Northern Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-01-01 00:00:00

LATEST TELEGRAMS. FRANCE. PARIS, Friday. The ATfoniteur of this day announces that - the Emperor has granted a full pardon or commuta tion of sentence to 164 persons, who had been convicted at- the sessions or by the ordinary tribunals, two of whom had been condemned to death. The following is the increase in the receipts of the principal French railways for the past week, as compared with the corresponding period last year :—Paris and Strasburg, 203,024 francs ; Paris and Lyons, 459,000 francs ; West ern of France, 138,221 francs ; Midi, 117, 641 f rancs ; Midi Canal, 24,131 francs; Geneva, 48,816 francs. TURKEY- m mt sEILLEs, Thursday, Dec. 30. Advises from Constantinople t o th e 22 n d state that the change of Ministry had b een postponed. Ali Pasha is strongly supported by Austria, but violent scenes had taken place in the council. The C r editors of the Co ur t are to receive part payments of their debts. The Journal de Constantinople represents that the elections in the Principalities wia be delayed twontv flnvu CONSTANTINOPLE, Wednesday, Dec. 29. Frequent meetings of the Council have taken place in reference to affairs in Servia, which causes uneasiness to the Ministry. The Presse d' Orient states that instructions have been dispatched to Cabouli Effendi, and a circular note to the Turkish Ambassador abroad. Sheik-ul-Islam is dead. Two Prissian vessels have arrived here from Nicolaiceff on their way to the Baltic. PERSIA. According to advises from Persia, Mr. Murray, the English ambassador, has again fallen seriously ill on his journey. Ferouk Khan refuses any other place in the Ministry than that of Foreign affairs. The reconciliation of Affghanistan with Persia has taken place. SPAIN. MADRID, Dec. 30. Yesterday the Congress approved of the address in answer to the speech from the throne, by a majority of 186 votes to 23. SERVIA. VIENNA, Dec. 30. A despatch from Belgrade, dated this day, states that Prince Alexander's removal is called for, the troubles of Friday last being attributed to his presence. The army had taken the oath in the morning, and the demand relative to Prince Milosch had been forwarded to Constantinople. Order reigned in Belgrade,. where all the authori ties were acting in harmony. BELGRADE, Thursday, Dec. 30. Prince Alexander's departure from the Turkish fortress has been demanded, on account of his being charged with implication in the military movement of Friday. The military have to-day sworn fidelity to the new Government. The petition in favour of Milosch has been des patched to the Porte. The Skuptsehina has received numerous ad dresses of thanks for the measures it has lately taken. MERSEY DOCK AND HARBOUR BOARD ELECTION. TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN TIMES. Sir, —Mr. Chas. Mclver has consented to serve, if elected. The requirements of the port demand the services of such a man. It is presumed every elector, will feel it his duty to insert Mr. Mclver 's name on the list he adopts. I am happy to find this opinion m ee t s th e views of all I have seen. This notice is issued (fearing some may not have been aware of the fact), by an independent VOTER. TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN TIMES. - - Sir,—A second steam-list is out to-day. It contains four names connected with that "associa tion." Important as the steam interest is admitted to be, this is coming it rather strong. If they can Fet three members in the Board they are exceed ingly well off, no other association asks for more. Mr. Rounthwaite should, therefore, retire at once in favour of Mr. Charles Mclver.—l am, yours, SAFETY-VALVE. Chamber of Commerce, Liverpool, Dec. 31, 1858. TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN TIMES. A HIPPY NEW YEAR" IN COPE'S CIGAR MANUFACTORY. One of the brightest and pleasantest celebrations we h ave seen for many a Christmas and holiday season, welcomed in the New Year among the numerous employees of the Messrs. Cope's 'cigar manufactory, Lord Nelson-street, last night. It has been the custom of the Messrs. Cope to inaugurate each new year for some time back with an entertainment —modestly called " Cope's Christmas Dance " —to all those engaged in their immense establishment, Last night the festivities were on the largest scale, and were, we believe, the most successfully arranged which the factory has seen since its foundation. Those who are only accustomed to view the establishment in its time of business, would scarcely have known it had they seen it in its "softer hours" last night. As in the Christmas pantomime, Harlequin strikes with his wand the walls of a long row of tailors' shops and butcher's stalls, and in a moment all such unsightly ob jects vanish, and are succeeded by a pleasant front garden and a neat " semi-detached " suburban villa—so did the skilful arrrangements of many dexterous hands transform in little more time, a range of crammed storerooms and crowded factory branches, into spacious and bright danc ing halls, and richly decorated refreshment saloons. The work-room was used as the ball-room, and was beautifully adorned with mirrors, banners, flower wreaths, and ever greens, among which the Christmas mistletoe held its time-hallowed place. This portion of the arrangements was carried on under the superintendence of Mr. Cooper, of Compton House, whose well-known taste and skill found effective expression iu - thus converting a factory workroom into one of the brightest and gayest of dancing halls. The packing-room below stairs—a room of 'vast proportions —was converted into a refreshment saloon, and was decorated as beautifully and appropriately as that which we have already described. • Here Mr. Oakes, of Lord-street, by whom the refreshments were supplied, made extensive arrangements for satisfying the wants of the dancers he well knew he should have to stimulate and revive. Judging from the constant demand which seemed to prevail in this part of the establishment, and feeling no doubt that the supply was equal to it in accor dance with the politico-economic rule, we may pronounce the refreshment department a far more successful under taking than it has been found in several great public institutions we know of. To facilitate the arrangements for the preparation of tea and coffee, an ingenious con trivance was adopted for connecting steam pipes with the kettles, so that by turning on jets of steam a supply of hot water was instantaneously produced. The galleries which surrounded what may, for the especial occasion, be termed the " ball room," were fitted up with a long array of card tables, and here many a quiet rubber of whist was played by those who felt inclined, from sheer fatigue, to retire awhile from the exertions of the dance during portions of the night. Some, too, found rest and refreshment here in the fumes of the pensive cigar. The aroma did not intrude itself much upon the dancers, and it may, moreover, be very easily imagined that few of those present could plead any objection arising from unaccustomed sensations to the smell of tobacco. A cloak-room was fitted up at either side on enterin g the building, where hats, coats, &c., were. taken and regularly numbered and ticketed; and a solemn policeman, stationed at the outer door, secured easy ingress to all invited guests. Besides the employees of the establishment, numbering about 400, several of the • Messrs. Cope's p rivate friends were among the company, and seemed delighted with the arrangements made to secure an evening of enjoyment. The entrance among the guests of Mr. Robert Cope, the founder of the establishment, who had travelled from the banks of the Wye to be present, was greeted with three enthusiastic peals of welcoming applause. Dancing commenced punctually at nine o'clock. In the orchestra was stationed Mr. Martin's excellent band, and Mr. Martin, one of the most accomplished and inspiriting of leaders, exerted his utmost skill to keep the spirit of the dance unfading and unflagging. Quadrilles, Polkas, Schottisches, Lancers, Gatops, &c., &c., made up the programme of the ball; and a ball sustained with more genuine enjoy ment, and more unwearying spirit, no eyes ever looked upon. The young cigar-makers danced as neatly and as skilfully as their dexterous fingers perform their daily manufacturing operations ; and there were as many bright pretty faces to be seen, as beamed under any Christmas mistletoe last night throughout the kingdom. The musical arrangements deserve especial notice, for they included many new and beautiful compositions produced by their authors to give additional life and enjoyment and character to the evening. The " Crusaders' Grand March," by Herr Feller, was one of the pieces composed expressly . for the occasion, and was an inspiritinc , and brilliant air, which would have given animation and vivacity to the slowest of dancers, and which lent new fire and vigour even to Mr. Cope's lively and untiring company. The " Escape Galope," by the same composer, was also produced in public for the first time last night, and composed for that particular occasion. The " Fairy Trip Waltz" and the " Cigar Girls' Polka," also by Herr Feller, and contri buted for the same object, were equally beautiful and animating with those already mentioned, and will, we feel certain, if the composer gives them to the public, obtain a wide and lasting popularity. Many other pieces of music, beautiful in themselves, and appropriate to the , purport of the gathering, were composed and contri buted by their authors for last night's festivity. The entertainment, however, was not all absorbed in dancing. I.voral songs were sung, and among the rest some which had been specially °ailed into existence to do honour to the occasion. Among these was one by Mr. F. M'Cabe, " Many a time," which was sung with an orc hestral accompaniment arranged by Mr. E. W. Thomas. The singer was Mr. Campbell, a visitor, • who gave the ballad with pleasing expression and rich voice, and was accompanied in the refrain by about 100 voices of the girls present. The air is a tripping, viva cious, and pretty composition, and the refrain swelled by so many female voices echoed exquisitely through the rooms. A rapturous demand for an encore followed. This song, it may be mentioned; was composed under some what peculiar circumstances. When the Earl of Shaftes bury was in Liverpool, during the sitting of the Social Science Conference, his lordship visited Messrs. Cope's establishment and took a warm interest in the arrange ments made for the care and comfort of the female workers there. He was particularly pleased with the manner in which a large number of girls sang in chorus, and-on going away promised to pay them another visit on condi tion that they would learn a new song for the occasion. The ballad " Many a Time," was composed by Mr. McCabe accordingly, and served last evening to increase, in no slight degree, the happiness and the interest of the evening's entertainment. Mr. McCabe's 501 i..., " Hope for the Best" was also beautifully sung by Mr. Campbell ; the composer accompanying it upon the piano. Several gentlemen visitors sang some charming pieces, and gave them in a manner which drew from the audience the most spontaneous and cordial acclamations. There were many other features in the musical arrange ments which deserve equal notice, if want of space and time did not absolutely force upon us the necessity of " drawing the line somewhere." One incident must not, however, be excluded from notice. During the evening a presentation took place, on the 'part of the employees, to one of their own body, Miss Ellen Warbrick, for her long and gratuitous services in the care of the library. The testimonial consisted of a handsome workbox purchased by the subscriptions of the inmates of the establishment, and it was presented by the youngest member of the male sex employed in the colice7rn. The young gentleman, mounted upon commanding rostrum, performed his task with a coolness and composure worthy of far more experienced, and pdssibly less sincere ' leaders in such complimentary ceremonies. This portion of the evening's proceedings was certainly one of the most interesting features, anu one of those which reflected the greatest credit upon the conduct of the establishment, and the feelings of those who labour in it towards each other. We shall not venture to say when the festivities con cluded. Had we remained for the conclusion, it is very likely this description would not, be seen in our paper this day. When we left, the girls were as energetically engaged in the dance as if they were absolutely resolved to carry out the resolution " not to go home until morning." Lest, however, any of our readers should be inclined to think the enjoyment of the night marred by the prospect of a struggle with sleep at some early business hour in the morning, we may mentiou that those who took part in the ball are not expected to attend to business this day. A special staff of hands will restore the establishment to its wonted appearance of business, order, and regularity. The dancers at the ball will therefore have this day and to-morrow to rest. On Mon day they will return to business with, we doubt not, renewed and freshened vigour, to enter upon another season of labour. The ball of last night will probably form a topic of conversation during many a long hour of be hu m in the monotonous work : and the songs which were sung will hummed over, ,an o d f mthre.irmcarcapboes,esrsreftrhaiand,, many and n praised, and many a t i me. ,, .We may mention, in conclusion, that the tickets and programmes which were issued for the ball, and which were beautiful specimens of ornamental lithography, were pr i n t e d upon the Messrs. Cope's own premises. Sir,—l am directed by the Council to request the favour of your inserting the following resolu tion, passed at their meeting to-day-,'viz. : " That, although this Council has, through its delegates, taken part, with other commercial associations, in the unanimous recommendation of a list of suitable candidates for election to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, and now, as a council, gives its sanction to, and influence in favour of, the associated list, yet this Council never in tended, nor can attempt, to dictate to members either of this Council or of the Chamber as to the course they may individually think fit to take in relation to the exercise of their right, • whether as nominees or electors."-1 am, sir, your obedient servant, ROBERT TRONSON, Secretary. The following letter has been addressed by the Chamber of Commerce to Mr. Tanton, in reply to his communication which appeared in our columns of yesterday : Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Dec. 31,1838. Sir,—l have laid your letter of yesterday, on the subject of the elections of the Dock Board, before the Council of the Chamber, and I am directed to assure you, that you have much mis conceived the purport of the list and circular to which you refer. I am also to say that the name of the Chamber of Commerce appears upon that list, in strict con formity with an arrangement already explained in a printed report, a copy of which was sent on the 15th Nov. last, to every member of the Chamber. Under this arrangement all the Mercantile Asso ciations of the town sent delegates, duly empowered, to a common meeting,—the chairman of which was not even a member of the Chamber. At this meeting each association was equally represented. The purpose was not to interfere in any way with the freedom of election. The list agreed to by the meeting of delegates is simply " recommended" to the consideration of the electors, and every elector is, of course, not only perfectly free, what ever may be the recommendation he receives from any associated body, but, is, as the Council con - eeive, bound to vote for those he deems the best men. The Council never have suffered, nor ever will suffer, the Chamber to be made "an engine for election purposes ;" blit the Council cannot deem it consistent with its duty—that of promoting, as far as it can, the mercantile interests of the port —to take no part whatever in investigating and expressing an opinion upon the claims of candi dates for the Dock trust. To move at all is of course to move in some definite direction, and to encounter the risk of differing i n op i n i on w i th some of the ratepayers. The proceedings of .the delagates were made public on the "23rd instant, and if the part taken by the Chamber had seemed, to any considerable number of its members, to call for revision, there Was ample time for such an expression of that Opinion as would have justified the Council in taking the sense of their constituents at large. I am to add that, though the Council cannot hl . courtesey decline to answer a communication so publicly addressed to them as yours has been, they must not be understood to admit that " the committee of the ratepayers," on whose behalf you write, really represents any considerable section of that body.--I am, sir, your obedient servant, ROBERT MONSON, Secy. THE NORThERN TIMES; SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 1859 ANNUAL TRADE CIRCULARS. SHIPPING. During . the past year an almost unprecedented amount of depression has characterised the market for the sale of ships. We trace this to various causes, one of which— the effects of the panic of 1857—necessitating many of the sales recorded during the year, and thus forcing on the market, from time to time, an excessive amount of tonnage. A large number of vessels have been employed as transports for the conveyance of troops and stores to India ; but, from the continuance of the war, and the unsettled state of that country, homeward freights have ruled so extremely low, that some shipowners have preferred laying up their ships at home, than run the risk of their being detained abroad for want of employment. Early in the year Messrs. A. Gibbs and Sons ceased chartering vessels for guano from the Chincha Islands, and as, for some years previous, em ployment was thus given to upwards of 120,000 tons of shipping annually, the want of these charters, during the greater part of the pear, were seriously felt by many, but especially by the owners of colonial shipping. On the other hand, we find that the outward freights to nearly all parts of the world, are extremely high, as much as £4 per register ton, being given for good classed ships for Australia, and £3 for Bombay. Homewards —Guano charters have recently been offering at £2 lOs per ton to U.K. or continent, and we notice during the last few weeks that vessels are changing hands more freely, and at rather better pricei. Compared with the aggregate tonnage and number of vessels building in the Colonies there are less than half the number reported last year, and as, by a recent regulation of Lloyds, the class of new vessels is in future to commence on the Ist July after launching, instead of as previously on the Ist January following, builders are likely to keep their vessels on the stocks till the latter half of the year, so that we do not till then expect any amount of new tonnage in our market. Taking into conside r ati on , also, that the number of vessels lost during the winter has exceeded the average of previous years, and that these, in many instances, have to be replaced by others, we may reasonably expect a further advance in prices. The number of sailing vessels sold at this port during the present year was 239, o f w hi c h 55 were British built, amounting to 15,112 tons, and 184 were foreign and colonial built, amounting to 88,988 tons. CUNAItD, WILSON'AND CO. We regret having to record another year of diminished sales of shipping in our port, as compared with the pre vious one, equal to about 18 per cent. The character of the business from January to December, has been of that fitful, yet improving kind, that follows recovering health after prostration produced by severe fever and excitement. What has been done is permanent and solid, mostly aris ing from neceaiity. There has, of course, been some speculation, which is always the case when prices are so low as they have been, but the speculators are in good position, and able to hold such purchases at will. In the early part of the year, there was much enquiry, and many ships changed hands at low rates, nevertheless, there was the constant fear upon the minds of purchasers, that large numbers of the Borough Bank's, and other mortgaged ships, would have been forced en masse on the market, This has not been so, on the contrary, much of the ton nage so circumstanced, has been managed with a firm, prudent hand, and, we believe, the most made of it that was possible. The caution thus used has tended to im prove prices, and saved, us from any long depression from a surfeit of second-class ships being thrust upon us. Of those held by the Bank, 34 have been sold since its suspension, while there are only thirteen now here or in other ports of the United kingdom, with four or five still to arrive, remaining to be disposed of. Up to the middle of April, there was a tolerably steady and slightly improved trade, when from some unexplained cause a re-action took place, and exceeding dulness followed, during which some good seven-year-class Colonial ships sold as low as £5 per ton. From this condition we rallied towards the end of May. This improvement con tinued, but a short time, and in June, there was almost a cessation of important business. Towards the close of July, matters again improved and have continued to do so, though very slowly, and with some unaccountable calms, until the present time. The last month has been the most steady of the year. The discontinuance of Guano charters from the Chinchas is being severely felt, especially by the fleet that has gone to the East in the War service. The enormous amount of tonnage that has accumulated in the Indian and China ports (about 500,000 tons), has reduced freights from thence to a nominal rate. So low as ss. per ton has been accepted for steamers from Bombay. The expectations from the Kooria Mooria Islands have not been realised, and but little benefit has arisen to us from that quarter. The solution of the present unsatisfactory state of things with the shipping interest, may be found in the general con traction of trade that has taken place since the late panic, combined with the fact that we have more ships than there is trade to employ them, since we have permitted the vessels of other nations to do our work without receiving any corresponding advantage from those so much favoured. The shipowners throughout the land complain loudly of this injustice, and while they do not seek to disturb the order of things as established under the liberal and progressive policy of our late and present rulers, they do seek to have the provisions stipu lated for in the act 15 and 16 Vict—cap 47, to secure theM from the selfish and illiberal policy of those nations so generally dealt with acted upon, and a proper quid pro quo secured. The fact of this provision having been made in the Act, proves that such a result if not con sidered probable, was at least considered possible. Why not, having had nine years experience of its working, and having discovered its weak point, proceed at once, under the powers provided, to strengthen and com plete it, and at the same time, do justice to one of the most important, and certainly the most enterprising, commercial interest in the kingdom. Was the provision made, and so prominently paraded in framing the bill for retaining power by " an order in council" to suspend the operation of the law in favour of those nations refusing to follow our example, a mere political stratagem * We have been told that having worked on for nine years without making any protest, we canno' now hope to have a state of things that has become settled within this time, altered - in other words, the pledge to secure us an honourable reciprocity cannot now be regarded as binding — it has " outrun the statute of limitation," and the shipowners have become the victims of what, in the common transactions of life, would be considered mean dishonesty. It seems it was necessary to offer some sacrifice to appease the spirit of progress, and the shipping interest has been the chosen hecatomb. Had the present agitation been started at an earlier date, the probable reply would have been, " You have not given the thing a fair trial, and are not yet in a position to object." At the time this act was under the consideration of the country, we took some pains to warn you of the interpretation sure to be given by America as to her "coasting trade." America consents to open her ports to us—we doing to her likewise, she retaining_ only her " coasting trade." The bargain is struck. The greatest portion of America's trade proves to be " coasting," consequently we have given all and gotten nothing. America sends her ships froin any port on the Atlantic to any of her ports on the Pacific, passing a dozen or more independent nations in her course, including the whole of South America, and this is a " coasting voyage." * * * * * In considering the future prospects of shipping, the very decreased number we are likely to have at hand must ho regarded. With a much lessened production both in the United Kingdom and in the Colonies, must be taken into account the losses of the year, which are likely to prove something enormous, we fear considerably over those of 1847, which amounted to 1,143 vessels of all sizes. The statistics for the past yoar are not yet completed, but from the first six months return, the number lost is likely to prove equal to four ships per day. Outward freights have considerably improved during the last two mouths, and if our Indian fleet does not come home too thick upon us, we may calculate upon some months of good outward employment. Any indication of improvement in charters is quickly responded to by parties willing to invest. Ship building in the Colonies this year has been (as we advised in our last must be expected) on a very limited scale ; nor do we think much more will be done through the year now entered upon. The number of ships - which have changed hands this year is 482 (221,419 tons) against 586 (258,869 tons) in 1857, showing a decrease of 104 ships, or 37,450 tons, being a de cline of 18 per cent. in the number of ships, and 141 per cent. •in the number of tons this year against last. Of the above 51 are new British, 21,702 tons; 99 new colonial, 47,966 ; 15 foreign, 8,346. - The number of ships sold to forei g ners is 19 .- 7,482 tons. The number of steamers sold is 39, of which 27 are screws, and 12 paddle, equal to 15,097 tons. British ships must be quoted fully ten per cent. lower at the close than they were at the commencement of the year. One or two most injudicious sales, made , at altogether unnecessary low prices, completely paralysed the buyers of good British ships for several months past. The following prices rule just now : —For London , Liver pool, and Cumberland ships, of 13 years class, coppered, Baltic outfit, £l6 to £lB per ton ; ditto East Coast and other country - built, £ l3 to X per ton. lron Twelve, ten, and nine years' class in proportion.twelve ears' ships : London, Liverpool , o r Clyde, foro class, £l6 to £l7 lOs ; nine and six years'ya s class, £l4 class , in y pro portion. East Coast, &c., for w los., to 16 ; inferior classe s in proportion.t New Colonial , ships : Quebec, St. John, and Richibucto, classed A for 7 years, £7 to £ 8 ; spruce, do. A 4 years, £4 10s. to £5 15s. Prince Edward Island, classed A 7 years, £6 to £7 • spruce do. A 4 years,. £4 ss. to £5 10s. Second hand Colonial ships are in improving demand. Several have changed hands this month at better prices. Of seeond-hand British shiiss we have had but a small number in the market, with considerable inquiry. Some large steamers, chiefly screws, have changed hands at low prices. The stock offering for sale is large, and the buyers are few. Our present stock of vessels on sale may be classed as follows : - Colonial : 20 ships varying from 1,000 to 2,000 tons; 17 ships varying from 700 to 1,000 tons ; 25 ships varying from 400 to 700 tons ; 27 ships varying from 200 to 400 ; 7 ships varying from 80 to 200 tons. Foreign: 3 ships varying from 500 to 1,500 tons. British : 14 ships varying from 300 to 1,500 tons ; 5 ships varying from 150 to 300 tons; 4 ships under 150 tons — total, 122 ships, showing a decrease of 39 ships on hand against 161 last year ; 12 steamers, screw and paddle, showing a decrease of 4 against 16 last year. By a new rule issued in the early part of the year, Lloyd's Com mittee require that all vessels built in the Colonies must be iron kneed, strapped and classed in the hull while on the stocks, or they lose one year of their time. CURRY, KELLOCK & CO, After the commercial convulsion of 1857, the spring of 1858, then the summer, and afterwards the autumn, were succsssively looked forward to as promising, with a general recovery of business, a more active condition of the shipping interest ; yet 1858 has finally passed away, and left unrealised all such anticipations. In consequence, therefore, of the almost unvarying dalness that has ensaed, our monthly reports of steam ship property, throughout last year, necessarily presented but little change in their tone or expression, and much repetition relative to the depreciated value and want of employment as regarded that particular kind of property. The cessa tion of steam transport service to the East has affected, in an especial manner, the largest class of screw steam ships, for any of which, remunerative engagements- are very difficult to obtain. For medium sized and for smaller steamers, there is more employment in the coasting trade ; and inquiries also occur for vessels of these classes, for short foreign voyaoes. On the whole, however, the aspect of affairs has become less discouraging with the close of December. A greater disposition to purchase steamers has been evinced, which, taken in connexion with recent sales of screw steamers of good capacity, both for colonial service and foreign account, may be said to give the market a more hopeful appearance ; and, were it not ' that steam shipbuilders continue to be short of contracts, with rather a large number of new steamers on hand, and that many steam-ships oat of the fleets belonging to companies under liquidation still remain unsold, the prospects of steam-ship property at the commence ment of 1859 would be considerably more promising than at the same period in 1858. ALFRED BRETT AND CO's, Steam-ship Office, 150, Leadenhall-street, London, E.C. LIVERPOOL POLICE INTELLIGENCE. BEFORE MR. MANSFIELD. THE OPERATIVE CABINET M./MERL — Mr. Bluck, , on behalf of Mr. Quaile, manager of the Opera tive Cabinet Makers' Society, of Lace-street, appeared to ask His Worship's advice under the fol lowing • circumstances :—He said that, for some time past, affairs were not going on prosperously, and creditors became rather pressing, either for money or goods ; Mr. Quaile returned some goods, and this seemed to displease some of the committee, .who broke into the premises, and locked them up, and kept possession of the place. The application now was that his Worship would order some officers to go and restore the premises to his client. His Worship refused to interfere in the dispute, and declined to grant the application. LOVE " ON THE OCEAN WAVE."—Ellen Clay, alias Brown, a tall genteel looking female, about 32 years of age, was charged for having s tolen £45 and a watch, the property of White. The prisoner was defended by Mr. Bluck. The case presented a novel feature, and the history of it was collected from the evidence, and was as follows : The prosecutor was the mate of a ship called the Fanny Nicholson, just arrived here from China. The prisoner was the stewardess of the same ship, and it appeared that Mr. White fell, deep as the ocean, in love with the prisoner. Mr. White, as well as being a sailor, was a writer ; and, if not a poet, he might have been, for he wrote no less than 350 letters to her on the voyage. Of course some were about a " Life on the Ocean Wave," and a "Home on the rolling deep," "Ben Bolt," and " Tom Bowling," were depicted in glowing colours. " The Rover's Bride" (which he intended her to be) was painted (in writing) in terms of glowing eloquence. " Black eyed Susan" was brought over the coals several times. " William and Nancy, of Yarmouth," formed the subject of two or three epistles from Mr. White to Miss Clay,. (frail clay she pro red to be) and he often sang to her enraptured ear, "Did you not hear of the jolly young Water man?" and then he would pull away like two "Tom Tugs." Now all this might have melted the " heart of a marble stone," but Elizabeth Clay's heart (although clay) was not made of such very penetrable stuff. It was as hard as a price of Dalkey (near Dublin) granite stone, or a thousand of bricks. "Oh ! fraility, thy name is woman," saith Hamlet—but Mr. Prince Hamlet made a very great mistake, so far as Mrs. Elizabeth Clay was con cerned— for the deuce a taste at all at all, of frailty appeared to be about her. It seemed that she " loved another man," and passinly she had a right to do so; but it may be asked why ? The reply is one that solves the mystery—she was already married, but whither she loved her husband is quite a different affair, and beside the present question. At any rate she did not tell Mr. White who the person was that she loved. She coquetted, and danced before him—Herod's brother's wife's daughter did the same thing. The results of the dancing affairs happened, however, to be different. Mrs. Clay received the 35 . J letters of Mr. White, the mate of the Fanny Nicholson, and, probably, in return he used, now and then, to get au extra drop of brandy. At last " Englaud Ho" came in view, and Mr. White became frightfully impatient to change the name of Clay, to a more snowy designation, to wit— White. But Mrs. Clay was not "such a fool altogether," and she began to give vague hints to Mr. White that there was an . obstacle in the way of their happiness, to wit, her husband ! To Mr. White tins did not seem an impediment at all ; if she had as many husbands as Soloman is said to have wives, it would not make the least difference to Mr. White, he would have married her nolens volens. It would have been rather awkward for Mrs. Clay to be prosecuted for an offence which our criminal jurisprudence calls "felony"—that is to say "bigamy," and she rejected his offer iu toto. However, they arrived here, and went to the Sailor's Home, where Mr. White got paid off; and put £45 in his pocket, the sum that he earned during his voyage. Mrs. Clay got £2B, and then the parties went to lodge in a house in Finch-street. The street does not bear the " best of names," but the house is respectable. Mr. White made overtures to Mrs. Clay, and Mrs. Clay rejected the overtures of Mr. White. Mr. White then went oat, and got drunk, and when ho came back he charged Mrs. Clay for stealing his money and his watch., although Mrs. Clay said she had merely taken the money and watch for the protection of the same, and had left all sate and sound in a public-house in order to be preserved. Atter a good deal of laughable details, too numerous, and otherwise too exclusive to mention, Mrs. Clay was re manded to this day, ineautimi she is to point out where the money and watch are deposited, and no doubt she will be liberated, and Mr. Waite may go on his way re joicing that he has found his watch and money, and lost a wife. PIT FIT,TCANS" OASES. BEFORE IkIESSII.i. JEFFERY AND DIXON. John STie;ridan, publican, Miik-street, was charged for permitting drunkenness. Inspector White proved the case. Mr. Cobb, for the defence, stated that the maa who was supposed to be drunk, was a lodger, and he had a right to be drunk -if he were a lodger. Mr. Jeffery : On the principle that a man may ge,r, drunk in his own house ? Mr. Cobb : Yes, but I don't admit he was drunk; he appeared so from illness. Tne person alluded to was called, and proved Mr. Cobb's statement, and the charge was dismissed. Margaret Evans, publican, . Red Cross-street, was charged with doing business at an illegal hour on Christmas night. It was proved for the defence that the persons found in the house were lodgers, and the case was dismissed. Margaret Every, of the same street, was summoned for a similar offence. Tuero was no appearance for the defence. It appeared that the house was kept by another parssn, and it was referred to the Excise to prosecute the party for selling without license. William Carter, Pitt-street, was charged with having done business, and for having drunken people on its premises, ou Christmas night. Fined £1 and costs. Edwd. Barnes, publican, Peter's-lane, was charged with doing business at e o'clock, on Christmas morning, and for allowing drunkenness at the same time. In reply to Mr. Snowball, who appeared for the defence, the oaicer said, the mistress of the house stated that the parties were friends of hers, from Wales. Fined 10s. and costs. Thomas Bold, Tithebaru-street, publican, was charged for doing business at near,y one o'cloes., on Cnristmas day. Mr. Snowball was for the defendant, and said the clock was kept by Greenwich time, and the local time is twelve minutes later, and that caused the difference in the opening of the house. The case was dismissed, as Greenwich time was recognised here by consent. John James, publican, Westmoreland-street, was charred by Inspector Dawson, for refusing to admit him on Sunday morning last. He heard a great noise and knocked, but was refused admittance. In reply to Mr. Black, he . said : After waiting about' two minutes, the defendant asked who was there ? add then went away. He stopped five minutes after and was not let in at all. At the end of the street the de fendant called after him (in his shirt sleeves) to go back, but he refused. Mr. Bluck called witnesses to disprove the fact, but a fine of ss. was inflicted. James Prescott, of Tithsbarn-street, publican, was charged with doing business on Christmas-day before one o'clock. A person who appeared for the defence asked the officer, " Did you keep a watch ?" Yes. Mr. Jeffery : Why, what is a policeman if he dosn't keep "watch ?" (Laughter.) The case was dismissed. " WILAT's is A NAME ?"-An application, on behalf of the parish of Liverpool, was made against the over seers of the parish of Llanfainiathafaimwethaf (God save us !) in Wales, to compel them to pay £5l 65., as due to the parish of Liverpool, on account of a pauper, named David Jones, who lately died in the workhouse, • and who was chargeable to the place with the (God preserve us!) name iu Wales. It appeared that the Welsh parish paid for the pauper from 1843 to 1847, when it ceased, and the order now sought was for the balanoe due up to the time of the man's death. The application was resisted on some technical law point ; and after. an argument, the magistrates decided ou making the order and leaving the Welsh parish to appeal if so advised: A railway porter, named John Gardner, at the Lime street station, was lined 10s. and costs for being drunk at the station. The fine was under the bye-law of the company. Two notorious pick-pockets, named William Hunt, and George Webb, were sent for trial for having picked the pocket. of a Mrs. Sidley, of Boumount, Oxton, in Lord-street. The prisoners were caught by officers Scaife and Marsden, who saw them commit the offence. • BIRKENHEAD POLICE COURT. BEFORE MESSRS. R. BRYANS AND J. BOLTON CASE. LICENSE TRANSFERS.—The following transfers were granted :—Clelland Hotel, Birkenhead, from: Mr. Daniel Calligan to Mr. William Parker. Claughton Hotel, Birkenhead, from Thos. Orrell Spekeman to Richard Hilton. British Queen Hotel, Birkenhead, from John Lane, junr., to Wm. Smith, owner of the property. The Brittonic., at Tranmere, from Martha Dunbar to Jane Jones. The Sun, of Birkenhead, from Jas. Bebbington to Henry Gill. A license was granted for the Angel Hotel, Birkenhead, to Mr. Edward Davis, owner of the property. At the close of the business, the Magistrates instructed Mr. Drew, their clerk, to enter in the minutes of the day's proceedings the following resolution :—" That in all future applications for transfer of licenses, the police be instructed to make inquiries as to the respectability of the parties to whom the traders are to be made," GENERAL PRODUCE. In reviewing the course of business during the past year, the anticipations entertained at the commencement have not been realised, and the retrospect affords the strongest proof of the intensity and severity of the late panic, which has continued so long to exercise a most baneful influence over the trade of the country. The year opened with low prices of all articles of consump tion. Money, previously scarce and dearer than ever before known, rapidly returned into the coffers of the Bank of England. In January the minimum rate of discount at that establishment was thrice reduced, from 8 to 4 per cent., and again in February to 3 per cent., which was lower than it had been since January, 1853. It stock of bullion in a few months increased threefold, and its reserve of notes from below two millions to above twelve millions sterling. Notwithstanding these favour able circumstances, no corresponding improvement took place in the value of Produce, and in fact prices declined to a lower point than during the crisis ; the cheapness and abundance of money failed to produce the slightest effect, It seems inexplicable that if the withdrawal of gold from this country, whereby its value is unduly enhanced, is the precursor of depression and prostration of confidence, upon the same principle the past year ought to have been one of prosperity. No doubt the energies and resources of the trading community received a shock so severe as could be recover e I only in procees of time, and whilst stocks accumulated, and holders were obliged to realise and submit to great sacrifices, the markets have been too liberally supplied with produce, the low prices holding out no inducement for speculative operations. - The shipping interests have perhaps suffered to a greater extent than any other class; for whilst their property has become so seriously depreciated in value, rates of freight have been lower than ever before known • still the im • porter, from the high prices ruling in the producing coun tries, has not thereby had a Sufficient margin to ensure a profitable return. On tue otner mina, [Am grucial tiadv of the country has been in a healthy position, manufac turers have not only been fully, but profitably employed, and, with cheap food, the working population have no cause for complaint. The prospects of the incoming year are certainly in every respect most encouraging ' and it is to be hoped that the disappointments that have been experienced during the past, will be more than counter balanced by the results of next and future years. Busi ness, it is to be expected, will . be conducted upon a safer basis, and reckless trading discouraged, after the caution learnt from past experience. During the past month a fair amount of business has been transacted, considering the late period of the year; and, with the exception of rice,' prices have been well supported. The public were taken by surprise by the unexpected reduction in the Bank rate of discount, on the 9th instant, from 3 to 21 per cent., which has net been so low since 6th January, 1853, when it continued only for a fortnight. Whether such a measure has been adopted to inspire confidence, or with a view of competing with private banking establishments, which have been for some time discounting at a lower Kate than the Bank of England, the advisability and prudence of such a course is very questionable, monetary facilities having been already too low, and any movement in the other direction must only disturb and unsettle trade. The stock of Bullion held by the Bank of England by the last returns was £19,148,997, against £18,780,330; and its Reserve of Notes £13,242,060, against £l2 820 861 at the same period last year. BROWNE, HUNTER SC CO. COTTON. In glancing over the events of the year now closing, it will be remembered that it was ushered in with many indications of returning confidence, and a general belief that the course of trade, for at least some time to come, would be one of steadiness and prosperity. Prices of all kinds of commodities were at a moderate level, and money, it was expected, • though naturally still held tightly after so recent a revulsion, would gradually, as the season advanced, become cheaper and more available. The months of January and February, to a considerable extent, verified these anticipations, for, though the year opened with the rate of discount at the Bank of England at eight per cent., the month of February had not closed before that establishment reduced it, by rapid steps, down as low as three per cent., a circumstance of itself indicative of great confidence on the part of the Bank directors in the progress of amelioration, and one which apparently operated as a stimulus to investments in cot ton at rates which went on steadily advancing. The enJiancement in the value of American cotton during this time reached I,ld. per lb., and in that of East India 4- 4 ,(1 per lb. upon the closing prices of 185 7. The Eastern demand for manufactured fabrics too commenced about this period to afford great support to the Manchester market, and, in an extraordinary degree, has indeed, throughout the year, made amends for the partial cessation of American orders. The stock of Cotton also, from the long prevalence of easterly winds having kept out supplies, became so restricted that at the beginning of March there were not more than 84,000 bales of American left in the port, a point to which the stock had never been reduced, at any time, during a great number of years past. It was at this period that prices reached their culminating point, fair Orleans being quoted 84-d per lb. on the sth March. A few days afterwards, how ever, and following upon a change of wind favourable to arrivals, a decided reaction set in, and, as the aggregate imports of three consecutive weeks reached the large total of 410,000 bales, (the greater part being at a profit • o m f a l rk d e t t o il 2 ,as d per m lb e . d u ia p t e e n ly th in e a t s h t e a n b a e su t da, b u l l is i h y e . d su p p i p Ac i e e s d , , ) a t n h d e so eagerly were importe rs desirous i?frea t lizing, that con stantly declining pnees were submitted close of the month, the deprec iation A l T i p a hn d ilsra a 3 c dr l ue le ce d otiv i oe d iryi p , eorf_lb4,. for common, and Id per lb. for better qualities of American ; whilst East India descriptiop had fallen 1-d per lb. f rom great for the highest point of the market. how ever, seemed to have been too sudden and too the circumstance which gave t rise to it,. for, after a short took k h of p lac e, confid a e n n d ee th a e ga M it a i n s e t h ea e d st i e ly r d in of May a further d t p e a pause perin t l h b e , l a l o l r n g ds n n g i o d o d d ie But at this time,na e v o a n n s e a * . rmearrirkeedt,csoantutinbgy vtebrey o f Id per lb. was realised. receipts at the American . p q o u r e t u s e , e ho o l f de a rs dvi on ce c s e m of or h e e b al aame anxious sellers, and the market relapsed into a quiet and drooping condition, and the advance last mentioned was completely lost before the month terminated. The business of the next two months continued to be o f t h e most inanimate character, though during the • decline this period did not exceed 3-16 d per lb. in American, whilst Surats, from their scarcity, even improved in price to the extent of id per lb. August brought little relief to the dulness previously prevailing, for though the news of a treaty of peace having concluded - concluded with China operated some little in favoar the market, the effect of this was only of temr-orary duration, and the month closed, as it had comirxreefe, devoid f spirit, and unchanged in price. During this lengthened period the state of trade in the manufattatisz districts had continued of a very favourable chazaz.!er,„ and would, no doubt, in ordinary seasons, ham produced a corresponding effect in this market, but the recollections of the recent panic seemed to be still operat ing on the minds of holders, and rendered them afraid er holding stocks in any but moderate qnantities, thereby keeping the market generally oversupplied with CAKICETI, and inducing Spinners, who saw the position of reatlers, to adopt the policy of buying only for their irumelate requirements. This state of things continued until the receipt of advices, in September, of rains and bask the Southern Cotton districts, followed by serious :veer flows of the Mississippi, created considerable alarm few the safety of the growing crop, and, as a consequence. a general desire on the part of both the Trade and Farr ters to increase their purchases, the enlarged transens resulting from which forced prices up id. per lb. The fact, however, of heavy receipts at the ports dulas the month of October, rather tended to throw discredit aplan the low estimates of crop which the floods of September seemed to justify, and a decline of id. to ? i d. per lb. took 'place by the end of the month, in all descriptions bat Surat, which, for the reason previously stated, renzaineZ unaffected. In November, the receipts still contimuirg upon an extensive scale, increased estimates of crop were by . each succeeding packet becoming more general, bat spinners have allowed their stocks to run rather law; were at the same time obliged to re-enter the mulct. and, as the supply here had become again much tea tracted, and the shipments to this country front he United States were known to he very limited, the erect of the prospect of an ultimate good supply was partially counteracted by the influences immediately in operatics, and prices were in consequence, fully maintained throiqk out the month. The market in the present month sif December has derived some additional tone from the unexpected 'reduction, on the 9th inst., of the min al interest by the Bank of England to 21 per cent., bat ia other respects the same influences have continue& be operation, and prices, after fluctuating a little, re artha without alteration at the closing rates of .Noyeralmr- We quote to-day " middling" and "fair" Orleans retina 7d and 7-Id per lb, Mobile 6Z-d and 71d per lb, Upland. and 7d per lb, and Surat 6 r ld and Oitd per lb, which, s pared with the opening prices of the year, show yr advance of 1d per lb in American, and Id per lb in Sins . descriptions. HArwooD and M‘Vicia- The prospects of the Cotton trade for the future hire rarely worn so cheerful an aspect as at present, wiat cheap food- cheae.money - a more legitimate use of it-- an American crop of unexampled abundance -antf reasonable hopes of more liberal supplies from cakir quarters the industry of this great staple may look- far ample employment; every appearance indicates that an vexed question "an insufficiency of Cotton " will be shortly set at rest, and a tone, of healthy confiderzw, based upon moderate prices, imparted to the trade sL t it as it has not seen for several years. JOHN WRIGLEY AND Sera.. WOOL. It was thought, when the new year openal„ that the Low Wool Trade was in such a smut position, as to warrant hopes of a speedy recoveg from the prostration under which it was suffering. s common with other branches of commerce : these hopes were not realised, the distress was too widely spread, 04 the losses sustained were too serious, to admit of an earl' re-action. It is true, that in January and Fehruws, better feeling prevailed, and that the market reezdtate some support from Speculators, but the improvement was not lasting, and was followed by months of deprestimx.. The very dull state of the Carpet trade, which has only latterly begun to show signs of improvement, and ttur limited Foreign Export demand, tended very muck = prolong this state of affairs. As the Summer and Aularal t advanced, Low Combing Wools began to attract 2.t07- tion, in consequence of the scarcity and high price& of English, and Irish Fleeces, and the continued ups-m-1 tendency of Home-G rown W oo l s, was followed )4r :La Foreign sorts that could be used in any way assabstiiuten, particularly Oporto fleece, Iceland, Egyptian, B(.e : the ad vance was for the time confined to such kinds, other dm-rig tions remaining neglected, prices in some instances rilizg even lower than during the crisis in 1857. In the csaii . .2c months of the year there has been an increasin g ensstry both for home use and export, and a gradual improxemt d. has taken place in most descriptions. The first pu'oraz sales of colonial wools, in the month of February, operia at an advance of Id. to 1-I,d. on the rates ruling at thee close of 1857, and staplers and manufacturers being lent in stock, the demand was brisk, and the market pretty well cleared, not only of new wools, but a tonsiderali pnrtinn of old stock, and returns from the tuittd States, and other parts. This advance was not lung maintained, and, with the continued absence al demand in most of the manufacturing districts, pilaw continued to droop all through the spring, and es summer, until a partial revival of Continental .damizat gave a turn to the market. The fine autumn we2t.ker; and the very excellent condition in which a most bonitife harvest was secured—with the improving charachT etr the political accounts from India—caused a further forum , - able reaction, and gave a stimulus to trade, resulting int a considerable demand for goods, both for home midi foreign markets. Prices in August, after some sEght fluctuations, began steadily to advance, and the upward tendency has continued to the close of the year-- leaving our quotations considerably above the °paring; rates. These remarks do not apply to vasty vu ill-conditioned Wools, of which an unusually large proportion have found their way to market da . the present season, and which have, at all times, very irregularly. No doubt the high quotations ier 1857 led to large operations. in the colonies, willont regard being had to price or quality on the pt..7t, buyers, and which must have resulted in very "hea-ry losses to those concerned. The importations of 11 7 / 1 4 into this port for the year 1858 show a great defirimey as compared with 1857, but are in excess of thou of 1856. The falling off during the present season tow been principally in shipments from Portugal, the lEttS terranean, and the West Coast of South America. From the River Plate and from the East Indies, our sawriex show an increase. The future prospects of the Vrooß trade are encouraging —the consumption going forimil in all branches is heavy, and as the demand for twcw. continues unabated, we look forward to an extextive business in the present year. PERKINS & ROBINSON- SPIRITS. We are at length enabled to review, in congratul2lary terms, the present position and future prospects of the Wine and Spirit Trade. Our annual circulars of isa,, 1856, and 1857, exhibit markedly the unsatisfactbry position into which our markets were thrown by t mei cession of bad vintages, and a combination of other atf cumstances sufficient to divert the usual c ourse of legitimate transactions, and last year we were compelled to refer to a continuation of similar evils, it _ bat the tax then in addition to deplore, alike with others, pa a rra--- dei commerce dependent the wholesale ILitig of It is true that during those years, t t ° a n n those mainly ch obtained large profits from the realisation of fort whi o n rt h e e p w r e o r s e pe n rit7o f ila importations ; but such were effected mainly tkrougle sales to smaller dealers or retailers, many of whom ex ill afford the increased requirement for capital thus thsesil accomanied by a proportionate re d uction not emit int profit but in demand. The result was most discoursgtag to legitimate' business, and h is very pleasiag being away able to anticipate the rapid disappearance of such culties, and an almost immediate return to that relndi c course of transactions, at reduced prices, by whi t i sc well-doing of smaller dealers will give increased starsts to the trade. We feel great confidence in viewing atm cheerfully our markets, both in reference to supply anal: demand, seeing that the former must inevitably be freely supported from the improved Vintages of Enure; Spain, and Portugal, and by an increased prods:di:4w of spirits from raw material at lower rates ; . the latter cannot fail to be sustained by that prosperity„intait classes of industrial pursuits, which may be looked ier as the certain result of cheap money and cheap food, tke benefit of both of which we appear likely to enjoy kr some time to come. GEORGE PIM & eq.. LADlES.—Thompson Brothers, 5, Elliot-street, sell the best four shilling tea in England. EXTRAORDINARY AND USEFUL INVENTION.—Thrre is nothing that housewives complain of with greater butt , — fulness, than the breaking of some favourite piety of glass, valuable china, or earthenware. In hundras of cases such things cannot be matched, and of course crimitt be mended. The latter want has been obviated kr luz extraordidary and effective invention, by Mr. Adshez.‘ as Derby Pottery, near Derby. It is a cement that nay be said to heal, in a perfect manner, all cracks and breets is the articles spoken of; and not only in these, but it ssu - -_- ble, alabaster, &c. The benefit of this article nett ant be dwelt on. We have seen some of its etree!sislsl Hall's, our neighbours, and the cemented by it is stronger in that part t u ba 1_ be il long Nriratunt, The article is very cheap, and no house e/1 sale in IJiverpouL azti it. Mr. Hall is the agent for its themselves, sly looking his interested can judge for ,iverp_ool i B. "11 4 3t " his establishment. Agent for bottles, South John-street. Sold in s. each, or seat 5E postage s t amps, on receipt of sixteen p glass ti!nataanystzlr. th rad e t the 11e ife ,0