The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1836-11-15 00:00:00

THE REFORMERS OF ST. A SDAEW.:,:,
1101.3u2N.

Oil Thursday mornil,g a Illeetalg of the rate-p.ivers of tlie
above prisb was held in the inquest-rLiont, St. Andros's-co:al,
for the Impute of receiving the accounts or the ;ate church•
warden Norrie,) to detiin upon matte's connected
..rich the Thavies' estate, and to make a einirch rate for the en-
suing six mouths. Mr. Churchwarden Wagstaff was in the
chair.

In consequence of the circulation of a hand-bill through the
parish, calling upon titr. retateners" to attend the meeting, and
oppose any and every motion in favour of the churcis, a number
of parochial economists and philosophers attended to advocate
the voluntary and the rational.
The Vestry clerk read the report of the auditors appointed by
the parishioners to audit the late churchwarden's accounts It
appeared that the receipts were £834 3s 7d, and the disbursements
£844 17s, leaving a balauce of £96a 7d tv be handed over to the
present churchwarden.
The auditors expressed themselves in high terms of the eco-
nomy and zeal of Mr. Norris, and recommeuded the rate-payers
to pass his accounts.
The clerk then proceeded to read the items of the church-
warden's accouut, and the truing amounts disbursed for washing
the surplices met with the ribaldry and horse-laughter of the
radical.
Mr. Johnstone, one of the leading radicals, rose with great
astonishment, and declared that the charges for the surplices
were not ()illy too high, but that five instead of four quarters bad
been charged for.
This having been very satisfactorily explained,
Mr. Johnstone took another objection—viz. that the surplices
were washed at the work house, and ought uot to be charged for
at all—(great cheers.)
It appeared that the poor were farmed, and that the charge,
therefore, was perfectly correct.
Mr. Johnstone—Well, then, at least this item here is very ex-
traordinary—(hear.) Why-it appears that the organ is always
wanting repair—(Loud cheers from the radicals.)
Mr. Norris—You are mistaken; the item is for tuniug the
organ—(oh, oh ; •• We don't want nu sich music, old blow Lei-
la, ."'—innuense laughter.)
Mr. Johnstone—But here's £36 for it--(hear.)
Mr. Norris—You have mistaken the year 1836 for the amount,
which is £loonly.
Several other objections, with the.same success, were taken.
The reformers having been disappointed in their exceptions,
called upon the clerk to read some of the items in the church-
warden's accounts a second tine, which he did, amidst their
classic and liberal witticisms and jocularity.
It was then moved that the report be received and entered on
the minutes, and that the accounts of Mr. Norris be allowed and
passed.
Carried unanimously.
A vote of thanks was then, upon the motion of Mr. Daniels,
given to Mr. Norris, fur the ability and urbanity shown by him
during his occupation of office.
The Clerk then read a report of a committee appointed to
settle with the trustees of the Thaviws' estate the appropriation
of a certain portion of that charity to general parochial pur-
poses. The report stated that the committee had not been able
to come to any basis with the trustees, on which the matter
might be settled.
Mr. Daniels gave a very clear statement of the proceedings
of the committee.
Mr. Davis. a little Sane/pi-like radical, who had sidled him-
self into the depths of one of the deepiy-seated windows, front
which a round blossom-face, surmounted by a scanty possession
of silver hair, was alone visible, wished to say three words on
this momenchuous question. ( Hear, hear.) " Mr. Chairman,"
said the spea {tier, "you will internally conceive that the trustees
of this beqeathed charity caru't take any sich acknowledgment
as that there committee, of which this here meeting has jest
heard, chooses to make. No, no. Mr. Chairman, they won't;
and I, as au old and staunch reformer, say that they done quite
light, because why? Because they will take a majority of the
parishioners, and that's what I call universality suffritcae.
(Cheers.) Now 1 would most heartily recommend. that a com-
mittee be formed of the whole parish, (bravo,) and that there
should be a big book of bid: a size as all the parishioners as can
write, can sign their names in a judicial and legislative manner.
( Hear.) Why, haven't the trustees declared that they won't
take the opinion of no committee? (Hear.) Recollect, gen-
tlemen, as the trustees are a high responsible body of men, that
the Lord Chancellor himself cat nt remove them. I know that
I am speaking to men of knowledge, but I say the idea that that
young nuts ( Mr. Daniels, who is a barrister) has furnished me
with an idea, as I'll follow. (Hear, and laughter.) I say, gen-
tlemen, solemnly and immediately, (laughter,) that we don't
want to be surprised with church rates, for we won't pay none.
(Loud cheers.) never pay another penny for 'em. (Great
cheering.) I say that the sugeestioni of that there young man
are noble—l've profited by them. I aint too old to learn. That
youne man has furnished me with ideas.--iaeas, gentlemen,
good for the mind." Here Mr. Davis stopped totally exhausted,
and the only part visible to the meeting having become perpen-
dicular to his esconsed body, he was nun est inventus iu an appa-
rently very miraculous manner.
The report having been regularly received,
Mr. Daniels moved "that it is time opinion of this meeting
that it would be most beneficial for the parish that any plan for
the appropriation of the proceeds of the Thavies' estate should
originate from the trustees rather than the parishioners, inas-
much as the differences of opinion as to such appropriation
existing among the parishioners appear to be insurmountable."
Mr. Davis here again put forth his hand—",l carnt conceive
what this has to do with it. ( Hear.) lam going to give you a
new idea about it. (The cries of Question' obliged "Mr.
Davis to fall back ; but immediately the eiries ceased, his head
ass iu its speaking position again.) I say. Mr. Chairman, this
here question ain't ours, because it's the Chancellor's. (Hear.)
I say that our business belongs to the Chancellor (hear); it's
a trustee estate, in the shape of an estate of what we call the
sister kit (cestui que ) sort, and every body what's here knows
that sich an estate belongs to the Vice-Chancellor." (Immense
laughter, challenged by the cheers of the radicals."
A Rate-payer.—Sit down. (Hisses.)
Mr. Davis.—l shunt. If you can say better, do. (Cheers.)
I think I know and can say as much about it as any man—l
ought. (Cheers.)
Mr. Daniels' motion was carried, after a slight opposition.
The Radicals.—" Now for the church-rate—rate—rate) The
rate—the rate, my boys!
The Chairman said they were all aware that the worship of
the church could not be carried on without expense. The money
in hand for this purpose was £9 only. He was, therefore, com-
pelled to call upon them to consider the difficulties in which he
meal placed with reference to the Thaviee' estate, and to say
whether they would grant a rate. Some thou ht a voluntary
rate the hest—(the reformers here set up a shout of approba-
tion)—ethers thought not. The opinions were conflicting on
thus matter, and such was the difficulty that he knew not how to
proCeed. They were aware that the government had promised
to do something—(" oh, oh, the old story again,") and he put
it to the meeting whether they thought it better mo adjourn the
question till they saw what Parliament would do ? (No, no.)
A Rate-payer.—What rate is required ?
The Chairman.—A. penny rate.
(The Reformers.—" No, uo. A farthing rate ! a farthing
rate l" and cheers )
Mr Daniels asked the clerk whether he could state to the
meeting what portion of the expenses was necessary for the
performance of divine worship, and what portion was required
for parochial. purposes.
The clerk said the expenses for the proper performance of
the church service would be about £250.
After considerable confusion,
Mr. Paxton moved that the rate be adjourned for 12 months.
("Oh, no, give a farthing.")
The clerk said that such motion would be illegal.
A reformer.-011, then for six mouths.
Mr. Paxton.--Sine die.
Mr. White observed that an adjournment sine die would en-
trap the reformers, as, in such case, the churchwarden would be
able to make a rate himself.
The Chairman said he would never be guilty of any thing so
base.

A Radical.—To prevent any misunderstanding. I move that
a rate of a farthing in the pound be granted. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. Daniels pledged himself that Mr. White Wail mistaken
in his law.
Another Radical.—A farthing rate—a farthing rate. (Cheers.)
Mr. J. J. Allen asked the clerk what the expense of collect-
ing a farthing rate would be ? ("Boob, hooh," "Oh, oh," and
interruption.)
The Clerk said almost as much as the farthing rate. (The
reformers, "That aint the question, and noise.)
Mr. Miller thought there was a misunderstanding as to a sine
die adjournment;—(hear)—if he understood any thing about
Latin, though it was certainly a long time since he had been at
Westminster School, and might have forgotten his Latin, sine
die was an adjournment to a day beyond another day. (Laugh-
ter from the few gentlemen present.)
The question as to the amonnt of a farthing rate was put.
The Clerk.—About £lOO.
Mr. Barugh (one of the overseers.)—And after collection will
leave about £lO for the churchwarden.
A Radical.—Bravo. We'll give you a rate, but you sharnt
git nothink by it. (Cheers.)
Mr. Tidmarsh thought the majority of this meeting was against
the rate, but he also thought that the meeting would rather make
a rate of one farthing than give the churchwarden the power of
making a rate. He thought an adjOurnment would give a
greater effect to the Opposition to church-rates than if they
adopted the other resolution, (Cheers.) Money was not so
much an object with them as was the dissemination of the prin-
ciple to oppose church-rates; and he believed that the most
effectual way to do this was to set their faces completely against
the rate. The speaker here made some extremely violent re-
marks in reference to the exactio❑ of tithes in this parish. and
upon the injustice of levying a tax on the Jew and infidel for
the support of the established church. There were no con-
scientious churchmen. ( Hear," and considerable disapproba-
tion.) It was a practice to stigmatise as irreligious those who
desired to get rid of church-Tastes. "Now I am well acquainted,"
said the speaker, "with a great many clerical individuals in this
county. and I know some who live in a state of drunkenness, of
beastly profligacy, and who lead sporting lives." (The radicals
loiolly cheered this.)
Mr. Daniels offered souse temperate and judicious observa-
tions upon the uncharitable 'marks of the preceding speaker.
Considerable confusion then arose as to the proper mode of
putting,► the motion and amendment to the meeting, the clerk
holding one mode and the radicals another—one appealing to
the practice of the House of Commons, and the other to their
own sovereign will and pleasure. In fact the radicals appeared
determined to have their own way, and confusion because worse
confounded.

Mr. J. J. Allen settled the uproar, by calling upon the
Chairman to decide on the mode hi which the motions should

e put, which he did.

. .
Mr. liain:lord rose—(immense uproar).
Mr. Tomi!ey rose—(ditto).
Mr. Divis popped forth his head—(ditto).
The. clerk, upon order being reiitureki, put the question of a
',Wiling rite. _

A Itadical.—liire, won't give em a d—d farden.
The contrary was then pot, when there appeared a majority
against the farthing rate.
Mr. Davis (putting forth his head)—" Bravo, bravo, volun-
tary for ever." (Cheers.)
the clerk then put the Original motion for adjourning the
rate, which was carried by a considerable majority.

The radicals had then a dance.
" No sexton," said one.
" No organ," said a second.
"A great saving of wine," said a third.
" No grave-digger," said a fourth.
" No gas-lights, 'said a fifth.
" No coals for the church," said a si::th.
" No beadles," said a seventh.
" No steeple-keeper—no beil-ringer—bo /ourainoted ciork."
" Hurrah !"—(Exit to various public, houses).-,1f0r,„-ng
Herald.

CONSYRVATIVE FESTIVAL—The Cork Conditution of Satur-
day, contains a report of the Annual Dinner of the Cork Con-
servative Association, which had taken place on the previous
evening, in the Cumberland Rooms, and which, for rank, res-
pectability. intelligence, and numbers. was all that the warmest
friend of Conservatism could have wished. The chair was oc-
copied by Colonel -Limgfield; and the speakers were, besides
the Chaintmn, Counsellor Deane fleV. R. D. Fr,emun, Richd,
Lov1;1141,1, M.P., Al,.v.todet. 0.1.)?-iiv0'?, Vsq., &e. &:4).

PitoCgil'SS OF CoNs-EltV4'2Pii-M.

p7Lt.'41:%0 OP 13L4:ar.chm uPN4dali'S CONSIXCA"

TINE. ,a,SoCIATIL*I

(.4bridlivti 10174 MU &nun Chu:nide,

On Thursday, the aunivereary dinner of the Blackburn
Opererive Censerratisve Association took place in the Cloth"
hali, Flemiug-spare ; and the large hall was profusely deco-
rated with laurels, and union jacks, flags, crowns, etc. Ite•
Previous to the dinner, a grand procession took place from the
New Inn, through the principal streets of the town, headed DI
a band of tutiSic:; several elegant flags streamed in the winds
and amongst them was one of crimson and white silk, which
had been presented t‘i the association that day; by Mrs. Foster,
the amiable lady of Sohn Foster, Esq., banker, Blackburn.
On one side was painted iu large gilt letters, "The Blackburn
Operative Conservative Association;" and on the other, in the
centre, was a mitre, a bible open, crozier, &c., and underneath?
the mink "Pro aria et fuels. ' On another flag, presented by
the gentlemen ofßlackburn and the neighbourhood, were paint-
ed in the centre, the bible and crown. The inscriptions were
" Blackburn Operative Conservative Association, established
"1835." " Ever ready." " For GOd, the King, the Peers, ADS!,
the People." " England expects every man to do his duty:
several other neat flags were exhibited. The processions Gene"
at the vicarage, in King-street, and escorted to thi,dining-room
the Rev. J. 1). Whitaker, D.D., vicar of Bleckbefn, and Vs
Fielden, Esq., the worthy Conservative represeuletive of the
borough. On the arrival of these gentlemen at the Cloth-hall.
they were received with the most enthusiastic cheers. These
was a vast crowd of people assembled to witness the procession,
and it must have been a niost gratifying sight to every friesn
of the cause, to oituess the decent and orderly appearance el
the members of the association ; this coupled with the exbili•
rating strains from the band, joined to the merry peals front
the bells of the parish church, which were censtautly chiming
'on the ear, could not fail to produce a lasting affect on the intel-
ligent and enlightened inhabitants of that loyal and enter-
prising borough. The very excellent dinher was served up by
Mrs. Baines, of the New lon, in a superior manner, when it
considered that it had to be cooked at the distance of nearly
quarter of 11 mile front the Cloth Hall; and the whole of the
urrangements reflected fhe highest credit on the officers of the
Operative Conservative Association, who certainly had spared
neither pains nor expense to make every individual comfortable.,
The room, which is of an oblong form, 120 feet in length and
2i) feet in breadth, was completely filled* end 430 persons were
accommodated without inconvenience. The tables were four iu
number, and at the centre table were placed the worthy chair-
man, John Hargreaves, Etce, one of the county coroners, sup-
ported on his rig ht by the liev• Dr. Whitaker, vicar of Black-
burn, and J. Fielden, Esq.: and on his left by Wm. Fielden,
Eel., M.P., and the Rev. Mr. Mckenzie, of Wigan. Amongst
the gentlemen of influence in the town and neighbourhood, we
noticed Wm. H. Hornby, Esq., C. Whitaker, Esq., J. Greeu-
way, Esq., John Foster,'Esq., banker; Dixon Rohinsod, Escp,
R.'S. Didgseu, Esq., P. Greaves, Esq., and many others.
There were also present deputations from the Operative Con-
servative Associations of Manchester, Belten, Preston, and
Chorley. The reporters for the press represented the slier/11W
Herald. the Blackburn Standard, end the Belton Chronicle.
After dinner, several ladies and other friends were admitted,
and at the commencement of the evening's proceedings, the
room presented a very animated appearance. The Rev. Dr.
Whitaker said grace before and after meat, and the cloth
having been removed,
The Chairman rose amidst loud cheers, and requested
bumper to the first toast. He said that he believed there never
was a time when their most gracious sovereign stood more in
need of, or rather deserved, the well-wishes of the country than
the present. (Cheers.) They well knew that he was surround-
ed by a set of men, as his ministers, whom he utterly detested,
and who were held in abhorrence be every thinking man in the
country. (Loud cheers.) This feeling hail pervaded the
country for soma time; his Majesty hail felt it ; and he trusted
that the expression of loyalty and attachinent to .the sovereign
and the institutions of the country ehich would be exhibited in
the room this night would be heard of, not only in the Palace,
but to the remotest parts of his Majesty's clorninious. He,
would give them—" The health of His Majesty, the Duke of
Lancaster."
The toast was drunk with four times four cheers, and one
more. The national anthem was then sung, accompanied ou
the piano-forte by Mr. Stuart, tote whole company standing and
joining in the chorus.
The chairman said the neat toast he had to propose was as
much connected with the subject of their meeting as the first.
It was well known that their most gracious Queen was a model
of excellence, virtue and charity. (Cheers.) " The Queen,
the glory and pride of the country." I)ruuk with three times
three cheers and one more.
Air, by the band. " Rule Britannia."
The Chairman observed that the next toast was—" The Prin-
cess Victoria, and the rest of the Hoye! Family, and may they
never forget the principles which seated the House of Brenswick
on the throne of these realms."
The Chairman wieheri to make a few remarks before the
toast was honoured. As respected their present Sovereign and
their most gracious Queen, they could have no doubt but they
would adhere to the principles expressed in the toast to vrhich
he had alluded : and he had nu doubt but their example would
have its due influence on the policy of any future sovereign Or
these realms. (Cheers.) It was for the benefit of the coun-
try that the principles implanted in the toast should he pre-
served inviolate, and if any future sovereign deserted those
principles, he very much feared that the country would desert
hint. (Loud cheers.) Ile would give them the toast before
mentioned.
Drunk with three times three cheers and one more.
" Hail Star of Brunswick."
The Chairman again rose and said. He need not •remind
them of the advantages which the county derived front the ser-
vrces of the navy and army ; and therefore it would be unne-
cessary for him to say any thing to induce them to drink the
toast lie was about to propose. He then gave " 'flue navy and
army." Drunk with three times three cheers and one more.
The next toast, said the worthy Chairman, need only to be
named to secure it a most cordial reception. It wits " The
Bishops and clergy of the Catholic and truly Apostolical
Churches of England and Ireland." (Tremendous cheering./
The Chairman then gave " The Church."
The Rev. J. D. Whittaker, D.D., Vicar of Blackburn,
'responded to the toast.
" The Bohemian National Anthem" was then sung.
The Chairman then proposed " Our Glorious Constitution in
Church and State." (The toast was received with a spontaneoui
burst of applause.)
The Rev. Mr. M'Kenzie acknowledged the toast.
The Chairman then gave, "The Right Hon. Lord Lyndhurst
and the House of Peers." (The cheers which followed the an-
nouncement of this toast exceeded any description we could
give.)
Glee.—" Here in cool grot."
The Chairman said the next toast on the list was "Sir Robert
Peel and the Conservative Members of the House of Comnions."
(The toast was then drunk with four times.four cheers and one
cheer more.)
Glee.—" With a jolly frill botile,,, (At the words
a health to the King sod the Church, &c." there wake general
clapping of hands • this part of the glee was loudly encored.)
The Chairman then gave " 1 he health of WM. Pielden; Esq.,
their worthy representative." . .
The toast was received with immense cheering.
Mr. Fielden returned thanks.
The Chairman then gave "The Blackburn Operatiee. Con-
servative Association.'
Mr. Charles Tiplady the secretary, acknowledged the toast.
and proposed " The health of John Hargreaves, Eeq. . their
worthy chairman, and long life to hint." (The toast was:drunk-
with the most enthusiastic applause.)
Song, by Mr. Isherwood—" When Vulcan forged the bolts of
Jove." ( l'he song was much applauded.)
The Chairman, in a complimentary speech, proposed the
healths of " The Members for the County." (Drank with
great applause.)
Glee—" Hail smiling morn."
The Chairman rose and said he was happy to have to propose
the health of a gentleman well known to them all, and Unit was
"'The President of the Blackburn Conservative Association, W.
H. Hornby, Esq." ( Enthusiastic cheering followed the an-
nouncetnent of Mr. Hornby's name, and the ,toast was drunk
with the same demonstration of good feeling )
Mr. Hornby returned thanks. .•
After several intermediate toasts and songs, the Chairmen
begged to propose " The Press."

Glee—

Mr. Foster (editor of the Balton Chronicle,) beingcalled upon.
rose to reply to the toast. He said, Mr. Chairman and Gentle-
men, you have a brunch of the conservative press in your
own town, which is conducted with great ability, and which
exercised that power to which the Chairman alluded for the
public good. (Cheers.) Doubtless, as had been so properly
expressed, the press was a mighty engine, whether wielded
for a good or for an evil put pose. But from the circumstance
of the ability displaced in the Blackburn Standard, he (Mr.
Foster was not wishful to intrude himself on the most re-
spectable society which he saw around him. (Heir, hear.)
lie had, however, the honour of an invitation from their hono-
rary secretary to attend the dinner ; and as a member of the
Conservative press he should hope that his responding to the
toast would not be construed into presumption.—(Loud cheers,
and " No, no.) During the 'latter part of the session of 1835,
the influence of tfie Conservative press did wonders in restoring
the confidence of the people to the principles. of the constitu-
tion, as advocated by bir Robert Peel and his friends; but at
the opening of the last session of parliament; this confidence
again drooped, and did not recover until after the Easter recess,
when it again carne out with fresh vigour instilled into the cause,
no doubt by the manly course taken by the upper branch of the
legislature,—(cheers)—which gave to the people of England
hopes that they had still some rights—still some liberty--still
something left worth contending for..:-(Grinst cheering.) Not.
withstanding the boldfront shewn by the Conservative, tirese.--'
notwithstanding the re-action in favour of Conservative prat--
ciples, which of late had so evidently taken place; yet, the'
truth ought to be told, and it would be wrong to disguise the
fact, that the Conservative press had still before it great diffi--
culties to encounter, (hear, hear,) and those difficulties would
be overcome provided the friends of the good 011 Use would exert
themselves with the same energy and activity as was adoptead,
by their Whig• Radical enemies.—(Cheers, and "we will.
The Conservative press had had the battle to fight since the'
breaking up of parliament, and it would never relax in ite ex-
ertions ; but when the Conservative members were again called,
to their parliamentary duties it would be for them to work out
and follow up the labours of the press. He (Mr. Foster) could
assure the Conservative members that they need not be cast
down at the thought that the reduction of the stamp duty 0°
newspapers had been unfavourable to the Conservative cantle'
On the contrary, the result had completely frustrated the dea
signs of the whig-radieal originators of the plan; who expected
by this measure to have put down one powerful. engine„.Madif L
erect another on its ruins more congenial to their wishes. '°'
was however positive, that the conservative- prate had °'
great gainer by the reduction, and it now stood upon a. baignherr.
eminence than ever over the propagators of sedition. and a
chy. (Loud cheers.) The whig-raclicals had not calculated that
the people would now wily be led by an appeal to their, under-,
standings, and by strength of reason and sound judgmeot ,rC
prejudice and passion. (Loud cheers.) There
point to which be would briefly advert, and which he considered
was a fatal error committed by the conservative members in that
House of Lords in the last session of parliament; it was s
ing themselves to be cajoled by whig treachery I
asttlacut
And sufferig, through d mistaken courtesy, the whig-ra' aulres
ministry tote put off the passing of the most important
tunen'"' to.
until the end of the session, and when the peers had not e
give them that mature consideration which their important!
t,
lords wi
wasHanotnei.
de-
manded. The object of the whigs was to cover the
consi-
disgrace. If they passed the measures without ptoF!fpr,
and
iteration, then, thought they, the lords wilt be in our o
consideration, the hig radicals thought they could
odium
be our slaves. On the other hand. if the peers require:tdhetinMetufroar
round on the conservatives, and threaten them with
the Cheering.)
of being inimical to all beneficial reform.
dupes
secoame British
radicals; they had received every measure as
baseßut the
artifice,peers a
nhad
refuteddon et hteei r
bdeuct,ym;l
et they had lidaud(p(sereena
fttht.rboeu gwhhtite.
legislators: (Cheers ) They had thrown
People, and their reward weuld be
.ample aeerldo. id the afs
the
valued institutions of the country, and secured, .
beers
Tremendous cheer
ing.) of a free and enlightened nation.
.(
n one other Point,
ing.) He (Mr. Foster) wished to mention
t in the presence
and heals() desired to speak alldue respect wish
respect44l.
themselvests.fourpeolui
of a member of the House of Cl:minionsand