Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-06-10 00:00:00

MR. W. H. RUSSELL'S LECTURE.

Last night, Mr. W. H. Russell delivered his second
lecture on the war, in the Philharmonic Hall, which,
notwithstanding the wetness of the evening, was well
filled in every part, by an audience as appreciative and
enthusiastic as we have ever seen assembled within the
building. Mr. Russell was received with all the warmth
and pleasure of a favourite, and at every sentence seemed
to win still more in the respect and admiration of his
auditors. Taking up the thread of his narrative at the
close of the battle of the Alma, he proceeded to describe
the state of the field the day after the fight, and the scenes
which were to be witnessed of wounded and dying men on
every side. The French, he stated, lost few men in the
tight, as compared with the loss sustained by the English
and Russians, only three French officers having been killed
in the battle. And while they (the French) were making
themselves as comfortable as their wonderful ingenuity could
suggest, our troops were engaged in searching for the
living amongst the dead and even caring for their enemies.
He told of the murmer in the camp at the supineness of
Lord Raglan in not following up the victory,
and how by a still unexplained delay we
lost the results which would otherwise have
accompanied so glorious and so bloody a battle. The

delay, he said, was attempted to be accounted for by the
want of abulances to convey the troops to the fiat, but
he showed that that want was attributable to Lord
Raglan himself, and some of his staff. Forty most excel-
lent abulanee waggons were provided at Varna, but it was
with the greatest difficulty that Lord Raglan could be got
to allow room on board a transport for twelve of them.
Twelve were accordingly put on board, but when he, a
staff-officer, saw them, he ordered that they should be
put on shore again, saying, "that he would not have the
ship filled with such lumber." And so, from the caprice
of one man, arose the misery of our poor wounded soldiers,
and the delay after the Alma which was productive of
consequences the most disastrous. The march on
Sebastopol was admirably described, and the blun-
der of the subsequent flank march made most clear.
Indeed, several Russians informed Mr. Russell afterwards,
that had Sebastopol been then attacked on the North side,
where its works were open to the rear, it would have
fallen within twenty-four hours, and further proof of
this was given is the back march of Prince Menschikoff,
who, deeming the city untenable, left it in haste, and by a
strange chance met the advanced guard of our troops who
were “steering by eonapass" through that then unknown land.
The meeting led to a slight skirmish, in which we captured
a drunken artillery offieer, who was afterwards exchanged
for Lord Dunkellin.; but it might have led to a fight which
would have frightened both generals. The slight defences
which first protected Sebastopol were well explained, as
were also the almost impregnable works which the supi-
ness of the generals of the allied armies had enabled the
genius of Todtleben to devise, and construct works, about
which the inhabitants of the doomed city were so enthusi-
astic, that one battery was actually made by the " Mil-
liners" of the place: Here Mr. Russell paused for a few
minutes, before proceeding with his description of the most
brilliant episode of the war—the fight of Balacklava. And
most vividly did he pourtray this a madly daring, and
heroic a feat of arms as was ever performed on this
our world. So graphically was it described that the event
for a moment was realised, and passed as a brilliant
spectacle before the eyes of the audience. For the time
they stood with Mr. Russell on the hill overlooking
the plain of Balacklava, and from which he wit-
nessed the charge, which has rendered its name immortal.
They saw on the far off heights the immense masses of
Russians, who were about to enter it—the deep well-
disciplined battalions, the well-appointed artillery, the
clouds of Cossacks and skirmishers. and the innumerable
squadrons of artillery, their gay accoutrements, waving
lances and glittering salvos lighting up the whole valley.
They are advancing on Balacklara, and to oppose
this mighty host are but a handful of Turks
who " bolt" from the batteries the moment the innumerable
host show themselves, and to oppose them there are only
the 93rd Highlanders, a few invalids, and a few squadrons
of cavalry, the Light and Heavy Divisions, the latter of
which has but just shown itself on the plain. The Russians
see in their front but a " thin red line tipped with steel,"
and with wild halloos the chosen lancers of the light cavalry
divisions of the Russians and the dragoons of Saxe Weimar
dash on it. In an instant a lightning volley rings out from
it, and, broken and appalled, 1,500 of the choicest Russian
cavalry turn and fly from a line of British soldiers. On
the other bodies of Russian cavalry come, their front
three times as extended as oars, and at least twice
as deep, glittering in the morning. sun. Directly in
their front show the Scots' Greys, the Inniskillens, the sth
Dragoon Guards, the 4th Royal Irish, and the Ist Royals.
The scene is of the most excitine kind, and all on the hill
dismount and seat themselves on the ground to enjoy the
spectacle. The Russians advance in a canter, but as they
approach their speed lessens to a trot, as if they despised
the seemingly insignificant enemies opposed to theta
But their time is come. Our trumpets in clarion notes ring
out the charge, and the Eaniskilleners and Scots Greys
gathering, away dash like a thunderbolt at the astounded
enemy. The other portions of the Heavy Division, too,
mob up—a confused cloud of turmoil and men and horses
is seen—it is a fight of heroes. By sheer courage and
desperate steel they cut their way, and drive the Russians,
three times their number, back on their masses of
infantry. The gallant deed is done in five minutes. The
spectatorslon the hill shake each other's hands with
pride—officers and men ; but some old soldiers ask
6, Why do not the Light Division charge?" Lord Raglan
looks dissatisfied ; his aide-dc-camps are dashing across
the valley every moment, and now Captain Nolan is about
to start with the strange order to Lord Lucan. He die
mounts to tighten his horse's girths, and says to Russell,
who has asked him for a light, as he throws the match-
box, "Now, old fel'ow, you will sea us go in for a spin ;
keep that until I come back." Away he dashes to the
Light Division. The spectators on the hill sit down to a
pic-nit. The Russians are massed in the distance ;
their cavalry protected by artillery in the front and
rear, by clouds of Cossacks and riflemen, and by serried
battalions of infantry. Suddenly the spectators see, with
consternation, the Light Division—a mere handful of
horse—break into a trot, and then into a gallop. They
are about to charge not rwe regiment of the Russian
cavalry—they are going to charge the whole Russian army,
bristling with guns. It is the phrenzv of heroism.
Onward they rush, the first missile of death to oppose
them, a screaming
shell, and down goes the gallant Nolan.
They still rush on, amid volleys of musket: y and an iron
shower from thirty pieces of canon. The Russian cavalry
fly before them—derni-gtels could
'o no ino:c than the
desperately gallant Light Divisi.,,n has done.
In his description of the incidents of that memorable
day Mr. Russell was most effective, and when aireloquent
per,ration brought his narration to a close, the hall rang
with a burst of applause which was sustained for some
minutes.

. -
ATIISIGETTM LIFE ASSURANCR SOCIETY,---At a meeting in
this matter on Friday - last, the followinn. claims against
the estate were broitght in :—Prince 'of Vales Life Assur-
ranee Company, £10,500; Eagle Assurance Company,
£2,000; Messrs. Agar, 4,000 ; Mr. T. T. Kingston,
£1,400; with numerous others of smaller amount; in all
about £20,000. Mr. Burton, solicitor to the orate,
opposed the claim .Of the Prince of Wales Insurance
Company, and that .of 'Moors, Ager, ,c r. variety; legal
grounds; and Mr BleiaM, chief clerk to Vicc-Ohancellor
Wood, determiW:not to admit-them as proved date, bOt
as claims only,
sending the claiments to establish &An by
action at common law. With respect to the other claims,
arrangements were made by which the proofs were
whnitted at various reduced amcmitil,

THE
MERSEY CONSERVANCY
AND DOCKS BILL.

(FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.)

HOUSE OF COMMONS, TUESDAY.
The committee of the Mersey Conservancy Bill met to-day at noon,
Sir James Graham in the chair. The other members present, were
Lord Hennicker, Mr. North, Mr. Phillips, and Mr. Paget.
Mr. ROTLE was re-called and examined by Mr. Locke, on behalf of
the Corporation of Liverpool—l am not prepared to say that I enter-
tain a decided opinion that the affairs of Birkenhead should not be
entrusted to the keeping of the Liverpool Corporation and the Liver-
pool Dock Trust, because those bo lies consist of gentlemen of whom I
know nothing; bat this I do say, judging from their public acts, I
should think they had an interest antagonistic to Birkenhead. It is
not so much for commission as omission, that I find fault with the
corporation—omission to construct works at Birkenhead. I have
not been there to see the works for twelve months past. I am not
aware that the corporation have tenders in opera ion now for the
deepening of the float. lam not aware that greater facilities have
been given for the shipment of coal from Birkenhead. What is
wanted there, is a high level rood. A steam crane was put up some
time ago, but it was useless when there was much water in the docks.
I have no wish to throw all the blame upon the Corporation of Liver-
pool, although I think they have had ample time to remedy the evils
which attended the use of the Birkenhna I docks prior to the time
when they came into the hands of Liverpool. Six or seven years ago
there was considerable difference in Birke .head as to the plans that
should be adopted. This was owing rather to the extent and cost of
docks under Mr: Rendel's plans, than to the principle of the plan. On
the 15th of October, 1850, I met Mr. Bendel, to neg-ciate for a site
for the station for the Shrews':ury and Chester company. Mr. Rendel
pointed out a site, and the details ware left to the two engineers
—Mr. Rendel, and the eagineer to our company. Subsequently
there was an agreement that we should have the site.
That agreement was never reduced to a lease. It was for a lease of
21 years, and the a3reement was accepted by a resolution of the
Railway Company, and it was also signed by Mr. Robertson, the
engineer of oar company, and Mr. Handel. Subsequently there was
a substituted agreement, according to which, if the ground was
required for dock purposes, the company were to receive six months'
notice to remove ; but we never anticipated that the agreement was
to limit our accommodation either to six months or twenty-one years;
but, on the contrary, it was to secure us a permanent station on the
south reserve. In 1852 our Mr. Robertson gave evidence against the
plans of Mr. Handel, and in favour of those of Mr. Abernethy, and tho
railway company voted £l,OOO towards supporting Air. Abernethy's
pans, but our attempt failed. In August, 1852, we entered into an
agreement vrth the Birkenhead Dock Trustees for a 999 years' lease
of the land in the s nsth reserve. lam not aware that Baron Gold-
schmidt, one of the trustees, and also a mortgagee of the docks,
served a notice on the Shrewsbary and Chester Company that that
agreement was illegal, inasmuch as the south reserve at the time had
not been vested is the trustees.
Mr. LOCK read a copy of this notice.
Mr. Rovrx—Then I have no doubt such a notice was served.
Subsequently we r ceived notices from the trustees, giving us caution
that the act of their predecessors was illegal and void, and our bridge
between the Marpeth and Egerton Docks was molested. I believe
that the bridvs was not in accordance with Mr. Re alel's plans. After
the amalgamation of the railway companies, the Great Western got
the station and south reserve, the trustee, ignoring, and the railway
company giving up their claim to the 999 years' lease, and giving a
twenty one years' lease, subject to eighteen months' notice.
Re-examined by Mr. Taatzert—A cholas saving our rights and
leases was inserted in the bill for the. amalgamation of the Liverpool
and Birkenhead Docks, and that was one reason why the Great
Western allowed that bill to pass.
To the Chairman—The shipments of coal via the Dee to the
Mersey have been only exceptional, and not large transactions. All
the coal shipped at Birkenhead is put on board by wheelbarrows,
which is a very expensive and tedious mode. We abandoned exten-
sive works that we had contemplated on the Dee, in the hope that
we should get a permanent station and all necessary accommodation
at the Birkenhead Docks. Hitherto our hopes have not been realised.
The Corporation of Liverpool have an interest in coal coming by sea
from Chester, rather than by rail th, nce.

Mr. WILLIAM TITHE INOTON, Chairman of the Birkenhead, Lanca-
shire, and Cheshire Junction Railway Company, was examined by
Mr. Thrlng.—l a a cotton broker in Liverpool, and a member of
the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. We have expended from
£1,200,000 to .e 1,400.000 in gettng access for the Birkenhead line to
the docks, and f ,r the extensions into the manufacturing districts, to
make the line more profitable. We expended our money on the
faith that the Birkenhead Docks would be finished. The result has
been that our shareholders have rereived only from 1 to 3 per cent.
dividends. The Corporati n and Dock Committee's pet scheme of
1855 was intended to swamp Birkenhead. I consider that Birkenhead
has great natural advantages over Liverpool. I am satisfied that
when that scheme came out from Liverpool, it frightened Brassy and
M'Cormick, and they threw up their contract to make the outer works
at Birkent.ead. There is an absence of proper accommodatlen for our
steamboats on the Liverpool ride. That does us an injury. I con-
sider that the:Mersey Conservancy Bill will benefit Birkenhead.
Mr. Tam/fa—Do you consider that an independent trust would
relieve you from the difficulties that you complain of ?

Mr. TITHERINGTON—Of a great many of our grievances it would
relieve us. I look on the feeling of the people of Liverpool as so hos-
tile to Birkenhead, thit I do not think ourselves safe if put under the
management of the Liverpool Dock Committee. I consider that the
extension of the North Docks at Liverpool would be a serious blow to
trade and commerce, whilst the completion of those at Birkenhead
would be a great loon. I think the present bill will give fair play to
Birkenhead.

To Mr. Locke—l think Mr. Renders plans are the best. I never
had but one opinion upon the question, for the achme of the plans is
the great low water basin, which will allow us to admit foreign vessels
at low water. I don't think Mr. Hartley's plans go to the extent of
that sort of accommodation that Mr. Rendel's does. We have had an
opinion Lunn Mr. Hiwkshaw on these plans. He gave us a report
that we did not want. He reported in favour of the Liverpool plans,
bat we only wanted a report on the accommodation afforded to the
railways. We had negotiations with the corporation. They were
very pliant up in London, and srre-r:ed inclined toconcede our requests,
bat the corporation arc net so plant in the north. ( Laughter.) How-
ever, we never came to any result in our negotiations.
To Mr. Alexander—i,:ver since the Birkenhead docks became a
fact, it has been the systematic practice of the Liverpool Dock Com-
mittee to lower their rates so as to extingui-li Birkenhead. The
effect of the bill wend be to give the north of Liverpool a stimulus
and render Birkenhead unnecessary. That is my reason for saying
that the Dock Committee have been endeavouring to extinguish
Birkenhead. The trade of the Mersey did require accommodation in
1855, but I wile not say that it was necessary to extend the accom-
modation northerly. Remember that the Birkenhead Dock Bill
of 1853 stated in the preamble that " whereas the Birkenhead Dock
Trust is insolvent." Should say that that was not a very great induce-
ment to a contractor to tint his engagement in 1855,
Mr. ALE x A NDE R. NoW, sir, did yon say, in 1855, to the commis-
Wooers of the house—" I do not think that a gentleman living in Man-
chester con :d do his duty properly on the Liverpool Doek Committee ?
Mr. TITIIERINGTON -Yes; but I am not committed to everything in
this bill.

Mr, ALEXANDER—Do you think residence a necessary qualification ?
Mr. TITHERINGToN Ido not think residence is a necessary qualifi-
cation, but of course it would not do for all the committee to be absent
at once.

Mr. A LExAtinElt —Might the chairman reside at a distance?
Mr TITHERINGTON—The chairman might reside at a distance, pro-
vided he had a substPute io fill his place, (laughter) ; that is to say,
if he had a paid secre'ary or some one to take his position,
Mr. ALEXANDER—Do you hold residence esse ,tial ?
Mr. TITLIERINozom—Not essential, but very desirable.
Mr. ALEXANDER—WouId you pay the members?
Mr. TITHERINGTON —They ,hould not all be resident, but they should
all be paid.

Mr. ALEXANDER—Now, I suppose you are aware that the Birken-
head Wiirks cost a very larg s slim of money, and that considerable
sums will be spent in improving them. Is that "justice," or, as you
call it,2 fair,day to iiirkennead " ?

_ .
Mr. TiTan;it ;10 :'ON-1 am aware that there has been, and that there
will be, a large expenditure cf money on those Docks. But it is as
a drop in the ocean in the wealth of the Co-poration of Liverpool.
Mr. ALEXAND a—Come, say two drops ?
Mr. TITEIERINGTON —Perhaps it is on t • seventh of their estate.
Mr. ALEXANDRE —Well, thee, saytwo drops in the ocean. (Laughter).
Mr. rETREstiNaTos —Then, I will say. perh tps, two drops. (Renewed
laugh' er.)__ _

To rur:Paget—Oar line last year divided 3 or 4 per cent.
Mr. CliaaLlE, of Liverpool, said—l am a member of the Chamber of
Commerce at Belfast. 1 produce to the committee a memorial of the
chamber entrusted to me, praying for a proper apportionment of the
Liverpool Town Dues. We carry flax from Liverpool to Belfast for 5s
a ton, out of which we pay 61 to Liver,. 00l for Town Dues. The
freight from Hull to Fleetwood and Liverpool is the same on flax, and
the shipment at Fleetwcod pod, s6a a ton more than we. In fact,
we have quite lost the flax from Hull to LgUtast via Liverpool. The
port dues at F•ectwood are light, and so she gets the flax carriage.
Las• year we for wanted 7,790 empty casks from Liverpool to Belfast,
the payment on winch was lid each, and the Town Dues Id each. But
the most curious case is this bale of cotton pays to Liverpool as
Town Dues on being landed from an Americ .n ship 2d ; it pays Id on
bein4 forwarded to the merchant at Belfast; it s sent back to Man-
chester by way of Liverpool, paying 2d more ; it is there wove into
cottons, shipped back to Belfast to be printed, as many are, arid pays
2d more ; then it is again se .t to Manchester to be sold to Irishmen
as Manchester go ids, and pays 2d; and finally, another 2d is levied
when tho bale goes off to Ireland; in al!, a bale pays lid to Liver-
pool. I think that the Tow. Does should be appropriated to the pur-
poses of commercenly.

To Mr. I.oe6e—The value of a bale of Haan varies horn £lO to
£25).

Mr. SCHNEIDrstt, M.P. for Norwils, said—Our firm carries on busi-
ness at Ulver,ton, ,and in London. We raise iron ore and ship it to
Staffordshire, and South Wales. I entertain consioerable objections
to the Town Does, because I find it interferes considerably wi h my
business in many ways—partly in consequence of tt'e rate levied, and
partly on account of the inconvenience of loading iron ore other ways
to avoid them Tlf,s ore we s.-nd from the district amounts this y. ar
to 250,000 tons; and I Orli send about 80,000 tons into Staffordshire.
I should have sent pinch more iron throgh Biri.enhead, but having to
pay ad a ton Town Dune 1 found that I could send it cheaper another
way, and I .did so. I. have often lost contracts in Staffordshire by 3d
a ton.. Owing to the Town Dues, I ay. Id Liverpool as much vs pos-
sible. I approve of.the•sier,y Conservancy sill.
The committee adjourned at four o'cloov, to meet this day (Wed-
nesday) at twelve, 19ea .tlie case for the prosecution of the bill Will
dose.

Tt.e Estafette says that crinoline dresses having been
largely employed to smuggle goods into Paris, without
paying the outroi dutks, omen are ,about to be. employed
st tbe'varioat e.tTres ot the barriers to make a personal
exlmination wearing ofinolinea •

APPROACHING ...ARRIAgE IN fiIGH LIFE.--We under-
arrang4 and will ehortly take Owe,
•Veltge'en "the Laily Mary Yorke, youngest daughter of the
acid Countess (4 Hardwieke, and Mr, W. G. Craven,
of the lat Life Guards, nephew Cif the Earl of Craven.—
Itiorniny Post.