of divide. He was under stood to say he should support the bill, as he did not consider it would at all infringe upon the rights of the poor. Strangers were ordered to withdraw, and the house divided, when there appeared— For the second reading Against it 6B Majority The bill was then read a second time. [Left sitting.] RAILWAY MEMORANDA. BIRMINGHAM AND GLOUCESTER RAILWAY.—An arrange ment has been made with the Cheltenham and Great Western Union Railway Company, that clauses shall be introduced in their bill now passing in Parliament, giving power to the Bir mingham and Gloucester Company to make the line between Cheltenham and Gloucester, if the Cheltenham and Great Wes tern fail to do so within a given period; and the public are, therefore, now secure of having that important portion of the line forward within a moderate time; and, consequently, the whole line betireen Birmingham and Gloucester completed. We are glad to learn that such a mutual good understanding now exists between the two companies as to promise a vigorous co-operation for carrying on their respective works.—Felia Farley. RAILWAY via KRNDA L.-A meeting of the committee of the projected railway through Kendal was held in that town on Monddy last, and very numerously attended. We understand, that the business brought before it was of the greatest import ance, and its development gave a fresh impulse to the efforts of the projectors, and increased hope of every impediment to the project being surrounded. It was finally resolved, that several members of the committee, amongst whom were Edward Wil son, Esq., of Abbot Hall, James Gandy. Esq. of Heaves Lodge, Waithman, Esq., Yealand, Mr. W. Cornelius Nicholson, and Mr. Bentley, the surveyor ad interim, should be empowered to wait upon Mr. Locke, the surveyor, at Liverpool, and lay before him the results of Mr. Bentley's survey ; and also to en deavour to prevail upon him and the proprietors of the railway between Preston and Lancaster to alter their plan near Lancas ter, so as to admit of an easier junction between it and the Kendal line. This mission will probably decide the matter, and the result is anxiously looked fur at Kendal.—Manchester Courier. SANKEY CANAL AND ST. HELEN'S RAILWAY.—We are happy to understand, that the shareholders of the Sankey Canal and St. Helen's and Runcorn Gap Railway Company have, at length, come to an agreement, and a committee has been ap pointed by the proprietors of the respective establishments, to settle and - arrange for their amalgamation into one union of in terest. This measure will tend to afford a beneficial return to the proprietors, for the outlay of capital in the construction of these public undertakings, and give facility, under every cir cumstance, to the traffic thereon, hitherto much retarded and crippled by rival hostility.—lbid. GREAT NORTH OF ENGLAND RAILWAY.-01.1 Tuesday last, Messrs. Gowland and Co., of Durham, entered into a contract for cutting, embanking, and forming the said Railway from the north side of the Castle-hill, Northallerton, to the southern boundry of the township of Northallei tun, the works of which are now commencing. GLASGOW, PAISLEY, AND AYRSHIRE RAILWAY.—This pro ject, for which a bill was obtained in July 1837, will form an important feature of direct communication with England and Scotland, for the line will be continued from Kilmarnock to Dumfries; from thence to Carlisle; and a line is now project ing to Lancaster, Preston, Manchester, and London. The ter minus of these lines is at the Trinity Harbour, which is con nected by the Edinburgh, Leith, and Newhaven Railway.— Railway Times. TILE RAILWAYS.—The railways in this neighbourhood are now progressing with all possible activity. The works on the North Union line are in very busy operation, and the disasters occasioned by the February storm are nearly repaired. A very sensible difference is obesrvable in the state of the town gene rally, now that the canals are open for facilitating trade, and that the railways and other works are affording employment to the working population.—Preston Paper. LONDON AND BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY.—Reports having reached us of some serious accidents having occurred to the Kilsby and Brickwood Tunnels, on the London and Birming ham Railway, we are glad to find, upon inquiry, that they are wholly unfounded. The worst effect of the late trying weather has been to damage a few bricks in the Brickwood tunnel, and a small portion of the brickwork in Kilsby, where it was in an incomplete state ; neither of which circumstances will have the slightest effect in the opening of the line, but of course will tend to add considerably to the confidence of all parties interested in the success of this great work. That a work with so much water about it as Kilsby tunnel should have received no damage except in a part which was unfinished, during a frost of so long continuance, when the thermometer was in some cases at 12 deg. below zero, must afford a sufficient guarantee that, not withstanding the uncommon difficulties of that undertaking, they have been met with a cor-esponding degree of science and skill, and been fully surmounted ; the trials it has been put to lately being of a much more severe nature than may ordinarily be expected in this climate. The line from Birmingham to Rugby may he considered as finished, although a few trifling things yet remain to be dune; but, in order to proceed with due regard to the safety - of the public, it is not intended, we under stand, to open it until the 9in of April, at which time, that point between 'l'ring and Denbigh Hall will also be ready.—Railway Tinies.—[We understand that the company have given notice to Messrs. Chaplin and Co. (who are to convey passengers by coaches between Denbigh Hall and Rugby) to have their horses and carriages in readiness on the 9th of April; but that it is more probable that the day of opening will be Easter Mon day the 16th of April.—Manchester Guardian. PRESTON AND WYRE RAILWAY.—We have heard that a deviation from the originally prescribed line of the Preston and Wyre Railway is contemplated by the directors of that under taking. It is thought desirable, as the Ribble is now to be ren dered thoroughly navigable, not to bring the Wyre line in the direction of Preston further than Freckleton, were it can be put in communication with the river ; so that by means of a steam boat specially appropriated to the purpose, goods and passen gers may be forwarded from Freckleton, and thus the necessity of completing the railway undertaking at this, the most expen sive end, may be avoided. Should this design be acted upon, we think it will very likely raise the railway scheme conside rably iu the estimation of the public, and in real va l ue and utility, while it will confer important advantages upon the river company. We understand that Mr. Fleetwood favours this adaptation of the railway; and if so there is every likelihood of its being carried into effect. It is, however, an important mat ter of consideration with the Preston and Wyre Company, and doubtless will receive at their hands all possible attention, and every necessary investigation. THE ARMl.—The following is to he the distribution of the troops in North America, viz.:-11th and 65th Regiments, New Brunswick, 600 men each. 23d, 73d, and 93d Regiments, Halifax, &Omen each. Ist Dragoon Guards and 7th Hussars, 500 men. Grenadier Guards (2d Battallion) and Coldstream Guards (2d Battalion) 800 men each. Ist Foot, (11 Battalion) 15th, 24th, 32d, 31th, 43.1, 66th, 7 Is', 83d, Canada, 600 men each. EXTRAORDINARY CASE of DROPSY.—OD the 28th of Febru ary, an operation was performed on Mrs. Thomas Roades, of %Vooton, near Brill, Burks, by the eminent Dr. Clarke, of Finemere House, when the enormous quantity of 40 and a half pints of water, weighing more than 401bs. was taken from her. Mrs. Roades having survived the danger of the operation, caused by the extreme debility, has now every chance of being restored to her usual health.—Nurthampton Herald. THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD MERCANTILE COMMITTEE ON POSTAGE. ( From the Pust Circular.) An association of gentlemen of the first commercial eminence in London, has been formed, bearing this title. Their object will be best understood from a pamphlet which they have issued very diffusely throughout the kingdom. From this pamphlet the following extracts are taken. SUGGESTIONS As to Pacts which it is desirable to collect, and upon which Parties having information to give are requested to communicate to the Mercantile Committee on Postage, 6, Freeman's-court, Corn hill. The House of Commons' Committee now sitting is ap pointed— " To inquire into the present rates and mode of charging postage, with a view to such a reduction thereof as may be made without injury to the Revenue; and for this purpose to examine specially into the mode recommended for charging and collecting postage, in a pamphlet published by Mr. Rowland Hill." The members of the committee are, Mr. Wallace (Chairman), Mr. Poulett Thompson, Lord Visc. Lowther, Lord Seymour, Mr. Warburton, Sir Thomas Freenuantle, Mr. liaikes Currie, Mr. Morgan John O'Connell, Mr, Thornely, Mr. Chalmers, Mr. Pease, Mr. Mabony, Mr. Parker (Sheffield), Mr. George William Wood, and Mr. Villiers. The proposal advocated by Mr. Hill is.— That all letters not weighing more than half an ounce be charged one penny, and heavier packets an additional penny, for each half-ounce to a qua►ter of a pound, to be paid in ad vance. It is desirable to show to the Parliamentary Committee that the Revenue would not suffer BY ALLOWING THE WHOLE OF THE REDUCTION PROPOSED BY ➢lr. HILL. The average of the present postage (taking all chargeable letters) is sixpence halfpenny per letter. The average cost of the actual carriage to any post-town in Great Britain is about one-tenth of a penny; and even allowing the whole present cost of the Post-office establishment, the tax is above 200 per cent.: a rate of tax which experience has de monstrated always produces an evasion of the law. No law is so extensively evaded as this; and so general has the practice become, that even the best-regulated minds do not think they-are committing offence by violating it. It is proposed tb call witnesses to prove— The great extent to which the practice of violating the law by the irregular conveyance of letters and evading postage is carried, and to give evidence of those modes, taking care to protect parties who may furnish this testimony. That this correspondence, if the reduction be made, would immediately be transferred to the Post-office. In addition to the very great increase in the number of letters which would thus be transferred to the lawful channel, and to changing the habit of breaking, into the habit of OBEYING the law, it is proposed to show— That reducing the postage upon all communications under half an ounce to one penny, would produce an immense increase to the Post-office revenue; and, by the increase of business, lead to a great augmentation of the general revenue. It is known to all commercial men that correspondence cre ates business, and that business re-acts, and again produces cor • respoucience, and involves of necessity, a consumption of articles which increases the general revenue. As instances of direct increase in the number of letters, which may with certainty be caculated upon, if the postage is reduced to one penny, it is proposed to show— That all invoices and letters of advice would be despatched by the post. That letters of inquiry, letters of explanation, letters pointing out or supplyinc , omissions in orders or directions, would be greatly multiplied. That letters would be written to secure accuracy and expedi tion upon many smaller points which are allowed to lie over until more important matters occur. That innumerable circulars accompanying prices currrent, and letters inquiring and advising of the state of the markets, would be forwarded by post, which are now either not written at all or but rarely written, and that to stock, share, and Imo duce-brokers, and to intermediate agents of all kinds, as well as principals, a very great increase in the number of ccinmuni cations by post would necessarily result.* That this will lead to the publication of prices current, or market statements, in all the principal marts of trade in the United Kingdom, for immediate transmission to parties inter ested therein ; and to the collection of these statements into other lists and tabular statements, useful in new combinations for many purposes, and that the whole will result in a great in crease of correspondence through the Post-office. That with regard to stock, share, and produce-brokers espe cially, correspondence creates business, and that with them, as with others, cheapness of postage would increase correspond ence; for their clients are peculiarly anxious to be advised daily of the state of the markets, the opinion of those in whose judg ment they place confidence, as to their purchases and sales, and that their correspondence would thereby be largely increased. The shares in joint stock property, and the scrip or other documents respecting it, would be transmitted to the buyers by post, instead of being sent as they now are, when the buyers re side in the country, by parcels. That the facilities thus afforded by increasing the number of transfers, which bear an ad-valorem duty, would lead to the in crease of the general revenue. • That to auctioneers the proposed reduction would open the means of conveying particulars of estates offered for sale into those channels which they know to be likely to afford pur chasers, and to furnish copies of their advertisements, particu lars, and catalogues, to the various classes and trades interest ed in the purchase and sale of particular descriptions of property. 1 hat between all houses and trading companies having branch establishments or travellers, the communications would be greatly increased, as letters would be written immediately the occasion for writing occurred. That orders for small parcels of goods, or even for a single article, would then be transmitted, to the great convenience of the retail dealer; whereas now such orders are not sent, or the wholesale houses are obliged to charge the postage upon them. And that, to the very numerous classes engaged in those trades into which silk, cotton, and woollen enter, this would be a most important convenience, and the cause of very great additional correspondence. . _ _ That it would lead, in all trades requiring extended publicity, to au immense increase in the postage as a mode of advertising, because a thousand circulars, with a letter on the fly-leaf, could be despatched for £43s. 4d. to parties thought by the senders most likely to become the purchasers. This would be particu larly the case with publications addressed to men of science, and to particular classes or sections of society, and yet would not supersede the more extended appeal to the public through the medium of advertisements. . That to all religionsand charitable institutions, particularly to those having branch societies, it would afford most essential aid in bringing their works of benevolence directly to the knowledge of those whom the societies thought especially likely to promote their objects, and facilitate their opportunities of communicating with their influential members, committees, officers, and subscribers. That to all scientific, and particularly to statistical, geologi cal, and guardian societies, and to authors and publishers, upon all subjects, the means of collecting facts and information, and ascertaining the views of other men of science or of similar pursuits, would be of the highest value and importance, and largely increase their communications through the Post-office. That authors would then be able to correct their own works when passing through the press; and as the proofs would be forwarded to them in sheets, the letters and packages, and the additional revises, would be very numerous.t That the ()Teat number of persons who are constantly seeking to arrest public attention on subjects which occur to them as of great religious, social, or political importance, would be able, at a small expense, to convey their views to those whom they desire to interest. That to architects, engineers, medical men, and, indeed, to all professional men, haring the charge of public works, or hos pitals, or institutions of any kind, it would be highly useful and convenient; they could have, at an unimportant expense, re ports from their subordinates by every post, and the institutions and works themselves would be benefited by the constant com munication of the superior minds to the acting subordinates, of plans, drawings, and directions. That great advantage would be taken of the reduction of post age by the legal profession, for the transmission of many docu ments now sent by coach. That all insurance companies would very considerably in crease their correspondence by a wider distrill•ution of letters, prospectuses, advertisements, and circulars; snaking inquiries, transmitting policies, receipts, &c. That to all joint-stock companies, benefit societies, savings' banks, and provident institutions, it would afford great and desirable facilities for communicating with their shareholders, committees and members; and that letters would be sent to the shareholders and members, announcing meetings, dividends, calls, and other matters, in addition to public advertisements required by their acts or charters of incorporation. That the proposed reduction would open a most extensive increase of communication through the Post-office, to the im mense number of persons interested in the many great national measures and inquiries before Parliament, its numerous com mittees, and government commissions, particularly as a large proportion of the many witnesses, and other persons in attend ance upon them, are brought from the country, and would be daily communicating with home. That an enormous increase would take place in what may be called FAMILY OR DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. That the masses of the rising generation are necessarily obliged to go forth from the family roof as apprentices, clerks, shopmen, travellers, teachers, domestic servants, and labourers of all kinds; that they often settle in marriage in places distant from their parents and relations; and that, to immense num bers of these, the present rates of postage prevent communica tions with relatives and friends. That a great increase would arise in letters of advice and affection between parents and children, and from senior rela tives, and amongst all the members, relatives, and friends of the same family; and from the very large class whose business avocations take them frequently from their houses; and out of the ever-changing incidents in life, such as sickness, accidents, rejoicings, and the infinite number of domestic incidents which occur among near and dear relatives, and are deeply interesting to them all, and the more so when distance intervenes. That, if such letters could be transmitted for one penny each, they would be multiplied to an almost inconceivable extent, as most of them would be written by the female branches of fami lies, who are now almost debarred by heavy postage from cor respondence, and that the ability to frank the letter for one penny, would be a strong additional reason for much of this correspondence, arising, as a large portion of it would, from motives of affection, duty,, and friendship. That these certain causes of increase—certain as far as it is possible to predict certainty by anticipation—will multiply the correspondence through the Post-office, at a moderate compu tation, tenfold; and, as nearly the whole expense of collecting will be saved, there can be no rational fear that the direct revenue from postage will lie decreased. * Vide the Evidence of Joshua Bates, Esq. (Baring and Co.), and other Commercialists in Fifth Report. t Vide Fifth Report of Commissioners. REDUCTION OF POSTAGE.—The select committees of the House of Commons, for the reduction of postage, of which Mr. Wallace is chairman, sits three times a week to take evidence on this important subject. The principal part of the testimony during the last week was given by witnesses brought forward at the suggestion of the London mercantile committee, which is busy seeking for the best evidence throughout the whole of the united kingdom. It is said the evidence proves at once the frightful exrent of illicit conveyance of letters, comparatively unknown to the Post-office, and the wants of the community for a great reduction of postage.—Morning Herald. A FASHIONABLE ON DIT.—It is currently stated in the fa shionable circles, that. " England's richest heiress" (Miss C****s B*****t) has found a successful suitor in Lord Fmn, grandson of the premier duke of England. It is further said that a duchess ( mother of the wealthy Duke of S d has been instrumental in bringing about the match, and that the families, who have not until lately passed a visiting raid, pay visits daily. The noble lord, besides being an M.P., is handsome, and it will be recollected by our fashionable reacers, had the honour of open• i ng the ball, at St. James's palace, with the then Princess Vie tllia, in May last.—Lundon Paper. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SUSCRIBERS TO THE DEAF AND DUMB SCHOOL. Yesterday, at Eleven o'clock, the annual meeting of the sub scribers to the above institution was held in the Royal Institu tion, Colquit-street. The meeting was very numerously attended, the theatre of the institution being nearly filled, the great majority of those present being ladies. The pupils of the institution were ranged on the two bottom rows of seats. At the appointed hour the Rev. Rector Campbell was called into the chair. The CHAIRMAN briefly opened the business of the meeting by calling upon Mr. Radcliffe, the secretary, to read the report. It commenced by congratulating the subscribers to the institu tion on the manifest improvement iu the state of the school through the new master, Mr. lihind; it enabled them to recom mend the school as in every way calculated to fulfil the objects fur which it was established. Mr. Rhind had introduced the practice of articulation, being convinced by an experience of 10 years that it was a powerful adjunct to the acquirement of written language. The school was regularly improving iu num bers and importance. An alteration had been made recently in the management by opening the school on Sunday mornings fur instruction in religious exercises. A gymnasium had been erected which had been found highly beneficial to the health of the pupils. And by making the exercises there a reward for good conduct had dune away with the necessity of punishments as well. The school contained 49 pupils, 39 boys, and 10 gills. The ❑umber of pupils in December, 1836, was 46. Since that time 119 pupils had been admitted into the establishment, 70 of whom had received full instructions. The committee recom mended the institution to the charitable subscriptions of the public. A Gentleman on behalf of the Treasurer then read the state ment of the accounts, from which it appeased, that including a balance of £541 handed over from last year's account, the total receipts had been £l2Bl ss. Id. The outlay of the insti tution for various items was £943 14s. 9d, having a balance on hand of £337 10s. 4d. The Rev. J. C. PRINCE rose to move that the report and treasurer's accounts be received, printed, and circulated. Mr. WILLIAM KAYE seconded this, which was unanimously carried. Dr. RALPH said the Almighty might be pleased to afflict, as he did, numerous individuals. But though shut out of many of the blessings of the outer world, the deaf had many comforts inwardly from which others were debarred, thus creating a beautiful balance of good and evil. He concluded with moving "that the thanks of this meeting be given to the committee and officers for the last year," and read a list of persons who were appointed to act for the present year, which will be found in the advertisement in another column. Mr. BROOKS brietlly seconded this, which was unanimously adopted. Dr. SCOTT said he had been requested to move " the thanks of the meeting to the ladies who have formed the committee for the past year." When they considered the very tidy appear ance of the young girls belonging to the charity, there could be no doubt of its bearing ample testimony to the care which the ladies had bestowed upon them for the last year. When they considered the importance of the objects of the institution in rescuing the pupils from the depths of moral darkness, in which, otherwise, they would be lost, there could be few ob jects to which female exertions could be applied, more fitting of the example which the ladies so constantly and generally set to mankind. Among the innumerable inventions brought for ward every day, setting before them the great strides of every branch of science, he could not but think that recent ages had produced nothing in the way of knowledge so ennobling to mankind-30 extensive, so valuable in its effects, as that society which they saw before them. It had for its object the with drawing the shadow of moral darkness from a large portion of the rising generation—of leading them from absolute darkness of intellectual light, into the brightness of a moral and intel lectual sunshine. A very large portion of the aids for this pur pose waS to be traced to the sincere co-operation of the ladies to whom he begged to move the thanks of the meeting for their valuable services, and also to nominate their successors on the committee. The Rev. ROBERT DAVIES said he had great pleasure in seconding the resolution. He had visited the institution re peatedly, and h►s first impression of gratification on doing so had been so strong that it had never been effaced. He had been led to rejoice at this addition obtained by the community. He could not let.' the opportunity pass without expressing his high opinion of the talents of the master, and his satisfaction at the reciprocity of good feeling which existed between the mas ter and pupils. He had no doubt that the attentions of the ladies' committee had been exceedingly advantageous to the interests of the institution, and had much pleasure in seconding the resolution. The CHAIRMAN said he could not propose the resolution without saying a few words himself; because, connected as he was, with the institution, as one of the members of the corn mittee, he might be supposed to feel very much the influence of the ladies. He was only expressing the feelings of the com mittee in saying that the institution could not go on without the ladies. He might be allowed to say—he was only expressing the sentiments of every married man, when be expressed his own—that they none of them could do without the ladies. They derived the greatest comforts of their life from them. Without their assistance, and kind care, and superintendence, this institution could not go on; he, therefore, had much plea sure in joining in seconding the resolution. (Loud applause.) The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. RICHARD RATHBONE rose to move that the thanks of the meeting be given to Mr. Sandbach, the treasurer, who had been exceedingly attentive to his office, and therefore he thought be should not be allowed to retire without the thanks of the meeting being given to him. He had received a note, a few days ago, from Mr. Rhind, the master, suggesting the propriety of forming a small museum for the pupils. A few specimens of art might be collected without much expense if the want of them were made known. He had tried to put down a few articles which would be acceptable. Pictures and engravings of all kinds of objects: men, women, and children; plates and drawings of machinery; instruments and tools of all kinds; specimens of shells and natural history ; sea-weeds, wooden bricks for build ing bridges, &c., &c., would be found very useful to the pupils, and he hoped such things would be freely given. Many indi viduals possessed things of this kind which had grown useless to themselves ' ,and if contributed they would have very good effects, and would be missed by nobody. Mr. RADdLIFFE begged to second the resolution which was carried unanimously . This concluded the business of the meeting. The thanks of the meeting were given to the Chairman, who briefly responded, and the examinations of the pupils commenced. Mr. RHIND, the Master, briefly addressed the company. He expressed his embarrassment at being called forward to address a public meeting—a position so unusual for him, and his feeling of the heavy responsibility which rested on him. He had felt considerable encouragement in the performance of his duties, by the tcontinual attentions of the Rectors to the institution, from whom he had always experienced the most ready cu-ope ration The instruction of the deaf and dumb could not but be a subject of lively interest to every contemplative mind. It was imagined by some persons that when they were able to speak with the fingers it was all that was necessary to commu nicate with the deaf and dumb, and to teach them. But this was a mistake; because they were instructed by signs, their natu ral language. Although they learned every thing by the fin gers, this, of itself, communicated no ideas to the mind; the meaning of words must be explained to them by signs, in their own language. Mr. RHIND then called up the first or lowest class, consisting of little boys, about eight years of age. The first thing they taught them was to learn to write. The deaf and dumb when they spoke always expressed the idea by the countenance. Mr. Rhind then expressed several short words by signs to the pupils, which they wrote with chalk on a board placed at the back of the platform. He then called up the second class, who were advanced to short and easy sentences, such as " what is your name ?" " are you fond of school ?" &c., which the children wrote with great readiness on the board. One of the boys, on being asked what he learned, replied, he " learnt to write, and read, and cypher, and understand Latin." Several similar questions were put to them, and their ready answers ap peared to give much satisfaction. He then called up the third, or head class : it consisted of about an equal num ber of boys and girls. One of the boys was nearly grown up, as were also one or two of the girls. they were asked ques tions of a more abstruse nature: as, " What is sugar ?" to which a girl answered, " Sugar is a sweet substance obtained from the sugar cane." " Where does the sugar cane grow ?" "In the West Indies ?•" " What is tea?" " Tea is a plant which grows in China?" " How is tea made ?" "The leaves of the tea tree are picked, dried, and packed in boxes, and brought to this country by ships: it is infused by pouring boil ing water upon it, and used for breakfast and in the afternoon." This was the written reply of a remarkably intelligent-looking girl. A number of questions of a similar kind were put to, both boys, and girls, which they . answered in a similarly satisfactory manner. The master said, in order to prove that these questions were not prepared, he should be glad if any of the company would ask them questions. A number of questions were then put to them, some of which they answered, and in some of which they failed. They were then questioned on subjects of a religi ous character, in which they showed a pleasing and remarkable proficiency, readily finding required texts in answer to such questions as, " Whom does the Bible say created the world," &c. Several questions were then put to the boys to test their knowledge of geography, as, " Where is Oxford ?" " the Isle of Man ?" "the Isle of Wight ?" "Which is the largest county ?" " Which the smallest ?" and each of these questions were rea dily answered, and the places pointed out on a large map. They were then asked, " for what Staffordshire was famous ? for what Devonshire? for what Durham ?" and readily answered, " For pots, cyder, and mustard." Several historical questions were then put to them, which they answered very satisfactorily; as, " Where was the battle between William the I. and another king ?" " Hastings." `• Who was that king ?" " Harold," &c. The proficiency of the pupils was then put to the. test in articulating open sounds as the vowels, and also the sounds pro duced by their junction with consonants. The manner in which this is taught to the pupils is very extraordinary, they having no ear to guide them. The thumb of the pupil is placed against the larynx of the master whilst he is pronouncing the required sound, and the sounds are learned by the different vibrations of the master's throat. The manner of surmounting this extraor dinary difficulty was exhibited by the master, a pupil putting his thumb on his (the master's) throat, and he followed him in number of open sounds with much ease. The Rev. CHAIRMAN wished to know the practical utility of this? Mr. RHINO said he was convinced that it assisted the pupil in learning by the association of ideas. They were continually repeating their lessons over, when they could articulate, which greatly assisted their memories. [We should imagine it would be of the greatest utility to the pupils when they left school, and were by any chance thrown amongst strangers. They would by means of being able to articulate be able to snake their wants known to those who did not understand the language of signs, or of the fingers.] A very fine intelligent looking boy, apparently about ten years of age, then stepped forward to speak the following ad dress. Notwithstanding its length he repeated it with the greatest exactness, and with remarkable precision in the pro priety of sound. ; "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, "Permit us humbly and respectfully to solicit your patient and indulgent ear, while we attempt to express, in words, our gratitude for the kind support which you have hitherto afforded to the School for the Deaf and Dumb, and entreat a continuance of the same on behalf of our school-fellows, and all those who are similarly situated to ourselves, that they may experience corresponding advantages to those which we enjoy. "Without your fostering care we might have lived in igno rance, and grown up a burden to society and useless to ourselves, agrief to our friends and a terror to those around us; but through your liberal bounty we have been rescued from mental darkness, taught to distinguish right from wrong, and made capable to hold intercourse with our inure favoured fellow-creatures, who are not suffering under the privatio❑ of hearing and of speech ; and by your generous. aid we have been enabled to read and under stand the Sacred Scriptures, from which we have been instructed in our duty to God, our neighbour, and ourselves, and become act' sainted with that Saviour, through faith iu whom ail who believe, may obtain salvation. "The institution has bee❑ established about thirteen years, and contains, at present, forty-nine Pupils. Until a few months s ince, I was unable to utter a syllable, now we are ALL learning to speak, and I feel grateful to Almighty God for having put it * into the hearts of Christian people to provide Instruction for the Deaf and _Dumb. We heartily thank you, kind friends of the institution, for what you have done for us, and we hope that all Deaf mutes may succeed in obtaining admission where they may be taught how to be useful and happy in this life, and made wise in those things which concern our evermsting peace." The audience applauded the little fellow enthusiastically when he had finished his task. The master said he was .0. remarkably clever buy. A number of pencil drawings by the pupils were then handed round the room, some of which, landscapes, by thh female pupils, were far superior to many drawings we have seen by boarding school young ladies, of finished education, drawing included. Some of them were remarkably well exe cuted. The pencil drawing of a cow was also very well done by one of the boys. The pupils were then asked by the master to describe, by signs, ploughing, reaping, a horse, a lion, &c., in which exercises they were very perfect. Some of their signs were very laughable, though highly characteristic. The CHAIRMAN said he was appointed by the committee to express the satisfaction they had experienced, as well as the ladies and gentlemen present, at the examination. (Applause.) Of course in exhibitions of this nature the pupils must labour under great disadvantages ; and he had not a doubt that the real merits of the institution were much better seen in the school itself. At the same time what had been shown there that day must be very satisfactory to all who had witnessed it, and be very gratifying to every mind. He trusted they should all be filled with a sincere desire to promote the interests of the insti tution by every means in their power. It had been very well said by Dr. Ralph, that the afflicting dispensations of Provi dence had this manifest good effect of exhibiting to the sympa thy of our fellow creatures those who are afflicted; and in this one particularly, one of the most afflicting dispensations of Pro vidence that could befit' human nature, enabled them to per form one of His commands, namely, imitate perfection. They were told that they were to be perfect, even as their Father who was in heaven was perfect, and by such institutions as these, by the exercise of their particular care, they might be able even to imitate his miraculous perfections, so far as poor fallible crea tures could do, by unstopping the ears of the deaf, and causing the dumb to speak. It must be a sincere satisfaction to the master to rescue his fellow creatures from their low estate. He hoped in connexion with these few remarks, which he endea voured to impress on all who heard him, from his anxious' wish to promote the permanent interests of the institution, that new subscribers would give their names. Their subscriptions were a £lOO a year short to meet the current expenses, and they had to depend on donations and legacies. He was happy to say that he had just received an account that Mr. Ogden had left the institution a legacy of £5O. The institution appeared there fore to be very much in waut of annual subscriptions. If they could get more numerous annual subscriptions of ss. or 10s., — or if each person now there would get an additional annual subscription, it would raise the funds of the institution, and set aside all doubt or difficulty, and they should be able to place the institution in the situation which it was entitled to hold in the' town; because he did not see why this charity should not be placed on a level with any other charity in the town. It pos sessed claims of a very superior nature. He trusted they should all do their best to rescue it from the position in which it was placed. He concluded with thanking the company for their attendance that day, and hoped they were gratified. Mr. RHIND briefly returned thanks for the compliment paid to him, and the meeting broke up about half-past one o'clock. ~, , THE LATE GALE. On Tuesday last this town was visited by a gale of extra ordinary violence. It commenced early in the forenoon from the south-west, increasing in intensity towards the mid dle of the day, with a slight abatement towards evening, when the wind chopped round to the westward. Much damage will, no doubt, have been occasioned in the town ; but we fear the tidings from sea will present a picture of fearful disasters. We learn that the Avon, from Natches, cotton laden, ran on shore nearly opposite Formby. A steamer was sent out to ren der her assistance, but by no effort could she be brought within two miles of the stranded vessel. The Formby life-boat was got out, but all exertions to put off from the shore proved inef fectual. The boat was literally blown out of the water. Under these circumstances the poor mariners were obliged to be left on board, to abide the chances of a tempestuous night. Their only hope of deliverance was, that the vessel might hold together till the morning, which it is probable she may, unless she be in deep water, and the sea making a breach over her. The same steamer, which had been engaged in this praiseworthy but una vailing service, saw two brigs, with other vessels, wrecked in Bootle Bay. She made every effort to assist them, but without success. A gentleman, resident at Liscard, on the opposite coast, informs us that about six o'clock an outward-bound steamer, supposed to be a government boat, came in contact with a large American vessel, inward-bound. The shock was so great that the steamer lost her chimney, and was so far disabled as to relinquish her course, and make for Bootle Bay, where she anchored, and was seen through the evening throwing up blue lights. A steam-tug boat went down to her, but up to half-past nine last night we had not been able to gather any further particulars as to her fate. A most singular fact, and one which deserves to he recorded in the annals of maritime adventure, is the following:—The John Porter, which sailed from Demerara for Halifax, Nova Scotia, is now in this port with damage, having been absolutely driven the whole breadth of the Atlantic out of her course ! Such a circumstance may fairly be said to be unprecedented. It is fortunate that yester day the tide happened to range low,—about 11 feet. Had the same gale occurred with a 21 feet tide, the effects upon the river would have been tremendously magnified. The water could have been bhiwn at least four or five feet higher than the calcu lated level, and vessels, as have been the case before, might have been mounted clean over the pier. This being just the period of the vernal equinox, the gale, though furious and de structive, may be considered quite in character with the season. —Courier. A good deal of interest was excited amongst the spectators who went down to the Pier-head on Tuesday afternoon, by the appearance of the flat-bottomed landing-boat, lately moored off George's Pier, and built by Mr. Boydell. After labouring greatly in the gale for some time, she shipped so many seas that she began to fill, and the man on board in charge of her, after making all as secure as he could, left her and came on shore. Her stern first sunk completely under water, the sea going right over her; her bow, however, for a long time, kept, up. She gradually settled till the top of her tafrails were level with the surface of the water, in which situation she remained rolling about water-logged, the quantity of timber in her pre venting her sinking. SEitious Coi.Lisiox.—Her Majesty's Mail steam-packet Lucifer, commanded by Lieutenant Tudor, R.N., an experi enced officer, well-known iu Liverpool, left George's Pier with the mail and passengers for Kingstown, on Tuesday even ing, at about half-past six o'clock. On reaching the red buoy, off the Rock Lighthouse, she perceived the American ship Westchester, from Savannah, running in through the rock channel before the wind, it blowing a strong gale at the mo ment. Not attempting to cross the ship's course, the Lucifer, according to custom, put her helm to starboard, and sheered in towards the Battery. At this moment the Westchester sud denly, from what cause is unknown, luffed up and steered for thd Lucifer : the latter having run inside the bry, and nearly on shore, without any opening for escape, stopped, and then reversed her engines. The Westchester, however, steered so as to strike the Lucifer exactly amidships, breaking through the paddle-box, sponsings, and wheel, and driving all in-board— then swept away the gunwale aft to the quarter, and knocked the chimney overboard. The Lucifer was now wholly disabled, and the Westchester dropped astern clear. To the astonish ment of all, however, she then filled her sails, ranged up and ran on board the Lucifer on the opposite quarter, leaving her in possession of the American ship's head. The Lucifer was immediately brought to an anchor. and yesterday morning towed into port by three steamers. We deeply regret to add, that in attempting to leap on board the American ship, a pas senger (Lieut. Brooke, of the Ist Royals) was jammed between the vessels, and had both his legs broken, and oreadfully lace rated. He was removed early yesterday morning to Woodside Hotel, where his injuries were dressed by Messrs. Bickersteth, Stevenson, and Vale; an express was d es p a t c h e d f or hi s bro ther, Sir Arthur Brooke, who is on a visit near Macclesfield. As a 'report has been circulated that the Lucifer run on board the Westchester, we may observe that the cutwater of the American ship struck the Lucifer as already stated, exactly amidships. Indeed had the blew been before or abaft the pad dle-box, the Lucifer must have gone to the bottom. WREC K s.—The Avon, from Natchez, cotton laden, mentioned as having run on shore at Bootle, soon after began to break up. On the receding of the tide the crew was saved. The Orient, from Bombay, which also run on shore in Bootle Bay, is re ported to have five and a half feet water in h er h o ld. A sc h oo ner. name unknown, abandoned, is also on shore at the same place. She' is supposed to be a coaster. On Wednesday the hull of a small craft, name not known, was washed on shore on the main of Voel Nant. The Earl of Wilton has arrived in town and proceeded to Brighton, owing to the permature demise of his eldest daughter Lady Mary Egerton. The countess was at Brighton. The deceased lady was a particular favourite of the Duke of Wel lington, and was a constant visitor at Weimer Castle during the summer months. His grace presented Lady Mary with a beauti ful pony a short time since. The noble family of Grosvenor will be placed in mourning by the death of this interesting young lady. - • - - HERRING FISHING.—A considerable shoal of herrings hav ing appeared on this coast, the boats belonging to Eyemouth, and the adjoining fishing creeks, put to sea with a few nqts;and having made a successful trial, they were induced to persevere. About 20 boats are nightly employed in this fishing, which is ra ther uncommon at this season of the year. The labours of the fishermen have been crowned with success unprecedented in this quarter; the take during the last eight days having been from four to 30 crans per boat nightly, and as curers from a distance have arrived, the herrings meet a ready market at from 12s to 18s per crap.—Berwick Paper. RESTITUTION.—POWER OF CONSCIENCE.—On Monday night last, after the hours of business, a note, of which the following is a copy, was, together with seven sovereigns enclosed in a brown paper wrapper, thrust under the door of Mr. Fildes, grocer, at his residence in Mayers-Street :—" Mr. Fildes.—Dear Sir,—l take this opportunity of making restitution, although more than 20 years have passed away since the articles have been taken from your shop. I have been of late convinced, that it is my duty to make restitution now that it is in my power. I must confess r have had some strugling whether to come be fore you, but I really feel so ashamed ; but 1 hope you will for give me, and I hope the Lord will have mercy upon me.—As your brother and you are partners, you will divide the en closed."—Manchester Guardian. RUTLAND ELRCTION.—The election of a representative in parliament for the county of Rutland took place on 'Tuesday last, at the castle of Oakham. '['he usual preliminaries having been gone through, the Hon. William Middleton Noel , was proposed by John Wingfield, Esq., and seconded by John Eagleton, Esq The Hon, W. M. Noel then addressed the electors. In the course of his speech the hon. candidate declared his firm at tachment to the church, adding that be would, if possible, bind the church still more closely to the state, from the conviction which he felt that it was the national religion of England which, by improving the condition of all classes of her people, h a d placed her in her present exalted and prosperous condition. No other candidate being put in nomination, the Hon. W. M. Noel was declared duly elected. Pita tin Ui'ON THE POSTOFFICE. — On Monday, Mr. William Thomas Roberts, the opulent bookseller of Exeter, was brought before the city magistrates at the Guildhall, charged by the Postmaster-General of Great. Britain, with committing three misdeamennors, in fraudeutly writing on the inside of newspapeis transmitted by him to London front Exeter. The counsel for the Postoffice read the clause of the act, by w hi c h any person writing, printing, or using any pignsona newspaper transmitted by the post, and intended as a communication to evade the post age, should be punished by , a' flue of three times the amount of postage, or be indicted at the quarter sessions for a misdemeanor, at the option of the Postruaster•General ; and his lordship had, in this instance, chosen to proceed against the defendant by indictment. Ile therefore called on the bench to order Mr. Roberts to find bail to appear at the foithcoming sessions. Paul _]leaser, Esq., the postmaster of Exeter, produced au order from the Earl of Lichfield, and signed by his secretary, commanding the present proceeding; but, as Mr. Measer had mislaid the en velope, the court adjourned the further proceedings until Satur day, that it might be produced. —Exeter Flying Post. \.. M A Rcil 23, 1838. THEATRE-ROYAL, LIVERPOOL. The Public is respectfully informed that the THEATRE WILL OPEN FOR THE SEASON OH MONDAY next, the 26th instant, on which Evening Mr. POWER, the celebrated Irish Comedian, (of the Theatres-Royal Covent-garden and Drury-lane, &c.,) who is engaged fur Ten Nights, will make his First Appearance here these two years. (AN MONDAY next, the 26th instant, the Entertainments ‘,../ will commence with the new Comedy, called THE COUNTRY SQUIRE ; OR, TWO DAYS AT THE HALL. Squire Broadlands, Mr. Baker; Horace Selwood, Mr. Howard; George Selwood, Mr. W. H. Bland; Sparrow, Mr. Slaiter ; Temperance, Mrs. Clarke; Miss Fanny Markham, Mrs. Tel let ; Miss Sophy Herbert, Mrs. Baker; Alice, (with a Song,) Mrs. W. H. Bland. After which, a Comedy, in two acts, called THE IRISH AMBASSADOR. Sir Patrick O'Plenipo, (the Irish Ambassador,) Mr. Power ; Lady Emily, Miss Cleaver, (from the Theatres-royal, Dubli n and Edinburgh, her first appearance here ;) Isabella, Mrs. Tellet. To conclude with the Farce of THE OMNIBUS. Pat Rooney, (his original character,) Mr. Power. During the engagement of Mr. Power, the New Dramas of RORY O'MORE, MACKINTOSH and Co., and CON FOUNDED FOREIGNERS will be produced, in which Mr. Power will sustain his original characters. The early arrangements of the season will include the engagement of Mr. and Mrs. WOOD. Manager and Treasurer, Mr. CLARKE. Stage Director, Mr. CHAPLIN. Lower Boxes, 45.; Upper Boxes, 3s. 6d. ; Pit, 2s. 6d.; Gal lery, Is. Doors to be opened at Half-past Six, and Performance to commence at Seven o;clock. A limited number of Subscrption Tickets,(not transferable, nor admitted at Benefits,) to be disposed of, on application to Mr. PARKER, at the Box-office, from ten until three o'clock. LIVERPOOL ASSIZES. MR. T. C. FOSTER,WRITER and REPORTER for the LIVERPOOL STANDARD, will attend daily in the Civil Court during the ensuing Liver pool Assizes, and will furnish VERBATIM REPORTS to Professional Men or others, on REASONABLE TERMS, of any Trials that may take place.—Address, Mr. FOSTER, Standard Office. TO CORRESPONDENTS. "A House Owner's" note in our next. The similarity which " Scrutator's" handwriting bears to that of another party who has written on the same subject, leads us to request his name as a voucher. If our suspicions are unfounded, as to his identity with the party to whom we allude, we shall cheerfully give insertion to his letter. The letter of "One of the Public" will require pruning before it can be published. The communication of " A Cheshire Plough-bov" is not of suffi cient importance to justify its publication. Ile must, there fore, submit to endure a " trivial disappointment." 'be Eiberpoot gi-tanbarti. FRIDAY MORNING, MARCH 23, 1838. The Publication of the STANDARD commenced this morn ing at 5 o'clock. NEGRO APPRENTICESHIP.—We have great pleasure in introducing the following very interesting document to the notice of our readers. The sentiments which Sir J. C. Smith expresses in his speech must be cordially re sponded to by every benevolent mind. We may confi dently refer to it as furnishing a complete answer to the calumnies of the abolitionists, as fat as one of the most important of our colonies is concerned. The evidence of a man like the Governor of Demerara is worth ten times more than the ex parte statements and prejudiced ha rangues of Sturge, Palmer, and Co. The allusion which Sir J. C. Smith makes to the comparative condi tions of Demerara and Great Britain is very happy, but it would have been still more so if he had introduced a parallel between the comforts, and exemption from hard labour, enjoyed by the negro, and the hardships, and six teen-hours-per day toil, endured by the British labourer. DEMERARA. SPEECH OF THE GOVERNOR AT THE OPENING OP THE COLONIAL LEGISLATURE. (From the Guiana Chronicle, Feb. 5,1838.) Court of Policy, Saturday, Feb. 3. On the opening of the doors at one o'clock this day, the Governor delivered to the Honourable Court a long speech_ The following copy of the same is taken, for the sake of per fect accuracy, from the official Gazette of this evening : "Gentlemen,—Her Majesty having been graciously pleased to cause her royal approbation to be communicated to me of the practice I have adopted of addressing this Court, at the opening of the first session of this year—a summary review of the political events and circumstances of the p'ast twelve months; a recapi tulation of the legislative proceedings of the same period; and an intimation of the nature and purpose of the projectsof law Which it is my intention to bring forward; I feel it my duty te request your attention to the following observations upon the present occasion : "2. I am in the first place desirous of offering to you my sin cere congratulations upon the happy, contented, and prosperous state of this province. I challenge comparison with any county of Great Britain; and I affirm that fewer crimes and fewer breaches of the peace will be found to have been committed ill British Guiana, during, the year 1837, than in any part of her Majesty's dominions of the same extent, possessing two sea-ports, and containing an equal population. " 3. When I reflect upon the good conduct of the apprenticed labourers; upon their anxiety for religious and moral instruc tion; when I see new churches, chapels, school-rooms rising rapidly in every district throughout this province, it is impossi ble not to be sanguine in the expectation that after the expira tion of the apprentice system this'colony will be blessed with e, religious, moral, and industrious race, and continue to flourish accordingly. " 4. You are aware, gentlemen, that in a dispatch dated so far back as on the 19th of March, 1836, (now nearly two years ago,) addressed by me to the Right Hon. the Lord Glenelg, I deprecated the idea of shortening the period of the apprentice ship. The, contents of that despatch have only been made known to you in consequence of its having been laid before Parliament, and been directed by the House of Commons to be printed. I allude to these circumstances, in order to prevent the possibility of its being supposed, even for a moment, that in communicat ing to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State my sentiments upon a question of so important a nature to the future prospe- • rity of this colony, 1 was actuated by any foolish or mistaken desire to acquire an ephemeral popularity with any particular class in this colony. , The sentiments I expressed in that des patch I still entertain. I consider the continuance of the pre sent system until the Ist of August, 1840, as identified with the future welfare of this magnificent province. It appears to me, that if, in British Guiana, we are allowed to continue as we are, there is every prospect of our being enabled to slide almost imperceptibly into a state of perfect freedom. Excepting in cases of theft, the degrading punishment of the lash is unknown. Females are not permitted to be sent to the treadmill. The advantages resulting from labour are becoming daily more un derstood, and better appreciated by the apprentice. He is, moreover, fast acquiring a knowledge of the rights and duties which, as a freeman, he will hereafter have in the one case to enjoy, and in the other to perform. The proprietor, on his part, is daily preparing to meet the coming change. A kind and a good feeling between the employer and the labourer is every where rapidly gaining ground. It is no longer the master and the slave having opposite interests; but the husbandman who cannot effectually till hislround without the willing aid and the extra work of his apprenticed labourers; and the apprenticed labourer who looks to the husbandman for that money, in pay ment for his extra labour, which he requires to enable him to take care of his wife and family, and to provide himself and them with those articles of comfort and luxury to which they have become habituated. When things are going on so well as• in British Guiana, it appears to me, that it would be little short of an act of folly to offer any interruption to the present system. " 5. During the year which has elapsed, we passed 17 ordin ances in this court. It does not appear necessary for me to trouble you at this moment with any remarks upon acts which have so recently received your attention. " 6. The first legislative measure which I wish to bring under your notice during the present session will be one relative to, the classification of the prmdial and non-prmdial labourers, errors have taken place, if any individual is liable to he called!, upon two additional years of servitude, in consequence of his, name having been entered in the wrong column of the tegistra, tion list, it is fit and proper that he should be placed, in that class to which he legally belongs. I anticipate your ready, ac" quiescence in this measure. e * • • • J. CARMICHAEL. SMYTH. POSTOFFICE REFORM.—In another column will be found an article on this subject, copied from the Post Circular, a stamped publication, having for its object the diffusion of every species of useful information rela tive to an alteration in the fiscal arrangements of the Postoffice department. The subject is one of the great est importance, and one in which every individual is more or less concerned. It is likewise of the greatest moment in its hearing upon all other departments of our national policy, and in its connection with the progress of civilization and the development of our national re sources. Of the necessity of some reform in the Postoffice re gulations there can be but one opinion; but whether the plans submitted by Mr. Rowland Hill ate calculated, to obviate all the existing evils is a matter which admits of considerable doubt. TLe principal objection against ins