The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-12-04 00:00:00

THE GAOL--RESIGNATION OF THE CHAPLAIN AND

GOVERNOR.
The DEPUTY TOWN-CLERK then read the following docu-
ment connected with the gaol business, and comprising the
resignations of the chaplain and governor. It commenced by
stating—
" On the 29th of September last, Captain Williams (the
inspector of prisons) brought under the notice of the visiting
justices, acting on the Gaol Finance Committee, various al-
leged abuses and irregularities in the management of the
prison. After a preliminary inquiry on the next day, to as-
certain how far the extraordinary circumstances named by
him were capable of proof, it is deemed proper to summon a
special meeting of the visiting justices on that committee,
and of the visiting justices whose names appeared on the
card for routine of duty at that time, to meet at the Town-
hall on the first of October. At this meeting, depositions
on oath were taken in writing, on examination of officers of
the prison, in the presence of the governor. This course of
inquiry was pursued on the 3d and sth of October. On the
evidence so taken, certain allegations of the existence of
abuses and irregularities were made against the governor,
and time was given to that officer, at his request, in order
that he might prepare an answer and give explanations.
" The visiting justices were further engaged on this iq-
vestigation into the governor's department at subsequent
meetings, particularly on the 19th and 20th of October, and
the 10th of November, in the course of which a written an-
swer to' the allegations was read by the governor, and put in
by him to be entered on the minutes of the proceedings.
In the meantime the visiting justices proceeded with an
investigation into the chaplain's department, in his presence,
pursuing the same course of examination, on oath, as in the
case of the govenor. They held meetings for that porpose.
on the 6th, Bth, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, and 20th of October,
the 14th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 23d, an 25th of November.
During this laborious investigation, the attention of the
chaplain was particularly directed to certain points of inquiry
suggested in a letter addressed by the inspector of prisons
to the justices ; at the same time he was informed that they
were not the only grounds, the depositions (of which he
was allowed copies) containing statements of an important
nature.

" The points of inquiry involved supposed irregularities
in the chaplain's department. To these allegations the chap-
lain read to the visiting justices a written answer and expla-
nation of his conduct, which he then put in to be entered
on the minutes of the proceedings.

',—
Before the visiting justices had come to any decision upon
these proceedings, and in fact as regards the chaplain, im-
mediately upon the conclusion of his reply, on the 20th of
November, the chaplain delivered into the hands of the
chairman of the meeting the following resignation of his
office :

<<" To the Council of the Borough of Liverpool.
Gentlemen,—l, beg leave to resign into your hands the
office of chaplain of the Borough Gaol of Liverpool, which
I hold by your appointment. The state of my health does
not admit of my continuing the appointment, but of course
I shall perform the duties annexed to the office until my
successor is appointed.
" I have the honour to be, gentlemen,
" Your obedient servant,
" JOHN "
" Liverpool, 20th November, 1840.' "
" At the meeting of the visiting justices, on the 23:1 of
November, the following letter from Mr. Bardswell (Mr.
Batcheldor's legal adviser) was laid before them by the clerk
of the peace.

" 'pear Sir,—Mr. Wm. Batcheldor, with great respect to
the Mayor and Common Council of Liverpool, resigns his
situation as Governor of the Borough Gaol of Liverpool, in
consequence of his ill state of health preventing him from
attending to the duties of that office. Mr. Batcheldor, at
the same time, solicits until next Wednesday, at any hour
appointed by the justices, formally to tender this resignation,
accompanied with certificates as to his state of health, with
other documents, from which, he trusts, the mayor and com-
mon council will adjudge him some retiring allowance under
the act of parliament.

" Your very obedient servant,
" CHAS. BARDSWELL
i'h Royaank-buildings,
Nov. 23d, 1840.

" Rd. Radcliffe, Esq., Town-clerk.' "
" At their meeting on the 25th of November, the following
letter from Mr. Batcheldor and four medical certificates Were
laid before the visiting justices :
" 'To the Worshipful the Mayor and Common Council of
Liverpool.
" The precarious state of my health, which has been much
impaired during the last two years, puts it out of my power
to discharge the duties of the Governor of the Borough Gaol
of Liverpool with that constant attention and efficiency which
that office imperatively demands. With very great respect,
therefore, I beg now to lay before you my resignation.
" In doing so, I trust my long servitude for nearly twenty
years under the corporation of Liverpool, commencing first
as constable in the dock police for about two years and a-half,
next as constable in the district of St. Thomas's East about
two years, then as head constable on St George's-pier for
about two years, afterwards as keeper of the Bridewell for
about nine years, and lastly, as Governor of the Borough
Gaol for four years and upwards, will have its due weight in
the consideration of my case, with regard to that retired al-
lowance which the gaol acts enable you to grant.
On retiring from my present situation I shall not have
the means of supporting myself and family, consisting of five
children, all of whom are entirely dependent upon myself, my
other two children have fortunately been provided for by a
relative.
" Circtimstanced as I am, and feeling that the impaired
state of my health will for a length of time prevent me from
applying myself in any arduous duty, I most respectfully so-
licit an amount of retiring allowance to such an extent as
may seem expedient and proper, and in support of my solici-
tation I beg to refer to the accompanying certificates of Dr.
Ferguson, Mr. Archer, Mr. Forshaw, and Mr. Macar•tney.
" I should also have to submit that, since_ my appoint-
ment, I have incurred to myself some expense in cleansing
and improving the grounds belonging to the gaol, and in pro-
viding suitable accommodation and convenience for the
magistrates, the benefits arising from which will remain.
"' I am, with great respect,
" ` Your most obedient and obliged servant,
"`WILLIAM BATCHELDOR.'
[Then follow the medical certificates.]
At the same meeting the following letter from the Rev.
J• Buck, and two medical certificates, were laid before the
visiting justices:—

" Liverpool, Nov. 25, 1840.
" To the Justices of the Borough of Liverpool.
" Gentlemen,—l had the honour' on Friday last, of re-
sigining, through you, into the hands of the council of this
borough, the appointment of chaplain to the borough prison.
" I beg to say that my present state of, as I fear, permanent

indisposition, is, as I believe, mainly attributable to my
exertions in the service of the corporation. The great fatigue
of body and.mind, which I have undergone from the day of
my nomination, and more especially of late, have induced a
lamentable state of weakness, which will at least demand a
lengthened, if not an entire cessation from all clerical em-
ployment. I have hope, therefore,s that you will) think it
within your sense of justice to recommend to the council to
assign to me such a provision for the future as may preserve
me from the pressure of poverty, for/by the resignation of my
appointment I am left nearly pennyless.
I enclose medical certificates from my physician and
surgeon, and have the honour to be, gentlemen, your
obedient servant, . " Joni BUCK:"
[Then follow the certificates from the medical gentlemen.]
" The visiting justices have, therefore, under these circum-
stances, only to lay the resignation:of office! of governor by
Mr. Batcheldor, and that of chaplain by Dr. Buck, before
the court, feeling themselves relieved from the necessity of
coming to any conclusions upon the evidence, and leaving
Mr. Batcheldor and Dr. Buck with the benefit of the claims
which they submit to the council for retired allowances under
the gaol act. _ _

"Whatever might have been: thereonclusions upon the
evidence which the visiting justices might have found it their
duty to report, they are of opinion that so much of the
matters affecting the several departments of these officers
may be attributed to the infimities stated. in the medical
certificates, that they recommend their submissions, for re-
tired allowances, to the favourable consideration of the court,
and for recommendation accordingly by the court to the
council."

' " It was resolved by this court that the report be adopted."
- Sir J. WALMSLEY moved the adoption of this report.
Mr. COGLAN inquired whether the report recommended
that the chaplain and governor should have retired allow-
ances ? •

The MAYOR replied in the negative.
Mr. D. HODGSON thought the present subject a much
wider one than they had time on that occasion to investigate.
He believed it would be admitted that the magistrates ought
to be made acquainted with what was passing in the Borough
Frison, and yet, though he was one of its visiting magi-
strates, he know nothing of what had been going on there
before the court of justices in the present case. (Hear, hear.)
It appeared manifest, under these circumstances, that some
persons in authority had taken upon themselves the power of
proceeding with this impurtant subject without consulting
others clothed with equal authority.
The MAYOR explained. Captain Williams, the inspector
of prisons, had been in Liverpool for many weeks, ..od, upon
his representations, the inquiry took place before six magi-
strates and three visiting justices. The whole of the pro-
ceedings were brought before the justices on last Saturday,
so that it was done in a manner by means of which every
magistrate had an opportunity of getting the information
required.

Mr. HODGSON was glad of having received this informa-
tion, but as he was from home on Saturday he did not re-
ceive the note. He was surprised, however, to find that a
portion of the magistracy had taken it on themselves to in-
quire into this matter, for it was one in which he (Mr. H.)
was much interested, having been opposed to one of the ap-
pointments as originally made. The general question in this
case was one that affected the whole of the borough magis-
tracy in their individual as well as their collective capacity ;
and he would say, that calling them together on Saturday,
the last day of the month, and telling them of what had been
previously done, when they should have been called together
in the first instance, was a very equivocal and unsatisfactory
course to adopt. (Hear, hear.)
The TOWN-CLERK said that the justices who commenced
and carried on this inquiry consisted of the Gaol Finance Com-
mittee and the visiting justices, and that in the routine of
their duty they prosecuted it, and made their report to a ge-
neral meeting of the magistrates on Saturday last.
Mr. EARLE saw, shortly before this discussion took place,
that there was some movement in the conservative camp.
(A laugh.) He saw two of them flaying their heads together,
and Mr. George Lawrence, who semed to be their leader,
had put his head in among them. (`Continued laughter, and
cries of " No, no," from the conservatives.)-- But the fact
was, that Mr. Hodgson had made the same complaint the
day before that he did on that occasion, and then received
the same answer that the Town-clerk had given him now.
Mr. HODGSON—What! me ?
Mr. EARLE—Yes, you.
Mr. HODGSON—I challenge you to the proof of who told
rniy_

Mr. EARLE—It was Mr. Hugh Hornby.
Mr. HORNBY rose amid much uproar and confusion to
explain. He said that he had some conversation with Mr.
Hodgson the day previous, when that gentleman made the
same complaint to him that he had just done to the council.
He (Mr. H.) then told him that the act of parliament di-
rected the visiting justices to be summoned to assist the
Gaol Committee in their inquiry. If it was to this Mr.
Earle alluded, this was all that took place between him and
Mr. Hodgson.
Mr. EARLE said it was precisely to that conversation that
he alluded.
Mr. HoncsoN did not think Mr. Hornby's explanation
bore out Mr. Earle's original statement, for he was one of
the visiting magistrates of the gaol, and he never was in-
formed of the inquiry.
Mr. EARLE said that he also was one of them, but then
he hadn't the vanity to suppose that no inquiry could go on
without him. (A. laugh.)
Mr. HORNBY observed that the magistrates who under-
took this inquiry (one that was of a most difficult and pain-
ful nature) acted under the advice of the clerk of the peace,
who told them that they were the proper committee to under-
take the duty. If, then, they had acted improperly, it was
for the town clerk to explain how that had occurred. (Hear.)
Sir J. WALmstEy apprehended that the duty had been
undertaken by the properly-constituted committee. They
were the party who had to decide on all matters relative
to the management of the gaol, the regulation of the officers,
and the financial concerns. He (Sir Joshua) was one of them,
and he thought the council were indebted to them for the
labour they underwent and the patience they manifested in
prosecuting so disagreeable an inquiry as they had been forced
into for the last four, five, or six weeks. (Hear.) Upon the
written statement of Mr. Williams, the inspector, certain cir-
cumstances were brought before them into which they in-
quired, and their minutes of the communications, prelimi-
nary and general examinations, extended over the space of
4E2 brief sheets, containing 2100 folios, so that he thought
they were entitled to the thanks, rather than the censure, of
the council for the pains they have taken. He believed that
it would always be found that a small committee could ma-
nage matters of this kind better than a large one ; and he felt
that Mr. Hodgson ought to be the last person to make a com-
plaint of this kiud, for he had it in his power to satisfy him-
self on every point by reading the minutes of the evidence.
It was rather too much for that gentleman to absent himself
and find fault with those who attended, when they deserved
his thanks rather than his reprehension.
Mr. HODGSON—I deny the assertion.
Sir JOSHUA WALMSLEY—I don't know what you deny.
Mr. HopGsON.--I haven't refused to attend.
Sir J. WALMSLEY—I don't know what you deny. You
told the council before you didn't attend. (No, no.) Oh !
am right. He told you that when they were called together
to come to a decision, he didn't attend.
Mr. HODGSON—Because I was out of town.
Sir J. WALMSLEY—Very well. Then why deny what I
stated?

Mr. HonGsoN.—What had by being out of town on Satur-
day last, to do with the previous meetings? Why hadn't I
the proper notice on the subject?
Sir J. WALMSLEY—They attended every Tuesday, and the
whole of the information relative to the gaol came before the
Finance Committee.
Mr. CASE—Is Mr. Hodgson on the Gaol Finance Com-
mittee ?

Sir J. WALMSLEY—NO.
Mr..HonnsoN—Why did they take up the subject at all?
Sir J. WALMSLEY—Because they thought it their duty so
to do ; and now that they have concluded it, they deserve the
thanks of those who remained away for the labour they un-
derwent.
Mr. SANDS said it appeared to have been made the subject
of discussion, inasmuch as the law-adviser of the corporation
had been consulted about the propriety and manner of car-
rying on the investigation.
Mr. H. HORNBY explained, and said it was not in conse-
quence of any doubt expressed by the magistrates that the
town-clerk had been consulted.
Mr. ROBINSON said it appeared manifest that those who
investigated the matter had laboured long and produced no-
thing. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) There was a mysterious
charge hanging over the chaplain and governor, which unless
explained he would, oppose the passing of the report.
The TOWN-CLERK here explained the law with regard to
visiting justices and their duties ; after which,
The MAYOR said that since the 9th of November he had
been a member of the Gaol Committee in right of his office,
but as the present inquiry was going on before that period, he
declined to be on it, being ignorant of the previous part of the
investigation.
Mr. TOULMIN asked whether there was any objection to
lay the charges against Dr. Buck before the council, as it
appeared he took the hint and retired beforehand?
Sir J. WALMSLEY asked seriously whether the council
would like to hear all that took place? (No, no.) After the
committee had stated in their report that the chaplai❑ was
unable to discharge the duties of the office by reason of his
infirmities, he asked again, would the council think it neces-
sary to go into particulars ? (Loud cries of " No, no.")
Could the committee have discharged their task in a more
delicate manner towards a clergyman, that in giving that as
their opinion ? (Hear, hear.) And here he would say, that
nothing affecting his moral character had, in his (Sir Joshua's)
opinion, been in any degree substantiated against him. (Hear)
Mr. BIItKETT would be sorry to bring Dr. Buck forward,
but as he heard the day before that that gentleman intended
to bring the whole matter before the House of Commons, he
(Mr. B.) thought they might as well be put in possession of
the particulars as well now as hereafter. He understood, for
he had not seen it, that the doctor had made an ingenious
defence.

Mr. H. LAWRENCE suggested that as both the chaplain and
the governor claimed compensation, the case should go be-
fore a committee to decide on their merits.
The TOWN -CLERK thought the course suggested the legal
one to adopt.
Mr. J. SMITH would not vote for any retiring allowance
to the parties, until he had first been put in possession of
the facts.
The MAYOR suggested that the subject be referred to the
Finance Committee.
Mr. BUSHELL objected to any reference being made to the
Finance Committee, as there were magistrates on it, and as it
would be more desirable to have the merits of the parties de-
cided
caby those who had not as yet formed their opinions on
the se.
Mr. H. HoRNBY thought the council ought to adopt Mr.
Bushell's suggestion.
The MAYOR said there were magistrates on all the com-
mittees.
Mr. BusnELL accordingly suggested that a special com-
mittee should be appointed for the purpose.
Mr. EVANS asked what such a committee would have to
inquire into, the matter being closed, and a discharge having
been obtained from the hands of the parties themselves?
Thee n
question remaining for decision was, whether they
were to get anything, and how much : and he thought that question might be left
mine. to the Finance Committee to deter-

Mr. COGLAN differed in opinion with Mr. Evans, and
thought there should be some investigation before any sti-
pend were granted to them out of the public money.
Mr. BysnELL proposed that it be referred to a special
committee.
Mr. J. SMITH seconded the proposition.
Mr. COGLAN opposed it, because the magistrates who in-
vestigated the case had more information concerning it than
any other committee could possibly have, and proposed that
it be referred to the Finance Committee.
Mr. BRIGHT seconded the proposition.
The report having been then received upon the motion of
Sir Joshua Walmsley, the question was taken on Mr. Cog-
lan's amendment, which was carried by a majority of twelve,
the numbers being—For it, 25 ; against it, 23 ; majority, 12.
The following are the names of the gentlemen who voted
in the division:—
For the amendment Messrs. J. Holmes, G. Quayle,
Isaac Holmes, R. Houghton, W. Thornhill, T. Case, H. R.
Sanbach H. Holmes, Sir J. Walmsley, Messrs. Aikin,
Woollright, R. Bright, J. Priestley, R. V. Yates, T. More-
croft, T. Coglan R. Jones, Jun., W. Slater, G. H. Lawrence,
W. M'Kee, F. Jordan, J. Platt, D. Mather, R. Roskell, T.
Leathom, G. Holt, R. Benn W. Earle, J. Moon, E. Evans.
T. Barclay, T. Bulley, T. Holt, W. P. Frame, and the Mayor.
R Against it—Messrs. D. Hodgson, H. Copeland, G. Wright,
. B. B. H. Blundell, J. Mellor, T. Sands, H. Hornby, T.
Toulmin, J. Lawrence, T. Robinson, J. Cooper, H. Law-
rence, J. N. Wood, W. Birkett, R. Gladstone, C. Bushell,
J. Procter, R. Rigby, J: Kilshaw, J. Smith, R. Hatbprd,
A. Smith, jun., and R. Shiel.

fARLII.J/ti.
M. L. moved " That the Mayor be in-
structed to communicate to the bishop the vacancy that has
occurred in the chaplancy, and to request his lordship will
recommend to the council a proper person to be appointed
by the council as a successor to Dr. Buck." He said he was
induced to make this motion in consequence of his not hay-
'lig confidence in the magistrates making a proper appoint-

rug APPOINTMENT OZ
IL. LAWREM

merit to the office
Tne MAYO

said the motion could not be entertained

without notice of it being first given.
Mr. H. LAWRENCE thought the suggestion a valuable one.
Mr. EVANS thought that the magistrates living in Liver-
pool, and knowing the clergymen, were far better judges
than any bishop in the neighbourhood was likely ever to be.
He confessed he knew not where the system would stop;
but he supposed it was the intention of one party to denude
the council of all its honours and patronage, and give it into
the hands of a member of its borough. (Laughter, and cries
of "No, no.") He believed that that was at the bottom
of everything.

Mr. 13ustiELL thought the suggestion a valuable one, and
that it should have been received in a proper spirit.
Mr. COGLAN asked whether the sanction of the bishop
was essentially necessary to the appointment of a chaplain?
The TOWN-CLERK replied, when the council nominated it
remained with the bishop to license the clergyman.
Mr. COGLAN thought it would be a strange stretch of
power if the council were to vest an appointment like the
present in the hands of an ecclesiastical authority that was
forminable enough already without making it more so by ad-

ventitious aids

Mr. EARLE thought the magistrates as good judges of the
characters of clergymen—for they brought certificates of
character always with them in cases like the present—as any
bishop. He did not look on a bishop to be an extraordinary
man. (A laugh.) He did not look on him as coining in a
direct line from the fathers of old (renewed laughter), par-
ticularly when he saw him declaring that he was horror-
stricke❑ at seeing souls perishing, while he himself was
drawing twelve thousand pounds a-year. (Order.) He
was in order, he was in order, for the subject of bishops had
been introduced. He was a churchman, but he was not
bound to approve of every act of every bishop, nor he
would'nt do it. (Ironical laughter.)
Mr. CASE thought they would be committing an act of
felo de e, if they were to give up appointments of this kind
to any bishop.

Mr. HAD.BORD and Mr. HODGSON both supported Mr.
Lawrence's motion, and argued that it was unseemly that a
body of magistrates professing unitarian and other heterodox
views, should arrogate to themselves the right of appointing
a church of England minister, particularly when they be-
lieved the religious opinions of that minister to be erroneous.
Mr. AIKIN believed the present discussion was got up on
the other side, for the purpose of having another fling at the

BUSHELL was not aware till then that Mr. Aikin was
the champion of the magistracy ; but he would say, that the
charge he had brought against them, and which it would have
been well if Mr. Aikin had let rest, was never denied by any
one of them up to the present moment. (Loud cries of
" hear, hear.")
Mr

AIKIN said, 'at the time it was made it received the
answer it deserved—(a shout of laughter).
Sir J. WALMSLEY then moved—
" That the subject of the appointment of a governor of the
Borough Prison, in the place of Mr. William .Batcheldor,
who has tendered his resignation, and the appointment of a
chaplain in the place of the Rev. J. Buck, D.C.L., whose
resignation is accepted. be referred to the Gaol Committee,
to direct the proper advertisements, and to receive, consider,
and report upon the applications and testimonials of candi-
dates to the council ; and that Mr. Batcheldor's resignation
be not accepted until the council shall decide upon a new ap-
pointment in his place." •
Mr. H._ HORNBY seconded the motion.

A division was then taken on MTLawrence's amendment,
when it was lost by a majority of 13, the numbers being :
for the motion 21; against it 34.

The following are the names of the gentlemen who voted
on the division :

For the motion :—Messrs. D. Hodgson, H. R. Sandbach,
H. Copeland, R. B. B. H. Blundell, T. Sands, T. Toulmin,
J. Lawrence, T. Robinson, J. Cooper, H. Lawredce, J. N.
Wood, W. Birkett, R. Gladstone, C. Bushell, J. Proctor, J.
Kilshaw, R. Rigby, R. Jones, jun., G. H. Lawrence, R.
I!arbord, and A. Smith, jun.
Against it Holmes, G. Quayle, I. Holmes, R.
Houghton, W. Thornhill, T. Case, G. Wright, H. Holmes,
J. Mellor, J. Walmsley, J. Ain, J. Woollright, R.
Bright, J. Priestley, H. Hornby, R. V. Yates, T. More-
croft, T. Coglan,W. Slater, J. Smith, W. M`Kee, J. Platt,
D. Mather, R. Shell, J. Hornby, R. Roskell, T. Leathom,
G. Holt, W. Earle, J. Moon, E. Evans, T. B. Barclay, W.
P. Freme, and the Mayor.

TRH MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS.
The MAYOR said he had received two communications—
one from Miss Mathewson, of Rodney-street, praying for a
reduction in her rent, and the other from a commissioner of
the Court of Requests, calling for the dismissal of one of his
under officers.

They were both referred to the proper committees.
THE COURT OF REQUESTS. •
Mr. HARBORD complained of a grievance suitors laboured
under in this court, inasmuch as when plaintiffs were non-
suifid the defendant was compelled to pay court charges.
The TOWN-CLERK promised to look to the law upon the
subject, and to report upon it to the next council.

ENLARGING THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
Mr. G. HOLT then moved " That the surveyor be re-
quested, without delay, to report upon the practicability of
enlarging the council-chamber ; and also upon the subject of
a better system of ventilation, together with the cost thereof;
and also for providing another place for the business of the
council during such alteration."

Mr. H. LA:VRENCE seconded the motion, and, after a few
observations, it was carried.

THE STANDING ORDERS.
The DEPUTY TOWN-CLERK was about to read the stand-
ing orders, when
Mr. HODGSON moved an adjournment.
The MAYOR put the question, and declared it to be lost.
In the midst of some disorder, consequent upon several
members retiring from the chamber.

Mr. COOPER. moved the adoption of all the standing orders
with the exception of three, -to be considered at the next
meeting, which was carried ; and
The council adjourned to the first Wednesday in January.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE TRADESMEN'S
CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of the Tradesmen's Conservative As-
sociation was held on Tuesday evening, in the large room at
the York Hotel. On the motion of a member in the body af
the room. Alexander Smith, Esq., the newly elected member
for North Toxteth, was called to the chair, the motion being
carried by acclamation.

The CHAIRMAN, having taken his place, thanked the
meeting for the kind manner in which they had received him,
and expressed his regret that the scat which he occupied was
not filled by their respected friend, Samuel Holme,
who was absent in consequenee of indisposition. There was
not a single individual present, he was persuaded, who had
not rejoiced, and did not rejoice, in the success which had
attended the conservative struggle at the recent municipal
election. (Loud cheers.) He ought to have said, in order
to make himself perfectly understood, the general municipal
'election, for he did not intend to allude to the struggle with
which he had been c..nnected. (Cheers.) Owing to the
spread of conservative principles, the strength of which had
emanated from that conservative association over which be
had now the honour of presiding, they had been enabled, at
the general municipal election of the 2d November, to return
a considerable majority to the town-council. (Loud cheers.)
If he might for a short time allude to the last struggle, be
meant to the more recent struggle in which he himself was a
party, they had great reason to congratulate themselves on
the triumph of principle which had been evinced in North
Toxteth. He did not intend to arrogate anything to himself,
for he regarded it as a struggle of principle. Every exertion
had been made by their opponents ; in fact, the most strenu-
ous exertions had been made by both sides ; but in spite of
the efforts made by the other side, the conservatives had suc-
ceeded. (Cheers.) It was on the part of their adversaries
a most desperate effort. There was not one single thing which
could possibly conduce to success which they did not put in
operation. They brought forward Mr. Rathbone, an excellent
gentleman in private life, but one whose political principles
were not in unison with those of the ward, and he verily be-
lieved of the town. He was, amongst other things, a strenu-
ous advocate of the system of education adopted in the cor-
poration schools, and he thought he owed his defeat to the
principles which he espoused, but particularly to that part of
them to which he bad just alluded. It had been proved to
demonstration, that the principles of that party were opposed
to those of the great mass of the people of Liverpool. They
were all aware of the great efforts which had been made to
place on the list of voters persons who, till now, were not
known amongst the constituency. When they wished to
individuals
of voters who did they go to ? To the lowest
of the Roman catholic church. They did not go to the
Englishmen and protestant members of the community,
but to those only who were priest-ridden, and who would
do whatever their priests commanded them. These were
not English principles. (Loud and continued cheering.)
When they endeavoured to put the same individuals, by the
same means, amongst those who possessed the franchise on
the parliamentary registry, they were told by the revising
barristers that such a proceeding was illegal. It appeared to
him that it had been sufficiently proved that many of the
leading men of that party had given large sums of money for
this purpose, and these persons were to be driven up to the
poll by every influence that could be brought to operate.
(Cheers.) He would tell them of one instance in Toxteth-
park, of a poor fellow, a Roman Catholic, an honest man,
who, previously to the recent election, called upon him, and
told him that nothing in the world should induce him to vote
against him ; he had been in his employ a number of years,
and had received many hundred pounds from the concern to
which he belonged, and nothing should induce him to vote
against him. Yet, between half-past three and four o'clock,
that very man was brought up, and he voted for Mr. Rath-
bone. He thought it was desirable to trace this matter, and
see how it had occurred. The poor man called at the office

a few days after, when he (the chairman) learned that the
man had been carried away by an agent of his landlord. He
was shut up in this agent's house, and no friend of his (Mr.
Smith's) was allowed to see him, as a matter of course. He
was, however, seen by several of the other side, and at last
he was seen by a priest. After some little whispering by the
priest, the man went and voted for Mr. Rathbone. He
called and expressed his sorrow for what had occurred, but
he said such means had been used to coerce him as he did
not dare to resist. For the opposite party to talk of briber/
to them was utterly absurd, when they knew of such eases,
on the part of Mr. Rathbone's friends. They were aware 01

many instances of a nature that rendered the insinuations
and assertions that had been thrown out against them Per-
fectly ridiculous. That Mr. Rathbone himself was cogni-
sant of these proceedings he did not say ; he believed most
sincerely that he was not. The influences used by his party:
however, were notorious ; but in spite of them the good
feeling of the town had evinced in a most marked manner,
and they knew the result, which was that he (the chairman)
had the honour (the conclusion of this sentence was drowned
in'the loud cheers that ensued.) Why did he state these
facts ? Because he thought he ought to make it known, that
those who styled themselves the reformers, and who charged
his party with delinquency, had been the greatest delinquents
themselves. (Loud and long continued cheering.) He bad
now to turn to more pleasing subjects. They had much
business before them, but there was one subject which claim-
ed preference. Since they last met, a circumstance had oc-
curred which must be gratifying to the feelings of every
Englishman : he alluded to the birth of a princess-royal.
(Loud cheers.) They would most of them remember the
melancholy result which had occurred when the nation was
looking forward once before to a similar event, when their
hopes we fixed on the Princess Charlotte of Wales. This
impelled them now to hail with double satisfaction and joy
the safe delivery of the Queen, and to thank the AlmightY
Disposer of Events that he had been pleased to preserve her;
who had given to her a successor to her throne, and one
who, they trusted, would preserve the protestant ascendancy.
(Cheers.) This must never be left out of view; they must
never forget the principles which had placed the house of
Brunswick on the throne of these realms. (Hear, hear, and
cheers.) Her Majesty's successor, they hoped, would pre-
serve to them the valuable institutions which they enjoyed*
(Cheers.) He would not delay the meeting longer, but
would proceed at once to the business of the evening.
Several new members having been proposed and admitted
in the cOual form; •

Mr. DANIEL LEDSON then rose to address the meeting
amidst loud cheers. He said he was sure it must be most
gratifying to them to see occupying the chair, the gentleman
who bad so successfully opposed Mr. William Rathbone in
North Toxtexth Ward. (Cheers.) He believed there was

nn member of this association who • must not have admired
the manly sentiments just uttered by him,—(hear, hear,)
—and feel that we could not have done better than we had
in sending Mr. Rathbone, by means of. Mr. Smith, back
into a private station. (Cheers.) He held in his hand a re-
solution, and thgt resolution, he thought, when he read it,
would give the greatest satisfaction to them all. Their wor-
thy chairman, in the course of his address, had touched upon
many of its particulars ; but he trusted they would excuse
him saying a few words previous to moving it. (Hear.) He
congratulated them most sincerely on the result of the late
municipal election ; an d he was sure no one could have sup-
posed when they considered the overwhelming means of in-
fluence the possession of the Town hall conferred upon their
opponents, that year after year would have seen a fresh ac-
cession of conservative members, anxious to do their duty to
their constituents zealously and without fear. (Applause.)
He saw some gentlemen in that room who represented re-
spectable constituencies in the town, and he hoped that the
whole of them had taken for their model that admirable
union which pervaded the great conservative opposition in
parliament, au opposition which every successive party
struggle had rendered more solid and more compact. It
such were the case, they, would find that, by the assistance of
associations like this, by the assistance of every man who
loved his country, they would soon have the power to carry
oat within the walls of the council chamber the admirable
advice of Lord Stanley, to wank, watch, and crush every
birth which Whig-radical ingenuity might bring to light.
.(Loud cheers.) As a young man, they would allow him to
make one remark. He did not stand there nor wish to stand
there for the purpose of advising the gentlemen he saw around
him—gentlemen of mature years who had long fought the
battle of the constitution, and who knew what line of
politics would best promote the welfare of the nation;--
but he would give one piece of advice, and he trusted they
would believe him when he said, that the ingenuity of theft
opponents was as busy as ever, and that it behoved every
man, more particularly on the next first of November, to
strain every nerve Co return into that Council chamber those
gentlemen who would give satisfaction to the town of Li-
verpool at large—(hear)—who would turn it into an instru-
ment of good, instead of making it, as it had been made, an
instrument of very considerable evil. (Hear, and applause.)
He was sorry to say that the Conservatives of Liverpool,
during the last municipal election, had been obliged to con-
tend against no ordinary obstacles. (Hear.) Hitherto our
political battles had been fought with that good faith and
candour for which our political warfare had been always dis-
tinguished, and they had a right, meeting their opponents
fairly in the field, to expect from them the same candour and
uprightness. (Hear.) But what had been the fact? Let
them look at the occurrences of the last few weeks. No
common machinations, no unaccustomed stratagems. had
been used. They had met in the registration court not by
fair and honourable means, but by the poisoned weapons of
forgery and fraud. (Vehement cheering.) He trusted that
when they reviewed all these things, they would feel it to be
their duty to use;all their influence,—to put forth their best
exertions, to send into that chamber those gentlemen who
would legislate for the good of the•town, and of its inhabit-
ants. He trusted they would feel that there was a necessity
for them, during the next twelve months, to use every legi-

timate means to maintain ,and strengthen their po;ition ;
for he could assure them that their opponents were on the
alert, and not letting slip any chance for returning those
who would enable them to retain their majority. (Hear.)
He trusted it would not be displeasing to them if we turned
from the trifling peccadilloes of the whigs in the council to
the amiable qualities of the whigs in the cabinet,—(a laugh)
—the contrast, he was sure, would be very pleasing and sa-
tisfactory to them all. (Loud laughter.) What vigour and
what vigilance pervaded every department of the state ! (A
laugh.) How admirably our foreign possessions and our fo-
reign tactics were conducted ! (A laugh.) What singular
felicity had attended our strict and intimate alliance with
France! (Hear.) How successfully our trade with China
had been carried on ! (Hear. and laughter.) How speedily
the blockade of Buenos Ayres had been terminated ! (Hear.)
How satisfactory the settlement of the American boundary
question! (Renewed laughter.) What very profound and
statesman-like legislation had stopped that uproarious con-
duct in Canada. (Hear.) How totally the cry of '? repeal "
had been put down, and how completely the power of Daniel
O'Connell had been annihilated ! (Laughter and cheers.)
And, oh, above all, how the Chancellor of the Exchequer
must chuckle over that financial statement which he exhibits
quarterly to the applause of our admiring nation (Cheers.)
These were only a few of the blessings that had resulted from
ten years of Whig-radical misrule. And though he talked to
them quietly, he trusted that they would not be so quiet as to
subject themselves to the infliction of ten years more of the
great satisfaction that the country had experienced from those
who now held the reins of office. (Hear.) That association
was formed for the purpose of protecting the institutions of
the land, and he was sure that at their annual meeting they
would not deem him out of place when he said, that the pe-
riod in which they lived was a period of great difficulty and
danger. (Cheers.) Those institutions which they venerated
for their age and valued for their usefulness were undergoing
the ordeal of public opinion. (Hear, hear.) That church of
which they were members, and which they respected and
loved,—(applause,)—was attacked in every manner and mode
that infidelity could suggest. Its members, its ministers, the
excellency of its mode of worship, were assailed. (Cheers.)
The very existence of the church as an institution was threat-
ened. And whether it was to stand or fall, to perish or to
be triumphant in the strife, it was for the faithfulness and
firmness of the Protestants of England to decide. (Loud
cheers, and a cry of "no surrender!") Thanks to the exer-
tions, the unremitting exertions of a band of learned and il-
lustrious divines, the town of Liverpool had been saved from
that foul spirit of anarchy and confusion that was stalking
through the land, and which showed itself here in the shape
of a godless Socialist, and there in the shape of a misguided
Chartist. (Loud applause.) He must mention to them one
remark which he remembered to have heard. He remem-
bered a gentleman who once had the honour of soliciting
the suffrages of a certain portion of the constituency of
Liverpool, and who, though he had not gained much cele-
brity, had gained a great deal -of notoriety,—(a laugh,)--
he meant Mr. Tindal Atkinson. (A laugh.) That gen-
tleman, in one of those muddy and maudling orations
which he was in the habit of delivering to his frienas
the papists and Socinians, finished one of his most
splendid speeches, which he (Mr. Ledson) heard, by saying,
" If you will only do as I tell you, toryism will be swept
from the town for ever." (Laughter.) It was previous to
that election which had sent into the council chamber 11 con-
servatives and only 5 radicals. (Renewed laughter.) He
(Mr. Ledson) would say that there was very little credit to
be given to that gentleman as a prophet. (A laugh.) He
would tell them more. This election had proved, notwith-
standing the plausible colouring by which their opponents
had attempted to cover their views, that they (the conserva-
tives) were not yet quite prepared to abet the measures and
malpractices of the whig-radical faction. (Cheers.) It had
proved that they were not yet quite prepared to surrender to
such dangerous keeping the ark of our glorious constitution.
(Greatnpplause.) It had proved that come what may, let
the boasted progress of liberal principles be what it might,
they were not yet quite prepared to enter into an unhallowed
compromise with the foes of the bible, be they secret or be
they avowed. It had proved that whether their foes mutilated
it with the Papist or derided it with the Unitarian, there
was, thank God, a healthy spirit alive in society which would
frustrate and unmask their fraudful schemes. (Loud cheers.)
And it afforded another lesson, and justified another predic-
tion, that whenever the present administration could screw
up their courage to face the country in a general election,
they would most assuredly meet the same discomfiture, dis-
grace, anll defeat, that awaited their supporters in the town
of Liverpool on the last 2d of November. (" Hear, hear,"
and cheers.) It had also proved another thing. After what
they had heard from their chairman, and what they knew
from their own experience, they would feel it to be their
duty to look to the registration courts ; for they knew not
when an election might take place.. (Hear.) When the
great conservative leader, Sir Robert-Peel, called upon the
people of England to remember that it was in the registration
courts of the kingdom that the battle of the constitution was
to be fought, he never could have anticipated that a misera-
ble, expiring,- and desperate faction would have used the
means they had done in order to secure their own political
ends. (Much applause.) He felt that he was tresassing
upon their time. (Cries of " No, no ;"" Go on.") He
had no idea, when he undertook to move the address, that
he should have detained them so long. He trusted they
would excuse him; he was so much a conservative that when
he did get an opportunity of addressing a meeting, he felt
desirous of inspiring them with the same sentiments that he
felt himself,—(applause)—and he knew that when he ad-
dressing the Conservative Association of Liverpool, he was
addressing these who were ready to do everything in their
power to secure the church on a proper and legitimate
foundation, to see prosperity and happiness once more
flourishing in the kingdom, to see the manufacturing dis-
tricts, as they were once seen, in peace instead of in wretch-
edness; in plenty instead of in want. (Hear.) And he
was sure that when sending that address, emanating as it
did, they would feel all that was embodied in it, and be only
anxious that her Majesty should call into the place of a
Melbourne, an O'Connell, a Russell, and the rest, a Stanley,
a Wellington, and a Peel. (Rapturous applause.) Her
Majesty would believe that when signing that address they
were actuated by those principles which were truly conserva-
tive,—which made it their object to protect her upon her
throne, and to protect the just and constitutional rights of
her subjects, protecting themselves, at the same time, from
that spirit of anarchy and destructiveness which aimed at
the overthrow of everything that was good in the land.
(Loud and continued cheers.) He should conclude by ask-
ing them cordially to adopt the address lie was about to
to submit to them. There was no man who felt respect for
her Majesty, and pleasure at the auspicious event which had
had taken place, no one who felt anxious for her Majesty's
safety, and next to her, for that of the Princess Royal, who
would not gladly respond to the call. (Cheers.) Mr. Led-
son then read the following address :
" We, your Majesty's most loyal subjects, the members of
the Liverpool Tradesmen's Conservative Association, beg
leave to offer to your Majesty our heartfelt congratulations
on the auspicious event of your Majesty having given birth
to a daughter ; and to express our hope, that the life of your
Majesty, and that of the Royal Infant, may long be pre-
served to an affectionate and loyal people. And may He, by
whom alone " Kings reign, and princes decree justice," ren-
der your Majesty's reign long and prosperous—may He
grant to your Majesty health and strength to guard and de-
fend our unrivalled constitution in church and state and,
surroun:ed by wise and faithful councillors—[Gentlemen,.
(asked Mr. Ledson,) will you not, from the bottom of your
hearts, respond to that? (Immense cheering.)]—to maintain
those principles which we firmly believe are best calculated
to strengthen the attachment of your Majesty's loyal sub-
jects." _

lie need not say that the Liverpool Conservative Association
had shewn itself on many occasions ready to rally round the
throne, and to support the sentiments embodied in the ad-
dress. (Hear.) Before he sat down, they would allow him
to make one remark. When they placed in the situation of
the " popular" administration the individuals he had named,
the Duke of Wellington, Lord Stanley. Sir Robert Peel, and
Sir James Graham—(" And Sir Robert Inglis")=Sir
Robert Inglis, and Lord Viscount Sandon as well—(loud
cheers)—and Cresswell Cresswell as well—(loud cheers)—
Mr. William Ewart Gladstone as well—(loud and reiterated
cheers)—then the face of things would wear a new aspect,
and such a change would take place as would come home
to the heart of every conservative in the land. (Hear.)
Then would peace and happiness be spread throughout her
Majesty's dominions—then would joy and comfort be sent
to the cottage of the poor as well as to the mansion of the
rich—then they should see loyalty, and justice, and truth,
and all that a man, who venerated his God, could desire—
they should see the constitution of England based, as Lord
Stanley said in Liverpool, on the rock of ages, and if they
only did their duty, the batteries of their opponents might
batter against it, but firm in its concentrated strength, it
would bid defiance to their efforts, and stand, he trusted, for
ever. (Loud and continued cheering.)
Mr. INGRAM seconded the rssolution.

The CHAIRMAN said they had heard the address read,
and he was sure they would all cordially agree in its senti-
ments. The motion was put and carried unanimously.
Mr. ROBERTSON GLADSTONE, who stood in the body of
the rood, here begged to say a few words. He had listened
with great pleasure to their respected chairman and the gen-
tleman Ntho had moved the address. When he heard such
sentiments falling from those with whom he did not come in
contact, it did occur to him as a matter at' regret, that within
the walls where he occasionally sat, and where he hoped on
an early occasion to see some of them—(hear, hear, and
cheers)—the same class of men, the same honest opinioas,
so undauntedly spoken, did not more frequently appear. He
was one of those who looked too sanguinely, perhaps, at
coming events ; but to this extent he trusted to them, and he
hoped the day was coming—nay,. was not very far distant—
when they should see that Augean stable purged of its impu-
rities—(loud cheirs)—and instead of those who threatened
anarchy and confusion, that they should see seated in the

council-chamber the friends of the constitution and of ra-
tional and religious liberty. (Applause.) He was one of
those who had long deprecated and lamented the absence of
such individuals ; but now, he was happy to say, the sun
seemed to shine with splendour upon them, and those ob-
jects and purposes which had long been pursued in vain were.
on the eve of being attained. Th day, he did think, was at
hand when they should see such a change as would leave
them, not promises and prospects only, but substantial bene-
fits. (Hear.) Let those gentlemen who took an interest in
municipal proceedings look at those points in which they
themselves had an unquestionable concern. Let them look
at the great school question, and say whether the system as
adopted in the corporation schools was to go on as it had
done, or whether they were to reinstate in those schools
that system of instruction which had for its basis the re-
ligion of the established church. (Loud cheers.) Those
who were not permitted within the walls of the Town-hall
knew very little of the secrets there concealed ; but he did
trust that the time was not far_distant when they would be-

come better acquainted with them. They would then find
how party feeling made slaves of all—(hear, hear)—how flesh
and mind were made subservient, and bartered to carry out
certain political purposes. He would take the employment
the corporation had to bestow among the various tradesmen
of the town. How was it disposed of? Was there any one
of those present, or persons of their opinions, who got a
share of it? (Hear, hear, hear.) Such was the system, that
any one, he would say, professing conservative opinions, but
even suspected of leaning that way, was marked for ex-
clusion

(Hear.) If he were disposed to take up their time,
he might enumerate many points which would one day be
marked with their severe censure and condemnation. Bet
learning, as he had done, the sentiments of their worthy
chairman, and of the mover of the addresS to the Queen, he
would refrain. But being present among them, and holding
an honourable office, at least with regard to those who gave it
him—(a laugh)—he could not leave the room without bidding
them God speed, and encouraging them to go on, as the time
was coming when success would crown their efforts. Let
them not, however, allow relaxation to take the place of
activity. The Ist of November would determine whether
they were to have a majority or not, and whether they were
to have a conservative may.or or not. (Loud and prolonged
applause.)

Mr. PETEII HOPE was received with loud cheers. He
hoped they would accord him a patient hearing, for, though
he was not much accustomed to speaking in public, he was
so animated with what he had heard that evening, that he
might say he was big with speech. (Laughter and applause.)
Far be it from him to speak disrespectfully of any man, or
body of men, but it was with principles that they had to deal,
and it was for protestant principles that they principally con-
tended. (Cheers.) Did they wish to have real rational li-
berty? H they did let them look for one single moment at
the places where papacy reigned. Had they liberty at those
places ? Wherever papacy had the preponderance, look at
it ! He thought it would cure some of their radical friends if
they went to Ireland, particularly to the province of Con-
naught. (Hear, hear.) If they went and observed the state
of things there under the dominion of papacy they would not
come back radicals. (Loud cheers.) He would he behind
no man in protecting protestant principles, because if they
wanted any description of comfort, it must be from protestant
principles. (Cheers.) He was a liberal man, and would not
speak unkindly of any person. Not long since he was in
conversation with a most decided radical, and the subject of
their discourse was the election which had taken place re-
cently in North Toxteth ward. The gentleman to whom he
alluded was a protestant, and he (Mr. Hope) said to him,
" You profess to be a protestant, and you know Mr. Rath-
bone's principles and acts as a member of the Education
Committee ; could you, as a conscientious man, conscien-
tiously lay your hand on your heart and vote for him ?" He
replied that conscientiously he could not. They (conserva-
tives) must not give this up. It was because the people did
not know the value of protestant principles, that a number of
them continued either lukewarm or opposed. He asked his
worthy friend Mr. Bolton, some four or five years ago, why
it was that the children should not be instructed in the schools
in the fundamental principles of the fear of God as inculcated
in prayer. Mr. Bolton had told him then, and he was at a
meeting as large as that which he saw before him, that he had
thrown the apple of discord, and that he had done so know-
ingly and purposely. However, his conscience was clear,
and he knew his own motives, and he knew the purity of his
intentions. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) He asked Mr. Bol-
ton, why the children were not instructed in the fundamental
principles of . the fear of God, and Mr. Bolton replied, that
.the reason why they did not open the school with prayer was
because it would offend the priests. (Expressions of disap-
probation.) They did not know the great importance of
what they were now contending for. If they were sent over
to Ireland or to Spain for a season, then they would be more
fully sensible of the blessings which they enjoyed, and would
know better than they could do at present the importance of
the principles which they sought to maintain. (Cheers.) He
would not detain them longer, but would read the address to
his Royal Highness Prince Albert, of which he had been re-
quested to move the adoption. Mr. Hope read the following
address :

" We, the members of the Liverpool Tradesmen's Conser-
vative Association, beg leave to present to your Royal High-
ness our sincerest congratulations on the safe delivery of the
Queen and birth of the Princess Royal, and on the prosper-
ous state of her Majesty's and the Royal Infant's health since
the happy event. The full possession of that most valuable
of all blessing, the Protestant religion, which the people have
enjoyed since the accession of her Majesty's family to the
throne ofthese kingdoms, has so endeared itto them, that they
could not but be anxious for the continuance of the succession
in her royal descendants. We shall never cease to offer our
earnest prayers to Heaven, that the Princess Royal may long
live in the enjoyment of the inexpressible advantages of pa-
rental precept and example, and your Royal Highness's ten-
der care and afrection to her."
Mr. Hope said he was sure there was not a Protestant in that
room who would not most heartily join in the sentiments ex-
pressed in that address. Ile had great pleasure in moving
that it be adopted.

Mr. ANDREWS had great pleasure in seconding the reso-
lution. After the sentiments which they had heard ex-
pressed, in which he fully and most cordially coincided, and
in which he was sure all present would participate, he would
not consume their time by any additional observations.

The Cu AIRMAN was satisfied that the address would meet
with unanimous approbation ; nevertheless for form's sake
he must put it to the meeting. The address was carried
amidst loud cheers.

Mr. KlLsx.kw, seconded by Mr. RIGBY, proposed that
the addresses should be signed by the chairman on behalf of
the association, and transmitted to Lord Sandon and Mr.
Cresswell, to be presented to her Majesty and Prince Albert
at the next levee.

Mr. WILKINSON claimed the attention of the meeting for
a few minutes. He held in his hand a motion with which he
was sure they would all agree, and which they would receive
with pleasure not unmingled with regret. The health of their
respected friend Mr. Holme was such, that he was grieved to
say he might be unable to attend their meetings for some
time. The gentleman whom he was about to submit to their
approbation as his successor was one whose name they would
all rejoice to hear, and whom they would all regard. He
proposed Alexander Smith, Esq., as the Chairman of their
Association for the ensuing year. (Loud cheers.) This
nomination, he trusted, would meet the approbation of all
present. (Continued cheering.)
Mr. HARDisTY seconded the resolution, which was put
and carried amidst loud cheering.
The CHAIRMAN thanked the meeting for the confidence
which they had manifested towards him, and for the com-
plimentary manner in which they had proposed the resolution.
In undertaking to act as their chairman for the ensuing year
he was instigated by the conviction that it was his duty to do
all in his power to contribute towards the advancement of
that excellent spirit that had been manifested for some time
past amongst the tradesmen of Liverpool. To that spirit he
was indebted for the position which he had then the honour
of holding, and to that spirit was to be ascribed the de-
monstration of principles which had distinguished the town.
He believed it had been a wonder to the country at large that
this town had been enabled to send two Conservative Mem-
bers to Parliament, opposed, as they were, by the great influ-
ence of the Town-hall, and the Dock Estate. It was known
that these two had made use of the greatest possible exertion's
that they could command. The had, however, done their
duty in spite of alfthis powerful influence, and they had now
the honour of calling, as their representatives, Lord Sandon
and Mr. Creswell. (Loud cheers.) There were two staunch
Conservatives. (Cheers,) They were no doubts as to their
principles ; they had shown themselves right on all occasions,
and no doubt if her Majesty found it compulsory,—he said,
if her Majesty should find it compulsory, and she would
do so, he believed, ere long,—to change her Ministry, they
would see both these gentlemen in the phalanx that would be
called to the council. (Loud and continued cheers.) To
return to the subject more immediately before them. he
would endeavour to do his duty as their chairman as well as
his ability would permit. He feared he should be found very
inefficient after the gentleman whom he had succeded ; but
he would take his advice on all occasions where he might need
it, and do all in his power to aid the good cause which he
had at heart.

Mr. GLAZEBROOK proposed that the following gentlemen
be requested to accept the office of vice-presidents for
the ensuing year : James Aspinall, Robertson Gladstone,
T. B. Horsfall, George Hall Lawrence, Joseph Cooper,
Christopher Bushell, John Nelson Wood, Thos. T. Glaze-
brook, Francis Foster, Robt. Rigby, and James Proctor, Esqs.
(Ark exclamation of " slap-up names !" and a laugh.) Mr.
Gladstone had stated in his excellent address, that he hoped
the association would continue its usefulness and activity, and
that it would not be prevented by the present condition of
Conservative affairs from exerting itself for the future with
as much earnestness and, he trusted, with as much suc-
cess as it had hitherto done. He (Mr. Glazebrook) was
glad to hear that remark, and glad that the sentiment that
dictated it appeared to have been acted upon, and adopted
into the resolution which he had just read. The association
had been useful during several past years, and, if they
considered what its effects had been, how important they
were, taken separately and collectively, it surely became a
matter of solemn personal obligation resting on every one of
them to see that an associate, productive of effects so import-
ant to the body politic, should be maintained in its energy,
and, as far as this town was concerned, in its universal ap-
plication. There was no doubt that, although they at pre-
sent stood in a position of comparative advantage, and were
but a short space from taking that position to which the Con-,
servative body was entitled by its rank, its intelligence, and
its characteristic principles ; though they were but a short
space from carrying out their principles to the utmost extent,
yet they would not secure that object, if they did not perse-
vere with unremitting diligence in the use of the same means
which had proved so successful during the last few years.
(Hear.) They would be called upon, from time to time, to
contend with the same enemies, or with others actuated by
similar principles ; and not only so, but they would have to
contend with that disposition to be quiet, that inclination for
ease, and comfort, and non-exertion, that vis inerlice, which
often lost a good cause—(hear)—and which if they did not
take especial care would speedily endanger theirs. They
would have to contend with men of their own party, who
might be inclined to act upon principles which Conservatives
of high characters and honourable motives must repudiate:
They would have, he did not doubt, springing from their own
party some who would damage the church by making it the
vehicle for principles not Christian. And judging by articles
which had appeared in some of the public prints, and by
principles which had been avowed by some of the members
of their own church, they would have to contend against
those whom they would like to see engaged with them step
by step, and from whom, if they separated, they would always
separate with pain. (Hear.) At the same time it must be
distinctly declared and understood that they stood forward
and professed Conservative principles, and declared them-
selves for the Church of Christ, and the Church of England,
inasmuch as she and her members were in accordance with
the Scriptures. But if they found men amongst themselves
taking advantage of the power the Conservative body had
acquired to obtain authority for principles, which have been
more especially characterised as those of Puseyism, he thought
it right, on that occasion, the first after the success which had
crowned their recent efforts, to state his own conviction
that they must plainly and explicitly draw the distinction
between the Church of Christ, the Church of England,
and Puseyism. (Hear and some hisses.) He was pre-
pared to hear some dissenting voices. He knew well that
there were persons amongst them unhappily tainted with
that heresy. But at the same time, while he expressed
freely his own opinions, he was willing to allow others to ex-
press theirs also : still, if those principles were admitted into
the church, if, now that the church stood on high ground,
and had all the constituencies of the country to support her,
he did think they should be careful not to allow any person
to take advantage of the position in which the evangelical
party had placed them to further views and principles alto-
gether destructive of the best interests of the nation and of
the world at large. (Cheers and marks of disapproval.) To
prevent this was a part of the duty which that society would
hereafter have to perform. Another part would be to rectify

such consciences as those of which they bad had specimens
in Mr. Blackburn and his party. They had set up a plea of
conscience, and justified most of those acts which had re-
ceived favour at the public hands, at least in their first steps
by a plea of conscience. It seemed extraordinary, however,
that the consciences which were so sensitively alive to the
abominations of the church establishment, were not so sensi-
tive to the abominations of popery, the filthiness of socialism,
or the danger of chartism. (Hisses and loud cheers.)
When they heard from Mr. Blackburn and his party that
they did all because their consciences dictated it, it was
strange that that conscience should never have suggested one
objection to popery, one protest against socialism or
chartism. (Hear.) And he could not help being reminded,
when he saw such an imperfect conscience, that it must
somehow or another have been infected by those extracts of
which they had heard so much, and that Mr. Blackburn's
conscience and the consciences of many like him were but
extracts themselves. (A laugh.) But there was another
duty that society would have to perform. It would have on
all proper occasions to support those men whose services
were most for the good of the people, and for the good of
the church of God ; and when those men were attacked, that
society would be bound to support and defend them ; and
even in instances when, by reason of human infirmity, they
should fall into occasional error, it must not withdraw its
sympathy or withhold its cordial support from them, but
encourage them to renewed exertions in the great work that
they all had so much at heart, and for which they sacrificed