The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-02-28 00:00:00

wool, 35,249 f.; coal, 67,110 f. ; olive oil, 46,619?. ; indigo,
16,848 f. ; corn, 15,604 f.; and cochineal, 9,102 f."

caused a memorandum to be addressed to the
great Powers on the state of the country, and
more especially on the financial affairs of Greece
In this document, it was shown by fictitious
figures, that the material prosperity of Greece
augmented daily under the present wise Admi-
nistration ! The Senate determined to bring the
question forward, although the government used
every effort to produce delay. Finally, on the 12th,
the debate took place. M. Rigas Palamides was
the first speaker. He referred to the glorious
period of Greek emancipation, and exposed the
false statements of the memorandum, which he
declared to be composed only to deceive public
opinion in Europe, and particularly the three
protecting Powers. He declared the memo-
randum also insulted the Greek nation at
the expense of Bavarian satraps, whose
only aim was to profit by Greece personally,
and not to promote the public interests. Hera
the accused Minister of Finance, pale and trembling,
endeavoured to utter a few words, but was unable
to address the house intelligibly. The senator,
M. Christides, followed, and in a most eloquent
and patriotic speech, equally denounced a system
of government which was permanent and pro-
tracted treason to the constitution. He bitterly
reproached the accused Minister for becoming
an accomplice of the Bavarian clique. " With
them," he exclaimed, " you have shown yourself
ungrateful to our heroes—our great citizens—
to our illustrious forefathers—ungrateful to our pro-
tectors—and abOve all, insulting to magnanimous
and liberal England." The speaker closed his
eloquent address by saying—" You have committed
great sin ; you calumniated the nation towards
the three great Powers to whom you owe your
existence ; you have forgotten that there is a
God of vengeance, and yet you appear to feel
His presence now. YOu are pale ; you have no
word ! . . We pity you ; we pardon your per-
sonal cowardice ; we only ask you, in the name of
the nation, to address to the great Powers another
circular despatch, wherein you shall retract the
falsehoods you signed. This despatch must
also be communicated to the Senate." The
accused Rangabe was about to speak, when
he was told by those around him that he had
but one thing to do—retract and confess his
guilt. The culprit then advanced, and address-
ing the speaker of the house said, " Sir I
have the courage to disavow the memorandum. I
will do what the Senate commands !" The sensa-
tion at this moment was very great, and the
crowded house echoed with derisions and
tumultuous exclamations. Such was the close of
one of the most remarkable scenes that ever took
place in the Greek Chambers. It was a solemn
condemnation, on the part of the country, of the
falsehoods and intrigues of the Court. The
excitement about these events is very great, the
more so as the accused Minister was the object of
most flattering attention of King and Queen, at a
ball given after this scandalous scene in the
Senate.

The Council General of the Bank of France at
its sitting to day resolved to receive commercial
bills for discount having ninety days to run.
The trial of the directors of the " Docks Napo.
leon," which commenced yesterday, has excited a
very unfavourable impression on the public mind,
which was scarcely prepared for the barefaced
swindling unveiled in the course of the trial.
Perhaps a concise account of the birth,
parentage, and untimely fate of this company
may strengthen the arguments set forth. In
1852, a gentleman of the Jeremy Diddler
school, named Duchene de Vere, conceived
the brilliant idea of forming docks without
any water and without any money. The said
docks were to be organised with the mysterious
view of assisting small traders, manufacturers, and
even workmen. The latter were to warehouse
their goods with the Docks Napoleon, receiving in
exchange warrants which they might negotiate at
their ease. This ingenious gentleman, who in the
course of yesterday's . proceedings turned out to
have been condemned by default some time ago
to twenty years' hard labour for forgery, by the
Court of Assizes of Brabant, submitted his views
to two bankers, eminent illustrations of the school
he so worthily represented. These bankers, Messrs.
Cusin and Legendre, were at the head of a hank
called " L'Union Commerciale," established with a
capital of 80,0001. These three congenial souls
demanded and obtained from government autho-
risation to establish the docks, and they imme-
diately set to work to establish a company to
work the concession made them by a decree of
Sept. 17, 1852. The capital of the company was
fixed at two millions sterling in 200,000 shares
of ten pounds each. The public evidently
recognised the urgent necessity which existed in
Paris for a dock, and came forward like heroes with
their applications for shares. It would appear that
276,915 shares were in reality appled for by the
public ; M. Cusin, however, on one occasion,
acquainted the conseil de surveillance that 318,000
shares had been demanded ; on another occasion
he asserted that 870,000 had been applied
for. Amongst his papers were, however, found
applications for shares in which the figures had
been tampered with ; thus a demand for 100 shares
figured brilliantly as one for 1,000 shares, &c., &c.
No doubt, however, exists with respect to the first
number of shares applied for, and this infatuation
of the public suggested to the three organisers the
first swindle they indulged in—that is, as far as the
Docks Napoleon was concerned. Only 87,802
shares were allotted, the three directors keeping the
remainder of the shares in order to dispose of
them at a premium for their own especial benefit.
The proceeds of the shares disposed of, instead of
being paid into the account of the docks, was
partly divided amongst the three directors, in
the shape of loans, or invested in two companies
" Tavel " and " Pont Remy," which depended on
the bank headed by Cusin and Legendre. A sum
of £160,000 was thus diverted from its proper
channel, to which must be added the proceeds of
42,176 shares, or, together, a sum of about £580,000.
In addition to these shares, which have entirely
disappeared from the books of the docks, 32,000
were handed over to the English firm of Fox and
Henderson, which engaged to construct the docks
at a price of 960,0001. sterling. A secret engage-
ment on the part of the latter firm has, however,
been discovered, in which 14,400 of the 32,000
shares were to be privately handed back to M. Cusin
and to M. Legendre ; this represented a profit for
the latter of 144,0001. Attached to this company,
in the capacity of Government commissioner, was
M. Berryer, whose duty it was to superintend its
honest working. This gentleman received from
government an annual salary of 2001. per annum ;
the gentlemen of the docks, however, placed at his
disposal a credit of 4,4001., and made him a
monthly allowance of 501. The court considers
this a collusion on the part of M. Berryer, but the
latter asserts that he still lost money by the trans
action, as on the two occasions he visited England
when he was presented to the Queen, and
established relations with ministers, econo-
mists, &c. &c, he also caused "immense
investgations to be made at his own expense in
each of the English docks." He likewise affirms
that the French Minister of Commerce was in-
formed by him of the actual position of the docks'
and that the minister was aware of the extra remu-
neration he received from the three directors.
Another person, of the name of Orsi, is likewise
implicated in this scandalous case ; he was a
director of the Beziers and Graissessae Railroad,
and had established in London a firm of the
name of Orsi and Armani. Orsi appears to
have pawned 20,000 shares, but—as he affirms—
for the good of the company. He received as a
loan from the dock funds a sum of £B,OOO The
trial will last several days, and the details which
are thrown into light will doubtless afford immense
consolation to the shareholders of the docks.
The Siecle has received a second warning, for an
article describing the labours which might be
effected by the Legislative Chambers. This journal
has been so firm and honest a friend to England,
that it would be ingratitude not to sympathise with
its tribluation.

AUSTRIA.

VIENNA, FEB. 24.

The changes which have just been made in the
passport system have given universal satisfaction,
and each of the leading organs of the Vienna press
has brought an article in praise of a measure so
conformable to the spirit of the age. For two whole
years the Ministers in vain endeavoured to per-
suade the police to agree to a reform of the pass-
port system, and the probability is that things
would now be exactly where they were in 1855 if
the Emperor had not intervened.
Russia having become jealous of the increasing
influenec of France in Montenegro, has established
a consulate at Scutari.

THE NORTHERN TIMES.---LIVERPOOL, SATURDAY.

AMUSEMENTS, &c.

THEATRE ROYAL.—MR. MURDOCH'S ENGAGEMENT.—
The engagement of Mr. Murdoch, at the Theatre Royal,
concluded last night. We have already expressed our
opinion of this gentleman's very peculiar style of acting in
two of his principal characters. The views we then held
have not been altered by his performances during the week
now closed, when he appeared in several parts, one would
have thought, better suited to his abilities than his favour-
ite one of the " Inconstant." Among those, however, must
not be enumerated that of " Hamlet," in which Mr. Mur-
doch appeared on Monday night last. Ot all conceivable
characters, one would have thought Hamlet the least suited
for a gentleman, the leading characteristic of whose style is
rovstering and noisy good humour. Mr. Murdoch, never-
theless, did appear as Hamlet, and appeared to disadvantage
in proportion to the greatness of the character he assumed.
It appears to be an unhappy peculiarity of this gentleman,
who is decidedly not without considerable talent,
that, whatever character he may undertake, his
acting invariably suggests to the spectator how
very much better-he would have played some other and
very different part. While endeavouring to represent Far-
quhar's polished and fascinating rake, the thought was ever
present to our mind what a capital Tony Lumpkin the actor
would have played. For while he was thundering forth
some of the contemplative melanchol. of Hamlet, one could
not help thinking that such a style would have bee
immensely effective if the actor happened to be representing
Hotspur, or Petruchio, or Pistol. Thus we can hardly say
that we think Mr. Murdoch without high qualifications as
an actor, inasmuch as, every time we saw him, his perform-
ance suggested the possession of remarkable capabilities,
misapplied in the most surprising manner. As a matter of
course, the better Mr. Murdoch developed his peculiar cha-
racteristics in the parts we have mentioned, the worse the
performance became. We can only hope for him that some
time he may appreciate and adopt the advice of Carlyle—
"find out his own work, and set about doing
THE ITALIAN OPERA.—Advertisements have already
announced that the Italian Opera Company, so successful
during their recent visit, will make a second appearance on
Monday, the 9th proximo. It does not often happan that
such a decided success attends the engagement of an opera
company in a provincial theatre as that which this company
obtained in the Theatre Royal on the last occasion, when
every available seat and spot of standing room, in boxes,
stalls, pit, and galleries, were crammed to their utmost
limits of accommodation. Fortunately for the great num-
bers who were then unable to obtain admission, this speedy
opportunity is to be afforded of enjoying the performances
of the same artistes. It must be also mentioned that our
talented townsman, Mr. Croft, will on this occasion make
his debut in Italian Opera in Liverpool.
AMPHITHEATRE.—ENGAGEMENT OF MR. BARRY SULLI-
LIVAN. —The Sardinian Equestrian Company having con-
cluded their engagement at the Arr p iitheatre, the dramatic
season is to be opened to-night. On such occasions the Shek-
sperian drama can scarcely have a more fitting repr sen-
tative than Mr. Barry Sullivan, who has been engaged for
a short season. Mr. Sullivan enjoys a popularity in Liver-
pool not surpassed by that accorde here to any living actor.
His peculiar merit as a tragedian may be described as a
singular power of natural and spontaneous expression.
Nature, and not stage tradition, he takes as his guide, and,
therefore, the higher and truer the character he assumes,
so much the more effective is his performance. It is
indeed somewhat surprising that a performer who never
aims at arousing and astonishing by startling effects, and
who always moulds his performance within the lines of '
nature and his original, should have attained as much po
pularity among the bulk of his large audiences, a favour
among the more limited number who are presumed to be
less easily carried away by mere stage display. Mr. Sulli-
van's present engagement will no doubt be attended with
its usual success.
ADELEHI THEATRE.—We would draw attention to the
fact, that Miss Landon, a charming actress, who, for some
considerable time, was a member of the company belong-
ing to the Theatres Royal and Amphitheatre, will shortly
take her first benefit in Liverpool, at the above house,
where she has become the " first favourite," by her grace-
ful acting and charming singing —See Advt. (First Page).
Ql”EN'SHALL.—Hoffmati,never wearying in his exertions
to please the public with the best of everything, has added
to his already attractive and highly popular entertainment,
by an engagement of Miss Lacy Gaskill, our highly rising
and appreciated local artist. Miss Gaskill is every day
improving in public populafity, as she is in voice. Her voice
is truly musical, her execution chaste, and her judgment
refined, and her performance at the Queen's Hall has been
hail,d, every evening during the week, with deserved
applause, from discerning audiences. If Mr. Hoffman pro-
vided nothing else, save the singing of Miss Gaskill, he
would deserve ample support ; but when it will be remern-
bered that the talents of this lady are nailed in as an edrl;tien
to the already chaste and classic entertainment, it is
enough to sayt hat the public du'y support him. We
fear the time draws on apace when we shall lose this
entertainment, as engagements elsewhere will remove the
talented company from Liverpool ; but whilst they remain,
the opportunity should not be lost.
MISS GASKILL'S CONCERT AT BIRKENHEAD.—This young
and popular vocalist gives a grand concert, at the Craven
Rooms, Birhenhead, on Monday evening, assisted by the
first talent, both vocal and instrumental. The programme,
which will be found in its place in our paper, is varied,
select, and attractive, and cannot fail to draw a crowded
house. We have frequently given our opinion of Miss
Gaskill's ability, and every day strengthens us in our
impression— Miss Gaskill has few equals as a ballad singer—
Mrs. M. Orr, Miss Jackson, Mr. Haswell, Mr. Graham,
and other well known operatic and instrumental per-
formers will assist at the concert, which no doubt our good
friends at the other side of the river will duly appreciate.
EVERTO N GLEE GLUB.—The members of this respectable
club held their annual dinner on Thursday evening, at Mr.
Tracey's, Bay Horse Inn, London road. About thirty
gentlemen sat down to a very superior dinner, which was
served up in a style that done credit to the host, and met
the approbation of the company. Mr. Rigby was in the
chair, and Mr. J. Atherton in the vice chair, and both
gentlemen discharged their duties with unbanity and atten-
tion to alt. When ample justice had been done to the excel-

lent viands, the usual loyal toasts were duly honoured ; and
the following were proposed, with the musical hononrs
attached :—"The army and navy," duett, " Army and navy."
" The town and trade of Liverpool," glee, " Sailors welcome
home." " The Everton Glee Club," glee, " The mighty
conqueror." "The Apollo,' Sappho' and other musical
societies of Liverpool," glee, " Hark Apollo." " The
pianist," glee, " Fill the shining goblet." '• The none
practical members of the E.G.C.," glee, " Come boys
drink." " The chairman," glee, "Oh ! bold Robin Hood."
" The Tice.chairman," glee, " In the merry old times."
" The secretary," glee, "My sweet Dorabella." " The
treasurer," glee, "Is it the roar." The glee singing was
excellent, and exhibited fine taste and sound judgment—
The speeches were appropriate, and after spending an
intellectual and pleasant evening, the company separated
highly pleased. May they see many returns of the festival.

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.

WARRING TOY AND SPOCKPORT RA ILWAY.

The half yearly meeting of the shareholders was held
yesterday, at the Arpley station, 'Warrington ; Mr. W.
C. Fosbery, of this town, the deputy chairman, presiding.
The report announced the retirement from the board of
Gilbert Greenall, Esq., M.P., chairman, and Mr. Charles
Holland, of Liverpool. This communication ciused con-
siderable surprise, as Mr. Greenall and Mr. Holland have
hitherto been looked upon as the leading promoters of the
company.