The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-02-22 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1853

RONIISH PERSECUTION.

THE case of the persecution of the MADIAI by
the GRAND DUKE of TUSCANY, for the simple
offence of reading the Holy Bible—an offence of
the deepest dye in the eyes of the Romish Priest-
hood, because it exposes the falsehood and blas-
phemy of their atrocious doctrines—was brought
before the House of Commons on Thursday, on a
motion by Mr. KIxNAIRD, for an address to Her
MAJESTY, to take steps for bringing under the
notice of the GRAND DUKE OF TUSCANY the
strong feelings prevailing in England in conse-
quence of the persecution in Tuscany of those who
profess principles held by Her MAJESTY, in com-
mon with the majority of her subjects. The mo-
tion was opposed, we might say, as a matter of
course, by the renegade Quaker and friend of Mr.

BRIGHT, who glories in his perversion to Romish
superstition, and his advocacy of Romish perse-
cution. He attempted to justify the slow torture

of the MAD/Ai, by alluding to the expulsion of the
Jesuits from Switzerland, and taunted Lord PAL-
MERSTON for not having remonstrated with the

EMPEROR of Russia for the persecution of Nuns at
Minsk. It was a mere ebullition of recrimination,
' without one point which could justify or palliate

THE REV. DR. M‘NEILE AND THE
RAGGED SCHOOLS.
THE great meeting which was held last week for
the promotion of the Liverpool Industrial Ragged
Schools excited a very considerable share of public
attention ; and the enthusiasm which was displayed
evinced the general reeling in favour of this means
of converting the outcast children from our streets
into respectable members of society. Among the
several speakers on the occasion was the Rev. Dr.
NI‘NEILE ; and Fe very properly and forcible
alluded to the influence exercised by Romish Priests
in preventing parents under their control from
sending their children to these schools, and even
compelling them to withdraw their children, under
the blasphemous pretence that their souls were
more in danger than when they were learning crime
in the streets. These remarks have led to an attack
on the reverend gentler= by one or two of our con-
temporaries, who, true to the instincts of their party,
profess great consideration and toleration for the
ever intolerant and persecuting Romanist section.
It may be, and no doubt is true, that much diffi-
culty is experienced through the opposition of cri-
minal parents, who, endeavour, by systematically
corrupting their unhappy offspring, to obtain means
for the indulgence of their own evil propensities ;
and for this horrible state of things some legislative

enactment may be necessary ; but it is equally true
that, as Romish superstition is only maintained by
ignorance, the Priests of Rome exercise a despotic
authority, where they can, in perpetuating it. It is
no question of religious toleration, but one abso-
lutely affecting the real liberty of those who are,
unfortunately, subject to such spiritual despotism.
It has been, and is, the great curse of Ireland, that
her unhappy people have been subject to this grind-
ing sacerdotal oppression; and every attempt to
rtti.vc Llicau ta,m, I. nas peen met with this sense-
less and much•abased cry of religious liberty. Dr.
M`NEILE spoke no more than the truth when he
alluded to this obstacle to the successful operations
of the Liverpool Ragged Schools; and the abuse
which it has called forth, shows clearly that the
leaning of Radicalism is towards Rome, notwith-
standing its pretended zeal for the interests of the
Protestant faith. Toleration to Rome has operated
as an encouragement to encroachment. Impunity
has given confidence to priestly ruffianism, as was
shown in Southwark, a short time since, where a
woman was flogged by a Romish Priest for having
had her child baptised ; and unless some steps are
taken to interpose more effectual restraints than
have lately been the case, it may be a question for
serious consideration, whether we should not do
well to resort to the ancient interdict against any
Romish Priest practising as such within these
realms. The greatest evil we have to endure is
that want of moral courage which prevents a man
from boldly denouncing the mischief, through some
false delicacy about toleration. The duty, however,
is plainly before us ; and without the slightest
regard for the mock sentimentality of Radical pro-
fessors of religious liberty, we do but assert, what
every true Protestant believes, that Rome is anti-
Christ, and that consequently Romanists have no
real claim to the title of Christian. Toleration,
therefore, in this direction is but an abuse of the
term ; and the conversion of their poor dupes should
form as mach an object of Christian zeal, as sending
missionaries to the Heathen.

LECTURE ON INDIA.

On Friday evening, the Rev. P. Percival, M.A., mis-
sionary from India, delivered the first of his lectures on
India and Ceylon, at the Collegiate Institution. The
attendance was not large, but the utmost interest and at-
tention were manifested by those present, in the original
information supplied on subjects so eminently connected
with the promotion of the Gospel of Christ.
The lecturer stated that he first went out to India in
the beginning of 1826, under the auspices of the Wesleyan
Society, and he had been engaged since that time in the
work of a missionary, during a portion of the twenty-six
years under the British and Foreign Bible Society. In a
few months he intended to return to that country, there
to remain, he trusted, till the conclusion of his days.
During his present visit to England he had been located
chiefly in London, and now he had come to the North,
fixing his head quarters at Manchester, in the hope that
he might be able to excite a more general interest in be-
half of the missions which are being conducted in India ;
and that when he had delineated the spiritual wants of that
country, he could not fail to secure a healthy response for
the great and glorious cause.

India is a theme of the greatest possible importance.
It has been and is an object of interest to the man of the
world, who simply views its extent, its productiveness,
and its immense population. To the philosopher and the
scholar, it presents an extensive literature, and a people
who have been civilized from the remotest ages. While
the Christian believer, in whom the Spirit of God formed
a lodgment. finds in the swarthy inhabitants of India an
object in which his sympathy must be warmly excited.
The country. extends 1,900 miles in one direction, and
from 1,300 to 1,500 in another, and the number of its
inhabitants amounts, at the lowest computation, to
155,006,000. This shows the magnitude of the work the
missionary has to encounter.
But there are difficulties of another and a still more for-
midable nature. That the Hindoos are, in point of
civilisation, the most ancient people in the world ; that in
India there is a refined and extensive literature, and from
thirteen to eighteen polished languages ; that their litera-
ture is almost exclusively of a religious character ; and
that the Brahmins arrogate to themselves the right to
teach, not only religious subjects, but physical truth, or
rather error,—all constituted difficulties of great magni-
tude. There is much that is imposing about their re-
ligion; and in various appliances the priests have the
most powerful means of keeping together the people. So
that in every part of the country they may be said to exer-
cise an almost omnipotent power over them. Thus, the
Hindoo becomes confident in the faith of his ancestors.
He appeals to his temples, his priesthood, his literature,
his sacred books ; and while he is willing to admit that
the European is superior to him in mechanical skill. hp
A. own people the prerogative of
being much more recondite, and better acquainted with
the principles of things, especially things of a metaphysi-
cal character. The Hindoo has often the most subtle
arguments and questions to put in the Christian congre-
gation. Here are obstacles which never present them-
selves among barbarous tribes; and which, of course, im-
pede vastly the progress of the Christian missionary's
labour. "You teach the Divine Unity," says the Hindoo ;
"so do we. You teach the necessity of an atonement ;so
do we. You place it on Christ ;we on the subjective
sinner himself." It is exceedingly difficult to propound
and make apparent and rational the truths of the Gospel
to minds so pre-occupied. And all this tends to show
that the Christian missionary can only expect to succeed
among a people like the Hindoos by preternatural
influence. While they speak the truth, they must not
depend on any mere rational process, or any application
of mere human arguments, for a lodgment for the truth of
the Gospel. In dependance upon that Spirit who dic-
tated the truth must they alone hope for success.
At the conclusion of this admirable lecture, Mr. PER-
civAL said he would show next night what had been done
for the general diffusion of truth among the people, not
only in the present, but in past time, and also the pros-
pects of the future.

LIVERPOOL AND LONDON FIRE AND
LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.

The seventeenth annual general meeting of the proprie-
tors of the Liverpool and London Fire and Life Insurance
Company was held on Thursday, in the company's offices,
Water-street, Thos. Brocklebank, Esq., in the absence of
Jos. Hornby, Esq., chairman, presided. There was a
large attendance of proprietors.
The CHAIRMAN called on the secretary to read the
report of the directors, of which the following is an
abstract :

CAPITAL ACCOUNT.—By the issue 0f(550 shares during
the past year, the number in the hands of the proprietors
is made 79,229.
Fritz DEPARTMENT.—The increase in the fire insurance
business must be very satisfactory to the proprietors. It
establishes the fact of the company's rapid growth, and
that it is fast attaining an important position amongst the
insurance companies of the United Kingdom. The annual
premiums received at quinquennial periods, commencing
with the first complete year of the company's existence,
were the following :-1837, £11,986 17s. 2d. ; 1847,
£41,402 145.-1842, £23,804 Ils. 7d. ; 1852, £98,654
14s. 10d.

Lire DEPARTMENT.—The business of this department
also continues to increase. The total premiums for the
year are £50,799175. 11d., and the claims £19,636 2s. 6d.
Bonds for 27 annuities, amounting in the aggregate to
£2,739 lls. 5d., have been issued, and amongst this class
of the company's customers eight have died, to whom
£248 3s. Bd. were annually payable.
AGENCIES.—A considerable addition to the number of
the company's agents has been made in the course of the
year.

RESERVED FUND.—The premium received on the
shares issued in the year is £2,425, which sum has been
placed to the (credit: of the reserved surplus fund, now
amounting to £141,062 10s.

DXVIDEND.—The directors, having carefully considered
the Circumstances of the company, declare, subject to the
approbation of this meeting, a dividend of 10s. a share,
less income tar, and five per cent. on the uncalled capital
in the case of those shares on which £2los. have not been
received.

After a discussion, in which Mr. Nicol, Mr. Mozley,
Mr. Holt, and other proprietors took part, the motion for
the adoption of the report was then unanimously agreed
to.—A dividend, at the rate recommended in the report,
was also agreed to.—The retiring directors, with the
exception of Mr. T. S. Gladstone, were re-elected. This
gentleman's place was filled by Mr. Francis C. Braun.
Mr. Thomas Booth was elected in the room of Mr. Stol-
terfoht, resigned. The auditors, Messrs. Blackburne and
Jones, were also re-elected.—A sum of £BOO was then
voted to the directors for their services during the past
year.

The CHAIRMAN moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Boult,
the secretary, who, he stated, had discharged his duty
with great zeal and energy.
Mr. GRANT seconded the motion, which was unani-
mously agreed to. _ _

Mr. BOULT thanked the meeting for the compliment
paid him.

- Mr. EA RLE proposed a vote of thanks to Nit. Henderson,
the London secretary, which was unanimously carried,
and acknowledged by that gentleman.

ELECTION COMMITTEES.

BLACKBURN.—The committee met on Saturday for the
first time, and proceeded to hear evidence in support of
the allegations of the petition, charging bribery and
treating on the part of Mr. Eccles, the sitting member.
LANCASTER.—The committee appointed to inquire
into the allegations of the petitions against the return of
Mr. Armstrong, the sitting member, commenced their
sittings on Thursday, and on Saturday the case for the
petitioners was closed.

CLITHEOLE.—The committee met on Saturday for the
first time, and a case charging bribery and treating was
entered into.

CANTERBURY.—The committee met on Thursday, and
the case of the petitioners, alleging bribery and treating,
was brought to a close on Saturday.
BRIDGENORTH.—The committee met on Friday, and
the case alleging bribery by Sir R. Pigot and Mr. Whit-
more, the sitting members, is still before them.
TAVISTOCR.—The petition alleges want of qualification
on the part of Mr. Carter. and has not yet been con-
cluded.

CHATHAM.—The committee met on Saturday, and the
case was only just opened.

LIVERPOOL ROYAL INFIRMARY.

The annual report of the Liverpool Royal Infirmary,
which has just been published, contains some important
topics in reference to this valuable institution. An im-
provement has taken place with respect to the encou-
ragement of the pupils, from which great advantages are
anticipated, and the alterations in the manner of admission
to the Lunatic Asylum have proved advantageous. At
the same time the committee call attention to the inade-
quacy of the funds at their disposal, and appeal to the
public to place the institution in a more satisfactory state.
We subjoin some extracts from the report :
" An important alteration, affecting the infirmary as a
school of professional science, has this year to be an-
nounced. Those pupils who reside and board in the house
had hitherto solely enjoyed the privilege of serving as
clerks to the physicians and dressers to the surgeons. It
has, however, now been thought expedient to extend these
advantages, under certain restrictions, to the out-pupils
who attend the general practice of the house, as well as
to all other professional students generally. The com-
mittee contemplate this change as one eminently calcu-
lated to promote the great cause of medical education, by
opening to every one the facilities for the study which
this extensive hospital affords. It was, therefore, with
sincere pleasure that they acceded to a very handsome
proposition, made by the lecturers of the school of medi-
cine, offering to give an annual gold medal, of the value
of ten guineas, to the best student of the year, if the com-
mittee would grant to the successful candidate a free resi-
dence in the house, and a free clerkship and dressership
for six months. It may be as well again to mention that
pupils who have received a certificate of attendance upon
the requisite course of lectures at the school of medicine,
and upon the practice of this hospital, may pass the
Apothecaries'-hall and the College of Surgeons without
any previous residence in London.
" The alteration in the manner of admission to the
Lunatic Asylum, mentioned in the last report, has ope-
rated for the benefit of that unfortunate class of patients
as fully as could be possibly desired. The low rates at
which patients are admitted, and the privilege possessed
by their friends of choosing the accommodation suited to
their means, render this asylum peculiarly adapted for the
reception of the middle and lower classes, for whom it is
generally acknowledged that sufficient accommodation is
not provided in this country. The commissioners have
expressed their cordial approval of all that has been clone;
and it may now fairly be said that the comfort here
afforded cannot be surpassed by any.similar establishment
in.the kingdom,
" The fund raised many.yeara ago for as relief of needy
Sea deserriss I/stints, os *sir leering the Infirmary is

now entirely exhausted. So many cases frequently occur
where a small benefaction to a poor man, thrown out of
employment by accident or disease, with a family entirely
dependent upon his exertions for support, is an act of
true Christian charity, that the advantage of being able to
grant such relief must be evident to all. The committee,
therefore, earnestly and confidently appeal to the benevo-
lence of the public to aid them in the formation of a per-
manent fund for this purpose. It is administered under
the direction of the chaplain, the visitors, or the medical
officers. The treasurer has already received a donation
of £5 towards this charitable object.
" However satisfactory in many respects may be the
item
which of account now presented, there is one
which continues to prove a source of much anxiety to th
committee. Notwithstanding that £B2 were received
during the past year in new and increased subscriptions,
the list is now £lO below the amount raised in 1851, and
£423 less than the subscription list seven years ago.
Surely this ought not to happen in the flourishing town
of Liverpool. It is, therefore, earnestly to be wished
that the trustees and subscribers would co-operate in
making the wants of this old and excellent charity known
to those who do not already subscribe."

COUNTY COURT, YESTERDAY.

[BEFORE J. W. HARDEN, ESQ.]

The second February court was opened yesterday
morning, before Mr. Harden, Judge of the Chester
County Court, in consequence of the detention in the
metropolis of Mr. Pollock, who is at present in London
on public business.

INTERPLEADER.—Mr. Almond appeared for the claim
ants in this case, Messrs. John Brooks, woollen tnanufac
turer, Huddersfield, and Eli Shaw, creditors of John
Quine, tailor, Queen-street ; and Mr. Evans, on behalf
of John Quilliam, the executing creditor. It appeared
that, in the month of August last, having got into diffi-
culties, and become involved in debt to the amount of
£5OO, John Quine resolved to execute an assignment for
the benefit of all the creditors. This deed was signed by
Brooks and Shaw, the former of whom had supplied Quine
with cloth to the extent of £l5O. All the creditors had
agreed to this course except Quilliam, who afterwards
entered a suit at the County Court, and obtained an ex-
ecution, which he immediately carried into effect—the
other creditors protesting against the proceeding. It was
endeavoured to be proved that the claimants had merely
agreed to this deed of assignment without in reality taking
the business out of the hands of Quine. It was sworn by
Quine, however, that he was retained in the place in order
only that he might receive the assignment, which no one
could do as well as himself, as his customers were chiefly
tailors.He deposed that he had written tot heacting creditor,
Mr. Quilliam, announcing his desire to make a deed of
assignment, in reply to which that gentleman said that be
did not wish his name to be included in the list, as he
would be happy to wait till he (Quine) "came round
again." At the conclusion of the evidence, his Honour
stated that he would take the case into consideration, and
give judgment at a future time.
ELIZABETH MONKHOLTSE V. THOMAS MCVITIE and
ROBERT SHANKLAND, 213, Vauxhall-road, coal mer-
chants. In this case, the claimant, Miss Elizabeth Monk.
house, of 34, Clarence-street, made a claim to recover
certain goods seized in an execution, proceeding out of
that Court, against William Monkhouse, father of the
claimant, a person of irreLzular habits, who is now sepa-
rated from his family, having emigrated some months ago
to Australia. Mr. Hill appeared for the claimant, and
Mr. Hime for the executing creditors. His Honour,
after hearing the painful case at some length, gave judg-
ment in favour of the claimant, except in the matter of
a four-post bedstead and hangings, which the needy
creditors were authorized to retain. He also desired that
each party should pay their costs.
The other cases, in all amounting to twenty-three,
brought before the Court yesterday, were of little public
interest. Upwards of 120 cases are entered for hearing
to-day; and altogether, 675 cases will be heard at the
oresent Court. The Court sits on Tuesday (to-day),
Thursday, and Friday, as well as on Monday, Tuesday,
and Wednesday, next week.

TRIAL TRIP OF THE SCREW STEAMER
ANTELOPE, FOR AUSTRALIA.

A first trial trip of this vessel took place yesterday.
She left the Wellington Dock at ten, a.m., steamed up to
the Sloyne, and came down abreast the landing-stage,
where a steam-tug, with a small party of gentlemen, joined
her. She then proceeded down the river, passed the Rock
Lighthouse at 11 30, down the Rock channel, and passed
the North-west Lightship at 020 p.m. Canvass was
then put on the ship, and she went on under them and
sailed towards the Ormshead. At 330 took the sail off
the ship and steamed back towards Liverpool; at 5 40
passed the Bell Buoy, in company with the Independence,
the fastest steam-tug on the river, which, although she
put on all her power, they ran neck and neck to the Rock
Lighthouse, which was again passed at 6 30. Nothing
could be more satisfactory than this trial of the Antelope,
making under steam ten knots, and under steam and can-
vas eleven to twelve knots, although there was no wind
to give any great effect to the canvas. The result of this
trial of the Antelope augurs most favourably for her
voyage to Australia, whence she proceeds early next
month, and we understand that a select party are invited
to a second trial of this fine vessel on Thursday next.
The engines made forty-eight to fifty revolutions per
minute, with a pressure of thirteen to fifteen lbs., much
below what can be accomplished when everything is in
proper working order. We believe that every one who
saw the Antelope on the river, and those on board who
were witnesses of her performance, are fully satisfied with
the excellence of the ship and her machinery, as well as
her seagoing qualities, and that she will accomplish a
rapid passage to Australia.

ALLEGED SYSTEMATIC SWINDLING AT
THE LOTTERY, OR "WHEEL OF FORTUNE"
SHOPS.
IMPORTANT INVESTIGATION A THE POLICE-
COURT, YESTERDAY.
Yesterday a protracted enquiry took place at the Police-
court, before the stipendiary magistrate and Mr. J. Hay-
ward Turner, and it is to be hoped that the disclosures
made will serve as a caution to those who have been
allured into these places, as well as the public generally.
Peter Ilampson, and Samuel Atkinson, occupying two
lottery-shops in Paradise-street, were placed before the
magistrates charged with obtaining money under false
pretenses from persons visiting their establishments under
circumstances detailed below.
Mr. PEMBERTON, solicitor, appeared on behalf of the
prisoners. Hampson's case was taken first.
Mr. Clough, In-door Superintendent of Police, stated
to the magistrates that, in consequence of a great num-
ber of complaints having been made at the polioe-office
by persons who said that they had been defrauded of va-
rious sums of money at these places in Paradise-street,
known as " Wheel of fortune shops," the police autho-
rities had been induced to take measures and secure evi-
dence against the prisoners. With that object, officers
were sent down to watch the shops on Saturday after-
noon last, and they, as well as other witnesses, would now
give their evidence.
William Groom was the first witness examined. He
said—On Saturday night last, I went into the prisoner's
shop in Paradise-street, about six o'clock. I saw the
prisoner. I asked him if all the articles in the shop were
ticketed in the wheel ; he replied " Yes, all but five." I
then put down sixpence, and I drew a tray. I tried
again, and drew this (a toothbrush). I paid sixpence
each time.
Cross-examined by Mr. Pemberton.—l went into the
shop to try my luck. I was asked by a lady to go in and
try. No one else asked me. I had no conversation with
the police before I went to try my luck.
Detective-officer Scaife said—On Saturday night last,
I went to a shop in Paradise-street, at the corner of
Cooper's -row, in consequence of instructions I had received.
A man was stationed at the door inviting people in. He
said to people as they passed along, " Step inside, you
have the chance of winning any article you see in the shop,
for sixpence."
By Mr. Pemberton—The prisoner was inside the shop.
He was near enough to the man to hear what he said.
Examination continued-1 went into the shop and
asked the prisoner if there were tickets in the wheel for
all the articles in the shop, and he said that there were,
with the exception of four or five. I then asked him if I
could, by putting in, stand a chance of winning any of those
pier-glasses, and be replied, " Yes, there is a ticket in the
wheel for them." [Pier-glass produced.] I then
went back again to the door of the shop and
called the other officers who were with me to
come into the shop. As soon as we got
near the counter the prisoner got hold of the wheel, and
tried to upset all the tickets on to the floor. Some of
them fell on to the floor, and others on to the counter.
I picked up the tickets that fell on the counter, and Eaton,
one of the officers who was with me, picked up those that
fell on to the floor. We then put the tickets altogether
on to the counter, and counted them. There were 106 in
all. We then commenced to compare the tickets with the
property they represented. The articles the tickets in
the wheel represented were in this drawer. [Drawer and
articles produced.] None of the articles were ex posed in
the shop, but were all taken out of the drawer which was
underneath the counter. The prisoner took them from
the drawer under the counter as we called out the name
of the article on the ticket. We found that there were 15
tickets in the wheel which there was no property in the
shop to represent. There were no tickets in the wheel to
represent the valuable articles that were exposed to the
eye of the public. Amongst the articles exposed to view,
I saw several writing desks, American clocks, a number of
work-boxes, and other valuable articles. I was in the
shop when the conversation took place between the last
witness and the prisoner. I heard him ask the prisoner
if all the things in the shop were ticketed :n the wheel,
and he said they were, with the exception of five. The
last witness then drew.
Cross-examined.---I did not make a search of the pre-
mises at the time I was there. I saw:what :was on the
premises. I took an account of many articles, but not
all. Ido not think there were any tickets in the wheel
to represent articles that were any of them worth ball-a-
crown. lam sure the last witness asked prisoner if all
the articles were ticketed, and he said they were, with the
exception of five.
Police-officer John Eaton was next called, and said
that when he entered the prisoner's shop, prisoner was
behind the counter. Ile had hold of the wheel. The
door was open, and the tickets were falling out.
jumped over the counter, and got hold of the Kisc'neru')
s
hands, to see what he had got in them. I then picked
all the tickets that were on the floor, and replaced
them
in the wheel. The witness then corroborated . the_
evi-
dence of the last witness, as to the counting of the
repre-
nags
tickets, and afterwards ascertaining what they
aratsiclews, writing
sented. He then said that they brought away
valuable
euch
from the shop several articles,aal
desks,l and other equally v
samples of goods, which were not represesented by
the tickets in the wheel. They
_afterwards went
and Inspector Kehoe pointed out
to the shop again,
to the prisoner the large glass which was named by the
last witness, and asked prisoner if there was any ticket in
the wheel for it. He replied, no. Kehoe then pointed
out a number of other articles in the shop, consisting of
clock'', work-boxes, writing.desks, a gun, and other arti-
cles, alldp.anower to questions from Kehoe, the prisoner

AMERICA

ARRIVAL OF THE BALTIC

By the United States Mail Steam-ship Baltic, Captain
Comstock, which arrived in the Mersey about 1 a.m. on
Saturday, we have advices from New York to the 7th
inst. The Baltic brought 70 passengers, and 150,000
dollars in specie.

The United States Senate was engaged in the discussion
of the bill for confirming the grant to the Pacific Railroad
project.
_ _

The IT3use of Representatives had under discussion a
bill for regulating the silver coinage, by which it was pro-
posed to depreciate the silver coin 7 per cent., and also
to levy a seignorage of from to 1 per cent. on all coins
in future; but the latter proposition was vehemently
opposed.

b:BA.—We hare intelligence from the Harannah to
the 21st of January. The sugar market was firm at pre-
vious rates. A great fire had taken place at Cardenas,
Cuba, on the 29th ult., by which the custom-house, the
theatre, and a number of sugar and molasses ware-houses
were burnt. The loss was estimated at 8-500,000.
COMMERCIAL.—At New York business was active;
money rather tighter ; stocks were feverish and uneasy,
and quotations rather weaker. The cotton market had a
slightly downward tendency, with an average amount of
sales ; the receipts at the southern ports continued large,
and the quotations at New York, for New Orleans and
Mobile, mid. fair to fair, were lUc. to 12c. per lb. ; and
Uplands of the same quality, 11c. to 112 c.
Freights were reported at nearly the same rates as pre-
vailed at the last steamer's departure—the asking prices
being, for flour to Liverpool, 3s. 3]. to 3s. 6]. per
barrel ; grain, 101 d. to 11d. per bushel ; and cotton, Id.
to 5-16]. per lb.

. --
Exchange on London was firm, with moderate sales
at 1091 to 110.

THE AMERICAN STEAMER.—The British and North
American Royal Mail steam-ship Africa, Captain Har-
rison, with advices from New York to the 9th instant,
had not arrived at the time of our gcing to press, owing,
it is supposed, to her departure having been delayed by
bad weather. If she should arrive in time to-day, we
will publish her advices in a second edition.

WELSH CHARITY SCHOOLS.—The annual examination
of the children has been announced for Tuesday next, at
the School-room, in Russell-street. A good attendance of
the supporters of the Institution is expected.
GUARDIAN SOCIETY.—The anniversary dinner of the
Liverpool Guardian Society will take place on Thursday
next, at the Royal Hotel, Moorfields. The worshipful
the Mayor, Samuel Holme, Esq., will preside ; and a
numerous attendance is anticipated.

THE LANCASTER ASSIZES were opened on Friday by
Mr. Justice Cresswell and Mr. Baron Martin. The
calendar contained the names of twenty prisoners : two
charged with manslaughter, two with stabbing, one with
rape, one with attempt to murder, and the rest with
larceny. The cause-list contained an entry of five causes.

THE Rev. T. D. GREGG, D.D.—lt has been an-
nounced that the Rev. Tresham D. Gregg, who has lately
had the distinction of D.D., conferred on him by Trinity
College, will deliver a lecture at the Concert-hall, in this
town on Monday, the ith of March. His celebrity as an
unflinching champion of Protestant principles since his
famous controversy with Father Tom Maguire hasrendered
unnecessary any more than the mention of the announce-
ment to draw together an overflowing audience. The
Rev. Dr. Blakeney, of Claughton, will take the chair on
the occasion.

THE PHILHARMONIC SOClETY.—TheeXtraOrdillaryeffeCt
produced by Mr. Thomas's unrivalled band at the Philhar-
monic Hall has created quite an enthusiasm ; and thou-
sands have gone away enchanted with the exquisite har-
mony of this mighty orchestra. Among the individual at-
tractions is the delightful playing of Mr. Streather on the
harp, in a style which it is impossible to describe. Mr.
Thomas has now successfully solved the problem, whether
there is sufficient musical taste in Liverpool to support a
first-class concert, at low prices for admission.

EMBEZZLEMENT IN THE GAS-OFFICE,—Henry Jones
was placed at the bar of the Police-court en Friday, on
the allegation of having embezzled certain sums of money
which he had received on account of the proprietors of
the Liverpool United Gas Company. Mr. John Buck
Lloyd, solicitor to the company, appeared to prefer the
charge, and Mr. Henry Bremner, solicitor, in behalf of
the prisoner. Mr. Lloyd stated that the accused was an
officer in the service of the United Gas Company—one of
their collectors—and he (Mr. Lloyd) had to ask if the
magistrates would permit the case to stand over for seven
days. Mr. Mansfield asked what was the amount of the
sum alleged to have been embezzled ?—Mr. Lloyd : " As
far as his own admission goes, somewhere about £100."
In
Mr. Bremner said the amount charged against him was
£25 15s. 6d.—Mr. Garnett (magistrates' clerk) said it was
'
m aavdearance before the
court on Saturday was granted, and
bailse t downente r
ea
dt
intoX4 fSos
r. 6thde .
The
prisoners re
next.

Rli APPEARANCE OF TWO FRENCH STEAMERS
OFFoio CoAsT. —Under this alarming title we find the
f
in the Exeter Gazette :—" Yesterday (Thurs-
day) considerable sensation was produced in this town by
the report, brought in by some fishermen, that they had
noticed two French steamers off the Bar. The object of
these steamers appears to be to take the soundings of the
port, as they are notieed to advance at dusk, and to retire
at daylight. As this coast is only protected by one 52-
Pounder, in doubtful condition, any aggression could be
made with comparative impunity. Unless government
take some speedy and effective steps for the safety of the
coast, it is probable that at no distant period we shall have
a repetition:of the disasters of 1691, when Teignmouth
was cannonaded and burnt by the French, whose fleet
remained for nearly a month in Torbay—or of the terrors
of 1797, when General O'Toole, an Irish officer in the
French service, made a descent on Ilfracombe, and after-
wards on the opposite coast of Wales. On that occasion
there were no regular troops available, and the enemy
were met by the local militia, yeomanry, and peasantry,
under the command of Lod Cawdor, who compelled the
invaders to lay down their arms. The French, however,
are likely to tell us when they make their next appearance
With thtir Atroug war. 6teiwnrs. •