The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1836-11-25 00:00:00

rowed the intercourse between. man and man. Her,

wealth is now expended in rewarding the ambitions

. -
design of some daring adventurers, whose only claim to
prefermlL-mt that they have united the insolence or lieen-

tionsnes?,, with the fooliNhness 0;* ignorance. Her

of trust and parlour, aro u:iw filled by
for their strong party predelectlan. Her Council is now
regarded as a Cure, instead of a blessing—her Council-

lors are still the honourable of the earth, but their laws

are prejudicial to the interests of her people. The obli-
gations of morality are relaxed, and the streams of her
charity narrowed, if not entirely shut up. But we must

hasten to notice the speeches of those Councillot-s who

took part in the discussion on WednesdUv.

A petition was presented from the inhabitants of the
North Toxteth Ward, against disposing of the Schools.
Mr. Councillor Platt, in proposing that the memorial be

received, took occasion to cunt rAdict the oft-repeated as-
sertion that the Bible was excluded. Now, we are ready

to believe this gentleman spoke the. traitle and believed
what he asserted; but will he favour the public by
telling tlern to whom Mr. Aspinall read the Bible,-and
at what time ? He may understand the Irish, Engliskor
Scotch systems of education, but it is very clear he does
not understand logic :—" He was happy to say, that so
far as he had gone, the reports were utterly unfounded."
What might have been the result had he gone further
we cannot say, but we are inclined to think he confined
his attentions to the little knot of Protestant children.
who were near the door. Mr. Councillor E. Smith Wished
for delay in order to ascertain the Sentiments of the public.
The meeting at the Amphitheatre was a mere faction in
his estimation, composed of political partisans, and not
at all expressing the opinion of the people. We would
recommend a meeting in Clayton-square, if this sag*
Councillor would unite the respectability, the property,
and the talent of the town in furtherance of his favourite
scheme. After this little bye-play, Mr. Councillor
Birch addressed the Council on the subject Of the schools.
His speech is marked by sound reasoning and a disposi-
tion to conciliate all parties by proyidirreethication kir
each. We advise our readers to give his speech a careful
peruSal. He grapples with the question as an honest
man, and seeks not to evade its difficulties by quibbling
Or vituperation. The motion of Mr. Councillor Birch
was supported by Mr. Councillor John Smith. An
amendment was moved by Mr. Councillor J. Crop-
per, "that it bean instruction to the Finance Commit-
tee
to sell the schools," which amendment 'Vas' se-
conded by Mr. Councillor E. Cropper. Mr. Coun-
cillor Blackburn moved as a further amendment, "that
the schools be continued under the direction of the
Education Committee," &c. It will be in the recollec-
tion of our readers, that when the subject was under dis-
cussion, previously to being introduced, this gentleman
made a speech which some of our contemporaries praised,
very much, but of which a few discerning critics thought
very differently, and both his learning and his logic were
freely criticised, very much to the Councillor's annoy-
ance. On this occasion, " he could 'not give a silent
vote," very much to our regret, es it innibses upon us the
unpleasant task of. dissecting .this speech, which consists
of an immense mass of unmeaning verbiage, filthy
allusions, coarse satire, and frothy declamation. We
could condense into two or tineee shot t sentences all that
is worth notice in the observations before us. If we had
time we could furnish some choice specimens of incon-
sistency in the hoeourable Councillor's address. How-
ever, we but anticipate. There were two grounds of argu-
ment which he wished to combat ; first, that these schools
were opposed by.public opinion; and the second, that they
were strictly, after all, sectarian schools. By "public
opinion in the present instance, they were to understand,
the opinion of the majority." We cannot conceive why
an exception should be made here ; the opinion of the ma-
jority is in almost every instance acknowledged, but,
"in the present instance," such an opinion suited the
Councillor's tactics. He then vents a little spleen against
the Conservatives, because his understanding failed him
—lie could not comprehend how any man who supported
such a system of Education for Ireland, should oppose it
in,England. Are the Tories to, blame, becanSe this sage
Councillor can perceive nothing in the circumstances,
the habits, arid the iireludices of the Irish people; different
from those of the Liverpool public ? The Tories may
have much to answer for, but if they are to be made ac-
countable for the dearth of intellect vvhich is every day
witnessed in the Council Chamber, and to be responsible
for all the nonsense which is there spoken, we have no hope
for them ; for teach a mill-stoee, would sink them for ever.
We charitably suppose that Mr. Councillor Blackburn
never read Lord Stanley's letter to Mr. Adam Hodgson,
or if he did, could not understand it. Mr. Councillor
Blackburn is profe,isedly a christian, and we would in-
dulge the hope that he is one, but how can he reconcile it to
his conscience to characterise the zeal which is manifested
on every hand for the dissemination of the Scriptures,
"the cant of excluding the Bible to annoy a patriotic
Ministry." Is this hatred to truth, or has the frenzy of
party feeling unseated his reason ? We shall , next be'
told that the Bible itself is but cant, and this too, by a,
man, who in the reports which are annually circulated of
the Sunday Schools in conneion with the Independents,
grounds their claim to public support, upon the considera-
tion that the Bible is taught inehe Schobls and the chil-
dren are "trained up in the way they should go." But we
turn from this subject with disgust.
.We pass on to notice
a charge which is preferred by Mr. Councillor Blackburn
against the Tories, and which, we hesitate not to say, he
knows to be false—" that the love of the Protestant cause
and zeal for Conservatism, led them "to abuse the police
and coquet with the keepers of saloons." Is this true?
Is this honourable ? Answer the charge ve hundreds
.and thousands v% o have raised your voices in favour of
Scriptural Edevat ion? Answer this slander er,yeTradesmen
and Operatives,whose zeal for the Conservative cause has
struck terror into the hearts of your opponents. We antici
pate your indignant reply. We profess ourselves Conser-
vatives—we het e our Constitution—we reverence our sell
giee—we hate falsehoOd--we shrink front dishonour.
For ourselves we throw back the imputation with eon-
tempt. Prove your charge against us. We dare you to
the proof. Mr. Councillor Blackburn then enquires for
evidence that the public opinion is against them, and
in
the absence of such evidence he maintains it is not.
Hear his own words : " Was it not a fact that a very
considerable proportion of the most influential members
of the Church of England supported, and approved of
these schools ? An immense majority of dissenters
highly appreciated, and valued the importance of the
system, and the Roman Catholic population were with
them to a man." We deny the correctness of the first
part of the assertion, and allow the second. But lest
Mr. Blackburn's vision should prove no better than his
understanding, we will glance over the field, and reckon
the number, and specify the character of his allies. There
are on the one band, the Infidel phalanx—the Unitarian
band—the Popish confederacy ; and on the other the
licentious—the rebellious—and the reVolutionary di=
vision. You have with you the Irish ruffian aud the po-
litical incendiary. Such is your army 1 It possesies the
elements of strife, but it lacks that discipline and unity
of
purpose necessary to successfill warfare. 'We give
Mr. Councillor Blackburn joy of his allies. Give us
proof of your numbers—give us indication of your power.
We know the empty nature of your boastings, and laugh
to scorn yoUr foolish and unmeaning threats. Mr. Coun-
cillor BlaCkburn's independence of public opinion we ad-
mire; it is in exact accordance With our views ; but we
despise that slavish subserviency which was manifested
when'it was necessary to secure the public favour, as a
stepping-stone to power:
We proceed.—ln noticing the goodly proportion of
Protestants who were in the schools, (250 to 1050 Roman
Catholics,) he relates the peeseentions they suffered fronl
the vulgar rabble, and declares it was necessary to call
in the police before quietness could be obtained. Could
he not also have told the Council how Mr. Coudcilloi-
Rathbone was peltede and how when two young tat-chine
were apprehended for throwing stones at the children of
the Corporation School, it was deemed of so much conse-
quence,that Mr. Rat tesone, in hie eleiracter of
repahed-to the Judicial Bench and
gave judgementto
se. " of the little dears belonging lo our schools."
S' must, however, hasten to a conclusion. Mr. Conn-
c:::or Blackburn asserts that one hour each day in the

week the-f*ifile MIR used; and: that Prottistants-Amigittiti
be satisfied %vitt' this! This is candid. Now we have (hi;
troth, and Protestants mast judge bpod What conditioni
the woiiid ;end their childr.en to the.i..4e.clioolS. Ile adds;
in.' •of
that the arrangement is so a, nia ) 1 ,that.a man re,
ligion or of no religion, might teeeke, and, we suppose;
give instruction; without any compromise of principlei
"it was on this ground he adMired it—this wa the ezi•e' 1-
lency and s2-/ory of that system." How emsoiaLury-thii
must have been to poor Mr. Rathbone, who be6ri
censi;red for teaching in the schools :.hat lie belieVed tci
be false. He would lay the flattering tinetiOiit6 his soul;
and endeavour to smile away those compunctions which
he must feel when reason triumphs over passion.

One word in parting to Mr. Councillor Blackburn;.
Never malign your opponent. You were indignant at
the innocent sarcasm of the Rev. Hugh M'Neile; and
yet you cherish a feeling of bitter emnitY against your
opponents, and avail yourself of every opportunity .to
abuse them. Compare your slanders against the Con-
iervative party, and say if we have ever excelled—evet,
equalled them ? What you call the " malignant hc;irl
of faction- we suppose was the demonstration at the
Amphitheatre, when 5,000 voices mere heard in conderia
nation of your system. Does it becorne you as a pro-
fessed Christian to use such coarse langliage to your OP.-
ponents, at least your equals in character, in station; i 6
learning, and respectability ? But we forbear. Mr.
Councillor Rathbone followed, and read a speech, which
our reporter asserts was very dry. He very considerately
declined any lengthy reply to Mr. M‘Neile's power'fui
letter. The Irish board, Mr. 'tailbone says, in addition
to the hour which is set. apart for religious instruetibn;
make it their Object to promote, and they stron,44 recom-
inend—What ? Why, the reading of the Scriptures iii
the hour set 'apart fur such potpie ! Verily thiS is
something like a reply to Mr. M‘Neile. We intend in
our next number to notice at length the speech of thiS
honourable ,Councillor. If sortie of the inaMber: of the
Town Council would entertain a hide more resuect for
the linderstandingS of their tiohstituents, it would be bet-
ter, and not insult theM with falsehood, and calumny;
and abuse. The reasoning of Mr. Councillor Ratlibone:
reminds us strongly of a passage of Pop.e's, when he
says; " that in every sect or party the most ignorant are
the most violent." Our friend Mr. Couneillor Lawrence
Hey4orth followed Mr. Rathbone, and his ier!?..-- effusion.
has laid a tax upon our Italic case. It is only on the,
principle which lie laid down that we can justify. its ap-
pearance in our columns. We can at any rate rival the
fatuous Hypnologist. To our readers we say, read
Mr. Councillor Lawrence Heyworth's speed! the " last
thing going to bed ;" it is sure to prodOce " Na-
ture's sweet restorer, balmy sleep." Mr. -Coun-
cillor Lassen followed, and the peroration of his
speech was quite in a supplicating mood ;—" Grant,"
says he, e to the Committees their confidence fur ano-
ther year, and give them a fair chance of success." We
are disposed to be liberal, but not at the expense of truth.
We cannot sacrifke a principle to gratify a Town Councih
for. They arenot of sufficient importance now-a-days. Mr:
\\Talmsley came next, but it is very clear kern the tenor,
of his speech that he did not understand the subject, as
we will prove on 'Tuesday. But that is of rid conse-
quence,—a Councillor talks against time. Mr. Coun-
cillor E. Smith came next in succession; and his speech
was a perfect comment on the frequent interruptions hi
hail given during the course of Mr. Blackburn's address:
When Mr. Councillor Blackbdrn expressed his independ-
ence of the public, or rather of the "vulgar rabble,",
Mr. Councillor E. Smith broke silence by his sig-:
nificant—"Hear, hear." Now, however, we find
him standing forward as the representative of a
large ward, and arguing from these very circum-
stances that his opinions should have great weight
I with the Council. It is very well that this worthy
Councillor informs the public .that he was educated at
the Royal InstitutiOn; as no one would eves have sus-
pected it, if his speech is correctly reported. We have
some amusement in store for our reader's, which we shall
endeavour to produce next t'eek. Mr, Councillor James
Hey worth's speech will amply repay a careful perusal: it
is candid, faithful, argumentative, and fail of sound yea,:
soning. We shall endeavour, at a future time; to glean
some of its beauties and present them in a more concise
form. It standi alone in this diScussion for, perspieuity
and richneSs of thought. Mr. Councillor Bolton next.
engaged the attention of the Council, and said that as
"conscientious parents they could not send their children
to the forther schOok, because they Were constrain:
ad to read the ainhorised version of the Scriptures.';'
In the next breath he tells us there are about 150,000 versions
of the Scriptures. "There was a gentleman who had examiu-
ed 30,000 manuscripts, and had published a new version."
" Archbishop Newcome had done the same," (that is, examined
30,(X0 uniuuScripts and published anew version.) "Mr. Wake-
field had dune thesam,," (that is, -catuined 30,000 manuscripts
and published a new version.) So bcrl we hav'e 150,000 uetv
versions,' the' latter three compiled front 90,000 manuscripts,
and this ledi•ird Councillor is wandering in !lie etalesiMaies
of the hAbYritah, inteitt Upon ascertaining theScnrreeixersloa
before, as a conscientious parent, he can put the Bible intO the
hands of his (I;ildien: This is very correct logic and can be
sustained by the premises. _The deductions, are agreeable to'
rule. We_say,—stady the manuscripts: ' Button,—studf
the manuscripts!

The Mayor could not give a silent vote on the occasionv4wai
too important. We will venture to say that suelta.ComposiLan
was !refer heard withri the walls of the Town:hallpefere.. It
his novelty to recointhend it. If"our readers will notice, they
will find almost every note of inierrogation'sukeeded in the
next sentence by a puriod. It is a stiecessioe of question and
answer. The Mayor asks 71 question, and atinvers. it according
to
Bll4i,sn,oWunp
to tice mark.'' l‘l r.
comilijilli 13
might well
cheer it and say,
rOckiebziuk bad not
made
votes up s
his, trsind,
idvteitiii't.nhoo must leave the room wheti
the t fur what ward this coun-
-te
cillur is returned, but it Most possess a very fortunate constituen-
cy: Th'ey have a chance of being heard next time. Mr:
Councillor Henry Lawrence concurred in what had fallen from'
the Mayoii,and.begged to compliment him fur the highly tempe-
rate. manner in which he had expressed his opinions. We
n
ettn(_: of the words in. Italics.' Mr.
conune:i td n't h
told Council that, he wai one of the
roundels of one of the largest schools in Liverpool, and that the
present Master was "a seljeant in his Majesty's Gth Itelji.t hod a:
c ae
better snail could not he." The audience, not havingany fancy
for military discipline, cut short the paiicrgyric (')f Mr.
tar Jordan. The lust speaker was our old friend, Mr. COutieil-
lor Lawrence Ileyworth, and he made an admirable finish. He
trusted that, as ids own motion was not seconded, seine other
councilloi's niight be carried out. Time "highly tiritio:friite"
principle scents to have been acted upon throughout. The mo-
tion of Mr. Blackburn was ultieutelv carried. The numbers'
were-43 in favour, and lu t gainst.. Majority 35.

• , , , •
" DEAREST LOVE, I WATCH FOIL THEE."—This admirable
song, of which we have received a copy, We shall notice in our
next.
'lll F. TutipERANCE list,i..—We die' glad to find thit the
TerOpetance Society has so fur increased in numbeittli and re-.
speetaltility, that a meeting litt h-eu
ja,(pe
l.lgeldtrnc
'iatetheenpaulrl.,
ims-
,We
nirof
cotiaidering the propriety of erecting a
wish the praiseworthy, undertaking every success.
THE THEAtRE.—It will he seen front the Theatre,advertise-
meats. that Mr. ii:eati, is engaged to play as Ilambl, on Mon=
dsty eveuii'g »ext,.which is also filed for Mi-s Clarke's benefit.
.We hope, nay coufidently expect, that she will fiar'e a ftill houge..
IThert.• is not a. more clever actress in the coinpaaY, when cast in
ttliaraeters which suit her tal?mts. 'N'Ve are, howey4r, front the.
great pressure of other matter, obliged to be brief. in otir coni-
ments..
AeciDENT.—Front the inattention and careless driving,of
Carts on the turnpike roads, an unfortunate accident betel 4r.
John Parrs-, a traveller for the house of Messri. 13illklY, ;Nun"
5015 .and Co., tea-dealers. of ails town. On
last he was on his wily borne from Ortnskirre, vi,Pli-a eartlon,
against his et,, with such' iolence:Abut the Ititirwits. stinteney
Thdtsday-mght;
Ith(l:o;iielaPs;lite,:iteViaehr.hlisiii.:ll.Citt:ll:::::l:ii,eci,'s
l:n:s''elueiwrt:daniElbtiiidiinaogibth:riedsu.deiits?bice:lyd.al:fue:..riligniirn.;..y:iiiiliti,,,li,'::',;(l,l2l'dif.:::ll;.:irt,::l),,,::lu,ni:ari:)•%,i‘,)%ll.4;.iojee:r4-4:it.irusriu.eere,:eprt.lo'oiatov:usen:lsrePr.iy—ew-Ysi:
V ANDENI4OFP e. BUNIN.—On l'htirsdv.i. in the Court of Ex.'
ewiall L7‘'e considerablelUft:tail:l: there
ie.
ei
eh' ai nr
gg ed ; and Ina
1 Mr•Vaudeohoff
of holang
.owfhL4iiceihti otewu'res;ies fiornoill'etnhiedll3uaiu:dlateiec6aihin:lPinutiOu:lla:c.: d [lux
to
eETlB);l:.riesl.y-odFB::j°itizi::rcilesal ivianenlTll:ia37eiC:Lutlit-ser Raid': ted £l.OO t,..'d • • •
tor 400
infant. Onto' a( Mallon, capablemar s ereettfig en,
children. .
fi.ola e,ioo. expected'

All ihe wheat grown by several farmOs in the neigainuihood'
of ,lixeter has been , 14keti at Is. 6d. a bashei, to be delivered'as'
required between diva and July licit. North DimOn' Journal.
ft is rumoured by ihe friends of ministers that a liarlia
in atxry'iuquiiv into the otierstion Of the,newpuor law bill
not be in,h),e,t by govetninent in the next sessions of parlia-
ment.—Kent Herald.

The Atpri,ll de Pandres asserts that the marriage of .ite:
Princess with th-e elder of the two Princes of
C"urg, Illfus,ets, is finally st;tt!ed:'

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