The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1839-12-20 00:00:00

PUBLIC MEETING OF THE LICENSED VICTUAL.
LERS, WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, AND
OTHERS CONNECTED WITH THE TRADE.

Yesterday, a meeting, called by circular, of the licensed vic-
tuallers, wholesale and retail wine and spirit dealers, brewers,
and owners of public-house property, was held at Eastwood's,
Royal Hotel, Dale-street, for the purpose of " taking into
consideration the effects which certain clauses of the metro-
politan police bill (intended to be introduced into the bo-
rough) would necessarily have upon their trade, and upon
the value of public-houso property." The meeting was called
for half-past ten ; but as part►es continued to enter the room
pretty abundantly after that hour, the opening of the busi-
ness of the-day was delayed until eleven o'clock, at which
time about four hundred persons were present, including
many of the most- respectable individuals in the respective
branches of the trade alluded to. _ _ _

On the-motion of Mr. CAIVItExsoN, John Bent, Esq.,
was unanimously called to time chair; and at his request the
circular, calling the nmeeting, one of which had been ad-
dressed to every individual in the trade—was read by the
secretary of the Licensed Victuallers' Society, Mr. Robin-
son, to the effect above stated.

The CHAIRMAN said, that by way of further explanation,
be might state that the meeting had been called at the in-
stance of the committee of the Licensed Victuallers' Society,
in order that it might become known to the whole trade that
the Town Council were about to apply to parliament for the
introduction of certain clauses of the metropolitan police act,
to be brought into operation in this borough, and which, it
introduced, would effect a material change in the regulations
affecting the manner in which the licensed victuallers con-
ducted their business on the Sunday. Tne act referred to
was the 2d and 3d Victoria, chap. 47, entitled, " An act for
further improving the police in and near the metropolis ;"
and the clause that peculiarly affected them was the 42d,

__ was to the following effect :
And be it enacted—That no Licensed Victualler, or
other person shall open his house within the Metropolitan
police district, for the sale of wine, spirits, beer, or other fer-
mented liquors on Sundays, Christmas Day, ansk Good Fri-
day, before the hours of one in the afternoon, except re-
freshments for travellers," There were other clauses which
it was proposed to introduce from the same act, into the
bill for this town which it • was proposed to seek from Parli-
ament ; but as these did not particularly affect those whom
he addressed, he- should not further allude to them, un-
less required to do so. In meeting them that day to consider
the effect which such a change would have upon the trade,
he might be permitted to call their attention to one important
fact, relating to the proposed bill ; and that was, that it was
partial and not general in its operation and effect. (Hear,
While the publicans within the borough would be compelled
to close their houses from Saturday night to one o clock
on Sunday, no publican in the neighbourhood outside of
the borough, or in Cheshire would be so restricted, but
might admit customers at any hour of the morning. (Hear.)
There could be no doubt but many of the publicans in the
town would thus lose a considerable amount of business ;
and he feared another consequence : the quiet and unpro-
tected districts in the neighbourhood of the town, would be-
come, he apprehended, through the operation of the act,
scenes of tumult, disorder, and immorality, far outweighing
those evils which it was sought to repress in the town.—
(Cheers.) Before he entered the room, he had thought that
the clause alluded to went even to the extent of preventing
publicans from giving refreshments within the hours stated,
even to travellers ; but on this point he was mistaken, as he
found that in cases of necessity, such persons might be ad-
mitted. In taking a general view of the subject, the meet-
ing would also have to • deliberate on the effects of the pro-
posed measure, as it effected the supplying sea-fearing men
with those articles of refreshment of which they stood in
need, particularly when about going to sea. There were
many other classes proposed to be introduced, but as they
were much less important, he should leave them in
their own hands. (Cheers.) He might truly say, that
the licensed victuallers were always willing rather to
accede to the wishes of the local authorities than to oppose
them ; and he felt assured that by keeping their houses
orderly and respectable, they would not only promote their
own interests, but support the respectability of their charac-
ter as tradesmen. (Cheers.) He concluded by bespeaking
attention to every one who might address them, and hoping
that fl; speakers would confine themselves, as strictly as
possible, to the specific object of the day's meeting. Now
was the time to propose any resolution they might think
proper.—(Cheers.)
Mr. BRYDEN said, that it was necessary that the meeting
should understand why the committee of the society had
called them together. Their committee having noticed that
some movement was to be made regarding the publicans,
made inquiry as to what was proposed to be done. They
learned that an application was to be made for the introduc-
tion into the police act, of certain clauses in the metropolitan
act, affecting them ; and they accordingly sent a deputation
to the mayor, who stated that he was not at all cognizant of
the matter. The deputation then called on the deputy town-
clerk, who stated that he knew nothing about what was pro-
posed, but he should go and make inquiry on the subject,
which he did ; and they were finally furnished with a copy
of Mr. Whitty's application to the council, which he (Mr.
B.) heldin his hand. It was transmitted to them through
Mr. Jackson, and the following was the letter sent with
the accompanying application :
" Town-hall, 27th Nov. 1839._

" am directed by the Mayor to transmit to you in
compliance with your request, a copy of the report of the
Head Constable, as to the clauses of the Metropolitan Police
Act which, in his opinion, it is desirable should be extended
to this borough, and the resolution of the Council of the 9th
instant thereon.

" Your faithful servant,
" RICHARD RADCLIFFE.

" Mr. Thomas Jackson,
" Harford-street,
" Chairman of the Committees of the
" Licensed Victuallers Society."
" Watch-office,
" ' Liverpool, Nov. 7th, 1839.
" TO THE TOWN-CLERK.
"' SlR,—Having in compliance with your directions, read
the Metropolis Police Act; of last session, I beg to report
that, in my humble judgment, it would be most desirable to
have several clauses of that Act, extended to Liverpool.
The clauses 1 most particularly refer to are-8, 15, 16, 17,
33, 34, 35,42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 57, 58, 62,
and all the clauses from 64 to 68.
" Clauses 42, 44, and 45, would remove from our streets
the scenes of drunkenness and disorder which disgrace them
during the forepart of every Sunday ; and, while the closing
of public-bungee on Sunday ?nor ll a ge, wnnl,l ecbtapr an in_
calculable benefit on the labouring population, it would be
rather more popular than otherwise with all the respectable
publicans themselves; for many of them now refuse to open
on Sundays, and all of them would willingly keep closed if
their neighbours in the trade were compelled to clothe same.'
A number of other clauses, respecting processions, rob-
beries at the docks, Scc. were also referred to by Mr. Whitty,
as desirable to be adopted ; but as these did not affect the
publicans, they were not entered into.
A further document was appended, to the effect that at a
meeting of the Council held on the 9th of November, the
report of Mr. W,hitty was referred to the Watch Committee.
Such (concluded Mr. Bryden)—had been the proceedings
of the committee, who, in calling the meeting, would, he
trusted, meet with their approbation. (Cheers.)
Mr. GEORGE ROBINSON said, that with regard to drun-
kenness, he denied that the proposed alteration would pre-
vent it. Though they (the publicans) were set down by some
. patties as the lowest of the low, and were branded with all
sorts of epithets, there were others who were irresponsible to
whom the blame of drunkenness on the Sunday would more
properly attach. In almost every lodging-house, high or low,
drink may be had at any time ; and the merchants complained
that when their ships were about to sail, the seamen were
often in an unfit state to do their duty. In the beer-shops,
too, spirits might readily be found as well as ale.—[The
chairman and others here called the speaker to order. The
chairman deprecated all personal or peculiar allusions, as
such were not within the legitimate objects of the meeting,
and could serve no good purpose.] (Hear, hear.) Mr.
Robinson, after a few explanatory words, sat down.
Mr. ODELL then spoke in impressive terms from the body
of the room. He said,—Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, in
my humble thinking, the clause which has just been read is
one of the most salutary clauses that could be introduced by
the legislature into the proposed bill. (Hear, hear.) This
clause, which some of you would reprobate, is the very one
which the respectable licensed victuallers ought to hail as a
means to their own comfort and respectability. For my part,
I have ever been in favour of closing on Sundays ; and I
some time ago took an interest in persuading my neighbours
to agree with me to close. To some extent my efforts were
crowned with success ; but some of the parties, I regret to
say, afterwards forgot their promise, and resumed their former
system. I had to regret, therefore, that the closing was not
compulsive. I will not bey, with a former speaker, that we
are a degraded class. I believe that, taking tradesmen gene-
rally, we are second to none, as -a body, in wealth or re-
spectability. Manchester, I may adduce, as furnishing a
proof, by analogy, of the good working of the system of
closing on Sunday forenoon. Though it is not compulsory,
it there answers admirably well, and there is scarcely a sin-
gle instance of its being broken through. Those who did so,
indeed, would be most strictly looked after by the magis-
trates. The chairman had alluded to travellers, as being ex-
cluded. (No, no, that is a mistake.) Well, lam glad it is
so • my impression was that the chairman thought that tra-
vellers could not be refreshed ; but the act expressly provides
for them. In fact, it renders it compulsory on publicans
to entertain the bona fide traveller. Ido not come prepared
to submit a proposition on the subject ; but I shall assuredly
stand up in favour of the clause in question, as one which
would be highly conducive to the respectability of the trade,
and even to their comfort. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN—You had better conclude with a reso-
lution.
Mr. ODELL—I have no objection. (Mr. 0. went to the
table and wrote out his resolution.) I beg, he said, to move
the following resolution, for the adoption of the meeting:—
" That this meeting considers the 42d clause of the Me•
tropolitan Police Act one which will tend to the benefit and
respectability of the licensed victuallers in general, and
request it may be introduced into Liverpool."
Mr. K mut seconded the motion.
SEVERAL VOICES—Put Cheshire in. (Cheers, and some
confusion.)
Mr. ODELL (amidst some interruption)—l am not to be
put down by clainour. It appears to me, that an impression
exists in the meeting that I would myself evade the clause I
recommend to others, as I have an establishment in Cheshire.
But Ido not care how soon it is extended to that county. I
have never opened in Liverpool for half an hour on a Sunday
for ten years. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. MAY said, that in order that they might have some-
thing tangible to go upon, he should propose a resolution of
a contrary tenor, as an amendment to that of the last speaker.
There were many persons about the docks, who would be
seriously incommoded if they had not access to a public-
house on the Sunday morning. The publicans there would
also be great sufferers. And there were other parts of the
town in which, if such an act were put in force, the publi-
cans would be under the necessity of serving their neighbours
and customers, or to give them offence. On the other hand,
by serving them they would lay themselves open to the vexa-
tious visitations of the police, and exposed to the tender mer-
cies of informers. If any one would make inquiry, he would
find that many highly respectable individuals had been fined
on the most false and frivolous representations. When the
act first came into operation, one individual was tined merely
because some individuals were seen coming out of the pas-
sage of his house at a few minutes past twelve o'clock. He
could not, he said, clear his house sooner without the assist-
ance of the police. The Lord Mayor on that occasion said,
" If you are not able to clear your house, you are not fit to
keep an inn." The act would be exceedingly obnoxious in
this town. If it were made applicable to the whole kingdom,
it would be less objectionable •, and if it were good for one
locality, it was surely good for all parts of the country.
(Cheers.) If any place were to be exempted, it surely ought
to be Liverpool. Let them (the publicans) therefore go to
the Corporation, with an application to them, that if they
wish to improve the morals of the people, they ought to
petition the legislature to make the enactment general.
(Cheers) They (the publicans) would then know how
to conform to it. Ile would, however, again repeat that
Liverpool ought rather to be exempt, from its peculiar
situation. When the bill was introduced in London by
the ministers of the day, it was merely introduced as ex-
perimental ; and if found good, it was proposed to extend it
to the whole community. The metropolitan police act was
an instance of this. He thought, therefore, that the most
the corporation ought to do. was to petition the legislature
to make it general: Ile concluded by proposing as an
amendment the following resolution:—
" That the accommodation of the public, and the large
influx of persons of all classes, at all times, into the com-
mercial town of Liverpool, requires that licensed victuallers
be permitted to keep open on Sunday mornings till ten

o'clock, for the sale of wine, spirits, beer, or other fermented
liquors ; and therfore, that the municipal authorities of the
town be respectfully requested to forego the insertion of the
42d clause of the Metropolitan Police Act in any bill they
may apply for in the next session of parliament."
Mr. BRYDEN on rising to second the motion said; that
he considered himself called upon to state his own opinion
on the subject, and also that of the former Chancellor of the
Exbhequer, T. Spring Rice, Esq, now Lord Monteagle.
He (Mr. B.) had, with several other, forming a deputation,
obtained an interview with that gentleman, on the question
of the infernal " Bottle Bill." The bill some clauses of
which they were now discussing, was then before parliament,
and he (M. B.) took the liberty of putting some questions
to Mr. Rice, not relevant to the object of their call. He
asked him, whether if the bill passed, it should be extended
throughout the country. The right hon. gentleman replied
that he was right in supposing so. He (Mr. B.) next asked
him, if the act required the pulicans to close their houses in
the morning, did the parliament intend to give them the
afternoon in lieu of the morning? He explained to Mr.
Rice, that in some places there was no afternoon service, but
evening service, so that one law could not be applicable to all
localities; and the reply of the Chancellor was, in considering
the matter, that his opinion was, that they ought to have the
privilege pointed out, but he referred him (Mr. B.) to Fox
nude, although his own name appeared on the bill. He
had also asked at what hour lie (the Chancellor) would begin
with Sunday, as it was well known that in the neighbourhood
of Covent Garden and the theatres, the population did not
retire until after 12 o'clock ? This he stated was left entirely
to the magistrates, but he did not think 12 should be the
maximum hour of closing.
Mr. ODELL enquired if Mr. Bryden objected that twelve
o'clock was not late enough.
Mr. BRYDLN said, he certainly did object, for persons could
not, frequently, close their houses precisely et that hour.
The question was whether the hour should be twelve or half-
past twelve, and from what Mr. S. Rice stated, it was clear
that it was not the intention of the legislature to make twelve
o'clock the maximum. He staled incoliclusion, that the pro-
posed application of the Corporation was premature, inas-
much as the trade in Loudon would in all probability take
steps to release themselves from the operation of the clauses
in question, and they ought therefore to tell their local legis-
lature to wait until the resulte were known. (Cheers.)
Mr. ALEXAN Dint said, that it appeared that the'greatest
grievance was requiring the houses to be closed at twelve
o'clock. He thought thnt all parties would be satisfied if
half an hour additional were allowed to enable them to clear
their houses. The lateness of the hour was naturally varied
lii different neighbourhoods, according to the locality and
circumstances. He was decidedly for ciosing ou Sunday
forenoon ; and thought that if the council would make appli-
cation that they might close from Saturday night at half-past
twelve to half-past twelve on Sunday, or front one o'clock
to one o'clock, all parties would be satisfied.
Mr. MARSHALL said that many parties near the docks
would suffer great injury by the proposed bill. Parties like
himself living in the middle of the town, would be but little
affected ; but he had visited many brother publicans in Wa-
terloo-road, and other streets near the docks, who said they
would be great sufferers. Parties embarking at the Clarence
Dock, and persons connected with vessels going to sea on
Sunday would also be seriously affected. The public-house,
too often, was the only house of the sailor. By the proposed
bill, too, a man might, if taken ill in the street, die for want
of refreshment. In London the case was different, as fires,
for cooking, &c: were allowed on board the ships. Foreign-
ers would also be incommoded, and on the whole he strongly
objected to this new threatened invasion of the privileges of
the publican.
Mr. ATKINSON thought the proposed measure would open
the flood-gates of crime, and cause more evil than existed
now. Parties desirous of drinking would find means to pro-
cure liquor and consume it ocultly. lie considered the Bill
was an unwarrantable interference with the private rights of
the community. Parties who had come many miles from the
country to be married—what the d-1 will they do ? (Laugh-
ter.) He abominated the manner in which the publicans
Were oppressed.
Mr. BRYDEN stated, that some years ago the publicans
were required to close at eleven on Sunday, and not open till
one. But it being represented in the proper quarter that
many working people dined about twelve o'clock, the hours
were altered to from halt' past ten to half past twelve. He
instanced a case in London, in which a policeman in disguise
represented himself as a traveller, obtained refreshment, and
then had the innkeeper fined.
Some conversation took place as to the intended meaning
of the word traveller, which it was finally agreed was "a party
coining into the town."
Mr. KERR said he approved of shutting up all public-
houses even near the docks. He had kept a public-house
there for nearly six years, and had never opened on a Sun-
day. lie heartily approved of the 42d clause that had been
read. The Sabbath, he thought, ought to be devoted to very
different purposes. If any one went to the police court on a
Monday, and saw the miserable objects who were brought up,
the victims of Sunday drinking, they would feel a satisfaction
that they had not gone out of their houses. He thought it
the duty of every man to rectify the evil—and an evil it un-
doubtedly was. (Hear.)
1111.. ROBINSON strongly urged the claims of the publicans
at she docks to exemption from such an act; but from this
part of our report we are under the necessity of supplying
merely the heads of the respective addresses. Those at the
docks had already enough to do to pay their way, and would
be ruined by any further infringement of their privileges.
Those who had property in public-houses were equally inte-
rested in this subject, as the bill would impoverish their
tenants and reduce their rents.
Mr. BICKERSTAFF said, that the publicans in Manchester
who closed their houses on Sunday voluntarily, were:not those
who accommodated travellers. Besides, they did not close
at 12 at night.
The CHAIRMAN then put the amendment to a show of
hands. Nearly all present were for it, and those of a con-
trary opinion being called for, only four hands were held up.
The CHAIRMAN did not put the original motion, but de-
clared it to be carried by the result stated.
Mr. BRYDEN then proposed—
" That a committee be appointed to prepare a memorial to
the authorities of the town, and take such measures to effect
the object of the meeting as to them shall seem to be re-
quired ; and that such committee shall consist of ten mem-
bers of the Licensed Victuallers' Society committee, and ten
other persons connected with the interests of the trade."
The resolution was put and- carried unanimously. The
following ten gentlemen were then proposed of the committee,
the other ten being eligible by the Committee of the So-

ciety
Atl.;noon, N 01.610, Nl‘Kivergan, Coirce,
Simpson, Edwards, Coward, Hough, and Langan.
These names were put to the meeting, and unanimously
agreed to.
On the motion of Mr. Bryden, thanks were voted to the
chairman, who returned thanks, and vacated the chair.

GRANTING AND EXTENDING OF LICENSES

Mr. DANRON having obtained leave to offer some remarks
on this question, (not noticed in the circular calling the meet-
ing,) Mr. Marshall was called to the chair, and Mr. Danson
entered into a long and eloquent exposition of his views on
the subject which he considered of even greater importance
to the trade, than that which they had just discussed. We
regret that our limits do not enable us to furnish more than a
slender outline of the principal points upon which he
touched. All legislation had considered their trade as
one essentially restricted. Those who pursued it were re-
quired to be of a character that would bear the strict-
est investigation by the magistrates, who, it was presumed
would, in granting licenses. be free from party feeling, fa-
vouritism, partiality, or jobbing. But in their recent exercise
of this privilege this had not been acted upon, and licences
had been given to most unworthy persons, for houses too
where there was no need of them. The wholesale dealers,
however, now saw that their property was consequently
placed in jeopardy, and were willing to join them in urging a
stop to be put to the evil. The magistrates (he should not
mention names) dealt out licenses to persons of improper
character, with one hand, and with the other wished to closa
the respectable houses at certain hours for the furtherance of
morality ! The trade was thereby rendered most precarious,
and all parties connected with it should come forward and
protest against such proceedings. In Manchester the licenses
were but 600, here they were 1100. There the magistrates
picked out respectable persons, looking alone to the general
benefit of the community. He recommended that a meeting
should be called of the wholesale dealers, distillers, brewers,
&c., who should send a deputation to parliament to repre-
sent the facts, for it was in vain to appeal to the local autho-
rities, who would turn a deaf ear to their representations.
The magistrates went upon applying the principle of free
trade to the publicans ; but what was applicable to cotton,
sugar, &c., experience had shown was not practical as re-
garded them. He concluded by proposing
" That a deputation be formed to wait upon the wholesale
trade, for the purpose of considering of the best means to be
taken to prevent the large extension of the new licensing
system, and for the drawing up a petition to parliament ; and
those parties who form the committee, be, as before, elected."
This was seconded by Mr. CLARKE.
Mr. MAY thOught they ought in the first instance to apply
to the local authorities.
Mr. DAWSON said that similar appeals to them had before

been disregarded.
The CHAIRMAN expressed himself favourable to Mr.
Danson's proposition, and the motion was put, with the
addition that a committee be formed to carry out the views
of the meeting, to consist of ten individuals chosen by the
meeting, and ten by the Committee.
The motion was unanimously curried—thanks was voted
to the Chairman, and the meeting dispersed.

On Sunday morning, when the six o'clock Birmingham
train arrived at the station in Euston-square, a hare was dis-
covered perfectly roasted'and nearly consumed in the ash pit
of the furnace of the steam-engine. The animal, it is sup-
posed, being alarmed, was driven for refuge into this danger-

ous position.
It is understood to be the intention of Government to re-
commend that a pension of £2,000 a year should be awarded
by parliamennt to Sir John Colborne, now Lord Seaton,
during his life, us a national testimony of his great services
to this country during his government and command in
Canada.--Exeter Post.
POLLOK'S COURSE OF TIME.—In observing the an-
nouncement of yet another edition of " The Course of Time,"
we may be permitted to make a single remark on a work in
many respects the most singular in the whole field of modern
British literature. It is understood to h ive been offered to
several publishers, and rejected by all, until it fell under the
critical eye of the late Mr. Blackwood. With his wonted
perspicacity he saw at once, that the writer was no common
man, and immediately, at his own risk, undertook the publi-
cation. Poor Pollok only survived to know that his poem
had succeeded, and in a few months sunk into his grave ; but
its success was a golden harvest to his relations. In twelve
years no less than 23,000 copies of the " Course of Time"
have been bought up—a popularity not surpassed by any
production of Scott, Byron, or Moore : and the work has
now become of a value a, standard as the " Night Thoughts"
of Young, or the " Task" of Cowper. We are glad to see
that the publishers have brought out a new edition at this
particular season, with a portrait of Pollok, and withal at a
considerably reduced price ; as we cannot conceive any work
more truly adapted for a Christmas present than this, which
is a consecration of the loftiest of all endowments, genius.
to the loftiest of all purposes, the glory of the Christian Re-

ligion.
RECREATIONS FOR THE REJECTED.—Mr. Edward Buller
has been doing something very like bidding his friends in
North Staffordshire good bye, as his brother Sir John did his
friends in South Devonshire some time ago. Mr. Buller's
speech at Newcastle-under-Lyne was as spirited as a last
dying speech could have been expected. to be ; and it is gra-
tifying to observe that when dead politically he will still live
to confer a service on posterity in another capacity. Isis in-
tention appears to be to amuse himself with writing the his•
tot y of Lord John Russell—for if any man's name lived in
the records of history, he promises that his lordship's un-
doubtedly shall ; and as nobody elselikely to attempt such
a hopeless and unprofitable task, itis
is to be presumed that
Mr. Buller will undertake it himself. The subject is, in-
deed, quite worthy of the author; and it is to be hoped that
the idea wili be taken up by the rejected Whigs generally of
chronicling each other's exploits by way of recreation in their
exile. For instance, Sheil might write a tragedy upon Lord
Normanby, to be entitled " The New Jack Sheppard ; or,
The Noble Prison-breaker." Lord Normanby, on the other
hand, might celebrate Lord Melbourne in a novel, to be
called " The Gallant Premier." Macauley might give us
" The Memoirs of a Petty Marquis ; and Sir John Hob-
house, who has a smattering of rhyme in him, might inunor-
talise Lord Palmerston by a parody on the Vicar of Bray.
The plan might undoubtedly be improved in the execution ;
but the
,rough idea is well worth their immediate attention,
with a view to the wholesome employment of the leisure to
which they will shortly be consigned.—Morning Herald.