The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-01-15 00:00:00

FIFTH CH yRGI.

one point only, namely, that the word blasphemy or blasphe-
mous was used, not however as to the verse, but as to the
sentiment taught therein, which other•officers also affirm. I
take :Miss Davies to be the most correct version, (semper in
dubiis benigniora preferenda sunt,) though she as well as all
the other witnesses speaks; from memory of a long by gone
discourse.

The only matter I need consider is, whether it was expedi-
ent, whetherit was notindecorous? . .

Some of your witnesses thought it was not expedient, that
t was not decorous to press so severely against the life of

prostitution and infatny in which many Of the female pri-
soners notoriously lived ivhen not in prison ; others, no
doubt, thought it very wicked, very inexpedient, very inde-
corous to expose the utter falsehood of the sentiment con-
tained in this verse—a sentiment 'which assigns to despair
every sinner sensible of his sins.

Again, some persons may think I was dreadfully offending,
if the substance of the following evidence be really true.
The chaplain stated that he had visited a female that
morning in the hospital, and he had spoken to her about
praying. I believe he added that he had asked her if she
did pray. She told him she had seen her priest. This was
told from the pulpit on a Sunday. He made some remarks
on the folly of persons believing that man had the power to
forgive sins, and cautioned the prisoners not to be led away

•by such an idea.
So also Miss Davies says, I remember his addressing them
about a•female prisoner. He said they had trusted to their
id died in despair. I have heard him use the word
in the pulpit, but I have not heard the female pri-

ers talk about it:
Ir. Buckley tells you, that " when any remarkable events
pen, such as death, Dr. Buck takes notice of them, and
to improve them on the consciences of the prisoners.

;o several times

t by some persor

he minister of Christ cannot c

improper, but gentlemen, t
descend to ask of turnkeys, nay even of magistrates, nor of
him who is over all, the inspector of prisons, whether it be
expedient or decorous to guard the ignorant against false-
hood ; to speak in terms easy of comprehension against sin
in all its forms. He acts, in these matters, solely under
the command of Gdd, who had said, the word that I shall
put into thy mouth that shalt thou speak : cast up the
smmbling block out of the way of my people when I say
unto the wicked thott shalt surely die, and thou givest him
not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his
wicked way, to save his life • the same wicked man shall die
in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine band.
Now, gentlemen, I fear God, I do not fear man. I there-
fore obey his will whether it be deemed decorous or not.

Consider, I pray you, that the great majority of persons
in a prison are as ignorant of God as are the heathen. It was
therefore decorous, expedient, essential, to point out error
in the clearest way possible, ,and to tell them the whole
truth ; and no man on earth bas a right to call me to ac
tour •

in the matter : in such case God is my only judge,
except that, being under the episcopal jurisdiction, I gave
utterance to dogmata opposed to the articles of that church
of which I am a minister.

The good sense of one of your own body hindered the ex-
pression sworn to have been uttered by me, in the words I
shall now quote from the evidence, being adduced as another
charge against me.

AdisClarged prisoner, on his oath, says :—" Dr. Buck
Said if Mr. Wesley believed in his own good works—his own
morals and actions—he certainly would be in hell; and that
every one who believed in their own good works, would go
to hell."

Now I apprehend that there is not a person of true Pro-
testant principles—l am certain there is no man taught of
God—who will object to the sentiment. These .words were
uttered from memory, the discourse itself having been deli-
xered eighteen months since.

SIXTH CHARGE

Whether the chaplain has not on one occasion addressed
the prisoners in the prison chapel on the subject of the
number of punishments which had taken place for miscon-
duet there, implying doubts as to their having so miscon-
ducted themselves, thereby reflecting upon the officers and
weakening their authority and influence over the prisoners.
The sixth charge, allow me to think, has not been.without
some weighty motive arranged in the midst of accusations
which it cannot be seriously intended to press. Perhaps it
might be lightly passed over—not seem to be important—not
specifically replied to ; and then the eagle, neglectful of lesser
prey, would dart upon the carcase without the possibility of
failure. This is, in fact, the only charge of consequence to
which I am called to reply ; for if I have taught rebellion, if
I have really weakened the power of officers over prisoners,
there cannot be.a doubt that sound policy would call for my
immediate removal, as totally unfit to be an officer in
prison. •

Now let us see the whole testimony by which a charge so
serious is sought to be supported, always remembering that
persons in the rank of life of your officers might honestly
mistake ; and that after the lapse of seventeen monthS, and
after a bill of amnesty has been passed, I am unexpectedly
called on to defend myself by explaining expressions then
used.

Mr. Ramsden says :—" I recollect an occasion when many
prisoners were reported for being asleep or something in the
chapel, sod I think the chaplain made some remarks the day
after in the chapel, when the prisoners were present. I know
the text was bearirrg on his remarks, and I think the purport
of the remarks was, the prisoners being reported for being
asleep when they were not; and as caution to the turnkeys
to be-more merciful: both merciful and just." Question by
the chaplain- Was the text on that occasion 35th Isaiah,
3rd and 4th verses." I cannot say; I believe something
similar. This following two sermons on the prodigal son,
on the previous Sunday, the prisoners appeared to be much
affected. I could scarcely believe that there was irreverent
conduct on the Sunday. I will not speak positively as to
what took place. I left with an impression that what was
said would have a good effect on the turnkeys. It was'part

" Whether the chaplain, when officiating on the. Sabbath,
has not indecorously called the attention of the prisoners to
4 portion of the 10iith pslam, new version, sung by them that
114 y in the prison chapel, .warning them against the use of it,
and characterising its to them as blasphemous."
You have, gentlemen, u letter which I addressed to Mr.
Batcheldor, commenting on certain disputes with his daugh-
ter, in evidence. That letter has been produced as against
me. I presurrie I may also make use of it in my justification.
•. That letter skews that lengthened disputes had been going
on between Miss Batcheldor and me as to the psalmody. I
wishing to select the psalms—she determining to oppose my
will. Mr. Buckley says— I have heard several times that
the psalmody was a subject of contention between Miss Bat-
cheldor and Dr. Buck." The fact is, this lady was, at that
particular period, beginning to practise on the organ. Being
a novice, she was obliged to limit her perfOrmances to three
or four tunes, which she could then mechanically go through,
if certain words, to which she was well accustomed, were
snug ; but if the words were altered, the tune lapsed, and We
were l confusion : our selection from the 150 in the
eft in sad •
new Version was, therefore, Ihnited to three or four psalms
--explosive of
the morning and
evening
nt
gshuybiliimuse,, ma.hsiculsieudsetdo
to be sung with such an attempt
he highly ridiculous : so that with a tolerably scientific know-
ledge of music, I never could detect the air, nor could any
persons join the execution, except the poor washerwomen,
who constituted, at that time, Our choir. These artistes
screamed, under the name of chanting, the service, and caused
my necessary presence to be extremely irksome to tee.
I endeavoured to correct the evil, being uncommonly tired
of hearing the same stanzas day after day, but the more I ob-
lected.the more Miss Batchelder resisted, and the continual
ding dong of
't! Happy are they, and only they,
'ho from thy judgments never stray ;
'ho know what's right,—not only so,
But always practise what they know."
called forth at length some remarks, which, (and I wish to
he thankful for the circumstance) have kept this unseriptUra
ditty from my ears, until the words were solemnly brought
to your notice on the oath of good men and true. Look to
Mr. Batcheldor's evidence, and you will find that I bad pre-
viously expostulated with him against the use of these words.
Dr. Buck has objected to the use of a part of the psalms
—I mean to certain verses. Dr. Buck had not the full con-
trol. My daughter used to attend to the singing, and selected
the psalms. Dr. Buck objected to the 3d verse of the 106th
es4ll, and spoke to me about my daughter using it.' Dr.
13i3ck wished that he should select the psalms, and that my
daughter should sing them, under his direction : my daugh-
ter objected : Dr. Duck stated his objection to me. Hie
thought " Happy are they, and only they,' irreligious.
Now I beg you to remember that it was after prayer, (ex-
temporaneous prayer, followed always by the Lord's Prayer)
and after sermon had began, that the supposed remarks were
made, that is in the course of 'preaching, at the very time
when; if a difficulty at.; se in the lessons of the day, or on
any other subject, a clergyman. of the Churc. h of England
would necessarily, an. as a matter of duty,
offer elplaoa,

of the senno.

Law says :—" On the Tuesday after, the chaplain made
some remarks on the strict rules of the prison. He then ex-
horted the prisoners to attend to the rules of the prison: he
has frequentlli done so. He alluded to the numerous punish-
ments for offences in the prison. To the best of my recol-
lection he said that a number of prisoners had been punished
without cause. I think he offered words of consolation. He
adverted to the number of punishments, and said he thought
if misconduct took place in the chapel, he was as likely to
see it as any one-else. He called the
prison a wretched
abode of misery. I think he said something about the ven-
geance of God falling on those who had Power and used it in
an arbitrary way."

Miss Davis says--“" I was in chapel when remarks were
made, on Tuesday, 2sth May, 1839, by the chaplain on the
number of punishments. The chaplain said he thought there
was an uncommon number of punishments; that there were
a goodinany too many, more than necessary, but it was bet-
ter for the prisoners
.to bear with them, than to have their
punishments increased. I cannot say ' necessary' was the
term used ; that was the purport. I had no feeling on my
part that it was a reflection on myself, nor did I think it ap-
plied to Mc "

"oel Gillett--" Were you ever in chapel when the chap-
lain made some observations on the subject of punishment?
" I was.

" Do you recollect the purport ?
" The chaplain said there were more punishments fur fault
diirimt, divine service than at any other time.

Haring refreshed his memory, he stated, "That there were
more punishments for faults during divine service than at any
other time, and that he for his part could see no fault with
the prisoners, and that they were to be sure to pay strict at-
tention to the rules and regulations of the prison. I think
that is all.

" Was there anything about acting the tyrant ?
" Yes ; Dr. Buck said, God would punish those who acted
the tyrant to the poor.
" llid he say anything about praying in private ?
" Yes ; he said he hoped they would pray to God, andput
up with difficulties while in prison."
Now, before I comment on this evidence, and endeavour
to shew its hearing, I desire to call your attention to another
subject, out of which the supposed offence has arisen. By a
statement prepared from the prison books, and received by
yon on your miftutes, it appears that, during 67 weeks, from
February 12th, 1838, tQ aith May, 1839, the number of per-
sons reported for gaol offences, said to have been committed
in the chapel, during divine service, was 199 ; or, on an.aver-

6..1t, strive, -in the fear of God, not to return. I did
not witness your disorderly conduct myself. I only saw your
deep attention to my instruction. Let me beg of you to
pray, in secret, that God would enable you patientlyto bear
the miseries your own sins have brought on you." This was,
as I fear God, the sum and substance of all I said. I read
to them at that time the following rules and regulations of
the prison, and there the matter ended.
"As to prisoners under charge of conviction—,the follow-
ing are declared to be acts of disorder :—any unnecessary
looking round or about, (each prisoner being required to look
before him) either at divine service, or at work, and meals,
or in passing from one part of the prison to the other."
If this, gentlemen, was to foster rebellion—to paralyse the
authority of the turnkeys, I was most guilty. Law tells you
in his'evidence in reference to the occasion—

" On the Tuesday afterwards the chaplain made some re-
marks on the strict rules of the prison ; he then exhorted the
prisoners to attend to the rules of the priSon, he has fre-
guently done so. He alluded to the number of punishments
ior ' offences in the prison (observe—not in the chapel). He
adds, ' to the best of my recollection,' remark the wariness
of this part of his evidence—his evident sloubt : to the best
of my recollection :" he said that a number of prisoners had
been punished 'without cause. (Remember this is to the best
of his recollection, the address having beery delivered eighteen
months ago). 1 think. be 'offered words of consolation—he

called the Prison a wretched abode of misery. I think, he
said, (mark, I beseech you) he thinks he said something about
the vengeance of God falling on those who had power, and
used it in an arbitrary way. He thinks this, he does not
venture to swear it was said. . _

In cross-examination, he says—" I think that the sum and
substance of what Dr. Buck stated amounted to this ; but I
do not speak to particular words—l do not think the prison
an abode of happiness, I think the phrase wretched abode of
misery applicable.
Miss Davies's statement is much more softened—not a
word of the vengeance or the tyrants, &c. &c. take her words.
I was in chapel when remarks were made on Tuesday,
28th May, 1839, by the chaplain, on the number of punish-
ments-0

there were a pod many too many—more than
necessary, but it was better for the prisoners to bear with
them than to have their punishments increased. I cannot

21..y' was the term used

was a reflection on myself,

nor did I think. it applied to me."
As to saying one word of God's taking vengeance on tyrants,
it is an absolute mis-statement.• It is• a-part of the text on
which I did not comment. I could not at that moment have
trusted myself to comment on it—the very words of the text
seem, however, to have been fastened, as a nail in a sure
place, on the consciences of some who were present—whence
their testimony that they thought I had uttered words of
vengeance. It was God who spoke, not your chaplain. He
who has thus fulfilled his own declaration,—" Vengeance is
mine, I will repay, saith the Lord."
The evidence of several officers of the prison has been given,
shewing that at different times, so far from speaking harshly
of your rules to prisoners, I have. gone from ward to ward
explaining them, and urging the necessity and wisdom of
strict obedience; the same I have repeatedly done from the
pulpit in the chapel, at the governor's request, nay, when-
ever he asked me so to do, as likely to be beneficial.

Mr. Ramsden says, " He (the chaplain) is in the constant
habit of exhorting the prisoners to moral conduct, and obe-
dience to the rules of the prison. I never heard him preach
a sentiment calculated to make the prisoners disobedient to
the rules."

Law says, " He then exhorted the prisoners to attend to
the rules of the prison ; he has frequently done so."
So again Mr. Buckley. " 'He has taken the prison rules,
gone through the wards, and inculcated obedience to them
on the prisuners. I cannot say it was at the request of the
governor."

Witness also the' same, from entries in my journal. " Ist
September, 1838. Passed some time in the untried yard,
and expostulated with the men on their disobedience against
prison rules ; they heard with great attention; and assured
me that they would certainly attend to my advice."

October 27, 1838.
" Passed some time in the male convict yard ; exhorted
the men to quietness and good behaviour, during their conti-
nuance here ; they behaved most respectfully."

• - Noveinber 16, 1838.
" Pssscd some time in the untried yard, and exhorted the
men to a rigid observance of the rules, and to good and
quiet conduct—their conduct hitherto has been very deco-
rous."

December 26, 1838.
" Visited every part of the prison ; read the law enjoining
silence, in every room, and exhorted the prisoners to obedi-
ence."

May 11, 1839.
" Saw every prisoner in confinement; exhorted them in
their different rooms and yards, to obedience and good
conduct."

June 15, 1839.
" At the chapel service explained the gaol regulations, aad
endeavoured to impress on the
_people the necessity of a
conscientious attendance to them.'

January 25, 1840

" Visited every workroom, and explained to the prisoners
in each, the new diet table, exhorting them to obedience to
the various rules of the prison."

April 4, 1840.
" Read the speech made by a convict at the present assizes,
to the two classes of men, serving time and to the boys.,'
Now gentlemen, I will call your attention to the effects
produced by my Tuesday's sermon. You will bear me out
in the assertion, that the inevitable consequence of my tell-
ing prisoners that they had been unjustly punished, would
have been a violent commotion—a rebellion—a paralyzing of
the energies of the officers,---deep emotion on the mind of
the governor—a solemn appeal to you at the moment, and
my instant suspension, at least from the performance of
duties.

Instead of these results, which did not take place, the
fullest possible proof that no such remarks as those imputed
to me were ever uttered.

Mr. Ramsdell says, " I dont know whether this sentiment
was calculated to make the pristmers obedient. I should
think it would, because there were fewer (reports) after-

Law, in his evidence, tells you " The address had an effect
on the prisoners at the tine—they seemed to be much excited
(he explains his meaning), they appeared particularly atten-
tive."

In cross-examination he says, " I thought the whole of
his address would lead to acts of disobedience. I did not
observe any acts I could attribute to that."
Other witnesses confirm these statements

Country at 6d. per lb. ; foreign at ls. 3d. ; and the difference
between the 6d. in tlie one case, and the 15d. in the other,
went. to the colonial planter, after having been extracted frbni
the pockets of the English people. He (Sir Joshua) would
have them to look at corn in the same way ; for, though their
population was rapidly advancing, and increasing competi-
tion was taking place, and though the amount of corn ex-
ported was not equal to what it was in previous years, still
the amount of manual productions exported was annually
less. After stating that the,price of labour was regulated by
supply and demand, Sir Josha next proceeded to show, that
if we could take the productions of other countries, duty
free, in exchange for curs, we should have more manufactur-
ed goods to return to them. He next alleged that wages had
invariably been reduced as prices rose, but that the price of
food did not regulate the price of wages. Sir Joshua con-
cluded by reading an. extract from the evidence of Mr. J. D.
Hume, and Mr. M'Gregor, both of the Board of Trade, in
relation to the question, and concluded by hoping the meet-
ing would not assist to return any man to the House of Corn--
mons who was not disposed to take off every prohibition and
restriction which had been imposed on the chief articles of
consumption, and which pressed almost to death the poor
of the land. _

Mr. JOHN MURRAY proposed the first resolution—" That
the present corn and provision laws irr.pose on the people of
this country a burthen of fifty millions a-year, enabling the
Landowners to enormously increase their incomes at the ex-
pense of every other interest of the community, and that this
meeting, believing those laws to be unjust in principle, and
ruinous in their operation, petition the legislature for their
immediate repeal."
Mr. ROBERT JONEB seconded the first resolution, and
during his observations there was some confusion at the
lower end of •the room, mingled with cries of " Tutn him
(the disturber) out."
The CH AIRMAN immediately rose and sa
the first man out who made a noise. The

4No proof of disunion of officers was adduced, for no dis,
union took place. There was no expostulation with me by
any officer, nor by the governor; no complaint laid before
the magistracy. It remained for• Captain Williams to find
out a secret writing, to bring it to-day, and to cause me now
to appear before you, to answer to that charge as false as that
being who originated it—in his abode of black despair.
Seventeen months after the period in question, I am taxed
with results which might have followed, though none did
follow, except decrease of punishments on the part of the
men—a gkadual and, wise reduction in the severity of all
punishments—apparent harmony amongst the officers ; in
fact a state of tranquillity which had never been previously
witnessed in the prison. •
Again, I say, it' this was to excite rebellion, to create dis-
union, to discourage officers in the performance of duties, I
was indeed most guilty.
Once more, in the sight of God, before whose awful
Throne 1 must very shortly appear; I soleninly deny having
uttered one syllable against the authority of the officers, one
syllable which I then thought, or Il CUN think, could have any
other effect, than that of tranquilizing the minds of men ;
leading them to submission, and to avoid future causes of
complaint. You find that a diminution of punishments in
number and severity has followed, and therefore, I believe,
the object of my address had the most happy, the most bene-
ficial effects.

red that authori.

1 he would turn
Lleetinz, had be-

.1 in a sufficient power to maintain it

Mr. JONES then proceeded with his remarks, and concluded
by saying that he could find fifty thousand families in Liver-
pool who were half d—d under .the.coroperation.of the corn
laws, and that no man could conceive the immense quantities
of corn that would be consumed in England if the bellies of
all the people were well stuffed with bread.
Mr. JOHN ROSSON briefly supported the motion, after
which

The CHAIRMAN was about to put it to the meeting, when
A Gentleman, whose name we could not learn, but who
carried a large volume and some documents in his hand,
rose for the purpose of proposing an amendment, but was
assailed by cries of " Turn him out." _ _ _

The CHAIRMAN said-he ;iitinot hear him, and desired
him calla meeting in support of his own views if he plased.
He (Sir Joshua) had no notion of allowing him to come there

iv Luc ow Lou apple or discord. (Uproar and great contusion.)
The Gentleman again said that hc*wished to say one word
before the motion was put.
The CnAinaawist.—Silence, sir, or I will put you out in a
moment. (Uproar.) •

A VoicE.--1 will throw you over the platform. (Cheers.)
The GENTLEMAN still endeavouring to be heard—
The CHAIRMAN.—If I have one word more from you till
this is settd, I will turn you out. You understand me.
(Cheers.)
This silenced the gentleman, and the resolution was carried.
The GENTLEMAN complained of the manner in which he
had been trcllted, protesting against it as most ungentlemanly
on the part of the chairman.

The CHAIRMAN.—I did hope that, after whatl have said,
the gentleman would have held his tongue—

The GENTLEMAN.---i ask -YOU, Si Joshua Walmsley,
whether you have treated me as I ought to have been treated
by You

-j'the CHAIRMAN.--I say if you do not hold your tongue I
shall turn you out. (Great uproar.)
Mr. DUFFIE, ajourneyman tailor, proposed the second re-
solution, to the effect that petitions be sent to the legislature,
in conformity with the terms of the motion which had just
been passed. The tailor went on say, that the first aristo-
crats were robbers, and concluded by- stating, emphatically,
that they (the corn law repealers) would thunder at the gates
of parliament—they would show their moral power, but he
warned the aristocracy to beware lest they tempted their
moral power too far, for moral power was but the ghost of
physical. (This sentiment was loudly applauded.)
Mr. HUGH BOYD, thesecretary to the association, seconded
the resolution proposed by the last speaker.
Mr. PALMER rose for the purpose of opposing it, but was
assailed with cries of "Turn him ma." The meeting at this
period became most uproarious.
The CHAIRMAN.—I have spoken to this gentleman before,
and begged him to be quiet. Is it your pleasure that he
should be heard ? (Loud cries of " No, no,' and "Turn him
out.") Now, Mr. Palmer, go out, sir. (Cheers.) Retire
from this meeting, sir. (Cheers.)
Mr. PALMER intimated that this proceeding was most
unfair.

The CHAIRMAN.—Retire from this meeting I say, sir. I
will not hear a word from you. (Cheers, and uproar.)
Mr. PALMER made another vain attempt to speak to Sir
Joshua.

The CHAlRMAN.—Recollect,
sir, I have ordered you from
this meeting, and I will not hear any more from you. Here
(addressing the meeting) is a young gentleman—
A VotcY..-1 beg pardon—lie is a blackguard. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN.—AIIow him to pass quietly through.
(Hear.) I think it due to myself and to you to state, that
this gentleman says there are no persons here who dare meet
him in discussion. (Cheers.) 1 have told that gentleman
previously, that if he and his friends would call a public
meeting, he will find plenty of persons ready to discuss the
subject with him. (Cheers.)
Mr. WINTYRE, secretary to the Protector Society, then
proposed the following address :

TO•THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OP

WALSALL

"Men of Walsall,-01,4 you has devolved the signal ho-
nour of being the first constituency- of Great Britain to re-
pudiate the pretensions of any parliamentary candidate Un-
pledged to a repeal of the inhuman starvation laws which so
fearfully afflict our beloved country.
" In a few days your borough will be made the battle-field
for a great kinciple. On one side is the fearless and disin-
terested advocate—the enlightened advocate of unrestricted
commerce ; on the other, the scion of grasping and remorse-
less monopoly, who would make the hunger of Englishmen
like the sweat of the negro, the source of unhallowed wealth
to the coffers of insatiate ambition. What men, in whose
g, will hesitate to side with the
breath lives one generous feeling,
champion of industry and plenty against the supporter of
monopoly and want?
" Mcn of Walsall! The eyes of the empire are upon you!
The wives and daughters of England's working men look
with intense interest to the progress of your struggle. Our
unemployed operatives, for a time, forget their privations in
the excitement with which they watch your conduct in the
coming contest: our drooping commerce and decaying ma-
nufactures feel a vivifying spirit in the expectations which
arise from the noble position you have taken. Britons!
brothers! men! From this great mart of commerce we
send you our sympathies, and pray for your success. Let
not, then, we implore you, the triumph of monopoly in your
borough blast the high hopes you have created. Strike, men
of Walsall, strike a manly British blow for-the prosperity of
of old England, and your first loud shout of conquest will
give joy to every honest heart throughout the land, and
up your glorious spirit, shall,
towns and counties, catching
in imitating your examgle, make ' gallant Walsall' a rallying
cry to future victories.
Mr. M`Klistin seconded the adoption of the address,
which was put and carried.
Mr. WILLIAM RATIIDONE next addressed the meeting,
that the, people of England must
and concluded by saying
advocate free trade if they wanted cheap corn and real com-
forts,
Mr. &MIL followed, He was decidedly opposed to the
present corn laws, as they ground down the great mass of
the people for the wicked purpose of augmenting, not the
comforts but the aggrandisements of a few.
'Upon the proposition of Mr. GUFFIE, thanks were then
returned to the Chairman, and the meeting separated, after
having first given " three cheers for the Repeal of the
Union !"

Need I say more on this point, let me intreat the justices
to consider this one charge as though no others appeared,
let your solemn judgment be formed unencumbered by dead
weight, by dust thrown out to blind the eyes from the power
of clear vision.

Can you think it within the range of possibility, that if the
governor had at the time he received the reports of the in-
formers, really thought a rebellion likely—had found his offi-
cers improperly daunted—that he would have dared to keep
such startling circumstances from you. He says, in evi-
dence, kindness of feeling towards me,hindered. Gentlemen
you know the man ! you know well he would allow no such
feeling to keep him from a strait forward appeal to the magi-
strates ! But, in truth, at that very time the governor and I
were very far from being swayed by such kindly feelings to-
wards each other, as have prevailed ever since that period.

Viscount Melbourne has issued cards for a full dress din-
ner to a large party of peers, on the 25th instant, at his offi-
cial residence in Downing-street.

circumstances, an acceleration of speed or not; we have no'
doubt but it does, and to an extent which will eventually ap-
pear very conspicuously ; and we think the clear and able
explanation on this point, in the letter of Mr. Roger Phillips,
of Whitehaven, published in the Mechanics' Magazine for
October, is conclusive; but the travelling public will regard
this only as one of the minor merits of the screw-propeller.
We are of opinion that a steamer, even on the old construc-
tion, is safer at sea, in all weathers, than an ordinary sail-
ing vessel of the same size and trim, as long as the engines
and paddle-wheels continue in perfect order, and there .are
plenty of coals to keep them going ; but when any circum-
stances occurs to stop the machinery, and render it useless,
we have no hesitation in stating that the common steam-
vessel becomes the most helpless toy that floats upon the
waters; and the situation of the crew and passengers is from
that moment critical and dangerous. We put it to the cap-
tains of sea-going steamers themselves, whether, under such
circumstances, they could ever gain one point to windward ?
and whether, in the event of a gale of wind, the utmost
efforts of human ingenuity could get the vessel out of the
trough of the sea, if she once broached to, which she would
probably do almost immediately? It is notorious, that the
Erin was lost from this circumstance. This unfortunate
steamer was passed by several vessels in the course of the
day, lying in the trough of the sea (as it is nautically termed),

and was reported off Milford, distance about twenty mile.s,
with signal of distress flying, the wind blowing at the time a
gale, at north-west; she must therefore, some hours before
she went down, have been within sight of land, with a fair
wind, of which no use could be made.
" When the Killarney also was disabled, she was some
miles to windward of Cork harbour, and drifted all across
its mouth, with a fair wind to run in. Even the loss of the
William Huskisson, last winter, (certainly that of the re-
maining passengers) may in a great measure be attributed to
her complete helplessness, when the rolling of the water
from the leak put the fires out ; as she was several hours in
distress, before Captain Clegg, with the Huddersfield, came

a stiff

five hours' run from a safe harbour, let the wind be which
way it will.
" It was the knoivledge of the fact, that the great shocks
to which the ordinary machinery is subjected in a heavy sea,
are very liable to put the engines out of order, and the great
danger to which the vessel would then be exposed, which
prevented for twenty years, any attempt to establish a regu-
lar steam communication with America; and even now,
although in such a castle at sea as the Great Western, with
such enormous power, and so amply provided with remedies
for almost every kind of accident to which she is exposed,
one might not feel very apprehensive, as long as the provi-
sions continued abundant; yet we question whether, in the
event of her engines becoming effectually damaged, the re-
nowned Hosken himself would not be very willing to ex-

deep:" for that of a snug little schooner, of more than one
hundred tons burden, even in the midst of the " broad
Atlantic."

" Now, with respect to the Archimedes, (or any good ves-
sel similarly appointed,) not only is she safer than an ordi-
nary sailing vessel, while her machinery continues effective—

and much less likely to have this put out of order tnan lL
would be on the old plan, because the strain on it is always
nearly equal—but she is also, to all intents and purposes,
and in all situations, even with her machinery stopped and
rendered useless, quite as safe as any sailing vessel would be.
With her propeller detached from the engine, (which can be
done in one minute,) it has been ascertained that she is as
well able to i` turn to windward" as a fast-sailing yacht ; and
" when her gaff-foresail came down by the run," says Capt.
Scott in his letter to Capt. Chappell—(vide Report, p. 53)

" she stayed against a heavy sea, which proves her to be a

very handy vessel."
We confess that to us, this advantage appears immense ;
it makes all this difference : that, whereas the safety of vessel
and passengers, in the former case, depends generally alto-
gether on the machinery, -in the new plan, on the contrary,
the machinery is merely an additional means of speed, which,

which May, and does, add considerably to the safety of the
vessel, but can never, under any circumstances, materially
diminish it; and, had this method been applied in the first
instance, there would ;have been no more risk in sending
steamers of ordinary size and power to America, twenty
years ago, than there is now in navigating them to France
or to Ireland.

" When we have been exposed to a heavy cross sea, even in
steamers of known and approved good qualities and great
power, we could not hear, with Out some degree of nervous-
ness, the thundering shocks which the engines had constantly
to sustain, while, perhaps within a mile to leeward, the sea
has been going bodily over the bold rocks of an iron-bound
coast, from which nothing could have saved us had our ma-
chinery given way ; but, in a similar situation, in the Ar-
chimedes, no anxiety need be felt ; the engine would perform
its duty with the some steadiness and regularity as before,
or, if stopped, the vessel would he perfectly competent to
continue her course with scarcely diminished volocity, (wind
abeam,) under a press of canvass alone.

" It may occur to some of our readers, that, as other steam
ers carry sails also, surely they could manage to keep off th'
land as well as the Archimedes, in the case of darnt..
chinery ; but they will understand us better, when we to
them that,. under the circumstances just detailed, the A
chimcdes, supposing. her to be able to carry all sail, wor

ged ma-

go probably nine miles an hour ; (Captain Chappell states,
that "in going from Southampton to Portsmouth, her speed,
under sails alone, never was reduced below eight knots, close
upon a wind ;) while we may venture to state, that no steam-
ers, now navigating the British Channel, would be able, in
suchl a case, with the additional drag of her paddle-wheels
and boxes, to go above three miles in the same time, which
being insufficient to counteract her lee-way, she would in all
probability drift ashore in less than an hour.

The father, and some persons who lodged in the house, were
unable to obtain their usual repose in consequence; and the
former Accordingly told his wife to procure some sleeping
drops for it. She accordingly went to a druggist's shop in
Vauxhall-road, (Mr. Sheldon s), where she found a young
woman and a boy in charge of the business. She asked for
a pennyworth of the syrup of poppies ; stated what she wanted
it for, and also enquired what quantity should be given. The
young woman enquired the age of the child, and upon being
told that it was between six and seven months, directed that
half a tea-spoonful should be given, but afterwards " drew
back," and said three or four drops. On smelling it, she did
not think it was like the syrup of poppies she had been in the
habit of using. She showed it to a lodger, who said it smelt
very strong—and her husband was of the same opinion. She
and her husband, however, not supposing anything was
wrong, administered three or four drops, and the child fell
asleep and never again awoke. About eight o'clock next
morning, the child, which had never before been ailing, was
found to be dead. Such were the facts which he apprehended
would come out in evidence. He concluded by dwelling
strongly on the increasing evil of druggists prescribing so
foolishly, and even wickedly, in cases which they were not
competent to judge of, and that, too, on the mere informa-
tion of ignorant persons ; and he pointed out the cases in
which, if what they so prescribed produced a fatal result, they
rendered themselves amenable by the law.
The following evidence was then called:—

" As we have considered this point of distinction the most
interesting to society at large, we have dwelt more upon it
than we originally intended ; and will now describe more
briefly the. advantages, in point of convenience, which the
screw-propeller possesses over the side-paddle-wheels. The
first of these is, in our opinion, the ready obedience of the
vessel to her helm in turning. Every one who is accustomed
to travel by steamers, must have been repeatedly annoyed by
the tediousness of getting the vessel into her berth or landing
place : even in wide rivers, affording considerable room, the
running a-bead and backing a-stern are often continued for
nearly half an hour, before the shivering and impatient pas-
senger can put his foot on terra firma. Now, it seems the
Archimedes will make a complete round turn. in two minutes
and a half, and in a circle whose diameter is about twice her
own length—a most material consideration ; and when we
remember the many fatal accidents which have happened, by
steamers running into each other, even when one party has..

. .
seen and hailed the other in its approach, (as in the case of
the Britannia and the Phoenix, so lately. 7 her great sup?,
riority in this respect is evidently more than a..convenien9e.

Mary Kennedy said—l am the wife of James Kennedy,
and we live in Sarah Court, Chisenhale-street. The deceased
was our son ; he was six months old on Christmas Day last'
The deceased was a fine healthy child, but he used to cry at
night; and my husband was not able to get his rest. I went
to a druggist's shop, just round the corner of Chisenhale-

street, iiiVauihall-road, for a pennyworth of syrup of pop-
pies ; Delicia Sheldon was in the shop at the time. She fur-
nished me with some stuff in a bottle. I previously told her
that I wanted it to crake a child sleep who was very cross at
night, and I told her it was between six and seven months
old. She then told me to give half-a-teaspoonful, but drew

nir drops

sheaved the stuff to a person in the house. 1 then got a tea-
spoon, and my husband gave three drops to the deceased. I
am quite sure there was not more than four drops. The de-
ceased fell asleep in about three-quarters of an hour after,
and never wakened. My husband took the bottle which I
had got from the druggist's shop, and gave it to the doctor.
I did not get the bottle frost the druggist's shop, as I took
one with me, but only the contents. The deceased had no
ailment of any description whatever, but was cross at night.
The father of the deceased corroborated the evidence of the
previous witness, and stated that about half-past five on the
morning after the drops had been administered he left the
deceased and his wife in bed. The deceased was then alive,
but breathing very hard and heavily.
John BulloCk said—l am a surgeon. A little before nine

o'clock yesterday morning the first witness brought the de-
ceased to my surgery. I examined the child and found he
was quite dead. I made particular inquiry as to what had
been given to the deceased, and the woman informed me she
had given syrup of poppies. Shortly afterwards the father
of the deceased came in with a bottle. It contained half an
ounce of a dark fluid, From the smell and taste I am quite

convinced there was a great quantity of opium in it, but I
cannot take upon myself to say what quantity. lam ac-
quainted with nature of syrup of poppies. I have since
made a post mortem examination of the body of the de-
ceased, I carefully examined the brain, which I found to be
much congested,

)d much overloaded with blood. The
tomach and small intestines were much inflamed. lam de-
cidedly of opinion that the death of the deceased has been
occasioned by an opiate. In every other respect the body df
the child and all the organs were in a perfectly healthy state.
I cannot take upon myself to analyze the contents of the
bottle. Three drops of syrup of poppies, made according to
the London Phartnacopia direction, would not be an over
dose for a child of six or seven months old.

The inquest was then adjourned to this day, and will be
further adjourned until to-morrow, in order to give suffi-
cient time for the contents of the bottle to be analyzed. We

CORRESPONDENCE

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD,

Mr. Taylor, in his late lecture on " English Opera" at the
Mechanics' Institution, stated, that the song of " Cease your
Funning," as sung by Polly in the " Beggar's Opera," was
probably an original composition. I beg to inform him and
;our readers, that the tune of " Cease your Funning" is an
)1d Welsh air, composed long before the date of the " Beg-
.
A WELSHMAN.

is Opera

Jan. 13th, 1811

" VOLUNTARY CHURCH PRINCIPLE."

Six,—l b

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.
g to call your attention to the fact that a chapel
ts," in Gloucester-street, was closed on Sun-

day. evening last, for want of funds ! The amount requisite
to -keep it open is,'l understand, about 1:30 or £6O ; and for
the want of this small sum the congregation are left to wan-
der where they like, as "sheep without fold or shepherd."
Where are the wealthy members of Great George-st. Chapel,
who subscribed so handsomely towards its rebuilding, and of
Everton-crescent Chapel, being the same sect? This is one

instanc

of the workin
—Yours, &c.,

of the '

voluntary-church-support
A CHURCHMAN.

4,:ve1l

001, Jan. 6, 1841

THE ANTI-CORN LAW LEAGUE AND THEIR IM-
PARTIAL ADVOCATE, SIR JOSHUA WALMSLEY !

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD

SlR,—Actuated by motives which should animate the
breast of every working man, namely, the bettering of his
condition, both mentally, morally, and politically, I attended
the meeting of the corn law repealers, which was held last
evening in the Music-hall, Bold-street. Being well aware
(judging from past experience) that I should bear repeated
the fallacious statements which have from time to time ap-
peared in the recognized organ of the cotton lords—the
Anti-Corn Law Circular—l put in my pocket a few statisti-
cal papers and Anti-Corn Law Circulars, to refute the state-
ments of the " League" and their " hirelings," and to clear-
ly demonstrate to my working brethren that the advocates
of repeal were but throwing the sand of sophistry in their
eyes,'that they might with greater effect gain their assistance
in the advocacy of a class measure.
llaving, as I predicted, heard such arguments made use of
by (as he is called by the " Lady of Lord-street") the "ar-
gumentative" and " highly gifted" John Murray, a RAID
SERVANT of the " League,' whose astonishing eloquence
destroyed the Cashel school-room ! Sir Joshua NValmsley,

ieir helms readily enough for a corn-dealer and a friend to " free trade !" Mr. Wlntire,
ordinary purposes, and the vessel's heal may be easily veered an Irish Protector ! and " last, though not least" that learn-
a point or two in either direction; but they are incapable of ed lawyer, highly intellectual and discriminating personage
performing a rapid manoeuvre : probably, one of our Irish (in his own opinion) Councillor Roison ! tell the operatives
packets, when running with the full power of her steam, then-assembled, that the repeal of the corn laws would raise
would not accomplish a circle much within the circumference their wages ;—that to the corn laws might be justly attributed
of a mile ;it is impossible to say how much this circumstance ali the evils, and crime, and misery which exist in the Bri-
may have contributed to the losses of the Water
.Witch and tish dominions ;—that a repeal was in itself a universal pa-
the City of Bristol : the error, in both eases, was discovered nacea for those crimes and evils ;—that in Ireland wages
before the vessel struck, and the helm shifted, but not suf- were low in consequence of bread being dear ; while in Ame-
ficiently soon to enable them to escape the danger. rica wages were high in consequence of bread being cheap !
"The next ground of preference of the Archimedes, is her thereby proving (as they stated) that the price of bread regn-
having no external paddle-wheels, to agitate the water, or to lated the labour market, and not demand and supply ;—that
impede the crowded traffic of our rivers. a repeal would not throw a single acre of land out of cultiva-
" The great number of accidents, attended with loss of Lion ;—that we could advantageously compete with the fo-
life, which hive happened in the Thames, from the paddles reigner, and pay the national debt at the same time!—and
of steam-vessels either coming in contact with wherries and the League deserved the best thanks of society in general,
river-craft, or causing an everpowering swell in the imrne- and of the working. classes in particular, for their—what ?
diate vicinity of deeply-laden boats, render lt somewhat sin- why, their disinterested and impartial conduct !
gular that the London authorities generally, and the Humane Having heard these statements, knowing them to be false,
and possessing the means of refutation, I demanded a hear-
mons
' Socilpy in particular, have not hitherto made any public
ration, in favour of a plan which obviates all the evils ing, when—" start eyes !"—the impartial (?) and disinter-
of the old system. . ested Sir Joshua Walmsley informed me that he could not,
"A steamer on the Archimedes' plan is neither of greater nor would not, allow me to speak unless I was in favour of
breadth than a sailing vessel of similar tonnage, nor does 'she a repeal of the " corn laws,"—the meeting (as he stated)
cause a greater swell ; and she is so much the safer in thread- being convened to advocate that measure. 1 again requested
ing her way among boats and vessels, from her ready obedi- the chairman to obtain a hearing for me, when he replied
ence to the helm in either direction : and if it be ascertained, that he would not comply with my request, and desired me
that the business of steam navigation can be done, without to leave the room.
the necessity of constant danger to the lives of boatmen and Now, sir, I appeal to you, and, through you, to the public,
their passengers, in our rivers, it behoves those whose duty -and will ask you and they, is this impartial conduct?—is this
it is to provide for the public safety, to take measures for the usual etiquette of public meetings?—is it usual for men
establishing it on such a footing. We should be sorry to see to request the attendance of the public, and then deny them

steamers obey t

MONDAY EVENING.—This has been a flat day in the
funds, and the Globe's gentleman of the leading article will
be surprised no doubt to learn that the prices of Stocks
which he " sent up" a few days since with such smirking
self-complacency have been " seat down" again to-day with
just as much rapidity as they went up. Consols, in spite of
Chinese triumphs and Indian victories declined to-day to
89a to 4. Bank Stock 1634 to .14. Exchequer Bills 9s to
lis premium.—In Foreign Securities there has been little
doing. Spanish Active with the Coupons were 24a. Portu-
guese Five per Cents 31i to n, the Three per Cents 191 to
20t. Dutch Two-and-a-Half per Cents 54 to 4, the Five
per Cents 984 to Belgian 974 to 81. Brazilian 704 to 14.
Mexican 281 to 9. Colombian 234 to 4. Danish 771 to 84.

SECOND EDITION.

Stando.d-qffice

Tii;.e o'clock

LIVERPOOL CORN EXCHANGE,—THis DAY

(From Afessrs. R. MA.KIN Sr SONS' Urcular.)

Although the wind has prevailed mainly from the east, and
severe frost, snow, and thaw, alternately have formed the
character of the weather during the week, the arrivals on the
whole have been to a moderately fair amount since our report
of Tuesday last. From that time, and up to the present
date, the trade in all respects remained firm, with occasional
salesof Wheat, but no important transactions in that or other
articles sufficient to alter, in any material degree, the arrange-
ment of our last currency.

The duty on foreign Wheat for the ensuing week is re-
duced to 26s 8d per quarter, on Flour to 16s Old per brl.,
and raised on "Reans and PiOuc.P. tx% .441 6(1-perm._ 17flon Bri-
tish colonial Beans and Pease the duty is placed at 3s per
qr. each ; that on all other produce, both foreign and colo-
nial, remaining unaltered.
The canals inland, being still cloied by the frost, impede
all extensive intercourse with distant markets, and, as of
late, we had very few country buyers in attendance this
morning; the sales of Wheat, therefore, being confined
chiefly to the immediate requirements of our home millers,
the business of to-day was upon zi limited scale, on the terms
last noted.

Flour, of all descriptions, was likewise in slow request,
but holders anticipating a renewed demand ere long, were
tolerably firm, and obtained former prices.
Prime matling Barley, and line new Malt, were saleable
at the full rates last noted ; but the inferior qualities of ench,
being difficult of disposal, were rather cheaper. Beans and
Pease, with very little appearance of demand; hardly sup-
ported our last quotations.
Oats and Oatmeal, in the absence of country dealers, were
taken off very sparingly, without any decided change in va-

ARRTVALS OF CORN,
From the stil to Me 11th Jarreary, 1841, inclusive

DESCRIPTION

LAND. I WISE. CANADA' EEION

Beans
Pease . Qrs.
Sae.led Barley . Qrs.
Indian Co.a
Repeseed Qrs.
Os :meal .. . . Loads 2722
Pon Szeks 473
Ditto

Into Runcorn, Ireland and Cot
qrs.; Oats, qrs. ; Oatmeal,

I 1637

ors. ; Beans,

wise, Wheat,
- loAs ; Flour, sael,

EXPORTS.—Foreign. Barley, 0 qrs. ; Oats, 31 qrs. ; Pease,— qrs. ;
Oatmeal, 20 loads ; Flour, 15 barrels Ireland. Wheat. dos
qrs.; Oatmeal, Ids. ; Floe!, sacks 0 bads..... Coastwise.
Whea;:, 162 qrs. ; Batley, o;1. ; Malt, 25 qrs. ; Oats. qrs. ;
Beans, 0 qrs. ; Pease, qrs. ; Oatmeal, 30 Ids. ; Flour, 224
sacks, 63 barrel s.

Average prices of Grain, for the week ending Jan. 3, 1341.
Wheat.. 61s. gd. I Parley 3zs. sd. Oats.. 21s. 6d.' Rye.. 325. gd
Titans.. 3gs. 10d. I Pease .. 3gs. 11d.

W heat.. 6'

Ag3rez,o,le average of the six weeks.
d.) BP,ley.. 325. 6d.) Oats.. 2is. 7d. Rye
Beans.. 40s. I Id. i Pease.. 40s. 7d.

Dp.'y on Foreign Grain, &c. this week.
Wheit 265.6(1. I B.:.Pey ]Od. I Op‘s ....:us. 3d. Rye
Beans, gs. 6d. Pease.. gs. 6d. ) nd. Corn?

Od. I Fi

165.01 d

L'veoool Averages, week endhlg 12th Jounaty, lgi I.
1
liti,eat. I Barley. Oats. I Beans. ' Pease.
(l) S. . ... 555 1 120 1441 1
P.:ces.. ;4s. Od. 1 395. ed. 20s. 9d. Os. Od. Os. Od

COTTON

MARKET, HALF-PAST Two o'CLocI:, P.M

A fair trade demand has been experienced to-day, and
about WOO bales have been sold at yesterday's prices, with

D. tamer market.

The sales of the week are 51,380 bales, of which specula-
tors have taken 13,500 American, 6,500 Surat, and 600 Ba-
hia : exporters 400 American. The market closes generally
an* to dearer than last week.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15.—Wind E., Fair,

A RRI VIS D.—Albatros and Huskisson, from Bonny—Mary Somer-
ville, from Calcutta—Colchester, Withers, from Bombay. On the
21st Nov., spoke the Malabar, from Calcutta to this port. On the
osth Dec., in lat 41, long 24, experienced a severe hurricane far ten
hours—John Ellis, Price; Breeze, Wall ; Susan and Ann, Jones,
from Wicklow—Edmund, Lamborn, from Wexford—Ann, Irving,.
from Drogheda—Eliza Wesley, Ellis, from Ross—Elizabeth, Jones,
from Dublin—William, Jones, from London—and Quebec, Davies,.
from Poole.

Mary Elizabeth, Corrie, from China at the Cape of Good Hope
Fortfield, Wills, from Eatavia at ditto
Blake, Eshelby, from Calcutta at ditto, and sailed Bth November
for this port
Deemster, Scott, hence at ditto
Sarah Trotman, Brown, from La Guayra at ditto
Amity, Warner, sailed from ditto for Ceylon 3d November
Thalia, Rogers, hence at Genoa, rather leaky, and part of bul-
warks washed away
Emma, hence at ditto
Princess Victoria, from Trieste for this port off Malaga 25th Dec.
Cornhill, Collins, hence at Newfoundland, with loss of foremast
and maintopmast, and mainmast sprung •
Mona, late Gill, from Calcutta for Mauritius, was spoken 29th
September, in lat 3 S, long 91 E, in charge of the second mate, the
captain having died, and the chief mate being in irons, for mal-
treatment of the crew _

Rising Sun, Christian, from Laguna for this port at Cove. On
the 10th Nov., oft Laguna, spoke the Lady Douglas, from Vera Cruz.
On the 2d Dec., in lat 30. long 79, the New Brunswick, hence for
Savannah. Ou the 34 Jan., in lat 48, long 28, the Republic, hence

for New York
Lawrence, Ellwood, from Berbice off Dover, sailed 25th Nov., and
from Antigua ath Dec. The Grace, Pearson, was to sail from
Antigua for New Orttans about 10th Dec.
Lion, Donaldson, sailed from Killala 2d instant, for this port, and
it is feared founded in the gale of that evening off Tory Island. The
stern of a boat, with J. Donaldson, Lion, of Sligo, painted on it, a
rudder, some hatches, spars. &c. having been washed on shore
Emma, Maine, and Orb, Gunn, hence at Bilboa
John Bagshaw, Redington, sailed from Mauritius for Calcutta 7th
Octoher
MtLyon!), 12TH JAN.—The John Bentley, Disbrow, from Liver.
pool to Savannah, and the Pomona, Asplett, from Bahia and M
Liverpool, were in contact last night ff a-
Smallshe
cal° to
filled—the crew dot on board the John o Bentley,tile
latter
put in liere leaky—bows stove, and los • which has
FA, tocTit, Jan. 13.—The S sof topmast.
Mexico is lost in the Bahama Channel . crew, passengers, and mail