The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-06-05 00:00:00

DOCK CO3.IIIcLITTBE.

The weekly meeting of this committee was held at one
o'clock yesterday. Mr. Rankin presided, and the other
members present were—Messrs. Brocklebank, Robinson,
Halhead, Chaloner. Rounthwaite, Gladstone, Littledale,
Barber, Mondall, Clint, Hubback, Lockett, Chilton, Smith,
and Holme.
The Sub-Committee of Works produced a plan of an
office for the water-guards of the customs, upon the north
pier of George's-basin, for the accommodation cf the tide-
waiters. _ _ _

Mr. Gladstone thought that, at a time when quay space
along the docks was so much renuired, it seemed extr a-
ordLaary to provide accommodation there for tide-waiters,
a race of beings of whom ha hoped they should, before
very long, got rid foto. It was perfectly monstrous.
Mr. Holme said, there was an application made some
time ago to erect sheds for emigrants, about the same
situation. It any of the committee had been down there
that day, they would have seen the necessity of this, when
the luggage, and especially the beds, of these poor
creatures were drenched by a heavy shower of
rain. He thought, therefore, that in preference to
the building proposed, the committee were, called upon
to do something for the proteciion of emigrants,
Formerly the emigrants used to be shipped out of the
docks, and the luggage was put on board direct there ; but
it would seem that a ime newregulation, passengers had
to bring their luggage down to the pierhead, and a steamer
came up to the parade, which put it on board. It would
be only an act of charity to erect a shed there, tan feet long
by seven feet wide, to protect the luggage of emigrants.
Mr. Brocklebank explained that the Customs had already
an office on ground which was absolutely required by the
surveyor to proceed with the new landing stage. If ano-
the place were not provided equally suitable, they had
the power of keeping the gsound, which th 3 surveyor
wanted, for another year.
Mr. Lockett believed the new landing stage would pro-
bably afford acconamodati)n for emigrants
Mr. Holme expressed tame doubt whether emigrants
would not still have to leave from the George's Pier, and
uggested, that the building inten led for the accommoda-
tion of eide-waiters might be used in the lower part as a
shelter for emigrants.
The Chairman said, if the Council could find accommo-
dation for emigrante, and also for water-guards, upon the
new landing stage, it would be a great favour to the com-
mittee, and bath parties would probably prefer having the
accommodation they wanted on the landing stage.
The tender of ar. William Morris was accepted to ex-
ecut the work required in the enlargement, alteration, and
repairing of the dwelling-house for the master and mate of
the Point of A r lifeboat.
The Harbourmaster's Sub-Committee produced plans
for lengthening the shed on the south side c f the Clarence
half-tide dock, which was approved of.
A letter was read from Messrs. Suter, M‘Nillage, atd
Co., claiming to have delivered up to them five bales of
cotton, which were in excess of the cargo of the ship York,
from Mobile, and which were unloaded in the Albert Dock.
The bales in question were not named is any of the bills
of lading, and the aritere offered to guarantee the Dock
Committee in the event of a claimant appearing and estab-
lishing ownership.
Mr. Robinson sated that the practice of the Warehouse
Committee, where there was an excess of cargo, was to
retain it in their own possession until a claimant appeared
and established his, ownership. _ _

A lengthened discussion arose on this question ; Mr.
Clint, Mr. Barber, and the Chairman being of opinion that
the practice pursued by the committee was objectionable ;
and Mr. Brocklebank, Mr. Mondeil, and other gentlemen sup-
porting the views of Mr Robinson. The opinion of counsel
obtained by the committee some time since was read, which
advised the committee to continue the practice, stating
that the committee might deliver. up excess of cargo, upon
an indcmniy being given to them against any subsequent
claim, to the c nsigne,..ss or the master of the ship, but
adding, that the present practice appeared more consistent
with the acts of public trustees. Counst.l farther recom-
mended, that in any future Dock Act a clause should be
inserted sanctioning the practice pursued.
In consequence of the absence of the solicitor in Lon-
don, the coEsideration of the subject was deferral until
his return.

A letter from Messrs. Miller, Houghton and Co., claim-
ing to have one bale of cotton in excess of the cargo of
the Jesse Miller, delivered up to them under similar cir-
cumstances was read, and tue consideration of it post-
poned f)r the same purpose.
A. letter was read from Mr. T. M. Mackay, asking the
committee to lower the outer silt of the Coburg Dock one
foot, as the want of sufficient water often obliged large
ships to ba loaded in the river great expense and incon-
venience. Mr. Mackay also suggested the necessity of
having a shed erected to shelter emigrants at the Old
Seacombe slip.
The letter was referred to the Work's Committee, the
Chairman remarking, that he believed the sill between
ths Cobua6 and ewe ea'o Das. -.re ...la 1, • aa er
afford the requisite access. The second suggestion con-
tained in the letter was atready made by Mr. Holme and
referred for consideration.

ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION WITH HOLYHEAD,

Mr. Mondell then proceeded to move the resolution of
which he had given notice, to refer to the Marine Sub.
Committee, with the addition of Mr. Gladstone and Mr.
Hubback, to take steps for the establishment of a line of
communication by electric telegraph along the coast with
Holyhead. He alluded to the committee which had had
the subject previously under consideration, and had
declined to recommend that the proposal be adopted until
further information had been obtained. He pointed to the
information which had been obtained since, as showing
the necessity for the adoption of his proposal. Out of
twelve months there were ninety days during which there
was no communication at all. There were 238 days of
partial and interrupted communication. If a ship,
telegraphed off Holyhead, at nine o'clock in the morning,
the news reached Point Lynas immediately, but was there
stopped by the Menai Straits, and to transmit it
across there an hour or two might be lost ; and with
an occasional Blimp e of clear weather perhaps it would
arrive in Liverpool about four. If a ship telegraphed off
Ormeshead, the communication was stopped by the River
Dee, and it might not get across for two or three hours
after. Only for twelve days during the last twelve months
was there uninterrupted communication along the whole
line, and with the sea, at the same time. He thought
these facts sufficiently condemnatory of the present sys-
tem of semaphore communication. It was quite common
to have no communication daring the greater part of a day
owing to fog. They had a notable instance on the 8 of
July last. On the night of the 7th and the morning of the
Bth, a gale of wind blew, and there were eight vessels
ashore during the ear y hours of the morning, and half-
past nine o'clock, all that we.; known in Liverpool, was, that
there were vessels ashore. The advantages of the electric
telegraph he could only predict, but he ventured to
predict, that, if it were established, there would
not be a single day on which they would not have some
communication along the line of coast. He contended
that it would have very great effect in the preservation of
life and property. Last year the S. M. Parkes and the
Silas Wright were lost upon the same day. These vessels
could be seen to westward when there was no knowledge
of the wrecks in Liverpool. They could be seen from
Bidston Hill, from Hoylake, and from the point of Ayr.
If the wind was blowing very heavily from the north, it
would be impossible for the lifeboat of Hoylake to go out
to vessels in that position. Whereas, if it were known in
Liverpool, they could, in an hour or an hour and-a-half,
have a steamboat out, with the lifeboat in tow, for the
rescue of the crews. To show the necessity of such com-
munication in other cases, Mr. Mondell mentioned instances
in which vessels, having met with accidents, had actually
returned and got into the river before the semaphore
communication, announcing that they had put back, ar-
rived in Liverpool. He also pointed to the saving of time
and money which would be effected, where it was necessary
to order vessels arriving here to some other port. As
regarded the question of expense, he contended that the
electric telegraph would really cost less than the
present system. He believed the present sema-
phore cost from 11,600 to £1,700 a year, real outlay,
not including the interest upo n the cost of buildings, (see.
Several of the present stations being merely repeating
stations, could be given up when the electric telegraph was
established. He mentioned that on one occasion 52 signals
were received from Ormeshead, which could not 'be
transmitted until the following day, in consequence of fog ;
and added that the keeper of one station told him a great
many signals were sometimes received which he could
make nothing of. The Elec.ric Telegraph Company had
offered to construct the line to Holyhead for £6,400, the
interest of which, a•-. 5 per cent, would be .£320 a-year.
Mr. Smith asked if that ineuded the land.
Mr. Mondell said it did not include the land. All
parties had agreed alit it would be better to lay a wire
cable along the coast, and to touch the land very little.
The same company undertook to maintain against all acci-
dents and make good all necessary renewals of land, wire,
and submarime cable f, r £5OO a year. This would amount to
£B2O a year. If, then, they suppressed four stations, which
were merely for repeating and not for collecting intelli-
gence, that would reduce the present cost by £428. The
maintaining of the other seven stations at the came cost,
would be £1,141 13s 6d. Therefore, the cost of maintain
ing the present seven stations, with the elecric-telegraph
communication, would be £1,961 13s 6d. According to
the offer of she, Magnetic Telegraph Company, which was
somewhat less, the expense could be still further reduced,
Both companies undertook to lay down a wire across the
Mersey to connect the communication with the other side
and one company even offered to do this part of the work

at their own expense. Since these offers a tender had been
made lower than either, rent in by Mr. Gisborne, offering
to construct the line within three months of the completion
of the contract for £.5,900. He did not know what argu-
ments could be adduced for the maintenance of the present
inefficient system one day longer. He urged upon the
committee the responsibility which rested upon them in
the number of lives which might be perilled by inefficient
communication. The semaphore was abolished all over
the country, abolished all over the world, except
between Liverpool and Holyhead. He thought it a reflec-
tion upon the character of the port to have it existing still
there, when, instead of being behind the rest of the world,
Liverpool ought rather to be the leader in every improve-
Havin, adduced several other arguments, and
enforced his object with a variety of illustrations, Mr.
Mendell concluded a lengthened address by proposing his
motion.

Mr. Uubback seconded the motion, but, at the same
time, hoped the general board would not be committed to
do more than entertain the report of the sub-committee,
and carry is out if it ware found desirable. The commit ee
and the public must fell very much indebted to Mr
Mondell for bringing the subject so ably before them. It
could not be questioned that it would be very desirable to
have a rapid and certain communication from vessels in
distress, not only for the saving of property but of life.
It was a mere matter of cost, and from what Mr. Mondell
had stated, he could not conceive that the extra cost would
be vary great
Mr. Brocklebank, while favourable to the project
generally, objected to the resolution on the ground that if
it were adopted the General Committee would be pledged
to carry out a particular system, which he could hardly
ask them to do without further inquiry. He reminded the
meeting that the sub-committee, which formerly enter-
tained the question, and heard evidence, had very great
difficulty in coming to a conclusion, and in fact stated that
as regarded communication direct with Holyhead, it would
be of very doubtful advantage to adopt the proposal. He
therefore proposed an amendment to the effect, that the
existing mode of communication was unsatisfactory, and
that it be referred to the Marine Committee, with the
addition of Mr. Gladstone and Mr. linbbaek, to consider
by what means it could be improved, or a different and
more perfect system established, and to report thereon.
In addition, he contended that no cable could possibly be
maintained across the Mersey where there were so many
ships, and pointed to the fact that between Dover and
Calais, and even between Dublin and Holyhead, the cable
had been lifted by the anchors of vessels.
Mr. Lockett seconded the amendment.

Mr. Barber thought the motion irregular, inasmuch as it
pledged the General Committee to whatever the sub-
committee might think fit to carry out.
Mr. Clint objected to the amendment as not going quite
far enough,
;;Mr. Gladstone thought the quesion was just in the
position of the old stage-each and railway question. It
appeared that ships had sometimes got into the river, and
into dock, before the semaphore message announcing their
approach had arrived.
After some further conversation the committee divided
upon the amendment, when there appeared—
For :—Messrs. Littledale, Robinson, Chilton, Barber,
Rounthwaite, Smith, Brocklebank, Chaloner, and
Locqcett-9.

Against : --Messrs. Clint, }Mime, Gladstone, Halhead,
Hubback, Mondell, and Rankin-7.
The amendment was therefore carried.
This cl,,sed the general business.

At LEWIS & COMPANY'S, Ranelagh street,
BOYS are CLOTHED from the it,,es of 6 to 20 Years.

ADMISSION OF JEWS INTO PARLIAMFNT. --The Oaths
Bill is fixed to be read a second time on Monday, the Bth
June.

EXTRAORDINARY CeAIIGE OF DEFRAUDING A LOAN
S;CIETY.—On Wednesday, Mr. John Edward Collett, of
Featherstone-buildings, was summoned before Aldermaa
Hide, at Guildhall police-court, to answer the charge of
unlawfully obtaining, by false pretences, £3O, with intent
to cheat and defraud Maria Foster. Mr. Sleigh appeared
for the defendant. Mr. Nash, on the part of the prosecu-
tion, stated that in March. 185 G, the defendant obtained
a loan of Maria Foster, of the " Tradesman's and Me-
chanic's Loan-office," in Fetter-lane, for Mrs. Bass, who
gave a bill ot sale, by way of security, upon her furniture,
and at the same time made a statutaiy statement that she
was a widow. That loan was ail paid with the exception
cf £l2, when the defendant applied for another loan of
S'.3o, in September last, and it was arranged that a
warrant of attorney, jointly signed by Mrs. Bass and
the defendant, should be given as security, and that
Mrs. Bass should make the same declaration that she
Was Stli a widow. The defendant said it was
unnecessary to make a fresh declaration, and after some
discussion the mosey was advanced; but silica then they
had discovered that Mrs. Bass was the wife of a respectable
saßeitnr. whq is at BresAnt thA town-pierk of
further statea that Mrs. Bass had been living for the last
six years with the defendant, and that numerous trader-
men had sued her, and she had always pleaded her coverture.
Edward Lewis, sworn, said :—I am the secretary of the
" Tradesman's and Manchanic's Loan Office," at 16, Fetter-
lane. In September, 1856, the defendant called at their
office, and said Mrs. B has was desirous of obtaining another
loan upon the same security ; but as a former loan had not
been all repaid, it was objected to. It was then proposed
that a warrant of attorney should be given, and that Mrs.
Bass should repeat her declaration that she was a widow.
The defendant said it was perfectly unnecessary, as he
could solemnly declare she was still a widow, and the sum
of £3O, upon the execution of the warrant of attorney, was
accordingly advanced. Alderman Hale asked if this lam
society consisted of only one person or many ? Witness
said: Only one person, Maria Foster, who was his sister,
and he acted as secretary and manager. but he was not a
partner. Mr. Malaita (the chief clerk) inquired the actual
amount of money advanced to the defendant ? Witness
said the amount of the loan was £3O, aad the amount ad-
vaaced, after deducting interest, and £2 which Mrs.
Bass owed, was £22 10s., to be repaid at £4 per
month. Only £lB of the last loan had been repaid. Ha
did not know Mrs. Bass was not a widow until
letety, when she made an affidavit in March last, as a
married woman, to release the defendant, who had been
arrested upon this matter. He did not sue the de-
fendant, but entered up judgment upon the warrant
of attorney, for the whole ot the loan, although only
£l2 was due. The defendant was taken before a judge at
chambers, and discharged, and he aftewards brought an
action against Maria Foster, and obtained a verdict for
£5O damages and costs ; but there was a rale nisi before
the court, to argue several points which had been reserved.
He (witness) had charged Mrs. Bass, at Bow-street, Police-
office, with perjury, upon the declaration now put in,
about a fortnight ago, and she was discharged. He
remembered Mrs. Bass calling at the loan-office with Mr.
King, het solicitor, and Mr. Gaden, in the summer of
1856, but no conversation ensued relative to Mrs. Bass
being a married woman, and her husband still alive, and
was a solicitor and town clerk of Dover. Nothing was
said about his position enabling him to make her a better
allowance. He pledged his oath that n such con-
versation took place, at that, or any other time or
place. Mrs. Bass had bad about five or six previous
loans, all of which had been repaid; but if he
had known she had been a married woman, he would not
have lent the money. He would not have advanced the
money at all if the warrant of attorney had not been
executed. His sister had kept the loin office about six
years. Mrs. Bass, a very dashing-looking woman, ap-
parently not more than thirty-six years of age, was then
called, and said she live.] at 13, Hanover-cottages,
Regent's-park. She was a married woman, and her
husband was still alive, for anything she knew to the
contrary. She had not seen him for many years. He was
with her when the warrant of attorney was drawn up. She
signed the declaration in which she was described as a
widow, but the only part that her attention was drawn
to was that referring to the furniture being her own. It
was in August last that she went with Mr. Gaden to the
loan-office, and saw Mr. Lewis, and told him she was a
married woman, and that her husband was a solicitor,
and held the office of town-clerk of Dover. She also
remarked to Mr. Lewis that it was a hard case that her
husband, who was so exceedingly wealthy, should not
make her a better allowance. She had known Maria
Foster a great many years, and thought every one who
knew her knew she was a married woman. Mr. Sleigh
denounced these proceedings as a monstrous attempt at
persecution, for the purpose of inducing the defendant, if
held to bail upon this charge, to abandon his verdict for
£5O damages and costs. Alderman Hale said he had
heard the case, and was satisfied, from the evidence,
although Mrs. Bass had sworn she was a widow, that the
complainant knew perfectly well she was a married woman
at the time the money was advanced, and the case was
therefore dismissed. Mr. Sleigh then applied to the
Alderman to commit the man Lewis for perjury ; but
that being a very unusual course in such charges, he
then applied for a summons against Lewis to answer a
charge of perjury, which was granted, but not yet issued.
AFFAIR OF HONOUR AT MOBILE, ALA.--A duel occurred
on the 7th ult., at Mobile, between James 0. Nixon, Esq.,
of the New Orleans Crescent, and Mr. Breckenridge, of
the Courier. At the second fire Mr. Breckenridge was
shot through both thighs, and the left one broken. Mr.
Nixon was unhurt. Mr. Breckenric4e fought a duel with
Mr. Levenworth, of New York, in 1855, at Niagara Falls,
where Mr. Breckenridge was shot through the calf of the
leg, and Mr. Levenworth was shot through both thighs,
breaking the left one. Mr. Breckenridge, it will be seen,
received a wound similar to the one be indicted upon his
former antagonist.