The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-07-28 00:00:00

THE REPORT ON THE SOUND DUES

The select comnaittee on the Sound Dues presented their
report on Saturday. The subject is not only of importance
in itself, as affecting materially the whole of our Baltic
trade, but is peculiarly so at the present time, considering,
that America has given notice of her intention to discontinue
this payment of dues after the first of June next year,
should rot the subject he satisfactorily arranged before then.
and if Denmarte should endeavour by force to obtain th it
which America refuses, a war would probably en ue of whiett
it would he impossible to fifetell the issue. The committee,
therefore, in their report, strongly urge that the enhice;
should receive the immediate consideration of the Govern-
ment and the Legislature. The committee have not thought
it advisable to enquire into the right exercised by the Crovtit
of Denmark to levy tolls on ships and merchandise pass-
ing between the German Ocean and the Baltic Sea. l t

is a matter of history that this country has acquiesc 'd
in the payment of these dues for some centu ies pa,,.
and that at this time they are paid and regulated under en .
gagement by treaty made between the two countries to •
that purpose. In the year 1840 and several previous yea, e,
complain's having been urged by the trade, upon tho
Government, of the injurious operations of these dues, a
revision of the tariff took place, and in 1841 the treats,'
(now in operation) purporting to give effect to the new
regulation was concluded. The dues which are now-
imposed consist of a fixed duty levied uniformly upon a 1
ships above 40 tons, and a smaller duty upon vessels of less
tonnage, the proceeds of which are said to be applied to the
maintenance of lights, buoys, and beacons; and also r f
dude; on cargoes, levied specifically on certain goods
which are enumerated, and on all goods unenumerated, at
the rate of 1 per cent. ad valorem, the amount of which is
avowedly for the purpose of Danish revenue.

The Mischief and inconvenience attending upon the
payment of these dues is a great source of complaint
among all persons ezgaged in the Baltic trade. Tbia
arises partly from the rate at which they are levied, hilt
mainly from the manner in which they are collected.
The detention of vessels for the collection of Sound Dues
at Elsinore is a fertile source of mischief and needless
expense. Competent persons estimate the loss of time cn
an average at one day in a voyage ; for, though it would
be possible to comply with all the requirements connected
with this impost in a few hours, yet owing sometimes to
the loss of a favourable wind, or to the circumstance of a
number of ships arriving at the same time, or to their
arrival at a time when the Custom House authorities
were not bound to attend, or to the inducements which
present themselves to the captains and crews when on shore
to remain longer than they need, vessels are said to be
detained occasionally for periods varying from one day to
three months. Instances have occurred where, owing to
this delay at an advanced period of the season, vessels have
been unable to quit the Baltic, and have remained in that
sea during the winter. The risk of such detention
applies less to steamers than to sailing vessels, but on
the other hand, the cost of detention is greater in the case
of steamers.

But what is chiefly complained of is, the manner in
which the duties are collected. It appears, from the report,
that the captains and masters of vessels are bound to go on
shore, either in their own boats with the crew of the ship,
or in boats which go out to them, and which are paid
according to a tariff, the charge varying with the state of
the weather, and amounting occasionally to £5 and upwards,
the latter mode, however, being preferred in order to avoid
the consequences of the crew on shore. The captain
is here met by agents, of whom there about 50 at Elsinore,
whose profits are stated to be very considerable. They un-
dertake the clearance of the vessel, paying all dues demanded
at the Custom House, on which they charge a commission
of three per cent., and draw a bill for the whole amount
upon the merchant. These charges, which are only
inci-
dental to the payment exacted by the Danish government,
amount to more than the dues themselves, in some ca=ts to
double the amount. An agent's account was shown to tl.e
committee, proving that the dues, properly so called,
amounted to only one-fourth of the whole charges for which
the ship and cargo were liable. These are composed of
various items, such as commission, expedition, translation,
stamped paper, &c.; and, though some of these charges are
sanctioned by the treaty, the account, when delivered, is
seldom examined, and if questioned, redress is difficult to
obtain. The Danish government allege that the amount of
dues paid by this country alone, is equal to £70,000 per
annum, yet the sum actually paid, including the extortionate
charges before mentioned, is estimated at being not less
than from £200,000 to £230,000 a year.
In addition to these annoyances, further loss is aggi
vated by the risk incurred by the captains delayingto return
to their ships; many of them receiving gratuities from the
agents, either, as it is said, to disclose the full value of their
cargoes, or as an inducement to employ the same agent
again ; and they are induced to lay out their money in their
port, and are exposed to the temptations afforded by cheap
intoxicating liquors. For instance, each voyage a gratuity
of 20s or 30s is allowed by the Elsinore agent to the owner,
charterer, or captain, according to arrangement; the captain
is also allowed half a dozen of wine, or equivalent in
money or tea, and, if a new ship, a china punch bowl. It
need not be said that the cost of these gifts eventually came
out of the pocket of the merchant or owner.

A variety of other annoyances and exactions are m,,n-
Coned, and under these circumstances the committee have
no hesitation in declaring that these dues are the cause of
injury and annoyance to British commerce, and that they
therefore deem it highly desirable that they should he
abolished. The committee are further induced to make
this recommendation because they have it in evidence
that Denmark has manifested her intention to affix
the same dues upon all goods that will be carried by
the new railways across the country. The committee
hesitate to recommend how Denmark should be com-
pensated for the loss of these dues, she being boeni
to keep up the different lights and buoys so essential
for the navigation of this dangerous sea. They also
forbear to express an opinion whether the amount to be
eventually paid to Denmark should be levied on those
engaged in the Baltic trade, or by the whole country, it
being contended that eventually the consumer would have
to pay the cost, in the shape of increased price for the
article imported, and that it would be attended with less
difficulty if it was paid out of the Consolidated Fund than
if raised by taxation en a particular class. These are
the main features of the report, and should the recom-
mendation of the committee be carried into effect, the
vexed question of the Sound Dues would at once and for
ever be set at rest.

LIST OF PASSENGERS PER R.M.S. CANADA, FROM
BOSTON VIA HALIFAX, TO LIVERPoOL.—Mr. J. M'Auland
and lady, Judge Mullock and lady, Mr. D. A. Watson an.
lady, Miss Holdsworth, Madam A. Requereud, Miss M. E.
Newport, Miss Wildish, Dr. Hartshorn and lady, Miss
Gordon, Messrs. T. H. Parish, R. S. Buchanan, Bowman,
Chilton, Mr. Tompkins and lady. Messrs. J. Heidleston,
L. Voly, T. Armsley, J, Elias, IL Soudheirn, S. C. Mon-
tade, A. Wilson' Monsieur Bacot and brother, Mr.
J. E Goodson, Mr. J. Dempster, Captain Caffrie,
Mess-s. Butler, Duyckuick, S. P. Holden, A. K. Towne
Dr. A. Greene, Messrs. T. Gordillo, S. Warner, Krouskoff,
Muir, H. V. Angebourt, J. W. Beard, Mr. Robertson, 3,
C. Mac Andrew, H. Tucker, J. Horsfall, R. Kidston, J. B.
Case, J. Stovell, E. Turpin, R. Hill. J. Rankin, Corversive.
N. Vascorves, G. R. Richardson, S. Bray, H. Day, P.
Cur,is, Mrs. 0. M. Baylis and two sons, Mr. J. Faghan.
Mr. S. Teaser and lady, J. Spuir, lady, and two children,
Mrs. G. Bunn, Messrs. Sisson. G. M. Bayley, T. Holcroft, C.
Robinson, R. Bustin, J. H. Parker, J. S. Needham, J.
Mercer, J. Maguire, G. H. Bayley, J. Bigger, G. R. Dole,
and son, W. Morse, G. Baily, J. James, P. James, J.
Clark, J. Wilson, R. Weldon, W. Ruston, B. Mulligan, L.
Cameron, Mr. R. Carlise and friend, Mr. R. Mahley, Mr.
A. Env ry and son, Mr. C. Padey, Mrs. A. Degan, Mrs,
Boucles, Messrs. P. E. Jardet, J. Salita, M. Menefoglio,
J. Myers, J. Altschul, T. Warnock, J. Nering, J. Brown, S.
Legaen, Capt. Newlands,Mr. J. Philam, lady,and brother. M r
A. Farando, Pavitt, Madam Motice, Mr. A. La Grand, Mr.
Silver, Mr. Duffus and lady, Rev. Mr. Snodgrass, Messrs,
Mignowtv, Brown, Paenhard, Harris, Rev. Mr. Sutchliffe,
Messrs. Vaughan, Goreham, Denelur, Pope, Clements,
Miss Brockwell and sister, Messrs. Harland, M'Cormick,
Bro Am, Douse, C. C. Jordeseu, and M. Baley.
LAUNCH OF THE PILOT YACHT QUEEN.--011 Saturday,
Messrs Ratsey and Son, yacht builders at Cowes, launched
from their building yard a very handsome schobner, of
about 100 tons, destined for the pilot service of the Mersey,The beauty of her lines, combined with the elegant and
costly ficish of the interior, renders her more appropriately
to be classed as a yacht than a pilot boat. Throughout the
progress of her construction she has leen frequently
inspected by several members of the yachting community,
and pronounced to be the beau ideal of a pleasure vess9l,
which should possess the qualifications of comfort, capacity,
and speed. The dogshores were knocked away at 12 30,
and the Queen, no longer under restraint, glided majestic illy
to her destined element (paying, en Passant, a siight
embrace to the Maria, which was constructed in the sa,ue
yard some few seasons back), until she was brought under
the control of her kedge, the artillery of the yacht welcoming
her afloat. The honour of baptis.ing the craft was per-
formed by Miss Hughes, of Liverpool, the daughter of one
of the owners. But if there was one thing more gratifying
than another at the ceremony, it was the presence ot our
patriarch of shipbuilders—Mr. Thomas White—..r. o
appeared to take much interest on the occasion. Aftcr the
launch a large party of the friends of the builders sat down
to a sumptuous entertainment, consisting of every delic.i,l
ot the season, and did honour to the occasion.—Another
vessel, of similar dimensions and for the same service, is in
a forward state on the aejacent slip, and is to be launched
in the course of next month, and no doubt with similar
results. Her dimensions are :---Extreme length, 86 feet ;.
breadth, 17 feet 4 inches ; depth of hold, 10 feet ; draft 01
water, 10 feet. The main saloon is very chastely fitted with
bird's-eyeberi y
panels and mahogany styles, with fo
mapleside and al'
a d accommodation for sixteen pilots, besides
the
master'sns cabin, which is aft. There is a pantry, and
v convenience for the culinary departments, &c., and no
every
one would believe at first sight but that she was destined la
be the marine palace for my lord and family. We under
stand that there are six vessels under construction by various
builders, destined to form a new era in that branela
of
service, which will do credit to the commercial interests Of
Liverpool.

AMERICA.

ARRIVAL OF THE CANADA

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM CENTRAL
AMERICA AND CALIFORNIA.

had been heard to declare that he would take
Kansas or die. The same letter states that the
Kickapoo Indians (Rangers') have had a serious
difficulty among themselves, caused by the free
use of liquor. Several were killed. Professor
Shannon having declined a re-election to the
Presidency to the University of Missouri, the
Board of Curators have elected W. W. Hudson to
the Professorship.

.one Cunard steamer Canada, Captain Lang,
arrived in the Mersey on Saturday afternoon, from
Boston and Halifax, after a more than usually
rapid passage, bringing 139 passengers, and
788,635 dollars in specie.
By her we have our files of papers from New
York to the 15th, Boston to the 16th, and Halifax
to the 17th inst, all inclusive.
The steamer Africa, from Liverpool, and the
steamer Lebanon, from Havre, had both arrived
out at New York.
The commercial accounts continue satisfactory.
The New York Stock Market had, during the, week,
showed much activity, and a rise in prices, sup-
ported by a tone of more confidence, had been the
result of what was believed to be the probability
of the settlement of the difficulties with Great
Britain. The shares of the Erie, railway had
advanced with much buoyancy, and the securities
of ' this important company had also been firmly
held. The bonds and shares of the Illinois Central
Railroad Company had also improved in price.
The Money market had beea abundantly supplied
for the last few weeks. During the last week there
had been more enquiry, and a disposition was
evinced on the "part of lenders to advance rates.
They remained, however, without much alteration.
Loans on call were easier at 6. First class paper, _ short dates, were discounted at 7, longer dates at 73. Advices from Sydney, Cape Breton, convey the
The following table shows the changes in the con- gratifying announcement that the submarine elec-
dition of the New York Banks : tric telegraph cable for the New York, Newfound-
Loam. Snecie. Circulation. Depo it.. land, and London Telegraph Co., was successfully
July 5, 1516 109.267,582 16,829.236 8 637.471 100.140 420 laid on the 10th inst., from the steamship Propon-
July 12, 1856 109,748,042 14,793.400 8,405,756 55,663 460 tis, Capt. Goodwin, uhder the direction of Mr.
Foreign Exchange had remained for some time Samuel Canning, across the Gulf of St. Lawrence
at Mt to 110 for bankers' bills on London. On the
,between Cape Ray Cove, N.F., and Ashby Bay,
14th there was an advance, and rates were 110 to
1103 A steamer from California had just arrived CB , a distance of 85 miles, in • fifteen hours.
M with 1,701,30] dols in specie. The steamer to the are now being freely and instantaneously
Isthmus brought 411,453 dols destined for England. transmitted from shore to shore. We understand
Business at San' Francisco was extremly dull, that Cyrus W. Field, Esq , one of the prominent
The steamer Geo. Law had arrived at New York members of the New York, Newfoundland, and
with dates from San Francisco to the 21st of June, London Telegraph Co. was about to leave New York
and brought 1,701,000 dollarp in gold dust. The for Europe to complete arrangements for the imme-
diate commencement of the transatlantic line.
Alta California gives the following as a summary
of the news for the previous fortnight :
We understand that the Company have about 700
Since the departure of the first June steamer, there hasi
men at workn Newfoundland and or. Cape Breton
been no decrease of excitement in the public feeling of The Newfoundland line from St. John's to the
California. Circumstances of the same nature that point where it intersects with the lines of the
surrounded us then surround us now, and there will be no American Telegraph Company in Nova Scotia, will
prospect of their disappearance. until organised criminality be about 60) miles in length, and it is confidently
is destroyed. and the-bettertclasses assume control throueh expected that the whole will be completed, and in
R Purified, ballot box. An; immoveable determination to successful operation by the first of September, and
finish the reform now auspiciously developine, has seized from arrangements already completed, it is also
Spun all who have respect for public quiet and uprightness, expected by, the New York, Newfoundland and
and who have, that right. kind. of public spirit which ever London Telegraph Company, that the cable to
prompte the possessor to be anxioas for the prosperity of his connect Newfoundland and Ireland will be laid
own community, his State, and the nation. Throughout down during the ensuing year.
the State the people have endorsed
tbe :various' actions of ,
In reference to the state of the relations between
the San Pranoiseo vigilance committee, and in most parts
there has been, and .is now, more excitement then in this England and America, a Washington correspon-
city since the shooting of Mr. King and the execution of his dent writing on the 14th inst says : " The last con
Murderers. Reports from the mining regions are remarks- respondence of the Foreign Office with Mr. Lumley,
bly favourable, and the prospect of immense yields are -British Secretary here, did not authorise him to
constantly looking fairer. No extraordinary discoveries re-open the Legation ; but such instructions are
have been made, but wherever the gold is being taken from expected as soon as Palmerston recovers from hie
the known diggings, the fact is made more evident that
it is inexhaustible almost ever coerced concession. Crampton's letters are very
y - where in Agricultural pursuits are in a prosperous condition,solicitous as to the state of feeling and opinion
The crop of wheat and other grain promise well, and toward him here, apparently forgetting that at
all other products are as abundant as the farmer could desire, 11°mhe e.
Farm labour is in demand,
and the
full T
markets are over or "
advises from Central America are important.
all the luxuries native to this productive soil. In Sacra- They advise the election of General Walker to
bleat°, Stockton and other prominent cities, large meetings the Presidency of Nicaragua, and of the defection
have been held to endorse the proceedings of, andsvmpathise and open revolt of ex-President Rivas and the
with, the people's reform organisation of San Francisco ; Minister of War. Twelve days prior to Walker's
and in the mines and mountain villages thb same enthusiasm election, which took place on the 24th ult., Rivas
prevails. On the 4th of Jane, Gov. Johnson issued a procla- and the Minister of War quitted Leon and repaired
lunation declaring the city of an Francisco in a state of in- to Chinendaga, were they assembled six hundred
themrrection, and calling upon all persons subject to military Niearaeuane with 120 of whom they took posses-
In the third, fourth, and fifth military districts to hold
selves in, readiness to do warlike service, under orders ion of Leon, having previously called in the out-
of the commander-in-chief and his generals of lesser rank• sposts and ordered the American troops to evacuate
:I'his, and the accompanying documents, was received that city. The majority of the Rivas Cabinet is
by the whole State with-indignation. To those who had said to adhere to Walker, who has declared Rivas
csrrectly estimated the objects, past and future, of the and his followers traitors.
committee, gubernatorial interference seemed uncalled From a letter, from a most reliable correspondent,
for, especially inasmuch as Governor Johnson withheld his dated Bogota, June 6th, 1856, we take the follow;
proclamation until long after there appeared any necessity ink important information :
ter its issuance. Some proceeded to enroll themselves as Yesterday both Camaros closed their extraordinary
directed, but nearly all such were friends and associates of sessions ; but they were immediately convoked again by the
the wretches punished by the committee. Many of the Executive Power, for the following objects :—The estab-
organised military companies disbanded, surrendered their lishment of an Armed Force, Fiscal Arbitrators, Law
.of
arms, and positively refused to engage in any attack on the Commerce, Importation, Exportation, Transit anidDepostt ,
People. Meanwhile, the committee opened their books for and the Law of Election. I think thissession.wtl last over
recruits, and thousands hurried to join the organisation. fifteen days. If the law of Armed Force is
sanctioned,
Large quantities of arms kept coming, until six thousand which is for 500 men, a hundred will undoubtedly be sent
Muskets, thirty pieces of cannon, many small arms, an _1 to Panama, in order to prevent occurrences such as that
abundant ammunition and infantry accoutrements were of the 15th of April. It. is said that up to the present time
gathered to the rooms of the committee. A regular the reclamations amount to half a million of dollars. The
system of military discipline was established, strong Executive Power, on account of the acts of the 15th of
guards were mounted, and the whole force divided into April, has solicited from the Congress the power to suspend
ten regiments—all composed of the best men in the city, and bring to judgment before the Supreme Court, tbe.
A. strong breast-work of sand . bags was built in the Governor of the State of Panama and some others. It
Sight time, in front of the committee rooms; a large is said that a Commissioner will be sent from Bogota to
bell was suspended on the roof of their building, to give Panama to examine minutely into the affair, g
instant alarm on the approach of danger, and several pieces By an arrival from Punta Arenas we have dates
13f cannon were planted on the adjacent roofs, so as to command eaob street leading to the fortification. While from Costa Rica to the 12th June. The cholera was fast disappearing from the country. A.
these formidable Preparations were going forward, the very strong revolution had broken nut against the govern-
of officers and the public journals in favour rnent, and- there appeared a probability that President
of annihilating the committee laboured excessively to Morro would be taken out and shot by the insurgents, The
obtain warriors, and succeeded in securing a ragged revolution has been brought about by a party of the Costa
few hundred' additional to the fierce desperadoes Ricans who were opposed to the invasion of Nicaragua by
~W,hci " flocked around the , constitution and the Execn- the Morro army. A British vessel-of-war was in port. By
T, e" •immediately. on the appearance of his proclamation, the same arrival we learn that the 2,000 troops which left
'While at Benicia, a. committee
...of gentlemen from San
Francisco, but not members of. the Vigilance Committee Guatemala to invade Walker, has bren prevented from
, crossing the territory of Salvador, the latter State being
:withdraw his proclamation, This
Waited on the .govereor :to endeavour .to induce him to opposed to the invasion. The impression of our informant
ee would not do, and is that Walker purposes making an early attack on Costa
In his reception of the committee forgot that gentlemanly Rio, and that he will succeed, having a very strong
deportment is as creditable to the public officer as the private force at present. His head quarters now is Virgin Bay.
citizen. He returned to Sacramento, much incensed at Gen.
'Wool, and convinced of the mysterious fact that a "mob"
had possession of six thousand: stand of arms and thirty
pieces of cannon, which they had
obtained without blood-
shed, disturbance, or objection on the part of the owners. On
the 6th inst. it was deemed best, by the vigilance commit-
tee, to dispose of their stock of captured infamy, consisting
of six notoriqua individuals. Banishment was the sentence,
and the culprits were marched to the dock and shipped to
othera_ lands. Several additional arrests have been made,
n
d before the work of the committee is completed, the
exports of knavery will have far surpassed the imports. At
?1?on on the 15th, an immense mass meeting was held of the
friends of the vigilance committee. Able addresses were
ldelivered, and resolutions adopted I The vigilance commit-
ee have published their constitution. The government forces
have, as yet, made no hostile movement, though they have
gpne into camp near this city: Business is dull, and the
city was never so quiet .and orderly.
The accounts from Kansas are still unsatisfac-
tor
--3'. Adviees from Topeka to the 4th inst., state
that a Convention met there on the 2nd, and passed
resolutions in favour of the Republican party and
denunciatory of the Democrats, appealing to the
friends of free Kansas in Congress, to stop the
supplies until Kansas is ad mittdunder the Topeka
Constitution. Marshal Donaldson and Judge
Blrnore read to the Convention the President's
February proclamation, Gov. Shannon's proclama-
tion, and one from Mr. Woodson, Secretary of the
Territory; also, a note from Col. Sumner, saying that
he would prevent the meeting of the Legislature.
sent armed
They were unheeded. About 800 persons were pre-
Both branches of the Legislature met
on the toth inst The roll was called, and a quorum
found be
entered the topwnresent. About noon Col. Sumner
with 200 dragoons, and planted
two cannon at the head of Kansas avenue. The
troops were drawn tip before the Constitutional
Rall, when Sumner told the citizens that he would
not disarms them or break up the Convention, but
he had orders to dissolve the Legislature, and Ivo. uld do so. ' Sumner then repaired to the Hall
and informed the
Of Representative's,
that he had orders to disperse them. members
He said, " I
stn called upon to perform the ,
most painful duty
Of tuy life. Under the authority of the President. I
sin here to dissolve this Legislature. In
accordance with my orders, I command
you
° disperse. God knows I have: no party feelings
11011
in the matter, and will have none while I
(
ea
•n Kans% I
have ju -v
resent position i
et retpurned from the border, wherea. I have
)een "tiding home the Missourians, and I am now
. ....
sere with instructions to disperse this Leg
again command you to dis " Judge
r asked if they were to
understand that they were
iven out at the point theof
-died, " I will usebayonet. Col. Sumner
the whole force under my
"nand to enforce My o ' rders " The House then
A similar Scene was enacted in the
ate, which was also d.
i pre * Isersed. The Convention
Preparing resolutio nps
endorsing the State
'verinnent and the Topeke
%Taejon had ke t large ' Constitution. Fears of
The St• I •p. numbers from attending.
• Joins Republican (!tter fromof the 14th contains a
pare
4Viliell state i.hrmo, Kansas, dated the Bth inst.,
territory •s t at General Lane had entered the
ith several hundred men, and that he

islature

a Schuy-

The New York papers announce that a grand
dinner had been given by the New York, New-
foundland, and London Telegraph Company, to the
officers of the United States steam ship Arctic,
which is to traverse the route from St. John's, New-
foundland, to the West Coast of Ireland, for the
purpose of taking soundings in a parallel of thirty
miles, and selecting the precise bed for the 1,640
miles of telegraphic wires about to be laid down.
Lieutenant Berryman, U.S.N., commands ; and
with him is Lieutenant Strain, whose terrible suf-
ferings and gallant conduct on the Isthmus of
Dfirien, two or three years ago, must be within the
recollection of many readers, as also the relief
afforded him and his party by a British man of war.
The occasion was one of great interest.
Our dates from Mexico are to the Bth instant.
From Vera Cruz the Spanish fleet bad
departed. President Comonfort had decided to
sell all the lands belonging to the church and
other religious corporations. The new Constitu-
tion, and church property decree, were generally
applauded. A new State is to be formed under
the Constitution, to be called -the Valley of
Mexico. Hostilities have been commenced by
the States of Leon and Chihuahua against
Tamaulipas.

NEW YORK MARKETS.
COTTON.

The sales in our market during the past week amount
to 8,0(10 bales, and include about 2,000 bales in transitu,
on a basis of laic for barely Low Middling., New Orleans,
with 5-164 freight ; and 10iic per lb for Low Middling
Savannah, id freight. For cotton on the spot prices
gradually advanced, and closed firmly yesterday to to I°
per lb higher than my last quotations, with much indiffer-
ence on the part of holders to sell. Some parcels have
been taken on speculation, the remainder is chie fly for
our own spinners. The total stock in all the ports is now
only 122,000 bales, against 217,000 in 1853. The number
of vessels loading in southern ports is 19, against 27 in
1853. The export to Great Britain from this time out in
1853 was 86,000 bales, for the balance of this season it will
scarcely exceed 50,000.

The export for the week has been, to Liverpool 3,371
bales.

SOUTHERN MARRETS.—The week's receipts in all
amount to only 6,000 bales, and the sales 7,000, at very
full prices.

BY, telegraph the following has been received :
New Orleans, July 12.—Receipts for the week, 2,060
bales ; same week last year, 6,300 ; sales for the week,
5,700. Middling, lle to Ilic per lb.
Mobile, July 12.—Receipts for the week, 400 bales ;
same week last year, 9,000; sales for the week, 1,400.
Middling, lOic per lb. Freight to Liverpool, id.
CROP.—On the whole, the accounts of the growing crop
continue favourable.

The following is a statement of the movement in cotton
since the Ist September last, as compared with the pre-
vious three years :

1856. 1855. 1854. 1853.
Receipts at the P0rt5...... 3,450,000 2.694.000 2.812,000 3,19;,000
Exports to Great Britain .. 1,876,000 1,416.000 1,468,000 1,651.000
France.. 478,000 405,000 807.000 413,000
other For. Ports 501.000 262,000 312,000 337,000
Total Exports . 2,855,0002,083.000 2,087,0002 401.000
Stock on hand
Of whiebifirenT the past week, 'winded in the above
Receipts at the Ports . , . Exports to Great Britain. ''
..
..
g, France..
other Fcr. Porta
Total Exports...
-

6,000 25,000 11,000" 1 i.OOO
19.000 27,000 17,000 10,000
2,000 .. 1,000 -----
7,000 10.000 4,q00 4,000
28.000, 37.000 21.000 14,000

SUMMARY.—Receipts : Increase at the ports over last year,
756,000 bales ; over 1853, 259,000. Exports : Increase to
Great Britain, 460,000 bales; compared with 1853, 225,000.
Increase to France, 73,000 ; compared with 1863, 65.000.
Increase to other foreign ports, 239,000 ; compared with 1853,
164,000 bales.

FREIGHTS to Liverpool remain dull, at 5-32 d for Com-
pressed and uncompressed bales. To Havre, ie.
EXCIIANCES, on London are firm, at 110 to 110* per cent.
On Paris there is a fair demand, at 5 dols 17ic to 5 dols
15e. WILLIAM P. WEIGHT.
COTTON STATE! NT. 6Tlf AMY.

Exports to Total
Receipts. Great Exports to Stock and on
Foreign Shipboard
Britain. p
3,449,402 1,975,064
2.693,310 1,413 386

days' currency

120,932
221,347

~~_.

Porsed

461,678

774,660

• - GENERAL MARKETS.
The market for our cereals is at present excited by the
inundations in France. The full extent of the injury to
the grain crops is at present not known, but to militate
against this. is the prospect of a larger harvest than
usual in Russia, and an abundant one in the north of
Germany and in England. Speculators seem to overlook
the latter, and also the fact that more land has been
devoted to grain in this country than usual, so that we
shall have more to spare. Taking all these things into

THE NORTHERN TIMES.---LIVERPOOL, MONDAY.

consideration, the prospect at present is that breadstuffs towed to or capable of performing railway work.
will eventually decline, and that those speculators who Female servants are very scarce, and really good
are buying for a rise will, unless they realize speedily, ones especially so. Middle-class families, emigrating
lose money. to this colony, would do well to bring their own domes-
Flour during this week has been active with a good tics with them ; and the active philanthropy of the upper
supply, prices are well supported. The sales of domestic classes in England might find an excellent field for its
have reached about 80,000 brls, at an advance of from 25 exercise in the establishment of some training institution
to 50c per brl. The orders from abroad are large, but at where the unemployed young females of the mother
present they are boalaw the current rates here, so that country might be instructed in the principles and prac-
they cannot be filled to any extent. Canadian thin- has tice of domestic economy, and thus qualified for the per-
also advanced in price to the extent of about 50c per i formance of the light and liberally remunerated duties
brl, and 7,000 brls have also changed hands. incidental to domestic servitude in this colony.
Southern flour has felt the effect of the general rise, but We are now passing through one of those dull political not so much, only sor 10 cents per brl, but the market is periods when everything is postponed till, after the elec-
very buoyant, and the better grades are in great request tions and the meeting of the new Parliament. As the
—the sales of all qualities extending to 9,000 brls. Rye t elections are not expected to take place before August,
flour has not been active, and prices are nominal. Corn the majority of people have not yet begun to excite them-
meal is in good request at firm prices ; sales of 1,000 brls selves much about the subject, and it is only here and'
and 200 puncheons, the latter at 15 dols 50c. there that candidates are beginning to be talked about,
I lAt the beginning of the week Wheat was active. The and to make themselves as agreeable as they can in the
receipts are large and the orders from abroad are eaten-- districts they desire to represent.
sive, but the higher rates of freights and the high price., Among the new members spoken of as being almost
retard shipments. The quality of the wheat offering is certain to •be returned is Mr. Gavan Duffy, the former
not prime. New Western is in demand, with a small editor of the Nation. We are not yet certain, however,
supply ; the supply is, however, expected to increase. The as to the district for which he is to become a candidate.
sales include 700 bushels white Genesee, at 1 dol 70c to 1 Several meetings have been held, and to organisation
dol 75c ; inferior to prime white Canadian, at 1 dot 60c to established to raise for him by subscription the property
1 dol 87ic—the latter price since refused for prime, and qualification which was unfortunately adopted in the
about 25,000 bushels uther qualities. Rye has also New Constitution Act—a defect in the Act which we
been quiet, with but little offering. Sales of 15,000 bush., believe many of the men who voted for it would now be
at 80c for Pennsylvania, and 84c for Western. Oats have anxious to amend. The movement on Mr. Duffy's behalf,
increased in price, with sales of Western at 42c to 43c, though certain, we think, to produce the amount required,
State at 41c to 42c, and Jersey at 36c to 37ic. Corn has is going on much more slowly than was anticipated.
not been very active, but prices are firm, though they There has been little enthusiasm in paying up, even
have not advanced. The sales add up 1.000 bushels. among his own countrymen, and it has been necessary
The market for provisions generally has been satisfactory 8,5
to put out feelers and hold meetings in all
to the trade. Pork has been in good demand, and the directions, and even to appeal to the neighbouring
supply is moderate, consequently an advance has been colonies. From all sides, however, contributions are
obtained from 181 to 37ic per brl, at which 8,000 brls slowly percolating, and the fund is gradually rising
have changed hands. There is a good business doing in towards the required amount. The difficulty that has
beef. The demand is fair, and the arrivals are not large ; been experienced in raising the required amount for Mr.
sales of 1,800 brls beef hams, and prime mess have been Duffy contrasts strikingly with the promptitude evinced
very quiet; quotations are nominal. Cut meats are not long ago in a single electoral district—that of Beech-
active, the supply is not large. Sales of 1,000 brls and trcs worth, a digging township—where 4'2,000 were raised
hams and shoulders, closing at 10i to 10e for hams, and with the greatest ease to qualify a local favourite, Mr.
9c for shoulders. 5,000 pcks shoulders; Sic, 4,600 pcks Cameron.
sides in bulk, 91c, and 12,000 shoulders in bulk, delivered We have already begun to experience here the ill effects
in Boston, se. Shipping bacon is in good request and in upon all Australia of having one convict colony—that of
small supply. Lard is very firm, at an advanced rate. Western Australia—still left to be the sink of British
Sales 3,000 brls and tres at 12 to 14c for fair to prime. crime. According to evidence which we published a
Butter is in good supply, but is not firm, at the following short time ago, and which has since been abundantly
rates ; —l2 to 17c for Ohio, 12 to 190 for State. Cheese is confirmed, the criminal population of our unfortunate
also dull, at sto 82c for inferior to prime. Eggs sell at sister colony already begin to turn their glances and
150 to 15c for Ohio and State.
• direct their footsteps in this direction in considerable
In Groceries there has been but little' excitement, numbers. It seems that, to avert suspicion, they first go
except in sugar, which his active and has advanced in to South Australia, and come hither thence.
price. Holders are very firm, and speculators have Mfr. Brooke has been playing a round of his popular
bought largely, and will not sell at all at present prices. characters, prior to his departure from Melbourne, with
The principal sales have been, in Cuba, some 200 hhds. great success. The house was crammed to suffocation
Demarara brought Bicts. In teas there is very little every night during the last week of 'his engagement, and
doing. The market is firm and stocks are light. Coffee numbers were turned away from the doors.
is also quiet but firm ; the stock of Rio is 45,000 bags.
The export for the last six months amounts to 24,000
packages. The difference between buyers and sellers in
their opinion of the value of cotton operates materially to
check business in this staple. Holders are very firm at
•
present rates, and buyers purchase only to fill present
orders. The sales for the week do not amount to 4,000
bales. taWe quote as follows :
NEW YORK CLASSIFICATION,
Uplands. Florida. Mobile. N. 0. & Tex.
Ordinary 9l 91 91 91
Middling llf 11f 11f
Middling Fair ll2 112 12 121
Fair 14 12f 14 13
The Hop market.has been favourably operated on by the
news from Europe. Speculators are buying, though not
very largely, being cautious on account of the unfavourable
issue which has generally terminated such transactions
within the last few years. The market, however, closes
firm at our quotations, some holders asking higher'
rate.

NAVAL STORM—Spirits turpentine continue quiet;
sales 100 brls at 37 to 370, the latter rate in good shipping
order. Crude is in fair request at 2 dols 87ic to 3 dols per
280 pounds, for Wilmington and North County. Common
rosin remains dull at 1 dol 57k'; to 6 dols 10c per 310 lbs
afloat and delivered—sales of 100 brls No. 2, at 1 dol 75c
in yard ; fine qualities are in moderate request at 3 dols
to 5 dols 12&c for No. 1 white, per 280 pounds. Tar is
steady at 1 dol 621 c to 1 dol 75c per barrel, for Washing-
ton, thin and thick.

AUSTRALIA.

ARRIVAL OF THE OLIVER LANG

A WEEK'S LATER NEWS

The Black Ball line of packet ship Oliver Lang,
belonging to Messrs. James Baines & Co , arrived
in the Mersey yesterday forenoon, at eleven
o'clock, from Wilbourne, after a passage of eighty-
five days, bringing 60;000 ounces of gold, valued at
about 240,0007. Also 260 passengers, 500 bales of
wool, and SOO tons copper ore.
She left Port Philip Heads on the. 2nd of May,
and by her we have Melbourne papers and Prices
Currents to the date of her departure, which arc a
week later than those last received.

The steamer Royal Charter was still annoutm-d
to leave Melbourne, for Liverpool, on the 22nd of
May. The Walatar Castle was to leave for
London, on the 15th, and the Kent, also for Lon-
don, during the month of May. The ship Joseph
Tarratt, from Liverpool, arrived out at Melbourne
on the 27th April, the day before the Kent arrived
from London.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
MELBOURNE, April 30, 1856.—Referring to our full re-
port by the Mermaid, on the 15th instant, and a
supplementary report by the Earl of Sefton on the 24th
instant, we have to state that the markets remain steady,
and very little change has occurred in pricei. In some
articles there has beeen a good deal of speculation; but
this has been very much checked by the news recently
received of negociations for peace, as it is thoroughly
understood that, in return for our very large exports Of
gold during the present year, we shall have a renewal of
shipments of merchandise to a large extent, and specu.
lators are becoming daily more timid. Indeed, many
cpreirssi
so,n
as
tl onook
dfoio srtwa
na
tr dd taot n oTt hheer
sgtltouck,
sa no dn
tpossibly
iancgost,haetr
this moment, are considered to be far from abundant ;
hut, as explained in former reports, the storekeepers in
the interior, no longer anticipate an interruption of traffic
from bad roads during the winter, or a material rise in
carriage. Besides this the internal production is now so
large, that, for provisions especially, the demand is trifling
compared with that of former years.
LIQUORS.—Brandy is now offered freely, and the late
extreme rates cannot be realised, We hear of no sales
higher than 14s 9d. Otard's brandy is improving in
favour and price. The low brands, in case, bring 15s to
16s 6d. All sorts realise higher rates for direct ship-
ments than for those coastwise. Port : fine sorts are very
scarce, and common realise high rates. Sherry : medium
is still advancing, Ale : the new brewing of the best
brands realises £lO 10s, hut large quantities are on the
way. the best brands of bottled bring Its 6d; Bryant
and Davis's has been sold at lOs 6.1. Sales of Taylor's
XX stout are reported at £7 10s, .E 7 12s 6d, and £7 15s ;
Truman's at £7 15s; and Abbott's at 47 10s. Bryant
and Davis's porter, has been sold in bottle at 12s 6d.
TOBACCO, CIGARS, &c.—The tobacco trade is very dull,
the stocks being large and in excess both here and in
Sydney, in consequence of recent arrivals from the States ;
but as our quotations leave a loss to shippers, holders
here are firm, anticipating a cessation of imports. Good
Havana cigars are very saleable at our quotations.
GROCERIES, OILM ENS' bTORES, &c.—Pearl barley is
quoted at 30s to 32s per cwt, and pearl sago is now worth
worth 7d per lb. Candles : The stocks of this article are
considerable, Nit chiefly in the hands of speculators. The
news of peace has led to the impression that present
prices cannot be long maintained. Coffee is advancing.
Ceylon plantation cannot be purchased under 113, and
other kinds in proportion. Dried apples in casks are now
916 per lb. English jams and jellies are scarce, and
much wanted. Bottled fruits, pickles, mustard, sauces,
and salad oil, are in some demand for the country. Our
late quotations for most of these were too low. New
Kent hops are held for is 4d. bat the chief Australian
brewing season is over. White pepper has advanced.
Steel's crown soap has declined. Sugars The market has
been considerably affecte 1 by speculation, some specula-
tors who bought at short dates being now compelled to
realise at rates below those asked by importers. Importers
are holding for higher rates. The prices of tea are scarcely
supported.

Exchange on London was still quoted at 2 per
cent. premium for thirty days' bills, and the rates
of discounts were:—On bills under ninety-five
7 per cent.; over ninety-five
10 per cent.:

days, 8 per cent. ; renewals, _
overdrawn accounts, 10 per cent
turns for the first quarter of the current
year of the banks of the colony had all been pub-
lished in the Gazette, and show that the improve
ment of which we have had occasion to make special
mention in comparing the returns of the last two
quarters of the year 1855 is steadily progressive.
The deposits are increasinr, in a greater ratio than
the indebtedness of the colonists to the bank. The
average amount of notes in circulation is almost
stationary, while the coin and bullion show a ten-
dency to increase. To show how true a pulse the
bank returns are, in reference to the financial
condition of the colony, we may mention that
in the fourth quarter of 1853, at the acme
of her prosperity, the amount due by the
banks to the colonists was .R 4,386,379. In the
second quarter of 1854, after the commercial crisis
had for some time operated, the amount due to the
colonists was reduced to 1,844,1061; and iu the
fourth quarter of 1854 the indebtedness reached
its lowest ebb, 696,2011. After that period the
account of the colonists began to improve, and the
above statements show that their money capital is
rapidly rising to its former extraordinary amount.
Indeed, as regards both the banks and their cus-
tomers, the returns now published must be pro-
nounced in the highest degree satisfactory. The
amount of gold received by escort, for the
week ending April 26th, was 49,792 ounces,
against 52,174 ounces for the corresponding
period last year, and 32,595 for the week ending
April 19, this year. The price of gold in Melbourne
stood at 3/ 16s 31 per ounce. There had been no
change in the wool market. The demand for
labour was increasing, and higher wages were
current. The following summary of general news
we quote from the Melbourne Argus :
There is very little to add to our previous remarks on
our gold fields. Our populatio i is almost stationary as
regards numbers, hut the yield of our gold fields is steadily
increasing. We have come to regard the export one
hundred tons of gold during the year as a kind of duty
which this colony has to discharge. Mining is now, with
the majority of those engaged in it, as much a settled
pursuit as any of the trades or other znechanical occupations,
and the experience of three years has not been lost on these
who have served apprenticeship for that period. The older
fields are being re-worked systematically, and the whole of
the alluvial soil above the pipeclay is being passed through
the puddling machine, with a result varying from 1i
pennyweights to 11 ounces to the load, many parties
washing regularly for the former quantity who are, to use
their own wordsi " doing well at it." quartz mining
is, however, still the, favourite pursuit, and great numbers
of enterprising men are reaping rich rewards for the
capital, energy, and hard work they have expended,
The zeal and enthusiasm in the cause of science dis-
played by Dr. Scoresby in undertaking a voyage to and
from these shores have met with a partial reward. In a
letter, the veteran states that all the theoretic views pre-
viously published by him in respect to the magnetic in-
fluences of iron vessels upop their compasses have been
distinctly and beautifully verified, and that nothing more
is requisite for the safe and satisfactory compass guidance
of iron vessels than a compass. for reference duly elevated
and properly arranred on a wooden Mast. On the Doc-
tor's arrival in the Royal Charter, a number of gentlemen
connected with scientific, literary, and mercantile `pur-
suit, waited upon him for the purpose of offering him a
cordial welcome to Victoria, and the members of the
Philosophical Institute and others have entertained him
at a public dinner, given at the Criterion.
We have little occasion to vary or modify the remarks
which we made in our last summary. The supply of skilled
labour appears to be fully equivalent to the demand ; but
unskilled labour of all kinds is in. great request, and the
extensive public works already in progress, or about to
be commenced, have absorbed, and are likely to absorb,
a great quantity of the class of labourers known in the
colony as " pick-and-shovel men." Navigators, quarry-
men, and stalwart farm labourers meet with ready employ-
ment and liberal wages; and as the construction of
two or three trunk lines of railway, to bring the
metropolis into dire& and speedy communication with
the chief centres of population in the interior, has
become a matter of paramount necessity, and must be
early proceeded with, there appears no immediate
prospect of any falling off in the demand for men accus-

The re-

IfREADSTUFFS.—There is no improvement in Sour.
Hamill and Gallego, is, by some houses, held firmly at 60s,
at which figure moderate sales are being made, but in the
absence of any desire to speculate, or lay in stooks, on
the part of our millers and others, we do not think over
55s or 56i could be obtained for a cargo. The four late
arrivals from the United States did not bring any, nor i%
there any known to be on the way. Oatmeal is worth
.t'32 per ton. Scotch oats are held by some importers as
high as 6s 6d, but Colonial are so plentiful that prices can
scarcely be expected to, advance. Farmers here are
threshing out their oats, and selling them in large quan-
tities at 5s 6d per bushel. Rice : There are large
arrivals, and prices are declining.
PROVISLONS.—Bacon and hams are advancing. Of the
latter, there is not, a parcel in first hands. Dunlop
cheese : There are sales at Is 2d to is 3d.. Preserved
salmon in one pound tins, realises is 8d to is 91 Sar-
dines half box are worth 133 6d to 14s.
PAINTS, OILS, AND CoLoun.—Sales of white lead are
reported at 40s.

NlEraLs.—Boiler plates are now quoted at £2l; iron
tiles, 24 to 28, £5O; lead pipe, sizes, £2B to £3O. There
are no tin plates in the market.
BUILDING MATERIALS.—There are enquiries for slates.
The improved feeling in the timber market continues.
Red deals 3 by 9 uncut, and spruce deals have advanced.
Doors and sashes are not worth more than invoice.
DRUGS AND CHEMICALS —The season is over for arsenic,
sulphur, and soda. Soda crystals are worth £9 to £9los
Boors AND. SHOES.—Sales to arrive have been made at
fair advances. Stocks of British are small, and unless
we receive some good parcels soon, the market will be
very bear of seasonable goods. The demand never was
greater in the palmiest days of the golden era.
SUNDRlES.—Earthenware suitable for this market
realises 50 per cent advance. Large quantities of
American goods are in the market, and are freely offered
at auction; quotations are by no means firm. Cooking
stoves are worth 50 per cent advance. Ewbank's patent
nails are worth sto 10 per cent on list. The market is full
of small sizes : from 2to 2i inches are saleable. Saws
cross-cut and pit are worth 2s per foot. Stockholm tar
has declined. In other articles no change is reported.
MELBOURNE LABOUR MARKET.—Enquiries for agri-
cultural and for all kinds of unskilled labour, have been
on the increase during the week, and the numbers offering
have not been any thing like equal to the demand.
Quarrymen and men used to railway work are much
wanted. In the present scarcity of such labour, all able-
bodied men, who seek work are finding ready employ-
ment, at full rates.. Of skilled labour there is plenty;
nearly every branch of the building trade is overdone,
notwithstanding, there has been a successful movement
among the masons to shorten the daily hours of labour
to eight. instead:of ten. This movement, we hear, is about
to be taken up by the other trades. Female servants are
very scarce and are much wanted. Seafaring labour is
very plentiful. With rations : Married couples without
families, from £75 to £9O per annum ; do. with families,
£55 to £65 do ; gardeners, £5O to £6O do, grooms, £4O
to £5O do ; storekeepers, £6O to £7O do; shepherds £35
to £4O do ; hutkeepers, £25 to £3O do; general farm
servants, £1 5s per week ; threshing and cleaning is per
bushel ; haycutting, 9s per ton ; bullock drivers on the
roads, 30s per week ; do, on stations, 25s do ; men cooks,
£7O to £9O per annum: female do, £3O to £45; thorouch
femaleservants (in great demand), £3O to £4O do ; house-
maids, .no to £2B do laundresses, £3O to £35 do ;
nursemaids,£ls to £2O do. The following are considered
the standard weekly rations ;-12 lbs beef or mutton,
10 lbs flour, 2 lbs sugar, lb tea. Without rations :
Compositors, Is 4d per thousand, do, by the week, £4
4s ; pressmen, £4 4s to £4 lOs do ; carpenters 12s to 14s
per day; masons, 14s to 16s do; bricklayers, 14s to 16s
do ; blacksmiths, do ; quarrymen, 10s to 12s do ; wood-
splitters and
fencers, 5s to 7s per ton ; fencing by the rod,
material to split only, Qs ; labourers on the roads, 9s to
10s per dav—woad, water, and tents found. Seamen : For
home or the East, £5 per month; in coasters, £5; cooks
and stewards, £5 to £6 ; mates, for coasters, £B.
MELBOURNE WooL 111AIMET.—Our last report was per
Francis Henty, on the 12th inst.., (duplicate of same per
Earl of Sefton,) since which we have had little wool offer-
ing; and the favourable advices per Royal Charter have,
therefore, had little effect here beyond causing the fell,
mongers to seek higher rates for hand-washed wools, but
which we haye heard of being paid as yet in one instance
only. The quantity shipped has been as follows :—From
October 10, 1855, to April 5, 1856, 10.021,815 lbs ; value,
£629,718. From April sto April 19, 1856, 504,296 lbs;
value, £47,251—Total 10,526,111 lbs; da. £676,979 value.
There has been no public sale since our last, and they will
be only occasionally held till next season, the whole clip
having beest already shipped.
TALLOW AND .HIDES.---OUr market for the former
article has been flat since the news per Royal Charter,
and shippers have now ceased to operate, there being no
margin left between this and home market prices. Of
hides, there are few offering since the sailing of the
Thomas Ann Cole, on the 27th inst, which cleared the
market. Prices 13omin41, J. H. CLOUGH & CO.
""' •

nr.,M...,.

THE LATE COLLISION IN THE RIVER.-
ADJOURNED INQUEST-SATURDAY.

The proceedings were resumed at half-past nine o'clock on
Saturday morning, before Mr. Statham, deputy coroner.
William Brewer, the pilot of the Excelsior, was recalled,
and stated that when on board a vessel it was under his sole
command, in accordance with the pilotage act.
Andrew Shaw, engineer of the Excelsior deposed, that on
leafing the dock on the night in question, he was ordered to
go at full speed, which order he obeyed, but the vessel did
not go so fast on first starting as after she had gained some
way. In about ten minutes the order was given to stop, and
he immediately stopped the engines. In about half a minute
he was ordered to go astern, and accordingly reversed the
engines until an order was given to stop. When at full speed
the vessel would go about seven knots. The vessel just
struck as the order to reverse was given. A very few seconds
are sufficient to stop the engines. Has been engineer on
board the Excelsior for about eighteen months.
John Jameson, seaman of the Excelsior, deposed that on
the night in question he was coiling ropes, and assisting to look
out. About ten minutes after leaving the dock saw a vessel
on the starboard bow. He and the mate reported it. Did not
see any other vessel. The mate reported that it was a steam-
boat. Saw the steamboat as soon as the mato reported her.
Saw a light at her masthead. Saw no other light on board her.
The first time he saw the vessel on the starboard bow did not
see any lights on board her at all. The collision immedi-
ately followed. Did not see the red light of the steamer at
all. Considers his sight is good. The morning was a little
hazy. It was not a morning when, one could see a long
distance off.

Joseph Riddell, seaman of the Excelsior, deposed that he
heard the mate sing out that there was a vessel a-head. The
mate asked the pilot on the bridge if he saw a vessel a-head
with a light flying. Saw the hull of the vessel, but no light.
After the collision, saw no light on the masthead or anywhere
else, except a bright light under the hurricand desk.
Samuel Hogg, second mate of the Excelsior, examined :
The order given by the pilot, when we got out of dock, was
" Hard-a-port." I was at the wheel, and I put the helm hard-
a_port. The order " steady" was given in two minutes and a
half or three minutes, and that order was obeyed. About ten
or twelve minutes after I got orders to starboard. I
obeyed that order, and as soon as I got the helm to
starboard, I got orders to " hard-a-port. I
had not time to put the helm hard-a-port before the collision
took place. I had only got about four spokes of the wheel
down. I could see nothing ahead from the wheel, but I felt
the shock of the collision. The Excelsior answered her helm
quickly.

To Mr. Blair : I did not hear the order given to stop. I
perceived that the engines had stopped just as the collision took
place.

To Mr. Aspinall : I beard all the orders given by the
captain aid pilot, and obeyed them, the captain repeated the
pilot's orders, and I answered back.

Thomas Walsh, mate of the brig Maria of Whitehaven,
deposed : That on the morning of the Gth his vessel was
anchored a little south of the New Brighton pier. 'I he tide
was then flowing. Was very near the Cheshire shore. Was
on deck all night. The night had been cloudy, but the sky
was beginning to clear a little to the north west. Saw several
steamers during the night going out and coming in. Saw a
steamer coming round the rock about half•past one a.m.,
about ten minutes before high water. The Maria's head was
then to the northward. Could not tell upon first seeing the
steamer whether she was a paddle or screw. As soon as she
rounded the rock her course was south a little east. She was
a little south of the Ripp-rapp buoy, which was right a-head of
the Maria. As she came up she drew in a little nearer to the
Maria and the Cheshire shore. Went to see if his own lamps
were hanging in the fore ;rigging. Shortly after she passed his
vessel on the starboard side about fifteen fathoms from her.
The Maria then lay a little better than half a mile in a direct
line south of the Rock lighthouse. Saw the steamer's mast-
head light and her green light. The lights were as good
as any ho saw that night. There was a great num-'
ber of small craft lying there, some to the south and some
to the west. The steamer could not have gone nearer than
she did to the Cheshire shore with safety either to the vessels
at anchor or to herself. She kept closer than any other vessel
he saw come in that night. After she bad passed he heard
some one on board of her sing out " steamer ahoy." Heard
also the same voice cry out " port your helm." Heard in the
same steamer " port—hard-a-port—stop her.", When he
heard the cry of " steamer ahoy" he looked to the south-east
and saw a stearnet's masthead light. The latter steamer was
coming down the river. Thinks her head was about north by
west. The masthead light was over the Maii's forecastle,
and therefore he could not see the hull of the steamer coming
down. Heard the sound of a collision between the two
steamers. Did not hear anything caled out after the collision..
Before they struck, beard the Mail hail the other steamer.
Did not hear any anarter from the bttamer coming down.
Cannot say whether her course was altered after she was hailed,
because he could not see her hull. There were two large
ships lying in midstream Saw another in the river to prevent
the Excelsior from going to the east side of the channel.
Saw several other steamers go out that course. At the
time of the collision the Excelsior must have been about
150 fathoms nearer to tho shore than any other steamer he saw
going out that night.
To Mr. Bremner I do not agreo with the captain of the
Mail, or with any person who says that the head of the
Excelsior was coming off the Cheshire shore.
Charles Moah, police-constable, No. 9, examined : Was on
duty on the night of the 6th, at the Clarence Pierhead, near
the Clarence-gate. Saw the Mail coming up near the
magazines, with a white light, a red light and a ryropo 1;,,6r

and when she passed the magazine, she crossed over to Liver-
pool in a south-easterly direction. This was after the collision.
Knew the Mail was expected. When he first saw her lights,
she was close on the Cheshire side. The lights were very
bright. Did not know of the collision having taken place
when he first•saw her lights, nor until she came near to the
wall.

By Mr. Aspinall : Had been expecting her coming, and
that was the reason he was looking out for her. It
was near upon two o'clock. The day was breaking, and
it was very clear at that time on the water. Saw no
other steamer's lights. Was on the pier from twelve
o'clock that night. It might be half an hour from the time
he first saw ihe lights before she came to the pier. During
that half hour, noticed no other steamer's lights about the
same place. When she came alongside, saw a tug on her
starboard side. Saw the Mail's three lights all the way across.
'rook no notice of the tug's lights. She might have had lights.
The Excelsior did not come up with the Mail near the pier:
Did not see her at all. Had she been there he must
have seen her. Afterwards, another tug came up a-head
of the Mail. Did not notice her lights. Was too
much engaged in removing the dying and dead---some
with their heads smashed, and others with their limbs
off, and bruised and broken. Will swear it was not
half-past three when she came alongside the wall. It was a
quarter to three o'clock. Never noticed any rockets, blue
lights, or the lights of fottr reamers together during the night.
By Mr. Blair : When a-stern of a vessel cannot see her
lights. The Excelsior having gone down the river, could not
see her lights. It is part of his duty to observe whether the
lights of steamers are sufficient, and if they are not, to lay
information against them. Has observed the lights of the
Mail many times. Never saw any difference between them
and other steamers' lights. Can swear the lights of the Mail
were clear and bright that night, and that there was nothing to
prevent any one from seeing them. Her lights were burning
brightly when she came alongside.
The inquest was adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday
morning.

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