The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-11-27 00:00:00

it is to one of her Majesty's nearest relatives, IS quite in keeping with radical notions of loyalty, The charge conveyed in the preceding extract is not only indecent but utterly false. We defy our contemporary to prove that the king of Hanover has, in any degree, violated the rights of his subjects. We happen to know that he has lately bestowed upon the people of Hanover a constitution with the provisions of which they are in raptures, because it secures to them a larger measure of rational and substantial liberty than they ever en joyed at any previous period of their history. We know also that he is universally beloved by his subjects —that he familiarly intermingles with them in the public streets and squares, unattended by any military escort—that he incessantly exerts himself to promote their happiness and national prosperity—that he is the munificent patron of all their public institutions—and that there is not a monarch in Europe whose throne or life is in less danger from any popular outbreak. Of these notorious facts our contemporary appears to be profoundly ignorant. The Times assumes that the accession of the king of Hanover to the throne of Great Britain would be " a terrible event." It would only be terrible to the enemies of our monarchical institutions. It would only be " dangerous" to the prospects of " that incarna tion of religious bigotry and political absolutism," the Romish hierarchy. We trust, however, that, in the course of Providence, the line of succession may be handed down through her present Majesty, and that, by the continuance of the House of Brunswick on the throne, this country may long continue to enjoy its present freedom and prosperity. We would also add the wish that her Majesty may speedily find it neces sary to call to her aid a ministry which will act up to the " liberal and enlightened," because they are PRO TESTANT, principles of her illustrious uncle, to the confusion of all her secret enemies, and to the joy and gratitude of a PROTESTANT PEOPLE. In our publication of Friday last we called attention to the hostile aggressions with which the privileges of the port of Liverpool are threatened; and we now proceed to point out more in detail the injurious con sequences which must result from their concession to the creditors of the Dock Estate and to the owners of property within the borough. It is well known that the Dock Estate is at present encumbered with a heavy debt, the interest of which absorbs yearly a considerable portion of its revenue. To carry into effect the object of the Dock Trustees, and enable them to consummate their warehouse job, large purchases are required to be made of proper now vested in the Corporation ; and for this purpose further and considerable sums of money must be bor rowed. It is true, we admit, that the security—the estate itself—will be increased, together with its debt; but it may become a question for the serious conside ration of the present bondholders whether the produc tiveness of the estate will be increased as well as its extent, or whether the powers required to be conceded to the landowners and to the port of Runcorn may not diminish its productiveness so far as to affect ma terially the value of their security. Were it certain that the exclusive privileges now enjoyed by the trustees of the Dock Estate would be preserved from being encroached upon, we would then readily grant that the property sought to be acquired would, in their hands, and if converted to useful pur poses, afford ample security for the purchase money. In that case the proposed new docks would themselves, no doubt, bring in a revenue sufficient to reimburse their cost, without trenching upon the general revenue of the whole estate. But this, we fear, is not to be th e case. Whilst seeking the most sweeping powers to extend their estate, and to enable them to afford the requisite accommodation to the increasing commerce of the port, the Dock Trustees, we fear, are about to concede the very power which alone constitutes the value of their property—the power which they possess exclusively of levying dock dues within the estuary of the Mersey. That such a concession would be seriously injurious to the prosperity of the existing docks there cannot be a doubt. A great portion of our coasting vessels, if emancipated from the charges which are at present le vied upon them, would at once embrace the opportu nity of discharging their cargoes nearer to their final destination. The port of Runcorn would then form the depot for vast quantities of produce consumed in Manchester and the manufacturing districts around ; whilst a large portion of the trade of Liverpool herself would be accommodated in new docks formed beyond the control of the trustees, and exempt from any con- tvibution to the present estate. It may be told, indeed, that, even allowing this con cession to be made, the existing docks, from their con venient location, will always command a preference and defy competition. To some extent we allow that this will be the case. It must be remembered, how ever, that the advantage of central position has not operated to exclude the Brunswick Dock, at the south end of the town, or the Clarence or Trafalgar docks, at the north end, from their fair share of pa tronage. Many branches of our shipping trade, it is well known, could be carried on as advantageously a mile further north or south of these docks as in the centre of the town ; and if accommodation is there offered at a cheaper rate than is exacted by the trustees of the present docks, a little inconvenience and extra Cost of cartage, &c., may be submitted to. The power sought by the promoters of the warehouse scheme, of laying down railway lines along the quays and high ways for transporting merchandise to and from the dock s , may readily be used at some future day to give to more distant localities on this side of the Mersey facilities nearly equal to those of our present central docks ; and, provided a sufficient draught of water can be obtained, we see nothing to prevent a line of Independent docks being formed extending up to the connected by a railway communication which Will bring them, within a few minutes' transit, to the Centre of the town. We must not pass over the claims put forward by the Cheshire landowners. The daily increase of steam navigation will shortly render it imperative that addi tional facilities should be provided to accommodate that branch of our shipping trade. The Cheshire side of the river is now furnished with a railway to the me tropolis; and it may become, at no distant period, a question whether a great portion of our large passen ger steam ships may not be as conveniently and ad vantageously located in docks upon that side of the river as within the boundary of the Dock Estate. These extensive changes, we are well aware, cannot Within a day or even a generation be fully developed. The present race of scheming and unprincipled jobbers flay not retain power long enough to experience the embarrassments which they must create. But the day will come nevertheless, and the consequent embarras tuent and ruin will be felt. It requires but little fore sight to predict, from the present aspect of things and guided by the experience of the leaning of the Corn °tons' committee last year, that no bill, presented to that house under similar circumstances to the present dock bill, will be allowed to pass without having en grafted upon it the clauses sought by the landowners ; and from the day in which such a bill receives the s anction of the legislature the struggle of competition will commence between the proprietors of the present 'lock Estate and the various owners of the strand of the Mersey. Let the bondholders then enquire what must be their Position in such a struggle. Can the Dock Trustees, h eavily encumbered as they are with debt, and relying solely upon their advantages of location, retain sufficient °1 their present revenue to enable them to support their ne cessary expenditure and at the same time keep faith Ilith their creditors ? We imagine not. A very little e xperience will tell us that to compete successfully \tlth their opponents a serious reduction of the present 40 c1c rates must inevitably be resorted to; and, how ever grateful such a measure would be to the coinmer eial interests of the town, we fear that for the interest °f the bondholders it would be far from being desirable °r safe. If it i s f oun d difficult now to bestow such a h ° °n upon the trade of the port, how can it be practi nable t o d o so w h en t h e monopo l y w hi c h t h e D oc k Tr ustees p oss ess sh a ll h ave b een b ro k en i n upon an d the sources of their revenu e di m i n i s h e d ? T o an ex tent Correlative with the surpl us i ncome o f th e E s t a t e re ductio n may i n d ee d b e ma d e . S o f ar t h e T rustees hl a Y bid for supremacy. But thos e i m p rovem ents tvh l t ch our inc re a s i ng commerce dem an d s , an d w hi c h t hat surpl us i ncome oug ht t o ass ist i n p rov idi ng, must tt, en stand s till. Th e d e bt, w hi c h i s now b ut a f eat h er ei ght, will then be found to be a millstone round the necks of the trustees; and eventually that noble estate of which they are the'guarclians must fall into dilapida tion and ruin, and its creditors be doomed to put up with the loss of their money and to witness the grow ing worthlessness of their security. It may, we are aware, be objected to us that we are advocating the interests of the few in opposition to those of the maNy. Why, it will be asked, allow the interest of the bondholders to stand in the way of the public who must be benefitted by the competition which a breaking up of the present monopoly will create ? Our reply is short. We never knew the public really benefited by a measure of spoliation and robbery. The prosperity of Liverpool has grown up with and is co existent with the prosperity of the Dock Estate. Those parties, who have advanced their money on the faith that the monopoly—we know the word is distasteful— enjoyed by the Trustees of that Estate should be pre- served, will be defrauded if that monopoly is allowed to be bartered for an insane and worthless scheme by a dishonest faction. We ourselves should be glad to witness a reduction of the present dock rates, and to see an increase of accommodation afforded for our shipping; but we do firmly believe that both these ob jects could he accomplished without injury to any in dividupl interest, if the people of Liverpool would but be true to themselves. If we throw away our privileges we throw away the only power we possess to foster the growth of our commerce, and to reduce the charges to which it is subject, without being compelled at the same time to commit a gross and scandalous robbery. It is time then, we think, that the creditors of the Dock Estate should look fairly at this new feature which the question between themselves and the Dock Trustees presents. They ought no longer to con fine their views to securing their rights by clauses in the proposed bill. They must no longer be deluded by the idea that the promoters of the warehouse scheme are aggrandizing the Dock Estate at theexpense of the burgesses, and thereby improving the security upon which their money had been advanced. The attempt to fortify themselves from within will be vain indeed, if they allow the destroying waters to break loose and encircle them in the attempt. Their enemy now is no longer a tyrant faction in the Town Council, but a strong and numerous body out of doors, which seeks not to diminish merely but to annihilate their pro perty ; and unlees a combined effort is made now by ' the Corporation, the Dock Trustees, and the people of ~iverpool—unless the obnoxious features of the bill iefore Parliament be expunged, and dissension thereby ut an end to—the gradual ruin of the Dock Estate is but too certain. We had intended to point out the effect of the pro posed changes upon property within the borough of Liverpool, but our confined space warns us at present to conclude. We shall, however, resume the subject. Stung and mortified at their recent defeat in North Toxteth Ward, our radical contemporaries have beta ken themselves to the customary expedient of charging their ignominious defeat upon the " corrupt influence," " bribery," and " intimidation" of the conservatives. It is scarcely necessary to add that these charges are utterly untrue in nineteen cases out of twenty. We do not deny that a degree of " influence" was brought to bear upon the election ; but it was of a purely legi timate character, and such as was resorted to by the opponents of the conservative candidate. For one case of bribery or intimidation that can be substanti ated against the conservatives, we engage to prove ten against the radicals. while upon this subject we may as well remind our radical contemporaries that the charges which we brought against them after the 2d of November remain unanswered to the present day. We mentioned cases of distinct bribery and intimidation which cannot be disproved, especially in Everton Ward, Scotland Ward, and St. Paul's Ward. May we venture to whisper a word of advice to our radical opponents before we conclude ? Let them keep silence on the subject of electioneering trickery until the Poll-book is examined. They will there find some disclosures which reflect but little credit on radical honesty. In our second edition of Tuesday last, we exclusively announced that the rule for an information, in the case of the Queen v. Quayle, had been made absolute, his return having been founded upon pebionated votes. This is decisive as regards Mr. Quayle's right to occupy his seat as member for Everton Ward. It now ;- mains to be seen what steps he may take in the matter. lie follows the example of Mr. Harvey, he will imme- iately vacate his seat in favour of Mr. Shand. He as no reasonable or legal ground for occupying it any longer. His further resistance of Mr. Shand's claim will only serve a temporary purpose at the best. In short, the only course left open to him, in order that he may stand well in public estimation, is that of immediate resignation. We trust that he will see the propriety of adopting this manly and straightforward course, and that he will not listen to the advice of inju- dicious friends, who may, in order to gratify their party spleen, wish him to involve himpelf in additional ex- In reply to our observations in defence of that ex cellent institution, the Pastoral Aid Society, a conser vative contemporary of yesterday has an article which, had it appeared in the columns of the Mercury or the Chronicle, would have excited neither astonishment nor alarm in the mind of any true lover of the PRO TESTANT Church of England. Such an attack upon the zealous exertions now made by the clergy of the established church, towards providing for the spiritual destitution of our increasing population, would have ieen quite in character with the furious and offensive tirades of the Popish Mercury, and would have excited no surprise in the mind of any one : but we must confess that it is astonishing to find a conserva tive journal thus impugning the motives and ridiculing the conduct of the most pious, devoted, and laborious of our clergy. Such an attack from a Popish or radi cal journal would have caused no alarm in the bosom of any true churchman : but, coming as it does from an organ professing attachment to the church, we confess that we cannot view it without the deepest concern for the interests of the established church. We may be asked the reasons why we are thus alarm e _ _ N\re shall briefly state them. It is no secret that, as long as the clergy of the Church of England re mained apathetic and inert with reference to the spi ritual destitution which pervaded the land—as long as Ley did not trouble themselves about the errors of Popery and the spread of infidel and revolutionary principles—as long as they contented themselves with that spurious sort of liberality which is so much praised in the radical prints, and which allows every man to go on undisturbed in the. path of error—as long as they did not act up to their ordination vows, by seeking to extirpate heresy and schism,—so long were the Papists and Dissenters comparatively quies cent : but as soon as a different spirit was Apparent among the clergy—as soon as they began to preach against error, and to warn the people of the dangers to be apprehended from the ascendancy of Popery—as soon as they began to declaim against that spurious liberalism which is so nearly allied to scepticism, and which has been the bitter source from which so many of our national caliamities have sprung—as soon as they entered with zeal and energy upon a course of missionary enterprise—as soon as they started Church Building and Past oral Aid Societies—as soon as they raised the rallying ci-y of " the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible," as the basis of national education—as soon as they set Protestant Associations on foot—as soon as our churches, previously almost deserted, began to be crowded, and the conventicles began to display a beggarly show of empty seats—as soon as the people becanie acquainted with• the abomi- nations of the Papacy,—then the Papists began to howl, the dissenters to abuse, and the infidels to scorn and ridicule, because " their craft was in danger." Then commenced the rabid and virulent attacks of the radical press, and every .clergyman became exposed to persecution in exact prop ortion to his zeal in maintain- ing from the pulpit the g reat and distinguishin g doc trines of the Reformativn. How can we, therefore, hesitate to express our alarm when we find writers professing an attachment to the church joining in the cry against the revival of true religion and high Pro. testant principles among a great body of the clergy ? This is certainly not the way to subserve the interests of the established church. Our object on Friday Iva .s simply to defend the Pas mal Aid Society against th e charge of obtaining money under "false . pretences," and to justify the conduct of the committee in reference to the appointment of Mr. Briarly Browne. We have the satisfaction of knowing that our defence was based upon right grounds, as will abundantly appear before we have done with the sub ject. The reply of our conservative contemporary, to whose previous attack upon the society we advisedly abstained from adverting, does not, in the least degree, touch upon the real merits of the question at issue. Nearly one-half of the article is devoted to a jocular parallel, of a character too trifling to be noticed in connection with so grave a subject. Our contemporary lays great stress upon the testimonials which were signed on behalf of Mr. Browne. We never im pugned the respectability or the piety of the clergy who signed those testimonials ; but we contended that they were not sufficiently explicit to satisfy the committee of the Pastoral Aid Society. Because the latter were not satisfied, the society is charged with "arrogating to itself a sort of papal supremacy, and sitting, as a court of review, upon the Bench of Bishops of the Church of England." The society arrogates nothing of the kind. It is composed of a number of the bi shops, clergy, and laity of the Church of England, who, seeing the spiritual destitution which has been so long prevalent throughout the country, have associated themselves together, with a view of providing addi tional curates, in those populous districts where there are no adequate or available funds for the maintenance of a sufficient number of clergymen to minister to the spiritual wants of the population. In voting its sup plies for the maintenance of these curates the society does not arrogate the right of nomination—that is left to the incumbent--but it requires to be satisfied as to the " Christian character and qualifications " of the candidates for its aid. No reasonable man can surely object to a regulation so simple, so necessary, and so prudent. Upon this straightforward principle the so ciety acted in reference to Mr. Browne ; and if it .had not so acted it would have been guilty of a departure from its own rules. What, then, becomes of the charge of "obtaining subscriptions under false pretences?" Our contemporary, following up his ungenerous attack upon the society, says that " it must be obvious to every observer that the Pastoral Aid Society is a combination of certain clergymen and laymen against the Church of England in its purity and discipline, as an apostolic church, and in favour of oratorical dis senters, chiefly of Irish extraction, within her pale. and who have left their own land of darkness to seek fortune and distinction in this." We fancy that our readers will exclaim—" Surely this cannot be the language of a conservative journal ! Why, it is a mere echo of Mr. Rosson's speech to the Protector Society ! " They may well so exclaim, particularly when they reflect that the Pastoral Aid Society is one of the most power ful and successful auxiliaries which the Church of England possesses in the present day, and when they consider the assistance which the society has so gene rously afforded towards relieving the spiritual destitu tion of this town. But bad as is the language which we have already quoted, it is nothing to compare with the following : Had Mr. Briarly Browne been possessed of what is called pulpit power,' that is to say, had he proved himself capable of reading the beautiful, and pathetic, and soul-subduing service of our church with unseemly haste, and could have thrown himself into ecstacies for one hour and twenty minutes in the delivery of an extemporary discourse of disjointed trash having nei ther beginning, middle, nor end, and which ' pulpit power' is doing almost irreparable harm to the church, he would have been received into the embraces of the pastorals, lauded in their innumerable journals, and, if unmarried, given as a conquest to some lady worth from £2OOO to - 12,6000 a-year." How our radical con temporaries will chuckle over this paragraph! How closely does it resemble the trashy verbiage and the sly but significant inuendos of the Mercury, the Chro nicle, the Journal, and the rest of the radical press ! There can be no mistake as to the parties alluded to in the sentence which we have quoted ; nor can there, if we know anything of the people of Liverpool, be any mistake as to the manner in which such sentiments will be received and appreciated by all true churchmen. We are next taken to task for characterising Mr. Browne as a Puseyite. The term was obviously se lected for the purpose of showing to what school of di vinity Mr. Browne belongs. We are aware that the Oxford Tract writers repudiate the designation. With equal propriety might their predecessors of a similar school disclaim the appellation of Laudites. We see nothing " unchristian, dishonest, malignant, or cow ardly" in thus designating Mr. Browne. We have before us, at this moment, a letter which we have just received from that gentleman, and which we shall pub lish on Tuesday, which fully justifies us in identifying him, as we did, as a disciple of the Oxford Tract writers. We have no reply to make to the fulminations of our contemporary against "the glowing and flashy oratory —dramatic effect—and pulpit thunder," which are " particularly in this locality, with nine churcli-going people out of ten, especially those of the softer sex," so exceedingly popular. We leave our contemporary to enjoy the full benefit of his bitter declamation. He is much mistaken if he imagines that it can be pleasing to " the nine church-going people out of ten" whose intellect he seems to hold in such low estimation. Our business is, simply to defend the Pastoral Aid Society which, our contemporary alleges, " has denuded itself of every claim to public patronage." How far this assertion is likely to prove true we have the means of showing by a reference to our notices to correspon dents, where our contemporary will find the names of two fresh annual subscribers to the society, who have expressly desired us to state that they have voluntarily come forward to contribute to the aid of the society, in consequence of the attacks recently made upon it. We have no doubt that the example will he speedily fol lowed by many others, and we trust that the society will not have to complain in future that the support which it derives from the town of Liverpool is so dis proportionate to the amount of its grants in this lo cality. We pass by the threat of our contemporary to "shake more pulpits, shorten more sermons, and send away more empty begging boxes, than have yet fallen under the scrutiny and calm consideration of public opinion," as a mere bag of moonshine. He may forge as many thunderbolts as he chooses, but we can assure him that they will fall as harmlessly upon the heads of the in tended victims of his vengeance as the snow-flakes of winter, or the films of gossamer. Before we conclude, we may as well direct the atten tion of our readers to a letter which we have copied from the Times, illustrative of the fearful practical ten dency of the Oxford Tracts. They will there find that the principles advocated by the Tractarians, if followed to their ultimate results, must lead to Popery, and this Dr. Wiseman, in the Popish Quarterly, long ago pre dicted. LOCAL NEWS, Mr. Nicholas E. Browne, acting landing waiter in the customs department of Liverpool, is promoted and removed to the port of Galway, as comptroller of customs, in the room of the late Mr. Comyns. CORNS.—Those who are troubled with corns would do well to peruse ilrs. E. Hart's advertisement. Her testimo nials are most excellent, and she has given great relief to her patients. We understand that Mr. Tindal Atkinson, not finding his brilliant talents available to accomplish his purpose in Liver pool, is about to turn his attention to the bar; his oratorical powers will in that sphere, we are afraid, be less thought of, if possible, than they have been here. HACKIN'S-HEY DAILY SCHOOLS.—The promotion of scriptural education has not only lately been considerably be fore the public mind, but has also drawn forth the generous support of the people in a manner hitherto unprecedented : yet in some districts, that education is not supported as the wants of the poor require ; and we regret to perceive that that part of the town in which the Hackin's-hey daily schools are situated is one of these melancholy spots, as we perceive from the report of last year that the expenditure exceeded the funds provided by £2O : and the committee are still un able to meet the necessary outlay.—An opportunity will be afforded on Sunday next for relieving the minds of the com mittee, as two sermons will be preached in St. Paul's Church in aid of the funds of these useful schools. CONSPIRACY TO DEFEAT THE ENDS OF JUSTICE.—Ed ward Kelly was placed at the bar of the Police-court on Tues day, charged with having conspired with Martha Fortune to prevent the conviction of Henry Fortune and Matthew Trainer, who were committed for felony and indicted at the last sessions, but remanded in consequence of affidavits hav ing been put in stating that a material witness had been in duced to absent himself. Martha Fortune was apprehended and brought before the court on the 29th of October last. It was then stated by Matthew Maguire, constable 113, that, on the 2d of October, Matthew Trainer and Henry Fortune were committed to take their trial at the sessions held on the 19th of October, for robbing Edward Kelly, the person above mentioned. The said Edward Kelly was, of course, a mate rial and necessary witness in that case, and was bound by re cognisances to attend and give evidence on the trial. He, however, failed to appear, upon which, in consequence of what had transpired, Martha Fortune was apprehended. She was told that her offence was having given money to Kelly to induce him to absent himself. She replied, "It is only what a mother should do." Charles O'D ona ld , a d ea l er in hardware, residing at 2 7, Crosshall-street, stated, that about eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the 19th of October, he was in his sister's house in the Above street, where Edward Kelly lodged. Kelly was in the house when Mrs. Fortune entered. She had been there before and had left the sum of £1 ss„ with a request that it might be given to Kelly. At this interview Mrs. Fortune went on her knees to endeavour to induce him not to appear against her son, but he refused. She called upon him again subsequently, and at length, by her entreaties and by offering him the money and h er bless ing, induced him to promise that he would not appear. Mrs. Fortune was committed for trial. It appears that, on Tues day last, Maguire received information that Kelly was re siding in Dublin, whither he went in search of him. On Thursday he met the prisoner in College -green, and accosted him with " How are you ?" The prisoner replied, " Holloa, is that you ? I thought you would be coming after me ; I am very sorry I left Liverpool." Maguire said, "I am taking you for receiving money from Mrs. Fortune." He replied, " She was always after me, and said she would give me her curse if I went against her son ; so I took the money, and came here out of the way." Maguire asked how much she gave him ; and he replied, " Twenty-five shillings," adding, "It was a bad job for me : I have never done a day's work since." The prisoner pleaded ignorance of the law. He was committed for trial. SUBSCRIPTION ComeEnTs.—The ballot for places at the first concert took place on Tuesday last. The whole of the lower tier, the upper lowers, and the principal part of the pit have been appropriated. We recommend those who intend being present to apply early for tickets. to prevent disap pointment. BITUMEN COMPANY. —This company have appointed an agent for this town, whose address will be found at the foot of the advertisement inserted elsewhere. The excellence of the bitumen, manufactured by the Parisian Co m p an y, h as been tried y the severest tests ; the extremes of heat and cold have no effect whatever upon their composition. We should be glad to hear of this company's bitumen being laid down, as the best will always be found the cheapest. It is rumoured that Dr. Buck, chaplain, and Mr. Batchel dor, governor of the Borough Prison, have both resigned, in consequence of some misunderstanding with the council.— Mall.—[The rumour is perfectly correct ; and if we were at liberty to publish the reasons which have led to the resigna tions, they would afford another instance of what Mr. Procter justly called radical tyranny and liberal oppression.] Loan SANDoN.—ye are gratified to learn that our re spected representative, Lord Sandon, is now in Liverpool, on a short visit to some friends, and that he intends to devote a portion of his time during the brief period of his sojourn to such of his constituents as may desire to communicate with him. His lordship will be at the Clarendon Rooms this day (Friday) and to-morrow (Saturday) at twelve o'clock, when he will be happy to see all persons who desire to speak with him on affairs of business.. ASYLUM volt Surpwaciten SEAMEN.—We are glad to find that several influential parties are exerting themselves to promote the establishment of an asylum' for shipwrecked seamen. The destitute conditiOn of the poor fellows who were rescued on Tuesday week from the wreck of the Lord Nelson, by the gallantry of Mr. Davies, and his men, John, James, and Henry Martindale, proved how much such an institution is a desiratum. Mr. Chapman, of the firm of Messrs. Chapman and Willis, has promised to bring the subject before the Deck Committee. PROJECTED ALTERATION IN THE IRISH MAILS.—It is rumoured that the trains which convey the Irish mail-bags to Liverpool are shortly to leave London at such an hour as to enable the morning mail to leave Liverpool for Dublin at five o'clock, and the afternoon mail at five. By this altera tion it is anticipated that the mail-packets will reach Dublin before the departure of the provincial mails. The evening mail for Dublin (which also brings the Liverpool letters) now reaches Liverpool at a quarter past seven o'clock. This is an hour at which letters for Liverpool cannot be well de livered the same evening ; but if the train which arrives in Liverpool at four o'clock i n th e a f t ernoon be made into a mail-train, merchants of Liverpool will have the benefit of receiving their letters before they quit the Exchange. NEW COUNTY VaLtrkrtoN.—On Monday'and yesterday the Rev. John Hopwood, John Lister, Esq., and James Simpson, Esq. three of her Majesty's justices of the peace for this county, assisted by the county treasurer, attended at the hotel for the purpose of carrying into effect, so far as the Blackburn hundred is concerned, the resolution adopted at the last annual session, on the motion of T. D. Addison, Esq., for equalising the county rate. The last time when data were collected for the laying of a fresh county rate was in the year 1829, and the annual value of rateable property. in this township was then returned at about £52,000. We, understand that the valuation upon which the new assess ment will be made is increased by the inquiry just ended to upwards of £83,000, being an addition of more than £31,000 to the old valuation. In many other townships in the hun dred the valuation has likewise been materially increased.— Blackburn Standard. AMPHITHEATRE.—On Monday last, in honour of the joyful intelligence received the previous day, of the birth of the Princess, the manager of this theatre treated his audience with a fine display of fireworks. " God save the Queen" was also sung, with an additional verse. Miss Daly and Mr. Hammond, in " Sketches in India," are making " laugh ter holding both his sides," constantly appear in the house. Miss Daly is a delightful actress, her Miss Scroggs is in imitable. Hammond's Tom Tape is the very quintessence of cockney's—it is the best we have as yet seen. Mr. Car ter, the Lion King, next week will appear with his lions and tigers. We believe he eclipses Van Amburg throughout his performance. We expect to have an extraordinary account to give of him in our next. The house has been well at tended during the week. LIVER THEATRE.—The Liver opened on Monday last, as noticed in our Tuesday's publication. The house has been very full every night, and the pieces and entertainments appear to give unbounded satisfaction. The " Wife's Secret" is a drama of very great interest, founded on a well-known London legend. The incident of the pedlar and his dog, in troduced in the piece, is also a popular legend connected with the metropolis. The company is excellently selected ; and when we have seen a little more of it we shall be better able to judge of its capabilities. Mrs. Gordon possesses a fine figure, and is a good actress. Miss Land and Mr. Bland sing extremely well, and will be acquisitions to the theatre. Mr. Marshall appears to possess a good deal of drollery in his composition, but—comparisons are odious. The farce of " Charles O'Malley" will turn out a hit, or we are much mistaken. Mr. Raymond's Charles O'Malley is a dashing and spirited performance : the farce abounds in hits at pass ing events. The rope dancers are astonishing ; their Coco ,Dance is very amusing. In the farce of the " Back Parlour," Mrs. Raymond plays Mrs. Tubbs admirably, and, with Mr. Marshall, send " their hearers, not weeping, but laughing to their beds." STREET ROBBERY. — EIIen Wallace, a dissolute female, was placed before Mr. Rushton, on Wednesday, charged with having robbed John Watson, druggist, of St. James s street, of his purse, containing a guinea, a sovereign, half a sovereign, and some silver. Mr. Watso n s t ate d that he was passing along Bold-street about half past eleven o'clock on Tuesday night, when he met the prisoner, who asked him where he was going. He replied to her and they entered into conversation. He remained with her a few minutes, during which time he felt her hand about his pockets. When she left him he missed his purse, and immediately followed and overtook her. He told her of his loss and accused her of the theft. She strenuously denied that she had taken anything belonging to him. He called a police-officer and gave her into custody. She was searched at Bridewell, but no money was found in her possession. She was committed for trial. BIDSTON LIGHTHOUSE.--A short time ago we alluded to the case of Mr. and Mrs. Nichol, who have the are of the Bidston Lighthouse and signals, and who, under the circum stance of their situation, had prayed for some relief f r om the pressure of their lal;orioru, duties. We are happy to state, that the application has, through the kind attention andjudicious management of the respected chairman of the Dock Committee, resulted in a considerable abridgment of their labours, by means of an improved arrangement for dis playing the signals on Bidston-hill. For several years, as must have been generally observed, the telegraph has been gradually absorbing the business of the individual poles, which have, consequently, when fallen to decay or been blown down, in very few instances been replaced. Thus the remaining poles were separated, in many places, by wide in tervals, and the persons attending on the signals had the same distance to travel, to any given pole, as when the num ber was three times as great. By marshalling up the few remaining poles in closer order in the immediate vicinity of the lighthouse, a great saving of time and exertion would be effected. This idea at once occurred to Mr. Leathom, and with an alacrity and an intelligence highly creditable to him he has succeeded in securing the adoption of the plan, which, while it simplifies the process of making signals, and in creases the facility of observing them on this side of the water, an object, now that building is going on so rapidly along the Cheshire shore, of some importance, at the same time completely meats the wishes of Mr. and Mrs. Nichol, and will enable the Dock Committee still to retain their very useful services.—Courier. THEFT FROM. A SHIP. -At the police-office, on Tuesday, Benjamin Stevenson, a porter, was charged with having stolen a seaman's chest from the ship Glengarry. David Smith, one of the crew of the ship Glengarry, stated that the vessel arrived in the Brunswick Dock on Sunday morning last. He (witness) had since been lodging at the house of Mr. Smith, 62, Norfolk -street. He left his chest on board the ship on Sunday last. Between two and three o'clock on Monday last, he went to his chest and took out a pair of trousers and some flannel drawers and shirts. When he left the chest;there were in it two pair of trousers, a Scotch cap, an oil-case jacket, and a log-book. He lashed the chest round with a rope for security. The prisoner was then on board, and he asked witness if he wanted to have his chest carried to his lodgings. Witness said, " No, not to-day," and left the vessel. About seven o'clock on Monday night, in consequence of information which he r eceived, he accom panied a person named Willi am For d to hi s lodgings, where he found his chest and it s contents. H e h a d not g i ven the prisoner any authority t o remove the chest . William Ford, a sailor,.stated that about four o'clock on Monday afternoon the prisoner entered his lodgings, and asked him if he wanted to purchase a chest, some canvass trousers, a Scotch cap, and an oil-skin jacket. Witness asked him where the things were. He replied that they were at a marine-store not far off. Witness went with the prisoner to a marine-store in Croston-street, where he showed him a chest containing the articles enumerated. He ask e d fi ve s hilli ngs for them, w hi c h witness agreed to give, and the prisoner carried the chest and clothes to his lodgings, wh ere w i tness ' s w if e paid him. He said the chest and clothes were his own. Upon some papers in the chest witness found the name of Smith, which induced him to go in search of the prosecutor, and to give information to a constable. The prisoner was apprehended by constable Heaton. , He submitted as his defence, that the prosecutor was on board when he was taking the things away. Com mitted for trial. CONVICTION OF A LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE DRIVER FOR DISOBEDIENCE OF ORDERS.—On Tuesday, the 24th inst., David Fletcher, an engine -driver in the employ of the Liver pool and Manchester Railway Company, was by order of the directors brought before John Formby, Esq., one of the county magistrates, charged with disobeying the regulations of the company in reference to the locomotive engine entrusted to his care, and the offence being proved, the worthy magi strate, after observing on the necessity of obeying and main taining the regulations of the company for the safety of the public, convicted the prisoner in the mitigated penalty of £5, or in default of payment, to be imprisoned in Kirkdale gaol for one calendar month. The prosecution was under Lord Seymour's act of last session, for regulating railways. It ap peared, that the company's regulations are printed, and are delivered to all their engine-drivers and servants, and a copy was proved to have been delivered to the prisoner, so that he was without excuse, and the punishment may be considered a very lenient one, probably owing to its being the first pro secution under this public statute, but we trust it will serve, as the magistrate observed, for a warning to others.—This statute has vested in the magistracy, summary powers of pun ishing, by fine or imprisonment, with or without hard labour, any offences by engine -drivers and other servants of railway companies, against the regulations of such companies, or any negligencies, whereby persons using the railway may be en dangered in life or limb, or the passage of the railway ob s trusted. CONSECRATION OF ALL SOULS' CHURCH EVERY-STREET, MANCHESTER. — The ceremony of consecrating this church, in Every-street, Ancoats, was performed, on Wednesday last, by the Bishop of Chester. Before giving an account of the ceremony, a few particulars regarding the church itself may be interesting to our readers. The site, with some cottages, of the value altogether of about £1,400, were given by Sir Oswald Mosley, Bart., towards the erection and en dowment. The foundation-stone was laid, on the 25th of October, 1839, by Sir Oswald Mosley. Dr. Warren, who was formerly a minister in the Wesleyan connection, but who is now a clergyman of the established church, was the in tended minister; and it will, perhaps, be thought by some persons, rather singular that the foundation. stone was laid on the day of the consummation of the Wesleyan centenary. The length of the church, by the outside measurement, is 109 feet, and the width 50 feet. There is a belfry, and one bell in it. There is no tower; but the building is so arranged that, though it is complete as it now is, a tower may at any time be added, if it is thought desirable. The church, which is in the Norman style of architecture, is built of brick, or namented with stone, and was erected under the superintend ence of Mr. Bayley, the architect. The body of the church contains five rows of pews, the middle row being free. The pulpit and reading desks are small, but very neat. The side galleries have four rows of seats, the higher one being appro priated to free sittings ; and there are also four rows of pews In front, behind which are the orchestra, and other free sit tings. The church will accommodate 1,400 persons; and one-half of the sittings are free. The cost of the erection was about £4,500, which is to be defrayed by subscrip tion, aided by a grant of £l,OOO from government.—Man chester Guardian. STOPPAGE OF MESSRS. HULKE'S BANE, AT DEAL.--We regret that it becomes our duty to record this serious occur rence, which took place on Thursday. The neighbourhoods of Deal and Sandwich will be severely affected by this event. —Kentish Mercury. EDUCATION COMMITTEE:-,Sir Joshua Walmsley has been appointed chairman of the Education Committee. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.—At the meeting of this committee last week, Mr. Hugh Hornby was elected chair man, in the place of the late Mr. Wallace Currie. At the same meeting a resolution was passed, recognising in the strongest terms the great services of Mr. Wallace Currie. " THE PRESIDENT" STEAM-SHIP. We have yet no intelligence of this fine and anxiously looked-for Vessel, and some uneasiness prevails in the public mind as to her safety, aggravated in no small degree by vague rumours and surmises, built, in our humble opinion, on very fanciful or untenable ground!. Admitting that she sailed on her appointed day (the 2d instant), there is no need of alarm at her non-arrival, inasmuch as, from all accounts received by the unusually few vessels that have recently reached this country from the westward, very strong easterly gales have prevailed throughout a large breadth of the eastern portion of the Atlantic for some time past. As the fast-sailing line ship Oxford, which was to sail on the same day as the Presi dent, has not made her appearance, though some days beyond her usual time, the strong probability is that similar gales have blown on and near the American shore. It is not, therefore, un likely that the President, beingunable to make her accustomed headway against wind and sea, may have run short of coals for the entire voyage, and had consequently put into some port in the Azores Islands to replenish her fuel. The Liverpool was under a similar necessity on one occasion, and put into Fayal, where the passengers and officers (as we remember to have noticed on her arrival here) were most hospitably entertained by the governor, the American consul, and others of the in habitants of the island. On that occasion, the Liverpool (including her detention) was 27 days from, port to port. The President as yet has been but 25 days out. It should be remembered, too, that the British Queen, was on one voyage last winter 23 days at sea, she having sailed on the 2d of De cember—and arrived on Christmas Day. The President, we should also say, is a very strong large vessel, and most excellent sea boat, capable of weathering the sever , est gales when she has sea room. The probability from all that we can ourselves conjecture or learn as the opinion of nautical men, that she has either been de layed in procuring additional coal, or that she is coming homewards under sail, (of which she can spread a great breadth for a steamer), and that she is retarded by contrary winds. Persons who are more busy than wise in instituting comparisons to magnify the uncalled-for alarm of those who appreheudedsome casualty having happened to the President, instance, amongst other matters, the arrival of Mary Queen of Scots yesterday, from Paraiba, in thirty-one days. The passage is certainly a good one from that port ' • but it should be taken into account, (as p rac ti ca l men will do) that a lead ing, or at least a beam wind to that vessel steering from the south, would operate very differently on vessels coming di rect from the west,—to which, in fact, an east wind would be dead a-head. It will be remembered ;that, about ten days ago, the barometer fell much and rapidly here, and though this locality was not visited by any very severe or, at least, prolonged storms, dreadful gales from the eastward were experienced in the South of England. That these ex. tended to the Atlantic there can be little question; and the general boisterous state of the weather at sea is also confirmed by the return the day before yesterday to this port of the brig Brilliant, bound for Barbadoes, after being 21 days out, and having lost her boats, bulwarks, &c., in a severe gale. We have, however, we repeat, no fear but the President would weather that storm if she encountered it.:: We quote from the - hiorning v Herald of yesterday the following communication from the correspondent of that paper in Bristol, for the purpose of remarking upon it, as it has given addtional uneasiness to many parties whose fears for the President had been excited by previous rumours : WRECK OF ANOTHER LARGE STEAM-BOAT. Information of a most painful; hatacter, and which has awakened fears to which I scarcely dare to allude, was brought here last evening by a gentleman of high mercantile respecta bility in this city, who arrived from the coast by last night's coach. He states that he was informed by Captain Lock, of Ilfracombe, that on Wednesday last, as he and others were standing on the Lanthorn. hill, (the eminence at Ilfra combe from which watches are usually kept by those engaged in maritime pursuits,) he saw a steam-packet of a very large description beating up channel under stress of weather. In a short time a heavy squall came on—the same in which several vessels were damaged, and the brig Grecian lost ; and upon looking out again as soon as it wore off he looked in every direction but could see no trace of the steamer. Since that some fragments of wreck, apparently belonging to a large vessel, have been washed on shore, among which is a door of a state-room berth of a superior description. It is of hand some polished mahogany, with gilt mouldings, and is labelled with a number " 28." I have made every inquiry, and find that this does not answer the description of the doors on board the City of Bristol: .they were of mahogany, but had no gilt moulding, and none of the state-room berths were labelled with so high a number as 28. The Swansea packet of last night brings similar information as having transpired in that town, and it is reported here that one of the tug boats belonging to this port has likewise seen large fragments of wreck. Fears are entertained by some persons here that the steam-boat seen by Captain Lock might be the American steam-ship President, now so long overdue ; but it is fair to say, that others well versed in nautical affairs consider this unlikely. They say a vessel making St. George's Channel would not be likely to be seen off Ilfracombe, while the first reply that she might be forced there by stress of weather. I trust to God that the first supposition may prove incorrect, although it seems pretty certain (supposing Captain Lock to be a veracious man, as I am told he is, in every sense) that some large vessel, and one which there is every reason to be lieve does not belong to this port, has foundered. I have just seen a gentleman, who says he has seen the President, and she has not mahogany doors. The north mail is not in. I send the intelligence as it reaches me. We have to state, in reference to this communication, that the whole of the cabins of the President (in which the writer of this paragraph has sailed) are entirely fitted up in the Tudor style of Gothic, painted in oak, and that she has on board no doors whatever of mahogany, with or without gilt mouldings. In conclusion, we can but repeat our confidence in the good qualities of the President, and shall patiently await her arrival, trusting she will soon make her appearance, and " all well." Should she arrive by this day's tide, we shall hold ourselves in readiness to supply as much informa tion relative to bar voyage, &c., in our second edition, as our time and limits will allow. MEETING OF THE DOCK COMMITTEE The weekly meeting of the Committee was held yesterday, in the Offices, Revenue-buildings. Mr. Leathom took the chair. The Sub-committee of Works reported that they had taken into consideration the question of graving blocks being placed in Gebrge's Basin. They had examined the dock-masters and harbour-masters, and on their evidence unanimously re solved to recommend the committee to place graving blocks on the north and west side of Prince's Basin, instead of George's Basin. The recommendation was adopted. The proposed lengthening of the shed on the quay of Queen's Dock was agreed to. Posts and chains were ordered to be placed at the back of the North Master's House, in the position suggested by that officer. ;;;;The North Harbour Master was authorised to engage a boy at seven shillings a week wages, to attend his office during the time he is engaged in going the round of the docks. The SOLICITOR reported that he had considered the pro position to levy certain fines upon the dock gatemen and other servants of the trust for neglect of duty ; and was of opinion, that, in order to fix the amount of the penalties pro vision must first be made by bye-laws according to the dock acts. A long discussion took place, at the end of which it was resolved the subject be referred back to the committee. The Sub-committee of Works recommended that the gate men at each dock be numbered according to seniority, upon their hats, and that the corresponding numbers be fixed up in the dock master's offices. Mr. Thistleton was appointed to take charge of the stages on Brunswick Dock quay, and to report upon their efficiency from time to time. The receipt of dock dues at the port of Runcorn, from the 23d October to the 24th November were reported to have been £lll Is Id. The MARINE SURVEYOR reported that at day-break in the morning of the 20th instant, the sloop Lord Edward, from Flint to Holyhead, laden with coals, was wrecked off the Point of Ayr. The life-boat at that station, on perceiving her distress, proceeded to her assistance, and succeeded in rescuing the crew, consisting of th ree i n di v id ua l s . The MARINE SURVEYOR said that he had carefully exa mined the model of a safety-beacon, submitted by Captain Bullock, and was of opinion that if one was placed on the sandbanks, at the rn entrance to the river, it would not be attended with such results in the preservation of life as seemed to be imagined. He had often traversed the sand banks, and found that they were intersected with deep gullets, so that if a wreck took place upon the bank, the parties would not be able to attain the beacon. There must also be taken into account the risk of vessels mistaking the beacon for some of the landmarks; these considerations altogether fully counterbalanced any benefit that might accrue from the adoption of the beacon.—Some conversation followed be tween the CHAIRMAN, Mr. CHAPMAN, and Mr. BORSFALL, which ended in the report of the marine surveyor being con firmed. A letter from Mr. William Laird, with three models of zinc roofing, was referred to the sub-committee of works. The sub-committee of finance recommended the payment of two sums due on bond, amounting to about £5OOO. — Agreed to. Some conversation took place concerning the state of the steam-ship graving dock. The matter was ultimately referred to the sub-committee of works to report thereon. The committee then adjourned. INQUESTS Before P. F. CURRY, Esc'. • ACCIDENTAL DEATll.—Yesterday an inquest was held at the coroner's office on view of the body of James Kelly, a man aged 61 years. Police-officer, Andrew Dickson, said he was on duty about a quarter past six o'clock on Saturday night, the 31st of October, when he heard same one calling out, and on looking round he saw a spring cart drawn by one horse. He also saw something in the middle of the street crouched all of a lump, and on it was the near wheel of the cart. He afterwards went up and found it was the deceased, he picked him up, and put him on the parapet. The driver, who was sitting in front, stopped the cart after it had passed over the man. The cart belonged to Robert and William Chadwick. The deceased was taken to the Northern Hos pital, and was afterwards attended at his own house. The wife of the deceased heard of the accident soon after and saw him at the hospital, where every attention was paid to him, as well as afterwards at home. He however, gradually de clined, until Tuesday morning, when he died. The deceased told him that as he was crossing the street he was knocked down by the cart, but before he fell he held up his hand. He was then under the impression that he was dying. He did not say that the driver was to blame. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was accidentally killed. Mr. Chadwick, the owner of the cart, was told by the coroner that the unfortunate wife of the deceased was left without sixpence in the world, and that she had even got the coffin on credit. He suggested that Mr. C. should do something for her. Mr. Chadwick immediately expressed his willing ness to assist her, and retired with her for that purpose. AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH. —Same day an inquest was held on view of the body of John Francis. The deceased was employed yesterday morning as a rigger on board the ship Robert Fulton, lying in the Victoria Dock. About nine o'clock he and another man were in the act of hoisting one of the sails, when all at once he fell on the deck. He was immediately picked up insensible. He never afterwards ral lied, and died in a few minutes after. A police-officer was called, and he was carried to the Northern Hospital. A past mortem examination was afterwards made by Mr. Wood ward, surgeon of the hospital. and he gave it as his opinion, that death was caused by a disease called aneurism of the aorta. The jury returned a verdict that the deceased died by " the visitation of God.' DEATH FROM CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN.—Same day, on view of the body of Isabella Wilkinson. The deceased, who %as 57 years of age, w as employed as a nurse by Mrs. Mary Shake s p eare , o f Clarke-street, Toxteth-park. On Monday morning last the deceased got up a little after five o'clock, got a light, and went down stairs. A noise was soon afterwards heard, like something falling, and Mrs. Shake speare got up, and called the deceased; but receiving no an swer, called to her brother, and he went down stairs. Shortly after he had gone down, he called on the witness to come down directly. She went down, and found the deceased, who h a d b een lifted from the floor, quite insensible, and bleeding from the head. A doctor was called, and leeches were about being applied, but which was not done, as she I was afterwards taken to the Infirmary.- There was a cut on l the back of the head, but the bleeding was stopped. Miles Preston, the brother of the first witness, said he found the deceased lying at the foot of the stairs, with her feet on the bottom step, and her head close to the coal-vault door, which is opposite the stairs. She was quite insensible and bleeding. Mr. Brandreth, house surgeon of the Infirmary, said the de ceased was brought there on Monday morning, about nine o'clock, in a state of insensibility. She was labouring under concussion of the brain. There was a severe wound on the scalp, at the back of the head. She never recovered, and died the same evening about eight o'clock. Concussion of the brain was the cause of death. The jury returned a ver dict to the effect that the deceased was found at the bottom of the stairs, much injured, and that she died from concus sion of the brain; but how the injuries 'were received there was no evidence to show CORRESPONDENCE. MR. ROSSON AND THE IRISH CLERGY. TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD SIR,—Mr. J. Rosson has given us a difficult riddle, his " 6 Irish bigots who have left their owe country to tnarry rich wives and get rich livings." But we can tell who they are not, and this will be something towards it. Rev. Hugh M'Neile cannot be one, for he has not got either a rich wife or a rich living. Rev. Hugh Stowell cannot be one, far he is not an Irish man at all, neither has he married a rich wife or got a rich living. Rev. Robert M`Ghee cannot he one, for he has not left bis own country, neither has he married a rich wife. - Rev. T. D. Gregg cannot be one, for he has not 10 his own country, and he married an English lady, not rich. Dr. O'Sullivan cannot be one, for he has not left his own country, neither did he marry a lady with property. Rev. F. Ould cannot be one, for he did not marry a lady of property, neither has he a rich living. Now I have named the six most likely to be " counted on Mr. Rosson's fingers," and not one will answer the descrip tion ; and if the learned gentlemen will name the six parties, venture to prove that they are equally erroneous. In fact, sir, there can be no doubt that this is another popish fabrication.—Yours, &c. MATTER-OF-FACT, ANTI-FRANTIC-BIGOT-GOING-THROUGH THE-COUNTRY-SOCIXTY. Perhaps the inhabitants of Liverpool are not fully aware of the existence of the above popular society, and of its vari ous useful objects. In the first instance, it is proposed to prepare an act of parliament, during the next session, called the " Six Bigot Act," the object of which shall be to prevent the utterance of opinions averse to those held by the honourable Protector Society. Also to prepare an act of parliament, rendering bribery legal in certain cases. Also an act, rendering it compulsory upon Irishmen of all professions (barring barristers) to remain in their own country. Also an act, rendering it illegal for poor Irishmen to marry rich Englishwomen ; and where such unions have taken place, to render a r epeal of the union necessary. Also to have a " standing committee of observation," touching the printing, publishing, or distribution of books, tracts, or handbills inimical to the sentiments of such com mittee, and to burn such publications when obtained, and, if possible, the publishers also. The literary department to be under the management of five gentlemen educated at Maynooth. The society intend, when sufficiently established, to take up the fire insurance department, upon pure " Catholic" principles. The legal department under the management of a gentle man whose talent is acknowledged by the whole " unknown world," and who has, besides the entire confidence of his holiness the Pope, the most perfect satisfaction of himself. As the society will doubtless shortly possess works of art, the painting department will be superintended by a gentle man possessing the highest testimonials from the aristocracy of the City-road, London, and who possesses talents of no ordinary degree, although hitherto they have been hid in a napkin. This gentleman being out of employ, will also be of the greatest use to the society in various departments. The juvenile members of the society will be expected to attend alternately the Socinian Chapel, Popish Mass House, Dissenting Meeting, and Hall of Science, as the best mode of inculcating liberal views. The whole to be under the patronage of the late mayor and present as-pirant to a seat in parliament. I shall be happy to furnish you with the further rules, &c., as they are formed, and remain your obedient servant, LIBERAL THE OPERATIVE CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD SIR,—I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Bolton Operative Conservative Association, informing me they had agreed, if their information will bear them out, to establish, in conjunction with the association, a Sick and Burial Society—he is not aware whether there is one in Li verpool, and requests me to make the inquiry, and obtain as much information as possible to the following effect : " The number of members, and whether they have any honorary ones ; whether it has been of advantage to the con servative cause ; how often they have meetings, and so on." Being almost an entire stranger in Liverpool, I am At a loss how to obtain the required information ; but recollect ing the committee of the above association are subscribers to your valuable paper, and that you are friendly to such asso ciations, it struck me, I might obtain the information from you. If you can render me auy assistance, you will greatly oblige, sir, your obedient servant, H. G. 12, Oil-street, Liverpool. [Perhaps some of our readers can furnish the required in formation.—E.L.S.] Nov. 19, 1840. MR. ROSSON AND HIS GAGGING BILL TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD SIR,—It is not strange that this gentleman should so mys tify himself in his frothy eloquence, that he could not see he was blowing hot and coldin the same breath. " The liberty of the subject," "an Englishman's house is his castle," and a string of these truisms, having been uttered, he goes on to inform his auditory, that " there should be some legal and constitutional means taken to check the proceedings of men who, under the guise of religion, were doing their utmost to set fire to the four corners of the empire." What ! a liberal ! a liberal Papish too ! (strange animal) put a check upon free discussion. The cat is out of the bag here—a law to be passed to gag six men. I, for one,- should have no objections to a law to punish treasonable demagogues, and I know who would long ago have had a rope round his neck. The great grub with some learned gentlemen is, that in this land of li berty a man must not bribe voters.—Yours :respectfully, ANTI-IfUMBLt TO I'HE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, Si a,--Will you be good enough to give the enclosed inser tion in your paper, as it is not likely that any of the reform prints will favour me so far.—l am, sir, yours, obediently, TO JOHN WOOLLAIGHT, ESQ. Siu,—l address you in your public capacity as councillor for St. Peter's Ward, in consequence of a report very gene rally circulated, that you have offered to vacate your seat in favour of Mr. Rathbone. Whether it is true or not, I do not pretend to say ; I hope for your own credit that it is not, for, although it may be a very chivalric determination on your part, I think that the respect you owe to the electors of the ward who sent you into council to represent their opinions, might have induced you to call a public meeting and take the sense of that meeting, before you rushed into the determina tion of making St. Peter's Ward into a warming pan, and yourself into a coal, to keep the box seat for Mr. Rathbone. I well remember the anxiety you manifested on the first election after the passing of the Reform Bill. When you called on me to solicit my vote, the perspiration was dropping from your face, and it was cheering to listen to the independent way in which you spoke of your deter mination to reform every abuse, although you avowed yourself friendly to the Established Church, of which you no doubt knew that many of your supporters were mem bers. Well, sir, we elected you, and, as Sir Howard Douglas said, " you jumped from the counter to the Council," and you all at once became somebody ! What was your first act ? Was it not to sneak out of the council-chamber without voting either for the retention or dismissal of the late Town clerk, and which you did amidst the ill-suppressed titter of every reformer in the room ! and the Albion well remarked on your cowardice when it reminded you that " silk has two sides." Since you have occupied a seat, how have you dis tinguished yourself ? What reporter has given to the world a single idea of yours worth recording ; and beyond your mere vote, what honour has been reflected on St. Peter's Ward by your representation ?. As one of your real friends, and as the friend of real reform, I must tell you that many of the acts of yourself and colleagues have irreparably da maged our cause. You have just done what the tories were turned out for doing, and by your exclusive system you have managed to bring reform into contempt. You have con verted three-fourths of the licensed victuallers into our anta gonists, by almost indiscriminately adding to their numbers, when they were already too numerous, and none of you had the manliness to stand up and protest against such a whole sale system. And does our cause render Angel meetings ne cessary, where you have been one of the most diligent at tenders ? I trow not ; and it is with sorrow I add, that the cause of reform, which could never have been injured by its enemies, has been utterly destroyed by its friends. lam not only speaking my own sentiments, but those of many re spectable reformers in the ward, when I say, that the whole sale licensing system, the attacks on the warehouse property. of the town—aye, of the education question, too—aided by the itinerating peregrinations of Mr. Tindal Atkinson, to the' exclusion of men of standing and respectability, have been some of the causes of our present deplorable condi tion. It is no use blinking the matter. The tories, from these and other causes, are within reach of the Town hall ; and, if report be true, you are about endangering our cause still more by off er i ng to v aca te your seat.' And if you do, who is to be Mr. Rathbone's antagonist ? Why a man who will receive the united support of a powerful party. One who is an old resident of the ward, employs hundreds of workmen therein, and however I may dislike his politics, all must admit that in every other sense he is unobjectionable, and would (politics apart), be a most ser viceable man in council. And dont let us run away with the idea that none but tories will support him. Many of the reformers of the ward will either vote for him or not vote at all. This fact, if you doubt it, you may easily ascertain on inquiry, for just as scores of us in Great George Ward will not oppose Mr. James Lawrence, so we shall find, when it comes to the vote, that many moderate men will not oppose Mr. Holmes. And after all, it is not our out and outers who carry our elections, but the thinking moderate men, who are not led away by fine professions, but who judge of men by their actions and lives. If you are desirous of retiring from council, you have an opportunity of doing so now.- Then let us have Mr. Rathbone, and a fair stand-up fight. But if you now voluntarily retire, and so convert this ward into a sort of rotten borough, for the convenience of those who have been rejected in other places, depend upon it that you will make bad worse, and your own career as a public man is extinguished for ever.—l am, sir, your obedient servant. . . REFORMER. [We have, as requested, given insertion to the above, and think Mr. Wooßright may truly say, " save me from my friends." He is wishful to please his friends, but in all pro bability he has not found out which side of the silk feels the smoothest.—En. L. S.l TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. SIR,-It is a matter of regret that your reporter should have left the Welsh dinner meeting last Monday, before the Rev. D. James had delivered his eloquent address on true patriotism, and on the ex-Mayor's partiality to " Cambria in distress:" and when partially deserted by her own sons, that I am induced to make the following offer —namely, that if you can by any means obtain a correct report of that speech, and of another rev. gentleman's reply to it, and will publish it in your respectable journal, I will hand you rive pounds towards any charity in the town. You will not, perhaps, consider this a contemptible offer at this season. It would also be very desirable if you could furnish the public with Sir Joshua Walmslev's masterly response. His keen penetration at once grasped the subject. Ha knew all about the tre ac h ery referred to, and hence he said, repeatedly and pointedly---" Let those who are conscious of the truth of the severe rebuke just delivered, take shame to themselves—let them drop die name of Britonsl-or let them act openly and generously, as their fathers of old would under similar cir cumstances." Oh, how this told ! The company felt it, and cheered the sentiment. The exposure of false brethren, who care more for their pockets than they do for their coun try; who would shelter themselves beneath some paltry ex cuse, rather than come forward in behalf of Cambria, was happily enforced by Mr. James, when he added, emphati cally, " There is a character—a real character under all this." The cap, at any rate, seemed to fit one gentleman present, who got up to talk about directors of the Welsh schools, and trustees of the Welsh church not being pro perly waited upon'. Wonderful if true—but shameful if not true! The company felt the insult, and manifested their dis approbation by hissing—the sophistry would not do—the age ofJesuitism is gone by. Then it was added, there was " a reason for it"—th a t i s , f or t h e defection complained of— capital! Let us have it out. The sooner the better. 'We are waiting for it. We are prepared to meet it. We are longing to measure the length of our goose quills with our opponents if they durst come out. - As the Welsh School was referred to, I beg leave to inquire what is become of its display on St. David's day ? Why have fifty or sixty Welsh gentlemen ceased to meet at dinner on its anniversaries since the Welsh church has been built? Has that church a Welsh congrega tion? Unless I have an immediate answer to these enqui ries, the public, with your permission, shall hear again from, sir, your obedient servant, SCRUTATOR. November 25, 1840. [We have omitted a portion of our correspondent's letter, for reasons which we shall be happy to explain, but which, on reflection, he will probably anticipate.—E n .L. S.] LIME-STREET WARD TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. SlR,—Will you allow me to use a space in your paper, in order to make a suggestion to the committee and all those interested in the success of the conservative cause in Lime street Ward—a ward which on a late occasion nobly did its duty. When I consider the numerous and respectable meet ing which was held at the York Hotel; when 1 consider the hard work that the conservatives bad to undergo ; and whe►► I consider the great triumph that was achieved ;—I do hope you will agree with me that we ought to have a dinner to ce lebrate so splendid a triumph, setting aside the great good it may do. I would willingly subscribe my two guineas to wards the expenses.—l am, sir, yours respectfully, A CONSERVATIVE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDA RD. SlR,—About 12 months since, the Rev. J. H. Masguire, curate of St. Helens, delivered seventeen lectures on the Romish Apostacy, in the great room belonging to the Infant and Sunday Schools. The interest created exceeded aiiy thing ever witnessed in these parts : the Papists attended in vast numbers, (for we have, it is said, 5,000 in and about St. Helens) and now and then some of the neighbouring priests condescended to look in and hear what was going on. Mr. Macguire's mode of dealing with the papacy could not be ob jected to—for he never once adduced Protestant authorities— he condemned the " wicked servant" out of her own mouth. He was, indeed, munificently liberal in citations from the Canons and Decrees of Trent, the Catechism of Trent, the Creed of Pope Pius IX., the Rituale Romanum, the Missals Romanum, the Pontificate Romanum, the precious Breviary, a host of modern catechisms, and, occasionally, Thomas Aquinas and Cardinal Bellarmine with the Maynooth class books, &c., &c. All these authorities he quoted from in the pulpit, inviting, at the same time, any Popish priest to:gain say if he could. The result, indeed, has been highly gratifying ; for I have myself noticed at one communion, persons who, prior to the delivery of these lectures, were worshippers in the Popish chapel ; and I also know that there are now converts under the rev. lecturer's instruction, previous to their admission to the Eucharist the coming Sacrament Sunday. I am quite persuaded in my own mind that if similar plans were had recourse to throughout " once protestant " Eng land, that God would vouchsafe many and great blessings. I have conversed with several papists on the subject of these lectures, and I have heard them always say, " we do believe that although Mr. Alacguire does hate our doctrines, he loves our souls and bodies, for when our priests preach controver sial lectures, they do not conclude with the same expres sions of love towards protestants." I am happy to inform you also, that on Thursday evening last, Mr. Macguirc commenced a course of lectures on eccle siastical history. The great room was crowded. The lecturer commenced at the ascension of our blessed Saviour, and came down to the destruction of Jerusalem. These lectures are to embrace notices of the establishment of the apostolic churches —a history of their founders, and those bishops and patri archs who succeeded them, &c ; also a history of the several heresiarchs who troubled the church, and the nature of their heresies, from the time when the " mystery of iniquity be gan to work, the persecutions of the primitive Christians, the several councils of the church, &c, down to the reformation. I may, perhaps—should you have no objection,—send you some extracts—from time to time—of these lectures, par ticularly on points connected with anti-episcopal schism, Arianism, and Popery. Chrzshanus mtht nomen est, catholicus cognomen. Illud 2e nuneupat. Istud ostendit. PACIANUS St. Helens, Nov. 25, 1840 The distillation of spirits in Ireland for the year ending 10th October last, was less than the preceding year by 3,500,000 gallons, and the consequent loss of duty to the revenue has been £466,000. The average value of the annual produce of the mines of the British islands amounts to the sum of £20,000,000, of which about 8,000,000 arise from iron, and 9,000,000 front coal. The mineral produce of Cornwall and Devon alone has recently amounted to £1,340,000. In this estimate the va lue of the copper is taken in the ore before fusion ; that of the iron, lead, zinc, tin, and silver, after fusion, in their first marketable condition. SEVERN NAVIGATION.—One of the most gratifying fea tures in the subscription which has been raised, in order to enable the committee to take the initiatory steps for the im provement of our fine river, is that nearly all the carriers on the line, and in anywise connected with the trade carried on upon it, have contributed. Amongst these we may enumer ate Messrs. Pickford and Co., Messrs. Crowley and Co., Mr, Devey, Mr. Heath, Messrs. Stuckeys, &c. &c. The subscription proceeds most favourably. The British Alkali Company, at their late meeting, agreed to subscribe £lOO to the fund for the above object.—Worcester Journal. BONDED WAREDOUSES.—In consequence of the disco ♦ery of recent frauds in the revenue, in the transmission of bonded goods from one port to another, we understand that an order will be issued in a few 'days, from the Board of Customs, regulating the times to be allowed for the transit of goods by different conveyances, as follows : Railroad and stage conveyance lO days Inland navigation and sailing vessels. 1 month Steam-vessels and waggons, or vans.. 14 days. Whereas formerly it was two months for sailing vessels, and seven days for railroad, from the date of delivery from the warehouse. The new order will date the time from the day the bond is entered into.—Bristol Journal. KIRRET.—THE MURRAIN.—The disease in cattle still continues to spread in this neighbourhood. We have heard that Mr. James Harrison, of Low Fields, has upwards of seventy head of cattle more or less affected, half of which were fat; at Underley, the seat of A. Nowell, Esq., not only the cows, but the buffaloes have been seized with the epi demic; and Mr. William Garnett, of Kirfit Hall, has ceased for the present to bring milk into the town.—Kendal Mercury. CANAL NAVIGATION.—It has for some time been in con templation here, to try the dragging of canal passage boats by a chain laid along the whole length of the canal, on pretty much the same principle as horse boats are (flagged across river ferries—only the power to be steam. A preliminary trial of this plan was made at Johnston on Friday, with a rope instead of a chain ; and we understand that, as far as the principle is concerned, the trial was altogether satisfactory. The engine, however, was not in a proper condition to se cure the desired speed. Another trial is to be made in a few days hence.—Paisley Advertiser. FAILURE OF A LONDON BANKING HOUSE.—We regret to have to notice to-day the stoppage of the old and respected firm of Messrs. Wright and Co. bankers, Covent Garden. The numerous speculations, however, in which Mr. John Wright was known to be engaged led the more observant and prudent people to watch this establishment for some time past ; and the event was in many quarters by no means un expected. The announcement, therefore, was not attended with any effect upon the funds; and we believe we may say safely, that no bad consequences are likely to be experienced, in regard to the position of other banks, by the unfortunate suspension of p a y men t s on th e p ar t o f M essrs. Wright and Co. NEW OPERATION FOR LATERAL CURVATURE OF THE SPINE.—This operation, which has been so eminently suc cessful in Paris, was, for the first time in England, performed on Wednesday last, by Mr. Childs, surgeon, Wood -street, in the presence of Mr. Coulson and Mr. White, demonstrator of anatomy at the Medical School, Aldersgate-street. The subject of operation was a lad 17 years of age, who had been affected with this disease upwards of three years. The ope ration consisted in dividing the muscles of the back on one side, and occupied less than a minute in its completion. The loss of blood was trifling, and the wound in the skin only an eighth of an inch in extent. The lad experienced but little pain, and was enabled, a fte r th e o p era ti on , t o wa lk t o his bed. Times. THE LATE ACCIDENT ON THE BIRMINGHAM AND GLOU CESTER RAILWAY.—The adjourned inquests upon the bodies of Scaiffe and Rutherford, the two unfortunate men killed by the bursting of the boiler on the Birmingham and Gloucester Railwry, were resumed before Mr. Dooker, at the Cross Hotel, Bromsgrove, on Monday. The jury retired for about two hours and a-half, and upon their return brought in the following verdict :—" We find that Thomas Scaiffe came to his death in consequene of the bursting of the boiler of a locomotive engine called 'the Surprise,' the property of Mr. Samuel Aspinall Goddard, by the boiler being constructed of iron plates, which in evidence appear to have been of insuffi cient thickness." Deodand £6O on the engine. A similar verdict, exclusive of the deodand, was given as regards Rutherford. A GOODLY MAW.—A. week or two ago, a piscator, who resides on the Galloway side of Solway, caught in his net a thumping cod, which was handed over to the cook to be gut ted and dressed for the dinner of rather a large family. Its paunch, when taken out of the water, seemed a good deal distended; and as the kitchen maid proceeded in the duty, not of moral but of physical excavation, she had the plea sure of disembowelling three dozen of excellent whitings, seven flounders, and three crabs ! In place, therefore, of boiling or frying the cod, the cook made a fry of the con tents of its stomach, and dined splendidly, mealy potatoes included. master, mistress, miss, and a parlour guest, with least half a dozen other persons.—Mnfries Courier. THE PATENT SCREW PROPELLER. — We were among the first to notice with approbation the successful discovery by Mr. Smith, of Folkestone, of this superior mode of propell ing steamers. We have before us a letter written by Mr. Smith to a gentleman residing in this county, showing the success which has attended the introduction of his invention. Five or six large vessels are now on the stocks which will be fitted up with the screw, and a communication has been made from the Admiralty for the construction of a screw-ship for the government. A report has been published by Captain Chappell, R.N., of the effects of the screw propeller, as used on board the Archimedes, in various trials with her 'Majesty's Steam Packet Widgeon, at Dover, and subsequently in a cir cumnavigation of Great Britain. It contains much interest ing and important matter, of Which the opinion of the Earl of Dundonald is not the least striking. His lordship speak ing of the superiority of the screw observed that " in three years it would be a matter of wonder how such a barbarous contrivance as paddle wheels was ever adopted."—Kentisk Gazette. SOUTII-EASTERN AILWA.V.—This great undertaking is now proceeding with the utmost vigour; all the works be tween Tunbridge and Redhill are in a state of great forward ness, it being the intention of the directors -to open the line as far as Tunbridge with the least possible delay. The tun nel near the village of Bletch . ngly, which XpaAticularly arduous and heavy structure, is also progressin onNderably. This is one of the most interesting works upon he line, par ticulary to the geologist, as it pulses under ground near the foot of Tilburston Hill, w hi c h , i t i s we ll known, has been subjected to so me power f u l su b terrane ous action, the strata upon some parts of the hill being singularly distorted. All the phenomena observed by the engineer in the progress of the work shows this spot to have been peculiarly subj ec t e d to the upheavi ng an d di s t ur bi ng powers which at some remote period have b een i n ac tive operation. Mr. Simms, the en gineer, who resides at Bletchingly, is in possession of several interesting fossils, which he has found in the progress of his work.—Starex Advertiser.