The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-05-11 00:00:00

THE FINE ARTS

Amongst the sales by auction which are announced else-
where, there are two, of paintings, deserving of notice from
us, and though it is something unusual to find attention in-
vited to such advertisements, we do so in this instance from
a wish that out friends may avail themselves of an opportu-
nity, if not of purchasing, at any rate of inspecting, the works
of art about to be offered for public competition. The first
sale to which notice is drawn, will be by Mr. Winstanley on
Monday next, and will consist of about 30 paintings by the
late Rev. John Thomson, of Duddingstone, an artist of sin-
gular merit and rare talent. His style is bold, vigorous and
original—his colouring brilliant—his lights pure and trans-
parent—and his shadows massive and highly effective. There
is a warmth and glow about his works that can only proceed
from a pencil of genius, and a fidelity and truth to nature
that a close observer can only impart to the canvas. As
years pass away, Mr. Thomson's pictures will each year be-
come still more valuable than at present, and as they grow
scarce will be still more prized. To the collector this sale
will prove highly interesting, as the pictures coming directly
from the study of the artist have the stamp of character
thrown over them, upon which no shadow of doubt can rest.
Amongst the pictures are many favourite ones of the late
lamented and most talented artist; so rare an opportunity
we feel confident will not be lost by the amateurs of this town
to inspect works of such high standing in modern art, or by
purchasers to enrich their collections. We shall notice them
at length on Friday next. The other sale to which we draw
attention takes place to-morrow, (Wednesday), and has been
intrusted to Mr. Hodgson. In this collection arc many very
fine works of art, by the old and modern masters. They are
now exhibiting at the Adelphi Hotel. As we cannot notice
all, we shall particularize a few which struck us as being
highly meritorious. No. I,—sketch by Allen, very clever ;
2,—by George Morland, very clever ; 4,—fine portrait by
Sir Thomas Lawrence, an early effort; 9,—Breemberg, an
imitation of Polemberg ; 15,—Juvenile Recruiting Party, a
fine picture ; 2,—Richard Wilson, a Landscape, boldly
painted and rich in colouring ; 29,—Vanden Bosch, The
Water Doctor, equal to Gerard Dow; 22,—Westall, Satan,
Sin and Death. This is one of Westall's early works, before
he adopted that stiffness which pervades all his later produc-
tions. 31,—Claude Lorraine Smith, Landscape & Figures,
a charming picture by this clever artist, reminding us of Both,
Wilson, and Claude. This painting has a calmness and per-
fect serenity thrown over it, and may be considered a good
specimen of the artist. 45,—A fine Battle Piece, by Wou-
vermans, painted in a bold and masterly style, remarkable
for breadth and vigour of design. 69,—A View of the City
of Hertford, by Constable, a very clever and pleasing picture,
with most happy effect. 73,—The Faithless Rib, by Hogarth,
one of this great artist's witty but immodest paintings. 76,
—A Female Watching a Ship at Sea, by Liverseege, a clever
picture : the sky and distance are very fine. 84,—The Na-
tivity, by Leonardo da Vinci, a fine cabinet picture by this
master. Leonardo's women and children are all delightfully
painted, they have great sweetness and expression. This
picture is very pure and has been kept with great care ; the
colours are as brilliant as when laid on. 85,—The Ancient
Compidoglio. This is a rare, most curious and ingenious
work, being composed of inlaid wood ; it has all the effect of
light and depth of shade of a painted picture. 100,—The Pea
Cart, by Wheatley. A capital picture—beautifully painted,
full of expression and interest, equal to Mar/mid in closeness
to nature. 104,—The Bridge of St. Angelo, by Canaletti. A
very fine picture. There is another remarkable work by this
artist, but different in subject and matter. 103,—A Picture
of a Ball and Masquerade. 107,—The Rape of Europa, by
Boucher. This is a very remarkable and at the same time
beautiful painting, admirable in drawing, capital in design,
and most excellently and sweetly coloured. 111,—SirJoshua-
Reynolds, a portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Garrick. This is a
curious relic of modern art : to any collector of histrionic
portraits it will be invaluable. 116,—The Marriage of St.
Catherine, by Alonzo Cano, a magnificent picture—wonder-
fully painted—admirably coloured, and vigorous in design.
The composition of this picture is most masterly, the lights
being dispersed throughout in a wonderful manner. Besides
these are works by Murillo, Luini, Titian, the Caracci,
Ruben:, Vandycke, Both, Cuyp, Vandevelde, Wynants, and
Greuze : several very clever paintings by Sir Thomas Law-
rence, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and others—a very curious
painting by Zucchero, is marked 52, and one 30, a Portrait
of Admiral Rooke, by Sir G. Kneller, deserves attention.
ROBERTS' SKETCHES IN THE HOLY LAND.—The original
sketches made by Mr. Roberts during his visit to the Holy
Land are now exhibiting in Mr. Lacey's room, in Bold-
street. They are 110 in number, and we may pronounce
them the most interesting collection we ever saw congregated.
In viewing them the memory wanders to the Jewish his-
tory, to the tales of the Crusades, and all those various cir-
cumstances so prominent in the history of mankind. Here
we see the remains of a temple erected a thousand years ago;
there a figure so colossal, that it is hardly possible to believe
human hands could have sculptured it : there the fallen co-
lumn—here the time-battered and decaying portico, erected
with such beauty of proportion, elegance, and taste, that we
cannot fail to admire the race of men who could imagine
and build such edifices and noble works. Views of Mount
Sinai recal to our minds the solemn commandments—Mount
Horeb the burning bush. Next views in Edom attract our
attention, with all the remarkable prophecies connected
therewith, many of which are fearfully fulfilled, many of
which are being daily worked out, while others have yet to
come to pass. Look at the ruined Edom : is not the pro-
phecy of Ezekiel fulfilled? " I will stretch out my hand
against thee, and I will make thee desolate. I will lay thy
cities waste." Who can regard its ruined temples, tri-
umphal arches, and dwellings cut out of the face of the
rock, mouldering and decaying, without reflecting that a
voice bath said, " I will stretch out my hand upon Edom,
and will make it desolate from Teman." What wonderful
works must not those of Petrea have been! What a state
of luxury must not its indwellers have arrived at ! If archi-
tecture was in such an advanced state, is it not reasonable
to conclude that all the other arts and refinements were
equally approaching to perfection ? Then come views of the
Holy Land. Here is the Dead Sea, remarkable indeed in
the Sacred history. Next we see a view of Bethlehem, to
good and well-directed minds a place replete with interest,
and holy awakenings of thought. Here is a view of Gaza, the
gates of which Sampson carried away. Next we find views of
Jerusalem, both within and without the walls, all most deeply
interesting, and all bringing pious recollections : Jerusalem
from the road leading to Bethany ; Jerusalem from the
Mount of Olives—a beautiful and highly-interesting sketch;
the Pool of Bethesda : the Holy Sepulchre ; the Vale of
Jehosaphat ; and Mount Calvary. In view 57 we have a
view of St. Jean d'Acre, recalling thoughts of the lion-
hearted Richard, the valiant Saladin, and warriors of every
age, down to Sir Sydney Smith and Napier at the present
day. Then comes before us ancient Tyre, and next Sidon.
How interesting this must be by late occurrences we need
hardly tell. Baalbec next attracts attention ; how wonderful
are all the temples in this place ! how massive, and yet how
beautiful in proportion and design ! in fact, look around
where we will, this collection is one of the most remarkable
ever exhibited. There is not a single view presented to our
notice that does not invite our attention, and make us wish
for its history. The sketches
for our books to search deep
are dashed off with a masterly hand, and are capitally drawn :
the effect in many of them is really wonderful. We shall
return to this exhibition shortly ; in the meantime recom-
mending our friends to visit it, feeling assured that they will
be highly delighted. These sketches are about to be litho-
graphed, indeed many of them are now in course of publica-
tion. It has just struck us that a most instructive, delight-
ful, and interesting course of lectures might be delivered
upon the subject of the Holy Land, illustrated by these
sketches, which might be drawn on canvas and exhibited
as transparencies.

It is understood that the situation of Surveyor General of
of the Ordnance, vacant by the death of Sir Rufane Donkin
will be filled up by the appointment of Colonel Fox, at pre-
sent Secretary to the Master General of the Ordnance.
NEW RAILWAY CARRIAGES.—Henry Houldsworth, Esq.,
of Manchester, has taken out a patent for railway carriages,
which are intended to combine the pleasantness of an open
with the comforts of a closed carriage. The object is accom-
plished or net, of a texture suffi-
plished by covering the carria.ge, either wholly or in part,
with metallic wire gauze,
ciently close to break the force of the wind, and destroy the
violence of the currents produced by rapid motion through
it; and also to impede the entrance of the particles of coke
dust emitted by the locomotive engine chimney, and yet not
materially to obstruct the view of external objects. The wire
gauze recommended is of copper wires, 1-100th of an inch in
diameter, woven with about 30 wires to the inch.

LITERARY NOTICES.

The Excellent Properties of Salted Brandy. By the Rev
Samuel Fenton, A. M. Liverpool : Lace and Addison

p.p. 40

The discovery of the excellent and very remarkable quali-
ties of brandy and salt, has given rise to many pamphlets,
most of which have engrossed public attention. Of these we
may at once pronounce the present little work to be the
cheapest and the best. It enters into the merits of the medi-
cine, and details very fully the cases to which it may be ap-
plied.—The price of the pamphlet (sixpence) puts into the
power of all to purchase if they feel any anxiety or curiosity
about the matter. As a specimen of typography we can
commend Mr. Fenton's work : it is neat, correct, and taste-
fully got up. The following are the cases mentioned which
the medicine has been known to cure :—lnflammation--Open
Sores—Bruises —Sprains—lndurated Tumors—Paralysis—
Rheumatism—Erysipelas —Jaundice Indigestion—Heart-
burn—Spasms--Palpitation of the Heart—Nettle-rash—Fits,
Hysteric or Epileptic—Dysentery—Asthma—Cholera Mor-
bus—Cancer—Chilb/ains—Ringworm—Atrophy, or Wasting
away of the Body—Toothache—Sore Throat—Piles—Pul-
monory Consumption—Liver Complaint—Ureter, affection
of—Diabetes—Colds—Coughs—Sickness at Stomach—Scro-
fula. There is also an able preface, a letter from Mr. Lee,
who claims the merit of the invention, and an attempt to ac-
count for the universality of the effect of salted brandy as a
remedy—its probable effects—directions for making it—how
to use it—and finally, its applicability to the disorders of the
brute creation.

Dublin University Magazine,

The number for this month contains a portrait and sketch
of Colonel Blacker, which affords good compensation for a
late representation which, we fear, gave no small offence to
a large body of the political admirers and patrons of this
publication. Colonel Blacker is, in every sense of the word,
a gentleman, and we are not the less pleased, with a faithful
delineation of him, because he is an " Irish gentleman."
His delineation has been faithfully executed by his limner
as well of the pictorial as of the literary art, and is as perfect
as such a thing could be, professing only to give a mere out-
line. Yet--we own—so much interest do we take in the
subject—it leaves us unsatisfied, and desirous of having much
more of one whose character and acquirements appear to be
of so high an order, and so replete with excellence of various
kinds.

The articles in this month are numerous and diversified.
The first is a review of Mr. Emerson Tennent's " Belgium,"
and contains much complimentary, but well-merited notice
of that gentleman's labours both literary and political. Carle-
ton's " Barney Branagan" is brought to a close, and those
who have taken an interest in the history of his adventures
will be glad to find that his last misfortune—in the due order
of poetical justice—was the making of him. " Charles
O'Malley" rides on with his " long sword, saddle, bridle,"
the very beau ideal of an Irish dragoon, and no mistake ;
nor have his " moving accidents by flood and field" lost any
portion of their moving power. The " Apology for Har-
mony" is a sensible article, and contains many useful and
truthful observations in favour of the cultivation of music, in
which we entirely concur. " Dramatic Doings" are un-
questionably from life—and the author is, we believe, a well-
known Irish Earl—who has written some clever and success-
ful pieces for the stage. There are other articles of much in-
terest and importance, which we have not had time to dip
into ; but we have examined enough to be able to say that
the number is a particularly good one.

The Divine Origin and Perpetual and Universal Obligation
of Tithes. By a Clergyman of the Church of Scotland.
Edinburgh : Whyte and Co. 1841. pp. 23 and 610.
The doctrine of tithes under the Christian dispensation
we had fancied one of those untenable pretensions of Popery
which the pure light of the Reformation had for ever ex-
ploded. The work before us has, however, supplied us with
much information on the subject, with which we were pre-
viously unacquainted. From its pages we learn, that, in the
opinion of the Jews, the duty of offering firstfruits and pay-
ing tithes was revealed to man at the outset of the world's
history, antecedently to the sacrifices of Abel and Cain ;
and that it was not only acknowledged by the patriarchs
after the flood, but by all the heathen nations of antiquity.
The author adopts the sentiments of some learned Protes-
tant divines, and contends that as tithes had their origin
prior to the Levitical dispensation, so they continue binding
even under the more perfect economy which superseded it.
Among the moral grounds on which an a priori argument
for the perpetual observance of them is based, is the analo-
gous case of the Sabbath. It is contended that as God con-
secrated to himself a seventh portion of time, so he demands
a tenth of income as an acknowledgment that it is from His
gracious providence we receive whatsoever we possess. In
illustration of this view, we might suggest to the author that
even in Paradise there was among the trees of the garden
one which the Sovereign Lord claimed for himself ; and that
in granting man the use of animals for food, the blessed
Giver did—at least till the diffusion of Christianity—with-
hold the blood as a sacred memorial of Him who provides
our sustenance, and washed away our sins in his own blood.
The objection that the New Testament does not expressly
renew the command to pay tithes, is first answered by ano-
ther appeal to the case of the Sabbath, the observance of
which is not there formally commanded, but only implied.
Not content with this negative evidence, the author pursues
his inquiry, and adduces from the pages of the New Testa-
ment several passages which favour his views, the strongest
of which, we think, is the declaration in Hebrews, that our
Lord is the antitype of Melchizedec, to whom it was that
Abraham gave tithes, and Levi in him. There may be dif-
ferences of judgment on the important question thus brought
under the notice of the Christian public. The almost unani-
mous voice of mankind, up till the thirteenth century of our
era, declared.on the side espoused by our author. After that
period the growing abuses of the Romish church, in the mal-
appropriation of tithes, induced a desire to throw off what
came to be regarded as bnrdensome and disgustful, till at
length the Reformation afforded an opportunity for spread-
ing, along with much wholesome truth, notions regarding
tithes that may be found on examination to savour more of
worldly wisdom than scriptural rectitude. Without assent-
ing to the doctrine that the duty of paying tithes is absolute
and explicit, we are warranted to express our regret, that,
with the light and liberty which were then introduced, suf-
ficiently deep and vivid impressions were not made, or per-
haps even sought to be made, as to the claims which a mer-
ciful God, the Divine Saviour, and a world lying in wicked-
ness, affectingly present on Christians who have themselves
happily escaped from darkness, to devote at least as much
to the cause of God as blinded heathens, or the yet benighted 1
Israelites. Rather, as our privileges are greater, so should
our acts of gratitude exceed theirs.
It appears to us that the work under review, if it fail to
convince all who read it that tithes must be paid, will satisfy
every candid mind which weighs its contents that they ought
to be; and in this way we anticipate from its circulation in-
calculable good. If we mistake not, it will be the means
of rousing the church of Christ to a profound sense of its
sin in hitherto so long and grievously neglecting to " bring
all the tithes into the storehouse," and " prove" God's
faithfulness to his promise of pouring out " a blessing so
great that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
A great part of the volume is taken up with the author's
views as to the benefits of re-adopting this primitive prac-
tice, and as to the light which the doctrine of tithes throws
on the warrant, rights, and duties of an established church,
and on the questions which now agitate the Church of Scot-
land. The author—a Presbyterian clergyman of a cultivated
mind and refined taste—modestly withholds his name from
the book, which is written in a most catholic spirit : indeed,
the whole of it is pervaded by profound Christian candour
and charity, and contains many suggestions which the pious
of all denominations will do well to consider. We can find
room for only one extract, . which we cheerfully insert, be-
cause it embodies sentiments which we well remember were
declared with effect by Mr. M`Neile at last year's meeting
of the Church Missionary Society in this place, the truth
and importance of which are, we hope, daily more and more
felt :

" But still these are not the only duties incumbent on the
established churches. To them, not less than to the church
in the days of the apostles, has been given the command,
" Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature." This, then, is another duty equally incumbent on
both churches, and which both ought to be equally forward
to acknowledge and perform, the one as glorying in its apos-
tolical succession, the other as glorying in its apostolical con-
stitution. It were a noble spectacle, to behold both churches
seeking to vindicate their respective claims to apostolical
order, by their zeal to propagate the gospel throughout the
world; by their sending forth missionaries to the remotest
ends of the earth to proclaim the unsearchable riches of
Christ. Where this evidence of identity with the primitive
church is wanting ; where a church in its corporate capacity,
is not recognising the obligation to make known the gospel to
every creature, however bold it may be in its assertion of its
apostolical order, it scarcely deserves the name of a Christian
church ; at all events, it violates the condition on which the
presence of Christ is promised to his church, for it is only as
the church fulfils the command to preach the gospel to every
creature, that the Saviour has said " Lo I am with you al-
ways, even to the end of the world." Whenever, then, this
condition is violated by any church, it must weaken, if not
altogether destroy, its claim to be regarded as a church of
Christ. The church of Christ is essentially evangelistic ;
and it is only as it is active in disseminating the truth, that,
in the highest and noblest sense of the term, it is entitled to
be designated apostolical. What a reproach is it to both
churches, both of which have been throughout so confident
in their assertion of the scriptural character of their constitu-
tion, that the gospel should have been chiefly propagated,
not by them, but by those who have dissented from them.
What a reproach is it to the Church of England, that as yet,
it has not as a church formed any scheme, or adopted any
measures for the evangelization of the world ; and to the
Church of Scotland, that it has only within these few years
recognised its responsibility, and established a mission to the
heathen. Both may indeed plead, that the societies for pro-
pagating Christian knowledg,e are church societies, but so
little comparatively has been effected through their medium,
as scarcely to weaken, and certainly not to remove the re-
proach."

INTERNAL EVIDENCE.—In Zion's Banner, an American
publication, we find the following beautiful lines :
A man of subtle reasoning asked
A peasant if he knew
Where was the internal evidence,
That prov'd his Bible true ?
The terms of disputative art
Had never reached his ear ;
He laid his hand upon his heart,
And only answered—" Here."

REPEAL OF THE CORN LAWS—THE MINIS-
TERIAL PLAN.
A T a very numerous and respectable Meeting of the inha-
-1-X bitants of Liverpool, held at the Music-hall, on the
evening of Monday, the 10th of May, Sir JOSHUA
WALMSLEY in the Chair, the following resolutions were
agreed to unanimously :

-Moved by HUGH fIORNBY, Esq.; seconded by WILLIAM
RATHBONE, Esq.; and supported by the Rev. WILLIAM
GILES, Baptist Minister.

1. That this Meeting adhering as strongly as ever to their
conviction of the propriety and necessity of an ultimate
total repeal of the tax on bread, yet hail with great satisfac-
tion the step which Ministers have taken towards meeting
their views on this subject, and will adopt every_ means in
their power to support the measure now before-Parliament.
Moved by LAWRENCE HEYWORTH, Esq. ; seconded by
WM. Woon, Esq.,
2. That the opening of the trade in Corn will be found
alike beneficial by the Merchant, the Manufacturer, the
Ship-owner, the Shopkeeper, and the Labouring Classes of
the kingdom. .

Moved by WILLIAM BRoyii(, Esq. ; seconded by CEIAS.
HOLLAND, Esq. ; and suppOrted by Mr. JoiT7: AMBLER,
3. That this Meeting.,,being deeply impre.sicd with the
opinion that the interesti'of the-Landholders are identified
with, and consequent upon the prosperity of the Manufactu-
ring and Commercial Classes of the community, confidently
anticipate that this commencement of sound principles of
Legislation, on the subject of Corn, will benefit them in
common with all other classes.

Moved by JAMES HARVEY, Esq., Jun., and seconded by
HENRY ROMILLY, Esq.
4. That the principles of Free Trade avowed by her Ma-
jesty's Ministers, and their declaration of legislating for the
welfare of the bulk of her Majesty's subjects in opposition
to any class interests, are deserving our most cordial sup-
port.

Moved by Mr. ROBERT JONES, seconded by JAS. RYLEY,
Jun., Esq., and carried unanimously,
5. That a Petition, embodying the foregoing resolutions,
be prepared, signed by the Chairman on behalf of the Meet-
ing, and be presented to the Commons House of Parliament
by Thomas Thornely, Esq., M.P. .
JOSHUA WALMSLEY, Chairman.
The Chairman havinc, left the Chair, and Jas. Palmer
Budd, Esq. being calleethereto.
Moved by W. -RAT-11BONE, Esq. seconded by Wat.
BROWN, Esq., and carried by acclamation,
That the waamest Thanks of this Meeting be given to Sir
Joshua Walmsley for his able and impartial conduct in the
Chair.

JAMES P. BUDD, Chairman

MR. GLADSTONE ON THE CORN LAWS

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

SlR,—Having lately read Mr. Gladstone's letter on the
corn laws, I have been on the look out for what might
emanate in the shape of reply.
My attention has' been directed to a letter, under the sig-
nature of W. S. L.," in the last Liverpool Courier, the
writer of which is entitled to notice, for his opinions are ex-
pressed in terms of moderation no one can find fault with.
But his arguments and inferences I cannot say so much
for ; and in proof of this I quote from his own letter, to
which it is not difficult to furnish a reply. He says—
" The ground on which Mr. Gladstone rests his defence of
these laws is, the impossibility of our obtainint, supplies from
foreigners without paying for it in specie, and the argument
is further based upon the experience of the years 1837-8-9,
when our foreign supply amounted to somewhere near twenty
millions of quarters annually; these supplies, he says, were
drawn from Germany, Russia, Prussia, and the other corn
producing countries that lieon the borders of the Baltic Sea;
and then he proceeds—l ask, did they take payment in our
manufactures? No, Mr. Editor, no, nor was it expected
that they would ; it was our necessity that drove us to them
for a supply which we were compelled to obtain at any price
to save the country:from famine, and because we were com-
pelled to apply to them for grain in these years, where it may
not be necessary to go again for the same cause in the next
five years, could it be expected that they would permit us to
glut their home market with an unexpected supply of our
manufactures to the ruin of their own ; no, they defended
them, and had a right to do so ' • and we had therefore to pay
money for that which, under abetter order of things, might
have been obtained, not by gold and silver, but by barter."
Now, sir, Mr. Gladstone very justly argues, and his reason-
ing is founded on fact—on past experience—that if we are to
be dependent on foreign supplies, those supplies will be paid
for in specie, as has been the case in the last three or four
years. But what says Mr. W. S. L. to this, in advocating
the exchange of manufactures for corn—" That it was not
expected that Germany, Prussia, and Russia would take
payment for their corn in our manufactures; that it was
our necessity that drove us to them, to save the country from
famine," and so forth ; but how does this alter the case ?
Does Mr. W. S. L. mean to say that we could COMPEL
Germany, Prussia, and Russia to take our manufactures if
we took their corn? because if we could not do so, what
security is there for their corning to us for manufactures at
all ? Are the people of these countries not possessed, as we
are, of all the necessary requisites for making manufactures
for themselves • and is not machinery for the purpose ex-
ported from this country every day ? Grievously shall we
be disappointed if reliance is to be placed on such expecta-
tions. The answer then is obvious. The continent can
make manufactures for themselves. If we take their corn,
they will require to be paid for it in money. _

So much for Mr. S. L.'s notions of corn laws : he
attributes to others that they advance only what suits them.
Now rests this charge on his own shoulders.—l am, sir,
your obedient servant. FAIR PLAY.
Liverpool, May 5, 1811.

THE BOLD-STEET CLUBS

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD,

In the Liverpool Times, of Tuesday last, appeared a letter
headed " Insults to Ladies," and bearing the signature of
" Observer," in which the writer animadverts, in the most
unmeasured terms, upon the conduct'of the gentlemen—mem-
bers of the clubs in Bold-street. Ilad " Observer" confined
himself within the limits of truth, or even of reason, nobody
would have blamed him for publishing his opinion of the men
and manners of Liverpool of the present day, if he thought
that by so doing he should benefit the ladies or any other
class of his readers. When, however, he states that it is the
custom of the gentlemen above alluded to "either to make
some rude remark of ladies passing by within their hearing,
or deliberately to accost them and force a conversation," he
states what every frequenter of Bold-street, lady or gentleman,
knows to be untrue, and he surely lays himself open to the
charge either of wilful misrepresentation, or of ascribing to
the ladies of Liverpool a want of proper womanly delicacy
and pride, in permitting such advances by strangers to them,
as he asserts are daily to be witnessed ;—an imputation which
the gentlemen whose conduct he impugns think and know,
as well by the rules of society and good breeding as by
their own experience, that the ladies cannot and do not merit.
The only excuse I can offer for troubling you, Sir, with these
few lines, in reply to Observer's foolishly false letter, is, that
many person's expect a contradiction to be publicly given to
any statement publicly made, however absurd or how:ever
palpably untrue that statement may be.
I am, Sir, your obedient Servant,
A MEMBER OF ONE OF THE CLUBS IN BOLD-STRZET.
Liverpool, May 6, 1840.

MARINE INSTITUTIONS

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD,

payfield-square, Edinburgh, 4th May, 1841

SlR,—The improvement of the education of the' masters
and mates of vessels is at last beginning to engage the atten-
tion of shipowners. It is many years since, from circum-
stances partly personal and partly connected with the inte-
rests of friends, I was led to think upon the same subject;
and as my ideas are rather more comprehensive than I think
those put forth by practical men appear, you will perhaps
allow me through your paper to communicate them to the
public.
The shipowners appear to limit themselves to requiring cer-
tificates of the qualifications of persons aspiring to employ-
ment as masters of vessels, &c., and it is quite clear that cer-
tificates should be required ; but if shipowners limit them-
selves to requiring qualifications, without at the same time
doing something towards providing them, they are likely to
injure rather than assist themselves, by creating a sort of
monopoly of such employment in favour of a few men
perhaps very well qualified to conduct a vessel as far as mere
nautical science is concerned, but very ill qualified from tem-
per and general understanding.
Without farther reasoning, I may say, that it has long ap-
peared to Inc anomalous that in a great commercial country
like Britain there should be no SCHOOLS for the instruction
of officers of the commercial navy. So far back as 1833,
therefore, I proposed to government, that all masters and
mates of vessels, whether by sail or steam, all engineers of
steam-vessels and of railroad coaches, should, like every
other person entrusted with the public health and safety, be
required to produce certificates of qualification and general
character—for steadiness, temper, and general intelligence ;
I proposed that on every such certificate there should be a
government stamp, bearing a duty proportioned to the im-
portance of the charge—that is to say, whether for master
or mate, and those of coasting or foreign-going vessels, &c.
In return for the revenue thus to be derived, I proposed as
follows—viz., that in every considerable sea-port, where there
might be universities, a chair should be endowed for the
teaching of practical seamanship, in all its branches ; and I
instanced Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, in Scotland,
Dublin in Ireland, and London in England;—and where
univerities did not exist, I proposed that MARINE INSTITU-
TIONS should be raised up for the same purpose, in Belfast,
Cork, and Limerick. in Ireland ; Liverpool. Bristol, New-
castle, and perhaps Hull, in England; leaving Portsmouth
and Plymouth for the royal navy. I proposed that these
institutions should be presided over by PRACTICAL
SEAMEN, of the first character for professional ta-
lent, and general good sense and intelligence ; that they
should be rewarded like professors in other sciences,
partly by salaries, provided by general or by local
munificence, and partly by moderate fees,lfrom persons pro-
posing to take certificates ;—that they should not only super-
intend the mere teaching to conduct vessels mathematically,
but give lectures, illustrated by models, on all points of sea-
manship, including the form and properties of vessels, load-
ing, trimming, and navigating, whether by sail or in any
other manner ; the principles of floatation, to enable to judge
upon principle how long a vessel in given circumstances
might continue to be navigated in the usual manner—how
long abided by. I was led to consider this of the utmost
consequence, from instances of valuable vessels being aban-
doned without necessity, or improvidently trusted to when
there was no chance of safety. I would consider the princi-
ples of mechanics, and even some practice, to be a very ap-
propriate accompaniment, in order to enable to direct in
supplying substitutes for rudders or spars, constructing rafts,
or fitting boats for any unusual service ;—lectures upon dis-
cipline also, and general duty ; upon the preservation or
economy of food or water, or on finding substitutes ; on the
seas, ports, and harbours most usually frequented, and the
laws and customs of the countries ;—all would seem very
useful to persons intending to embark in this profession. I
proposed that a swimming school also should be attached,
and experiments on plans of preserving life by swimming,
communicating with, and reaching land, &c., &c., practised.
li To all these lectures and exhibitions I proposed that seamen
in general should he admitted, either entirely free, or at a
very trivial charge; including among seamen all fishermen—
to whose particular profession also some attention should be
given ; but, of course, those intending to take certificates
only, to be entitled to examine models, and go through ex-
periments. In short, I proposed to give such initiatory in-
struction in this very important science as is given in all
other practical sciences, and to produce a race of seamen as
intelligent and thoughtful, as we see of medical, military, or
any other useful men,—eapable of rationally conducting
themselves in ordinar j circumstances, and of using all prac-
ticable means of saving themselves, in case of accident or
misfortune.
With such schools in their neighbourhood, seafaringmen
would no longer dissipate their leisure time, as they
pre-
sent uniformly do. With such subjects for thoughat
would no longer be the mindless beings they at present they
too
often are. They would be improved through all their ranks,
and superiorly qualified for all their duties • they would be
much happier in prosperity, and much safer in adversity ;
for every one would thus be qualified to co-operate
mustte with
another, and many improvements in every de
necessarily follow from this eeneral
intelligence, and
habits of thought and observation to which it would lead.
The train of thought once given, as I think these few sug-
gestions would give it, many improvements might occur in
many quarters. Shipowners seem willing to tax themselves
so far for raising the necessary revenue,
may be a very and perhaps this
appropriate mode. But I think the public in

1,1
general is also interested, and that, as pater perk), the Id
vernment should both assist and control.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant,
D. BAIN.

ANOTHER CONVERSION TO PROTESTANTISM

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

SIR,-With the desire of encouraging the hearts of those
who arc labouring to arrest the attempts now making by the
" corrupt Church of Rome" to extend her baneful influence
in England, I beg to announce, through the medium of your
valued journal, the fact of my conversion from Popery to the
Protestant faith. lam a Sicilian by birth (born in Messina),
and was educated in the Romish religion ; and, having spent
the greatest part of my life in a country where it is univer-
sally professed, I have had abundant opportunity of knowing
its secrets, and observing the conduct of those who professed
it, both of which produced in my mind, even long before I
visited England, an " utter abomination" of the whole sys-
tem. The simple instrument of my conversion has been the
" Word of God," in which I can find " no foundation for
the strange pretensions of the Church of Rome," and the
reading of which has, under God, relieved my mind of " an

oppressive load," by 'delivering me from superstitious errors,
and bringing me to appreciate and embrace the pure faith of
the Gospel of Christ, as it is held by the Church of England
I am ashamed to remember once more all the scandal
hypocrisy used by the Roman priests, both in 0-
life and during their service. I have no objection in signing
my name, and show to the world " that I am happy of hav-
ing become a true Protestant, and abjured the absurdity of
the Roman religion." May every other poor Romanist
have grace given him to follow my example, and leave the
Pope and his priests (and also Dr. Butler of Liverpool) to
their absurd and unscriptural dogmas.
Leek, Bth May, 1841.
--
[The writer of this letter affixes his name to it,

Leir private

but, at the

request of several members of his family, we suppress it.
He is a highly-respectable young gentleman, and the par-
ticulars which are given can he authenticated by numbers
to whom he is known.—ED. STANDARD.]