The Daily Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1861-01-04 00:00:00

THE' DOCK BOARD.. The ilrst meeting of this board for the present elective year was held yesterday, at the Dock-offices. The members present were—Messrs. Brocklebank, Langton, Bushell, Rankin, Mondel, Smith, Boult, Darbyshire, Anderson, Hubback, Laird, Farnworth, Arnold, Bold, Evans, Lockett, Forwood, Littledale, and Tobin. From a return read it appeared that the Conservancy Commissioners had re-appointed Mr. John Laird a nominee member. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN. Mr. SMITH rose and said—Gentlemen, I believe the first duty we have to perform is the election of a chair= man—an election to an office of such dignity, that I think it is second to none in the power of the port of Liverpool to offer. This time twelve months I made a few remarks, having reference to the fact, that whoever should be elected to that board should feel that he owed his dignity to the respect in which he was held by the members of the board, that he was so elected by the courtesy of the board, and that he should not under stand he obtained, by re-election from year to year, such a life interest as should make it an offence to propose anybody else. On the present occasion, lam about to propose a gentleman who will perfectly coincide, I am sure, with the remarks which I have made ; and when I name that gentleman, I have every reason to believe I will meet with an amount of support which will carry the proposition which I am about to make. We have had very considerable experience of the gentleman who has occupied the chair for a great number of years. I believe he fills that chair with great dignity. I think I may say that he has conducted the proceedings of this board with, on• the whole, great fairness and impartiality, although from time to time one may differ in opinion, and may imagine that occasionally he may hold to an opinion with a degree of obstinacy sometimes utterly astonishing : but even that has its advantages, for I think it of the utmost importance that the gentleman who occupies that chair should have an opinion of his own, and when he has formed that opinion that he should be able to give his reasons for it. , The gentleman I am about to propose possesses all these qualifications pre=eminently. I will not take up the time of the board more than by proposing that Mr. Charles Turner be re-elected to the chair for the ensuing year. Mr. ThirmiN said—l have great pleasure in seconding the motion. Mr. Turner has filled the chair for a great number of years. His ability and his integrity in'mat ten connected with the trust are so well known, that I need not expatiate upon them. A single word, however. Notwithstanding my personal friendship for Turner, if I thought any one of the board was equal or superior, I might be induced to vote for him, but I know of none such, and have therefore great pleasure in seconding the proposition. Mr. ARNOLD said he was not disposed at all to place himself in opposition to Mr. Turner, from whom he had always experienced great courtesy and kindness; but as he made an observation on the last occasion that his election took place, he wished to say that he had not altered his opinion that they should not go on from year to year re-electing the same gentleman. Ile did not /fish to take from the shoulders of Mr. Smith the mantle which he had so gracefully assumed as leader of the opposition. Ile acknowledged the peculiar fitness of Mr. Turner for the post; but he thought they should follow the. example of the council in this matter, and that there should be a sort of rotation in the chair. He was satisfied with merely recording that as his opinion. Mr. TURNER then took the chair. He said—l thank you, gentlemen, for the honour you have done me, in electing me as your chairman, and for the uniform sup port which I have received. I trust I shall be fortunate enough to retain your good opinion. I thank you all sincerely, and wish you a happy new year. (Applause.) The •standing orders were then formally passed. The next business related to the appointment of com mittees. APPOINTMENT OF dOMMITTEES. Mr. BROCIELEBANK moved that the Committee of Works should consist of the following gentlemen ;—Messrs. Bold, Bushell, Evans, Holme, Laird, Rankin, Shand, Smith, Tobin, and himself (Mr. Brocklebank). Mr. BOULT was sorry to be always in opposition, but he felt that they were falling in the same practice as they had last year of having three nominee members of the board upon the committee. There was one gentle man, in particular, who should not be upon that com mittee. They were bringing their works to a conclusion at Birkenhead : they had land to buy and to let there. Now, Mr. Laird was a landowner there, and he was one of their greatest competitors. He did not think it right that he should be placed in a position to get priority of intelligence as to their movements. He proposed that Mr. Anderson be put in Mr. Laird's place. The CRAIRMIN thought it would be more advisable to place the names seriatim, leaving Mr. Boult to object at the proper time to Mr. Laird if he thought fit. Mr. LAIRD said if these sort of remarks were to be allowed to pass he might go into the question as to what interest Mr. Boult and other gentlemen had' to oppose his re-election. It was usual when a member of that board attributed motives to others that he was license from thee , chairman, which , he was always ready to exercise. As to the property at Birkenhead, he (Mr. Laird) had property there, bat it was a carious circum stance that whenever the case of letting laud arose, he bad always advocated .a small price, while Mr. Boult, totally inconsistent with his views of the' value of land at Birkenhead, had advocated a high price. He did not think it necessary to rebut the other statements which Mr. Bonk had made from time to time, but he thought the gentleman would do justice to all parties, and pre vent a scene of perfect wrangling, sure tO result. :from - such observations as he :had just made, if he had abstained from a repetition of his language. — The CHAIRMAN said the reason be did not — stop Mr. Boult was, that,he understood him to say that Mr. Laird was a landowner at Birkenhead; but he did not under stand him to impute any motives to Mr. Laird at all. Mr: ANDERSON was sorry that Mr, Boult should have placed hini in such an invidious position. He did not at all desire to be placed on the Works Committee ; and 'be thought that Mr. Laird had a deal mornexperience u to the value of land on both sides of the water, and w as more fit than himself to sit upon that committee. ,The CHAIRMAN then proceeded to put the names, seriatim, and Mr. Laird's name being proposed, Mr. BOULT said he thought it right to persevere in the resolution. With respect to the remarks which had fallen from Mr. Laird, he had simply to say this : that if gentlemen chose to accept positions- in -. which their prf;ato interests might probably be Plae.d at issue with 7 - their public &dies, they might expect it to .be pointed out to them, and he, for his part, would point it with reference to any parties atlthe board, if te knew of it. Mr. Laird had said that he could point out hi s (ar. Bo g ie.) motives. He invited him to do so. The CHAIRMAN—Keep to the facts. Ido not think. that you-should impute motives to-any one. As to Mr. Laird being a land-ovinerut, Birkenhead, you have a fair right to state it yon think fit. • Mr. Bourr did notthink that he had imputed motives, liuwas merely defending himself from an imputation. of motives ; and he might observe • that this was not the first time in which Mr. Laird had cast a similar imputa tion upon other members of the , board. He had said that there were other 'Members of the board who had personal interests opposed to those of the board. The CHAIRMAN—Let us confine ourselves to the facts. Mr. &I:LT—Then, I say I persevere, in my motion to nominate Mr. Anderson in lieu of Mr. Laird. Mr. Eyaxs-1 will second it, sir. Mr. -kxnEusox declined the honour; but The CHAIRMAN said that he could only be excused with permission of the board. Mr Bohn said that every member of the Committee of Work s w ou ld agree with him that Mr. La i r d was a most.sr_u_eueful membe r , an d cases arose as t o th e va lue of LP ! - ty at Bi r k en h ead, of wh i ch he had comp l ete knowledge, end of which the other members of the board were in complete ignorance, and there Mr. Laird's w assistance most needed and opportune. lie was sure e very member would bear testimony to the fairness and openn ess with which Mr. Laird always offered his opinions. There was one st rong i nstance o f t hi s w hi c h had come before the Committee o f W or k s ; it was i n referenc e to graving dock s . T here Mr. Laird might in be considered, certain instances, a s a com p e tit or for the occasion hi he ri ng out of hadgraving d oc k s ; but on that given to the d oc k estate most valu able information •_ i nformation which he was quite prepared to expect would cause a largely increased Laird reve nue to the estat e . If Mr. he would considered his own private interests, he thoughtt docks have con trived to burke out the gravin g the t rathe r t r t a h r a 3 n ., promote the building of others; but on he had been the greatest promoter of t h en foni a i the first. He (Mr. Bold) should be glad it th e chairman the Works Committee had risen rather than himself to have said this much, but still he had great pleasure in supporting Mr. Laird's name. (Hear, hear.) Mr. RANKIN observed that the chairman of the Com mittee of Works, in proposing Mr. Laird's name, might have known his ability and fitness. All of them might have been cognizant of the value of his exertions in forming the Birkenhead docks. Mr. EvAss—Now, if we arc to hear laudations of any body, we have also a right to allude to the melan choly cramped condition of Liverpool, on this side of the river, for want of accommodation. If I understand it rightly, we are mainly indebted to Mr". Laird for the fact that the Liverpool side has been completely sacri ficed to urging on t h e works at Birkenhead, in an unnatural, unreasonable, and disproportionate manner. Mr. LAIRD—I will only make this remark in reply to what Mr. Evans says. The urging on of Birkenhead and all that was done there was the deliberate act of the board by agreement with Parliament and various other parties, and therefore I must not suppose that Mr. Evans or any gentleman will attempt to evade the engagements entered into. lam sure this 104 rd will not. - The engagement was a sacred one, and it will be fulfilled. Mr. BROCKLEBA.INK thought he should state, in fair ness, that never, in one instance, had he seen a case where Mr. Laird's private interest had clashed with the interest of the Birkenhead estate. He had, upon many occasions, afforded them valuable assistance, for his knowledge 'of that property before it came into the hands of the trust was very considerable—more so, per haps, than that of any other member of the Works Committee. No doubt Mr. Laird had endeavoured, as far as he could, to see that the works on the Birkenhead side were prosecuted ; but, as he had observed himself, there was a deliberate compact between that board and Parliament that those works should be completed. There fore he saw no reason why Mr. Laird should be removed from that committee ;. but be thought there were strong grounds why he should be continued there. Mr. Foßwoon said he should not have voted for Mr. Laird being on the Works Committee at an earlier stage of the works at Birkenhead, for he thought some one more independent might have been placed on the com mittee to the advantage of the trust, but seeing that now they must fulfil their undertakings to Birkenhead, that they must make the property as readily available as possible for the trade of the port ; and seeing that Mr. Laird had valuable information for the Works Committee in the position in which be was placed, he thought it would be most injudicious and undesirable to make any change on the Works Committee. Ile was sure that Mr. Laird would allow no private interest or personal consideration to interfere with his duty to the trust. Mr. ANDERSON hoped Mr. moult would withdraw his name. Mr. BoULT did not wish to withdraw it. Mr. BUSHELL hoped Mr. Boult would see that his proposition was an illogical one, because if Mr. Laird had a great interest at Birkenhead it was perfectly clear that what promoted the interest of Mr. Laird must promote the interest of their estate at Birkenhead. Nothing had occurred at the Works Committee which could possibly place Mr. Laird's interest in antagonism with that of the board; and he went further, Mr. Laird had never, upon many occasions when it might seem that he could have withheld most valuable information —and some men, perhaps, would have withheld it— Mr. Laird had always been the first to give every infor mation which he could to the advantage of the Trust. Mr. Boult then consented to withdraw his motion. The following committees were then appointed : WAREHOUSE COMMITTEE. Messrs. Arnold, Brocklebank, Evans, Littledale, Segar, Smith, and Ilubback. MARINE COMMITTEE. Messrs. Lockett, Inman, Rankin, Darbyshire, Moss, Langton, and Mondel. DOCKS AND QUAYS COMMITTEE. Messrs. Boult, Darbyshire, Forwood, Graves, Hut chison, Langton, Rounthwaite, Smith, and Lockett. FINANCE COMMITTEE. Messrs. Anderson, Bushell, Hubback, Farnworth, Littledale, and Rankin. MASTER PORTERAGE COMMITTEE. Messrs. Rounthwaite, Forwood, Inman, Hutchison, Segar, and Arnold. THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE. Mr. BROCKLEBANK moved the re-election of the fol lowing gentlemen on this committee :—"Messrs. Tobin, Bold, Graves, Ilolme, Laird, Rankin, Shand, and Brockle bank. As Mr. Graves would not be able to act this year, from his peculiar position as Mayor, it was agreed, on the motion of Mr. Littledale, that Mr. Smith should be appointed in his place. Mr. Littledale said he should also like to see Mr. liubback and Mr. Arnold on the committee, as they had taken such great interest in the bill which the board were promoting this year. Mr. Bouvr—We have a bill before Parliament which may bring us into collision with the Town Council. Here we have our Parliamentary Committee filled with town councillors. Mr. ARNOLD proposed Mr. Hubback's name in the place of Mr. Holme, seeing that they had a bill to con duct in Parliament, to which he found, in its progress through the board, a majority of the members of the proposed committee were in opposition. The CHAIRMAN protested against the idea, that be cause gentlemen might individually be opposed to a measure first brought before the board, when it was decided to proceed with it, they should not, in their executive capacity, give it their best support. Mr. BROCIELEBANK also called attention to the fact that the bill was divided into two portions. One related to the purchase of the reversionary interest of the Cor poration at Birkenhead ; and on that subject, and the value of the land, no gentleman could render them more valuable assistance than Mr. Holme. Considerable discussion followed ; and after it had been agreed to retain Mr. Holme's name, on the motion of Mr. Anderson, the standing orders were suspended, when the committee was enlarged to nine members, by the addition of Mr. Hubback. PILOTAGE COMMITTEE, The following gentlemen were elected on this com mittee :—Messrs. Anderson, Bold, Boult, Farnworth, Inman, Mondel, Moss, and Sha n d. Th e f o ll ow i ng out , d • Blythe, Jacob, and Kendall. Messrs. Laird, Tobin, and the Chairman were next appointed Commissioners under the Leasowe Embank ment Act. THE WORKS COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee comprised a recom mendation to accept various tenders for the supply of sundry stores required for general purposes in the Engi neer's department. These were from Messrs. Joshua Moss, Gamble, and Co., for a supply of steel shell augers ; Mr. jObn Travis, Russian tallow ; Messrs. Chadwick and Son, for roofing felt, hair felt, and flax ; Mr. Samuel Moss, sheet glass ; Mr. Peter Galligan, tallow candles ; Messrs. Bancroft and Co., soft soap ; and Mr. James Blake, hard soap. The application of Mr. Myers, for land, on the north side of the Great Float for the establishment of creosote works, had been declined. Mr. BOULT asked why this offer had been refused? Mr. BROCKLEBANK replied that the committee found that the land was required for creosoting sleepers for railways, and this it was thought would create a nuisance. Ho thought any way they should not let land there, unless in connection with the dock, eicept upon very short tenure. Mr. LAIRD agreed that land should only be let upon very short leases, unless for purposes which would be permanently advantageous to the trust, but he should advocate the letting of land at a very low rental till people came there. By doing so, they should biing a certain amount of trade to the docks, ant their land to a certain extent would be yielding a return. Any one who knew anything about dock works, would know that they must get nn by degrees. Mr. TOBIN wished to prevent an impression getting abroad that the land would not be let for any purpose but what would bring trade to the docks. The sole reason of the rejection of the present offer, was the fear that the works would become a nuisance. The proceedings were confirmed ; as were also those of the Warehouse Committee, which included a recom mendation to appoint Joseph Grace as an assistant locker at the transit sheds. The Marine Committee's proceedings were next read and confirmed. These included a recommendation that the offer of Mr. W. C. Miller be accepted for the repair of two iron buoys. It appeared that no tender had been received in reply to the advertisements for a supply of coal tar the light-ships, &c. ; and in consequence cir culars had been issued to some of the leading coal pro prietors. TUE VILOTAGE COMMITTEE. From the proceedings of this committee, it appeared that Isaac Williams, of No. 3 pilot boat, having admitted that the Konroga, of which he was in charge, had fished up the telegraph cable in Crosby Channel, and that it had`been cut by his consent,—he had been brought before . the committee, and his license had been suspended during the pleasure of the board. Mr. BOLD suggested that he may be held liable for the expense of re -uniting it as well. Mr. RANKIN said this was a third time an accident had occurred to the cable, and through their own pilots ; and he suggested that the committee should consider the propriety of carrying the cable round by Chester, or in some other way. Mr. BROCRLEILINX promised that the matter should have the best attention of the committee ; and after some further conversation, the proceedings were con firmed. THE DOCKS AND QUAYS COMMITTEE. On the proceedings of this committee being read, 11Ir. ARNOLD called attention to the inconvenience, annoyance, and danger which attended getting on board ships in dock when they lay three or four from the quay. This was particularly so when a flat or other small vessel was interposed between two larger ones ; and he asked any member of the committee whether there was any power at present to compel those on board small vessels to place a ladder, or afford other means of access ? Mr. TiUBBA.CK asked how the matter for finding in creased accommodation for the corn trade stood? He had not observed one word read in reference to it. Mr. SMITIL said the question of accommodation ! for the corn tradehad come before the committee the day before, but it was found they could not proceed with it, as the plans sent in by the d e p u t at i on were a b sen t a t th e dock-yard. With reference to the question put by Mr. Arnold, the board had no positive power to make a regulation which would exactly meet the case ; but these flats were usually provided with ladders, and by a small amount of civility on the part of the men they could afford all the facility which was, required; and he hoped the attention of flatowners would be called to the matter. Mr. RANKIN, in reference to the erection of sheds foi• the corn trade, iutimated that the Finance Committee had ample funds for the purpose, from those which thep were allowed to expend on this side of the river. The subject soon afterwards dropped, and the pio. eeedings were confirmed, as were those also of the Master Porterage Committee. CONIMUNICATIONS, A resolution from the Health Committee of the Birkenhead Commissioners was read asking the board for a site for a deadhouse somewhere in the neighbour hood of the river. Referred to the Works Committee. Messrs. Cotesworth, J.yae, and others conducting the two lines of packets hence to the River Plate, wrote pointing out the deficiency of quay and berth accommo dation. Referred to the Docks and (nays Committee. An application was next read from merchants and shipowners resident at Birkenhead, that a duplicate copy of the telegraph from Holyhead to Birkenhead, and which was transmitted by messenger to Liverpool, might be left each morning at. the Woodside Ferry for the use of the public. Referred to the Marine Committee. This was the whole of the public business. THE WORKHOUSE COMMITTEE. The weekly meeting of the Workhouse Committee was held yesterday, at the boardroom of the Parish offices, Brownlow-hill. Mr. Churchwarden Cropper, was in the chair; and the other members present were Messrs. Churchwarden Smith, Denton, Satchell, Peck, Scott, and Shaw. Mr. Carr, the governor, reported the number of inmates in the establishment, to be, last week, 2,447; this week, 2,538; corresponding week of last year, 2,253; showing an increase as compared with last week, of 91 persons, and over the corresponding week of last year, 285. The vagrants sheltered in the night-sheds during the week, were 163 men ; 82 women ; and 21 children; total, 266; showing a decrease of 57 persons over last week, and an increase of 99 persons over corresponding week of last year. The master of the hospital reported that the number of patients in that establishment was, last week, 683 ; admitted since, 241; discharged, 129 ; died, 25 ; - total, 764. The governor reported that on New Year day he was enabled to treat all the children in the schools to con fectionary, owing to the liberality of a gentleman who kindly sent him some for the purpose, and who would not permit his name to be mentioned. He also reported that the severity of the frost had extensively damaged the lead piping throughout the house; and asked permission to engage a few plumbers to make repairs. The committee expressed gratification at the treat given to the school children, and consented to the repairs zequired. TIIE PROPOSED SEPARATE WARDS FOR INttnABLEs. The governor submitted the following report : Pursuant to the resolution of the Workhouse Committee, I beg to submit a return of incurable cases now in the medical,. surgical, and bedridden infirm wards of the workhouse hospital. The return is prepared from vouchers supplied by the resident medical officers, a , ter a careful examination of each case, with a view to insure the most reliable information : Bedridden cases, suffering from chronic bronchitis, rheumatism, paralysis, &c. Bronchitis, acute and chronic, a large number of whom will not survive the coining spring Cancer Dropsy Consumption advanced to a hopeless extent 32 heart disease and shattered constitutions, hopeless Strums, without hope of cure Disease of hip joint 3 Idiots and Epileptics 6B 435 The above figures include only such cases as are hopelessly incurable, and such infirm cases as rarely leave their beds. There are a large number of infirm cases in the wards. cap..b:e of walking about, but they are not taken into account. So also, a large number of consumptive and other fatal diseases, which at present do not come within the term hopeless, are not included. The number of eases from which selections were made is 864, so that 50 per cent. of those now under medical treatment in the wards inspected, come 'within the class incurable. This fact shows the difficulty which must be encountered at the onset, in any attempt to allot separate wards for these cases. leis open, however, to grave doubt, whether such separation is at all desirable, and I have good grounds for expressing it as my belief, that our workhouse medical officer would not ap prove of such separation. . But as, in the present state of the hospital, it is not possible to do eo, it is, perhaps, unnecessary to say more upon this point. With regard to the main question involved in Miss Twining's circular, namely, the propriety of grunting permission to the benevolent to contribute towards ameliorating the condiiton of incurables in workhouse hospitals, I would beg to offer a few remarks. It is not my province to discuss the principle involved in this question. I will assume, therefore, that the committee decide affirmaovely, and admit voluntary aids for the special benefit of this class. Such being the case, I would beg to submit the following plan, as ben suited ior our hos pital for giving effect to the scheme. It has the merit of not interfering with the existing rules of the house or rendering any change in tire present hospital arrangements necessary. Let a portion of the stores be set apart as a " free gift store." Let the public he at liberty to send into this store anything likely to be of use in the hospital ; fruits, wines, and luxuries of every kind, books, &c.; all articles so received to be acknowledged weekly ia the Governor's journal. Let such stores be issued to incurable cases on the written orders of the medical officer, and let his orders be carried out by the paid responsible nurses in charge of departments, in the same man ner as all supplies are now given to the sick, and strictly in accordance with the printed rules regsilatinsr the duties of paid nurses now in force. This plan worked well in 1855, when it will be remembered, the public poured in abundant supplies in aid of the workhouse stores, for the w.sunded sol icrs who had arrived here irons the Crimea; and I am confident that no irregularity can arise from its introduction in the present instance. . _ I would beg' in conclusion to remark, that the organisation of the Liverpool Workhotte Hospital, differs from nearly every other workhouse hospital in the country. Its vast extent— over 1,2G0 bed s—the numerous daily fluctuations, rendeted the adoption of special rules for its management necessary. One of its most important rules is, that each department shal be placed in charge of a paid, intelligent, responsible officer. of undoubted character and respectability. For the guidance of these officers, printed ruies exist; and. in one of these rules it is laid down, that she is to " deliver to each patient all medici , es, food, spirits, nines, &c., and on no account to permit any under-nurse, or other person, to give medicine, wines, spirits, &c., to any patent, except in her presence, or by her authority, acting under the orders of the medical officer." Other most excellent rules are in these in structions, the object of all being to insure to he ratient, trom responsible hands, all medicines and other supplies ordered for such patient by the medical officers. 'This machinery accom plishes its object; and I am confident it is equal to any extra duties likely to arise, in the event of its being necessary, on the adoption of the plan submitted in this report, to make additional issues to the sick. Mr. TURNER—That is a very sensible and well writ ten report. The CHAIRMAN remarked that a month ago he observed a letter in the Times upon the subject ; and at wito, with himself was of opinion that it was surrounded by many difficulties. He heard nothing about it then until he saw in the paper that the matter had been brought before the Workhouse Com mittee, and immediately afterwards he saw a second letter in the Times. He thought that before they should take any decisive step, it would be well to allow the Governor to visit some metropolitin workhouse, where the scheme had been carried into operation. Mr. PECK felt that it would be presumption in him to utter any opinion for the measure in the face of the strong opinion of the medical men ; but he could not help saying that he thought that opinion very .unwise. The incurable cases were very numerous, and certain wards were overcrowded, and if their condition could be rendered more comfortable although it might not lengthen but cheer their lives at the expense of private charity, he thought it was their duty to do so; and as there was accommodation for 1,200 more than there were in the house, he thought they might fit up a wing for the incurables or a selection from the Governor's return. The CHAIRMAN admitted that there was a good deal of truth in what Mr. Peck had stated; they would find a great deal of difficulty in extending to some patients what others could not participate in, and it might be desirable to set apart a portion of the building for the purpose. Mr. SHAW contended that if they wanted to create a good deal of misery, then they should place the in curables by themselves. For that reason he thought it would be well to let matters remain as they were. Mr. P. DENTON assimilated the proposed incurable wards to the creation of a "forlorn hope;" and argued that it was better to allow the incurables to mix as they now did, with the other mtients of the hospital; sug gesting, however, that every comfort might be extended to them at the expense of the' committee ; objecting to the introduction of private charity, because there were serious objections to it. -Air: Churchwarden SMITH thought that the proposed alterations would be an unpleasant reflection on the medical staff. Mr. SATCHELL proposed the postponement of the consideration of the matter for three months. The motion, however, fell to the ground unseconded. It was ultimately determined to adopt the governor's report, a copy being ordered to he sent to Miss Twining, the secretary of the Workhouse Visiting Committee. This concluded the business, and the meeting was adjourned. BANKRUPTCY COURT. • (Before Mr. Commissioner PERRY.) In re W . J. WELSH.—This bankrupt carried OR busi ness at Nantwich as a coachbuilder. Mr. Tyrer applied for his certificate, and the assignees did not offer any opposition. The official assignee having'stated to his HonoUr that the books of the bankrupt were well kept, and his insolvency arising solely from want of sufficient capital, an immediate certificate of the first-class was awarded to him. In re H. B. GASKELL.—The bankrupt applied for his certificate. The assignee, Mr. Dutton, cabinet-maker, Great George-street, instructed Mr. Thornely to oppose, on the grounds of reckless private expenditure. No charge of improper trading, concealment of property, or fraud, was attempted to be made. His Honour thought a certificate of the second-class, and suspension for twelve months, with protection. should be granted. Mr. Tyrer, for the bankrupt, gave notice of the bank rupt's intention to appeal against this decision. AN AUDACIOUS SOLDIER.—On Monday, at the Col chester police-couri., John APSelly, a dicchargcd soldier, was charged with conspiring to defraud Adolphus Powell and others of considerable sums of money. The prisoner, it appeared, lately announced that by the termination of a Chancery suit he had become possessed of a large fortune, and on the strength of this statement, which is quite untrue, he has been duping several tradespeople, &c. Mr. Powell advanced him money at different times to the amount of £4OO, and the prisoner, who gave a promissory note for the amount, agreed to settle £l5O a year upon Mr. Powell, with the understanding that he gave up his business and accompanied him on his travels. He purchased gold rings and watches of tradesmen, and then absconded to Ireland, where his fortune, which in England had been returned at the comparatively modest sum of £3,090, rose to £46,000. The place first visited by M'Selly was Ballibay, county Monaghan, where orders were given unsparingly to the local tradespeople, and the Catholic priest was promised a donation of £5OO for his chapel, &c. The same game was next played out at Dundalk, but an application to a gentleman for a loan of £5 rather dimmed his reputation, and he found it advisable to pass on to Drogheda, and from thence to Dublin. Finally, he turned up penniless at Colchester, where he first succeeded in palming off his audacious ruse. The particular charge gone into on Monday was one of defrauding Mr. Powell in regard to a pawn broker's duplicate for a watch and chain ; and after hearing evidence the magistrates remanded the prisoner. GREAT MALVERN.—Dr. Stummes having just left Dr. Wilson's Hydropathic Establishment, where he has hi en resident phy sician since 1848, is continuing . the hydropathic p rac ti ce at his private residence, Abbey 1:111a, Malvern, until his new establishment is completed. His patients have the privilege of using the public douches and other baths newly erected by Di. Gully. BROWN and BACON most respectfully announce to their cus tomers and the public generally, that they keep a large and well-selected stock of articles required for Family Mourning; and that all Funeral and Mourning orders arc attended to with the greatest care and economy.—Magazin : 8), 83, and 85, Bold-street.—Adv. GOOD BOOKKEEPING is a great desideratum to all tradesmen many of whom have been ruined from a want of knowledge on this subject. Those persons who are entirely ignorant, and those who are only partially acquainted with an efficient system, will see from the advertisement that Mr. Thompson, the writing writer, will begin the new year by opening new Camel for bookkeeping. THE DAILY TIMES, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1861. WALLASEY COMMISSIONERS. Mr. Pooley presided at the monthly meeting of this board last 'light ; the other numbers present were Messrs. Caine, Holmes, Fishwick, Isaac Harrison, Hughes, Marshall, Littledale, Boyd, Maud, Kerford, Hill, and Byerly. The minutes of the last meeting, and of a special one held on the 13th of December, having been confirmed, the proceedings of the Works and Health Committee were read. From them it appeared that the committee had received a letter from Messrs. Potts and Roberts, of Chester, relative to the land contracted by purchase from Mr. Mainwaring, for the gas and water works, and suggesting that the price thereof be referred to a single arbitration. The committee resolved that Messrs. Potts and Roberts be requested to hand the board, for their consideration, a selection of the names of a few gentlemen to act at such arbitration. The proceedings further stated that a letter had been received from Mr. North, dock solicitor, asking the board to grant permission to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board to carry on a telegraph wire on posts from Wallasey village, and along the road to Poulton-bridge. In con sidering this application, the committee had resolved that the proposed line through Wallasey village was objectionable, on account of the narrowness of the street and footpaths ; and with that opinion they left the ques tion to the consideration of the board. The board, after a brief discussion, confirmed the proceedings, agreeing in the opinion that it was, as yet, unadvisable to lay down the telegraphic wires.—The proceedings of the Gas and Water Committee included a statement that there are now 445 consumers of gas in the parish, and the consumption of gas was about double what it was last year.—The Surveyor further reported that the cylinders had been put down, but that in consequence of the frost they had not been able to proceed with the work at the Water Works.—Proceedings were confirmed. TUE FERRY QUESTION. The CHAIRMAN said, having disposed of the other business upon the paper, they were now in a position to consider the amendment of Mr. Holmes to Mr. Caine's proposition, for the confirmation of the proceedings of the Ferry Committee. Mr. HoLmEs rose to move his amendment. He believed that it had been carried at the last meeting, but as there appeared to have been some misunderstand ing about that he now again brought it forward. He for one was most anxious to get the ferries, if they could be got without an enormous loss, and he was also anxious that the question should be discussed and settled that night. He did not see that Mr. Penny ought to object to their offer, and he hoped that they would be able to ascertain his views upon the question. He would move the adoption of his amendment at the last meeting (but which was now an independent motion) namely, " That if Mr. Penny will transfer the sea combe lease to the board, it will undertake to buy the ferry at the expiration of the time at a valuation to be fixed mutually or by arbitration." Mr. Marshall briefly seconded the motion. Mr. NATHANIEL CAINE, after expressing his sur prise at the motion of Mr. Holmes, said he felt it his duty at their last meeting to submit to the board a statement of the prospective liabilities in eon nection with the ferry question, if they went on at the rate for which some disposition was manifested, and placed the. figures before them in extenso purposely to attract attention, and to act as a warning, lest they should go a little too fast. He would now take a more practical view of the subject, and see what result may be expected upon a more economical basis. Taking what is actually necessary for working the ferries during the currency of Seacombe lease, the various items com posing the ferry plant would stand thus : Purchase money of New Brighton and Egremont Consideration for transfer of Seacombe lease ' 2 Expenses already incurred 6,000 Temporary alteration of Egremont slip 6OO 99 New Brighton slip 3OO Pm chase of four of Coulborn's boats 6,000 Three new boats ' 15,000 £87,902 In explanation of the two items for improvement of Egremont and New Brighton slips, be could say, from competent authority—of one at all events to whom a prize was awarded—that by means of a " drift-weir" the slips can be effectually cleared of sand, and though not so complete a work as it is to be hoped the require ments of the ferries will demand and their increased traffic afford, still, by this means they can be rendered, workable, and much of existing annoyances be done away with for some few years to come at least. They had thus in round numbers their ferry plant for £BB,OOO. As a margin for further expenses and contingencies, add £7,000 to this sum, the capital would then be £95,000. They must now look at the income and expenditure account. Of course he could only take the figures proved before the court of reference, which formed the basis of the award a £60,002. Income and expenses account, viz., 5 per cent. net on £95,000 as stated Rent of Seacombe Ferry 950 Working expenses, on an average of last five years including rebuilding of two boats, as accepted by Mr. Banner and adopted by Mr. Picton ll,lOO To meet this you have an average of receipt for five years £16,800 19,270 £2,470 If they took an average of the last three years (for it should be borne in mind that during the last five there has been a steady increase of receipts each year over the preceding one), then they might call the sum £3,108 ; or, as some contend that the last year should form the basis of calculation, then the balance in favour should be £3,707, or that prospective profit. Or, take a more liberal view of the matter, and suppose it be deter mined to have better boats, and that the necessary improvements at New Brighton and Egremont landing places be proceeded with, the figures might then be estimated thus. Amount of award , Expenses Egrsmont slip New Brighton ditto Five new b ats £6O 002 6.000 10,000 5,000 26,000 Two old boats. 3,000 5109,002 were secured, there would be no difficulty at the proper time in borrowing the money at 41 per cent. Receipts and expenses account would then be— Interest Seaelmbe rent Working expenses £4,905 950 11,100 16,955 Retained, though with new boats, would be less. Receipts, averaging live years Balance £2,315 But if the last year be.adopted, the receipts of which were £20,567, then the balance in favour would be raised to the sum of £3,612. He did not hold himself responsible for the figures here given; but from these figures there would be a result of from £2,500 to £3,800 upon one calculation, and from £2,300 to £3,600 on the other, to meet depreciation, redemption fund, and other contingencies. If the commissioners should be timid about working the ferries themselves, there are good grounds for assuming that highly respectable parties would be quite willing to supply boats and make terms for working them, under an agreement with the hoard, for the next ten years. On this plan they might get rid of all responsibility, and obtain possession with funds already at their disposal. They had now, however, to consider what steps must be taken in the present position of their affairs. Three courses were open to them. Ist. Make the best terms we can with Mr. Penny for the purchase of Seacombe fee simple and enter into an amicable arrangement with Messrs. Coulborn, and work the ferries upon either of the modes suggested ; or, 2nd. Take the award, with its infirm title to Seacombe, and run your chance of Mr. Penny turning you out; or, 3rd. Give notice to Mr. Coulborn that you decline further action in the matter, and leave him to his remedy. With regard to the first proposition, they must admit that Mr. Penny has not met the board fairly in reference to the purchase of Seacombe, and have little doubt that favourable terms could be made with him on the basis of £30,000 at the expiration of the present lease. This would get rid of all difficulties with the Coulborns, and free the parish from perplexities which may prove a source of endless litigation, ruinously expensive, and uncertain in the result. By the second course they would he free from Messrs. Coulborn, but must run the risk of ejection from Mr. Penny, if the board were to take possession of Seacombe. With reference to the third proposal, that of throwing up the award altogether and leaving Messrs. Coulborn to take proceedings against the board the consequences were very serious. They had had many specimens of what discomfort can be inflicted upon the inhabitants under a monopoly. Very great stress had been laid on the probability of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Trustees making a ferry on the north reserve to meet the traffic on the Seacombe side of the Wallasey Pool. If they consulted the various Acts of Parliament in reference to making the Great Float, they would find that all the rights of Sea combe Ferry are reserved, and it is specially provided that passengers and goods shall not be landed at any steps in the river wall north of Woodside Ferry. He begged to move, therefore, as an amendment upon what was now Mr. Holme's motion :—" That the special com mittee, appointed in September last, he directed, in addi tion to their present functions, to arrange with Mr. Penny for the purchase of the fee simple of Seacombe Ferry provided the price shall not exceed £30,000, pay able on the termination of existing lease." Mr. HUGHES expressed his conviction that the most prudent course the board could adopt would he at once to decide upon purchasing Seacombe Ferry, at the price named (payable ten years hence), and so become the absolute owners of all the three ferries in the parish. The one thing needed was, good ferry accommodation with Liverpool, and he was quite certain that this could be obtained even without levying a rate for the expenses of the ferries. Mr. HARRISON, in the course of some lengthy remarks, repudiated the idea of voting £30,000 for a ferry, and thought the sum too high. It was his opinion that the expenses would far exceed anything that had been stated, inasmuch as collisions and other casualties were likely to be of more frequent occurrence when the board bad the ferries than they are now, as the boats would then run in foggy weather, for the convenience of the resi dents. Mr. HILL made an elaborate statement, in which he endeavoured to controvert Mr. Caines' deduction that there would be a balance of about £3,000. He sup ported Mr. Holme's motion. Mr. MARSHALL thought they were wandering from the real question, which was not whether the ferries would pay, but what course the board should take with reference to Messrs. Coulborn and Penny. If any one could think that by purchasing the ferries at the end of the present lease—ten years hence—they would get them for less than they could now, that person might consistently vote for Mr. Holme's motion. But they must all well know that instead of £30,000 it would be at the end of that time perhaps £50,000. If he were Mr. Penny he should certainly accept Mr. Holme's pro position, but as a member of the board he could not. _ Mr. llotztE, in reply, said that about two months ago the board had declared its opinion that Seacombe was now worth £lB,OOO ; and even supposing it to increase in value by £l,OOO per annum, that would only then make it £3o,ooo—the sum which Mr. Caine proposed should now be paid. After some further disCussion, the board divided, when Mr. Caine's amendment was lost by 10 to 4. This concluded the business. PLATING CARDS. — Hitherto the keenly contested whist cribbage, 100, &c., exhausted the use of the playing card. Now, however, the beaUtiful, instructive, and chaste designs imparted to their exterior, teach the form, colour, and growth of plants which have enriched the commerce of Great Britain. Those manufactured by De la Rue and Co., are peculiarly rich in design, and can be had in great variety at Benson and Mal lett's, commercial stationers, 10, Castle-street. CAPTAIN HANS BUSK'S LECTURE ON THE RIFLE. Last night, in the lecture hail of the Collegiate Insti tution, Shaw-street, Captain Hans Busk (of the Victoria Rifles. London), author of the " Volunteer Service Gazette," "The Rifle; and How to Use It," "Volun teers ; and How to Drill Them," " The Handbook for Hythe," " The Navies of the World," and other admi rable standard works, delivered an excellent and eloquent lecture, on " Rifle Corps and Rifle Shooting," before a large audience, chiefly composed of the members.of the various volunteer corps in the town. The following was the syllabus of the lecture, which was listened to with profound attention by the audience, who frequently cheered the talented and gallant speaker: 1. Origin of the volunteer movement—its extent— present number of effectives—necessity for increased exertion—state of feeling towards this country on the Continent—immense increase of late of the French fleet—the drill requisite for volunteers—their training and discipline. 2. Rifle-shooting, or the art of musketry—early fire arms—" Brown Bess "—its clumsy character—many defects—percussion principle—Government musket, pattern 1853—the introduction of the rifle as a weapon for infantry generally—its advantages over the smooth bored musket—definition of a rifle—object of rifling fire arms —rudimentary laws of projectiles—varieties of the rifle—the best form of rifle. 3. The use of the rifle—selection—adjustment of sights aiming drill—proper mode of handling the rifle —sand-bag drill—position drill—blank cartridge—ball practice—practice at Hy the and its results—what the rifle has done on service—judging distance drill—how the art of judging distances is to be acquired—appear ances of objects at different distances—" dangerous spaces "—trajectory of the Enfield rifle—urgent necessity for a volunteer army, &c. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. In the course of the lecture Captain Hans Bask exhibited a new form of breach-loading rifle, which is said to be of unrivalled power and precision. The lecture was also illustrated by a number of other descrip tions of fire-arms, together with a variety of diagrams. At the close of the discourse a vote of thanks was cordially awarded to Captain Busk, on the motion of his Worship the Mayor. The gallant captain having returned thanks, the pro ceedings terminated. TRANSFER OF PUBLICANS' LICENSES. Yesterday being half quarterly transfer day, Messrs. Corbally, Earle, and Hornby sat in the Appeal Court to hear applications. The following were granted : George Page, Berry-street, to Margaret Godfrey. Mary Cross, Blackstock-street, to John Mills. Rachel Gillson, Canning-place, to JosenhHelmshaw. James Fothergide, Dickson-street, to William Prest. Mary Porter, Great Charlotte-street, to George Taylor. There was a discussion on this case, in conse quence of a report made by . the police that the applicant had been fined three times in St. John's Market, where he kept a fruit stall, fo; having used illegal weights and measures. Mr. Bremner appeared for the applicant, and said it was the father of the applicant who had been fined. After some discussion on this point the transfer was granted, but the magistrates cautioned the applicant as to how the house should be conducted. Edward Roberts, Great Howard-street, to Thomas Atherton. Charlotte Ellis, Harrington-street, to John Thomas Rowe. Elizabeth Jones, Jordan-street, to John Gilbert. Joseph Helmshaw, Vauxhall-road, to Frederick Walker. George James Spooner, Mersey-street, to Thomas Evans. Joseph Hoult, London-road, to Charles Ball. James Jones, Regent-street, to Joseph Hoult, London road. This transfer was opposed, on the ground that a robbery had taken place in Holt's house, London-road, and also that there were two police reports against Hoult, for malpractices about a watch belonging to a man named Brown. The magistrates were unanimously of opinion that Hoult was not a fit person to have a license, and refused the application. John Irving., Richmond-row. to George Elsworth. William Scott, Spencer-street, to Josiah Thurston. John Spire, Tarlton-street, to Sarah Mills. Charles Kingston, Trafalgar-street, to George Bat tersby. Joseph Buxton, Vauxhall-road, to James Sumner. Caleb Bold, Waterloo-road, to Andrew Furlong. John Gettins, Williamson-street, to Henry Dawson. Isaac Henderson, Cleveland-square, to Joseph Wil liams. (Refused.) THE HEALTH COMMITTEE. Tha usual weekly meeting of the members of this committee was held yesterday in the Council-chamber, Mr. Alderman Dover was in the chair ; the other gentle men present were Messrs. Beloe, Haydock, Crellin, Steel, Ridley, and Bowring. The medical officer of health reported that the incle mency of the weather during the past and a portion of the previous week had caused a considerable increase in the mortality of the borough, which was greater than in any week of the preceding nine months. The deaths registered (which in the second week of December were 166, and in the subsequent week 206) rose last week to 245, being 6 more than the actual average of the same week of the preceding ten years ; but after correction for increase of population, the deaths were 23 below the average. Of the 245 deaths, 184 were in the parish and 61 in the out-townships. Diseases of the lungs, with consumption, caused 127 deaths, more than one-half of the entire mortality, 50 more than in the previous week, and 38 above the average of the same week of former years. The deaths were more numerous than in any week, with one exception, since the severe spring of 1855. From zymotic diseases the deaths were 36, or one-half the average ; of these there were—from measles, 10 ; diarrhoea, &c., 8 ; typhus, 5; croup, 5 ; hooping cough, n , 1 The proportion of deaths above the age of sixty was greater than usual; the number which in the four weeks preceding averaged 24, was last week 43. The mean temperature of the week was 27 4-10ths degrees, the average of the same week of former years being 40 7-10ths. It was lower than in any week previously recorded, and one degree less than that of the coldest week of February, 1855. On Christmas Day the mean temperature was more than 21 degrees below the average. The highest temperature, 33 1-10th degrees, was on Sunday, and the lowest, 16 2-10ths degrees, on Monday eight. The Borough Engineer Building Surveyor and Inspec tor of Nuisances reported various particulars of the operations in their several departments during the week, from which it appeared that 73 nuisances complained of by inhabitants had been inspected and means taken to remedy them ; 1,149 houses in the unhealthiest districts, containing 3,450 apartments, and 825 cellars had been put under examination, with the view of improving their sanitary condition. There being no other business to dispose of the com mittee soon after rose. The Lord Bishop of Mauritius will this evening deliver a lecture, in Hope-hall, on missionary work, especially in that part of the world, in which his diocese is situated.. The Rev. A. Campbell, rector of Liverpool, will take the chair at seven o'clock ; and the meeting will be addressed by the Rev. Canon M'Neile and others. NATURAL MAGIC.--LiVerpool is, we believe, about to receive another visit from William Kidd, the well-known "natural magician" of Hammersmith. Holding, as Mr. Kidd is said to do, a very extraordinary power over the hearts of men, women, and children, as well as animals of all kinds, he may rely, we think, on receiving a cordial welcome. His anecdotic gossips seem to have become household words. There is, we are told, a charming freshness about them that always goes straight to the heart. A RUNAWAY YOUTTL—Yesterday a youth, about seven teen years of age, named William Phayre, was arrested on Waterloo-road, by Detective-officer Redman, on a charge of having run away from his father, who is an extensive coach-builder at Limerick. It appears that the lad had got some notion about gold in America, or some place else, and in order to realise it, he first took up some of his father's, and ran away by way of Water ford. Information was forwarded to the police, and the lad was picked up as described. He was forwarded to his home last night by an officer, who came from Limerick for that purpose. !LIVERPOOL DISPENSARIES.—New cases received vice and medicine at the institution : North, 170 ; South, 107 ; total, 277. New cases visited at their own houses and supplied with medicine: North, 100 ; South, 58 ; total, 158. Rev. Rector Campbell, A.M., Pre sident ; Major Bourne, Vice-President of North Dispensary; Mr. R. A. Payne, Vice-President of South Dispensary ; Mr. Francis Mill, Treasurer ; Mr. F. H. Langley, Secretary. We beg to call attention to an advertisement in ou paper of to-day of the anniversary sermon to be preached next Sunday morning, in St. Michael's, for the Liver pool Church of England School Society, at which our estimable chief magistrate, after the example of his pre decessors, intends to be present. We understand that our honoured fellow-townsman, Lieut.-Colonel William Brown, and the officers and men of his battalion of Lan cashire Artillery Volunteers, have expressed their inten tion of accompanying the Mayor, as a mark of respect to his Worship and the Corporation of Liverpool. We have no doubt that this will be appreciated by the town coun cillors and other gentlemen, and that many persons will willingly avail themselves of this opportunity of accom panying the Mayor to St. Michael's, and so manifesting their interest in the object in view. The procession will leave the Town-hall precisely at twenty minutes to eleven o'clock. LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASSOCIATION.—Mr. Thomas Jones presided at the monthly meeting of the committee of this association, held yesterday in the boardroom of the institution. The other members present were Messrs. Lumb, Coward, Warriner, Hornby, Calderbank, Crane, Crilly, Gaulter, Page, Thornton, J. Atkinson, (trustee), Tarbuck, and R. Lumb. The proceedings of the House and Finance Committee were confirmed, as were also the proceedings of the committee appointed to make the arrangements for the Charity Ball, which is to take place in the Town-hall, on Wednesday the 23rd of January. In reference to the new assessment of water rates, Mr. Atkinson suggested that the subject should be referred to the Trade Committee for considera tion, as there was no doubt that the trade would be very heavily assessed. It was quite fallacious to suppose, as appeared to be generally done, that the Licensed Victuallers consumed such an enormous amount of water above that consumed by other shopkeepers. Some time ago, when the subject was brought before the Water Committee by a deputation from the association, a con siderable abatement was made in the charges for water. Several other members stated that under the new assess ment their rates would be doubled, and it was ultimately agreed to refer the subject to the Trade Committee. With reference to the negotiation respecting the mort gage on the institution, the Chairman stated that they had communicated with Messrs. Anderson and Collins, but those gentlemen had not yet received an answer from their client. A MODEL PARISH.—The village of Dirtington, in Cumberland, numbering about 700 inhabitants, has not less than nine jerry-houses and public-houses, together with a brewery. It has no intellectual association of any kind ; and only at distant intervals has a school master, as his sole support is some six shillings per week! The rector has somewhat about £7OO per annum, and drives his carriage stylishly past the closed school; whilst the inhabitants (those who require it) are kept in order by a policeman, who is frequently accompanied by a bull-dog. ICOURT OF PASSAGE.-YESTERDAY. (Before Mr. E. JAMES, Q.C.) The business of the present sitting of the court com menced yesterday morning. The cause list contains' one writ of trial and 63 issues—including one' special jury case, one special argunicut, and two writs of inquiry before the registrar. _ _ MATHEWS C. CHRTSTTE.—The plaintiff, a commercial traveller, claimed damages for dismissal without proper notice, from the defendant, his late employer, who is in business as a wine and spirit merchant. Mr. Aspinall appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Deighton for the defendant. The plaintiff was engaged in March last at £l5O a year, and £1 per day travelling expenses when in the country, and per day when in town. In the end of May he received a month's notice, and was com pelled to leave his employment at the end of June, and he now sought damages for having been dismissed without the three months' notice usually given by the trade. Defendant denied any agreement of the sort, affirming that the plaintiff distinctly understood that he was liable to a month's notice. 'Verdict for the defen dant. CLAIMS ARISING FROM A COLLISION IN TIIE COULBORN AND CO. V. WILLIAM BROM - N. — The plaintiff, the lessee of the Egremont and Seacombe Ferries, sought to recover from the defendant, who is a pilot, the amount of damages to the Elizabeth, arising from a collision with the brig Stranger. It appeared that on the evening of the day in question, whilst a light breeze blew, the brig came into collision with the steamer, which was at anchor beside the Landing-stage, receiving passengers for her next trip to Seacombe. The defendant was on board the brig in his capacity as pilot. His object, it appears, was to get into the St. George's Basin ; failing to accomplish that object, in consequence of the state of the tides, the brig ran upon a sand-bank, near the gates, and came into contact with the steamer. It was said that it was against the laws of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board for any vessel to approach the Landing-stage nearer than forty yards. An action was brought against the captain of the brig, but the case was dismissed, because the pilot (the defendant) was in charge of the vessel at the time of the accident. The defence was that the water was running from the sluice so strongly that the vessel became unmanageable. Verdict for the plaintiff; amount re ferred to friendly arbitration. THE FIRE AT THE NORTH SHORE MILLS. WILLIAMS V. WILLIAms.--The plaintiff, a working carpenter, sued the defendant, a master carpenter, for £22 4s. 11d. under the following circumstances. • From 1858 to 1859 the plaintiff was engaged in constructing the woodwork of houses erected by the defendant. In 1859 a fire occurred at the North Shore Mills, which extended to the yard, and destroyed a quantity of doors, sashes, &c., amounting to the sum claimed. The plain tiff was in Wales at the time. There was a running account between the parties extending from 1858, and a dispute as to the amount occurred. Plaintiff being the responsible fireman at the yard, defendant said that he must make good the amount of damage by the fire, ultimately saying, however, "Go on with your work, and do what is just." After a good deal of discussion the matter was referred to Mr. Grant, to decide what was just and right between the parties, and the jury were instructed to return a verdict under these condi tions for the plaintiff. TUMELTY V. BACON.—Mr. Tumelty is the executive of his father, who died in November last, and he brought the action against the defendant for £96 Os. 2d. for work done. The debt was not disputed. It was for discharging the Anne Vernon. A set-off was, however, made, and Mr. Bacon was called, who stated that in February, 1859, he sold a quarter share of the Alceste to Mr. Tumelty (deceased), who, however, in conse quence of some disagreements in his family, placed her in the name of his son, the present plaintiff. The price of the share was £4OO ; £2OO was paid down, and a bill was given for the remainder. The defendant continued as the ship's "husband." In April the vessel was totally lost. Defendant sent in an account for £162, which was now advanced as a set-off, and which con sisted of advance notes, a policy, and £l5B, loss on the vessel up to her last voyage. When the bill was sent in Mr. Tumelty, jun., protested against Mr. Bacon putting the loss in the Alceste against the Anne Vernon. Mr. Deighton contended that the set-off, consisting of accounts against the Alceste, the property of Mr. J. Tumelty, could not be advanced against an account of Mr. Patrick Tumelty for work done in respect of the Anne Vernon. Verdict for defendant. LIVERPOOL POLICE COURT.-YESTERDAY. (Before Mr. RAFFLES.) THE POOR BOX. His worship acknowledged the receipt of £5 for the poor box, from "A. R.," with a request to have the receipt mentioned in the papers. AN UNNATURAL DAUGUTErt. A girl about nineteen years of age, named Mary Woods, was charged by her mother, Bridget Woods, for having assaulted her. The mother, who seemed to be a decent person, gave a bad account of her daughter's conduct, and stated that on the previous evening she went after her to a public-house to take her away from bad company, when the prisoner turned on her, gave her two blows, and knocked her down. She had cbarged her hoftwP with a similar crime, and she was sent to gaol for a month. Mr. names asked thn pricrmpr what eha had to say to such a horrible charge ? She replied, I have nothing to say. Mr. Raffles: It is a fearful thing to see a young woman like you charged with the offence of beating your mother ; your parent is now getting old, and your duty is to cherish and protect her, instead of ill-treating her. This is not even the first time you have been here for such an offence, and I now sentence you to three months' hard labour. MANCHESTER STEEPLE-CHASE. — In consequence of the conti nued severity of the weather, this meeting will not take place to-morrow (Saturday). CHESTER CUP ENTRY. Acco Flirtation Robinson Crusoe Alderman Folkestone Rosamond A pollyon Forager Rupture Arabia General Hess Russley Balham Gouvieux Sailor Ballinasloe Gridiron Satinstone Barbette filly Guilder Satellite Bardsman Henham Lass Sawcutter Ben Webster Herne Schism Betts High Treason Seclusion Bevis Horror shepherdess Birmingham Industrious Simple Simon Black Prince Isabella Sister to St. Albans Black Diamond Ivanhoff Skilful Blue Stone Jacintha Slingsby Bravo Joskin Snapdragon Bridegroom Juno Somersault Bumble Bee Kelpie South Australian Butterfly Killigrew Spanish Fly Bushman King of Diamonds Special License Byeways King of Kent Springwell Canary Lady Chesterfield Stanton Cashio La Reux Starke Chance Shot Light Starlight Chere Arnie Lovett Stockade C by West Austra- Maid of Chesterfield Surprise Tian Mal pas Sweet Hawthorn Conscript Man at Arms Sweetsatice Coroner Merrimac Sycophant Crater Millionaire Syringe Croagh Patrick Monastry Tame Deer Cromwell M. Philippe The Brewer Damascus Mountain Nut The Lawyer Danae Mowbray The Monk Desmond Northern Light The Rap Doefaot North Lancashire The Rock Donner and Blitz Oliver The Rover Dreadnought Optimist Thormanby Duchess Overton • T. P. Cooke Dulcibella Pagoda umpire Earl of Essex Pancake Vancouver Eastsheen Parmesan Venison Edmund Kean Paul Clifford Volatile Eleho Pebble Voltella El Hakim Petra Wallace Eskdale Physician Waterwitch Faultless Pitman Weatherbound Feodorowna Pounce 'Waterwitch Fby King Tom Precise Wildman F by Stockwell, out Predictor Wild Rose of Selina Priestess colt William the Conq'ror Fby Wild Dayrell Professor Dick Wombat Fir.t Lord Rajah Brooke Yellow Rose Fitzavon Itattlebone Yorkminster LIVERPOOL STEEPLE-CHASE ENTRY. Anatis Kibworth Lass Sepoy Bannockburn Kilcoek Sir Charles Bantam Kdligrew Sir Robert Bridegroom King William Summerhill Bro to Lady's Maid Longford The Brewer Brunette Longrange The Dane Bucephalus Lord Oswald The Colonel Chester 'Lovett The Comet Cloughbally Medora The Curate Cockatoa Margery Daw The Emperor Conductor Marmion The Freshman Co-mopolite Master Bagot The Friar of Apshall Diamant Morgan Rattler The Miller Doubtful M. Phillippe The Pirate Dunboyne Napoleon The Rover • Evelyn New Broom The Riddler Fairy Saint Newcastle The Tattler Franc Picard Norma The Tumbler Gbika Old Ben Roe The Unknown Goldsmith Penarth Thomastown Half-Caste Prince Charming Tom Moody Harry Ralph Wee Nell Huntsman Red Eagle Westminster Jealousy Redwing Willoughby Jean du Quesne: Romeo Xanthus Jerusalem Sahib Yellow Gal Johnny The above includes the whole of the Chester, with a portion of the London entries, received up to five o'clock on Wednes day evening ; but none have yet been received from York. THE BURGLARY AT ALDERMAN WOODRUFF'S. James Taylor and John Berry were brought up on remand on suspicion of being concerned in a burglary and robbery committed at the pawnshop of Alderman Woodruff, of Park-lane, on the night of the 13th December. Mr. Bluck appeared for Taylor, and Mr. Cobb for Berry, both of whom are celebrated house breakers and robbers in Liverpool. In addition to the evidence already published in this case, it appeared that Mr. Winstanley, the manager of the house, secured the premises on the night in question, and in the morning he found that an entrance had been made by cutting a circular hole through one of the doors over the lock, and he missed silver spoons, gold guard chains, and brooches. The value of the property was about £lOO. The whole of the evidence given on the former examinations was then gone into, but as it has been already published it is not necessary to repeat it here. The witnesses were then cross-examined at great length by the advocates who appeared for the prisoners, and at the conclusion of the evidence for the prosecution Messrs. Bluck and Cobb addressed the court for the prisoners, when his worship said the case against Taylor was not sufficient, and therefore he must discharge him. He remanded Berry for seven days further. The case lasted over two hours, to the obstruction of all other public business. CHARGE OF ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTED ROBBERY. Edward Drum, described as a barman, and lately of the Lancashire Volunteers, was charged with having assaulted and attempted to rob John Kelsey, who said he was a provision merchant. Mr. Cobb appeared for the prisoner. The prosecutor said, last night I was in Vauxhall-road when I saw the prisoner hauling a woman about. I told him it was a shame to act in that way, when he turned on me and tried to rob me, and assaulted me. In reply to Mr. Cobb the witness said the attempt to rob consisted of the prisoner having caught hold of his coat where his pocket was ; he tore the prisoner's coat, too, but it was in his own defence. Witness was " fresh" from drink, but knew well what he was doing. Ponca-officer 453 said he saw the priso ner assault complainant, but he did not know how it commenced. The prosecutor charged the prisoner with an attempt to rob him. Mr. Cobb said the prisoner bore an excellent character, and he (Mr. Cobb) was proceeding to address the magistrate on his behalf when Mr. Raffles said he would discharge him. from the accusation of robbery, but fined him 105. for the assault. The attempt to float the steamship Queen Victoria, which has the Rangoon telegraph cable on board, had not been successful up to 11-30 last night, although very powerful means had been tried. The ceremony of christening the infant son and heir of Lord and Lady Ingestre was performed during the morning service on Christmas Day, at Ingestre Church, by the Hon. and Rev. A. Chetwvnd Talbot, the rector. The sponsors were the Lady Ingestre, the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot, and Captain the Hon. W. Talbot, M.P. THE QUESTION OF MAYORAL PRECEDENCE. - The following circular has been addressed by the town-clerk of Birmingham to the principal boroughs in England and Wales. The replies received lead to the expecta tion that a powerful influence will be brought to bear on Parliament when the question comes before it : " I beg to call your especial attention to the reports of the application made by the Solicitor-General to the Court of Queen's Bench, on the Bth instant, for a rule calling upon the justices of this borough to show cause why a mandamus should not issue commanding them to concede the mayor the right he claimed to preside at all sessions and meetings of the justices, by virtue of the precedence conferred upon hint by the 57th section of the sth and 6th William IV., cap. 76. I venture to call your attention to the interpretation put upon the section in question by their lordships, and particularly by the Lord Chief Justice, who considered that the precedence in all places' thereby conferred upon the mayor was merely social precedence; as, for example, that he would be entitled to go first into a room, and the like. Now, it is quite clear that on all occasions social precedence would be readily accorded to all gentlemen holding the office of mayor, and would continue to be accorded to them by all persons with whom they might come in contact, of mere courtesy and politeness, in the absence of any enactment on .the- subject. Indeed, it is diffi cult to conceive the effect or utility of any enactment conferring mere social precedence, as it is described by the Lord Chief Justice. It is still more difficult to conceive that it could have been the intention of the reformed parliament which enacted the Municipal Corporations Act to confer such precedence upon the mayors of boroughs as that described by the Lord Chief Justice. That act was passed for the aboli tion of the alleged corruption and the unnecessary paraphernalia and parade of the old corporations, and it is not very likely that at such a time and in such a mood the Commons would consider it necessary to give a dinner-party precedence to the high public functionary they were creating by the act referred to. Under the circu ms t ance s, some decided action is necessary, and to that end I shall be glad to be informed that your corporation will be prepared in the next session of Parliament to assert the right of your mayor to the position so rightfully claimed by the mayor of Bir mingham, and to join a deputation of the whole of the_ orne mayors and town clerks of the kingdom , to the .H _ Office, for the purpose of vindicating and restobering(i possible) by legislation the privilege intendei to, con ferred by Parliament upon the people's magistrate,' Among the English families of rank paQsing the winter at Nice are—the Earl and Countess Delawarr, Lord and Lady Hatherton, the Marquis and Marchioness of Lothian and Lady Gertrude Talbot, the Marchioness (Dowager) of Lothian and Lady Alice Kerr, Sir Robert and Lady Emily Peel and Lady Jane Hay. &c. MURDER OF TWINS.—On Tuesday afternoon the bodies of two male infants were discovered in a field near the Orphanage, 'under circumstances which leave little doubt that they have been cruelly murdered. At about a quarter past four o'clock Mr. W. J. Birch and Mrs. Birch, of Poulteney's-place, were proceeding on a bridle-way that leads from the back of the Orphanage to Goldthorn-hill, and near the footpath they discovered the bodies of two children, apparently twins. The bodies were tied in a piece of towelling, which was covered with some black ragged stuff—a kind of merino —much worn, and they were fastened to each other with a piece of tape or staylace tied round their necks. Information was at once given to the police, and the bodies removed to the police barracks, where they now He, awaiting the coroner's inquest.— Wolverhampton Chronicle. . BLONDIN OUTDONE.—One, and perhaps not the least surprising, of the feats performed by the Turk seen by Evelyn in 1657 (query, at Bartholomew Fair ?) was, even at that time, not unprecedented. When Edward VI. passed through London the day before his coronation (February 19, 1546-7) a Spaniard descended on a rope stretched from the battlements of St. Paul's steeple and fastened to an anchor near the gate of the deanery, "lying on the rope with his head forward, casting his arms and legs abroad, running on his breast on the rope from the battlements to the ground, as if it had been an arrow out of a bow." The same exploit was repeated on the entry of Philip and Mary into London after their marriage (August 19, 1554) at the same place, or according to one authority, " from the chapter howse." The performer on the last occasion soon afterwards met with the too common fate of such persons, and paid with his life for his foolish temerity. The Turk had a suc cessor as well as these his predecessors, a man having, about 1750, performed a similar feat in different places in the country, among them Hertford, where his " rope was stretched from the top of the tower of All Saints' Church, and brought obliquely to the ground about fourscore yards from the bottom of the tower."—Notes and Queries. THE RELIEF OF DrsrnEss.—What does become of those enormous sums which are annually contributed to charitable institutions ? It is not too much to say that a very uneasy feeling is growing up on this subject, with the exception, perhaps, of the case of our great hospitals. Where the wisdom of Parliament and the charity of individuals have made such ample provision for the poor and destitute of this metropolis it is too bad that our feelings should be so constantly harrowed Up with tales of distress, and still more by the consciousness that all we hear represents but a portion of the misery actually existing during seasons such as the present. He would do the country good service who would look carefully into the matter and tell us how the expenditure of these charities is directed, controlled, and checked. Mean while, as above all things, it is desirable to avoid vain declamation and the idle cant of philanthopy, the best recommendation we can give to our readers is to be upon the watch for the misery which may fairly come under their notice, and to relieve it as best they may. He would not have spent his Christmas ill who had enabled two or three poor families to tide it over the starving time until employment is again forthcoming. It is much to be feared that the sufferings of the London poor have formed a gloomy background to our Christ mas merriment.—Once a Week. WAR STATISTICS. —ln a peace lecture recently delivered at Bury, by Mr. William Stokes, of Manches ter, he gave the following particulars as the result of a careful examination of the subject :—IIe assumed as his basis the statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons, in August last, that the national expenditure for the present financial year would amount to £76,400,000. Deducting about £14,500,000, as the cost of the civil government, the actual expenditure for war purposes (including interest of war debt), would be upwards of sixty millions stea ling! This would exceed by above £5,000,000 the whole amount of the export trade of 1859, in cotton, woollen, and linen goods, En whose manufacture the millions of Lancashire, Yorkshire (West), and Cheshire found employment and support. It would more than double tha total annual receipts from all sources, of all the railways in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The entire rental of all the landed estates in Great Britain would not equal it by upwards of ten millions sterling; and it would exceed by a still larger sum the rental of all the dwelling-houses, mines, q uarries, mills, and manufactories throughout Great Britain and Wales. Mr. Stokes also stated that where one million had been contributed, in every form, for the conversion of the world, the people of England had paid one hundred and fifty millions for war. These statements appeared to make a deep impression on the audience. FRIGHTFUL COLLIERY ACCIDENT AT MANSTON, NEAR LEEDS.—Major Wand, of Manston, the eminent colliery proprietor, has been for some time past engaged in sinking a shaft on Brown Moor, near Whitkirk, Leeds, with the object of reaching the deep Beeston bed of coal, which lies at a depth of 200 yards from the surface. At the bye-pit, which is already sunk 120 yards, and which goes by the name of the "New Odd," the sinkers have been very much inconvenienced by the stream of water which flows into the shaft, and renders the use of expensive pumping-engines necessary. On Tuesday morning, a little after seven o'clock, Robert Taylor (a man about 40 years of age), Wm. Ambler, (a young man of 20), and the overman, Thomas Greenhow, were on the cradle or half-moon of the .bye-pit, on their way to their work at the bottom. The engine had only given a half-stroke when the crank broke, and the three men were precipitated to the bottom of the shaft. The brake was on, and would probably have the effect of keeping the cradle exactly perpendicular in its fearful descent, but it did not further act in the way of ar resting the progress of the men. It is thought that the brake would not bite owing to the slipperiness of the machinery, caused by the frosty weather. As soon as possible after the accident "crabs" were got into requi sition ; and Greenhow, who was alive, and had sustained himself in the water, which was five yards in depth, by the aid of a piece of wood, was brought to the surface about eight o'clock. He was in a very exhausted con dition, but will be' fully recovered, having sustained no severe bruises, in the course of a day or two. At nine o'clock the bodies of Taylor and Ambler were also brought'' to bank," and as they were nut disflured by their fearful fall, it is thought that they must have been, suffocated in the water. Taylor has left a family ; Ambler was unmarried. THE PENMANSHIP OF ENGLISH STATESMEN.—WO are bound to add that the present race of statesmen are, on the whole, distinguished by excellent penmanship. Lord Derby's handwriting is beautiful —equally elegant and legible.but certainl Lord Stanley y 'sLisoratsi le gi ble Palm er.sston's largepica, not elegant. is free, pleasant, and by no means obscure. The Duke of Newcastle writes an excellent hand—long, well-formed letters, and very distinc t . Lord John Russell's pen. manship is not unlike the colonial minister's, but on a smaller scale. Other instances might be cited, but it is more to the purport of the present paper to say that the East ;India Company, nearly all through the present century, have been re markably fortunate in the call graph;' o f their chief servant, 'the Governor-General, who has set an example of penmanship to the whole class of writers which ought not to have been thrown away. Lord Wellesley's han dwritin g is, p erha p s, the bst that we have ever seen. Sir George Bariow's was little inferior. Lord Mini() wrote a remarkably firm, solid, legible hand. Lord Hastings and Lord Amherst were somewhat stately in their penmanship, but every letter was 'as clear as type. Lord William Bentinck ran his letters, and sometimes his words, a little too much into each other, but he wrote a good flowing hand that was rarely otherwise than legible.. Lord Auckland's writing was peculiarly round and distinct, the very reverse of his successor's, Lord Ellenborough's, which was pretty and lady-like, and not distinct; but he was always one of the honourable company's naughty boys. Lord Dalhousie wrote a beautiful hand—flowing and elegant, but very distinct; and the present Gover nor-General, Lord Canning, need not blush to see his handwriting placed beside any of his contemporaries.-- Blackwood's Magazine for January. .~ ~~ sporting Antedigaut. ~. LATEST NEWS. (EY BRITISH AND IRISH MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH) THE NEW ITALIAN PARLIAMENT. TURIN, Jan. 3. The report of the nomination of Prince Carignan as Lieutenant of the King for the Neapolitan provinces, has been duly confirmed to-day. M. Nigra will accompany the prince in the quality of councillor and responsible minister- The official Piedmontese Gazette publishes a royal decree, convoking the electoral colleges for the 27th January. It also announces that the voting for the election of the members of parliament will take place on the 3rd of February, and that the sittings of the parliament will commence on the 18th February next. THE FRENCH FUNDS. PARIS, Jan. 3, 3.35 p.m. The Bourse is unaltered. Rentes closed at 67f. 45c., or about the same as yesterday. THE HOLSTEIN QUESTION. • DRESDEN, Jan. 3. The official Dresden journal publishes a corre spondence from Franfort-on-Maine, stating that Austria and all the other States of the German Confederation have declared themselves ready to agree unconditionally to the proposals of Prussia in regard to Holstein, which are now expected to be formally brought forward by Prussia.. THE POLICY OF NAPOLEON 111. • The Paris correspondent of the Daily Neta,s says that all the symptoms from which anyinfe. rence can be deduced, in regard to the Frenc h' Emperor's Italian policy, are as unsatisfactory as can possibly be. RUSSIA. THE ABOLITION OF SERFDOM. The Russian imperial manifesto, announcing the abolition of serfdom, is expected to be pub lished on the 3rd of March. The question is under discussion, at St. Peters burg, of recalling to their standardiall the sol diers now on unlimited leave. in order to have ready, at the period of the promulgation of abolition of serfdom, a force for preserving order and preventing complication. The objection urged is the enormous exp,pnse. THE BRAZIL MAIL. SOUTHAMPTON, Jan. 3. The Magdalena, with the Brazil mails, has arrived. She brings £293,331 in specie, and sixteen packages of diamonds. She spoke, on the 21st December, the Calliope ; 28th, Blyth ; and 22nd, Tyne. Advices per Magdalena state that at Pernam buco the weather continued fine. Arrivals'of sugar considerable, and demand fair, and large purchasers on the spot and for export. Whites ruled from $5 to $6 per arroba ; Channel browns sold at $2 60, but expected lower. Cotton, $7 to $B. Hides sold at 2271 to 230 reis ; ship ments to Liverpool, 1,433. Freights of Sugar to' to the Channel, 27s 6d. Exchange, £210,000' sterling ; negotiated during the month, at from 25 to 261. Discount rates at the bank, 10 per cent. per annum for four months' bills; higher rates for longer dates. At Bahia sugars quoted $2 to $2 350 for Nazareths ; sales unimportant. Cotton, $7 800 for home consumption. Coffee inactive. Little cocoa remained. Hides unaltered. Freight& to Gibraltar, 50s. Exchange regular at 261, 1. At Rio, coffee sales only 31,500 bags ; price* fell fully 200 rein; good first, $5 500 to $5 700'. Exchange, 275. Freights to England, 40s ; Channel, 55s to 60. THE STEAMSHIP QUEEN VICTORIA. PLirmarrii, Jan. 3. All attempts to float the steamship Queen Victoria, which grounded yesterday in this har bour, have proved fruitless. The ste am t ugs an d dockyard lumps have just left her. Th e ca bl e op board will have to be taken out. THE WEST INDIES. THE SHANNON DISABLED. PLYMOUTH, lan. S. The West India mail steamer Trent put in here to-day short of coals; she brings no mails. The Trent has been employed in assisting home the steamer Shannon, which broke down with a November mail. She left St. Thomas on the 6th December with the Shannon in tow , the wind then blowing fresh. On the morning of the 17th, as it was blowing.hard, she cast off the Shannon, and both the vessels remained in c ompany under canvas signalling each other hourly through the night, and running alongside during the day. On the 20th, while in lat e 35.58 N., and lon. 40.58 W., it blew a strong N.W. gale, and the vessels parted company during a h eav y squall. The Trent made signals at 10 p.m. on the same day, but received no answer. At day light the Shannon was not in sight. The Trent continued cruising, but has not since seen the Shannon. The Trent now awaits orders. On the 22nd December, in lat. 42.13 N., and lon. 29.39 W., she spoke the ship Indus, from Madras for London : all well. On the Ist January she signalled in the Channel the Hamburg b r i g Johanna, steering S.W. OUTWARD ,AMERICAN MAIL. QUEENSTOWN, J an . 1 . The Liverpool and New York steamship Edin burgh arrived here this morning, embarked mails,. passengers, and latest telegrams, and proceeded for New York at five o'clock this afternoon. All well. LARGE ARRIVAL OF TEA FROM CHINA. The Broadwater arrived from China yesterday with 729,000 lbs. of tea. The following appeared in our later editions of yesterday : WRECK AND LOSS OF 25 LIVES ON THE GOOD WIN SANDS. • DOVER, January 2. Yesterday afternoon the Gurtenburg, of Hamburg, landed the captain and crew of the barque Canton, of Hull. This vessel experienced a heavy gale on the 13th of December. She was totally dismasted by the gale, the boats were all lost, and the decks swept. The Gurtenhurg picked up the crew, and after landing them at Dover proceeded on her course. About five the same afternoon she struck upon the Goodwin Sands, when, with the exception of five men, all hands perished. The Gurtenhurg was a ship of 1,000 tons burthen, bound from New York to Hamburg, laden with cotton and rice. When she struck the r e were thirty people on board, including the pilot, only five of whom escaped. FRANCE. PARIS, Jan. 3. The 3foniteur contains decrees appointing M. Michel Chevalier grand officer, and M. Escayrao Delanteur Commander of the Legion of Honour. In its daily political review the Moniteur states that financial events in foreign countries have influenced the French money market in a manner to be regretted, but declares the report that the French Government is under the necessity of having recourse to a new loan to be Without any foundation. The Moniteur also states that the amount of treasury bonds does riot at the present moment exceed 75,000,000 francs. THE AMERICAN CRISIS. The Times quotes mercantile letters which arm that the commercial panic was nearly over at New York on the 18th December. The stagnation of trade and nearly entire suspension of the merchants in the Southern States, would, however, cause some stoppage in New York. The failure had just been announced of Edward Lambert & Co., with liabilities for more than £200,000, and the liquidation was expected to be bad. Kirkland, Chase, & Co., a large shipping house m Baltimore, connected with the coffee trade, had also , suspended. On the 18th of December the merchants . of 'New York were anticipating the arrival of about £400,000 in gold by the Atlantic and Persia, whereas these ships took out an aggregate, it would seem. of £769,450 including the sum transmitted by the Edin burgh yesterday. The total shipments of gold from England to the United States, since the 28th of Nov., is £1,823,394. The Iferald thinks the amount may eventually reach £2,500,000. It is now stated that the French squadron at Gaeta will continue to occupy its present station till the early part of February. Detachments of French regiments, which were under orders for China, have been sent to reinforce two of the regiments in Syria. It is remarked - that the chief political result of the death of the King of Prussia is. that it removes the ob stacles which the friends of the Prince Regent have alleged in excuse of the timidity of his general policy up to the present time. COKE AND sirs Wrre.—" A daughter has been born to Coke of his second wife. The wife and he never pulled together, and of late their wrangles have been louder than at first. Their marriage was a scrape, their wedded life has . been a quarrel and a jest. She disdains to bear his name - -she slams her door in his face. She gives entertainments in Holborn from which be and his friends are insolently shut out. Their tastes are in the strongest degree opposed. He is penurious; she is profuse He loves folios and a farthing candle; she lights and revels, masques and plays. By day and night a rout of fiddlers, dancers, 'wizards, lovers, and magicians pour through the galleries of her great mansion looking o n thelleet. Coke "sinks in shame from the sight of all this devilry to his den in Sergeant's-inn. Their misery makes the sport of wits and gallants, while i n th e i r quarrels and their unhappiness Bacon (though he h a s not himself escaped the common lot—a mother-in-law) has, nevertheless, in his own modestand tranquil h om e, good reason to thank Heaven night and day for his escape from such a wile."—From Hepworth Dixon's " Lord Bt.con." NEW INVENTION. —TH E NEW FOUNTAIN PEN .—A gre ater e is th th an ge a t b a ad steel pen can hardly he met with—tile a d n itil no c y u an it), c, milts the new ~ fou g n o t o a d in on p e e . n,,, A j m us on t g in st tr t o h d e u r c e ed eer:t inl e l , r ac iii . bY buT and Co., is the best we have ever seen. By a simple m ,,,,, of tire contrivance the ink is retained in a fountain, Pi this bar rel a second inverted barrel, above the writing np,!: p ", pe r e f i e . cq ern be taken out at any time, so the pen ean ° W o oer f _r e clean w.thout any chance of being corrn!l iast for fi,:cr:" in this ppn is, that one din in the ink m"l; l i n ' egt &script: , A a _ n , , d , quick writing. The pen itself is 01 . the . ,_. „ erws pt cnie!t Rill in merchants' offices, banks, and indeettri, to t h'i r z. T. Han, be found to fill a want felt by every ;la t e ° a s by •and We are have tried this splendid pen, Windt'. „ perfect, ce .. • South John-street, and can P ful l verdict in 1 " `4 re all who use it will give a lu -~~.:d