The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1854-04-04 00:00:00

UNLIMITED or LIMITED LIABILITY.

A SPECIAL general meeting of the Liverpool Chamber of
Commerce was convened on Wednesday last, the object of
the meeting being to consider the annexed resolution,
adopted by the council of the Chamber :—" That this
council, having given full consideration to the report of
its sub-committee, hereby affirms the principle set forth,
viz., that the present law, in so far as it prohibits the
formation of partnership with limited liability, is unsound,
and that an alteration in this and other respects is urgently
required."
The meeting took place in the Cotton-salesroom, Ex-
change-buildings, and the chair, was occupied by Thomas
Bouch, Esq., the president of the Chamber. The attend-
ance of members was large, and amongst other gentlemen
present we observed Mr. C. Robertson, Mr. C. Holland,
Mr. F. Boult, Mr. C. E. Rawlins, jun., Mr. I. Cooke, Mr.
J. Hubback, Mr. C. M`lver, Mr. R. Shell, Mr. C. Bushell,
Mr. R. A. M`Fie, Mr. J. Aikin, Mr. E. Heath, Mr. Shand,
Mr. J. Booker, Mr. A. H. Wylie, Mr. J. Stitt, &c., &c., &c.
After the minute in connexion with this subject, which
had been adopted at the annual general meeting, and the
above resolution of the committee had been read,
The CHAIRMAN, after stating that he considered the
Chamber would have been remiss in discharge of its duty
had it not taken up a question of so much importance,
gave a rapid review of the proceedings which from time
to time had taken place on it in, the Chamber, until it
assumed the form in which it was then presented to the
meeting. The subject, he said, had been examined by the
council every point of view. The resolution was adopted
by a majority of 12 to 8. In conclusion, he urged that
whatever difference of opinion might be expressed, he
hoped the discussion would be conducted with calmness
and good temper.
Mr. LAMB, in expressing his dissent from the conclusion
arrived at by the council, maintained that it would be
inexpedient, if not dangerous, to make any material altera-
tion in the existing law, under the operation of which this
country had attained a position of commercial honour,
success and importance which had never been equalled.
After alluding to the preference given to Liverpool over
United States insurance offices, in the former of which the
liability was unlimited, while in the latter it was restricted,
and having contrasted the French and English modes of
dealing with bills of exchange, lie drew a conclusion
' favourable to the English system as more secure. He
admitted that plausible arguments might be brought for-
, ward in support of limited liability, still, taking the most
impartial view of the matter he could, he had arrived at
the conclusion that it would be dangerous to tamper with
the law as it at present existed. He concluded his remarks
by submitting the following resolution :—" That this
Chamber does not approve of the resolution of the council
of the Chamber now submitted, it being the opinion of
this Chamber that the present law of unlimited liability
of partnerships has proved highly beneficial to the com-
mercial credit of Great Britain, and should be maintained
in its general principles."
Mr. C. ROBERTSON moved the following amendment
That this chamber affirms the resolution of the council,
to this effect, that the law of partnership, inasmuch as it
prohibits the formation of partnerships with unlimited
liability, is unsound, and that an alteration in this and
other respects is urgently required." He said the resolu-
tion of the council pronounced no opinion on the principle
of limited liability either in condemnation or approval of
it. It merelyiffirmed that the law of partnership, be-
cause it prohibited something else, was wrong—not be-
cause it sanctioned unlimited liability, but because it
prohibited limited liability. All ; they contended for
was, that those who did not approve of unlimited liability
should be allowed to pursue a different course. As to the
question of unlimited liability, he considered it resolved
itself rather into a matter of credit and character than
otherwise, and he had never seen anybody express an opi-
nion that limited liability was a bad thing in itself except
a writer in the Law Times, who told them that every
man holding a share in a limited liability company was a
rogue. (Laughter.) He (the speaker) contended that, as
limited liability was applied to gas and mining companies
and to chartered banks, there was no reason why it should
not be extended to commercial produce. The moment,
however, they went so far it was declared to, be Mischie-
vous. He quoted the authority of Mr. J. S. Mill and Mr.
Sergeant Byles, both of whom had expressed themselves in
favour of limited liability. He also read extracts of a
similar character from a report of the commissioners sent
to inquire into the industrial institutions of the United
States. Every company with limited liability would have
to declare its capital in a local register, to which every-
body would have full access ; and means would be taken,
by adding something to the title, by which everybody
would know whether the liability was limited or not.
With such means of publicity persons would be enabled to
determine and to judge for themselves how far it would be
safe to give credit to such companies. In addition to that,
there would be a penalty for every evasion of the law—for
frauds, and for non-compliance with the terms of the law.
(Hear, hear.) These two precautions would meet the
whole of the case, and meet it very much better than any-
thing now in existence.
Mr. LA3IPORT, after stating that he bad become a con-
vert to the principle of limited liablity, asked if those who
held opposite views were prepared to carry out their doc-
trine to its utmost limits ; if so, they should require the
Legislature under no circumstances whatever to allow
charters of limited liability. (" Hear, hear," and " No,
no.") He contended that, if it was a moral principle,
there should be no exception whatever ; and if once they
begin to set expediency against right, he did not know
where it might end. If it was not for the principle of
limited liability they would all be travelling about and
carrying their goods on pack-homes still, and, instead of
gas, they would have the streets still lighted with farthing
candles. (Laughter.) After combating the argument
advanced by the editor of the Liverpool Times, that any
young man who had an aptitude for business and a good
character might always obtain money at five per cent., he
put it to the advocates of the opposite principle whether,
after all, there was any moral responsibility on the part of
one man to pay another man's debts ; that was the ques-
tion involved in the argument for unlimited liability. He
seconded the amendment:
Mr. C. M`lvaa replied to some of the remarks of Mr.
Robertson. He was no more interested in the question of
limited or unlimited liability than any merchant in Liver-
pool. As to the article in the Law Times to which re-
ference had been made, it did represent his (Mr. M`lver's)
opinions, and that,was his reason for giving it to the pub-
lic in the form which he thought would obtain more atten-
tion than, if sent anonymously. If it were true that the
chamber had been so equally divided, surely it was a small
matter, on a question so momentous, that there should
be a fair, distinct, and unmistakeable record of the opinion
of each individual member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. GILL repeated his suggestion as to the mode of
taking the votes, when
The CHAIRMAN replied, that, in conformity with estab-
lished usage in all debates, the discussion on the resolu-
tion and amendment must be completed before they could
enter upon a new subject.
Mr. A. H. WTLIE said he could speak as to the work-
ing of limited liability in the United States. One great
difference between this country and America was, that the
latter always_ profited by any panic that arose, and took
measures to prevent its recurrence. He spoke in high
terms of the banking system of New York, and followed
this up as most judicious, clear-sighted, and politic, by
contending that, as regarded giving credit, it was for any
man to refuse or deny giving credit who chose, according
to his belief in the ability of the party whom he
trusted to pay, and his general character and standing
in society. In conclusion, he argued that they were bound
to carry out the principle of Sir Robert Peel's bill of
1844 to the fullest extent, by removing restrictions on
capital, and the only way they could do that was to affirm
the principle which the council had decided upon.
Mr. WILLIAM FISHER argued in favour of unlimited
liability, and contended that it would be injurious to alter
the law as it regarded the ordinary business transactions
of the country.
Mr. HOLLAND supported the resolution of the chamber,
and contended that an alteration of the present law was
absolutely necessary. There were many cases in which a
young man of energy and industry required the use of a
small sum of money to advance him in business when he
saw a good prospect before him, but the capitalist would
.not advance it, because he was required, under the present
system of unlimitedliability, to make himself responsible
beyond the amount of his loan, if he deriYed the profits of
partnership. As reg,arded the- guarantee to the public,
they should look at a man's character and the amount of
capital he possessed, rather than to any other aearea ee
security' for whate_var ul!gnt De made.
The
artaa:i...r minted liability, be considered, was the only
sound one, by which each member of an association could
advance in proportion to the risk he undertook, and as to
frauds, some of the grossest kind had taken place under
the present system ; he need only refer to the Great
North of England Bank at Newcastle, where they had a
capital of £50,000, and their liabilities were £2,000,000.
The principle of unlimited liability gave no security in the
management of such undertakings, but rather the reverse ;
and of the two systems, the greatest frauds had been
practised in those companies where the unlimited system
prevailed. As regarded banks, those founded on the
limited liability system held quite as high a place as those
in which the opposite plan was adopted : in illustration he
cited the Bank of England, and the three Chartered Banks
in Scotland. In support of his vibe's, lie 'quoted an ex-
tract from a letter written by Mr. Carey, an American
writer, versed in the monetary and commercial system of
the States, where limited liability had been adopted.
The opinion of the writer was highly favourable as to the
soundness and usefidness of the plan, and alluded forcibly
to the desire Which existed in . the United States for the
removal of all laws which stood in the.way of association.
After dwelling at some length upon the principle which'
existed-in the United States in the constitution of com-
mercial bodies, he contended that the principle of limited
liability might be carried out with equal facility and
safety in this country. He might mention that-though
the, system he contended for did not exist in England, it
was gencieally adopted in our colonies, and had been found
to work well. He thought it was high time that all such
restrictions and anomalies as those' which existed in this
country, in reference to associated bodies, should be
swept away, and on every ground he called upon them to
support the resolution of the chamber.
Mr. KEATS argued that though the Glamorganshire
Bank and the Marine Insurance Company, upon which
some stress had been laid by one of the Speakers, were
conducted en the principle of willinited liability, the loss

ould have been far greater under that of limited ability.
As regarded young men getting into business, he thought
they laboured under no greater difficulties than those of
former generations, and industry and energy never failed
to be rewarded and encouraged. Though not desirous of
disparaging the United States, he still thought that the
commercial character of England stood higher, and they
should be careful not to do anything which would lower
it. For these reasons he Opposed the resolution come to
by the council of the chamber.
Mr. DIXON supported the resolution which had been
adopted by the Council, observing that if they only gave
a mercantile man the free nse of his capital, his activity
and energy would lead him to find, out the most useful
mode of employing it, without assistance from the
legislature. After glancing at the operation of the law
of partnership as it was connected with the two principles
of limited and unlimited liability, and illustrating his
argument with several suggested cases, he argued that if
partners agreed to enter into certain transactions, on the
conditions of limited liability, he saw no reason why
they should be prevented from doing so.
At this stage of the discussion it was propcised by Mr.
3lTie that the meeting be adjourned until the following
day, which was agreed to, and the adjournment took
place accordingly, at a quarter past four.

On Thursday the adjourned discussion was resumed by
Mr. M`Fie, who advocated a partial limitation of liability
by way of a compromise.
Mr. Pow'.Es contended that if they would allow limited
liability partnership en cornmandite, having a capital paid
up, and a manager unlimitedly liable, they would intro-
duce a new and most important element into the ccm-
raerce of the country.
Mr. Tonal said the argument adduced had failed com-
pletely to convince him of the desirableness of the pro-
posed change.
Mr. C. BUSHELL warned the commercial community
against being, Samson like, shorn of their strength by any
Delilah in the shape of limited liability ; let them not be
taunted with lowering the standard which had for years
existed, and under which Great Britain had risen side by
side, in the contest with countries addicted to limited
liability, to the highest point that any nation had ever
achieved.
Mr. SHIEL moved that the meeting be adjourned to
that day six months.

Mr. TORII—I second the motion.
Mr. AIKIA moved that the meeting be adjourned to
Saturday.

31r. BAINES proposed a motion to the effect that the
meeting now decide that votes upon the question should
be taken, after the discussion, in such a manner as to
allow every member of the chamber to record his vote.
A noisy and desultory discussion ensued ; several ad-
dressing the chair at the same time. During the confusion
Mr. M`lv-ER said, there is no use in staying, the chairman
is not inclined to put the motion. (Cries of " Oh, oh !")

The CHAIRMA INF declared he would vacate the chair Un-
less he received an apology from Mr. M`lver.
Mr. SHELL withdrew his motion for adjournment to
that day six months; and after a long and desultory dis-
cussion, all present endeavouring to be heard at the same
time, the Chairman still declining to put Mr. Baines's
motion, the meeting adjourned to Saturday.

On Saturday the members of the Chamber again met in
the New-hall, Main's hey. Mr. Bouch, president, in the
chair. Mr. JOHN AI UN made a long and able speech, in
defence of a system of limited liability. He defended,
warmly and earnestly, the action which had been taken by
the Council; and urged that such was the magnitude of
the question that it would be well to postpone any decision
until the members had more fully informed themselves
upon it, convinced, as he was, that a practical and safe
course of legislation upon the subject would result from
such a mode of proceeding.
After some observations from Mr. BUSHELL, in defence
of the line of argument which he had adopted on the pre-
vious day,
Mr. F. BOULT addressed the Chamber, and advocated
with much warmth, the adoption of limited liability.
Mr. LAMONT contended that the present law was an in-
terference with the rights of Englishmen ; that the adop-
tion of some liberal and wise course on the law of partner-
ship was demanded by the country ; that the Board of
Trade had no principle to guide it in granting charters ;
for, while it granted charters of limited liability to Messrs.
Gibbs, Bright, and Co., for the Great Britain Company,
and to a railway company between Southport and Liver-
pool, it refused to grant a charter to a transatlantic steam-
ship company with which he was connected, and which had
been compelled to find its resources in other ways.
Mr. Tominisox said the general question resolved
itself into mammon against character; and he was for
character. In his opinion, where there was no credit li-
mited liabilit might exist, but where credit was demanded,
and where there was risk, they must have unlimited
liabilities, except in cases of magnitude, which they would
not then discuss. He was strongly in favour of the
original motion.
Mr. Ilea.= defended the Council from the effect of the
last speaker's observations, and said that the advocates of
limited liability did not justify the evasion of debts ; all
they contended for was that a partner en cornmandite did
not incur engagements at all beyond the amount of his
investment. He denied that there was abundant capital
in the country for all desirable commercial undertakings,
and as an instance of the mode in which small amounts
of capital at present unemployed might be brought into
active use under limited liability, he cited the last loan of
the Emperor Napoleon.
Mr. 'Am-Eli, explained with regard to the distinct con-
tradiction which he had given the statement of Mr.
Robertson, on the first day, that the Collins' line of
steamers was a limited liability company. He did so on
the authority of Mr. Brown, who, eighteen months ago,
told him that it was not limited. When he contradicted
Mr. Robinson he was met by the assertion that there was
a letter from Mr. W. Brown, stating that it was a liMited
liability company. He wanted that letter to be read in toto.
After some slight discussion, the letter, which was ad-
dressed to Mr. Field, was read. In it Mr. Brown denied
that his firm had ever been directly or indirectly interested
in the profits of the Collins' hne ; they were merely the
agents ; and he expressed his opinion that the power of
granting limited liability charters, though limited liability
might be admissable in certain cases, was, upon the whole,
injurious to both countries, (England and America).
This letter Mr. M`IvER deemed a triumphant vindica-
tion of Mr. Brown from the aspersions that for his own
interest he had been bolstering up a system on one swe of
the Atlantic, the abolition of which he wa...avocating on
the other. Mr. M`lver then Drooceae.d to show that the
charter which had haen applied for by Mr. Lamont was
opposed by every mercantile association in Liverpool, and
that Mr. Lamport was one of the parties who opposed its
being granted.
Mr. LIMPORT reminded the meeting that he had
changed his opinions on this subject, and the signing of
the petition to which Mr. river alluded, led to the con-
• sideratiod of the subject which induced him to alter his
opinion.
After a desultory conversation, the discussion of the
main question was brought to a close, and
The CHAIRMAN then intimated it was for the meeting
to decide how it should vote.
A very protracted discussion ensued, which was finally
ended by the adoption of an amendment submitted by Mr.
C. Holland, to the effect that the meeting divide on the
question, the decision not to be final, and a poll to be taken
within one month after the circulation of a report of the
discussion to the members of the chamber • the amend-
ment of Mr. Robertson having previously been carried by
a majority of 27 to 18, the Chairman declining to vote.
Thanks were then voted to the Chairman, and the pro-
ceedings terminated.

'EMBITHEITION OF twors.—The main body of the 88th
regiment (Connaught Rangers) will arrive this (Tuesday)
morning at, the railway station, Tithebarn-street, from
Preston, about half-past nine o'ejock. They will march to
the Landing-stage, where the tenders Satellite and Jackall
will be in readiness to receive them, and about eleven
o'clock they will be embarked on board the Niagara,
which will convey them to Malta. The advanced guard
with the heavy baggage embarked yesterday (Monday)
afternoon.

ACCIDEST.—On Thursday, during the absence of his
mother, James M'Cormack, a child fifteen months old, fell
into a panmug of hot water, and was suffocated.
ELECTION OF POOR-LS GUARDIANS.----MF. Richard
Shaw has been returned for Fazakerley, and Mr. R. W.
Kirkus for Little Crosby, no other candidates appearing.
These gentlenien, with Mr. Thomas Dean, are also nomi-
nated for Everton, and are opposed'by Mr. Henry Edwards,
Mr: Wilson Ledge!, and Mr. William M`Gee. _

"LIVERPOOL MUSICAL UNION.—It is a matter for con-
gratulation that these musical professors are to give a
limited series of morning concerts, in the Music-hall,
r; Bold-street. The first of these takes place on Saturday
morning next. The second will be given on Saturday
week.

THE REr. A. G. Toni), late curate of St. Mary's Church
Kirkdale, has been appointed curate of St. Peter's Church,
Everton, on the nomination of the Rev. S. B. Sutton, 8.A,,
incumbent. The Rev. o•entleman preached his first sermon
on Sunday evening week.
HEYSIIA m-HALL and the immediately surrounding pro-
perty was disposed of on Wednesday, by private treaty,
for £7,300, to Mr. Croft, soap-boiler, of Liverpool.—Lan-
caster Guardian.

UPPER COLLEGIATE SCHOOL.—M. VittOZ,
Vice-Director of the:Protestant .o,rinoi at uour-
hevoie, near Paris
ho. h,---- appointed teacher of modern
lanrr --ems in tne above school.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The monthly meeting of the
council was held yesterday,—Thomas Bouch, Esq., presi-
dent, in the chair. After the routine business, the pro-
ceedings of the following committees were read and'
adopted, viz., conithunications, stamp duties;' and commer-
cial law. Orders were given for printing and circulating
the "report of the proceedings of the- general meetings on
the 29th and 30th ult., and Ist inst. Among the com-
munications were letters on the stamp duties, on foreign
bills of exchange, on steam communication with Australia,
and on the secret bills of sale bill. The bills of-exchange
bill was referred to the commercial law committee.

. .
TUE R QUARTE'S REVENUE.--Tile quarterly returns of
the revenue will be made up to-Morrow (Wednesday) night',
the sth of April, which closes the financial year, as it ends
the present quarter. It may be anticipated so far, as to
show an increase, as compared with the-year ending sth
April, 1853, of full half-a-million sterling. -There will be
an increas3,. both in custbi and excise, for the year, in
the former of more .than £lOO,OOO, and in the-latter of be-
tween £300,000 and ,f.:400,000. On the other hand, it is
probable thst stamps may show a decrease, though a
slight one. There may also possibly be a decrease in the.
Property Tax, but, if so, it will not be to any great extent.
The Post-office will continue to show that steady increase
which has characterised' the receipts of late. If, on the
quarter, the receipts are riot so entirely satisfactory as on
the year, the decrease. will not be :so great as might have
been anticipated, when the reduction of duties in the last
session are taken into consideration. , On the customs re-
turns for the quarter, as compared with the correspondipg
quarter of lastyear, it is probable-that there will be a con-
siderable decrease. The reduction of • the tea duties alone
would account for this. The excise will equal, if not ex-
ceed, the receipts of the_ quarter ending sth April, 1853.
The same may be said of the stamps. There will probably
be, also, a decrease in the Property Tax receipts in
into
quarter, the proposed addition not having yetcome
operation. There will be, most likely, a slight increase
iii
the.rev.enne from the Poat-office on the quarter.--Observer.

LIVERPOOL BOROUGH SESSIOAS.

Tax intermediate sessions were opened yesterday, in the
Sheriff's Court, St. George's Hall, before Gilbert Hender-
son, Esq., Recorder. ,
The calendar contained the names of 59 prisoners, o
whom -53 were charged with felonies, and 6 with misde
meanours. Of these, 6 only could read and write well; 27,
imperfectly ; 10 could only read; while 17 could neither
read nor write. The following are the most serious
offet; ces :—John Isherwood, cotton dealer, George Mason,
freight clerk, and Charles Paul, porter, charged with
stealing twelve bales of cotton, the property of Washing-
ton Jackson, and others. Mary de la Hunt, no trade,
and Thomas Scott, labourer, with stealing 1.1.4, a diamond
ring, two gowns, and some property belonging to Mary
Clarke ; John Thompson, tailor, with stealing £l3, the
money of Thomas Wilkinson ; David Evans, joiner, with
stealing a cash-box and £lOO, the property of William.
Pitt ; George Leatherbarrow, carter Mary Leonard,
and Francis Styles, with stealing a sack of flour, the pro-
perty of Charles Stoess, and another; Robert Lee, office-
bey, with stealing a bill of exchange, the property of his
master, Francis Reid; John Burns, clerk, with embez-
zling the several sums of £33 ISs. 10d., £B6 Ss. 11d., and
£l5l Ss. 5d., the money of his employers, James Poole and
another. The misdeameanours include three cases of
stabbing.

GRAND JURY.
Mr. John Locket, merchant, foreman,
Mr. Jno. Beckwith broker,
Mr. Michael Bolideld, broker,
Mr. Timothy Bourne, broker,
Mr. Lawrence Richard Bailey, average-adjuster,
Mr. Henry Braun, shin-owner,
Mr. John Higson, broker,
Mr. Charles Holland, merchant,
Mr. Charles Stanley Harris, wholesale stationer,
Mr. William Richard Keane, broker,
Mr. Jno. Miller, merchant,
Mr. Thomas Mather, corn-merchant,
Alr.Cii:irles Wm. Newman, broker,
Mr. Edward Penbury Parry, wholesale grocer,
Mr. James Roper. sharebroker,
Mr. Jonathan Robinson, merchant,
Mr. Henry Royds, broker,
Mr. John Andrew Sinith,-merchant,
Mr. George Adams Tinley, sharebroker,
i~ir.John Tyrer. agent,
Mr. Alexander Powell, bidefactor.
THE CHARGE.

The Petit Jury having been empanelled, and . the
proclamation against vice and immorality having been read,
The learned RECORDEU proceededto deliver his charge:
Gentlemen of the Grand Jury, he said, we are assembled
hero in consequence of the large courts being still occupied
by the business of the assizes ; but as the commission of
the learned judges does not require them to dispose
of the prisoners in the borough gaol, you are, therefore,
brought together, after the usual interval, to assist me
in performing that duty. There is a list of fifty-
nine prisoners for trial after a period of seven weeks;
and my experience satisfies me that that is a moderate
number; and having looked at the depositions, I may add
that the general character of the cases is very light. Per-
haps, if there is one offence -which appears to be more com-
mon than usual, it is that of picking pockets. I think it
may be desirable for the authorities to be more strict
with cases of this nature. The law is not defective,
pocket-picking being punishable with three years'
penal servitude ; and if the law is stringently applied,
the number of pick-pockets in the• town might be
diminished. When I look to the vast, and, no doubt,
growing population of this town, and to the rapid exten-
sion of commerce within the last two or three years, it is
very satisfactory to find that it has not been accompanied
by a corresponding increase in crime. No doubt, this
is to be attributable in a great part to the efforts that have
been made, publicly and individually, for the improvement
of the people. When I see a church, or a library, or a
school, of whatever denomination of Christians it may be,
rising in the town, I look upon it as a very effectual
means of improvement, and of preventing crime ; and so,
when I see the inhabitants associating themselves, and
meeting for the purpose of discussing the most important
questions of commercial legislation with a degree of intel-
ligence which is highly creditable, and must be eminently
useful; and when I see institutions formed for the mutual
improvement of the lower ranks of society, I consider
them the precursors of that moral and intellectua
improvement which must tend, in an important
degree, to check vice. And, I think, it is in some mea-
sure to that cause that we may attribute the fact, that
crime has not kept pace with the growing population of
the town. No doubt there are other things that have
exerted an influence to this end, not the least being the
general prosperity of trade; which tends to satisfy the
wants of the people; for many persons who, unable to
satisfy their physical wants, are driven to crime by desti-
tution. These circumstances have, no doubt, had their
share in the improved state of the town. At the same
time, much is also attributable to the growing efforts
which have been made towards the sanatory improve-
ment of the town, in cleansing and purifying the
streets and the dwellings of the inhabitants. When
a person sees, as I do, the influence of these causes,
he cannot but be highly gratified by the results of
these efforts. Perhaps this satisfactory state of things
may, in some degree, have influenced the authorities to
regard this as a favourable moment for a contemplated
change in reference to the police, namely, to discontinue
the practice of the police carrying sticks. We know
perfectly well that the duty of a policeman is not only a
difficult but a dangerous one. They are frequently in
danger, and sometimes even their lives are sacrificed.
Though there is every disposition on the part of the
authorities to give them adequate protection, they are also
exceedingly desirous that their duties should be discharged
with all possible forbearance and moderation. They have,
therefore, been cautions. in adopting the suggestions to dis-
continue these manna of protection; but it is intended, I
• believe, to make the experiment in some districts; and the
• very experiment ought, I think, to convince all how desirous
the authorities are that every moderation which is -con-
sistent with the due protection of the public, and the
police themselves, should be exercised in the dischaese of
their duty. I hope it will tend to increase the good feel-
ing towards the police, and t 3 give them that support in
the discaarge of their duty which easi be found more
useful and efficacious than any iv..pon they can carry. I
don't think it necessary to make any remarks upon the
cases before yon, bee... 4 I am sure your iutelligeuce will
enable von to O,aU with them.
The Laand jury were then dismissed to their duties, and
;s2 a few minutes afterwards the trials were proceeded
with. •

LARGE HOTEL.—There is an hotel in Newjra.sey, on
the sea shore, occupying three sides of a aqua , with a
total frontage of 1,318 feet (just a quarter of a mile). It
has a mile and a half of verandah, and accommodates
3,800 persons.

FAST LEGISLATION.—Just previous to the adjourn-
ment of the IJ. S. Senate, the bill for appropriating three
millions of dollars for the construction of six steam-
frigates, was taken up, and our telegraph report says,
" was passed in less than one minute !"—Americanpaper.
THN SANDWICH ISLANDS.—The native population are
melting away like snow before a summer's sun. From
the limited returns that have been collected, we infer that
the population does not exceed 70,000 souls on all the
islands, a diminution of 10,000 since the census in
January, 1849.
Ma. H. DauMaroND, alluding to Prussia in the House
of Commons, last week, said it was " a country that had
no morality, except that of despising the institution of
marriage. He had read of a man playing a rubber of
whist at Berlin, with three ladies, each of whom had once
the happiness of being his wife."

STATISTICS OF TIIE UNITED KINGDOM.--All interest-
ing parliamentary paper has just been printed for the first
.time (to be continued annually) of the statistics of the
United Kingdom from 1840 to 1853. The statistics relate
to the revenue and expenditure; imports, exports ; tran-
shipment; shipping ; excise; prices and sales of corn;
coinage; savings hanks ; Bank of England ; and the po-
pulation. The document extends to 27 folio pages, and
contains a great mass of figures, having been prepared by
the statistical department of the BoardOf Trade. In the -
year 1853 the surplus of revenue was £3,255,503, being
the largest excess for ten years. The nett amount of the
severafbranches of the revenue of the United Kingdom
paid into the Exchequer was £54,430,341. The expendi-
ture out of the revenue paid in the same year was
£51,174,839. In 1853_ the taxes repealed or reduced
amounted to £3,247,471, and the estimated amount im-
posed was £3,356,383. At the -end of, the last year the
balances in the Exchequer were £4,485,230. The capital
of the National Debt last year was £770,923,001. The
quantity of raw cotton imported last year was 895,266,780
lbs., and of wool, 111,396,445 lbs. v The .total declared
value of British and Irish produce exported last year was
£93,357,306. Last year the number of vessels built and
registered was 798, of 203,171 tons. The number a
vessels belonging to the United Kingdom last year, ex- .
elusive of river steamers, was 18,208, of 3,730,087 tons,
and the men employed, exclusive of masters, was 172,525.
The coinage iu the year was 12,664,125. The births in
the year were 012,311, and deaths 421,775, and the
marriages 162,135. The total paupers relieved were
818,315, and the emigrants numbered 328,807.

Mr KING OF PRUSSIA. met with a sli-Aat. accident on
the 22nd instant, at Charlottenbury 'midst walking in
the Palace garden, at night. 1,,, struck his face against a
projecting branch ,c-ores, and hurt the skin beneath the
left Pi''. , me casualty produced a low fever, and it was
sound proper to issue bulletins of his Majesty's state of
health, which are here appended in condensed form :
" 25th. Erysipelas (rose) commences spreading from the
wound, accompanied by febrile symptoms." "26th. The
King has had a good night, and slept well. The wound
suppurates favourably : the rose has not spread further,
and the fever has passed off." " 27th: The King slept
calmly, the whole night. State of 'wound satisfactory;
although the rose has spread further downwards towards
the throat. The fever has entirely disappeared."
NOTICE TO MiEINERS.—The probable existence of an
island, or shoal, in lat. 50 50 S., lon. 77 30 E., and the
somewhat unusual prevalence of N. and N.E. winds in
that latitude, the course of great circle sailing to Australia.
—Captain Inglis, of the iron ship Gauntlet, of Liverpool,
left. Gravesend on the 4th of September, and on the 21st
was in lat. 14 N. lon. 27 W. thence to the Line, wig'light winds and Calms. He crossed the Line on the itrh
of October, and past the Cape on the Ist of Novees!tee
in lat. 48 S. and passed Karugolen's Island on the,orlig; i
in lat. 53 S. He here encountered continual snow lv
for a fortnight, accompanied by N. and N.E.,: winds. w.,,,,r
bank' of soo. . , v
lat. 50 50, lon. 77 30, he passed over a ban
earaace, and
the:water suddenly becoming of a mudd.l PP
-iilaun a very short
be has no doubt but that he Pas
t i consequence
shoal or island, as
tdihsetawnatceerofbesocT.me sultt 'lngdis was unable to
of the heavy fall of snow, C.aPisa
as he otherwise would
make such minute observatkoslan
elliptehrefeertotlyundis:rifsedr.ebdav',
as byb , wasl observed by the
the captain, who
crew and passengers,
the discovery he had made. Ob-
serving
have done. This shoal, or ovvresall
called them to witness
one hour, going 13 knots, and
, direct S. for
steered away
suddenly into blue water. Captain Inglis
the blue water ran -to the S.E. off the shoal, he
(Is all navigators running from E
strongly reconnnen En
laud on a great circle, to keep a look out
then dropped
land to this port, , , .
when they arrive in this latitude. He had, from this
point
to Melbourne, a very tedious passage, encountering
N.E. winds. The captain appears to recommend this
but at
tth same time would advise
efficiently
eiently
manned, a3l mcoasursteersfrtoos
nhlneglatillsedir vessels
ad-
vantage which, unfortunately, he does not appear to have
been possessed of,--Melbourne Argus. •

REVIEWS OF BOOKS.

The Bible in the Counting-Douse : a Course of
Lectures to Merchants. By the Rev. H. A.
Boardman, D.D. London : Thomas Bosworth.
The object of. this work is practical. It is di-
rected to the reformation of an evil, the existence
of which, we fear, cannot be denied, and the fatal
results of which, we are equally afraid, admit,
likewise, of no contradiction. The lectures are
intended to show the compatibility of true religion
with ordinary affairs, and to bring Scripture truth to
bear on the principles and pursuits of ordinary
mercantile life. The discourses were compiled and
delivered in America, and they of course have
special reference to the state of mercantile and
counting-house religion in that country ; neverthe-
less, they will be found to embrace much that is
needed, and that is practicable in this country, as
well as among our transatlantic brothers. In an
introductory essay, by the Rev. R. Biekersteth,
we find the following general truths, well ex-
pressed, that we make no apology re-. quoting
them :

There can be no more dangerous dein.. n than to
allow of one sort of conscience in private, and another in
public ; to have one standard of morality by which to
regulate the conduct at home, and a far lower standard of
morality for the mart of commerce, the board-room, or
the counting-house.
Yet this Janus-faced morality unquestionably
exists, and it is against it, and all its concomitants

and phases, that these lectures are directed. It is
not denied that among the merchants of this
country many bright examples might be pointed
out of the very course of life which it is the object
of the lecturer to recommend ; but it is equally
vain to disguise the sad truth that there are many
—very many—who " allow of one standard of
morality by which to regulate the conduct at home,
and a far lower standard of morality for the mart
of commerce." •
To follow the reverend and able lecturer through
all his course would be to unfold a complete system
of social ethics, illustrated, in many instances, by
antithetical example. This our space forbids us to
attempt, and we can only make space for one or
two extracts. The first is illustrative of how an
over intensity of mercantile pursuits tends to
deaden the social sympathies, and render man little
better than a merely mercantile machine ; the
illustration may be called
ROME RESELTS OP succussrrx. MERCANTILE PUBSIIITs.
Another of their visions was a quiet and elegant home,
with ample leisure for the training of their children and
the fruition of domestic comfort. During their few years
of business, their houses have been to them rather like
taverns, where they have taken their meals and lodgings,
than their homes. When ostensibly there, it has been
their physical presence merely, their thoughts have been
on 'Change or at the Board of Brokers, with a cottage
speculation at Liverpool, or a land speculation in Illinois,
or a flour speculation at San Francisco. As to educating
their children, they have indeed transferred them to a
larger house, and thrown around them the glare of luxury,
but the whole responsibility of forming their principles
has been left to other hands. This hard necessity has
now passed away, and they will hasten back (so they
think) to their firesides as a bird to its nest.
But home, somehow, is not what they expected to find
it. They dispensed with it so long, that it ceased to be
essential to them. The master passion which consumed
their early literary tastes, made sad inroads upon their
domestic affections. They learn, to their surprise, that
going abroad, which has ceased to be a necessity, has be-
come a matter of choice, and that the financiers and traf-
fickers of the town are better company than that around
their own hearth.
Their children they can instruct in the mysteries of
trade and finance, in the most lucrative kinds of traffic,
and the best investments ; but they would be at some loss
how to imbue them with enlarged views of their relations
and duties, and to inspire them with those pure principles
and exalted aims which are alone worthy of an intelligent
and accountable race of creatures. In one aspect, they
may have done more to educate them than they were
aware of. A family of children aceustomed to hear money
made the standing theme of conversation, the gauge and
measure of all other values, will be likely either to inherit
the father's covetousness, or to plunge into the vortex of
fashionable frivolity. And in the latter case, he may find
it as hopeless to bring them back to the simpletastes and
habits which preceded his first successful speculation, as
he would to reduce a forest of giant oaks to a nursery.
Another ipty which has been all along assigned to this
golden era, is, preparation for death and eternity. But
the same incapacity or indisposition waits upon them in
this office as in the others. They discover that there are
other obstacles between their souls and heaven, than "the
claims of business?' They have "made haste to be rich,"
and they must bear the consequences. A career of specu-
lation has a peculiar tendency to make men both selfish
and proud, not to speak of its searing the conscience and
multiplying the cords which bind them to the world. And
where covetousness and inordinate self-esteem join toge-
ther in taking possession of a man, he is about as well
fortified against religion as any character to be met with
in society. " With God all things are possible," and such
men are sometimes changed into humble and liberal
Christians. But it is, unhappily, no fancy sketch which
the poet has drawn of gold and its worshippers, who
—" on its altar sacrificed ease, peace,
Truth, faith, integrity; good conscience, friends,
Love, charity, benevolence, and all
The sweet and tender sympathies of life ;
And, to complete the horrid, murderous rite,
And signalize their folly, offered up
Their souls and an eternity of bliss
To gain them—what ? an hour of dreaming joy,
A feverish hour, that hastened to be done
And ended in the bitterness of woe."
The best side of this picture is not very promising. If
such are the common issues of a career of successful spe-
culation, what are its opposite issues ? It would be use-
less to portray in its details the collapse which usually
follows one of these eras of commercial bewilderment.
Our author deals hard blows at that " morality
of the counting-house," or retail counter, which
enables its owner to represent his wares as different
and better than they really are, illustrating it by
sudden and unexpected transference to the domestic
hearth, where a scion of the family, to his father's
horror, palms upon his friends a narrative of family
matters, and a description of household arrange-
ments, framed upon the shop or counting-house
model, in which everything is exaggerated and
misrepresented. The illustration is telling, and
cleverly worked out. He treats, also, with much
practical good sense, on the various relations
which exist between employers and employed, and
clearly points out the duties of each to the other,
to themselves, and to society. In inculcating the
duties of charity, he is eloquent in its praises, yet
he mixes his persuasions with injunctions to pru-
dence and judgment. This leads him to a con-
sideration of avarice and its stealthy and resistless
encroachments on success. His remarks on this
subject are forcible and j act, and may be styled
TSB INCONSISTENCIES OP AVeztacm.
It is a striking illustration of the insidious nature of
avarice, that not one rich man in a hundred, perhaps not
one in a thousand, is disposed to stop hoarding. The
point of acquisition which constitutes " wealth" is pushed
along as men approach it ; so that the amount of property
which, at setting out in business, supplied their definition
of " opulence,' and at which they meant to forbear fur-
ther accumulation, comes, in time, to dwindle into a paltry
" competence," with which " no one ought to be satisfied."
A simple change in the definition keeps conscience quiet,
and allows the beguiling process to go on. The more
they get, the more they want. And even when an estate
has swelled to colossal proportions, the idea of arresting
its growth, or of giving away a generous part of the
revenue it yields, is almost as painful as that of losing a
child. singularly enough, this morbid tenacity of income
prevails where there is a distinct purpose of making a
posthumous appropriation of large sums to charitable
uses. The will is already drawn up to this effect, and
signed and sealed ; but the testator, entranced by
duly rious power of gold, cannot summon the resolu-
tionthe myste
his own executor. He has seen many a
to become inheritance alienated from its
will broken, and many an
kn
s this may happen in his
proper destin, ation ; "it may not happen ;" and
and he ow
own cage also. But again,
he will ran the hazard. If it were. not for the spellwhich
is upon him, the pleasure lying his bounty and wit of aitppwouid
outweigh
the sordid
'leasing the benign effects of ;
satisfaction he derives from seeing his huge heap of gold-
But the hallucination
dust growing larger and larger.
cannot be thrown off ; the glittering treasure will assert
t
ethe universal
its mastery against any rival power, exe p
conqueror. Or, he is, possibly, one whol
aim is, to " pro-
is guiltless even
of any prospective benefactions.
vide for his own ;" to go on turning revenue
ed in death,
res°veenule into capital
as long as life lasts, that when his eyes are c os
u pajed.
his mammoth estate ma i descend to his he
Where are the estates of the leading Philadelphia, New
York, and Boston merchants, who died half a century
ago ? Gather up the fragments, if you can find them, in
the hands of their children and grandchildren ; and see
what there is to show for all the planning, and toiling,
and saving, those fortunes cost ! You have but to look
aro, ed mu. Own city, to see even contemporaneous patTi-