The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1846-09-15 00:00:00

TO CORRESPONDENTS a Rumford tai •street would see of things in Madeira, WRS given in other papers som e ago. We should nevertheless have preferred inserting riginal letter, had it not contained some remarks on the of the the present con 0 some difficulty. .ve subjected ttempting to better ours sal of the present position of parties. Men remem ber the little which Lord John accomplished in making inroads upo the constitution, and the gigantic blows inflicted by Sir Robert. They look to the high personal honour and the aristocratic constitutionalism of the former, and they contrast these with the unprincipled tergiversation and the plebeian spirit of the latter. They remember, too, the many sad instances of betrayal of past confi dences, which the plausibility of Sir Robert induced amongst his supporters ; and the conclusion at which they arrive is natural. " Why," they say, " should we enter once more the turmoil of poli tical strife, when the chances are that evil, as was the result of our former efforts, instead of good, will follow? " We doubt much the wisdom of the conclusion, and dread the adoption of the policy to which it _ leads. Lord John Russell's consummated measures were less injurious in their tendency than Sir Robert Peel's, we admit; but it was because his views were thwarted by a strong Conservative opposition. The same opposition would again effect the same safety for the institutions of the country ; but the result of such success does not at all involve the return to power of a Peel ministry, or a ministry of betrayal. There are other men, able and willing to fight the battle of Conservatism, without rendering it neces sary that we should again lay the fruits of a victory over the combined hosts of republicanism and libe ralism at the feet of a renegade. We need not always be taking unworthy and faithless servants into our households. There are a host of good men and true who have passed the fire unscathed— who have clung to the battlements of the constitu tion whilst the assault was at the hottest; and who still cling to them, though weak and cowardly sol diers are, in hopelessness, almost willing to give up the fight, and to accept the yoke of the conqueror. It would be ungrateful and almost wicked—cer tainly suicidal—on the part of the mass of Conser vatives, thus to desert such men, to refuse their co-operation, and to lie down to be trampled upon by their insolent opponents. Our duty is clearly to re-erect that great party of resistance to popular aggression, which Sir Robert Peel's apostacy shat tered to pieces ; and when we shall have done this —when the cohort is formed and disciplined— surely a Christian people ought not to fear that God will not provide them with a champion. We therefore invite our fellow-townsmen, and the electors of both the borough and the county, to throw off the lethargy which, thus far, has ap peared to characterise their proceedings, with re spect to preparation for future efforts in defence of the constitution. The Registration Courts are about to be holden ; and the host of objections which have there to be met, by parties whose title to the franchise is as undoubted as that of her Majesty to her crown, will afford satisfactory conviction to most men that if Conservatives have resigned themselves to a sort of sulky sleep, the opposing faction are lively and energetic as ever. Some, once staunch supporters of the good cause, argue, that free trade having been consummated, the League dissolved, and a Reform ministry foisteJ upon the nation, we have nothing more to fear; that the worst is accom plished, and we may indulge safely in our disgust. But is there no other project of Whig-Radicalism in the background, ready to he brought forward so soon as matters are ripe ? We think the proceed ings of the Anti-Monopoly Association are of them selves sufficient to shew that other inflictions are in store for us, against which it is our duty to be fully prepared. In our humble opinion, there never was a time when the vote of every sound lover of his country was likely to be more valuable. A general election is at hand, the result of which may influ ence the destinies of our country for years to come; we have revolutionary and infidel principles gaining ground on every side of us ; we have backsliding statesmen yielding to the pressure of those princi ples—surrendering post by post of the citadel of truth to the coercion of their opponents, or on grounds which they call those of expediency. Give us at such a crisis a sound body of representatives ; give us the materials of that strong opposition, which has preserved England on so many occa sions; and, whoever may be minister, whatever party may be in power, we are safe, and shall not have occasion to regret that we have put forth our energies on the present occasion. FEMALE ORPHAN ASYLUM.—On Sunday last, after sermons by the Rev. H. H. Higgins and the Rev. J. Jones. the sum of £45 was collected in St. John the Evangelist Church, in aid of the funds of this most ex cellent institution. SERMON TO THE YOUNG.—On Thursday evening next, the Rev. Hugh M'Neile will deliver at St. Jude's Church a lecture addressed chiefly to young persons, with special reference to their duty in connexion with the society for promoting Christianity among the Jews, the anniversary sermons and meeting of the Liverpool Auxiliary to which society will take place on Sund;:y and Monday next. NEW RECEIVING POST-OFFICE.—The inhabitants of the thickly populated district between Church-street, Everton, and Great Homer-street, comprising the great arteries of communication with Kirkdale, Netherfield road, &c., have memorialized the Post-Master General, to establish a receiving -office in a central situation. The memorial has been numerously signed, and a favourable answer is expected, when it is considered that within a small circle of which Netherfirld-road may be considered the centre, the population amounts to upwards of 2,000. NEW PILOT CUTTER.—We have of late marked with feelings of the greatest satisfaction the spirit of emulation that has influenced our Pilot Committee. Determined to progress with the rapid strides of navigation, new boats aye been built, each of which has exceeded in beauty which might, coml,elled to ho►d over an article in reply to a contempo r as to the Liverpool Docks. Ebt Ethapool tailbarb. TUESDAY MORNING SEPT. 1 .5, 1846 Two years ago the people of this empire absolutely revelled in visions of extending greatness, which no hand could arrest, and of individual and national prosperit,-, beyond the reach of check or reverse. Wherever our arms were put forth to chastise or to subdue, victory ;ollowed them. Into whatever re gion we sought to extend our commerce, wealth flowed in upon us as the natural result of our efforts. Science was doing mighty things for us within our own realm : opening out its mineral wealth—almost annihilating time and space—and bringing together, within a few hours' journey, the congregated masses of our busy hives of industry—enabling the east to know the west, the north to know and converse with the south. The hallucinations of our pride whispered to us that the rules and the wisdom of the rest of mankind were not for us; that our high destinies were to be wrought out by unaided philo sophy ; that we had found out a new path to in creased wealth and territorial importance, to pursue which successfully it needed not that we should retain what were presumptuously styled the " swad dling clothes" of past experience —that salutary protection, by which we had been enabled to attain our then high position amongst the nations of the world. We forgot, in our vanity, that there is a Being above us, who holds the destinies of every people in his hands; in whose sole power it is to set up and to pull down on earth. We forgot the teach ings of all past history, human and divine. We overlooked the thousand lessons breathed forth throughout the material as well as the natural world—what small and insignificant means are Sufficient, when guided or 'permitted by him, to overthrow the projects and the power of the power ful. A needle, a pulley, or a crank out of its place, is sufficient to destroy the mighty engine, whose labours give bread to thousands. An unseen rock, no bigger than a man's hand, will sink the mighti est fabric of human pride and power which sails the ocean. An insect strips the noblest ornament of our forests of its foliage, whilst a worm at its root levels with the ground the stately trunk, which the storms of a thousand years have not sufficed to bend. We are about to be reminded, by bitter experi ence and calamity, of the error and blindness of which, in our presumption, we have been guilty. We are about to be shewn how little it is in the power of the mere statesman or the philosopher to advance permanently the prosperity of an individual r a people. Man proposes, but God disposes. We were this year to witness the pouring of abun dance into this land. The depreciation and the partial loss of one humble root, which we have wrongfully permitted to become the almost sole source of subsistence for millions of our poorer classes, has shattered our expectations to the winds, and brought impending famine and death over the land k blight has fallen upon our potato fields, which are blackening and rotting before the eyes of the husbandman, and spreading despair amid the hearts of our unfortunate poor, to whom that crop is the only resource from starvation. Can our savans, our philosophers, our political economists, trace the cause or retard the approach of this dire No: science and philosophy are alike calamity _ . . at fault. They look on h e lpl ess . Th e y see in its desolating effects the work of a hand mightier than their own, to destroy or to save—of a Being whose attributes and power, in their presumptuous self '• ~ . . .. , they have practically denied; and they wou. ,reat the lesson as canting, and unworthy of their consummate enlightenment, if they were to be reminded that that Being never chastises without provocation —never visits his mysterious dispensa tions upon his people without an object in view. We have a right, however, to call upon them now to tell us, in their exceeding wisdom, how our mil lions are to be fed. Their measures, which were to have wrought such miracles—which were to have placed us beyond the reach of calamity and dearth —which were to have rendered us independent of the contingencies of seasons at home or abroad— have been baffled from above. We have no present prospect of busy looms, or of active induetry in any branch or in any quarter. The manufacturer, the merchant, and the trader look forward with un•'is guised dread to the coming winter, and ask, " Will the poor endure patiently their sufferings, their disappointments ? "—for they were taught to expect i a very different state of things to that which they have now to prepare for. " Will those sufferings be promptly met, or can they be met, by the charity of the rich ?" We have hundreds of thousands in England, from whom both employment and their main and cheapest article of food being withdrawn, must be relieved; in Ireland we have millions in - en a worse plight, or soon to be so. Whence is to come ? By grants from Government, by voluntary contributions of the wealthy, or from the re what other source of model, accommodation, and sailing qualities, their pre decessors.-ing at least is clear. Great masses of ne3oa It is little l more than a month since a splen people will not voluntarily starve.. We cannot shutour rs docksn haendatfhroemr fittingt south f r end, ti and . we them up in our workhouses, which would not hold have n w ow in t a tithe of those who, we fear, will be dependent She has been built by Mr. Reid, of Ipswich,o the service. upon our bounty. No new tinkering of the corn- personal superintendence of Captain Hudson, of No. 2, the place of which boat she is intended to supply, an d i n laws will materially aid us, for the foreigner is in much the same condition with ourselves, and will point of model, she is such as all admirers of n av a l archi want all the food he can rocure. The demolition tectu r a e ll will her view beam with if t 4 ent i husiasm. Her length is 70 feet P over n her tonnage sharp onnag e as a wedge bo u t I . of the whole of the existin g p ro t ec ti on would only I n f act s h e i s a regu l ar clinp.p'era d h e i put the amount of duty r e p ea l e d i n t o the pockets forward, and so clear in th e run that a at she a will scarcely of the capitalist and the foreign agriculturists and have a ripple in her wake. Her cabin, which is amid ships, is beautifully and handsomely fitted with maho gany, In Ireland such a measure, as one of r e n r y s , er n v o i t ce in a c4 g h in e g h e a r s bread fashi,but f in a style suited to relief, is wholly out of the question. That country,d accommodation that or even n m men, and water madness n a d t e s r o it is too apparent, will seek relief for itself, in the much has their comfort been stude madness of agrarian distui bance. Already the anti- tanks are made as tables. She is called " The Teaser," a rent movement has spread amongst the population name we do not fear she will verify by the teasings she of its most wretch e d coun ti es; an d, i n some , the may give the noblest of our yachts. d ST. BARNABAS' SCHOOLS.—On Friday last the chil population, even if disposed to do so, cannot pay. an re n n ua ll tre th at es t e o schools, to number of 450 , had their No collectable amount of poor-rates would meet theThey e accompaniedrwtse,re Messrs . a h f e r emergency there. That country will have to be Revs. T. Nolan and Eastham.. Rob subsidised, and heavily too, by the British Govern- and J. Lawrence (the churchwardens), the tn astersa!mis tresses, and assistant teachers, together with the Sunday school who must originate and carry on themselves those great public works which the landlords of the i la teachers.ta kindly arranged for their Ireland, mulcted of a large portion of their rentals, conveyancembackwearad Ferry , . and forward : the beautifully-laid wil!_ find themselves unable to execute. One to 1 out grounds were thrown open for their amusement : the .... ____ ... The difficulties are stupendous, however we re- boys played at football, and enjoyed themselves through the fields.- An abundant lunch of bread and cheese and and them. They compose a knot which we shall milk was provided for them, and distributed as they sat Lave to cut, for untying it is beyond our hope. No i in classes on the grass. At four o'clock they went on nerely fiscal or economical legislation is applicable i board the returning steamer, testifying their delight and o the removal of an evil of temporary emergency— thankfulness by repeated cheers for their ministers, n evil which, as it spurns all established rule, and teachers, friends, &c. They were accompanied home by inie ' ma y the BrunsWick-pier, near . to St. Barnabas' Church, upon us to the same whence they marched home in the most orderly and gra must, therefore, resort to an irregular tifying manner, and, after a concluding cheer for their node of action. In our own country, it is clear conductors, &c. closed a most agreeable and refreshing .;hat we can no longer be guided, as to the relief of day. The Sunday-school teachers remained for tea with the poor, by the stringent rules of the New Poor th e t e u m r n i e n , i i s t t e , r s theand s ev w e a n r d o e , n c sl o c a i t c t i le . t E a a s s t h a m m uc II o d t e e l l i , lighd ted Law. We shall be compelled to resort to the old w i t h t h e e y xcursion Its their more youthful companions. g system of outdoor relief in cases of temporary pau- A few only from the Infant-schools were present, else the perism. The pressure, in rates, no doubt will fall numbers had exceeded 600. The day was beautifully fine, heavily upon the middle and wealthier classes in and everything passed off to the entire satisfaction of all Du r large towns ; but it must be borne. It will fall the parties concerned. E • ' "- -- '-'- - gricultural parishes. The only PROPER AUTHORITIES.—It would be well i f t he Council, or those who have the regu - . . for years to come pre too, in ) enabl hernselves lation and licensing of the hackney coaches, cabs, omni buses, and other public vhicles, would adopt something resembling the system adopted in London,, by which a such vehicles should be brouv.ht and deposited for recog nition by their owners. A person getting into a Bus seldom notices whether he is in a Regulator, a Champion, place, or past it, where he wishes to be set down ; con sequently if he leaves his umbrella, a book, or any other article behind him, he seldom knows where to hunt for it, and the conductor as little knows where to find him. akes the first car in the stand ; A person arriving per ra is driven to the pierhead or elsewhere, and in case of any thing lost, in nine cases out of ten, neither knows the difficulty and loss might be prevented, ment of such a depot as that we recommend, to which every carman and conductor should be compelled, under penalties, in case of non-compliance, immediately to re turn such articles as have been found in their respective conveyances ; and in respect of goods not claimed, these might be sold, annually or otherwise, and the proceeds form a fund for the reward of those men who have most prominently distinguished themselves for honesty. W feel convinced that much good would accrue from such a system ; and we heartily recommend it for adoption by authorities with such improvements as their better expe rience may dictate. MR., PHILLIPS' ENTEATAINMENT : —We regret to say that the unexpected and alarming ind i sposition of Mr. Phillips caused his amusing entertainment, entitled "My Portrait Gallery," to be postponed on Thursday last. Having recovered from his late illness, it is now announced for Thurday evening next, when we hope a numerous and respectable auditory will participate in the humour which will be excited by this distinguished individual. THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. EDINBURGII AND GLASGOW RAILWAY.— second address of the directors calls for only a few words. OPPOSITION TO THE DIRECTORS. lltis a reiteration of their infallibility ;in which, also, it . , is ridiculously stated—of course for an especial put pose— A general meeting of the shareholders of the Edinburgh that the discussion at the late general meeting was pro and Glasgow Railway Company, resident in and near tracted by the speeches of the members of the deputation! And if it were so, was there not a necessity to expose the Liverpool, was held in the Clarendon-rooms yesterday, at fallacies of the directors It woulrl be curious to count one o'clock. The object of the meeting was to meet Mr. the words as spoken by each party. The directors also John Cheetham, and others of the deputation from Man- point as if with triutnph to the preponderance of numbers chester, who were desirous of communicating personally vresent in their favour. This was naturally enough to be exp in Sc and where they couldm a the results of their late mission to Glasgow; and also for their ected adherent otland s ; but , reverse the business, and sum sav if on th ll e the purpose of adopting measures, in co-operation with meeting had been held in Liverpool or Manchester, in those gentlemen, preparatory to the special general meet- stead of Glasgow, what would then have been the result? ing, to be held in Glasgow, on the 22nd instant. Mr. The directors also state that they are most unwilli ng to expose the company to the imputation of a " breach of Cheetham was not in attendance, being detained in Man- faith." This is the bugbear which is constantly paraded chester. The deputation, therefore, consisted of Mr. to frighten timid shareholders. Surely, we understand William Rawson, Mr. Coston, and Mr. Thomas Greig. what constitutes a breach of faith as well as the directors." The attendance of proprietors from Liverpool and the The CHAIRMAN concluded by introducing the de ' neighbourhood was very numerous. putation, who, he said, would explain to the meeting Mr. A. F. JONES was called to the chair ; and, after a several most important particulars in connection with few introductory remarks, he read the following address:— the proceedings which had been taken in Edinburgh, Gentlemen,—With the result of the proceedings at the Glasgow, and London. late general meeting of this company, held at Glasgow, Mr. RAw soar said he should first say something of the on the Ist instant, you are well acquainted. After a proceedings of the deputation at the late meeting at Glas lengthened discussion, in which the chairman of the gow. Certainly a good deal was then said on broth sides. Board of Directors was celled on to fulfil the pledge he At the Old Bailey itself the accused had always something had given at the meeting held in Manchester in May to say in their defence; but without wishing to impute last, viz., to resign his seat, if the shareholders declined criminal motives or intentions to the directors, he must to sanction the proceedings of the Board, in respect to the say they were either very unfo:tunate in their management, amalgamation with the canals, he has refused to do or things were not quite straightforward. At the last so, and, that, notwithstanding the overwhelming ma- meeting in Liverpool he stated the expenses of working jority in support of the deputation from the shareholders. the line were much larger than they had ever been before, A majority, on such an occasion, involving an entire and greater than on any other railway ; but he had no idea want of confidence in the directors, as I believe to be that Herod would have been so far out- Heroded in this re unexampled in railway experience, for the votes were spect. He was himself the director of a railway, the income 5542 against 1313—majority 4229, or fully 3to 1. True, of which for the last half year was £87,000, and it was a cu be professes it is his intention to do so hereafter ; but, rious coincidence that the income of the Edinburgh and with such a result, what must we think of the man who Glasgow Company, including £5OOO from the depreciation would hold office one moment longer than was necessary fund, was also £87,000. But in the one case the com for the instalment of his successor. In consequence of pany was enabled to divide £8 per cent., whilst, in the a request from the gentlemen of the deputation of the other, the shareholders received only £5 per cent. ;—(hear) committee sitting in Manchester, I have found it my —and he asked the meeting how it happened that one duty again to summon your attendance, that you may railway, ou; - . of gross earnings, was able to pay £8 per hear from those gentlemen an account of their mis- cent. ; another, only £5, which the directors said it would sion to Glasgow, and of what is now proposed to be not have paid without receiving £9,000 or £lO,OOO from accomplished at the ensuing special general meet- the canal? He would show the shareholders the reason ing to be held there on the 22nd instant; arid, gentlemen, they did not receive a good dividend • and. he contended, I would respectfully claim for them, your cordial, united, the directors must fall upon one of the horns of the dilem , and energetic support. I may beg of you not to allow ma, Either, on the one hand, the accounts had been yourselves to be hoodwinked and deceived—that you will cooked, (he did not use the word offensively), or there was not allow your minds to be diverted from the main and a presiding genius, for good or for evil, as was the case in mist important question at issue; for this has been at- every corporation, that absolutely controlled the whole. tempted in sending anonymous letters, as well as in the The accounts disclosed some curious things; and he was sure speeches of the chairman of the board, and Mr. M'Neill, that many deeply interested shareholders would sell out in particular, whose vain endeavour has been most at once, if they thought the expenses were liable to in justly and ludicrously described by Mr. J. B. Smith, crease every year in the same ratio. How much did the in his simile of the dogs and the red herring trailed meeting believe the expenses had increased, without the before them, to lead them off the scent. As to anony- opening of a single mile of additional line ? Ten per cent. mous writers, I consider them, in the present case, as would generally be thought a fruitful increase, but last the worst enemies of their own cause. If that cause is half year it was more than 80 per cent., as compared with just, what have they to fear? Who is "An Edinburgh the corresponding half year of 1845. Last half year the and Glasgow Railway Shareholder" ? or who is "An expenses of the head office were £2,733; for the corres- English Shareholder" ? Let the writers put their names ponding half year of 1845 they were £633, being an in names to their statements, and then we may combat them crease of about 75 per cent. How could any railway, —but we fight not with shadows. The main question, whatever its position, exist under such circumstances? then, is that in respect to the amalgamation with the He had never been in Scotland before, but there could be canals, which we contend to be neither necessary, just, or no more promising undertaking in the kingdom than politic; and, moreover, if it were so, that the board have this line, if it were well managed, between the magni exceeded the powers granted under the Act of Parliament ficent cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow ; and so far by which all their proceedings must be regulated ; that from a dividend of £5 per cent. only being earned with dif was, if the consent of the shareholders had been fairly ficulty, he would pledge himself to make it pay six instead of surreptitiously obtained (for this is a point that per cent., and leave a considerable balance to the cannot be too constantly kept in view) ; neither would next half year without receiving a single penny from the their consent have legalized that which required legisla- canal. Mr. Rawson read other items of expenditure also tive sanction. The directors take credit to themselves, shewing considerable increase ; and then he asked the in consequence of the increased traffic on the canals, as meeting to consider the grounds upon which all this oppo having, in :he Forth and Clyde, given them a surplus profit sitio n was ra i se d. Th e ama l gama ti on w ith th e cana l s of nearly £lO,OOO. But I will not, for one, allow them could not be worked without an net of parliament, if an this credit. These gentlemen have established a fallacy ; equal division were to be made. They might work under and then, grounding their arguments on this their own act, an agreement not to injure each other, but not as a part they turn to us, and triumphantly say, " Look at the re- nership, if a single shareholder objected. And if an act suit." That result is, indeed, such as might be naturally of parliament had been obtained in the late session, the expected, while so great a differential rate as Is. Bd. per result is ould have been, that a reduction of tolls both upon ton IA; been established in favour of the canals. I have the railway and the canals must have been submitted to, beard an eminent carrier of Manchester say, such a dif- nearly equal to all the canal receipts put together; so that ference could not fail to throw the traffic mainly on the instead of gaining an advantage by the amalgamation, the canals. And, when we hear the directors asserting their railway must have given £l5O for every £lOO canal stock, determination to carry out this obnoxious measure— with the certainty of receiving next to nothing in return. spite of Parliament, in defiance of the shareholders, and The directors, as he had observed before, defended them of what we conceive to be their legal authority—is it too selves at the late meeting at Glasgow, and the deputation much to imagine that they would, by such an attempt as talked a long time without making converts. That was, this great differential rate, seek to bolster up that deter- perhaps, natural. A number of the shareholders present mination by its apparent necessity ? But neither, were clearly inaccessible to their arguments; and, like gentlemen, are they entitled to any credit, inasmuch, the chairman (Mr. Jones), he was convinced the best pos as, by their own admission, they have totally neg- able arguments were proxies. (Hear.) lected the plant ; so, that instead of being able to Mr. COSTON then addressed the meeting. He said accommodate the increasing traffic which themselves that on Thursday last a meeting of shareholders was held have stated as flowing to the line, and which it was their in London. About thirty attended, all of whom, with bounden duty to look to, they are not even able to supply the exception of Lieut. Col. Johnson, (who was a canal the means requisite for that already at hand, which proprietor) gave the deputation their proxies. The Colo has, in consequence, been forced on the canals—thus nel did not like to risk his canal property, although be abstracting from the railway, and adding to the receipts , (Mr. Coston) convinced hi m it wou ld b e sa f er i n t h e of the former, a line of conduct most prejudicial to hands of a good board of direction, under an arranaement your interest. For we have it on most unquestionable on fair terms with the railway, than in competition with authority that the state and condition of the whole plant it. He might mention too that proxies had been largely is awful, that the rails are also much neglected, and that received from shareholdars in other places, coinciding with the whole of the business, in respect to the working of the deputation. He wished to say one word with regard the line, has been most shamefully neglected. See, also, to the self-sufficient conduct of the chairman of the rail- Lord Belhaven's speech as to the opinion of the people of way, who had stated he had been invited to meet the Glasgow in this respect, and also as to the unpopularity Manchester shareholders, who showed him great kindness of the company in parliament. Let me now, gentlemen, and satisfaction. The chairman seemed to think that to call your attention to the difference between the speeches be civil was t o express approval ; but he must have a sin of the chairman of the board and those of the chairman of gular want of penetration if he conceived there was one the deputation. The former, hesty,petutent, and threaten- word of approbation expressed as regarded his manage ing—the latter, mild and argumentative. Mr. Learrnonth ment in the chair of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Rail asserts, again and again, that the result of the examination , way. Every dissatisfaction was shown ; and one gentle of the deputies in August last, and of the meeting at New- man, Mr. Gasquoine, said, if no other proprietor would castle, was " quite satisfactory" to the gentlemen who ' take measures to restrain the directors from g formed that deputation. These (to use a very mild ex- 'on with the arrangement, he would be one to pression) incorrect assertions have rendered it necessary do it. Mr. Coston then went through some of the now to publish the report—withdrawn only in consequence details of the arrangement with the canals. The Forth of certain stipulations between the parties, but which, and Clyde canal was reduced so as to pay only £4 per to this day, the directors have failed to comply with. cent. last year, and there was a prospect of the dividend Let any gentleman read that report, and then say whe- going down still further, and even to pay that the directors ther " entire satisfaction" was the result of the enquiry.' had been obliged to tax the reserved fund to the amount A new feature in this case has arisen, having, in of £5OOO. The Union canal, it was well known, had paid my mind, a most important bearing on the subject. At nothing upon the original shares, and even upon the allo a late meeting of the " Sottish Central Railway Corn- cated shares only 255. had been paid in three years, mak pany," it was declared by the directors to their con- ing Bs. 4d. per annum. (Hear.) And their condition stituents that, in respect to this very matter of amalga- was not at all likely to be improved under the tariff which mation, as legislative sanction hall been refused, the whole would be required by Parliament in the amalgamation act. business was at an end, and that the company was free to In fact, they would not be earning half so much. Mr. seek such other measures as might be considered best ; Coston then read the proposed rates for the carriage of and yet, gentlemen, this very company was equally bound minerals, flour, &c., to prove this statement. The depu with the Edinburgh and Glasgow, a number of the di- tation, however, were of opinion that with a board of di rectors of the canals being named in the bill of amalga- rection composed of sensible men, no difficulty could motion. Thus we have two boards arriving at a diame- arise with the canals, but that arrangements might be trically opposite conclusion from the same premises; and made to the benefit of all the companies concerned, and I presume it will not be denied that the " Scottish Cen- to that of the public. By such arrangements not only tral Board" are honourable men. But does not this, their would the public be better served, but the proprietors opinion, justify us, if justification were wanting ? Again, would be ensured a remunerative dividend. It was the gentlemen, you must not lose sight of the consequences of end and aim of the deputation to make such arrangements. this amalgamation, for which legislative sanction must ul- They did not mean to say they feared competition with timately be obtained ; and had you all seen a draft of the the canals. Far from it. If the canals were determined bill, imposing such a tariff as would have suited even Mr. to quarrel, the deputation were ready to exclaim, " Come Wilson, I think your ardour (supposing you to be favors- on, Macduff," for they were satisfied that canals had no ble to the measure) would have been cooled at once. What chance in hostile competition with railways. think you of carrying iron, at a maximum rate of bits per Mr. RAWSON remarked that in the accounts for the ton per mile. and other matters in proportion? Depend corresponding half-rear of 1845, the receipts from rents upon it, should you unwisely consent to this insane pro- were stated to be £1,211. This half year the account ject, that on your application to Parliament you would be stated the item thus, "for rents received, £6BB. The ob severely punished for the great boon you sought. It ject of this was to make the income of the railway appear would indeed be singular, could no other gentleman be as little as possible. He contended that in taking stock, found in all Scotland to carry out a line of policy different credit should be taken for good debts, among which he from that of the gentleman who now fills the chair. Such classed this scrum, of income. He did not consider the an assumption is the very essence of egotism. On the carriage of heavy goods on the railway the most profitable ; contrary, we are assured there are many quite ready and and it mattered very little whether the canals continued to willing to take office, under a new arrangement of the carry on a ruinous competition for four or five years more, board—gentlemen quite able to protect the interests of the or not. At the same time any board of direction who had shareholders, and save them from the threatened injury the confidence of the English shareholders would seek all consequent on the resignation of the present directors, the means of reconciliation with the canals compatible with who would, to my mind, have more consulted their honor, the interests of the company. The income from the car had they intimated to a colleague the necessity for his riage of goods had been raised from £lB,OOO to £28,000; retirement. In respect to the arbiters, it has again but he did not believe it had added to the dividend more and again been stated that no imputation rests on them, than £3,000. It was a mere bagatelle at the present mo- ' but on the parties who did not furnish them with'the proper ment. The company was receiving as much for passen documents, by which to arrive at a just conclusion. Fur- gers, parcels, and mails, as they received for all the traffic ther comment on the speeches of the directors, and their this time last year. He said this in order that the canal supporters, is not necessary at present, except as to one proprietors might consider whether they had any chance point, that, judging from what has been said, it would in a fair race of competition. seem there is a power behind the chair even greater than Mr. GREIG next addressed the meeting, and said the thechair. It is also well worthy of remark,that all the offers present was the only instance on record where directors, made by Mr. Learmonth for amalgamating, puechasing after such strong opposition bad been manifested to their or leasing, (provided hedoes not wish for compliance there- policy, had doggedly determined to maintain their seats. with), are accompanied by a contingency which is certain' The chairman of the company (Mr. Learmonth) had it to be rejected, and thus he endeavours to throw the distinctly stated to him in Manchester that this could not odium, if any, on the other party. Such has been the be permitted to go forth as a precedent, because it was case in respect to the Edinburgh, Leith and Granton, absolutely necessary the shareholders should have know and the Edinburgh and Northern lines, and I may also ledge conveyed to them, which would enable them to say the Caledonian. On all of which he is desirous of sanction or otherwise whatever took place in respect to throwing the blame, in loose and vague assertions, while their property. In other words, unless they had every he is met on this point by the mention of dates and per- information given them the bargain with the canals must sons, and consequently capable of proof. One thing has, be negatived. The chairman said he could claim 110 ex -1 think, been naorefully brought under the notice of the emption from this rule. He bad also been told that the shareholders by these discussions, which cannot fail to be railway, by the connection with the Leith and Granton highly gratifying, and that is the great traffic which exists docks, had become possessed of a lever, which would between Edinburgh and Glasgows—uch as, under able throw almost the whole traffic of the country upon the and fostering management, ca nn ot f a il to be remunerative line; and that it was taking too much upon himself to at to both railway and canals. Before I have done, I may, tempt to amalgamate with the canals alter having fought also, point out to you the neglect of the directors in re- th em for three or four years, at a loss of from £40,000 to spect to the extension. Why was not this completed £50,000 per annum, and they would become a dead long since ? It ought, at least, to have been so, simul- weight. The basis of any arrangement with them should taneously with the opening of the North British. And I have been, first, to have taken all the expenses of their may also remind you, gentlemen, that when the act for I opposition to the railway, on both sides, when the bill this extension was applied for, one of the principal was in Parliament, and the loss of £40,000 or £50,000 a grounds assumed was—because it would establish, a con- year for three or four years in competion. He would de nexion with the sea by means of the Edinburgh, Leith duct these amounts from the canals, and then give them and (then) Newhaven Railway. And, now, gentlemen, £5 per cent. per annum. (Hear.) The deputation had let me remark that I consider an the mischief which has done some good be going to Glasgow, because it was now happened, in respect to the p re sent dispute between the fully understood that the half shares were to be reinstated, shareholders and the directors, to have arisen , firstly, for it was no less than confiscation to make them into from their protracted resistance to the urgent wishes of fifths. Mr. Greig then proceeded to refer to Mr. Gregson, the former, for an ar r a ngement with the canals, a mea- the manager, and his large salary of £3OOO, which he said sure which, I think, no man can doubt might hav e been would, in all likelihood, be increased another £lOOO. He easily accomplished by t wo or th ree gen tlemen from each was induced to take up a share list the other day, ex party, determined to eject it in an amicable spirit. pecting to find the canal under this gentleman's manage need only refer„ for example, to the contest between the went in a very prosperous state, but what was hi , - Railways, astonishment at discovering the shares to be at a discount ; besetLond hi,- London tahn infinitely Birmingham ge at e a r n ant difficulties. Grand A nd, secondly, and he asked how it was that the railway must have a to the assumption o f un d ue power an d aut h or ity, under manager from a canal which, instead of being at a pre which thesel gentlemen have entered into engagements, m i nim , was at a considerable discount? (Hear.) But ho w of the most important nature, without the sanction of stood the railways which were parallel to, or in the neigh their constituents, to whom they have applied for confer- bourhood of, this canal ? The Lancaster and Preston, on mation, when the business was so far advanced , that as which £73 were paid, were selling at £lo3+; the Len they have stated, nothing was left to the constituency but caster and Carlisle, with £45 paid, were selling a t £6B, compliance, however unpalatable the measure might be. and the North Union, with £lOO paid, were sellin g at Such a system is greatly to be deprecated, and h a s l ed to £lB7. Consequently, if the directors had wan ted to have much confusion in other railways, as well as this ; but it obtained information whereby to have done justice to their has proceeded to the most unwarrantable lengths in the own shareholders, as well as to the canal p ro p rietors, Edinburgh and Glasgow direction, since even the three England could have furnished them with sufficient evi- English directors were never acquainted with the terms dence. After some further remarks, Mr. Greig closed by of the amalgamation ; and further, it is believed that at saying, that if the amalgamation had been carried out, it the late general meeting several of the Scotch directors would have obliterated the voice of the English share were equally ignorant of their precise nature, although holders ; and he could come to no other conclusion than they had signed the address issued from the board. Fur- that it was a deep laid scheme to carry out a plan adverse ther comment on such conduct is unnecessary. The and hostile to their interests. Dr. DE VITRE, of Lancaster, at some length defended the proceedings of the directors, and urged that the true question was one of honour, principle, and commercial inte grity. He for one had entrusted them with the management of the undertaking, and they, having entered into engage ments for its benefit, he conceived he was bound to sup port them. The deputation, at the meeeting at Glasgow, had not met this point, and he conceived they had not touched it now. On his return from Glasgow to Edin burgh, he met with a gentleman in the train, an iron master at Falkirk, and also a shareholder in this com pany, who declared that if the arrangement with the ca nals was upset he would sell every share he possessed. Mr. RAwsoN.—•l will buy them. .Dr. DE VITRE in continuation, said he had himself sold a considerable number of the shares which he held since this repudiation was attempted. He was convinced that by the arrangement the directors had made, the line would go gradually up to a ten per cent. line; but if it were repudiated, he did not know when that point would be reached. He defended Mr. Gregson from the remarks of Mr. Greig ; and as to Mr. Learmonth, he was of opi nion, that though an abler person might possibly be found, in this particular transaction he was perfectly blameless. Mr. GREIG explained what he had said with regard to Mr. Gregson, and contended that the inference he had drawn from the sinking state of the canals was perfectly just. He had no intention whatever to question the abi lity or integrity of Mr. Gregson, who was well known to have first-rate talents as a canal manager. He did, how ever, blame the directors for not having given notice to the English shareholders of the steps they were taking with regard to the canals. Mr. COSTON repeated that the directors had not sent notices of the meetings for the amalgamation, and in refer ence to an observation of Dr. De Vitre, who stated he had received notices of all meetings, he called upon him to state when he received them. Dr. DE VITRE did not attend that meeting for the pur pose of answering questions. All he said was that all the necessary documents had been forwarded to him. M r. ROSSON.—They werenot forwarded to other parties. Dr. DE VITRE had no means of knowing whether they were or were not. He protested, however, against being questioned. Mr. ROSSON.—What number of shares do you hold now ? Dr. Da VITRE apprehended he was not called upon to answer any unnecessary questions. He hell no incon siderable number of shares now. All documents had been forwarded to him in regular succession. Mr. RAWSON said it was well known that the directors had forwarded them only to a few special friends. Dr. DE VITRE said he did not know the directors, nor had he had any communication with them. Mr. RAWSON, Mr. COSTON, and the CHAIRMAN next addressed the meeting at length upon the conduct of the directors, and in answer to the remarks of Dr. De Vitre; and, after some discussion upon "the point of honour," in which it was admitted that all were " honourable men," Mr. RossoN delivered some remarks in support of the deputation, and moved the following resolution :—" That the warmest thanks of this meeting be given to the mem bers of the deputation for their report of their able pro ceedings at Glasgow ; and hopes they will persevere in the course which has already proved so beneficial to our va luable undertaking. Mr. HEALEY seconded the resolution, and expressed a hope that the deputation had their eyes upon gentlemen fully competent to undertake the future direction of the company. A large number of English directors would be prejudicial; and he wished to know whether the deputa tion had in view Scottish gentlemen qualified to under take the business of the railway ? Mr. COSTON was glad the question had been put. The deputation bad no doubt that Scottish gentlemen, highly capable and efficient, would be found to corry on the con cern. The railway would not be left without directors. The best men would be selected, and this was a subject which would be attended to by the deputation the moment they reached Scotland, which would be in a few days. Mr. HEALEY was satisfied with this answer. In the second address of the directors, there was one remark which would not tend to exalt them in his estitimation. It was " The directors profess [it was only profession] to regret they cannot pay a dividend to their proprietors until February next." He should like to know whether directors were fit to retain office who would not take upon themselves the individual responsibility of paying a divi dend to their proprietors which they ackn)wled to be in the bankers' hands? (Hear.) He hoped the deputation would not only remove the directors, but immediately pay the dividend to those to whom it belonged. Mr. RmysoN, as a railway man, would pay the divi dend, and' fake his chance of the consequences. The legal adviser of the deputation said the dividend, or a sum nearly equivalent to it, might be paid, and a vote of in demnity be passed at the meeting of the company in Fe bruary next. The CHAIRMAN then put the resolution. It was car ried unanimously. Dr. De Vitre did not vote. The usual thanks were voter! to the Chairman, and the meeting separated at half-past three o'clock, having oc cupied upwards of two hours. THE LIVERPOOL EXHIBITION OF WORKS OF MODERN ARTISTS This exhibition, which is now open to the public, con tains a collection of paintings of greater average merit than any which we have previously been permitted to inspect In the same locality. Of course, the limited op portunity which we have had of going through them will prevent us, in our present notice, of remarking critically at any length, upon the merits of particular works. We shall therefore content ourselves with the duty of directing attention to a few of the leading pictures, reserving to ourselves future opportunities of entering into further de tail. The first picture which we shall notice is No. 94, Har vey's. to which the prize has been awarded. The subject is "The first reading of the Bible in the Crypts of St. Pauls.' " The composition, as a whole, is very fine. The lights, especially, are well managed, and convey ade quately the solemnity of the subject and scene. But we cannot say that the picture displays a very high order of genius. I'., contains little to strike observation, or to at tract the observer to store it up in memory. There is not one of the figures, which stand forward most prominently, upon which a lover of the beautiful or the sublime would care to bestow more than a passing glance. Of course, the fact that it has been judged worthy of the prize shows that we differ from those, perhaps better qualified artis tically, to give an opinion. Nevertheless, there are some pictures in the rooms which we, and we fancy many be sides ourselves, would value more highly. A Highland funeral, by this artist, possesses great merit. No. 163, by Alexander Johnston. This picture is of a very high order of merit; and, with one exception, is almost fault less in execution. The subject is the introduction of Flora Macdonald to Prince Charles Stewa:t. Both the composition and the figures are very effective ; some of them most striking. The figure of Charles Edward him self seems to us to be the only failing part of the picture, the character and expression being too tame, and not at all in accordance with our notions, or the historical repre sentations of them. The back-ground, light, and details, are worked out with great artistic skill. No. 116, by Ansdell, the largest composition in the room, representing a Highland scene, with a stag at bay, dogs, and a huntsman in the act of firing the death shot, forms a striking picture. No. 196, A Sunset in Frost, by Brandtvhile, is one of the most striking pictures in the collection. No. 119, by W. G. Herdman, A Market-day Scene in Ross, is a pleasing composition, well worked out in its details. In the foreground is the centre arch of the market-house, from which the celebrated Man of Rosa used to distribute his charities to the townspeople. No. 208, a Highland scene, with Drovers setting cut, by Ansdell, is a fine picture, worthy of this artist. The distant landscape and cattle are very characteristic, and the figures in the foreground well painted. No. 22, by Dighton, is one of the best paintings of the alternate cloud and sunshine of an April day which we remember to have seen. It is altogether a very spirited piece of landscape painting. No. 122, by Noel Patten, possesses wonderful effect. The subject is the Interview of Oberon and Titania, in the " Midsummer Night's Dream." The colouring is singularly dream-like in its lightness ; the leading figures of infinite grace and beauty, combined with the grotesque character of their impish attendants. Both as a highly poetical description of the scene and a work of high art, it cannot escape prominent notice. Another fine picture is an interior, The Smuggler, by Chas. Landseer, No. 186 The figures are beautifully brought out, and all the details in excellent keeping. Mr. Midge contributes a very fine full length of Sir Philip Egerton. No. 7, A Morning Scene in Wales, by Creswick,is a fine landscape with water, and challenges observation as an excellent specimen of this artist. On the opposite side of the room is a picture. with fruit, called Preparing for the Banquet, by Lance, which is very truthful. No. 63. by Augustus Egg, No. 77, by Lander, and No. 49, by O'Neill, are also very meritorious. No. 169, is a fine landscape, by Pyne. No. 31, by E. M. Ward, the Disgrace of Clarendon, is a picture of some pretension, and contains some very meritorious points, with a few faults. In the foreground, the great minister is represented descending the steps of the palace, and met by the averted faces of the attend , ant courtiers. The bearing of Clarendon is dignified and firm, and many of the figures excellently painted. The scene is most expressive of the era, the costumes correct, and elaborately worked out. As a whole there is great merit in the picture. Our native artists have on this occasion contributed largely to the exhibition ; and in many of th e i r compo sitions we observe a great improvement upon their past efforts. Amongst the number who have contr ib ute d pictures are IV. Huggins (32a and 318, very fine com positions), Dawson (3io, a . . scene on the Ri ver M ersey ) , Davis (a painting descriptive of an ejection of an Irish family), Windus, Rothwell, Geo. Keel, Buchanan, Marshall, &c. We must, however, pay our respects to these and other gentlemen in our next. Amongst the most pleasi ng port i on of the exhi bi t i on are the miniatures, two of which especially are very beau tifully and correctly p a i n t e d . W e refer to No. 21 9 , a Portrait of Lord John Russell, and 221, a Portrait of Lablache, by a Londo n art i st, C arr i c k . Th e like n esses and artistic execution of both these are inimitable. Nos. 218 and 220, by Sir John Ross, the latter a Portrait of the Queen of the Belgians, will be viewed with interest, both for their excellent painting and the characters pour trayed. Air. G. Hargreaves has also a striking likeness of Mr. Hugh Neill, the eminent oculist ; and we notice two more, No. 228, P o rtrait of a Lady, and 22 , , Portrait of a Young Lady, by a townsman, Mr. J. B. Cr9s, which are very clever. If we mistake not, we recognise in them th e lik eness es of a talented pianiste of our town and her sister. We must break off with these hasty remarks, not how- ever without inviting our readers to pay a visit to the exhibition, which will amply repay the lovers and patrons of art. Sept. IS, 1R46. FACILITIES AFFORDED FORA DIRECT ROUTE TO INDIA BY THE GREAT LUXEMBOURG RAILWAY. There are few more interesting subjects of speculation in the present day than an inquiry into the mode by which Great Britain can be brought into a more direct and se cure connexion with her vast Indian Empire and the con tinents ofikAfrica and Asia. Greatly improved as is the present communication, thanks to the spirited efforts of Mr. Waghorn and the proprietors of some of our leading metropolitan papers, there can be no doubt that much can be effected, and that ultimately, not only our despatches and wealthy passengers, from the East, can be brought to this country and to Northern Europe, with increased spirit and regularity, but that no trifling amount of mer chandise and produce may, at no distant period, be simi larly accommodated in their transit to and from these important markets. A writer, in an excellent periodical, the New Quarterly Review, has recently brought before the public his views as to the working out of such a scheme, the leading features of which we propose here submitting to our readers. The writer objects, with great judgment, against the adoption of the present route, via Marseilles, as not being the most direct, or the most free from contingencies to arise from an interruption of our relations with Belgium is better adapted to form the permanent route, both from the character of the country, its population, its cheaper railways, and the habits, traffic, &c. of its population. She possesses coal, moreover, of which France is deficient, and has a number of lines of road, formed and forming, which only require to be connected and extended to afford the accommodation which we require. Amongst these he enumerates : " First, an already effected rail from Ostend to Brus sels. Next, by the Great Luxembourg, in the hands of first-rate English capitalists, who already hold half a mil lion of money, the route executed to Wavre will be carried on to Namur. Here again the Great Luxembourg, a rail 200 miles in extent, takes up the continuation, and carries us to Luxembourg. It has also a branch from Luxem bourg to Metz, where it meets a line now in progress to Strasburg, by which it connects itself with another line now making through Sarrebruck to Kaiserslautern, with its own Troves branch and the navigation of the Rhine. From Luxembourg a line to Troves furnishes another fa cility for the Indian route. A Wirtemberg railway has been projected also in connexion with this line ; and if the Venice and Milan be used for the same great object of the Indian route, here also the Great Luxembourg receives the traveller. " As, then, the advantages of the most distant foreign communication appear open to this line, which is in the possession of English capitalists, and which will bring the East nearer to our doors, let us examine this nucleus of future operations. We do this with the greater pleasure, since we feel that it is one in which English capital is em barked, and whose future advance, even to the very gates of Constantinople, will bring the wealth of the world into England's custom. This railway, which has received the complete consent of the King and the Belgian Chamber, commences with a terminus in Brussels, at the Quartier Leopold ;' hence, passing Boitsfort, it arrives at Wavre, a distance already provided for by existing payments, which renders any call for the present year unnecessary. At Wavre, passing Gembloux, it conducts us to Namur. The company possesses capital sufficient to carry out this branch. It will give thirty-nine miles of railway to the shareholders of the company, without any further call. It is also requisite to note, that this line is further in di rect communication with Antwerp, around which port all parties appear centralizing. From Namur the line conti nues through Ciney, Rocbfort, Recogne, and Neufcha teau, to Arlon, being eighty-two miles. Between Namur and Arlon, two important branches quit the main line ; one, twelve miles in extent, leaves Rochfort, passes Mar che, and goes on to Deulin, a spot on the Luxembourg, canal, also the property of this company, thereby con veying stone, minerals, ores, &c., from their numerous mines to the company, and bringing into connexion with it the important city of Liege, a place of great manufac turing interest. The other branch to Bastogne, eighteen miles long, furnishes access to a highly important district at Longlier, at Neufchateau. From Arlon the line crosses the Grand Ducal frontier at Steinfurt, passes the iron works at Habbaye, and reaches the city of Luxembourg in about sixteen miles. From Luxembourg there is an extension to Metz due south, entering France at Frisange, the well-known iron forges, taking Thionville and Ukange on its way. The length of the line from Luxembourg to Metz is thirty-six mites. The only engineering difficulties of this vast scheme occur between Namur and Ciney : this expense is, however, neutralized by 150 miles of ex tremely low average, so that the Great Luxembourg will be constructed the ch , apest of existing lines ; and, in truth, the natural facilities of Belgium are too well known to need any long details on this matter. Thus far, then. the northward opening to Trieste appears both favourable and eminently practicable." The sources of traffic by this line he shows to be im mense. It will pass through districts fertile in minerals ; it connects together upwards of six millions of people, and. will receive a large influx of the traffic along the whole navigation of the Rhine. By the adoption of this route the distance from Trieste to Ostend (750 miles) could be traversed in a day ; and India would be placed at a dis tance of only twenty-one days from this country. Pre suming that a line may be continued down the valley of the Danube to Constantinople (1500 miles) the entire distance between Ostend and that city might be compassed in forty-eight hours. Lord and Lady Sandon and family arrived at Gros venor-square on Friday from the continent. There is no truth in the rumour that Mr. Jackson has purchased the Chamberlain estate at Tranmere. Lord Besborough attended the Dublin Theatre on Thursday, and was most enthusiastically received. The Rev. John Eddowes Gladstone, 8.A., of Magdalen Hall, Oxford, has been presented to the incumbency of St. Mark's Church, Lakenham, near Norwich. The Journal des Debars states that the fears which were entertained reitive to the safety of the potatoe crop throughout France have been dispelled. .LABOURERS.—On Thursday, a highly respectable meet ing was held at Beawinster, Dorsetsbire, when a society was formed for bettering the condition of the labouring classes by the field-garden allotment system. PuBLICANS' LICENSES.—The magistrates sat yester dly, for the purpose of considering applications for licenses for public houses. Only one new license was granted, namely, to Mr. John Devine, of Netherfield road North, Everton. NOVELSTEAMER.—We were highly gratified, a few days since, by the cursory examination of the Levantine, a new screw steamer, now lying in the Coburg Dock. This vessel is one of a line of steamers now building to run between this port and Malta, Constantinople, and other places on the Black Sea ; and having something novel in her construction, she may not be unworthy the notice of our maritime public. In addition to a spread of canvas, she will, as we have stated, be propelled by the screw, which is worked by a rotatory engine applied di rectly to the shaft. The engines are exceedingly com pact, and, from the fact of 90 revolutions per minute having been obtained on her passage here, there is but little doubt that it will open a new era in the mode of propelling vessels, particularly as, by this principle, space is so much economised as always to allow ample stowage room. The engines are the invention of Peter Boni!, Esq., and have been fitted by Caird & Co., of Greenock. The vessel herself is entirely built of iron, by Messrs. Ditchburn and Co., of London ; and her mould is fully shewn by the fact, that under jurymasts, between London and Greenock, she sailed at the rate of In knots an hour. The vessel is the property of the Levantine Steam Com pany, and is here consigned to Montgredien, Esq. She will be commanded by Captain Easterby. THE DISTRESSED IRISH.—On Sunday morning last, the Rev. Hugh M'Neile. in the course of his sermon. called the attention of his congregation to the distressed condition in which the people in many districts of Ireland are placed through the failure of the potato crop. He stated that he had received letters from several gentlemen which led him to believe that nothing short of absolute famine had come upon large portions of the people. In the county Roscommon especially, he was given to under stand, the inhabitants were literally starving. He an nounced at the close, that although no formal collection for the sufferers would be made in the church that day. yet that boxes would be held at the doors, and he would be happy to be the medium of transmitting any contribu tions to his brother clergyman at Roscomm on. A collec tion was accordingly made at the doors, which amounted , we are happy to sav, to the very handsome sum of £42, the congregation being unprepared for such an appeal. We may mention, as a curious coincidence, that at the moment the churchwardens were taking the colleen' into the vestry, the Rev. Mr. S omerv ill e , o f Doneoineci who happened to be present at th e c h urc h, en t er ed, a. - fully corroborated the statements of M r . M'N e ile— ill - he said no language could convey an adequate ides of the destitution at present existing in the sister country. In some parts he stated the people were In such a state of want that they were actually subsisting on nettles. Mr. Somerville was on his vay to London as a member of a deputation to Lord John Russell, to impress on Govern ment the necessity of immediate relief being granted for his starving countrymen. The amount collected at St. Judes was yesterday transmitted to Ireland. During the visit of royalty to Liverpool, Mr. Satchell, of 48, Lord-street, who has long held in conjunction with the London firm with whom he is connected, a royal ap pointment, presented two hats to his royal highness Prince Albert, one of which was worn by the Prince on the day he laid the foundation stone of the Sailor's Home, Mr. Satchell has since received the appointment of hatter to his royal highness. fiction, is providing employment upon useful works for the population thus thrown upon nt lightening the draughts upon hareholders by temporary loans. I might in the same way be nro- Above all, we might uperfluity of labour to m of the sa- wns, the repayment by Government being of th sums in aid gran perioc spread over su i of years as would obviate Dlence and their money such heav the population of demands upon their bene Anything less direct than these or sirnilar measures, , el convinced, will not meet the emergency of ales which are approaching It seems to be established by general consent, and especially amongst Conservatives, that the *Whig-Radical and ultra free-trade parties are to be permitted to manage the affairs of thi s grea t king dom, and to remodel its instiAitions, at their own pleasure and after their own pet patterns, until something very startling—some gross outr,ge upon the feelings and principles of the Conservative party —awakens them and the country to a sense of their common danger. Lord John Russell, we are told, is a safer minister than Sir Robert Peel : ergo, it is MARRIED On the 10th instant. at Great George-street Chapel, S. HODG!- SON, Esq., of Preston, to Miss CATHERINE LEWIS, of this town. DIED On the 29th ultimo, aged 72 years, at his residence, 12, Coin berland•place, Glasgow, Mr. JOHN KNOX, late of H.M. COS toms. rind formerly of Belfast. LIVERPOOL : TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 1846. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED TUESDAY MORNING EVERY BY JOSHUA FLETCHER LACE, of 53, Grove-street, and LEONARD ADDISON, of 14, Great Orford-street. At No. 4, ST. GEORGE'S CRESCENT LIVERI•001.. Orders and Advertisements received by Messrs. Newton and Co , Warwick-square ; Barker and White, Fleet-street: Deacon, Walbrook ; Reynell,Chancery-lane; Charles Barker , Birchin-lane ; Joseph Thomas, 1, Finch-lane, Cornhill; MUD" den Hammond, '27, Lombard-street; Mite - mil, 8, Red L4OO - Fleet-street; Lewis and Lowe, 3, Castle-court, Cora" hill; at the London Commercial Cobee-house, Mincing-IW/ at the Jerusalem Coffee-house, Cornhill ; Ch a pter. Co[ fee-house, Paternoster-row; North and South . Ameri ca Coffee house, Threadneedle-street; Parsons, 9, Ave-Maria" lane, London ; Johnston and Co.. Eden Quay, Dublin: Wheeler, Exchange-street, and C. H. Lewis, Market - str eet ' Manchester; Haddock, and J. aad W. Booth, Booksellers; Warrington; Clarke, Pilot-office, Preston; and Wright saa Damn, aerald-office, Birmingham.