The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-02-08 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 81 1853.

aperture to admit the mouth of a cannon, which, of
course, can be raised in size, according to the calibre
of the latter. The cannon is mounted on a plane, loaded
with quartz, and advanced to the aperture of the cham-
ber. With a pennyworth of gun cotton, or three penny-
worth of gunpowder, one cwt. of quartz is instantly re-
duced to powder, I saw it accomplishedin about two
minutes. The bottom of the chamber is perforated, and
acts as a sieve, the metal in the ore passing through,
while the earth and lighter substances are forced by the
explosion into different compartments. The chamber
may be taken to pieces and made conveniently portable
for transportation. It will answer the purpose of a dwel-
ling. and in such wise be invaluable at the Gold Regions,
as well as a great protection to the occupier against the
burglarious dangers so common amongst the diggers.
The visitors took great interest in the object of the in-
vontor, as being directed to the gold mines of Australia
and California. I look on this invention, or rather,
simple application of a long known exploding power, as
being of immediate commercial value in the manufacture
of emery. It is well known that the machinery used in
crushing emery stone is of a very rude character, and
destitute of the ordinary features of the scientific appliances
of the day. I could say much more of the quartz-crushing
machine, were it necessary. The experiments, which are
repeated from time to time, are perfectly satisfactory.
Perhaps yesterday was the most dismal Sunday ever
seen—l had nearly said felt—in the Metropolis, certainly
the most dismal I remember. It has been remarked
by foreigners that the straets of London on a wet Sunday
present a very miserable appearance ; the Egyptian dark-
ness caused by yesterday's fog was incomprehensibly
fearful. The morning, up to about noon, had been toler-
ably clear, soon after that period the darkness came on,
interfering with divine service in all the churches, then
nearly at a close. Those acquainted with the economy
of the poorer denizens of London, are aware that imme-
diately after morning service, the burial of their dead
takes place—always a melancholy spectacle. Yesterday
it was strikingly so, and rendered doubly sorrowful by
the tolling of the dead bell in various parishes ; for
the horrid practice of burying the dead among the living
seems likely never to be abandoned, though the public
officer of health has just reported that the city of London
is absolutely unfit to serve as a burial place, and this
whether by inhumation or in vaults. The mortality in
our city alone annually is 3000. Under present arrange-
ments, every dead body buried within our walls receives
its accommodation at the expense of the living, and to
their great detriment. The Bishop of LONDON, lam
afraid, has much to answer for in this matter. Nottvith.
standing the reports of the officer of health, and demon-
strations in every parish whore the grievance is continued
—vested interests—money rights—sextons' fees, &c.—
are placed in the balance, and kick the beam.
The BISHOP of LONDON is not, at this moment, adding
to popularity by his new bill, which, if carried for
London, you may depend upon it will be " tried on"
in Liverpool. The BISHOP of SALISBURY is the prelate
selected by the right rev. metropolitan to work the
measure in the House of Peers, where, it is feared, it will
be carried. The bill contemplates the taking out of the
hands of the Vestry the election of churchwardens, and
placing the right in the hands of the clergy. At a glance
you will see the dangerous character of such a measure.
It is strongly opposed in the metropolis, even by the
most thorough-going supporters of our national Church.

very fine this evening, at the highest point of the 1
week. We annex quotations

Aberdeens, 14; Chester and Birkenhead, 211; Caledo-
nians, 32k ; Eastern Counties, 12 13-16 13 ; Lancashire
and Yorkshire, 77-4- 1 18 ; London stock, 11914 H 4
1 20; ditto fifths, 3p ; Sheffield stock, 2941; Midland
stock, 761 I 7 8 4 ; North British, 84 13-16 8 9 1-16 ;
Dover stock, 23k 41414; Liverpool United Gas
quarters, 58k.
The state of the Cotton market during the week
has offered the best evidence that could perhaps be
afforded of the healthy state of British Commerce,
notwithstanding the many opposing causes which,
under ordinary circumstances, might have operated
prejudicially. There have been neither excessive
speculation nor undue depression, but, fortified by
the continued activity in the manufacturing dis-
tricts, this staple article of our market has main-
tained its value, and the accounts from the other
side of the Atlantic show that a similar degree of
confidence prevails in the American markets. It is
not always that in the midst of conflicting state-
ments—of extra supplies of gold on the one side,
and exhausting demands for French speculation on
the other—the markets have preserved that happy
medium which now gives such a feeling of security
to the commercial world.

The reports from the manufacturing districts con-
cur in stating that there is a full demand for almost
all descriptions of cotton goods, in some instances
exceeding the supply. In most articles there has
been an improvement in current rates sufficient to
induce confidence without exciting over specula-
tion. Stocks are also light, so that there is no im-
mediate prospect of any abatement to interfere with
the demand for the raw material, which is expected
to go higher. In Bolton a demand has been made
for an advance of ten per cent. upon the wages of
the operatives, and, as hands are scarce, it is be-
lieved that the demand will be acceded to.
PRODUCE.—There has been more animation in
the market for Sugar, owing to an improved demand,
and 400 hhds. B.P. and 6,500 bags Bengal realised
' former prices. Of Foreign the sales amounted to
1,900 bags and brls. Pernambuco and Paraiba. Of
Coffee the sales amounted to 35 tcs. and 100 bags;
Jamaica realising 50s. to 555., Plantation Ceylon
635. to 665., and St. Domingo, 445. ; and 25 casks of very
old La Guayra, 50s. to 50s. 6d. Rum is less active. In
Molasses nothing doing. Of Rice, 1,000 bags Bengal sold
at 11s. to 12s. 3d. A large business has been done in
Tea, the better sorts of congou being in request, while low
qualities are neglected, and fine greens are rather lower.
Of Saltpetre 1,200 bags were sold at 28s. to 28s. 3d. for 5
per cent. Castor Oil was in active demand, and 1,300
cases sold at Old. to 54-d. per lb. In other Oils but little
doing. The sales of Guano comprise 800 tons. For Hides
the market is firm, and 9,500 were sold at full rates. Tal-
low has experienced a decline, Petersburg Y.C. having
been sold at 455., and 200 casks South American at 425,
to 455. For Jute there is an active demand, 700 bales
damaged having been sold at a further advance of 10s.
per ton, and 250 bales sound at the same advance.
To-day the Sugar market remains quiet, and we have only
to notice the sale of 35 hhds. Demerara at 31s. to 335. 9d.,
500 bags Dates at 31s. 6d., and 160 bags white Pernams
at 225. 6d. per cwt. About 50 puns. of Demerara Rum
are reported at previous rates. In Tea there is a fair
amount of business doing at previous rates. Of Rice 250
bags middling white Bengal brought 12s. 3d. per cwt.
We have also to notice 60 cases Castor Oil at 48d., 100
bags Singapore black Pepper at 3id. per lb., and 50 tons
Calcutta Linseed, to arrive, at 51s. per quarter.

COTION—The present position of the Cotton market is
an anomalous one, and whether present prices can be
maintained remains to be seen ; but many entertain con-
siderable doubts when they look at the stock here, the
high range of prices, the large receipts in America, and
the excessive shipments to this country. On Wednesday
and Thursday the market had a quiet appearance, and it
was difficult for holders to realize at the extreme prices of
Monday and Tuesday. On Friday, after receipt of the
Pacific's advices, an excellent demand sprung up and con-
tinued, the sales on that day and Saturday amounting to
25,000 bales, at about Id. advance. The advices per
Arabia to 26th ult., from New York, which were received
this morning, do not quote any further advance except at
Charleston, where prices are quoted lc. to c. higher.
The New York and New Orleans markets were tame, and
the first application of the screw by the Bank of England
appears to have had a flattening effect. Speculators have
not operated so largely as on Friday and Saturday, and
spinners were not eager to stock themselves. The sales to-
day are called 6,000 bales, of which 1,000 are to specula-
tors and exporters. Holders in general are very firm ;
there is no pressure on the market, and although the
demand has not been brisk as on Saturday, prices are fully
supported, and about 1.16 d. dearer since Friday last.

SALES. IMPORTS.
DESCRIPTION. \
PRICES. Week I Prey'. I Week I
ending ously ,ending
l year I
Feb. 4.lthisyr. Feb. 4. - • IFen. 4
—I

This I STOCK

d. d. I 1
Sea Island l9 629 230 1080
Stained 7i 10 10', 120 1 .1
14189 542401, I
Boweds 4 7 13260; 42520 >347260
Mobile 4/ 6 6740; 14900 1 , „87 9713
New Orleans. 4 74, 26400' 90030 J 1 1-1
Pernams, &c. 6i 7j,1 186011 a_ , 1 9 9 9 1 18650
. 5'90 10 1 919
A racati, &c 6i 7I I
Bahia, &c.
Maranitam
Sawginned 6 —1 ,
Demerara, &c 13 20 .... .... 111 290
Egyptian 5 11 3880 10850; 759 13037 102170
Barbadoes
Peruvian
coni.w.i.sZe — .... } 13701 i
...• 337 }. 4610
Cartbagena — .... I ,
Smyrna .... .... 1 I , 1j Manilla
Surat
Madras
Bengal - 1010
--
65120 192640 35308 197895, 588170

Woor..—The monthly circulars of the Wool Brokers
describe the great scarcity of this article, the demand ex-
ceeding the supply, so that the recent advance in prices
has been maintained.
Messrs. GREAME and Co. says :—" We have had a
very active demand in the Wool market, and as the
present light stocks are quite inadequate to the require-
ments of the trade, a further advance in prices has
been obtained on most descriptions ; the imports during
the past month are only to a limited extent, and with ex-
ception of the East India, which are held over for public
auction, the principal part has been sold on arrival at im-
proved rates, leaving the market again very barely supplied
with Wools. With the present small stocks of Wool and
the large orders for goods in the hands of the manufac-
turers,
we may consider the prospects very encouraging
toimporters ; and there is every appearance that if no
further advance takes place, the present improved scale of
prices will be maintained for some time to come."
Messrs. HUGHES and RONALD, in their circular, state :
—" The past month opened with great activity, which has
continued throughout, and the sales, both on the spot and
in the country have been very considerable, and in all
cases at advanced rates. The stocks of all kinds of Foreign
Wools are so completely exhausted that quotations can
hardly be given at present with any degree of exactness..
The great difficulty is to meet with the kinds required,
and in such cases buyers have in a great measure to yield
to the pretensions of the sellers."
Messrs. Jos. ROBINSON and Co. says :—" Almost every
trade report declares to the healthy state of the country,
and from the enormous production and multiplicity of
orders, the Wool trade would seem to share richly in the.
benefit ; this, however, is not the case at present, neither
has it been for some time ; occasionally it happens, though
instances happily are not frequent, that the raw material
rises in value, considerably beyond the margin of a pro-
fitable investment for manufacture, and, as this is the
state of affairs in the woollen branches, the consumer
must regulate his future operations by preparation, as
there is no disposition on the part of holders of Wool to
accept lower rates. Reports are prevalent, that specula-
tive purchases have been made in Yorkshire, for this
market, of Australian Wool, and from the arrivals seen,
the statement is not without foundation."
In the past week there was no new feature of any mo-
ment to notice. There was a very active demand for all
descriptions, and, considering the lightness of stocks, a
large business was doing,. at prices fully supporting the
late advance. The public sales in London wilt commence
on Thursday next, when about 35,000 bales of Colonial
and Foreign Wools will be offered, the result of which is
anxiously looked for by the trade generally.
IRON.—There have been several failures of parties con-
nected with the late pig iron mania, and prices have be-
come nominal. During the past week the downward ten-
dency of this article has proved the truth of our remarks
concerning it ; and, as we a short time since expressed
ourselves, it is only a question of a few days when it will
be sold at a much lower price, and one more in accord.
ance with its intrinsic value. On the Ist inst. 61s. per
ton was given since then it has daily become more diffi-
cult of sale, and the quotation last night was 545. 6d.
sellers, with a heavy market, but at these figures there are
no purchasers to be met with. In Glasgow there was a
sale effected on Saturday, at 555. W., for cash down. The
general impression seems to be, that prices will yet go
lower ; particularly as it is fully expected that the bank
directors will further raise the rate of interest, probably
one per cent. Should this be the case—of which there is
great probability—it will not be a matter of surprise if
Scotch pigs are sold at 455. before the end of the present
month.

COURT OF PASSAGE.—This court was opened yester-
day morning, in the Nisi Prius Court, St. George's Hall,
before Edward James, Esq., assessor. There were two
writs of trial in the cause list, and 35 issues. The cases
did not present any point of peculiar interest.
POLICE AFFRAY.—On Saturday, police-officer Bu-
chanan was fined 10s. and costs for assaulting a brother
officer (Little) with his stick. The complainant, who was
described by a number of witnesses as a quarrelsome man.
taunted the defendant, who, losing his temper, dealt him
a severe blow on the head.

RAGGED ScnooLs.—lt will be seen, by advertisement,
that the annual meeting of the Liverpool Industrial
Ragged Schools has been fixed for Tuesday next, at the
Theatre Royal. The Worshipful the Mayor will preside,
and the Rev. Rector Campbell, Dr. M'Neile, Mr.
Mansfield, and others are expected to address the meeting.
THE LICENSING SYSTEM.—The Liverpool Licensed
Victuallers' Association held a meeting on Friday at the
institution, St. Anne-street, and unanimously agreed to a
series of resolutions, to be transmitted to the Chancellor of
the Exchequer, in reply to those agreed to by the magistrates,
which we noticed last week. The association states that
in their opinion the resolutions of the magistrates offer no
ad,
dv a nt
ht aagt s
as s oacni
ya
cohr a
nmgoerin
aovi
oe
nr
gp.reessteanbti ias
hr readn gs
ye ms t
ee nrat so ;f
an
stancebusinessa
lmustarg eamount
induce
injury,
suchin this
changein
should not be made unless for great and manifest benefit
to the general ooramunity,

LIVERPOOL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The annual general meeting of the members of this
chamber was held in the offices, No. 4, Exchange-build-
ings, yesterday (Monday), at one o'clock. We observed
the following members present :—Mr. W. Brown. M.P.,
Mr. Charles Turner, M.P., Messrs. E. Heath, S. Still, C.
Bushell, W. J. Tomlinson, W. Cross, W. G. Casey,
James Smith, J. B. Forwood, C. Robertson, A. W.
Bowles, J. Malcomson, J. Dutton, R. Lamont, R. Gill,
Clint, R. W. Preston, W. S. Bird, C. Holland, T. R.
Arnott.

On the motion of Mr. Heath, Mr. Bouche was called to
the chair, in the unavoidable absence of the president and
vice-president.

The Chairman, after expressing his regret that the
absence of Mr. Hornby had placed him in the chair, said
that he had but a few remarks to make, and these he
would present in as succinct a manner as possible. This
institution had now reached its third year, he might say,
of usefulness ; for, especially considering the difficulties
with which they had had to contend, he considered that
they had been eminently useful. In the past year they
had taken steps in connexion with many important mea-
sures. Custom-house reform had been considered at great
length, and a deputation had gone to London, whose
timeitwas thought had not been entirely lost. Their worthy
member, Mr. Brown, would bear witness to the fact that a
very large measure of amelioration bad been achieved, and
that now the customs were worked with much greater faci-
lities than ever had been the case in the memory of any of
the members. Though the legal difficulties existing must
be admitted, they were in hopes that the measure recom-
mended by that Chamber and the London authorities
would be carried out. The next subject was thatof commer-
cial law reform, and here he must observe that his opinion
was that lie knew of no greater blessing to a commercial
community than would be the adoption of these recom-
mendations, which had emanated from that chamber, with
regard to the carrying out of that reform. The simplifi-
cation of the law, as regards commercial institutions, was
of the utmost importance, for as it at present existed, they
were not able to carry on their business in conformity
with the regulations which the law imposed. Were
they merely to endeavour to do so, it was quite clear
that business would be almost suspended. To Mr.
Heath and Mr. Holland they were much indebted for
their very valuable advocacy of this reform; especially for
the preparation of a pamphlet on the subject, which had not
only met with the approbation of the members of the
Chamber of Commerce, but which had been favourably
received elsewhere. One important question upon which the
Chamber were not united, was the question of charters,
with limited responsibility. Feeling, as they all did, the
utmost anxiety on this subject, he thought he should not
be doing his duty either to himself or the association if he
did not unhesitatingly say that they were in an unfortu-
nate position in this country,—when a person had gained
a fortune, after having been in business for a lengthened
period, he could not remain in that business, or even
have his name connected with it, without running
the risk of being reduced from opulence to beggary.
Another matter which might not be so interesting to the
community, but which was of particular interest to Liver-
pool, was the question of the excise duty upon soap. It
had been before that institution repeatedly ; their
arguments had been admitted on all hands ; and it
was understood that the government was well affected
towards the reduction, if not the entire abolition of that
duty. If they were successful in carrying out the aboli-
tion of that duty, it would be to Liverpool a matter of
very great advantage, for the soap manufacture might
be said to be almost the staple manufacture of the
town. A subject which was receiving their most
earnest attention was that of the decimal currency,
which was undoubtedly of the greatest importance.
England had been carrying on her currency at complete
variance with the countries of the Continent, and with
America. He was happy to know that the plan laid down
by the Chamber had met with general approval, and he
only hoped that they might soon see it carried into effect.
They had had occasion to confer with the dock trustees ;
and, though they might not have met with the earnest-
ness they had anticipated, still he hoped the matters were
now in a train which would facilitate arrangements and
benefit the public. In conclusion, ha alluded with plea-
sure to the fact that during the past year the society had
received an accession of 20 or 30 members. He likewise
mentioned a subject which he had long had at heart. In
Liverpool they had numerous commercial societies—one,
for example, devoted to West Indian affairs, another to
Brazil, and so on. Now, what he had to suggest was this,
the propriety of all these associations being united in the
Chamber of Commerce. In effecting this many individual
feelings would, no doubt, have to be sacrificed • but, as it
was a real necessity in such a community, he Sid not dis-
pair of seeing it one day carried into effect. Were such a

great central association to be formed, there would be no
one commanding the same amount of influence, or uniting
the same measure of talent. And lie only hoped that ere
long they would see a union worthy of the institution and
the town. (hear, hear.)
Mr. ROBERT TRoNsoN, secretary, then read the sub-
joined REPORT OF THE, COUNCIL.

The council of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
have the pleasure of laying before the members an ac-
count of their proceedings upon the principal subjects
which have occupied their attention during the year 1852,
the third of the existence of the chamber ;. and, in doing
so, they would express their regret that, owing to late
occurrences in political affairs, the progress of several
subjects of high importance has been unavoidably arrested.
Their attention is, nevertheless, still directed towards
such matters, as well as others in the adjustment of which
more immediate action can be taken.
Of the subjects of general interest to the mercantile

community thus placed in abeyance, Custom:hon

se Re-

form stands first. Since the council made its half-yearly
report it has been impossible to take any further steps,
but your directors have much pleasure in repeat-
ing that there exists, on the part of the authorities, every
disposition to meet the requirements of trade ; and many
restrictionsolow rendered unnecessary through the altered
condition of the tariff, have either been removed or mo-
dified. The Standing Committee continues its attention
to the subject; and, on the re-assembling of Parliament,
the council will exert its influence for the realization of
such other of the recommendations of the chamber as
have not already been adopted.
COMMERCIAL LAW REFORM AND TRIBUNALS OF

to the Dock Committee on this subject. Since then a
further representation has been made, and your directors
are glad to perceive that the Dock Committee have
adopted some remedial measures; but, to render the
facilities of this port commensurate with the magnitude of
its export trade, and to meet the active rivalry of other
ports, many improvements are still urgently called for.
The unequal charges for carriage made by the London and
North-Western Railway Company are still persisted in,
and a considerable portion of the export trade which would
flow through this port is thereby diverted to London. The
special committee to whom these subjects have been
referred continues to give them its best consideration.

POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS

Your council have pleasure in reporting that arrange-
ments have at last been made for the despatch of an addi-
tional mail for Glasgow and Edinburgh, leaving here at
nine, p.m., an advantage the want of which was much
felt. And they hope shortly also to announce a change in
the despatch of the London morning mail, now not due
here until a quarter past six, p.m., by forwarding it by
the morning express train, leaving London at half-past
nine, and arriving here at half-past three, as the necessary
arrangements have lately been made. It has been inti-
mated to your council that a change is contemplated in the
port of arrival and departure of some of the American
mail steamers ; but, as nothing is positively known as yet,
all that your directors at present can do is to watch events,
and so be prepared to oppose such change.

THE REMOVAL OF THE SWILLY ROCKS.

A memorial in favour of this was forwarded to govern-
ment, and the council is happy to find that it has been
decided to carry out this desirable object.

RETIREMENT OF DIRECTORS.
During the past year your council have lost the services
of Mr. Ryder, by resignation, and the vacancy thus occa-
sioned has been filled up, in accordance with the laws, by
the election of Mr. . The chamber is also

deprived of the services, at the council board, of the fol.-.
lowing directors, who retire by rotation, and are ineligible
for re-election for one year ; namely, Mr. H. Hornby, Mr.
T. B. Horsfall, M.P., Mr. Charles Holland, Mr. Edward
Heath, Mr. John Aikin, and Mr. Robert Rankin. It will,
therefore, be for the members of the chamber to elect
successors. In conformity with the law, a statement of
the attendance of the directors at the meetings of the
council is laid upon the table.
In closing their report, it is with pleasure that your
council have again to refer to the very valuable services
rendered to the chamber by the members for the borough
and the southern division of the county, and by Mr. Hors-
fall, M.P. for Derby, and they, therefore, tender to those
gentlemen a most cordial vote of thanks.
Mr. BflowN, M.P., in glancing over the report, said
there was no question of so much moment to them as
that of commercial law reform ; and he felt assured they
all felt deeply indebted to the committee. As to the pas-
sengers' amendment act, it was unfortunately acting very 4
badly. This measure had been strongly opposed by Mr.
Cardwell and himself when it was brought before parlia-
ment ; but the commissioners, having once got the power
into their hands, were very unwilling to part with it.
As to the charters with limited liabilities' question, he
exceedingly regretted that he differed entirely from two
of the most active members of the committee, to whom
they were deeply indebted for what they had done in be-
half of the institution. As to the excise duty on soap,
there could not be two opinions upon it. Sir Charles
Wood, while he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, told
him (Mr. Brown) that there was no duty which he should
Iso readily remove. He (Mr. Brown) had placed himself
in communication with the heads of departments on the
subject of the decimal coinage, and that day he had
written to Lord John Russell. He understood from Mr.
Laurie, whom he had introduced to the Chancellor of the
Exchequer, that that gentleman had been requested
to decimalize the tariff, and that he had done so. The
Bank of England had commenced buying and selling gold
and silver decimally. How far the gold-smiths and
smelters would go in with the new plan could not yet be
known ; but he (Mr. Brown) had had a conversation both
with the governor and cashier, and they were very much
pleased that a body like the Liverpool Chamber of Com-
merce should have taken up the subject. By adopting
the desimal system figures would be decreased one-half ;
and certainly at the present time, when the tide of emi-
gration was carrying so many from our shores, and labour
at home was becoming dearer, the improvement was one
of great moment. When Mr. Heath was in London he
(Mr. Brown) had been in the company of some twenty of
the most distinguished scientific men of the day, inclu-
ding Lord Rosse, Sir Henry de la Beetle, and others, and the
conversation chancing to turn upon the decimal system the
most perfect approval of it was expressed by thesescientific
men. Mr. B. then expressed his regret that six members of
the Council were about to retire; he thought three were
quite enough to retire at once. Referring to the improve-
ments in the Customs, he counselled them to secure a
permanent reform by obtaining an Act of Parliament—
not to allow the gentlemen in power, when the excite-
ment has ceased, to lapse iuto their old practices. When
he went to London, the first question he should ask would
le, it they had a bill in preparation ? and he should at
once make the Chamber acquainted with the reply. He
assured the association that they could not conceive the
attention and respect which that party met with in the
highest quarters who was supported by the Liverpool
Chamber ; and he therefore counselled them to imitate
more the example of the Manchester people, who always
sent a deputation to make known their wishes or the
grievances under which they laboured. He concluded by
moving the adoption of the report.
Mr. BoavLas seconded the resolution, and in doing so
supported the limited responsibility system.
The resolution was then put and carried unanimously.
Mr. J. S•riTT, treasurer, then read a statement of the
accounts, from which it appeared that the financial affairs
of the society were in a most flourishing state. One
pleasing feature of their progress was exhibited in the
fact that the arbitration fees, which were only two guineas
in the preceding year, had last year amounted to £l9 12s.
Several of the leading firms in town, too, who at first held
aloof from the association, had joined it during the past
year.
Mr. CHARLES• HOLLAND, moved a resolution, to the
effect " That the new Council be requested to carry out
the views expressed in the report of the conference of
deputations from the provincial commercial towns, espe-
cially with regard to petitioning Parliament on the subject
of law reform, and for the establishment of tribunals of
commerce, as early as may be deemed consistent with the
attainment of these desirable cjmnges."
The resolution, supported at some length by the mover,
and seconded by Mr. CHARLES ROBERTSON, was unani-
mously carried.
Mr. CURRY drew attention to a grievance which
affected both the sellers and buyers of ships. It appeared
that the question having been raised at one of the out-
ports, whether, on granting registry, de novo, to the pur-
chaser of a vessel which had been sold by the first mort-
gagee, the registering officers were bound to bring for-
ward in the next registry, a second mortgage, which had
been recorded in the former certificate of registry.
Reference was made to the law authorities, and her
Majesty's Attorney and Solicitor-General had given this
opinion : " That the registering officers are bound to carry
forward, or continue on the certificate of registry indorse-
ments of unsatisfied mortgages once recorded, until they
are discharged, whether they be first, second, or other
subsequent incumbrances ;" and " that any second or
subsequent mortgagee might, if he sustain damage through
the omission in question, maintain an action against the
registering officers." HD (Mr. Curry) considered this
decision was roost detrimental to the interests of the ship-
buyer and seller, and he, therefore submitted the griev-
ance to the consideration of the council of the Chamber.
Mr. Foßwoon supported Mr. Curry, and trusted that
the members of the legislature present would not allow
the grievance to remain in operation without making an
attempt to provide a remedy.
Mr. CASEY delivered a lengthened speech on the ques-
tion of the duty upon soap, showing that the Irish manu-
facturer was placed in amore advantageous position than

the English one, and that, in consequence of the heavy
imposts, Liverpool soap manufacturers were often unable
to undertake foreign orders, which either the Irish or
French manufacturer could fulfil. lie showed that this
had a most detrimental effect upon the port and trade of
Liverpool, for at present the French could beat them—
not by superior skill or industry, but from one simple
reason. They are free men in their business,"' said
Mr. Casey; "we are slaves. We are slaves to a policy
which would have degraced the middle ages. How, then,
can we help ourselves. By bringing our grievances before
an institution like this." (Hear, hear.)
Mr. HLATH and Mr. BUSHELL then addressed the
chamber, the latter in reference to the postal arrangements,
stating that endeavours were being made to facilitate the
safe delivery of letters coming from, and going to, New
York.
Mr. Fonwoon, in reference to the Liverpool Docks,

deprecated the absence of modern apcliances which were
in use, and asserted that the trustees had not adopted one
tithe of the recommendations made by that chamber.
They must, in future, go forward, as ono or two sugges-
tions carried out in the course of a year was not enough.
Mr. Forwood, on the carrying question, commented in
severe terms upon the unjust charges of the London and
North-Western Railway,
Mr. TURNER, M.P., asserted that the Dock Com-
mittee were doing all they could for the interest of the
port; that they had received the valuable suggestions of
the Chamber of Commerce with respect and attention ;
that their position was a difficult one, inasmuch as they
could not adopt the suggestions of every party; but that,
as they had done in the past, they were determined still to
do their best for the interests of the Docks. The honour-
able gentleman, in conclusion, assailed the London and
North-Western, for imposing upon the Liverpool people
a rate of mileage enormously higher than that paid by the
inhabitants of Manchester.
The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair-
man, two scrutineers having been previously appointed
to examine the ballot-box. The following directors retire
at present, and were, according to the law, ineligible for
re-election, though it was resolved that the rule should in
the meantime lie in abeyance :—Messrs. Chas. Holland,
E. Heath, H. Hornby, T. B. Honfall, M.P., R. Rankin,
and John Aikin.

SINGULAR CASE OF SELF-IMPOSED STARVATION.—
An inquest was held by Mr. Coroner Curry, yesterday,
on the body of Eliza, wife of James Currie, beerhouse-
keeper, Mill-street East, who died on Monday, the 31st
January, after an illness of ten weeks' duration.—James
Moody, tailor,. a neighbour, deposed that, in consequence
of seeing Currie ill-use his wife while she was ill, his sus-
picions were excited when he first heard of her death.
The ill-usage consisted in the husband pushing the poor
woman rudely up stairs which she was descending, with
such force that she fell forwards. When they first came
to the neighbourhood Currie and his wife appeared to be
a most loving couple.—Elizabeth Lee and Sarah Williams,
two neighbours, likewise gave evidence to the same
effect.—Ann Moreen, his servant girl, deposed that
Currie was a kind and loving husband, and that he
treated his wife with the utmost solicitude. She would
hardly eat anything for the last few weeks of her life,
and it was with considerable difficulty she could be con-
strained to take any food at George Kemp,
surgeon, who made a post mortem examination of the
body, gave it as his opinion that Mrs. Currie
died solely from want of food ; and it was equally
clear, from the evidence of other witnesses called in
behalf of the deceased's husband, that she had imposed
starvation upon herself. The verdict of the jury was
" That the deceased starved herself to death, being at the
time of unsound mind."

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 7.

ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

FRANCE.

PARlS.—Several political arrests have been made since
Friday. Among them are one or two correspondents of
continental papers. Calumnies respecting the Empress
are stated as the cause.