The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-01-21 00:00:00

says in September. It is confidently expected that the first half year's di v id en d, d ec l are d i n t h e J uly following, per cent. or 6 p er ce n t. per annum. The company w ill he 3 Newcastle, wi ll then t • prosecute the other part to and in all probability, within f our y ears , we s h a ll b e a b le to travel by it to Ne j up New castle. Every st e p th e company ta k e nort h o f Darlington, will become pe r se p aya bl e. Th e fi rst nine oriwill it is miles said, will bring th em i n t o th e C ox h ae coal-fields, which compete with the Auckland Valley coals, even in the 'city of York. It h as l ong b een supposed that the line beyond Dar lington will be abandoned. This would be a monstrous suici dal act ; and we have it on good authority that the most in fluential of the directors consider themselves pledged to pro ceed northwards as soon as the southern end is completed. About Durham and Newcastle it is admitted the difficulties and expenses will increase, but so also will the profits ; so that the most difficult and expensive parts will fortunately also re turn the most revenue.—Railway May. NORTH MIDLAND RAILWAY.—The works in the neighbour hood of Belper are rapidly progressing, and in several portions the men are working.night and day. The permanent way is also progressing very fast. The Derby station is driving on with all speed, and the Leeds station, the letting of which had been postponed, will be let in the course of a week.— .Derby Reporter. EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW RAILWAY.—We understand that three miles of this railway, next to Edinburgh, were con tracted for last week by Mr. Evans, of Rochdale ; and we are gratified to observe that the workmen have already commenced their operations in a field immediately west of Dairy. This augurs well for the spirit and energy of the contractor, and for the rapid progress of the work.—Scottish Standard. We are authorised to say, that the gentlemen forming the deputation to the directors of the Manchester and Birming ham Railway have had an interview with the board of direc tors, at which they laid before them the substance of what passed at the public meeting recently held at Stoke. The di rectors frankly avowed their engagement to make the line to Crewe, there to join the Grand Junction, and to employ all their means in that work until it should be accomplished. which they expected would be in two years. In the mean time they wished it to be understood that they had not aban doned the Pottery line, but that nothing could be done in the present depressed state of the money market ; and that there was little prospect of it being done at all on the plan now laid down, without many great modifications ; they therefore de clined to give any pledges, or to be parties to any arrange ments, until they saw their way clear, and the means at their command,—Sta.fordshire Advertiser. MARYPORT AND CARLISLE RAILWAY. At a meeting of the directors of this railway, held on Saturday last, there was a report upon the state of the works, &c., by John Blackmore, Esq. , lately appointed engineer to the company. It appears that about seven miles of the railway will be ready for the carriage of coal and lime about the first week in April next. Arrangements were entered into with parties desirous of taking coals along the line for shipment at Mary port, from which it is evident that an income will at once be realized sufficient to pay ten per cent. upon the amount of capital that will then have been expended, and this without taking into account any other source of traffic or the increase of coal that will undoubtedly take place. While upon this subject we beg leave to warn those shareholders, particularly the distant ones, who have not the opportunity of gaining correct information about the proceedings of the company, against a practice that has lately become too common of parties who calumniate and depreciate the value of property of the above description for the purpose of getting shares from the timid or needy at very reduced prices. The engi neer has commenced the necessary surveys for setting out the work on the remaining- twenty miles, from Carlisle to Aspatria, and for enabling the agreements to be made for the land required.—Carlisle Patriot, January 11. LANCASTER AND PRESTON RAILWAY. —The works on this line are progressing with great activity. On a consider able portion of the line the rails are already permanently laid, and on nearly every part of it the operations are fast advancing towards completion. Throughout, the style of the work is highly creditable to the contractors. LONDON AND BRIGHTON RAILWAY COMPANY.—We congratulate the proprietors of this Company on the acquisi tion to their Board of Direction of two very influential gen tlemen to fill the vacancies occasioned by two resignations— we allude to the recent election of John Moss, Esq., of Li verpool, Chairman of the Grand Junction Railway Com pany ; and Michael Gibson, Esq., of Liverpool, an indepen dent gentleman of property. The former is an intelligent person, and practically co nversan t w i t h t h e nature and de tails of these undertakings, and both possessed of considera ble influence, with an extensive connexion in the proprietary of the Company. THE RIVAL RAII..WAYS.—The Treasury, we understand, has granted an extended time to the rival parties to com plete further surveys for the lines to the outlets for Ireland. W e expect the Holyhead line will be the favourite. WEEKLY RETURNS OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC. (Prom the Railway Magazine) NAME. Pa.ssen- P.mile Panne Passeng. gers. Cash. pr.vi , k . ' p. d ay. p er day. -- . Birmin X X. X. gham — 1092 11 97 South Western.. 20681 35 14 - i 5 Great We s t ern ... • 20971 681 91- Greenwi c h 24078 833 2194 311 34391 Ma Manc nihester& L ee d s 12126 651 48 7 1732 Biwr. & Derby — 680 171 2•1 York & ' N. Midland Croydon Midland Counties 2447 238 151 91 3491 Eastern Counties 3792 541-1 Glasgow & Ayr... • Ulster..— FUNERAL OF SIR WATKIN WILLIAMS WYNN. (Abridged from the Chester Gazette.) The funeral of this highly esteemed Baronet took place on Tuesday last. On entering Wrexham, we found that the whole of the shops and dwelling-houses were closed. The town wore an air of gloom, which was not a little added to, by the mournful toned bell which tolled for the departed. The streets were almost deserted, and the dullness that pre vailed indicated that the holiday that was evidently kept ha the town, was not one set aside for rejoicing amongst the in habitants. On quitting Wrexham, we found an almost she string of pedestrians, wending their way towards Ruabon, each individual dressed in holiday garb. The ap pearance of. the wayfarers showed that they were of a humble class, and many of them had, no doubt, come miles to see the last rema i ns of one consigned to the tomb, whom they had always venerated.whilstliving. .. On entering Ruabon, we found a crowd of persons as sembled in the vicinity of the church, many of whom ap peared iu "all the habiliments of wee," the dwelling houses and shops were all closed ; and every demonstration of respect seemed to be paid to the memory of the man, who had proved himself, at all thnes, the friend of those around him. The solemn tolling of the funeral bell, struck upon the ear, and we could not but observe that the faces of all per sons wore a grave aspect. On quitting Ruabon, we mingled with the crowd that was wending its w a y to the hall, and on approaching the noble mansion, w e found many hundred p e rsons assembled, i n t h e court-yard, which was kept by a guard of honour, composed of the staff of the Denbighshire militia, of which' regiment the late baronet was colonel. The utmost respect and decorum was exhibited, and much anxiety was seemingly manifested by all persons, to witness the sad procession.. Having been politely ion, we were permitted to view the lying in state room, in admitted into the man which the late Sir Watkin was placed. We found the cham ber of death hung with black drapery, ornamented with escutcheons bearing the family crests ; at one end of the room was a shield displaying, the spread Eagle, while at the other was placed the hatehment. In the centre of the room stood the coffin, over which was thrown a splendid pall of rich black velvet, trimmed with white silk. The pall bear ing also escutcheons similar to those hung round the room ; surrounding the coffin were eight massy candlesticks, hold ing tapers, which had been burnin g night and day ; on the outside of these was a railing. We understand that thousands passed through the chamber on Monday, all . a nxious to pay a mournful visit of respect to th app e remains arently ot their " ancient friend." During Monday, the valet of the late bar onet stood at the head of his coffin, and his footman at the foot of his coffin. The coffin was extremely plain, be ing covered with fine black cloth ; on the plate was in scribed— - Sir Watkin 'Williams Wynn, Died Jan. sth, 1840, Aged 67. The appearance of the room was solemn in the extreme ; during the time of our visit numbers of the nobility and gen try in the house entered it, some of whom seemed deeply affected during their short stay. On our retur n to the court yard we found that the crowd had increased to some thousands. On the procession entering the church at Ruabon, the organ poured forth its solemn tones, and the 100th Psalm . was sung by the choir, until the coffin was placed in the aisle. The service was read by the Rev. J. Edwards,. Curate of Ruabon and the R ev . M r. Price, Curate of the new Church, . ' Rh os - y-rkledre. M art i n Luther's hymn was sang, accom panied admirably on the organ by Mr. Cunnah, who has been 43 years in the service of the late baronet as .harpist and organist. The burial service was then read by the Rev. R. Wingfield Vicar of R ua b on. During the service not a dry eye could be s een i n the vast assembly, and the re mansof the wort h y and revered baronet were commit ted to the t om b of his ancestors amidst the lamentations of those who were to behold him no more in this world, who would experience no longer more o f h is hospitality. n his bene vo l ence, and partake o " The widow's and the orphan's tear bedewed his cold grave's side." After leaving the church, the procession returned to the hall. A muffled peal was then rung, and the multitude retired to their homes to mourn over the irreparable loss they had sus tained. We sincerely hope that the young heir of Wynnstay will follow in his father's footsteps. We wish him every happiness, and feel confident he will emulate the many vir tues his beloved father possessed. In him, we are sure, the poor will find a friend and benefactor, and the residents in the county of Denbigh an able representative at some future time to occupy the seat of their deceased member. A Purse of £lOO has been subscribed at Stourbridge and its vicinity, which is to be presented to Miss Oliver, last postmistress of that town, in testimony of the valuable services she has for the last 30 years rendered to the public. The number of tee-totallers at Rhuddlan and Rhyl is 1214, out of a population of about 3,000. We regret to hear that a separation has taken place between Lord and Lady Gardiner. Lord Din or b en. Lord Her ladyship is a daughter of Ganer was a candid for the mastership of th e buck houndrdi s, and is a lord of her ate Majesty's bedchamber. At Louisville, on t h e 4th ult., Mrs. Madison was shot dead by a young man named Doyle, who then shot himself. He had made her an offer of marriage, which she rejected. He went away, and she married another. The double murder was committed a day or two after her marriage. ber FLAX GROW eth ING. —W e understand that our spirited mem- Sir Hesk Fleetwood, is goi ng to l ay down a quantity of land near his residence, at Rossall, in this county, for the cultivation of flax ; and has engaged an experienced farmer from Belginin to manage the operations.—Preston Chronicle. The marriage of Lady Elizabeth Howard, daughter of the Earl of Carlisle, with the Hon. George W. Fitzwilliam, is expected t o be solemnised in town in the course of the en suing month. Lord Fitzwilliam will, it is understood, make a handsome settlement on the bridegroom elect, out of the large family estates in Ireland. —Morning Herald. EARLY LAMBING. -011 Sunday last, on the farm of Mr. J. Pritt, near this town, one of the ewes dropped a tine lamb, and on Tuesday another followed the example. It is a curi ous sight at this season of the year to see the little creatures skipping about the pastures, as if we were in the midst of spring. —Lancaster Gazette. GEOLOGY IN DEVON.—Dr. Buckland and Mr. Conybeare have both hastened to visit the late landslip on the coast of' Devon, which, we understand, offers some vein the phe nomena to the geologist both inland and out at sea, where, at a considerable distance from the shore, a new solid rid ge has-been th rown up by this convulsion of nature.—Naval . and Military Gazette. REPRESENTATION OF PRESTON. —We understand that -the event of the rumoured vacancy in the representation of this borough taking pla ce , at the Queen's marriage, the anti corn-law men have a great idea of bringing forward Mr. Richard Cobden, Of 'Manchester, as a candidate. We appre head his chance would be very slight, and cannot believe that so wuuomising a speculation will be hazarded.—Preston Chronicle. LIVER THEATRE. Al RS. WAYLETT has the h onour t o announce HER IKE BENEFIT, and positively her Last Appearance this Season, on WEDNESDAY next, the 22d instant, as she appears at the Theatre-Royal, Dublin, on' Saturday, the 25th instant. First and only representation of a new romantic Drama, _ entitled BATHILDA; OR, THE MOUNTAIN MELODIST. Bathilda Mrs. Waylett. JOBSON AND NELL. Nell Mrs. Waylett. NEW DANCES BY THE CORPS DE BALLET. _ _ To conclude with THE MAGIC VEIL. Zela.. Mrs. INaylett. Ebe Xiimpool Attanbarb. TUESDAY MORNING, JANUARY 21, 1840. We have received a copy of the Newfoundland Times of December isth. It does not contain any news of importance. It is chiefly occupied with com ments on the affairs of Canada and the Chartist pro ceedings in Great Britain. We have received'a file of the Sydney Commercial Journal to the 24th of August, inclusive. These pa pers do not contain much that is of interest to the general reader. The leading articles in each number enter into very strong animadversions on the Govern ment estimates for the year 1840, with every item of which, almost, the editor finds fault. The Commercial Journal of August 17 states, on the authority of a gentleman of considerable property in the Mudgee and Davey country, that those parts of the country swarmed with an armed banditti, most of whom were mounted, and who levied contributions at will ; no less than sixteen drays having been robbed by them within six weeks. A man named Lambert is reported as being their head. Great fault was found with the mounted police for not exercising greater vigilance. From the district of Yass accounts had been received at Sydney of the great prevalence of catarrh among the sheep, and that considerable numbers had been lost owing to this disease. It was generally believed at Sydney that the Home Government had repented of the premature act of raising the minimum price of crown lands in New South Wales, and that it had been reduced to seven shillings and sixpence : but before long it was expected that it would be reduced to the original standard of five shillings. Port Phillip, according to the last accounts, promises to become a whaling station. The Port Philip Gazette states that seven whales had been seen in the bay in one morning. Mr. Harding, an old whaler, succeeded in striking one of them with a bayonet, fixed in the manner of a lance. It was found to be fifty-five feet in length. It has generally been supposed that Port Phillip would never offer any chance of success as a whaling ground ; the above instance, however, is a proof to the contrary. It was expected that a whaling establishment would soon be formed at this colony, and that thus another important source of wealth would be opened up to the citizens. The colonial markets, both at Sydney and Van Die man's Land, were in a prosperous condition. Flour was quoted, at the former place, at from 60s. to 755. per 1001. At the latter place, wheat was selling at 18s. per bushel; potatoes, at £l3 10s. to £l4 per ton; coals, £2 per ton; beef, 6d. to 9d. per lb.; mutton, 61d. to 71d. per lb. ; pork, 7d. to Bd. ; and veal, 81d. to 10d. per lb. The shipping at Sydney was very considerable, and many of the vessels were of very large tonnage. The colony, on the whole, seems to be in a very prosperous condition. By the North America packet-ship, Captain Lowber, which arrived here yesterday, we have received New York papers to the 2nd instant. They do not add much to the intelligence received last week. They bring us an account of another furious gale in the vicinity of Boston, which was attended by great de struction of property. The shipping, in particular, seems to have suffered very great damage. The list of disasters occupies nearly two columns in the Daily Express of the Ist instant. There is very little that is novel in the money mar ket intelligence. The banks of Philadelphia were dis counting little or none. A majority of the banks did not issue their notes at all, either substituting the bank notes of other stated, or those of the - United States Bank. It is vtated that the banks were curtailing, both with a view to the action of the legislature, and so as to bring about a resumption. The money mar ket at Philadelphia was rather worse, and it was feared that the recent explosion of the Schuylkill bank would retard a general resumption for some weeks, and pos sibly for some months, as the debt to the East was still very large. It :was believed that the United States Bank would not declare a dividend in January. On the Ist of January a further reduction of duties took place on all articles on which the duties previously exceeded 20 per cent. on the value. The reduction was one-tenth of such excess, as it existed on the 2nd of March, 1832. A reduction of one-tenth had also been made in the years 1834, 1836, and 1838. The last reduction, therefore, makes four-tenths in all. A further alteration is to take place in the tariff on the Ist of January, 1842, when three-tenths are to come off, and on the Ist of July in the same year, when the remaining three-tenths are to come off; after which, no article of imports, according to the existing laws, will bear a higher duty than 20 per cent. ad valoreni. A statement, exhibiting the value of imports and exports of the United States, in six successive years, had been appended to the treasury report, as commu nicated to Congress. The amount of imports during the past year seems to have surprised every one; being greater than in any former year, excepting the great speculation year 1836. On the other hand, the amount of exports has been greater, on the year ending on the 30th of September last, than in any former year, ex cepting 1835 and 1836. The total amount of imports for the last six years was as follows :—ln the year 1834, 116,521,332 dollars ; in 1835, 149,895,742 dollars ; in 1836, 189,980,035 dollars ; in 1837, 140,989,217 dol lars ; in 1838, 113,717,404 dollars ; and in 1839, 157,669,560 dollars. The total amount of exports for the same period was as follows :—ln the year 1834, 126,521,332 dollars; in 1835, 149,825,742 dollars; in 1836, 189,980,035 dollars ; in 1837, 140,989,217 dol lars ; in 1838, 113,747,404 dollars ; and in 1839, 157,689,260 dollars. This statement shews an increase of about forty-four millions of dollars in the imports and exports of the last year, as compared with the pre ceding. The Daily Express of January 1 states that private letters received in Montreal, Nov. 25, from Quebec, contain accounts that the border troubles had recom menced, on the disputed territory, between New Brunswick and Maine. The Queen's speech, which appears in another co lumn, is an exceedingly meagre production. Its con gratulations are almost outnumbered by its regrets ; and, if the truth were told, it ought to have been, from beginni ng to end, an uninterrupted string of sorrows and lamentations. Passing by the notification of her Majesty's intended marriage, as an affair in which she is personally and chiefly concerned, we can see nothing, in any of the topics alluded to in the speech, that calls for any expression of satisfaction. This announcement occupies the first paragraph. We sincerely hope that her Majesty's anticipations may be fully realised in her prospective union with Prince Albert, and the event may be over-ruled by Divine Providence for the wel fare and prosperity of her Majesty's loyal subjects. The second paragraph insinuates the necessity of making a suitable provision for her Majesty's consort. This intimation must be any thing but welcome at the present crisis, with a diminished and a rapidly dimi nishing revenue. Time was when the whole radical press would have been in arms against any additional grants towards the maintenance of any one con nected with the Royal Family : but tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur illis. The radicals, with the blatant demagogue O'Connell at their head, are now the most clamourous for " a liberal allowance" to her Majesty's future husband. Be it so : but let our radical con temporaries bear in mind that their precedent will not be forgotten, and may be quoted against them on fu ture occasions. The third paragraph contains the usual sing-song declaration, that the Queen continues to receive from foreign powers assurances of their unabated desire to maintain with her the most friendly relations. We must rest contented with this assurance, we suppose ; but it is certain that some of the foreign powers have a very singular mode of testifying their friendly dispo sition towards this country. Look, for instance, at the restless intrigues and flagrant encroachments of Russia on the frontier of our Indian Empire. Look, again, at the repeated insults offered by France to our national flag. Look, again, at the aggressions of the latter power upon the property of the British merchants trading with Buenos Ayres. We presume that we must consider these as indications of an amiable dispo sition ; but we must be allowed to add, that they are somewhat queer and novel modes of displaying a friendly feeling. The allusion, in the next paragraph, to the civil war in Spain, is peculiarly unfortunate. Her Majesty is made to felicitate Parliament upon the alleged conclu sion of the war, which, it is said, has been accom plished " by an arrangement satisfactory to the Spa nish government, and to the people" of the northern provinces. It is. a pity that it could not have been added that the arrangement spoken of was consonant with the principles of justice and honesty, and satisfac tory to the people of England. It is well known that the adjustment alluded to with such warmth of con gratulation was brought about by an act of treachery in which the character of the British Government was most deeply implicated. To boast of this traitorous trick is rather overstepping the bounds of modesty. The hope expressed, that the affairs of the Levant will be brought to a settlement, in such a manner as to uphold the integrity and independence of the Otto man Empire, and to give additional security to the peace of Europe, appears to us utopian in the extreme, until something be done effectually to check the ambi tious views of the Russian autocrat. It is well known that Turkey is the grand object of Russian encroach ment. All the territorial additions which, during the last fifty years, have been made to the empire of the Czars, have been subordinate and subservient to the ultimate possession of the Ottoman Empire. It is, therefore, useless to calculate upon the integrity and independence of Turkey until Russia is effectually baffled in his gigantic schemes of preliminary plunder and self-appropriation. A hope is again held out that the differences between this country and the court of Teheran will soon be sa tisfactorily adjusted. What foundation there may be for such an expectation we cannot say; but looking at the determined attitude of Russia, and her influence over the court of Persia, we see very little reason for entertaining this hope. As long as Russian intrigue and Russian gold exercise the potent influence which they now possess, we may expect nothing from Persia and its allies but a continuation of hostilities, which cannot be carried on by this country without a lavish expenditure of money, and a frightful sacrifice of hu man life. The next paragraph states that events have happened in China, which have occasioned an interruption of the commercial intercourse between that country and the subjects of Great Britain : but care is taken to avoid any description of those events. Their nature is not even alluded to : their effects alone are specified. Would it not have been more honest to stigmatise the conduct of those who, with the connivance of our Go vernment, have brought on the rupture between this country and China, by endeavouring to carry on an illegal traffic with the Chinese, by persisting in contra vening the laws of an empire at peace with us, and anxious to cultivate our friendship ? The paltry manner in which the speech recommends to the consideration of Parliament the state of the mu nicipal corporations of Ireland shows that ministers were by no means anxious to court any discussion on that vexatious question. The conclusion of the speech is somewhat more me lancholy in its tone than the introduction. Her Majesty deplores that the commercial embarrassments which have taken place in this and other countries are sub jecting many of the manufacturing districts to severe distress. No hint, however, is given as to the neces sity of providing some remedy for the prevailing dis tress. The last paragraph in the speech is rather an odd sequel to the recent proceedings at Monmouth. Her Majesty relies upon "the power of the law" for the maintenance of order. Little reliance can be .placed on the " power of the law" when we find the Queen's Attorney-General declining to prosecute five traitors, against whom true bills had been found. It is idle to talk of putting down Chartism by "the law," if the law is to be administered after the fashion of the Whigs. The meanness of the Whig Ministry is only equalled by their treachery and concentrated selfishness. Fear ing to incur the displeasure of the mob, by proceeding to open Parliament by commission, they must needs do violence to the feelings of the Queen, by urging her personal attendance on the occasion, and that the very day after she had received news of her aunt's death. The presence of the Queen was found indispensibly necessary to screen the Ministers from open disgrace, and no considerations of propriety or good taste were allowed to weigh with them, for one moment, against the expediency of the case. Her Majesty is not to blame for this outrage to decency. It is not her fault that she is not now received, as she was wont, with the joyful acclamations of admiring thousands of .her loyal sub jects. The silence with which the royal procession on Thursday last was allowed to pass was not intended as a mark of disrespect to the Queen. The Ministers were the real objects of public scorn ; and if her Majesty had not been present they would have been hooted as public traitors! Fas est ab hoste doceri. The inestimable blessings of municipal reform are now duly appreciated, and the following sample of Radical testimony to their worth is sufficiently amusing. " The proper course to be taken at the next Council would be to pass a vote of censure upon the Finance Committee for their jobbing propensities, and to remodel that precious essence of double distilled boobyism altogether. Delenda est Carthago. The Finance Committee, as at present con stituted, is a disgrace to the Council and the town. It is the Corporate Refuge for the Destitute to which they send all the members who are fit for nothing else." " If the Council confirm this scandalous job of the Finance Committee the game is up. The present people will go out of power amidst a storm of laughter and derision, and we shall return to the ' paltry and shabby' dog-days of which some of our ' HONEST' Councillors now speak with such in effable contempt."—Liverpool Chronicle, Jan. 17111, 1840. There, reader ! If that is not honest testimony, where shall we look for it ? We have often stated that the present Corporation, from their first induction to power, have been actuated by a jobbing spirit. They filled up all their appointments from the office of the Reform Association ; and to make a situation for Mr. George William Crooke, the Solicitor to that select body, they called into existence a new birth, unheard of in older and honester days, and forthwith the Town- Clerk appeared with a smirking footman, who receives £7OO. a year (we think it is) for decorating the Town hall with his genteel figure, and reading the radical prints which inundate that jobbing establishment. Our contemporary is certainly honest and speaks out fearlessly, and there is much truth in what he has said. We have taken the trouble of looking at the list of the Finance Committee, and we have put all the ;" double distilled boobies" on record for the benefit of our read ers, it being observed that two-thirds of the number are Liberals of the first water. Mr. " BOOBY" CURRIE, Chairman. Mr. THOMAS BOLTON, „ JOHN HOLMES, RICHARD HOUGHTON, „ J. S. LEIGH, „ J. MOON, WM. THORNHILL, 31 THOS. BLACKBURN, EDWARD PILCHER, HUGH HORNUT, • THOMAS CASE, „ G. H. LAWRENCE, N. WOOD, „ ENOCH HARVEY, „ R. ROSKELL. We have only one request to make of our contem porary, viz., that instead of directing his ire a ga i ns t Mr. Okill,—who is, without exception, the best and most valuable servant the Corporation possesses, and without whom the new-fledged Councillors would have found themselves in a quandary ,— he would ask th e Council whether Mr. George William Crooke might not be dispensed with; for he may rest assured that the Council has damaged itself much more in public estimation, by providing for a lot of needy persons, the fungi of the Reform Association, (to the exclusion of every man who happened to be a Conservative,) than it will do by raising the salary of Mr. Okill, who is universally respected, and- whose conduct has made him a deserved favourite with gentlemen of all parties. The Chronicle was dumb some time ago, when the Surveyor, Mr. Franklin, got an increase of salary. How was this ? Surely it could not be because Mr. Franklin is a Whig or something more ! And we think better of our contemporary than to suppose that his waspish opposition to Mr. Okill arises from the circumstance of that gentleman being a Conservative! We have no doubt but the " boobies" of the Finance Committee (amongst whom we perceive some honour able names, notwithstanding we differ from them poli tically) will do what is right, and that the majority of the Council will sanction their decision, notwithstand ing the denunciations of the Chronicle. One thing seems pretty evident, namely, that the Council will soon become, like Lord Grey's Cabinet, so shorn of its respectable members, that the fag-end only will be left of the Whig members : for it can hardly be expected that respectable men like Mr. Cur rie, Mr. Hornby, and . others, will submit to language such as we have quoted, without wishing to separate from such questionable and "good-natured" friends. The testimony borne by Mr. Sheil to' the integrity and economy of the late Corporation is becoming every day more general. JUSTICE WILL BE DONE BY-AND-BY. The proceedings of the House of Commons, in the case of Stockdale versus Hansard, are by no means calculated to reflect credit upon that august assembly. They have (we speak of the majority) set themselves in array against the law of the land, as well as against those who are sworn to its due administration. The conflict cannot be contemplated with any other feelings than those of surprise, sorrow, and indignation. We feel both surprise and sorrow that Sir Robert Peel, and such a large body of the conservatives, should fol low in the wake of the tyrannical ultra-radicals, the desperate whigs, and the craven-hearted braggart O'Connell. And when we look upon the conduct of the majority collectively, our indignation is excited at _ _ _ the bold assumption of privilege which has been urged as the basis of the proceedings in which the house is engaged. The privilege which the house has claimed, is no less than that of asserting its right to contravene and set aside those laws which it has passed concur rently with the other branches of the legislature. Di vested of its legal technicalities, this is the naked truth of the matter. Is such a claim to he tolerated ? If so, then farewell to the vaunted freedom of Englishmen ! What is henceforth to prevent the House of Commons from exercising the right of imprisoning any member of the community at its own caprice ? In discussing this question, we leave out of consi deration the personal character of Stockdale, for that has nothing to do with the abstract merits of the case. The matter at issue is, whether the House of Com mons be at liberty to set aside the law of libel, and to visit with its vengeance those who venture to dispute its right to do so. The inconsistency of the course which has been adopted by the House of Commons will be abundantly apparent, if we consider that the judges of the land are bound upon oath to punish any infraction of the sta tute law. This duty has been clearly recognised by the house itself in all its public acts. And yet the judges are now told, that they are not to act in conso nance with their oaths when their decisions are at va riance with a self-assumed privilege of the house—a privilege never conferred upon it by the constituent body, and never ratified by the co-ordinate branch of the legislature ! We shall again and again recur to this painful sub ject—painful to us because we only find one of the representatives of this town on what we conceive to be the right side of the question. Mr. Cresswell deserves the thanks, not only of his constituents, but of every British subject, for the noble stand which he has taken in defence of the constitutional rights of Englishmen. We trust that others of the conservatives, who have voted with Lord John Russell and Daniel O'Connell, will soon see the error which they have committed, and forthwith do all in their power to atone for so fatal a blunder. The Earl of Derby sent up orders in the course of last week to get the mansion in Grosvenor-square ready for his immedi ate reception. The noble lord's health, we are happy to hear, is restored ; and we learh that he leaves Knowsley Park this day for town, from whence he has been absent three years.— London paper. CASTLE-STREET WARD.—Mr. Pitcher has announced, by placard on the walls, during the present week, his intention of retiring from the council at the next annual election on the Ist of Nov. On Wednesday evening a meeting of the Reform Committee of the ward was held at the office in Clayton-square, for the purpose of selecting a candidate to s u ppl y th e vacancy occasioned by Mr. Pitcher's retirement. Mr. James Aikin was unanimously fixed upon for that purpose. On the fol lowing day a deputation from the committee waited upon Mr. Aikiu, and obtained his consent to offer himself as a candi date. COUNTY POLICE.—The magistrates have laid their first rate of one farthing in the pound (amounting to rather less than £2500) for defraying the expenses under the County Constabulary Act. We understand, that in accordance with the act of parliament and the opinion of the Attorney-Gene ral, the magistrates have decided to exempt the following places from the rate, viz :—The boroughs of Preston, Lan caster, Bolton, Manchester, Liverpo o l, an d Wi gan ; the towns of Oldham, Salford, Heaton Norris, and Warring ton ; and such parts of Spotland, Castleton, Wardleworth, and Wuerdle-and-Wardle as are included in the Rochdale police act ; and also such parts of the parishofAshton-uuder- Lyne as are included in the Ashton and Stalybridge police acts.—Preston Pilot. STEAM COMMUNICATION BETWEEN LIVERPOOL AND RUNCORN.—We are glad to find that a very superior steamer, to be called the " E ger t on ," h as b een ta ki ng i n new boilers, and undergoing considerable alterations, for the purpose of conveying passengers between Liverpool and the Bridgewater Canal Station, Runcorn. She will commence plying early next month, and the owner, Mr. John Sothern, is fitting her up in a style of elegance and comfort not to be excelled. She has a commodious cabin for ladies, with every requisite convenience, and will be decidedly superior to any packet that has hitherto been on that station. Particular care will be taken that the master and crew are men of experience and character. The Bridgewater tide-boats will run daily, in connexion with the Egerton, to and from Liverpool and Manchester, and intermediate places, commencing early in the spring, due notice of which will be given ;—in the mean time passengers can be conveyed, as usual, between the above places, when the tides serve, particulars of which may be known at the Egerton packet-office, Nova Scotia, Liver pool ; and the Bridgewater Canal packet-office, Manchester. FIRE IN BEN ' S -GARDENS.—About a quarter-past . one on Saturday morning a fire was discovered to have broken out in the small four-story warehouse, in Ben's-gardens, opposite the chapel, belonging to Mr. Lightfoot, and occupied by him, as a rice and drug mill, and coffee-roasting house, &c. Two engines were promptly brought to the spot, and a sufficient number of firemen and police-officers, under the active superintendence of Mr. Whitty. The fire appeared to have originated near th e roo f, th e woo d- work of which, Mich could not immediately be reached, blazed up for some time, commingled with showers of sparks, over the high buildings at the top of Redcross-street. The neighbourhood adjoining is populous and confined, but abundance of water being pro cured, from the mains both in Ben's-gardens and in Red cross-street, and the engines being played with alacrity, and the pipes carried to the roofs of the lower buildings on each side, the whole was effectually extinguished in about an hour, with the loss only of the roof of the warehouse, part of the upper story, and some considerable damage to the articles from the water. Some of the neighbouring inhabitants, par ticularly those in St. George's-court, close to the eastward, were for a time much alarmed, and removed a part of their furniture, but suffered no material loss. Great praise is due to Mr. Whitty, and the whole of the firemen and officers under him, for their prompt and active exertions. The pro perty was all, we learn, insu re d. Th e origin of the fire was not ascertained. WIGAN EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS, SCULPTURE, Fos sils, &c.—We are most happy to find that our good neigh bours of Wigan are about to have an annual exhibition of pictures, fossils, &C. This i s w h at has long been wanting in that densely inhabited town, and sure we are that it will be hailed by all wellwishers to the improvement of the rising generation, as a sign of better things than the old demo ralising amusements that have hitherto been the characteris tic of the more rural portions of Lancashire. The rooms are now fitting up, and it is intended that in the evenings they, together with a beautiful promenade, shall be brillia n tly lighted with the new " Bude light." There will be select nights when the most interesting subjects will be treated on; soirees will be given, when the more fashionable portion of the town may enjoy, amuse, and i ns t ruct t h emselves in the most delightful and unobjectionable manner; in short, no thing will be wanting to render the whole of the most pleasing, useful, and instructive character. We quite agree with the promoters of this truly excellent association, and more particularly in that portion of their address, which says . •" The times of brutal and degrading sports, such as cock-fighting, bull-baiting, and the like, are gone. The times for rational recreation and enjoyment are come. The few opportunities that there have been within the town of Wigan have satisfied all discriminating minds that it will be enough to open the path, and there will be plenty to pursue it. The society desire the public good ; they know they can achieve it. Their first attempts will not be futile. There will be enough of value in the forthcoming exhibition to command the best attention of both high and low, gentle and simple. They feel that it will only be the precursor to mightier results. The seed will be sown in a good soil. From observation they have faith in that." We cordially wish them that success which their labours merit, for we feel certain that it is by means like these that the tone of society becomes softened and improved—that a taste and thirst for information is imbibed --and will be more so, as we are in formed that it is the intention of the committee to give lec tures on, and explanations of, all the articles exhibited.— We trust that our townsmen, particularly the artists, will lend them every assistance ; and when we inform them that one of their body (the recently deceased Mr. Chas. Towne) was a native of Wigan, and as we can assure them that there will be the greatest care taken of their - works, as well as every expense defrayed, we have little doubt of their active and immediate co-operation, and we feel certain that it could not be more laudably employed. POLICE INTELLIGENCE.-FRIDAY. STEALING FROM A SHOP. Mary Jones and Maria Kirby, two dissolute females, were placed before Mr. Rushton, on a charge of stealing goods buying buttons. The case was clearly established, and they were conunitted to the sessions for trial. from a shop, which they had entered on the pretence of UTTERING BASE COIN. A man named John Mack was placed before Mr. Rushton, on a charge of uttering base coin. A poor girl, who vends cakes and apples about the docks - , stated that the prisoner on the preceding day came up to her,. and purchased two penn'orth of cakes, giving a base sixpence: for payment, and requesting that she would return him four pence. She did so; but she soon discovered that the six pence was bad, and seeing him again, taxed him with the fraud. The fellow then offered her two pigs' feet and a bis cuit for the sixpence, returning the cakes at th e same t i me. The woman who h a d sold him the pigs' feet now made her appearance, having discovered that her sixpence was not a genuine Victoria. He was now handed over to the keeping of a police officer. Tlie prisoner, it appeared, had recently arrived by one of the steamers from Ireland, and on the officer searching a parcel belonging to him in the packet, found a mould for making sixpences, another for making half-crowns, a quan tity of metal, and all the et ceteras for coining. When the moulds were discovered, he exclaimed " It is now all over with me !" Mr. Rushton said the case was a very bad one, and re manded the prisoner until the solicitor for the Mint had been made acquainted with the circumstances. IMPORTANT CAUTION TO PARTIES CARRYING OFF SAND OR OTHER MATERIALS FROM FIELDS OR VACANT GROUNDS. William Quiggan, James Rooney, William Bradshaw, and John M'Colley, were placed at the bar, on a charge of taking away a quantity of sand from a field, by which damage was done to the property. Mr. Henry Jenkins appeared for the prosecution. He said the case was brought for hearing before that court under the trespass act, by which the parties who trespassed upon fields, or other similar property, and damaged it, were liable to a fine. The field where the offence was committed was at the top of Limekiln lane, and was the property of Mrs. Tat tersall. After stating the particulars of the case, witnesses were called. The first two prisoners were seen by Inspector Fresh, and another officer, digging a quantity of sand from the field, and carrying it off in a swill to a large heap at the edge of the parapet in Limekiln-lane. When they returned from appre hending those two prisoners the heap was gone. Rooney saiihe was offered a penny for every swillful he carried. The other two prisoners, it was proved, were seen loading a cart ; and an old man, not in custody, was also seen dig ging sand in a field. He threw down his tools and ran away. The last named two prisoners carried away the sand (no doubt for sale), and were apprehended in St. Martin-street. Mr. Rushton said that, under the 24th section of the act. the parties so trespassing were liable to make reasonable compensation, or be fined ; and the amount of damage done to the property must be proved. A Mr. Shaw said that, in this solitary instance, the da mage might be about 20s. He could not, however, deter mine. The same kind of trespass had been going on for years ; and, though a watchman was kept on the property, the depredators were so numerous, that they generally escap ed. Holes to the depth of twenty feet had been excavated; and as the property was on sale for building, its value was considerably deteriorated. Mr. Rushton said that such property must be protected, and decided that the prisoners should pay 2s. 6d. each and costs, or, in default, be imprisoned seven days. YESTERDAY. EMBEZZLEMENT BY A CLERK. Robert Anderson, a middle-aged man, of respectable ap pearance, was charged with having embezzled several sums of money, which he had received on account of his employer, Mr. Duncan Campbell, a stevedore, residing in Fazakerley street. The prosecutor stated that the prisoner had been in his service about two years, as clerk, at weekly wages. It was his duty to make out accounts, to collect the amounts, and to pay them over as soon as he received them. On Friday week lie sent the prisoner out with two bills, one, numbered 1588, against the charterers of the ship Thomas Lowry, for .f.:7 35., and the other, numbered 1586, against the owners of the barque Bohemian, for £7. He saw nothing more of the prisoner till Friday last, when he found him at the railway station, and gave him into custody. When charged with the embezzlement, he admitted having received the two bills, and returned £1 13s. 31d. of the money, which he said was all he had left. John Bancroft, cash-keeper to Messrs. William Smith and Sons, of Exchange-buildings, merchants, charterers of the ship Thomas Lowry, proved that on the 13th inst. he paid the prisoner L 7 3s. (the bill numbered 1588), on account of Mr. Campbell, and he gave a receipt for it. Thomas Withers, cash-keeper to Messrs. Taylor, Potter and Co., Royal Bank-buildings, merchants, owners of the barque Bohemian, proved that on the 14th inst. he paid the prisoner the other bill of £7, on account of Mr. Campbell. Davison, a constable of Bridewell, said the prisoner was brought to him on Friday last, when he said he had only a far thing upon him ; but it proved to be a sovereign. Witness searched his pockets, and found no more money. To-day, however, he again searched him, and found seven sovereigns, wrapped in a piece of paper, in the left pocket of his trou sers, and one sovereign in the other. Witness asked him where he had hid the money when he was before searched, and he replied in his stocking. The prisoner, wh en as k e d w h a t h e h a d to say, replied, " Nothing at present." He was committed for trial at the next sessions. ROBBING A. TIMBER YARD. John Lewis was charged with having stolen an umbrella and a number of joiners' tools from the timber yard of Mr. Langsdale, in London-road. Several witnesses were examined, from whose testimony it appeared that on Friday night last, about half-past eight, the doors of the office and timber yard were securely locked ; but the next morning it was discovered that an entrance had been effected, and the property stolen. The prisoner was apprehended, with the whole of it in his possession, by police officer 195, late on Friday night, in Shaw's-brow. it was stated that the prisoner some time ago worked for Mr. Langsdale, and by that means had gained his knowledge of the premises. _ (laving nothing to say in defence, he was committed to the sessions for trial. COMMITMENT OF'A FOREIGNER ON A CHARGE OF STEAL- ING A SNUFF-BOX. A German, a young man of showy exterior, named Michael Brawn, was charged with stealing a silver snuff-box, under the following peculiar circumstances. Richard Bligh, a genteel-looking young man, said—l am lodging at the Bull inn, in the New Haymarket. lam out of business. About a quarter past eight yesterday morning (Sunday) I arrived at Liverpool, from Ireland, by the Queen Victoria steam-boat. The prisoner came on shore in the same boat. I said, "I am going to London by the railway." The prisoner said, I am going to the railway too, will it be agreeable for us to go in the same car. I agreed, and we went in a car to the station in Lime-street. We arrived too late for the train, and went together to the Bull inn. I dined with the landlord and landlady, and the prisoner dined in the same room alone. After dinner I was plagued with the tooth-ache. I lay upon a sofa. The prisoner came and asked what was the matter. I informed him. He said, " I have an infallible remedy by me, and will fetch it. He went out of the room, and returned in a short time with a small bottle containing a liquid which the prisoner said w as " th e oil of hops." H e gave me about two spoonfuls and a half of the liquid. The prisoner said I must wash my teeth in it, and afterwards swallow it, and be careful not to spit it out. He then gave me a glass of warm brandy and water. I drank it. The prisoner said I must lie on the sofa and go to sleep, and I should be quite recovered. He then said, I will go into the next room, and write a letter. I then began to think that I had acted imprudently. I took my purse from my pocket, and put it in one corner of the sofa. I wrapped my Macintosh cloak up, and put it over my purse, and laid my head upon it. I did not fall asleep. In about twenty minutes the prisoner came into the room. I heard him close the door very gently. He walked up to me, and said twice in the German language, " Are you asleep ?" I said " No, I am not asleep, but I am very sleepy." He then replied in the German language, "Go to sleep, go to sleep," and left the room. He was absent about five or ten minutes, and returned, closing the door very gently. I was lying upon the sofa with my feet upon a chair. The prisoner sat upon the same chair. He asked me again twice, " Are you asleep ?" I made no answer. The prisoner then rose from the chair, and walked up to me, and took hold of the chain of my watch, and drew it gently out of my waistcoat pocket. I breathed rather quickly, and the prisoner dropped my watch. It was suspended by a steel guard chain. The prisoner left the room. While he was away I looked at my watch, and saw that it wanted ten minutes to five o'clock. In two or three minutes the pri soner returned. I still pretended to be asleep. The prisoner unbuttoned my waistcoat. I felt him at the guard-chain, as if he was attempting to get it over my head. He then put his hand in the pockets of my waistcoat. I had not anything in them. He afterwards went to the pockets of my jacket, and took out a letter and took it to the window. He opened it, but did not read it, and replaced it in my pocket. He again put his hand into m y poc k et where I had my snuff-box. He likewise searched the pocket outside of my jacket. I had not anything particular in them. Prisoner then dragged my Macintosh coat from under my head, and put it upon a chair near to the sofa. While he was doing so, I put my elbow upon my purse. The prisoner felt under my head, and I heard money jingle. I then got up and collared him. I said, " You rascal ! what do you mean by this ?" He said, " You are mad !'' I said, " You have been trying to rob me, and have taken my snuff-box." The prisoner at that moment put his hand into the pocket of his coat, and handed me my box. I then called for the landlord. A waiter came into the room. I informed him that the prisoner had en deavoured to rob me. He sent in the landlord, and a con stable was brought. Before the constable came, and while we were alone, the prisoner said, in the German language, " I only meant to take your box ; for God's sake don't make me unfortunate." I said, "If you will make a public apo logy before ttie landlord, you may go ; I have not time to waste upon you." He said, " Call the landlord," and re quested the waiter to call him. The landlord did not come into the room until a constable came. I gave the snuff-box to the inspector, who produces it. The stuff the prisoner gave me he took out of one of the bottles now produced. It was tincture of opium. Inspector Rolston took the prisoner into custody at the Bull Inn. He received the snuff-box and two small bottles, one of which contained a liquid. These he produced. The prisoner said that all that the witness Bligh bad stated was false. The prisoner was fully committed to take his trial at the sessions. The Licensed Victuallers of Liverpool intend, we hear, to have a ball shortly on a more than usually extensive scale. CONSTABLE OF LANCASTER CA STLE. — William Hulton, ford Esq., on T Hu uesday, as took the oaths at the New Bailey, con table of her Majesty's Gaol, the Castle of Lancaster. REPRESENTATION OF NORTH \ LANCASHIRE.—It is ru moured that the Radicals intend to bring forward a candidate to contest this division with Lord Stanley and Mr. Patten, in the event of a dissolution of parliament. NEW YORK SHIP FRANKFORT.—A splendid vessel, in tended as a packet-ship between New York and New Orleans, has recently arrived in Liverpool. She is one of the largest class ships, and a magnificent specimen of naval architecture. She is 160 feet long, upwards of 36 feet in breadth, and more than 20feet deep. Her cabins, saloons, &c. made of z e bra, sattin, and rosewood, are rarely equalled even in the finest of the New York packets. The "go a-head " feeling Is ex hibited in the transient as well as in the packet ships belong ing to the U n it e d S tates. She is commanded by Capt a in Russell. Tll . B SCHOOLMASTER A BROAD !—The other day a party of 4 Dicky Sams" stroll e d some di s tance out of town t o enjoy the diversion of coursing, an d after spending s everal hours much to their satisfaction,' began to feel the inordinate cravings of their inw a rd man, Which loudly called in language not to be misunderstood. An inn of good repu te, not a do zen miles from Liverpool, attracted the a ttention of the half_ famished biped s , an d they resolved to take in 15 Diners which they met with an abundance. At the conclusion of the repast We was called rh c e a an l vd l e e e d yii l, sw the I;ie2na above verbatim G f 6 o i dlnlo, beingw9isng literary curiosity, written on . a "wee bit" of paper torn from a " baubee ledger," made its appearance :-- 4 . tt l b o l C 3 o s 11 It now only remains to be told that the cheer was good, Id . l — e - fle 3 ver . at .arith ;(tAobaalec,co tthheat,sthsuemorttohtotglermahnyd. of no Cockerrnlbtawkaes. cappelotalp arith metic —very.--Chron icle. ON THE RECENT LOSS OF THE WILLIAM Ifrs. KISSON. IMPORTANT TO MASTER MARINERS , r TO THE EDITOR OF THE IVERPOOL STANDARD. SIR,-It is a generally received opinion; that if a vessel deviate from her direct course to assist another vessel in dis tress, the Underwriters on the former are not liable for any damage which may happen to her. This is an error, and may have deterred some masters of vessels from assisting their fellow-creatures in distress, when their better feelings have prompted them to give the requisite relief. It is desirable, therefore, to correct this error, and I hope yopr brother Editors will assist you in promulgating the law on that subject, which is as follows :—" The succouring ships in distress is a duty which policy as well as humanity im poses on every man who has the means of performing it ; and a deviation for this purpose being for the common advantage of all persons, Underwriters, and others, is justifiable." (Per Lawrence Justice, in Lawrence v. Sidebotham, 6 East, 54-1 Marshall on Insurance, 204, 3d edit.) " And in short the master may lawfully do, without prejudice to the insur ance, whatever it would be his duty to do, if no insurance existed." (21 Law Magazine, 116.) There is no later case or observation of any text writer contravening these opinions, and therefore they may be re lied on. I am, yours, &c. Liverpool, 18th Ja n . 1840. J. C. G. THE WILLIAM HUSKISSON. We have great pleasure in publishing the subjoined letter from the Underwriters, to Messrs. Charles Horsfall and Son, the owners of the Huddersfield. TD such of our readers as may be unacquainted with marine insurances, it may be ne cessary to state, that a departure from the direct course, ex cept in cases of absolute necessity, vitiates all policies effected upon a vessel.—ln the present instance, Captain Clegg dis regarded all other considerations except the saving of human life, and his exertions were met with a corresponding feeling by those whose pecuniary interests his active humanity very seriously put in jeopardy (copy.) " Liverpool, January 17, 1840. "Messrs. Charle s H ors f a ll and Son, " Gentlemen,—We beg to inform you, on the part of the Underwriters, on your policies per Huddersfield, from this to Africa, they very highly approve of the humane and cou rageous conduct of Captain Clegg, in rendering assistance to the passengers and crew of the steamer William Huskisson, by which means he saved ninety-three lives, at considerable risk of his own vessel. " And the Underwriters further desire us to state, that under these circumstances they will cheerfully pay for repair ing the damages sustained by being in collision with the steamer, without requiring the usual deduction of one-third for new in place of old materials.—Your obedient servants. (Signed) " JONES and HODGSON, " W. ROTHERAM, " THOMAS MORRIS, " HEADLAM and RAWSON, " MURRAY, SMITH, & BOGIE." In addition to th e a b ove testimonials, we may mention, that on Saturday afternoon a subscription (limited to ss. each) was opened for the purpose of presenting Captain Clegg with a piece of plate ; and, although up to Monday afternoon the subscription list had only been placed in the Exchange News-room, there were between . four and tive hundred subscribers ; and we have no doubt, when opened generally to the public, that the subscriptions will be very materially augmented. This afternoon a subscription (limited to 2s. Gd. each) was opened for the officers and crew of the Huddersfield, which has been met with an equally liberal spirit. TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERCURY. Slit,—ln making some comments on a speech which I de livered at a recent dinner in Scotland Ward, you are pleased to say, that on the occasion when Mr. V. Higgins threatened me with any vote of censure in the council, " I shewed less knowledge of the respect due to the chair, than would have been evinced in a common debating club." I cannot tell what are the practices of debating clubs, never having been a member of such a society. If you (the editor of the Mercury) have ever been a member of such a club, I have no doubt that common decency has been set at defiance, as much as you have outraged common honesty and truth in your vitu perative attack against me. I refer you and the public to the council proceedings of October last. It will be observed that Mr. William Rathbone, either not knowing how, or else not willing to conduct himself with propriety, made an inso lent and personal allusion to myself, saying that the remarks which I had made arose from the iniquity of my mind. I appealed tb the chair if that language was to be tolerated. The mayor rebuked him. A second time he attempted to in dulge his splenetic feeling; a second time I called him to order. A third time he made the attempt ; and a third time I appealed to the chair to protect me from his rancorous abuse. Mr. Rathbone being foiled in his wishes, then it was that Mr. V. Riggings, seeing the cloud upon the brow, the curl upon the lip, and the acid and exacerbated expression of Mr. R.'s countenance, went to him in a most soothing man ner, endeavouring to compose him ; but, at the same time, making himself perfectly ridiculous. " Oh," said Mr. Rig gings, "we must p ass a vo t e o f censure." Undoubtedly a vote of ceasure ought to have been passed on Mr. Rathbone at that time. There have also been other occasions in which he and other liberals deserved votes of censure, but, I trust, the wards will censure them as Mr. Higgins has been censured in Lime-street. I am also accused of speaking disrespectfully of Mr. Blackburn ; you say he is a very estimable man. In his private capacity I fully accord it. In public, when he was one of those who encouraged Mr. Dalton to expose the errors, the bigotry, and the prejudices of the Papal Church, he then deserved the appellation. When, however, he at tacked the Church of England from its assimilation to Po pery, at the time when he was one of the promoters and teachers of the Romish doctrines, he is neither estimable not consistent. When he once characterised those who opposed the present system adopted in the Corporation Schools, as a base, howling, and malignant faction, that was neither esti mable nor gentlemanly. When, at a meeting of the council, the petition of the operative Protestants was under discussion, I said that it was my opinion that the member for Lime street Ward went further than myself in his feelings against the Roman Catholic doctrines, and was interrupted by him; he said; it was untrue ; the mayor called him to order ; he aggravated the offence ; this was treating the chair with dis respect. In a few minutes afterwards, in his own speech, he confessed that he thought he was further opposed to the Ro man Catholic religion than the gentleman opposite. With respect to your conduct towards Mr. Robert Jones, even before Mr. Coglan brought any charge, you made remarks in your paper extremely offensive towards that gentleman. During the enquiry before the Town Clerk, you did not ab stain from indulging in rancorous strictures, which, although they did not, might have influenced Mr. Radcliffe. Pending the enquiry before the committee, you pursued the same improper course ; and, even after the report of that committee, you have still indulged, in what I must consider as most slanderous expressions. The testimony of Mr. John Davies, of Hunter-street, of Mr. Holden, and about half a score more, so fully acquits Mr Jones, that nothing which you can say can injure him. In future, when you refer to proceedings in the council, look at your own columns, for your reporter appears a gen tleman of honour and integrity, and not swayed by any po litical bias.—l am, sir, your obedient servant, Sandhills, 20th January, 1840. ISAAC HOLMES. Lord Sandon has returned from his visit to Italy. He was in his place in the House of Commons on the first night of the session. P RIZE - FIGHTERS.—Fisher and two others of the lowest class of this gentry were arraigned, at Kirkdale sessions, before the Rev. Mr. Formby and T. Rodick, Esq. for drawing together large bodies of disorderly people and light ing, at Aintree. They pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment in Lancaster Castle. This ex emplary punishment may teach such persons, that prize-fight ing will be no more tolerated within the county than within the borough, and will surely operate, hereafter, as a warning to them to desist from such brutal practices. LIVERPOOL GREAT STEEPLE CHASE.---The betting on this affair is becoming very animated. Lottery, the winner of the chase of last year, from his performance on that occa sion and his prowess since, has been elevated to the post of first favourite. The following have been the prevalent odds : —5 to 2 agst. Lottery ; 7 to 1 agst. Seventy-four ; 20 to 1 agst. Physician. THE QUEEN'S MARRIAGE !—The approaching nuptials of our lovely and beloved Queen are hailed with intense delight by Englishmen of all ranks and parties ' • and it is supposed that more mar r i ages w ill b e celebrated on that auspicious day, than have taken place on any other for the last century. Many maiden ladies, who have hitherto rejected all addresses, are determined to follow the laudable example of Her Ma jesty ; and not a few of those votaries of selfish celibacy, 'yclept old bachelors, are equally determined to abjure a single life—nor can too much be said in praise of such wise resolves. " He," as D'lsraeli beautifully observes, "who is no husband, may sigh for that devoted tenderness which is at once bestowed and received; and tears may start in the eyes of him, who can become a child among children, and is yet no father." To all about to enter into this most felici tous state of wedlock, the best possible advice which can be given, is, that they will book the following memorandum : N.B. "Atkinson's Infants' Preservative," incomparably the best medicine for young children ! established upwards of fifty years ! ! and of which 100,000 bottles are now annually sold ! I !—See advt. THE HARBOUR OF WEXFORD. —A petition from the mer chants and others of Liverpool is now receiving signatures, in the Underwriters' Rooms, relative to improving the har bour of Wexford. The petition sets forth, that the state of the harbour is destructive to the shipping interest, in conse quence of a bar of shifting sand lying across the entrance ; that 27 years ago the bar was 19 feet deep at low water, whereas it is now only four feet i • that it has increased two feet within the last t wo y ears , and that, from its tendency to increase, it threatens speedily to impede the navigation ; that the bar increases the price of imports, and decreases the quantity and value of the exports ; that the present entrance cannot be improved, and that it will be indispensible to make a new one, on a line with the set of the tides ; that the pro jected improvement has been proposed to be effected without pecuniary aid from government, or levying tolls on the Eby: ping interest, the undertakers expecting to he repaid r h . reclamation of the submerged lands within the harl?ou ,rytaanndt that the projected improvement would suit the P ° purposes of extensive fisheri es , a h ar b o ur of refu g e, lellpackettiorn intercourse, and foreign co mmerce . The petit , '" other advantages, and c onc l u d es by praying w ll it may es. ceive the approbation of the house. COMPLIMENTARY DINNER.—Mr. T • D. Carter, the re_ ners, of Aldersgate, presentative of the house of Messrs. Jo nes, Wiggins, and Teape, the extensive wholesale statio London, having rendered hiniseltzxtremely agreeabl e to the by manly man his g ent le ners and business qualifications , stationers of Liverpool, during the many years he has visited this town, a party invited that gentleman to a dinner, on Thursday afternoon , a t the Adelphi Hotel. Mr. Th omas Taylor, of Castle-street, was in the chair, and Mr. David Marples, of Lord-street, occupied the vice -chair. The din ner was prepared in Mr. Radley's usual style of excellence, a nd the wines were choice. Mr. C arter ' s health was pro posed in a complimentary speech, and it was drunk by the company in the most marked style of respect to their highly esteemed guest. Mr. Carter, sensibly affected by so gratify ing a proof of the esteem of his friends, returned thanks in a feeling and appropriate speech. The evening was spent in t h e utmost harmony, an d the party did not break up till a late hour. We congratulate our friend, Mr. Carter, on this gratifying evidence of the trade, in Liverpool, of their appro bation of his conduct whilst acting as the representative of the highly respectable house of Jones, Wiggins, and Teape. VOORSANGER'S PENS. —We have used Voorsanger's metallic pens, which are advertised in another column, and can confidently recommend them to public adoption. They are not liable to corrosion, and they give a free and clear stroke. They are at the same time very durable. EARLY LAMBS.—On Wednesday last, two of the East India sheep at the Zoological Gardens produced each a lamb. The animals have latterly been kept in the open air ; but, since their accouchement, they have been removed in -doors, and with their Anglo-India n progeny are doing as well as can be expected. We notice by an old paper published 40 years ago, that by the then constitution of New Jersey, " unmarried women and widows (of that state) who were of full age and were worth 133 dollars clear estate, had a right to vote in all elec tions." The following are the Times of Departure from Lime-street, Liverpool, and from Liverpool-road, Manchester : TIMES OF DEPATURE FROM LIVERPOOL AND MA CHESTER TO BIRMINGHAM, 3 30 a.m. First Class, joins London Train at 8 30 a.m. 6 a.m. Mixed __ 19 8 15 a.m. First Class 10 30 a.m. First Class 12 15 p.m. First Class 4 p.m. Mixed 7 p.m. First Class P. 12 FROM BIRMINGHAM TO LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER 2 15 a.m. First Class —Meets N. Union Train to Preston at Parkside 1 15 p.m, 4 p.m, 6 p.m 6 a.m. Mixed Train do. 11 30 a.m. First Class 2 IS p.m. First Class a 45 p.m. First Class—Meets N. Union Train to Preston at Parkside. • 3 30 p.m. Mixed ti p.m. First Class On Sunday the Departures will be 3 30 a.m. First Class, joins London Train at 8 30 a.m 8 15 a.m. Mixed /ID I 30 p.m 10 30 a.m. 7 p.m. ~ PP 12 2 15 a.m. First Class 7 30 a.m. Mixed 11 30 a.m. „ 245 p.m. ~ The Trains on Sundays atop at First Class Stations only LIVERPOOL AND MA FROM MANCHESTER TO L'POOL. First Class Second Class - Morning.. 7 0 Morning 9 0 „ ..10 0 „ 11 15 ..11 4 5 „ 2 0 Aftern. .. 4, 2 45 Aftern. 5 0 „ 5 30 7 15 Evening.. 7 15 Mixed Stop only at Newton & Prkside is Train does not start till Three. NDAYS. First Class Second Class 8 0 Morning.. 7 0 Mornin 5 0 Aftern. .. 5 30 Aftern. 7 1 5 E ven i ng.. 7 15 Mixed AND Stop only & Prkside FROM MANCHESTER. 9 0 Morning.. First Class 11 15 „ 2 45 Aftern. Second . Class 5 0 „ Mixed 715 ~ .. First Class N DAYS. I 7 0 Morning.... Mixed 530 Afternoon.. „ ILTON. FROM L'POOL TO MANCRESTER. First Class Second Class - Morning.. 7 0 Morning 845 „ 10 0 „ 11 0 ..11 45 „ 2 0 Aftern. 2 30 Aftern. 445 „ 530 „ 7 15 Evening .. 7 15 Mixed I Stop only at Newton & Prkside * Except on Saturdays, when ti ON so First Class Second Class 9 0 Morning.. 7 0 Morning 5 0 Aftern. .. 5 30 Aftern. 7 15 Evening .. 7 Is Mixed Stop only at Newton & Prkside I pro PRESTON FROM LIVRRPOOL. 8 4S Morning.. First Class 1 0 „ PP 2 30 Aftern. .. Second Class 4 4S „ .. Mixed 7 Is „ .. First Class ON SU 7 0 Morning.... Mixed 530 Afternoon .. „ FROM LIVERPOOL. 8 45 Morning.... First Class II 0 2 30 Afternoon .. Second Class 5 30 ON' SU. 7 0 Morning.... Second Class 5 30 Afternoon.. ~ TO ST. I PROM LIVERPOOL. 7 15 Morning.... Second Class 10 0 I, .. 11 45 •• 2 30 Afternoon.. If 5 30 •• • • • • •• CHESTER RAILWAY. ON SC: 7 0 Morning.... Second Class 5 30 Afternoon .. TO RUNG FROM LIVERPOOL. I FROM siANcuEsru.a. 9 o Morning.... First Class 11 15 2 as Afternoon .. Second Class 5 30 NDAYS. Of I 7 0 Mornin g .... S econd Class 5 30 Afternoon .. „ EiELENS. 7 15 Morning.... Second Class 11 45 Se 5 30 Afternoon .. FROM MANCHESTER. 7 30 Morning.... Second Class 10 0 11 45 Pt Pt 2 45 Afternoon .. PP 5 311 •••• rr 'DAYS. 7 0 Morning.... Second Class 5 30 Afternoon .. :ORN GAP. FROM MANCHESTER. 7 30 Morning.... Second Class 11 45 5 30 Afternoon .. SP NDAYS. ON SU. 7 0 Morning.... second Class I 5 30 Afternoon OP 7 0 Morning.... Second Class 5 30 .. Afternoon „ ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.—Last night we paid a visit to the Royal Amphitheatre, for the purpose of being able to speak experimentally of the style and character of the Tour nament which the spirited manager, Mr. Ducrow, has intro duced, on the same scale as at Astleys. It is impossible to speak too highly of the taste and magnificence which pervades the entire spectacle, or of the care with which even the mi nutest detail is supplied. No trouble or cost, it is evident, has been regarded in what is called the " getting up" of the piece ; and the correctness of the costumes, armour, bearings, and banners, as far as we had time to observe, we can confi dently affirm. The double stage effects are very imposing, and they called forth a general burst of applause. Altogether, a more splendid pageant was never produced in Liverpool. The remaining performances consisted of scenes in the circle, of which we shall take another opportunity of speaking, and of The Idiot of Heidelberg Castle. The performance of the Idiot by Mr. Ducrow is well known to be a very superior effort. Such attractions as these deserve support, and ac cordingly we were glad to find that the public of Liverpool appreciate them—as was manifested by the crowded benches of last evening. THE RIVAL EXPRESSES : TRAVELLING AT THE RATE OP FORTY MILES AN HOUR !—The bags of the packet-ship Siddons, Capt. Palmer, which anchored in Formby Channel shortly before noon on Wednesday last, were not landed until half-an-hour after the departure of the Grand Junction Company's 121 train, the last which goes through to London until the mail train, which starts at seven o'clock at night. As it was desirable to have the Message of Mr. President Van Buren in London as early as possible, for publication in the papers of the following morning, shortly after one o'clock an agent for several London morning papers applied to the directors of the Grand Junction Railway Company for an express engine to convey a messenger with despatches, the object being either to overtake the 12} train, or, failing in that, to catch the six-o'clock train from Birmingham to London. As soon as possible after permission had been granted, the engine and tender, with the messenger standing on top of the latter, were of at full speed. The 12 1 train were overtaken at Stafford, twenty-six miles from Birmingham, which station the messenger reached in time, of course, to go by the five-o'clock train to town. Snugly ensconced in the railway carriage, the messenger flattered himself,. no doubt, that he was beyond the reach of any competitor in the news line, and that he, and he alone, would exclu sively furnish London with the President's Message. But this was not to be. No sooner was another news-agent, who knew not that express engines were ever granted, informed of the flight , of his rival, than he, trm, ap plied to the directors of the Grand Junction Company, who were sitting, for an express engine. At first, the directors hesitated to grant this second request; but, in consideration that no intimation had been made to him of the intended despatch of the first express engine, and from a desire on their part to show neither favour nor partiality, they finally, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, granted the request. Captain Clether, the active and obli ging manager for the company, ran the messenger up the tunnel in a car ; stating on the way, that there was just a chance, that, when he reached the Edge-hill station, there might not be an engine with its steam up. Luckily, how ever, there was one quite ready, so far as steam was con cerned, but it had to be moved on the line, and that occupied above a quarter of an hour. C a pt a i n Clether, however ex erted himself so heartily in the business, and urged the men so earnestly in the work, that it was accomplished in the shortest time possible. At twenty minutes past two o'clock nearly an hour after the starting of the first express engine, the second one, the messenger and a youth standing on the tender, was off like lightning. The object, in this case, was to reach Birmingham in time for the six o'clock train. So rapid, however, was the speed of the engine, with merely its its tender, that it won became evident to the parties, that it was just possible to reach Birmingham in time for the 5 o'clock train. The steam was, accordingly, kept up to the highest pitch, and precisely at three minutes past five the engine darted into the station. The five o'clock train had not, fortunately, started : so that the rivals proceeded to town in the same train, the first in happy ignorance of the close propinquity of the second, though the fatter had caught a glimpse of the former! We have said, that the distance between Liverpool and Birmingham was performed in 2 hours 43 minutes ; but from this time must be deducted, at least, 23 minutes occu pied in taking in coke and water at six stations, and by an obstruction on the line near Birmingham. Now, the distance between the extreme points is 97 miles, which having be en accomplished in 2 hours and 30 minutes, the actual average velocity of the engine running, or, rather, flying along the rails must have been very nearly FORT? MILES PER HOUR ! The motion of the machine was quite steady, and the messenger contrived to read, until the air, rushing against his face, tilled his eyes with water so as to prevent read ing. The cold was intense, and the wind could almost be felt. When the engine was at its full speed, the parties on the machine could not make each other hear, although the voice was exerted to its highest pitch, such was the effect of the " mighty rushing wind" on the sense of hearing. For our own part, if we could have our choice, when our only object was to pass from one point to the other, we should prefer flying at the hurricane speed of forty miles an hour. It would, we can assure our readers, be much pleasanter than travelling at the comparatively slow rate of 20 miles per hour, if, instead of being starved by the cold and cut in two by the wind, by standing on the tender, the traveller were snugly ensconced in a railway carriage. Having tried and approved of a speed of forty miles in the hour, our friend, the express messenger, says, that he will be impatient to try the promised velocity, on the Great Western Railroad, of sixty !—Albion... ACCIDENT TO LORD ABINGER.—On Wednesday, as the Rt. Hon. Lord Abinger was crossing Parliament-street, on his return from presiding as Chief Baron of her Majesty's Court of Exchequer, at Westminster Hall, he was struck down by the pole of a carriage, which he had not perceived in time to escape from, i and was in imminent danger of being crushed under the wheels of the carriage, kt v b e e i a n r g e with ha great ivy to stated i ific thatulty that the horses were stoppaj. his Lordship was not in the least hurt. He attended his judicial duties in the Court of Exchequer next morning. ARISTOCRATIC Nor toNS.—Really we cannot but feel amused when we consider who the men are who would per suade our Sovereign that the plebeian origin of Sir Robert Peel unfitted him for personal communication in his capacity of premier with her Majesty. We cannot a vo id as ki ng w h o are the " friends of the people" who look with such supreme contempt, and would not suffer their talents and intelligence to come between " the wind and their hostilities ?" Why; L or d Durham, a man of yesterday, such a stickler for adula tion and the forms of respect, that we would not be surprised to hear of his having knocked down a servant for not bowing with sufficient humility to his bilious-faced lordship. Then there are others of your liberal Radicals so much ashamed of common-place names that they must assume others to which they have as much right as Ikey Solomons to that of Nebu chadnezzar. For instance, Mr. Tennison becomes D'Eyn court ; Sir John Brown becomes Sir John Deßeauvoir ; Sir Denham Jephson is metamorphosed into Sir Denham Nor reys ; Mr. Thistlethivaite would fain have an old Norman title—O'Connell, the son of , would he Prince of Iveragh, and, unauthorised, takes supporters to his arms; and the Marquis of Westminster would be thought a descendant of Hugh Lupus, nephew to the Conqueror, when it is well known that the first gentleman of his family was an architect in Shrewsbury, who was patronised by the Middletons, of Chirk Castle, where, if we mistake not, his portrait now is. Yet, these and such others are the men, who, forgetting their own origin, would turn up their aristocratic (?) noses at a man their equal in birth, and far their superior in every thing which can command respect or veneration.--Limerick Standard. THE BLESSINGS or STEAM.—The steam navigation of the Atlantic in twelve days, in opposition to the predictions of some of our ablest engineers, and the rapid extension of railway communication through every part of England, are two of the most striking instances of the triumph of the scientific arts, and of the blessings which these arts confer upon the community. London and Edinburgh will speedily be brought within less than a day of each other. The luxu ries and benefits which characterise each spot of the island will be concentrated within the reach of all; and in this abridgement of space and time, the whole habits of our social being will suffer a corresponding change. The mutual interests of individuals, as well as of communities, will be brought within the sphere of their mutual actions. New oc cupations will be held out to the industrious ; new and better pursuits to the idle ; and fresh objects of sympathy to the benevolent. We shall thus see more of our own country, and know more of our fellow-citizens—of their opinions, their feelings, their sufferings, and their aspirations ; and, in thus becoming better acquainted with the lot of others, we shall learn to be better contente4l with our own. If famine should light upon any corner of the land , the commissariat of more fortunate districts will speedily arrive with abund ance. If pestilence should waste it , the genius of humanity • will be quickly summoned to relief. if insurrection should alarm it, the arm of justice and of the law will soon be at. their rescue. The concentration of space and time, in short s will add to the security, the wealth and the gTandeur of the nation.—Edinburgh Review. n Who Sti ,‘ oor 12i Tr t ,, , slix , GRAND JUNCTION RAILWAY'. N4l wit; TO 80, :►ish Able :we the into ture pUI. t hat I We halt I for that sup urse 'poll ,s to calla ~: