The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1849-02-20 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

BIRKENHEAD COMMISSIONERS.

to the bill now before Parliament, they would ex-
tend their views to the existing state of things in
Hull, London, and other ports.

WE understand that a movement is about being
made in this town in behalf of the American Colo-
nization Society, an institution founded thirty years
ago, through the piety of a clergyman of one of the
northern states, and which, confining itself to the
simple plan of purchasing territory in Africa and
paying the passage there of American coloured
people who wished to go, has succeeded in esta-
blishing the flourishing republic of Liberia, whose
independence, under a coloured president and co-
loured officers of state and a coloured legislature,
has lately been acknowledged by the governments
of England and France.
We are not sure that this is not the happiest
charity that has yet been devised for the benefit of
Africa. While the armed interference of England
and the United States for the suppression of the
slave trade has been thought by some to increase
the horrors of the traffic, this colony, in a much
more economical way, has broken up the slave fac-
tories and established a peaceful and healthy com-
merce on near four hundred miles of coast. While
our American and British missions have been slow
and expensive in their gains, and though highly
necessary and useful in their particular province,
still narrow in their limits and labouring under
great distress from the mortality of the white mis-
sionaries who have gone to them, this colony, it
seems by the last census, has brought into it 72,000
of the native heathen, who have become acting
citizens of the republic and supporters of its schools
and churches. And while our own colony of Sierra
Leone, though useful in many of the same ways as
Liberia, still has no large nation of Christian blacks
to whom it can look for future emigration, this co-
lony has a tide setting into it from among three
millions in the United States whose attention is in-
creasingly turned to it, and who are offering them-
selves or are offered, with their own consent, by
their masters in such numbers as already to over-
run the means of the Colonization Society.
If England is to continue, as she certainly must,
to do her part among Christian nations in help of
Africa, it becomes a question, and we would invite
our readers to take this occasion of inquiring into
it, whether helping this colony is not, as the thing
stands at present, decidedly the most effective and
frugal means.

Yesterday morning, a special meeting of this body was
held in the Board-room, Hamilton-square. Present,
Messrs. Bentham, Ravenscroft, Watson, Golbourne,
Greene, Hughes, Stevenson, Laird, Appleton, and Wil-
liamson.

R. Watson, Esq., was called to the chair.
Mr. Wartnaby, clerk to the committees, read the notice
calling the meeting, which was to consider " The expe-
diency of petitioning parliament against the Birkenhead,
Lancashire, and Cheshire Junction Railway (abandonment
of part of line extensions to London and North-Western
Railway, &c.) Bill, or against some or any of the provi-
sions of the said bill.

Mr. GREENE asked, why they were called together at
that early hour, which was a most inconvenient one for
men of busineSs ?

The CHAIRMAN replied that the committee had been
anxious to effect an arrangement with the railway com-
pany, and for that purpose had postponed the meeting
until the last moment. It was, however, necessary the
petition should be sent off that evening, and therefore the
meeting could no longer be postponed.
Mr. GREENE said, no one had a right to alter the hour
of meeting of the board, and call persons away from their
business at that inconvenient time of the day. The con-
sequence was that scarcely a quorum were present, whereas
had the meeting been held at the usual hour in the even-
ing, there would most probably have been a full board.
The minutes of the Road and Improvement and the
Parliamentary Committees were then read, from which
it appeared that they objected to the alterations contem-
plated in the bill now before parliament respecting the
railway company. The principal portion objected to was
the abandonment of the Canning-street bridge, which
carried the road over the railway, and proposed that the
street should cross on a level. They also objected to the
proposed alteration of tolls. Against these the Parlia-
mentary Committee had agreed to a petition.
The CHAIRMAN suggested that the petition should be
read.

Mr. GREENE said, the better course would be to take
the sense of the meeting whether the board would petition
at all.

GOLD AND THE BULLIONISTS,

We beg to direct attention to an able article,

which we

' extract from the Sun, evening paper, upon the subject of
the operation upon our currency of the recent discovery
of gold in California. We ourselves hail that discovery as
the most fortunate event which could have occurred for
the industry of this great commercial country. It is the
clinching rivet in the chain of evidence, tending to prove
the complete rottenness of our present monetary system.
The idol, gold, has turned round to mock at and trample
upon its worshippers. It is the bullionist now, not the
currency reformer, who, by adhering obstinately to his
favourite system, is liable to the stigma of entertaining a
desire to rob the annuitant ; to pay to every creditor less
than his due ; to disturb all the existing contracts of the
community with each other, and to bring about a total
revolution in the value of property and the remuneration
of labour. Hitherto the extent of the probable supply of
this valuable metal—valuable by act of parliament, com-
paratively worthless in itself—has been attempted to be
underrated. Would-be wise men have scoffed at the ac-
counts jrom the Gold Region as fables invented by dream-
ers, or designing adventurers. Their truth, however, is
now beyond dispute. The reports thus far have been
under rather than overrated ; and we may, within a very
few months, see England, and even Europe, inundated
with a metal, to be picked up by adventurers from every
country,—trappers, hunters, and Indian aborigines,—at
the rate of ten or twenty ounces per day, and yet every
ounce exchangeable for two months' worth of the aver-
age wages paid for the labour, present and accumu-
lated, of the British artizan.

Mr. BENTHAM was opposed to a petition being pre-
sented at all. He had a great dread of law expenses, and
when once the small end of the wedge was inserted there
was no knowing the extent to which it might be driven.
Mr. GOLBOURNE.—WouId you have them take the
bridge away ?
Mr. BENTHAM said, he thought it would be a great
blessing to the township, and a saving of considerable ex-
pense, too, if it were taken away. If completed it would
merely be for the benefit of some particular land in that
neighbourhood.

We might, very safely, leave the important question,
between ourselves and the bullionists, to settle itself.
The class which has hitherto been most energetic in de-
manding their pound of flesh for their bond—their
quantum of golden sovereigns for the interest of the
paper pounds lent to the nation—the fundholders, will
be the first, unless we much mistake, to raise a howl
against our present monetary laws, when they find their
golden idol worth only ten shillings in the pound, and
their hundreds per anpuT,p9ssess only the purelnsing
power of fifties. We might, even, rejoice to see such
" engineers hoist with their own petard." But there is a

England wish to pay to everyman what
oteio2le?!
have no wish to rob the widow and the orphan ; to de-
preciate the value of the marriage settlement, or to
defraud the honest and careful invester in our saving
banks. We wish to pay the national and every other
creditor in money, and at its present value ; and to do so
we are, day by day, more firmly convinced, with our con-
temporary the Sun, that we must adopt the mode of
equitable adjustment and the wise monetary system pro-
posed by the Liverpool Currency Reform Association.

PROSPECTS OF THE IRON TRADE

Mr. RAVENSCROFT said, if that doctrine was to prevail
they had better not interfere with any of the bridges.
Mr. GREENE asked what was the object of the petition ?
The CHAIRMAN said, it was merely intended to present
the petition, but not go to any expense in appearing by
counsel unless it became absolutely necessary.
The TOWN-CLERK then read the petition, after which
he stated that certain clauses had been proposed against
the abandonment of any portion of the scheme. It was
originally proposed to make the line to Manchester, War-
rington, and Stockport, but by the present bill the line
would only be made from Chester to Kekewick, to join
the London and North-Western.

Mr. GREENE said, he had no doubt the company were
as anxious as the commissioners to complete the whole
line, but where were the funds to come from ? He thought
it would be much better to point out the mode of raising
the money than petitioning against the bill.
The CHAIRMAN then put the question whether they
should petition at all or not, and it was carried in the
affirmative, all voting for it except Messrs. Bentham,
Greene, and Hughes, who did not vote on the question.
Mr. APPLETON, after observing that it was against the
interests of Birkenhead that the branch from Houton
Station should be abandoned, moved that the clauses
against that should be embodied in the petition, but this
was not seconded, and the petition, as read by the Town-
clerk, was adopted.
The meeting then broke up.

THE DOCK RATING BILL

(From our London Correspondent.)
LONDON, MONDAY MORNING

I hand you a statement of the case of the ratepayers,
which has been sent to the members of the House of
Commons.*

The opponents, fearing to have the question fairly gone
into, which it would be if the bill were allowed to go into
committee, are stirring heaven and earth to throw it out
on the second reading, which comes on to-morrow. if
they succeed, it will be in a great measure through the
exertions of Mr. William Brown, one of the members
for South Lancashire, who is going about, using the in-
fluence which his position gives him, to do all he can to
benefit his Manchester constituents, to the injury of a
majority of those of Liverpool. In justice to Sir Joshua
Walmsley, I must state that he is doing all he can to
help forward the bill. It is reported here that Lord J.
Manners is using his influence against the measure.
The deputation to Government in favour of the bill
consisted of Mr. Ferguson (churchwarden), Messrs. Poole,
Urquhart, Dover, Birkett, Hart, and Lowndes (on the
part of the parish) ; and Mr. Litt ledalc and Mr. Parker (on
the part of the Town Council of Liverpool). They were
accompanied by Sir Thomas Birch, M.P., and Mr. Card-
well, M.P., and had an interview with Sir George Grey
on Saturday at the [Tome-office, and afterwards with the
Right Hon. H. Labouchere.
A deputation to oppose the bill, consisting of the Mayor
Sir A 1,1,

_ rianche ' stei Elkanah
Hopkins, Mr. Councillor Gibb, and the Town-clerk of
Manchester; the Mayor of Salford and Mr. Alderman
Jenkinson, with the Right Hon. T. Milner Gibson, M.P.,
Messrs. Bright, M.P., Brown, M.P., Henry, M.P., Ker-
%tftyfi.bM.P., M`Gregor, M.P., Pilkington, M.P., Arm-
M.P., Thor:nel?:
.Nugent, M.P., Messrs. Duncuft,
Hornby, M.P.,
Hindley, M.P., Blair,
—Mr. William Nicol (deputy chairman-W•- nu deputation
Charles Saunders, Thomas Bold, and William Mann
(members of the Dock Committee), had an interview on
Saturday with the Right Hon. H. Labouchere (President),
Earl Granville (Vice-President of the Board of Trade),
and Mr. Baines (Chief Commissioner of the Poor Laws),
at the office of the Board of Trade.

What the chance of success is I do not know, but the
anti-raters are confident in their anticipations of a tri-
umph ; however, if the bill be allowed to go into com-
mittee, there is no fear of the result. No means are left
untried on the part of the pro-raters to carry their point ;
and they feel certain that if they do not succeed now,
they will next year.
*This statement contains, in a succinct form, the main ar-

This metal has latterly attracted considerable attention,
and it may be desirable for those parties interested in the
leading staple of our productions, and one of our most
valuable exports, to take a view of its present position
relative to the probable demand there may be during the
ensuing spring, present value, &c.
Bar iron is worth £6 to £6 10s., and Scotch pig 525. to ROBBERY AT THE BIRKENHEAD DOCKS.—Yesterday a
565. per ton. Last year, previous to the revolution in youth, named Joseph Roles, was committed from the
France, the former was worth £8 10s. to £9, the latter Birkenhead police-court for fourteen days, and to be once
51s. to 545. ; and at one period in the memorable year whipped, for stealing sugar from the docks, being part of
1845, £lO 10s., and £5 to £5 10s. respectively. the cargo of the ship Rosendale, now discharging.
The accounts from Birmingham and the other large ST. THOMAS' CHURCH SCHOOLS.—We are glad to find
manufacturing districts are highly satisfactory. It is that the bazaar for the benefit of these schools, which, as
thought probable, from the low rate at which money is will be seen, will take place in Easter week, is likely to be
to be had, and the buoyant feeling so evident in the well supported. W. Brown, Esq., M.P., has sent the
public mind, that some of the railways now in progress of handsome donation of £lO in aid of the benevolent
construction may be hurried forward to completion, and object. The Countess of Sefton has consented to act as
that others, abandoned for a time, may be revived. The one of the vice-presidents.
orders received from America for iron, by the last two Or STREET AND OTHER ROBBERIES.—At the police-court,
three steamers, have been very large, and quite unprece- yesterday, Mary Ann Ellis was charged by William Wil-
dented of late years, and the demand is thought likely to Hams with stealing from his pocket, in Canning-place, on
increase. By advices received by the Sheridan, (arrived Saturday night, £1 13s. She was given in charge, and
Friday, the 16th instant,) prices had further advanced £1 of the money was recovered. She was sent for trial.
three-fourths of a dollar, or to 22 dollars per ton, to 88s. —Mary Jones was charged by George Watson with hay-
duty paid for best brands of Scotch pig, and this previous ing, early on Sunday morning, stopped him in the street,
to the late advance here—so that when they hear of the and afterwards followed him into Gloucester-street,
rates ruling in this country, prices will be further acted where, a struggle having arisen between them, she snat-
upon. This improvement in the States is attributable in ched away his watch and chain. He gave the alarm, and
a great degree to the recent accounts from California ; and a constable who was at hand took her into custody.
should a tithe only of what we have heard from this The watch and chain were afterwards found in the street.
golden region be true, no doubt the value of iron and all at the spot when: the scuffle took place—both partially
other staple articles, gold excepted, will be enhanced. broken. She was committed for trial.—Hugh Evans
The Continent, too, is drawing largely upon us for a charged by Thomas Eaton with stealing a quantity of
supply of all metals. From the unsettled state they have emery stones from the quay of the George's Dock, and
been in for the last twelve months, their stocks of most sending them off in a cart, was committed for trial.—
articles, particularly metals, are much reduced; and it is John Hurst Green charged by Mr. Husse with stealing a
the opinion of parties who have lately returned after visit- hand-cart and a ladder, both of which he afterwards sold,
ing their large towns, that to such an extent is this the was also sent for trial.
case that, should they settle down to industrial pursuits, THE TRADE TO CALIFORNIA.—The following is a list
of which there seems to be every reasonable hope, of the principal goods, entered (in considerable quantities)
the demand for British metals and manufactures would be at the Liverpool Custom-house, for export to California,
beyond all calculation. up to the present time :-155 bales and 79 other packages
The shipments to India are increasing, and we may o. cottons; 133 bales and 27 pc...irngps of woollens
expect a good Trade from this quarter. From South 1149 bales of blankets ;40 tons of bar, hoop, anti sneo,
America the advices are also very aati.factnry, the demand iron, and 50 boxes of tin plates ; 419 packages of spades,
for California having in many instances cleared the mar- hardware, shovels, nails, &c. ; 15,000 bricks, and 38 boxes
kets of all hardware. It is generally admitted that the of glass ; 160 tierces and 70 barrels of beer, and 165 ditto
present value of pig iron is very little, if any, above the bottled ; 71 packages of wearing apparel ; a quantity of
cost of production—so that the present rates, though plain spirits, French brandy, and gin, castings, pickles
higher than they were ip the depressed period of last year, and sauces, soap, medicines, shirts, umbrellas, parasols,
may be considered moderate. thread and silk, 19 cases of cutlery, 69 barrels of vinegar,
With these prospettsi there seems °MY reason for 28 packages of shoes, tool chests, &c., 200 iron pots, two
anticipating a steady improvement in this a: ranch of ploughs, six cases of patent felt, stationery, one box of
rade, and a gradual advance in the value of iron and c:1
r Seidlitz powders, one iron warehouse, a quantity of agri-
mon,„sctures. cu;:liral implements, 100 tons of coals, anvils, grates, 45
packages galvanized tin, white lead, grindstones, bis-
on,: variety of miscellaneous articles,
Of late if ears the cry has been lei ioW prices of all staple
articles and manufactures, which mai/ have been politic cuits, wove wire,
and to the interest of our manufacturing pet,plation ; but of which the respective quantities were comparatively so
there is this difference with metals over every °they article, small, that we do no particularise them.
with the exception of coal and salt, that they are the COLLEGIATE INSTITUTION.—Dr. Wolff delivered his
natural productions of this country, and that we reap the third and concluding lecture on Friday evening, to one of
benefit of comparative high prices, and have the beierice the largest audiences ever assembled within the walls of
of trade in our favour over the foreigner, a circumstance' the Collegiate Lecture-hall on a similar occasion. He
which so seldom occurs to us; for though we are un- gave an extremely interesting account of the last stages
doubtedly a great manufacturing nation, yet we have to of his journey to Bukhara, the tragical story of the murder
look to other countries for our MAIN supply of the other of Stoddart and Conolly being communicated to him by
great manufacturing staples, cotton, silk, and wool—and several persons with whom he conversed, together with
thus the advantage this country gains by being the manu- the most positive assurances that he might prepare himself
facturer is considerably marred by haying to pay coin- for the same fate. The particulars that he first received
peting powers for the raw material, too f requently from a dervish of the country were substantially confirmed
manufacturers of the article themselves, by all that lie' heard afterwards. This man had told him
that Stoddartend Conolly were first put into'a'dungeon
among other prisoners, where they were fed upon bread
and water, and' crammed so closely that holes we 'e eaten
in their flesh by vermin. They were brought out with
their hands tied. Cone*, on being informed that if he '
would turn Mahornetan the king would spare his life,
said, " I believe in Jesus Christ, and will die in that
belief." He then turned to his companion, and said,
" Stoddart, fear n0t4,.. we are both believers in Jesus
Christ, and we shall be with Christ to-day." Stoddart,
who, alas ! had given way, and consented to become a
Mahometan, on being thus appealed to, said to the cham-
berlain, in his violent Mariner, "Tell the 'tyrant that 1
have no faith in Mahomet. I Yepent of my recantatiom•
I am a believer in the Lord' Jesus Christ." And both
were slaughtered.—This-evening the Rev. St. Vincent.
Beechy will deliver the first 6f tiro lectures on astronomy;;
and next week the Rev. I-1: 11.1 Higgins will commence'at
interesting course Palestine,'EgYpt,, &c,

We understand that the Rev. Dr. M'Neile will return
from Ireland during the present week.
STEALING FROM SElOPS.—Yesterday, at Mr. Rushton's
court, Ann McAvoy was charged with having stolen 3lbs.
of bacon. On being apprehended on this charge, a quan-
tity of printed calicoes, or fents, (13 yards in all,) was
found under her cloak. The owners of both appeared in
court and identified the property. The prisoner was) sent
for trial.

CHARGE OF EMEEZZLEMENT.-At the police-court,
yesterday, a youth named• William Neville, was charged
by Mr. Samuel Lord, wool-dealer, with having to receive
a sum of 16s. Md.. and another of 2s. 6d., for smalliquan-
titles of wool sold to a lady, and accounting for only 11s.
to Mr. Lord, his- employer. As it was expected that
some other cases would. belliscovereclagainst the pritioner,,
he was remanded.

guments in favour of the bill; but as these have already been
presented to our readers, in one shape or other, we have not
thought it necessary to publish the document alluded to.