The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-02-22 00:00:00

PHILHARMONIC HALL. LAST NINE NIGHTS OF T HOMAS'S UNRIVALLED BAND. The PHILHARMONIC-HALL combines, with magnitude and grandeur, the comfort and warmth of a Drawing:room, se that the most delicate may sit and pleasantly enjoy these Concerts, as if by their own Fireside. First Night, THURSDAY next, the 24th instant, MR. LAZ-IRUS'S BENEFIT. (See particulars in another Advertisement.) PHILHARMONIC HALL. TO-MORROW EVENING, the 23d Instant, THE FIRST GRAND SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT OF THE PHILHARMONIC soC;iii,ry THIS SEASON. Galleries open to the Public (UNDRESS)—Front Seats, 55.; Tickets may be had in thß ack, 2s. 6d. e Hall on the Evening of performance. (see particulars in another eldvertisemCnt.) POSITIVELY THE LAST NINE NIGHTS OF THE SPLENDID SHILLING CONCERTS BY THOMAS'S ADMIRABLE BAND, AT THE PHILHARMONIC HALL, Which combines with MAGNITUDE and GRANDEUR the COMFORTS and WARMTH of a DRAWING-ROOM, so that the most delicate may sit and pleasantly enjoy these CON CERTS as if by their own FIRESIDE. Commencing THURSDAY NEXT, the 24th instant. FIRST NIGHT. MR. LAZARUS'S BENEFIT. (See another Advertisement.) TO CORRESPONDENTS. t, We shall be happy, at all times, to receive communications on subjects of local or general interest ; and if our tr,ends will be good enough to authenticate the same by their signa tures, for our own satisfaction, we shall feel obliged. tiberpool #tanbarb, TUESDAY MORNING, FEB. 22, 1853. LAW REFORM. AMONG the subjects not immediately involving political party distinctions which have lately taken hold of the popular mind, that of Reform of the Law and the Procedure in Courts of Equity and Justice occupies perhaps the most prominent posi tion. It is not long since the greatest difficulty was experienced in effecting any alteration in a sys tem to which antiquity had given dignity; but now the only fear appears to be that the strong desire for alteration should lead to the abo.ition of those safeguards which experience had imposed against Precipitation in judicial proceedings. From the extreme of doing nothing, the tendency is now in the opposite direction—to do what may prove to be too much, and a greater degree df caution is there fore the more necessary. The late Lord Chancellor, Lord ST. LEONARD'S, better known as Sir EDWARD SUGDEII, succeeded, during the last session of Par liament, in effecting an immense amount of good in 'Chancery proceedings, by the bills which were then Passed into law, abolishing the Masters in Chan cery, and making other alterations to diminish ex pense and avoid delay; and 'his absence from office by the change of Ministry has not lessened his exertions in the same direction, for, on the first day after the recess, he introduced several Bills relating to proceedings in Bankruptcy, Lunacy, Suitors in Chancery, and a Digest of the Criminal Law. The tew Lord Chancellor, LOTdCRANWORTH, has also taken up the question, and, on Monday, last week, entered into an elaborate statement, showing, not Only what he proposed to do, but what he proposed not to do. He alluded to the proposal which had been made to assimilate the practice of the Higher Courts of Law to that of the County Courts, by dispensing in some cases with the assistance of juries, and leaving the decision to the judge who tried the case. He said he had not conclusively made up his mind on the -subject, as he thought it ' dangerous to withdraw from those who exercised a variety of local jurisdictions the duty of assisting in the administration of justice. Those who, like him self, had attended in assize towns, had often ob served that, at the end of the assizes, those who had been summoned as jurors quitted the assize-hall a much more intelligent set of men than they entered it. He should, therefore, hesitate in withdrawing from them those advantages by dispensing with their services. He should also not propose any 'further changes in Chancery proceedings until more experience had been afforded of the beneficial operation of the system lately introduced. He then touched upon the Law of 'Divorce, and said he should wait for the Report of the Commission which 'is now inquiring into the subject before proposing any measure upon it. Having thus stated what he did not intend to do, he proceeded to comment upon :the difficulties which attended the transfer of real Property, and showed the inutility of the sug gested registry of title deeds as ineffectual to prove a good title, or lessen the expense of conveyance, Where doubts existed. He, however, introduced a Bill by which titles of future purchases of land would be registered, leaving existing doubts still _ u ndecided, and affecting only subsequent changes i n ownership. It is to be a register of titles, with all present faults, but proposing to remove any 'futur e difficulties, with this proviso, how ever* that settlements may be made with out registry, leaving the parties interested to see k t remedy at law. The bill was opposed b} Lord ST. LEONARD'S, who said it would prove quite inoperative for the object desired, and in crease instead of diminish the expense of convey ance..rlt was, h owever , rea d a fi rs t t i me . Th e D CuAlacELLon also promised to introduce a bill for the better regulation of charities, similar to one introduced in a former Session, with some mo dification, rendered necessary by the subsequent abolition of the Masters in Chancery. He next touched upon the necessity of some steps being taken to simplify the statute law, by classifying and rendering more intelligible the number of laws upon the statute book. As an illustration of the difficulty of such a step, and consequently of its great advantage, he stated that from the first year of EDWARD 111. to the end of the reign of Queen ANN K, there were 3,236 statutes passed ; from the end of queen ANNE to the Union with Ireland, there were 5 4 52 P assed ; and fr o m the 41 st of GEORGE 111. to turis close o f 1844, t h ere were a b ou t 5,200 more s t a- 1 • Passed, making a total of 14,405, exclusive of tho , and scotch statutes. Making allowance for temporary, and private acts, the num ber w ou l d he n be r e d uced to about one-fifth, an d these r rop osed to deal with by calling some of the most experie nced men to his aid, and drawing out a com plete di ee g of the l aw as it a ppli e d t o ever y sever a l de partment, as, upon the result of their labours, to found a Simple and intelligible code of laws, which, as th e the Code VICTORIA, should immortalise name of our pre sen t Sovereign. To this d u ty he promised to apply himself with all diligence, in the confidente hope th a t sooner or later such a de sirabl ST T consummation would be arrived at. Lord on this point,remarked that no man Was competent to perform such a task ; for even a digest of the criminal law, notwithstanding that 110,130 0 had already been expended in the attempt, had not yet been satisfactorily accomplished ; and he thought i t desirable to wait to see how that wo r k ed before they proceeded further. Lord "PBELL, on the other hand, approved of the p r oposition of the LORD CHANCELLOR, and could It see any objectio n t o t h e tas k b e i ng un d er t a k en . " will thus be seen that in dealing with this im portant subject o f L aw R e f orm, the progress made by the present LORD CHANCELLOR is confined to the simple question of the registration of title deeds, the advantage of which is extremely doubtful ; Whereas every other point which has been mooted is left to mere promises, —a commodity in which the party now in office have so largely dealt, that their valuei s of the most infi n it es i ma l character. t one °Mock ? th John-sY. ee " uc h conchuot ti prev i o usly di" tnd being 1 12 t -S ea combe, 1 1 . by a street !! the east bY tv: L ad now or fe . e , uth by an9 t !;,l an d contaitar c . r thereabout°, dies, or there; a on the nor t ' side in an irr l e ; ;ether with I, COTTAGf;'' ipation of tije occupation ° E, in the occo the occuPatil upation of Og' i° in a yard 1 Eiarriwn, 0 DY D, SOliei l l ;, ACCOUntill One John-std be then P r e t vateContrs )eing on t 4 P t e of Tatlo c ri: t to Vaux l4 , , i running„:e n Jones, 6 ', 5 inches, tt sage 3 feet„ a Footfal l Dining at t o 4 ing to Rici).4 Tatiock.strr, feet 6 joctiv , of tare ya ms, !SURGES "it on the e 0 Premises aR )11man, )YD, Solicitl n ntant, 5, v It One hJohn-stie d will be tile the MP, INGS there o W av ertrv , i e, by a rece ll e , ies. or thf r 4 occupatio o as Tenor' Ivantageo e l, r n r I n v n II Estate, - the east ti 3 Garston I'S affords bell River MerE , ee-and-a-111' YD, Solidi° ~ THOMAS instruct iOO t, the 2 4 t h recisely 03 ",1 the Whole CURE, rill ngs, si%tee o ling Orgqo skell,) De t er Birds, lino :align Ur n Id SITTIS ° ' s Malwagn l in i! t° ' t Secretairei ions, in g s „ and!! o9r liffonniet er s, Pole mask , s Es, atneo et s, Hear,' it-cost 1 1 e 6 : indow Cur, tead, neabr es to ma , ' tied Feat ;ts Draw.erSi losed 1' 41) in A , la r b a o i g n n : (fl y, s, vene, iny, S VOISI 11, 2 vol 8:. h's n'E ant's 13 , • . rn°3 ,s 3ully ° wer, ben d a , Table, on tal Dresser' rd instin t ; t the Ow c • (W EDO.; e at ment t (if -, , y of Go' o zes, Claics' ogues 101 FLoO S, ft Twels l freer, Spring' m Horse s ' t from tl' e 5eS, MAO' CESS, ad ;ale nt tbi s ['HIS DA", POOL of 112; ;eg to (We- and SenO f spital. POOL ar INIF 1 ';1 d the kW., rd on 01 , is honOil l is rt to mere it valuta DAVIf,'• RrOOD of c ifice ) yal In If for O r t d snrPc t , I be WO t ir n ports'! perbar; been P r ,r ics of 01 t , LISO.N, tPOO l ' catlVß ss I wit- rb l io en , P I S); leulat;ce lie co' y rt to Iselesse, my %NE r effde ter • a itiicta r, NNES• IpOOY vacet riCY aff ; 8P 134 ,- . 61 4 tins -;„c , UV; her ?-„ n atio lv w a y cc P rc ot) yOl t, s . my— !ri e $0" THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, TUESDAY, ROM ISH PERSECUTION. THE case of the persecution of the MADIAT by the GRAND DUKE of TUSCANY, for the simple offence of reading the Holy Bible—an offence of the deepest dye in the eyes of the Romish Priest hood, because it exposes the falsehood and blas phemy of their atrocious doctrines—was brought before the House of Commons on Thursday, on a motion by Mr. KINNAIRD, for an address to Her MAJESTY, to take steps for bringing under the notice of the GRAND DUKE OF TUSCANY the strong feelings prevailing in England in conse quence of the persecution in Tuscany of those who profess principles held by Her MAJESTY, in com mon with the majority of her subjects. The mo tion was opposed, we might say, as a matter of course, by the renegade Quaker and friend of Mr. BRIGHT, who glories in his perversion to Romish superstition, and his advocacy of Romish perse cution. He attempted to justify the slow torture of the MADIAI, by alluding to the expulsion of the Jesuits from Switzerland, and taunted Lord PAL MERSTON for not having remonstrated with the EMPEROR of Russia for the persecution of Nuns at Minsk. It was a mere ebullition of recrimination, without one point which could justify or palliate the act which is now complained of. The motion was ultimately withdrawn at the request of Lord JOHN RUSSELL, who recommended the House to leave the case in the hands of the Government. He stated that the British Minister in Tuscany had been instructed to use all the influence which he could, in the name of this country, to procure a remission of the sentence ; and a copy of the despatch to Sir HENRY BULWER has been published, in which the FOREIGN SE CRETARY argues upon the injustice and cruelty of the sentence, and instructs him to speak in the most serious - tone to the Tuscan Minister of Foreign Affairs, and to lay before him all the con siderations stated in the despatch, but at the same time to do it in the most friendly tone. We have on a previous occasion expressed as strongly as possible our utter abhorrence of the deed for which the Grand Duke of TUSCANY, as the despicable tool of intolerant and sanguinary Rome, has ac quired an infamous notoriety; at the same time we question the right of the British Government or the British people to do more than has been done, viz., to assume a tone of remonstrance, or pass a resolution of indignant protest against such an assumption of bigotted tyranny. Strictly speaking, it is no affair of ours, but purely one for the people of Tuscany and their spiritual masters at Rome. It should, however, open our eyes to the malignity of the venemous reptile which we are cherishing within our own bosoms, and incite us to renewed activity in defence of that purer faith which our fathers won for us at the Reformation, and which is now assailed by the insidious arts of Jesuits in pri vate life, and the open assaults of such unscrupu lous fanatics as Mr. LUCAS in the British Legisla ture, and Romish Prelates on the hustings in Ireland. THE REY. DR. M'NEILE AND THE RAGGED SCHOOLS. THE great meeting which was held last week for the promotion of the Liverpool Industrial Ragged Schools excited a very considerable share of public attention; and the enthusiasm which was displayed evinced the general feeling in favour of this means of converting the outcast children from our streets into respectable members of society. Among the several speakers on fie occasion was the Rev. Dr. M'NEILE ; and he very properly and forcible alluded to the influence exercised by Romish Priests in preventing parents under their control from sending their childrel to these schools, and even compelling them to withdraw their children, under the blasphemous pretence that their souls were more in danger than vhen they were learning crime in the streets. These remarks have led to an attack on the reverend gentleman by one or two of our con temporaries, who, trueto the instincts of their party, profess great consideration . and toleration for the ever intolerant and persecuting Romanist section. It may be, and no doubt is true, that much diffi culty is experienced though the opposition of cri minal parents, who, endeavour, by systematically corrupting theieunhappy offspring, to obtain means for the indulgence of their own evil propensities; and for this horrible state of things some legislative enactment may le necessary ; but it is equally true that, as Romish superstition is only maintained by ignorance, the ?riests of Rome exercise a despotic • authority, where they can, in perpetuating it. It is no question o: religious toleration, but one abso lutely affecting the real liberty of those who are, unfortunately subject to such spiritual despotism. It has been, and is, the great curse of Ireland, that her unhappy )eople have been subject to this grind ing sacerdotal opprecoion and ovary attempt to relieve them rom it has been met with this sense less and mucn-abused cry of religious liberty. Dr. M'\EILE stoke no more than the truth when he alluded to tlis obstacle to the successful operations of the Liverpool Ragged Schools; and the abuse which it lus called forth, shows clearly that the leaning of Radicalism is towards Rome, notwith standing its pretended zeal for the interests of the Protestant faith. Toleration to Rome has operated as an encotragement to encroachment. Impunity has given confidence to priestly ruffianism, as was shown in Southwark, a short time since, where a woman wts flogged by a Romish Priest for having had her chid baptised; and unless some steps, are taken to interpose more effectual restraints than have lately been the case, it may be a question for serious consideration, whether we should not do well to resort to the ancient interdict against any Romish Priest practising as such within these realms. The greatest evil we have to endure is that wart of moral courage which prevents a man from bodly denouncing the mischief, through some false deicacy about toleration. The duty, however, is plainly before us ; and without the slightest regard for the mock sentimentality of Radical pro fessors of religious liberty, we do but assert, what every rue Protestant believes, that Rome is anti- Christ, and that consequently Romanists have no real claim to the title of Christian. Toleration, therefore, in this direction is but an abuse of the term ;and the conversion of their poor dupes should form as much an object of Christian zeal, as sending missionaries to the Heathen. SECOND EDITION. Standard-office, Two o'clock, p.m. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] TUESDAY AFTERNOON. PARIS, MONDAY.—There was little business done at the Bourse. Three per Cents opened at 81, but on the report that the Austrians had entered Ticina, they fell to 80.60. Four-and-Halves closed 105.90. A somewhat active business in Railway Shares; for investment, not a shade of improvement. AUSTRIA, VIENNA, Feb. 20th.—The Emperor of Aus tria was going on well. SWITZERLAND, Feb. 19th.—The Austrian government has ordered all natives of Ticiano, resident in Lombardy, to quit the kingdom. The workmen in twenty-four hours, landed proprietors and others within three days. About 5,000 Ticinese would suffer by this measure. The frontier of Griscns is re-opened. The St. Gothard pass remains closed. MILAN, Feb. 17th.—General Gyulai gave a Milanese deputation. Little hope of any relaxation of the Govern ment severity. The Municipal Treasury had paid a forced contribution of 40,000 florins, and was to pay 30,000 florins, every Wednesday, until further orders. Fresh troops arrived every day; and the gates still re mained closed. MONTENEGRO. — Hostilities have re-commenced. Onicr Pacha is advancing upon Koholi. LONDON.—The Times says the present series of Wool sales are progressing satisfactorily, and the advance is rose to Id. to 113. per lb. as compared with prices at last sales. LONDON STOCK AND SEIARE MARKET. THIS DAY, ONE O'CLOCK. Consols for Account, 921; ditto Money, 994 4 ; Bank Stock, 227 ; Exchequer Bills. L. and S., 10.20; Three and-a-quarter per Cents., 1034 4. LEEDS STOCK EXCHANGE.—This DAY. NOON QUOTATIONS. Great Northern pref., a pm. ; Lancashire and York shire, 77i; Leeds Northern, 151; Midland, 78 ; North. Westerns, 8 3-16 ; Lewis Hall Range, 4. LIVERPOOL CORN MARKET.—THis DAY. The English markets at the close of the past week were in general vi ell supported, deliveries from the growers being uniformly on a reduced scale, and this feature will probably continue for some time, as agricultural work must shortly engage almost exclusive attention. The severe frost of the last two weeks, though much later than usual, has yet been in seasonable time to mellow the soil for the reception of spring crops,; taking the country geherally. a tolerable 'breadth of Wheat land has been planted since the turn of the year, but the intervention of frost stopped this culture; and, as it is seldom ventured on to any great extent so late as March, we may consider the main portion of the Wheat crop of 1853 to be now in the ground, but under an extent of surface greatly defi cient from that usually cultivated; and in Ireland this disproportion is stated to be even larger. 'Whatever results may be hereafter worked through the important fact above mentioned, the present aspect of our grain trade appears to be alone affected by more immediate in fluences, and the presence or early prospect of a supply in excess of the weekly. demand, seems to govern more directly the course of prices in a market divested, in a great degree, for the time, of all speculative movement. The imports into the kingdom, during some weeks, partly through contrary winds, have been of very limited amount; but a large number of vessels, chiefly with Wheat through the Mediterranean, are close at hand, for which it is pro bable a good demand will be experienced, on arrival, from English and Irish millers, both having kept themselves, of late, much in reserve, even upon reducing stocks. The operations her, since last market day, have been small in the extreme, and values generally have been only about maintained. The market this morning was dull fcr both Wheat and Flour, and prices were lower than on last market day. Other articles hung fire. THE PEACE-MONGERS. Iv is a gratifying sign of an improvement in the tone of public opinion, that the absurd dogmas of Messrs. COBDEN and Buicirr, about international arbitration, and their ravings about the blessings of universal peace, are received with the contempt they merit, by all but their poor dupes at Man chester. There was a time, and not long since, when these men were hailed with enthusiasm as - the champions of commercial freedom. The vapid declamation of Mr. CosuEr,—in which the con fidence he had acquired on "the road" as a com mercial traveller, compensated for his ignorance,— was dignified as " unadorned eloquence," and he realised the story of the ambitious frog in the fable. It was, perhaps, the most melancholy feature in recent political agitation, that a man of such poor pretensions and shallow conceits should have been elevated into the position of a popular idol. Justice and common sense have now, however, been amply avenged. Believing himself to be wise, he became a fool, and he is at present a laughing-stock for all parties, and the theme of-sorry jests even for those political organs which formerly were the most forward in his praise. In the 'Free-trade com memoration at Manchester, which preceded the opening of the present Parliament, he talked in loud-sounding phrases of what he should do, as though he were perpetual dictator, but his peace agitation folly has shut up his mouth, and, for tunately for the character of the 'British Senate, his struggles to keep himself from falling back into his native obscurity have been confined to his correspondence about his absurd wager. This wholesome change in the direction of public opinion is so far gratifying, that there is now some chance of the National Defences being placed in a proper state of efficiency, without being met by the insane proposition which was the favourite theme of the Financial Reformers—that the -votes for the Army, Navy, and Ordnance should be reduced to the limit•of 1835, when our ships were•dismantled, every regiment deficient of its complement, and our dockyards cleared of stores in order -to make up a deficient revenue. There may, or may not be, grounds for apprehension as to the safety of the country, arising out of the immense military resources of the French EMPEROR, the uncertainty of his position, and the known predilections of the French people for military conquest, especially against their ancient foes, the English, upon whom they have many recollections of humiliating defeats to efface. In either case, however, we owe a duty to ourselves to provide against such a fearful con tingency, as far as practicable, and none ought to presume to doubt the axiom which all experience confirms, that the surest guarantee for the pre servation of peace is to ise fully prepared to resist any unprovoked aggression.. The present Administration, fortunately for the country, seem animated by the same spirit which characterised their predecessors, although the additional expenditure at present required is not to an extent to alarm the economisers. The number of men voted before Christmas is to be adhered to, and the increase in the supplies voted on Friday is only £399,905 over those of last year, so that we may reasonably anticipate the British Navy will be placed on a footing to enable us to preserve that dominion over the seas which was never, perhaps, more necessary than at the present moment, when it forms the highway for so many of our fellow countrymen to and from our gold producing colonies in Australia. The navy is essentially the most popular and important branch of our defen sive service, for so long as we maintain our maritime supremacy, we have little to apprehend from the military preparations of the Continental nations. We could have wished to see the administration of it in better and more faithful hands than those of Sir JAMES GRAHAM; but even in such hands it will tend, in a great measure, to uphold public confidence to know that the peace preachings of the COBDEN party are treated with utter contempt, and that all parties, with this solitary exception, are agreed as to the necessity of rendering the British Navy, in men and metal, fully competent to cope with all that may be brought against it. [ADVERTISEMENT.] ALLEGED FRAUDS ON THE CUSTOMS. When we inform the public that the first intimation which we had of the intention of the customs authorities to take any proceedings against us for alleged frauds on the revenue was our being taken into custody late on Sa turday last (notwithstanding we were at our place of bu siness all the day), and that we were kept in custody until nearly five o'clock on Monday afternoon, and no one per mitted to have access to us without a justice's order until the case was brought before the magistrates on Monday afternoon, and that our counsel could not obtain a post ponement of the hearing beyond twelve o'clock on the following day, we hope the p ublic will feel it an ac t o f jus tice to us to suspend their judgment until an investiga tion has taken place before a jury. FLETCHER AND FIRTH. 4, Temple-court, Feb, 16, 18.53. THE DEFENCE OF LIVERPOOL Faora the subjoined report of what took place in the House of Commons on Friday last, it will be seen that some steps have been taken to provide for the defence of Liverpool. A war steamer, it appears, is under orders for this port, and a promise is made of further measures for defence being taken in the course of the summer, if they should be thought to be necessary : " Sir J. WALMSLEY asked whether it was the intention of the government to take any means for placing the port of Liverpool in a better state of defence ? He need scarcely say that there was at ati times a large amount o property in that port, which was almost entirely unpro tected, with the exception of the difficulties arising from the navigation of the Mersey, and a small fort, which he believed was of very little use. " Sir J. GRAHAM said the necessity of precautions for the defence of Liverpool had not been altogether over looked by the government, for at this moment a war steamer was under orders for that port, and measures would be taken, if they should be found necessary, in the course of the summer, to provide further for its defence." THE ROSCOE FESTIVAL. IN doing homage to the memory of William Roscoe, Liverpool will do herself justice—and nothing more. According to Lord Brougham, the accomplished historian and Bard of the Mersey was, "in some respects, one of the most remarkable persons that have appeared in the literary world." He certainly stands at the head of our local men of letters ; albeit this commercial soil has pro. duced a goodly array of noble intellects, who,—by devo tion to literature, science, or art,—have moulded the national taste and elevated the mind of the country. We hear much now-a-day of the increasing taste for literature, diffused among the people by the numerous agencies which have been inaugurated in the present age. The proposed celebration of the Roscoe centenary must illustrate the pleasing change. It will form a gratifying spectacle to England, for it will attest the power of genius even over a vast community whose members dedicate their busy lives to the pursuit of commerce. And it will be a pleasing chapter in the annals of our own good town, precious to every native-heart which values its reputation, or desires to see its intellectual keep pace with its sur prising material progress. ' We have pleasure in learning that the arrangements are progressing to maturity in such a way as must ensure hopefulness with respect to the resuit. The labours of the managing committee, entrusted with carrying out the details of the arrangements, have been very great, and the list of the guests invited to attend includes the names of nearly the whole of the eminent literary and sci entific men of the day. The public breakfast hour is fixed for ten o'clock, in the Philharmonic-hall, the hour having been made earlier in order to secure the presidency .of his worship the Mayor. The breakfast will scarcely be concluded before one, when it is the intention to proceed to the formal opening by the Mayor of the Derby Museum. A private meeting of the Literary and Philosophical Society will then take place at the Museum. The Earl of Sefton, lord-lieutenant of the county, has consented to preside. The Philharmonic-hall has been secured for the dejetiner, and the committee have arranged that those who do not join in the participation of " creature cornferts " may have an opportunity of listening to the speeches, and being spectators, from the boxes and'gallery. The committee have entrusted to the care of our talented townsman, Mr. Mayer, of Lord-street, the design for the admission tickets—which it is intended should be worthy of the town, and be retained as memorials in the posses sion of the parties present. His worship the Mayor, who, with his usual public spirit, has taken the subject up very warmly, not only intends to take a prominent part in the day's proceedings, but to close up the day's festival with a soiree at the Town-hall, on a scale of great magnificence. The committee of the Royal Institution have arranged to open their collection to the public on that day. Mr. Jas. Boardman, in a letter to the trustees, governors, or com mittee of the free schools, suggests that the Bth of March be declared a holiday, and that each child have presented to it a copy of suitable verses from the pen of Roscoe. In the course of the day, the following interesting docu ments will be exhibited by Mr. MAYER from his library : The original M.S. of the " Life of Pope," by Roscoe, and the printed copy, illustrated by more than eighteen hun dred portraits and autographs ; the correspondence which passed between Roscoe, Currie, Gilbert Burns, (the poet's brother,) Thompson, M'Crerie, Cormick, and others relat ing to the works of Robert Burns, consisting o f several hundred original letters, which form part of the illustrated volumes comprising the life and works of the peasant bard. ISABELLA TAYLOR, aged thirty years, the wife of a stone-mason, residing at Ambleside, was charged at the Lancaster Assizes, on Saturday , w ith attempting to murder her daughter, a little girl, three years of age, but was acquitted on the ground of insanity. It a ppeared that the insanity was:consequent upon the poor woman's confinement BONDING IN MANCIIESTER. -- LASt week there was forwarded under bond to the warehouse at Manchester, 13,707 gallons of rum, brandy , a nd wine; bein g the largest weekly receipt of these elides since.the priyilege was restored to Manchester. • •1 `-•(,.z!-• • , LECTURE ON INDIA. On Friday evening, the Rev. P. Percival, M.A., mis sionary from India, delivered the first of his lectures on India and Ceylon, at the Collegiate Institution. The attendance was not large, but the utmost interest and at tention were manifested by those present, in the original information supplied on subjects so eminently connected with the promotion of the Gospel of Christ. The lecturer stated that he first went out to India in the beginning of 1826, under the auspices of the Wesleyan Society, and he had been engaged since that time in the work of a missionary, during a portion of the twenty-six years under the British and Foreign Bible Society. In a few months he intended to return to that country, there to remain, lie trusted, till the conclusion of his days. During his present visit to England he had been located chiefly in London, and now he had come to the North, fixing his head quarters at Manchester, in the hope that he might be able to excite a more general interest in be half of the missions which are being conducted in India ; and that when he had delineated the spiritual wants of that country. he enuld not fail to secure a healthy response for the great and glorious cause. India is a theme of the greatest possible importance. It has been and is an object of interest to the man of the world, who simply views its extent, its productiveness, and its immense population. To the philosopher and the scholar, it presents an extensive literature, and a people who have been civilized from the remotest ages. While the Christian believer, in whom the Spirit of God formed a lodgment, finds in the swarthy inhabitants of India an object in which his sympathy must be warmly excited. The country extends 1,900 miles in one direction, and from 1,300 to 1,500 in another, and the number of its inhabitants amounts, at the lowest computation, to 155,000,000. This shows the magnitude of the work the missionary has to encounter. But there are difficulties of another and a still more for midable nature. That the Hindoos are, in point of civilisation, the most ancient people in the world ; that in India there is a refined and extensive literature, and from thirteen to eighteen polished languages ; that their litera ture is almost exclusively of a religious character • and that the Brahmins arrogate to themselves the right to teach, not only religious subjects, but physical truth, or rather error,—all constituted difficulties of great magni tude. There is much that is imposing about their re ligion.; and in various appliances the priests have the most powerful means of keeping together the people. So that in every part of the country they may be said to exer cise an almost omnipotent power over them. Thus, the Hindoo becomes confident in the faith of his ancestors. He appeals to his temples, his priesthood, his literature, his sacred books ; and while he is willing to admit that the European is superior to him in mechanical skill, he claims for himself and his own people the prerogative of being much more recondite, and better acquainted with the principles of things, especially things of a metaphysi cal character. The Hindoo has often the most subtle arguments and questions to put in the Christian congre gation. Here are obstacles which never present them selves among barbarous tribes ; and which, of course. im pede vastly the progress of the Christian missionary's labour. "You teach the Divine Unity," says the Hindoo ; "so do we. You teach the necessity of an atonement ;so do we. You place it on Christ ;we on the subjective sinner himself." It is exceedingly difficult to propound and make apparent and rational the truths of the Gospel to minds so pre-occupied. And all this tends to show that the Christian missionary can only expect to succeed among a people like the Hindoos by preternatural influence. While they speak the truth, they must not depend on any mere rational process, or any application of mere human arguments, for a lodgment for the truth of the Gospel. In dependance upon that Spirit who dic tated the truth must they alone hope for success. At the conclusion of this admirable lecture, Mr. PER CIVAL said he would show next night what had been done for the general diffusion of truth among the people, not only in the present, but in past time, and also the pros pects of the future. LIVERPOOL ROYAL INFIRMARY. The annual report of the Liverpool Royal Infirmary, which has just been publi!hed, contains some important topics in reference to this valuable institution. An im provement has taken place with respect to the encou ragement of the pupils, from which great advantages are anticipated, and the alterations in the manner of admission to the Lunatic Asylum have proved advantageous. At the same time the committee call attention to the inade quacy of the funds at their disposal, and appeal to the public to place the institution in a more satisfactory state. We subjoin some extracts from the report : " An important alteration, affecting the infirmary as a school of professional science, has this year to be an nounced. Those pupils who reside and board in the house had hitherto solely enjoyed the privilege of serving as clerks to the physicians and dressers to the surgeons. It has, however, now been thought expedient to extend these advantages, under certain restrictions, to the out-pupils who attend the general practice of the house, as well as to all other professional students generally. The com mittee contemplate this change as one eminently calcu lated to promote the great cause of medical education, by opening to every one the facilities for the study which this extensive hospital affords. It was, therefore, with sincere pleasure that they acceded to a very handsome proposition, made by the lecturers of the school of medi cine, offering to give an annual gold medal, of the value of ten guineas, to the best student of the year, if the com mittee would grant to the successful candidate a free resi dence in the house, and a free clerkship and dressership for six months. It may be as well again to mention that pupils who have received a certificate of attendance upon the requisite course of lectures at the school of medicine, and upon the practice of this hospital, may pass the Apothecaries'-ball and the College of Surgeons without any previous residence in London. " The alteration in the manner of admission to the Lunatic Asylum, mentioned in the last report, has ope rated for the benefit of that unfortunate class of patients as fully as could be possibly desired. The low rates at which patients are admitted, and the privilege possessed by their friends of choosing the accommodation suited to their means, render this asylum peculiarly adapted for the reception of the middle and lower classes, for whom it is generally acknowledged that sufficient accommodation is not provided in this country. The commissioners have expressed their cordial approval of all that has been done; and 'it may now fairly be said that the comfort here afforded cannot be surpassed by any similar establishment in the kingdom. 4 t The fund raised many years ago for the relief of needy lind deserving patients on their leafing the Inffraitry is FEBRUARY 22, 18'53 now entirely exhausted. So many cases frequently occur where a small benefaction to a poor man, th ro w n ou t o f employment by accident or disease, with a fa m ily en ti re ly dependent upon his exertions for support, is an act of true Christian charity, that the advantage of being able to grant such relief must be evident to all. The committee, therefore, earnestly and confidently appeal to the benevo lence of the public to aid them in the formation . of a per manent fund for this purpose. It is administered under the direction of the chaplain, the visitors, or the medical officers. The treasurer has already received a donation of £5 towards this charitable object. " However satisfactory in many respects may be the item which of account now presented, there is one which continues to prove a source of much anxiety to the committee. Notwithstanding that £B2 were received during the past year in new and increased subscriptions, the list is now £4O below the amount raised in 1851, and £423 less than the subscription list seven years ago. Surely this ought not to happen in the flourishing town of Liverpool. It is, therefore, earnestly to be wished that the trustees and subscribers would co-operate in making the wants of this old and excellent charity known to those who do not already subscribe." COUNTY COURT, YESTERDAY. [BEFORE J. W. HARDEN, ESQ.] The second February court was opened yesterday morning, before Mr. Harden, Judge of the Chester County Court, in consequence of the detention in the metropolis of Mr. Pollock, who is at present in London on public business. INTERPLEADER.—Mr. Almond appeared for the claim ants in this case, Messrs. John Brooks, woollen tnanufac hirer, Huddersfield, and Eii Shaw, creditors of John Quine, tailor, taueen-street ; and Mr. Evans, on behalf of John Quilliam, the executing creditor. It appeared that, in the mouth of August last, having got into diffi culties, and become involved in debt to the amount of £5OO, John Quine resolved to execute an assignment for the benefit of all the creditors. This deed was signed by Brooks and Shaw, the former of whom had supplied Quine with cloth to the extent of £l5O. All the creditors had agreed to this course except Quilliam, who afterwards entered a suit at the County Court, and obtained an ex ecution, which he immediately carried into effect—the other creditors protesting against the proceeding. It was endeavoured to be proved that the claimants had merely agreed to this deed of assignment without in reality taking the business out of the hands of Quine. It was sworn by Quine, however, that he was retained in the place in order only that he might receive the assignment, which no one could do as well as himself, as his customers were chiefly sailors. He deposedthat he had written tot he acting creditor, Mr. Quilliam, announcing his desire to make a deed of assignment, in reply to which that gentleman said that he did not wish his name to be included in the list, as he would be happy to wait till he (Quine) " came round again." At the conclusion of the evidence. his Honour stated that he would take the case into consideration, and give judgment at a future time. ELIZABETH MONKHOUSE P. THOMAS MCVITIE and ROBERT SHANKLAND, 213, Vauxhall-road, coal mer chants. in this case, the claimant, Miss Elizabeth Monk house, of 34, Clarence-street, made a claim to recover certain goods seized in an execution, proceeding out of that Court, against William Monkhouse, father of the claimant, a person of irregular habits, who is now sepa rated from his family, having emigrated some months ago to Australia. Mr. Hill appeared for the claimant, and Mr. Hime for the executing creditors. His Honour, after hearing the painful case at some length, gave judg ment in favour of the claimant, except in the matter of a four-post bedstead and hangings, which the needy creditors were authorized to retain. He also desired that each party should pay their costs. The other cases, in all amounting to twenty-three, brought before the Court yesterday, were of little public interest. Upwards of 120 cases are entered for hearing to-day ; and altogether, 675 cases will be heard at the present Court. The Court sits on Tuesday (to-day), Thursday, and Friday, as well as on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, next week. TRIAL TRIP OF THE SCREW STEAMER ANTELOPE, FOR AUSTRALIA. A first trial trip of this vessel took place yesterday. She left the Wellington Dock at ten, a.m., steamed up to the Sloyne, and came down abreast the landing-stage, where a steam-tug, with a small party of gentlemen,joined her. She then proceeded down the river, passed the Rock Lighthouse at 11 30, down the Rock channel, and passed the North-west Lightship at 020 p.m. Canvass was then put on the ship, and she went on under them and sailed towards the Ormshead. At 330 took the sail off the ship and steamed back towards Liverpool ; at 5 40 passed the Bell Buoy, in company with the Independence, the fastest steam-tug on the river, which, although she put on all her power, they ran neck and neck to the Rock Lighthouse, which was again passed at 6 30. Nothing could be more satisfactory than this trial of the Antelope, making under steam ten knots, and under steam and can vas eleven to twelve knots, although there was no wind to give any great effect to the canvas. The result of this trial of the Antelope augurs most favourably for her voyage to Australia, whence she proceeds early next month, and we understand that a select party are invited to a second trial of this fine vessel on Thursday next. The engines made forty-eight to fifty revolutions per minute, with a pressure of thirteen to fifteen lbs., much below what can be accomplished when everything is in proper working order. We believe that every one who saw the Antelope on the river, and those on board who were witnesses of her performance, are fully satisfied with the excellence of the ship and her machinery, as well as her seagoing qualities, and that she will accomplish a rapid passage to Australia. ALLEGED SYSTEMATIC SWINDLING AT THE LOTTERY, OR "WHEEL OF FORTUNE" SHOPS. IMPORTANT INVESTIGATION A THE POLICE COURT, YESTERDAY. Yesterday a protracted enquiry took place at the Police court, before the stipendiary magistrate and Mr. J. Hay ward Turner, and it is to be hoped that the disclosures made will serve as a caution to those who have been allured into these places, as well as the public generally. Peter llampson. and Samuel Atkinscn, occupying two lottery-shops in Paradise street, were placed before the magistrates charged with obtaining money under false pretenses from persons visiting their establishments under circumstances detailed below. Mr. PEMBERTON, solicitor, appeared on behalf of the prisoners. Hampson's case was taken first. Mr. Clough, In-door Superintendent of Police, stated to the magistrates that, in consequence of a great num ber of complaints having been made at the police-office by persons who said that they had been defrauded of va rious sums of money at these places in Paradise• street, known as " Wheel of fortune shops," the police autho tities had been induced to take measures and secure evi dence against the prisoners. With that object, officers were sent down to watch the shops on Saturday after noon last, and they, as well as other witnesses, would now give their evidence. William Groom was the first witness examined. He said—On Saturday night last, I went into the prisoner's shop in Paradise-street, about six o'clock. I saw the prisoner. I asked him if all the articles in the shop were ticketed in the wheel ; he replied " Yes, ell but five." I then put down sixpence, and I drew a tray. I tried again, and drew this (a toothbrush). I paid sixpence each time. Cross-examined by Mr. Pemberton.—l went into the shop to try my luck. I was asked by a lady to go in and try. No one else asked me. I had no conversation with the police before I went to try my luck. Detective-officer Scaife said—On Saturday night last, I went to a shop in Paradise-street, at the corner of Cooper's-row, in consequence of instructions I had received. A man was stationed at the door inviting people in. He said to people as they passed along, " Step inside, you have the chance of winning any article you see in the shop, for sixpence." By Mr. Pemberton—The prisoner was inside the shop. He was near enough to the man to hear what he said. Examination continued-1 went into the shop and asked the prisoner if there were tickets in the wheel for all the articles in the shop, and he said that there were, with the exception of four or five. I then asked him if I could, by putting in, stand a chance of winning any of those pier-glasses, and he replied, " Yes, there is a ticket in the wheel for them." [Pier -glass produced.] I then went back again to the door of the shop and called the other officers who were with me to come into the shop. As soon as we got near the counter the prisoner got hold of the wheel, and tried to upset all the tickets on to the floor. Some of them fell on to the floor, and others on to the counter. I picked up the tickets that fell on the counter, and Eaton, one of the officers who was with me. picked up those that fell on to the floor. We then put the tickets altogether on to the counter, and counted them. 'I here were 106 in all. We then commenced to compare the tickets with the property they represented. The articles the tickets in the wheel represented were in this drawer. [Drawer and articles produced.] None of the articles were exposed in the shop, but were all taken out of the drawer which was underneath the counter. The prisoner took them from the drawer under the counter as we called out the name of the article on the ticket. We found that there were 15 tickets in the wheel which there was no property in the shop to represent. There were no tickets in the wheel to represent the valuable articles that were exposed to the eye of the public. Amongst the articles exposed to view, I saw several writing desks, American clocks, a number of work-boxes, and other valuable articles. I was in the shop when the conversation took place between the last witness and the prisoner. I heard him ask the prisoner if all the things in the shop were ticketed :n the wheel, and he said they were, with the exception of five. The last witness then drew. Cross-examined.—l did not make a search of the pre- Daises at the time I was there. I sawwhat :was on the premises. I took an account of many articles, but not all. I do not think there were any tickets in the wheel to represent articles that were any of them worth half-a crown. I am sure the last witness asked prisoner if all the articles were ticketed, and he said they were, with the exception of five. Police-officer John Eaton was next called, and said that when he entered the prisoner's shop, prisoner was behind the counter. He had hold of the wheel. The door was open, and the tickets were falling out. I jumped over the counter, and got hold of t he p risone r's hands, to see what he had got in them. I then picked up all the tickets that were on the floor, and replaced th em in the wheel. The witness then corroborated the evi dence of the last witness, as to the counting or f e p t r h e e . tickets, and afterwards ascertaining what sented. He then said that they brought away from the shop several articles, such as writing desks,l and other equally valuabl e art i c l es, as samples of goods , which were not represesented by the tickets in the wheel. Th ey afterwards went to the shop again, and Inspector Kehoe pointed out to the prisoner the large , glass which was named by the last witness, and asked prisoner if there was any ticket in the wheel for it. He replied, no. Kehoe then pointed out a number of other articles in the shop, consisting of clocks, work-boxes, writing-desks. a'gun, and other arti cles, end in answer to questiona from Kehoe, the prisoner said there were no tickets in the wheel to represent any of these arti,les. Prisoner said he thought there was a ticket in for the gun. I then went round the counter again, to see if I had missed picking up any tickets that fell out of the box. I found a ticket for a gun on the floor, exactly where the prisoner had been standing for some time. That ticket was not there when I made the first search. I asked the prisoner who was the proprietor of the shop, and he said it was his brother's niece, named Rachael Hampson. At that time Kehoe came in from the back office with this bill in his hand [bill produced, with the name of " Ling" on as the proprietor], and he asked who Ling was ? Prisoner replied, " I don't know ; my brother's niece got it put in the bills, but I cannot tell what her object was in doing so." The prisoner was then taken to bridewell. Mr. CLoucti.—Has the prisoner any other establish ment ? Mr. PEMBERTO'N.--I object to that question. Inspector KEHOE.—We have his own word for it that he has another establishment. George Brackley, another victim, was the next witness called, and elicited some merriment by the characteristic manner in which he gave his evidence. He said—l am a seaman on board the ship Helen, and was in Paradise street on last Saturday night, and went into two shops. I saw a young woman in the first shop, and after being there for some time, I went out of the first shop into the second shop with the prisoner. Mr. Clough—Well. did you pay anything ? Witness—Pay ! Yes, I paid 275. (Laughter,) The prisoner came in while I was paying in the first shop, and I went with him to the second. By Mr. Pemberton—Had you paid your money when the prisoner came in ? Witness (Very coolly)—No, not it all. We kept pay ing as we went on. Q—What were you paying your money for? A—For fun. (Loud laughter.) By Mr. Clough—When I got to the second shop the prisoner showed me what there was in the shop, and said I could have my chance of winning any articles. He said if I did not like what I drew I could pay more and try again. It appeared from the witness's further statements that in all he spent 275., and when he gave up drawing, all he had got was a pair of decanters, valued at 3s. Mary Ellen Geoghan examined.—l am the wife of Thomas Geoghan, residing in Baptist-street. I know the prisoner very well. I was employed by him and his brother at one of the shops in Paradise-street, at twelve shillings a week, as a sweetener. (Laughter.) It was at the small shop, next to a toffy shop in Paradise-street. The prisoner works both shops. Since 1 left, I one day called at the shop as I was passing. He asked me to call sometimes, and give him a lift, and he made me a present of two little money boxes for my children. When I was employed there, I have often bid at articles at sales, which they always took back. Mr. Pemberton—When the prisoner was present? Witness—Yes; he has asked me to do so. I gave him the large articles back after the sale. When I used to draw in the lottery, I put down a shilling, and got three tickets, when other parties were in the shop. On one occasion prisoner said one of the tickets represented a gun, which I had won. He gave it to me in the presence of parties in the shop. I took the gun away, and left it at the other shop. __ Mr. Clough : How came you to to take it to the other shop ? Witness : That is the way they do. They always read the ticket themselves. Sometimes I saw what article was named on the tickets, but I never took much notice, be cause I always got my money back. Cross-examined by Mr. Pemberton : I have never made any threat to the prisoner and those in the shop. I said if I was at the door 1 would not let people come into the shop to be robbed. I have been brought before the magistrates. I can't say whether it was last week or not: George M'Bride, a salesman in the employ of Mr. Eastee, in St. George's-crescent, spoke to the value of the articles represented by the tickets taken from the wheel. The value of the articles generally was about ld., 2d., 31, and 4d. On a gentleman's finger ring, (one of the prizes !) being produced, the witness said it was worth ld.—(Loud laughter.) One or two of the articles pro duced he spoke to as being worth 2s. 61 Mr. PEMBERTON confidently put it to the bench that there was no case proved of obtaining money under false pretences. Mit. MANSFIELD considered there was much ground for suspicion ; but he did not think that, at present, the case was one which would warrant him in sending it be fore a jury. The prisoner must be remanded. On the application of Mr. Pemberton the prisoner was admitted to bail, himself in £5O and two sureties in £25 each ; and the further hearing of the case was adjourned to morrow (Wednesday). The prisoner Samuel Atkinson, who keeps a' shop in Paradise-street, near the Colloseum, was then charged with a similar offence, by obtaining money under false pretences from a man named Thomas Robinson, on Saturday evening last. The facts of the case, as disclosed by the evidence, were precisely similar to those in the former case. The prisoner was also remanded to to-morow (Wednesday). AMERICA. ARRIVAL OF THE BALTIC. By the United States Mail Steam-ship Baltic, Captain Comstock, which arrived in the Mersey about 1 a.m. on. Saturday, we have advices from New York to the ith inst. The Baltic brought 70 passengers, and 150,000 dollars in specie. The United States Senate was engaged in the discussion of the bill for confirming the grant to the Pacific Railroad project. The Hause of Representatives had under discussion a bill for regulating the silver coinage, by which it was pro posed to depreciate the silver coin 7 per cent., and also to levy a seignorage of from to 1 Der cent. on all coins in future ; but the latter proposition was vehemently opposed. CUBA.—We have intelligence from the llavannah to the 21st of January. The sugar market was firm at pre vious rates. A. great fire had taken place at Cardenas, Cuba, on the 29th ult., by which the custom-house, the theatre, and a number of sugar and molasses ware-houses were burnt. The loss was estimated at £500,000. COMMERCIAL. — At New York business was active ; money rather tighter ; stocks were feverish and uneasy, and quotations rather weaker. The cotton market had a slightly downward tendency, with an average amount of sales ; the receipts at the southern ports continued large, and the quotations at New York, for New Orleans and Alobile ' said, fair to fair, were 111 c. to 12c. per lb. ; and Uplands of the same quality, lle. to 11 ) 1c. Freights were reported at nearly the same rates as pre vailed at the last steamer's departure—the asking prices being, for flour to Liverpool, 3s. 3d. to 33. 6d. per barrel ; grain, 10id. to 11d. per bushel ; and cotton, id. to 5-16 d. per 113. Exchange on London was firm, with moderate sales, at 1091 to 110. THE AMERICAN STEAMER.—The British and North American Royal Mail steam-ship Africa, Captain Har rison, with advices from New York to the 9th instant, had not arrived at the time of our going to press, owing, it is supposed, to her departure having been delayed by bad weather. If she should arrive in time to-day, we will publish her advices in a second edition. WELSH CHARITY SCHOOLS.—The annual examination of the children has been announced for Tuesday next, at the School-room, in Russell-street. A good attendance of the suppOrters of the Institution is expected. GUARDIAN SOCIETY.—The anniversary dinner of the Liverpool Guardian Society will take place on Thursday next, at the Royal Hotel, Moorfields. The worshipful the Mayor, Samuel Holine, Esq., will preside ; and a numerous attendance is anticipated. THE LANCASTER ASSIZES were opened on Friday by Mr. Justice Cresswell and Mr. Baron Martin. The calendar contained the names of twenty prisoners : two charged with manslaughter, two with stabbing, one with rape, one with attempt to murder, and the rest with larceny. The cause-list contained an entry of five causes. THE REV. T. D. GREGG, D.D.—lt has been an nounced that the Rev. Tresham D. Gregg. who has lately had the distinction of D.D., conferred on him by Trinity College, will deliver a lecture at the Concert-hall, in this town on Monday, the 7th of March. His celebrity as an unflinching champion of Protestant principles since his famous controversy with Father Tom Maguire hasrendered unnecessary any more than the mention of the announce ment to draw together an overflowing audience. The Rev. Dr. Blakeney, of Claughton, will take the chair on the occasion. THE PinuiARMONIC SOCIETY.—The extraordinary effect produced by Mr. Thomas's unrivalled band at the Philhar monic Hall has created quite an enthusiasm ; and thou sands have gone away enchanted with the exquisite har mony of this mighty orchestra. Among the individual at tractions is the delightful playing of Mr. Streather on the harp, in a style which it is impossible to describe. Mr. Thomas has now successfully solved the problem, whether there is sufficient musical taste in Liverpool to support a first-class concert, at low prices for admission. EMBEZZLEMENT IN THE GAS-OFFICE.—Henry Jones was placed at the bar of the Police-court on Friday, on the allegation of having embezzled certain sums of money which he had received on account of the proprietors of the Liverpool United Gas Company. Mr. John Buck Lloyd, solicitor to the company, appeared to prefer the charge, and Mr. Henry Bremner, solicitor, in behal. , of the prisoner. Mr. Lloyd stated that the accused was an officer in the service of the United Gas Company —one of their collectors—and he (Mr. Lloy d) had to ask i f the magistrates would permit the case to stand over for seven days. Mr. Mansfield asked what was the amount of the sum alleged to have been embezzled ?—Mr. Lloyd : " As sa idt G h a e rn a e m t o t u (na nt ag c i h s a t r r a g t e e d s against sahiidm i t w vr a a s s far as his own admission g oes, som e w here about £100." £ M 2 r 5 . Bremner set down at P 3 Bs. 6 d• The remand w as g ranted, a n d bail enter ed into for th e prisoner's appearance before the court on Saturday next. RUMOURED APPEARANCE OF TWO FRENCH STEAMERS OFF THE COAST.—Under this alarming title we find the following in the Exeter Gazette :—" Yesterday (Thurs day) considerable sensation was produced in this town by the report, brought in by some fishermen, that they had noticed two French steamers off the Bar. The object of these steamers appears to be to take the soundings of the port. as they are notieed to advance at duSlc, and to retire at daylight. As this coast is only protected by one 52- pounder, in doubtful condition, any aggression could be made with comparative impunity. Unless government take some speedy and effective steps for the safety of the coast, it is probable that at no distant period we shall have a repetition:of the disasters of 1691, when Teignmouth was cannonaded and burnt by the French, whose fleet remained for nearly a month in Torbay—or of the terrors of 1797, when General O'Toole, an Irish officer in the French service, made a descent on Ilfracombe, and after wards on the opposite coast of Wales. On that occasion there were no regular troops available, and the enemy were met by the local militia, yeomanry, and peasantry, under the command of Lord Cawdor, who compelled the invaders to lay down their arms. The French; however, are likely to tell us,when they make their next appearance with their strong war steamers.' - • . ":. :44 -;, 4.- •• , .