The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1848-06-20 00:00:00

las been , 1848. London, by , nch company` ng heard. Mr, sts so acutely stating that ut from veil I experienced . It is with disreputable :h commenced ieht. on Thursday, ester, on the ►itant of that llowing rnan nvivial party, hich he was a to go home, which he had ows of disre ransport, and when a fourth !rent charae which felled he New Inn, inct, and he ken into cus- I the police• Elptured, and :ON OF 7.00 has laid on lich has been .gulating the Day." The " whereas id other per -1 Newcastle hour of one ay has been proceeds to person shall eer, or other ne, on Sun the hour of ravellers, or persons who "that every e liable to more than )ry separate NALITY IN T of these is rtion of the In fifteen that only hool—there 3 of age, 10 ifessed that d run away 3ts of every together by ad no caps, slept in a ,tuber ever io have anY sell lucifer horses, and ice of their in door stables and his dog to en and ne- our crirni- Chronicle earance nd took uP , an agree nn on the ills *Si p. nd ad.lres* acknow- at four, Dr supper► nit equallY er evening lusiness to ning to the described. host, and ecount for V over the •e invited; !rer. The all ready, ho, unfor g ill, and ►sposition. t another Mit eleven on horse d started lave the) nk, which ft behind, it empty.. RCASSIA ciety, on had been r-in-chief r. Andre ssful plan )pear that natter by Tered but 3r troops. !covery xir called 7om ewbat ngredient quan iut sed it . in proving o, ng he more found it see. Th e rope in. °. it remain it, which Russian , but the shores of our, and of distil t he had Ma, and hands of ascertain tear RO' x tensiye been in ity, for at tssets out d ; and It llv com a fire for the sub- manifest Les at the 3-aS been t n•upionS the prevail, destruc: nily wa s ly th e for which the work with un ;reated a .saw two hick is so ;hem h numbe d ng it to one huge o destrgY 'count in eu, soul ; and Pe' ready se' The e% - f winter• ke, which °sphere, and the warm air ►s habita- re worse. Light the work, at Ipswich, et by 1 8, a 24 fee t ' s or remova l tendence he modal holes, .ickworlf all Nana June 20, ISM WEST AND EAST INDIA COLONIES. On Tuesday, pursuant to a requisition, numerously and 'respectably signed by bankers, merchants, and traders of Liverpool, the Mayor convened a public meeting of the inhabitants of the borough at the Session's-house, Chapel street, for the purpose, as stated in the requisition, of considering the late measures of the government in con nexion with the East and West India Sugar Colonies, and how far they have been effective in carrrying out the views `contemplated by the Slavery Abolition Acts; and also to 'consider the expediency of giving our approval and sup port to the resolutions recently moved and carried, in reference thereto, by our member, Sir Thomas Birch, in 'committee of the House of Commons." At twelve 'o'clock the Mayor, T. B. Horsfall, Esq., appeared upon the platform, and took the chair amid rapturous apd pro :;Ned cheering f rom ev e r y part of the spacious building. .un his right and left we noticed a great number of our leading merchants and tradesmen. The TOWN-CLERK commenced the proceedings by reading the requisition which had been sent to the Mayor. The MAYOR then rose and said,—Gentlemen, I have 'convened the present meeting on the same principle on which I have convened several others ; for the purpose of affording the inhabitants of this town the opportunity of expressing, in a legitimate and constitutional manner, their opinions o n p ass i ng ev ents, whether those events are circumstan ces connected with the commerce of this coun hor whether th e y ar e connected with British philan ropy. (Cheers.) Mr. F. SHAND, in moving the first resolution, contended that the act passed for the abolition of slavery in 1833 had failed in its anticipated effects. He complained that the great measure then propounded bad so far signally failed; and that not because it was not practicable—not because it ought not to have succeeded—but because there had been no pains taken, because there had been no efforts made. by th ose who ha d t h e power, to g i ve i t success . He said it was because, after the act was passed, a change took place in the councils of the nation, and inconsistent, unreasonable, and unjust demands were made from the colonial proprietors. Mr. Shand, after some other ob servations, continued I find that in 1833, the year in which the abolition act was passed, the growth of sugar amounted to 3,646,205 cwt. ; at which time Lord Stanley the that so advant the much had the quantity produced exceeded a 1,000,000 consumption, that he really thought it would be an _ e _age to the West Indies if they made less. They and d h cwts. annually beyond the consumption, less. e said they would get higher prices if they made s. Let me observe, that from 1834 till 1840, a system of regulated labour, under the name of apprenticeship, Vas to have been established. I find that the average returns for the next four years were very little less than in 1833. They amounted, on the average—and there is not much difference, the last being rather the most, to 3,488,363 cwt. But in 1838, by, I must say, an extraor dinary caprice of legislation—a shameful violation of the -compact of 1834—the apprenticeship was abruptl7, with out any consideration to the planters at all, put an end to. What was the consequence of this act ? The consequence was that in the three following years the return fell off from 2,824,372 cwt., to 2,214,764 cwt., and in 1841 to 2,147,218 cwt. ; making a difference of more than 1,100,000 cwt. annually. Results like these certainly called forth many complaints. They led also to the most vigorous efforts on the part of the colonists, who sought in every part of the world, and made many struggles, to obtain labourers for their deserted fields. Without stop- Ping now to count the cost of so doing, I will refer to the consequent result. In 1842, which VW the last of three years during which they had exercised the greatest dili gence in procuring additional labourers, the production of sugar, which had fallen to 2,148,000 cwt., rose to 2,531,725 cwt., and went on increasing, with the exception of 1846. Which was a very dry year, till in 1847 it again reached 3 .202,775 cwt. I may add at this point, too, that the East Indies and Mauritius had not been standing still. They had come on with giant strides. So that in 1847 the production of British sugar alone equalled, within a trifle, the whole consumption of Great Britain. I might discuss at some length many of the modes in which the Measures of the colonists themselves were thwarted by the Government. But I have limited myself to this one fact, and it is the fact on which I ground my complaint, that the system of free labour has never had fair play, and that it has given such evidence of success that it ought not to be abandoned at the present moment. And Yet abandoned it must he—l say, abandoned it must be, if the British colonies be left to the operation of the Act of 1846. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) I said before that I would set aside the cost, yet I cannot but bring it to bear in favour of my argument. I must now add, that the outlay of procuring labourers, and paying such very high wages, and in attempting the improvement, cultiva tion, and manufacture of sugar has been so enormous that, great as you considered the compensation to have been, and high as you recollect the price of sugar was, 'Yet it has all been expended through these channels, and We must fall if we are to be brought into competition with the foreign slave dealer—the man who grows sugar under the Act of 1846. We did pledge ourselves under the Emanciyation Act to an honest effort to make free labour successful. And I say we - have not done so ; that we have not allowed it fair play ; and I do not think this nation has done justice to the undertaking which they then entered upon. CHARLES LAWRENCE, Esq., briefly seconded the reso lution, which, together with a ll the others carried on this occasion, as well as the memorial of the House of Com mons, and the amendments proposed. seconded and re jected, will be found in our advertising columns. Mr. W. RATHBONE, seconded by Mr. C. HOLLAND, moved an amendment to the first resolution, which was put and lost. Mr. ADAM HODGSON proposed the second resolution, and in doing so said, we ask that the expectation which was held out by the minister of the day, and which was supposed by the West Indians to be guaranteed by all that Was binding in those arguments of morality—all that was enduring in those pleas of humanity—all that was sacred in those considerations of religion—that that expectation should be fulfilled. Now, what was that expectation ? That he should be in a measure sustained while passing through the transition stage of a difficult experiment ; that be should be supported till the new social system should be consolidated, and that he should have the honest and cordial co-operation of the British people while carry ing out the new, and, as the West Indian alleged, the ha zardous experiment of the untried mode of cultivation you had forced upon him. This was what was asked, and as an honest man I ask of you to afford this. I ask it as an abolitionist. I ask it as an Englishman anxious for fair play, and that our engagements to the West Indian should be fulfilled. lam persuaded that the more the question is understood, the more you will find the country true to herself, true to the memory of the great men I have men tioned, true to their eloquent efforts of twenty, thirty, or forty years for the abolition of the slave trade and slavery --you will find liat the count r y, truetohe;;lf,Toiter principles, to British feelings, will never acquiesce —never long and permanently acquiesce in a course of legislation at variance with her expectations, her consistency, her cha racter, and her religion—(much applause.) The Rev. THOMAS NOLAN, in seconding the resolution alluded to the question as being one of common humanity as regards the negro, and one of common justice to the West India planter. The measure of 1846 has had the effect of stimulating the slave trade. The importation of Slaves, as had been proved by Mr. Hodgson, had been doubled as compared with 1844 and 1845. In addition to the proof afforded by the previous speaker, Mr. Nolan quoted the evidence of Dr. Cliffe to the effect, that the Only Brazilian ship that ever captured - ;slaver was corn ruttided by an Englishman, and he was dismissed the ser vice, and that since the West Indian islands have been crushed, the sugar plantations of Brazil have risen up to a large extent. On such evidence, and there was abun dance of a similar kind, were they inconsistent as aboli tionists in s e eking for a modification or a repeal of that law which had aggravated all the iniquity against which t ney protested. England as a nation was guilty of it : let it not be charged on the West Indians. It was England's law : it had the sanction of England : it was supported by the nation. Let the nation be just. That is the great ground ; and we take the next, the anomalous position England places herself in. She is wasting the flower of her navy in guarding the poisonous estuaries of the African slave coast, at the very time that by her legislative enact ments at home she is holding out a premium that renders the putting down of slavery impossible. I recollect, Sir, having heard—and in this company I shall be easily cor rected if I am wrong—that so long as the premium or duty on any an article exceeded such a per centage on its value, to put down smuggling in that article was impossible. Now the premium on slave sugar by the act/of 1846 is so great, it stimulates so much that it will be impossible to put down that most abhorrent of all systems of smuggling that traffic in the lives of responsible beings like ourselves, the creation of the same God. This is the great ground to which we come • and if we speak feelingly—and why should we not ?—of one portion of our community, the West India interest, and it is a mighty one, let us not be 'understood to include the West India proprietors alone. I look on the negro as his dependan` : and I regard their interests as inseparable. One ( ulna prosper by the detriment of the other ; and that philosophy, or Political economy, or whatever you may please to call it, must issue in ruin, that attempts to elevate the labourer, whether white or black, at the expense or to the prejudice of the man who employs him. Ere I sit down, I will make one observation that will, I 110 Pe, cause a thrill through the heart of every man pre sen for I address you as free-born Englishmen who love Fill hurt, country. I hope the insignificance of the speaker not detract from the importance of the remark he i !tanut to make. I speak to Englishmen who have ens3 °Yed the shelter and protection of that blessing and mercy Which God has given to your country. I ask you to recal ' l liad the blessings extended to your own highly favoured many , and to remember that God has honoured her in Christian, ways and has extended to her the blessings of a people, a preached Gospel, and a righteous law. a lrer ything you have, and everything you are, depends I ,l°a the fostering blessing of God. Your ships, your ies, your commerce,—those great pillars upon which e ,igtand's greatness stands, and stands the envy and `iltiation of the globe,—these are some of her blessings. Sh e Stands unrivalled in the annals of the civilized world, At Wishes us to e i make use of the means to uphold lecountries that hnmercy hath given to us. Look w re Compliment paid to your country during the recent te e ' , if I may so call it, of foreign kingdoms. See the 4 0 Pose that you h ave en j oye d h ere ! E ng l an d i s f re edom's ye B lll , (" No, no," followed by vehement cries of " Yes, i s f •. and applause.) I said, sir, and I repeat it that she herfeedorn's home ! and that nothing but a suicidal act of 3• o4 u wa can ever bear the arms of England down ! Do fre to B , e ft a proof ? Is there a foreign monarch banished le o his thro ne ? Wh ere d oes h e see k fo r a home but sier the noble flag and mighty arms of magnificent ~9gland • Whose was the arm that stretched across the VBllltYr, deep and that snapped the African's chains ? she ''ngland loves freedom at home and abroad; and It,,,,_ o l:nes forw ar d now i n th e re p resen t a ti v e o f one of of end greatest me n —l mean th e English merchant, Kaye Past measures stultified, but to require that the spirit and letter of the act of 1833 may be fully carried out. lam speaking of English merchants; and I fear lessly maintain that they are a pride and credit to the country to which they belong. Is not the name of a British merchant a synonym for taintless honour ? Does it not awaken the thought of intelligent enterprise, in domitable industry, incorruptible integrity ; and are not these terms the most mighty and exalted amongst men. (" Question.") I am speaking to the question. I am speaking of those merchants who are the upholders of ships, colonies, and commerce ; and allow me to beseech you and all around me, by the name of your common country, to adhere to the principles which have made England great amongst the nations ! Yes! the greatness of England depends upon the manner in which she holds by the faith and integrity of her representatives in foreign lands, the honour, spirit, truth, and valour of all those names which are unmeaning until you localise them in association with the name of England ! Remember that God that made England great! Seek your own real interests by studying His will ! Remember Him and say—"o, that we had walked in the way of His com mandments. Then our righteousness had been as a river, and our peace as the waves of the sea. Happy are the people that are in such a state ; yea, blessed are the people that have the Lord for their God !" The rev. gentleman resumed his seat amid vehement applause, which was repeated at almost every sentence of his admirable address, of which the above gives but a few detached portions. THOMAS THORNELY, Esq., M.P., said :—Sir, the rev. gentleman who has last spoken has addressed the meeting with great feeling and ability, but I do say that that gen tleman has gone very far wide of the mark by supposing that Lord George Bentinck's committee, in the measures founded on their report, are to exclude slave-grown sugar. I am as old an abolitionist as any man of my age, and from my infancy I detested slavery ; but I declare that it is totally impossible to destroy the slave trade by prohi biting the importation of foreign produce. We, of the town of Liverpool, who are the greatest importers of the cotton of the United States,—why, we import three fourths of the whole produce of the slave labour of Ame rica. And we import a very great quantity of tobacco, the produce entirely of America ; and the rice grown in the southern states of America is also the produce of slave labour. Sir, I have as strong a sympathy as any one for the distresses of the West Indians, but let me remind this meeting that these distresses are by no means of recent date. And let me say a word about the management of the West Indian estates. Why, the West Indian estates were always under mortgage. I never heard of one that was not mortgaged ; and some houses in Bristol to whom they were mortgaged sent their own ships out, charged high freights (higher than they can charge when the navi gation laws are repealed), and these charges were so great that it seemed to me extraordinary how the sugar could be grown for the price it was and the proprietor not be in embarrassed circumstances. And indeed there is something about the cultivation of the West Indies that deserves a passing notice. Now I have many friends among the West Indian proprietors, and they have com plained to me about the embarrassed condition of their estates. "Did you ever see your estate ?" said Ito them "Oh dear, no !" they replied. " Well," said I, are a planter there—that is, a farmer; you have never been within five thousand miles of your estate, and yet you expect that estate to bring you in a great revenue." Why, the thing is almost impossible. What would you think if a farmer in the neighbourhood of Liverpool was to live in Jamaica ? I admit the difficulties of the West lulian proprietors, but there are parties at home also suffering great difficulties. The cotton manufacturer is in great difficulties. "I believe his present embarrassment is owing to the unsettled condition of Europe. But in their embarrassments they do not tax the West Indiatis, and why should you tax all the people of England for the sake of any particular interest ? Now, in 1842, the du ties on British sugars being 225. per cwt., our prices besides were 245. above the price at which sugars of equal quality were selling in this market. The revenue paid that year was £4,000,000, and an additional payment of £4,000,000 for the West India planters. Now, in that year I received a letter from Wolverhampton, the borough which I have the honour to represent, from a grocer; and the grocer said—" I beg to inform you that, owing to the enormous price of sugar, there is no demand for it for preserving fruit, and the people living about here are unable to get any remuneration for the fruit they have grown, inasmuch as they cannot afford to buy sugar to preserve their fruit." We got over that evil, and got over it as well as we could ; but the time has gone by for taxing one section of the country for the support of ano ther. I grieve over the distresses of the West Indies ; I grieve over the distresses of any part of the country, at home or abroad; but I do protest, on behalf of the peo ple of the country at large, and on behalf of my own constituents, against paying a tax for the sake of putting a certain amount of money into the pockets of the growers of sugar. I wish just to make one remark upon the re port of the Parliamentary Committee, which has been already quoted from by Mr. Hodgson. I beg the meeting not to understand that that report is the unanimous re port of the committee. I believe the main report was carried by but a small majority.—Mr.Thornely concluded by moving the amendment. Mr. C. - ROBERTSON, in seconding it, said the simple question before the meeting was this—are the consumers of this country, men, women, and children, to pay on every pound of sugar a tax of one penny for the support of parties connected with West India property ? and is it a measure demanded by a sense of justice at home, by the labouring population of the colonies, and by the colonies at large ? The resolution was carried. The Rev. Dr. AVNEILE next addressed the meeting at great length, and amidst repeated bursts of applause. In MON ing the resolution, he said, " I beg to say in the first place that it is not as an opponent of the principles of free trade that I address the meeting. (Cheers.) On the contrary, I am free to say, that if this world of ours was in such a condition that the principles of free trade could be carried out fully, fairly, and universally, I would not only most gladly agree with it, but most cordially rejoice in it. If it could be carried out fully, without reserve ; fairly without partiality ; and universally, without excep tion. (Hear, hear, and applause.) The most captivating theory has been presented to this nation, with a very vi cious, because partial, application of it. (Applause.) The effect has been electrical. I don't wonder at the success that has attended the hon member for the West Riding. (Hear and applause.) He propounded the theory I allude to, to the nation, with a very partial application made at the time—the exponent of that partial application confin ing it at the time to one particular subject, corn. (No, no ; yes, yes. A voice—read his speeches ; another voice —he has read them long ago, to your sorrow.) The sophism, the sophism I say was not perceived. That it is a sophism I think it will presently appear, because to this hour the hon. gentleman is not prepared to go the whole way. (" Yes he is.") Very well; I must continue my story though. The nation did not perceive the sophism ; The practical difficulties in the way of carrying out thetheory were not felt to be such as should abate the stimulus given by the theory itself. (Hear.) The golden prize appeared within reach ; the right hon. Baronet the member for Tamworth was converted—(oh, oh, and cheers)— an d th e majority of the House of Commons was surrendered at discretion ; perhaps 1 might say without discretion. (Laughter and loud applause.) I wish to speak in excel lent good humour, as well as good taste ; therefore I shall say, they surrendered to the peace-promising, illustrious Richard. (Loud laughter.) Well, sir, what I complain of is this, that the hon. gentleman did not propose to go the whole way with his theory. (A voice, " Yes he did.") He applied it to corn, as he thinks, with success; he is ap plying it. and is sanguine of success, to shipping ; but why stop with corn and shipping—why not apply it to sugar ? (A voice, "He does.") He is willing to apply it to sugar ; be it so. He says, " Have free trade in sugar, and you will have cheap sugar as you have cheap corn." Now, the gentleman who seconded the last amendment made an enumeration of this kind. I was surprised at his stopping with sugar also. Why stop with sugar—why not apply it to the machinery with which cheap sugar is produced ? (Hear.) Is he prepared to go the whole way now,—free trade in slaves ? (A voice—" No, no,"—" Yes, yes." Reiterated cheering.) (A voice—" Slavery is not free trade.") Is the hon. gentleman, or any of his friends who move and second the amendments at a great public demonstration of this kind, prepared to come before the public and avow what one has now said, go all the way with free trade, even to the machinery which makes sugar ? (A voice—" Certainly.") Then let England know that — let the people of England understand that. (Applause.) Has the hon. gentleman such entire confidence in his system, in his principle, that he is willing, I ask again, to apply it not only to the produce, but to the mode of pro ducing ? Why then, if so, and if his friends be true to those principles, let him rise in his place in parliament, sure of the support of the country, and let him call upon the government to remove our blockading squadron from the coast of Africa altogether. If he be sincere in saying that restriction in anything must be protection to some thing, why then let him remove the restriction from the West Indies. They do not and they cannot smuggle men from the coast of Africa, and that restriction is a protec tion to the Portuguese, who do smuggle men. (Loud ap plause.) Let those gentlemen, then, call upon the govern ment to repeal the Negro Emancipation Act of 1833, which they are bound to denounce as an iniquitous inva sion of the liberty of the West Indies, to get the cheapest labour they can find. (Cheers.) Now, I will suppose at the early period of the hon. gentleman's career to whom I have already alluded—when he was making an honourable independence at Stockport—l will suppose he had dis covered a species of machinery unrivalled for the produc tion of printed calicoes, much desired both in the home and foreign market ; I will suppose for some reason or other an act of parliament was passed suppressing that machinery, and that a posse of constables was sent to the mill at Stockport to prevent its introduction into the mill. Sir, with what indignant eloquence would not the hon, gentleman have denounced such a restriction as an abomi nation—a treason against free trade in machinery, as well as in printed calicoes. (Hear, hear.) What, then, it will be asked, do I advocate the extension of free trade so far, as to advocate the revival of the slave trade ? (Hear, hear.) No ; but I tell you what I do. I show, I think, very fairly, by thus driving the argument to the extreme, its absurdity, if fully carried out—l show that the princi ple of free trade, fully, fairly, and universally carried out, is inapplicable to a world like ours—a chequered world, where adjustments are to be made—where compensations, balances—considerations delicately to be investigated, and carefully to be harmonised, are to be taken into account, the utmost we can do is to approximate the desired per fection. (Loud applause.) And if you can only approx imate in the removal of restriction, you should only ap proximate, and should attempt no more in the removal of protection. (Hear, and loud applause.) Suppope it has been found, as a vice of the machinery I alluded to just now, that it cut the fingers of every man, woman, and child employed at the mill; and suppose that the people or the parliament of England rose in their majesty and said, " We won't have printed calicoes, however cheap, if stained with human blood. put them away ;" they would make the cases parallel. And would that be a case for THE LIVERPOOL STANDARa free trade ? Mast free trade go.the whole length, and re move restriction from blood stained machinery ? (Loud applause.) Free trade it slaves the principle fairly car ries them to. (A voice—" No, no.") Well, lam quite ready to receive the tone of that " No, no," in abatement of the force of that argument, elicited perhaps in the at tempt to drive us to the wall in an extreme, when the gentleman who spoke last asked who would touch tobacco or snuff derived from slave labour,.or clothes made from slave labour, or soil his fingers with gold dug by slaves. Was not that the same sort of an attempt to drive at the extreme, and be an extreme. (" No, no.") And will not a comparison of these two arguments — (Interruption.) The felt unfairness of an extreme in the other case is precisely what I want to produce. lam not pleading for extremes ;. I am showing the absurdity of pleading for extremes. (Hear, and applause.) Well, now, sir, I have in the second place to say—this I am led to also by what has dropped from some of our friends — that it is not as a partisan of the West India proprietors I address this meeting. (Hear, hear, and applause.) I have no connexion, directly or indirectly, except in the way of acquaintanceship,and friendship, with West India property. I have not a farthing connexion with it, never had, and never expect to have, and so far I am not open to the retort which men so easily make who judge of others by themselves. (Rapturous and continued applause.) It so happens that the West India proprietors have, as I think, been very badly used ; and so far I feel with them and for them. (Applause.) It so *pens that, as I think, they have got reason and justice in their present complaint and moderate demand ; and as such I am their willing advocate. (Applause.) After quoting a circular written by Lord Glenelg, the colonial secretary in 1835, in which the Government pledged their faith that no risk would be incurred by the owners of West India property, the rev. doctor proceeded :—The West India proprietors did not hesitate to go upon the faith of such an assurance as this, and expended considerable sums upon their pro perty, improving it, availing themselves of opportunities afforded in endeavouring to make the best of the appren ticeship system, both as a matter of property and prepa ration for the coming freedom ; and then, in the midst of this, while they were struggling through this—while maintaining their ground as well as they could—while still doubtful, and all hearts were anxious about the suc cess or the non-success of the great experiment—when all who had laboured for the emancipation of the slaves were anxiously watching the result of this great nursery of freedom ;—in the midst of all this, the fatal act of 1846 passed the lgislature, stultifying their own arrangements —their assurances on official authority—and throwing the men who had estimated upon their good faith into the dust, exclaiming in the proverb which I have before quoted to,you, Who would depend upon a British Act of Parliament ?" k Loud and continued applause.) This is a hardship ; and I ask if what is called a tax—a tax said to be 4s. upon the lacouring classes of this country— is the tax, I would ask, of even so much as a penny in the pound, if it should amount to so much, upon sugar —to be refused, in such circumstances of oppression, of hard ship, of disappointment, of expended outlay upon pro perty on the guarantee of a great nation, reduced after wards by a single stroke to nakedness and barrenness, because the guarantee is broken ? (Hear, and applause.) England stood by and saw the guarantee given and bro. ken ; and now those who invested their property upon the faith of that guarantee, come to England and say—lt may have been a misfortune, it may have been wrong, we won't say it was altogether wrong, we have not been alto gether right, we don't claim perfection—we might have improved our properties more perhaps, though we did what we could : but you stood by and saw it ; and we ask, will you throw us, naked and unprotected, to fight against slave labour, where the men arc tortured to be made to labour, when they are made to work eighteen out of twenty-four hours, whilst our free labourers work only four or five ? Will you throw us upon this ? (Hear, hear.) Sir, I asked it at first as a matter of fairness and of justice ; but now, further, I ask it as a matter of po licy even applying to the idol, cheap sugar. (Hear.) Will you put the estates in the West Indies out of occu. pation ? " Sixty-nine estates have been abandoned in the last year in one island alone," which must presently be a wilderness of jungle. Will you throw the British West India estates out of cultivation ? and will you, as they are thrown out of cultivation, the inevitable result of perseverance in the present bill, will you throw your own supply of sugar upon slave-grown sugar—will you throw yourselves into the bands of Brazil or Spain—will you make yourselves more dependent upon Cuba, Porto Rico, and Pernambuco—and will you expect from the tender mercies of slave-dealers, that when they have got the monopoly, they will give you cheap sugar ? (Loud applause.) Where are now the indignation with which abolition was called for—the energy with which emanci pation was followed up—the freedom with which compen sation was voted ? Where is all the eagerness, the zeal, the earnestness of our friends. the Society of Friends ? where are they ?—are they with us or against us ? Let them tell Lord John Russell now whether they are or are not against us—let them say in the face of England if they are for slavery or not. Are they for continuing these slavers, these steamers, this passing of human be ings between. the tropics? or are they for such a change in the law as will prevent this ? Let them speak out ! (Loud applause.) [Mr. John Taylor—" We are for a change in the law.") I hope the gentleman speaks the known sentiments of the body ; and that it may go from this great meeting, which I can tell you is likely to pro duce its genuine influence upon the measures of the go vernment—(hear, hear)—measures which, up to Thurs day night, were not determined upon, which are to be brought forward on Friday, and which cannot safely be proceeded with, by say ministry, without paying some regard to such a demonstration as this. (Applause.) I hope it will go from this meeting, that a gentleman took upon himself—(laughter)—to answer for a highly respec table body of Friends, that they are with us. (Loud applause.) I feel that I have already occupied much of your time, sir ; but a word to the government as well as to the people upon this point. My lords and gentlemen, you cannot afford to lose the colonies. (Hear.) Your East India possessions, even with the overland passage, will be of little value to you, if you lose another America. (Hear, hear.) My lords and gentlemen, look to it. There is a point at which humari patience ceases. (Hear, hear.) I do not preach that it ought to cease ; but I tell you, my lords, there is a point at which it does cease ; and I tell you there is a point of irritation at which individuals and owners of West India islands may cease to look for the protection of Great Britain, and throw themselves upon a nearer and a readier arm for help. (Loud applause.) My lords and gentlemen, look you don't provoke that recoil in the West India islands. (Hear.) Look how you strengthen the arms of America, perhaps destined in'the next great shock of the world to cross the Atlantic as a conqueror, and retaliate all those woes ever inflicted upon her ! (Applause ) Take care, then, how you tamper with a great interest like the West India colonies, provi dentially given to you—carefully and wisely to be main tained—judiciously to be mane.; ed—kindly to be ha s _ banded in their difficulties. (Loud applause.) You have done much for it ; it has cost you much (hear, hear) ; you have derived the benefit from all that you have ex pended upon it. (A voice—" No, no.") Oh, sir, l am persuaded there is not a member of her Majesty's Go vernment would say " No, no," to that branch of my statement. You have derived a benefit every way —you have derived safety from the west, and transit to the east. (Loud applause.) You have a revenue derived from it, and it is supporting it. (" No, no.") You have a colo nial revenue, and you must not call that expended upon establishments there a tax upon Great Britain. Much of it is levied upon the spot ; and this colonial revenue will be destroyed if the property from which it is derived be destroyed. (Hear, hear.) You will ruin also those hn ports into your colonies of your own manufactures; and, hear me, lords and gentlemen, there is a chance of get ting a little support from some who' in other respects might be disposed to oppose us. (Hear, and applause.) They are anxious that there should be a free import of our manufactures ; but we are shutting off that demand from the West Indies, and for throwing their estates into jungle—their negroes to nakedness, and to living under the branches of trees. (" No, no.") You will do so, if the estates are destroyed, as if a proprietor be ruined, all who depend upon him must be ruined. Will you force them to try more and more, as they are already, to do without their employers, working but a few hours in the day or week ; for if they get as much as, by help of the remarkable production of the soil, they are able to sub sist upon for the remainder of the seven days, they will not have further aims. My lords and gentlemen, take heed what you are about • don't throw away the West India colonies ; and remember, it is in the outskirts of a great country that symptoms of decrepitude first show themselves. (Loud and continued applause.) Mr. CHRISTOPHER BUSHELL seconded the resolution; and the amendment to it was moved by Mr. W. BROWN, M.P., and seconded by Mr. CLAYPOLE. The last resolution was moved by Mr. H. LITTLEDALE, and seconded by Mr. JONES; and after the usual vote of thanks to the Mayor, the meeting separated at near five o'clock. Water-street Station.—First series of experiments -619,861 gallons ; 880 cwt. of coal consumed. Second se ries, after the well was down .a month-599,955 gallons ; 91 cwt. of coal. Third series, at the higher level, the en gine working twelve hours-406,929 gallons ; 72 cwt. of coal. Soho-street Station.—First series of experiments, at lowest level-666,633 gallons ;..65.ewt. of coal consumed. Second series-644,119 gallons. ; 72: cwt. of coal. Third series-478,754 gallons ; 57 cwt. of coal, the engine work ing twelve hours. _ _ _ Bevington-bush Station.—First series of experiments -360,288 gallons ; 331 cwt. of coal consumed. For the second and third experiments the same quantity of water was allowed for this station, and the same quantity of coal. Windsor Station.—First series of experiments-809,831 gallons ; 54 cwt. of coal consumed. Second series -804,291 gallons ; 55 2-10ths cwt. of coal. Third series, the engine working night and' day-792,545 gallons ; 49 cwt. of coal. Green-lane Station.—First series of experiments -1,406,531 gallons; 52 cwt. of coal and 26 cwt. of slack consumed. Second series—no , experiments. Third se ries—no experiments, the quantities being given the same as before. These made the total quantity of water in these wells at lowest level and on the first series of experiments, 4,277,418 gallons ; at the second series of experiments 4,173,824 gallons, and at the third series of experiments 3,670,724 gallons. It was then stated that, deducting the condensed water, the actual supply was only 2;500,000 gallons of water that could be delivered to the inhabitants, being about seven gallons a-day for 450,000 inhabitants, and the Water Committee, under these circumstances, recommended the Council to proceed without delay to the Rivington Pike scheme, the quantity of water to be found in the red sandstone of Liverpool being entirely insufficient for the wants of the inhabitants. After two memorials from ward meetings on the water subject had been read, Mr. LACE moved the confirmation of the proceedings. He observed that the late experiments bad all shown that the red sandstone would be pumped dry in a little time, and very naturally so, because the rains from heavennever descended into it ; and these results had fully verified the professional opinion of Professor Ansted, who had exa mined the strata, and also the opinion of Mr. Cunning ham ; and, in fact the committee of the House of Com mons were so fully satisfied that an adequate supply from the neighbourhood of Liverpool proper could not be ob. tamed, that they declined to hear any more witnesses. What, then, were the council to do ? Were they to dot all round Liverpool with wells ? Now, at Rivington Pike the rain guages h d shown that there were 25,000,000 of gallons daily to be obtained, and with the exception of Aberdeen, the water was the purest that could be ob tained. Some said—" Oh, but you are going to give us rain water !" Why, the people of Liverpool were now drinking rain water and also the water running from pri vies and water-closets. (Oh ! oh," from Mr. Parker.) Perhaps Mr. Parker did not know that in drinking Liver pool water he might be drinking the distilled essence of a water-closet. (Loud laughter, and applause.) Then, it was said, "Oh ! but you will tax us heavily." Now, he did not believe that the taxes would be heavy : there might be heavy expenses connected with the Pike scheme in the first instance, but afterwards they would be light, and the council must recollect that they had, many months ago, agreed to proceed with the Pike scheme by majorities of 28 to 4. Besides, the council must recollect that they were under a penalty if they did not keep up a supply of water; and Mr. Harwood Banner had candidly admitted that a continuous supply was not obtainable from the Harrington wells. Then, with reference to the use of salt water for watering streets and extinguishing fires, the shopkeepers would, in the first place, object to it, and in the next the insurance companies would not insure if it were used, He, therefore, recommended the council to Proceed with the Pike scheme as the most feasible scheme that had been propounded, and he observed that if there was any real ground of complaint, it ought to be against those who had compelled the corporation to purchase the Harrington and Bootle Water Companies. He concluded by defending the conduct of the water company through out the whole of these protracted proceedings. Mr. TINNE seconded the motion, and said that, though his constituents had requested him to pause before he pro ceeded with the Pike scheme, he regretted he could not comply with their request. The Pike scheme had had to encounter opposition from many quarters, and particularly from those who wished the corporation to supply the town upon the old cistern system, Some were for the Bala Lake system, and others were for using the river water ; but he believed the Pike scheme to be the best that the council could adopt. Mr. JOSIAS BOOKER rose to move an amendment. He admitted that the Water Committee and the Town-Clerk had discharged -their duty in Liverpool and London with great assiduity and ability. He doubted whether the Council were acquainted with the provisions of the Ri vington Pike Act. He then read some of the clauses of the act, to show that 71 millions of gallons of water must be sent down the Douglas and the Yarrow, and two mil lions of gallons to a canal, and large compensation was to be given to mill-owners, and bridges and other works to be made, and all at the expense of the Corporation. (Hear, hear.) Now a dry summer would impose enor mous expenses upon the Liverpool Corporation, because large pecuniary compensation, something like ten pounds sterling a day, must be made to some of the mill-owners if they ran short of the quantity of water stipulated to be given them. He read the opinion of Mr. Wickstead, to the effect that the anticipated supply from the Pike would most probably fall short in dry seasons, and he (Mr. Wickstead) was of opinion that the pipes from the Pike to Liverpool alone would cost as much as Mr. Hawksley had estimated the whole expense of the scheme at. He read an extract from the pamphlet published some few years ago, by Mr. S. Holme, in reply to Mr. Harmood • Banner, in which the writer stated that he had a most abundant well in Liverpool ; so abundant that he was throwing away 80,000 gallons of the purest water daily, and that no matter how the Harrington wells were pumped, his (Mr. Holme's) well could not be drained. The Pike scheme was costing £630,000 ; the new sewer age of the town would cost £635,000 ; altogether the cost would be £2,000,000. Want of employment was creating Liverpool chartists, and the overtaxed shop keepers of the town were to be commiserated. He moved, as an amendment, that the whole question be referred to Mr. Robert Stephenson, to investigate fully, and report upon the locality from which the best supply of water could be obtained. The MAYOR said that Mr. Stephenson's opinion had been already obtained by the Water Committee. Mr. HARBORD seconded the amendment in a speech of some length, in the course of which he advanced a great number of objections against the Pike scheme, principally upon the ground of the impurity of the water, there being a great quantity, as he said, of vegetable and other dele terious matter to be found in it. Mr. SAMUEL HOLME followed, in a very able and elo quent speech in defence of the Pike scheme. He reviewed the three schemes which had been agitated—the increase of the supply from local wells, the Bala Lake scheme, and the Rivington Pike scheme—and he had no hesitation in advocating the latter scheme for several reasons. One was, that it would in the end realize an annual profit to the inhabitants. He was of opinion that the purity of the water there had been established beyond all question, by the scientific and practical men who had been employed to test it, and that Liverpool would be for ever disgraced in the eyes of the country if the Corporationstopped short now, and were satisfied with an intermittent supply. Upon the motion of Mr. Hodgson, seconded by Mr. Parker, the debate was adjourned until Friday. The adjourned meeting of the Council on the water question took place on Friday, the Mayor in the chair. Prior to the chair being taken, it transpired that Mr. Harbord had caused copies of a letter, written by himself and addressed to Mr. Holme, to be distributed in the room. The circumstance was noticed by the Mayor, who remarked that it was quite an irregular proceeding. Mr. DAVID HonosoN said, that the great opposition to the scheme of the Council was, on account of the enor mous expense it would entail on the town. The conduct recently pursued by the Council had indeed produced an amount of agitation, and a want of confidence in them, in regard to financial matters, which threatened an almost dismemberment of society. (Hear, hear.) He did not object to the improvement of the town, and the outlay of money for general purposes ; but it should always be borne in mind that when rates were laid there should be a consideration as to the class likely to be called on to to pay them, and their ability to do so. If anything tended to destroy the confidence of the Council, he thought the universal feeling of the public against them on the question then under discussion would tend to do so. They would, he felt assured, be assailed from Council-day to Council-day, till they tried to remedy the excesses in the rates they had laid—(hear, hear)--ex penses which would not have been felt in the same way twelve months or two years ago as they are now. It was perfectly notorious to every man that the distress was unprecedentedly great ; and as a proof of it, he could state that there was actually more plate offered by persons of distinction, in order to raise money temporarily, arising out of the depression of trade, than could be taken up by parties in the habit of engaging in such transactions. He had listened with great attention to the discussions on the water question. anxious to hear what sound reasons had been given for agitating the constituencies and de stroying the confidence which ought to be given to the i committee, and he was prepared to have voted against a continuance of it. though it might appear that they were stultifying themselves ; but he was bound to say the ar guments and statements confirmed the good and judicious conduct of the engineers and committee. They had acted wisely and well. Though it would require with him strong grounds for opposing the decision of the commit tee, he did ssy that circumstances might arise to induce a change of opinion ; still he thought no great degree of popularity would rest on those who voted for carrying out the scheme, and he had heard it said that not one man who should vote for it would be returned to the ne,:t Council. He had cautioned the person making the de claration not to use threats, as not one of them would have any effect on him, and, he believed, none on the Council. The Council was quite right in the course it had adopted. and so far as he had yet heard, he was pre pared to give it his support. (Hear, hear.) Mr. WOODRIIFFE said the question was a most impor tant one, affecting the property and health of the inhabi tants, and more particularly the poorer classes ; and he was not yet convinced that they had not a supply of water, and could give that supply. As to the cost of procuring water from other sources, and whether the en gineers were correct in their calculations, he would leave the matter to more competent persons. There was, how ever, a strong feeling out of doors, that the thing was only a job. That feeling extended to every person in the ward he represented, and, he believed, amongst a great Portion of the inhabitants of the town. He considered that, if the Council adapted the decision of the commit tee, they would do an injustice to themselves ; and that the public would not be satisfied until they had further time. If the scheme were to go on ' they could not lose Woodruff, Preston, Holt, Henderson , Toulmin, Royden anything by a delay of a month, neither would the truth Harbard, Rogers, K iye, Gtrdaer, Higgins, Bannett lose anything; and he put it to them as gentlemen of Parker, Booker, and Thomas Lloyd • with Alderme common sense and justice, in the name of the ratepayers, J. Lawrence, Coop er , an d P roc t er was there any hurry, and was there a pressing emergency —(yes, yes)—why they should thrust it down the throats of the people. There was, as he had said, a strong feeling out of doors, and he hoped the Council would consider the claim made by the inhabitants, accede to their wishes, and postpone the matter for a month. He had heard a great deal for and against the scheme in Council, and a great many opinions out of doors, but he was not satis fied ; and he, with his colleague Mr. Thompson, went to Rivington Pike, to ascertain, if possible, the quality and quantity of water. They not only examined all the streams, but brought samples of the water, which Mr. Thompson had with him, and could produce if necessary. It had been said the water stank, and was not in sufficient quantity for the supply of the town. They walked a dis tance of twelve or fourteen miles, tasted the brooks and rivers, and took tests ; they also took occasion, when they saw a house or met with an inhabitant, to ask a question as to the quality and quantity of the water. With one exception they all agreed that there was an abundance of water, and that the quality was good likewise. (Hear.) Mr. Woodruffe then mentioned the names of several per sons who had resided at the Pike for fifty years, whose Asm testimony bore out what he had stated as to the quality price and quantity, and they: also added that they never saw Ciu the stream dry, even in the greatest heat of the summer- 144 SECOND EDITION. Standard-office, Twelve o'clock. "" -- '''''".. , t....--- SEMEZ:T.] COAL. BOROUGFI OF LIVERPOOL SUPPLY of COAL is required for the late BOUCLE WATER WORKS. Tenders to be sent in before Eleven o'clock on the 26th in- Town Hall, 9th June, 1848, THIRD EDITION. Standard-office, Two o'clock, p.m. !re is no new feature in our Share Market this morning_ all amount of business has been without any change in a. The quotations made were as follows : , ster and. Birkenhead, 133-; Do. .e 22, 8.1 d; Bolton & Bury, Leeds preference, 3/9 b p; London 4-shares, 16/3 p; • N o , • Grimsby 4-shares. " • -1 ! Do. Darks (Hear, hear.) - ln what he slated, he alluded to the prin- Tlj cipal stream. He had no object in view but getting at a `;'l knowledge of the truth, and he felt himself bound to give Ml/3 that truth whether for or against himself. (Hear, hear.) A gentleman, who was a medical officer of the Chorlton LIV Union, had assured him the water was good, and there was Havin plenty of it, and so highly did he value it that he was supplies about to bring the Pike water through pipes to his house, very uni instead of using his own well. He had made some en- abroad, quiries as to the Rivington Pike scheme being offered to ciliate d T 1 - Manchester, but from all he could learn, it appeared the l as t I v' plan alluded to, and which was brought under the notice given of the Manchester authorities, was that of the South how& Lancashire Water Works Company, who, by their act of with; parliament obtained powers to purchase the Turton reser- Flo voir, and get the drainage of the Rivington Pike district. fau- r He thought the course he proposed of a month's delay l i n e , could not make any difference ; and when they considered p at it was at the wish of the ratepayers, who were to find the money for the works, and they might be the sufferers, there should not be any objection made to it. The rate payers at present felt severely the pressure of the times, and all the money would be taken from their hard earn-' ,`a' ings. He could bear testimony from the experience of his own business as to the pressure of the times, and the g, inability of the people to pay rates. The pledges now came from people of influence and the most respectable portions of society, and if he had £20,000 he could lend S.'. it on boxes of plate, and valuable security. (Hear, hear.) He appealed to the council that they should, instead of deciding the question hastily, give some consideration to the .rate payers, and he asked them in the name of the constituency he represented, who held a large meeting, and were unanimous in favour of a postponement. He did not say they would not have the scheme, but an op portunity would be afforded of getting other opinions and further information on the subject. If they did not do that they would never satisfy them, and it was not a time to go in direct opposition to the great body of the rate payers. (Hear, hear.) Mr. PARKER next spoke for forty minutes, in opposi tion to the Pike scheme, which he said " was very like a whole," an expression, perhaps, better understood out of door than in the council. The dramatis persona of the drama were—first, the chief engineer, versed in hydraulics, Mr. Hawksley ; the next was Captain Francis, a gentleman whose name was not known to be in the military or navy list ; and the third was Captain Francis's son, who took the guage. He complained that one servant of the Corpora tion—Mr. Hawkesley—(No, no, from Mr. Lace.)—Well, at all events he was in the pay of the Corporation, and had been allowed to send in reports to the Water Committee, which were read, whilst Mr. M`Donald's was put under the table. That was neither fair nor just, and he took that as a specimen of the unfairness with which the Water Com mittee had acted. With regard to the capability of the Pike yielding the necessary quantity of water, he thought Mr. Woodruffe had made a straightforward statement, and he would not support Mr. Booker's amendment. Mr. Harbord had been attacked by the " Goliah of the Council," Mr. Holme, who had knocked him down, and smashed all the gallipots in his surgery, for having " changed his views" upon the water question. (Laughter.) But he (Mr. Parker) remembered Mr. Holme doing the same, but " under different circumstances," for it should be borne in mind that, in 1847, when the question was mooted as to whether the salary of a certain officer connected with the Corporation should be raised, Mr. Holme made a powerful speech against it, whilst in 1848 he changed his opinion and voted for that very measure. The committee seemed to think that Mr. Hawksley was invulnerable ; but surely he had not been dipped in the Stygian Lake, and there was, perhaps, still room left for one arrow to reach him. Mr. Parker here read a letter of Mr. Hawksley's, in which the latter had stated that the present works were sufficient for present purposes ; and he stated that, till it could be proved that they could not get sufficient water from under their feet, he could not be satisfied. A great deal had been said about the Green-lane water; but he (Mr. Parker) had been amongst a number of old women, who washed, and they told him that, by the use of that water, there was a saving, as compared with the Harrington water, of soap used in washing. (Hear.) Mr. Parker next paid a high compliment to Mr. Newlands, and complained that that gentleman had not been consulted upon the water question. He' thought that the Water Committee had placed that gentleman in a wrong position in not consulting him, and it was generally thought that the reason was, that though his opinions were not generally known, he was, onsidered as an " anti-Pike man." (Hear.) Mr. MANN supported the water committee. In the first place. he doubted the possibility of obtaining a suf ficient supply of water from our own locality ; and next, he was favourable to the Pike scheme, believing it to be the best yet brought before the public, and if it were carried through, the original cost would be all, the public being merely called upon to pay, in the shape of a reduced I water rate, what they had hitherto been paying to the companies as a water rent Midland ito , d ; Waterfoi 0 I CO .1, IF From official returns it appears that the amount of traf fic for the last week, on 3,791 miles of railway, was £185,320, thus accounted for :—.£97,028 for the cone „t„ ante of passengers only, £47,885 for the carriage of goods, and a remainder of £40,407 for passengers and goods to gether, not respectively apportioned ; being an increase of £4,142 over the corresponding week of last year, when the mileage was 2,957. The average earnings per mile were £49, whilst in 1847 they were £6l. Grain, cattle, food, and merchandise for the London markets, via the Eastern Counties Railway, for the week ending June 10 :—Beasts, 2,048 • calves, 102 ; sheep, 8,263 ; pigs, 601; grain, 12,912 sacks ; flour, 5,834 sacks ; meat, 182 tons ; poultry, 16 tons ; fish, 190 tons ; fruit and vegetables, 210 tons ; beer, 163 tons ; wines and spi rits, 105 tons ; wool, 52 tons; general merchandise, 2,255 tons ; milk, 20,204 quarts ; bread, 71 cwt. 'SELECT VESTRY.—The usual fortnightly meeting was held on Tuesday, the Rev. Rector Campbell in the chair. Messrs. Watson and Urquhart were appointed to the Workhouse Committee. The principal resolution of this committee which was confirmed, was to the effect that the number of Protestants and Roman Catholics in the Work house should be ascertained, and that the Roman Catholic inmates attending divine service on Sundays be attended by an officer of the establishment. The Industrial School Committee reported that Mr. Gillespie, the master, had requested to withdraw his resignation. Acceded to.—A letter from the secretary of the Medical Relief Committee was handed in, recommending that three dispensaries be established at the north end of the town, at which the poor should daily receive suitable medicines. Mr. Wylie opposed the plan as injudicious ; the Rev. Rector Brooks expressed his approbation of it ; and ultimately it was decided by the laws of the Vestry that seven days' notice of motion must be given to each member in reference to the proposition. At the suggestion of Mr. Ferguson, it was decided that a meeting of the Building Committee be called forthwith, and that Messrs. M`Taggart and Browne should be added to that committee. BIRKENHEAD COMMISSIONERS.—The first general meeting of the newly constituted board was held on Tuesday. Messrs. Highton, Bailiff, and Lightbound attended and took their seats, they claiming to be elected in consequence of Messrs. J. S. Jackson, Ravencroft, and Watson not being duly qualified, at the time they were elected. This led to a discussion, in the course of which considerable personal feeling was evinced. The Town clerk being appealed to, said that if the three gentlemen objected to were disqualified, the circumstance would not entitle the three next on the poll to take their seats, though it might be a reason for a new election. The newly elected commissioners took the usual declaration of qualification, as also did Messrs. Highton, Bailiff, and Lightbound. The gentlemen named were requested to withdraw, but refused. Upon this Mr. Laird moved to d t hoe so, thateffeacntd the t p h r e o y p o s s h i t o i n u n l d w b a e e was w j t c i t i e d d h r a , wn u t , he he r s e a f m u s e e g d e n t 0 .. tleman proposing that at the next and future meetings policemen be stationed at the door to prevent all parties entering, except the reporters and those whom the Town clerk should declare duly elected commissioners.—Mr. Bryans then took the chair, and after the appointment of the committees, Messrs. Highton, Bailiff, and Lightbound left the room.—Mr. Laird moved an instruction to the Ferry Committee to consider the propriety of reducing the ferry across the river to one penny, and also to establish weekly contracts on a scale similar to those paid yearly.— Mr. Fox seconded the motion.—Mr. Green said it would be well for the Ferry Committee to consider whether they might not reduce the fare to one halfpenny, and run time boats constantly from both the Woodside and Monks' Ferry.—The motion was carried. THE NATIONAL CONFEDERATION.—The first meeting of the members of this Association was held on Thursday evening last, at the Portico,—Mr. J. Ferguson in the chair. The chairman, in his opening address, stated in an able and comprehensive manner the objects of the members. Mr. Pool read the report. which detailed the evils of indirect taxation, the cost of the collection of the exorbitant amount (general and local), and embodie.: the following heads :—" That all necessary taxation shall be equitably adjusted, and be, as far as possible, direct. That capitalization of income shall be the basis of assess.. meat. That economy and retrenchment in the public expenditure be enforced. That the poor-rate be made eor local national (to be assessed on capitalize d income,) and fre e from government centralization. Tha t all local taxatio n shall be equitably assessed. That all docks, and corpora t i rates . andT That t th e e e r e public nemy a npdrore retrenchment be me n a t s assessed in sslnecl local expendi ture be enforced." The report was received with much approbation. Mr. Heyvvorth moved its adoption, which was seconded by Mr. John Smith in a lengthy speech, and carried unanimously. The second resolutio n, prohibiting the introduction of party politics was also carried unanimously. Mr. Woodruff, who moved it, deprecated party feeling being introduced into public bodies, as detrimental to general interests, and urged an union of all parties for the general good. Mr. J. R. Jeffery moved the next resolution, expressing his opinion that the unanimity of the Confederation was a sure augury of its success. The other resolutions were passed with equal cordiality. Mr. Pool, in seconding that for the appointment of a committee, called the attention of the meeting to the necessity of the burgesses looking after their own estate, (the corporate trust,) and taking every opportunity of testing the sentiments of their representa tives on the question of rating the dock estate to the relief of the poor, and other local rates. (Applause) It.was agreed that the members of the association in each ward should elect one person in each ward in conjunction with their respective chairmen. After some other busi ness as to regulation, &c., the meeting separated. Mr. Eau.LE, after a satirical fly at Mr. Parker, our local engineers, and a portion of the press, contended that the best talent had been called into requisition by the water committee, and by that they ought to abide. After a some what wild and incoherent harangue, verg ing upon person alities, he said that great inju r y wou ld arise if the Pike scheme was postponed. He wished that the unemployed operatives should be set to work upon it. Mr. Nicol. supported the Pike scheme. He thought the water from that locality must of necessity be purer than that which was derived from the downfal in and near Liverpool. Mr. DANSO followed on the same side of the ques tion, entering into a variety of statistics with a view to show from the charges of the water companies, and the cost, if the corporation worked the present wells, that the Rivington scheme was the most desirable. If the council carried out the scheme, he felt satisfied that here after the public would be exceedingly thankful. After cries of " Divide !" Mr. Huatt HORNBY urged a postponement, in order that the inhabitants of Liverpool might have the means of forming a deliberate judgment before the Council committed itself. If we had not a suf ficient supply of water, was the course proposed the best to supply the deficiency ? He hoped, however, that the committee would consent to a postponement of the motion, seeing that it would form no impediment to their hereafter reconsidering the question. Mr. JAMES HOLME followed with similar remarks. Mr. J. B. LLOYD also supported the committee, as did Mr. V. HIGGINS, Mr. TOBIN, and Mr. HOLT. Mr. LACE, in replying, said that all the committee asked as yet was that their engineer might go and survey the land, ask different parties at what rate works could be done ; and then they should come to that Council and re port whether or not it was expedient to go on with those. The numerous complaints of deficiency of supply received by the health and water committees showed the utmost necessity for proceeding ; let gentlemen remember that a month's delay might cause the expense to be £50,000 more. It would take a month or six weeks to make the necessary surveys, and if Europe was settled in that time, iron would go up in price, and they would lose by that and other matters £50,000. He concluded by a defence of Mr. Hawksley, and the refutation of two assertions in the Mercury of Friday. A division then took place on Mr. Booker's amend ment, which was lost by a majority of 18, namely, FOR MR. BOOKER'S AMENDMENT :—COUnCiIIOrS Messrs. W. Walthew, J. Woodruff, R. S. Henderson, T. Toulmin, T. Royden, H. G. Harbord, J. Rogers, G. Booker, T. Kaye, R. C. Gardner, W. Bennett, J. Booker, and Thomas Lloyd. Aldermen—Messrs. J. Cooper and J. Procter.-15. AGAINST IT.— CouncillorsMessrs. F. Shand, J. Thom son, Jas. Holme, W. Rathbone, J. G. Morris, W. Pres ton, James Stitt, R. B. Hill, T. Littledale, jun., J. Tyrer, H. Hornby, J. Aikin, G. Holt, J. A. Tinne, S. Holme, J. A. Tobin, V. Higgins, H. Danson, J. B. Lloyd, W. Earle, J. Parker, J. Plumpton, G. H. Lawrence, A. Lace, R. Benn, and W. Mann. Aldermen—Messrs. D. Hodgson, James Lawrence, W. Nicol, E. Molyneux, J. H. Turner, T. Chilton, and the Mayor.-33. Mr. WOODRUFF then moved as a second amendment, the postponement of the question for a month. Mr. THOMPSON seconded the motion. Mr. COOPER spoke against the Pike scheme. He bad been born and brought up within a mile of the intended reservoir. Some of the best and some of the worst water might be had there; in summer the rivulets were shallow, and in winter they occasionally poured down in torrents as wide as the hall in which they sat, and no bank of a reservoir which Mr. Hawksley might be able to construct would be able to restrain them. Mr. BENNETT contended that the supply to be obtained from Rivington was greatly exaggerated. It would be advisable to postpone the matter for a month, and to bring Mr. Hawksley before the Council. RATRBONE - in a warm , and rather ill-natured, speech, supported the scheme, stating that there was a Company contemplated who, upon the evidence now before Parliament, would take up these water-works, if the Council did not proceed with them. Mr. D. HOOGSON moved an adjournment, which was seconded by Mr. PARKER. Mr. LACE said there was no idea whatever of taxing the inhabitants ; the only object was to carry the inqiury through. The Council then proceeded to the vote, when there appeared for the amendment 20, and for the original motion 24, upon which the Mayor declared the motion carried. For the original motion :—Councillors James Holme, Rathbone, Morris, Stitt, Hill, T. Littledale, jun., Tyrer, Hornby, Aikln, Tinne, S. Holme, Tobin, Danson, J. B. Lloyd, Earle, G. H. Lawrence, Lace, and Mann; with Aldermen D. Hodgson, Nicol, Molyneux, Turner, Chil ton and the Mayor. For the amendment :—Co uncillors Wal thew, Thomson TOWN COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS On Wednesday, a special meeting of the Council was held, for the purpose of considering the propriety of pro ceeding with the Rivington Pike water scheme. Prior to commencing the business of the day, The MAYOR read a resolution of the magistrates, urging upon the aldermen and councillors the imperative neces sity of having their respective constituencies sworn in as sincial constables, and stating that two magistrates would attend in each of the wards, for the purpose of administer ing the necessary oath. He said that the magistrates had the power of compelling every respectable inhabitant to be sworn in under a penalty of £lO ; but a recourse to that extremity had never been necessary here, and he hoped and believed it would never be necessary in the loyal town of Liverpool. (Applause.) Mr. S. HOLM E stated that his speech at the last Council relative to the Messrs. Willoughby, of Birkenhead, had been misreported. What he did say was, that the Messrs. Willoughby had only paid 2 or 24 per cent. for the altera tions made at the Birkenhead slip at their request, wh en they were bound to pay 7 per cent. according to the terms, of their lease. THE WATER CLUESTION• Mr. Driffield then proceeded to read the proceedings of the Water Committee. It appeared that Mr. M'Donald had estimated the quantity of water in the wells of the late Harrington Company at 3,000,000 of gallons per diem, and that Mr. Hawkesley had estimated it at about 1,800,000 gallons, and that in consequence of these differences o f opinion,,Messrs. MacGregor and Kennedy had been ap pointed,.as two disinterested and respectable parties, to ascertain the actual yield of the wells, and to report. The result of their experiments, three times made at each sta tion, was stated as follows : Hotham-street Station.—First series of experiments -414,274 gallons per day ; 72 cwt. of coal consumed. Se cond series of experiments at the same station, after the well had been down nearly a month-35 8 , 63 7 gallons ; 72 cwt. of coal. Third series at the same station, at higher level-225,674 gallons ; 391 cwt., the engine working twelve hours a day. u f 101; Do. I-shares, 6/ d; Dover No. 4, 1 and Limerick, 32 d ; Royal Assurance. ERPUOL CORN EXCHANGE g ver from impor do a very little impuli, •er, note Wheat ld noderale di lirley and Malt no ns and Peas barely s Id. per 451 . to 6d ;orn, w is day se'nni,, Lbs. die . per lot ith a m r eg e rz. co**- -DI IS DAY. vessels to report since Friday, our r during the week are consequently 'rorn the present state of the trade mediate arrivals appear to be anti- in the Englishand Irish markets Ivement in London yesterday, has to the trade here to-day. We may, 0 2d. dearer than on this day week, and. each in Oatmeal Is. per barrel dearer, and lanr.;•e was perceptible. d late rates. n on Tuesday ; and upportei per that Berate t; in ME emand, advanced Is. al no variation. g a