The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-01-28 00:00:00

'~, ..sue?l S

land. (LAughter and applause.) It Was notorious that these
,measures had been used for the purpose of agitating the
country, and nothing gave the Ministers greater pleasure
than to see them defeated. Let it not be believed that it was
owing to the House of Lords that Ireland had not received
the long-desired Municipalities. But everything had served
the Ministry as a plea why they should not relinquish their
places. Look at the manner in which they had dealt with
the Church of Scotland. They had sent a commission to in-
quire into the religious destitution of the country ; these
commissioners had sat for months—they gave in their report
in fragments—these commissioners had proved to demon-
stration that religious destitution did exist to an appalling
extent,—but when this was proved, the whole was thrown
aside, and the Administration were unwilling to enter further
on the subject. In short, this Admistration throughout its
whole career from the first hour of its existence to
the present moment—had been characterized by delay,
procrastination, and deceitfulness, and by a connexion
with those who ought to have been the outcasts of.
every administration. It was an Administration found-
ed upon the Lichfield house conspiracy, and propped
up by the bed-chamber plot. (Laughter and applause.)
It was as Sir James Graham had truly:said, the shabbiest
Ministry that ever existed. But it was not for its shabbiness
alone that he dissented from it—but it was from its utter
want of honesty, and from its being unable to say " Ay, ay,"
and " No, no," with a pure intention—(applause)—that they
had been deprived of the confidence of all classes in the com-
munity. (Applause.) It was not alone because they knew
that their supporters were of a dangerous description ; but
because it was felt that in the course which they pursued they
were not honest, and for this reason he would call upon them
to declare their want of confidence in the present Adminis-
tration. (Loud applause.) And if successful, then would
they have an Administration which would not rely upon the
support of those who countenance social and domestic
anarchy—then would they have a ministry who would dis-
dain to introduce the father of that detestable sect, Mr.
Owen, to the Queen's presence. (Applause.) Then would
they have an administration which would not hesitate to
affirm that the alliance which the Queen is about to form is
a Protestant alliance—(Loud and enthusiastic applause)—an
omission which in former times might have been of less im-
portance, because the country was not then threatened with
that which threatened them from Ireland. But the fact was
that they dared not introduce the allusion to a Protestant
alliance, drawing their breath, as they did, from O'Connell.
They dared not put into the speech that the husband of the
Queen was to be a Protestant Prince. Mr. Monteith con-
cluded by stating that, as he had been totally unprepared to
discuss the political question involved in the matter, he
Would conclude by simply seconding the resolution.—Mr.
M. was loudly applauded.
The resolution was put from the chair and carried unani-
mously.

Mr. MUNGO CAMPBELL, in a nervous speech, in which he
brought fully before the audience the national turbulence
which had grown out of the encouragement of the present
Administration, and the discontent and dissatisfaction with
which they were regarded by all classes, moved the next
resolution, to the effect that a petition be prepared and trans-
mitted to, the honourable representative of the county of
Lanark for presentation, accompanied by an humble request
that hes(Mr. Lockhart) would support its prayer.
Mr. LEADBETTER, in a neat speech, seconded the motion,
which, like the preceding, was unanimously carried.
Mr. W. BROWN moved thanks to tha Chairman, and the
meeting then broke up.

The following is the petition agreed to :
Unto the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain
and Ireland, in Parliament assembled,—
The Humble Petition of the Undersigned Mer-
chants, Manufacturers, Bankers, and other
Inhabitants of Glasgow,—

Sheweth,
That your Petitioners, with feelings of the most devoted
loyalty to her Majesty's person, and the firmest attachment
to the laws and constitution of the Empire, have long been,
impressed with a belief that, under the guidance of her Ma-
jesty's present advisers, the best interests of the State—its
tranquility at home and reputation abroad—are placed in
imminent danger.
That, under this conviction, your Petitioners have learnt
with great satisfaction the intention of a Member of your
Honourable House to call upon the House to express its
want of confidence in the present Administration.

That your Petitioners view the present as a fit time to de-
clare their serious fears for the tranquillity of the country,
the safety of its public institutions, and the prosperity of the
commercial and manufacturing interests of the nation.
May it therefore please your Honourable House to take
such steps as to your wisdom may appear proper, to
induce our beloved Sovereign again to restore confi-
dence and prosperity to the country, by calling to her
Royal Councils men in whom the nation can trust for
for the protections of its institutions, and the preser-
vation of its dearest interests.

A political conspiracy has been discovered in Russia, in
which several illustrious personages were concerned, Many
of them have in consequence been arrested, and placed in
close confinement.

LIBERAL ALLOWANCE TO A PROFESSIONAL MAN.—Mr.
Charles Simpson, being the only gentleman who made a ten-
der for attendance, and to supply the prisoners in Stamford
gaol with medicines, has been appointed to the office of sur-
geon for one year, at the sum of £lo.—Stamford Mercury.

UNLAWFUL MARRIAGE or Coos'Ns.—By an act passed
in 1835, sth and 6th William IV., all marriages of cousins,
subsequent to the passing of that act, are illegal, null, and
void. The issue of such marriages are considered illegiti-
mate; and if the father die intestate, his children are exclud-
ed from inheriting any of his property; or if be make a will,
are_subject to .a legacy duty of 10 per cent. How will this
act affect the royal marriage ?
THE ANTI-CORN-LAW AGITATORS.—The shopkeepers
looked down upon the class below them with a degree of
pride altogether unknown in their lordships' house, Any-
thing more haughty, unbroken, unmitigated, proud, intole-
rant, and, he would add, unbearable, than the aristocratic
feeling of this class towards the classes which happened to
be a little its inferiors could not be conceived. This class
would not form any alliance with the chartists on account of
the violence of language used at their meetings. Why, at
none of their meetings was language made use of which was
as violent as that uttered lately by the capitalocracy at
Manchester only the other.dayi when their lordships,,were
denounced as." dishonest iliettit!' when opinions in favour of
the coin:laws-were spoked ciras -proceeding from a " want
of .ibinnibb honesty;" whaverer7 landlord who used his
property as,,-he etiole,was ,prasclaimed, to, the assembled thou-
sands as a robber. 'Nothing- so violent as this ever heard
at a chartist meeting.—Lord Brougham's Speech in Parlia-
ment, Jan. 16.
THE BREACH OF PRIVILEGE.—The following declaration,
which formed part of the speech delivered by Mr. Henry
Cavendish in the House of Commons in the year 1769 on
Wilkes's case. appears to be precisely applicable to the pro-
ceedings in that House at the present juncture :—" I do,
from my soul, detest and abjure, as unconstitutional and il-
legal, that damnable doctrine and position, that a resolution
of the House of Commons can make, alter, suspend, abrogate,
or annihilate the law of the land."
SHARP PRACTICE.—THE IMPERIAL BANK.—The solici-
tors to this rather notorious establishment having obtained
judgment against the endorser of a bill, were called upon by
two persons, who intimated that if the bill was regularly
noted or protested they were prepared to meet it, as well as
the expenses. The solicitors, on this very unexpected and
agreeable news, forthwith handed over the bill to one of the
gentlemen, who, after an apparent close inspection of it re-
marked, that all appeared to be right, but having an execu-
tion against the bank, he would take charge of the bill. The
two persons before referred to were no other than sheriff's
officers. Jonathan clearly outdone.
NOTES IN CIRCULATION.—In Tuesday's Gazette we have
an account of the aggregate amount of the notes circulated
in England and Wales by the private and joint-stock banks,
and ,heir branches, for three months, from the 28th Septem-
ber to the 28th December. We find, on comparing this re-
turn with that of the preceding three months, from the 29th
June to the 28th September, that the circulation of the pri-
vate banks has increased ,from £6,917.637 to £7,241,678,
being a difference of £334,041. That the circulation of the
joint-stock banks and their branches was, for the last three
months, £4,170,767 against £4,167,313 in the preceding
three months, showing the trifling variation of £3434 in-
crease. There has, therefore, been an aggregate increase of
£337,495 during the last quarter, almost exclusively by the
private banks.
THE IRON TRADE.—The iron trade in Sweden is repre-
sented to be in a state of great activity and prosperity. The
quantity of bar iron produced to the commencement of last
November is stated at 276,000 ship pounds, and of manufac-
tured iron 33,600, which, added to 11,700 of the latter, and
126,700 of the former, on hand in the entrepots on the Ist of
November, 1838, make a total of 448,000 ship pounds. Of
this 304,896 ship pounds were exported, of which 283,505
were in the shape of bar, and 21,390 of manufactured iron.
For home consumption the quantity taken of both sorts, in
nearly equal proportions, was 26,605 ship pounds. There
remained in entrepot, on the Ist of last November, 11,485
ship pounds of manufactured irbn, and 103,300 ship pounds
of bar iron. The price of iron of ordinary sizes had not va-
ried during the year, having been 10 bank rixdollars the ship
pound, or about 255. Iod. sterling. The ship pound is equal
to about 2801 b.

SOUTHWARK ELECTION.—The usual game of the whig-
radicals has been played in Southwark. At the last moment
Mr. Curling, the professedly independent liberal candidate,
retires, or has been bought off by the ministerialists, and
when it is too late for a new canvas of his votes by Mr. Wal-
ter, carries all his strength over to Mr. Wood. It is well to
mark the political honesty of Mr. Curling, worthy only of a
whig manoeuvre, that the electors of the Borough may know
with -whom they have to deal, in case he should have the
matchless effrontery to come forward upon any future occa-
sion to solicit their suffrages. Now let it be borne in mind-
that yesterday evening it report was in -circulation that Mr.
Curling had retired. ..A meeting was in consequence con-
vened of his friends in the Bermondsey district, at which Mr.
Curling made his appearance at ten o'clock, when he ad-
dressed toe electors at considerable length, mainly for the
purpose of denying the truth of the report that he had with-
drawn from the contest. So far from having resigned, the hon.
gentleman said it was his intention not merely to go to the
poll, but tofight the battle to the last moment, and yet, in
spite of this declaration, which was most implicitly believed,
the walls of the borough were placarded as early as the break
of day this morning, with the announcement that Mr. Cur-
ling had retired from the field, and urging those electors who
had promised him their support, to vote in favour of Mr.
Wood. No conduct could be more barefaced and despisable
than this.—Standard,.

CURIOUS AFFAIR.—On Thursday evening, a gig, driven
by a livery servant, stopped at the Station-house, in Maryle-
bone-lane, when a dashingly-dressed lady, about 40 years of
age, alighted, and requested a few minutes interview with In-
spector Tillman, who was then upon duty, she was accordingly
introduced to him, and after some preliminary remarks from
her as to the importance of her visit, with a great deal of ap-
parent sincerity, acquainted him with the fact that she was in
possession of £3OOO a-year, and that she had fully made up
her mind to select one of the police force as a partner for life ;
" but," added she, " you are not tall enough, and you will
greatly oblige me by permitting me to have a glance at one
or two others." She was politely informed that the request
could not be complied with, having received which imfor-
mation, the lady quitted the place, and being handed into
the vehicle, was driven off in the direction of Holborn, at the
same time expressing her determination to visit the various
Station-houses daily until she could meet with a member of
the force to her mind.—London Times.

LISBON, JAN. 13.—The following is the official statement
of the shipments of port wines during the last year :—To
Great Britain, Newfoundland, Guernsey, Jersey, 26,3291
pipes; Quebec, 1971; ports of Portugal, the Azores, and
Cape de Verde Islands, 192/ ; Angola, 3391 ; the Brazils,
1,9134; the United States of America, 3,471; France, 81 ;
Holland, 99k; Hamburg, Sweden, and Nor way, 4641; Genoa
and Spain, 2; Russia and Denmark, 147 ; Austria and
Prussia, 61 making in all 33,172 pipes, which is about 4,300
less than last year ; but if we consider that the shipments to
the Brazils, in consequence of the heavy import duties lately
laid there, have been 5,000 pipes less than what they were the
former year, it will appear that to other ports there is an in-
crease of near 700 pipes,—for instance, the shipment to
Quebec is the first which has been made, and we understand
it is likely to prove a good market for that sort of wine. The
fact which is here evinced, independent of a diminution of
near 8,000 pipes in the shipments of other wines from Lisbon,
is a sufficient cause to induce this Government to lose no
time in despatching its new Minister to the Court of Rio de
Janeiro, in order to bring about a mutually advantageous
commercial treaty.

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.

APPROACHING HALF-YEARLY MEETINGS OF
RAILWAY. COMPANIES.

We take the opportunity of offering a few suggestions to
the' proprietors of railway stock, as to their proceedings on
the occasion of the approaching meetings of the various com-
panies to which they belong.
In the first place, let us advise, in all cases where it is con-
venient, a personal attendance. At no time has it been more
desirable that the fullest information, as to the progress and
prospects of these undertakings, should he elicited from their
"directors. Something more than the usual no-meaning re-
ports—,which in most cases hitherto have been more calcu-
lated to mislead than to guide—some more definite and de-
tailed information is wanted by shareholders and the public,
to enable them to form correct views as to their position;.
and it is only by searching and personal inquiries that such
information can be elicited. We are fully aware of the diffi-
culties in which those who have the management of large
undertakings have been, and will be placed—of the impossi-
bility of their conducting such undertakingi to the satisfac-
tion of every individual connected with them—and of the
policy of preserving, to some extent, a discretion as to the
furnishing of information the publicity of which might, in
their judgment, be prejudicial. At the same time, we must
express our opinion, that hitherto this kind of mystery has
been carried to an extreme which almost justifies suspicion
that there is something to conceal, and excites an extremely
uneasy feeling on the part of shareholders, who might other-
wise have every confidence in those to whom they have en-
trusted their property. There are a great many points, too,
upon Which information can be much more satisfactorily
conveyed by directors or engineers verbally, than otherwise
—erroneous impressions, only partially entertained, which
to notice in a report, would be impossible—fears and doubts,
which to presuppose might be derogatory, but which a few
words can set at rest ; and we firmly believe that it would
be the interest of directors, who wish to stand well with
their constituents, and who) at the same time, deserve to do
so, to urge as large a perSonal attendance as is practicable.
Confidence, be it remembered, is very catching, and is niore
easily communicated to a crowd than to an individual. Men
like to see occasionally with whom they are associated—who
are in the same boat with them ; and if, amongst the Crew,
they recognise influential and sagacious men, ready to rely
upon the zeal and ability of those who steer, they are more
willing to try the voyage. We think, therefore, in the pre-
sent depressed state of railway property, it is especially the
duty of influential and wealthy shareholders to attend, and,
by their example, encourage their weaker and more despond-
ing brethren.
Allow us, whilst urging this point, to deprecate under any
circumstances, the display of angry feeling on the part of
shareholders, who have, or imagine that they have, grounds
of dissatisfaction. The fable of the Bundle of Faggots was
never more applicable than it is at present to railway com-
panies. A united proprietor), may still, in spite of past
errors, recover their former, or at any rate a favourable
position ; but dissension is the sure path to disappointment
and ruin. Let the sources of evil be laid bare, and endea-
vour by well directed and combined efforts to repair them ;
but, remember that where there is dissension amongst those
to whom the management of great undertakings is entrusted,
the public at least will have very little faith in their being
well managed.
Another hint let us convey to our friends. It is well

known that previous to the half yearly meetings of some
concerns, it is usual to get xrp a little excitement, pro or con,
as may best suit the views of different parties interested.
Let the public be on their guard. Let us have no more leap-
ing in the dark—no more groping after the heels of specu-
lation, and landing in the mire. It is evident that a brighter
day is approaching for those who will wait prudently until
dawn. Symptoms of returning confidence are daily display-
ing themselves in our share market, and by-and-bye, no
doubt, we shall w.tness the resuscitation of many under-
takings whose recovery we have thought hopeless. Some-
thing, however, yet remains to be done. The evil principle
is weakened but not eradicated, and before we place implicit
confidence in the signs of returning health, let us be careful
to provide against the dangers of a relapse.
So far as the transactions in the market evidence at pre-
sent, the reaction has been healthy, having been confined to
those undertakings upon which the paid up capital is suffi-
ciently large to be affected by the pressure of the money
market. There is ample room still for improvement in these
stocks, and such improvement will gradually be felt. Until
this however takes place to a fair extent, the holders of stock
upon which less amounts have been paid up, must be content

to wait their turn, and make use of the interval in " setting
their houses in order." No mere speculation—no tempo-
rary excitement can materially assist them. A firm dispo-
sition on the part of their brother proprietors to hold until
better times, is all they should seek, and they must rest as-
sured tliat better times are not far distant.
We may possibly in our next offer a few remarks upon the
prospects of the market generally, in the hope of aiding our
readers in forming a judgment as to their proper line of pro-
ceeding.

Last night in the House. of Commons a conversation took
place on thei -subject -the. Commission appointed to in -
vestigate.and report upon the best lines of Railway to Ireland.
and Scotland. In answer to a question from Sir RobErt vier
the President of the-Board of Trade stated..mbst
that there was no intention on the part of-Government. to,
take the lines that mightbe determinefi upon out of the hands
of private Companies. Government, said the right honourabe
gentleman, was only desirous of ascertaining that the best
line was selected• It appears from what was stated by Mr.
O'Connell, that the Report upon the Anglo-Hibernian line
will be laid upon the table of the House in the course of
three or four weeks.—Railway Times.

PARLIAMENT PROCEEDINGS ON RAILWAYS.
ARBROATH AND FORFAR RAILWAY,
Jan. 17.—Petition for Bill ;to lie on the table. ' -
Jan. 21.—Committee on Pitition fixed for Monday, 3rd
Pebruary.
Jan. 22.—Petition for Bill referred to the Select Committee
on Petitions for Private Bills. .
CHESTER AND BIRKENHEAD RAILWAY.
Jan. 17.—Petition for Bill ; to be on the table.
Jan. 22.—Petition for Bill referred to the Select Committee
on Petitions for Private. Bills.
EDINGBURGH AND GLASGOW RAILWAY.
Jan 20.—Petition for Bill ; to be on the tabie.
Committee on Petition fixed for Thursday, 6th February.
Jan. 22.—Petition for Bill referred to the Select Committee
on Petitions for Private Bills. •
GLASGOW, PAISLEY, KILMARNOCK, AND AYR RAILWAY.
Jan. 22.—Petition for Bill; referred to the Select Com-
mittee on Petitions for Private Bills.
Committee on Petition fixed for Friday, 7th February.
LANCASTER AND PRESTON RAILWAY.
Jan. 17.—Petition for Bill ; to lie on the table.
Jan. 22.—Petition for Bill referred to the Select Committee
on Petitions for Private Bills.
NORTH UNION RAILWAY.
Jan. 17.—Petition for Bill ; to lie on the table.
Jan. 20.—Commiitee on Petition fixed for Monday, 3rd
February.
Jan. 22.—Petition for Bill referred to the Select Committee
on Petitions for. Private Bills.
SHEFFIELD AND ROTHERHAM RAILWAY.
Jan. 17.—Petition for Bill ; to lie on tale table.
Jan. 22.—Petition for Bill referred to the Select Committee
on Petitions for Private Bills.
TAFY VALE RAILWAY.
Jan. 17.—Petition for Bill; to lie on the table.
Jan. 22.—Petition for Bill referred to the Select Committee
on Petitions for Private Bills.

The Gloucester and Birmingham Railroad appears to be
silently progressing towards completion, and the preparations
for opening some portion, at least, of the line, are daily be-
coming more manifest. One of the new American engines
has been lately upon the line, and within the lq.st few days,
has made several experimental trips between Cheltenham and
Tewkesbury, performing the distance of nine miles in thirteen
minutes. At present, everything augurs well for the success
and prosperous accomplishment of this important under-
taking.—Cheltenham Looker-On.