Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-07-07 00:00:00

‘` curses" of the Church against each and all
who would dare to be a free and independent
man, and vote for the candidate of his choice.
Priest CONWAY, we are told, doomed the souls
and bodies of all voters to fearful retribution in
the next world, if they dared to exercise their
right, and vote for Colonel HIGGINS. We need
not, therefore, feel surprised that his opponent
was placed at the head of the poll. Indeed, it
would have been marvellous had any thing else
resulted, unless the electors of Mayo were blest
with more moral courage than generally prevails
in a community over which the priests are the
ruling spirits. Sir RICHARD O'DONNELL, tha
Deputy-Lieutenant of the county, has laid before
the committee a graphic description of the
manner in which the whole affair was managed.
He describes what he saw at a place called
Ballyhawley, where a bevy of priests, seven or
eight in number, were mounted on a platform,
one of whom was haranging a mob of 2,000
people, and stigmatising the political treachery
of Colonel HIGGINS, who endeavoured to address
the people, but was prevented, and the business
terminated in an election-row—an affair which,
Sir RICHARD slyly remarked, was nothing new
to him.

Passing by the details of these deeds of mob
violence, directly instigated by the priests, we
have Dr. MAcTIALE called as a witness. The fact
of the lion of the fold of Judah" being
subjected to an examination in a committee-
room of the House of Commons created a
sensation ; and even the " dear ladies" were
impelled to satisfy their prying curiosity to hear
and see how he would acquit himself in the
hands of Mr. JAMES. Many expected that even
before a committee of the House of Commons,
he would dis Play the fierceness which usually
characterises his missives from St. Jarlath's.
But in this they certainly were mistaken; for,
as one of our London cotemporaries remarks,
" the Archbishop gave his evidence as to his
supposed share in the scenes which preceded or
accompanied the Mayo election, in a way which
must have satisfied his hearers, that, while
he does not repudiate the renown of the
lion, he knows how to display the
wisdom of the serpent, when it suits his pur-
pose." On perusing the Archbishop's evidence,
one cannot help being struck with the apparent
want of candour which pervades all his answers,
and how conveniently he forzets certain acts of
his own and others, which could not have
forsaken the precincts of his memory, had
he been disposed to have made a mental search
for the same

Adroit and cautious though he was, he
revealed quite enough to satisfy the Com-
mittee that on a certain Sabbath, in March
last, there was an ecclesiastical conclave of
bishops and clergy at St. Jarlath's, and the result
of their deliberations was the adoption of a
resolution, declaring " that all the energies of
the people should be directed to the rejection of
Colonel Ihooixs, who had been unfaithful to his
pledges, and to the return of Mr. Moone, who
had been their faithful friend in Parliament."
In the proceedings of this meeting, we find the
ground-plan, so to speak, of what subseTiently
occurred. The platform orations and thelidtar
cursings of Father CONWAY were the results which
might legitimately be expected to arise from
the solemn Convocation at St. Jarlath's. But
there was not only a want of candour in Dr.
MAcIIALE's evidence : he had recourse to what
one of his " cloth" should be ashamed of—legal
shuffling. lie could not tell whether he signed
the foregoing resolution, or not. " If the writing
is produced," quoth the Right Rev. Prelate, 1" I
will admit it or deny it, as the case may be."
This he knew could not be the case; and,
although he may pride himself upon his legal
dexterity, and his admirers applaud the ingenuity
with which he replied, on this point, to Mr.
JAMES, every man, woman, and child, not
wrapped in the mantle of extreme bigotry, will
declare the answer was unworthy'a gentleman,
a scholar, and a divine. There are other portions
of the Archbishop's evidence, with reflections
thereon, to which we shall again refer. Mean-
time, as public journalists who desire to see not
merely an extension of the suffrage, but the
adoption of a system which will insure purity of
election, and prevent the intolerant designs and
aggressive projects of ecclesiastical tyrants inter-
fering in matters of the kind, we must
denounce the system adopted by the Archbishop
and his underlings. We must do justice to
the Protestant Episcopal clergy to say, that in
general they observe a praiseworthy abstinence
from election movements. True it is that they
walk manfully to the poll, and record their
votes for the candidate of their choice. For
this they are to be commended. It is
their right ; nay, more--it is their duty
to do so. Their churches are not made the
theatres of bitter diatribes against this or that
candidate ; above all, the communion table is
not selected as the locality; nor the time of
prayer, praise, and thanksgiving, the occasion
for uttering an ecclesiastical " commination,"
blasphemous in the eyes of GOD, derogatory to
man, and dangerous to the peace and well-being
of society. What is true of the Established
clergy is equally so of all classes of Dissenting
ministers. They leave to laymen the conduct
of a contested election, and in their walk
and conversation endeavour to exemplify
that their mission is one of peace and good will.
No class of the people would be more clamorous
in denouncing any interference of the Protestant
clergy at elections, than those belonging to the

Roman Catholic Church. If it is reprehensible
in the one to do so, it must also be an evil of equal,
nay, much greater, magnitude in the other.
The time has come when laws, stringent and
severe, must be adopted to prevent the exercise
of ecclesiastical tyranny, and spiritual tampering
with the voters for members of the House of
Commons ; and the nation will remember with
gratitude that statesmen who will concoct and
carry into law a measure which, while it gives
every due license for liberty of conscience,
prevents the clerical minions of this or that
persuasion, perverting the enfranchised portion
of the population, from discharging their
electoral duties as men of a free country,
responsible only to GOD and their conscience
for the vote which they give.

THERE is no character in society more
dangerous than he who seeks for a little notoriety
by hunting down an opponent on frivolous and
vexatious grounds, Nor is there anymember of a
corporate body more to be detested than he who,
in his capacity as a public officer, is led away,
by self-conceit and a feeling of vindictiveness, to
persecute as übordinate official for fancied wrongs,
and an imaginary impropriety of conduct.
Indeed, smell is the inherent nature of fair play
manifested by every true Briton, that the perse-
cuted most generally obtains the sympathy of the
people, and the persecutor, by his casting off
everything which appertains to benevolence and
philanthropy, meets with no approval of his
conduct ; but, on the contrary, a significant hint
that his procedure is un-English, and therefore
such as must be disapproved and condemned.
The recent proceedings connected with the case
of Dr. NEVINS, at the meetings of the West
Derby Guardians, is an apt illustration of the
above remarks. In this case, Mr. SHAW is the
persecutor, and Dr. NEVINS the persecuted. For
months the worthy guardian has made a dead
set against the Doctor, and condescended to
adopt all means within his power to take revenge
upon his opponent. What is the cause of all
this ? What is the Doctor's offence, and what
are the results of his crime ?

We have already given full details of the
dispute in question, so that it is unnecessary to
enter into them de novo. At the same time, a
brief recapitulation may not now be out of place.
Dr. NEVINS has been for a number of years the
medical officer of the West Derby Union. He
has discharged his duties as such with ability,
regularity, and zeal. Since his appointment,
the number of patients at the Workhouse has
vastly increased, so that it became necessary
that, in order to do justice to the sick poor of the
Union, he should have a permanent assistant •
On this point, a misunderstanding arose,
and Dr. NEVINS, who had the undisputed
character of being a most careful
physician, unable to give that extensive amount
of attention, time, and assiduity to the Work-
house Hospital, seeing that the deaths were
becoming alarmingly frequent, felt annoyed. He
considered he would promote the interests of the
poor by appealing to the Guardians through the
public press. Through the columns of the
NORTHERN TIMES this effort was made. The
memorable article, Rattle his bones over the
stones," &c., appeared. It detailed certain acts
on the part of the Guardians, which had indi-
rectly led to an increase of disease and mortality,
and pointed out how this might be avoided, and
could be remedied. With the propriety of
publishing such an article we have nothing to
do ; we have our own opinions upon the point.
Nevertheless, we have the Doctor's solemn
statement that his object was not to impute any
improper motives to the Guardians, or that they
sanctioned and encouraged a system which
certainly led to the consequences already
noticed.

In all public bodies there are certain to be
officious parties—men who take offence where
none is intended; and being inflated with an idea
of their own importance, rectitude, and honour,
cannot bear to be told a truth if it reflects
either directly or indirectly upon the conduct of
the order to which they belong. Arrogance,
presumption, and malevolence usurp the place
of reason, and the better feelings of their nature.
The line of conduct adopted by Mr. SHAw
towards Dr. NEvINs, places him in this undesi-
rable category. His continued attacks are only
remarkable for the endless hostility which he
entertains towards the Doctor, with the total
absence of any legitimate cause to warrant
that hostility. They also prove the
undesirability of placing any man in
such a position as will enable him to
exercise the bad and unchristian passions of his
nature. Dr. NEVINS' communication was inves-
tigated by the Poor-law Inspector, who reported
to the Board. That tribunal considered the
Report, and the evidence on which it was
founded; and although they could not approve
of the propriety of publishing the article, yet, in
consequence of the good character, and the
ability and zeal of Dr NEVIN:I, they did
not feel disposed to dismiss him as the
Medical Officer of the Union. Accordingly,
they wrote to the Board that such was their
view of the case, and, after a gentle rebuke to
the Doctor, they recommended that all past
differences should be made up, ani that they
would hear no more of the paltry affair. But
this was too mild a course for the self-sufficient
Mr. SHAW. Ilia offended dignity was not
satisfied—nothing but the dismissal of a gentle-
man, whose only fault was a desire to do good
among the numerous patients tinder his Care,'

could satisfy this sagacious but revengeful
Guardian of the poor. As soon as
the intimation from the Poor Law Board
was read, up started Mr. SHAW, and took
steps to re-open the question, and deal another
deadly blow at his opponent. He moved a
resolution, which was carried only by a majority
of one, that the Board should call upon the
Doctor to resign. No new fact nor argument
was used to justify the motion ; nevertheless;
up it went to London, and Lord COURTENAY
again writes to say that the Board saw nothing
to induce them to alter their previous opinion
and decision-; and again recommended a recon-
ciliation. Now, one would have thought that
this second rebuke to the worthy Guardian who
leads this attack on Dr. NEVINS, would have
induced him to forego any further attempts
at persecution. But no. Lord COURTENAY'S
letter, produced at the Board of Guardians on
Wednesday, is no sooner read, than he again
gives notice of his intention to have another
discussion on the matter. We really wonder
that the Guardians will allow themselves to be
trifled with in this matter. Mr. SHAW has no
new fact to state, nor any fresh charge to make,
against Dr. NEviNs. He performs his duties
to the satisfaction of all ; and if he has been
precipitate and ill-advised, in publishing a com-
munication in the newspapers, he has expressed
his regret and sorrow that it should have
offended or annoyed any of the Guardians. He
had no intention to do so. What more could he
as a gentleman or a Christian do ? We call upon
the Guardians, by their votes to-morrow, to put an
end to a controversy which is unworthy of their
dignity, and detrimental to that good feeling
which should always exist between them and
their officials.

31. JULLIEN AT THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.

The amount of patronage bestowed on the spirited pro-
prietor of the above-named gardens is sufficient indication
that he well understands the art of catering to the public
taste. No sooner has one " grand gala" past than
another quickly follows ; and upon the occasion of this
evening, the entertainments will be more attractive and
varied than usual. The "great" Jullien immediately on
resigning the " magic wand," in London, hurries forth to
gladden the lieges of the " good old town," and to-night
makes his appearance at the Zoological Gardens,
as director of one of the most talented bands of per-
formers that can be found in " merrie England"
Among thefa may be mentioned : —M. Lavigne, M.
Mortieux, M. Collinet, Herr Sonnenberg, M. Hawkes,
M. Richer, M. Duhem, M. Hardy, M. Morlighem, M
De La Fosse, M. Jarrett, M. Simer, M. Leray, Herr
Jamaer, Mr. Hughes, Herr Koenig. And not content
with the lively strains of a polka, or the more graceful
waltz, we are introduced to the charming vocalists the
Misses Brougham, who for some time past have been en-
ticing oar metropolitan neighbours to their favourite
entertainments. And last, though by no means least
amongst the troupe, under the direction of M Jullien,
we have the wonderful Picco, who, from his pastoral pipe,
can "charm all hearers" with a melody of sweet
sounds. Amongst the amusements at this health-restoring
place of recreation, the Theatre will be found equally
entertaining with the usual amusements, and
the performers deserving commendation for their exertions
to please. As this will probably be the " last appearance"
of M. Junin, during his present tour, we would recom-
mend our readers to avail themselves of the opportunity to
listen to the music of his unrivalled band, as it can only
be rendered by them under his direction. Abundant
sources of enjoyment are to be met with in these gardens ;
they are easy of access, and are well deserving the patronage
of the public, and altogether, we expect the " Grand
Military Fete" of this evening will fully eq.ial, if not
excel, anything we shall have during the present season.

Auber's popular opera, Fra Diavolo, adapted by him
and Scribe expressly for the Lyceum company, will be
produced next Thursday, with the substition of Gar-
doni for Mario as the brigand hero. Zerlina, originally
intended for Mdlle. Victoirelfe, has been assigned to
Mdme. Bosio.

Dr. Crysander, the German gentleman entrusted by the
Halle Committee with the task of writing the biography
of Handel, to be ready for the cantenary performances of
1859, and to accompany the new German edition of Han-
del's work advercised—is now in England in quest of
material 4.

We (Ahestmunz) learn that a new and original edition
of Shakspeare is in preparation in the United States, from
which mush much is expected. It is to be produced under
the care of Mr. White, and it will include, at least, the
hundred and seventeen emendations from Mr. Payne
Collier's corrected folio of 1632, which an eminent
American critic has declared must inevitably be included
in the text of every impression of Shakspeare's plays
hereafter to be published in any quarter of the world.
Tne German edition (twice printed within the last three
years)contains many more emendations from the same
source ; for, in spite of the attacks of some foreign critics
most of the changes are highly applauded in that part of
the Continent.
The Baroness de Vigier, late Sophia Cruvelli, is residing
with her husband at his estate near Vannes. The autho-
rities of that town, seeing with dismay that their charita-
ble funds were nearly exhausted, while the number of
applicants for relief was undiminished, bagged the great
singer, a few days ago, to take part in a concert which they
were organising, on behalf the poor. The baroness con-
sented with great willingness, and sang four times, the
concert going off with eclat, producing 4,ooofr.—eon-
siderei a large sum for the town of Vannes.
ITALIAN OPBRA IN DUBLIN. —Mr. Beale has made
arrangements for a series of Italian operas at the Theatre
Royal, Dublin, commencing on the 21st of September, to
be performed with a degree of artistic excellence which
has never before been attempted in the provinces, and very
rarely in the metropolis. Amongst the distinguishe
artistes already engaged are :—Madame Grisi, Madams
Alboni, Madame Gassier, Mdlle. Berti, Mdlle. Baillon,
Mdlle. Sedlatzek ; Signor Mario, Herr Reichard, Signor
Kinni, M. Gassier, Signor Annoni, and Herr Formes ;
whilst the band and chorus will comprise, in addition to
the performers attached to the Dublin Theatre, a selection
from her Majesty's and the Royal Italian opera. The
operas to be represented will include the " Trovatore,"
" Don Giovanni," the " Huguenots," the " Traviata,"
.‘ Rigolette," " Lucretia Borgia," " Semiramide," and
" Norma ;" and in every instance the strictest attention
will be paid to scenic and minor accessories, as well as to
the mode of " casting' the mlst prominent characters.

LIVEEPDOL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.—The monthly
meeting of the Council was held yesterday ; Christopher
Bushell, Esq., the Vice-President, in the chair. After the
routine business hal been disposed of, a report was
brought u;-) from the committee on commercial law, recom-
mending the adoption of a memorial to the Royal Commis-
sionors, now sitting to inquire into the present arrange-
ment for transacting the judicial civil business of the
assizes, by which amendments and alterations might be
introduced. The report was adonted, subject to emenda-
tion. A letter was read from Mr. Bibby, resigning his
seat at the Board; hie resignation was accepted, and the
vacancy ordered to be filled up at the next meeting. A
communication from the Foreign Office, and another from
British Guiana, on the subject of emigration to the West
Indies, was referred to the Free Labour Committee. The
Fi'mancial Reform Association requested an interview with
the Council on the subject of the Plods )n's Bay Company.
It was resolved that a meeting should be held on Monday
next, to receive a deputation from the association. k letter
was read from the Cotton Brokers' Association, appointing
Mr. Rvley as its representative on the Local Committee of
the Cotton Supply Association. Another letter, from 111. r.
Levi, on the subject of the Inc rporation of Chambers of
Commerce, was referred to tbo Comrait.t. Qt 4 CQuiraercial
Law.