The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1839-03-05 00:00:00

ADJOURNED MEETING.-THURSDAY.

Mr. THomsoN took the chair as Moderator to-day soon
after eleven o'clock, and opened the proceedings by prayer;
and the Rev. Mr. Mumto,..the clerk, having read the minutes
of yesterday's proceedings, the Synod resumed the discussion
commenced by Dr. Brown relative to Presbyterian soldiers.
Dr. Brown was not present to-day, and in his absence,
The MODERATOR, at the request of a member of the
Synod, proceeded to detail such facts as he was acquainted
with relative to the rights of Presbyterian soldiers. On this
subject, he was sorry to say, his own information, the cor-
rectness of which, he observed, however, that he could not
vouch for, did not bear out the flattering representat oa
of Dr. Brown, as to the rights of Scottish Presbyterian sol-
diers. His own opinion was, that in this respect the Scottish
Church was far from being in the position to which she was
entitled. He had been informed, in fact, that only three
Scottish regiments were entitled to demand as a right that
they should be allowed to attend a Presbyterian church ;
and this right only existed while they remained in Scotland,
for directly they crossed the border they could no longer
claim it. He went into the subject at some length, and ad-
duced a great number of circumstances which had come
within his own experience, tending to confirm this view of
the matter, and said his own view of it was, that wherever in
this country Presbyterian soldiers were allowed to attend a
Presbyterian place of worship, or have the services of a Pres-
byterian chaplain, it was purely a matter of courtesy on the
part of the commandants. It had been a matter of bitter
complaint by the soldiers where this act of grace was refused,
. and it was an astonishing circumstance, that members of this
church, in the army—a church which was a part and parcel
of, the constitution itself, and as essentially so as the Lords
and Commons, or any other estate of the realm—should,' by
any regulation of a Protestant government, be deprived of
the means of receiving the ministrations of the gospel ac-
cording to the forms in which they were brought up, and to
which they were naturally attached : while the members of a
church (the Catholic) not recognised by the constitution, and
branded by the formularies of the churches of both England
and Scotland as idolators, should have the right of demand-
ing to attend churches of their own persuasion, and that one
soldier of that church in a regiment could enfore such right,
even though a Protestant serjeant might have to march him
up to the door of his chapel. He (the Moderator) thought
it most desirable that this grievance should be removed ; at
the same time, before any steps were taken in the matter, he
thought they should take mensures to ascertain the exact
provisitins of the laws, and of the regulations in the army,
bearing upon this cue.
The Rev. Mr. CAMPBELL, ALEX. GILLESPIE, Esq., and
the CLERIC, took part in the discussion on this subject, and
expressed their concurrence in the Moderator's views. Ulti-
mately a committee was moved to communicate with other
Synods, especially the Synod of Ulster, on this subject, to
obtain Information, and to make such application to govern-
ment upon it as might be thought necessary. The motion
was carried.

The attention of the Synod was next occupied with the
overture relative to the marriage bill, and several grievances
under which the members of the Presbyterian Church labour,
were mentioned, particularly the one which provided that a
registrar should necessarily be present at all marriages solem-
nized by them. After a discussion on the subect, a-com-
mitcee was appointed to watch the progress of the marriages
amendment bill now before the legislature, with a view to the
insertion of clauses in it which might remove these grievances.
After, a discussion relative to the necessity of obtaining
statistical information on the number of members in the
churches, &c., it was agreed that the Clerk take measures
previous to the next meeting of the Synod for procuring such
statistics, with a view to their being submitted to a com-
mittee.

The next overture entertained was that on national educa-
tion, when
ALEXANDER GILLESPIE, Esq., rose and observed• that
this was a most important question, inasmuch as it was, he
believed, owing to the importance which his own country
(Scotland) had ever attached to education that her sons had
attained to the rank, and wealth, and character, which inva-
riably distinguished them in all parts of- the world where they
might be found. The question of national education was one
of the most important questions now agitated. By national
education he did not mean the systems which were now-a-
days too much in vogue, proposing to disconnect religious
instruction with education, It was too much the practice
among a certain class to say, " Give the people a good educa-
tion and they will become religious of themselves." That
infidels should form such opinions as these he could readily
conceive, and he thought nothing'could come so well at the
present juncture from this Synod as an expression of their
sentiments on this question, so that their opinions might go
before the legislature) and the country, as the opinions of the
Presbyterian Church in contradistinction to the opinions of
the body of Socinians, who had falsely arrogated to them-
selves the name of Presbyterians. Mr. Gillespie then read
the draft of a petition, praying for national education based
upon the principles of Christianity, and deprecating the esta-
blishment of any system having for its aim the mutilation of
the Scriptures, or which did not provide that the entire Bible
should be daily taught in the schools. He moved the adop-
tion of the petition.

Dr. RALPH seconded the motion, and it was adopted
unanimously. _ _ _

It was then moved that the petition to the Commons be
presented by Mr. Pringle, and that to the Lords, by the Earl
of Aberdeen.—Agreed to.
The Rev. Mr. M`MouLAND addressed the Synod at
considerable length on the overture "that a magazine be
established," &c, ; after a discussion which occupied great
attention, it was thought inexpedient to adopt 'the proposition;
and a resolution was passed instead, that an historical tract,
stating the origin of this Synod, and the motives which have
led to its establishment be prepared by the Moderater, and

printed for circulation under the superintendence of the Lon-
don Presbytery.
The report of the finance committee relative to the payment
of travelling expenses of attending the Synod, was presented
and received.

The report of the committee appointed to consider the
overture relating to .a closer union with the Church of Scot-
land was then presented, and the Moderator, the Clerk, Dr.
Ralph, Dr. Brown, and Mr. Hamilton, were appointed a de-
putation to carry into effect a recommendation in it that a
memorial be drawn up, and presented to the next general
assembly, praying for representation in the assembly, and
that all other proper means be used to secure this object.
The CLERK said the only other business before the Synod
was to fix the time and place of next meeting ; and it was
then unanimously resolved, that such meeting take place at
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, on the third Wednesday in April,
1840.

The MODERATOR briefly congratulated the Synod on the
unanimity and Christian spirit which had characterized their
proceedings ; and after imploring- Divine blessing on their
labours, the meeting separated, having sat for the greater
part of two days.

RECEPTION OF THE ANTI-CORN LAW

DELEGATES.

(From the Manchester Courier.)
A meeting of the petitioners for the repeal of the corn and
provision laws was summoned to be held on Thursday even-
ing, at seven o'clock, in the Corn Exchange ; and shortly
after that hour the room was crowded. A spacious platform
had been erected close to the doors leading to the ante-room,
which was filled by the delegates and their friends, who pro-
bably little anticipated the warm reception they met with.
On the motion of Mr. R. Cobden, Mr. Thomas Harbottle
was placed in the chair.
The' Chairman having read the advertisement, said he had
no doubt the account which the delegates had to present
would be one of a stirring nature. The subject was all im-
portant, it was one of vital interest, and literally a subject
of life and death. Though exceedingly unwilling to occupy
the ground over which they would have to travel, he could
not help observing that there was now no community of feel-
ing between the aristocracy and the commercial classes—that
the petitions of starving millions were not to be noticed, they
were not even allowed to state their case at the bar—probably
because it was too pungent for the delicate ears of the aristo-
cracy. They might petition again and again without effect,
and many had determined not to petition again, so long as
the House of Commons was constituted as it was. (Great
applause.) They had made a very modest request, not that
the corn laws should be repealed, but simply that evidence
should be received at the bar. They had the feelings of Bri-
tons, and he recollected nothing in the course of his life
more calculated to rouse those feelings than the refusal of the
House of Commons to hear the evidence. He had never
known greater distress at this time of year than at present.
Usually, the distress which prevailed in the harvest and the
early winter months passed away with the new year. This
was not now the case. He, himself, had literally been com-
pelled to close his mill, by which hundreds had been de-
prived of food, because he could not obtain prime cost for
his goods. Amidst all this distress, they were insulted,
and told they should not be heard by the house. What could
be more calculated to rouse the feelings of Britons ? He
then would now call on the Secretary to read the report.
Mr. G. WILSON then read the report.
Dr. Johns came forward to move the first resolution. He
hoped he should never flinch from a good cause : he had been
called on accidentally, and his observations would be few.
He was satisfied all present would be of one mind, that they
ought to have the blessings of providence in the most abundant
and least. expensive manner. It was frequently said this
country could not produce sufficient corn for the people.
What then should they do but cultivate a good understand-
ing unit other countries, who would send their corn to Eng-
land, and take manufactures in return. They had observed
the zeal and determination of the delegates ; and he was per-
suaded the thanks of the meeting would be voted to them by
loud acclamation. He knew no men who could have advo-
cated their cause with greater zeal and ability. Though the
the House of Commons had rejected the evidence, the truth
was mighty, and would prevail ; they should have evidence
whether they would have it or not ; and if the people only
persevered in their determination, the corn-laws must be re-
pealed. He hoped they would pledge themselves to co-
operate with those gentlemen. (Hisses, and great uproar,
which continued several minutes.) The doctor attempted to
make a few more remarks, but the uproar was so great that
it was a hopeless task, and contented himself by reading the
following resolution :—" That this meeting offers its cordial
thanks to the gentlemen of the delegation, for their exertions
in London, and highly approves of their resolution not to rit-
.main there after both houses of parliament had refused to
hear evidence of the injurious effects of the corn laws • and
this meeting welcomes them back, with the assurance oitheir
determination to renew with increased zeal their labours for
the total destruction of the monopoly of the landowners."
Mr. Howie came forward to second the resolution. He
attempted to calm the tumult by talking about universal
suffrage, and the ballot ; but this tub to the whale had not
the slightest effect. He then waxed boisterous, clenched his
fist, and vociferated something about " not a man among
you"—" fight the battles of his country"—" yourselves and
families." (Great uproar.) After gracefully waving his
hand up and down, to intimate that he had done, he sat down.
E. Curran, a working-man, with his apron wrapped round
him, was next put forward ; but it would not do ; the device
was too transparent. He said he was a working-man, and
he hoped they would hear him. He had laboured hard to
understand the corn law'question ; and he had come to the
very remarkable conclusion, that he did not stand in his own
shoes, but those. of 7000 other persons. The refusal of the
House of Commons to hear evidence, ought to learn them to
elect only men who would listen to their requests. He then
talked about Peterloo, which quelled the tumult momenta-
rily. Some one having called out that he was a whig, be po-
litely said it was a lie, and the truth was not in the speaker :
he was an honest thorough-going radical. He thought the
voice of the people was the voice of God, and it ought to be
heard in the legislature. He would. advise them to take Sir
Robert Peel's advice, and take their affairs into their own
hands : but how to do it was the question. (Applause.)
Lord J. Russell would have no organic changes ; but he
would tell him, through the gentlemen on the platform, that
they should have them. He supposed the disturbance was
in consequence of a vote of thanks being proposed to the de-
legates. He thought they were entitled to thanks. What
they had left unaccomplished, let the meeting do themselves.
(Great disapprobation and uproar.)
Richard Moore, a weaver, next rose, but the patience, of
the company was quite exhausted, and they amused thetik-
selve's with another 'fit of uproar. In the midst of this Mr:
Edward.Nightiogale pushed forward through the crowd, to
the table in front of the platform. The gentlemen in pos-
session 'at first refused to make room for him ; but after a
while he' El 1.14 c eede d in establishing a footing. Silence being
obtained, he said he was not surprised at the cautious con-
&let of the jhairtnan, when he looked at the men by whom
he .was
"surrounded. He had possession of the chair previous
to the traitor Qurran.—(Hisses and uproar.)
`The Chairrilan interfered, and said he had no objection to
hear Mr: Nightingale, though he was not here regularly as a
I:ltitioner,agaii4 the corn laws.
Mr. Nightingale.-- I 'am not ? Who told you so ? He
wit4,sonsed for the bullying of the whip, that it was perfectly
indifferent to him whether he was heard at eight o'clock or
nine—but heard lie would be. He knew not even, from the
treatment ,he had received, whether common courtesy de-
manded that he should respect him who was seated in the
chair. (Great uproar and hissing.) The chairman had
questioned the propriety of his addressing them ; he (Mr.
N.) might with equal propriety ask him by what authority
he occupied the chair. (Cheers and uproar, and " That 's
very grand to begin with, to be sure.") He was present at
the commencement of the proceedings, and he pledged his
honour to those who were not, that Mr. Harbottle had not
been called to the chair by a show of hands.
Mr. Cobden here thrust himself to the front of the plat-
form, and exclaimed—" I call for a show of hands for the
chairman." This being complied with,
Mr. Nightingale calle on his followers to show their bands
against it, and claimed a large majority. " There now,"
said he, " Mr. Al-der-man Cobden, you shall not have
every thing your own way." lie then said—" In my pro-
gress from that end of the room to this, the only individual
I observed, to know him personally, was an honest Irish lad,
a notorious lad, I think they call him Pat Murphy. (Great
laughter.) If Pat Murphy be in the room, will he be kind
enough to say ' Aye' ?"
Cries of "Aye," were now raised in all parts of the room ;
but Mr. Nightingale declared he was not to be foiled in that
way. The real Murphy being discovered, he was raised, and
passed over the shoulders of the mob to the front of the plat-
form.

Mr. NIGHTINGALE.-Will you take the chair, Murphy ?
If you will, I will propose you. I beg to move, that honest
Pat Murphy takes the chair.—(Great laughter and uproar.)
A show of hands was then taken in his favour, and with
great difficulty, he was thrust upon the platform, accompanied
by a few of the "finest pisantry." Mr. Nightingale insisted
on his protoge being admitted to the chair ; but Mr. Har-
bottle and his friends took the interruption very coolly at
first, and seemed to regard it with an air of sovereign contempt.
Nightingale then called for three cheers for Stephens, which
were given ; as were three groans for Mr. A. Prentice, who
had taken a very active part in opposing the admittance of the
Chartists to the platform ; and three cheers for Oastler.
After the newly-elected chairman and his supporters
bad been exhibited to the meeting some time on the front

of the platform, and no one offering to give up their
seats, an attempt was made to hand up a chair. This was
determinedly, resisted by the persons on one side of the plat-
form, and a scuffle took place, in the course of which two or
three chairs were flying about, and several of the gas lamps
were broken. The crowd, irritated at the failure of this
attempt to instal their chairman, made a general rush towards
the platform ; a scene of indescribable confusion ensued ;
most of the seats were thrown down and broken to pieces ;
and about a score of the more resolute rushed across the re-
porters' table, and stepped upon the platform, armed with
fragments of broken chairs and forms, determined to carry
their point by storm, The delegates and their friends
now began to reflect that discretion is the better part of val-
our, end they made a precipitate retreat from the platform,
by the doors which opened so conveniently immediately be-
hind it. A few blows were exchanged, but as far as we could
learn, no serious injury was inflicted on either side. The
repealer& were suffered to depart 'by the road which leads
through Mr. Snape's inn.
The Chartists, now finding themselves in undisputed pos-

session of the post of honour, proceeded, in the first instance,
to instal Pat Murphy in the chair vacated by Mr. Harbottle.
Mr. Nightingale then entertained them with a long harangue ;
and we understand the proceedings terminated by passing a
vote of thanks to the members of the national convention, in
lieu of the proposed thanks to the anti-corn law delegates.
The farce was kept up for about an hour, and they then qui-
etly dispersed, at the recommendation of the police, several
of whom had gone down, in plain clothes, on hearing of the
disturbance.
The damage done, we understand, amounts to betweeh
£4O and £5O.

NAVAL ESTIMATES.—The Naval Estimates for the ensu-
ing year are before the public. A very small additional de-
mand is to be made for the wages of seamen, the increase
amounting to only £9OOO, imploying no increase of men.
The ministers do not mean therefore to augment the navy,
considering the number of seamen already provided sufficient
for the prospects of the country. A sum of £49,000 is re-
quired more for provisions than by the last estimates. The
increased sum required for stores is £350,000, a confession
on the part of the Admiralty that the dock-yards are not, or
were not, so well provided as they ought to have been. • The
total increase for the active service above the istimates for
last year is is £504,000. Against which there is a small set-
off on account of the decreased expense of the naval dead
weight. _ _

GRATIFYING TESMIMONIAL OF RESPECT TO A CLERGY-
MAN.—The parishioners of Hodnet have lately presented
their late curate, the Rev. Lawrence. Panting,. (upon whom
the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield Cathedral have likewise
so deservedly conferred the vicarage of Chebsey, Stafford-
shire,) with the following gratifying mark of their approba-
tion and esteem, namely a handsome silver inkstand, a large
bible and prayer book in purple morocco, with gilt clasps,
and the works of the apostolic fathers in two folio volumes
bound in Russia. The inkstand bears the following inscrip-
tion To the Rev. Lawrence Panting—a Memorial of
Esteem and Affection from the parish of Hodnet, 1838.''
Among the persons present on this interesting occasion, were
the Rector of Hodnet, the Rev. S. H. Macauley, who pre-
sented the articles on behalf of the parish, Mrs. Cholmonde-
ley, Miss Slater, and the greater part of the principal inha-
bitants, by all of whom Mr Panting s retiring and unobstrusive
piety, his faithful and indefatigable labours, his unbounded
liberality to the poor, and his unremitting attention to the
general interests of the parish, ►will long be remembered with
feelings of the warmest affection,—Chester Chronicle,