The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-05-08 00:00:00

THE NEW ASSIZE COURTS.

THE DESIGNS NOW ON VIEW AT THE EXHIBITION-
ROOMS, CHURCH-STREET.
It will be generally known that the erection of a large
building to be appropriated as Assize Courts, Vice-Chan-
cellor's and Sheriff's Jury Courts, was some time ago deter-
mined upon by the corporate body of this town,—the pre-
sent Court-house, near the Exchange, which was intended
for the Quarter Sessions and Borough Court only, having
been found to be too small and confined for the assize busi-
ness of the southern division of the county, transferred
hither from Lancaster. The ground on which stood the Old
Infirmary and its enclosures, at the north side of the large
area of the New Haymarket, presented a central and eligible
site. The Railway station being on the east side of the
area, and it having been agreed to build St. George's Hall
on north, (near London-road,) the placing of the assize
courts on the west side, near St. John's Church, would serve
to complete, as it were, three detached sides of a spacious
quadrangle, and at the same time, advantageously concen-
trate the business of the courts'in the immediate contiguity
of the railway terminus.
There can, we think, exist no question that the ground re-
ferred to offered eligible sites for both the intended build-
ings ; but it appears to us that a palpable mistake has been
made in the site respectively fixed upon for each. According
to present, and we presume, definite arrangements, the
" high" ground is allotted to the " higher" building, al-
though harmony in the tout ensemble, and the absence of
deterioration to either by contrast was desirable. The
" Hall," facing southward, is to occupy the high ground
opposite Islington market, with the Railway station on the
left : and to the Court-house, the elevation of which, to
render it commodious, cannot he so great, is assigned the
Much lower sloping ground on the right. The Hall will be
90 feet in height; and as the Court-house will be but 78, by
the design adopted, and the land is moreover considerably
lower, particularly at the south end (about 27 feet), we are
not singular in our apprehensions, that the effect, however
plausibly it may be otherwise produced in the perspective
view of the successful architect, will be detrimental to the
else noble aspect of the latter,—as, indeed, of the quadrangle
as a whole. But to proceed :
The Mayor and Corporation, desirous of producing, in the
building for the Courts. a specimen of architecture that
should be worthy of the age ; and wishful, the better to at-
tain that end, to bring into competition the most distin-
guished architects of the day, issued a prospectus, with in-
structions, detailing their views, and liberally offering to the
author of the design most approved a premium of three hun-
dred guineas, and to the producer of the next best the sum
of two hundred. It was specified in the conditions that the
designs should be exclusively of " Grecian" or of " Roman"
style, and that the estimate for the whole work should not
exceed £50,000. Each design was to bear an anonymous
motto or signature, so that the authors being unknown, their
respective merits might be impartially appreciated.
The pecuniary inducement thus held forth, and probably
still more the honourable ambition to achieve celebrity, drew
forth the energies of an unusual number of aspirants in va-
rious parts of the kingdom, including many individuals who
already enjoyed high professional reputation.
No fewer than eighty-five separate designs were sent, each
shown in perspective views, elevations, plans, and sections,
and accompanied by descriptions, chiefly in manuscript, a
few only being printed. We can readily believe that the
Committee appointed to examine them, and who were, we
learn, assisted by the able Surveyor of the Corporation, had
a task to perform of no ordinary difficulty—one requiring,
indeed, refinement of taste and clearness of judgment. It
was found necessary, as the only practical mode of proceeding,
to reduce the whole number to thirty, by putting aside all
those that were evidently of inferior architectural merit, or
objectionable in interior arrangement and detail. The Oh ty
were afterwards reduced, by a similar process, to ten ; and
these, after long and mature consideration, to two,—to the
author of the finally preferred one of which (the design to be
adopted) the first premium was awarded, and to the other
the second. The former will, doubtless, also receive the
emolument arising from his superintendence of. the erection
of the building, as well as of St. George's Hall, for the de-
sign of which he was also the successful competitor.
Considerable interest having been excited amongst the ad-
mirers of the architectural improvements of the town, to see
the designs, before they were returned to the respective artists,
an arrangement to gratify the public was made by the Mayor
and the Committee, and the whole were shown gratuitously
during the last week. It was intended to withdraw them on
Saturday last; but the great attendance of respectable par-
ties, including many ladies, and the ascertained fact that
many who had not had an opportunity of being present
were anxious to inspect them, induced the Committee to
agree to keep open for another (the present) week, during
which the rooms have hitherto been again numerously and
fashionably attended. The local interest of the subject may
render acceptable the following short account of

THE EXHIBITION.
The walls of both rooms were covered with perspective
and other views of the several designs, on a large scale, and
many of them forming beautiful pictures. The Grecian
style of architecture predominated, there being comparatively
few of the less pure specimens of the 'Romish school. In
this the mass of the architects displayed their superior taste.
We may here, indeed, state that Grecian architecture, re-
markable in its history, is not less so in the extraordinary
superiority which it maintains over all modern contrivances,
forms, or adaptations in buildings. We speak exclusively
of the mere modern Gothic style, which is altogether of a
distinct character, suitable for peculiar structures only, and
not amenable to the same rules. The three Grecian orders,
in their purity, simplicity, and grandeur, as established
in the palmier days of Athens, appear, though capable
of modification in decorations, to be beautiful in themselves,
and immutable in general form and proportion, without
offence to the eye of taste, and deterioration in elegance and
effect. We shall not pause to enquire into the causes of this
fact. It is enough for us to find it universally acknowledged
by all classical observers, that the deviation from pure
Grecian architecture introduced by the Romans, their ad-
mixture of the three orders, with other incongruities under
the denomination of " the composite," was a retrogade move-
ment to barbarism, and that the meretricious ornaments they
superadded to the chaste adornments of the Grecian style of
temple architecture, were but puerile innovations destructive
of that combination of elegance, simplicity, and sublimity,
which characterised their prototypes. For this reason, we
almost regret that the architects in the present instance had
not beet{ tied down to the Grecian style alone.. TitiS would
have saved us the pain of witnessing several Roman abortions
in room No. 2, of the present exhibition. For ourselves, in-
deed, considering that. the Doric and lonic orders are the
boldest, the Stronge,A, and the Corinthian the more delicate
and ornamental, we should have been inclined to exclude
even the latter,. in designs for this structure of a stern and
stately Hall of Justice. The choice of the committee itself
has confirmed our opinion on this subject ; but to return to
the artists. They have for the most part, we repeat, pre-
ferred the Grecian to the Roman. They seem to have been
impressed with the same sentiments as those that dictated
the following passage in " An Inquiry into the Principles
and Beauty of Grecian Architecture, by,the Earl of Aber-
deen,"—who, after noticing the deterioration under the
Roman Emperors of the Grecian style, says
" The precious remains of Grecithi art were long ne-
glected, and the most beautiful were, in truth, nearly in-
accessible to the Christian world. It is almost in our own
time that obstacles, formerly insurmountable, have been
first vanquished; and
,that the treasures of art, still unfor-
tunately in the custody of ignorance and barbarism, have
not only been visited, but have been accurately measured
and delineated. Henceforth, therefore, these exquisite re-
mains should form the chief study of the architect who
aspires to permanent reputation ; other modes are transitory
and uncertain, but the essential qualities of Grecian excel-
lence, as they are founded on reason, and are consistent with
fitness and propriety, will ever continue to deserve his first
care. These models should be imitated however—not with
the timid and servile hand of a copyist; but their beauties
should be transferred to our soil, preserving, at the same
time, a due regard to the changes of customs and manners,
to the difference of our climate, and to the condition of
modern society. In this case, it would not be so much the
details of the edifice itself, however perfect, which ought to
engross the attention of the artist, but he should strive
rather to possess himself of the spirit and genius by which it
was originally planned and directed ; and to acquire those
just principles of taste, which are capable of general appli-
cation."

The visitor to the exhibition will find himself surrounded
by the most splendid palaces and temples, that had adorned
the age of Pericles and of Alexander; and by many others,
combining the beauties of the palacial edifices of those days,
with the superadded but harmonising creations of modern
taste. The rich colonnade, the portico, the pediment, the
lofty dome, all varied in detail or arrangement, attract his
attention on every side ; and such is the interest of the scene,
from the diversity of the taste displayed by combination,
that many persons remainlin the rooms for hours, inspecting
each design with critical or admiring eye.
Amidst such a multiplicity of interesting perspective views,
elevations, sections, and elaborate interior plans, we cannot
particularise the beauties or defects of more than a compara-
tively casual few, that appeared to us to he the most striking.
We may here premise that the area or site of the building,
as laid down in the prospectus, and which was not to be ex-
ceeded, was in round numbers, 220 feet in length, by 100
in breadth, forming an oblong square of about 22,000 super-
ficial feet.

The design marked " Astrma," is worthy of being first
noticed, as well from its exterior elegance combined with a
stateliness of effect as a building, as from its being that
chosen as the best, and for which the highest prize was
awarded. The artist, in depicting it in perspective, has in-
cluded in his picture (which is beautifully executed anti
highly finished in sepia). a full view also of St. George's
Hall (the design of which was.by the same artist), and also
of the Railway Station. It must have been well known from
this who the artist was, as he alone, or some one connected
with the Surveyor's office, would have furnished a correct
view of the Hall.

The author commences his description of the design in
these appropriate words :—" It has been observed in an
eminent work of the present day, that adaptation of style,
forms, and proportions to the specific purpose for which a
building is appropriated, ought to be the first consideration
of the architect in designing a public building. Assuming
this observation to be correct, the author of this design has
considered it advisable to adopt an order of architecture ge-
nerally acknowledged to
possess that sedate, noble, and
majestic character so desirable in an edifice appropriated to
the purposes for which the present is intended. At the
same time he has felt that, differing in character, it should
partake of the same style as the design selected for St.
George's Hall, from their proximity, and the circumstance
of the second prospectus showing the ground here receded,
so as to prevent the view of that building from being inter-
rupted. Its height is as great as possible, consistently with
internal convenience and utility."
The elevation is a chaste design of the Doric order. In
the centre of the eastern or principal front is a portico of six
columns, on each side of which there is a colonnade, on a
base or plinth nearly similar to that of St. George's Hall.
There are two rows of windows within the colonnade. At
each corner the building projects, giving each a slight re-
semblance to a square tower or wing. Blank windows are
placed in these porticos, one on each side, and the blocking
being high, the elevation is there increased a little over the
general top line of the building. The ends of the building,
in each of which there is a door, are plainer than the princi-
pal front, but neat. The principal entrance for the Judges,
&c., is under the centre of the eastern portico. A peculiar
feature of the pile is a ballastred attic erected a few feet back,
from the blocking of the interior walls, and rising over the
whole centre of the building. 'Phis attic has a slightly raised
roof, and has longitudinal windows at each end only. There
are two small square rooms in the colonnade at each side of
the main entrance ,or portico, which unluckily break the view
of the columns, that would otherwise be pleasingly prolonged
throughout the whole extent. The general appearance is
good, bating, to our taste, the attic ; but buildings are some-
times flattered on paper, as men are on canvas.
The plan of the courts and the interior generally, appears
to us to be much confined, an unnecessary space being taken
up with hall room, &c., and there being too much cutting
and clipping in the outward rooms. The courts are semi-
circular at one end, where the bench in each is fixed. and
are marked as being—the Civil Court only 64 ft. by 50,
and the Crown Court 54. ft: by 50. The space for the ac-
commodation of the public is very small. The jury rooms
are also much circumscribed, as are some of the others. In
the whole area of 22,000 feet, there is but 8,500 in the courts
and rooms. There will he throughout, we fear, a deficiency
of light, and this the architect himself (as regards the courts)
appears to apprehend, and suggests a remedy. But the in-
terior plan will probably be revised and amended. The build-
ing itself is fine. The successf architect is Mr. Elmes, of
London. The estimated cost is ul
£46,000.
No. 70, which won the second prize, is 'with some persons
a greater favourite than even the last. It is a design front
portions of the Temple of Fortuna Verilis, and is of stately

and vigorous effect. It is characterized by the depth of the
facias and fillets and the general roundness of the decora-
tions. A slight attic is introduced to counterbalance the
projection of a massy entablature; and against the projections
or pilasters, in this attic are placed emblematical Roman
statues, in the manner of those at the back of the Town Hall.
These are in keeping with the ernpannelled carved work in
the intermissions of the architrave on each side of the prin-
cipal portico, and which represent Brutus pronouncing sen-
tence of death on his sons and ordering them for execution.
The judges' entrance is by the lonic portico on the east,
of six columns of 50 feet in height, carrying a pediment, on
the tympanum of which is the Royal Arms, and on the apex
a figure of Britannia. The building is of two stories. The
ground floor is rusticated with round-topped windows. The
first floor windows have alternate round and angular pe-
ments. At either end there is a portico of four fine columns.
The general effect is excellent. The interior plan is greatly
superior to that of the last.
No. 60. Of this there is a fine model, as well as drawings.
It is Dode. In the principal front it has a large portico of
eight columns, behind which are eight others, forming a
double line of twelve. There is also a colonnade at each
end ; which would have been uninterrupted all round the
three principal fronts, but for two little square rooms, one
over the other, placed at each of the corners. The cornice
is ornamented with triglyphs. A good design.
No. 75 is a good specimen of the Roman 'Corinthian, with
porticos and pediments, but rather too elaborate and flowery.
No. 39. A good Corinthian pile, but would be improved
by the removal of the lantern.
No. 72 and another. These are, to our thinking, tfie most
splendid designs in the room, if not the most appropriate.
Both in the taste displayed, and in the execution of them,
they do infinite credit to the architects, our townsmen,
Messrs. Cunningham and Holme. It is to be regretted that
the scale was made for a larger area than that specified in the
prospectus, and that in one of them, at least, the cost would
exceed the estimate prescribed, being .f.. 58,972 ; otherwise,
one or both would, we think, have obtained a prize. As
both are nearly alike, with the exception of three towers on
one of them, and a projecting pedimented wing or corner-piece
in the other, we shall only notice No. 72. There is a centre
colonade and portico of eight columns, of Grecian lonic, on
the east side. The base is exceedingly rich, and the whale is
a modification of the Erechthion and Temple on the Illisus,
a fine Grecian building of antiquity. There is also a portico
at either end. The view shows the east and south facades.
The plinth, or sylobate, is rich. The south facade shows the
entrance to the Crown Court, by a hexastyle portico. There
is a similar portico at the north end. These, as well as the
eastern portico, are each surmounted by a square tower, hav-
ing peripterte of Caryatides, with enriched entablature. The
centre tower is topped by a figure of Minerva ; the other two,
(smaller ones,) one at each end, by Tritons, from "The
Tower of the Winds." These towers appear to us to be
highly ornamental, and would form beautiful objects over
the general buildings of a town. The whole has an appear-
ance of great magnitude and length in the perspective ; but
the further small tower seems to us to be thrown so far back,
by the faintness of the colouring, that it appears to be rather
behind than attached to the building. This, if a fault, is
merely in the drawing. The interior is exceedingly well
planned and spacious.
No. 10, inscribed " The Temple of Justice," is a very neat
classical design.
No. 75 would form a beautiful building. The architrave
is rich and unique.
No. 53. The dome is of imposing form.
No. 68. As a drawing this is amongst the best in the
rooms, and it has considerable merit as a design.
No. 75 is very beautiful, but rather florid in decoration.
It is Roman Corinthian.
No. 46. A good bold Doric specimen.
No. 58. A beautiful simple Grecian design, with a fine co-
lonnade, carried round three sides. -It is, wever, somewhat
marred by an attic.
No. 37. One of the most beautiful and appropriate in the
nom, both in design and execution. Of this there is not
only a large perspective drawing, but a beautiful perspective
line representation in pencil, including St. George's Hall and
the Railway Station. The author has evidently had access
to the design of the " Hall," as it appears to be similar to
that in the drawing by Mr. Elmes, the architect. This ar-
tist has also produced a very fine and minutely executed mo-
del of the building he proposes, which is very deservedly ad-
mired. The style is Corinthian, with a central portico and
colonnade of ten columns on the main front, bearing a pedi-
ment. The portico extends along more than half the extent
of the building. The masonry is jointed, and the cornice
enriched with blocks and dentils.
62. A Doric structure, also very creditable to the artist.
78 is peculiar from a tall centre dome, and from smaller
domes or towers at each of the corners, which are in projec-
tion from the body of the building. The drawing is exceed-
ingly well executed. Emblematic figures surmount the
domes.

59 is rather a good specimen of the lonic, the ballustrade
in particular.

Ro. 6. A fine Grecian edifice, enriched by a portico, and
projecting corners surmounted by smaller pediments. This
is beautifully drawn in Indian ink, and appears like a fine
engraving.

Nos. 51, and 31 are good specimens in the Doric style.
No. 33. One of the best of the Corinthian order.
No. 50. (we believe) " The Parthenon Restored," sent by
Mr. Corbett, of Manchester, is a highly classical idea, which
we hope may yet be realized in some of our future public
buildings. Surrounded by a colonnade all round (of 17 Do-
ric cultunns on each side, and 8 at each end), and with a
pediment at each end, crossing the full extent, and richly but
chastely ornamented in the tympanum, it is at once simple,
harmonious, and we may almost add sublime. The picture
is not, however, very carefully finished, particularly in the
basement. Mr. Corbett sent also two other designs of an
original character.

In the smaller room there are several passable designs,
but many more of a motley and mixed character, which we
do not feel ill-natured enough to characterise. In both
rooms, we may add, there are several that are very neat,
and some even of a commanding description ; but from their
" ecclesiastic" character, or other cause, they could not be
considered eligible.
Some of the perspective views of the interior of the court-
rooms, and other apartments; are very good ; and the plans
and sections are many of them executed with great minute-
ness and care, and are well worthy of inspection. The plans
of No. 70, which obtained the second prize, have been well
thought of ; but on this point it would be almost invidious
to dwell, inasmuch as many of the others appear to be equally
judicious. _

..We would fain speak favourably of all the designs which
we consider meritorious, but to extend our notice would, we
fear, fatigue our readers. Criticism, after all, on the subject
involves a matter of taste, and can be regulated by no pre-
cise rules. We cannot, therefore, do better than conclude
by advising all who arc admirers of fine classical architecture
to lose no time in visiting the exhibition, with which, we
will venture to say, however they may differ in opinion from
us, they will be highly gratified.
We learn that preparations will ere long be made for com-
mencing the erection both of St. George's Hall and the
Assize Courts.

[The above article was written, and given into the hands
of the printers, on Monday last, but was postponed for want
of room. We have since received the letter of " A Towns-
man" (inserted in another column) on the same subject,
and also observe the memorial of Messrs. Cunningham and
Holme, presented to the Town Council on Wednesday last.
We notice the fact from finding a coincidence of opinion, in
some points, between these two documents and the account
we have submitted.—En. STAND.]

DREADFUL ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE AT
PRESTON.

(From the Blackburn Standard, of Wednesday.)
About 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon, whilst a number of
men were busily emyloyed in constructing the immense viaduct
(of 12 arches) near the terminus of the Preston and Wyre
railway, at the bottom of Water-lane, in Preston, the frame
work or wooden centre of one of the arches, (the ninth from
the Preston end) suddenly gave way with a frightful crash,
and the whole of the superincumbent materials, bricks, mor-
tar, &c. was precipitated to the ground—falling upwards of
30 feet. About a dozen men were upon or about the arch at
the moment, and fell headlong with the rubbish, several of
them being literally buried beneath it. Assistance was spee-
dily procured, and 10 bodies were dug or otherwise extricated
from the ruins, some of them shockingly mutilated, and all
more or less bruised. In one, life was utterly extinct;
second expired within an hour after the accident ; and four
or five others are almost beyond hope of recovary. At the
time our account left (seven o'clock in the evening), it
had not been positively ascertained whether any more
bodies remained buried, the state of the surrounding brick-
work being so crazy as to render it absolutely necessary to
suspend further operations amongst the rubbish until it could
be effectually supported. It was stated that two or three
men, known to have been engaged about the viaduct, were
missing, but whether that was the result of this accident,
or was merely caused by their own neglect of work, was not
properly known.

.
- Several of the men who have suffered by this calamity we
lament to say have families of children. One of the two
killed was the foreman of the bricklayers; and the contrac-
tor for that department, Mr. Reece, had a vezy narrow
escape. He was standing near the spring of the arch next
to the one which had fallen, and in the act of giving some
directions to the men when he crash took place, and so in-
stantaneous was the fall that not a word of warning could
be uttered, and Mr. Reece had barely time to save himself
by a precipitate flight in the contrary direction. It seems
probable that two or more of the arches will have to be taken
down, as several breaches in the brick work are apparent,
and two at least of the pillars are drawn greatly from the
perpendicular.

NEW CHURCH AT W.INDSOR.—The first sfone of a new
church, in the hamlet of 'Windsor, was laid yesterday morn-
ing, by Hardman Earle, Esq., assisted by the Revs. R. P.
Buddicom, C. W. Lawrence, J. E. Bates, J. North, and F.
Barker, C. Groves, Esq., R. Moon, Esq., and other gentle-
men, amidst a very numerous assemblage of the inhabitants
of the hamlet. The church is to be called St. Clement's,
and will be a plain but handsome structure of Saxon archi-
tecture, built of red stone, and calculated to hold more than
one thousand persons. The Liverpool Church Building
Society undertake the erection and endowment of it, receiv-
ing the sum of £l5OO towards the cost. This sum is, we
understand, nearly subscribed, by the families residing in the
neighbourhood, and other friends of church building in this
town. From its proximity to the railway, and other causes,
Windsor is one of the most rapidly increasing districts in the
neighbourhood of Liverpool. In addition to the church,
three schools are to be built upon the piece of land imme-
diately adjoining it.

PRESENTATION Or PLATE TO W. WALTREW, Esct.---
On Tuesday last the members of the Borough and Union
Building Societies celebrated the anniversary of their forma-
tion, by dining together at the Brunswick Hotel. The pre-
parations of Mr. Whiteman were of the first order, and gave
universal satisfaction. After the cloth had been removed,
the usual toasts drunk, and several speeches delivered by
various gentlemen, Mr. Meyrick, the chairman, in a neat ad-
dress, delivered in his usual style, wherein he warmly eulo-
gized the many services rendered to those societies by W.
Walthew, Esq., and also his indefatigable exertions as one
of the honorary overseers of the parish, for the space of six
or seven years, presented to him, on behalf of a few friends,
a richly embossed silver teapot, basin, and cream jug, bear-
ing the inscription, " Presented to W. Walthew, Esq., by
,a. few of the Liverpool Building Societies, April 28th 1840. '
Mr. Walthew, who appeared to feel deeply this spontaneous
mark of respect, replied in a short but energetic and feeling
speech, assuring the gentlemen present of his lasting remem-
brance of their kindness, and an anxious wish to render his fu-
ture sevices equally acceptable to them. In the course of the
evening, several members addressed the Chairman, and
much useful information on the subject of Building Societies
was elicited, which, we regret, we cannot record for the be-
nefit of our readers. The present flourishing stateand otfbethes
socities, now sanctioned by act of Parliament,
ad-
vantages resulting from them were more particularlysociety,
atth
com-
mented upon : thus, in the Union Building . .
end of its second year, the
were £l9 17s. 11d. per
each member was £l2. The profit
£3l is. lAd. The,
share, thus making each share
worthother societies exhibit an
amount of subscriptions paid by
reports of the Borough and Dim
and mechanics are self-evident, csessed
of
equally satisfactory result._
property which other-
wisecertain steps, to become .d,llTt,heleyni.aidblianngtatgheesmtobytinundsyesmanend.
e s
They also hold out a strong
they never could obtain.
inducement to working
habits of temperance
and carefulness, as,. higher from
mthene pteocsutlitdarynature of these societies,.
rate of interest for savings
giving a
other means of investing small sums
t. broke up at eleven o'clock,
of the evening.-41bion.
thanth ey
is
sre offeredcerta certain of ot
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hningwdyn delighted existenee.
wiTthheth me eetng festivities

ESTABLISHMENT OF A FEMALE ORPHAN

ASYLUM.

At two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, a general meeting
of the contributors and friends of a new charitable institu-
tion, to be called the Liverpool Female Orphan Asylum, was
held in the lecture-room of the Royal Institution, Colquett-
street, for the purpose of taking the preliminary steps for
the commencement of the institution. Joshua Walmesley,
Esq., the mayor occupied the chair. The lecture-room was
well filled with ladies. And among the gentlemen present we
observed James Aspinall, Esq., H. R. Sandbach, Esq.,
Harmood Banner, Esq., the Rev. Jonathan Brooks, Rev.
Hugh M'Neile, Rev. Mr. Moss, Rev. Dr. Byrth, Rev. Mr.
' Barker Rev. Mr. Hesketh, and the Rev. Fielding Ould.
The MAYOR said, that believing the time of the chief
magistrate could not be more usefully or worthily occupied
than in promoting the benevolent objects which the meeting
had in view, he had great pleasure in taking the chair. Those
present were aware that the objects of the meeting were to
organize and give energy to a society for the protection of
female orphans ; and they should be pleased to learn that
such rapid progress had been made towards the accumulation
of the means for earring out their wishes. He believed that
the sums already subscribed amounted to upwards of £903,
and the annual subscriptions to £3BO. If the same zeal,
energy, and perseverance which had hitherto characterized
the proceeding of the originators of this charity, he could not
doubt of the most complete success. He believed that it
required little more, but that its existence should be fully
made known to ensure the most brilliant success ; and in
those fair hands, which were even foremost in all the works
of mercy and benevolence, and which had taken an especial
interest in this institution, and he left the matter, not doubting
that through their assistance, it would become one of the
most useful charities in the town. (Applause.)
The Rev. JONATHAN BROOKS said he had been requested
to move that an institution for the support and education
of female orphans, for 'the town of Liverpool and neigh-
bourhood, would be of great value and utility, and that the
benevolent contributions of the public be solicited for the
establishment and maintenance of such an institution, to be
called " The Liverpool Female Orphan Asylum." He had
great pleasure in complying with the wishes of the provisional
committee, who had requested him to bring that resolution
before the public at that meeting. It required but very few
words from him to recommend such a resolution to the bene-
volent people of Liverpool, who were ever ready to show their
attachment to the religion which they professed, and to relieve
those who weed in situations of want and distress in the town
to which they belong. Amongst the numerous charities in
the town, there was nothing similar to that which was now
introduced to their notice. They had indeed the Blue-coat
Hospital, in which there was accommodation for one hundred
children, and those who were taken there consisted principally
of persons in a destitute condition, the greater proportion
being orphans. But, by the charter of that institution, they
were restricted to those whose narents had a legal settlement
within the parish of Liverpool. At the time when the Blue-
coat Hospital was founded, Liverpool was of hut small ex-
tent, and the whole of the inhabitants, or nearly so, lived
within the parish; the greater proportion of what at present
constituted Liverpool being then a rural district. The insti-
tution was intended for the benefit of the town of Liverpool
alone, therefore the stipulation that its benefits should be con-
ferred only on those residing within the parish was at that
time exceedingly proper. But we were in a far different situ-
ation now. The town of Liverpool had extended its limits
greatly beyond the parish, and many persons who lived with-
out the former suburbs but who were within the town, had
lost their settlement, and could not now claim the benefits
of this asylum. It was wise, therefore, now to make another
institution for the purpose of meeting the wants of those who
might require the assistance of the benevolent. One of a
similar character had already been formed by a very different
:lass of people from those who were to support the present.
He alluded to the Roman catholics, who had such an insti-
tution, which was, he had reason to believe, well conducted
and amply furnished. The number of applicants who pre-
sented themselves was, he believed, great, and the care which
was taken in the conduct of the establishment was very cre-
ditable. But it was evident that this institution did not
reach our wants. The Protestant community wanted such
an institution for their own children ; one that while it would
be an obode for destitute children, would have provision that
they should be brought up in the principles of the established
church. Of the classes of persons requiring care and relief,
there were none more,destitute than female orphans. They had
lost the natural protectors who should guide them through
a troublesome world ; they were helpless, and, in addition,
they were ignorant, and too frequently they were, from these
very causes,led into the paths of sin. Young and untutored,
they had everything to learn. It was the duty, therefore, of
Christians to take them up and teach them in such a way as
should be most likely to add to their comforts in this world
and lead to their eternal happiness hereafter. There was no
country in the world in which greater attention was paid to
the wants of the poor than England. Whether they looked
to the temporal or spiritual wants of the poor, they were all
provided for. They could not move far without seeing in-
firmaries and dispensaries, and other charitable institutions
for the service of the needy ; nor could they turn to the right
hand or to the left without finding places of worship and
schools for their instruction, and, in short, without finding a
continual desire to provide for their temporal and eternal
welfare. In the Blue-coat Hospital the children were prin-
cipally orphans. The whole number, 350 children, were, lie
believed, either orphans or fatherless. Those who had sat on
the committees of that institution must be gratified at the
manner in which the poor did their duty to each other. When
they talked of the rich man who subscribed his guinea here
and there, they should be reminded of the manner in which
the poor take up those who have none to provide for them.
Sometimes those who could hardly provide bread for them-
selves and their families took compassion on the destitute,
and divided with them their scanty morsel. (Hear, hear.)
Sometimes a distant relation, and frequently a mere neigh-
bour, took in a pour child and provided it with food, raiment,
lodging, and education, out of their own meagre subsistence.
These were noble instances of the power of religious princi-
ple, for such feelings must spring, If they spring at all, from
that source. We were all the servants of one master, who
himself, passed a life, the whole of which was benevolence
and charity. All his miracles were miracles of mercy, and
thsa whole of his history might be said to be comprised in the
sentence, "He went about doing good." It ought to be
our endeavour to tread in his footsteps while we remain
on 'this earth, and to go about doing good. (Hear, hear.)
That this was a means of doing good, which must be accept-
able to our Father himself, no one could doubt. He (the
reverend speaker) bad been one of those who had sometimes
been inclined to think, that it was possible for charitable in-
stitutions to he multiplied beyond what occasion required, but
this was not one against which such an objection could for a
moment stand. When they considered the number of orphans
which they had in Liverpool, it must strike every man that it
was their duty to do something to rescue them from the climax
of misery and "*milt that lay before them. The rev. gentle-
man proceeded to remark upon 'the few individuals in this
town, in proportion to the bulk of its inhabitants, by whom
the charities were supported, amounting only to a few hun-
dreds. The names of the several persons were to be found
over and over again, while there were hundreds .and thou-
sands whose names were never seen. He did not mean to
throw out any sarcasm against such persons, for it was for
" him that was without sin to throw the first stone ;" there-
fore he stopped, condemned and silent. He would give
credit to such persons for much private charity : he
was
aware that those were there who went about doing good in
private, anxious to comply with that precept of their Master,
" Not to let their right hand know what their left hand
doeth;" but he would exhort such not to take an isolated
text for their guidance in such matters. They should recol-
lect that, situated in a community like this, they had public
duties, and that one of these was to " Let their light so
shine that men should see their good works, that they might
glorify their Father who is in heaven." It was necessary
where benevolence was, that they should make others do
right by their example, using their influence in doing good.
He hoped, therefore, that many who had not hitherto given
such influence would come forward and support an institu-
tion which was in no one point objectionable. They might
be satisfied that it was their duty not to be ashamed of the
gospel of Christ, and to do that which would be pleasing to
him. (Cheers.)
Mr. JAMES ASPINALL seconded the resolution, and it was
unanimously carried.
The Rev. H. M'NEILE proposed the second resolution.
He spoke as follows :—Mr. Mayor, I have very readily, and
I will add cordially, responded to the request of my reverend
brother, that I should take part in the proceedings of this
meeting: and now it becomes my pleasing duty to present
for your adoption a resolution which requires but little skill
or power on the part of its advocate. It speaks for itself, at
least to every consistent member of the established church.
[The rev. gentleman read the resolution.] Here everything
is in its proper place. The first point urged upon us is that
which goes to provide, so far as man can provide, for the
great personal concern of the orphan children, considered as
heirs of immortality. This deservedly occupies the first
place. It has been well said, that " charity to the soul is the
soul of charity." Yes ; zeal for the salvation of souls is the
distinguished characteristic of Christian benevolence. This
is the principle which descended from heaven to accomplish
the work of our redemption, and passed from the heart of
the Redeemer into those of his disciples with such constrain.
ing power as filled the heathen world with astonishment.
Without this principle, this godlike love of souls, though a
man had faith to remove mountains, and benevolence to give
all his goods to feed the poor, and zeal to give his body to be
burned, and eloquence to speak with the tongue of angels,
he is no better than sounding brass and a tinkling symbol.
And by parity of reasoning, or rather of Christian truth, an
institution such as you have now determined shall be founded,
although commended by valuable secondary considerations ;
by tracing, for example, the melancholy history of friendless
females from the first advances of vice and misery through
every gradation, to a sad, and too often, a horrible catas-
trophe; and by exhibiting the enormous guilt of those base
and contemptible compounds of selfishness and vanity in the
shape of men, who lie in wait for the destruction of such
helpless innoence ; and by reflections on the extraordinary,
the irresistible influence which woman possesses, and must
possess, in every rank of society, for the diffusion of either
good or evil : although commended, I repeat, by such consi-
derations as these, and carried triumphantly by an appeal to
your natural feelings, in language !which fills the imagination
with the most affecting pictures, and subdues the heart under
the most touching tenderness—still, if the religious instruc-
tion, with 11 direct aim at the eternal salvation of the
fatherless and motherless creatures of your compassion,
be not the prime object in view, the institution could
be nothing better than a guilded arena for the self-decep-
tion of its supporters, and the everlasting disappointment
of its inmates. (Loud Cheers.) But the resolution
have to propose, invites you to occupy at once the higli
ground of undisguised and uncompromising Christian intoe!i
ciple, by determining that all the children received
doe-
your institution, shall be instructed in the soul-saving
the prominent trines of the Established Church. Sir, of our
n ent and
distinguishing principles inculcated in the formularies
church, are precisely those which characterise only plan
of education of which Almighty God himself has expressed
by the patriarch
his approval. I refer to the plan adopted
Abraham, of which the divine approbation is distinctly re-
corded, and of which the fundarnentpriisn,ciiileasdmariet,palnainolldy
delineated in the holy scriptures. It
story ; not, however, taken from an old alumnack, but from
the word of God, which liveth. and abideth for ever. The
everlasting gospel was
Preached to Abraham. All who are
blessed by the gospel,
are `blessed with faithful Abraham ;"
and the great truths involved in the history of Abraham, are
great truths still. " I know him," said the Lord God ,iti
high commendation of the patriarch, " that he will command
his children and his household after him, and they shall keep
the way of the Lord, to do judgment and justice." Here
we have the practical results of Abraham's system of educa-
tion ; and if we can ascertain on the same scriptural autho-
rity what those fundamental principles were, by the infusion
of which into the minds and hearts of his children and de-
pendents, these excellent and happy results were attained ;
we shall then know what those distinguishing doctrines are,
of which God himself approves. It has pleased God to sup-
ply to the attentive and unprejudiced strident of scripture,
most satisfactory evidence upon this point. In a recorded
conversation of tender interest between Abraham and his
son Isaac, the important information is conveyed—the veil is
withdrawn, and the reader, who will take the trouble of
thinking as he reads, is introduced to the interior of the
patriarchal school-room. Abraham said to those of his
household who had accompanied himself and his son into the
land of Mori* " Abide ye here with the ass, and I and the
lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and
laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand
and a knife, and they went both of them together. And
Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said. my
father •, and he said, here am I, my son. And he said, be-
hold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt
offering?" Now I wish you to reflect while you read, to
involves. He heard
think what this inquiry of the boy

his father say that he was going to worship ; but be
saw no lamb; no arrangement made for the shedding of
blood. He had not been educated in the opinion that wor-
ship could take place without the shedding of blood ; he had
not been educated in that loose way which recognises natural
worship, or in the religion which teaches us that it is suffi-
cient to approach with a confession of guilt, without the in-
fliction of any punishment. " The wages of sin is death."
The child had been taught that before he could appreach
God, there must be death inflicted; the penalty of sin twist
be endured. He had been taught to look for the sacrifice of
the emblematic vietim—the infliction of death on a substitute
—that without the shedding of blood there could be no ap-
proach to God for the sin of man—no real religion. This
was one of the grand, fundamental principles of patriarchal
education ; one of the deep truths of God, that since the fall
of Adam none of his descendants can approach God but by
the shedding of blood : arid this is also one of the principles
of our established church. It teaches us, and we are going
to teach all the children committed to our care in the pro-
posed institution, that they are to be deemed accursed who
presume to say that man can be saved by the light of nature,
and the law of conscience added to it. This may sound un-
charitable; but it is written in the articles of our faith ; it is
based on the word of God ; it was deeply involved in patri-
archial education ; and one result of it was that the house-
hold of Abraham " walked in the way of the Lord, to do
judgment and justice." And, sir, we can he at no loss to
assign a reason for this : I mean for the results following
such an education. The reason why men do not " walk in
the way of the Lord, to do judgment and justice," is that
they are secretly afraid of God. Talk as they will about the
divine mercy, " 'tis but," as the phrase is "a copy of their
countenance ;" they don't believe it ; they are afraid of its
untruth. " Conscience makes cowards of us all," as our
great poet truly says. The conscience of the unpardoned is
a perpetual cloud upon their souls ; it is a cloud between
them and God; and they can have no communion with the
Almighty. What is it that can dissipate, what is it that can
clear the cloud away, and present the Father's countenance,
radiant with encouraging smiles, and open his bosom to toe
vilest transgressor of the human family
? Man's works,
man's deductions from nature, man's toils, or penances, or
virtues ? Oh, no ! miserable comforters are they all!! 'Where
is the lamb ? "My father, behold the fire and the knife; but
where is the lamb fora burnt offering?" We can no more than
Isaac, worship without blood : we can only go and ask for the
lamb. And we wish to teach this to the children who may
be entrusted to our care; so that, in after life, if they should
happen to be thrown among those who make an outward ap-
pearance of worship only, without the recognition of the
lamb, they may be ready to take the alarm, and say, " this is
no place for us." There is also another principle found in-
volved in this portion of patriarchal history. When Abra-
ham told his son Isaac that " God would provide himself
a lamb for a burnt offering," he was satisfied ; "so they went
both of them together." Now, sir, surely this as truly im-
plies that he was educated in the all-sufficiency of the sacri-
fice, as his first inquiry indicates that he was educated in the
necessity for it. And surely the two principles go together.
If there is an efficacious sacrifice, it must certainly be an all-
sufficient one. Repetition is the consequence of inefficacy ;
but the " one sacrifice once offered," which is efficacious,
need not be repeated—cannot be repeated. Here, also, is
another principle of the Established Church. " The offering
of Christ once made is that perfect redemption, propitiation,
and satisfaction, for all the sins of the whole world, both ori-
ginal and actual; and there is no other satisfaction for sin,
but that alone." I quote from one of the articles of our
church, which goes on to say that therefore all the imagined,
fanciful expiations, all the pretended sacrifices of the mass,
" in the which it was commonly said that the priest did offer
Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain
and guilt, were blasphemous fables and dangerous deceits."
This is a brief exposition of some few of the principles—the
fundamental principles, of our glorious Established Church,
in which we pledge ourselves to bring up all the children re-
ceived into the institution ; and I hope that we shall have no
difficulty in winning universal approbation to this part of the
scheme. It is further proposed that the secular instruction
given to the children in this institution shall be in such plain
and suitable matters as shall fit them for domestic service, to
which they shall be apprenticed in respectable families.—
Now, we ought to recollect, not only with regard to these
children, but all the children of the poor, that the object of
the instruction communicated to them is not to. change
their condition of life, but to qualify them for useful-
ness and contentment, and, consequently, happiness in the
condition to• which they belong. It is true that that edu-
cation will enable some of them to emerge from their original
condition, and to rise in society, and we rejoice when we see
instances of it ; they are the result of personal endeavour and
unwearied attention, and of that distribution of gifts which
the Almighty is pleased to make, without rendering an ac-
count to man. It is this distribution of gifts which makes
equality impracticable. If it were possible to throw all on
an equality to-morrow; if it were possible for the mad
levellers, who preach their revolutionary doctrines, to parcel
out the and amongst the people of England, giving to each
man his portion, and only that, why, equality could not last
for two seasons. The industrious man, in the first season,
would have a crop double that of the idle man ; the idle man,
in the next season, would have to sell his portion of the
land ; the industrious man would buy it, and would thus
become possessed of two portions, whilst the other man would
have none. Neither can there be equality in mind. God
has not ordered it so. There is no equality in any depart-
ment of nature. Look at the birds of the air, the fishes of
the sea, and the trees of the forest; and, though I am no
phrenologist, I say, look at the beads of meu, and where will
you find equality ? Some men emerge from the lowness of
their condition, in spite of the manifold difficulties with which
they have to contend ;—there are others that never will
emerge ; they are stupid at the first, and will be stupid to the
last. (Laughter.) Still I must contend, that education, as
given gratuitously to the poor, should not have for its object
to change their position, hut to fit them to fill and adorn the
condition in which they are. Then the females, after having
been thus educated in this institution, are to he apprenticed
out as domestic servants in respectable families. Perhaps I
may be allowed to suggest, that in case of circumstances
arising that should induce, or make it necessary for, the young
woman to leave her situation, the committee should still kindly
consider her to be under their care, and not consider their work
done when they have once placed her in a family, but keep up
a communication with her mistress, and have a superinten-
dence over her until she becomes established in womanhood,
and attains the power of self. provision. The Rev. Mr. Brooks
said something about his confidence that you would respond
to the call which has been inade-UPOri you, and you, Mr.
Mayor, if I heard you correctly, expressed your own
happy assurance that such would be the cape. And now sir,
what shall I say more ? It is said by thenuraust steward in the
parable—" I cannot dig, to beg I am ashamed." I will reserve
the assertion for myself and brother clergymen in ibis town.
To beg we certainly are not ashamed. When churches, or
schools, or hospitals are required, begging is a profession we
glory in ; and I thank God, that as we are not ashamed of the
principle, so neither have we any cause to be ashamed of the
result. We have never, Mr. Rector, begged in vain, and I
think we never shall. (Cheers.) It is true, indeed, that our
established church has received heavy blows and great dis-
couragement; but here, in Liverpool, the blows have recoil-
ed, and the discouragement has served but to increase the
zeal of the clergy and the attachment of the people. Our
condition improves daily. The town is more and more largely
with us. They have learned by experience, to know and
appreciate the best friends of the poor and needy ; and now,
when occupying one position more in the cycle of Christian
benevolence, we propose an asylum for the female orphans of
the poor, I, sir, tin. my own part, so far from apprehending
any possibility of failure, do confidently anticipate the most
complete and gratifying success. (Cheers.) Female orphans
of the poor ! What a volume do these few words contain,
for victory over all the cold and wretched subterfuges of
selfishness, and the effectual awakening of the most fervent
sympathy and practical compassion ! Their case is peculiar.
Of all destitute objects, they are eminently the most so.
Fatherless, motherless, without one being on the the wide
earth to shed a tear over their ruin, to mitigate the pangs of
their remorse, or minister to the diseases of their premature
decrepitude. Is it possible to conceive an object of more
intense interest to the heart, than an unprotected female
infant ? To shield it from exposure t) the blast of the
vile temptations of such a world as this, is our first
thought, our animating impulse. It appeals to us like
a lamb going to the sacrifice ! By an instent and involuntary
emotion, we reflect on our own dear children, end while our
hearts melt in thankfulness for their comparative security,
we burn to prevent the evil we so much abhor, and commu-
nicate the blessing we so revere. (Much cheering.) But
• are our own children safe? How closely connected is the
subject now before us with a diminution, at least, of their
temptations ! -It should ever be remembered thet the ne-
glected female becomes, by a sort of desperate necessity, the
abandoned female : andi how many parents, even in the
highest classes of society, can bear won)l testimony to the
total perversion of youth by the seductions of such women.
Such youths become, in their turn, seducers ; and when once
allured into the mysteries of libertinism, there is no excess
or enormity which they will not swallow like water. It is
the property of this detestable vice to debase the whole man ;
to extinguish, not only the finer and holier sentiments, but
all the lofty aspirings after honourable distinction, and all
the patient endurance of private toil, without which honour-
able distinction is wholly unattainable ; and to substitute
the low vulgarities of indecency, and the grovelling instincts
of the beasts that perish. These are the pestilential nui-
sances that we meet in our street—your young men of fa-
shion, and supercilious airs of affected superiority, conceal-
ing the meanness, and the mischief and the licentionsnese of
the monkey. Oh, vile, disgraceful, and destestab!e they
are ! Such ignominious nuisances should be aveidea as you
would avoid the winged and pestilential insects of the warmer
climates, which infect where they fly, and poison where they
repose. You should not admit them into your houses. La-
dies, do not converse with them; stand aloof la on) them ;
show them the majesty of offended virtue, and shame them
oßuut of the t
l v
mustice
, forbear.if they w
Prevention,
re abandon
,isbee itt teen:
h,iileu
rre,r; principle_
d as
a step towards prevention, an important step towards cutting
off a supply of evil, establish and support and follow up with
maternal watchfulness and care, a Christian asylum for fe-
male orphans. (Cheers.)
Mr. JOSHUA EDWARDS seconded the resonation, and it
was carried.
The Rev. Mr. HESKETH proposed the next resolution,
and advocated the cause undertaken by the promoters of this
asylum with much ability. The rev. gentleman read a letter
from a gentleman connected with the Foundling Hospital at
London, pointing out, in reply to certain inquiries prpounded
Mr, Hesketh, the practical advantages resulting from several
points of the system adopted at that institution.
H. R. SANDBACR, Esq., seconded the resolution, which
was carried.
The Rev. Mr. BARKER suggested that the clergy who sub-
scribed should be admitted, ex-officio, members of the com-
mittee.

The Rev. Dr. BY RTH seconded the suggestion.
Mr. SANDBACH , as seconder of the motion, said he was
glad to sec the clergy voluntarily coming forward, and they
should be exceedingly glad of their services.
A vote of thanl:s was then given to the Mayor, and the
meeting separated.

IMPORTANT TO EXPORTERS OF SPIRITS.—The Lords of
Her Majesty's Treasury have granted permission to mix
plantation rum with whiskey in bond, for the purposes of
stores or for exportation. A large quantity is now in course
of preparation in several extensive vatting departments in
this town.

MECHANICS' INSTITUTION.—We are informed that the
Earl of Sefton and Sir Robert Peel have most kimity
seated to lend some valuable paintings for the exhibition,
which is to be held in this institution during the next Mid-
summer holydays. By the advertisement in another column.
it appears that tradesmen may send articles on sale to the
exhibition.

THE GLASGOW STEAMERS.—The correspondent of the
Albion of Monday, writer of the paragraph " Glasgow
Steamers," is ready to prove that his statement, contained in
that paragraph, is correct in every particular, although the
truth of it be questioned. The iron steam-shin did make the
passage from Greenock to the rock in seventeen hours, only
a few minutes less time than occupied by the Admiral in
Funning the same distance. It would not have been surpris-
ing if the Admiral had made the passage in an hoar er two
less time than the iron ship, considering the great advantage
the former has in respect of power ; but comparisons are
invidious. This fete is not to be performed by the Admiral,
or any steamer, merchant vessel, or other, afloat at I.le. pre-
sent day. It has never been denied that the AclinrA!is a
sea-going boat ; but it is also true that the iron ship is :An
equally"good sea-going vessel. The experience of last winter
has proved this—that no vessels on the Glasgow and Liver_
pool station, or on any other station whatever, have performed
their passages with more regularity, or given more satisfac-
tion to all parties concerned, than the iron ships have clone: ;
and it is satisfactory to know that these vessels nosseFs the
almost unanimous approbation of the public. Lilt him
prove 014 who can.—B•om a Correspondent.

1

1

E~

Imperial parliammt,

HOUSE OF LORDS-MONDAY.
CLERGY RESERVES.

The LORD CHANCELLOR moved that the learned judges
then in attendance should deliver their decision in answer to
the questions submitted to them with regard to the clergy re-
serves bill.
The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE of the Court of Common Pleas
said, that he had the honour of representing to their lord-
ships, that all the judt es of England, with the exception of
\Lord Denman and Lord Ahinger. had met at Serjeant's Inn,
for the purpose of taking into consideration the several ques-
tions which their lordships had been pleased to propose to
them ; and that after discussion and deliberation on the sub-
ject, they had agreed unanimously in the answers to be re-
turned to those questions. In answer to the first AuestiOn,
they were all of opinion that the words " protestant clergy
in the statute 31st George 111. included other clergy besides
those of Church of England. They thought that the words of
the statute were meant principally to refer to the doctrines of
the Church of Rome, and that their aim was to encourage the
protestant doctrines in opposition to those of the Romish
church. They answered to the second question, that the es-
tablished Church of Scotland constituted one, instance of a
clergy included in the act. They had come to that opinion,
as the expressions, " established Church of Scotland," were
to be found in the statute book. Although, in answer to their
lordships' question, they specified no other church than .the
Church of Scotland, they did not mean to decide that the
ministers of no other churches might not be included in the
term, " protestant clergy." At the same time, as 'they did
not find in the statute book any other denomination of Chris-
tians, to which the statute of George 111. could apply, they
were unable to specify any others to their lordships as falling
within the statute. They were of opinion, that the 41st sec-
tion of the statute was prospective only, and that the power
given by it could not affect lands which had been appropri-
ated under other acts. In answer to the last question proposed
by their lordships, they all agreed in opinion that the legis-
lative council assembled in the province of Upper Canada,
had exceeded their authority in passing an act to provide for
the sale of clergy reserves, and for the distribution thereof in
respect of both the enactments specified in their lordships'
questions.—The judges afterwards retired.
Earl STANHOPE presented the petition adopted at the Free-
masons'-hall meeting against the opium trade.
The Earl of ROSEBERRY complained of the conduct of
parties at that meeting, in having prejudged the whole ques-
tion.
Earl STANHOPE said that he approved of the whole pro-
ceedings, and that he was quite prepared to take his share of
the blame imputed by the noble earl.
Lord' STRANGFORD directed attention to a revival, by
France, of the slave trade on the western coast of Africa.

Lord :MELBOURNE promised to— make inquiry into the
matter.
__

--tOrd MELBOURNE moved the second reading of the mu-
nicipal corporations (Ireland) bill.
The Duke of WELLINGTON said that he should not op-
pose the second reading, but in the committee he hoped to
see several amendments.

The Earl of WINCRELSEA moved, as an amendment, that
the bill be read a second time that day six months. Their
lordships eventually divided. There were for the second
reading 131 ; against it 32—majority 99.
The committee was fixed for Thursday week ; after which
their lordships adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.--NfoNwci-.

After the presentation of manlpetitions, on many sub-
jects, - _

Mr. LABOUCHERE intimated his intention of moving
amendments on the resolution to he proposed by Mr. Herries
on ruesday evening.
Mr. HUME (having got Lord Palmerston into the house)
put to him, agreeably to notice, the following questions : 1.
Whether, as stated in public papers, the British government
has again interfered, through Lord Ponsonby, to prevent the
Sultan from entering into direct negotiations with Mehemet
Ali for a settlement of their differences ; and whether, on
that occasion, it has acted in concert with the other European
powers, or their ministers at Constantinople. 2. Whether
any orders have been issued by her Majesty's government
for reprisals against Mehemet Ali ; whether, as stated in
public journals, two ships sent by Mehemet Ali to bring re-
cruits from Albania to Candia, had been detained by a Bri-
tish frigate, and conducted to Corfu; and, whether returned
or not. 3. Whether orders had been issued by her Majesty's
ministers, or by Lord Ponsonby, to Colonel Hodges, the
British Consul-General in Egypt, to interfere in the affairs of
Egypt, by giving subjects of the Sultan passports, to leave
Egypt under protection of English passports.
Lord PALMERSTON announced that the same state of affairs
now existed as when the production of correspondence with
regard to negotiations was moved for; but that he was quite
ready to answer the questions. In the first place, in July
last, the representatives of the Five Powers, fearing that the
sultan might make unnecessary and injurious concessions to
Mehemet Ali, presented a note in the name of their respec-
tive courts, requesting him not to enter into negotiations
with Mehemet Ali respecting anything that had been done
without the concurrence of the Five Powers. As to the affair
of the ships, information having been received by the High
Commissioner of the lonian Islands that two ships had ar-
rived to recruit, inquiries were made with regard to the
officer, who was an agent of Mehemet Ali, and it was found
that they were there for the purpose of decoying certain sub-
jects of the Porte of Albania to proceed to Egypt to form
troops to act against the sultan, and Sir Howard Douglas
took steps accordingly, and two Greek ships, that were hired
for the purpose, were taken. The ships were detained for a
short time, and were afterwards released. With regard to
the third question, no orders had been given to Col. Hodges,
because, as was well known, it was not the practice, except
in peculiar cases, to give passports to any but British sub-
jects; but as this question concerned the officers of the
Turkish empire, he had no hesitation in saying that Col.
Hodges would only perform his duty if he affbrded any pro-
tection he was able to give it to any subjects of the sultan
who, having been engaged in rebellion, were desirous of re-
turning to their allegiance.
Sir R. PEEL asked whether the mediation of the French
government for the settlement of the existing differences
between England and Naples had been offered; and, if so,
whether it had been accepted.
Lord PALMERSTON answered that the good offices of the
French government for the arrangement of the differences
between her Majesty's government and that of Naples were
made some time ago, and had been immediately accepted by her
Majesty's government. At the same time a similar offer had
been made by the French government to the government of
Naples ; and it appeared, from the latest despatches received
both from. Naples and Paris, that that offer had been accepted
by the gdveriithent at Naples.
Sir R Ppit,thereupon asked whether the order for repri-
sals had in consequence been rescinded ?
Lord PALMERSTON replied, that it had been agreed that as
soon as our representative at the Court of Naples should be
officially informed of the arrival of any French diplomatist
charged to exercise the good offices of the French Govern.
ment, he was immediately to transmit to the officers com- .
manding her Majesty's ships instructions to suspend re-
prisals for a certain time, but from despatches received he
learned that at the moment that the French mediation was
accepted by the King of Naples. and when, according to the
agreement, the reprisals would have been stopped, the Nea-
politan government laid an embargo on all British vessels in
Neapolitan ports, and, consequently, the order for reprisals
had not yet been suspended.
Lord J. RUSSELL, in answer to inquiries said, that it was
not now the intention of her Majesty's government to pro-
pose, this session, any grant on the subject of " emigration."
Mr. P. SCROPE asked what progress had been made in the
negotiations for compensation to British merchants for
losses sustained by them in consequence of the bombard-
ment of Antwerp.
Lord PALMERSTON answered, that claims had been made
by the representatives of the British government on the
Belgian government, at the same time that similar claims had
been made on the Belgian government by the representatives
of other governments for losses sustained by their subjects
at Antwerp. Those claims were made some time ago. A
written reply had been received, which was at present under
the consideration of her Majesty's government.
Mr. F. FRENCH asked what step was intended to be taken
with regard to the re-appointment of the medical committee.
Mr. F. MAULS answered that the subject was entirely in
the hands of Mr. Warburton, and therefore he could not
answer the question.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHF.nUER, in answer to Mr.
Goulburn's inquiry, said that it was the intention of the
government, during the session, to bring forward the sub-
ject of the mode of paying the expenses of the armament
preparing for service in China.

Mr. If. GORDON, in answer to Col. Sihthorp's inquiry,
stated that he should soon present a retuest of the expenses
attending Dr. Bowring's mission.
Mr. HUME observed, in reference to a notice that he had
on the paper, to move for the immediate production of Dr.
Bowring's report with regard to our commercial relations
with Egypt and Syria, he wished to know whether that re-
port would soon be laid before the house.
Lord PALMERSTON' answered that considerable part of
Dr. Bowring's report referred to political subjects, and that
it would not, therefore, be proper to lay it before the house ;
but that part which referred to our commercial relations
would shortly be produced.

Mr. H UME thereupon withdrew his contemplated motion.
The house then resolved into committee of supply, in
which Mr. R. GORDON moved many resolutions for grants
on the " miscellaneous estimates ;" and many of them called
forth observations on the new buildings of the British Mu-
seum, the " Parliament houses," &c.
The report of the resolutions adopted in the estimates was
ordered to be received on Tuesday.
Lord J. RUSSELL moved for leave to bring in two bills :-
1. "For the registration of parliamentary electors." 2. "To
make further provisions respecting certain rights of voting
in the election of members of parliament." In doing so he
entered into details of the leading provisions of the proposed
The remaining business having been disposed of, the house
adjourned.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—WEDNESDAY.
The House of Lords did not sit to-day.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—WEDNESDAY.
The Commons sat for a short time.
Mr. Bruce took his seat for Elgin' and Sir A. Brook for
Fermanagh, both on tha opposition benches.
Petitions were presented in great numbers, and on various
subjects ;
After which Lord MonrEnr, alluding to the violent and
awful death of a near relative of his noble friend the Secre-
tary for the Colonies, said it was due to the interest of the
question involved in the discussion of the Irish registration
• bill, as well as to the position which the noble lord the Se-
• cretary for the Colonies held in the house, that he should, if
possible, be present at the discussion, and he (Lord Morpeth)
therefoie• ventured to express a hope that the noble lord
(Lord Stanley) would consent to the postponement of the
order for going into committee.
Lord STANLEY said, that though he felt the great impor-
tance which was attached to the question, of which the nu-
merous attendance, in expectation of its discussion, was the
best proof, yet after the appeal which had been made to him,
• and seeing how desirable it was that the noble lord, the Se-
cretary for the Colonies, should be present at the considera-
Lion of so important a measure, he felt that he could not do
otherwise than consent. He must at the same time say, that
as the question was one of such vital importance, he mighth
fairly expect, on the part of her Majesty's ministers, that
• some other day, and at no distant period, should be appoint-
. ed for the discussion. The only object which he had in view
was to secure for the question a full, fair, and impartial dis-
cussion. He only desired that the bill should stand or fall
• by its own merits.
It was ultimately settled that the committee should be
postponed till Monday, the 18th, on the understanding that
the motion should have precedence of all others on that day,
even if any adjourned debate should be the order of the day.
Sir R. INGtas for the same melancholy range which had
occasioned the postponement of Lord Stanley's bill, stated
that he should not proceed with the motion respecting religi-
ous instruction, of which he had given notice, for Thursday.
Sir R. PEEL said, that as the education vote would be one
of those contained in the miscellaneous estimates on Friday,
it would be well, for the same melancholy reason, to post-
pone that, or any other vote which might lead to discussion.
The CHANCELLOR of the ExcIIEQUER would not propose
any vote which might lead to such a result.
Sir J. WALSH wished to know when the evidence before
the Cambridge election committee would he laid upon the
table ?
Mr. Gout.BunN said he had heard that it would be ready
on ridgy.
ders of the dill, were then disposed of.
4:IV ' f
Mr.
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