The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-12-27 00:00:00

ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.

" WONDERFUL ATTRACTION !
Tale EvEritztu (Tuesday), 27th Instant axd following Evenings,
the Entertainments will commence with, for the Second Time in
England, ROB ROY I produced by Mr. Pablo Fanque as an
QUESTRIAN SPECTACLE! with new Scenes and Incidents
Introduced from the Novel. In order to proauce the Celebrated
Drama in its new form in the most creditable manner possible, Mr.
Pablo Fanque has engaged, at a considerable expense, the valuable
services of MR. ' OURLAY, the Acknowledged Successor of
MR. MACKAY, for the representation of Scotch Character, and wno
will make his second appearance in Liverpool This Evening, in
the arduous character of BAILIE NICOL JARVlE.—Several of the
most popular members of the Metropolitan Theatres are engaged,
among whom will be found Mr. Rayner. Mr. T. Kirk, Mr. Birken-
holt; Mr. Cooper, Mrs. Raymond, Miss Hodson, the popular vocalic',
and various others. Rob Roy has been pronounced by the Press of
Edinburgh and Glasgow never to have been correctly produced
until brought forth by Mr. Pablo Fatigue with horses. There will
be TWO GRAND. DAY PERFORMANCES, viz., To-morrow„
2Sth Instant, and Friday, the 30th instant. Doers open at One, to
commence at Two. In consequence of the extreme length of the
Evening Performances the Doors will Open at a quarter past Six,
and commence at Seven o'clock. Admission: Dress Circle, 35.;
Side Boxes, 2s, 63 ; Pit, Is. 6d. ; Gallery, 6d. Second Price—
Dress Circle, is.'; Side Boxes, Is.; Pit, Is. ; no second price to
Gallery. Second Price to Boxes and Pit at nine o'clock.

ROYAL ADELPHI THEATRE,
Christian Street, Islington.

THIS EVENING (Tuesday), the 27th instant, A VARIETY OF
FAVOURITE ENTERTAINMENTS. To conclude with the
gorgeous new Comic Pantoni'me of THE VALE OF GEMS; or,
HARLEQUIN AND SINBAD THE SAILOR, AND Tfl FAIRY
oe CORAL GROT (written expressly for this Establishment, by Mr.
John Courtney, author of "Time Tries All," " Tricks and Trials,"
&c., &c.,) which has bean in prepatation for the last three months,
with new and magnificent scenery, costumes, and appointments.
Stinbad the Sailor, Miss Carri, from the Theatre Royal. Haymarket.
Nautila, Miss M. A. Jgan. rtartequi.., arm. o.
Jackson. Columbine, Miss E. Gibbs. Clown, Herr Teesale. Sprite,
Signor Sylvani.—Dress Boxes, 25.; Side Boxes, Is. 6d.; Stalls, Is.;
Pit 6d.; Gallery, 3d.

ROYAL PARK THEATRE.
Parliament-Street, near St. James's Market.
*** EXTRAORDINARY CHRISTMAS ATTRACTION.

Tuts EVENING (Tuesday), the 27th instant, the Performances will
commence with A POPULAR DRAMA, in which Mr. Melbourne,
Miss Marriott, and the whole strength of the company will appear.
To conclude with (third time) the New Magniloquently Grand,
Comical, Local, Operatical, Cabalistical, and Anachronismatical
CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME, entitled, ORMSHEADTHE
GREAT; or, HARLEQUIN & JENNY JONES, AND THE
FLOWER OF SNOWDON. Written expressly for this theatre
by the author of "Ye Siege of Leverpole," &c., with :iew and beauti-
ful scenery, by Mr. John Wright, from her Majesty's Theatre, Mr.
Liver, and assistants; properties by Mr. Hames ; Music, composed
by Mr. Hope ; Machinery, by Mr. Jackson ; dresses by Mr
West and assistants ; and the whole produced under the immediate
superintendence of the Lessee, Mr. R. Edgar. Snowdrop, the Fair
Flower of Snowdon, with a few "airs " which the author has thrust
upon her, Miss Marriott; Lushlane, a doubtful specimen of a Fairy,
afterwards Clown, Mr. J. Appleby ; Davydd Jones, an ancient Briton,
Mr. Wilmore, afterwards Pantaloon, Mr. P. Anderson, from the
Theatre Royal, Drury-lane; Edward Morgan, with a" terrific com-
bat," Mr. 3. Lennox, afterwards Harlequin, Signor Guarrino, from
her Majesty's Theatre; Jenny Jones, the Flower of North Wales,
Mrs. J. Appleby, afterwards Columbine, Mad'lle Rose, from the
Theatre Royal, Edinburgh; Sprite, Signor Vilderini, the wonderful
contortionist from the Theatre Royal, Drury-lane. The remainder
of the characters by the entire Dramatic and Pantomimic artistes
attached to the establishment, forming the most complete and
powerful cast ever submitted to a Liverpool public. The
Pantomime will be preceded by a grave Episode, in which the
shades of Joe Miller and the Author will have very lively representa-
tives. Doors open at half past six, to commence at seven o'clock pre-
cisely. Prices of admission.—Dress Boxes, 35.; Front Boxes. 2s.
Pit, Is.; Gallery, Gd. Half-price to the Boxes at Nine o'clock.
Books of the Pantomime may be obtained at the Theatre.

GAME PIES! GAME PIES !—The Celebrated
Yorkshire Game Pies ?—The greatest Treat of the
season for Christmas Parties. Suitable for Ladies, as well as
_Epicures, and everybody else. Made only by W. LAWTON,
BEE HOTEL, Queen-square—who contracts for Public Balls,
Suppers, and other large Entertainments—where will be
found Good Beds, Good Viands, Good Wines, &c .

THE NEW YEAR!
A BARON OF BEEF WILL BE ROASTED
AT THE MANSION-HOUSE HOTEL,
11 , DRURY-LANE,
ON THE 2ND OF JANUARY.

HIGH -WATER IN THE MERSEY.
This DAY—Morning, Bh. 16m.... Afternoon, Bh. 43m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1853

THE position of the Ministry, probably, is as
strong at this moment as at any time since

its accession to power. Whatever contradictory

statements may appear in our metropolitan con

temporaries, our readers may rely upon the
announcement that Lord PALMERSTON has re-
joined the Cabinet.
Whatever the difficulties may have been that
caused his Lordship's retirement, and they will
no doubt be fully explained when Parliament assem-
bles, we have the highest authority for stating
that they have been completely and entirely
removed, and that now the utmost unanimity
prevails, not:only upon the Foreign policy of the
Government, but upon the measure of Parlia-
mentary Reform which is already prepared, and
which will be submitted to Parliament at a very
early period of the session.

Upon the Foreign policy of the Cabinet, we
have not hesitated to express a strong opinion,
and that by no means a favourable one.; nor are
we, in the absence of an official statement,
publicly made, much inclined to alter or modify
our views. Nevertheless, we are bound to state,
and-lkave some reason to believe, that when the facts
aremo,N
-n:1:1W known, the tone of public opinion
will and r, a material modification, and we
should noC: be much surprised if, instead of
censure, .11i policy of the Government should
command, most universal approbation.
matists are ln good spirits, and Lord CLARENDON'S
despatch, upon Lwhichl theliTreaty of Alliance,

signed on the 3rd instant, was based, is repre-
sented to us as a most able document, and one
likely to produce a great impression upon the
public mind. We have reason to know also, that
the great difficulty in-the Cabinet on the Eastern

question, at an earlier period, was a want of
confidence in the sincerity of the EMPEROR OF
FRANCE ; that had he evinced the same senti-
ments some months since, as now, the Russians
would never have been allowed to cross the
Pruth.

WE are rejoiced to find that the public mind of
England is beginning to awake from the fatal
apathy in which it has so long slumbered. Whilst
it slept the enemy sowed tares. Moral and social
evils accumulated until they threatened to desolate
the land. Chartism and Charlatanism of every

sort became rampant—a necessary consequence of
the existing state of things—and repeatedly the
arm of civil power had to interfere to exterminate
riot and preserve social order and the public peace.
A. better state of things now exists. Adverse
classes are drawing nearer and more near. Men in
power and authority who had never before been
aware of their duty to their fellows, now lament
and confess their former ignorance, and are labour-

ing might and main to make amends for their past
neglect. Society itself has suffered fearful evils to
grow up unchecked in its midst—never perceiving
the danger which threatened it therefrom, until
they became almost too formidable to suppress.
However, courage to grapple with difficulties, com-
bined with united, harmonious, and persevering
action, are in themselves sufficient to remedy the
worst social abuses and to effect the most bene-
ficial social measures. Already we see evidences
of both one and the other; and we have no douLt
whatever of the final issue. _
In our impression of Saturday we alluded to a
Conference held at Birmingham a few days before,
to consider the subject of Juvenile Delinquency.
After. the Conference had separated a large and
influential Meeting was held in the Town Hall, to
take into consideration the objects discussed by
that body. Lord -SHAFTSBURY occupied the chair;
and Sir John TAKINGTON, Mr. ADDERLEY, the Earl
of HARROWBY, and other distinguished personages
addressed the assembly. The noble Chairman
opened the proceedings by stating a truism, viz :
" That our national honour, our social peace, and
" our private welfare, were all deeply concerned in the
" solution of the difficult problem of the reformatory
"treatment of our juvenile criminal population."
And who can dispute it ? Let every Englishman
consider and become convinced that such is the
case. We have no great faith in any reform, if its
accomplishment depends upon the exercise of the
benevolent principle alone. Men are not generally
stimulated to any extraordinary efforts by this ac-
tuating influence. But let them but once feel that
their country's honour—the public peace—and
their private welfare are at stake, and there is hope
that they will betake themselves vigorously to
work to remedy any or every evil, no matter how
deep-rooted or gigantic.

In advocating the establishment of Reforma-
tories for criminal children, we go upon the broad
principles of justice and expediency. Our entire
treatment of those miserable little delinquents has
been unjust—impolitic-----injurious. It has been
authoritatively pronounced such—and still we con-
tinue it. As .far back as 18:37, a Commission for the
revision of the criminal law was appointed ; and
the Report of that
.Commission stated, that it was
their belief that a more perfect system of treat-
ment for this class of offenders was imperatively
ncocaeary for the safety of the country, and that,
moreover, the committal of children to gaols was
most prejudicial, and tended to make them be-
come more hardened in crime. The ensuing year,
Parliamemt expressed almost the same opinion ;
and the result was that an especial act was passed
providing a separate prison for juvenile delin-
quents. Two years later, (in 1850), a Select Com-

mittee of the House of Commons gave it as their

deliberate verdict that a further change was neces
sary, and that a much greater share of industrial
training was needed for this class. And after all,
so little has been done ! The truth is that Parlia-
ment has been very remiss in this matter; and
until the public agitate and continue to express
themselves boldly on the subject, we have little to

hope from the Government, and must entirely de-
pend upon voluntary efforts. " It is most humiliat-
ing," said Mr. ADDERLEY, " that almost all laws re-
" ceived a greater amount of attention from
" Parliament than those which affected the
" criminal law of the country, because

" our legislators did not feel themselves per
" sonally so much interested in that as in other
"subjects. It was to be hoped that this selfish
" and disgraceful state of things would not be al-
"lowed much longer to continue." We earnestly
hope not; and we trust that Mr: ADDERLEY will

bring the subject before the House during the

forthcoming Session. We promise him our hearty
co-operation; and we are satisfied that both within
and without the Senate, he will meet with such an
unexampled degree of support as has seldom at-
tended any social reform.

The position of our derelict juveniles loudly calls
for commisseration and active help. By the ope_

ration of very simple causes they have been led
into the paths of crime; and how are they to be
reclaimed if we give them not a helping hand ?
Lord SHIFTESBURY stated that he had conversed
with over a hundred young thieves, committed for
various offences, who told him that they were first
led to the commission of theft by the penny thea
tres—having stolen the pence necessary to procure
admission to such horrible places. But there are
other causes less plausible and apparent, but still

more inducive to crime and seductive from morn

rectitude than the temptations of a "penny thea-
tre." When the fatal epidemic slays its thousands,
we see the appaling consequences, but the potent
agency at work is too subtile for our senses to dis-
cover. So the causes which predispose to crime
are often as insidious and indiscernible. Home
associations—confined and ill-ventilated dwellings
—bad drainage—want of decency and cleanliness

--corrupt example—all go towards forming the
character, and debasing the moral and physical
organization of the child. The best faculties in
the world would become deteriorated under such
influences. 'Tis not in human nature to resist
them. Hence Reformatories are essentially requi-

site, where all such containinatory agencies will be

avoided.

That the majority of young criminals do not
follow their unlawful calling from choice, is plain

In fact, they have oftentimes no other altermttive;

and in self-protection they are compelled to break
the law of the land. They not unfrequently come

out of prison without a half penny in their pockets

—without a home—a friend—or a character, as a
matter of course. What, then, are they to

do in order to procure subsistence? Let
but the reader• fancy himself in a similar
position! GOD help thee! poor miscreant! After

all thou art more sinned against than sinning!
But one proof that those unfortunates would
prefer an honest calling to a dishonest one arises
from the fact, that within the last year 3,000 appli-

_ - -
cations have been made to one Reformatory alone

by our criminal children—each of whom, on the
testimony of LORD SHAFTESBURY, would be required
to undergo for fourteen , days a course of strict
seclusion and get no other food than bread and
water. A severe test enough—perhaps too severe
for persons of such-tender age.
Now that transportation is abolished—a system
long fraught with manifest injustice to our
colonists—and as our criminal classes will be
confined to their own country, it behoves us to
adopt remedial and preventive measures, which
will prove far more effectual, inexpensive, and
honorable to ourselves, than the old and imperfect
policy we have hitherto adopted. The gaol never
reclaimed a criminal. Punishment has had no
better effect. So it is full time that we change
our regime and try measures better adapted to
effect such paramount objects as the suppression
of crime, and the reclamation of criminals.

"Neither vice nor guilt,
Debasement undergone by body or mind,
Nor all the misery forced upon my sight,
Misery not lightly passed, but sometimes scanned
Most feelingly, could overthrow my trust
In what we may become."

This language WORDSWORTH employs in The Pi•elude
and we commend it as a suitable motto for all
interested in the reclamation of juvenile criminals
and others who have entered upon a course of vice.

WHILE England is actively engaged in propping
up statu quos, family compacts, and coalition weak-
ness, AmeriCa is pushing forward trade, and laying
down endless fields for the operation of com-
merce. Yesterday we traced her strides over the
continent of South America. To day it is our duty
.and our interest to point to her progress among
the islands and along the shores of Eastern Asia.
From the mouth of the Amazon, with its 6,000
miles of ship navigation, she bounds to the al-
most unknown waters of Jeddo, one of the most
famous cities of Japan. Here the approach of the
American fleet was viewed with the utmost conster-
nation, and 'presently they received the most for-
mal notice from the Japanese authorities to depart
forthwith. Our kinsmen are not the most docile
and obedient animals, when spoken to by the
dingy representatives of royalty of so questionable
a character as that of the imperial ruler of the
Japanese.

The message from the shore was that the gover-
nor of Jeddo was bound to inform all strangers
that the Emperor of Japan would allow no ships
to touch on his territory, and that the people of
the city of Jeddo would hold no communication
whether
.voluntarily or involuntarily, with any
visitors. In answer to this very discouraging
announcement, the American commander in.
formed its bearers that they had come
simply to trade, that the people of Japan
should trade with them, and that they should
receive payment for the commodities his ships
might require. Having dispatched this answer to
the good people ofJeddo, the Americans entered the
Bay of that name, where they remained for several
days, during which time the Americans went
ashore,
.and received all they wanted from the
natives, who left them their goods, fdr which a fair
price was paid, and. their vendors were not only
'satisfied, but most thankful to the strangers for the
sense of justice with which they were treated, and
the liberality that had been bestowed upon them.
Here, then, we find an intercourse established be-
tween the Americans and the Japanese, by these
simple means, which the States of Europe have
not been able to accomplish in a period of upwards
of two centuries.

From Jeddo the expedition sailed for Japan, for
the purpose of giving the American Commodore
an opportunity of laying before the EMPEROR the
proposals of the States Government. When the
fleet had reached a small city about twenty miles
above Jeddo, the flag-ship was boarded by the
Governor of the citadel. This functionary be;ng
beneath the Commodore in rank, he was received
by the Captain, who informed him that his com-
mander had business with the EMPEROR, and that
unless his MAJESTY would grant him an interview
he should be compelled to approach nearer to the
capital with his squadron.

In three or four days after this event took place,
an answer was sent by the EMPEROR to the effect,
that if the fleet'remained where it was he would
consent to the American Commodore's landing, and
that his highest officer would be sent to where the
fleet then lay to receive him, and any letters he
might have to present. These terms were accepted
by the American Commodore, and on the morning
of the 14th July, fifteen boats, well appointed, put
off for the shore, led by two large Japanese boats,
filled with the EMPEROR'S officers. On landing, a
procession, consisting of 2,50 American sailors and
marines was formed, and marched forward, and the
Commodore, preceded by two bands playing "Hail
Colombia," and followed by two sailor-boys bearing
two boxes—one of gold, on which the arms of the
States were engraved, and the other made of sandal
wood, with massive gold lock, key, and hinges.
The latter contained the letters of the American
Government to the EMPEROR. These letters were
formally presented to the Prince sent to receive
them, and after they had been read the Prince
replied that " they contained many matters which
required much deliberation, and that if the fleet
would leave Japan and return in the month of

May, an answer would be given." To this the
American Commodore consented, and withdrew—
the procession retracing its steps to the air of
" The Star Spangled Banner," and when they em-
barked in their boats, they took leave of the
astounded Japanese to the tune of " Yankee
Doodle."

Our object in going thus minutely ,into the de-
tails of this memorable expedition, is to shew how
easy it is to accomplish the. greatest ends, by the
simplest means. The Japanese have been always
held up to the people of Earope as per-

fectly inaccessible. And a sort of fabulous idea
has grown up.even with the present generation, as
to the savageness and power of the population in-
habiting this most fertile and valuable island. But
what do we find now? That the Japanese, whose num-
bers have been variously estimated at 1..r0m 7,000,000
to 25,000,000 of souls are not only accessible, but
that they received the visits of these strangers witb
great thankfulness. That the Empevor of Japan may
indulge inhis feelings of Asiatic treachery, and make
arrangements to give the Americans a warm recep•
tion when they visit the Bay of Aeddo. again in
May next, is perhaps more than likely. And cir-
cumstances may arise which will lead to the loss of
life on both sides, but sill, the fact of the people of
Japan being friendly towards strangers, is a suffi-
cient justification for the American, or any other
people to demand, and if necessary to enforce their
right of trading with them.
Civilised nations have paid. by fa,.• too much de-
ference to the mandates of the savage rulers of the
Islands in the Asiatic seas. The loss of trade with
millions of people who inhabit the Islands of Java,
Japan, and several others, is the cause of many of.

the commercial disasters and reverses we wltness
in this and the other trading countries of Europe,
and if we admit this fact, we must deny the right of
these benighted rulers, to shut us out from nations
who need our aid in all peaceful purSuits, more than
we require theirs. Impressed as every man of or-
dinary understanding must
,he, with the truth of