The Daily Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1861-01-25 00:00:00

THE DOCK BOARD. The weekly meeting of this board was held yesterday, at the Dock Offices. Mr. Charles Turner presided, and the other members present were Messrs. Smith, Hub back, Laird, Anderson, Boult, Rankin, Bushell, Little dale, Holme, Evans, Segar, Bold, Arnold, Inman, Langton, Tobin, and Shand. TitE COMICriEE Or dreg. The r4bEEediriii of this Committee included 'a recom mendation to accept the tenders of Meisrs. Samuel Turner and Son, and Messrs. Sleight and Jones, for a supply of oak and ash: timber. The subject of the con struction of the 85 feet wide graving dock had again been taken into Pons4erAtioni when the engineer had 11 4 ii iiisifikited to prepare a plan showing tile rtilggel iions made, and submit it to the committee. Ifl'ttfet ence to the indemnity demanded from Vessels entering the Birkenhead chicks; the Eonimittee recodirdended that it shoind.lie Witlidfathi OM s rig sYsteilt ebtild lie " " /"d 1W 66 eiigniebi oro ag t into operation EAiggesce attd harbour master ; but that the same indemnity be required from the Morpeth half-tide dock as in the half-tide docks on this side of the river. The engineer had been instructed to fdrnish plans for a landing -stage . for the low water basin. Mr. Rankin moved, and Mr. Smith seconded, the confirmation of the proceedings. Mr. LAIRD said the indemnity should never have been put on; it had existed nine months, without any autho rity froM the board. It had been put in force without their having an opportunity of dlscuSsing the matter in public. Many reasons were given for the indemnity. One was that the gates and sills *ere defective. - inquiring into that; it *di found that they were 'not defective. reason was that they were only single gates, and therefore unsafe. The Coburg dock tind,George's dock, on, this side, had single gates, yet no indemnity was asked for them. When the indemnity was. removed,. the Great Float would be opened, the satne as the docks on this side were ; but on this side the quays ..were paved, rails laid, sheds reared, and eiefithing 'done to induce trade to them. On the other side of•the water, 'if gentlemen would go,. they would find that the quays were a mass of mud and dirt ; no preparations were made ; and no ftrade Could be expected for months to come. He regretted this had not been seen to sooner ; he had brought forward the matter from time to time, and orders Had been given to carry on the works without delay, but unfortunately this had not been done. When a dock was made for the steam trade at the North, the sheds were arranged, and the dock was opened, not only with water space, but every convenience for trade. He thought the public and the board must not be flisap pointhdi if for, the next six or twelve months very little tr#tle stititild go to the other side of the water. he CHAIRMAN said with respect to the Coburg bock, the chairman was ,under a mistake. It was explained in committee that the Coburg was not to act as a half-tide dock : it was worked to the tide. As regarded the other matter, he thought Mr. Laird ought to have taken into account the great difference in the works on the two sides of the river. At Birkenhead there had been a great many unforeseen difficulties, liable to arise with all new works, a tremendous quan tity of piling, and a deal of additional `work that the engineer did not contemplate ; and he had confidence that the engineer had gone on with the work as fast as he possibly could. It was easier to get men to work on this side of the water than on the other. The works were comparatively small ; while at Birkenhead they were of an enormous character, involving millions of money ; but the remarks of Mr. Laird would lead the public to suppose that they had not done all that they could. Now it had been the anxious desire of the Works Committee to carry on the works with the utmost speed consistent with safety, and there had been no want of energy on the part of the engineer. Every thing had been done to carry out to the spirit and he letter the works imposed upon them by act of Par liament. Mr. SHIT'', as a member of the Works Committee, said fair play for both sides was a game which he should like to see at that board ; but it appeared there was one exception in Mr. Laird. He always fiddled on one string. They heard everything on one side of the question ; but they did not hear what might be said on the other. Mr. Laird complained that those works had not been gone on with as fast as they possibly could; but had they ever heard Mr. Laird, when he rose to make those complaints, refer to the fact that that scheme when it came.into the hands of the board, either from the ignorance or negligence of those who had concocted it, was so deficient that when the water was let out of Float, they found they had to spend £60,000 to put walls in repair which they had thought were in perfect order, and did not require 6d. spent upon them. Had Mr. Laird ever referred to the different position in which they would have been if the labourers on whom this £60,000 had been expended had been employed on the new works ? He never had. sow, he admired Mr. Laird's courage; he was a man who was never afraid to speak : but he thought that when a gen tleman took up a question, he should view it from all sides. Mr. BOULT said Mr. Laird's remarks formed their thanks for letting the water into the Great Float before the work was done. Only a few months since workmen were strengthening the walls, the leakage being very great. With respect to the gates and the indemnity, they had only acted upon the opinion of the engineer. Mr. LAIRD said he did not allude in any way to the outer works : that was a wide question which they did not wish to go into. Tie referred to the quays, cranes, and conveniences necessary to work a dock properly. No gentleman could say that he had not promoted every measure for giving facilities on this side, and therefore he was not open to the remarks of Mr. Smith. Mr. RANKIN - was sorry that Mr. Laird should harp on the imputation as to delay at Birkenhead; but any one who went over there would see that the allegation was unfounded. There was not one member of the Works Committee who was not as desirous to carry out the works in their integrity as Mr. Laird himself. As to the supposition that works were progressing faster on the Liverpool side, he could state that at this moment the works at the canal docks were stopped, so as to expedite those at Birkenhead ; and of that the timber trade might justly complain, although they did not do so. The proceedings were then confirmed. THE WAREHOUSE COMMITTEE. —THE GUANO TRADE. The proceedings of this committee having been read, Mr. HUBBACK. moved their confirmation. As chair man of the committee, he expressed his regret at the decision come to by the board last week, with respect to the charge on warehousing guano at 13irkenhead. Being absent in London, he was unable to take part in the discussion, lie thought gentlemen had allowed jtheir personal feelings to get the better of their sense of ustice. lie should certainly have voted in the minority on the ground that the superintendent of the Birken head warehouses had stated that a reduction could be made without incurring loss to the trust. No ou, taking a surface view of the quest i on, it might seem bt to members of the board almost unreasonable to suppose that 2d. per ton would prevent an article of the value of £l3 a ton coming to this port; but he thought they must deal with men and things as they found them, and not stick to abstract principles. As he possessed some knowledge of the guano trade, he was inclined to think that it was a matter of indifference to Messrs. Anthony Gibbs and Son whether a ton of guano came or not. His feeling was that no more guano would come, and he was confirmed in that by letters which he had received from shipowners in town. Two vessels at Cork had been ordered to Bristol instead of coming to the Mersey. One shipowner wrote that he had 21 vessels which would be thus diverted ; another had 11,000 tons. kr. EvAirs—ls this question before the board ? This is a posthumous hearing after the thing is dead and gone. The CHAIRMAN said it was not properly before the Board. Mr. HUBBACK said time alone would show whether he was correct in his opinion; bat this he wished to be understood, that if hereafter they found that no more guano came to the port of Liverpool, he, as chairman of the Warehouse Committee, and the majority of that committee, would not be to blame. Mr. AU OLD seconded the confirmation of the minutes, but differed materially from Mr. B.ubback, and thought the board had come to a right conclusion. The reason given for the reduction was the 2d advance in the town dues. That was a condemnation in itself of the increase of the town drift. lie could not believe for a moment that the trade of the port hung upon so slender a thread as 2d a ton. . Mr. Lunn said he had voted with the minority from a conviction that they could afford 2d a ton on a com modity the revenue from which was last year X 7,000. Mr. EVANS said this had been all discussed before, and they had no right to have their time taken up with a posthumous speech after the body was buried. Mr. LAlRD—Although Mr. Evans has a license for interrupting people— Mr. EVANS—I anystopping , you on a point of order: It is you, sir, who are interrupting the board. Mr. Laird was proceeding, when the chairman inter posed, a n d s t o pp e d the discussion. Mr. LirrLEDALE asked if the letters which Mr. Hub back had received could be read to the board. • The CHAIRMAN—Not to-day; you may give notice for next week. Mr. IlunnAcx—There is an apprehension on the,part of Messrs. Gibbs & Sons that, owing to the unfortunate business of the Sierra Nevada, they will not have the same facilities. The Chairman again interposed. Mr. SMITH —Mr. ilubback has said that gentlemen allowed their feelin,gs to get the better of their judgment; it was a most improper expression. If he meant me, I call upon him to withdraw it: Mr. HU)3BACK-4 withdraw it. - -- Mr. Siam —Then I accept it. The proceedings were then confirmed; as were also those of the Pilotage Committee. • THE DOCKS AND QUAYS COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee comprised the appointment of two pier -masters, and five dockgatemen ; and to remove a shed from the east quay of the Hus kisson Dock, at 'a cost of about £6O ; also, to provide two double, purchase capstans for the Egerton Dock at Birkenhead.—the master of the Garibaldi had written that he should hold the hoard liable for any damage the • ship or eargo might sustain by straining : on the sill of the Stanley Dock.HThe five dock-gate men reConi iriended. 'And Emir of lioit`i are for liirkenhcad, - *ere Hugh toberts' i Molitneui, Francie,Dixon, James-Downey; and James Mr,smith.Dcved the confirmation of the proceedings. Mr. LAIRD understood the pl a n s f o r the accommo dation of the corn trade had been submitted to the committee ? The CummuN--Yes, but nothing ,decided upon. Mr. Smiern—The subject will come beiore the board nett tock. Mr. lA/an—Has anything been done as to the Bruns wick Dock ? Mt. Slititg. replied that nothing bad been done last Wednesday as to the erection of warehonses at the Brunswick Dock. That opened a large question, be eanse it involved the purchase of land from Wapping to Sefton-street, and probably the purchase of property On the east side.. • Mr. Lunn said the corn trade were most anxious to have accommodation, but they were put off from time to time. He did not see that the queition had anything to do with the widening of Wapping. The proceedings were then confirmed; as were also those of the Master Porterage Committee. THE NEW DOCK BILL. the folloYrlng letter was read and referred to the Parliamentary Committee. "Rumford.:street, Jan. 18, 1861. "SlR,—The Cotton Brokers' Association have had under their consideration several provisions contained in a proposed bill, entitled Bill to enable the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board to purchase, &c., &c., and to enable the board to improve the working of the docks and the loading and unloading of vessels.' " The association are of opinion that several of the provisions contained in the latter portion of the bill are very inimical to the interests of the cotton trade, and have appointed rt committee of five gentlemen, to seek an interview either with the b o ard or w ith s u c h of their committees as are entrusted with the regulation of-mas ter porterage and of goods remaining on the , quays. " Will you have the kindness to inform me if, and when, it will be convenient to receive the deputation ? —I am, sir. Tours truly, "Daniel Mason, Esq." " SAm. GATT, Chairman." THE SALT TRADE AND THE NAVIGATION OF THE WEAVER. • The following communication was next read : " Salt Chamber of Commerce, isTorthwich and "Liverpool ; 23rd January, 1861. • " have been requested by some of the leading shipbrokers to send you the accompanying memorial, signed by captains of vessels now in port, respecting thd detention they have met, with in obtaining cargoes of salt, " I am, your obedient servant, " H. HADFIELD, Secretary. "Charles Turner, Esq., Chairman of the Mersey " Docks and Harbour Board." "TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MERSEY' DOCKS AND --~_ HARBOUR BOARD. "Slll,—The undersigned, commanders of ships waiting for salt cargoes, apply to you, as guardian of the shipping frequenting this port, for redress under the very serious grievance to which they are subjected: "In chartering our ships to lOad salt for America, Calcutta, and other ports of the world, it is generally understood that ordinary despatch will be obtained, but, owing to the want of management or attention on the River Weaver, many of us have been detained here for a month and six weeks, under heavy expenses and serious loss of time. "'We shotild have less cause for complaints if other internal navigations had been closed with that of the Weaver by the prevailing frost ; but we arc aware that such is not the case, and that salt alone is placed under this inconvenience. " We trust, sir, that this our protest will induce you to take some steps by which this serious disadvantage to ships frequenting this port may be . remedied, and sub scribe ourselves your obedient servants." The CHAIRMAN Said he did not know what the board could do in the matter. He did not think it was the business of the board to make representations to the Weaver Commissioners. The stoppage of railways and canals, though it interfered no doubt with the commerce of the port, was not a matter which the board could take up, though it was a proper one for the Chamber of Commerce and the different mercantile associations. Mr. Boum. could net subscribe to that dictum. He thought it was an easy way to relieve themselves from a troublesome and unpleasant duty. The mercantile asso ciations might be called upon to be more active, but none of them had the same power of dealing practically with the question as they had. No mercantile associa tion had land to let en the quays and dock accommoda tion to give or refuse. There was no mercantile asso ciation which had the same influence or the same weight in Parliament as that board had ; and he thought it was natural that the captains, who were all foreigners, should apply to them for a remedy for this serious grievance. It came practically to this. A suggestion had been made that a railway should be made to com pete with the Weaver, to obviate an evil which, from one cause or another, occurred every year. He could not recal one year in .which they had been free from it for twenty-five or twenty-six years. They had not only overcharged them in charging them now the maximum toll upon salt which they were allowed by their charter to charge in the reign of Queen Anne, when the price, of salt was three or four times what it was now, and when the trade was but a fraction of its present amount —but more, they were not doing their work efficiently. He understood the practice had been for the noblemen and clergymen who formed the commissioners to refer the whole business to a half-paid engineer and an old attorney. Mr. Boult then proceeded to contend that the" board, having a direct pecuniary interest in the ' inatter, had a full right to assist in the promotion of any railway scheme which might be brought forward for penetrating the salt district from Birkenhead ; and if they did so assist; he hoped they would take care and see that such restrictions were pro posed as would prevent the cempany from entering ioto combination with other railway companies, whose scale of charges between Staffordshire, Manchester, and Liverpool were so heavy as compared with those to the South, that it was having the effect of diverting con siderable trade from the port. He stated that the captains who had signed the memorial represented 35,500 tons of shipping. .Then there was a large number of English vessels and coasters not included in the memorial. This was a most important question, and it ought not to go forth to the world that that board should take no part in it. They had the power, with the landing facilities they possessed, to put the screw upon the gentlemen ; and he hoped they would do so without mercy. Mr. LAIRD thought the simplest course would be 'to send i — copy - or that memorial to the Weaver Trust. The Board of Trade, he thought, should also have a copy. lie moved a resolution to that effect, which, after an interesting discussion, was unanimously agreed to. THE NEW GRAVING DOCK AT BIRKENHEAD. . a n d Memorials t w i:e r e s h r i e p a w d r g fr h o t n: o t f h e t h e master t, wa;ain s r: g t h h ts Prop osa l to make the new graving dock at Birkenhead with vertical sides; that of the Canning graving dock on this side was pointed to as the best model. Mr. Lunn replied at length to the objections urged to the vertical principle, one great advantage of which was that a dock so constructed would be able to admit of twice the amount of work being done. The subject then dropped. THE COAL TRADE AND THE RAILWAYS AT BIRKENHEAD. The following communication was next read:— "TO THE SECRETARY OP Tun MERSEY DOCKS AND " HARBOUR BOARD. are in receipt of your favour of the 19th instant, addressed to Messrs. W. and H. Laird, stating that temporary accommodation is prepared for the coal trade on the margin of the Great Float, Birkenhead. "Devot e W e can make u of it, however, it will be necessary for your board to make arrangements with the Railway Company far workin our waggons to and from the differ en t parts of the docks, wher e the rails are laid. '" We have communicated with the Railway Company, who state that they refer the matter to the boards of the. London and North-western Company and Great Western Company ; but as we are under the impression that some general arrangement will have to be made between these companies and the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board for delivery of goods along the whole range of the Birkenhead Docks, we bring the matter before your notice in the hope that you will bc able to facilitate the necessary arrangements with the railway companies. —We are your obedient servants, " W. and H. LAIRD , T. S. HAxcocx, te Agent to the Brymbo Company. J. T. P ERRY , f or the North Wales Coal Company. " RICHARD SANDERSON and Co., per E. CATCHPOLE, jun., for the Westminster Brymbo Coal and Coke Company " PETER. MARTIN, ( k iniited l'O . r NIXON, TAYLOR, and CORY, Cardiff. '‘‘ •MACLELLAND and Co. "W. H. BATTERSBY and Co. - po "Liver 01, January 23, 1861." Mr. LAIRD was sorry to sec that the railway com panies were looking upon the rails rather as extended station accommodation for them. To make an extra charge for a few hundred yards was monstrous. The CHAIRMAN—It is too bad. THE NEW BYE-LAWS. The CHAIRMAN announced that a letter had been received from the Solicitor, and asked the board when they should consider theme It was agreed to have the old bye-laws printed in parallel columns, and the discussion was postponed till that could be done. This was the whole of the general business. - THE AVORKHOTTSE COMMITTEE.—The usual weekly meeting of the Workhouse Committee was held yester day, in the board-room of the workhouse, Brownlew hill. The following ,members were present :—Mr. Cropper in the chair; Messrs. Clark, Smith, Peck, Owen, Jones, &c. Prom the Governor's report it appeared that the number in the house last Wednesday was -2,612 ; yesterday, 2,619-7 increase. On, the 23rd Jan 1860, 2,221; yesterday, 2,619-398 increase. The work house medical report showed that. the total number of persons under treatment on the 23rd of,January, 1861, was 763 ; cured and discharged, 152 ; died, 29 : 25 fever cases, and 39 itch cases. There was no business of any importance, before the meeting, which shortly after rose, - - SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF SICK AND DISTRESSED NEEDLEWOMEN. The annual meeting of the friends and subscribers of this 'institution was held yesterday afternoon, at `the Savings' Bank, Bold-street. his Worship the Mayor hiving been requested to preside by the Vene rable Archdeacon. Jones, spoke as follows : —Ladies and dilution - 16a, I do' not know that there is any 4tiestion which exercises ,a. gioatet influenc'e on the well heini of society than that *HA relates to the moral and physical condition or the . female pOrtion of the working classes of otif Eedinitririty ;. and any scheme which has the improvement of either m/e. br the other for its object is entitled to the favourable consideration of every thinking mind. lam glad to observe that in other towns considerable employment is being afforded in those trades where the delicacy of touch render female labour particularly valuable. And I have always held a very strong opinion that if •we could by any possibility promote a greater employment of the hand, and more occupation of the bead, we should in time produce a very much more healthy state of society than at present exists. We know that a large portion of the telegraphy of this country is conducted by feMales, and. I am als'o aware that in London and in Edinburgh there are now being organised, if not already established, institutions for the purpose of teaching the art of print ing to females; but I am not aware that in this town any societies exist for the employment of female labour except those which are devoted exclusively to the needle. It was only last week that the report of one of these invaluable institutions was submitted to the pub lic, and we have in that report abundant proof of what that society did by the means placed at its disposal, and 1 of what it might do if the funds supplied to it were in keeping with the wants of this great town. To-day we have met for the purpose of receiving the report of a kindred institution, and' though it is encouraging, and very encouraging, considering the short time which this society has been in existence—it also show how very circumscribed and how very limited is its field of use fulness, to what it might be if it met with a larger and more liberal amount of support. We all know how precarious is that existence which relies for its support 'on the use of the needle. But how much more difficult I may say becomes that existence when sickness dims the eye, or destitution paralyses the hand. To this class the Distressed Needlewomens' Society devotes its bene volence, and I appeal to those who sympathise with the objects of the society—and I may say who is there that, does not when he knows those objects thoroughly—for that amount of support which can render this institution at all equal to the wants of this large town. I cannot but hope that when the report is heard, which I shall ask the Venerable Aclideacon to read presently, and when ,it is perused by the public to-morrow this society will. receive an amount of support which alone can enable it to fulfil its mission. I have looked over the accounts for last year, those for the present quarter I have only just received, and I believe I am right in stating that every guinea subscribed to this institution goes direct to the class it, was intended to relieve. There is no expense whatever either for management for matrons, for col lectors, or for officers ; everything appears to done gratuitously, as all labours of love should be done, and therefore I conceive I am right in s t a ti ng that there is no channel through which private benevolence can dis pense its desires better than through this society, of which the annual report will now be read. The following is the report :--- " The committee have much pleasure in laying before the subscribers and friends of the ' Society for the Relief of ,Sick or Distressed Needlewomen' the following satis factory statement of the results which have attended their exertions during the past year ; but at the same time they must acknowledge, that though many poor sufferers have been relieved, the committee feel they could have assisted a larger number had not their funds been so small. The donations have been but few (hiring the past year; the committee therefore hope that all well-wishers to this institution will use their best exer tions to obtain new subscribers, and thus increase the revenue of this valuable society. This institution has the great advantage of giving the ladies the power of investigating &Very, case which may be brought before their notice, thus preventing any imposture, and at the same time. of ascertaining the necessary aid required by each appliCant. "Amongst the many cases deserving of remark, the committee beg to refer to the following • `‘.lll, M., who was in such extreme ill-health that her recovery was almost hopeless, has, through the instru mentality of this society, placed one of her children in the Bluecoat School, and also been enabled to visit another daughter in Ireland, whom she had no expecta tion of seeing again. A letter written to the surgeon, Mr. Bailey, during her stay there, expresses her heartfelt thanks for the relief afforded her. " M. L. has been confined to her bed for many weeks, without any one to render her the slightest assistance.; and but for the timely aid rendered by this society, would 'have been ,ntteyly neglected and destitute. "M. C. has gained her living by her needle for up- Wards of thirty . years, but is now , almoSt incapacitated from doing so in consequence of an attack of paralysis. "She committee gladly take this opportunity of offer ing their most sincere thanks to the honorary surgeon, Mr. F. T; Bailey, for his unceasing attention to the poor sufferers,:;. his kindness and warm sympathy with their troubles have elicited from many of them touching ex pressions of gratitude. Thanks are also due to Mrs. Pre.ton for her lutrulaonne donation of flannel and wine; and also to Messrs. Clay and Abraham and Messrs. Mackie and Gladstone, for their kind assistance; and to the trustees ,of the Savings' Bank, to whose courtesy . the committee are indebted for the use of the room in which their meetings are held. "The committee cannot close this report without deploring the loss of their honorary secretary, Mrs. Wainwrie,ht, one of the founders of this society, whose best exertions were always cheerfully given to promote the welfare of the destitute. " All of every age and sex require the active fingers and ready skill of the poor neediewomen, and surely it is not too much to ask in return, that when unable to work for themselves, when sickness, or the worse trials of want—friendlessness and destitution—surround them, some of their more favoured neighbours should offer such assistance tis'would relieve their'immediate necessities. " The committee will be glad to acknowledge any contributions, and trust that in their next report they will be able to congratulate the subscribers on the increased prosperity of this valuable society. From the treasurer's account it appeared that the receipts during the year (including the balance from 1859, subscriptions and donations) amounted to £303 'ss. 34d. The amount now in the bank is £2lO 15s. 7d.; cash in hand £6 ls. 44d. Relief had been administered 445 times, the number of cases being thirty.. The surgeon's report was as follows : • " The eases brought under my notice diming the year just passed, have been more varied in character, em bracing .a much wider field of disease than in previous years. .The first half-year was most fraitfnl in acute ailments; and during the last half-year chronic cases have mostly presented themselves. This was to be expected, the general health of the town having been much better than 'usual. There are' few calling. for any special remarks. Nearly one-half of those under treat ment have especially complained of failing sight, and this is to be attributed to the peculiar nature of the occupation, and very much to the necessity for working with an artificial light, pursuing their calling, as they do to the small hours of morning. Nn action having as yet_been taken upon the suggestion thrown out in any report for the year 1859, let me again urge its con sideration upon the benevolent public, being firmly convinced that the establishment of model lodging houses for women would be an important means of relieving sickness and distress." The adoption of the above reports was proposed by the Yen. Archdeacon Tones, who congratulated the' association on the work it was doing. He thought this society a seasonable addition to the other one, and hoped that both their works would prosper. A society which fostered industry must no doubt be a very valu able one, but we should remember that there are many persons who cannot work. He hoped the ladies would come forward in great numbers to assist those who were already at work in the interest of the association. The Rev. Mr. BANISTER, in seconding the resolu tion, stated that with reference to the suggestion about model lodging for females, he had himself tried a similar institution for men, and great as the difficulties were in the latter case, they would be much increased when applied to females. Still he thought the surgeon's recommendation in every way worthy of consideration. The motion was then passed. The next resolution was proposed by Percy M. Dove, Esq., and was to the effect—That this committee desire to express their approbation of the objects of this society, and earnestly appeal to the public for an increase of funds to enable the committee to extend the benefits to a greater number of sick and suffering needlewqmen. The resolution was seconded by the Rev. C. Law rence, and carried unanimously. The officers were then appointed for the ensuing year, after which votes of thanks were passed to the Lady President, to the committee, to T. Bailey, Esq., the medical officer, for his unwearied kindness and attention, as well aafor his professional services. It was proposed by the Rev. T. Gardner, and passed by acclamation, "That the cordial thanks of this meet ing be given to his Worshipful the Mayor, for his kind ness in the chair on this occasion." His Wonsan, in returning thanks, said that the recognition by the meeting of the very slight service he had rendered was to him ample reward, if he had not had-a very much higher hope in coming to the meeting. He esteemed very much the good wishes and the'friendly expressions which had been made by them, but he could safely say that it was not in the expectation of receiving such that be left his public occupations to attend the meeting, but to show how much the occunation of the civic chair sympathised with such institutions as these. He considered it an honour to be associated with ladies who had become so distinguished for the relief which t t l h ie e y m aff m or os ded the t suffering ar o tsiulyforing rthehucmornanpliitmy.entHtehweyouhladdtbbaenekn pleased to pay him. This concluded the business of the meeting. VISIT OF MESSRS. SCHOLEFIELD AND BRIGH T TO BIRMINGHAM.—It has been arranged that the two parliamentary representatives of Birmingham, Messrs. Scholefield and Bright, will address their constituents on The evening of Tuesday next, the 29th instant. The near approach of the session of parliament, and the important questions of finance and foreign policy which will engage attention, invest the opinions of such a power in the house as Mr. Bright with great interest. LIVERPOOL POLICE COURT.—YEsTERDAY. (B l efoie'Mr. E A OLE.) FRIGHTFUL ASSAiii.i ON A BLACK MAN. Two ruffians, named Williarfi tioyfe and Daniel M'Ginness, were charged with having stabbed and violently assaulted a black sailor, named Abraham Airs. From the evidence of the complainant and two females it appeared that on Wednesday night they were passing along Vauxhall-road, and at the corner of Chisenhale-street there were a number of blackguards standing. They accosted the black man and asked for money to get MIA. ne refused, when they fell oh the cenaplainant, and, according to the statement of the witnesses, )3Oyie strabli the eomplainutt on the face with a knife, and the other prisoner struck him with an iron i)ar tinder the nose, inflicting a desperate wound. Surgeon M'Caul, who attended the injured man, said there was a most serious wound on the lower part of the face, and the lower part of the ling Was quite removed from the face. There was a smaller wound on the side of the face, and altogether it was a frightful wound, 'and he could put his finger for an inch and a-half into the wound. Mr. Raffles : Is it a dangerous wound ? It is a dangerous wound, and erysipelas may set in. The prisoners denied the charge, but his Worship said the case was too clear, and as the assault was such a serious one, he would send the prisoners for trial at the assizes. They were committed accordingly. (Afore Messrs. P. RATIMONE and Booni.) CAPTAIN'S WAGES. Messrs. It. Stanbury and others were summoned by Augustus Ferguson for over £ll wages. Mr. Cobb appeared for the plaintiff, and stated that the claim arose in this way—The plaintiff went out to Africa as the mate of the ship Queen of the Isles, at £6 a month. The defendant, Mr. Stanbury, was the captain and part owner of the vessel, and from some cause he did not come home in her ; but on the 30th October he gave directions in writing to the claimant to.bring home the ship as captain, which he did, and the claim was for the difference between £6 and £lO a-month, from that date to the 16th January. The claim was not opposed, and an order for the full amount was made. (Before Mr. OASTELLAIN.) THE COTTON ROBBERY. Edward M'Convill, Charles Swindles, Benjamin Martin, Robert Greville, and Robert Bigland, the persons who stood remanded on a charge of having stolen ten bales of cotton from Mr. Harbord's ware house, were brought up. Mr., Cobb appeared for M'Couville ; Mr. Bluck for Greville, and Mr. Pemberton for, Bigland.—Detec:ive-officer Patrick said he had recovered three bales of the cotton at Manchester, and this was identified as a portion of the stolen property. After some further evidence, in reference to the connec tion between the parties in the transaction, having been given, Mr. Kehoe asked for a further remand, as he had not the case fully prepared for a final hearing. The remand was objected to by the legal gentlemen, but his worship said there was evidence sufficient to warrant him in remanding the prisoners. He refused to take bail for their appearance. THE DAILY TIMES, FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 1861. LONDON COURT OF BANKRUPTCY. (Before Mr. Commissioner Holroyd.) IN RE STREATFIE.I.D; tAtiRENCE, AND CO. IN Br LAURP.NCE, monTriciott, AND SCHRADER. At the • adjourned Bitting for ettaiteate under these failures. . , Mr. Kerslake addressed the court for the derStnees. Ire said the assigiii;..4 had felt it their duty to apriem• before the commissioner for the purpose of assisting in the investigation of the 'haittripts' accounts and transactions. Although the inquiry tie *deeded to. a very great length, the facts of the case td which he (Mr. Kerslake) should call attention would be found Si the balance-sheet. The house of Streatfeild and'Co. appeared to have been established for a great number of years. The bankrupt Laurence became a partner about 36 years ago. Mr. Streatfield died in 1845, and from that time Mr. Laurence had been the senior partner in the house. .About 3 . 4 years ago the other member of the house in London (Mr. Mortimore) joined the firm, and he had continued a partner up to the present time. The Liverpool firm Was established' in: 1846, Mr. Schrader being the resident pdtfriei; Mid in partnership with Laurence and Mortimore. The bariltrupfs tarried on bnsiness as leather factors and hide factor's, the establish ment in London being in St. Mary-axe. 'ffié'l l egitinia!e trade of the bankrupts was that of purchasing hides for tanners and others on commission, and leather for leather merchants and others, and to sell the , leather which was the produce of hides which were consigned to them by the tanners, receiving commission upon those sales, The bankrupts had departed from this legitimate course of trading, and had brought themselves to that court, inflicting serious injury upon their creditors. There was no doubt that up to a certain time the bankrupts carried on a fair and prosperous trade. In the city of London they were believed to be men of the highest integrity. He (Mr. Kerslake) had some difficulty in understanding why the bankrupts should have abandoned their legitimate business—whether it was to be attributed to a desire for wealth on the part of Mr. Laurence, or to the pettehant of Mr. Morti more for buying land and houses. It was now clear, however, from the accounts which were before the court that the bankrupts had to a large extent carried on business as money lenders, lending money at interest. The learned counsel then proceeded to refer at length to tha bankrupts' transactions. He stated that in one year the bankrupts made profit (on paper) to the extent of £40,000. The system of loans and advances had been carried on to an enormous extent, and had been proceed ing for years ; but it was never known fully until July 2, 1860, when the house stopped payment. The bankruptcy was duly announced in the commercial obituary, the Gazette. It was thought the house rested on a rock, but it was only raised upon sand, and when it fell eleven other houses, built on a similarloandation, fell also. Those eleven houses had been supported by a system of loans and renewals of bills originally given for goods supplied. Perhaps the main charges were found in the accounts from 1857 down the stoppage in 1860. The assignees thought the bankrupts had traded recklessly ; that they had, for their own purposes, propped up houses which but for them would have fallen ; that in order to support this kind of trading, they sent bills into the market as genuine trade bills, which were not genuine trade bills. The system with tanners appeared to be this. The tanners gave acceptances for hides, which accep tances on becoming due were renewed again and again, Messrs. Laurence and Co. charging commission and interest. This commission and interest was put upon paper, in order to swell the so-called profits of Laurence and Co. Laurence took no care to ascertain the solvency of the houses with which he dealt, and, indeed, dealt with those he knew to be insolvent. 'lt seemed to be a mania with Laurence to sell goods on credit, and to go on either renewing the bills, or making loans for the purpose of taking them up. He had entirely dis regarded the rules of trade. In the case of Gibson, the bankrupt began many years ago in Arbroath, and not being successful there, became, through Laurence, the owner of a yard at Godalming, in 1854. Mr. Kerslake then explained the nature of the transactions with Gibson, which bad already 'appeared in the evidence. Gibson had a capital of £4,000 or £5,000. It appeared that, upon the sale of the tanyard, no question was asked by Laurence as to his solvency or means. Gibson continued to carry on the business until after Laurence's failure. The business was at first profitable, until 1857, when Gibson sustained a severe loss. Gibson accepted bills for goods supplied by Laurence and Co., and consigned dressed leather to Laurence and Co., against which in due course he drew bills. But this system was not con tinued. In 1868 a new mode was adopted. Gibson, in 1855, felt that his capital was insufficient, in con sequence of a heavy loss which he had sustained. A letter from Gibson to Laurence was then read, written in 1855, in which he spoke of the losses by the Arbroath concern £3,000, and a heavy loss by a person named Brown, and a heavy but necessary expenditure. He said that in such times he liked to shorten sail. Gibson said from 1858, when goods were supplied, acceptances were given as before, but Laurence and Co. thenceforth made loans to take them up, charging interest; and Laurence and Co., as soon as Gibson sent them leather, gave a cheque for the amount, and they also- enabled Gibson to meet the bills falling due. The acceptances originally given by Gibson in the first instance did represent /coffer, but ultimately it would be hard to , say whether the smell of the tan-yard ever passed over it at all. The acceptances were cut up into small' ' sums, both pence and halfpence, and at the end bear ing no resemblance to the bills which had been given for the goods. The learned counsel referred to letters in June, 1357, from Laurence and Mortimore to Gibson, " The amount of his (Gibson's) bills had become un wieldy; the bills must not be hawked about, which would damage the reputation of both houses." Remarks bad been made on the amount of Gibson's bills. Gibson admitted• that the system was perfectly irre gular. Laurence admitted that he made no inquiries in reference to Gibson; but he said that because he saw the bankrupt Gibson in company with one William Gibson, a man of wealth, he inferred that Gibson had an interest in the concern—that was a puerile statement to which no man of sense could give credit. Gibson's account began in 1857. A more reckless system could not well be conceived ; there were, indeed, many peculiarities in the dealings between Gibson and Laurence, which proved that the latter was thoroughly conversant with the actual position of Gib son's affairs. As to Mr. James Herbert Smith, he was a tanner at Bermondsey. He had been unfortunate in business; and of this Laurence was aware. Laurence said he never knew James Herbert Smith was insol vent, and that he did not think he could lose anything by him. In 1850, J. H. Smith sustained a loss by a debt owing from Payne and Clark of between. £30,000 and £40,000. In his difficulty, J. H. Smith, who was a customer of Laurence and Co., applied to Laurence. Laurence found that, in addition to the debt owing to them by J. H. Smith, which was enormous,, J. H. Smith was also about to lose £40,000. Neverthe less, Laurence advanced to J. H. Smith the money to help Payne and Clark, and keep himself going. Wm. Smith also lost money by Payne and Clark, and he, too, came for help to Laurence and Co. J. H. Smith got deeper and deeper into difficulties. Laurence and Co. knew this, yet the accommodation transactions went on as before, and J. H. Smith's bills were thrown upon the market as if J. H. Smith was the most solvent man in London. The only way J. H. Smith could possibly hope to get out of this load of embarrassment was through a proposition by which J. H. Smith was to become a partner with Laurence and Co., and get one third of the profits. This was, however, only in conver sation, and did not amount to a negotiation. A mining share, also, said to be worth £16,000, was to be taken by Laurence and Co. in part payment of a debt of £93,000. Lauronce did not know where or what this mine was—whether in Spain or Portugal. The mine share was bought by J. H. Smith for £5OO, and it seemed to him (Mr. Kerslake) a curious fiction in order to prevent the loss to Laurence and Co. by J. H. Smith.. This was, of course, now gone by the bankruptcy of J. H. Smith. Mr. Kerslake then referred to the state of the accounts, showing the enormous amount of bill and discount transactions, renewals, &c., pass 1, ing between Laurence and Co. and J. H. Smith, whose acceptances amounted to £246,000 in 1858. All these figures had already appeared in the evi dence. Enormous as were these transactions, it was shown that J. H. Smith was insolvent, and that 3. H. Smith told Laurence that such was the fact. Neverthe less, Laurence kept him on his legs. The next example of the manner in which business was transacted was shown in the case of Mundy. . With him, in many cases, the accommodation was pure and simple. Mundy's brother married Mortimore's sister, and the issue of the marriage was to be a tanner. William Mundy, who had been a farmer, was taken from the plough to be a dry nurse to young Mundy. They were to set up in a tanyard at Bermondsey, and had a capital of about £3,000 between them. In 1856 Mundy found the capital at command was insufficient to carry on the business. Laurence & Co. made large advanies, and acceptances were renewed to an enormous amount. Mundy's position was well known to Laurence, who, nevertheless, continued the system down to the end, and not content with renewed acceptances, accommodation bills were to be taken from Mundy to keep up the credit of Laurence and Co. Mundy dealt with other leather factors, and he admitted that the mode in which Laurence and Co. made loans to him was irre gular. Counsel then referred to the accounts, showing how large was the amount of paper between them, and how comparatively small . was the actual transactions in leather. Mundy gave accommodation bills, and admit ted that he begged of Laurence to discontinue that system, and to realise his own property. Smith, Patient, and Co. eommenced in 1844. Smith had 4000, capital lent by his father, and Patient £l,OOO, lent him by Laurence and Co. They started in Bermondsey, and Laurence and Co. found the stock. Smith, Patient, and Co., were tried severely in the panic of 1857, but Laurence and Co., supported them down to the bank ruptcy. Smith, Patient, and Co. applied for assisiance from time to time, by singular notes, of which the 1 arced counsel then read specimens—" Let the bearer have as under.—Yours truly, Smith, Patience, and Co." These were the letters from a dehtnr to a large creditor, and looked as if the case had been the reverse. Laurence admitted that such applications were made to his firm almost every day in the week. which demands were supplied by each or note. William Smith, in his . evidence, said that in 1858 he feared his /house wouhrstop payment, hut knew that. the; would not stop unless Laurence and Co. stopped also. The upshot of the yearly amounts was that, acceptances were given . to the extent of hundreds of thousands—leather sold only a few thousands. Mr. Kerslake then referred to an analysis or the transactions of Laurence and Co. with the, eleven failed firms, which has in substance beet published, . Laurence said that the discount houses had canvassed him. This they did on the faith of the Paper being gerthine.. They thought Laurence was an honourable and an honest man. Laurence, it was proved, had said to them, "Mow me up, hut give, me the money." But he (Mr. Karslake) repudiated the alleged eagerness on the part of the banks. Lartre.nee's financial inge nuity had baffled the keen-sightedness of the bank managers until Draper's failure. What was Laurence's motive for thus supporting insolvent harms ? It was because the failure of one of those houses at such a time (as Mr. Smith swore) would have a most pernicious effect, upon the house of Laurence and Co.—indeed, bring it down. The system of loans, accommodations, ritid renewals, would have become known, and, if known, , put an nil fo.- The learned counsel having referred at length to several other matters, concluded by saying 'that the assignees were not actuated by any vindictive motive in opposing the bankrupts, and they would be quite satisfied with any judgment his honour might think fit to pronounce. Mr. Watkin Williams followed in opposition. He admitted that the bankrupts had been got into their pre sent position step by step. The banks had discounted the paper under. the impression that the bills were good trade bills. This was a fraud. He asked for a refusal of the certificates. Mr. Linklater next spoke in opposition. He had not proceeded very far when the court adjourned. TRURSDXY, Jan. 24. Mr. Linklater, in proceeding with his address to the court, said he, should net go at any length into the transactions of the bankrupts with the failed houses, as they had already, to a great extent, been sufficiently dealt with by the learned gentleman who had preceded him ; but he desired, nevertheless, to go somewhat more into detail with reference to one or two of those houses, for the purpose of bringing nnder the attention of the court some matters which had not been remarked upon. The learned gentleman accordingly went minutely into a variety of particulars, with the view of laying bare the entire class of transactions in which the bankrupts had been engaged, and he was left speaking at a late hour yesterday afternoon. THE RANGOON TELEGRAPH CABLE. The following are the particulars of the transshipment of the Rangoon and Singapore telegraph cable from the iron screw steamship Queen Victoria, stranded in Barn Pool, Plymouth, into the Government hulks. The dis charge into the brig Pilot commenced on the 6th inst. and finished on the 11th. It consists of 39 knots of the main cable, 91 tons, and 27 knots of the shore end, 189 tons on the berth deck ; and 20 knots, 47 tons, en the upper deck ; total, Pilot, 327 tons. The Brig Rover commenced on the 6th instant., finished on the 13th ; 57 knots main coil of the cable, 133 tons, and 23 knots shore end, 161 tons, and 48 knots main cable after coil,' all on the berth deck ; total, Rover, 406 tons. The Corvette Arachne commenced Jan. 11th, finished 18th. Berth deck, main cable, forward coil, 18 knots, 42 tons, ward-room aft 27 knots, 63 tons, main coil 44 knots, 103 tons ; shore end, main coil 22 knots, 154 tons ; total on berth deck 362 tons ; main deck, port side aft 15 knots; main cable 35 tons, starboard 15 knots 35 tons; total main deck 70 tons; total in the the three vessels, 283 knots main cable and 72 knots shore end, 355 knots, 1,165 tons. Although the cable was covered with water while running, only two kinks occurred ; they were caused by the disturbed position of the coil where the keel had been forced up by a rock underneath. The three vessels are now moored up Hamoaze, near the Royal Albert-bridge, Saltash, lashed alongside of each other, for the greater convenience of the electricians when testing the cable. Awnings arc spread over the coils on the main decks, to protect the cable from the weather, and windsails are fitted down to the berth. decks to keep it as cool as possible. The temperature of the cable is, of course, considerably lower since it was recoiled, and it is very satisfactory to state that if the cable continues in an improved condition until it is thoroughly dry no further apprehension of heating need be experienced. Every assistance has been rendered to the contractors, Messrs. Glass, Elliott, and Co.. by the Government officials, Commander Brown, master-atten dant, and Commander Paul, his assistant; the value of ready help at such a time cannot be over-estimated. The cable is believed to have received no material injury, and tests very well. It is intended to rejoin the wire and thoroughly test the whole. To-morrow (Saturday) or Sunday, when the tides range high, an attempt will be made to float the Queen Victoria, by Captain Daniel Russell, from Lloyd's, a gentleman who has had much experience in operations of the kind. Harris, the diver, has examined her, and reports that a smooth rock, 25 to 35 feet long, is right under her main mast and pushes up the keel ; the after-part of the ship, which was buoyant some time after grounding, has how sunk down on the beach. The Queen Victoria is divided into three compartments, and it is proposed to draw the water from the forward compartment with one of Gwynne's pumps, worked by an engine of 10 horse power, and capable of lifting 1,000 gallons per minute. The after compartment is provided with another pump, worked by a six-horse engine, which lifts 500 gallons per minute. When these compartments are empty (the cable being landed), it is hoped that she will float sufficiently to be taken into the large graving dock in the Plymouth Great Western Docks. If not, she will be removed to a clean beach near, repaired by divers, and then placed in dock. The Queen Victoria is a five-year old ship ; she was lengthened 62 or 63 feet at Sunder land, purposely to receive the Rangoon cable, the coils of which occupied about that length in her. There is, we are informed, neither lower deck nor beams in the new part, although the depth between the main deck and the ceiling is over 19 feet. Some mer cantile men consider that the arrangements for the con veyance of the cable, which weighs nearly 1,200 tons, were not of the best kind. It should, if possible, ;have been distributed more equally over the ship, instead of being in two coils only, one immediately before, the other immediately abaft the mainmast, and all within a distance of some 60ft., in a ship 280 ft. long; this alone was calculated to cripple her. The cable was also stowed too low ; the platform on which it was laid should have been higher. When all stowed the upper part of the coil did not reach the main deck by ;about Bft., and the main deck is low, because a spar deck runs fore and aft the ship. When laden the line of flotation was two or three feet below the main deck, and conse quently five or six feet above the upper part of the coil, and she must therefore have rolled fearfully at sea. The weight of the cargo no doubt decreased her steer ing qualities, which are defective. It is also probable that her rudder and other fittings were not increased proportionately after sho was lengthened. The two main pumps are worked by a crank which requires the labour of eight men ; a lift of 28 feet is usually considered the Pna.vinium on board ship; in this case the water has to be raised over 31 feet. The pumps are fitted on an iron frame, bedded with wood, apparently not in a very secure manner. No doubt many modifi cations will be made before she again proceeds to' sea. The ship is insured in various companies to the extent of about £42,000. The cable is insured at about £BO,OOO. There is some dispute about the liability in regard to the cable, which was underwritten in the first place for a voyage to Rangoon, and when it was deter mined to send the Queen Victoria to the Mediterranean this alteration, it is said, was not properly endorsed on the policies. If this should be the case it will form the subject of the second legal proceedings since the unfortunate cable was shipped. The first were brought by Messrs. Newall and Co., for an alleged infringement of their patent mode of stowing. They obtained an injunction just after the ship left Greenwich. Her Majesty's paddlewheel steam-sloop Spiteful, 6, Com mander William C. P. Wilson, was sent into the Chan nel to bring her into the Sound. On Monday Captains Ferrer and Box, two of the Pilot Committee of the Trinity House, inspected the stranded ship in Barn Pool. Fortunately there has been no weather likely to injure her much since she has been ashore. NOTICES FOR THE COMING SESSION.—The follqwing notices have been given for the approaching Session of Parliament : —Mr. Roebuck,—To ask Mr. Gilpin whether he is a descendant of John Gilpin, and otherwise to in sinuate to the remarkable Minister, that when humble people are suddenly elevated to the backs of horses, they . are very likely to ride in an objectionable direction. Mr. Edwin James.—To move an address to the Crown for leave to him to wear his blouse and pistols (as deli neated in the Illustrated London News) the first time he moves the address in the House of Commons. Mr. W. Williams.—To move an address to the Crown fu• leave to him, when he receives his coronet of Viscount, to. have the same electroplated, as more in.accordance•with the economical principles of the day than old or silver gilt. Also to ask the Crown whew it is likely the hon. member 'will have the'said distinetron. Colonel North. —To move that Mr., Speaker be instructed to issue his warrant to the Sergeant-at -Arms to arrest any .member who, not holding a commission in the army, shall pre sume to speak• or ask a question upon any military subject. whatever. Sir Francis Baring.—To ask Vis count Palmerston the reason why he, Sir Francis, is not a member of the present Ministry, and to assure the •noble Viscount that the nation can have no confidence in a Cabinet which has not the official co-operatiOn of the honourable baronet. Mr. Bright.—To move ' that the Warrior be immediately completed, and presented by the House of Commons to the Emperor of the I:%net as an assurance of the belief of England that His M y I will never do any harm with that vessel or any other.— 4,1 her . Punch. -- 1' LATEST NEWS. (BY BRITISH AND IRISH MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH.) FRANCE. UNEASINESS AMONG THE COMMERCIAL CLASSES.-THE EMPEROR'S FORTH COMING SPEECH. The Minister of Commerce, in reply to deputa tions of manufacturers asking for explanations of the political situation, has said that he hoped for the maintenance . of peace, but the country would soon know what turn events were likely to take by the Emperor's speech and the debate on the address. I ' ). AcE It is said the Emperor's frequent interviews with MM. De Morny and De Persigny, no other person being present, have reference to the pre paration of his speech to the legislative body. The absence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs from these consultations is much remarked upon. CORONER'S COURT. Yesterday, the Coroner held the following inquests : On the body of Patrick Geary, 36 years of age, who was the carpenter of a vessel called the Flower of the Forest. . He fell into the hold of the ship in the Coburg Dock, and was killed. Verdict, "Accidental Death." On the body of a sailor named Joseph Hornsby, 45 years of age. The only evidence given was that the body of deceased was found in the Brunswick Dock, but how, it came there could not be ascertained. Verdict, "Found Drowned." There were two inquests held on the bodies of chil dren, named Robert Boardman, four months old, and Isabella Williams, five days old, both of whom were overlain in bed. Verdict, " Accidentally suffocated." On the body of Thomas Stopforth, 26 years old, who died in the Infirmary. He was run over on the 27th December, in John's-lane, by a cart, and died from the effects of the injuries. He was not sober at the time of the accident, and it appeared that the vehicle was going quite easy at the time, and the unfortunate affair was accidental. Verdict accordingly. On the body of a child, named Sarah M'Donald, years old, that died in consequence of injuries received by her clothes catching fire, in Iledley-street. It was an accident, and the jury found a verdict to that effect. On the body of Esther Nesbitt, who lived in a court off Woodstock-street, and who died in consequence of having taken an overdose of laudanum, whilst in a state of intoxication. Verdict in accordance with the above facts. THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND'S SUCCESSOR.. COURT OF PRORATE AND DIVORCE—YEsTsitn MRS. RYVES V. TILE ATTORNEY-GENERAL. At this sitting of the court yesterday the Rev, the Rector of Liverpool, as custodian of the Register of the parish of St. Nicholas, attended in obedience to his subpmna, and produced the original Register, in which there was found the entry of the baptism of the claimant, and to which the certified copy produced by her cor responded. Their Lordships were of opinion that the petitioner had made out her case, and granted the prayer of her petition accordingly, thus declaring her legitimacy. MANCHESTER, SHEFFIELD, AND LINCOLNSHIRE RAILWAY. The half-yearly meeting was held on Wednesday, at Manchester, Mr. Chapman in the chair. The Chairman moved the adoption of the report, and gave explanations as to some of the items. In re ference to the bill before Parliament, for a line from Garston to Liverpool, it should be stated that the agreement made in 1858 with the London and North-Western Railway, giving the Sheffield com pany running powers to Liverpool, on condition of the latter company giving up certain powers they had in the Garston and Warrington district, had been found impos sible to be carried out ; and after repeated applications to the London and North-Western Company, it was agreed that the Great Northern and the Sheffield should make their own line from Garston to Liverpool, having their station at Liverpool, that the London and North-Western should give the Sheffield and the Great Northern running powers from Garstan to Timperley, and that all matters of tolls and traffic should be settled by agreement between the three companies, or by arbitration. On the other hand, the Sheffield Company gave the London and North-Western running powers from Ardwick and Sheffield on the same terms of arbitration in case of dispute. The great difficulty in carrying out the line from Garston to Liverpool had been the want of capital, but ho was happy to say that on the directors applying to the shareholders the project was regarded with so much favour that in a very short time three times more capital than was requisite was subscribed. This showed not only that the line was of great value, but that the polioy of the directors was approved. He considered the Garston line and the establishment of their position in Liverpool one of the most important measures ever brought before the company. Mr. Fenton (Deputy Chairman) seconded the motion Mr. Withers, of Liverpool, without desiring to imply the least censure of the board, proposed that the shareholders should appoint a committee of consultation, consisting of Mr. It. Potts, Gloucester ; Mr. J. C. Fletcher, of Dale-park ; General Studd, of Oxford and Exeter ; Mr. J. Bibby, Liverpool ; and Mr. Withers (himself)•—to confer with the directors on the general policy of the company. He thought the negotiations that had been talked of for a lease of the line to the London and North-Western and Great Nor thern, on the terms mentioned some time ago in the London papers, were being prejudiced by delay, and he considered the shareholders would do well to see for themselves that an opportunity of improving their posi tion was not thrown away. Mr. Fides seconded the motion. The Chairman stated that no offer of the kind had yet been before the directors from the London and North-Western. The Chairman read a letter received the previous day from the. Great Northern, declining a joint guarantee, but suggesting a closer alliance. Ultimately the report was adopted, and Mr. Wither's motion was carried by 47 to 41. A poll was demanded. In the meantime the proposed dividend at the rate of 11 per cent. per annum was declared, also the guaran teed dividends. The poll resulted in a majority against Mr. Withers's motion of 176 persons, and of £1,390,000 stock. NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION.—The annual compe titive trial of small-bore rifles will, by the permission of his Hoyal Highness the Commander-in-Chief, take place at Hythe on Tuesday, the 12th of February, at ten o'clock a.m. LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE RAILWAY.—At a meeting of directors of this company, held on Wednes day, it was decided to recommend to the proprietors at their next meeting to declare a dividend for the half year at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum, and carrying forward a surplus of upwards of X 20,000. DOCK ACCOMMODATION AT .HULL.-The construction is proposed at Hull of an extpnsive dock and basin for the accommodation of steamers and shipping on the foreshore to the westward of the Humber Dock baSin. Lines of railway are to be laid down to connect the new dock with the local railways, and street and approach improvements are also contemplated. Altogether the expenditure will be upwards of £500,000. THE SPEAKER'S SECRETARY.—The marriage of the Hon. George Waldegrave with the Countess of Rothes was solemnised on Monday, at All Souls' Church, Langham-place, in the presence of a large party of relatives and. friends of both families. The ceremony was performed by the hon. and Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Carlisle, brother of the bridegroom. The bride was given away by the Hon. and Rev. Henry Courtenay. Mr. J. Beresford Herbert acted as " best man" to the bridegroom. After the ceremony the bride and bridegroom, with their friends, repaired to Chap man's Hotel, Cavendish-square, which had been taken for the occasion, and partook of a magnificent dejeziner, at which a large party assembled. In the afternoon the newly married pair left town en route for Folkestone. FRANCE AND THE POPE. The Gazette de France, the chief Legitimist organ, says that the recal of the French fleet from Gaeta gives the death blow to the temporal pOwer of the Pope, as the fall of Gaeta must of necessity compel the withdrawal of the French troops from Rome. Paris letters state that it is quite understood that the Emperor intends opening the Chamber with an appeal concerning the affairs of the Popedom. THE FRENCH FUNDS. PARIS, Jan. 24, 3.25 p.m. The Bourse firm, and rather animated. Routes finally quoted 67f. 55e., or 10c. higher than yesterday. ITALY. The official Gazette of Turin publishes the text of a convention concluded between Great Britain and Sardinia for . the protection of literary property. SARDINIA. Prince Napoleon and the Princess Clotilde are expected at Turin. The belief is that the Prince is entrusted with some mission or secret negotia tion relative to the evacuation of Rome. NAPLES. NAPLES, Jan. 23. Troops have been dispatched to the Abruzzi and Calabria, where they were cheered by the inhabitants. The reactionary movement has been every where suppressed. ~`' on Monday, the 7th instant. The first business taken up was the bill appropriating $300,000 for arming the States, and there is a general desire to make the appropriation at least one million. The bill had already passed the Senate. The Crittenden resolutions are popular in the States, but the belief grows stronger every day that it is folly to-expect,• anything from a party who deny plain constitutional rights, and offer nothing at tllis tremendous crisis but coercion, instead of justice and compromise. WASHINGTON, Jan. 12.—The proceedings of the Legislature yesterday were unusually impor tant,—both Houses, with but two dissenting voices in the House, and one in the Senate, adopted resolutions appropriate to the recent special message of the President to Congress, and tendering him whatever aid in men and money may be required to enable him to enforce the laws and uphold the authority of the Federal Government. GAETA. The batteries of Gaeta have slackened their fire. The official Gazette of Naples publishes a declaration of the blockade of Gaeta. AUSTRIA AND THE PRINCIPALITIES. Count Rechberg has sent a second protest complaining of the negligence of the Turkish and Roman authorities in failing to keep watch f9r cargoes of arms which have lately ascended the Danube. WAR PREPARATIONS IN DENMARK. COPENHAGEN, Jan. 23. The Minister of Marine has announced that a certain number of captains of merchant vessels can be received into the naval service, if they are prepared to undergo a course of instruction in the Government training schools, which will open at the beginning of February. AUSTRIA. VIENNA, Jan. 24. The official JVciner Zeitung announces that the Aulic Dicastcrium for Croatia and Sclavonia will officially commence its functions to-morrow. SPAIN. MADRID, Jan. 23. The President of the Cortes has congratulated the Queen on the tranquil and prosperous condi tition of the Spanish nation in the midst of the agitation prevailing in Europe. HUNGARY. l'EsTii, Jnn. 23. The Tribunal of the Comitat of Pesth has com menced its functions by trying some criminal cases. Tke conference for judicial organisation, which had. been convoked by the Judex Curie, has been opened to-day. M. Beak proposed the re-establishment of the Hungarian laws, as far as can he done, without interfering in questions of civil law with individual rights. PESTII, Jan. 24. The Comitat of Honth has resolved upon send ing an address in reply to the Imperial manifesto. The following is a summary of this address : The Comitat has not transgressed, and will not transgress, the limit of lawful rights. It will, however, prserve all its ancient rights, and will maintain the laws of 1848 until the Diet shall have resolved upon a change in the same. The Comitat is of opinion that without the existence of an independent Hungarian Ministry, which was guaranteed by the laws of 1848, Hungary cannot be considered to be lawfully goyerned. The Comitat will gladly submit to the decision of -such a Ministry. ..... Llenli.o,ll,; THE STADE DUTIES. . 11' ? HANOVER, Jan. 24. The last difficulties in reference to the redemp tion of the Stade Dues have been removed. Hanover has been placed among the States whose share in the re-partition of the indemnity had been fixed according to their naval impor tance. The fulfilment of some formalities in Hanover, and the receipt of certain communica tions from the Belgian Government, are now only necessary for the settlement of the question. SWITZERLAND. BERNE, Jan. 24. The Extraordinary 'Minister Plenipotentiary of Switzerland at Turin has received leave of absence for an indefinite period. CHINA. THE INDEMNITY. TIEN-TSIN, NOV. 30, 1860. The first instalment of the indemnity has been paid. The 31st, 67th, the Rifles, the military train, and two batteries remain here. All is quiet at Pekin. Weather intensely cold, and river covered with ice. The troops arc very healthy. DEPARTURE OF LORD ELGIN FOR JAPAN. SHANGHAI, Dec. 7, 1860. Lord Elgin and Sir Hope Grant have left for Japan. The rebels are still in force, and gain strength.t INDIA. MO NSTER MEETING AT CALCUTTA. CALCUTTA, Dec. 30, 1860. A monster meeting has been held, protesting against the gift to Tippoo Salh's descendants. Troops have been ordered to Darjeeling. THE WRECK OF TILE HERCULEAN. GALLS, Dec. 31, 1860. The ship Herculean was totally lost on the 0 9th of loveinber, at Paul's Head. The crew were saved. : : THE STEAMER NEW YORK. BREMEN, Jan. 24. The steamer New York sailed at 8 o'clock this morning. Ship and engiues all right. She will leave Southampton for New York on Saturday night. AMERICA. ARRIVAL OF THE KANGAROO. QUEENSTOWN, Jan. 24. The Liverpool, New York, and Philadelphia Steam-ship Company's steamer Kangaroo, with the American mails and 143 passengers, arrived here this afternoon. She left New York on the 12th instant. Having landed the Irish portion of the mails, she proceeded for Liverpool. All well. The New Yin'k Herald of the .12th instant .says :—Four States have now bolted from the Union as follows—South Carolina December 20th, Mississippi January 9th, Florida January 10th,- and Alabama January 11th. • Our dispatches from Washington announce an abatement of the excitement in consequence of pacific news from Charleston. The authorities relinquished possession of the steamer Marion, and she will resume her place on the line between Charleston and New York. - • A despatch from St. Louis states that yesterday anit evening, by order of General Scott, the azederal and troops took possession of the sub-t lf i i • n e t a lal s a u rte r . y a , eustc;in holushee, legislature s p i a o t s u t -office South buildings car Carolina city. sserabled 'and the pubtit" generally, that t o ll an e l l 'i ' ry;fOurning ; well-selected stock of articles required f r re attended to with nl - that MI Fel d Mourning order s , n - sh 83, and 85, the greatest care and econonry."— Bold-street.—Adv. '.co Ii N most respecttutiy aunounce to tia.trizeile• IMPROVEILEAT' IN G ENTLEMEN'S HATS. --- given yo ur Patent liasy-fitting Ilat a TITUFBARN-STRVET, LITERP@OL. it s . the most comfortable hat[ ever fair G F t N ri T a r i, R.i t i n r il l' in l tu i s i t a:ea y i wor e, particularly whe n crossing the waterin a windy day, when with the old style of . hat I invariably had a headache, which with your new style is not the . case. I can, therefore, safely recommend it to any one, particularly to those subject to headache.—l am, goitlemen, yours truly. felton e forfoitlhiet the —__ and I can testify to the advantage Hats sold by Mr. . , , 'Ol butt it 1 t • Easy-fitting lip eitsan. pressure, 'lumen derived from the nbsenct Patented e g d en E e :slyly larlr on the forehead, . . -:-, House, Cheltenham. • I have worn for som n e 4, f , :m li : (Signed) ---• This letter is from a first-rate English admiral. The name is not given for obvious reasons. Noricr.:—Fire Pounds Reward upon courietion of an i" pint/molt of my Patent,. ;,...4 in Simpson 's Patent Easy-fitting hats are oz..y the Liverpool at No. 6, St. Geo rge ' s - crescent (two doors _fro m _, Ban k top of Lord-street), a n d at 9 , Dale-street (oppos ite BOYS] a list Buildings), and in up TA wards of one hundred other t_o2,4;2*Arnis of.whith would. mue this advertisement too long. c n earl; place make themselves known. . - REJOICING IN GEORGIA. AUGUSTA, Jan. 12 —A salute of 100 guns were fired here to-day for Florida, and 100 for Alabama. SECESSION MEETINGS IN MISSOURI. WAGERLY, Jan. I.2.—An ultra-secession meet ing was held here last night. Abraham Lincoln was burnt in effigy, amid the firing of cannons, cheerings, torchlight, music, &c. ORtESS's, Jan. 11.—At the Galveston election, on the Bth, the candidates favouring a southern confederacy obtained a majority. NORFOLK, Jan. 12.—Before daylight this morn ing a steamer went to the federal Magazine Wharf, loaded with powder, and left. Her destination is unknown._ THE CANADA FUGITIVE SLAVE CASE. TORONTO, Jan. 11.—The fugitive slave Anderson was returned to Brantford yesterday, to await the action of the Court of Appeal, which will probably not take place before summer. COMMERCIAL. NEW ORLEANS, lan. 11.—The steamer Blen ville is below, with Havannah dates to the 7th inst. Sugar was dull, at 71 to 8 reals. Stock, 29,000 boxes, against 20,500 boxes last year. Cotton sales to-day, 10,000 bales. Middling at 111 c to 121 e. Sales of the week, 78,000 bales. Receipts of week, 76,500 bales, against 73,000 bales last year. Flour quiet. Mess Pork, $l7 25c to $l7 50c. Coffee firm. Sales of week, 4,550 bales. CHARLESTON, Jan. 11.—Sales of Cotton to-day, 185 bales, at 9c to 111 c. BALTIMORE, Jan. 11.—Flour firm, wheat steady, coffee active, whiskey dull. PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 11.—Flour firm, wheat quiet, corn scarce, whiskey firm. CINCINNATTI, Jan. 11.—Flour steady, with an average business ; whiskey g dull ; mess pork in ood demand. NEW YORK, Jan. 11.—The Stock Exchange manifested much strength again this forenoon. In the face of the warlike despatches from the South, in the morning papers, the State Stocks and the Railway Mortgages exhibit much steadi ness of price and demand, and the speculative Share list at the early board was firmer and higher than even yesterday afternoon, and two per cent. better than yesterday's early board. In the afternoon there was a dull feeling over the general dealings, without much disposition, how ever, to press sales—Central, 77:1; Erie, 271 ; Illinois Central, 77. The market for money is shaping for lower rates of interest outside the Bank. The dividend recommended by the Directors of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway is at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum. The following appeared in our later editions of yesterday : FRANCE. P ‘RIS, Jan. 24. General Vellisen was received yesterday by the Emperor, to whom he remitted a letter from the King of Prussia announcing the death of hi s brother and his own accession to the throne. A rather severe contest is expected in South Wilts. Four firms of London coal factors last y ear diSposed of 5,112 cargoes of coal. The Bremen mail steamer New York having got ashore in the Weser, her mails are to be for warded to Queenstown. The Post says that for the present there is no intention of assembling a conference at Paris on the affairs of Syria. Lord Palmerston will give a grand Parlia mentary dinner on Monday, February 4th, t o , the Speaker and the leading supporters of the Government in the House of Commons. A South Carolinian, who writes to the Times from Liverpool, says that the negroes gi ve no uneasiness in that State, and that they tak e great interest in the war, and are anxious actually to fight the Yankees themselves. Yesterday a trial trip took place on the Thames, of a very peculiarly constructed steamer, intended for the conveyance of troops upon the lower Indus. She is 377 feet long, and has accommo dation for 800 men and their officers, while the draught of water whs only 2 feet. A conference of g uardians of the poo r i n t h e metropolis was held last night, at which a reso lution was passed in favour of the abolition o f the law of settlement and removal of ext en d e d areas for rating, with a view to approxitnative equalisation. FATAL BOILER EXPLOSION-TWO MEN „< h ; KILLED. On Tuesday evening, about seven o'clock, a terrific boiler explosion happened at the Cockshut Colliery, near Wolverhampton, belonging to Messrs. Aston and Shaw, and two men were killed. This is the second fatal boiler explosion which has occurred at the same colliery within nine days. In the first explosion, which occurred on Monday week, one man was killed. In that case it was shown that the boiler was exceedingly old and worn out; and the jury, finding they were unable to make the proprietors criminally responsible, censured them for using such a boiler, and recommended that government inspectors of boilers should be appointed. In this last case, as in the previous one, the boiler was toed to work a pumping-engine. Its dimensions were about ilft. by 25ft., with egg-shaped ends, and the engine was a condensing one. The boiler had been cleaned out during the day, under the direction of the managing engineer, J. Elwell. It had either been again set to work, or preparation was being made to set it to work, when it exploded. Elwell was then in the hovel, which was built up against the boiler, and there was with him John Legge, the engineman, who an hour before had taken charge of the engine and boilers from John Evans, the day engineman ; and Evans was just leaving the hovel, where they had all been partaking of the ale usually allowed by proprietors after boilers have been cleaned. The force with which the boiler exploded h was very great ; it s h oo k open the d oo rs of some situated a c ons id era b le distance awa y, andthe noise s resembled that of a l ou d c l ap o f th iluderU The boiler, ed which is supp ose d to have we i g h ib°t 5 tons, was broken int o t wo port i ons, one o f which was about 3,-; tons. The se pi eces, a f ter h av ing been carried abou 25 feet or 30 f ee t i n th e a i r , fell in opposite directions, each about 200 yards from their original - seat. It is the cu s t om a t this colliery to m i nc reased the coier the boilers with brickwork, and this ea devastation. The hovel was laid in ruins, and Elwell and Legge, in addition to being fearfully crushed in the ruins, were for EO ine t i m e subjected to streams of hot water and steam, which flowed upon stood them from the boiler which and which with it s pplied the engine u exploded one, wa s found, quite with the necessary power. Elwell dead, standing up agains t the sitting down at the opposite fireplace, and Legge end of the buildin g . Le gg e was taken to the South Staffordshire H os p ital, but he his admission. Evans was died within an hour after severely scalded, but he will rreecaotresru.rp That he escaped rise. The stack with his life is a matter of genmine-house is a complete has been destroyed, and the red hot or nearly so, wreck. An examination of the boiler leads to the infer ence that the plates had become , and a close observation from a deficiency prominent attention reveals a hidden daotflgAer'n,tteord.rwehwieh Mr. E. T. Wright, C.E , of Wolverhampton , for some time there had some . time ago, namely, that been a hidden seam rem ___________