The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1838-03-20 00:00:00

THE NEW POOR LAW.

A meeting took place on Friday, of the Board of Guardians
for the West Derby Parochial Union, at which the following
appointments of assistant overseers were made:—
Township and Assistant Overseers. Salary. Security.
Ince Blundell, Peter Lovelady £l2 .... £B6
Thornton. Mr. G. Jones 5 .... 15
Litherland, Edw. Webster, jun. - in .... 45
Kirkdale, John , Dumbell • - • 53 .... 150
Fazakerley, John Pennington ; •
Everton, Mr. Shaw . - 75 .... 235
Aintree, Thomas Meadows
Garston, B. Mytton
W. Derby, municipal, Mr. Dolling..£so, & 3 percent. .... 300
Do. Do. rural, Mr. Ilodgson 3 per cent. .... 200
'
Netherton, —Moss 4 .. . 12
Wavertree, William Andrews
Sefton, William Aspinall
Lunt, Robert Bothwell 4 .... 12
Little Crosby, Richard Bainfort
Bootle, Jatnes Orme 3O .... 90
Walton, Charles Adcock
Great Crosby, Samuel Bradshaw
Orrell and Ford, John Gandy 3•• • • 9
Kirby, George lainford
Toxteth-park, Abraham Bettis
Do. William Barlow
Do. E. W. Bridson
Do. John Dawson
Do. Josh. Whalley 100 .• .. 120

TRIBUTE TO THE REv. R. BLAcow.—We have pleasure in
announcing that a number of the congregation of St. Mark's
Church have just paid a deserved tribute of respect to their
worthy pastor, the Rev. R. Blacow, after a zealous ministry of
thirty-five years, by presenting him with his portrait, a good
likeness, painted by Mr.Thompson,R.H.A.
-

• .
EARTHQUAKE IN SHROPSHIRE.—The shock of an earthquake
was very distinctly observed in Shrewsbury, and at several
places in the immediate vicinity, about one o'clock in the after-
noon of Saturday last.—Salopian Journal.
A new subscription gas company is about to be established in
the town of Newcastle. The prospectus was issued on the
morning of the 6th instant, since which time upwards of 8000
out of 10,000 shares have already been subscribed for, princi-
pally by gas consumers.—Sunderland Beacon.
The continental journals are filled with accounts of the great
earthquake which was felt throughout Europe from the Black
Sea to Cherbourg, on the 23d and 25th of January last. It is
understood that the shock was felt in France, about seven hours
later than in Southern Russia. and that the vibration was com-
municated by the rocky structure of the Alps.
A second dividend of 4s. in the pound has been declared by
thb assignees of Messrs. Foster, bankers, Carlisle; and it is
expected that, in the course of the present year, a further divi-
dend of two shillings in the pound will be also paid.
By a parliamentary paper just published, it appears that the
number of beer-houses licensed to sell bier by retail in Eng-
land and Wales, during the year ending the 31st of December,
1837, is as follows:—Beerhouses licensed to consume the beer
on the premises, 49,102; not to consume the beer on the pre.-
mises, 5,292. Total, 45,394.
Lord Glenelyc has recalled Captain liindmarsh from the
Governorship of South Australia, and has delegated t,e selec-
tion of his successor to the commissioners for the colonization
of that extensive territory.

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE METHODIST BAZAAR.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDSRD

Sic, —My attention has been directed to a letter which
appeared in the " Liverpool Mail" of Tuesday last, re-
lative to the intended Bazaar, in aid of the funds of the
Wesleyan Methodist Day and Sunday Schools." Hail the
writer of this letter openly avowed his oostility to methodism,
I should have given him some credit for honesty, however I
might have censured the means he has employed for prejudicing
the public mind against the proposed Bazaar. But such con-
cession I am not prepared to make, inasmuch as he has assumed
the signature of " A Wesleyan Methodist." the more effectually
to impose upon the thoughtless and credulous, and attach inure
weight to his false and malicious slanders. But methinks the
Editor of the Mail should have hesitated ere he gave publicity
to this foul libel upon the whole body of the Wesleyan Me-
thodists. By giving his authority and sanction to the docu-
ment, he has exposed himself to the just rebuke of an insulted
people. His opportunity of acquiring information upon this
s ibject, should have led to the immediate rejection of a letter,
evidently dictated by hatred to Wesleyan Methodism. But I
have been reminded that the Editor of this Journal has made a
public apology for the insertion of this letter, so that I am
spared the necessity of commenting upon his conduct with that
severity which I think the case demands. But, sir, how lightly
must the public esteem the direction of the public press, when
an apology is offered to an insulted community in the terms
and manner in which the present one is couched. Why entrust
the examination of documents affecting the honour and reputa-
tion of any public body to a man, who, with childish simplicity,
is now free to confess that he did not know how to act in the
absence of the more responsible party.' Ihe antidote is scarcely
sufficient to counteract the poison which has been so freely-ad-
ministered. However, as the Editor has absolved himself from
any participation in this foul libel, it is my present purpose
to confine my observations to the writer of the letter. With
regard to his connexion with the Wesleyan Methodist Socie-
ty, of which I am in doubt, I have only to observe, that if the
public are to judge of hint by his letter, it is perfectly clear,
from his ignorance both of the constitution and rules of that
society, he is but ill qualified either to defend or reprove the
one or the other. The confidential tone in which he speaks of
the resolution of the committee, and his boast of being acquaint-
ed with the sentiments of a large portion of the members of the
society are quite in character with the anonymous signature he
has adopted. But perhaps he entertained the opiniou that the
adoption of this signature would give greater weight to his re-
commendation to do away with the bazaar, and make an appeal
to the public in behalf of these benevolent institutions. Some
importance, indeed, might have been attached to his suggestion
had he accompanied it with a very liberal donation in aid of the
funds. But. I shrewdly suspect that he is as bankrupt in purse
as in character. The protest which this foul slanderer uiakes
against what he calls the " principle" of a bazaar, is an insult
offered not only to the Methodist Society, but to the whole
community of Christians who have sanctioned this mode of in-
creasing the funds of any benevolent institution. "'Io obtain
money under false pretences" is a direct violation of the law of
the land, and could not be practised with impunity for any con-
siderable time. But lamat a loss to discover from this charge
what is the "principle" of a bazaar, and should feel obliged if
this wiseacre would communicate this iuformation through the
public press. " I am truly grieved," says the writer of this
letter, " that parties professing to be the disciples of John
Wesley should entertain the idea of getting money from those
who would not give it without a quid pro quo !" Now, perhaps,
the author of this letter, from his extensive acquaintance, can
favour the public with the name of any single individual who
ever entertained this absurd opinion; but if correct, so far is it
from rendering unnecessary the benevolent exertions of any
christiati community to excite the liberality of those who are
proof against a private appeal, that it is the best argument for
establishing a bazaar; where the quid putt quo can readily be ob-
taiued. 1 would, for a moment, direct the attention of " A
Wesleyan Methodist" to the circumstances attending the cele-
bration of a Missionaryanniversary. It is invariably regarded as
a joyous festival, and friends and relations meet as during a holi-
day to share the pleasures and participate in the excitement in-
separable from such au occasion. And this excitement na-
turally produces increased liberality, and a praiseworthy emu-
lation amongst all classes to increase their exertions in be-
half of the heathen. Now these festive occasions, when sanc-
tified by prayer, have a tendency not only to unite all in the
prosecution of their delightful labours, but very frequently it is
accompanied with donations, which nothing but the passing in-
terest of the moment could have elicited. 'lbis slanderer, how-
ever, would no doubt here also find room for accusation. He
might describe these assemblies as midnight revels, as scenes
of drunkenness and riot, &c. and with just as much of truth as he
indulges his prejudice against the establishment of a bazaar.
The motto which the writer states is peculiar to the Wesleyan
Society, "Love not the world," is, I would remind him, a
scriptural injunction binding upon all Christians; and I cannot
see how it is violated by offering for sale such articles as may
be acceptable even to the men of the world. If exemption is to
be made, and the Church of Christ is to receive no support from
the men of the world, at once we must renounce the idea of a
church establishment. But however valuable the voluntary
system may be, and in many respects I admit it is not only de-
sirable,
but preferable, still it is inefficient for the great work of
evangelizing the world. What would the voluntary system have
done in emancipating the slaves of the West India Colonies?
Years of active benevolence might have passed on without any
improvement in the condition of that enslaved population; but
the aid of parliament was thankfully received, and the united
efforts of Christians and the legislature nut only obtained for
them civil liberty, but also provided for their religious instruction.
And, if on such an extensive scale it was of importance to secure
such auxiliary aid from men not in connexion with the Christian
Church, is it not equally desirable to receive the generous aid
of the public in the furtherance of any benevolent enterprise ?
But 1 must now introduce a few observations with reference to
a more delicate part of the subject, in which the writer intro-
duces those young ladies who are taking an active part in pro-
viding articles fur sale at the approaching bazaar. If at arty
time it is ungenerous, unmanly, and cowardly to expose the
fair sex to public censure, it is especially so on an occasion
when zeal for the interests of the poor has drawn them front
retirement, and led them to take part in furthering the inter-
ests
of any charitable institution ? I would make an appeal to I
Christians of all denominations, if the character drawn by "A
Wesleydu Methodist" is true? In how many instances have
the drunkard, the swearer aria the Sabbath breaker, been found
attending a bazaar for the sake of gratifying themselves with a
sight of the young ladies who attend? That there is an attrac-
tion, and a powerful oue, wherever ladies preside, I am free to
admit, but that affords no reason why the usages of society are
to be lust sight of, and courtesy give place to rudeness and vul-
garity. It is, indeed, but a poor compliment to the fair sex to
suppose that none but the would-be-gentlemen and members of
the swell mob, can appreciate their society and patronise their
existence. But this is sufficient reply to the false and insulting
accusations of this foul and unprincipled slanderer. Such is his
hatred of virtue and of religion that he darkens into crime the
most exemplary virtues, and attaches guilt to every innocent
amusement in which both sexes participate. But, sir, I have
trespassed too long upon the attention of your readers. and upon
a subject which scarcely demands notice, but if my attempt to
restore to confidence those young ladies who are engaged in this
labour of love proves successful, I shall reap a rich reward. To
his native obscurity I therefore commit this slanderer. It is
well he is shielded from the indignation of those who are pre-
pared to vindicate the honour and purity of that sex which
gives grace and ornament to every circle of life.
With the concluding observations in the letter referred to, 1
have but little concern. That there may be found many mem-
bers in Christian society, who do not adorn their profession
by a consistent life, is no well grounded accusation against the
society itself. The information this writer possesses is some-
what peculiar. The "red bonnets" and the " green kerchiefs"
which he states are worn by the members of the congregation
in Brunswick Chapel, may be noticed by any stranger, but-how
the writer has made the discovery that " brass bracelets" and
"gold washed copper ear-rings" are worn, I am at a loss to
judge, unless indeed he forms his opinion by the circumstances
of his own family. But my curiosity is further excited by
" a thought" of this amusing scribbler. He says " I have often
thought how Mr. Wesley would open his eyes could he make
an entree into the Brunswick chapel on a Sunday morning,
and there behold the red bonnets," &c. Now Sir, just fancy a
man, having eyes, making a public entree into a chapel
or any other place, and not opening them until he saw
the "red bonnets, green kerchiefs, brass bracelets and gold-
washed copper ear-rings," and you can form a pretty correct
estimate of this writer's talents. I think out of sheer pity, the
junior editor of the Mail might have corrected the logic of his
correspondent; but perhaps he dare not take such liberty in the
absence of the "more responsible party." To conclude, I would
inform the writer of the letter what would occasion more sur-
prise to Mr. Wesley, could he revisit our world, than all the cir-
cumstances detailed above. It is that a public 1— and an un-
principled slanderer dare lay claim to the character of "a Wes-
leyan Methodist."—l am, sir, your obedient servant,
THEOPHILUS.
Rodney-street, March 17, 18.38.