The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1847-12-28 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

MEETING OF THE §giNOT VESTRY.
On Tuesday the usual meeting Was held. The Rev.
Rector Campbell presided.
It appeared from the proceedings of the Workhouse
Committee that a special meeting of that body had been
held on Monday, at which charges of gross imniornlity in
the workhouse were preferred against Dr. Brett, and the
committee being convinced that the same were well found-
ed, resolved that he be no longer allowed to remain on
the premises, or to officiate in the house as house surgeon.
The Irish Relief Committee reported that the number
of medical cases under treatment in the town, for the week
ending the 17th instant, was 5345, including 2170 fever
cases, being an increase for that week of 135 general cases
and 106 fever cases. For the week ending the 17th inst.,
the medical cases were 5412, including 1995 fever cases,
being an increase of 67 general cases and 35 fever cases.
Dr. Gartside recommended a rearrangement of the me-
dical districts, and a dismissal of all the medical assistants ;
and this recommendation is now under the consideration
of the committee.

The Health Committee, through the Town-clerk, inti-
mated the possibility of cholera making its appearance in
Liverpool, and requested the parochial authorities to make
all the necessary arrangements in the event of such a fear-
ful contingency.
The CHAIRMAN.—Perhaps this would be a fitting op-
portunity to address a few observations to you with refer-
ence to a document I hold in my hand, and which is
entitled the " First report of the commissioners appointed
to inquire whether any and what special means may be
requisite for the improvement of the health of the metro-
polis ;" and, as this has reference particularly to thi
resolution of the Sanatory Committee of the Town Council
respecting the cholera, which has just been read, the first
point I would direct attention to is the conviction of the
commissioners that the cholera is certainly coming. They
say they have received a communication from Sir William
Pym, informing them of the advices which had been re-
ceived from the English consuls " of the steady progress
of this pestilence precisely upon its former track in 1832."
The next is, that there are no human means of preventing
its approach, that it is not contagious, not infectious, not
caused by contact, not communicated by noxious exhala-
tions proceeding from a body in a state of disease, but that
it is atmospheric, a visitation of Providence, proceeding
from the peculiar state of the air. It appears that it came
from France suddenly in 1832, and made its appearance
in England without the least warning, except that which
arose from an anticipation of its progress, and that no
sanatory regulation could by any possibility have prevented
it. (Hear, hear.) Again, there is another thing in this
fEr COntritiVoUrlt thin it giditg btie-hbecr;ZlSinelteell,' that
that
" no measures of alleviation can materially avail against a
malady which almost sets at defiance the resources of
medical art," and that " it begins and ends its mortal
course in a few hours, and destroys one-half of those whom
it attacks." But there are subsequent considerations
which may tend to diminish the apprehensions we may be
expected to entertain from the approach of this very for-
midable visitor. It appears that it confines itself chiefly
to particular localities—that it follows the track of rivers
and water-courses, and, like an evil spirit, hovers over
ditches. cesspools, and drains. It appears further, that it
is most prevalent in particular classes of society. It at-
tacks the drunkard. Therefore, gentlemen, if we are
cleanly and sober, as I hope you all are, and live in good
air, we need not be afraid of cholera ourselves, but that,
unfortunately, does not apply to those persons with whom
we have more particularly to deal—the sick and destitute
poor ; they are not cleanly, they are not sober, and they
cannot live in good air. Then there is another thing
somewhat consolatory, that when the cholera prevails
typhus disappears. We have not two plagues at the same
time; and it so happened, in this town, that when it pre-
vailed here, although the mortality was increased in the
three months of July, August, and September, the mor-
tality for the whole year was not increased at all. Now
we proceed to consider what the remedies are. In the
first place the commissioners say cholera hospitals are of
no use ; that they do more harm than good. They, there-
fore, do not recommend that any cholera hospitals should
be established, but that the patients should be treated at
their own homes, and they say that cleanliness and venti-
lation are the only palliatives. It is by proper draining,
by cleansing cesspools, by emptying privies, and taking
away every sort of noxious filth, that the liabilities to
cholera may be diminished ; but, above all other things,
the commissioners say, that overcrowding must be pre-
vented. Overcrowding is the thing of all others, gentle-
men, to which we should direct our attention ; and the
inhabitants ought to co-operate with us in preventing this
overcrowding, by discouraging, as far as they possibly can,
the immigration of Irish poor into this town. (Hear,
hear.) If the cellars and small lodging-houses of this
town are overcrowded, and it pleases Almighty God to
visit us with this infliction of cholera, the consequences
must not only be very awful, but extremely expensive,
because we must do what we can to take care of those poor
in a state of disease. And, although whatever precautions
may be taken, the disease may spread, it is of the utmost
importance that more than usual precautions should be
taken, for Liverpool has the reputation of being the most
unhealthy town in England, but it is so because it is the
fever ward of Ireland, and it is not fitting that such a
town should be made a pest-house for the reception and
propagation of infectious disorders. (Hear, bear.) The
way to prevent this is to prevent overcrowding, in co-
operation with the Sanatory Committee, and to cause
cleansing and ventilation by every means in our power ;
and if we do this, I must confess I think we need have no
apprehension of the cholera, because when it prevailed
here it did not produce an increase in the average morta-
lity of the year. (Applause.)
After a great many alterations, the following resolution
was, upon the motion of AitAiy.B.qusohr. adopted, and the.
subject dropped for trig present ' That the select Vestry
are ready to take any steps in their power to provide
against the approach of the cholera, but that the matter
rests almost entirely with the Health Committee, the
chief measures of prevention being, according to the Me-
tropolitan Sanatory Commissioners--ventilation, the
cleansing of cesspools and drains, the removal of stagnant
water and noxious filth on unoccupied land, and the pre-
vention of overcrowding in the cellars and low lodging-
houses of the town."

The Workhouse Committee recommended three gentle-
men as possessing sufficient testimonials to be appointed
successor to Dr. Brett, as in-door medical officer of the
Workhouse. These gentlemen were Messrs. Newton,
Ellerton, and Steele.

Mr. JOHNSON moved the appointment of a tried servant
of the parish, Mr. H. B. Steele, who would, he was sure,
give the board general satisfaction.
Mr. SEWARD seconded the motion ; and Mr. Steele was
unanimously appointed to the office.

LAUNCH OF A BRAZILIAN STEAM FRIGATE.

• In our paper of the 30th of last month, we furnished an
account of a frigate, then in course of building by our
townsman, Mr. Royden, 1-33 6n-street, for the Emperor
or Brazils. In noticing the launtl',
we need, therefore,
(without repeating details,) merely
e as a reminiscence
that the vessel is built of the very best timer, with cop-
per fastenings ; that her burthen is about 880 ionsher
engine power 300 horse, and that she will be fitted with
two 68-ppund guns, working on circles, forward and aft,
and some artillery of smaller calibre at the sides. She is to
be fitted in every respect as a man-of-war, somewhat
similar to the Fury, belonging to our Government. and
her cabins will be finished in polished mahogany. She is
purposed to run along the coast and up the rivers and
creeks of the Brazilian coast, and is consequently con-
structed to float upon a comparatively light draught of
water—spy 12 feet—when all her fuel, engines, &c., are
on board.. Though, for this purpose, she is necessarily
full-built amidships ; her extremities are finely and sym-
metrically drawn in, and she has all the appearance of a i
smart vessel when afloat. She has a handsome figure-
head, and a round stern for the better working of the
large after gun, in addition to extra strength.
The launch took place shortly before noon, and, not-
withstanding the extremely cold state of the atmosphere,
the attendance was very numerous, including many of the
most respectable families and individuals of the town and
neighbourhood. The vessel bore on centre poles two
British ensigns, and at the fore and pique respectively the
Brazilian flag—a yellow diamond within a green ground—
and in the diamond, a globe surrounded by stars, and
surmounted by a crown—the whole enwreathed with
laurel. The vessel went off in the most gratifying style,
taking the water like a duck. The shouts of applause
were loud and long. The vessel floated, as near as we
could guess, in about six-and-a-half feet of water, fully
realising the expectations entertained of her powers of
floatation. She was named The Alfonso, by Miss
Grenfell, daughter of Admiral Grenfell, the employe of
the emperor, who has been long in his service, but is a
patriotic native of this country. The launching of the
ship was assisted by the superintendence of Mr. Lancas-
ter, one of our able Liverpool pilots, and by him she was
safely taken into the Coburg Dock, where her appearance
excited great interest amongst the nautical men who hap-
pened to be in that locality'.
lmmediate!y atter the launch, the invited company and
their friends, in all about 300 sat down in the mould-
room, a very large apartment, beautifully decorated with
flags, evergreens, BEr., and partook of a supzrb collation,
including hot soup, &c., and a desert and wines. Admi-
ral Grenfell occupied the chair, and in a British sailor-
like manner introduced the several toasts with great force
and peculiar brevity—hitting, in fact the nail on the head,
at a blow. This was the signal for general brevity, by
the rest of the company,—the more acceptable from the
coldness of the day. After the usual loyal toasts,
Captain SIDNEY GRENFELL, R.N., ably replied to the
toast of " The Navy." He said that in no part of the
world would the warm feeling in which the toast was
given be so complimentary to the service as in Liverpool.
No port was more . celebrated for the spirit, enterprise,
and fair dealing of her merchants; and he entertained no
doubt but that in the event of war, supported by the stout
hearts and strong arms of such men, Britain had no occa-
sion to dread a foe from any part of world.
The CHAIRMAN proposed the health of the Emperor
of the Brazils, whose flag had that day floated over the
vessel they had seen launched. That prince, he said, was
possessed of all the abilities that became a throne, and
all the virtues that could adorn private life. (Cheers.)
Mr. Stubbs's Philharmonic Band was present (having
previously played at the launch), and in, we think, good
taste—the Emperor being attached to our government,
rnd having no national anthem—played " God save the
Queen." Mr. Stubbs added much to the effect of the
music during the entertainment by his double octave of
hand-bells.

The health of the Marquis de Lisboa, the representative
of his Brazilian Majesty, who was unavoidably absent,
was drunk with all the honours.

The CHAIRMAN (who had superintended the building
of the frigate) proposed the health of Mr. Royden and
the Shipbuilders of Liverpool. He had found in Mr.
Royden all the friendly feeling, skill in his profession, and
frank bearing for which his country was so celebrated.
(Cheers, and Hearts of Oak" from the band.)
Mr. ROYDEN, in a good-humoured reply, said that he
hoped the present vessel for his Brazilian Majesty would
give satisfaction, and that if he wanted another, he would
give Liverpool the preference. Even if he (Mr. R.) were
not the builder, he should rejoice to meet, at any other
yard in Liverpool, such a company as the present. He
proposed " the health of Admiral Grenfell, the chairman."
(Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN, in responding, said that though nearly
all his life had been spent in the service of foreign states,
yet nothing was so grateful to his feelings as the commen-
dations of his own countrymen. In whatever capacity he
bad been, his constant aim and object had been to support
abroad the high and honourable character of the British
subject. He proposed the health, in highly complimentary
terms, of John Brumley Moore, Esq., the chairman of the
Dock Committee.

Alderman JOHN BRAMLEY-MOORE then rose to reply,
and was cordially received. He said that in his opinion he
might with great propriety have permitted the music to
pass instead of his troubling them with a speech. (No, no.)
However he could not allow this opportunity to pass with-
out expressing to them how sensibly he felt the kind man-
ner in which they had been pleased to receive his name.
(Cheers.) He felt great gratification in being present on
such an occasion—and he felt that gratification the more
sensibly because it was the launch of a noble vessel be-
longing to a country with which he was himself intimately
connected. (Hear, hear.) From that launch, from the
fact that such a vessel was built in the port of Liverpool,
he might infer that there was a great desire on the part of
his Brazilian Majesty to promote that peace with this
country which had already done so much to promote the
happiness and prosperity of both countries. (Cheers.)
And he had no doubt but that those friendly and amicable
relations would still subsist between the countries so long
as such men as Admiral Grenfell and the Marquis of
Lisboa represented that kingdom in this country. (Hear
and cheers.) In conclusion, he would again thank them
for their kindness to himself. (Cheers.)
Alderman MOORE proposed success to the noble vessel
just launched. (Drunk with all the honours.)
The health of " Miss Greenfell, and that of the ladies
present," having been duly honoured, the company sepa-
rated.

LAUNCH OF THE WHITEHAVEN STEAM-SHIP.

On Wednesday last there was launched, from the yard of
Messrs. T. Vernon and Co., South-shore, a very fine iron
steam-ship, named the Whitehaven, and intended to run
between this port and Whitehaven, in conjunction with
the steamer Queen, a vessel already highly celebrated for
her qualities as an admirable and swift sea-boat. The
Whitehaven was designed, or (in other words) modelled,
by the gentleman from whose mould the Queen was con-
structed—our townsman Mr. John Grantham—and as it is
generally adaitted that " experience makes perfect," we
scarcely venture too much when we say that in this case,
the modeller has, in all probability, surpassed himself.
It is a questionable policy, on his part to furnish the form
of one vessel for the same company, that shall beat his
former sample. This is, howerer, a matter that rests
amongst the parties themselves ; and we delight to do
honour to that quality of our countrymen, which naturally
gratified by one achievement, proceeds to one still more
ennobling. This is the progressive force of genuine in-
tellect.

The burthen of the Whitehaven is 550 tons, and her
engines, constructed by the Butterley Iron Company, in
Derbyshire, on the oscillating principle, are of 300 horse
power and considered to be, by practical men, fine and
efficient specimens of mechanism. She has a beautiful
figure-head, and a stern correspondingly embellished.
The launch was one of the most even and beautiful we
have ever witnessed, and was hailed with loud acclama-
tions by a large assemblage who had gathered to the spot,
distant as it was from the town, and notwithstanding the
coldness of the day and the early hour ; for it is necessary,
owing to the currents, to launch at this southern part of
the estuary of our river some time before high water,
which occurred on that day shortly after eleven o'clock.
The vessel floated lightly and beautifully, realising all, in
appearance and draught of water, that could he antici-
pated.
After the launch, a large portion of the company par-
took of refreshments, a la foureheile, in the large room
appropriated for drawing and modelling, on the premises
—the more immediate friends of the builders and owners
of the vessel. The health of Mrs. Bell, who had, in a
spirited manner, given the vessel her name, was drunk
with all the honours, and was feelingly responded to by
her worthy husband, Mr. D. Bell, of Wavertree, who
proposed the health and success of Messrs. T. Vernon
and Co. the builders, of whom, as faithful tradesmen, he
expressed his high commendation.
Mr. VERNON, sen., modestly replied. This was the
second iron ship they had built for the same proprietors,
and he trusted she would turn out to be quite as successful
as her predecessor, " The Queen." He alluded to the
depressed state of affairs ; but seeing so delighted a com-
pany around him, could not but consider the day as one of
brightness amongst the general gloom, and one from which
they might augur the advent of happier commercial times.
He hoped again to meet with such a company on a simi-
larly auspicious occasion ; and after passing a high com-
pliment on the owners of the new ship for their enter-
prise and perseverance, proposed the health of that com-
pany-.
Mr. DowsoN replied in impressive terms. He stated
that he had been agent for the company for twenty years ;
thanked those present for their attendance, and lamented
that one gentleman belonging to the firm, and who would
have rejoiced to be present, was prevented by sickness.
Mr. VERNON, sen., proposed the health of Mr. John
Grantham, the marine architect of the ship, with whom he
had enjoyed a long and pleasing acquaintance, and of whose
professional skill and acquirements he entertained a high
opinion. That gentleman had been honoured by the mo-
delling of a considerable number of vessels built in the
same yard, which, he was happy to say, had given entire
satisfaction. He passed a high eulogiutn on the character of
the owners, whose cordial co-operation and friendship he h ad
experienced throughout. He proposed the health of a
gentleman who had, with great success, for two years com-
manded the Queen, launched from that yard, and who
was appointed to navigate the new ship. No one, he felt
assured, was better qualified for so responsible a duty than
Captain Thompson.
Capt. T. in returning thanks, paid a high compliment,
in his sailor-like fashion, to the proposer of the toast.
He said that when he first saw "The Queen," he consi-
dered her to be a vessel especially adapted, from her sharp
appearance, to become the coffin of her crew ; but now,
speaking not from theory, but from practice, (and after a
service of 13 or 14 years with the company,) he could pro-
nounce her to be one of the best sea-boats in which be
had ever sailed. The Whitehaven was nearly of the same

form u the Queen, and he had no doubt but she would
prove to be fully as swift.
Mr. VERNON gave the health of his old and esteemed
friend, Mr. Dowson, the Liverpool agent of the Company.
Mr. D., in responding, said he and his friends had long
done business with Messrs. Vernon, and on all occasions
with mutual satisfaction.

Mr. GRANTHAM proposed the health of those gentle-
men who had so largely promoted the interests of the
Company in Whitehaven, and who were highly entitled to
the utmost commendation—Messrs. Fisher and Stewart-
-1 the agents. Their sons, who happened to be present, and
both most prOmising youths, would, he felt assured, con-
vey to them the warm feeling here evinced on the men-
tion of their names.
Mr. CHARLES FISHER, of Whitehaven. modestly and
neatly returned thanks, as the representative of the
parties.
Capt. THOMPSON, in giving the health of " The Ladies"
who had honoured them with their company, preferred a
high tribute to the whole sex, stating that during the late
gale he had more of them as passengers—fearless and
amiable—than gentlemen, and that without them the
company might almost close. shop.
The cheering at this toast was, if possible, more pro-
longed, on the part of the ladies especially, than all that
had preceded it; and a good-humoured whisper ran, and
was speedily taken up, that the fair patronizers of the
launch were well aware that the captain was " a bachelor."
Several other toasts supervened, and were ably, re-
plied to.
It was stated that the cabins of the Whitehaven would
be finished in polished mahogany, under the plan and
superintendence of Mr. Vernon, jun., and Capt. Thomp-
son, and that the whole would be in perfect keeping, to
surpass, if possible, the similar fittings of the far-famed
Orion. We can but say, in conclusion, that, though the
meeting was brief, the enthusiasm was great, and that the
kindest reciprocal wishes were expressed for the success
of the owners and builders of the Whitehaven, a vessel,
which we entertain no doubt, will confer additional honour
upon our port, from the elegance, adaptation, and fidelity
of her construction.