The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1839-06-11 00:00:00

LOCAL NEWS.

To LOVERS OF FISH.—We have great pleasure in direct-
ing the attention of our readers, especially of those who are
epicures in their taste for fish, to Mr. Joseph Newton's
establishment, No. 14, St. John's Market. We saw yester-
day on his slab a most tempting variety of the choicest deli-
cacies of the season—fit to grace a monarch's table. The
abundant supply of the delicious specimens of the " finny
tribe" which Mr. Newton has constantly on sale, is only
equalled by their excellence. Those who are fond of having
fish dressed after the London style, may be amply gratified
upon application to Mr. Newton, whose establishment will
bear comparison with any in the kingdom.
THE WEATHER.--Yesterday we were again favoured with
mild and genial showers, which must be productive of great
benefit to the farmer and horticulturist. In consequence of
the very favourable weather we have enjoyed for the last few
days vegetables have become considerably cheaper in our
markets.

ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.—The fete at these delightful gar-
dens, on Friday evening last, went off admirably, and gave
perfect satisfaction to the numerous visitors present. The
third fete of the season takes place to-morrow evening.
BOTANIC GARDENS.—The first exhibition of the season,
as may be seen on reference to the advertisement, will take
place at these gardens to-morrow. We hope that the weather
will prove propitious. If it should be fine we have no doubt
that the delightful promenades in these gardens will be
crowded with company. The exhibition presents one of the
richest treats within our reach.
ST. JAMES' MARKET.—We understand that the first new
wing of this market will be opened in the course of a fort-
night. It is fitted up with beautiful white marble slabs.
The increased accommodation arising from this enlargement
will be, no doubt, duly appreciated by the inhabitants of
Toxteth-park and its neighbourhood. We feel bound to
state that the Market Committee deserve the highest praise
for thus promoting the convenience of the public.
PROTESTANT BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.—We perceive, from
an advertisement in another page, that the yearly meeting of
!this excellent society is to take place next Tuesday, at
St. Paul's School-room, when the members and their friends
will dine together. We are glad to learn that the funds of
the society have nearly doubled in amount during the last
year, and that it has been enabled to invest a considerable
sum. The praiseworthy objects of this society entitle it to
extended support.

SCRIPTURAL EDUCATION.—We are glad to perceive, from
an advertisement which appears in another column, that the
Rev. Mr. M'Crea, of Dublin, has engaged, at the solicitation
of several friends of scriptural education, to deliver a lecture
on that important subject, on Wednesday, (to-morrow) even-
ing, at the .Music Hall, Bold-street. We have no doubt that
this talented and eloquent minister will attract a numerous
audience on the occasion.

ME. GREEN'S BENEFIT.—Mr. Green, the spirited pro-
jector of the Popular Concerts, we perceive from the adver-
tisement, intends to take his benefit at the Royal Amphi-
theatre, on Friday next. It is a subject of regret that these
concerts have not been better supported. We trust, however,
that Mr. Green will be rewarded for his public spirit with a
full house, on the occasion of his benefit. He has engaged a
very efficient band, and a talented vocal company, among
whom we are glad to recognize the name of Mr. Davies, who
has kindly consented to give his valuable services. We feel
persuaded that lovers of music will find a rich treat provided
for them.

DESECRATION OF THE SABBATH.—We regret to lay be-
fore our readers the following specimen of popish falsehood,
and sabbath profanation, in the shape of a circular, which
was industriously distributed at the doors of the chapels in
this town on Sunday last, addressed to the precursors, and
friends of justice, in Liverpool :—" A. meeting of the Precursor
Society will take place this evening, (Sunday, June 9,) in Mr.
Maguire's large room, 11, Mersey-street, where the cause
of the injured Irishmen, who have innocently suffered during
the late tory riots, will be brought before the meeting, for the
purpose of devising the best means of affording them pro-
tection. Every person possessing any information respecting
the rioters is earnestly requested to attend." The notice is
such a compound of enormous lying," and consummate

hypocrisy, as to require no further attention.
LIVERPOOL ELECTION AND NATIONAL EDUCATION.—
We flatter ourselves that if our conservative friends are not
ready for an early struggle with the opponents of our time-
honoured institutions, they will not attribute their want of
preparation to any lack of warning on the part of the conser-
vative press. The " Reformers" are now, as ever, on the
alert, and this very evening a meeting of that self-styled body
is to be held at the room of the clique in Clayton-square, for
the purpose of considering the future representation of the
borough in parliament, the registration, and the ministerial
plan of education. Are the friends of the monarchy equally
active ? We hope they will never suffer the righteousness of
their cause to betray them into apathy and lukewarmness.
TRADESMEN'S INSTITUTION.—At the half-yearly meet-
ing of this excellent institution, on Friday last, the follow-
ing donations in aid of its general objects were announced :
Mr. William Wilson and Family, Classical Library, 50 vols.
Messrs. Richardson and Cowburn
Mr. William A. Philips lO 0 0
Messrs. Woolright and Chidson
Messrs. Jeffery and Morrish .
Mr. Thomas Winstanley 53 vols. books, and, in
addition his subscription as a member.
Mr. John Dawburn
Mr. Samuel Hunt
Messrs. Wilmer and Smith, 25 vols. books.
Mr. Carroll, of Rainsford-gardens, 5 vols.

5 0 0
5 0 0
..

Various other donors of works in 1 and 2 vols. each.
NUMEROUS ARRIVALS.—On Thursday the wind which,
for several weeks, had blown from the eastward, veered round
to the southward. On that day and the following days the
arrivals of vessels from foreign parts were extremely numerous,
as will he seen by referring to our Shipping Intelligence.—
Most of the vessels which arrived since the change of wind
have had very long passages. The import of cotton by the
arrivals of the week cannot be under 50,000 bales.

LORD F. EGBRTON.—We are happy to state that his Lord-
ship has not only caused the discontinuance of all the passage-
boats but one, on the Bridgewater canal, on the Sabbath day,
but that he has made, and is continuing to make, ample pro-
vision for the spiritual instruction of the boatmen. His Lord-
ship and La.dv Egerton also walk more than a mile-to clinch
every bun day, in order to afford a greater number of their
domestics an opportunity of attending public worship, and of
inducing others by their example, to observe the Sabbath.
THE EARL OF DERBY.--The use of the noble earl's right
side is entirely gone, but his lordship is able to use his hands
freely, and lately he has franked a number of letters.

PUBLIC HALL.—We understand that seventy-five plans
have been received by the committee for the erection of this
building, and some of them are said to be very beautiful
designs.
On Thursday next will be launched, from the building-
yard of Mr. Peter Cato, west side of the Brunswick Dock,
a fine new barque, about 300 tons register, for Messrs. Hol-
derness and Chilton, intended, we believe, for the Brazilian
trade.

The Marquis of Headfort and suite arrived here on Thurs-
day from Kingstown, Dublin, per the Royal William, City
of Dublin Company's steam-packet, Captain Swainson.

DEPUTY LIEUTENANCY.—CharIes Dickson Archibald,
Esq. has been appointed one of the deputy lieutenants of
the county.—Preston Pilot.

" PRINCE" STEAMER.—We understand heavy bets have
been made that this splendid vessel, the last new one of the
City of Dublin Company, will, in a few days, make the pas-
sage from the George's Pier-head to Kingstown Harbour
under ten hours.

A deputation of tobacconists from Liverpool, Leeds, Hull,
Bolton, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, had an interview on Tues-
day last with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
On Sunday morning last, after an admirable sermon by
the Rev. Hugh M‘Neile, the sum of £4l 14s. sd. was col-
lected in behalf of the funds of the Northern Hospital. The
rev. gentleman had given no previous intimation that he
purposed appealing to his congregation on the subject, or a
much larger amount would doubtless have been received.

To-morrow will be launched, from the building yard of
Messrs. Bannister and Co., Trentham-street, a beautiful
schooner, about 200 tons register, belonging to W. S. Dixon,
Esq., and intended, we understand, for the Glasgow and
Liverpool line of sailing vessels.
PARLIAMENTARY REGISTRATION.—TO avoid disfran-
chisement of electors in cities and boroughs, all the poor-
rates and window-taxes (if any) payable from a voter in
respect of his premises, previously to the 6th day of April,
must be paid on or before the 20th July, whether demanded
or not.

ALEHOUSE LICENSES.-It may be useful to some of our
readers to know that persons intending to apply for new
licenses to keep inns, should give their notices on the church
doors, &c., as directed by the act of parliament, on three
several Sundays between the Ist of June and the last day of
July.

STEAM TO NEW YORK.—The Liverpool, Steam-ship, will
depart, on Thursday forenoon, on her third trip, this year, to
New York. She will, we are happy to state, carry out her
full complement of passengers. Even for the next voyage
half her berths are engaged already.

The next annual Conference of the Wesleyan Methodists
will be holden in Liverpool, and will commence its sittings
on the 31st next month. The Rev. Messrs: Atherton, (of
London,) and Lessey, (of Bristol,) are talked of as candidates
for the honourable office of President.

Mr. Kilshaw, Mr. W. Birket, and Mr. Ford, a deputation
from the inhabitants of Liverpool, headed by Mr. Cresswell,
had an interview, on Friday, with Lord John Russell, at the
Home-office, for the purpose of laying before his lordship
certain objections to the Prisons Bill.

STEAM V. WIND.—AII the ships which sailed from New
York before the Liverpool had long passages, having expe-
rienced scarcely any thing, during the whole trip, but light
head winds or calms. The Europe, which sailed on the Ist
ult., arrived on Friday morning, and the Roscoe, which sailed
on the 9th, arrived in the afternoon of the same day. The
Sheffield, which sailed on the 16th ult., arrived yesterday
morning. But the packet-ship Oxford, which sailed on the
20th ult., two days after the Liverpool, having had the luck
of a favourable wind, anchored in the Mersey early yesterday
morning also, having been on her passage only five days
longer than the Liverpool was on hers.—Albion.
FlRE.—Between three and four o'clock on Thursday
morning a fire was discovered in a soap and candle shop,
Mount-pleasant. One of the police ran off to the fire sta-
tion, and in a few minutes Superintendent Hewitt arrived
with two engines and several water carts. 'One engine was
quickly got into play, and Hewitt, with a few of his
well-
disciplined men, soon subdued the fire. Too much praise
cannot be given to Hewitt, as it was expected by all present
that it would be impossible to have checked the progress of-
the flame still it was consumed.

FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Friday, an inquest was held be-
fore Mr. Curry, on the body of Margaret Edwards, aged two
years and four months, daughter of Robert Edwards, shoe-
maker, Trowbridge-street. It appeared that on the sth Oc-
tober last, the child wag running across Dansie-street, when
she was rode over by a cart belonging to the Royal Brewery
Company; the wheel of which passed up over the abdomen,
causing a fracture of the ilium and severe internal ruptures.
Mr. Lockwood, surgeon, attended her from the time of the
accident until her death, which took place on Wednesday
last, but the case from the first was quite a hopeless one,
The driver was sitting in the cart, and was not aware of the
child's danger until after the accident had occurred; but as
the jury considered that there was no blame attributable to
him, they found a verdict of accidental death.
LIST OF CABIN PASSENGERS PER SHIP ROSCOE.—H.
Robertson, lady, child, and servant, Philadelphia; John
Ely, jun., do. ; Miss A. Turnbull, Baltimore ; Miss E.
Turnbull, do. ; Mrs. Broadbent, England ; Mr. C. Burnett,
New York ; John H. Smith, Boston ; H. Watson, New
York ; B. E. Wenman and lady, do. ; Mrs. Ware, do. ;
Miss Ware, do. ; Mr. Ware, do. ; Rev. WEwen, Phila-
delphia ; Mr. Root, New York ; C. F. Kcnworthy, ditto ;
Mr. Roberts, Brooklyn ; Mr. Smith, New York ; Rev. Mr.
Goldnev, England ; F. J. Baretti, do. ; Mr. Orerman,
Porto Rico ; Edward Whately, Pennsylvania ; Ed. Trimmer,
do. ; 0. H. Ducroz, do. ; Mr. and Miss Murphy. New
York ; Mr. Tryon, do. ; Captain Sandeman, 734 regiment,
do ; Mr. John Watson, do. ; Mr, Thomas Smith, do. ;
Patten, do. ; Mr. Leadley, do. ; Mr. S. Mauroy, do.
A rumour has circulated in the metropolis, to the effect
that Lords Melbourne and Normanby have come to an open
breach, and that the former is to retire, when the latter or
Lord Durham is to assume the Premiership, dissolve the Par-
liament, and try the strength of unadulterated Radicalism.—
We believe this rumour to be well founded. The officers of
the House of Commons have certainly had instructions to be
on the look out for a dissolution—the writs are already en-
grossed—and Lord Mebbourne's immediate friends positively
assert that he is about to retire.—Orford Herald.

LIVERPOOL
OPERATIVE PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION.

A public meeting of the members and friends of the above
society was held last evening, in the large school-room' of
St. Jude's, Oakes-street, for the purpose of taking into
consideration the propriety of petitioning parliament against
the government plan of national education. The room was
greatly thronged. At seven o'clock the Rev. H. WNEILE
entered, and, on taking the chair, was loudly applauded.
He commenced the proceedings by prayer, and then ad-
dressed the meeting in reference to the subject which they
had met to consider. He regretted that his time was so very
limited, having had an engagement previously made for this
evening at eight o'clock, as to prevent him:from remaining
amongst them so long as he desired ; and although he had
signified that he would be obliged to decline attending on the
present occasion, yet he felt bound, under existing circum-
stances, and at all hazards, to make an effort to be there,
and to co-operate with them in the advancement of the great
cause of scriptural education, which they had all so much at
heart. (Cheers.) There was one distinction—and which in
the outset they should bear in mind—that there existed a
great difference between the true church of Christ, and the
enjoyment of the blessings which proceed from the true
church of Christ, by any peculiar nation. They were
all sufficiently convinced that no human effort could suc-
ceed against the church of Christ, and it was, therefore,
asked by many, why be so zealous, why be so active in
your exertions, when all know that, as God defends his
church, and is powerful to protect her from all assaults, the
attacks of infidelity and popery need not be regarded. But
it is not as a spiritual church alone that they were now to look
upon the advantages they derived from the Protestant Esta-
blished Church of England—they had to distinguish from
the true spiritual church of Christ, the great advantages that
every nation, every city, every town, and every village, where
it was established, enjoyed from its beneficent influence over
the conduct and morals of the people. That church was
once established in the cities of Asia—it was destroyed and
now the country was filled with Mabomedans. (Hear.)—
The same he said was the case with respect to Africa.
The Christian Church was once in its purity in Italy, and
St. Paul wrote to the Christians of Rome, but now, instead
of the Church of Christ they had Antichrist. In England
similar results would be experienced, for, if they would sup-
pose for a moment that the church was removed, and allowed
to proceed, as in America, what might be expected? The
distinction between the temporal and spiritual advantages
of the church was, therefore, obvious—it was not Christianity
merely they had to consider, but Christianity in England
they were called upon to maintain. This was a distinction
he repeated they ought to look after—Dissenters and others
spoke of spiritual Christianity, but they wished them to re-
gard their Protestant Christianity as a national blessing—
to preserve it as essential to the interests of their country as
well as essential to their own salvation, and which it was ne-
cessary for them to take care of, inasmuch as it was as requisite
for their eternal welfare, as salt was for the preservation of
the material earth. It is to preserve this christian church,
and to prevent the introduction of Roman apostasy, that
this Protestant association was formed. Papists wish to
throw a doubt upon the authorised versions of the scriptures,
because they are aware if they succeed in throwing uncer-
tainty upon their authenticity ; then, they know, recourse
must be had to tradition, to show what are the genuine
scriptures. So they would understand that the object of
Protestants was to maintain the sufficiency of the scriptures
of the written word of God, whilst the Romanists contended
for their insufficiency, and that it was necessary to bring in
the evidence of tradition to help out their proof. See then the
object of establishing these schools—if the government sys-
tem of education were once established, the Socinian and Pa-
pist would introduce their own versions of scripture, they would
the socinian copy, the Protestant copy, and, as Belsham have
called it, " the sacred, improved version ;" and each would
say, " this is ours "—" this is ours ;" and the third would
ask, which was the right one ? Then the Romanist would
come in and say, Did we not tell you that it would be neces-
sary to introduce tradition to decide your question. (Cheers.)
This was the policy—this was the object of the church of
Rome ; and nothing could more clearly demonstrate the
necessity of establishing no other system of education in this
country than one having for its object the scriptural instruc-
tion of children according to the principles of the Estab-
lished Church. The rev. gentleman proceeded to explain
the course pursued by the government on the question of
national education recently abandoned by them. Lord
Ashley, it appeared, gave notice of a call of the house, for the
day on which Lord John Russell was to submit his plan of
education, being determined that the subject should be con-
sidered in a full house. Lord John Russell on that occasion
had the boldness to get up and state that he would second
the motion, but when the time came for Lord Ashley to
bring forward his motion, of which he had given notice;Lord
John Russell rose and said that his proposition had met with
so many objections, that he did not deem it advisable to pro-
ceed with it, but that he was prepared with a modification of
the system—he therefore suggested to Lord Ashley to
relinquish his motion for a call of the house, but the
noble lord declined—he said let me see first what your
modification is, and then I may accede to your wishes. The
modified plan has since been proposed ; but what Lord Ashley
has done in consequence, he (Mr. M'Neile) knew not, but
here is the modified plan.
(The rev. gentleman then read the document at length,
which appears in another part of our paper.)
According to this plan the committee which is to superintend
the system of education is to consist of five, and the meeting
may judge of the spirit which will actuate it, when they hear
the names of the individuals appointed upon it. The Right
Hon. Spring Rice, Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Marquis
of Lansdowne, President of the Council. Lord John Russell,
Lord Duncannon who, by the way is a private friend ofDaniel
O'Connell—(groans)—and Mr. Labouchere, Master of the
Mint. These were the members of the committee for the ma-
nagement of the normal schools. The petitions against the sys-
tem, however, were numberless—the House of Commons
could not contain them, and they were obliged to employ the
housemaids daily to sweep them out of the chamber—for the
meeting must know that the petitions were the perquisites of
the maids of the House of Commons. The petitions, be
they found such lugubrious howlings in their dear friend the
Albion, who states to-day that ministers were disgracefully,
shamefully deserted by the country. (Cheers and laughter.)
The rev. gentleman, with his usual ability, then dissected the
report of the Committee of Council appointed to superintend
the grant intended for the purposes of public education. He
said, if they consented to subscribe £3OO according to the
plan proposed, the government, it would appear, were to
give £2OO, or to make grants in proportion to the amount of
subscription raised in the locality in which the school was
intended to be established. They propose to make their
grants to all denominations share and share alike. Mr.
M'Neile again apologised for being obliged to leave the
meeting so early, and, in consequence, being compelled
to conclude his remarks as soon as possible. He would,
however, impress upon their attention that part of the
report in which the committee stated that they did not
feel themselves precluded from making grants in particular
cases, which should appear to them to call for the aid of go-
vernment, although the applications should not come from
either the National Society or the British School Society.
Where, then, asked the rev. gentleman, were the applica-
tions to come from ?—where are they to come from, my
honey ?—(laughter)—where, my jewel ?—continued laugh-
ter.) • Why, any sect that may think proper to make appli-
cation will not be denied ; they will get the money for the
support of the schools, no matter what religion—if any reli-
gion whatever be considered worthy of their attention. That
was the modified plan proposed by the government, and on
seeing it he felt it his duty as he before did, to resist the sys-
tem. He therefore had prepared a petition against its adop-
tion, which he read last evening to his congregation, for, he
was determined to lost no time in endeavouring to counteract
this insidious attempt to foist upon them what they were
openly unable to accomplish. The rev. gentleman read the
following petition :

ANOTHER PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS FROM
THE CONGREGATION OF ST. JUDE'S CHURCH.
Your petitioners implore the attention of your honourable
house to the following clause in the last report of the com-
mittee of council upon the subject of public education.
" The committee do not feel themselves precluded from
making grants in particular cases, which shall ap-
pear to them to call for the aid of government, al-
though the applications may not come from either
of the two mentioned societies."
Your petitioners cannot place such confidence in the com-
mittee of council, as to entrust them with the arbitrary
management, here demanded, of grants of public money in
the matter of the education of the people.
Your petitioners ground this want of confidence, not in
vague general suspicion, but on facts. The committee of
council did propose a scheme for a normal or model school,
against which your petitioners, in common with a vast ma-
jority of their fellow-countrymen, protested. A leading
member of the committee declared, in his place in the House
of Commons, the impossibility of carrying their scheme into
effect, because of the opposition of the nation. In sayinc, so,
he did not confess that he and the other members of the
committee were convinced that it was wrong ; on the con-
trary he said they still thought it right, but gave it up for the
present because they must.
Your petitioners therefore submit, with all respect, that to
grant money to such a committee, to be used absolutely, as
shall appear to them good, in aid of applications from what-
ever quarter proceeding, would be to give them full and
unrestricted opportunity to do what they proposed in their
former paper, what the nation resisted, what they were com-
pelled to abandon, but what they might thus succeed sub-
stantially to establish. More still, it would be to give them
opportunity to do even worse than they have ventured to
propose, should it appear good to them or their advisers.
Your petitioners cannot but feel that this is to ask for ab-
solutism under the ensnaring garb of liberality, and there-
fore they earnestly and respectfully implore your honourable
house, to look upon the loud expression of national feeling
against the former paper, as in full force, nay increased force
against the present; so that no grant of public money should
be placed at the disposal of any such board.
And your petitioners will ever pray, &c.
He said he had still another document to read to them—it
was his letter to Lord Sandon, and which is as follows :
TO LORD VISCOUNT SANDON.
Mr Loan,—We are sorry to be compelled to trouble you
so soon with another petition, but we trust the circumstances
of the case will not only prove our excuse, but commend our
zeal to your lordship's approbation.
The education committee of the privy council formed on
the 10th of last April, do not seem disposed to give the
House of Commons credit for the possession of much dis-
cernment, or the exercise of much discretion.
They asked for money, announcing their intended plan of
using it. This was refused by an indignant nation. They
now ask for money, without announcing any plan, but retain-
ing the power to use it AS THEY THINK PROPER. They say
—" The committee do not feel themselves precluded from
making grants in particular cases, which SHALL APPEAR TO
THEM to call for the aid of government, although the appli-
cations may not conic from either of the two mentioned so-
cieties."

It is easy to foresee what description of applications this
clause if admitted, will give rise to. The wishes of the
committee are before the public in the rejected paper, and hi
their lamentations over its failure. Applications in accord-
ance with those wishes would speedily be forwarded, and of
course they would appear to the committee to deserve the aid
of government : and thus the most objectionable features of
the condemned normal seminary would be inscribed upon
school after school in the country, instituted by applicants
whose willingness to propagate Socinianism or Popery, would
prove an all sufficient recommendation to the committee.
By the announcement of a scheme of operations in their
former paper, the committee relieved us from the painful
necessity of personal observations upon themselves. We
addressed ourselves to their scheme and it was shown to be
untenable.

Now, however, by asking money without announcing any
scheme ; by voting themselves competent to the arbitrary
application of public funds, they challenge the inquiry, who
are ye ?
The answer is, five official gentlemen, not one of whom
need he, by the law of the land, a Churchman, or,even a Pro-
testant. There is a member of the government who must
still be a Protestant, but he is not on this committee.
Our objection is not to the individuals but to, the fearful
hazard (not to say more of it) of entrusting any five individu-
als of any party in politics, or of any denomination in reli-
gion, with so despotic an influence over the education of the
country. Other and serious objections to the paper now be-
fore us, present themselves, but this is paramount, and the
time seems to be short.

A petition, of which I have the pleasure to enclose a copy,
is in course of signature, and already numerously signed, by

the members of my congregation, and with your Lordship's
permission will be forwarded for presentation in a few days.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's obedient servant,
HUGH M'NEILE.

Liverpool, 10th June, 1839.
The reading of both documents was enthusiastically ap-
plauded. He again desired to know whence the applications
would come from, for support for national schools. He
would suppose a case in which he applied for a grant for his
own school, and that a similar application proceeded from
the neighbourhood of St. Anthony s Chapel, where, instead
of enforcing the true and pure word of God, they have it
corrupted with the Douay notes, where the children are
taught Pater Koster and Ave Maria, which they do not under-
sstand a word of; and where men are taught to count their
beads and look to their priest, instead of the only mediator be-
tween God and man. Suppose such applications were made to
committee, he could imagine a scene—in which his country-
man, Thomas Spring Rice, would be the most prominent
figure. He would say that this application of his (Mr.
M `Neile's) did not proceed from either of the two societies—
fir his school was not connected with either. It would
aid it came from a clergyman of the Established Church
at their schools were amply supported—they were rich
enough, and though the church catechism was taught in it,
and the bible read, it would be denominated one of those
bigotted schools, and " that it does not appear to this com-
mittee as deserving of support." The Marquis of Lansdowne
would say to Mr. Rice, oh ! we are the liberal party—we
hold out the right hand of fellowship to all, and as you yes-
terday granted to a Socinian minister, why refuse to give a
grant to a clergyman of the Church of England. The answer
would no doubt be, as he before remarked, these schools are
so rich they require no grants ; they have abundance of funds
from diocesan contributions, from collections, and charity
sermons. He next showed what a different reception the
application from St. Anthony's chapel would meet with,—
which he described in a very humourous manner, and con-
cluded a very eloquent address by invoking the divine bless-
ing upon the labours of the association The rev. gentleman
then retired amidst great cheering.
The Rev. Mr. BURKE was then called to the chair. He
addressed the meeting at considerable length on the subject
of national education, and called upon Mr. Gladstone.
A GENTLEMAN at the bottom of the room, whose name
we did not learn, here said, that, having heard the petition
read, he was desirous to offer a few remarks before it was put
to the meeting.. (Some slight commotion was the result of
this request, which, however, soon subsided.)
The CHAIRMAN said the gentleman had better come to
the top of the room, and if he were in order he should be
heard. (The gentleman made his way forward.)
Another GENTLEMAN, in the body of the room, said that
he thought before the gentleman who had presented himself
was heard, it would be proper to ask him with what object
he was about to address the meeting, which was called as
one of Protestants exclusively and their friends. Perhaps
the gentleman would state whether he was a friend to the ob-
ject of the meeting? (Hear, hear.)
The GENTLEMAN said, that he by no means wished to in-
trude. A question had been put to him, and having, (as we
understood) some objection to the petition, he should refrain
from expressing himself further if he were out of order. He
came there invited to attend the meeting by his own daughter ;
who was a constant attendant at St. Jude's Church, and he
would add that he was a protestant, and favourable to natio-
nal education. If, however, no one would be allowed to
speak but such as were exclusively in favour of the petition,
he should not press himself upon the meeting.
The CHAIRMAN said that he perceived by referring to the
rules of the association, that the speakers were, on such oc-
casions, to be chosen by the committee. (Hear.)
Mr. J. A. GLADSTONE said, that he naturally felt very
considerable uneasiness and difficulty in addressing them
after the eloquent address of their beloved Hugo, and the
interesting speech of their chairman. (Cheers.) The latter
had alluded to the good effect which a residence for some
time in the inquisition would have on a certain member of
the Common Council, Mr. Rathbone. The chairman had
stated that it would make him as good a protestant as any in
the land. Now, he (Mr. Gladstone) would say that if he
believed Mr. Rathbone was a true churchman at bottom,
but misled by false doctrines, such a result might arise.
But that person was rotten at the core ; there was in him no
saving grace ; and there was no hope until the spirit of God
taught him the error of his ways, and taught him that Jesus
Christ was both God and man. (Hear.) Popery,it had been
said, was the same, and so it was in some points. It was
still the same tyrannical, domineering, grasping faction in
principle, that it had ever been ; but it was not the same in
action. In former ages it had brought the martyrs to their
holy faith to the stake ; but it could not now continue such
diabolical doings, though it sneaked out with a desire to re-
peat them. (Cheers.) The modern system of education
sought for by the government was but an outshot of popery,
and its final object was to crush the protestant religion. He
begged to read the resolution which he should propose. He
then read the resolution to the effect, " that the meeting be-
held with feelings of indignation and alarm, the attempt made
to introduce a system of education, which they considered
subversive of the Christian religion, dishonourable to God,
injurious to man ; and tending to establish popery and infi-
delity in this country." (Hear and applause.) He did not
think the resolution one iota too strongly expressed. When
the scheme become generally known, it could not fail to raise
a strong feeling of indignation. Some time ago the corpo-
ration of Liverpool endeavoured to introduce the Popish
system into the schools unfortunately under their controul ;
and with respect to them he was now going to say what the
radicals would, doutless, call a lie ; but he cared not ; if all
the radicals in the kingdom called him a liar,—he would
utter it. He was true to the " back-bone" and he hoped a
good offshoot. (Cheers and laughter.) The " liberal"
Town Council, whatever the radicals might say, yet excluded
the Bible from their schools. (Cries of " Shame.") The
Protestant clergy of the town made a noble stand against
such a system. (Cheers.) Yes ! in the new Town Council
the spirit of popery still predominated, and though from the
stand made against this system, they did not so openly pro-
ceed upon it, they bad not yet rescinded the resolution that
education should be:pronaiscuous. The Catholics, they said,
must come in, and the consequence was, that theßible was vir-
tually excluded. If, however, the corporation did not rescind
the resolution, they sneakingly altered the system. It had been
well said, .by their beloved pastor, that the whole system had
hailn 1.43 c n 1.4 &IA to 42. ... 44 4"1.,...” 4,. ...... :... r- ...‘ .1-.. , e.... ........
essentially Protestant people would submit to receive a Po-
pish education. These schools had been going on, on this
accursed system, for three years, and now the government
wished to introduce it all over the country. The pretended
amendments in the system left it as bad as before. The
Bible, to all practical purposes, was excluded from their
schools. All creeds were put upon a level ;—the Jew, the
Catholic, the Socinian, the Deist, the Infidel, were all to be
taught together. Would they, as Protestants, admit that all
religions were alike ? For himself he (and he trusted they)
would rather submit to be carried to the stake. (Cheers.)
Would they admit the dangerous the fearful doctrine that all
men could go to heaven in their way ? What would be the
lamentable result of such a doctrine as this ? True, its evils
would not become immediately apparent in the children who
were contaminated by it. It might not become developed
in the bloom of youth; but it would inevitably burst forth
in all its malignity on the attainment of manhood. (Cheers.)
When they had Socinian teachers in one corner of the school-
room, Roman Catholic teachers in another and so forth,
how could it be otherwise ? They could not bring a
clean thing out of an unclean thing. Those who heard
him were not ignorant of what popery was. The gen-
tleman who now occupied the chair had given them
a pretty good definition of it. He had shown them of
what colour it was. (A laugh.) When they looked at the
riots that had recently taken place in the town, they could
not fail to form an estimate of Roman Catholic morality.
(Loud cheers.) They could not fail to see that it produced,
or sanctioned, brutal drunkenness, quarrelling, and fighting,
and even bloodshed. Finally, it even drove them to fight
amongst themselves. (Laughter.) It reminded them of
the black rats on board of ship—they were never contented
until they drove all others out of it; and then they fought
and drove each other out. (Laughter.) As to the Socinians,
let them not be told that they were moral, and honest, and
that they would not take in a brother. Let them not be de-
deceived by the asserion, that their system constituted a
a bond of friendship and of virtue. No, the truth was, there
were so many eyes upon them, so many watching them, that
they dared not openly show their disposition to evil. He
was not acquainted with the domestic conduct of more than
a few of them ; but this he would say, that without the Spirit
of God, man was naturally addicted to vice. They did not
seek for holiness • such a word was not in their creed ; and
therefore could:they not be strictly virtuous. The Socinian
doctrines, might, to the ignorant, appear odorous ; but they
were doubtful and poisonous : they might promise grapes, but
when they grew, they would be found to be sour. (Cheers.)
Let the Roman Catholics, the Socinians, and the Infidels,
once establish the doctrine that one religion was as good as
another, and the anchor of the Protestant faith would be for
ever gone. They say the Protestant is the only true faith ;
and if they brought up their children to believe that others
were equal to it, they would leave them in the dark, on the
brink of a fearful precipice. This was a dreadful thought.
It would leave them amidst all the trials of this world (which,
but for true religion, would not be worth living in) in a dreadful
state of doubt and uncertainty, on that worst of all fears, that
while other creeds were wrong, this one might be wrong too.
He would ask (and he cared not for the radicals) what right
had the government to subvert the established laws of the
country? (Cheers.) What right had they to establish
schools upon principles, that struck at the very foundation
of the Protestant church? (Cheers.) The Papist, the So-
cinian, the infidel, each wanted to obtain the ascendancy ;
and woe be to the people if they did ; for all of them were
tyrannical. Not so were the Protestants : their church,
moreover, was established by law, and according to law the
government ought to support it inlevery corner of the king.
dom. The country must be made to honour God, in order
that God might bless the country. That church had
been chosen which was the best, and the ministers
who endowed Catholic bishoprics in Canada or Aus-
tralia, or gave grants to such institutions as Maynooth
College, transgressed against the constitutional laws of the
land. Popery would never be contented until she had borne
down Protestantism. The Pope himself, it was well known,
believed that England was the stronghold of Protestantism,
and directed all his secret power' against her, knowing that if
her religion were put down, all the world would be under him.
For himself, he hated Popery with all his heart and all his
soul ; and had he power he would crush it under for ever.
(Hear, hear, and loud cheering.) They had always allowed
the Catholics to walk without molestation on their an-
nual day. The Protestants, indeed, had been too tolerant.
In their generosity to the Catholics, they had cherished a
viper in their bosoms, which had at last turned upon them
and stung them. Even in the year 1829, when the
Catholic emancipation was fatally yielded to what was
called " expediency," England had continued to retrograde,
and never would she again prosper until it was repealed.
Nations received their reward from on high, according to
their obedience to the true Word of God, who never failed to
pour his blessings upon Protestant countries. (Cheers.)
Let them look, on the one hand, to Ireland, to Spain, to
Portugal, and behold the misery and anarchy in which they
were plunged; and, on the other hand, to happy England.
True, she had been going down ever since that emancipation
act. And would they not make a struggle to redeem and
establish her former prosperity ? (Cries of Yes.) Let them
not rest there, until they had got that mischievous act re-
pealed. (Loud cheers.) Popery was a beast they could no
longer endure ; and the ministers might oppose them ; they
would stand even alone, and would eventually triumph.
(Loud cheers.)
Mr. JONES seconded the motion in an address of consider-
able length.
A vote of thanks was then enthusiastically passed to the
president, the Rev. Mr. M`Neile. A similar compliment
was paid to the chairman, and the meeting dispersed.

There have been 60,000 hogsheads of flax sowed this year
in the north of Ireland.
Lace and cambric, of the very finest description, is made
in France and Holland from Irish spun thread.
It is calculated that 77,500,000 chargeable letters are an-
nually transmitted by post throughout the United Kingdom.
It is not the intention of government to propose to parlia-
ment, during the present session, any measure for the aboli-
tion of church-rates. Upon he truth of this statement our
readers may confidently rely.—Patriot.
On Tuesday week two young woodcocks were taken by
Mr. Thomas Stephens, at Whitebrook, near Monmouth.
DIABOLICAL OUTRAGE.--A valuable horse, the property
of Mr. John Fargus, of this city, which was at grass at Mr.
Higwell's farm, Charlton, was on Friday morning found lying
dead in the field, having been caught during the night by some
miscreants, and stabbed through the heart. We perceive that
a reward of thirty guineas is offered for their apprehension.—
Bristol Journal.