The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-08-07 00:00:00

THE " ORIENTAL" STEAM SHIP,

This fine vessel is now nearly ready for sea. She is the
largest steam-ship ever built at this port, and, as the whole
of her interior equipments, which combine much of novelty
and improvement in design, with great neatness in execu-
tion, are also of home production, the following particulars
will no doubt be interesting to those who regard with grati-
fication the rapid progress of ocean► steam navigation, which,
it is not too much to assume, is destined to promote in a
high degree the maritime and commercial greatness of our
country.

As we shall hereafter furnish some details of the peculiar
and admirable construction of the vessel, from an authentic
source, we shall not here dwell on this point, our immediate
object being to address ourselves particularly to the extra-
ordinary passenger comforts which she presents. Suffice it
to say, that she is of 1500 tons admeasurement, with engines
(of the best construction) by Messrs. Fawcett, Preston, and
Co., of 450 horse-power ; that she is of a universally admitted
beautiful model, and constructed throughout,without regard to
trouble or expense, of the choicest materials, and on the most
improved principles,—to ensure swiftness with the greatest
strength and security. Mr. Wilson, the builder, has, indeed,
in this instance, further confirmed his title to the appellation
of one of the first builders in England ; for if we look at the
fine proportions of the Oriental, her fastenings, and her large
body, within an apparently small compass, we know of no
vessel that approaches her. She has a handsome figure-head,
and an emblematically carved stern, and looks beautiful on
the water. On going on board, the visitor is first struck by
the

DECK ACCOMMODATIONS.—These are most extensive, the
arrangements being such that, large as is the vessel, ro space
has been lost, and no single department cramped or confined.
The vessel is frigate built, with a spar deck. The Saloon,
with the sleeping rooms attached to it, (and which we shall
notice in their order) occupies the after part of the main
deck,—under the quarter deck. On each side of this deck
are commodious rooms, neatly panelled with intervening pi-
lasters, for the officers and men of the ship,—the starboard
side being laid out for the commander, officers, and blue-
jackets, and the larboard side for the engineers and their fire-
men. The officers' rooms are spacious and well fitted up,
and the whole are lighted by side windows as well as from the
deck. Half of the top-gallant forecastle is fitted up for the
sheep and pigs, so that, being at the extreme end of the ves-
sel, no disagreeable smell is perceptible by the passengers.
Her main deck, and its appurtenances (including the cook
houses, &c.), are, indeed, the most complete of any vessel we
have seen.

The SPAR DECK (or upper deck) affords a superb and un-
interrupted promenade, 200 feet in length.. The gratings
occupy little more than the space of a large hatchway, be-
tween the mainmast and •foremast ; and tarpaulins being
provided to place over them in bad weather, the passengers
have an opportunity of enjoying a dry walk at all times, on
the deck below, which is kept clear as much as possible of
central erections, for that purpose. The only building on
the spar deck is a neat structure close aft, fronted by a small
colonnade of lonic columns. Here there are two commodi-
ous smoking rooms, each with windows on three sides, com-
manding extensive views, and so arranged as not to interfere
with the helmsman, who is, in fact, boxed in, in a comfort-
able room in the centre, so that his attention cannot be dis-
tracted by intercourse with the passengers. The back part
of this room is appropriated to the keeping in readiness of
the signal flags. In connection with this deck, we may add
that there are four large quarter boats, also a life-boat over
the stern, built after the highly and deservedly approved prin-
ciple of the American life-boat.
The vessel is rigged in the usual way as a three-masted
schooner, or rather hermaphrodite, the foremast having yards
like those of a ship. Her spars and rigging, however, are
more than usually light even for a steam-ship, so that they
will present very slight obstruction to her going head to wind.
The lower rigging is of wire,—itself a good conductor of
lightning ; but, in addition to this, Snow Harris's con-
ductors have been attached to all the spars, and carried down
to the sheathing copper ; thus (without " inviting" lightning
to the ship) effectually protecting human life, should she be
struck by the electric fluid.

Having now noticed the principal deck accommodations
and fittings, we proceed to the cabins, and in order to reserve
those abaft, which are necessarily the most splendid, as a
bon bouche at the close, we invite visitors to an inspection,
in the first instance, of those in the fore part of the ship.
TILE PRINCIPAL FORE CABIN iS very superior for first-
class passengers. The whole is beautifully painted in satin
wood. There is a private state-room attached, also a berth
for the surgeon, and another for the Admiralty Agent. Fur-
ther forward, with a separate entrance, is a mess-room for
the officers, quite independent of the passengers' cabin,—
thus excluding the officers from the passenger accommoda-
tion. There is also a very superior second class cabin,
making up twenty-four beds. Trusting that the visitor will
forego the gratification of his curiosity as regards the Saloon,
we now descend to

THE LOWER AFTER CABINS.—These cabins, which are
under the Saloon, are quite unique, and different in design
from anything yet afloat. Air and light are copiously ad-
mitted, commodious rooms are secured, and the dormitories
or berths are amidships, so that the rolling, if any, will
scarcely be perceptible, and the rush of the water against the
vessel's side, will not, as in the usual plan, he heard close to
the ear. 'A wide well-lighted passage or lobby across the
ship, terminating in a staircase, on the larboard side, leads
from the saloon, and also from the main deck, to these
apartments, as well as a staircase, near the stern. A
double range of sleeping -rooms occupies the middle.
The space between them and the vessel's side, and which
is of considerable area, is- formed on one side into a
Tea Room, and on the other into an equally spacious
Lounging Room, with a central communicating passage
between the two. These rooms are amply lighted, by
large port windows in the sides of the ship. A range of
broad sofas are fixed along their whole length, against the
vessel's sides, forming truly agreeable " lounging" places.
All these apartments are finely empanelled, and painted in
satin-wood; and the top framework of each sleeping-room
door is fitted with a green Venetian blind. Over the cor-
nicing is an open railing or balustrade for the free ingress
and egress of air. _ _ _ _

Adjoining the tea-room there is a Ladies' Retiring Room,
handsomely fitted up, the upper panel in each compartment,
between the pilasters, being a mirror. This room is lighted
by two windows from the side, and leading from it, in the
middle of the ship, are two spacious bed-rooms.

The purser's store room, further aft, is a curiosity ; and
the wine-cellar below contains space for upwards of four
hundred dozen of wine, separately packed.
Of the ventilation we cannot speak too highly. The vessel
is, in fact, aired throughout on scientific principles; every,
state-room has a separate self-acting ventilating pipe, which •
cannot be interfered with ; and every lower birth has two
pipes to carry the air up to the cabin ceiling, to be thence
conveyed into the atmosphere by large ventilating pipes,
between the stern timbers. It may be added, with reference
to the sleeping-rooms, that, in order to secure cleanliness,
the bottoms of all the beds are formed.of strips of wrought
iron. We now permit our kind visitors to peep into
THE SALOON.—This is a most splendid apartment, 70 feet
in length by 21 feet in width. Its appearance strikes the be-
holder, on his entrance, as being classically beautiful, without
being gaudy. The style is Grecian. On each side there are
thirteen lonic columns, supporting the beams of the roof,
which are ornamented with plain mouldings. These columns,
which are in due proportion, with bases and capitals complete,
are fluted in the upper half, and are painted and polished so
as to resemble the finest porcelain. Between these, the walls
of. the room are panelled in papier maeld, of a bright
straw colour—one panel only from top to bottom in each
compartment, each simply but beautifully ornamented with
a light filagree scroll all round. The styles, and the
backing of the columns are painted in imitation of rosewood,
and the framing of the doors in satin wood, finely polished.
Mr. Goore has great merit in this respect, as well as in the
general painting and decoration of the ship. At the fore end
of the saloon, the columns and panelling are continued in
corresponding style. In the middle stands a handsome rose-
wood sideboard, topped with marble, and so edged with the
same material as to prevent articles placed upon it from
rolling off. On each side of it are handsome bookcases to
correspond ; and at the back is a large mirror, siz feet eight
inches in length, by four feet four in depth, within a slender
gilt frame. This glass produces a fine effect. Four maho-
gany tables, forming two rows, run longitudinally along the
room, with sofa seats. These will accommodate one hun-
dred and twenty persons at dinner. The arrangement over
the tables for glasses, decanters, &c., is quite original.
Two mahogany turned pillars rise from near the ends of each
table to the roof, and on these are fixed several mahogany
shelves, within an inch or two of each other, and decreasing
in size as they overtop each other pyramidically. These
shelves, except the lower one in each range, are perforated
in holes and grooves, to admit of decanters, &c. in the top
shelves, and at the lower or outward edge, a little above the
level of the heads of the guests when seated, of wine-
glasses ; so that the whole of the tables may be kept free
from glasses or decanters during an entertainment (to the
salvation of both wine and crystal), while the company may
see and converse with each other without interruption. The
only gilding to be seen in this truly splendid apartment, is
that of the slight frame of the mirror, before noticed ; and
the whole verifies the fact, that architectural, like feminine
beauty, is " when unadorned adorned the most."

Amongst what is conducive to safety, health, and comfort
on board, we may enumerate the following items :—Vaucher's
patent pumps, (four in number), capable of throwing out 200
gallons of water per minute, so as to master a leak even were
it to the extent of the opening of a butt. Two shower-baths,
(in the quarter galleries), and a hot, tepid, and cold bath also
adjoining the cabins.

even-iron beds for invalids, so hung on centres, as to
swing with the motion of the vessel, and thus secure rest and
ease to the invalid.

Two ice-houses, a carpenter's workshop, a boatswain's
store-room, and a very excellent cabouse, with ventilators
from the floats when in action.

It may be added, that the Steward's Pantry, which adjoins
the Saloon, is between it and the cook-house, so that, as there
is a continuous passage between them, the duties of both de-
partments may be carried on unperceived by the passengers
or crew. Another convenience is that the steward can pro-
cure hot fresh water at any time, night or day, when' the
steam is up in the engine boilers. _

But we 'mist draw this notice (which does but irnpeifect
justice to the vessel) to a close. On looking generally at the
" Oriental" and her accommodations, we are impressed with
admiration of the effect produced, although we search in vain
for any of those meretricious embellishments, which first at-
tract the attention of the generality of observers, and often
lead them to merge the useful in the merely decorative.
There is no gilding, no elaborate carving, no pictorial de-
vices. All is plain, simple, and harmonious, but withal
beautiful, because chaste. Everything is appropriate to the
place and the occasion ; comfort is combined with elegance ;
and there is nothing unnecessary, whimsical, or perplexingly
sumptuous. The object of the whole arrangements appears
to have been to render all as firm, jrnmovable, and substan-
tial as possible ; and the endeavour (which has doubtless
been attended with much study and anxiety) has assuredly
been highly successful._

We should be doing injustice did we close this inadequate
sketch without stating that the arrangements entirely ema-
nated from Mr. Shaw,lhe Company's marine manager, who,
in this instance in particular (as on former occasions), has
not only shown peculiar devotion to the improvement of
steam navigation in every point, but, by his excellent taste,
scientific acquirements, and unwearied exertions, has proved
himself well deserving of the confidence which has been so
long reposed in him.

THE £5O NoTe.---On Monday morning, the man named
William Chapman who was apprehended on. Sunday week,
attempting to get a £5O Bank of England note changed un-
der suspicious circumstances, was again brought up at the
Borough Court, and it was stated that Sergeant Jackson, of
the police, had been over to Liverpool, and found that the
prisoner did live where he had stated, hi Albion Mill Place,
Liverpool ; that he kept a house of ill fame there ; and that,
two or three days before the prisoner's apprehension, a rob-
bery had been committed in his house, and a £5O Bank of
England note was amongst the property stolen. Subse-
quently, a letter had been received from the Liverpool police,
stating that a gentleman named Lindsay, who resided at No.
16, Roscommon-street, had been robbed at a house in Albion
Mills Place, of a £5O Bank of England note, cut in two and
then pinned together (the exact description of this note,
which we purposely omitted giving last week) ; but that Mr.
Lindsay declined to come forward and prosecute. Under
these circumstances Mr. Maude directed that the prisoner
should be discharged, and that for the present the police
might retaip possession of the note.—Manchester Guar-
dian.

DESCRIPTION OF THE " PRESIDENT"
STEAM-SHIP.
(To accompany a Portrait of the Vessel, presented to the

Readers of the STANDARD.)

[ln consequence of the demand for the portrait of the
President, on Friday last, being so great that we found it
impossible to supply the demands made upon us, we are in-
duced to make a second issue this day, and consequently re-
print the following account of the vessel which accompanied
it 1

The PRESIDENT—the largest steam-vessel in the world—
was built at Litnehouse, on the Thames, by Messrs. Curling
and Young, for the British and American Steam Navigation
Company, who are also proprietors of her sister ship the
British Queen. She was launched on the 9th of December
last ; and as her engines were in progress of construction in
this town, (her destined port on this side the Atlantic,) she
was brought round, under canvas, by Captain Keane, now
her second, or "commanding officer,' a gentleman of great
experience. She anchored in the Mersey on the 22d of Fe-
bruary last, after a boisterous passage, during which, though
but " steam-rigged," she showed such excellent sailing qua-
lities, that, to employ a seafaring phrase, " she beat every
thing she came across." Her extraordinary bulk, fine pro-
portions and general appearance, have since rendered her
an object of curiosity and wonder.
The model of the President is universally admitted to
combine all that fineness of bottom which is requisite for
fast sailing, with those bearings and rotundity above which
will enable her to carry a large cargo, independent of her
coals and stores, and render her a sate, dry, and comfortable
sea-boat. She is a medium, indeed, in construction, between
the fast sailing-vessel and the fast steamer, and has already
agreeably dissipated the doubts of some, by proving herself
A 1 of the latter class. She is painted in man-of-war style,
with gun-ports, and is handsomely rigged, as what is termed
a three-masted schooner ; with a formast, fore-topmast, and
top-gallantunist, like that of a ship. Her bow is finely
thrown out, and terminates in a boldly-carved figure, of
almost Colossal dimensions, of the immortal " Washington,"
the hero of North American Independence. Her stern is
projective, and finely formed to withstand a sea-way. It has
large windows of plate glass, and is ornamented with carved
work, as are the quarter galleries. Over the windows are
the united arms of England and America, quartered in heral-
dic shields, supported by the Lion of the one country, and
the Eagle of the other, and also by etnblematie female figures.
The paddle-boxes are comparatively slightly raised above the
bulwarks, and the small portion of the circle which is elevated
being painted white, the sheer is uninterruptedly embraced
by the eye ; and the general appearance of the vessel, when
her side is viewed, particularly now that she is set down in
the water, is that of a first-class frigate of extraordinary
length, under jury or temporary masts.
The following are the dimensions and capacity, power of
engines, &c. of the President

IN.
Length over all, from taffrail to figure head 27.3 0
Beam within the paddle boxes
Breadth from outside of paddle-b0xe5......
Depth of hold
Height between the main and spar deck
Height between lower and main deck (both flush) 7 8
Admeasurement
Capacity for stowage of goods, after }BOO to 900 tons.,
receiving her coals, stores, &c.
Engines,—two of 270 horse-power each.. 540 horse-power.
Much pains have been taken, and no expense spared, to
render the President a crack ship. In the quality of the
materials, and in fidelity of workmanship, she is equal to
any of her Majesty's ships of war. In addition to a strong
frame, solid to the bilge, she is diagonally fastened fore and
aft, with iron, copper, and wood, in a manner, which, (as we
stated in a former account), would seem to put at defiance
the rudest assaults of the ocean wave. She is fitted up with
all the modern improvements, in pumps, tanks, and other
appurtenances, and not a few of a novel compact and useful
description. She is also divided into water-tight sections,
(as are most of the iron vessels constructed by Mr. Laird),
so that the springing of a leak would be attended with
comparatively little danger, and would be readily overcome.
Her steering-geer is of a novel and much-improved descrip-
tion, combining security with facility to the two helmsmen
generally employed,—one of whom would, in most instances,
be sufficient to guide her immense bulk through the weltering
element.

Independently of her roomy cabins, the President presents
peculiar advantages for what may be culled the " out-door"
airing and exercise of passengers. Being frigate built, she
has a spare deck, affording an uninterrupted and level pro-
menade along her whole length above board,—the pedestrian
having but to walk 19 times over the " ground" to accom-
plish a mile ! The main deck below this also presents, in
stormy or rainy weather, a considerable length of sheltered
walk on each side; shorter than the other, indeed, only by
the length of the quarter deck and forecastle. We now come
briefly to notice

THE CABINS

THE SALOON.—This room. is under the fore part of the
quarter deck, and occupies the full breadth of the ship, It
is nearly square, being 28 ft. in length by 34 ft. athwartships.
The height to the beams, which are rendered ornamental, is
7 feet 8 inches, being the height throughout between the
main deck and the spar deck. This spacious apartment is
finished in the Tudor style of Gothic. There are four doors,
two from the main deck, and two from a wide passage or
corridore leading to the stern. The tops of these entrances
are pointed arches. On each side there are sofa fixtures,
upholstered in embossed crimson velvet. The walls are en-
riched with narrow Gothic panels, of a delicate tint, and the
stiles or mullions are raised in alto, in grained oak, a pointed
tloriated arch being formed in bold carved work at the top
of each. The cornice is embattled, and as it projects from
the wall, has a fine effect. The whole of this oak work
strongly resembles in style that in several of our cathedrals
and antique churches. A cheerful light is poured in not
only from the middle of the deck, but from four win-
dows, as large as port holes—two on each side—each
glazed with a single plate. There are four sideboards, in
recesses, near the corners. An oblong mirror is inserted
behind each of these, giving it a " double" effect. Above
these there are three gothic panels, similar to those in the
room ; and in the middle one in each is inserted a small oil
painting or portrait of an American worthy ;--General Wash-
ington, the present President, and two others. Four tables
are ranged in parallel lines along the floor, with sofa seats.
Here upwards of a hundred individuals may sit down
.to the
festive board.' The side windows form thorough lights, and
afford a view of sea or land as the vessel dashes on her
course. Adjoining the saloon, and forming two wings to it,
on each side of the entrances from the main deck, and enter-
ing from them, are time steward's two pantries, replete with
the splendid plate, and glass and earthenware, &c., of the
ship, requisite in the serving up of the good things of this
life to the passengers. fportion of the panel work, like a
secret door, opens from each of these into the saloon, for the
convenience of the waiters.

THE PRINCIPAL CORRIDOR.--This wide passage or cor-
ridor. extending from the saloon to the stern of the vessel
amidships, and well lighted from the roof as well as by several
large windows in the stern at the further end, is (me of the
most interesting parts of the ship. It forms an interior pro-
menade, and on each side are the principal state rooms or
dormitories, two deep between it and the sides of the ship,
and accessible.by passages topped by pointed arches diverging
from it at right angles.. The style of the corridore corresponds
with that of the saloon ; but it is more highly enriched. It
is divided at each side into five compartments, between each
of which there is a mirror within a gothic panel. These ten
large compartments are filled up with oil paintings, executed
on canvas, in such a manner as to resemble the tine tapestry
of olden times. The whole of the ten pictures are illustra-
tive of the life, early aspirations, adventures, discoveries,
and subsequent misfortunes of Christopher Columbus. The
artist has chosen the most striking passages in the life of the
illustrious and ill requited navigator :
No. I.—A.D. 1470. Columbus selling maps.
2.—Columbus kindled into enthusiasm in the contemplation
of his voyage.

-1482. Begging bread for himself and child, at the Con-
vent of La Rabida.

4.—His conference with Juan Perez Marcheza, and the
physician Garcia Fernandez, who admire the grandeur of
his views.

5.-1492. His joyful discovery, from the high stern of his
vessel, of the land, on the 11th of October of this year.
He sailed on the 3d of August.
_

—The landing on the 12th of October, 1492, at San Salva-
dor, one of the Bahama Islands. He offered up thanks-
giving, his crew humbling themselves at his feet. The
naked and painted savages regarded them as visiters from
the sky.

—His entry into Barcelona in 1193, on his triumphant re-
turn to Spain. _

B.—His condescending reception by Ferdinand and Isabella.
9.—The arrest—after, through evil counsellors, Ferdinand
had him brought back in chains.

10.—The Return in 1500. His arrival at Cadiz in chains.
As an historical reminiscence it may be added, that Colum-
bus was born in 1445-ti, at Genoa, and died at Valladolid on
the 20th of May, 1506, in poverty and neglect.

Such are the events in the life of the great discoverer of
the New World which the artist has selected ; and he has exe-
cuted his task with a strict adherence to historical truth.
The vraisernblance of the hero is remarkably well preserved
throughout all his vicissitudes of circumstance, and the cha-
racters who surround him are well and boldly pourtrayed.
The whole give the corridor the appearance of a picture gal-
lery, and the contemplation to which it leads is most appro-
priate in a transatlantic steam-ship.
THE LADIES' RETIRING CABIN.—At the further end of
the principal corridor there is a large and lofty room on each
side, handsomely papered and carpetted, and lighted from
large windows in the stern. One of these is the retiring
cabin for the ladies. From their height being comparatively
greater than .that of the saloon, in proportion to their size,
they resemble rooms on shore, and being close abaft, afford
a quiet and secluded retreat.
THE STATE OR SLEEPING ROOMS.--TIIESO are larger,
and consequently more commodious than those generally
found on board of our larger passenger ships ; and they are
fitted up with every regard to comfort.,, Owing to the ne-
cessity even in a large ship of economising room, the usual
plan has been adhered to of having two beds, one over the
other, in each. We hope yet, however, to see the day when,
though the sleeping rooms may be made smaller, each pas-
senger will have his or her sanctum sanelorum. As it is, the
President's state rooms are fully equal to any we have seen.
They are moreover altogether apart from the saloon, which is
considered an advantage. The corridor, and small lobbies
leading to them from it, give the whole the appearance of the
upper story of a large and splendid hotel.
THE LOWER CORRIDOR AND SLEEPING Rooms.—Below
the rooms just noticed there is another, or lower story, corre-
sponding in almost every particular, with the exception of
the paintings, and their having a scantier " supply" of light,
which, however, is admitted sufficiently for practical pur-
poses, even in the berths, from the ship's sides. This cor-
ridor is lighted from oblong openings in the middle of that
above, and which-are surrounded by handsome railings. It
extends forward, as do the sleeping rooms on each side,
under the saloon; and that part of it is lighted from immense
thick squares of glass, inserted in the middle of, and level
with, the floor of the saloon, immediately below the deck
light, and which have, from above, the appearance of sheets
of ice. The rooms are as lofty and well furnished as those
above, and those at the sides of the ship have each a side
light which may be opened or closed at pleasure. Those
nearer the centre of the vessel, in both stories, have larger
windows to the respective corridores. There is a most con-
venient and handsome light spiral staircase leading from the
quarter-deck down to the corridores and also to the after
entrances to the saloon.
THE FORE CABIN is of considerable size, and well painted.
It is surrounded with sleeping rooms not inferior to those
abaft, and here 40 or 50 passengers may be accommodated.
In the fore part of the vessel there is also a cheerful apart-
ment for servants. In all, from 120 to 130 persons may be
comfortably " lodged and. boarded."
FORE DINING-ROOM.—This is a handsome room, erected
on the spar deck, between the paddle-boxes, and is conse-
quently one of the most airy and "commanding" apartments
in the ship, as regards the view. It is about 32 feet k"ig
and 13 in width. Continuous with it, in front, is the ste-
ward's room, from the centre of which rises the funnel, and
further forward, of a half oval figure, is the smoking room,
in which those may disport who delight to inhale the fumes
of " the fragrant weed."
ERECTIONS ON THE MAIN DECK.—On this deck, in the
middle, passing from the saloon forwards, are two commodious
rooms (a sitting and sleeping room) for the head engineer,
and adjoining these, similar accommodations for the first
officer, furnished with desks, &c. Further forward there are
three distinct galleys, or cooking houses, one for each cabin,
and one for the crew. These are provided with cabouses,
or coppers, of the most approved construction. There are
also separate establishments for the butcher, the baker, and

the pastry cook. On each side Of this deck, forward, th,
are the captain's private room, of a good size, and opposi,
to it a similar one for the second and third officers. Furthei
aft are rooms for the providore, the engineers, and other:
connected with the ship. Under the forecastle, on this deal
too, are two large rooms, reaching to the bow, for the sea
men, fitted up in an ingenious and excellent manner, to in
sure air, cleanliness, and comfort. Every man has his sleer
ing berth and his drawers and locker, with locks and ke
below for his clothes, so that the lumber of. sea chests is
together avoided. The officers are as proud of these ro,
as of any in the ship.
There are a number of other conveniencie-
lars, store-rooms, luggage-rooms, baths, %
superfluous to particularise. Suffice it to s._
contrived to render complete the huge hOtett.
have endeavoured to describe.
THE ENGIN es.—To scientific individuals, the stupen,
engines of the President, the largest ever yet made, and th
working, while at sea, with a ceaseless power which may t.
considered sublime, are objects of interest, and induce fre
quent visits to the engine-room. The frame-work of these
gigantic machines is in the Gothic style ; the castings are all
beautiful and ornamental; and the polished iron and brass
admirably finished, like a piece of fine clock-work. They
were built by our celebrated townsmen, Messrs. F.--
Preston and Co. The following are some .4- ••
culars

Six., which i
ty that evervt

Diameter of cylinders
Stroke
Weight of cylinders
Gothic pillars, 4 pairs, each
' Boilers, each
Bed plates (two) each in one casting
The whole engines and boilers, with the wate
510 tons.

atistical parti

weigh about

THE RECENT TRIAL TRIP.—A gratifying proof of tin
admirable sea-going qualities of the President was affordec
by her recent trial trip to Cork and Dublin, and Lack to thi:
port. A party of about fifty gentlemen was on board, am
all were highly delighted with the accommolations, am
the easy motion of the ship, as well as her extraordinar!
speed under the disadvantages of new, and, consequently
stiff engines, and a generally heavy sea-way and head wind
Had there been three times the number of passengers 01
board, all would have found " ample scope and verge enough,'
in her saloons and 'on her spacious decks. It was, indeed
quite a treat to tread the spar-deck as she bounded along di,
rocky and romantic shores of Ireland, or when out of sigh
of land, overhauled and rapidly passed even smart sailim
ships, that had not the advantage of that " iron-pent poten
tate—steam."
The following is a statement of the rate of going

Average No. of

From Liverpool to Cork,
by a devious course, to
give the shoals and a
clear birth, about
From Cork to Dublin, } no is
(outside)
From Dublin to L'pool,
121 9h. 52m. 12 4-7 t
by the Vic. Channel }

9

Total
Or about an average throughout of 94 nautical miles an hour
On one occasion only (in coining from Dublin) was any saitset
but the wind was so light, and her speed at the time so great
—134 knots—that it was found on dewing all up, that she
had gained only half a knot an hour by her canvass, as she
still made good 13 knots. After passing Holyhead, on hei
homeward voyage, she frequently ran 134 and 14 knots, and
when 'near the Formby Light-ship she accomplished 15 knots
by the line ! It is, however, to be remarked, that the ship
was comparatively light at the time,—though, from her fine
bearings and breadth aloft, we do not expect she will ever be
what is termed very " deep in the water."
The after cabins and saloon were designed and executed by
Mr. W. Simpson, of the Strand, Londoii ; the fore cabin by
Messrs. Humble and Milerest, in the joiner work, at
painting of this and the other parts of the vessel I
White, both of our own town.
The following are the names of the present officer
Lieut. R. J. Fayrer, R.N., Commander, former
" Liverpool" steam-ship.
Mr. Kean, First Officer.
Mr.. Duncan, Second Officer,
Mr. Little, Third Officer

The principal engineer is Mr. William Griffith, and there
are six engineers, and twenty firemen. A director—Mr.
Read, from Messrs. Fawcett and Co.'s—is also on board.
She carries three mates, a boatswain. five or six cooks,
and about thirty-five men before the mast.
We may in conclusion quote as appropriate a few words
from the account we furnished of her trial trip :—The Presi-
dent is a ship of immense length and immense tonnage. It
could not be doubted that she would afford sufficient space
for the exercise of those on board ; but some doubt had arisen
even in the minds of practical men whether she would not
prove unwieldy, and difficult to work at sea, or even in smooth
water. These doubts must be entirely dissipated by the first
performance of this noble vessel, She is steered with the
comparative ease of a yacht, even in a heavy sea-way, and
may be worked through narrow and intricate channels with
equal ease. A more easy or finer sea-boat it is impossible to
conceive. There is no labouring, no pitching and rolling to
an extens to cause uneasiness. All is steady, dry, and com-
fortable ; and in point of space, convenience, and ventilation,
she cannot, we think, be surpassed.

WORTHY TO BE IMITATED.—There are now being built in
Liverpool six churches, viz., (by the Building Society,) St.
Barnabas's, Greenland-street ; one in Naylor-street, not
named ; St. Clement's, Windsor ; St. Silas, Pembroke-
place, by Mr. M'Neile's congregation ; St. Saviour's, Par-
liament street, by subscription ; and one large one, to cost
about £6OOO, in Warwick-street, by John Gladstone, Esq.
In addition to which, there is one at Woodside and one at
Crosby, and the Earl of Derby is about to build one at
Knowsley. And yet much, very much, must be done before
the whole of our population can be accommodated.

BONDED CORN.—The " select committee on bonded corn"
has broken down in its labours. The report, which, with the
minutes of evidence, is just published, ►s as follows :—" Re-
port.—The select committee appointed to inquire under what
restrictions it might be expedient to permit flour to be manu-
factured in bond, and who were empowered to report the
minutes of evidence taken before them to the house, having
been stopped in their investigation by an objection. in point
of for►ii, taken by some members of the committee to the na•
ture of the evidence which was offered to it, and the lateness
of the session not permitting a reference to the house, for the
purpose of varying the terms of the reference, the committee
have only to report the evidence taken before them to the
house. "—Times.

We have authority for stating, that Felix Mendelssohn
Bartholdy will soon visit this country to prepare for the per-
formance of a grand piece of music, of his own composition,
at our Musical Festival in September, which he will attend
in person and conduct; it is called in Germany " Lob
gesang," or " Hymn of Praise," and was performeu
great effect in June last before an immense meeting of th,
principal musical amateurs of the north of Germany, assem-
bled at Leipsic. The composition opens with an instrumen-
tal symphony of three movements, which leads to a grand
chorus, and is succeeded by twelve other vocal pieces. solos,
and choruses. A rehearsal of this music will take place in
the metropolis, when this deservedly eminent composer ar-
rives, nearly the whole of the band being London performers.
It will, we are sure, be extremely gratifying to all who are
musical to know that Mendelssohn will give at our meeting a
concerto on the grand piano-forte, and will exercise t'
powers with which he is highly gifted on our noble or,-
Midland Counties Herald.

LANGUAGES.—;By the perusal of a treatise on a ne
system of teaching languages, by Signor Zandotti. entitled•

_
" Developement of the -Natural Principles of
Languages," we have been so convinced of its utility, as tk
feel great pleasure in inserting here a paragraph, which
appeared in the Dublin papers at the time of its publication:—
" We have just seen an essay on teaching languages accordin
to a new plan by Signor Zandotti. We confess that NT
were peculiarly struck by the novel way in which he t,
the subject. It has been hitherto supposed that the best
mode of acquiring a foreign language was, after studying the
principles, to apply diligently to the transkti: -
authors in the language sought to be acquired.
Zandotti has clearly demonstrated that the contrary practict
is what should be adopted. By translating into our ow
language, we simply give a translation of the words,
most frequently, if not always, fail in rendering the
sense of the author. After much time and trouble, -
cover that we have been only learning f.-

....MIX a
language into our own idiom, but remain almost absolutely
ignorant of the idiom of that which we desire to attain.
Signor Zandotti's plan consists in causing his pupils to
translate, with his assistance, their maternal tongue into the
language sought to be acquired; having first grounded them
in the fundamental principles of gra►nmar. by this means
solid improvement is made, for they learn the forms c
speech in the foreign language, which is the object in vier
and which never can be acquired by a contrary practi(
The essay is written with much clearness, and is publish.
in a cheap and modest form." To attempt any ad►litic
eulogium beyond the flattering testimony here expres
would be superfluous,—since the merit of the system an,
advantages derivable from it, have already developed
selves through a course of practice in this as well
city of
,whose university Signor Zandotti was Italian pro.
fessor. Since that period it. has been adopted by the mos
eminent professors in England and on the continent.
Zandotti is the author of some very
works, which have already obtained distingr

in that

ireful grammatical