The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-02-14 00:00:00

NATIONAL EDUCATION.

LETTER FROM THE REV. THOMAS DREW, MINISTER OF
CHRIST CHURCH, BELFAST, TO THE REV. HUGH M'NEILE,
MINISTER OF ST. JUDE'S, LIVERPOOL.
RESPECTED BaoTHEß.,—Under great anxiety of mind, I
address myself to you, inviting your aid in the investigation
of one of the most important subjects which has ever come
before our " household of faith," whether in England or
Ireland. A statement has gone forth, endorsed by names of
good and eminent individuals of the Presbyterian commu-
nion, acknowledging their adhesion to the Board of Irish
National Education, and professing their satisfaction with
the conditions upon which that adhesion is founded. I have
read the statement of one known and valued by the universal
Church Catholic ; and though it may look like presumption,
I must unwillingly but honestly, avow lam not satisfied
with the statement. I would have waited longer ; but when
the Christian Journal, Limerick Standard, and various
other newspapers in the country, are proclaiming their de-
light in this arrangement, and urging upon the clergy of the
Established Church to hasten and secure like favourable ad-
vantages for themselves; when an influential pen speaks of
these advantages " as equally extending to all Protestants,"
I see that no time is to be lost. I have sad misgivings about
all this. I may be slow of understanding, and erroneous in
my poor judgment ' • but as yet 1 see no change in the prin-
ciples of the Board. A few arrangements have been modi-
fied, and some new arrangements adopted ; but the same
offensive principles which ever existed, appear to me to exist
still. If lam wrong, let me be set right ;—momentous issues
hang upon this matter. I feel every inclination to submit
my judgment to the " wise and prudent" of my brethren, and
I trust they will not scorn to receive my reasons for with-
holding (for the present at least) my approbation or confi-
dence. My respected fellow-labourer, Dr. Cooke, main-
tains, in the close of his remarkable letter, " that the prin-
ciples of the system were two, and no more :-Ist, a mixed
education of all sects, as far as attainable ; 2d, non-compul-
sion of one denomination to receive the religious instruction
of another. Of these two principles, the Synod of Ulster
never desired or sought any compromise," &c. Now, dear
and respected brother, I think this is a deficient statement—
it goes not to the root of the evil. To show this I must go
further back, and take up the whole question in a national
point of view.
From the bottom of my soul, I feel that we, as a nation,
have ever been in a most awful predicament since ever the
foul principle was recognised, that religion and education are
separable terms. In my heart I feel the Eternal God has
united them, add that no man, save at the peril of his soul,
can put them asunder. The State has, in its Board system,
disconnected them ' • in its treaty by the hands of the Lord
Lieutenant it has disconnected them ; and thus it is done :
The state says—" We insist upon provision being made for
secular instruction ; that being done, you may add to the
hours appointed for secular instruction as many hours as you
please for religious instruction ; but that is your concern,
not ours. In your after hours, (for it is a fancy to call then,
stated school hours), you may have Bible, or Butler's Cate-
chism, the Westminster Confession, or M'Hale's Epistles to
the faithful—or you may let all this alone. If you have re-
ligion to your several tastes, with this we, the Board or State,
have nothing to do. One thing is certain, fixed, immutable,
—THE BIBLE SHALL BE EXCLUDED DURING THE SECULAR
HOURS—it shall not be a school-book at all; and when in
the appendixed hours it is introduced, the Roman Catholic
may flee from its sight, as from that of a thing abhorred !"
This, to my mind, was and is the fixed principle of the Board.
In vain I am told that there are school hours in which it may
be read. This appears to me but the old thing under a new
name. The " separate hours" of other days are tacked to
the school hours and called by the one name. Then the
Word of God is not as free as any other book—it is the
manacled thing it ever was until Missa Est is proclaimed,
and declaration made for all who reject it to abscond and
deny it reverence.
Now, let the Board—let Dr. Hincks—let all who write on
this subject explain to me, if they can, if this he not dispar-
agement of the blessed Word of God ? Dr. Hincks rails
against the Bible as unfit to be a school-book. I would hum-
bly entreat attention to my published sermon, as preached
before the Sunday School Society, and there see how, from
God's Word, it is proved that by inference, adaptation, and
by positive command, it must be the basis and leaven of edu-
cation—that there can be no education separate from it—and,
further, that no book on earth is so adapted for the heart and
head of a child, as this same Word of God. Shall it then be
left to any schoolmaster, or local patron, so say whether he
shall or shall not have religious instruction from God's Word?
I am pained beyond measure to see the Rev. Frederick
Trench, in his Christian Journal, advocating an immediate
and universal junction of Protestants with the Board. He,
and such as he, must surely be unaware that the Bible is not
yet free. I mean, that the State has thus committed us, as
a nation, to an education which may or may not have the
Bible, just as patrons or schoolmasters may decide. This is a
fearful national sin ; and a league formed with a Board which
recognises this principle of indifference to the primary claims
of God's Bible, is, at least, hazardous and alarming.
The State is bound, before God to give the people educa-
tion ; yea, education united with religious teaching—the
Bible, the first and best ingredient. I feel that the State
dare not, if God were feared, offer this education exclusive of
the Bible. I feel that if the State offer us such an educa-
tion, that we are not at liberty to partake of it, no matter how
splendid the inducements which they have dangled before
our eyes—no matter though collateral benefits, bringing
temporal advantages to our church, should form a codicil to
the grant. "Be not partakers of other men's sins," is
written in light for our guidance ; and it appears to be our
duty, as ministers, to appeal to the throne, to peer and com-
moner—to prince and peasant—to rectify this awful error of
the State, which leaves the Word of God to man's caprice,
and while it offers to the Presbyterian with one hand such
indulgence as may be claimed, leaves to Romanism, on the
other, the most deadly and overwhelming influence in con-
veying mental poison into the minds of millions.
In vain we are met with the plausible cry of united educa-
tion; and that for the sake of the importance of this, much
must be conceded on all sides. Yes ! everything may be
conceded where God's word is not destroyed. But it is dis-
obedience in state or parson, presbyter or prelate, to turn out
God's Word in order to accomplish this end. Do what they
will, this must not be. And if the State insists on its hours
for secular and scientific learning, leaving the Bible to its
fate at the hands of Presbyters or Roinanists, then the state
is a criminal before God, and having plundered God of his
rights, puts into a similar peril of accusation all who con-
nive at the spoliation, the recipient being proverbially held
to be as bad as the plunderer.
The Board has by no means given up the so-called princi-
ple of united education. True ; they now allow the synod to-
apply, unaccompanied by the priest. Dr. Cooke need not go
arm in arm with the learned Bishop Denvir to solicit aid ; but
though the application may not . he called united, the Board
will expect that still the education shall be united. It does not
suppose that it gives aid merely to children of Presbyterians.
I am satisfied the Board expects that the national schools shall
be open to all denominations, and that Seceders, Methodists,
Church children, and Roman Catholics shall be admitted. I
am equally satisfied that my respected Presbyterian brethren
would cordially give them such advantages as their parents
would permit them to accept.
This, then, is to inc a grand objection : the state sinfully
recording its indifference to the Bible—the Board (represent-
ing the state) living up to this principle, and therefore unwor-
thy of the alliance of Bible-honouring men.
But what of the constitution of the Board? Is that changed ?
Many an hour have my ears been plied with statements
of the anomalous, incongruous, unholy combination which
exists there, in Protestants, Romanists, and Socinians ;
the Board is still unclean in the admixture of its ruling
elements. Dr. Murray is there, the patron of equivocal theo-
logy—and Holmes, the talented barrister, who would surely
not be counted an orthodox dispenser of sacred truths, nor a
sufficiently safe guardian of orthodox little ones ; Mr. Blake,
a Romanist, is there also ; and so the matter stands, as it
ever did. Yet does my memory fail me, or was not this with
you, dear sir, and others, who must be nameless, an objec-
tion often urged with lightning-scathing eloquence, and re-
sponded to with deafening cheers? I am a churchman by
birth, education, and liking : I am high church enough to
desire that all the education in the land should be entrusted
to the prelates of my own beloved communion. Yet if edu-
cation will not be so entrusted, I and low church enough to
be content if it be placed in orthodox hands ; and I would
be delighted beyond measure to see a Board constituted,
with holy orthodox men co-operating with the governors
of our church, in administering an unfettered Bible edu-
cation to the millions of Irish children. Such an educa-
tion, I feel confident, would be received. Our exclusively
church-schools have many hundreds of children of Dissenting
and Roman Catholic parents : still more has the valuable
London Hibernian Society upwards of 40,000 Roman Catho-
lic children, and perhaps 60,000 more of the children of
Dissenters. From this I see that a Bible education WOULD
be received, administered by orthodox hands. Under the seal
of the state its success would be measureless. The priests
would growl and be furious ; but steady perseverance, under
Heaven's blessing, would be triumphant. Never yet, mark !
was this kind of education boldly and consistently tried by
the State. The Kildare-place Education Society was but
feebly and timidly administered ; never yet has the Scriptural
education of the people had a fair trial—never yet had it
been tried upon Christian, Scriptural, Catholic, Orthodox
principles. The Board thus constituted, in such wise as is
incompatible with the nature of a Protestant state, and ad-
ministering education in such a manner as must still appear
inconsistent with Protestant principles, may modify arrange-
ments, may appear to make concessions, and parley prettily
upon paper or in council chamber; but there stand on fixed
and obnoxious principles the original statements, the Scrip-
tureless enactments, and the latitudinarian indian-rubber
arrangements, which change, as the cameleon his colour,
but the nature of the beast remains unaltered.
My dear and reverend sir, do you not tremble for the
changes which are before us? The transfer of rights and
privileges is about to go on in fearful velocity ; and I fear,
lest the voices of God's ministers may be silenced in many
of our clergy aid stations, if our ministers " hark in" at the
cry of miscalculating newspapers. What a deplorable thing it
would be for us of the Established Church who have now
divine service frequently celebrated in our school houses under
episcopal license, ever readily conferred—if, having given up
to the Board the title deeds of these schools, we sold our pri-
vileges, and thus consented that the preaching of the gospel
should, within these humble walls, be heard never more ! I
grieve for the extinguishing of many a gospel light which will
now take place through the hills and valleys of Ulster—
schools may flourish, but the feet of the preacher will never
be beautiful on such desert places more.
Worst of all in practical demonstration. Will not Roman-
ism be the greater now ? Would you believe it, that for se-
veral days back I am under the impression that the sbrewd
northerns have been taken in by their crafty brethren of the
south—and that query lists have been removed, and Presby-
terian ministers allowed to apply in their own single memo-
rial, &c. &c. &c., in order that the Roman Catholic priests
might be enabled to do likewise, and the Board be enabled
to give them all they desire, "no question being asked." If
Presbyterians have received a boon in their thousands—what
has Popery gained in their millions? If Ulster's venerable
Synod draws on the purse of the sagacious Board for ten
thousand a year—(a sum needed for 210 congregations, which
have at least three schools each, at the rate of eight pounds
a year minimum)—Will not the Romish prelates crave one
one hundred thousand a pear? If Presbyterianism gain seven
fold by this then has Popery gained seventy times seven fold
of a verity I fear that Murray is wiser than Dr. Whately,
and that the Jesuit has the best of the inauspicious bargain.
I am painfully aware of the miserable position in which
this unexpected business has placed us—I am distressed, that
there is no possibility of deferring such a public notice as this
without a risk, which at first sight was not apparent—for when
I found several of my clerical brethren ripe for enlarging the
ranks of craving applicants and I studied the preferred
statements—l found no relief. I was as much as ever dissa-
tisfied ; I counted the cost, and by resource was none short
of giving pain to some whom I have ever held in respect little
short of veneration—it is ever a miserable sight to exhibit
our dissatisfactions, doubts, and differences, to the eyes of
greedy and gratified Radicals. But this is better far than to
lie down in error, or suffer under the bitter stings of a sore
conscience. I lay before you, and the brethren of England
and Ireland, the views which in my poor judgment 1 feel con-
strained to entertain. I trust lam open to conviction, but
as in Ireland I cannot now apply to one whom I ever regarded
as infallible on these points, I look to the honoured land of
your adoption, and humbly inquire of you is the Board
really changed, or (like its patroness the Church of Rome,)
is it merely suiting itself to the fancies and prejudices of men,
while it abides by its own deadly principles ? We must soon
be set right—the human mind is never content to remain long
in equilibrio, and may the great God our Saviour, through
his Holy Spirit, give us a right judgment in this and in all
things, and bless our church, and you and all who preach,
and all who love Christ in sincerity.—Amen.
THOMAS DREW, Minister,
Christ Church, Belfast.

REPLY OF THE REV. HUGH M`NEILE TO THE
REV. THOMAS DREW.
My DEAR Sin,—Publicly appealed to, as I am, in your
letter, I -can have no difficulty in giving you my opinion
through the same public channel. 1 must premise, how-
ever, that it is simply my individual opinion, given without
any consultation, without access to any information upon
the subject beyond what we all possess in common, and
without the slightest pretension to be considered as an ex-
' pression of the sentiments of any collective body or party
whatever. I have little doubt, nevertheless, that a vast ma-
jority of our reverend brethren, in the nited Church of
England and Ireland, do substantially agree in this opinion.
My view of the Irish Education Board system has, from
the first, been very simple, and such as rendered all discus-
sion, in detail, wholly superfluous, so far as my own convic-
tions were concerned.
It was, and is, a part of that system to promote instruction
in what I believe to be falsehood : consequently, I never could
even parley about terms of connexion with it. To say that
it is also a part of the system to promote instruction in what
I believe to be truth, is nothing to the purpose. It may be
said of every heresy which has distracted the Christian
church, that it contained some truth ; but this, instead of an
excuse, only made the falsehood more dangerous, because
more subtle and deceptive.
If any system of education encourage instruction in Popery
or Socinianism, it is vain to plead, in its behalf, that it also
encourages instruction in Christianity.
"Be not partakers of other men's sins." " Look not
every man on his own things, but every man also on the
things of others." These are Christian exhortations which
condemn all insulated selfishness. If the board offered me
the unrestricted use of the Bible and the prayer-book for my
own schools, I could not so exclusively look upon my own
things, and so uncharitably overlook the things of others, as
to give the sanction (however insignificant) of my name and
co-operation to a system which must equally countenance
the unrestricted use of the mass-book, and the I. nitarian new
version of the Testament.
The avowed design, and original constitution, of the
board, cut off me, and all who agree with me, from any ap-
proach towards any negotiation with it.
I have just read a report of a conversation which took
place in the House of Commons, on Friday evening last, be-
tween Lord Morpeth and Mr. Sergeant Jackson, but nothing
was elicited to throw any additional light upon the subject.
The line adopted by the Synod of Ulster seems to embar-
rass you. But why should it? Your opposition to the board
was never grounded on the fact, that the Synod of Ulster also
was opposed to it. Their coalition on having obtained, as it
would appear, their own objects, does not affect your ,un-
changed Catholic duty. It may render the performance of
your duty more arduous, depriving you of valued counte-
nance, and powerful co-operation and advocacy, but it does
not, in my opinion, touch the foundation.
You will probably be accused of ultra and incorrigible
bigotry in holding out still, and you may find (though I do
not apprehend much) increased difficulty in procuring funds
to maintain and multiply your church schools; but none of
these things affect Christian duty. Let the lawful means
within your reach be sedulously and perseveringly exercised ;
the result is in higher hands ; and in the end, it is better, if
the will of God be so, to have no school at all, than to pur-
chase support for thousands by becoming partakers in a sys-
tem which treats truth and falsehood as if it were impossible
for men to determine which is which ; in other words, as if
we had no revelation from God, and all doctrines were equally
good, and, of course, equally good for nothing.
It is argued, that the Synod of Ulster had a right to a
share of the public funds voted for education ; but I think
their claim should have been urged upon the government,
not upon the board. I understood all along that their nego-
tiations were with the government, and I thought them quite
right in continuing to press their application. But when the
government referred them to the board, I think they should
have declined, and pleaded that the objects and constitution
of the board were, in their judgment, so essentially unscrip-
tural, they could not treat with it. I am sorry they saw it
right to act otherwise,—for their own sake, rather than for
any injury it can inflict on you and your good cause.
Only be united among yourselves : explain the principles,
and urge the claims of the Church Education Society. There
you have the true line drawn between latitudinarianism as
regards Christianity, and bigotry as regards any human for-
mula, and you teach nothing else. There you enforce
Scriptural Christianity, by means of the church formularies,
upon all, except when protested against by any parent ; in
which case you are content to teach Scriptural Christianity
without such special enforcement, but you give no sanction,
direct or indirect, to the teaching of any falsehood whatever.
This is the line we have adopted for our Collegiate Insti-
tution in this town, dVid we feel assured of its truly Christian,
and therefore legitimately Catholic, operation. It is equally
removed from the narrow intolerance which would elevate
any human composition, even our Church Catechism, into
an equality with the WORD OF Gon, and from the infidel in-
difference, which would degrade the Word of GOD down to
an equality with the Mass Book, or any human composition.
—I am, my dear sir, very faithfully your's,
HUGH WNEILE.
Liverpool, 11th February, 1840.

NEILL'S REPORT ON DEAFNESS, WITH THE
MODERN MEANS OF CURE.

This well-timed report has reached a second edition,
which is on the eve of publication. The author deserves
great credit for the spirited and able manner in which he
addresses the body of his profession on the neglected de-
partment of ear-surgery. The expostulation seems to have
met with the heartiest approval of the members of the Me-
dical Association of Liverpool, to whom it was read, and by
whom it was distinguished by a special vote of thanks unani-
mously passed, and entered to Mr. Neill's credit in the re-
cords of their transactions.
The work is published at a price which places it within the
means of all but the impoverished of her Majesty's subjects;
and as it is in an exceedingly readable form of expression,
and wonderfully free from technical slang, we recommend
every deaf or " deafish" individual to peruse it with the at-
tention which its energetic style is calculated to sustain.
What Mr. Neill designates " the modern means of cure,"
are exceedingly interesting. His mode of operating is de-
tailed, and an ingenious commentary is made on the proba-
ble cause of a sudden death which occurred some months
since in London. The author's views strike us as infinitely
more just and pertinent than the " novel" and romance
" opinions" obtruded by the ex parte witnesses, who in-
dulged in a tissue of conjectures after the fact, when under
examination at the inquest. Our own medical adviser, to
whom we showed the passage, is of the same opinion with
respect to the greater plausibility of Mr. Neill's surmises
over those of Surgeon Liston, the celebrated operator.
Operating surgeons have seldom been distinguished for their
knowledge and talent as physiologists ; at all events, so say
medical men themselves, if they are to be allowed to be
(what we greatly question that they are) either competent or
impartial judges of the endowments and shortcomings of
their rivals.
But our business is with Mr. Neill individually, in con-
nexion with his Report on Deafness. It gives us pleasure to
bear testimony to the ease and adroitness with which he
passes a catheter (as the little silver instrument is called)
through the nostril and along the mysterious sort of a North
West Passage from the throat to the inner side of the drum
of the ear. What struck us as very odd was, that none of
the patients sneezed or complained of pain while the nosegay
was put up ! On this important and peculiar operation de-
pends the great and newly discovered chance of remedy or
cure in thousands of cases of deafness. One person's deaf-
ness or " dullness of hearing" is not necessarily the same,
either in kind or degree, as that of another. This inner pas-
sage that Mr, Neill explores, in the Institution, to which he
was appointed at the public meeting, and of which a report
appeared in this and all the local journals at the time—is
where the disease may be situated, and not in the outer pas-
sage. The operator has invited his professional brethren to
witness his handiwork. This is unusually liberal ; and it is,
we should think, one of the most convincing proofs to the
public that they are in safe hands with such a public manipu-
lator.

We had marked several passages from the exordium and
peroration of this brochure, as extracts for publication ; but,
on reconsideration, we withhold them. We can conscien-
tiously recommend the report to the public. Mr. Neill has
our best wishes for his success : enterprise and public spirit
are most praiseworthy.

TRADESMEN'S CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION.

The quarterly meeting of the members of this association
was held on Wednesday evening, in the large room of the
Operative Conservative Association, Houghton-street. The
attendance was very large. In the absence of the worthy
president, Mr. S. Holme, the chair was taken by Mr. Jos.
Cooper. In the course of the evening the meeting was ad-
dressed by the chairman, by Mr. Councillor Sands, Mr.
Glazebrook, and several other gentlemen. An address to
the Queen, congratulating her on her marriage with Prince
Albert, was unanimously adopted ; the address to be for-
warded to Lord Sandon (or, in his absence, to C. Cresswell,
Esq. ) for presentation to her Majesty. The meeting also
passed a vote of thanks to the glorious minority of 287, who
so ably and zealously defended the best interests of the
country by their support of the motion of Sir J. Y. Buller.
The following is a copy of the address :
" TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.
" We, your Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the
members of the ' Liverpool Tradesmen's Conservative Asso-
ciation,' beg most respectfully to approach your Majesty,
praying that your Majesty will graciously accept our heart-
felt congratulations upon the auspicious occasion of your
Majesty's alliance in marriage with his Royal Highness Al-
bert, Prince of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.
" Inspired with feelings of the most devoted loyalty and
affection to your Majesty, we rejoice in an event destined,
under the blessing of Divine Providence, greatly to promote
your Majesty's happiness, and to yield to your Majesty,
amidst the cares and responsibilities of your exalted station,
the purest enjoyments of domestic felicity.
" As Englishmen, we rejoice in your Majesty's union with
an illustrious Prince whose talents, virtues, and religious
principles render him worthy of the affection of our Queen.
As Protestants fervently attached to our most ancient na-
tional church, we anticipate from that union additional
strength and firmness to our Protestant institutions, fully
convinced that your Majesty's Royal Consort is imbued with
those principles which inspired his ancestors, amidst the
opposition of surrounding monarchs, with courage to protect
the persecuted Luther ; and we see in this selection by your
Majesty of a Royal Consort, the most distinguished proof of
your Majesty's devotion to the highest and most sacred in-
terests of your country.
" Whilst offering to your Majesty this humble tribute of
our loyalty and attachment, we fervently pray the Almighty
Disposer of Events that your Majesty and your Royal Con-
sort may enjoy, through years of unclouded happiness, the
richest blessings of His goodness ; and that your Majesty
may long reign the " Defender of the Faith," and the guar-
dian of the rights and liberties of a free and loyal people.
" Signed, on behalf of the members of the Liverpool
Tradesmen's Conservative Association,
SAML. HOLME, President."

PREJUDICES.—Every country has particular prejudices
with regard to accelerating personal improvements ; but,
with a few barbarian exceptions, a set of fine Teeth is an
object of general solicitude. The present age abounds in
useful and elegant discoveries (says an eminent member of
the faculty) but all yield in beauty and utility to ROWL AND'S
Onowro, which, as an embellisher and preserver of the
Teeth, and consequent promoter of comfort and attraction,
is certainly the first Dentrifice of the present age.—M.S.
Memoranda of Modern Science.

DEMONSTRATION OF LOYALTY AT SEAFORTH.—We are
glad to learn, that, whilst other places were rejoicing in an
event which has caused sensations of loyal delight in every
town and village throughout the kingdom—the marriage of
our beloved Sovereign—the village of Seaforth took its shafe
in the loyal expressions of the day. Through the kindness
of their highly-respected and much-beloved pastor, the Rev.
W. Rawson, after an address suitable to the occasion had
been delivered by him, upwards of 200 children were enter-
tained with tea and buns, in the new school-room, which
was beautifully decorated with evergreens, flags of various
descriptions, and other devices, all prepared and arranged by
the correct taste and well-directed exertions of Miss Rawson
and the ladies of Seaforth who take an interest in the Sun-
day-school. After tea the children were entertained with
some beautiful fireworks ; they then gave three cheers for
the Queen and the illustrious Prince to whom she is united,
and returned to their homes much delighted with the bounty
provided for them, and, we hope, long to remember as an
occasion of great pleasure the marriage of Queen Victoria.
Her Majesty has been pleased to appoint Colonel Fitzge-
rald to the consulship of Carthagena. This gallant officer
had been for some time previously British consul at Port
Mahon.

FOURTH SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT AT THE
THEATRE ROYAL, LIVERPOOL,
FEB. 11, 1840.

Our notice of this Concert shall be brief; for, in good

sooth, we are disinclined to dwell on a subject that impar-
tiality dictates an estimate of its pretensions which must be
the reverse of pleasant or flattering to the parties concerned
in its management. We say so at once and explicitly. Such
general reasons, of many that we hare to offer in support of
the exceptions which we conceive it incumbent to advance,
shall appear on the face of this critique—one, the truth and
justice of which we confidently think will be allowed by the
best of all possible judges in the matter, namely, the public
who were present.

First of all, we take exception at the " arrangement," and
also with three-fourths of the vocal music which composed
the " selections." We ask, was the one, or were the other,
in keeping with the occasion ? Why throw the onus of bet-
ter taste upon the public as was done by " arranging" as
last what—in honour of her Majesty's marriage, celebrated
the very day before—should have taken precedence of every-
thing else ? The public most becomingly, and with one
voice, demanded that the proposed " Finale" should be the
Overture, and accordingly the national and glorious anthem
of " God save the Queen" was performed. With the only
imperfection of being a little too sharp, it was finely
given : the drawback just instanced applied exclusively to the
vocalists. The instrumentation and tone of the accompani-
ment were better than faultless ; they were inspiring as they were
perfect. While on this part of our 'animadversions, we may
observe that the instrumental was vastly superior to the
vocal department of the entertainments. Herrmann, and
every one of his instrumental assistants, without exception,
deserve the highest meed of praise. There was talent, but
little strength, as regards the band of vocalists. Individually,
they are doubtless able, and of unquestioned ability ; but
that is not the question. As a group, and as they stood in
relation to the point of " effect " and to each other, they
were decidedly meagre and inefficient. If these remarks be
unpalatable, they are, unfortunately, additionally offensive,
because of their truth. In a word, the concerts of next
season must be stronger and more concerted, in respect of
vocal performers of varied excellence and distinction, or
they cannot, and ought not, to be supported by the
public. Never were concerts more liberally patronized
than those which have come so tamely off. The audience
overflowed with their patronage to all parts of the house.
The scene " Mad Tom" was splendidly sung by Mr.
Machin, who has a fine, full-toned voice, which he works
from the proper place. Madame Stockhausen warbled a
German ballad with bird-like purity and finish, and Miss
Birch gave proofs of progressive and marked improvement.
She excels in Sacred Music, but can delight by her mode of
executing sweet sounds of a different class and character. As
pianist, the younger of the Miss Wellers has immense pro-
mise. Her fingering, and the decision and precision of her
style, attracted general attention. Both ladies were de-
servedly applauded.

We shall say no more in detail, as we agree with nine-
tenths of what fell from a contemporary, who has treated the
concert of Tuesday with marked forbearance. But in one
point we differ from him. It is with reference to the ungra-
cious and disgraceful reception which a flutist of established
reputation—we mean poor Monsieur Schneider—met with.
We blame the " arrangement" that placed him and his ab-
struse hyper-scientific composition so late in the bill of fare,
when the patience of the house was all but exhausted; and
though we cannot excuse the rudeness of part of the audience,
which reflected on them rather than on the unpopular per-
former or performance; yet Mons. Schneider may depend
upon it, that the " arrangement," rather than the house, was
to blame for the intolerance and hasty temper, &c.
In conclusion—be it repeated, the vocal entertainments
must be very much raised in their character next season, or
we unhesitatingly say the disposition to encourage concerts,
evinced by the liberal and patronising portion of the music-
lovers of Liverpool, is not met as handsomely as it ought to
be. What we have set down has been reluctantly forced
from us ; and as the Liverpool Standard has on every past
occasion, and as it desires on all future occasions to take
the more difficult side of praise rather than the easy and
ungracious one of censure, we appeal to our readers, and to
those who attended at the Theatre-Royal on Tuesday, to
bear concurrent testimony to the justice and necessity which
characterise the exceptions thus unwillingly but truthfully
made.

CELEBRATION OF HER MAJESTY'S MARRIAGE AT C HOB,
LEY.—The inhabitants of Chorley were enlivened at an early
hour by a merry peal from the tower of the parish church,
which was repeated at various intervals during the day. At
five o'clock in the afternoon, about forty or fifty gentlemen
met at the Royal Oak 'lnn, to commemorate this most
auspicious event, R. Smethurst, Esq. in the chair. The
toast, " Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, and
his Royal Highness Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg," was
drunk with most enthusiastic cheers ;_then followed those of
the Queen Dowager—the Duchess of ICent and the rest of
the Royal Family—the Duke of Wellington and the Army—
the Navy, the wooden walls of old England—her Majesty's
Ministers—the Clergy of the Town and Neighbourhood—and
the Magistrates of the County—which were all received with
due honours.

We understand that the splendid new steam-ship intended
for the transatlantic station, and now building by Messrs.
Wilson, of this town, is intended to be launched on the 6th
ofjnext month. She is to be called the United States, and
will sail alternately with the Liverpool.

MARINERS' CHURCH READING Room.—We have been
favoured by the Committee of the Mariners' Church with a
report of the Seamens' Reading Room, which is situated at
the south end of George's Dock, and has been fitted up for
the benefit of the seamen, to afford them a comfortable shel-
ter whilst they read the publications which are provided for
them in the room. The value of such an institution must
be apparent to all who consider the condition of the seamen
while on shore, and we cordially recommend it to the notice
of the public.

THE PUBLIC CHARITIES OF LIVERPOOL.—We beg to
recommend the public charities of this town to the conside-
ration of the wealthy and the charitable. Onr readers are in
possession of the conditions on which the council has pro-
mised a gift of £lOOO to them, and we sincerely trust those
conditions on the part of the charities may be fulfilled. At
the council meeting on Wednesday the Mayor stated that a
tradesman had forwarded to him a donation of £lO for the
purpose, and that Mr. Ducrow, the spirited proprietor of
the Royal Amphitheatre, had undertaken to give the pro-
ceeds of one night's performance towards the same object.
We feel assured that these instances of generosity and public
spirit need only be known to be extensively imitated.
CONCERT AT THE TEMLARS' HALL.—Miss Yaniewics'a
concert, we beg to remind our readers, takes place on Monday
evening next. We trust her friends will crowd the place,
not only from the merits of the lady herself, but from the ex-
cellence of the music to be performed.
ROY AL AMPHITHEATRE.—Success continues to follow the
efforts of Mr. Ducrow, and we congratulate him on having
used the means and appliauces for securing public support'
In every department the same finish and completeness is
visible as at the first, and in the grand spectacle which has
been represented this week, these attributes are eminently
conspicuous. By the way we ought to recommend our friends
to pay an early visit to the spectacle. They will be highly
gratified with its splendour, its grouping, and with its gene-
ral effect.

LIVER THEAERE.-Mr. T. D. Rice takes his benefit this
evening, and concludes his engagement to-morrow evening.
The house has been filled every night, tolerably substantial
proof of the popular taste for the entertainments provided in
this little theatre.

SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND Duun.—The annual meet•
ing of the subscribers to the school, for the education of the
deaf and dumb, will be held in the Royal Institution, on
Tuesday next. A public examination of the pupils will
afterwards take place, and one of them will speak an ad-
dress, in order to show the progress made by some of the
children in articulation. There are few things more interest-
ing than exhibitions of this nature, and we hope to see a
crowded attendance.

PORTRAIT OF PRINCE ALBERT.—WC were yesterday fa-
voured with a view of the magnificent portrait of Prince
Albert, painted by express command by Mr. George Patten,
A.R.A., now exhibiting at Mr. Burland's Rooms, in Church-
street. It is the most successful of Mr. Patten's efforts, in
our opinion, as well as in the opinions of several of the
visitors with whom we have conversed. This is no mean
praise, considering the high reputation which Mr. Patten
enjoys as a portrait painter. It is considered an admirable
likeness : indeed, the Morning Herald says " it is consi-
dered an excellent one by the illustrious personage who is
most interested in pronouncing an opinion." The picture,
independently of its fidelity, possess very high claims as a
work of art. We understand that between three and four
thousand ladies and gentlemen visited Mr. Burland's rooms
yesterday to inspect this splendid painting. It will only re-
main on view to-day and tomorrow.

A Common Hall was held in London on Friday last, and
a petition to the House of Commons to release the sheriffs,
and amend the law of libel, carried unanimously. Between
700 and 800 persons were present.
Government has resolved that the Mediterranean armed
steam-packets are in future to be stationed on the line for a
period of five years, instead of three, as heretofore.—Hamp-
shire Telegraph.

The banking institutions now in France are 15 in number,
viz., the Bank of France, with its four branches, and ten
provincial banks. The discounts effected by the whole of
these in 1839 amount to 1,633,000,000 f. £65,320,000, and
their circulation has been about 261,500,000 f., £10,460,000.
A NEW SCIENCE.—A philosopher, who has travelled
much, and is a man of great experience, has discovered that
no bow-legged individual has ever been distinguished for
any extraordinary evidence of mental superiority.—American
paper.

- -
The mansion house taken by her Royal Highness the
Duchess of Kent, for a temporary residence, is No. 36, Bel-
grave-square, adjoining the Duchess of Gordon s and Sir
John Shelley's. The mansion belongs to Lord Ingestrie,
who let the house last season to the Prince of Capua. The
duchess will remove, it is understood, from Buckingham
Palace to her new bode in about three weeks.--Morning
Herald.

---- ---
LAMENTABLE ACCIDENT.—THREE LIVES LOST.—On
the sth instant, Mr. Benjamin Kirkby, shoemaker, with his
Henry, a youth about 19 years of age, a daughter named
Eliza, a little older, and a Mrs. Parker, wife of the son of
Colonel Parker, of Lancaster, who married sbout three years
ago, went on a shooting excursion on Ulverston Sands ; and,
being on a Scar named Ellwood, a little below the Chapel
Island, they were surrounded before they'were aware by the
tide, which was about half-past eleven o'clock, a.m. Their
perilous situation was first observed by Mr. Kirkby, who
called to the rest of the party to run for their lives, and fol-
low him. Mr. K„ who had two large guns on his shoulders,
(and to which he attributes his preservation, by keeping him
from being swept away, and acting as ballast,) with much
difficulty reached the Chapel Island ; but the others were
lost in the flood. Mrs. Parker, it was observed, clung to a
net stake, at which place she was found, when the tide re-
ceded, standing by, and grasping the stake. Mr. K.'s daugh-
ter was found the same afternoon, but the body of her bro-
ther has not yet been discovered. Mrs. Parker, who was
one of the unfortunate females, both in life and death was an
interesting looking young woman, about 22 years of age. She
is a native of Ulverston, and since her marriage has resided
with Mr. Kirkby's family. Her husband, who is much at,
tached to her, is at present living at Manchester, having,
since his marriage, lived only occasionally with his wife, but
supplied her with every requisite for her domestic comfort.
—Kendal Mercury.