The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-02-08 00:00:00

ittbrrpoot tatitiatb. FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. MONDAY MORNING. UNMISTAKEABLE indications of the immediate re-assem bling of Parliament present themselves. But a week ago one might have walked from Poplar to Paddington, with out meeting an M.P.—evenCol.SummaP,an honourable gentleman who rarely leaves the metropolis, unless on a flying visit to his devoted constituents. Now, we meet members o f both houses almost in every street ; while within tl malls of P, irliament all is activity, putting things in order—brushing beautiful works of art, placed so high that the spectator cannot distinguish the subjects — polishing the tall and popish-looking candelabra, which help to give the interior of the upper chamber more the appearance of Queen ISABELLA'S than that of our own Gracious Queen VICTORIA. Some hot work is expected immediately on the meeting of the Legislature. This, however, is nothing new. " Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" is literally exemplified at every meeting of the houses. Each succeedinz session is looked upon as more important than was the preceding one ; still business is got through much in the same fashion, their lordships taking their seats about five o'clock, presenting moving bills forward a stage," and then petitions, returning me to dress for dinner. This, for the most part, is the manner in which the Peers of the realm get on ; but when they do sit, (Trees the rise. I .re in no hurry to the Commons, as usual, we find half-a- azen or a dozen Iri sh members in attendance, an hour after mid night, to knock up a little debate on their own never ending grievances. So wags the world away. Mr. COBDEN has made a mistake, his wager with Col. BROTHERTON being suite illegal. Out of it, however, has good—the gallant soldier becomes a life subscriber annually of £2 125., and a donor cf £5, to the excellent charitable institution in your sister city of 3lan- sprung this chester—so the Colonel bas intimated One of the demonstrations of the week (barren it has e meeting held in St, Martin's•hall, touching the opening of the Crystal Palace—that is to be—at Syd enham, on the Sabbath-day, with HENRY MAYHEW in the chair. There must have been a hundred trades repre sented, every representative with his certificate in his pouch, to shew there was no sham. HENRY MAYHEW does not deal in that article. In describing the simple annals of the poor, reality is enough. I think 1 . never saw such an assemblage of intellectual faces and skulls— the latter especially, gloriously confi gurated, yet somehow ler the intellectuality a iyed by the night light wab wan, so to speak ; it appeared to have a doubting ling character about it : it was than a confi in short, the intellectuality of working men—not over-fed. Tower- ing above them all sat HENRY MAYnEw, of majestic pre sence and imperturbable gravity. His forehead is magni ficent, ample, massive, and high ; it resembles that to be seen in the best portraits of the Bard of Avon. But to the meeting. I give no opinion in regard to the keeping of the Crystal Palace open or shut on Sunday ; I know bow my own affections tend ; thus much I will certainly say, that I would have liked the meeting ter, had declaration number three not have been broached, to the effect that the Sabbath, whether viewed as a Divine or a Social Institution, is 'y for the benefit of the labourer; much be espec and that the meeting to be somewhat differer e rest of the labourer t from that which way the fourth c mandment to the ox and the ass; and again, PALEY,—not in your correspondent's opinion a ery thing though,—sic by Mr SEW, states that the Sunday, as recognised, was not in the Christian Church a divine, but merely a human institu- These and other remarks might have been spared. great authority in e MAY- e use of them ? We have the Sabbath—let us thank our Maker for it. The meeting went off well, and Mr. MAYHEW intimated that another would be held on They the same subject and in the same pace, t s week have got a curious mound not far from the site of the Crystal Palace. GEORGE ALFRED WALKER routed out in my presence hundreds of dead bodies from Enon Chapel, where they had been festering for years under a dense con gregation of Baptists, assembling for divine worship several times a week, and removed the debris of mortality to Sydenbam, at his own expense, and there buried them in aTit for moralisers. The musical season may now thus early be said to have commenced. The rival Sacred Harmonic Societies, with SuaMAN — father and founder, as it were, of one, and COSTA at the other, have been drawing crowded audiences to Exeter-hall during the week. Requiem and epitaph at both having been performed con gusto in memory of the late Mr. HARPER, of whose death I sent you a few lines last week, omitting to mention that the poor dying musician, with his trumpet in his hand, was carried across the street from Exeter-hall to Mr. SURMAN'S house, where he breathed his last on a sofa with a portrait of HANDEL—whose strains he had so often vindicated— hanging over it, and literally surrounded with scores of that great master's works, with which the chamber was crammed. Ltoovico SPHOR, better known by his less familiar friends as Dr. SPHOR, is coming over to giva a lift, as conductor of some of his own learned compositions. FREDERICK GYE, the indefatigable impresario of the Royal Italian Opera, Covent-garden, is to scour every musical capital in the world, to secure novelties for his establishment. With all this, however, and more to be mentioned by and by, the fashionable season will be long in beginning—certainly not till the middle or end of May. A whole flock of musical birds of passage have resolved to visit the metropolis; among them several violoncello p'ayers of note—tricksy spirits, no doubt, puzzling the vulgar and confounding the wise by their dex- terity. Mr. LINDLEY, once and long the greatest master of the instrument in the world, and who has so often delighted the Liverpool audiences by his graceful at present far from well, and, with- execution, is out predicating too sorrowfully, I am afraid will not again captivate the habitues of the opera. It was as good, as a guinea lesson on the violoncello, closely to see LINDLEY play but for half-an-hour. The get out of fashion while we have instrument wi such amateurs as Lord SALTOUN and Sir GEORGE CLERK. But it would take more space and time than you can spare, or I bestow, —simply to indicate all the musical preparations for the season just inaugurated. The two Philharmonics promise splendidly ; SPORT?. and LIND - PAINTER are to conduct the performances at the younger establishment. The glee and madrigal people hold out several musical banquets, selected chiefly from the fathers of English song. Of music appreciated—loved truly by English ear—glee and madrigal always tell, especially with such charming and thoroughly English artists as BIRCH and DOLBY. We shall be a musical nation in time. I hold that we always were so, and that there are dish melody transplanted (I ?may more o Sits of Eng len) into Ite h, and German opera, than we have eabbaqed from either, much as WILLIAM BALER and others have been accused. Does not " All round my hat" form the staple of HEROLD'S stunning overture to Zampa Hear it, and believe. Consideration of employers for employed is compara tively so rare a virtue in these utilitarian days, when capital thinks it does enough for labour in paying its wages regularly, that it is quite refreshing to come across an instance which proves that liberality and thoughtfulness for the future comfort, as well as the present well-doing of faithful servants, is not altogether extinct among us. At the meeting of the shareholders of the London and County Bank, last Thursday, it was announced that the '-man, Mr. JOHN SADLEIR, one of the new Lords of —v, had given the princely sum of £1,500 ..,vards increasing and fixing on a firm basis the provident fund for its officers, which that establishment had kindly, it may be added judiciously, founded. Such a fact does honour alike to the benevolent intentions of the origi nators of this fund, and to the munificence of. Mr. SenLere. in endowing it with an amount which places tout on a sure and permanent foundation. It may not be of place here to remark, that the gentleman who has acted in this princely manner towards the o fficers of the establishment over which he presides, is "the de nounced" of the Irish people—the man designated a " traitor ," and a " renegade, for placing himself in a position under the ABERDEEN Administration, where he can render essential service to his country, an d be the means of advancing many of his fellow-countrymen. it ever be the victim of quacksAalas,bdemaogues, poor Ireland, will driven into the wildest resolves by it n e d a and of the wildest politicians. It is practical, sound-thinking statesmen, like y a ui p rn d tes a ci Mr. SADLIER, which the sister country requires, complete extirpation of your LUCASITES Would that some second ST. PATRICK rose up and hunted the toads from the beautiful island. Your correspondent must be " all things to all men so a word or two addressed to your scientific readers during a week of unparalleled dulness may not be amiss. I refer to the breaking of auriferous quartz and the gold regions. On Saturday afternoon, by the kind invi tation of Messrs. GLOVER, the Ordnance engineers of Drury-lane, a number of scientific and literary gentlemen, among them were Lord CHICHESTER, Mr. BUTLER, M.P., Mr. GREEN, M.P., the Hon. r. BINGHAM, attended at the Ordnance Engineers' Foundry aforesaid, to witness the wonders performed in quartz crushing. The machine has been manufactured by Messrs. GLOVER, under Capt. SHRAPNEL'S patent ; the experiments were on gold, copper, and iron quartz—rather tough customers to pulverize. The result was wonderful—entirely success ful in reducing the hard and rugged masses to a perfect powder by concussion. The cost of the apparatus is go verned by size. The one experimented with on the pre sent occasion cost about £3OO. It consists of a wrought iron chamber about 10 feet long, five feet wi d e , and ei g ht feet high, with a V ene ti a n-formed roof to prevent the chamber bursting. In front of the chamber id au the Trea! THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 1 1853. aperture to admit the mouth of a cannon, which, of course, can be raised in size, according to the calibre of the latter. The cannon is mounted on a plane, loaded with quartz, and advanced to the aperture of the cham ber. With a pennyworth of gun cotton, or three penny worth of gunpowder, one cwt. of quartz is instantly re duced to powder, I saw it accomplishedin about two minutes. The bottom of the chamber is perforated, and acts as a sieve, the metal in the ore passing through, while the earth and lighter substances are forced by the explosion into different compartments. The chamber may be taken to pieces and made conveniently portable for transportation. It will answer the purpose of a dwel ling. and in such wise be invaluable at the Gold Regions, as well as a great protection to the occupier against the burglarious dangers so common amongst the diggers. The visitors took great interest in the object of the in vontor, as being directed to the gold mines of Australia and California. I look on this invention, or rather, simple application of a long known exploding power, as being of immediate commercial value in the manufacture of emery. It is well known that the machinery used in crushing emery stone is of a very rude character, and destitute of the ordinary features of the scientific appliances of the day. I could say much more of the quartz-crushing machine, were it necessary. The experiments, which are repeated from time to time, are perfectly satisfactory. Perhaps yesterday was the most dismal Sunday ever seen—l had nearly said felt—in the Metropolis, certainly the most dismal I remember. It has been remarked by foreigners that the straets of London on a wet Sunday present a very miserable appearance ; the Egyptian dark ness caused by yesterday's fog was incomprehensibly fearful. The morning, up to about noon, had been toler ably clear, soon after that period the darkness came on, interfering with divine service in all the churches, then nearly at a close. Those acquainted with the economy of the poorer denizens of London, are aware that imme diately after morning service, the burial of their dead takes place—always a melancholy spectacle. Yesterday it was strikingly so, and rendered doubly sorrowful by the tolling of the dead bell in various parishes ; for the horrid practice of burying the dead among the living seems likely never to be abandoned, though the public officer of health has just reported that the city of London is absolutely unfit to serve as a burial place, and this whether by inhumation or in vaults. The mortality in our city alone annually is 3000. Under present arrange ments, every dead body buried within our walls receives its accommodation at the expense of the living, and to their great detriment. The Bishop of LONDON, lam afraid, has much to answer for in this matter. Nottvith. standing the reports of the officer of health, and demon strations in every parish whore the grievance is continued —vested interests—money rights—sextons' fees, &c. — are placed in the balance, and kick the beam. The BISHOP of LONDON is not, at this moment, adding to popularity by his new bill, which, if carried for London, you may depend upon it will be " tried on" in Liverpool. The BISHOP of SALISBURY is the prelate selected by the right rev. metropolitan to work the measure in the House of Peers, where, it is feared, it will be carried. The bill contemplates the taking out of the hands of the Vestry the election of churchwardens, and placing the right in the hands of the clergy. At a glance you will see the dangerous character of such a measure. It is strongly opposed in the metropolis, even by the most thorough-going supporters of our national Church. very fine this evening, at the highest point of the 1 week. We annex quotations Aberdeens, 14; Chester and Birkenhead, 211; Caledo nians, 32k ; Eastern Counties, 12 13-16 13 ; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 77-4- 1 18 ; London stock, 11914 H 4 1 20; ditto fifths, 3p ; Sheffield stock, 2941; Midland stock, 761 I 7 8 4 ; North British, 84 13-16 8 9 1-16 ; Dover stock, 23k 41414; Liverpool United Gas quarters, 58k. The state of the Cotton market during the week has offered the best evidence that could perhaps be afforded of the healthy state of British Commerce, notwithstanding the many opposing causes which, under ordinary circumstances, might have operated prejudicially. There have been neither excessive speculation nor undue depression, but, fortified by the continued activity in the manufacturing dis tricts, this staple article of our market has main tained its value, and the accounts from the other side of the Atlantic show that a similar degree of confidence prevails in the American markets. It is not always that in the midst of conflicting state ments—of extra supplies of gold on the one side, and exhausting demands for French speculation on the other—the markets have preserved that happy medium which now gives such a feeling of security to the commercial world. The reports from the manufacturing districts con cur in stating that there is a full demand for almost all descriptions of cotton goods, in some instances exceeding the supply. In most articles there has been an improvement in current rates sufficient to induce confidence without exciting over specula tion. Stocks are also light, so that there is no im mediate prospect of any abatement to interfere with the demand for the raw material, which is expected to go higher. In Bolton a demand has been made for an advance of ten per cent. upon the wages of the operatives, and, as hands are scarce, it is be lieved that the demand will be acceded to. PRODUCE.—There has been more animation in the market for Sugar, owing to an improved demand, and 400 hhds. B.P. and 6,500 bags Bengal realised ' former prices. Of Foreign the sales amounted to 1,900 bags and brls. Pernambuco and Paraiba. Of Coffee the sales amounted to 35 tcs. and 100 bags; Jamaica realising 50s. to 555., Plantation Ceylon 635. to 665., and St. Domingo, 445. ; and 25 casks of very old La Guayra, 50s. to 50s. 6d. Rum is less active. In Molasses nothing doing. Of Rice, 1,000 bags Bengal sold at 11s. to 12s. 3d. A large business has been done in Tea, the better sorts of congou being in request, while low qualities are neglected, and fine greens are rather lower. Of Saltpetre 1,200 bags were sold at 28s. to 28s. 3d. for 5 per cent. Castor Oil was in active demand, and 1,300 cases sold at Old. to 54-d. per lb. In other Oils but little doing. The sales of Guano comprise 800 tons. For Hides the market is firm, and 9,500 were sold at full rates. Tal low has experienced a decline, Petersburg Y.C. having been sold at 455., and 200 casks South American at 425, to 455. For Jute there is an active demand, 700 bales damaged having been sold at a further advance of 10s. per ton, and 250 bales sound at the same advance. To-day the Sugar market remains quiet, and we have only to notice the sale of 35 hhds. Demerara at 31s. to 335. 9d., 500 bags Dates at 31s. 6d., and 160 bags white Pernams at 225. 6d. per cwt. About 50 puns. of Demerara Rum are reported at previous rates. In Tea there is a fair amount of business doing at previous rates. Of Rice 250 bags middling white Bengal brought 12s. 3d. per cwt. We have also to notice 60 cases Castor Oil at 48d., 100 bags Singapore black Pepper at 3id. per lb., and 50 tons Calcutta Linseed, to arrive, at 51s. per quarter. COTION—The present position of the Cotton market is an anomalous one, and whether present prices can be maintained remains to be seen ; but many entertain con siderable doubts when they look at the stock here, the high range of prices, the large receipts in America, and the excessive shipments to this country. On Wednesday and Thursday the market had a quiet appearance, and it was difficult for holders to realize at the extreme prices of Monday and Tuesday. On Friday, after receipt of the Pacific's advices, an excellent demand sprung up and con tinued, the sales on that day and Saturday amounting to 25,000 bales, at about Id. advance. The advices per Arabia to 26th ult., from New York, which were received this morning, do not quote any further advance except at Charleston, where prices are quoted lc. to c. higher. The New York and New Orleans markets were tame, and the first application of the screw by the Bank of England appears to have had a flattening effect. Speculators have not operated so largely as on Friday and Saturday, and spinners were not eager to stock themselves. The sales to day are called 6,000 bales, of which 1,000 are to specula tors and exporters. Holders in general are very firm ; there is no pressure on the market, and although the demand has not been brisk as on Saturday, prices are fully supported, and about 1.16 d. dearer since Friday last. SALES. IMPORTS. DESCRIPTION. \ PRICES. Week I Prey'. I Week I ending ously ,ending l year I Feb. 4. l thisyr. Feb. 4. - • IFen. 4 —I This I STOCK d. d. I 1 Sea Island l9 6 29 230 1080 Stained 7i 10 10', 120 1 . 1 14189 54240 1 , I Boweds 4 7 13260; 42520 >347260 Mobile 4/ 6 6740; 14900 1 , „ 87 9713 New Orleans. 4 74, 26400' 90030 J 1 1- 1 Pernams, &c. 6i 7j,1 18601 1 a_ , 1 9 9 9 1 18650 . 5' 9 0 10 1 919 A racati, &c 6i 7I I Bahia, &c. Maranitam Sawginned 6 —1 , Demerara, &c 13 20 .... .... 111 290 Egyptian 5 11 3880 10850 ; 759 13037 102170 Barbadoes Peruvian coni.w.i.sZe — .... } 1370 1 i ...• 337 }. 4610 Cartbagena — .... I , Smyrna .... .... 1 I , 1 j Manilla Surat Madras Bengal - 1010 -- 65120 192640 35308 197895, 588170 Woor..—The monthly circulars of the Wool Brokers describe the great scarcity of this article, the demand ex ceeding the supply, so that the recent advance in prices has been maintained. Messrs. GREAME and Co. says :—" We have had a very active demand in the Wool market, and as the present light stocks are quite inadequate to the require ments of the trade, a further advance in prices has been obtained on most descriptions ; the imports during the past month are only to a limited extent, and with ex ception of the East India, which are held over for public auction, the principal part has been sold on arrival at im proved rates, leaving the market again very barely supplied with Wools. With the present small stocks of Wool and the large orders for goods in the hands of the manufac turers, we may consider the prospects very encouraging toimporters ; and there is every appearance that if no further advance takes place, the present improved scale of prices will be maintained for some time to come." Messrs. HUGHES and RONALD, in their circular, state : —" The past month opened with great activity, which has continued throughout, and the sales, both on the spot and in the country have been very considerable, and in all cases at advanced rates. The stocks of all kinds of Foreign Wools are so completely exhausted that quotations can hardly be given at present with any degree of exactness.. The great difficulty is to meet with the kinds required, and in such cases buyers have in a great measure to yield to the pretensions of the sellers." Messrs. Jos. ROBINSON and Co. says :—" Almost every trade report declares to the healthy state of the country, and from the enormous production and multiplicity of orders, the Wool trade would seem to share richly in the. benefit ; this, however, is not the case at present, neither has it been for some time ; occasionally it happens, though instances happily are not frequent, that the raw material rises in value, considerably beyond the margin of a pro fitable investment for manufacture, and, as this is the state of affairs in the woollen branches, the consumer must regulate his future operations by preparation, as there is no disposition on the part of holders of Wool to accept lower rates. Reports are prevalent, that specula tive purchases have been made in Yorkshire, for this market, of Australian Wool, and from the arrivals seen, the statement is not without foundation." In the past week there was no new feature of any mo ment to notice. There was a very active demand for all descriptions, and, considering the lightness of stocks, a large business was doing,. at prices fully supporting the late advance. The public sales in London wilt commence on Thursday next, when about 35,000 bales of Colonial and Foreign Wools will be offered, the result of which is anxiously looked for by the trade generally. IRON.—There have been several failures of parties con nected with the late pig iron mania, and prices have be come nominal. During the past week the downward ten dency of this article has proved the truth of our remarks concerning it ; and, as we a short time since expressed ourselves, it is only a question of a few days when it will be sold at a much lower price, and one more in accord. ance with its intrinsic value. On the Ist inst. 61s. per ton was given since then it has daily become more diffi cult of sale, and the quotation last night was 545. 6d. sellers, with a heavy market, but at these figures there are no purchasers to be met with. In Glasgow there was a sale effected on Saturday, at 555. W., for cash down. The general impression seems to be, that prices will yet go lower ; particularly as it is fully expected that the bank directors will further raise the rate of interest, probably one per cent. Should this be the case—of which there is great probability—it will not be a matter of surprise if Scotch pigs are sold at 455. before the end of the present month. COURT OF PASSAGE.—This court was opened yester day morning, in the Nisi Prius Court, St. George's Hall, before Edward James, Esq., assessor. There were two writs of trial in the cause list, and 35 issues. The cases did not present any point of peculiar interest. POLICE AFFRAY.—On Saturday, police-officer Bu chanan was fined 10s. and costs for assaulting a brother officer (Little) with his stick. The complainant, who was described by a number of witnesses as a quarrelsome man. taunted the defendant, who, losing his temper, dealt him a severe blow on the head. RAGGED ScnooLs.—lt will be seen, by advertisement, that the annual meeting of the Liverpool Industrial Ragged Schools has been fixed for Tuesday next, at the Theatre Royal. The Worshipful the Mayor will preside, and the Rev. Rector Campbell, Dr. M'Neile, Mr. Mansfield, and others are expected to address the meeting. THE LICENSING SYSTEM.—The Liverpool Licensed Victuallers' Association held a meeting on Friday at the institution, St. Anne-street, and unanimously agreed to a series of resolutions, to be transmitted to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reply to those agreed to by the magistrates, which we noticed last week. The association states that in their opinion the resolutions of the magistrates offer no ad, d v a n t h t a a g t s as s o a c n i y a c o h r a nmgoerin a ov i o e n r g p . r e e s s t e a n b t i i a s h r r e a d n g s y e m s t e e n ra t s o ; f an stancebusiness a lmustarg eamou n t induce injury, suchin this changein should not be made unless for great and manifest benefit to the general ooramunity, LIVERPOOL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The annual general meeting of the members of this chamber was held in the offices, No. 4, Exchange-build ings, yesterday (Monday), at one o'clock. We observed the following members present :—Mr. W. Brown. M.P., Mr. Charles Turner, M.P., Messrs. E. Heath, S. Still, C. Bushell, W. J. Tomlinson, W. Cross, W. G. Casey, James Smith, J. B. Forwood, C. Robertson, A. W. Bowles, J. Malcomson, J. Dutton, R. Lamont, R. Gill, Clint, R. W. Preston, W. S. Bird, C. Holland, T. R. Arnott. On the motion of Mr. Heath, Mr. Bouche was called to the chair, in the unavoidable absence of the president and vice-president. The Chairman, after expressing his regret that the absence of Mr. Hornby had placed him in the chair, said that he had but a few remarks to make, and these he would present in as succinct a manner as possible. This institution had now reached its third year, he might say, of usefulness ; for, especially considering the difficulties with which they had had to contend, he considered that they had been eminently useful. In the past year they had taken steps in connexion with many important mea sures. Custom-house reform had been considered at great length, and a deputation had gone to London, whose timeitwas thought had not been entirely lost. Their worthy member, Mr. Brown, would bear witness to the fact that a very large measure of amelioration bad been achieved, and that now the customs were worked with much greater faci lities than ever had been the case in the memory of any of the members. Though the legal difficulties existing must be admitted, they were in hopes that the measure recom mended by that Chamber and the London authorities would be carried out. The next subject was thatof commer cial law reform, and here he must observe that his opinion was that lie knew of no greater blessing to a commercial community than would be the adoption of these recom mendations, which had emanated from that chamber, with regard to the carrying out of that reform. The simplifi cation of the law, as regards commercial institutions, was of the utmost importance, for as it at present existed, they were not able to carry on their business in conformity with the regulations which the law imposed. Were they merely to endeavour to do so, it was quite clear that business would be almost suspended. To Mr. Heath and Mr. Holland they were much indebted for their very valuable advocacy of this reform; especially for the preparation of a pamphlet on the subject, which had not only met with the approbation of the members of the Chamber of Commerce, but which had been favourably received elsewhere. One important question upon which the Chamber were not united, was the question of charters, with limited responsibility. Feeling, as they all did, the utmost anxiety on this subject, he thought he should not be doing his duty either to himself or the association if he did not unhesitatingly say that they were in an unfortu nate position in this country,—when a person had gained a fortune, after having been in business for a lengthened period, he could not remain in that business, or even have his name connected with it, without running the risk of being reduced from opulence to beggary. Another matter which might not be so interesting to the community, but which was of particular interest to Liver pool, was the question of the excise duty upon soap. It had been before that institution repeatedly ; their arguments had been admitted on all hands ; and it was understood that the government was well affected towards the reduction, if not the entire abolition of that duty. If they were successful in carrying out the aboli tion of that duty, it would be to Liverpool a matter of very great advantage, for the soap manufacture might be said to be almost the staple manufacture of the town. A subject which was receiving their most earnest attention was that of the decimal currency, which was undoubtedly of the greatest importance. England had been carrying on her currency at complete variance with the countries of the Continent, and with America. He was happy to know that the plan laid down by the Chamber had met with general approval, and he only hoped that they might soon see it carried into effect. They had had occasion to confer with the dock trustees ; and, though they might not have met with the earnest ness they had anticipated, still he hoped the matters were now in a train which would facilitate arrangements and benefit the public. In conclusion, ha alluded with plea sure to the fact that during the past year the society had received an accession of 20 or 30 members. He likewise mentioned a subject which he had long had at heart. In Liverpool they had numerous commercial societies—one, for example, devoted to West Indian affairs, another to Brazil, and so on. Now, what he had to suggest was this, the propriety of all these associations being united in the Chamber of Commerce. In effecting this many individual feelings would, no doubt, have to be sacrificed • but, as it was a real necessity in such a community, he Sid not dis pair of seeing it one day carried into effect. Were such a great central association to be formed, there would be no one commanding the same amount of influence, or uniting the same measure of talent. And lie only hoped that ere long they would see a union worthy of the institution and the town. (hear, hear.) Mr. ROBERT TRoNsoN, secretary, then read the sub joined REPORT OF THE, COUNCIL. The council of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce have the pleasure of laying before the members an ac count of their proceedings upon the principal subjects which have occupied their attention during the year 1852, the third of the existence of the chamber ;. and, in doing so, they would express their regret that, owing to late occurrences in political affairs, the progress of several subjects of high importance has been unavoidably arrested. Their attention is, nevertheless, still directed towards such matters, as well as others in the adjustment of which more immediate action can be taken. Of the subjects of general interest to the mercantile community thus placed in abeyance, Custom:hon se Re- form stands first. Since the council made its half-yearly report it has been impossible to take any further steps, but your directors have much pleasure in repeat ing that there exists, on the part of the authorities, every disposition to meet the requirements of trade ; and many restrictionsolow rendered unnecessary through the altered condition of the tariff, have either been removed or mo dified. The Standing Committee continues its attention to the subject; and, on the re-assembling of Parliament, the council will exert its influence for the realization of such other of the recommendations of the chamber as have not already been adopted. COMMERCIAL LAW REFORM AND TRIBUNALS OF to the Dock Committee on this subject. Since then a further representation has been made, and your directors are glad to perceive that the Dock Committee have adopted some remedial measures; but, to render the facilities of this port commensurate with the magnitude of its export trade, and to meet the active rivalry of other ports, many improvements are still urgently called for. The unequal charges for carriage made by the London and North-Western Railway Company are still persisted in, and a considerable portion of the export trade which would flow through this port is thereby diverted to London. The special committee to whom these subjects have been referred continues to give them its best consideration. POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS Your council have pleasure in reporting that arrange ments have at last been made for the despatch of an addi tional mail for Glasgow and Edinburgh, leaving here at nine, p.m., an advantage the want of which was much felt. And they hope shortly also to announce a change in the despatch of the London morning mail, now not due here until a quarter past six, p.m., by forwarding it by the morning express train, leaving London at half-past nine, and arriving here at half-past three, as the necessary arrangements have lately been made. It has been inti mated to your council that a change is contemplated in the port of arrival and departure of some of the American mail steamers ; but, as nothing is positively known as yet, all that your directors at present can do is to watch events, and so be prepared to oppose such change. THE REMOVAL OF THE SWILLY ROCKS. A memorial in favour of this was forwarded to govern ment, and the council is happy to find that it has been decided to carry out this desirable object. RETIREMENT OF DIRECTORS. During the past year your council have lost the services of Mr. Ryder, by resignation, and the vacancy thus occa sioned has been filled up, in accordance with the laws, by the election of Mr. . The chamber is also deprived of the services, at the council board, of the fol.-. lowing directors, who retire by rotation, and are ineligible for re-election for one year ; namely, Mr. H. Hornby, Mr. T. B. Horsfall, M.P., Mr. Charles Holland, Mr. Edward Heath, Mr. John Aikin, and Mr. Robert Rankin. It will, therefore, be for the members of the chamber to elect successors. In conformity with the law, a statement of the attendance of the directors at the meetings of the council is laid upon the table. In closing their report, it is with pleasure that your council have again to refer to the very valuable services rendered to the chamber by the members for the borough and the southern division of the county, and by Mr. Hors fall, M.P. for Derby, and they, therefore, tender to those gentlemen a most cordial vote of thanks. Mr. BflowN, M.P., in glancing over the report, said there was no question of so much moment to them as that of commercial law reform ; and he felt assured they all felt deeply indebted to the committee. As to the pas sengers' amendment act, it was unfortunately acting very 4 badly. This measure had been strongly opposed by Mr. Cardwell and himself when it was brought before parlia ment ; but the commissioners, having once got the power into their hands, were very unwilling to part with it. As to the charters with limited liabilities' question, he exceedingly regretted that he differed entirely from two of the most active members of the committee, to whom they were deeply indebted for what they had done in be half of the institution. As to the excise duty on soap, there could not be two opinions upon it. Sir Charles Wood, while he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, told him (Mr. Brown) that there was no duty which he should I so readily remove. He (Mr. Brown) had placed himself in communication with the heads of departments on the subject of the decimal coinage, and that day he had written to Lord John Russell. He understood from Mr. Laurie, whom he had introduced to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that that gentleman had been requested to decimalize the tariff, and that he had done so. The Bank of England had commenced buying and selling gold and silver decimally. How far the gold-smiths and smelters would go in with the new plan could not yet be known ; but he (Mr. Brown) had had a conversation both with the governor and cashier, and they were very much pleased that a body like the Liverpool Chamber of Com merce should have taken up the subject. By adopting the desimal system figures would be decreased one-half ; and certainly at the present time, when the tide of emi gration was carrying so many from our shores, and labour at home was becoming dearer, the improvement was one of great moment. When Mr. Heath was in London he (Mr. Brown) had been in the company of some twenty of the most distinguished scientific men of the day, inclu ding Lord Rosse, Sir Henry de la Beetle, and others, and the conversation chancing to turn upon the decimal system the most perfect approval of it was expressed by thesescientific men. Mr. B. then expressed his regret that six members of the Council were about to retire; he thought three were quite enough to retire at once. Referring to the improve ments in the Customs, he counselled them to secure a permanent reform by obtaining an Act of Parliament — not to allow the gentlemen in power, when the excite ment has ceased, to lapse iuto their old practices. When he went to London, the first question he should ask would le, it they had a bill in preparation ? and he should at once make the Chamber acquainted with the reply. He assured the association that they could not conceive the attention and respect which that party met with in the highest quarters who was supported by the Liverpool Chamber ; and he therefore counselled them to imitate more the example of the Manchester people, who always sent a deputation to make known their wishes or the grievances under which they laboured. He concluded by moving the adoption of the report. Mr. BoavLas seconded the resolution, and in doing so supported the limited responsibility system. The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. Mr. J. S•riTT, treasurer, then read a statement of the accounts, from which it appeared that the financial affairs of the society were in a most flourishing state. One pleasing feature of their progress was exhibited in the fact that the arbitration fees, which were only two guineas in the preceding year, had last year amounted to £l9 12s. Several of the leading firms in town, too, who at first held aloof from the association, had joined it during the past year. Mr. CHARLES• HOLLAND , moved a resolution, to the effect " That the new Council be requested to carry out the views expressed in the report of the conference of deputations from the provincial commercial towns, espe cially with regard to petitioning Parliament on the subject of law reform, and for the establishment of tribunals of commerce, as early as may be deemed consistent with the attainment of these desirable cjmnges." The resolution, supported at some length by the mover, and seconded by Mr. CHARLES ROBERTSON, was unani mously carried. Mr. CURRY drew attention to a grievance which affected both the sellers and buyers of ships. It appeared that the question having been raised at one of the out ports, whether, on granting registry, de novo, to the pur chaser of a vessel which had been sold by the first mort gagee, the registering officers were bound to bring for ward in the next registry, a second mortgage, which had been recorded in the former certificate of registry. Reference was made to the law authorities, and her Majesty's Attorney and Solicitor-General had given this opinion : " That the registering officers are bound to carry forward, or continue on the certificate of registry indorse ments of unsatisfied mortgages once recorded, until they are discharged, whether they be first, second, or other subsequent incumbrances ;" and " that any second or subsequent mortgagee might, if he sustain damage through the omission in question, maintain an action against the registering officers." HD (Mr. Curry) considered this decision was roost detrimental to the interests of the ship buyer and seller, and he, therefore submitted the griev ance to the consideration of the council of the Chamber. Mr. Foßwoon supported Mr. Curry, and trusted that the members of the legislature present would not allow the grievance to remain in operation without making an attempt to provide a remedy. Mr. CASEY delivered a lengthened speech on the ques tion of the duty upon soap, showing that the Irish manu facturer was placed in amore advantageous position than the English one, and that, in consequence of the heavy imposts, Liverpool soap manufacturers were often unable to undertake foreign orders, which either the Irish or French manufacturer could fulfil. lie showed that this had a most detrimental effect upon the port and trade of Liverpool, for at present the French could beat them — not by superior skill or industry, but from one simple reason. They are free men in their business,"' said Mr. Casey; "we are slaves. We are slaves to a policy which would have degraced the middle ages. How, then, can we help ourselves. By bringing our grievances before an institution like this." (Hear, hear.) Mr. HLATH and Mr. BUSHELL then addressed the chamber, the latter in reference to the postal arrangements, stating that endeavours were being made to facilitate the safe delivery of letters coming from, and going to, New York. Mr. Fonwoon, in reference to the Liverpool Docks, deprecated the absence of modern apcliances which were in use, and asserted that the trustees had not adopted one tithe of the recommendations made by that chamber. They must, in future, go forward, as ono or two sugges tions carried out in the course of a year was not enough. Mr. Forwood, on the carrying question, commented in severe terms upon the unjust charges of the London and North-Western Railway, Mr. TURNER, M.P., asserted that the Dock Com mittee were doing all they could for the interest of the port; that they had received the valuable suggestions of the Chamber of Commerce with respect and attention ; that their position was a difficult one, inasmuch as they could not adopt the suggestions of every party; but that, as they had done in the past, they were determined still to do their best for the interests of the Docks. The honour able gentleman, in conclusion, assailed the London and North-Western, for imposing upon the Liverpool people a rate of mileage enormously higher than that paid by the inhabitants of Manchester. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair man, two scrutineers having been previously appointed to examine the ballot-box. The following directors retire at present, and were, according to the law, ineligible for re-election, though it was resolved that the rule should in the meantime lie in abeyance :—Messrs. Chas. Holland, E. Heath, H. Hornby, T. B. Honfall, M.P., R. Rankin, and John Aikin. SINGULAR CASE OF SELF-IMPOSED STARVATION.— An inquest was held by Mr. Coroner Curry, yesterday, on the body of Eliza, wife of James Currie, beerhouse keeper, Mill-street East, who died on Monday, the 31st January, after an illness of ten weeks' duration.—James Moody, tailor,. a neighbour, deposed that, in consequence of seeing Currie ill-use his wife while she was ill, his sus picions were excited when he first heard of her death. The ill-usage consisted in the husband pushing the poor woman rudely up stairs which she was descending, with such force that she fell forwards. When they first came to the neighbourhood Currie and his wife appeared to be a most loving couple.—Elizabeth Lee and Sarah Williams, two neighbours, likewise gave evidence to the same effect.—Ann Moreen, his servant girl, deposed that Currie was a kind and loving husband, and that he treated his wife with the utmost solicitude. She would hardly eat anything for the last few weeks of her life, and it was with considerable difficulty she could be con strained to take any food at George Kemp, surgeon, who made a post mortem examination of the body, gave it as his opinion that Mrs. Currie died solely from want of food ; and it was equally clear, from the evidence of other witnesses called in behalf of the deceased's husband, that she had imposed starvation upon herself. The verdict of the jury was " That the deceased starved herself to death, being at the time of unsound mind." LATEST INTELLIGENCE. MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 7. ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. FRANCE. PARlS. — Several political arrests have been made since Friday. Among them are one or two correspondents of continental papers. Calumnies respecting the Empress are stated as the cause. COMMERCIAL AND MONETARY NETTS. MONDAY NIGHT. IT is now generally admitted that the Bank Direc tors were amply justified in raising the minimum rate of discount, and more recent circumstances have fully confirmed this view of the case. The returns, published in the Gazette of Friday last, show a decrease in the stock of bullion to the extent of £362,084 ; and as this so immediately follows some large receipts, the subject is entitled to more than ordinary consideration. In commenting upon the previous week's returns, our London contem porary, the Economist—whose authority on this subject we will not attempt to impugn —states, that during the preceding fortnight the bullion in the Bank had decreased by £1,380,000; and as arrivals of gold had taken place, amounting to at least £1,200,000, of which only £256,412 appeared as increase in that week, it followed that the export of gold during the fortnight in question had been at least £2,300,000. Without any other data than the Bank returns, this is at best but jumping at a conclusion, unless we are prepared to admit that the stock in the Bank coffers is the sole test of the quantity of gold in this country, and that every diminution is necessarily the result of exportation. It is evident thatthere are no means of arriving at exact conclusions on the subject, and we must be content with mere inferences from circumstances which are open to common observation, but these must not be left out of view. The recent activity in the manufacturing districts, with the corresponding increase in the amount of wages—the busy trade which has been carried on in this and other shipping ports in fitting out vessels for emigration—the number of sales which have taken place owing to the breaking up of domestic establishments—the rise in the price of most articles of general consumption—the specula tion in metals and other commodities—the pay ment of rents and ordinary Christmas accounts,— operating almost together, must have tended in a considerable degree to augment the circulation of he precious metals throuihout the country, and thus have assisted to diminish the stock of bullion in the Bank of England. At the same time it must he admitted that there are other circumstances of a less satisfactory character, which have tended to a material extent to produce that state of uneasiness for the future, against which the Bank Directors attempted to provide by their recent measures. It is well known that the operations on the Paris Bourse have been in a great measure insti gated by the French Government, in order to bolster up a fictitious credit ; and we have heard, on what we believe to be good authority, that this last decrease in bullion is owing to the financial arrangements between certain parties in Paris and London for the same object. That the measure of the Bank of England was directed against this French speculation on English capital is shown by its effect not only upon the French funds, which fell in value, but upon the exchanges, which soon began to improve ; and that it had no injurious effect upon British commerce, is also shown by the amount of held by the Bank of England being but very slightly diminished. We must also bear in mind that emigration has in itself a tendency to diminish the stock of gold, as almost every emigrant takes out as much as he can raise, and large sums in coined gold are also sent out to Australia for the purchase of the uncoined metal. It is now becoming pretty evident that we are indebted to the Californian and Australian discoveries for the main tenance of our present favourable state of commer cial credit ; for, considering the large amount of importations which have had to be paid for in specie, particularly to France and Russia, where the balance of trade is so much against us, we should without such aid• have now experienced monetary difficulties of no ordinary magnitude. Before leaving this subject, we may revert to the obvious fact that, while a rise from two to three per cent. in the rate of dis count may interpose a serious obstacle to monetary operations of a purely speculative character, it can make no sensible difference to legitimate eommercial transactions. If this fact be steadily borne in mind, the mercantile world have every reason to be grate ful to the bank directors for the course which they have pursued. On Thursday the tenders for the guaranteed 4 per cent. loans of £BO,OOO for British Guiana, £60,000 for Trinidad, £50,000 for Jamaica, and £3OOO for St. Lucia, redeemable in twenty years, were decided upon by the Chancellor of the Ex chequer, and all awarded to the Atlas Insurance Company ; the whole for St. Lucia, £27,000 for British Guiana, and £20,000 for Trinidad, at £lO9 17s. 6d. per cent. ; £20,000 for Jamaica, at £lO9 15s. 3d., and £30,000, at £lO9 4s. 6d. per cent. ; £53,000 for British Guiana, and £40,000 for Trini dad, at £lO9 l Os. per cent. The Return from the Bank of England for the week ending the 29th January gives the following results when compared with the previous week : Public deposits .. £5,235,993; Increase £237,239 Other deposits .. 13,066,193; Decrease 661,444 Rest t . 3,218,441; Increase 4,235 securities On the other side of the account— Government securities £13,800,613 ; Decrease 29,794 Other securities .. 13,654,165 ; Decrease 516,580 Notes unemployed .. 9,511,360 ; Increase 67,095 The amount of notes in circulation is £22,983,450, being a decrease of £490,325 ; and the stock of bullion in both departments is £19,042,835, show ing a decrease of £362,084 when compared with the preceding return. -aSUE DEPARTMF , '"" Notes issued £32,494,810 ' ISSUE DEPARTMENT. Govrnt. Debt.. £11,015,100 Other securities 2,984,900 Gold coin &bu1n.18,475,656 Silver bullion .. 19,154 £32,494,810 £32,494,810 BANKING D Prop.'s capital £1 4 , 553,000 Rest 3,218, 441 Public deposits. 5,235,993 Other deposits . 13,066,19 3 7-day, &c. bills. 1,440,536 EPARTMENT. Gov. securities.£l3,Boo,6l3 Other securities 13,654,165 Notes ..... •• • 9,511,360 Gold & silt'. coin 548,025 £37,514,163 I X 37,514,163 In our SHARE MARKET there has been great activity during the past week. A very small pro portion, however, of the business has been bona fide; the bulls and the bears have had the struggle to raise or depress prices almost entirely to themselves. Until Saturday, the bears appeared to have the best of it, they having succeeded in lowering prices most ma t er ially; on that day, however, a su dd en c heck was given to the decline, by the change of the Russian and other exchanges in fav our o f thi s country. This promising a more easy money market, has given an impulse to everything, and we close COMNIERCE It is with much gratification that your council can re port that these important questions, so intimately asso ciated with the original objects of the chamber, are steadily progressing. The special report issued by your council, alluded to at the last half-yearly meeting, has been extensively circulated, and was frequently referred to as containing valuable information and suggestions at the conference held in London in November last, on Law Reform, under the auspices of the Society for Promoting the Amendment of the Law, and at which your chamber was represented by a deputation, in common with most of the leading towns of the kingdom. Although the practical conclusions of this conference were conlined to bringing forcibly before her Majesty's government and the public the evils arising out of the want of the con solidation and the assimilation of the law, yet an oppor tunity was afforded to the Liverpool deputation for urging upon the representatives of the commercial communities of the provinces what, to them, is a far greater inconve- nience and pecuniary loss, namely, the absence of perma nent local courts, with summary powers and equitable jurisdiction over all cases of mercantile disputes. This class of tribunals is essentially requisite, perhaps, only in the provinces throughout which, at present, the adminis tration of civil justice in all disputed amounts over £5O is suspended during five-sixths of the year, while the costs are multiplied indefinitely. by the system of working all preliminary proceedings-through London. The late re forms of the Courts of Law do not touch the leading grievances under which the assize and other towns labour ; and your council cannot declare too emphatically, that if these grievances are to be abolished, the commercial com munities of the provinces must help themselves ; for it can be neither the interest nor the wish of the metropolitan circles, whether professional or mercantile, to help them. As a body, the provincial communities entirely concur with the views of the Liverpool chamber, and your council will take into early consideration the expediency of inviting a general conference of the commercial associ ations of the kingdom to be held in Liverpool. In the meantime, it will be incumbent on the new council, at the re-assembling of parliament, to embody, as far as they may consider expedient, the practical conclusions em braced in the report alluded to by petitionsto Parliament. Before quitting this subject, the committee desire to ' record more permanently their sense of the courtesy and attention which the deputation from this chamber received from the managing committee of the London Society for Promoting the Amendment of the Law, and the value they attach to the unvarying solicitude of that association to secure the reform of legal abuses pressing upon the interests of trade and commerce, when once satisfied of their existence. PASSENGERS' ACT AMENDMENT BIL7A. Under this head your council can only repeat their ex pressions of regret used at the half-yearly meeting, that so few of the amendments proposed by their special corn mittee were adopted by Government, and that a measure of such importance should have been passed in so ob jectionable a shape. CHARTERS WITH LIMITED LIABILITY. A motion was brought before your council by one of the directors to the effect that the chamber should me morialize Government against granting to shipping com panies charters with limited responsibility ; but, after giving the subject the fullest consideration, it was re solved that the question of limited partnerships, being one of the greatest importance, should be approached with the utmost caution. The matter, as regards ship ping, was, therefore deferred until the council can fulfil its intention of taking up the entire subject. RENEWAL OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY'S CHARTER. This matter, though brought under the notice of the chamber, has been referred to the East India and China Association, in deference to the intention expressed by that body of giving it their full consideration. Your council will be glad, hereafter, to co-operate with the East India Association for any desirable object in con nection therewith. EXCISE DUTY ON SOAP. A memorial has been forwarded to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging on the consideration of her Ma jesty's Government the many evils arising out of this objectionable impost, and praying for its abolition. And your directors have received, in reply, the assurance that the subject will receive the best consideration of the Go vernment. PATENT LAW AMENDMENT . BILE. This bill has passed and has now become law • the amendments proposed by the council are referred in the last half-yearly report. --------- . DECIMAL CURRENCY. A well-considered report on this interesting subject, by aspecial committee appointed thereto, has been extensively circulated; and a memorial, founded on its suggestions, laid before the beads of departments of the Government. This report bas attracted great attention and given rise to nurnerouscommunications to the Council, many containing valuable hints and information. Your directors believe that the country is more ready for the desirable change here indicated than is generally imagined. The subjects of a lo;al character are, DOCK ARRANGEMENTS AND THE EXPORT TRADE. It will be remembered that complaints have lately been very general as to the inefficient arrangements on the dock quays for the export trade. Former reports from your council informed the members of this chamber that a aeries of anggestiona bad been forwarded early in the year LONDON. A Privy Council was held at Windsor Castle, today. Little news of interest. FUNDS, STOCK, AND SHARE MARKET. The English market is steadily supported at the closing figures of Saturday.—The Railway market is very good, par. ticularly for heavy descriptions, and prices, although closing a shade under the best, are considerably in advance of Saturday's quotations.—Gold and Land Shares are improving with Rail way Shares, and business is decidedly increasing with the rise. Business in Foreign Stocks is active, and prices are, generally, the turn better. CLOSING Consols, Account .. 1 Do. Money.... f 9 9i i Three&QrperCents.. 1033 # PRICES Bank Stock 227} Si Excheq. Bills, L. & S. 50 4pm FOREIGN Mexicans 221 Do. Threes Spanish New Deferred 221 34 Do. Threes .. RAILWAY , 11s 9i , STOCKS, Spanish Passives Turkish .. Swedish .... idis par 2 lidis SHARES. Leeds Northern lsi 6i Lane. and Yorkshire 77} 8 .._ _.... Do. Fifths London, Brighton, and South Coast lO5l 6f London & S. Western 89 90 Manches., Shelf., and Lincolnshire Norfolk s North British Do. Preference Shrewsbury, A Do. B York, Newcastle, and Berwick ... Do. Extension Do. Preference 2i York and N. Midland 56 7 SHARES. Nugget B. Australian Freehold ... Australasian' Colonial Mariposa HARES. Van Dieman's, Yuba London Stock Do. Quarters los} 6i Midland Stock Do. Halves North Staffordshire S. Eastern and Dover 78i 9 Amberg.,Nottingham, and E. Junction 6} Caledonian Do. Preference Eastern Counties East Lancashire Edinburgh & Glasgow _ East Anglian Great Northern 771 81 Do. A 43 5 Do. B llB 20 Great Western Caley Preference — MINING Noveau Monde Agua Fria Cordeliera Ave Maria Carson's Creek Port Philip LAND S Australian Agricultural 22540 South Australian .... 47 9 CORN MARKET The supplies of English Wheat are short, but the quantity of Foreign is fair; the condition being improved, trade is steady for both English and Foreign at last Monday's rates. Fine Barley and Flour are fully as dear. A fair quantity of Foreign Oats, but prices are maintained. Beans and Peas are unchanged. Clover Seed again lower. ARRIVALS, English. 2336 5686 Wheat Barley Oats .. Malt .. Beans Peas .. Flour . Irish. Foreign - 16031 539 2730 6740 17394 PRODUCE MARKET. 718 aks& 3640 brls. Sugar : A good demand for Foreign ; Brown Brazil, 18s. to 19s. 6d. Refined: Large home trade demand; Brown Lumps, 45s.—Coffee is not cheaper, but there is little doing; Native Ceylon, 47s.—Tea : Full prices are asked, but there is little doing ; ordinary Congou, 10d.—Cotton :- Several buyers, at last week's prices. —Rice: Few buyers, and rates tend down wards for East India.—lndigo quiet, but firm.—Hemp and Flax : Brisk demand, and rates rising - .—Tallow dull ; fine Y. C., 445. on the spot. TALLOW MARKET. The stock is 41,859 casks, against 54,936 casks last year. The deliveries amount to 2,129 casks, against 2,355 casks last year. CLTTLE MARKET. Beasts and Sheep are in demand, at last Monday's prices, and, in some instances, at an advance. Calves are slow of sale, at a decline of 3d. per stone. Beef 2s 4(1 to 4s Od I Lamb Os ad to Os Od Mutton..... 3s 4d to 5s 2d Pork Veal 2s 8d to 4s 8d 4207 I Calves 15780 Pigs Beasts 2heep and Lambs . 214 . 220 ARRIVALS. Norfolk and Suffolk Beasts Cambridge, Leicester, Lincoln, and North ampton Beasts Scotch Beasts.. Holland Beasts Do. Sheep Do. Calves French Sheep . 624 . 1200 . 179 GLASGOW CORN MARKET. The market continues flat. No change in prices, MANCHESTER STOCK EXCHANGE Closing quotations :—Caledonians, 6i dis ; Cheshire Junc tion, 6i dis; Blackburn, 7i ; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 77 t ; London and North-Western, 119* ; Midland, 774 ; North British, Si ; Shrewsbury and Hereford, 1 dis; South Eastern, 23 9-l6ths ; West Riding Union, 2i (Es ; Lake Bathurst, it dis. LEEDS STOCK EXCHANGE Closing quotations :—Caledonians, 32a # ; East Lancashire, 19; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 77/; Leeds Northern, 15k; Midland, 711.1 ; York and North Midland, 27i ; Carson's Creek, 4pm ; Colonial Gold, 3. ARRIVAL OF THE BLOOMER :FROM AUSTRALIA. Messrs. Gibbs, Bright, and Co.'s packet-ship the Bloomer arrived at this port yesterday (Monday) from Sydney, after a passage of 95 days, having left Sydney on the 3d of November ; she brings £42,800 in gold. The Oriental left Sydney for London on the 21st of October, and the Alert, for the same port, two days. before the Bloomer, but neither of them have yet arrived ; and the Bloomer would, in all likelihood, have reached her desti. nation sooner than she has done, had it not been for con trary winds from the other side of the line and coming into the Channel. The Bloomer brought two. passengers home from the land of gold. ROBERT HERD, A LUNATIC, escaped from Rainhill Asylum on Friday afternoon. THE COACHMAKERS,--On Saturday, a deputation of coachmakers, among whom was Mr. Healey, of the firm of Bennison and Healey, of this town, had an interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. MR. THOMAS'S CONCERTS.—The series of cheap con certs at the Philharmonic Hall was brought to a close last night, when there was an overflowing audience. It con cluded with the National Anthem, and three enthusiastic cheers for Mr. Thomas. ENGLISH MISERY versus AMERICAN SLAVERY.—IR commenting on the recent response to the Stafford-house ladies, Douglas Jerrold says :—" There can be no doubt that there is much truth in what Mrs. America is made to speak. But the moral destitution, the moral blackness of a thousand English outcasts do not make five hundred free negroes of as many slaves. Very true is it that we have wretched, wo-begone children im our alleys; that we have " illicit" costermongers a ; c7 t l la ri a sa t tilain o t u ipl r eiso n pel e ve e i, d i—a le lla w lt o lh m itsh e ii n ss f have rom starved, Waterloo-bridge mw im io; s e eet s , rr , ymuouo net khceinat anticip ated mocking —as unceasing, death there whaitsh remorselessbetbhey been a m p oa l cs u k n te hgr grindingeye m od m fe i a g s a c e r h ad r i y de n iv e i ni n rt , f :o co c r n u to u e rs e r ip i l s e irn e s o ti a s ts professions nothing to the all-blighting curse and all-encompassing horror of slavery ! There is something still left—some drop of comfort, some ray of light in this misery —this bitterness—this darkness where slavery is not. We may not snatch one of those alley children from the dirt, and sell it like a young hog; we may not separate coster monger Joe from his frail companion Sal. Poor Sal may have a child at her breast, and one or two at what they call a home ; yet Joe and. Sal are safe from the slave buyer, and may love on and quarrel on, and their " young barbarians" may still dispute with the pigs on the dust heap,—no human flesh-dealer daring to cast his blood bargaining eyes upon them. IMPORTANCE OF TOWN DRAINAGE.—It is impossible to over-estimate the importance to a community of having the soil and the buildings kept in a state free from mois ture, not only as regards the health and comfort of the inhabitants, but also in reference to the pr eserva ti on o f property of almost every description ; but the removal of the offensive refuse arising from dwelling-houses, stables, &c., and the thousand deleterious compounds discharged from manufactories, form a still more important deside ratum. The consequences of a good system of sewerage are not confined to mere bodily comforts or advantages, but produce an important effect in elevating the whole tone of society ; while an inefficient one not only furnishes a fer tile source of disease and discomfort of a physical character to all classes of the community, but renders the moral degradation of an otherwise degraded population more hopeless and complete. This, then, is the main object of draining a town — not that the soil b ei rendered free from d am p—not that the town should be put beyond the reach of being damaged by an occasional flood—but that one great cause of that squalor and misery, to which every one is frequently an unwilling witness, should be removed, and the air in the poorer and more densely-populated districts rendered pure and wholesome.—The Builder. LIVERPOOL : TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1853. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY MORNING, BY THE PROPRIETOR, ROBERT PEARSON THACKER, OF No. 7, PERCY-STREET, AT THE STANDARD GENERAL PRINTING OFFICE NO. 4, ST. GEORGE'S CRESCENT, LIVERPOOL. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: IN A.DVANCE 2Ol. ON CREDIT .......... 22g• COI ROI LOI Vill Rol Are of Cot sat. Tiel and gar( drat trali fern T no, eyes s A I A; Li, li ieti, litt! whet su ce , atter, LIV P' land ficati Anne Tend dress th an wine'