The Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1861-01-19 00:00:00

TIIE SCRIPTURE-READERS SOCIETY.

THE Scripture-readers Society of this town, in
connection with the Church of tngland, has just
had its annual meeting. As the designation
plainly implies, the office and functions of the
agent of this society are confined to the reading
of the Bibles from house to house, wherever he
can secure a welcome, and that in such a plain
and easy manner, and with such explanations as
shall enable the simplest-minded listener to
understand what is being read, to understand the
coherency of the narrative and its context, and to
comprehend its general bearing. The nature of
the Scripture-reader's duties may be likened to
those of lay teachers of Bible classes in
every-day or in Sunday schools. There is
not the least cause for fear lest the
action of the lay Scripture-reader should inter-
fere with or encroach upon the office of the
ordained Ministry. On the contrary, the most
zealous of the clergy have unanimously declared
that they have found that agency of inestimable
value in upholding and strengthening their hands
and in augmenting the attendance of the people
at the performance of the higher duties of the
satiettiaryi The humble and unostentatious sphere
of usefulness in which the edripttre-readers
move, it is easy to see, is not calculated to draw
much notice.

The general public, continually immersed in the
busy toils and struggles of every-day life, are too
apt to overlook the importance and advantages of
those often Very delicate and trying, and always
arduous, labours for the instruction and elevation
of the humbler classes. The -value of these efforts
however can scarcely be over-estimated ; and it is
the duty of the public, not merely to sustain com-
fortably those fifty men already in this field of
Christian uhilanthropy, but to subscribe so
liberally to the funds of the society, as to enable
the management greatly to extend its agency
until there be riot ti district in this great centre of
population without its recognised and established
Scripture Reader. We never can have too many
Scripture Readers at work.
_ .

How can fifty men, however zealous and active,
undertake all the work that lies before them,
amid a population of about half a million ? The
report states that upwards of fifteen thousand
Roman Catholics had been visited last year; but
the Roman Catholics of this town boast them-
selves some hundred and fifty thousand strong—
the great majority of whom are of the very class
to whom Scripture-readers are likely to be most
useful. Why should not some more of our mer-
chant princes and other wealthy inhabitants, pro-
fessing themselves members of the Church of
England, at once follow the example of those
referred to by the excellent treasurer, 3-Then he
stated that " a sum of £2OO had been contributed
by one gentleman for the maintenance of three
readers; nine gentlemen had devoted a sum to
maintain one reader ; and ten gentlemen had
raised a fund for the support of six readers."
Here, then, are examples which, if worthily and
extensively followed, would soon more than double
the present numerical force of the society's agents.
It may not be within our sphere to indite
homilies on the importance of having the Scrip-
tures frequently read to the poorer classes. But
surely, in connection with such an anniversary,
we may, without stepping out of our way, appeal
to all who believe in these Books, and in their
value as a source of benefit to society, whether or
not they have adequately responded to the claims
of this institution. The practical advantages
accruing from the operations of the Scripture-
readers Society among the masses of the popu-
lation may be, not inappropriately, illustrated by
reference to another modern improvement. The
late war with Russia taught us that, however
grand, glorious, and powerful our great three
deckers, with their enormous armaments, may be
under certain circumstances, these vast floating
castles are, in particular seas, and upon some
coasts, of little or no practical value. Shallow
waters and narrow intricate navigations, stretch-
ing up rivers, and creeks, and arms of the
sea, were found to shelter the enemy against
the longest ranges of our huge line-of-battle
ships. What we needed most were gunboats, of
small dimensions, of light draught, and of great
speed, which might swiftly run up any tight
channel, deliver their charge, and put about
again as easily. The armaments, in both cases,
exactly the same, the difference lies merely in
the carrying medium. So it has been found that
our grand ecclesiastical structures, with all their
external and internal appointments, however
right, proper, and necessary in their own sphere,
are, as it were, spiritual three-deckers, and
inadequate, of themselves, to the special duty of
penetrating the narrow lanes and alleys, and
attacking the ignorance, indifference, and vice of
the more destitute and densely' peopled districts
of large towns. Our Scripture-readers are our
ecclesiastical gunboats, and are ever ready to
sweep, with telling effect, into and through
every hole and corner of that great kingdom of
moral darkness, to invade and conquer which is
the especial mission of our National Church. The
fill; efficiency of our Scripture-readers Society
.s, therefore, essential to the success of the

Church's warfare against vice, immorality, and
irreligion. Let those who may have been accus-
tomed to grumble and complain as to the dimi-
nished influence of the Church of England over
the masses of the population, answer for them-
selves how far, henceforth, that shortcoming may
be attributable to their own dereliction of duty
towards the Scripture-readers Society.
One word to the Scripture-readers themselves.
and another word to these districts of the town
which do not yet enjoy the benefit of a Scripture-
reader's labours. To the Scripture-reader
we would only say, consider and ponder well• the
weighty and pregnant remarks addressed to you
by that redoubtable champion of Bible truth, the
Rev. Canon M'NEILE, D.D., as fully reported in
our columns the other day. They ought to arm
you against every difficulty- and discouragement
" He felt Very much," he said, " the importance
of encouraging the readers, fot- whatever
some people might think of such it was
really a work, and hard work; it also required
self•subjection and self-command, and sense, high
sense, and a conscientious sense of duty to carry
them through it." To the inhabitants of these
districts who have not had a Scripture-reader
assigned to them, we have only to quote the
words of the rev. superintendent, when he said :
" There was not, he believed, any district which
need be without a Scripture-reader, if an appli-
cation were properly sent in." We hope, there-
fore, that by the next annual report we shall
find that there is not a single spot in this large
town in which one of the agents of this society
is not steadily and fully engaged in reading the
Scriptures to the people. View the influence of
such an agency as we may, whether socially,
politically-, or religiously, it is impossible for any
Christian to deny its highly beneficial effects. By
the operations of such an association, We may
most truly, substantially, and permanently
achieve .the amelioration, elevation, and reforma-
tion of the working classes.

VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT

THE CIVIL SERVICE CORPS.

A meeting of the members of the Civil Service Corps
was held yesterday afternoon, in the long-room, Custom-
house. There was a large attendance of the gentlemen
employed in the Custom-house. The meeting was pre-
sided over by S. Price Edwards, Esq., Collector.
The CHAIRMAN, in addressing the meeting, said :
Gentlemen, I am glad to meet you collected here for so
worthy an object as that which you have undertaken.
It may be wondered at why such a movement did not
take place long before ; but I stood alone, in the know-
ledge of the great change that was about to take place
in this large establishment, and I knew that it might
have so happened that we might have enlisted many
officers, who would have incurred much inconvenience
and expense, and afterwards found that their services
were summarily dispensed with. Mr. Edwards proceeded
to say that he felt deeply interested in the progress of
the volunteer movement, and sympathised very much
with the Civil Service Corps; it had been his sincere
wish that that company should go on and succeed. He
was glad to see, by the lumbers present on that occa-
sion, that the members themselves seemed to take a
lively interest in the movement, Doubtless, some of
them would be surprised that they had left the con-
sideration of the question which they were then met
to hear debated, viz., the formation of the Civil Service
Corps, undiseussed up to the present time. He advised
them above all things to preserve unanimity and good
feeling in the corps, without which it would be im-
possible for them to go on, and without which they
could never have succeeded in carrying out the result
of their labours up to the present point—namely,
the establishment of the corps. (Hear, hear.) Now,
lie had been told that dissatisfaction and want of a
unanimous feeling had been apparent amongst the
various members of the corps, and he wished, if pos-
sible, that this unhappy obstacle should be removed.
It was in consequence of this difference that they had
postponed, up to the present time, the meeting for the
election of officers. He trusted that they would come
to the resolution of settling and healing up this breach,
and they would then be enabled to carry out fully the
object which they all had in view. Division and dis-
union should be banished from
tale aita
every indivia,,nl member of it should sink minor
differences for the common good. Ha then pro-
ceeded to point oat the great importance of the
volunteer movement in general. Nothing could
be regarded with more interest than the formation of a
volunteer corps, which might possibly be called into
active service on a future day, and if so called, he felt
assured that those who were servants of the crown in
the civil service department would, when called into the
field, be found equal to the emergency. (Hear, hear,
and applause.) He wished particularly to allude to the
subject, of the much-to-be-regretted. division that had
arisen amongst the members of the corps, in the election
of officers, and he hoped that for the future such dis-
union would be amicably settled. Of course it remained
for themselves to discuss this matter ; he himself was
only an honorary member of the corps. He need
not say that it was most necessary and important
that they should elect officers to represent them
as a body. (Hear, hear.) Soldiers and volunteers
should, as a matter of course, be officered by men whose
position and military skill entitled them to hold that
rank, and whose duties were very onerous. They had
to take the management of the general body, and to
make themselves thoroughly acquainted with all mili-
tary matters. He then alluded to the differences that
existed between the in-door and out-door officers of
the Customs in relation to the choice of officers, and
impressed upon them the necessity of their coming to an
amicable arrangement. He was most anxious that this
should be done, and to further this desirable end he was
prepared to afford them every facility in his power.
He then left the subject in their own hands, and begged
of them to settle their differences amongst themselves.
It would be a source of great gratification to him to
know that unity existed amongst them ; and everything
that he could do to further the progress of the move-
ment, by contributions or advice, he should be happy to
do. (Hear and applause.)
Mr. Fuller begged to propose a vote of thanks to
their esteemed chairman.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Collett, and carried
with acclamation.

The CHAIRMAN, in returning thanks, said he consi-
dered he had only done his duty in taking the chair on
that occasion. He took a warm interest in the volun-
teer movement, which he looked upon as a most laudable
one, and to manifest to them the regard in Which he
held the corps, he had taken the chair on the important
occasion. He now wished that they would consult
amongst themselves, and proceed with the election of
officers, in such a manner as would show that they were
determined to settle their differences, and if any diffi-
culty should arise, he advised them to come to him, and
he would be most happy to settle it. (Applause.)
The meeting then separated.

ACCIDENTAL DEATHS.-Yesterday, a man named
William Turton, fifty years of age, died in the Royal
Infirmary, in consequence of a broken leg received
by a fall during the frost.—A girl named Anne Gil-
more, eleven years of age, died yesterday in Back Field-
street, Kirkdale, in consequence of an injury received in
the knee some time since.

GOVERNMENT EMIGRATION.—The Government emi-
grant vessel Telegraph, 1,148 tons, Captain George
Woolgrove, belonging to Messrs. H. T. Wilson and
Chambers, of Liverpool, which sailed from Birkenhead
on the Bth of July, arrived at Sydney, New South
Wales, on the 15th of October, with 26 married couples,
133 single men, 136 single women, 21 boys between the
age of 1 and 12, 20 girls between the same ages, two
male and six female infants, making a total of 370 souls,
equal to 3411 statute adults, under charge of Surgeon
Superintendent J. Sheridan Hughes, M.D. One birth
and two deaths (one child and one female adult) occur-
red during the voyage.
LECTURE ON ORIENTAL BATHS. A company is
about to be formed in Liverpool, on the limited liability
principle, for the establishment of Turkish baths of an
improved character; and in connection with the project,
Dr. Haughton, of Dublin, gave a lecture last night at
the Concert-hall. Wm. Titherington, Esq., occupied
the chair, and there was but a very limited attendance.
After a rapid historical glance at the use of hot-air
baths by the ancients, Dr. Haughton described in detail
the peculiarities of the Roman, Grecian, Moorish, Rus-
sian, Turkish, and ancient Irish baths. He condemned
the principle on which most of the Turkish baths in this
country are conducted,—his principal objections being
that from dry air only being used the temperature has
to be raised to a dangerous height before perspiration
can be induced; and that a great length of time is also
required before that object can be attained. Iu his view
the best kind of bath to be erected was one which should be
moist enough to soften the skin, hot enough to start per-
spiration, and dry enough to induce evaporation. The
temperature should be 130 degrees. This was such a
bath as the company proposed to construct. It would
be a bath safe to take, pleasant to take, and good for
the health. It would also be cheap, available alike to
the wealthy and the poor, and it should not consume a
great amount of valuable business time. At the close
of the lecture, Dr. Airey, of the Turkish Baths and
American Dispensary, St. Anne-street, complained of
the remarks of the lecturer in reference to the baths
now in existence, which he contended were not paying
concerns, and challenged the lecturer to a discussion
upon the whole question. Dr. Haughton said he should
be ready to meet him if his name appeared on the
Medical Register. Dr. Airey said that it was not there,
as he only held a foreign degree. The Chairman
interposed, and stated that the prospectus of the new
baths would shortly be issued, and proposed a vote of
thanks to the lecturer, which was carried, and the
meeting broke up amid some little confusion.

HENGLER'S CIRQUE-THE GRAND PAN-

TOMENIE.

As we predicted, the grand pantomime has had such
an extraordinary run of popularity, and the public are
still so anxious to enjoy it, Mr. Hengler, at a general
request, and to suit the thousands who have not been
able to witness it, bas consented to its representation for
another week. The present week has witnessed crowded
and delighted audiences ; and no wonder, for, in addi-
tion to the pantomime, there are several novel and
extraordinary attractions. -11 re niay mentich, first; the
truly heautiftil, and astounding iierfoi.manee of Mr.
John M. Hengler on the tight rope. Many performershave we seen on the tight-rope; tat none .to equal
Mr. Hengler in the extent and variety 8f fiie Vdrferniarie;
Unlike others too the beholder forgets that he is looking
at most daring and perilous feats, because Mr. Hengler
seems as much at home in the air as if he were on the
the ground. His performance of the Drum Polka is
brilliant, and altogether he proves himself a master of
his matchless art. It is needless to say that the applause
which conies on him in tempests shows how he'is appre-
ciated. Then there is Mr. Richards, the premier
American horseman, and his wonderful wild steed of
the prairie, iinia shoWs what can be done by man and
horse—both gb throfigh a series of wonderful evolu-
tions that bring down showers of approbation. In
the pantomime we never saw better tricki; not
more splendid athletic performances —in these
respects the company are far- better fitted for
such representations than would otherwise be the case,
consequent on their profession of equestrianism. The
transformations are excellent, and the " fun and frolic,
to win a notice in the daily papers," is the best cure
we know of at present for the prevailing coughs and
colds of the season. The Columbine of Madlle. Florette
is graceful and attractive, and the finale grand and
beautiful. To suit hundreds there wilt be a performance
to-day, and as stated the pantomime will continue
during the coming week; whieh thousands, juveniles
and others, will be proud to bear.

LIVERPOOL LOYAL PHILANTHROPIC

SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the 'members of the above
society, established in 1844, and enrolled by act of
parliament, was held last night in the Common-hall,
Philadelphia-chambers, Hackin's-hey. The meeting
was announced to hate been commenced at eight o'clock,
but in consequence of some mismanagement the hall was
not opened till near half-past file o'clock. There was
a good attendance of members .of the society. Mr,
Roberts occupied the chair.
The SECRETARY (Mr. Henry Thompson) submitted the
following abstract of the accounts for the last year :
To Balance of Cash from last year
„ Cash collected
„ Bank Interest and Interest on Dock
137 14 1
and Water Bonds

By Cash paid 746 Deaths, Collectors' Com-
mission, Officers' Salaries, and other £7,504 12 2
expenses of Management

Total worth of the Society £5,313 10 7i
Saved this year (1860) £1,052-14" 1
The income of the Society has •increased
£1,154 18 11
this year (1860)

On the motion of Mr, Hagan, seconded by Mr.
Kay, the balance sheet was passed unanimously.
The election of officers, committee, and other matters
were then disposed of. A sum of £5O additional on
his late salary was voted to the secretary. The presi-
dent's salary was also augmented by £5 per annum.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the
chairman.

LIVERPOOL POLICE COURT:—ThraIDAT.

(Before Mr. RAFFLES.)
THE POOR BOX.

His Worship received a note from Mr. Duke, of the
firm of Duke and Baker; enclosing £lO for the poor box
from the corn merchants of Liverpool, for, the aid of the
distressed poor of the town.

A DRESS HOUSE.-WHAT IS IT?

Margaret Begley, a young woman said to be marriedl
was charged for having stolen a cloak, a douple of
brooches, a dress, boots, a bonnet, and other things-, from
Margaret Woodward, of Pine-street. Mr. .Cobb
appeared for the prisoner.' The case presented tone
new features. The prosecutrix stated that on New
Year's Eve the prisoner absconded from the house,
taking the things along with her. Mr. Raffles : Was
she your servant ? No sir, a lodger. Mr. Cobb : Did
you not lend her the clothes? No. Did you, not
induce her to go to your house, and to go out on the
streets to earn money for you, although you knew she
is a married woman ? No ; she. came to me. Mr.
Cobb : Is not yours a dress house? No. Do you
know what a dress house is ? Yes. Mr. Cobb : Don't
you lend out clothes to girls to go out on the streets ?
No. Don't you know she is married, and did you not
induce her to go to your-house ? She says she is mar-
ried, but I did not induce her to come to my house ;
sne came to me without any- Gress, only a light /Awl
frock on her. Was she to purchase a bonnet from you ?
Yes, for 3s. Where was she to get the money ? I
don't know. When did she take the things ? On New
Year's Eve. Mr. Cobb.: Why did you not give her in
charge before now ? I could 'not find her. A fellow
named Michael Finlay was examined, and on cross-
examination by Mr. Cobb, he admitted that he was
about to marry the prosecutrix, although he knew she
was an improper person and kept vat improper-house.
Mr. Cobb said the prisoner had instructed him to state
that the prosecutrix kept what was called "a dress
house ;" that was she hired out clothes to girls to go
out on the streets, pick up all they could, and then take
what money she could from the unfortunate creatures.
He was further instructed to state that the prosecutrix
had induced his client to leave her husband, and go live
with her, for the purpose of making money for the pro-
secutrix. He had the prisoner's mother there to prove
the facts. Mr. Raines said he would remand the
prisoner for the present.

TIIE SUPPER ROOMS, LIME-STREET.
William Decry, the keeper of supper rooms, Lime-
street, was summoned at the suit of the excise, on two
informations, charging him with selling beer and spirits
without licence. Mr. Cameron, the collector of excise,
appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Cobb for the
defence, who said he would plead guilty to the last
count in the information, and ask for a mitigation of
the penalty (£.50) to one-fourth. Mr. Cameron had no
objection to this course, and the defendant was fined
£l2 10s. for selling spirits without a licence.

COURT OF EXCHEQTTP—_..R..---YzaTERDAT.::.,

(Sittings in Banco, before _Lord Chief Baron POLLOCK,
Barolld MARTIN and WILDE.)
ACKFORD T. PRESTON—CHAPMAN T. THE SAME.--

IMPORTANT JUDGMENT ON THE BANERUPT LAWS.

These causes, which were argued on Thursday, raised
the important question whether the Commissioners in
Bankruptcy have the power to uphold protection from
bankrupts between the period of adjudication and the
final examination. Considering the importance of
the question involved, the court took time to con-
sider their judgment, which they delivered yesterday
morning. In both cases rules had been obtained to
show cause why writs of capias ad satisfaciendrem that
had been issued should not be set aside, mad the defen-
dant discharged out of custody of the keeper of the
Queen's Prison. On the 16th of September last a peti-
tion for adjudication was filed against the defendant,
and OR the 17th he was adjudged bankrupt. The first
meeting was held on the 2nd of October, when assignees
were appointed. The second meeting took place on
November 6, and the examination was proceeded with,
when it was adjourned to the 6th of December, the
bankrupt being allowed until that time in order to com-

plete his accounts and finish his examination. On the
Ist of December the defendant was arrested on a writ of
capias, at the suit of Ockford, a creditor, who had
proved his debt, issued out of the Court of Exchequer,

under a certificate granted by the Bankruptcy Com-
missioner, under the 257th section of the Bankrupt Law
Consolidation Act. During the time the bankrupt was
seeking to get his discharge, a second capias, issued
under the Commissioner's certificate, at the suit of
Chapman, also a creditor, and was lodged with the

sheriff.
Counsel having been heard, the Lord Chief Justice
said—We are all unanimously of opinion that the rules
must be made absolute, and Mr. Baron Channel!, who
was present yesterday and heard the arguments, is of
the same. opinion. I agree entirely with Mr. Gray,
that the right of the bankrupt to his protection does not
arise from the act of the commissioner, but from the
statutes, and the commissioners in reality has no power
to take it away. The original protection was given under
the 6th Geo. IV., and it has been copied nearly verbatim
into the later statute ; so th4t the bankrupt was clearly
entitled to his protection, and the rule must be made
absolute to discharge him out of custody. In the other
case, a different question arises. A party being in cus-
tody, a detainer is lodged against him, and the question
is whether he can be detained in custody upon it, the
sheriff's not being in fault in arresting him, or whether
he ought to be discharged, the arrest being a proceeding
on which he is not liable. There is no doubt that the

cases make a distinction between a sheriff being wrong
or being a party to any wrongful act, and where he is
entirely free from blame; but I think the decision in

the House of Lords of "Hooper v. Lane" clearly in
principle embraces this case, and I own that to my mind
it appears a trifling and almost ridiculous distinction
to say that a man who is not liable to arrest should
be subject to a detainer because the sheriff is not liable
to an action in taking him, and is, therefore, justified in
having taken him. The sheriff, no doubt, was justified
in what he had done to the issuing of the writ, and with
regard to its being capable of being set aside on the
ground of irregularity,. be bas nothing to do with it. I
cannot see the distinction that has been suggested in
this case, and I think it is better to lay down the broad
principle where the liberty of the subject is concerned,
that where a man is improperly arrested and a detainer
is lodged against him, it should not prevail so as to
deprive him of his liberty. The rule must be made
absolute.

Mr. Baron Martin and Mr. Baron Wilde also delivered
their opinion generally, and the
Rule was made absolute.