The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-02-05 00:00:00

THE

Riberpoot eta4tbarb.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1856

FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.

MONDAY MORNING.

THE Royal Family and the Court still remain at Windsor
Castle, the sojourn having been interrupted for a brief period in
the middle-of last week by the journey of HER MAJESTY and the
PRINCE CONSORT to London, for the opening of Parliament.
On Monday-evening, there was another dramatic performance
at the Castle, when Tom TAYLOR'S new comedy, " Still
Waters Run Deep," and J. MORTON'S farce of "A Game at
Romps" were enacted for the amusement of the QUEEN, the
Royal Family, and HER MAJESTY'S distinguished guests.
The whole of the visitors left the Castle on Wednesday morn-
ing, and, soon after their departure, the SOVEREIGN and the
Court left Windsor for London, and arrived at Buckingham-
Palace at a little after noon. In the afternoon, HER MAJESTY
held a Court and Privy Council, and, in the evening, accom-
panied by Prince ALBERT, and attended by their suite, the
QUEEN honoured the Haymarket Theatre with her presence.
The same day, there were political meetings, under the name
of full-dress dinners, given by the leading members of Govern-
ment, Lord PALMERSTON entertaining a select body of his
supporters in the House of Commons at his residence in Picca-
dilly; Earl GRANVILLE, Lord President of the Council, giving
one to a party of peers, at his residence in Bruton-street. At
both of these re-unions, the speech which was delivered from
the throne next day, and which had been submitted to HER
MAJESTY at the Council, was read by the hosts to their
respective guests. On Wednesday evening, the leading Con-
servative peers were entertained by the Earl of DERBY, at his
mansion in St. James's-square. Among the guests of his lord-
ship were the Dukes of MANCHESTER, MONTROSE, and
CLEVELAND ; the Earls of EGLINTON, CARDIGAN, LIICAN,
HARDWICSE ; and Lords REDESDALE and ST. LEONARDS.
On the same evening, Mr. DISRAELI received at dinner, at
his residence at Grosvenor-gate, a select party of members
of the House of Commons. At both these latter banquets
the tactics of the Conservative members of the Houses of
Parliament were understood to have been brought under con-
sideration. The course of action, although pretty well known
to have been previously arranged in its broad and general
features, was here to receive direct " form and body." Some
difficulty as to this particular was thrown in the way of a
definite arrangement, by the absence of any outline of the
royal speech, which, for a good many years past, was fur-
nished to the various morning journals, and was pretty freely
discussed in the clubs and political gatherings on the evening
of the day before its formal delivery, but which was this year
sedulously kept out of view. This change in practice with
res pect to the royal speech has been freely, but in general
favourably commented on by the leading journals. The pro-
ceeding was altogether an anomalous one, and could scarcely
be productive of any good, while evil might and awkwardness
was sure to follow the observance of such a practice, which was
introduced as one of the many strange ways of courting popu-
larity by the Whigs. The inconvenience is said to have
attracted the attention and remonstrance of a highly illus-
trious personage, on whose representation the change referred
to has been brought about. The Morning Post, with the
good taste and sense which generally pervade its columns, ap-
proves greatly of the new arrangement, declaring its approval
of the new and more dignified plan, and states also that the
other was, as HAMLET held the drinking bouts of Denmark,

a custom

More honoured in the breach than the observance.

Even the great potentate of Printinghouse-square makes vir-
tue of necessity, and grumbles approbation.
The absence of any hint as to what was to be the leading
features of the royal address piqued the curiosity of many,
and gave zest to the speech as it was delivered, of a kind
and to a degree that it has not enjoyed for many a day.
The morning of Thursday was dull and cloudy, and the
metropolis wore an aspect more forbidding than has of late
been customary on the eve of a royal pageant. Notwith-
standing this, however, from a comparatively early hour the
line of procession was the scene of gay displays of spectators
all the way from Buckingham Palace to Westmister ; and
any spot of "'vantage ground" which promised a good view
'of the royal cortege was densely crowded. Although no
inkling of the speech had been allowed to ooze out, everyone
felt assured that the present position of the belligerents and
the prospect of a termination of hostilities must form
,oe speeen, auu each was anxious to learn
the first tidings of what they looked on as an official declara-
tion of the state of affairs. Impressed with this feeling and
belief, the pageant itself assumed a new importance in the
eyes of the anxious beholders, and this was heightened by the
concourse of distinguished public characters who congregated
from all quarters to take part in the imposing ceremony.
There seemed an unusual attendance of foreign ministers,
besides the ordinary array of state officials. These different
individuals were received with more or less marked courtesy
accordingly as they were known and popularly appreciated.
The French Ambassador, the Duke of CAMBRIDGE, and
Lord PALMERSTON forming distinguished marks on which
the populace poured their warm and hearty applause.
HEIL MAJESTY was everywhere received with marks of
repectfal homage, and shouts of enthusiastic loyalty accom-
panied her progress from the palace to the House of Lords.
The interior of that noble chamber presented an imposing
and fascinating spectacle. Crowded as it was in all quarters
by an array of peers and peeresses—of native and foreign
statesmen—of rank, wealth, and beauty, it acquired a yet
higher interest than the mere display of official dignity and
the presence of personal worth could bestow on it. Peace or
war, was the alternative which each anxious listener
expected to hear announced in measured cadence from
the royal lips, and the hopes and fears of each rose and
fell from time to time as the minutes rolled along in
slow suspense. As HER MAJESTY entered, amomentary feel-
ing of pleasure brightened up the scene, and once more the
silence of intense expectation settled over the brilliant throng.
Shortly after being seated on the throne, and the Peers and
Peeresses, in conformity with the royal intimation, having
resumed their seats, HER MAJESTY, who remained sitting, in
her usually clear and firm tones read the speech, amidst the
breathless attention of the audience. Immediately on having
finished the reading, HER MAJESTY was conducted from the
chamber by Prince ALBERT, and the ceremonial portion of the
day's proceedings terminated. The QUEEN and Prince AL-
BERT returned to Buckingham Palace, and having remained
there for nearly an hour and a half, took their departure thence
for Windsor at 20 minutes past four, arriving at the Castle in
about an hour after.

No sooner were the pageant and ceremonial ended, than all
ranks and degrees of the people were deep in cogitation on the
contents of the official manifesto. Of course different opinions
prevailed in different quarters, and conflicting views of its
meaning were elicited from opposite commentators, the pre-
vailing declaration being that most matters touched upon in
it were left much in the same position as before. In the
speech, the nation was informed that Russia had expressed
willingness to accept the Austrian propositions as the ground-
work to negotiate a treaty of peace. That, however, the nation
had been apprised of before. Doubts were insinuated rather
than expressed, that Russia is not quite so sincere as she
professes to be. In that sentiment the nation at large had
long before, and emphatically, expressed concurrence. In
the speech it is distinctly intimated that the naval and
military preparations for next campaign will not be relaxed
until a satisfactory peace has been, concluded. That was
at once admitted to be a true expression of the national
will, although a considerable section of the people and the
"parliament are prepared to adopt Lord DERBY'S suggested
amendment, that it would be a better reading to make it
that " I shall deem it right in no degree to relax my naval
and' military operations," instead of preparations, " until
a satisfactory peace shall have been concluded." One an-
nouncement in the speech, which also had been popularly un-
derstood, was made officially clear, that a treaty has been
entered into with
_the --Ilia of SWEDEN and NORWAY. So
inculcated through semi-ministerial
far all that had been
agency in reference to the mighty issues of peace or war have-
now been officially confirmed ; but really, as yet, the Cabinet
has made but little way in the " diffusion of useful knowledge,"
by means of the royal speech. If its positive information on
these heads be meagre, its promises are even more hazy and
quite as little inspiring, as to the contemplated course of in-
ternal improvement. True enough, towards the end of the
document there is a sort of generalised intimation that there
exist differences "between the commercial laws of Scotland
and those of other parts of the United Kingdom ;" that the
crude and hastily concocted law of "Limited Liability" is not
satisfactory ; that complaint is Made of the " local dues or pass-
ing tolls" levied on mercantile shipping ; and that something
is not quite right in "the law in Great Britain and Ireland."
Measures to remedy all which are promised with the
easy off-hand air which is so peculiarly characteristic of the
PREMIER'S senatorial eloquence.
If liable to such objections in regard to its intimations of

fact, and the mysteriously mud-foggy style of its promises, it
is quite as remarkable for the cautious and unsatisfactory
silence which it observes in relation to the threatened com-
plications with America, which are believed by many well-
informed parties on both sides of the Atiantic to be matters
justifying anxiety, and far, indeed, from being unworthy of
attention. The omission of any allusion to the disputes
between the cabinets of Washington and Great Britain is
quite as likely to generate irritation as to soothe excitement.

However trivial it may appear in the eyes of Lord
PAL3IERSTOII; the unpleasant feeling existing in Persia
against this country is the cause of very considerable un-
easiness to many, who believe, it may be erroneously, that it
is in a great degree the result of Russian intrigue, and is only
part of a system which, if not effectually checked, will, sooner
or later, occasion this country great efforts and many sacri-
fices to counteract:

The Parliamentary campaign has now begun in earnest ;
and notices of motion, of varying degrees of interest, have
already been given in both houses. One of considerable im-
portance, in a constitutional point of view, has been given for
discussion in the House of Peers, on the subject of life
peerages, occasioned by the elevation of Baron PARKE as a
peer for life, instead of making out the patent of his nobility
in the usual form. The motion is to be made on Thursday,
by Lord LYNDHURST, who is to state this evening the precise
nature of his motion. Various constitutional authorities hold
the precedent an exceedingly dangerous one ; and although
no one offers the slightest opposition to the elevation of the
learned baron—indeed, there seems to be but one opinion as
to the expediency and propriety of that proceeding—very
grave objections are urged in opposition to the Wensleydale
peerage as a life one. The division of the House of Lords into
two bodies—hereditary and life peers—it is felt would be a
dangerous innovation, and one which, if conceded, will open
the way for a wayward Minister to swamp the House by the
creation of numerous life peers : indeed, it is among the cur-
rent rumours of the day that Sir JOHN JERVIS, Chief Justice
of the Common Pleas,is also to be raised to the Upper Houseas
a life peer. Much interest is attached among legal circles to
the discussion. The law lords, it is said, are, with one excep-
tion, opposed to the new creation, on the ground of its
illegality.

Brief as the period has been which has elapsed since the
meeting of Parliament, no small amount of interest has
attached to the proceedings in the House of Commons'. Im-
mediately on re-assembling, after the brief adjournment cus-
tomary on the first day of the session, several new members
took their seats, among whom was Sir CIrARLES NAP/ER, for
Southwark. So soon as the standing orders had been com-
plied with, new writs were issued for a number of places, in-
cluding the University of Cambridge, Edinburgh and Midhurst.
To these writs more than usual interest is attached. The first-
named is expected to involve a severe contest, and excites
great attention, involving as it does the Parliamentary status
of the Right Hon. Mr. H. S. WALPOLE, one of the best as he
is also one of the most distinguished of the Conservative party.
To enable him to stand for Cambridge, Mr. WALPOLE has
necessarily resigned his seat for Midhurst, where the return of
his friend, Mr. SAMUEL WARREN, is considered secure. To
obtain the University seat promises to be an arduous under-
taking, and a severe contest is anticipated. The result is con-
fidently looked forward to by the friends of Mr. WALPOLE ; but
they do not attempt to disguise that a heavy task and a sharp
conflict are before them. The claims of his opponent, Mr.
DENMAN, son of the late Lord DENMAN, rest chiefly on his
recently-acquired popularity as a scholar of some promise, and
his consequent favour among the resident voters. Political
position he has none, nor has he any foundation to ground his
political pretensions on beyond the ordinary vague profession
of liberal faith and a plentiful crop of promises. On the other
hand, Mr. WALPOLE is known to be a ripe and well-cultured
scholar, an able and judicious lawyer, and a sound' practical
statesman. The polling for this election, on which the eyes of
the country are turned, commences on Thursday, and may
continue for a considerable time. The interest attaching to
the election for the Scotch metropolis is rather that belonging
to the shadows of the past than of particular interest in itself.
It is occasioned, as all the world knows, by the resignation of
his seat by Mr. T. B. MA.CAULAY, who retires into the quietude
of private and the sedate luxuries of literary life. The senatorial
chair which he has vacated has become the object of ambition
to two gentlemen, both natives of the city, who, though
brethren in profession, are rivals in renown, who have long
"agreed to differ" on many public and private matters. So far
as present appearances go, Mr. ADAM BLACK, the pet of the
Whigs and Dissenters, seems to have the advantage over his
rival, Sir WILLIAM JOHNSTON, who is the idol of the Free
Clnuch party, and who is, moreover, well known to have a
profound knowledge of the art of "circle-sailing," as that is
applied to municipal politics. A third candidate, in the Con-
servative interest, is spoken of for the northern Athens, in the
person of the Hon. T. C. BRUCE, brother to the Earl of ELGIN,
who stood at the last general election, and made a fair show on
the poll.

Conspicious among the extra-legislative displays of the past
week was the great MILNER GIBBON-BRIGIIT exhibition,
last Monday night, at Manchester. This brilliant assemblage
ever uy air. -171-11.110 IS wuo tOUL tne motley
gathering that they had assembled to do honour to the public
services of "one gentleman who was right honourable by
favour of the QUEEN, and of another who was right honourable
by favour of the people! " and this too in the presence of and
in compliment to a gentleman who, as a Privy Counsellor,
must have sworn to support and maintain the privileges of the
QUEEN. This worthy Privy Counsellor and high-spirited
gentleman offered no rebuke to his " excellent friend," who
had thus wantonly insulted his Sovereign, and sneered at the
dignity and honour she had conferred on so unworthy
a recipient of either. The BRIGHT vagaries of Mr. M.
GIBSON'S colleague consisted in a repetition of the old
tricks. Vilifying all who differ from him in opinion—
shaping his facts to fit his case—as a joiner pares and
alters the piece of wood he has to put into a parti-
cular hole. One matter alone must be borne steadfastly in
view—whatever Joarr BRIGHT says of himself, or his case, or
his opponent, is ipso facto true, correct, and proper; and so of
all those who agree with him. All who differ from him are
fools, knaves, and liars. At his bidding right becomes wrong ;
black, white ; truth, falsehood ; knowledge, ignorance.' He is
the only infallible man alive, and his world is peopled by only
two classes, the wise and the good, who implicitly agree with
him—the knaves and fools, who dare, in even the slightest

degree, to differ from him.
While politics and war continue to divide the senatorial and
electoral interests of the realm, the contentions which for some
time have shaken the rival thrones set up in Drury-lane and
Covent-garden theatres continues unabated. In this instance,
however, the strife is turned to mutual profit. At Drury-lane,
the great gun trick, by Professor CHARLES MA.THEWS, the
Wizard of the S.S.W. by S., continues to fill the house with
shouting and admiring crowds, who nightly applaud to the
echo the clever travesties of ANDERSON'S robustious and some-
what clumsy necromancy. The Covent-garden squib in retort is
a smart dramatic pasquinade, under the title of " What does he
Want r in which CHARLES MA.THEWS is tellingly caricatured
and happily mimicked by Mr. LEIGH MURRAY. The contest of
mimierybetween these two rival comedians is cleverlysustained,
and its reward is sensibly perceived at the treasury, the receipts
at which are large, and said to be increasing. A current
rumour has it settled that Her Majesty's Theatre will be
opened this season under the combined government of Messrs.
LUMLEY and MITCHELL and Herr OTTO GOLDSCHMIDT, the
Swedish Nightingale resuming her place, it is said, as prima
donna. The rumour, like all rumours, is, of course, well
authenticated, but the individual sponsors for its accuracy are,
it must be confessed, somewhat difficult to find. Still, as it
cOrifains—nothing at variance with probability, there may be
truth in it. The Royal Italian Opera company is still in
course of formation by Mr. GTE, who has secured the services
of Madame GRIN and Signor MA.Bro. At the opening of this
theatre, among the early novelties, it is understood an Italian
version of VERDI'S Sicilian Vespers will be produced, similar
to that which last year created so great a furore in the musical
world of Paris.

THE SABBATH DEFENCE MEETING.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

Sta,—The editor of a newspaper has, of course, to exercise
considerable discretion in the accepting or rejecting of certain
documents that from time to time find their way into his
letter-box. I picture to myself an editor at his desk, having
just received the postman's morning contribution. A mass of
heterogeneous matter, in the shape of a variety, of letters, lie
at his side, and three baskets before him. Then comes " the
tug of war !"—a " Balaklava charge" into the multitudinous
conglomeration of correspondents' cogitations ! An envelope
is torn open, and the contents hastily "run through ;" it falls
into basket "No. 2" "for further consideration." The next
is twice read, and enters "basket No. 1" "for insertion;
another is looked into, and soon appears in fragments, in
" basket No. 3," the worthy editor exclaiming—" What
stuff !"

Now, Sir, the presiding genius at the " Blue Pill Office"
does not appear to me to have used his discretion aright in
admitting into " basket No. 1" a long- winded letter (dated
Jan. 22), and styled by its author " A BLISTER," relative to
the late " Sabbath Defence Meeting" in St. George's-hall.
I shall now quote a few extracts from the said produc-
tion :
" I never before saw so many assembled in one building
wearing white neckcloths, which had a puritanical effect, and
was strongly suggestive of those times when the Pharisee used
to go abroad marked with some distinctive badge."
Mr. B. (as we will call him) is evidently set against the
Sabbath movement, and was much annoyed to find the build-
ing so well filled, and begins at once to " vent his spleen" upon
the clergy, against which body of men (through the whole
length of his letter) he especially directs his attacks. He
stated that they " earn wages on the Sabbath by preaching,"
and that this is " working on the Lord's-day ;" and moreover,
that " they prefer the money to the labour which they expend."
Let Mr. B. remember that " preaching" is God's own appointed
ordinance, and that he has said, " The labourer is worthy of
his reward.

The writer, in the next place, seems to have been annoyed
at the " white cravat gentlemen," and " white chokers" (as
he designates the clergy) appearing in their best coats!
" They appeared to me to be the best clad and best fed in
the assembly. No doubt tailors consider them their best