Northern Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-12-23 00:00:00

Friday, December 23, 1859. with the Peninsular mails of the 17th. Lisbon Exchange on London at three months 537 ; to 53 ' 1 . The Electoral contest on New-Nears' flay Was absorbing the attention in political circles at Lisbon. LATEST FROM AMERICA. GALWAY, Dec. 22. The Royal Mail steamer Circassian, Campbell commander, arrived at one p.m. from New York and St. John's, with 225 passengers, a large cargo, and heavy mails. Her dates from New York are to the 9th, and St. John's to the 14th, but brings no telegrams from New York vid St. John's. The rrezddent's Message had not been delivered up to the 13th. The Circassian brings the master and crew of the ship Moffatt, abandoned at sea at 290 miles from St. John's, Newfoundland ; was t"tuber laden, and bound for Liverpool. CHICAGO, Dec. B.—Flour firm ; Wheat steady, Kith an advance of 1 1 c. • sales at cre• , • Corn and $ Oats firm. OSWEGO, Dec. B.—Flour dull, small sales. PHILADELPHIA, Dec. B.—Flour quiet, at $5 4 5e. to $5 374 e. ; Wheat, sales 7,000 bushels, at II 37c. to $1 43e. ; for White; $1 30c. to $1 3c., for Red ; Corn, sales 5,000 bushels, at 73c. ; for beW Yellow Oats better sales, at 43c. to 44c. eiNulNArri, Dec. 7.—Flour and Wheat firm. fork, declining. Mess Pork, $l6 50c.; Bulk 36 to $8; Hog market unsettled, owing to 'arge receipts. BUFFALO, Dec. B.—Flour in fair demand, with wheat steady and in moderate demand. Oats firm. SAVANNAH, Bth.—Cotton market depressed ; fiftie s this day, 805 bales; sales of the week, 10 ,000 bales; stock in port, 80,000 bales. CHARLESTON, Bth.—Sales this day, 2,000 bales ; sad for the week, 19,000 bales, at a decline of lc. vood middlings, 10ac. to 104 c. TORONTO, Bth.—Flour and Wheat dull, decline r•• Oats quiet, at 37c. to 39c. Pork quiet ; $6 ") 36 50c. Experienced very heavy gales from N.W. coannencement of tlie voyage. Latter part fine Weather, with light northerly wind. No ice at John's, Newfoundland. LONDON, Dec. 22. The death of the Earl of Camperdown is an nounced. His eldest son, Viscount Duncan, M.P. f or Forfarshire, succeeds to the title. The evidence in the charge of perjury, examined b y the lion. Hugh Rowley against his late wife, was resumed to-day, at the Westminster Police '-'ourt. At 5.30 th e case was further adjourned to Tuesday next. • The rumour is confirmed that the wife of Mr. M.P. for King's Lynn, has eloped with I l e of the family domestics. Proceedings have Ten commenced for a divorce. The lady has a ( *tune of half-a-million in her own right. . The following appeared in a part of our InlPression of yesterday MAIL NEWS. Supplemental mails by H.M.S. Urgent, will be made 11 P for the Cape of Good Hope on Monday. th e next is mail day for India and China, but -4 4,e P 27 ostmaster-General is to be asked to alter it to toe th. LORD PALMERSTON. :Lord d „ .. _ Pal m e rs t on ye s t er d a y p res ided at an agricultural 1: 40 , er at Romsey, and distributed the prises to the Tourers, whom he addressed at considerable length. 1 7-e made only one reference to public matters :—" The 4 1111 ,Y and navy were in a state of complete efficiency ; ti l t l „%if, unfortunately, it became necessary, they could "t 1 be increased to whatever the emergency of the Moment required." CHRISTMAS. Lloyd's will be closed at two o'clock on Monday next, order of the committee. The committee of bankers have sanctioned the closing 1 1 the Clearing-house on Monday next, for the last "elivery of draughts, at two o'clock. „_ The Times remarks, that the impediments English rople s u ff er f rom o ffi c i a l pedantries are strongly ex glinted in such cases as that of the holiday on Monday ttrt. An amount of machinery has to be set in motion Zia ti would be sufficient to organise some valuable o l r t onal undertaking. All that is required is an order uouncil legalising the day as a holiday, to set every a at rest, and save all this waste of labour. Tire, EMPEROR NAPOLEON AND THE POPEDOM. Thy iMportant pamphlet has just appeared at Paris. title Tznies has no doubt that it expresses in a most die te,:!,and perspicuous manner the views which are en jr-tned as to the future destiny of the Papacy by the d e ,Peror himself. The misgovernment of the Papal t k gioions is treated as something inveterate and inevi eo4l,_e• It is impossible for the same mind to entertain ''raporaneougy two sets of ideas absolutely contrary to e ach other, arbitrarily unyielding and exclusive as ti1 a.. 14114 spiritual things, and liberal and tolerant as re tit "" temporal matters. These principles being laid down, etl.,Writer.applies them logically to the present position no ,ai 7trs. The Pope is not fit to govern a large state, A • re ll eed, to Romagna erform any political duties ; and, there- Roma should tbe restored to him. The ki l ; cannot be a subject of any one, and, therefore, he s ee .,. " „be left in possession of Rome, rich in so many as - It te "°ns. Such are the propositions attributed to the gvror. L l oeeting of the Iron Screw .Collier Company took Wednesday-, to confirm, or otherwise, a proposition biof e rang their fleet of twelve vessels for £60,000. A Was eventually determined upon. s*".itYl .1 3 tanss.—At the meeting of the Romsey La- Is ii rr, Association, Lord Palmerston in proposing the p re 'east, said, I rise to do homage to that which may lav i ttY ii be said to be one of the wonders of modern 4,4 11 on. I mean " The Press." (Cheers.)- If any „astit_ e ompares now a newspaper published in the last 4%7 With one of those wonderful sheets we read every :4014 4.4 me contrast is the most striking that the mind of man :11.4 31 ,_agine. The quantity of information, the talent ;Oh "nation, the amount of news of every 'kind which 'find in almost every newspaper we meet ;with Ith I ZIY one of the most striking proofs of the progress the .human intellect has made in the days in ;IthiriWe live. It may really be put in competition t r ig 04e o steam engine and electric telegraph, but there 4111,,,_Part of the functions of the press which, beyond 11 4 kt — w• 11/ has improved of late years. I have .h.eard . 44 4 wards the end of the last century there was a i tttl h illu bed Woodfall who used to publish debates ; to th °A . did he do it? It is said, that he used to Iltts tp , -gallery of the House of Commons. listen . isv e i • %9 1 10 Y with his fate in his hands to what passed, tes t b‘a3ee.drink two pots of porter, go to bed, get ,up . kakss, - "„ er li, bag, and from hisdreams and his recollections R ow el ' what he called a report of a debate (Cheers.) /4 1ni erf t,a, so marvellous is the ability and so f ets e the rapidity with which the reporters take th e Qat 'men hay that if speakers are not ; very caro tin havtePorters take clown what they had much better :„ d• (Laughter.) I remember a very worthy nsh M.P., Mr. Richard Keene, who once j e i t le- 1 that the reporters in. the gallery had not done ~'`os ,—to a speech he had made the night before. t. mts e ci 1 . 3 . 11' . he received had, perhaps, more of 4k i t. h ee " t itY in it, for it was—" Mr. Keene, we made h ,*ed a Peech we could for you, but, if you are not `"tt Wh at Our our endeavours, the next time we will re °l4ll~ 14 ' You do say—(loud laughter)—and, - whatever thing of it, we suspect your ends will lait t W friends the infliction." (Laughter.) Now it is th e urvoelloas to see the accuracy with which debates t he s et tle ;e of Commo n s are reported.. When the 4 117 1 , re c is o " t ch „as a':e calculated to attract attention Nti tl 'ivar it .)- word for word as they are uttered, t e ;`,”uelb possible for the human hand to follow Or e— il t e P i dity and such exactness I am at a loss to tim 'ere ahorth s once, as many others have done, began to and, but I confess that I found out two tge one -2 'which turned out to be quite insurmountable. ato g t be Was to write it--- . (laughter)—and the next and tk _.) read it wh en it -.vas written. (Loud laugh -47 Pro g g now to propose that institution to which ress of civilisation and all the interests QQf the fit are so deeply indebted, ".The Press." (Miters.) LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. A good Playing Card for Is. 6d. Sold by Mawdsley and Son, 4, Castle-street. d 22 LAMPS FOR RIPE.—Now, and during the season, Lamps, in every shade and variety, with oil to burn in same, can be had on modeiate terms at the New Light Company, 19, Great George-street. djl6 THE WEATHER AT SEA.—The Picayune arrived here from New Orleans, was twenty days between Cape Clear and this port, having experienced terrific squalls from the E. to N.N.E., with hail and snow. SHlPWRECK.—lnformation has been received from Lytham that the Hannah Lane, of London, from Liver pool to Valencia, was ashore at that place, and that the crew had been saved by the Lytham life-boat. BANKRUPTCY COURT, YESTERDAY.—John Hooke, a paper manufacturer, of Wrexham, came up, before Mr. Commissioner Perry, on his last examination. It was intimated to his Honour that the balance-sheet had not yet been filed, and an adjournment of the case was ordered. ART If-mos.—The fourth day's drawing of prizes took place yesterday. The following were the winning numbers :—Number of ticket, 1,370, prize, £5 ; 7,194, £10; 13,198, £5 ; 34,448, £lO ; 16,235, £5 ; 8,325, £5; 21,195, £lO ; 11,174, £10; 28,413, £2O ; 2,065, £3O; 31,283, £lO ; 20,446, £5 ; 33,532, £lO ; 3,666, £10; 22,814, £2O; 23,881, £5; 26,183, £l5; 34,193, £2O; 2,435, £5 ; 24,102, £lO ; 22,623, £lO ; 27,645, £5; 34,662, £3O. AUSTRALIAN SHIPS HOMEWARD BOUND.—Messrs. Fernie Brothers and Co. of this town have received information that the Zoboah, Captain Morrison, from Melbourne, to Liverpool had arrived at Callao after a run of forty days ; and the Morning Star, Captain Matthews, also from Melbourne to this port, at Callao, after a run of thirty-six days. We also learn that the following vessels are on their way home :—The James Jardine, from Adelaide, at the Chinchas ; the Telegraph, from Sydney ; the Silistria, from Melbourne, and the British Queen, from New Zealand, which had all arrived at Callao. DESTRUCTION OF A. COTTON SHIP BY F IRE. —The following report from the American Consul, at Liver pool, has been communicated to the Underwriters' Association : The ship N. V. Moses, of Bath, from New Orleans, when in lat. 43.30. len. 33.50, fell in with the ship. William Stetson, of Thomaston, from Mobile, with cotton, on fire, and took off the crew, twenty-four in number. The fire burst out, and the ship was in a flame. She was visible for four hours after leaving her, the whole sky around being illuminated. On the 12th of December, in lat. 51.0, lon. 14.0, spoke the barque Ann Best, cf Liverpool, aml, being on short allowance, we put six of the wrecked crew on board of her. The mate learned, while on board, that she was also short of water. This speaks highly for the humanity of the captain, in taking the wrecked sailors on beard without the slightest demand. The following patents, amongst others, passed the great seal during the week ending December 20, 1859: Ald. Jeffery, for an improved mode of giving rotary motion to projectiles fired from rifled fire-arms.—Edward Hunt and H. D. Pochin, improved resin and resinous substances.—William Lister, jun., and T. G. Garrick, improvements in ships' windlasses and other like appara tuses, applicable also to the steering of ships.—William. Robinson, improvements in cask washing machines.— W. 11. Harfield, improvements in ships' capstans and riding bits.—W. 0. Carter, Liverpool, improvements in machinery for sawing slate.—W. H. llarfield, improve ments in apparatus employed in getting ships' anchors, and in shackling chains.—J. A. Turner, improvements in rendering paper waterproof.—Communicated from the Offices for Procuring Patents, 4, Clayton-square, Liver pool. BIRKENHEAD POLICE COURT.—YESTERDAY.—(Before Sir E. Cust, Bart., Messrs. J. B. Case, R. Bryan, and J. Younghusband.)—Assault Case.—Mr. Thomas Leathern, joiner and builder, Lower Bebington, summoned Mr. Gray, slater and plasterer, New Ferry, on a charge of assault. Mr. Bretherton appeared for the complainant, and Mr. Moore for the defendant. It appeared that some ill-feeling existed between Messrs. Leathern and Gray relative to matters of business, and on Saturday night week the latter went to the house of the complainant, about eleven o'clock, when the family were about retiring to rest, and demanded admittance, which was refused. He then broke open the door ; and when Mr. Leathem came down stairs, gave him a blow with some heavy weapon over the back of the hand. Gray wus im mediately after dragged into the street by some one, whither he was followed by Leatham, who inflicted several blows on his shoulder with a poker, and then attacked him with his fists. A number of witnesses were called on both sides, who agreed in stating that Gray had entered Leathem's house in a forcible manner. The magistrates ascerdingly inflicted a penalty OR the de fendant of 40s. and costs for the assault, beside ordering him to pay ss. for the damage done to the door. WORKHOUSE COMMITTEE.—At the weekly meeting of this committee yesterday, Mr. Churchwarden Crop per presided ; and the other members present were Messrs. Cafferata, Owen, Critchley, Denton, Syred, Melly, Broome, Smith, Scott, and E. Byford.—The governor of the workhouse, Mr. Carr, reported that the number of paupers in the establishment was 2,278, being a decrease of 76 on the week, and of 157 as com pared with the corresponding week of last year. During the week ending on the 17th instant, there had been 197 destitute persons accommodated in the vagrant sheds, being a decrease of 77 persons during the week, and of 55 as compared with the corresponding Week of Last year.—The medical officers reported that there has been 26 deaths in the house during the week ending the 20th instant, being those of 9 men, 12 women, 4 infants, and one child between the age of two and sixteen years. The number of sick paupers under treatment per last report was 666 ; new ones since, 189 ; cured and discharged, 127 ; at present under treatment, 704, including 42 fever and 12 itch cases.—A letter was read from the Poor-law Board, asking for an answer to a cons munication which they had received from Dr. Leather. Dr. Leather in his letter to the board, stated that the charges brought against him were frivolous, and of a date long . past, and expressed a hope that his many years' service to the parish would induce the board to hesitate before confirming the resolution of the vestry for his suspension.—After some general conversation on the subject, the vestry clerk was instructed to write to the Poor-law Board in reply to the letter of Dr. Leather, desiring the ' board to confirm the resolution of the vestry.—The other business before the committee was of a routine character. • TOITETH-PARK BOARD OF GUARDlANS.—Yesterday the weekly meeting of the above board was held in the Public-offices, Pa7k-place. J. S. Alpass, Esq., the chairman, presided; and the other members present were—Messrs. John Moss, Henry Leyland, Joseph Harrison, A. Grindrod, W. H: Ogden, Soseph Wilson, Win. Baynes, G. W. Hunter,' J. D. Carter, and John Wilson.—The minutes of the last meeting having been read, cheques for numerous articles furnished to the workhourse, and advertising and printing, were granted, it being agreed that Mr. Wilson should have the print ing for the next twelve months.---In the absence of the regular medical attendant, Dr. Wall, who had been acting in his place, received the thanks of the beard for the very efficient manner in which he had discharged his duties, with a request that he continue to act in the same capacity until he should receive a notification to the contrary.—The clerk then read a letter from the Poor-law Commissioners, in reply to one from the Guardians, respecting a piece of ground, the property of the'Union, which the Society of Friends had intimated their wish to purchase, and to convert into a cemetery for the members of their persuasion. The purport of the Commissioners' letter was, that a cemetery having 1 , en laid out already so closely to the workhouse, it niight be prejudicial to the health of the inmates if a second were established there.—The board directed Dr. Wall, the medical attendant, to examine into the matter, ! to report to them at their next sitting, if possible. This was all the business. 'OTREB.—The fifth annual soirée", in connection with ti Sabbath Schools of St. Andrew's Scotch Church,was bad' last night in Hope-hall. It is-es y - •_•ously at te tiilEd by members of the congregati:::. :mall being completely filled. The Rev. J. Orr, minister of the congregation, presided. The report of the Sabbath School was read, which showed it to be in a most flourish ing condition ' • the numbers being considerably aug mented since last year. There was a great array of speakers, ministers of various denominations having consented to take part in the proceedings. After a few introductory remarks from the Rev. Mr. Orr, the Rev. J. B. Lowe addressed the meeting, he was followed by the Revs. Dr. Graham, Dr. W. M. Taylor, W. Graham, J. Cleland, J. Thomson, and Mr. F. G. Brown, F.E.J.S. The addresses were generally of a religious character and fitting to the occasion. That, however, by Mr. Thomson consisted of "Sketches of Scottish Character," 1 which afforded the audience abundance of merriment. i A number of hymns and anthems were sung during the evening in a very superior Vets of thanks to tb speakers and obairmee aiquded the proceedings, DONATION.—The Incumbent of St. Stephen's, Byrom street, be g s to acknowledge the receipt of a further donation of £l. for the relief of the destitute in his district. . . CnittsTmis CHEER.—Families residing within five miles of Liverpool can be supplied with Burton, mild and bitter ales of the first brand, as also London, stout, in 41, 9, and 18 gallon casks, by sending their orders, or calling at T. Bolton's, family ale and porter merchant, 110, Duke-street. FREEMASONRY.—At the meeting of th e Zetland Lodge, held at the Park Hotel, Birkenhead, on w e d nes _ dayevening last, It. Anderson, Esq., solicitor, King-street, was elected W.M. for the ensuing year. A n unanimous vote of thanks was passed to Brother H enry B u ll ey, Esq., W.M., for the gentlemanly and effi c ient manner in which he had conducted the affairs of the lodge during the past year, and it was agreed t o present to him a past masters jewel as a mark of esteem and ap probation. THE WELLINGTON RIFLE CORPS CAPS.—The hand some caps, made specially for this corps by Mr. John Wood, of Lord-street, caused much attraction yester day, as some were exhibited in his window. They are of a superior quality, and becoming in shape, and the corps have shown good judgment in the selection of Mr. Wood to supply them ; and we understand that one and all of this particular body have stated their entire approval of Mr. Wood, who has admirably suc ceeded in pleasing every one, as regards material, price, &c. STANLEY DOCK BENEFIT SOCIETY. —The annual meeting of this society was held on Wednesday evening, at the rooms in Burlington -street. This society, which has been unostentatiously effecting much good among the employes at the Stanley-dock, we are glad to see from the treasurer's accounts, which we publish else where, is in a flourishing condition. Thanks mere voted to Mr. D. Turner, the treasurer; to Mr. E. Hunt, the chairman ; and to Mr. R. Orr, the secretary. The fol lowing gentlemen were elected office-bearers for the ensuing year, viz. :—Samuel T. Marshall, chairman ; Robert Orr, secretary; William H. Sergeant and Wil liam Blount, auditors; Joseph Lawrence and Samuel Hey, stewards ; and seven members of committee. THE " CHRISTMAS TREE" IN T WORKHOUSE.— E HE NTERTAINMENT OF THE PAUPERS.—One of the most interesting and pleasing sights which it'has been our privilege to v,itncris for 5, - ;:ae, time took place, la .t night, in the Liverpool Workhouse, Brewnlow-hill. It had been determined that the children and paupers should be regaled with bread, butter, and tea, prior to Christmas day ; and the more effectually to carry out this object, Miss Gilpin, Mrs. Alexander M'Niele,‘ Mrs. Thom, and the Misses Roskell took an active part in the'proceedings, in which they were ably assisted byMess rs . John Cropper, Dingle; J. W. Cropper, Edward Cropper, jun., Jas. Cropper, J.P. ; G. Melly, Jas. Denton, and the Rev. J. H. Scott, chaplain of the workhouse, with Mr. Carr, the governor, and the matron, Mrs Ritson. The governor and the male officers did their part well, but were, if possible, eclipsed by the exertions of the matron, and the female officers under her direction. The proceedings commenced at five o'clock, at which time 1,800 of the inmates were seated. The dining-hall of the work house was tastefully laid out; in the middle of which stood the large " Christmas Tree," the branches being inter spersed with artificial flowers, and artificial lights ex tending from the branches. The wall was decorated with flowers and evergreens, and the "flags of all nations" were exhibited. The gallery was filled with ladies and gentle men, who, with those below, seemed to participate heartily in the entertainments of the evening. During tea, an ex cellent brass band, from the Industrial Schools, was in requisition, under their efficient leader, Mr. Longden. Tea having been finished, thanks were returned by the rev. chaplain; after which the inmates, and those as sembled, were addressed in most effective speeches by Mr. James Denton, the oldest member of the Select Vestry ; Messrs. Carr, (governor, who returned thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who had got up the enter tainment), Melly, James Cropper, Edward Cropper, and the Chaplain. Before the close of the proceedings, Mr. Churchwarden Cropper, presented, in the name of the ladies and gentlemen visiting, two beautifully bound volumes to the matron, and also two others to Mr. Carr, the governor, as a token of their esteem and cordial good wishes. Mr. Carr having expressed thanks on behalf of himself and the matron, the whole party rose and sung " God Save the Queen," which terminated the pro ceedings. NufalIERN DAIL' 1121.E.t. ♦ THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS. The advent of summer is not more surely followed by the appearance of swallows, and scarcely is sunrise more invariably preceded by the glimmering, yet opening twilight, than Christmas is indicated in its approach by a thousand minute symptoms, which affect housewives and households. True, in their case, as in that of most other periodical visitations, various dis turbing influences are brought to bear upon the general system. Artists and artizans of all degrees ap pear to have set their imaginations at work to devise something which shall be stimulative as well as in vigorating to the moral and social constitution at that welcome period. To the honour of our fellow men be it said, that even the most eager and unceas ing in their pursuit of personal aggrandisement, at the hallowed period of Christmas, relax in their con centrated selfishness, and bestow at least a semblable consideration on the condition of the poor. Large hearted benevolence also feels itself at this season justified in bestowing a share—larger than it ordinarily bestows— of attention to the needy and disconsolate. Clergymen exhort their flocks to an additional exercise of the virtue of charity, and fortunately the appeal at this season, as in most others, is never made in vain. Christmas-trees and church collections are made the happy media of contributing to praiseworthy objects. Private charity treats its protegjs at that blessed time with even more than its usual kindness, and the community seems im pressed with a desire to make Christmas an event fraught with hope, redolent of kindness, and savouring with the sweets of brotherly affection. In consonance with this truly Christian desire, the inmates of public charities, institutions, and asylums receive extraordinary attention from those whose daily care watches over their interests and well-being. The domestic hearth also at this time assumes an unwonted indication of co ziness, comfort, and enjoyment, and friends long sepa rated and far apart prepare for joyous meeting at the period of this great social festival. While all this is going on in public and in family circles, no small amount oflabour, ingenuity, and judg ment are being sedulously plied in furthering the object which all seem mainly to have at heart--the desire of affording and reciprocating social and r a ti on al enjoy ment. Traders of every grade vie with each other in affording such means of personal adornment as will meet the taste—we had almost said the fancy —of every order and class of the community. Book sellers, toy-men, and proprietors of exhibitions find pleasure—and let us also hope profit—in con tending with each other for • supplementing the flow of enjoyment which custom decrees shall attend this happy period. By no means slack in this competi tion we find those who cater for the more material wants of the community—grocers and fruit merchants, confectioners and sugar bakers, provision dealers and horticulturists—all contribute their pleasing quota to the general harmony and richness, which, taken as a whole, constitute the happy festival of Christmastide. Conspicuous among those who minister to our "creature comforts" at this and other seasons, are the butchers, poulterers, fruiterers, and vendors of such commodities who, concentrated in masses, or spread over the town, tend in no small measure to increase the comfort and secure the convenience of our fellow townspeople ; and let us add, of our neighbours in the surrounding townships. Having said so much by way of preface, and while expressing our regret that want of space prevents our dealing with all the cases involved in so comprehensive a review, we proceed with a cursory notice of what is to be seen in our general markets, commencing with ST. JOHN'S MARKET. This market having the prestige for Christmas shows, is this season, as usual, the most attractive. The pre parations which were yesterday in progress for to-day's show—and the crowds of curious spectators, who found much to look at, though the displays were only half complete, combined to form a busy scene of bustle and activity, only witnessed on the approach of the truly English festival—Christmas. Though, by order of the Markets Committee, the tenants were forbidden to illu minate, as it was thought that the illuminations, by attracting crowds, obstructed the avenues of the mar ket, the press was last night not less great than on former occasions, nor had the market less the appearance of the approach of Christmas ; for on no other occasion would tradesmen have specuated on such stct•as of beef and game—at no other time would there have been seen such large quantities of holly and anlitietoe. This year the show is said to exceed considerably that of any former year, not in quantity only, but in quality also. The display of meat is particularly commendable, almost every butcher seeming to • have endeavoured to excel his neighbour. It would be a task of considerable difficulty to mention in merited terms all those who deserve praise ; but, as usual, we•subjoin the names of a few who seem to have the best shows, with out, however, guaranteeing that there is no omission. Mr. Lowthian (No. 11) has a very fine stock, among which will be found six prize West Highland bullocks, bred and fed by the Earl of Galloway; twenty prize sheep, bred and fed by Joseph Kilbey, Esq., Dunlain, County Wicklow ; ten prize sheep, bred and fed by W. Boogie, Esq., Fifeshire ' • one prize ox, bred and fed by Andrew Weight, Esq., Edinburgh ; one prize ox, bred and fed by the Earl of Galloway, and from which a baron of beef is to be cut for Mr. Morrish ; a Cape sheep alive; two calves, and two very fine pigs, Mr. Thomlinson (No. 16), who has always had the credit of having one of the best displays of meat, has this season maintained his character. He exhibits fine Galloway bullocks bred and fed by the Earl of Galloway, and ten bred and fed by Thomas Sprout, Esq., Kirkcud bright ; ten Irish bullocks bred and fed by Richard Bramerwall, Esq., Bloomsbury Wells, Ireland, and five by Lord Dunsany, Dunsany Castle, Ireland ; one heifer (to be cut as a baron for Mr. Ridley, Adelphi Hotel), bred and fed by Thomas Thomlinsou, Broad-green Farm, Childwall; thirty. Irish wethers, bred and fed by S. Winter, Esq., Summer Hill, county of Meath; twenty Irish wethers, bred and fed by Major Nugent, Rickard, Ireland; twenty-five Cheviot wethers, bred and fed by William Thomlinson, Barrockside, Cumber land ; three calves, three brown pigs, and one prime house lamb, bred and fed by Mr. Thomlinson, and six pigs fed by Mr. Thomas Radley, Adelphi Hotel. Mr. George Dean has a fine heifer, bred and fed by the Earl of Galloway, and a splendid bullock, bred and fed by Robert Rankin, Esq., Bromborough. Mr. :Anie' Tunna has a fine display of beeves, in cluding a short-horned heifer, bred and fed by Wm. Chorley, Esq., Belfast ; and another by Ardason Wright, Edinburgh. He has also 15 prime Irish wethers, fed by Lord Carew, county Wexford, and ten Scotch Cheviots. Mr. Woods (No. 6), shows among other prime beasts a fine heifer, bred and fed by Aungier, Esq., Ireland. Mr. Sockett (No. 7), has a Galloway bullock, bred and fed by James Stewart, Edinburgh, a Galloway heifer bred and fed by Patrick Gifford, Esq., Kirkcud bright. Mr. Allison (No. 1) has five large Irish heifers, from Joseph Kilby, Esq., Kildare. Mr. Robert Dentith's stock includes a bacon pig, bred by Alexander Lafone, Esq., Thingwall-ball, Cheshire, twelve months old, and weighing 21 score ; a prize heifer, bred and fed by Joseph Kilby, Esq., Kildare ; 22 sheep, bred and fed by the same gentleman, and one house-fed lamb. Mr. John Hughes. shows a Galloway Seot, bred and fed by the Earl of Galloway ; a house-fed lamb, •bred and fed by W. Winder, Esq., Kilderrig, County Wick low. His stall also contains a fine display of beef and Scotch mutton. Mr. Edward Preston's stock includes a bullock, bred and fed by David Tennant, Kirkcudbright, and a good display of mutton. Mrs. Croasdale has a fine display of beef, including four Scots, bred and fed by Mr. S. H. Stewart. She also displays a large number of South-down, blethers, a few Welsh pigs, and some prime veal. Mr. Charles Philips (No. 54) has two bullocks bred and fed by the Earl of Galloway; six bullocks, bred and fed by Mr. Tennant, Howwel, Kirkcudbright; four bul locks, bred and fed by Mr. Wm. M'Crombie, Aberdeen shire ; fifty sheep, a fine bacon pig, fed by Mr. Ashburne, of Netherton, and several calves. Mr. Farmer (No. 53) displays a good stock of beef and mutton, and Mr. Meadows (No. 52) has a fine beast at his stall. Among other stalls worthy of attention, may be mentioned those of Messrs. Thos. Laya, Woods, Pierce, Sampson, Locock, Knight, and Mrs. Woodward. Among the poulterers several have good displays, and this may be said of the stalls of Smith, Mann, Glenden ning, M'Avoy, M'Keown, and Griffin. The principal fruiterers have tastefully adorned their stalls : Messrs. Taylor, Ellis, Sullivan, Edwards, Riley, Smith, and Clarkson, bearing the palm among this class of tenants. To-day being " show-day" the market will no doubt have even a better appearance than yesterday, and it is probable that the visitors will be more numerous. ST. MARTIN'S MARKET. The butchers in this market attempt a Christmat ghnw. and though not numoroue, they exhibit a fine quality of meat. Messrs. Metcalf, Bradwood, Darling ton, George Campbell, F. Campbell, Thomas Fletcher, and William Lowcock compete for the palm, and their displays approach so nearly to each other that it would be difficult to say which excels. ST. JAMES'S MARKET. There is but little desire shown by the tenants in this market to give welcome to Christmas. They are perhaps reserving their display for Saturday, but up to yesterday, only for the large quantity of evergreens that abounded, there was no indication of the approaching festival. Amongst the pork butchers, may be classed as the first the establishment of Mr. Harding, of Byrom-street, whose stock is not only the most extensive but the most extraordinary, in many respects, ever seen in Liverpool. He has over 120 pip of all sizes, and of the most supe rior quality and finish, from a swine of four up to the enormous weight of forty score. One pig of twenty-six months old, bred by Mr. Harrison, of Devonshire-place, Everton, weighs forty-four score and ten pounds, being considered the largest animal of the sort ever seen in the market. He has also twenty-four others, bred by Mr. Speed, of Woolfal-hall, near Knowsley, of the finest finish, weighing 24 score each. The splendid prize pig, ' • Prince Albert," (first prize at the agricultu ral show), and "John Bull" (second prize) are also on show here. Altogether, we have never seen, and our readers will agree with us, such a magnificent display of pork of the rarest quality as that presented by Mr. Har ding this year: Thousands of persons visited the pre mises during the last two days, and were astonished at the extent, variety, and quality of the pork on show. The place is well worth a visit. In making allusion as we have done to the markets on both sides of the Mersey, it would be invidious to omit mention of some of the leading shops in different parts of the town. As has been his wont Mr. Nation, in Com mutation-row, has an extraordinary and tempting dis play of exceedingly fine beef and mutton from tie choice herds and flocks of the beat breeders and feeders in the kingdom. Concerning the stock of Mr. Burton, of Islington ; Mr. Hall's, Cooper's-row ; Mr. Brabin's,. Ranelagh-street ; and seVeral others in. Renshaw-street, Berry-street, and Edge-hill, similar remarks are equally applicable. In Great Homer-street, Mr_ Jones. shows some beautiful five year, old bullocks,. 44c1 Scotch end Cumberland sheep ! n , Adi 1,.. , 0 ! imp, I Inx # t BIRKENHEAD MARKET. y t Nowhere are more exertions made to welcome 'Old Father Christmas than among our friends across the water. Weeks before the expected visit the preparations commence ; and though they may be excelled in sub stantial matters, by attention to external appearances the Birkenhead people seem desirous of making ,their visitor believe that he is more welcome there than here. The desire of the tenants of the market to make a Christmas display is greatly encouraged by the Market Committee, who are at the expenseof extensive illuminations reaching across the broad central avenue, and adding greatly' to the gay appearance of the scene. Bat though they make what by some would be considered a Uselese display; the tenants do not entirely neglect substantial provision for the celebration of the approaching' festival, and this year they have the same credit, as the tenants of St. 'John's Market, of having excelled their efforts of previous years. The display this year among the butchers is said far to exceed any which has preceded it. Mr. Heathcock's stall has a good appearance. His stock includes a Devon -ex, fed bi the Fsrl of Leicester: four Hereford heifers, bred and fed by J. Naylor, Esq., Leighton-hall, Montgomeryshire ; eighteen South-down sheep and one calf. Mrs. Pover whose display is remarkably good, has upon her stall a prime Scotch bullock, bred and fed by R. Forgie, Esq., Launeeston-house, Edinburgh ; three Highland Scotch bullocks, bred and fed by Thomas Lacey, Home Farm, Wigton; a prime South-down sheep, bred and fed by Lord Walsingham, Merton-hall, Norfolk, and twelve Cheviot sheep. Mr. Fullard shows a superior buffalo ox which won the first prize at Peterborough ; two South-downs, bred by Lord Walsingham; three West Highland Scots ; twenty four-year-old South-downs, bred by Thomas Fullard, Thorny Abbey, Cambridgeshire ; ten Cheviot sheep ; three Berkshire pigs, bred by Mr. Fullard and fed by Mr. J. G. Southern. Birkenhead Market, a prime porKet, ccd by Mr. Fullard, and a calf fed by Mr. Jeffries of Thursta.ston. _ _ _ Mr. W. Hilton shows four Irish heifers, bred and fed by Mrs, Gerrad, Gibstown, county Meath ; and one heifer fed by Gerrad, Esq., county Meath ; ten Irish four-year-old wethers, bred and fed by Major-General Porter, county Meath, Ireland; and 15 Cheviot wethers, fed by Mrs. Gerr.ad, and five Irish four-year-old wethers, fed by John Dyas, Esq., county Meath. Michael Doyie's stock comprises five Irish heifers, bred and fed by Arthur Pollock, Eiq., Mountaintown, county Meath, Ireland; ten South-down four year old wethers, bred and fed by Hope Jones, Esq., of Hooton; and ten Cheviot wethers, bred and fed by the same gentleman. W. Knott shows E seven Hereford heifers, bred and fed by J. Naylor, of Leiclton-hall, Montgomeryshire ; 18 four-year-old Cheviot sheep, and one prize ox from R. Naylor, of Hooton. T. Heatheock shows three beasts and ten Cheviot sheep. Joseph Walters displayed three large beasts, twelve Cheviot sheep, fed by It. Rankin, Esq., Bromboro' Hall. H. Lloyd showed two Irish heifers and twelve Irish sheep, bred and fed by W. B. Barnham, Esq., Spital, and two porket pigs, fed by Mr. Gray, of Bromboro'. Thomas Thomas has upon his stall one large ox, three Hereford heifers, fifteen prime South-down sheep, and two pockets. The stocks of Frederick Vessey, Elizabeth Jones, John Edge, Michael Burns, James Edge, Joseph Blake, Robt. Greenwood, and John Kehoe, comprise several beasts of excellent quality. Among the pork butchers those deserving of mention are—John Matthews and Wm. Teece ; among the poul terers—C. Wynn, John Lloyd, Wm. Teece ; and among the fruiterers—George Sudlow, Joseph Smith, William Madden, Wm. Taylor, Ann Ward, and Ann 0' Maley. The first illumination over the centre avenue, on en tering at the east end, is a device "Welcome Merry Christmas ;" the second, a device emblematic of Faith, Hope, and Charity ; and the third, "V. A.," with a Crown in the centre. There is also an illuminated coronet, and "Victoria and Albert." Another, " Pros perity to the Town and Trade of Birkenhead ;" and the last, " Contentment is better than Riches." These were all lighted last night when the place was crowded. THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT. LIVERPOOL ARTISANS' VOLUNTEER ARTIL LERY CORPS A meeting of this corps took place at the Corn Ex • change, Brunswick-street, on Wednesday evening. A very large assembly of respectable mechanics had been drawn up in order for the purpose of having the oath of allegiance administered to them by W. Preeton, who presided on the occasion. The men, numbering about 150," were called forward by rotation, and the oath administered to them in a most impressive manner. This proceeding ocoupied a con sideiable time, after which the men were put through several evolutions by Sergeant-major W. 11. Touslcy, who finally formed them into a square. Mr. PRESTON then addressed the men in the following terms :—T can assure you it affords me the most extreme I gratification in attending here this evening, to swear in a portion of the corps of the Artisans' Artillery ; and I have experienced much pleasure in administering the oath of allegiance to upwards of 120 of such loyal, good subjects as I now see before me. (Loud cheers.) It was my happy province to hold the position of first magistrate of this town when the volunteer movement was inaugurated, and I have watched with the utmost interest its development down to the present time. I have with pleasure seen the upper classes form them selves into rifle corps for the protection of our country ; but I view with far greater delight the enrolment of the labouring classes in the good cause, because without their co-operation our defensive volunteer force can never assume the magnitude necessary. (Loud cheers.) It is evidently the interest of the working men as much as any other class (and perhaps more so) to preserve this country not only from invasion but from war panics, because they would evidently suffer from want of work to a much greater extent t'han their wealthier neigh bours. I think the mechanics are peculiarly adapted for artillerymen ; and the men I now see before me, most of them, I believe, engineers, are better fitted for artillery men than any other branch of artisans. It says very much for the artisans of Liverpool, or rather those of them here present, that they are the first of their class in the United Kingdom who have come forward to form a volunteer corps; and I think it says much for them that every man I have this night sworn in, with the extxption of one, has signed his allegiance paper iu a good handwriting. The nature of your occupation, your desire to make yourselves perfect in military exercises, and your enthusiasm, convince me that you will be one of the most faithful bodies of defenders of your country ; and, should the necessity arise for your being called out (which I trust may never occur) I am sure that, under the guidance of your future captain, Mr. Wieland, who has collected you together, you will prove yourselves worthy of the noble position you hold. You have just taken a most solemn oath, and I am con fident you will observe it with the strictest integrity. (Loud cheers.) At a former meeting, when seventy-one members were present, and before any were enrolled, you nominated Mr. John F. Wieland as the senior cap tain of the corps, iu command of No. 1 Company ; and you also nominated Mr. Henry Allen Wilson as a lieutenant. Since you are enrolled, and your corps numbering more than double the then members, I have to ask you whether you wish to confirm those two nom inations ? (Loud cries of " Yes.") Then, I may consider these gentlemen as your unanimous choice as officers ? (Cries of " Yes," and cheers), amidst which Mr. Preston resumed his seat. Mr. WIELAND then said,—lt . is a source of immense gratification to me to see so many of the men respond promptly to the call that was made upon them to attend here this evening. The notice of this meeting only having appeared once in the- paper, I fear a great many of your comrades did not see it, or we should have had a larger attendance. It is a matter of congratulation that we have obtained on this occasion the presence and services of a gentleman of the very hiehest position in the town. (Hear, hear.) I may tell you that, when Mr. Preston was asked to come and swear us in, he, without a moment's hesitation, undertook the task, which you have all seen is no sinecure. (Cheers.) The fact of you being acknowledged and countenanced by one who so lately held the office of chief magistrate with such honour to himself and credit to the town is a proof to you that the upper 'classes are willing and anxious to associate themselves with your proceedings; and it only remains for you to behave as you have done; and I am sure will, continue to' do, to gain universal respect. (Hear.) I wish to explain to you, Mr. Ohairman, that this corps • has been raised entirely, at the 'request and through the exertions of the men now before. yon.—(loud. cheers)---:the whole of whom are in the employ of vari ous firms - in -Liverpool; and that no member has been admitted unless introdticed by' other Members of the corps. • It is not, our 'intention, sir, to confine the operatias of this corps simply to its .military duties, but we hope in .courae of time to establish many works for nocW and Moral improvement. We hope to have a club=room open open to all ,the members, where they shall be able to see the periodicals of the: day, take their- cup of coffee, and be brought in' closer intercourse with their officers and. comrades. We hope, to be 'able to provide them rational- amusements in the shape of good lectures and concerts.; and we trust to accomplish other ends all tending to raise their, social ,positiOn, and to,obtaia for them the esteem 'of the ,public at large. The brat move in this direction, sir, has originated with the ( men l o n t 'themselves, and it is, that they should every Sunday • meet' togitlier and march, to church. (Hear, hear) isii& gested that they should do so when they obtained .their uniforms ; but they desire - to go in a body to church oa the earliest possible occasion, and I have therefoTe made arrangements for next Sunday, when the Rev. Mr. Thomas has doiffa k 2s i a n ui. dl t6y y di. p ,A r an o arr mis d a ed nzoin to ung d gi feo v rtr e tifku th etu e: ep e s v ayan ery a_. accommodation in St. James's Church, and I d.ays. I ma mention, sir, also, that thesis men each pay ;officers' annual subscriptions,. will make anticipate to a neenttreaar.wo with h leey tl . l }weriptien e, L.. per month. We expect that tide, this a self-supporting and independent corps, after the' first outlay for uniforms, &c. We do not ask 'from the town fund the, whole cost of the 'uniforms and store houses, although we consider there it no class of the community so entitled to that fund as the artisans, who are willing to devote their little spare tine to drilling after a hard day's labour, but who could not be expected to make further sacrifices. We intend, therefore, to go to the large employers of:thesn men for contributions ; the men themselves' will also obtain subscriptions from their own private friends ; and then, with a subSidy from ,the town' fund (and we feel that the committee will consider our claim most liberally) we shall cer tainly be able to clothe our men with a good uniform that shall last for years. We trust, with assi duous attention to our military dittiee,. e:riibiecel with our strong bone and muscle, and our de Are 4 emulation, to become one of the most useful corps is Li verpool. I have very great pleasure, men, before I eueatide, to pro pose for nomination to the command of No. t Company a gentleman who has been before you on a former occa sion, and who is now amongst us, namely, Mr. Henry Holdrege Grayson, of file firm of Messrs. Humble, Gray son, and Co. (Cheers.) He does not come amongst us as a novice, for he has been attached to the Ist Lancaster Volunteer Rifles, under the command of Capt. Bousfteld. He had determined, however, and I think very wisely, to come in with us . (Ch eers. ) l am qu i te con fid ent he will prove to you a good, considerate, and excellent officer. (Hear, hear.) It affords me great satisfaction to tell you that I have secured the gratuitous services of a most excellent sergeant-major, who has served many years as sergeant in the Royal Artillery. He is a man well known and highly respected by the working classes in this town. I need only mention the name of Mr. Teasley, who has put you through your drill to-night, to obtain your strongest approval of this appointment. Mr. Preston desires me to inform you that it is his inten tion to give two silver cups, next year, as prizes to he competed for by the Rifles and Artillery in Liverpool ; - and he has kindly expressed a hope that this corps will carry off the one offered to the Artillery. (Loud cheers.) Sergeant-Major W. H. Teasley begged to second the proposal for the nomination of Mr. Henry H Grayson, which, being put to the members by the chairman, was carried with acclamation. Mr. Hurray H. GRAYSON said—ln returning thanks for nominating me to the command of No. 2 Company, whilst fully appreciating the honour of a military com mand, I still more dearly prize being placed as one of the heads of a great moral institution, which, I am sure, this will in the course of time prove itself to be. It will afford me the deepest gratification at any and all times not only to command you, hut to be amongst you, looking after your interest and your im provement. • Mr. Wieland has alluded to my experience in military matters, hut I do not arrogate to myself any such very great experience— in artillery especially. I candidly tell you I know nothing, but shall be happy and proud to learn the drill in your tanks, shoulder to shoulder with my men. (Cheers.) Mr. Wieland has talked about the Liverpool public giving you a concert, but I think that the tables will be turned, and that we shall give the people of Liverpool a concert; for we have amongst our ranks some excellent musicians, both vocal and instrumental. I think that all the beneficent objects which have been spoken about this evening will he carried out, and I can assure you that my utmost endeavours shall be brought to bear to accomplish the fulfilment of them. (Loud cheers.) Before sitting down, I beg to call upon you not to pass a cold and formal vote of thanks to the chairman for his kindness in presiding this evening, but to accord your thanks to Mr. Preston, I may say our friend Mr. Preston (hear, hear), by three good hearty English cheers. Three lusty cheers were then given for Mr. Preston, who said: "This being a meeting for your enrolment, by taking the oath of allegiance, it cannot, I think, be better closed than by giving three loyal cheers for our gracious Sovereign her Majesty the Queen. Tlrec , times three were then given for the Queen, and, with three cheers for their officers, the meeting separated. CORRESPONDENCE. [We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our correspondents.] THE GREAT BRITAIN SPOKEN. TO THE EDITOR OP THE NORTHERN DAILY TIMES. SlR,—Please to report the Great Britain (s.s.). from Liverpool to Melbourne, spoken 13th December last,. lat. 48, lon. 11, as appears in Lloyd's List of yesterday ; and again spoken, all well, 14th December, lat 45.30, lon. 12.16, by the Gipsey, arrived at Queenstown from Sulina, as per telegraph to the Underwriters' BOOMS to-day. The report in the Shipping Gazette of yester terday, that the Great Britain was spoken 18th Decem ber, 40 miles S.S.W. of the Lizard, is an error, and is corrected in a telegram received this afternoon from Lloyd's, London, by the secretary of the Underwriters' Association, in reply to a telegraphic inquiry respect ing said report.—We are, sir,_yonr, obedient servants, GIBBS, BRIGHT AND CO. Liverpool, 22nd December, 1859, WOODSIDE FERRY. TO THU nyarron OF THE NORTHERN DAILY MIRE SID,—It is to me somewhat strange . that parties in terested have been so quiet after the insult offered to them by the manager on Friday last. I was fortunate enough to cross by the " last" boat. A lot of men —who, I fancy, had been working at the docks—cold and very likely penniless, were waiting on the other side to return, as well as a usual supply of passengers. The unmanly bearing of the manager, as he gave his ord ers and passed these poor fellows by, was something very unbecoming the character of an Englishman. The fog was not so dense as it had been during the day ; the passengers were fewer in number, and there was no extra obstacle in the way ; and in an hour or two, as stated by a writer in to-day's Courier, it was much clearer. The annoyances and anxiety caused have been previously stated, and can be well imagined. I have often crossed in worse fogs, and some fifteen years ago I did so for three consecutive days and nights, but we had an experienced captain—as ardent and cool a fellow as ever commanded a ferry-boat. There is now bad ma nagement, and too many changes ; and if the manager fancies he can hold his position by a species of "ffun keyism" to a few men in office, and by an open dis regard of the convenience and welfare of the public, I think he will eventually find out his mi s t a k e . If the Ferry Committee accept office, they she* do their duty, which does not consist in a certain number of speeches made at their meetings, but in studying and looking after the working of the ferry, and the welfare of the contractors and passengers. This they had better do at once, or resign their posts. .The public look to them, and not to their paid manager, for order and regularity ; and unless they are Willing to be looked upon as an impotent body, they will see to their own duty, by taking care that those whom they appoint carry out strictly their instructions.—Yours respectfully, . " AN OLD CONTRACTOR.' 214 December, 1859. • -.-'-- TO 'TITS EDITOR OF TIER NOMIIIIRN DAILT TOrilli. . been loud . . , sill, -As the local press has been ideondeniniiig the slaineful miamaaagenien.t of the o ffi cials, Messrs. Reed and Sanderson, on Friday last, at Woodside-ferry, I shill abstain from further anitnadiersion, and confine myself to pointing out a remedy for - the future. ' ' . Woodside-ferry. being :now• the main resort' orthe whole Cheshire population on the occasion of stormy or foggy weather, it beComet a matter of grave import ance ho* . the COmfort and presezi: . ..:.l,,ii of life' to so many human beings can be e ff ected witiolit ;Materially interfering with the interests of that etnimeice by Which we all live., . It is intended also to lay. down the telegraph cable in anchor their ships in the track 'of the WOOdside atearnera-a matter of great i f n ew ter s es h t iiso to wn th e e rs nie b i:a n ntil all e c o o w m ed mun to ity. ' /fow•theit two being being greater than that of a .the track, the latter should give way. With the , vie* of carry ing this out in the inoit oleo . tive manner, I would mo or a light-ship in mid-0104 bet Ween Woodside slip and .the Smith , landintritsr hoisting a single bright light; lid . keepplig a bind sound ing b , 41 constantly going by machinery in foggy Weather, i n az ig d h i t n and ots day e; mi l d 7o a ul i d oa r bel e igottd7'tolithtdutipg°' f he g ogg iltl ; weather, giving tiii,,foirthe.' tim e , •risking the half-hour bells during the fog. 'With these appliances the Woodside ferryas; n e ed never stop. for fog; , - before the boats were out of sight and hearing of one, they ' would be in sight and hearing of the other. I would giTe strict orders that no vessels ShoUld (some to anchor within five him droa yard4 - north'or South, of thy" lightiship, or 'between it and the shore; for the double purpose of protecting both passengers 'kid cable. At first. sight it may appear that I am causing an'obitractioi with the light shi but the sane' argument Might be need against a policeman patrolling 'the streets. And with regard to the expense, as commerce benefits by the cable and the ferry by the increase of traffic, I would share it between the Mersey Dock Board and the Ferry Commissioners. —I am, sir, yours &c., ' • WIRISALL. ' i 4 . . Mr. Benson has consented to come forward. as the Conservative candidate for Reading~ and there will no w be a contort. Tho Admiralty are engaging ships to carry large quantities of military stores, and the India Of is just now rather an extensive employer of *,hipping. On Monday, a Freuen war-s;, o.m.'n• o f 450 horse : power, the Dugneselin, while trying 1 1 ,-r enginc 2 Piatt, ran on a reef, *ati rink Ir. deep water in :1 fe',4 minutes