The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-02-26 00:00:00

*.* For particulars see 'advert'Ltements.

ROBERT MUT,i,INER,
;,!..11.1ecessor to GORST & CO.),
(Late with Wm. Horne, London),
CARRIAGE 'AND HARNESS MkNUFACTURER,
SO and 61, GIV.AT CHARLOTTE-STREET, LIVERPOOL,

MANUFACTURER OP EVERY DIifiCRIPTION OP
FASFIIONABLE CARRIAGES.
Sole Jgent for the Patent Dioraples, for which a Prize Medal was
awarded at the Grest Exhibiti9n.
A Great Variety of New and Fashionable CARRIAGES always on
view, whieh are- ready for immediate use. Estimates given for
repairs,

`CARRIAGES TAKEN IN EXCHANGE.
Good Standing on moderate terms. Carriages sold by Com-
mission.
Merchants suppliei with Carriages for exportation on libera
erms.

VENISON IN PERFECTION,
ONE SHILLING.

WHITE MAN'S HOTEL,
CLAYTON SQUARE.

FISH DINNERS DURING LENT,
AT

MORRISH'S MERCHANTS' DINING ROOMS,
LANCASTER BUILDINGS,
TITHEBARN-STREET.

30.,ottban fillies

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1857.

THE RAY'S NEWS.

The proceedings in the House of Commons last
night were of very little moment. Mr. 1110Mahon
moved the second reading of the Sea Coast
Fisheries (Ireland) Bill. The Attorney General
observed that the effect of the b4l would be the
repeal of all legislation on the subject since the
IpLAU 1101.1GLIC LLIC COUSL or
Ireland entirely unprotected. A measure was
introduced on the subject by Mr M'Mahon in
1855, and rejected by 19 votes to 196, and the
only difference between the present bill and the
bill of 1855 was that the present one was the most
mischievous. He moved that the bill he read that
day six months. Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Bowyer
supported the bill, and Mr. Napier and Mr. Gro
gan opposed it. After some further discussion
a division took place when there appeared 10
for and 185 against the bill. The House went into
committee on the Judgments Execution Bill.
Some discussion arose upon the details of
the bill, and much consideration was given
to a proposition to substitute a' copy of a
judgment for a memorial. The Attorney
General advocated such an alteration, but
Mr. Crawford opposed it, and a division was taken.
The numbers were—For the amendment, 99 ;
against it, 77 ; majority, 22. The Chairman then
reported progress, and one or two bills were passed
another stage.
The trade and navigation returns for the month
of January were published yesterday, and in a
much clearer and more comprehensive form than
usual. The general results are quite in
harmony with the unvarying increase which it
has been our duty to chronicle of late. The exports
for the month of January amounted, in value, to
£9,058,000, compared with £7,974,000 for the cor-
responding month of 1856, and with £6,464,000 for
that of 1855. The Navigation Returns show a
substantial increase under each head. The general
augmentation in the employment of tonnage, as
compared with 1855, appears to have been more
than 16 per cent. ; and the competition of foreign
vessels with British has resulted in an increasing
preference for the latter. While the employment
of British vessels has increased to the extent of 19
per cent., that of United States vessels has in.
creased only 15 per cent., and that of other coun-
tries only 11 per cent. In the list of articles
entered for home consumption, there is an increase
in cocoa, spirits, and wine, and a decrease in coffee
and tea, arising from the reduction in the duties on
those articles anticipated in April.
The usual weekly meeting of the West Derby
Guardians was held yesterday, but the proceedings
were entirely of a routine character. A number of
gentlemen were fined at the Police Court, on
informations lodged by the Health Committee, for
not consuming their own smoke. The annual meet
ing of the subscribers of the Orphan Boys' Asylum,
was held yesterday. A full report of the proceed=
ings will be found in another column. Another
case of stabbing came before the Police magistrates
yesterday.
As will be seen by a reference to another part of
to-day's impression, Mr. Humphrey Brown, M.P.,
has received his silver centre piece, has enjoyed
his jubilee banquet, and has made an apology for
not giving his promised defence. The public will
want to know what Mr. Brown means when he
seeks to justify his silence by declaring that his
lips are sealed by the oath he took when he became
a director of the British Bank. Admitting that
this argument possesses some weight, the question
will be, what steps has Mr. Brown taken to enable
him to reveal the nature of his transactions with
the British Bank, and to absolve himself from the
responsibility of a vow which, according to his own
statement, prevents the truth from becoming
known, and causes a cloud to rest upon his good
name. Mr. Brown might easily find a way to do so
without wounding his conscientious scruples.
• Last night, the annual meeting of the Society for
the Suppression of Taxes upon Knowledge was
held, in London. The paper duty was
condemned in no measured terms by the
various speakers, and a number of resolutions,
embodying the feelings of the meeting, wete
proposed and unanimously adopted. A meeting
has just taken place, also in London, at which Mr.
Dunean M•Laren and the Rev. Dr. Pegg explained
the grievous injustice endured by Scotland in the
matter of the county franchise. The feeling of the
meeting was decidedly in favour of extending the
forty shillings freehold in Scotland.
Our intelligence from the Continent to-day is of
little importance. The Pays denies that a new
cause of division has arisen among the great
Powers, on the subject of the Danubian Prinei-

polities. The treaty of Paris leaves no doubt on
the subject of the guarantee of the Principalities,
which belongs to all the Powers that signed it,
and not to one or more of them separately.
The statement of the Paris correspondent of
the Nord, as to the settlement of the Persian
difficulty is incorrect. The negotiations still pro-
ceed, and as Ferukh Khau is, as it appears, invested
with full powers, and London is so close at hand to
Paris, they must soon lead to some result or be
altogether abandoned. The continental press

gives various rumours of certain points of agree,
ment already arrived at between the negotiators,
but they are evidently quite unauthentic.
From Austria we learn that the decree of orga-
nisation of the new Government of the Archduke
Maximilian is expected to be published is a few
days. His Imperial Highness has obtained what
he asked for, the Emperor having granted him
very extensive powers in his Lombardo Venetian
Government. The Governor-General, who will re-
ceive his instructions direct from his Majesty, must
act in such a manner as to maintain the unity of
the empire, but lie will be free to take into conside-
ration the wishes of the people, provided they
be not contrary to that unity. The Archduke
may, when he thinks proper, give employment to
' persons who, having taken part in the revolution,
have since conducted themselves properly. The
Archduke Maximilian, placed at the head of the
provinces which Austria possess in Itaiy, and
having extended powers, will certainly feel it a
point of honour to improve their condition
The military party is much annoyed at finding
the power escape from their hands. Taken as
a whole, the new administration will, in all
probability, be an Italian as distinguished from an
Austrian one, and the Viceroy, the Archduke
Maximilian, seems determined to try what can be
effected by a spirit of thorough conciliation.
We have letters from Rome to the 18th inst.
The King of Bavaria had arrived in that city, and
had, taken up his residence in the Villa Matta, the
property of his father. He had a long audience
with the Pope. All the arrangements for the
journey of the Dowager Empress of Russia to Rome
have been completed during M. Kisseleff's stay in
the Papal City. She will arrive at Rome
in the second half of the month of March. A
magnificent reception is prepared for her. Count
Orsini, of the well known patrician family of
Rome, had just been nominated Senator of Rome,
to a place which has now been vacant for a long
time. Progress in municipal affairs was expected
on his part. The Carnival was in full train. Great
and joyful excitement prevailed among the people
in consequence of a hope held out that masks of
the face would be permitted in the streets during
the last three days of the festival.
Accounts to hand are unanimous in saying that
it is highly necessary to diminish the importance
attached by the continental press to the temporary
' suspension of the negociations carried on in Paris,
with the view of solving the Neuchatel question.
The difficulties which beset this solution had been

foreseen by the Emperor Napoleon, who correctly
judged that the pretensions of Prussia and the
obstinacy of Switzerland would rather increase

than diminish in the course of direct
negociations, and that in the end the dis-
puted question would necessarily have to be
submitted to the decision of a conference. The
expectations cf the Emperor have been realised
The arbitrary terms which the Berlin Cabinet
would fain impose on the Helvetic Confederation
have resulted in wounding the susceptibilities of
the latter, a fact which has betrayed itself in the
unbending attitude of Dr. Kern. As matters at
present stand the negociations are virtually broken
off in Consequence of the enormous space which se-
parates the demands of Berlin from the concessions
of Berne. The moment has consequently arrived
for the French government to prove to both countries
its disinterested friendship, and active steps are
being taken by Count Walewski to reconcile the
Prussian and Swiss cabinets to mutual concessions.
The friendly influence of France will not fail to
succeed in establishing an equitable basis of
arrangement which ay in due time be laid before
conference souia tne two interestea rowers
decline to accede to them in a direct manner.
We are in receipt of telegraphic despatches
anticipatory of the Overland mail. No change
had taken place in tha position of affairs
in China. The Chinese had made an un-
successful attempt to retake Tee Totum Fort.
The Europeans on board the steamer Thistle,
in all eleven persons, had been treacherously
murderd, by Bravos in disguise among the native
passengers. The steamer was carried off, and
abandoned after being dismantled. Hong
Kong advices to the 15th January state that a
numerous Chinese fleet had attacked the English
naval expedition, and had afterwards/ retired in
good order under protection of the forts of Canton.
Admiral Seymour had landed some troops,
and set fire to the greater part of the Faubourg of
Canton. The fleet belonging to the Chinese rebels.
had joined that of the Imperialists at Whampoa.
The dates from Bombay are to the 2nd instant
The intelligence from Bushire received at Bombay
is to the 17th of January. The troops were still
unmolested by the enemy. An attack had been
made by a detachment of cavalry and horse
artillery on a depot of Persian stores and ammu-
nz Con, 22 miles from the camp. The object was
attained without loss. The despatch of
reinforcements had been commenced, and the
Government had opened a new Five per Cent
Loan for three crores.

OUR correspondents who have addressed us on
the practices of shipowners and maritime law,
have done us very great injustice, The columns
of the NORTHERN TIMES are open to all whp
wish to discuss questions of public interest in
cool and dispassionate language ; but we claim
for ourselves the right of expressing :our opinion
on the topics brought under review. In doing
this, we confine ourselves to the broad national
and moral view of every subject. Our business
is not to advocate individual interests, or pro-
mote class fallacies. In the present instance,
we have the science of navigation and maritime
usages, mixed up with penal statutes of a purely
experimental character ; and it would be hard to
conceive a labyrinth, in which common sense has
so many hoary headed antagonists to combat, or
greater obstacles to overcome. Beginning with
the first, we contend that the " lead line" is of
no use, except on a lee shore in foggy weather,
when no sights are to be had, and that it is of
no imaginable use where vessels like the Tyne
are compelled by contract to run, at all times, at
a speed which renders its use perfectly worthless,
if not impracticable.

In the Lochmaben Castle's case it has been
proved before a competent tribunal, that the lead
ought to have been used as a last and only resort.
It was not used, ail hence a verdict of
" neglect" was recorded by a commission of
enquiry, To this was superadded a charge of
" ignorance" on the part of the commander.
This was also established to the satisfaction of
the Board of Trade; and are we, in a case in
which five hundred or six hundred lives, to-
gether with a valuable cargo, were at stake, to
be silent with respect to the heavy moral
responsibility of shipowners under similar cir-
cumstances ? Life must be protected and
property preserved, let who may suffer. The
former are the property of the nation, and the
latter the substance of the subject; and, taking
the losses at sea out of the legal category alto-
gether, who, we would ask, is to be liable for the
damage done to either, if our public carriers are

not ? If a man suffers by a railway company,

the shareholders are liable to their last shilling ;

and what are ships but so many goods vans,
hurrying forward to overcome time and space ?

The lives they contain are as precious as those
on shore, and the property on board is frequently
more valuable than that carried by twenty
trains ; and in calculating losses on the seas, by
what species of reasoning are we to exclude
protection to the shipowner from those measures
of security we seek for others interested in the
afety of ships ?

The shipowner has a paramount claim on the
consideration of the public and the Legislature.
Shipwreck is ruin, in nine cases out of ten, to
the bona fide shipowner and fair trader. They
miss their market, disappoint their clients, and
share in all the commercial obloquy which falls
on the commander of the lost vessel. And we
do not remember ever having heard of a case in
which a ship Eincl her cargo were fairly insured,
that the owners and shippers were not heavy
losers. It is only in instances where ships, are
insured for considerably more than their value,
that underwriters suffer any undue loss ; and if
they will run great risks, they can only hope to
secure themselves by levying heavy rates on
those who ought riot to-be made to pay for the
delinquencies of unscrupulous competitors. And
on behalf of the really honest shipowner, we
repeat, that the ship which sinks another, or is
lost through " ignorance or neglect," ought to be
made liable to the last farthing of the damage
done. There is no other way, in fact, of pro-
tecting the fair trader, shipowner, or the travel-
ling public ; and yet our correspondent " Fair
" Play" would not have the liability extend to the
" freight and ship." We said nothing of freight,
but since " Fair Play" seems to consider freight
and cargo exchangeable terms, he may have
them ; for we would place no limit to the liability,
as it is the only course which will secure safety
for life or property at sea.
. _

- -
Underwriters have a perfect licence to take
any risks they please, provided they do not
spread a uniform rate of insurance over all
classes of vessels and owners. We are aware of
the difference they make in this respect ; but,
still they may be very different owners in each
of their classifications, and here we find their
uniform rates of insurance most prejudicial to
shippers at large, and to the upright owner in
particular. Accidents will occur where every
precaution is taken, and where the most perfect
skill and vigilance are employed. But even
here no one should be left to suffer where in-
surances can be effected. Ships and their
freights can be insured to their full value ; and
where the rates are not exorbitant, a few pounds,
comparatively, meet the objections contained in
the Merchant Shipping Act, and give the public
the security the legislature seek. Where ships
are lost from " ignorance and neglect," or from
any other cause within the owner's control,
would it be fair to make the underwriters liable,

and to leave emigrants and other poor and
uninformed shippers, to bear the whole of their
loss, without having any claim, except that
which the shipwrecked traveller has on the fury
of the wind and waves ? This is not what any
of our correspondents, or the honest shipowner,
would have us advocate. The merchant knows
his business, and how to secure himself against
all the perils of the sea, without violating any
one of the bonds of good faith ; but this is a
country which sends out almost countless thou-
sands of poor and ignorant people, who go on
board ships with all they possess on earth, to be
landed in a strange country, or wrecked and
washed ashore penniless and naked ; and it is
for this large mass of humanity that Parliament
seek that protection which business knowledge
gives the merchant—and for these poor people,
ships can never be made free of the heavy liabi-
lity which the morality of the age demands.
We hope, therefore, to hear no more of our ship-
owners—men whose characters stand above all
suspicion—taking part in movements, which
must do a vast injury to their own high order,
and which can only benefit unscrupulous com-
petitors, who seek to profit, at all hazards, by
reckless underwriters.

LIVERPOOL V. LONDON SHlPS.—Another striking
illustration of the superiority of the Liverpool
ships engaged in the Australian trade, over those
of London, is afforded by the arrival at this port,
on Monday last, of the Ocean Chief, one of Messrs.
James Baines and Company's Black Ball line, after
a passage from Melbourne o fB2 days, having sailed
in company with the Blackwell, for London—a
vessel which is universally admitted to be one
of the best and fastest ships engaged in
the London trade, and which vessel has not
yet been reported as off the coast. The last
vessel which arrived at this port from Melbourne
was the Morning Light, also of the Black Ball line.
She sailed from Melbourne fifteen days after the
celebrated London ship Heather Bell, and vet the
letters by both were delivered in London simulta-
neously, thus giving the Liverpool ship an advan.
tape of fifteen days over her London rival. These
facts will tend still further to strengthen in the
colonies the favour of Liverpool craft over those of
London, and lead to a still further increase of ship-
ments of produce to this port. We may mention
here that the post-office authorities at Melbourne
forwarded the English mails of the 30th Nov- by
the London ship, which has not yet arrived, insvead
of by the Ocean Chief,•which has arrived, and by
which all the letters would ere this have been in the
hand of the parties to whom they are addressed,
and many of whom are now anxiously awaiting
their advices.

At a meeting, on Tuesday, of the committee
appointed by the tea trade to concert measures for
obtaining a settlement of the duties, it was unani-
mously agreed that a deputation should wait upon
Lord John Russell, requesting him to place an
amendment on the books of the House of Com•
mons, proposing a fixed duty of ls. 4cl. for three
years, then to be reduced to ls., instead of the
sliding scale of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

THE WEATHER —We have again to report a change in
the weather. Tnesday night was sharp and cold. Yes-
terday was foggy, awl slight misty rain prevailed up to
twelve, after which the atmosphere cleared up, and the
sun shone out in the full force of a spring day.
LECTURE ON RELIGION IN SWEDEN.—The lecture in
Hope Ball to-night (Thursday) is to be on this subject, and
is tto be deliveed by the Rev. George Scott, of Preston.
Mr. Scott was formerly located at Stockholm. Since his
return to this country he has maintained a correspondence
with parties in Sweden, and has thus been kept informed
of the various important movements in that country. That
kingdom, as is well known, has recently been the scene of
widespread and intense religious earnestness, which has
encountered a rigid intolerance and heartless persecution.

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.

,

NEWRY, WARRENPOINT7AND ROSSTREVOR.—The
report of the directors was issued yesterday. It
is as follows :—Your directors have much satisfac-
tion in submitting the annexed statement of
accounts to the 31st December, 1856, she wing a
balance of 6531. 15s 4d at the credit of revenue,
after payment of the dividend on the preference
shares. And though the passenger traffic has
remained nearly stationary, the tonnage of goods
carried during the past half year has increased
thirty per cent. Your directors have much plea
sure in being able to report, that since the change
in the management of the Newry and Enniskillen
Company, an equal desire has been evinced by the
directors of that company, to carry out such arrange-
ments as it has always been the opinion of your board
were indispensable for the well-being of both
concerns. A bill, promoted by your company, id
now before parliament, (read a second time in the
Commons,) which asks for a renewal of the powers
formerly held, to cross the Newry river and canal,
and so effect a junction with the Newry and Ennis-
killen line, and also for leave to lay rails along the
Warrenpoint dock, Adverse petitions have been
lodged by Mr. Roger Hall and the Newry Naviga-
tion Company, but your directors hope that a
conference, held in London on Saturday last, will
result in the abandonment of both petitions.
Contingent Upon the passing of the bill,
an agreement has been Made with the
Newry and Enniskillen Co., to lease your line
for a term of years at a satisfactory rental, and
which your directors feel assured will prove
mutually beneficial to both companies. The high
rate of interest on money having prevented the
borrowing on Debenture, your directors have
thought it advisable to resume the issue of the six
per cent. preference shares. Of these 2,136 have
been taken up since Ist ult., and 402 still remain
on hand. Two directors, Messrs. Holland and
Lupton, and one auditor, Mr. Irvine, retire by
rotation, but are eligible for re election. The half
yearly meeting will be held at the Clarendon
Rooms on Saturday.
THE NORTH AND SOUTH WESTERN JUNCTION.—
Yesterday afternoon the eleventh half yearly
meeting of the proprietors of the above company
was held at Euston square—H. Tootal, Esq , in
the chair. The report stated that in consequence
of the increased returns from the carriage of coal
--the principal source of the company's revenue—
whilst there has also been a steady improvement
in the receipts from the passenger traffic, the
directors recommend that the dividend for the last
six months, ending the 31st December last, be
increased from the rate of 5 to that of 51
per cent. per annum. The accounts show that the
available balance, after deducting the debenture
debt, is 1,9741 ss. 9d., which sum will admit of
the payment of the dividend recommended, and
leave 1881. Os. 61. to be carried forward to the
current half year- In anticipation of the com-
pletion of the works of the Hammersmith branch,
the directors have been engaged in securing for it
the advantage of a coal traffic ; and have suc-
ceeded in arranging for a considerable tonnage.
This arrangement will come into effect at an early
date. The directors have declared forfeited 417
shares in the Hammersmith branch portion of the
company's capital, and they have given the
necessary notices for completing this step. A
resolution confirming such forfeiture was sub-
mitted to the meeting. The report was adopted,
and two retiring directors re-elected.
NORTH DEVON RAILWAY AND DOCK COMPANY,—
A. general meeting of the proprietors of this
company was held yesterday, at the offices
of the company, Gresham House, Old Broad-
street. London, Wm. Tite, Esq., M.P., in the chair,
The report stated the sum applicable for dividends
for the half year, as shown by the revenue account,
was 2,7511. 7s. 3d., enabling the directors to
recommend a dividend of 11 per cent. per annum
on the ordinary stock, 21 per cent. per annum on
the B Stock, and 61. per cent. on the Preference
Stock. The report was adopted, and a dividend,
as recommended by the directors, agreed to.
The directors, who go out by rotation, were re-
elected.