The Daily Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1861-01-10 00:00:00

THE TOWN COUNCIL. An adjourned special meeting of the Town Council was held yesterday, in the Council-chamber, in the Town-hall. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and there was a full attendance of members of the Council. The business before the Council comprised the fo' lowing matters : The proceedings, resolutions, and reports of the Water Committee, Baths Committee, and Improvement Com- mittee. The proceedings, resolutions, and reports of the Audit Committee, comprising a recommendation to increase the salary of Mr. P. S. Rhind, the Corporate Auditor, from £3OO to £4OO per annuni, the consideration of which was postponed at the last monthly Connell, pur suant to the standing ordei's. .The Cormier's Account; aniounting to £79 16s. 4d. iv - ote..--by order of the Couit of qUarter, Sesiieni; the coroner has Veen Paid the Cf t 73 for tees on inquests betel b hint betsbeli the 24th day of October and the 7th day of December, 1860. The Mayor's communications. The following mo tions; of whi.',;n notices have been given. By Mr. James R. Jeffery :—" That as the Council has now decided that the new public offices shall he limited to accommodation for the departments under the direc tion of the Health, Watch, and Water Committees, and as a majority of the Special Committee appiinted on the 9th of November last, to consider plans for new public offices, is of opinion that such limitation will be insufficient to meet the exigencies of the case, and be prejudicial to the public service, the resolution of the 9th November last, appointing such Special Com mittee, be rescinded." By Mr. Alderman Parker : " That the galleries of St. Michael's Church be free to the public, as was done in respect to the galleries of St. George's Church, in 1853." By Mr. Robert Hutchison :—That the following resolution, passed by the Council on the 9th November, 1860, be rescinded, viz., " That no member of this Council, except the Mayor for the time being, who is a member of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, shall be placed upon the Finance Committee." THE WATER COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee were read, after which Mr. VARNIVORTH rose to move their confirmation. He said that there was nothing of any great moment in the proceedings, to which he should have to call the attention of the Council ; but he would observe that the committee had had under their very serious con sideration the subject of the levying of the rates; but they had not yet come to a final decision in the matter, and they would have to bring it under the notice of the Cpuncil at a future time. He had scarcely stated that to meet the very large deficiency which appeared in the accounts of the Water Committee the Council, some months ago, authorised, and in fact compelled, that committee to levy an uniform rate on the inhabitants for the water supplied, which would account for the fact of their being so heavily taxed for water at the present time. Mr. Alderman COOPER asked did the provisions of the Act of Parliament empower or allow the Water Com mittee to levy a rate of 6 per cent., as mentioned by by Mr. Farnworth ? The MAYOR said the subject was not yet before the Council. Mr. Alderman aopEn replied that, in moving the mg:inflation of the proceedings of the committeee, Mr. arnworth said that they had levied a certain rate, and he wanted to know was it imperative on them to do so ? The MAYOR thought that they would have an expla nation of the matter in the proceedings of the Water Committee s which should be submitted to the Council at the next meeting. Mr. Alderman COOPER wished to ask a question of the chairman of the Water Committee, Who had been of late in the habit of turning off the water by means of a tap being placed outside the houses ? To his great surprise the other day he had had a large number of bills sent to him, calling on him to pay the expenses so incurred for this tap at the outside of the houses belong ing to himself. He wanted to know was it fair that the landlord of premises should be made to pay for these things. He thought that to charge for the tap outside the dwellings was very unjust, illegal, and he believed it was not right. (Laughter.) He considered that such a way of raising money was very unfair and unjust. If the Water Committee could not get the amount they wanted to pay, and of meeting their deficiency, they should certainly not resort to a strata gem of this sort9'or the purpose of collecting money. He said that for the future ho would not pay such a demand, unless he were compelled by law to do so. (Hear, hear.) Last year (they would probably recollect the circumstance), the members of the Water Commit- .. . _ _. tee refused to compound with the landlords for houses pay ing a rental of above £l3 a-year. He then referred to the ease where the occupants of small tenements were sum- moned before the magistrates for not paying their water rate, and when they pleaded in extenuation their inability to meet the demand of the rate collector, the magistrates good-naturedly advised the parties to go to the landlords and make them pay the required sum. (A laugh.) It Was, however, fortunate for him (Mr. Cooper) that his tenants who were unable or unwilling to pay the water tax were also not in a position to pay their lawful rent. (Laughter.) He thought the course adopted by the Water Committee, in this matter, not a fair or justifiable course. Mr. Alderman BENNETT remarked that at the very time that this course, now deprecated by the worthy alderman who had last spoken,' was authorised to be pursued, Mr. Alderman Cooper was chairman of the Water Committee. Mr. STEAINS wished to know if there had been any alterations made in the law relating to this subject since Mr. Alderman Cooper presided over the deliberations of the Water Committee. The Town -clerk replied in the negative. Mr. Alderman BENNETT reiterated what he had already stated as to Mr. Cooper not objecting to the adoption of the course pursued by the Water Committee at the time that he acted as chairman of the committee ; and said that Mr. Cooper did not care whom they mulcted with the payment of the water rates, so that he himself was let escape. (A laugh.) Mr. NicKsos was astonished to hear about the large deficiency of the W ater Committee. He had thought it was only a few hundred, but it seemed to be some thousands. Mr. BELOE said that in 1859 the total deficiency was only of small amount; but now, in 1860 (last year), it amounted to many thousands. Mr. Alderman Barompr seconded the motion of Mr. Farnworth, as to the confirmation of the proceedings of the committee. Mr. Fanzrwonra said that he had been saved the trouble of replying to the remarks of Mr. Alderman Cooper, by the observations which had fallen from Mr. Alderman Bennett, who had taken the same course that he (Mr. F.) himself intended to have pursued. Mr. Alderman Cooper had had a great deal of experience in the business of the Water Committee for the length of time he had the honour to preside over that body. And he was, therefore, in a position to know how the law stood with respect to the matter. He should have said to him that of course if there were anything wrong or unfair in the amount with which he (Mr. C.) had been charged, or any sum in which it had been sought to make him responsible for and which he would not con sider reasonable, the proper course for him to adopt was to apply to the Water Committee, and represent his grievance to them for the purpose of having it removed. (Hear, bear). Just in the same way if a tradesman essayed to overcharge a customer for any article of goods which he had sold, the legitimate plan to be pur sued by that customer would be first to go and make the tradesman acquainted with the fact, and if he received no satisfaction he had other means open to him to follow. (Hear, hear). The proceedings of the Water Committee then received the confirmation of the Council. THE BATHS COMMITTEE. In moving the confirmation of the proceedings of this committee, which had been previously read, Mr. WAGSTAFF drew the attention of the Council to the erection of baths at Everton, which, he was happy to inform them, was in a satisfactory and forward state of progress. Mr. STITT spoke of the desirability of having one plunge bath and two private baths erected in the locality named, instead of, as was the original intention of the committee, one private bath and two plunge b a ths, which would have the effect of not excluding a certain class of the community from participation in the benefits which would necessarily and most assuredly accrue from these useful and most requisite works. He suggested that plans should be prepared for the con structiox of one plunge and two private baths. Mr. JEFFERY asked to be informed, for his own sake as well as that of the Council, what had become of the memorial presented by a large number of the inhabitants. from the neighbourhood of Gill-street Market, referred by that Council to the United Committees of the Baths and Markets, to report to the Council if they thought it so desirable, the advisability of converting Gill-street Market into baths, or some other purpose, for the bene fit of the inhabitants of the town and locality. He was not sure, but so me y ears h a d passed by 'since the memorial in question was presented, and he believed that no action had ever been taken in the matter. Mr. Alderman PARKER was understood to say that he did not think any such subject had ever come before the notice or consideration of the council. Mr. WAGSTAFF-1 beg your pardon. He then re ferred to the books of the Town Clerk, and read there from an item, from which it appeared that the subject had been referred to a united committee of the Baths and Markets Committees in the year 1857 ; but since that periOd the matter had remained dormant, and no steps had been taken with it. Mr. JEFFERY said that now that some two or three years had been allowed to pass by without any notice having been taken. of the matter, he thought that it was, as a matter of courtesy to the memorialists, expedient for the Council to direct their attention to the carrying out of the prayer of the memorial ; and if they could not do so, to assign a reason why they could not do it. After a lapse of many years, no attention whatever had been paid to the memorial, signed by a large and influential number of the ratepayers from the district alteady named ; and he thought nothing could be more discourteous on the part of the Council. The MAYOR suggested to Mr. Jeffery that the better way for him to act on this matter would be to give notice that a united body of the Baths and Markets Commit tees should take the subject into consideration, unless the chairman of the Baths or Markets Committee agreed to take it into their cotisideration.• Mr. WAGsmie remarked that his committee should be indst happy to do so, proided that the Council granted them the money. Mr. Jrx:Eiti replied it was inipossible to estimate What sum of . money the Carding 6f the PidpCied scheme would cost before the chairman of the committee Hod taken it into his consideration. Mr. Alderman DOVER thought that for the apath] displayed in this particular case there was as much faul to he attributed to the Markets as to the Baths Coro. mittee. In reply to question from a member of the Council, The TOWN-CLERK said that if a committee did not bring up a report to the Council on a subject which had been referred to them, within a reasonable time, it was quite competent for any gentleman occupying a seat at he Council to more that the said committee be directed o bring up a report. Mr. JEI'VElit therefore, dd so at the ne±t meeting of the Council. The proceedings of the committee were then seconded and confirmed. THE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this comr:ittee were read. - - Mr. JEFFERY should like to be informed with respect to the bill which they intended applying for the next session of parliament, and what powers they sought to be invested with, regarding the making of certain im provements in the road from Smithdown-lane to West Derby-road, which would, doubtless, be a great public convenience, and an improvement much to be desired. But he should like to know whether the Council had, in this matter, taken steps to buy in sufficient marginal land to secure the erection of premises, &c., on that road, and if it would be agreeable to the inhabitants. He asked this question because he thought it not at all improbable that Parliament might refuse to grant the Council more land than was absolutely necessary, for the purpose of making the road in question. Mr. EARLE rose to order, because the matter referred to by Mr. Jeffery had baen laid before the Improvement Committee, and had not yet come before that Council for consideration. He therefore thought it would be waste of time to be discussing the question at the present time. _ _ Mr. JEFFERY—Am I not in order, when the Improve ment Committee proceedings are before the Council for their consideration ? The MAYOR—Not in referring to the subject so much in detail. The bill to which you refer has not come up Mr. JEFFERY—I shall, therefore, reserve my obser vations for another time, The 111& ox—lf you please. The proceedings then received the approval of the Council. THE AUDIT COMMITTEE. The proceedings, resolutions, and reports of the Audit Committee, comprising a recommeHdion to increase the salary of Mr. P. S. Rhind, the Corporation Auditor, from £3OO to £4OO per annum, the consideration of which was postponed at the last monthly Council, pur suant to the standing orders, were then read. Mr. JEFFERY then called the attention of the Council to the notice on the paper, which bad stood over from the last monthly meeting of the Council. He alluded to the recommendation to increase the salary of Mr. Rhind, the corporate auditor, from £3OO to £4OO per year, the consideration of which had been postponed from the last meeting. He did not think that there would be any objection to the granting of the increase here proposed, when the Council had been informed of what bad passed in that chamber at the time that the Council resolved on appointing Mr. Rhind. On referring to the debate of that day, he found that the prevailing opinion of that Council was that the £3OO a year was too small a salary to command the necessary talent for the dis charge of such important duties. He found that their late friend, Mr. Riley, suggested to the Council that it should at once make the salary £4OO per annum. He found that Mr. Mozley moved a resolution to that effect, which was seconded by Mr. Alderman Bennett, and the reasons were then assigned why the £4OO a year should be the salary of such an officer. Mr. Richard Sheil said that he considered £3OO a year quite insufficient for the duties and responsibilities of that important office. Mr. Charles Turner hoped that the Council would leave the matter in the hands of the Finance Committee, when Mr. Steains said that the Finance Committee would not fail to do their duty, so soon as the services of the gentleman who held the appointment were ascertained to be valuable. The Council being of a certain opinion were rot disposed to appoint any zentleman at a higher salary than his predecessor had been receiving until his services had been tested, although the predecessor, as was a notorious fact, had failed in the discharge of his duty. He (Mr. J effery) believed it was the prevailing opinion of the Council at the time that they should expend something more than £3OO a-year to get a competent person to discharge the duties of the office, but still they succeeded in securing the services of so efficient an officer as Mr. Rhind at the sum originally named. sow, that gentleman had given every satisfaction by the manner in which he had dis charged the duties of his situation for a considerable time. He thought he spoke the unanimous opinions and sentiments of the members of the Audit Com mittee and the Council generally, when he said that they had not in their service a more efficient or supe rior officer :of the Corporation. (Hear, hear.) He was a most gentlemanly person, a man of close and unremitting application to his duties, and compe tent in every respect to discharge them. He then pro ceeded to say that he had read with some degree of surprise and regret the speech delivered some time ago by Mr. Shimmin, referring to the comparatively small amount of duties performed by the auditor. Now, in reference to this allegation, he (Mr. J.) could go into a vast amount of details, and show that the services of the auditor had, on the contrary, been very valuable, and exceedingly useful, if the Council choosed that he should do so. But to do this would, he felt, be to impugn the efficiency of other servants of the Corpora tion, which he considered most undesirable. Under the old state of things, certainly nothing could have worked more injuriously than the course pursued by an officer of theirs, whose defalcations formed a contrast to the orderly, honest course adopted by Mr. Rhind. He then referred to what had been expected at the last Council day, whether the Watch or Health Com mitte had made any report as to the amount of saving in Cornwallis-street. They had, however, received the report of Mr. Tweedie, from which it appeared that a saving of some £7O in the year had been effected in dispensing with the services of one clerk. It also occurred to him ( Mr. J.) to draw the attention of the Council to another amount of £l2O saved by the removal through death of a clerk of the Corporation, the late Mr. Mills. If the Council thought proper, or if Mr. Shimmin refused any further informa tion, he (Mr. J.) should be most happy to answer all questions put to him in relation to the subject. He believed that Mr. Rhind was an under and inadequately paid officer of that Corporation ; and though there was no member of the Council more wishful for economy in all things than he himself was, still he believed the best and soundest economy was to have a sufficient staff, and to pay that staff—each one in proportion to the services rendered and to the full ability given by him. On that principle he ventured to act, as a member of the Council —and acting now as he had ever done, and as he hoped he should always continue to act, he begged leave to move the confirmation of the proposed recommendation. Mr. STRAINS rose to second the motion. He stated that the majority of the Finance Compittee agreed in opinion, and a strong feeling was expressed, that the £ 3 OO paid to Mr. Rhind was inadequate, and that his salary should be raised to £4OO per annum. Mr. Alderman PARKER said he did not rise to oppose the increase of salary to Mr. Rhind, but he did rise to make a few observations on the remarks that had fallen from Mr. Jeffery, who had now admitted the principle that all salaries should rest upon their own merits and bases. (" Hear, hear," from Mr. Jeffery.) He then alluded to what he called a curious statement made by Mr. Jeffery, who, as a member of that Council, and Mr. Rhind as a servant of that Council, if they knew anything derogatory or unfair in the transaction of the public business of the Corporation, should have made it their duty to make these things public. If they knew anything going on that was wrong it was their duty to make it known. Mr. Siiimmix said that as his name had been referred to by Mr. Jeffery, h e b egge d to state that he never impugned the respectability of Mr. Rhind, nor the efficiency of his services ; but he did maintain that the proposal to i ncrease the Auditor's salary from £3OO to £4OO is the most extravagant proceeding that had ever come under his notice since he had the honour of a seat in the Council.... 11e well understood the duties • he had no responsibility . in the receipt or payment of ' money • and no professional attainments are required at his hands to entitle him to a high amount of salary; but he was merely employed to cast up accounts after other people, and see that they are correct—a duty which any intelli gent clerk is capable of discharging —one which could be efficiently performed by a sharp boy from the corporate schools. (Oh ! oh!) In this town there are hundreds of respectable men in the offices of bankers, merchants, brokers, and accountants performing similar work for less than half the present salary. There is no increase of revenue to warrant this proposed increase of salary, which is more than 33 per cent., and the Auditor has more clerks to assist him than his predecessor had. The only ground whereon his warmest friend could ask for an addition to his salary, would be length of service ; but William Rhind has only been about a year in his office, while I could point to a score of old and faithful servants who, if any body is entitled to consideration, should not be passed over. This, sir, I presume, is Another of kr. Jeffery's it4reellientS; affother instance of his care for the public purse. I can only account for it on the supposition that the auditor has taken good care to please that gentleman. And the Council will not forget the ridiculous statement with which the walls in the town were placarded, that we were paying £40,000 a year in salaries to officers, when the truth is, that the amount was made up by includirg the wages of work peoples watchmen, and old charwomen. Sir, I feel botind to facet the proposal With all the opposition in my poWer, and I declare; it carried, it Will lie a positive outrage on the iatepayers: For, What are we doing purchasing pi operty ; palling it doWil for an idea,— destroying revenue— paying a large amount of interest and sinking fund—creating and raising unnecessary salaries—and burning the candle at both ends. Mr. Alderman WOODRLIT said that in the report made by the Chairman of the Audit. Committee reasons had been shown to justify the inereaseof salary to Mr. Rhind. He drew a contrast between the way in which the old auditor bad performed the duties of his office and .the manner in which they had been discharged by Mr. Rhind, which, on the whole, was most satisfactory to the latter, showing how the affairs of that department had progressed under his management. The methodical, and precise, and business like manner in which the books were now kept, showed unmistakeably the talents and the abilities possessed by Mr.. Rhind. He Was surprised at the lamentable ignorance displayed by some members of the Council of the state of affairs of the Corporation, when they stated that the important duties of this office could have been performed by a boy from the Corporation schools. Now, he did not regret to find that they had such clever boys in those schools; but he thought it betrayed some want of judg ment on the part of the members of that Council. It should be obvious to every gentleman of common sense that £4OO a year was nothing compared with having their accounts kept in an accurate and correct manner. They all knew it was next to impossible that chairmen and members of the various committees could go into details in examining the several books and departments of the Corporation ; and if they were fortunate enough to get a man of ability and efficiency, instead of con sidering an increase of salary to him for the discharge of his duties being a tax inflicted on the inhabitants, it should be looked upon as a desirable concession. (Hear, hear.) Several members of the Council called out, " Vote, vote." The MAYOR said there was no amendment before the Council. Mr. SHIMMIX—I then move that it be not allowed. The MAYOR—That is a direct negative. You must vote on the original motion. Mr. JEFFERY then replied, and produced a statement of the various improvements made in the audit affairs by Mr. Rhind, as compared with the state in which the books had been kept by his•predecessor. He referred to the rental book for the water rates and charges, showing arrears from the previous year and assessments for the current year, and also showing that the items in the cash column had never been added up anterior to Mr. Rhind entering on the duties of the office. This he took to be a very important matter indeed. The ledger had also been used as a journal in Cornwallis street; all of which unnecessary trouble had been saved by the system introduced by Mr. Rhind. The police regulations had been altered, and Major Greig had stated in his report that by the regulations of the Audit Committee great convenience was afforded to the police, and which saved considerable time. Now, if con venience had been afforded and considerable time saved to a thousand men, surely that was a matter 'of congratulation, on the part of that Council, towards their energetic officer, Mr. Rhind. But he thought, from the tone of the Council, that any protracted remarks from him, in favour of the increase of salary to Mr. Rhind, would be a work of supereroga tion. He then referred to the statement made by Mr. Shimmin•in his speech at the last meeting of the Council, and said it was perfectly clear that that gentleman did not state the facts he then adduced from his own personal knowledge, but rather from information ob tained. He concluded by expressing a hope that the Council would concede the proposed increase. Mr. SHIMMIN asked the last speaker where he had got the report of his speech. Mr. Jeffery's reply was not distinctly heard by the reporter. The MAYOR then put the original motion to the meeting, when there appeared the following result : For—The Mayor; Aldermen John Buck Lloyd, Wil- liam Bennett, 'William Preston, Thomas Dover, James Parker, Joseph Cooper, John 'Woodruff, Raymond W. Houghton ; Councillors Thomas D. Anderson, John Johnson Stitt, Daniel Crosthwaite, Richard Sheil, Clarke Aspinall, James Crellin, Charles Turner, Thos. Avison. James Steains, Edward Estill, David Rae, Henry C. Beloe, Charles T. Bowring, Thomas Ridley, W. P. Jeffreys, John Rogers, T. Bulky Job, William Earle, James A. Picton, James R. Jeffery, James Johnson, R. M. Beckwith, John Farnworth, Joseph Steel, Thomas Vernon. Against—Councillors Roger Ilaydock, John Shimmin, George Nickson, Joseph Kitchell, Samuel Siddeley. THE CORONER'S ACCOUNT. The Coroner's account, amounting to £79 16s 4d., was submitted. By order of the Court of Quarter Sessions, the Coroner has been paid the sum of £73 for fees on inquests held by him between the 24th day of October and the 7th day of December, 1860. Mr. Sheil moved the confirmation of the above recom mendation, which was seconded by Mr. Alderman Lloyd, axd carried. THE MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS. A communication to his Worship the Mayor, relative to the granting of the Town-hall, on the 11th February, for the holding of the annual Catholic ball, was referred to the Town-hall Committee. A letter was also received from Henry Fitzpatrick, informing the Council that he had been in the employ of the Health Committee for about seven years, as Inspector of Nuisances, at his original salary of 235. per week ; and whereas his fellow-servants, who did only the same amount of work as he performed, received 30s. a week, he had never received an increase up to the present tine. He hoped that the Council would increase his salary from 235. to 30s. per week. A similar application from Geo. Fale and others of the officials of the Council, asking for an increase of salary, were read, and referred to the Finance Committee. --' ~* • THE NEW PUBLIC OFFICE* The following motion, notice of which had been given by Mr. James R. Jeffery, was then read :—" That as the Council has now decided that the new public offices shall be limited to accommodation for the departments under the direction of the Health, Watch, and Water Committees; and as a majority of the special committee appointed on the 9th of November last, to consider plans for new public offices, is of ,opinion that such limitation will be insufficient to meet the exigencies of the case, and be prejudicial to the public service—the resolution of the 9th November last, appointing such special com mittee, be rescinded." Mr. JEFFERY said that notice was given for the-pur pose of dissolving the special committee appointed to consider plans for the construction of all the public offices. When he moved the appointment of that com mittee the Council had resolved that the public offices should be concentrated ; and it was with a view to review the plans that had been submitted to the Council, and to various members of the Council, to see what improve runts could be suggested, and what would be the cost of carrying out such plans as the committee might approve of and recommend to the Council, that he had adopted such a course. The Council subsequently had thought proper in its wisdom to alter that course ; and as the special committee had been appointed for the car rying out of a special purpose, which the Council had departed from, and in the opinion of the committee met the welfare of the public, the committee now asked to have the present resolution rescinded. The subject had been so fully discussed on previous occasions, that he did not think it necessary to take up the time of the Council by referring to it at any length at the present meeting. Mr. Stitt seconded the motion. From the statement of the Town-clerk it appeared that the fi;st resolution on this subject was passed by the Council at its meeting on the 4th of April, 1860, and was subsequently nullified by another resolution in November last. Mr. PICTON said, from the resolution just read, under which the special committee bad been appointed, it appeared to him that the object for which that com mittee had been appointed had been repudiated, or at all events rescinded by the Council ipso facto. On it was a committee appointed for a specific and special purpose, the Council having resolved that it was of importance and necessary to concentrate the whole of the public offices; and plans having been prepared with that view and submitted to the Council, the Council referred them to the committee, not questioning at all whether the offices should be so concentrated or not, but whether these plans were the best that could be decided upon for the purpose. They were to consider this particular question, and report the result to . the Council, and, if they considered it necessary, were to call for fresh plans. No further instructions having ever been given to that committee—but the very object for which they were appointed having been now aban doned by the Council—what, therefore, had the com mittee to do? Why, the object for which they were called into form having dropped, the committee thought that they were necessarily a mortuwn caput, or a defunct body ; and consequently there was no other course open to them but to consider themselves dissolved. Mr. C. TURNER, having entered into a minute enumeration of the details of the resolutions passed by the Council in the months of April and November last year affecting the present committee, stated that though he did not desire to bring the proceedings in question, relating to the New Public-offices to an end, still he did TtIE DAILY TIMES, THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 1861 not wish to enter into a diccussien of the whole question de novo after the many times it had been debated at the I Council table. Mr. BELOE said, in reference to the resolution of the public meeting called to consider the question now before Council, that it had on that occasion been amply dis- Missed in all its bearings: Lie then held in his hand a copy of the resolution cone to by tnit peiblic Meeting under the presidency of Mr. Anderson, and be, thought that the special committee had altogether omitted any reference to the spirit of that resolution. Several members of the special committee having tendered their resignations, The MAYOR said that the Council should deal with the question. Mt. GLADSTONE remarked that he was sorry to find gentlemen who Called themselves Liberals arguing what in mordents of calm and sober reflection they Would deeply regret--znarriely, striving to cairy on an old system/ of things in the Council *hich he believed wanted a cothplete mid thdrmigh changing in all its departments. They *anted to hate the pUblic to came to that chamber, to test their representatives, if such they were in reality, and let theni (the public) have the occasion offered them of witnessing and hearing what fell from their representatives, and judge for themselves whether those representatives are really and de facto exponents of their views or no. (Hear, hear.) It was against the public, it was against the principle of pub licity, it was from a horror of reporters, it was from a fear of everything that tended to shelter the old rotten system of exclusion, that this opposition to every great change of operation, no matter how it originated, could be traced. The expenditure of a considerable sum of money on what was said to be established, was a mere bagatelle, compared to the great importance of having the public mind satisfied that the members of Council were doing their duty in that chamber. (Hear, hear.) He contended that the constituents should be allowed to come into the chamber to hear the opinions of their representatives. He said that such a course had been adopted without a single exception in the council chambers of all the large towns and cities of England, and produced great good. Mr. NICKSON did not think that the ratepayers felt any great interest in the matter, and seemed not to care much about being allowed to be present at the debates in the Council. Mr. EARLE was of the same opinion, and considered that the ratepayers would soon have enough of the splendid oratory of some of the eloquent gentlemen of the Council, if they attended at the discussions. After a few remarks from Messrs. Kitchen and Stitt, Mr. Jeffery replied, when the Council divided, and the following appeared for and against the motion of Mr. Jeffery : For—The Mayor; Aldermen Bennett, Preston, and Parker ; Councillors. Stitt, Sheil, Creilin, Haydock, Shimtnin, Steains, Estill, Bowring, Ridley, Gladstone, Picton, J. It. Jeffery, and Beckwith-47. Against—Aldermen Lloyd, Cooper, Woodruff, and Houghton ; Councillors Anderson, Crosthwaite, Aspi nail, Turner, Avison, Rae, Beloe, W. P. Jeffreys, Wag staff, Job, Earle, Hutchison, Johnson, Nickson, Kitchen, Farnworth, Siddeley, Steel, and Vernon-23. Several members of the special committee then ten dered their resignations, but the Mayor said they could not be accepted. THE GALLERIES IN ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH. The following motion, notice of which had .been given by Mr. Alderman Parker, was then read : "That the galleries of St. Michael's Church be free to the public, as was done in respect to the galleries of St. George's Church in 1853. After some discussion, it was withdrawn. THE DOCK BOARD AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. The following notice of motion, given by Mr. Robt. Hutchison, was read :—That the following resolution, passed by the Council on the 9th November, 1860, be rescinded, viz., "That no member of this Council, except the Mayor for the time being, who is a member of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, shall be placed upon the Finance Committee." Mr. HUTCHISON asked to be allowed to withdraw the above motion. Mr. SHELL considered the subject of great importance to the town, and said it was not desirable that members of the Docks and Harbour Board should be also members of the Finance Committee, inasmuch as he thought that the interests of the two bodies clashed. He opposed such a principle as allowing a gentleman to occupy a seat in both bodies on constitutional grounds. Mr. C. ASPINALL thought it a very inconvenient rule to allow gentlemen to put notices of motions on paper, and then allow them to withdraw them without sufficient cause again. After a few other observations from members of the Council, the meeting separated. LIVERPOOL POLICE couicr.—YESTERDAY. (Before Mr. RAFFLES.) EXCHANGE IS A ROBBERY. A well-dressed young woman named Catherine Nugent, was charged with having stolen a pair of boots from the pawn-shop of Mr. Cohen, Whitechapel. A young man named Christopher Robinson, from Mr. Cohen's shop said, the prisoner came into the shop yes terday, and offered two rings for pledge, saying she wanted to purchase a pair of boots in exchange either for the money or rings. She wanted ss. 63. on the rings, and asked to see a pair of boots, when a pair was shown to her. She shuffled about for some time, and finally left the shop without pledging the rings. Soon after the boots were missed and the prisoner was fol lowed, and the boots got in her possession. The pri soner was convicted summarily, and sentenced to two months' imprisonment. SAGACITY OF A DETECTIVE OFFICER.-A "NICK." A tidy, nice-looking, well-dressed female, named Mary Anne Robinson, alias Brown, and two or three other aliases, was brought up by detective-officer Patrick under the following strange circumstances. Patrick said on Friday evening last a shawl was stolen from the shop of Mr. Fergie, Islington. He had made every enquiry possible about it, hut he could find no trace of it until Tueiday night, when he discovered it after the following strange manner. There was a man named Robinson tried at the sessions on Tuesday for stealing a watch from Mr. Horsfall, son of the M.P. for this town, and sentenced to 5 years' penal servitude. [A report of this robbery, which took place at the Post-office a short time since, appeared in full in our paper.] The prisoner, after the conviction of Robinson, made an ap plication to the Recorder on his behalf, stating that she was his wife, and asking for a mitigation of his punish ment. Her story was so apparently plausible, that the Recorder referred her to Mr. Superintendent Bello°, in order to have a report from him, as regarded the prisoner Robinson and herself. She went to the Detective Police office in Dale-street, and whilst making out her case there, the lynx eye of Mr. Patrick fell on a shawl which she was then wearing, and on asking her where she got it, she replied that she purchased it in Dublin over a year since for £2 10s. This would not do, and he accordingly arrested her on a charge of having stolen the shawl from Mr. Fergie's. The prisoner was subsequently placed along with seven other females, and she was at once identified by two or three persons belonging to Mr. Fergie's shop, as the person who was in the shop at the time the shawl was taken, and the article was also identified as the one abstracted. In spector Carlisle said he wished for a remand, as the prisoner was well known as one of the most celebrated thieves between Dublin and Manchester, and he thought he would be able to show something more against her. She was accordingly remanded. ANOTHER CHARGE OF FORGERY AGAINST MRS. COTTERELL. Mary Anne Rosa Cotterell, who had been acquitted on Tuesday before the Recorder, on a charge of having stolen a quantity of property belonging to Mrs. Harris, of Berry-street, whose business she conducted, was brought up before Mr. Raffles yesterday on a charge of having forged the name of Mrs. Harris to a deposit note at Messrs. Critchley's, pawnbrokers. Mr. Walter appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Cobb for the prisoner. It will be remembered that the details of the former case were published two or three times recently, and that the present charge arose out of the former case. Mr. Walter said his worship had recently com mitted the prisoner on three charges of felony, and she was tried on one before the Recorder on the previous day, and acquitted. The Recorder then advised the other two charges to be abandoned, and when the prisoner was discharged she was again given into cus tody on a charge of having forged Mrs. Harris's name. He thought there would be another charge for forging the name of Mrs. Harris to a Post-office order, but he would not proceed on that at present. Mr. Cobb : I want to know first who has given the prisoner in charge ? Mr. Walter: I appear on the part of the police. Mr. Cobb : The prisoner has a right to know who the prose cutor is. There is no denying that she signed the name of Mrs. Harris to the paper, but she did so by pro curation, and that's not forgery. Mr. Raffles : We must go on with the case, for I cannot decide it until I hear the charge. The case was then proceeded with. Thomas Hughes, an assistant to Messrs. Critchley, pawnbrokers, was then called, and said he lent the prisoner £2B on velvets and other goods. Whom did she represent herself to be ? She represented herself es Mrs. Cotterell, and said she had authority to sign Mrs. Harris's name to the deposit note. Mr. Cobb : Did she tell you what she wanted the money for? Yes; to meet a bill. For whom ? For Mrs. Harris. At first she had velvets, and we would only give her £l4, when she took off her watch and chain and made up the balance. I did not understand she was Mrs. Harris, but that she wanted the money for Mrs. Harris's bill. Mrs. Harris was then examined, and said the signature to the deposit note was not in her handwriting, nor did she authorise the prisoner to sign it. Cross-examined by Mr. Cobb : She never signed my name to my knowledge for any thing. Did you ever send her to any one named M‘Dermott for money ? Yes. Did you get it. No. Mr. Cobb : Do you mean to swear that you did not get • the money ? She did not bring it to Me. Mr. Cobb Did she get the money from Mr. MtDermett: `..! ; es - : the: prisoner took it to the bank. Mr. Cobb For What For my account. Don't you know that she signed your name to an I 0 U for that nioney ? I never heard it. Mr. Cobb : But you had the money ? Yes ; it was lodged at the bank for me. How much ? £5O. Had she riot authority to open your letters? No; only le , :ters with invoices. lioW Was :The to distinguish letters with invoices ? Oh; Very easily; she *as prohibited froni opening oilier retters. Did such letters require answers ? NO. Po ichi knOW PhillipS and Company, of Manchester ? Yes; and T lia4e done busineSS With them, and authorised the prisoner to de }insides's and open an account for me there. She did not sign niy name there with my authority. She did not sign my name on opening an account at any place. By Mr. Raffles : I (lid not think it was necessary to sign a name on open ing an wont; on. opening an account at the bank persons sign their names ; but I did not think it was usual othervrise. The witness, in answer to Mr. Cobb, proceeded to —I. know Rylands and Co:, and opened dri account With thenl. The prisoner did not sign my name there. lz knoW Collin, of Manchester, add some ' one from that honse, called abbilt money to the shop ;' T do not remember if that persOri addressed the prisoner as Mrs. Harris. I was_absent occasionally, but she did not write my letters. I often heard her dictate - letters to another person, who signed them for me. I got the £2B from, her, but I don't know where she got it. She owed me about £4O at the time. Mr. Cobb—That question was disposed of by the jury yesteday. Mr. Raffies—l do not see under what statute I can deal with this case ; but I will commit her for forgery at common law. Mr. Cobb—Very well, sir ; as you have made up your mind, I shall not offer any observation ; but I caa't help saying there is a good deal of vindictive feel ing in the case. Mr. Raffles—My opinion is, that Mrs. Harris has been grossly robbed. Mr. Cobb—l do not say she was not robbed, but I deny that the prisoner robbed her. Mr. Raffles—The jury said she did not yes terday. I will commit her for trial, but I will take.two surties in £2O each for bet appearance. Soon after, Mr. Deighton, who defended the prisoner on Tuesday before the Recorder, had a consultation with his Wor ship; and after a conversation with Mr. Superintendent Kehoe and some of the detective officers, Mr. Itaffles said: From what I now ascertain, I find that the Recorder distinctly put the question to the jury if they believed Mrs. Harris, and the jury on that acquitted the prisoner, thereby expressing their opinion that they did not credit her. Under these circumstances I will take the priso ner's husband's bail, in £4O, for her appearance. Mr. Deighton said he came down not as the advocate of the prisoner, but to perform a duty that he owed to public society, and in vindication of the administration of the law of this country. Mr. Cobb said he felt much obliged to Mr. Deighton for having acted so, as he had not spoken to him on the subject, after the jury had acquitted the prisoner on the previous day. The prisoner was then discharged on her husband's recog nisance. THE BOILER EXPLOSION AT HALIFAX. DEATH OF THE INJURED MAN. The poor man injured by the explosion, died on Fri day; and an inquest was held the same afternoon on his remains. The cause of the accident was then explained by Mr. Longridge, inspector to a Boiler Association in Manchester, with whom the boiler in question was insured. He said he had carefully inspected the parts of the boiler since the ex plosion. Every part was in good working condi tion. It would have borne 300tb per inch hydraulic pressure. He did not think the accident had arisen from simple pressure. His opinion was that the boiler had first rent across the bottom, and then the pres sure tore up the whole. The first fracture he attributed to unequal expansion of the boiler from getting up steam too quickly, owing to the imperfect circulation of the water in the boiler. It was possible, in boilers of this construction (two-flued boiler), to get steam up to 60th or 70th pressure without the water at the bottom boiling : it would remain cool for a length of time.— Mr. Bailey, engineer to Messrs. Crossley, Halifax, sub stantially agreed with the last witness. The jury brought in a verdict of " Accidental death," and that the explosion had arisen from an unequal expansion of the boiler, from the want of circulation of the water ; and that such want of circulation might be remedied by the use of vertical water tubes in the flues. EXTENSIVE CONFLAGRATION AT TADCASTER. A conflagration of a most extensive character broke out on N onday evening last in the large flour mill occupied by Mr. Rishworth, at Tadcaster, on the banks of the river Wharfe. About five o'clock on Monday evening, whilst the mill was in full operation, it was discovered that some of the woodwork had taken fire from the heat produced by the friction of some portions of the machinery. Every effort was made to subdue the flames, but unfortunately with out effect ; and ultimately the fire-engines from York and Leeds were telegraphed for. On their arrival every effort was made to subdue the flames, which, however, were not extinguished until yesterday at noon, when the whole mill had been thoroughly gutted, the only portions of the property saved being a water wheel and an adjoining malt kiln. At the time when the fire broke out, the mill contained an immense quantity of grain, the greater part of which has been destroyed. The total damage is estimated at near £6,000. The building was insured for some £4,000 in the Yorkshire and other offices. The schooner Hope, whose arrival is reported to-day, is laden with a cargo of flour from Bilboa. The Liverpool, New York, and Philadelphia Com pany's steamer City of Washington, which sailed from the Mersey for New York yesterday morning, took £107,000 in specie. AMALGAMATION OF VOLUNTEER COMPANIES.—Capt. Cuthbert's company of Grenadiers, Captain Lamont's Highlanders, and Captain Rogers's corps have amalga mated, and their services have been graciously accepted by her Majesty. The united corps is now numbered the 79th Lancashire, and is to have a commandant, two cap tains, three lieutenants, three ensigns, and an assistant surgeon. CORONER'S INcttEsTs.—Yesterday the Coroner held the following inquests :—On the body of Joseph Walter Howard, three years old, the child of a labourer, in Burlington-street. On the 19th December the child's clothes caught tire, and the consequence of the injuries was death. Verdict accordingly.—On the body of a child named Clinton, four months old, that was acci dentally overlain in bed, in Saltney-street. Verdict, Accidental Death. TILE AFFILIATION CASE AT TIIE Qt7AUTTIE SE:3SIONS. —LLOYD v. PEAcocK.—ln this case, which has been prominently before the public, the Recorder, at the Borough Sessions, yesterday, after reviewing the whole of the facts, confirmed the decision of the magistrates, and the girl was to have 2s. 6d. a week in support of her illegitimate child. Mr. Conway, instructed by Mr. Cobb, appeared for Mr. Peacock. The girl was not represented by any legal gentleman. Commissioxs, &c.—Signed by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County Palatine of Chester: Ist Company of Cheshire Rifle Volunteers, Charles Jones, gent., to be Ensign, vice Conway, resigned. Erratum : For " Henry Hynd ham Laird to be Capt.," read " Henry Hyndman Laird." 12th Company of Cheshire Rifle Volunteers : Lieut. Alfred Neild to he Capt., vice Fleming, promoted; Ensign James Watson, to be Lieut., vice Neild, pro moted; Daniel Griffin, gent., to be Ensign, vice Watson, promoted.—By the Lord-Lieutenant of the County Palatine of Lancaster : Ist Regiment of the Duke of Lancaster's Own : Francis John Shortis, gent.., to be Lieut. (instead of Francis John Shertio, a 2 adver tised in a former Gazette.) COUNTY COURT.—At this court yesterday, before J. K. Blair, Esq., judge, a number of insolvency cases were heard, amongst which was the case of Mr. Thomas Henry Claik, the particulars of which were detailed in this paper some weeks ago. The insolvent is a superannuated custom-house officer, and he availed himself of the Trades man's Loan Society to borrow money to the extent of several hundreds of pounds. He was acquainted with Chalkley, the secretary (who has since absconded, leaving deficiencies in his accounts to the amount of £25,000). The insolvent paid a portion of the money to Chalkley, the secretary, but neglected to obtain a receipt. His liabilities amounted altogether to £1,200, of which £l,OOO were awing to the loan society. Mr. Chiltern appeared to support the petitioner, and Mr. Rymer appeared ou behalf of the society. The petition was dismissed. WEST DERBY GUARDIANS.—The usual weekly meet ing of the West Derby Board of Guardians was held yesterday at the workhouse. Mr. Reyes was in the chair ; and the other members present were Messrs. Abrahams, Ledger, J. Edwards, Wensley, Bright, Green, Smith, Davis, Richmond, Webster, Woods, Medcalf, Shaw, Pilling, H. Edwards, Roberts, Wareham, and Garrett. The Governor reported that the number of inmates in the house was last week 433; admitted since 41; discharged 22; dead 4. This week 448 ; corres ponding week of last year 302. Cheques for out-door relief were granted as follows : ---Mr. Potts, £l3B ; Mr. Roberton, £4O; and Mr. Lythgoe, £25. Mr. Ledger moved, in consequence of the large number of able bodied applicants for relief, that the stone yards be opened to give them temporary employment. The motion was adopted. Mr. Hamiltcn was appointed superintendent. The relieving officer was ordered to give them casual relief. Mr. Woods paid a tribute of respect to the memory of Mr. Wm. Parkin, one of the most faithful 'members of the board, and moved that a consolatory letter be sent to his widow and children. The motion was carried. The clerk read a letter from Mr. Culshaw, who stated that the probable cost of the proposed additions to the workhouse would amount to about £5OO, exclusive of drains necessary under any circumsttnces. The letter was directed to be sent to the Poor-law Board. The board proceeded to elect a relieving officer for the districts of Everton and Kirk dale; tivre were seven candidates. Mr. Ledger moved and Mr. Medcalf seconded the election of Mr. Augustus Lingham, superannuated Excise-officer. Mr. Pilling in a long and laudatory speech movetl, and Mr. Bolshaw seconded the election of Mr. Benjamin Thompson, Scripture Reader at the Parish Church, who was elected by a majority of 13 against 5. There was no other business )f general interest. THE 3IIANNON STRAIIIEIt. The disabled paddle wheel steamship Shannon, Captain Abbott, belonging to the R)yal Mail Steampacket Company, which left the Islard of St. Thomas, in the West Indies, on the 6th of Diccmber, in tow of the paddlewheel steamship Trent, Csptain James Moir, and parted company with her on tae 20th. of December, arrived in Plymouth Sound on Tuesdpy morning. EXTRAORDINARY SCENE UPON THE SERPV/TINE, 1) . 6. aldost impossible to giVe a perfect description of tS s3ght prestisted in Hyde Park on Tuesday night, but when It s sttrfed that upwards of 200,000 persons were estimated to be jai nrsd around the Serpentine, some idea may be formed of the scene which was presented. long before it was dark a large body of police, including many of the A divikon under Inspector Grant, came into the park, and endeavoured by every itens to prevent the masses from going into danger, as Well Eig to protect the public. The drive 414'g the Serpentine' war fur two hours completely Moclied ; Witli carriages of the nobility and gentry, and along the banks' riihs.:;es of persons Were COrtgregated, while, to obtain a or the eNstraotditiary and brilliant sight upon the frozen surtat‘e, seVeral' hundreds of per- , sons mounted the lofty trees. From the bridge down' to' the extreme end of the river was one optintrens blaze of light, there being upwards of 50,000 skaters and sliders, nearly all of whom carried lighted torches, and carried on their evolutions by their light. The centre as well, near the banks of the river, was lined by several hun dred tents, consisting of skating booths, refreshment pavillions, &c. Near the cast end was erected a very large tent for the supply of wine, porter, and refresh nientS or all descriptions, While the vendors of hot cdee, ginger' beer, &c., drat a most profitable trade, and the whoieseent" Wa's ohe that has never before Nen witnessed on the frOien Water of the Serpentine. About seven o'clock several disVlfeyr of fire Works took plaCe upon the ice, and blue, green, anti fed' Eres were ignited, the whole shedding over the scene a most brilliant dna extraordinary effect. Sevt s .tral of the Royal Humane Society's icemen, including Deputy Superintendent Parsons, Murphy, and Green, in a most praiseworthy manner, althoueh they had been on duty the whole of the day, volunteered their services and remained on duty dUring the night in case of any acci dents; while Mr. Young, the secretary, Mr. Superin tendent Williams, and other gentlemen in connection with the society, were present, in order to carry out the proceedings. About sift o'clock a loud cry of alarm was raised that the ice had given way, and icemen Webb and Higginbotham at once ran to the smith shore, where they found two persons bad broken through into about seven feet of water, and were struggling in the water. They imatedlately went to the rescue, and after much difficulty succeeded in bringing out a young man, named Thomas Kelly, of 7, CresCent=place, Brompton, and a young woman, named Esther Theeday, residing at the same place, both of whom, in a very exhausted condition, were conveyed to the receiving -house, and attended by Mr. Superintendent Williams, and immediately placed in a hot bath, and having received other remedies, partially recovered, and were ultimately conveyed home in a cab. Two men who assisted in rescuing them were partially immersed, but not seriously injured. Shortly after this a young woman fell upon the ice, and received a dread ful cut from the point of a skate, on the left eye. Several other severely cut heads were dressed at the , receiving-house during the evening. The men of the society gave as much warning as possible in order to prevent the skaters and sliders from going near the south shore, at which place the two persons above mentioned fell in, and which is much broken up and very dangerous, in consequence of the removal of a large quantity of the ice for her Majesty's wells. Three ladies volunteered to prepare the strapping, &c., for the wounded, and which they carried out in the receiving house, while Mr. Young and Mr. Williams were inde fatigable in their exertions to help the unfortunate sufferers brought in. At about eight o'clock there • was a large number of persons entered the park, mostly from Apsley House-gate, and proceeded to the Serpen tine. The whole length of Piccadilly from this gate was crowded with persons wending their way to the park, and, in fact, the thoroughfare on one side was almost impassible, while carriages of all descriptions thronged the road-way. Skating quadrilles, and other dances were gone through on the frozen surface, and several matches of an exciting char acter, also took place. Shortly after nine o'clock the general aspect of the Park was truly wonderful, a large number of the tents being lighted up with variegated oil lamps and festoons of Chinese lanterns, and further displays of pyrotechnics took place. A large number of the skaters and sliders about this time paid a visit to the different refreshment booths, and fires were lighted, around which many discussed refreshments of all kinds. The view obtained from the bridge resembled, in some parts, the bivouacking of a large army. The festivities were carried on with the utmost vigour for several hours, but at ten o'clock a large number of persons retired. several thousands, however, remained upon the ice until a very late hour. The glass registered on Monday night 19 deg.; at nine o'clock on Tuesday 23 deg., mid-day 33 deg., and on Tuesday night 27 deg. Barometer, 30.35. Wind N.E. It is anticipated that a fete, on an extensive scale, will take place on the Serpentine, should the frost last. The ice is now upwards of 73 inches in thickness, and in good condition. TAXES UPON EVERYTHING.—In some official corres pondence respecting our colony of Natal, just published by the Colonial-office, a tax of 7s. a wife is alluded to as in operation in that colony, " so that a Caffne having six wives, has 425. per annum to pay to Government." The tax was originally imposed by order of the Lieut.- Governor "as paramount chief over the natives," or father of his country, but was afterwards fixed by a law of the legislature. Dis.ruEss IN COVENTRY. —The National Choral Society will give, under the direction of Mr. G. W. Martin, in aid of the fund for the relief of the Coventry weavers, a grand performance of the Messiah, at Exeter hall; London, on the last Wednesday of the month. The Chorus will be the largest ever assembled in Exeter-hall for the oratorio of the Messiah, and will be supported by a complete orchestra selected from the Philharmonic and other societies. Mr. Sims Reeves and other eminent singers have been offered engagements. SNOW STORM.—LOSS CF A BRIG.—GREAT YARMOFTII 4 Jan. 7.—A heavy fall of snow set. in on Saturday night, and has continued, with little intermission, up to this evening. The average depth on the roads is not less than 10 or 12 inches, rendering double teams necessary for ordinary vehicles ; but in the fields the drift is in some places sor 6 feet deep. On Sunday, at half-past 8 a.m., the brig Arethusa, from Newcastle for Dieppe, laden with coals, the wind squally from the N.E., and the weather very thick with snow, struck on the Cross Sand, and began to fill so rapidly that the crew (seven in number) had barely time to quit her in the ship's boat, leaving everything behind. After drifting about for three hours in the blinding storm they were picked up, almost exhausted, by the Caister lifeboat, and, having landed at Caister, were ferivarged on tne same day to the Sailors Home at this port, where they received change of clothing, warm food, and other necessaries. Within ten minutes after the crew left the brig every vestige of her had disappeared in the sands. The Arethusa was 172 tons register, and was insured for £1,100; cargo uncertain. A WORD IN SEASON.—This is the season at which every one amongst us who has fire and candle, food, shelter, and clothing, should give a thought—and more than one—to the sufferings of the poor. Is it not as tonishing that, although by the law of England means are provided for affording shelter, and a certain rough sustenance to wholly destitute persons, and although private charity has also contributed so largely, and to so many institutions for the relief of suffering humanity, the poor of London have suffered, such extremities of misery last week ? Logic and sentiment, political l'economy, and a fair diviner science have equally broken down ; and the sufferings of the poor of London have been extreme. In many of the unions the workhouse test indiscriminately applied is more for the purpose of checking solicitation than for the detection of imposture. " Come into the house, or starve!" The wretched crea tures are so blind to the political necessities of the case, and so dogged in their misery, that they take the "relieving-officers" at their word—retire to their gar rets or cellars, throw a ragged rug over their children who lie shivering on a heap of shavings, and in innu merable instances suffer everything short of death—in some cases death itself—rather than enter "the house." —Once a Week. CIrRISTIXN INFLUENCES IN INDIA.—II is easier to relate these incidents of travel, than to convey a correct impression of the powerful influence produced by the visits of the bishop to these distant and isolated spots. The daily evening and morning prayer, with exposi tions of the Scriptures ; the conversation, always direc ted with a view to edification; the earnest discourses in the pulpit or the chair, never more tender, simple, and impressive than when only two or tbree were gathered together ; the sanction given to the perform ance of divine service by some one in every station who feared good and eschewed evil ; the suggestions made for the continuance of family devotions after he had left; the present of books, either his own works or some others calculated to impress the mind or raise the tone of piety,—all these were the results following each visit. The impression, in many cases, may have been transient, but in many it was abiding, and all knew and confessed that there had been a prophet amongst them. When the tone of piety throughout the land was low, it was raised ; when error entered and it began to spread, it was checked. The private influence of twenty-five years of service such as this is incalculable. The "day" alone can declare it.—. Life of the late Bishop of Calcutta. ANECDOTE. OF OBAYSCH, THE HIPPOPOTAMUS OP THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.—Hamet, whose servicrs had been engaged at Cairo, from his experience and skill in the care and management of animals, had some amusing incidents to relate as to his extraordinary charge. It was clear, for instance, that he had attracted to himself, and that most deservedly, the warm affections of Obaysch. Thus, Hamet slept side by side with him at Cairo, and in the same way he slumbered during the first week ofthe voyage. But as the weather grew warmer, and Obaysch larger and larger, th oug h " pover ty ma k, s us (proverbially) acquainted with strange bedfellows." the charge of a hippopotamus did not necessarily, it _wes thought, render such an inconvenience imperative. Hamet bad, therefore, a hammock slung from the beams immediately over the place where he used to sleep—just over, in fact, his side of the bed, his position being raised some two or three feet. Assuring Obaysch, not only by words, but by extending one arm over the side so as to touch him, Hemet got into his hammock and fell asleep, when he was suddenly awaked by a jerk and a hoist, only to find himself close by the side of his compagnon de voyage Another experiment at separate sleeping was attended by the same successful movements on the part of Obaysch, and, till they arrived at Southampton, Hemet desisted from any further trial, as he avoided, in all ways, any irritation of the animal.—Cassell's Popular Natural History. a LATEST NEWS. (BY BRITISH AND IRISH MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH.) FRANCE. PARIS, Jan. 9. The Constßutionnel says it is generally believed that in the event of the French fleet leaving Gaetgi it would cruise for some time in the Adriatic. The retirement of M. Thouvenel from the French Foreign Offices is again rumoured. THE FRENCH FUNDS. PARIS, Jan. 9, 3*.n p.m. The Bourse has been inanimate, but slightly Vim. Rentes closed at 67f. lOc., or 20c. higher than yesterday. SARVINTA AND FRANCE. Le .Nord of to-day says that the Cabinet at Tutin has resolved to tolerate intervention from no other power than France, ami to resist by force any attempt of the kind. It is not true that the French fleet at Gaeta will be replaced by a Russia ra fleet. FRANCE AND ENGLAND. An attaché from the Minister of Foreign Affairs left Paris yesterday morning for London with despatches for M. de Fahault, which are supposed b be very important, as the private secretary of the minister passed the greater part of the night in drawing them up. PRUSS/A, BKRIAN, Jan. 9. Frinee Murat, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and the Count of Flanders were received to-day by the King. AUSTRIA. PROCLAMATION OF AMNESTY. VIENNA, Jan. 9. The official Wiener Zeitung publishes an auto graph letter of the Emperor, dated the ith inst., proclaiming a very comprehensive amnesty for Hungary, Transylvania, Croatia, and Sclavonia, on account of such penal acts as have merely aimed at a change in the system of government as established before the 20th October, 1860, or which were in any way connected with such pur pose. The Ministers are ordered to put the imperial ordinance into immediate execution. ITALY. THE GAETA BOMBARDMENT. GAETA (via Marseilles), Jan. 5. A shell thrown by the Sardinians has pene trated into the room above that of the King. The Ministers insist on their Majesties taking up their quarters in one of the casemates. The shells have also reached the central hospital. The wounded will be removed to Terracina. Some more Neapolitan howitzers have been placed in position. news that the guano island Veta r in) the Carribeam Sea, in the legal possession of American citizens,. has been taken forcibly by the Dominican govern ment, and the parties on the island taken prison ers to St. Domingo, the government also destroying the American property on the island. This is viewed as a great outrage, and a violation. of American rights. TURKEY. CONSTANTINOPLE, Jan. 2. The dismissal of Safetti Pachi has been rescinded. Hungarian and Polish Garibaldian volunteers are arriving in Pera on their way to the Danubian Principality. Generals Meiortlauski and Turr are expected here. The news from Servia r2port increasing dis quiet in that principality. The success of the loan is still doubted. Exchanges have risen considerably. THE ICE ON THE THAMES-NAVIGATION INTERRUPTED. The ice on the Thames is becoming very dense. Large masses are floating up and down with the tide, rendering the mid-channel almost impracti cable for navigation. The tiers in the' pool arc getting hemmed in, and the traffie along shore is much interrupted. The basins of the several docks are frozen over. Steamtugs arc employed in keeping the river entrances, locks, and channels into the basins somewhat clear. SARDINIA AND THE GERMANIC MET. The Wurtemburg Moniteur states that the representative of Sardinia at the Germanic Diet will shortly notify the different annexations, and the formation of the Italian Kingdom ; And that thereupon the Diet will refuse to recognise any representative of that kingdom. THE MILITARY FORCE OF GERMANY. The official Wurtemburg General says that the military forces of Prussia are so disposed along the Rhine and in Westphalia that a prompt change of position would suffice to put the whole army in line. The German federal army is com pletely equipped, and could present itself to the enemy with very little delay. The Journal des Debats is curious to know who is the enemy alluded to. NEW ELECTORAL LAW FOR HUNGARY. VIENNA, Jan. 9. The Ost Deutsche Post says:—According to a telegram received from Pesth, dated the Bth inst., the Government resolved on the ith inst. to adopt a provisionary electoral law for Hungary, on the bases of the sth Article of the law of 1858. The same telegram states that the Hungarian Diet will assemble on the 2nd of April. HOLLAND. THE HAGUE, Jan. 9. M. J. P. Comets de Groot Von Kraaigenburg has been appointed Colonial Minister in place of M. Rochussen. THE SCHLESWIG HOLSTEIN QUESTION. FRANKFORT-ON-MAINE, Jan. 9. It is stated on reliable information that, in the sitting of the Committee of Federal Diet of the ith instant, the Prussian and Austrian Represen tatives stated the views they held in common in. reference to the measures to be taken against Den mark on account of Holstein. All the other members of the committee concurred in these views, and M. Von Pforten, the reportet of the committee, was requested to present his report as soon as possible. AMERICA. QUEENsTOWN, Jan. 9. The Liverpool, New York, and Philadelphia Company's steamer Etna, with the mails, arrived at 11 a.m. She brings 110 passengers and full cargo. NEW YORK, Dec. 29.—The steamship Kanga roo, from Liverpool on the 19th instant, passed Cape Race on Thursday evening, and a large screw-steamer, suppoSed to 'be the Australasian, passed the same point at 11 o'clock yesterday forenoon. THE SECESSION. The excitement occasioned by.the intelligence of the abandonment of Fort Moultrie was aug mented yesterday by the receipt of news that the troops of South Carolina had taken possession of Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney, and the cus tom-house, post-office, and arsenal at Charleston. There were about a dozen men in the forts, and they made no opposition to the troops. As soon as the intelligence of these movements was communicated to the President he called the Cabinet together, but it is believed that they could not agree upon any decisive method of meeting the emergency. The South Carolina Commissioners visited the President yesterday, and had a long interview with him. It was strictly private, however, but it was known that the President gave no positive answer to the proposition submitted to him by the Commissioners. The Senate Committee on the Crisis met yesterday, and after voting all the propositions before it agreed to report to the Senate on Mon day that they could agree upon no basis of adjustment for existing difficulties. The House Committee were - also in Session, but accom plished nothing. Representatives of fourteen Border States held a caucus at Washington, at which several propo sitions having in view a settlement of the pend ing difficulties were presented and referred to a committee. The bids for $5,000,000 treasury notes yester day opened at the Treasury Department, but the whole amount offered was less than $2,500,000, at an average interest of 12 per cent. The amount bid will about meet the January interest on the public debt. THE ST. DOMINGO GOVERNMENT. stowage is on board. No further - o r ed lessens the BALTIMORE, Dec. 28. The schoon er Ali ce I ITal t tt sh t i o )i ham steam -ylrg . ,inapud every of Isabtloe r e landed at Fey- Maine, arrived here from St. Domin go , b r i ngs e cab e - COMMERCIAL. NEW YORK, Dec. 29.—The Stock Market, yes terday, displayed more steadiness than might have been looked for under the continued exciting events and rumours from the South. The cash prices closed firm. New York Central, 74; Erie, 36-! i . Money and Exchange continued easy. London, 104 to 1041 ; Bunk and Bankers' quota tions, 104 to 105 per cent. The Cotton Market was firm yesterday ; but owing to reduced stock, and the amount of sales being light, transactions were less active. The sales embraced about 1,500 bales, closing firm on the basis of 11} for Middling Uplands. The telegraphic advice, from southern ports speak of a corresponding advance there. The amount on sale in this market is estimated as low as 7,000 bales, sad the stock in hand about 30,000 bales, the greater portion of which is held out of market. 'Flour was firm, and common to medium grade were 5c per barrel higher. Wheat was in fair demand, and firmer ; whilst sales were fair, and market without important change in prices. Corn was firmer and tolerably active, at 69c. to 70c. for Western mixed in store, 70c. to 80c. afloat, and 72e. for sound yellow. Red was firm. Coffee : Rio was quiet. A rumour prevailed that 5,0001 bags Java were sold within the range of 15c. to 16c. Freights were firmer for grain, with more offering, while articles were without change of moment. NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 28.—Cotton firm. Sales to-day 5,000 bales, at 111 c. to 11/c. for middling. The sales of the week are 62,000, and the receipts 67,000 bales, as against 80,000 previously. The receipts at this port are less than last year by 112,500 bales ; at all Southern ports less than last year by 494,000 bales. The exports of the week are 53,300 bales, and the total exports to-day 669,500 bales. Stock 344,000 bales. Freights : cotton to Liverpool 7-16 d. MOBILE, Dec. 27.—Cotton firm. Sales 12,000 bales, at 101,e. for middling. LONDONDERRY, Jan. 9. The Bohemian, from Portland on the 29th ult., has arrived, and landed all her mails. She passed the steamers North American, United Kingdom, Palestine, and John Bell. The Kangaroo was off Cape Race on the 27th ult. The political news brought by the Bohemian has been anticipatedby the Etna. _ _ _ ( Latest by Telegraph.) The North American passed Cape Race on the 28th of December. NEW YORK, Dec. 29.—Stocks firm : Illinois Central, 691 ; New York Central, 75 ; Erie, 37. Cotton firm and unchanged. Breadstuffs are quiet, but scarcely so firm. Provisions steady. NEW ORLEANS, Dec 28.—The Cotton market is firmer; sales to-day, 5,500 bales ; sales of the week, 62,000 bales ; receipts during the same period, 67,000 bales ; receipts below last year, 495,000 bales. The Arago steamship, which left South ampton yesterday, for New York, took aut. £12,600 in specie. The Globe attributes the recent railway acci dents to the frost, which has made the metals rigid, and the axles of engines and carriages, and the tires of wheels extremely brittle ; and sug gests a temporary reduction in the speed of travelling. The following appeared in our later editions of yesterday : LORD PALMERSTON ON AMERICAN SECESSION. Lord Palmerston took the opportunity at the dejeuner yesterday of adverting to political topics. His Lordship said we have too much reason to fear that that union which has now existed not much less than a century. which has conduced to the peace and prosperity of our kinsmen. of the other side of the Atlantic, is likely to be broken and disrupted. Whether that union is destined to remain unimpaired, or whether those states are determined to separate into different communities, our fervent prayer is that the result may be brought about by amicable means, be it for maintaining or dissolving the union, and that the world may be spared the afflicting spectacle of hostile conflicts between brothers and relations. The Post's Paris correspondent says, "The Italian question is about to make a great move." • The Herald says that Mr. Heygate, Consorvative, who was only in a minority of twenty at the last election for Leicester, will again become a candidate. Letters from Garibaldi, to the end of December;. are published. They afford abundant proof that het is holding himself in readiness for the Ist of March. The Daily Hews remarks that the proclamation of the, King of Prussia implies nothing less than that liberty in Prussia is to be progressive and comprehensive. Maigr-General Sir Robert Napier, Bengal Engineer,, has been appointed an ordinary member of the Council of the Governor-General of India, in the room of Sir James Outram, resigned. The inquest on the bodies of three men killed on the London and Chatham railway has terminated in a Ter — diet of " accidental death," from the breaking of the horn plate of the engine, bet how it was caused there was no evidence to show. 5p rung Antritigenct. HUNTING FIXTURES. The WYNNSTAY PACK will meet on Thursday, January 10, at . Cefn Saturday, January 12, at Selattyn Each day at half-past ten. Master, Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., M.P. ; Huntsman, J.Walksr. The CHESHIRE HOUNDS meet on TL...—.:.. j , ~----.,, 3., tea.....".......................... ~ ."Immuirler Saturday, January 12, at AM* Monday. January 14, at Tabley Wednesday. January 16,:at Highwayside Thursday, January 17, at Saturday, January 19, at Wrenbury Stati Station Monday, January 21, at Beeston Station Wednesday. January 23, at Beaver Thursday. January 24, at Arley Saturday, January 26, at Tale Royal Each day at half-past ten. ` DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.— On Monday morning last, about four o'clock, a fire was discovered at the Tyne Dock Offices, Jarrow, which are situated on the south side of the Jarrow turnpike road, near the toll-bar. The damage done is very considerable, the premises being completely gutted, and nothing but the bare walls left sttOding. It is stated that some books were destroyed, but foklunately a considerable amount of cash and books, which were contained in one of Messrs. Milner and . Son's fire-resLgting safes, were saved without injury , although the safe had been nearly four hours exposed ___Ar c ,„ c ,7ctle Courant. to great heat. TliE FESTIVAL AT ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL. --The arrangements for the gearki performance of H andel sublime oratorio The Messiah 6.7 Friday, 's the 25th inst., are progressing most satisfactorily. The orchestra fills up the entire south transept, and O lt contain about 600 performers, band and chorus. Th. magnificent organ, for the purchase of which the festiol is helge towers in the back ground to the gilded roof (ti, e r ecent liberal embellishment of the Goldsmith's Comp."Y); It will be an exquisite treat to the admirer s of sacr..'a music to listen to the strains of melody rolling through the vast and glorious dome under which the audience is to be seated. Full twenty years have elapsed since a band has been heard in the metropolitan cathedral, but mnny can recollect the pleasure they experienced when the Dettingen Te Deu%'. 4 was annually given in the choir by the forty stringed instrrn en t s and sixty voices sup plied by the Royal Society of Musicians. With the plan of the present orchestra it is 'etircely - possible to imagine the wonderful effect that will be produced by a performance on so extended a scale. No caatedral or music-hall in England can offer a comparison with St. Paul's for such a purpose. It is a satisfaction to learn that the present Dean and Chapter have succeeded in warming the building so as to render it as comforable as a private dwelling, even at this inclement season. THE SCREW STE ‘,IISHIP QUEEN VICTORIA.—FLY• MOUTH, TUeStla' The telegraphic cable is in course of ,1, :y. removal in a satisfactory manner from the ship. The high and dangerous temperature in the hold, caused in sonic measure by the brightness of the wire used in this cable, has been completely subdued by the unexpected submersion when the ship was stranded, and it is DOW in capital condition. The total length of cable received on b bard was about 425 knots—viz., the two shore ends, together, say, 70 knots, the remainder 355 knots. The weight of the cable is, say, shore end, 70 knots, at 7 t, s per knot, 420 t i ( 11 / 8 n n s at ; onp s s ni l sma ll tea c al lb h l l e, ol 3 34 5 80 5 knots, toontso.n s.Tahr a ee t t 2 w l o -7 gu t i o i ns bu p i e gs r , k n no o t v , er 7 moored abreast of each other, directly astern of the Queen Victoria. The Pilot is to the starboard, receiving cable from the after hold ; she has the entire of one of the shore ends, about 27 knots, nearly 200 tons, and may he able to tak e a b ou t 60 miles of the small eabl_e• The Rover is to port, and has received from the foreliiiled of the steamer 23 knots, say 180 tons, and may be us ; . o f to stow 70 miles of the lesser cable. There ri j brig' s course, be a severance of the cable When eac bi t e been Leone damag e . •