The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-03-26 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR ,OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD,

SlR,—The Dissenters here and elsewhere are in full cry
of triumphant admiration of Dr. Wardlaw's volume of letters
lately published, and addressed to the Rev. Hugh Nl`Neile.
This is not to be wondered at, for the volume is very cleverly
written ; and if their cause be capable of defence by any man
in the kingdom, doubtless Dr. Wardlaw is the man. They
have no man like him. It is not to enter into the question
at issue that 1 write, but to call attention through your paper
to the position occupied by Mr. M'Neile.
The point and power of his assaults on Popery have caused
the Irish demagogues in the House of Commons to single
him out by name for their brutal attacks, in what he calls
" personal scurrility without argument," and the point and
power of his defence of the established church have caused
" the most distinguished of modern Dissenters," or rather the
Committee of the Evangelical Voluntary Church Association,
at whose instance the Doctor writes, to put forth the pith of
their right arm, to resist if possible the cogency and efficienu
of his reasonings.
To be set up as a target, receiving on the' one side the
sharp arrows of Dr. Wardlaw's logic, and on the other side
the mire and filth of Daniel O'Connell's abuse, is a position
of " double honour," which may well make us prize the
labours, thank God for the gifts, and pray fervently for the
preservation and prosperity both in mind and body of our
reverend champion.-1. aro, Sir, your constant reader,

- A GRATEFUL CHURCHMAN
Toxteth, 24th March, 1841.

A YOUNG LANDSMAN BECOME A SEAMAN.—My mess-
mate S-- and myself petitioned the captain for leave to
shift our berths from the steerage, where we had previously
lived, into the forecastle.. This, to our delight, was granted,
and we turned in to balk and mess with the crow forward.
We now began to feel like sailors, which we never fully did
when we were in the steerage. While there, however useful
and active you may be, you are but a mongrel,—a sort of
afterguard and ship's " cousin." You are immediately under
the eye of the officers, cannot dance, sing, play, smoke, make
a noise, or growl (i. e. complain), or take any other sailor's
pleasure ; and you live with the steward, who is usually a
go-between ; and the crew never feel as though you were One
of them, But, if you live in the forecastle, you are as " in-
dependent as a wood-sawyer's clerk" (hautici!), and are a
sailor. You hear sailors' talk, learn their ways, their pecu-
liarities of feeling as well as speaking and acting ; and, more-
over, pick up
a great deal of curious and useful information
in seamanship, ships' customs, foreign countries, &c. from
their long yarns and equally long disputes. o man can be
a sailor, or know what sailors are, unless he has lived in the
forecastle with them—turned in and out with them—eaten of
their dish—and drank of their cup. After I had been a week
there, nothing would have tempted me to go back to my old
berth ; and never afterwards, even in the worst of weather,
when in a close and leaking forecastle off Cape Horn, did I,
fora moment, wish myself in the steerage. Another thing
which you learn better in the forecastle than you can any-
where else, is to make and mend clothes ; and this is indis-
pensable to sailors. A large part of their watches below they
spend at this work ; and here I learned that art which stood
me in so good stead afterwards.—Two Years before the Matt.

MEETING OF THE DOCK COMMITTEE

The Dock Committee held their weekly meeting yester-
day. There were present Messrs. Benn, Barclay, T. Holt,
Middleton, Quayle, Booth, Mellor; G. Holt, Martin,
Holmes, Chapman, Moon, Aiken, Smith, Horsfall, Tobin,
and Evans. Mr. BENN presided.
The sub-committee of works recommended that the pier
which projects into the entrance of the Clarence graving-
docks be taken away, so that two or perhaps three ships
could lie upon graving blocks, with the advantage of being
dry at all times. This improvement the chairman stated
would be quite equal to a new graving dock for two vessels
at least.

Mr. CHAPMAN said this was one of the most valuable
suggestions ever brought before the committee.
Mr. MELLOR asked what was the expense?
Mr. G. HOLT replied that th 3 sub-committee had not ap-
plied themselves to this question.
Mr. HORSFALL said the expense would be moderate.
Some further conversation► took place, at the end of which
the report was confirmed. The surveyor is to commence the
work after Easter, and to present an estimate of the expense
to the next meeting.

The sub-committee of works, in a report which they pre-
sented, suggested that a site for the erection of a residence
for the astronomer, to be appointed to the observatory, might
be had at the south side of Waterloo Dock, between the
Castoms Depot, and the site intended for the dock-master's
house.

Mr. AIKEN asked whether the entrance of the astrono-
mer's house would be inside of the dock ?
The CHAIRMAN replied in the negative.
Mr. HORSFALL thought there should be an application
from the corporation to build the house upon the same con-
ditions as the land for the observatory, had been granted.
Mr. AIKEN that that had been already arranged.
The sub-committee for the department of the Marine Sur-
veyor, reported that they had investigated the complaints of
Lieut. Bevis, R.N., and the agent of the City of Dublin
Steam Packet Company, of the signals from the light ship
not having been heard during the late fogs, and found that
the men were attentive to their duties, that their instructions
were sufficient for the purpose, and that the firing of a
greater number of signal guns did not appear desirable, as
they might be mistaken, and thus cause accidents.
Mr. TOBIN'S complaint at the last meeting of the Rock
lighthouse bell not being large enough to be heard in fogs,
was next considered. The surveyor gave it as his opinion
that the position of the present bell might be improved so
as to increase the sound; and eventually he and the Marine
Surveyor were directed to•report upon the subject.
A letter was read from the South Harbour-master, relative
to the discussions which took place in the committee last
week, upon the question where the duties of pilots bringing
shipsinto dock ceased, and those of the pier-master com-
menced. This letter described the state of Queen's Dock
one tide this week, some damage having been done by the
pilots of one or two vessels having run in.
Mr. HORSFALL remarked that penalties were attached to
offences of this description, and the committee ought to en-
force them.

Mr. EVANS suggested a conference with the Pilots' Com-
mittee.

The CHAIRMAN, Mr. CHAPMAN, and Mr. HORSFALL
spoke to the same effect, and at the termination of the dis-
cussion it was resolved that the Secretary should write to the
Pilots Committee, requesting them to have a conference
upon the subject with the sub-committee for the department
of the harbour and dock-musters.

A return of the Runcorn Dock dues, from the 25th Fe-
bruary to the 24th March, was read. It appeared that 159
vessels bad entered, of 8432 tons, and that the dues amounted
to £lOB 14s. 2d.

The SECRETARY next read the following letter from Capt.
Theaker, of the ship Gilmore :
" To the Secretary of the Liverpool Dock Committee.
" SIR,—In forwarding to you a statement of what took
place on board the Gilmore on Sunday, the 14th instant, and
which I consider a grievous nuisance, I do it with a view to
benefit others, and not myself, as well as to render the en-
tering the Liverpool docks more secure. On the above-
named date we arrived in the river, and before we got near
the docks were very much pestered and annoyed, by boats
full of men coming alongside, and wishing to come on board
to speak to the sailors. This, with considerable difficulty,
was prevented. However they watched their opportunity of
getting on board at the time when the ship was entering the
dock-gates, and, in defiance of all orders and remonstrances
by the chief mate, the decks were filled in a few minutes, so
Much so that it became a matter of great difficulty -o walk
about the ship ; and to make the annoyance still greater, the
sailors were found to be, in a short time, in a state of stupi-
dity, arising from intoxication, liquor having been brought
on board by some means or other. When the chief mate
found himself placed in this situation, and no person of au-
thority belonging to the dock sent on board, he was fearful
of not being able to get the ship moored, and otherwise com-
plying with the regulations of the dock. He therefore en-
deavoured to get the strangers out of the ship ; but to no
purpose. They dared him to attempt to put them out by
force, and even shewed fight; for their number was so great
that the whole ship's company would have availed nothing
against so many. I consequently have to complain, from
these circumstances, that we narrowly escaped being fined
for not complying with the regulations of the docks, although
my men were desirous of doing their utmost to the very last;
but from being taken off their duty by the crimps, they were
absolutely prevented doing as they wished. In consequence
of this • annoyance the ship was not made fast till very late,
and the anchors obliged to be left hanging at the cat-heads
till the next day, when I was obliged to pay more money
than was proper for the sake of getting them up in time,
which loss would have been saved had not these strangers
been allowed to come on board, and obstructed the work of
the ship in the way they did, as my sailors would have done
everything I wished, and in good time too, had they not been
made half drunk. Being a stranger in Liverpool, and never
having met with such obstruction before, I trust the com-
mittee will take such steps for the future, by affording pro-
tection through the police, as to render the working of a ship
in the Liverpool docks as secure and economical as in Lon-
don and elsewhere.—J remain, sir, your obedient servant,

(Signed)
" Liverpool, 22d March, 1841."
Mr. HORSFALL said the boarding of ships by crimps and
others was certainly a great nuisance.
Mr. EVANS asked why they were suffered to board.ships?
The CHAIRMAN said it was impossible to prevent them
unless the police interfered.
Mr. AIKIN said this was one of the many cases which
would be remedied if the Dock Committee had a body of
men in their employment who might haul ships in and work
them when in dock. He had on a former occasion men-
tioned his intention to ask for a committee, but he thought
it better to delay it until he had consulted the harbour and
dock masters. He really thought, however, it would be
desirable to have a committee. Mr. Aikin then proceeded
to point out a few of the advantages which would arise from
the plan he suggested.

" EDWD. THEAKEE

Mr. EvAxstifoCgift the question raised by Mr. Aikin
had already been discussed by the committee ; but, at all
events, he had no objection to an investigation.
Mr. CHAPMAN remarked that the duty of sailors in a ves-
sel did not cease until the ship had been moored. It had
struck him that if a notice was put up, warning these crimps
and others against going on board, it would remedy the nui-
sance. He had drawn up a notice, which he thought would
produce the desired effect, and which he would read :
" Whereas, complaints having been made to the dock
masters that the working of ships, from the pierbeads to
their mooring berths in the docks, is greatly impeded by the
forcible intrusion of crimps, lodging-house keepers, and
other unauthorised persons, on board such vessels. No-
tice is hereby given that for the future parties forcing them-
selves on board ships, either entering or departing from any
of the docks, without the permission of the officer in charge
of the said vessel, will be ejected by the police, or by the
dock gatemen, who are all sworn special constables, and
available for affording due protection to the shipping.' "
If something of this sort were put up, the officer in charge of
the ship would have the remedy in his own hands, and this
committee need not interfere.
Mr. HORSFALL thought the duty of turning these people
out of the ships could only be done by the police. At the
same time, Mr. Aiken's suggestion for enquiry by a commit-
tee was a very proper one •, but it did not apply to this par-
ticular case. He thought Mr. Whitty should be requested
to devise-some plan to abate the nuisance.
Several members spoke in favour of Mr. Chapman's sug-
gestion for a modification of the effect of that which had been
drawn up. After some discussion the subject was referred
to the solicitor; and Mr. Aiken's suggestion was referred to
the Harbour Master's Sub-committee.
The SECRETARY read a resolution agreed to by the Im-
provement Committee of the Town-council, agreed to on the
22d instant, to the effect that the Dock Committee be re-
questedlo proceed with the erection of the remaining part of
the arcade on the east side of Salthouse Dock. Ordered ac-
cordingtly.

- The North Harbour Master addressed a letter to the com-
mittee, which was read by the Secretary. In this communi-
cation he stated that be had been frequently requested to
survey vessels, and had refused in consequence of not having
the permission of the committee. He now requested per-
mission to survey vessels in the north division of the docks.
Should the committee grant it, it would add to his present
salary from £lOO to £l5O a year.
Mr. MELLOR believed that the harbour masters were not
allowed to act either as arbitrators or surveyors.
The CHAIRMAN,--No.
salarMr. CHAPMAN enquired what Mr. Hodgson's present
y was.
The SECRETARY replied, it was £3OO per annum and a
house.
Mr. EVANE said this application, if granted, would involve
the committee in some difficulty. If the North Harbour-
master had not salary enough, give him more, but he (Mr.
Evans) would not consent to the application.
Mr. TOBIN was of opinion it would be better, if his salary
was not sufficient, to increase it, than to allow him to survey
vessels.

Mr. EVANS said, besides, there was no need of a man of
this sort, in the person of the harbour-master. There were
many of them in Liverpool, and it was not for the good of
the community that he should have such a privilege.
Mr. CHAPMAN thought Mr. Hodgson ought to have an
additional £5O a-year.
Mr. EVANS would meet this application with a decided
negative.
Mr. G. HOLT dared say the application had sprung out of
the late alterations in the payment of the dock-masters. The
salary of the masters of Prince's Dock was £3OO per annum,
and probable Mr. Hodgson felt placed on the same level.
The CHAIRMAN said that could not be, as the master of
Prince's Dock had then £350 per annum.
Mr. 'roam would certainly meet the application with a
negative.
The application was then declined.
Mr. ToBIN gave notice that at the next meeting he should
move that an addition of £5O Dec annum be made to Mr.
Hodgson's present salary.
The committee then separatecl.

ELECTION OF GUARDIANS FOR LIVERPOOL

Yesterday the nomination of guardians for this union, under
the New Poor-law Bill, took place at the Clarendon-rooms.
The following goodly list of conservative champions was
handed in by James Aspinall, Esq., and no
gentlemen being
proposed by the radicals, Mr. Aspinalrs list contains the par-
ties elected :
Rev. Augustus Campbell, Duke-street rector of the parish
John Mellor, Falkner-street, flour-dealer
Owen Williams, Soho-street, coal-agent
Edward Ford, Leece-street, gentleman
Joshua Henshaw, Brownlow-street, flour-dealer
George Riding, Anson-street, coal-merchant
Thomas Dobbs Butler, Wavertree, chemist and druggist
John Scholfleld, Nile-street, wine and spirit merchant
John Hand, Lord Nelson-street, upholsterer
Thomas Dover, Kirkdale, warehouse-keeper
Mark Rimmer, Soho-street, merchant
Joseph Cooper, Great George-street, ironmonger
John Wilkinson, Lord-street, woollen-draper
William Wright, Pembroke-place, merchant
William Drury, West Derby, ironmonger
William Foster, Everton, glass-manufacturer
Daniel Ledson, Everton, warehouse-keeper
George Bvford, Park-lane, pawnbroker
Arthur Henderson, Walton, merchant
John Kilshaw, Gloucester-street, gentleman
James Ackers, Orrell, brewer
Richard Andrew Mould; West Derby, wine-merchant '
John Briscoe, Old Hall-street, mercer
John Rigby, York-street, plumber
Robert M`Kee, Hood-street, builder.

k FABLE FOR THE TIMES

Honi soit qui mal y pease

In the days of Asop, though not
. _

nicler of facts under the modest title of Fables, there lived

game cock in an eastern county, whose crowing was of th
good Old English style. He had I

set of stirring Protestant boys, who took much pains to teacl
him to crow articulately, so that he sounded out most music
ally " NO Popery '

and no mistal

He had afterwards im

proved himself by study and practice, till he had acquired th
facility of a master in such old-fashioned sayings as syna

gogue of Satan, great apostacy, Babylon, Jezebel, to ti

emissaries

potentate, who were resident in the county town, and
bated the glory of old England

ned that

certain nondescript bird, a cross between an Italian
and a Cheshire hen, who had been fatten,
dairy, and qualified for promotion in the world under th
Irish Board of National Education, was advanced to a nes
of great honour in the East ; and assuming in his person al

Led in a Cheshire

the dignity of his station, he strutted among Norfolk turkey
like a bishop among hungry deacons. The foreigners wer

I MEETING OF THE TRADESMEN'S AND OPEI
TIVE CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATIONS.
T __.. •

the co

)perative

lent of th

tead of

it one

the of

eight r

radical members of a
in "Tel • ;11,1...1

hat he

he radic

tson (

of fort

but they offered to giv

radicals. Twenty-five guardians were t
were offered nine radicals to sixteen c,

bear) That was 16 to 9 ; which was greater strength than
they could boast of for many years. Now, what did they
do upon this offer ? Because the conservatives were con-
sistent to that which they had ever held to be for the good
of the country, and willing to prevent any tumult which

might arise from an election, they made this concession for
the sake of the peace of the town. But what did the radi-
cals suspect ? They suspected the conservatives were weak,
and in consequence what. did they demand? Why, they
demanded twelve radicals for twelve conservatives, and to
toss up for the . other (hear, hear), well knowing that
there were seven magistrates of the county residing in the

town of Liverpool, four of whom were radicals, and thre
conservatives, therefore giving them a majority of one vote
so that if they lost they would be equal, but if they gaine

they would get two. (Hear, hear.) Could the conserve
tives stand this? (Cries of " No, no.") He readily yielde
to the churchwardens ; and here let him express his than],
to two gentlemen whom he should always respect for the