The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-10-15 00:00:00

TO CORRESPONDENTS

We acknowledge the receipt of £1 from the Rev. F. Parry,
of St. Clement's ; £1 from E. Arnaud, Esq. ; £1 from
T. Garratt, Esq. ; and 10s. from G. Beley, Esq., for the
fund now raising to relieve the Rev. J. W. Gowring,
whose afflicting case will be found advertised in another
part of our paper.
A correspondent in the last Standard, in suggesting a supe-
rior mode of warming and ventilating the churches of this
town, describes Christ Church as being one of the worst
ventilated churches in Liverpool. We are informed, how-
ever, that considerable improvements have recently been
made in this place of worship, and that it is now admirably
warmed and ventilated, and one of the most comfortable
churches of the town.
With reference to the letter signed " J. W.," which appeared
in the Standard of Tuesday last, a contemporary is in-
structed to say that it was addressed to us on Tuesday
week, but did not appear in our following publication. The
letter was not received at the STANDARD-Office until a
late hour on Thursday night, and though marked for in-
sertion, we were compelled to postpone its appearance in
consequence of the arrival of the important news from
L China.

riLhe Eibtrpoot &tanbarb.

FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 15, 1841

There is no subject upon which the Melbourne and
O'Connell faction was wont to glorify itself more
abundantly than upon the results of its foreign policy.
Not only throughout Europe, but in every quarter of
the globe—not only in Spain or in the Mediterranean,
but in the furthest extremity of our Indian empire—
unmingled and pre-eminent success; we were told, had
crowned the efforts of our diplomacy and our arms ;
and whatever might be our internal position—however
disorganised our social condition—abroad, at least, we
had before us only a long career of peaceful and ho-
noured enjoyment of that lofty attitude which an un-
broken series of triumphs in the field and upon our
native element, aided by the superlative genius of a
Palmerston in the Cabinet, had won for us amongst
the nations of the world. Alas ! that we should ever
be compelled to awake from a dream so soothing to
our senses—so flattering to that national pride which
is deeply implanted in the breast of every English-
man !

Yet we are compelled to awake from it, and to con-
template,
in sober, waking reality, a far different and
less gratifying picture. Where is, we ask, this glori- '
ous, this peaceful prospect ? Where is the " golden
fruit" of the non-intervention policy of the Melbourne
government ? In what quarter of the habitable globe—
Mercury, in thy goodness, tell us !--is situate the
modern Arcadia of the sublime ex-ruler of the ForeigA
Office? Is it in Spain—pacificated Spain ? Alas, no.
Is it in the Mediterranean ? Still, no. Is it in the
eastern or in the western hemisphere ? In neither ;
and, in sober sadness, we fear that it is not to be found,
unless we seek it in some terra incognita which the
genius of a Palmerston, a Ponsonby, or an Elliott has
not as yet operated upon—some " regio in tcrris nostri
non plena laboris-"

We can discover, in truth, not a vestige of any glo-
rious or even peaceful result from the ten years' pro-
tocolling of, Lord Palmerston ; but, on the contrary,
we see much to excite serious and anxious fears for the
continued enjoyment, by Great Britain and the world,
of the blessings of tranquillity. In the eastern world
we greatly fear that the policy of the last ten years has
weakened rather than extended permanently the influ-
ence of British councils and of British arms. We are
scarcely more disposed to congratulate ourselves upon
our position with respect to the powers of Europe.
Can we or dare we at this moment withdraw from our
present watchful attitude in the Mediterranean ? We
fear not; and yet what is our present position in ano-
ther quarter of the globe ? Obviously an insecure and
threatening one. Even whilst we write a blow may
have been struck in the United States which at once
and inevitably plunges us into a war—a war of supre-
macy too—with that country; a war which must de-
solate an entire continent, prostrate in ruins its cities,
annihilate a vast and mutually profitable commerce,
and strew the Atlantic with its wrecks; and into such
a war we must embark whilst our fleet—the main arm
upon which we can rely for success—is scattered over
the eastern seas—(waging a freebooting warfare in
China)—or pent up in the Mediterranean to restrain
the aggressive spirit of France, whose millions pant
for an opportunity to break loose and trample once
more the battle fields of Europe.
In such a prospect surely there is nothing upon
which we can congratulate ourselves. We may, in-
deed, by the interposition of Providence, evade its
present threatening aspect. The mercy of an American
mob may stay the impending torrent in its course.
American law may prove st..onger than Lynch law ;
and a legal technicality or a judicial quibble may
snatch our countryman M‘Leod from the clutch of
the harpies, who thirst for his blood, as the means of
precipitating a war between the United States and the
people of their fatherland. But, in any case, that di-
plomacy can never merit anything except execration
and contempt, which has thus reduced into dependence
upon mere accident the momentous question of " peace
or war" between two friendly nations, bound up toge-
ther in a common interest, speaking the same language
and sprung from a common stock ; and from whose
hostile collision may flow such calamitous results to
the cause of true liberty, order, and peace, throughout
the world !

We haVe no fear of England, however, in such a
struggle ae the implacable 'spirit of a portion of the

people of the United States may provoke, Under th 6
manly guidance of Conservative statesman, we have
no dread that the British lion will quail before the
American eagle, or.the British ensign grow pale before
the star-spangled banner of our brother of the West.
But we cannot contemplate the results which must
attend the course of such a quarrel without a shudder.
War—such a war at least as England must wage if
she fight at all—is no longer a game to be entered
upon as lightly as of old, but one of a far more devas-
tating and terrific nature. We have now engines of
destruction at command, compared with which those
of the last century were but the weapons of a jousting-
field. War has now enlisted in its aid the mighty
powers of steam, and the discoveries of science ; and if

" Freedom shrieked as Koskiusko fell,"

her sister angels, Humanity and Peace, may indeed
bewail at the sound of the first hostile cannon which
breaks the stillness of the Atlantic, whether fired by
an American or a British arm !

We proceed to the second part of the charge against
Lord Stanley, namely, that he has failed to vindicate
the order of landlords to which he belongs. In what
respect he has " failed," we have sought in vain to
discover. Failures of this sort we should take to be
much more damaging to the party in whose favour
they were supposed to be made, than to the author of
them ; and should we be amongst his lordship's back-
ers when next he comes in collision with the gentry
who advocate the doctrine and practice of " free trade,"
we should desire nothing better than that he should
commit just such another failure as he is charged with
having been guilty of in his last speech at Lancaster.
His lordship commenced his vindication of the ex-
isting law, by not only denying that it is the cause of
the distress complained of, but by pointing out the
source to which he conceived this distress is justly and
rightly attributable. How could these corn laws, said
he, be the cause of the distress, since these same laws
were in force during a time of the greatest prosperity ?
From 1831 to 1841, the exports of our manufactures
have nearly doubled. The years 1834, 1835, and 1836
were years of great, nay, of extravagant prosperity—
so great, that in 1836 the poor law commissioners
published an account that at that moment, in Man-
chester and the neighbourhood, so great was the de-
mand for labour, that, in addition to all the manufac-
-1 turing establishments then in being, there were then
in progress mills and machinery to the value of three
millions sterling; and that, in the course of this and
the following year, there would be a demand for 80,000
additional hands in the manufacturing district sur-
rounding Manchester alone. He goes on to fill up this
picture. Everything favoured this state of factitious
prosperity, till at length the markets of the world were
glutted, and the fever passed away, leaving the patient

distressed and exhausted. All this time the corn laws
were in existence, and no whisper of complaint was
heard against them. With what face, then, can those
same marvellously prosperous parties 'of 1836 turn
round now, and say that the corn laws are the cause
of embarrassment, so manifestly derived from a differ-
ent quarter ? _

But, taking it as admitted that these laws have not
produced the distress of 1841, we are yet called upon
to show that they would not be a remedy for it. On
this head the noble lord begins by adverting, first, to
the hand-loom weavers, and he contends that the re-
sult of an alteration of the existing laws, with respect
to the price of corn, would have no effect whatever
upon them. The origin of their fallen condition was

the introduction of machinery, and no alteration of the
corn laws can repair it, because these poor people
would still have to meet that ruinous and insurmount-
able competition. But even if, says his lordship, there
was any trifling increase in the amount of labour de-
manded from the hand-loom weavers, such is the su-
perabundance of labour in the market, such are the
multitudes who are only half employed, and those who
are wholly unemployed, that their competition for em-
ployment would necessarily and naturally tend to keep
down to its necessarily low level the price by which

their labour is remunerated in the market. The mul-
titude of farm -labourers, who would necessarily be
thrown out of employment, must also be remembered ;
and then it may be fairly left to any ordinary under-
standing, whether, upon these premises, a repeal of the
corn duties would be more likely to prove a remedy
for, or an aggravation of, the existing distress.
His lordship next contends at some length that a
shifting duty has the tendency to maintain steadiness
of price. That prices should be unvarying for an ar-
ticle whose production depends upon the seasons, is
manifestly an attainment beyond human power; but,
under the operation of the existing laws, there have
been less fluctuations in the price of corn in this coun-

try than there have been in any country in Europe,
with the exception of Belgium. In America the fluc-
tuations in the course of the last four or five years
have been considerably greater; and in the markets
.of New York and Philadelphia, the price of corn has
been ' considerably higher than in the markets of Li-
verpool and London. Steadiness of price, and corn-
p-arative cheapness, (cheapness at least in comparison
with an Bs. fixed duty,) have resulted from the-existing
laws; and producing such advantages, his lordship
concludes that it is most unwise to depart from that
sound and wholesome principle which has been the

leading object of the existing corn-laws, namely, to
uphold such a permanent and fixed price of corn at
home, as may enable us, not in all years and upon all
occasions, to supply the fair wants of our population
at a reasonable price, but which shall enable a large

proportion of the lands of this country to be cultivated
with a profit, and furnish a supply of corn, in some
years adequate, in most years nearly so, to the wants
of the population ; and, at the same time, not prohibit-
ing the importation of foreign corn, but so regulating
it, that, according to the law, every necessity for it
here should produce its importation from abroad.

His lordship next adverts to the question, at what
prices corn could be imported from abroad ; and re-
fers to the return furnished by the British Consuls
from the principal ports of Europe, from which, under
a moderate fixed duty, it might be expected that there
might be introduced, upon the average, 2,222,000
quarters of foreign wheat annually. Under our pre-
sent system we have obtained that supply whenever
we wanted it. And here there is a remarkable passage

in his lordship's speech—so very remarkable indeed,
that we shall neither abridge, nor condense, but pre-
sent it to our readers in his lordship's own words :
" Whenever that corn [viz. foreign] has been cheaper than
at home, that corn has not been poured in at the moment to
inundate us with an unwonted supply. Whence do we draw
our corn ? Chiefly from the markets of Germany and Russia.
Let us hear a word from Russia. From Russia the consul

tells you that in average years the export from Petersburg
would be from 175,000 to 210,000 imperial Quarters ; and the
price free on board at Petersburg, 395. Id. per quarter; with
freight and charges about 3s. ticl. more ; making the import
price here about 455. without any duty at all. That is the
ordinary state of things ; and that is the amount which, in
common years, might be calculated upon at Petersburg. But
now comes a very great year, and corn is low here ; it is down
at 325. in England ; and what happens ? There is at the same
time a very prosperous harvest in Russia, and we are told
that in one year one single province in Russia sent down to
Petersburg 38 millions of quarters of corn. The average
supply which can be afforded is about 200,000 quarters ; but
in one year, from one province, there was sent down to Peters-
burg 38 millions of quarters of corn. What was the price of
that in the market? Why, it was sold in the market of Pe-
tersburg in that year, at the price of 13s. the imperial quar-
ter. The average and ordinary price there is 395.; but in that
year, owing only to the large supply, the price was 13s. Under
a fixed duty of Bs., or under no duty at all, the British grower
never could be guaranteed against such an importation, at the
time wheat is selling here at 395. ; and when, in consequence
of this enormous influx, he has been led to abandon the cul-
tivation of wheat altogether, then comes a reverse, and the
following year, wheat coming to an average price of 395. in-
stead of 13s. at Petersburg, and instead of 38 millions quar-
ters, 200,000 quarters is the whole supply upon which this
country has to depend from Petersburg. Now, there is the
effect of the fixed duty—and there, but to a greater and more
ruinous extent, is the effect of no duty at all ;—that in one
year you have corn imported at a price which renders it im-
possible to cultivate it with profit in this country, and when
by an enormous admission at that price some year, you have
discouraged, disheartened, and ruined the farmer—then comes
a short supply in the markets of the world, and prices rise to
what may then be called starvation prices in this country."
We have now come nearly to the close of this most
masterly speech, and yet, in point of valuable argu-
ment, much remains behind. The discomfited leaguers
indeed talk of his lordship's "admissions," but we find
him making none in the slightest degree serviceable to
their cause ; they are entirely of their own cutting and
carving; in the speech, fairly read and fairly inter-
preted, there is not one on which they have the small-
est occasion to plume themselves.
We now come to the highly-interesting question of
" reciprocity," and the benefit which our manufactu-
ring industry would probably derive from abolishing
the restrictions on free trade in foreign corn. We
shall here quote his lordship in extenso
It is assumed," says our noble lord, " that, if you admit
foreign corn under all circumstances, you must have an un-

limited free export for the produce of your manufacturing in-
dustry. That is assumed as a fact, but it is not a fact ; for
the policy of other countries interferes with the ordinary in-
terchange of different commodities. It is the policy of Ger-
many, of Russia, and of France, to maintain their own manu-
factures, and to impose protective duties upon them, as
against your labour and manufacturing industry. It is non-
sense to tell me, that you have set them the example by your
restrictive system. The question is, whether this principle
does prevail in France, Germany, and Russia; and whether
they are determined to maintain a protection for their own
manufactures as against the manufacturing industry of this
country. If they are, it is no use to say that your manufac-
tures might go out cheaper, or might go out at all, if other
countries agree in point of policy, that they will not intro-
duce them into their markets. Now, the late government
was negociating, a treaty with France. France was anxious'
that we should import, not her grain, fur she does not export
it, at least very little, but the brandies and wines of France.
She expressed herself very willing to receive, in return, as
much produce of our manufacturing industry. But when
the question was asked as to British cotton goods, she de-
clined. `No, it is just exactly those which we are not pre-
pared to introduce, and it does not suit our policy that we
should take them ; and though you may take our brandies
and wines, our policy says that cotton shall not be in-
troduced into France, upon a corresponding reduction of
duties.' Why, the case is the same in Germany. Some
years ago, fourteen or fifteen years since, there was
a large reduction in the importation duties on foreign
wool. The principal portion of that wool came from Ger-
many ; and its importation was for the benefit of our
manufacturers—though it was complained of by our wool
growers—but we did largely assist the introduction of
foreign wool into this country. What was the result ? That
the Germans took more of our manufactures? Not at all.
The export of our manufactures have fallen off, in conse-
quence of her wool being infinitely more important to Ger-
many than her corn; and at this moment the amount of our
imports from Germany considerably exceeds the amount of
our exports to Germany. Has there been any indication
that Russia will take our manufactures, our manufactured
goods, upon the unrestricted introduction of her corn into
this country ? I know of none such. Now, therefore, I
don't think that you must assume, that the unlimited im-
portation of foreign corn will produce an unlimited con-
sumption of British manufactures. But even if it did, lam
afraid, looking again to the distresses Which are suffered by
the manufacturing community, I am afraid that such is the
power, the elasticity, the capability of production in this
country, such is the enterprise, and such the competition—l
am afraid that, do what you please, legislate as you will, it is
an inseparable condition from a great commercial country,
that there should be a periodical fluctuation, that there
should be periodical periods of prosperity, and periodical
periods of distress ; for the produce of prosperity leads to
overtrading; overtrading leads to exhaustion; exhaustion
leads to a cessation of the demand for labour leads to neces-
sarily urgent and most painful distress upon the part of the
labouring community."

This is another• specimen of his lordship's " failure"
in defending what the Mercury calls the cause of his
order, or his class ; but in truth his lordship may have
failed in that view of the question, fcr it is obvious
that he treats the question not as one of a class interest,
but as one in which the whole community is equally
and alike concerned. To maintain his cause in this
aspect of it, seems to have been that which gave him
most concern ; nor can he with reason feel much dis-
appointed if the class interest in cotton, refuse to give
him the credit of success.

His last argument is an appeal on the character and
quality of factory labour, which naturally connects
itself with the question of applying a new stimulus to
that species of industry, supposing that repealing the
corn duties, (contrary to all that has been said and
proved,) would produce that effect.
We will not, however, go at length into this point
here ; we are sensible of its great importance, and
would consider it separately; but we have, indepen-
dently of this important consideration, we conceive,
recited enough from the eloquent and convincing
speech of the noble lord at Lancaster, to show how
perfectly ridiculous and absurd is the talk of the free-
traders and their organ the Mercury, that the noble
lord had in any one iota failed to substantiate the
two points which lie undertook to maintain. The
fact is, there never was a cause more ably, more clearly,
and we may add, more beautifully, and triumphantly
established.

A correspondent of the London Times supplies that
journal with what he calls " a plan of war " in the
event of I\l‘Leod's trial leading to such a contingency
between this country and the United States. The
writer acknowledges himself to be a civilian, and his
plan of making war is decidedly of the civil kind, for
it purposes an abstinence from all military operations
against the southern states of the union, and con-
templates the possibility of maintaining relations of
peace with them, whilst war should rage with unmiti-
gated fury against the northern. The suggestion is
certainly a good one; all must admit that half an enemy
would be more easily dealt with than a whole one ; to
" divide and govern" is an old and established maxim ;
the only point on which any doubt remains is, whether
we should be able to reduce the theory to practice, as
we must depend so much for its success upon the will
of others. True, we might abstain from committing
hostilities upon the southern states, if we choose ; but
we could not force them to continue peaceful relations
with us, no more than we could force the Chinese to
take the opium of India, if they were otherwise
minded. The projector of this plan, however, argues
fairly, and bases his arrangement on his certain views
of human nature, which in ordinary times, and in
ordinary circumstances, are usually justified by ex-
perience. He conceives that a war with the States
should be directed towards two objects; first, the
breaking up of the union by detaching the southern
states from the northern and middle; and second, the
destruction of the resources of the northern and
middle states :
" Instead of threatening to raise the slaves of the south, to
land black regiments from the West Indies, &c., by which
proceedings she would bind the south to the north for ever,
Great Britain," he argues, " should declare, that having no
quarrel with the south, and fully sensible that the interests
of that portion of the states are identical with her own, she
will not be ungenerous enough either to accept war from
them, nor to wage it against them, for the present; that her
quarrel is only with the northern states, and that for a whole
year she will, notwithstanding any provocation she may re-
ceive from the southern states, abstain from all acts of hos-
tility towards them and theirs.
" Great Britain, at the same time, should institute the
most powerful and rigid blockade of the northern ports from
the confines of Nova Scotia down to the Potomac.
" The effect of this proceeding would be, that in the course
of two cotton crops Great Britain would have ruined all the
cotton factories of New England—have transferred the car-
rying trade from the shipowners of the north to those of
Great Britain—and have finally and irrecoverably detached
the southern from the northern states, thus splitting the
country into two separate nations."
The feasibility of this scheme, he contends for, on
the ground that it would be for the interest of the
southern states to forward its policy. "It would give
them," he says, " what they have not yet attained—
viz., intercourse with England, without transactions
commercially and monetarily passing through the
channel of New York ; and when they should see
themselves unusually flourishing, in consequence of
this exemption from war, and perceive that, if they per-
sist in forcing England to involve them in the war,
they would speedily involve themselves in peculiar
ruin ; they will first all declare their neutrality, and
finally detach themselves from the confederation."
The suggestion is, on the whole, worthy of conside-
ration ; but we are strongly inclined to think that the
plan will have to be laid by for some other opportunity,
for minatory as affairs may look at present, it is our
decided conviction that we shall have no immediate
war. We should remark that the Times assumes a
higher tone on this affair than it was wont to support
during the late ministry; and we rejoice in the fact,
taking it as an evidence of the altered bearing which
this country will assume towards encroaching foes
under a truly-national and conservative government.
He concludes a leader in Tuesday's number with the
following spirited and stirring passage :
" If the Americans imagine that the equitable settlement
of this question depended solely upon the elaborate farce
which they have played off at Utica, they are wofully mis-
taken. This country cares not a fig for the timid trimming
of their broad-brimmed jury. Of what is due to British
subjects and British interests, our own government shall
alone be permitted to judge. Her majesty's crown and dig-
nity have sustained an aggravated insult in the person of Mr.
M'Leod. Reparation, in some shape or other, cannot be
dispensed with. The liberation of the insulted prisoner
offers no indemnity for the past, and no security for the fu-
ture. War we do not desire. Nay, short of a sacrifice of
national honour, we would adopt almost any alternative to
avoid it. But Lord Aberdeen does not stand in need of our
humble counsels to direct him in the path of duty. With
such a minister, equally temperate and uncompromising, we
cannot doubt that if actual hostilities be providentially
averted, the Americans will at least be taught a lesson which
in future will lead them to a truer estimate of their self-con-
ceit and arrogance than they yet appear to have formed.
Pompous bombast in this quarter of the world has now gone
out of fashion."

AN EMIGRANT VESSEL WRECKED.—The Urania, which
sailed from this port yesterday week, for Sydney, got aground
on West Hoyle Bank in the course of the following night.
The passengers by this unfortunate vessel suffered severely
before they were rescued from the wreck. Few, if any, of
them had been at sea before ; and they were on deck, ex-
pecting every moment to be their last, from the vessel strik-
ing, at ten p.m., until noon of the following day, when the
life-boats were able to reach them and bring them to land.
Considering the addition they made to the number of inha-
bitants of that township, they were very hospitably received.
Every loaf and piece of meat was put into immediate requi-
sition, after which from about eighty to one hundred pro-
ceeded direct to Liverpool. The only hotel at the Hoose
being too small to stow them in any manner, in the course
of the evening a large body were removed to the hotel at
Hoylake, belonging to Messrs. Hugh, Williams. and John
Barton, who kindly offered it for the purpose. Fires being
immediately lighted, and straw obtained, 157 were lodged for
the night, in, to them, comparative luxury. Messrs. William
Smith and Son, the charterers, have humanely determined to
"ictual themuntil another ship is provided for the unfortu-
ates ; and we are happy to bear testimony to the abundance
n d quality of the supply furnished them.

LOCAL NEWS.

EXTENSIVE SALE OF WOOLS.—Yesterday a sale of a very
large quantity of foreign wools took place at the Wool Sales-
room, adjoining the office of Mr. Abram Gartside, wool-
broker, Bretherton's-buildings, North John-street, and the
prices obtained, considering the general depression in the
commercial world, showed, we are glad to say, that this
branch of trade is in a flourishing and progressive condition.

The quantity to be offered (yest4day and this day) was about
6,000 bales, and comprised Australian, East India, West
India, Buenos Ayres, Turkey, Russian Lambs', South Ame-
rican, &c. ; and, as waseyinced by the attendance, the occasion
became one of almost national interest. The room, recently

formed by Mr. Gartside, on the second floor in the spacious
and elegant range of buildings, and opened for the first time,
is peculiarly suited for the purpose of sales,—much superior
to Garrow's, in London,—both for its size and accommoda-
tion. It forms an oblong square, with. a floor, or area, of
about 115 square yards, and is lighted by five large windows.
It was crowded throughout the day, and the sale proceeded
with great animation, the prices too being fully equal to those
obtained at the late London sale. The wools were not, on

this occasion, of what are called " a choice flock," but all of
a fair middling quality. They were sold in small lots, and
were rapidly knocked down at the following range of prices :

CLOTHING WOOLS.
First Quality ls. 6d. to ls. 9d. per lb.
Second Quality
Locks and Greasy Wools.. Bd. to ht. 2d. „
The sale commenced at 12 o'clock, and continued till about
five. It-will be resumed to-morrow, principally in low wools,
A considerable lot of Alpaca's has vet to be sold. This fine
long-stapled wool is in great demand—the white being worth
ls. 9d. ; the black Is. 6d. ; and the brown Is. 3d. per pound.
We should add that a grand lunch was served in a large
warehouse-room adjoining the sales' room, and in the pre-
mises behind.. Probably upwards of 200 individuals rushed
into it to obtain a share of the good things—sandwiches,
brandy, and soda-water, &c.—and a most amusing " scram-
ble" took place, in which, notwithstanding the great outcry
for free trade, every one exhibiting a decided penchant for

monopoly.
CARNATIONS.—FIorists and those who delight in their
gardens, are referred to Mr. Willmer's advertisement, which

appears elsewhere.
The Bishop of Chester has been pleased to appoint the
Rev. Charles O'Neill Pratt, Curate of Middlewich, to the
curacy of Christ Church, Macclesfield, vacant by the ap-
pointment of the Rev. Mr. Pollock to St. Helen's.
THE LIVERPOOL INFIRMARY.—We beg to direct the

attention of our readers to the announcement, in another
place, of a sermon to be preached on behalf of this institution.
It only needs to he known that the funds are at present
several hundred pounds below the expenditure, and that a
still further deficiency will be experienced without timely
and liberal aid on the part of the public. We cannot sup-
pose that our humane and public spirited townsmen will
suffer so noble a charity to languish for want of adequate
support.
ST. HELEN'S SUNDAY SCHOOLS.—On Sunday last, two
very excellent sermons were preached in St. Helen's Church,
by the newly-appointed incumbent, the Rev. Wm. Pollock.
Great anxiety seemed to prevail to hear the reverend gentle-
man on his first coming to preside over his new flock. The
congregation were well pleased, and appeared to be truly
thankful to the trustees for their appointing such an eloquent
advocate in the room of the Rev. J. Furn►val. After each
sermon a collection was made, and the handsome sum of
nearly £5O was thrown into the Lord's treasury, to be applied
to " train up children in the way that they should go."

ST. PETER'S WARD.—Mr. Bright remarked, at a meet-
ing of the liberal electors, on Monday night, that St. Peter's
Ward was the Gibraltar of the reform cause. He was re-
minded that there was another Gibraltar—Castle-streetWard.
We are glad to say, that notwithstanding the fancied impreg-
nability of the party, with their two Gibraltars, the con-
servatives do not yet despair of dislodging them. Mr.
Ebenezer Rae will, we are informed, assault the first-named
Gibraltar, and we have no doubt will do as Englishmen have
done to Gibraltar before—take it.

ACCIDENT TO MR. DOWLING.—On Monday week an
accident occurred to Mr. Dowling, the commissioner of
police, similar to that which recently betel Sir Joshua Walins-
ley. Mr. Dowling had been spending the evening with a
friend, and had sat at a table a considerable time with his
leg in one position. As he was walking home, one of the
tendons of the calf suddenly snapped, with a sound resem-
bling the crack of a whip. As he was rendered. for the
time, incapable of progression, he was placed in a coach and
conveyed home, when he was attended by Mr. Banner,
surgeon, who ordered leeches, and took such other measures
as were proper. Mr. Dowling is rapidly recovering ; rest of
the limb being all that is required to perfect the cure.
NESTON.—A meeting was held at the Savings' Bank, on
Monday, for the purpose of agreeing on the re-pewing of
the body of the church, in order to furnish more accommo-
dation for the parishioners. It appears, that although the
parish contains about 5,000 souls, and a great majority of
these are the labouring population, yet there is not, bona
fide, one sitting which the poor can claim as appropriated to
their use. The expenses are to be defrayed by subscription.
The Hon. Lloyd Mostyn, M.P., has subscribed £5O ; J. W.
Lyon Winder, Esq., £25 ' • and Joseph Lyon Esq., £25. A
general subscription will immediately be opened, and an
application made to the Church Building Society. Joseph
Lyon, Esq., the last-named 'gentleman, recently made the
handsome onation of £lOO to the Neston National Schools,
and has exerted himself much in behalf of the rising popula-
tion of the parish.
RIVAL SHOPKEEPERS.—A young man, named Peel, a
shopman in the service of Messrs. Shingler and James. dra-
pers, of the Old Haymarket, was charged, on Tuesday, be-
fore Mr. Rushton. on the information of a Mr. Richards, a
shopman employed by Mr. Jones, also a draper in the same
street. with leaving thrown missiles at Mr. Jones's shop win-
dow. Mr. Davenport appeared for the complainant; Mr.
Wardle for the defendant. It seems that, a little more than
a week ago, some person or persons threw stones through
Mr. Jones's shop window, *and broke two panes of glass.
Mr. Jones believing the window to have been broken malici-
ously, subsequently caused bills to be exhibited, in which he
offered a reward of £5 for the discovery of the offender. The
circumstances detailed in the case which was brought before
the court, transpired.subsequently to the breaking of the win-
dow above alluded to. Mr. Davenport called Mrs. Jones,
wife of Mr. J ones, the shopkeeper. Mrs. Jones stated that,
about ten minutes past eight o'clock yesterday evening week,
she saw Mr. Peel in the middle window (the window of an
upper room) of Messrs. Shingler and James's premises. She
saw him first throw a piece of brick, which alighted on the
cover of a cellar attached to her premises. He then threw
three penny pieces, all of which fell a little short of the shop
windows. She was up stairs at this time. She ran down
and informed her husband, and he went out to call a police-
officer. Shortly afterwards she saw Peel in a light-coloured
dress, which was different from that which he had worn up
stairs, enter the shop of his employers, and laugh heartily.
Another witness corroborated Mrs. Jones's testimony ; but
several gentlemen stated that Mr. Peel never left the shop
the whole of the evening in question. Mr. Rushton said he
had no doubt that a great deal of injury had been done to
Mr. Jones, and that he bad been systematically annoyed • if
not by Mr. Peel, at least by some person in the same build-
ing. He could not reject the evidence of Mrs. Jones, who
stated that she had seen penny pieces and a brick thrown at
the windows. He thought, however, that she had been mis-
taken in the person. There might rave been a mistake in
this particular, and he must, therefore, dismiss the case. He
wished parties to observe, however, that if any thing else
occurred of this nature, they would find the law too strong
for them. He had no doubt as to the quarter from whence
the annoyance came, and he would take such precautions as
.would give Mr. Jones effectual protection.
DISPENSARY FOR CONSUMPTION AND DISEASE OF THE
HEART.—We are informed, and have no doubt of the ac-
curacy of our information, that the number of persons re-
quiring advice for consumption and disease of the heart, at this
institution, have, within the last month, more than doubled.
It is contrary to our practice, in referring to public insti-
tutions, to notice particular cases ; but some, (both of the
heart and lungs,) successfully treated, have already attracted
so much notice, as to induce us to call the attention of our
readers to a book kept at the dispensary, from which a list of
references may be obtained.
MELANCHOLY SUICIDE.—On Wednesday last an inquest
was held upon the body of a person unknown, aged about
30, who had taken away his life by cutting his throat in a
lodging-house in Nash-street, Scotland-road, on Wednesday
morning. Ann Gore, the occupier of the house, deposed that,
when deceased applied for lodgings he was severely foot sore,
having walked from Bolton to Liverpool on the previous day.
After taking a little refreshment, deceased retired to rest. On
the following morning he complained of having blistered feet,
and requested witness to purchase a pair of stockings for him.
Deceased was sitting by the tire when she left the house. On
her return she found him leaning forward on his chair, ap -
parently unwell. She inquired how he felt, but received no
answer. Observing some blood near his seat, she discovered
that he had Cut his throat with a table-knife which had been
left on the table. She immediately raised an alarm, but be-
fore surgical assistance could be obtained, he. expired. De-
ceased was unknown in the town. Joseph Bates, a police-
officer, stated that he had searched the clothes of the de-
ceased, and found in his trousers' pocket, a blue and white
cotton handkerchief, with nine sovereigns, and six half-crowns
tied in the corner of it, and in another pocket, one shilling
and five-pence in copper. The coroner here recommended
an adjournment, in order, if possible, to discover his friends,
supposed to be residing in Manchester or Bolton. Deceased
was about five feet seven inches in height, with light brown
hair. He wore a brown pilot-cloth great coat, with velvet
collar, barragon trousers and waistcoat, and a new check
shirt.

DREADFUL ACCIDENT: Two CHILDREN KILLED.—On
Wednesday afternoon, as a number of children were collect-
ing sand from the old quarry in Park-road, the earth above
suddenly gave way, and, falling with great force, buried two
of them in the rubbish. Mr. Hennesey, whose workshop is
nearly opposite, seeing a number of children running from
the spot, inquired the cause, and, on ascertaining what it,
was, took his two sons and a workman with him, and at the
imminent peril of their own lives, commenced clearing away
the stones which had fallen; nor did they desist till the
bodies of the little sufferers were extricated, and they were
assured that no other person was under the fallen mass. The
place had been dug so far under as almost to resemble a cave,
and it is very singular that an old man, who was busily em-
ployed digging further in, was taken out unharmed. A
stone nearly a ton weight had fallen on the two children,
which crushed them so dreadfully as to render it extremely
difficult to recognise them. One of them was known merely
by the earrings she wore ; the other, as far as we know, is
not yet claimed. The inquest will be held this day.
SUICIDE.—An inquest was held on Wednesday before P.
F. Curry, Esq., respecting the death of Christopher Red-
mayne, who committed suicide by hanging himself in his
bedroom on the evening of Tuesday last. It appeared from
the evidence of his wife that the deceased was an ironmonger,
hut bad been unfortunate in business. On Tuesday evening
he came home rather the worse for liquor. He undressed
one of the children and took it up stairs to bed, previously
requesting some supper. She called him to his supper, but,
no answer being returned, she lighted a candle and went up
stairs, when she found the deceased hanging by his necker-
chief, which was fastened to the bed-post. She ran down
stairs directly and called a neighbour in, who cut him down.
Deceased had been ill last summer with inflammation in the
bowels, and ever since then he had been very low in spirits,
and more reserved than he used to be. Witness never saw
anything iu his manner to lead her to think that he was out
of his mind. He often said he was tired of his life, as no-
thing thrived with him. Verdict—Temporary insanity.
EXTENSIVE ROBBERY FROM THE PERSON.—In our last
we stated that an American, named Thomas Kelly, bad been
robbed by two prostitutes, named Ellen Wynn and Mary
Ann Roberts, of upwards of £l7O, and that the prisoners had
been remanded for further inquiry. On Wednesday, the
prisoners were again placed at the bar of the police-office,
when further evidence was adduced, and they were com-
mitted for trial at the ensuing borough sessions. The com-
plainant applied to the magistrates to know if any assistance
could be afforded him, as he was left totally destitute. The
magistrates referred him to Mr. Commissioner Dowling.
COUNTRY BANKS ISSUING BANK OF ENGLAND NOTES
EXCLUSIVELY.—From the Second Report of the Select
Committee on Banks of Issue, (just printed,) Appendix, No.
2, we find the number of country banks actin.. with Bank of
England notes exclusively, having fixed amounts assigned,
are twenty-five in number. There are seven in Liverpool,
the total amount of their credit being £1,035,000 ; six in
Birmingham, credit £382,000; four in Newcastle, credit
£395,000: three in Manchester, £670,000; two in Ports-
mouth, £45,000 ; one in Gloucester, 1:180,000 ; one in Swan-
sea, £28,000 ; and one in Hull, £20,000. Total amount of
credit, £2,655,000. The rate of interast charged by the
Bank of England to the country bankers saving fixed
amounts, is three per cent. per annum.

DISTRESSING ACCIDEN r.—A lady was yesterday knocked
down by a cab, driven along Rodney-street at a furious rate,
and we regret to hear that her right leg is frightfully frac-
tured, and the other is also very much lacerated. Mr. Cro-
nin, surgeon, was immediately called in, and we hope, under
his judicious treatment, the patient will speedily recover.

PORTICO CONCERTS.—This evening the second Portico
Concert takes place. From the spirit %, ith which the last
, and the very excellent and judicious selection of
present one, no doubt a numerous and fashionable

ent olt

audience will il,:serriLle

The Akbar, Captain Damaresq, which sailed from New
York on the 26th nit., the day after the Great Western
steamer, arrived at this port on Tuesday forenoon, after a very
rapid passage of 151 days. Her day of sailing having been
Sunday, she brought only an evening paper of the 25th, which
does not, of course, contain later news than that brought by
the steamer.

THE LivErt.—The great Wizard of the North is still
drawing good houses ; his entertainment is so varied and so
extremely amusing, that it is not surprising his much de-
ceived friends visit him often. He appears to have an end-
less budget of tricks and delusions—for we are frequently
asked if we saw such and such a trick which has excited our
acquaintance's "special wonder." He tells a capital story of
a scene that took place in his travels "far north," which
goes off well. Mr. Anderson would astonish some of the
necromancers of old, and put them to their wits end to excel
him.

CHRIST CHURCH SCHOOL.—Yesterday being the day ap-
pointed for the annual examination of the girls belonging to
this school, a very respectable assemblage of ladies were pre-
sent. On entering, we were much struck with the lively ap-
pear.ince of the room. The girls were remakably neat in
their dress and orderly in their behaviour. The walls were
adorned with specimens of penmanship, and several very
large maps. After prayer by the Rev. F.-Ould, the governess
went through a lengthy and very interesting examination of
the girls, in general geography, grammar, and history,—the
journies of the Israelites through the wilderness pleased us
very much. The Rev. F. Ould examined the first class in
Scripture, and the Rev. G. Mansfield the second. The
answers elicited proved the labours of the governess have
been indefatigable, and on the whole the proficiency of the
children is very far superior to what is exhibited in the ge-
nerality of schools of the kind. The simple fact that the first
class girls can parse almost any sentence correctly, and work
questions in compound multiplication and division, speaks
for itself. The large blank black maps for the children to fill
up with chalk is a novelty worth the attention of teachers.—
We understand a continuation of the examination will take
place on Monday afternoon next, when the children's needle-
work will be inspected, and a quantity of fancy work, con-
tributed by the ladies will be disposed of for the benefit of
the school.

INQUESTS.—Yesterday an inquest was held before P. F.
Curry, Esq., coroner, on view of the body of Catharine
Evans. The deceased, it appeared from the evidence, was a
poor feeble woman, 78 years of age. On the 15th of last
month, whilst going along Moorfields, she was violently
knocked down by a spring cart, which was driven against
her, and it was found that she had sustained a fracture of
the right thigh bone. She was taken to the Northern Hos-
pital, where she remained some time under surgical care,
and was thence sent to the workhouse, at which place she
lingered until Monday last, when she died. When she was
picked up in the street, immediately after the accident, some
persons shouted out to the driver of the cart " Drive on !
and he, taking the hint, got away before name or number

could be obtained, so that the aggressor remains incognito.
The jury returned a verdict of " manslaughter against some
person unknown."—On the same day an inquest was held on
view of the body of Mary Ann Corfe, a child eight months
old, who died in the workhouse, from ulceration of the interior
coats of the bowels. Verdict, " death by natural causes."
ASIPIIITHEATRE.—The amusements here are of a varied
and entertaining character. The pantomimic spectacle of
" Valentine and Orson, or the Golden Oracle," gives Mr.
Howell an opportunity of displaying his talents as the gallant
knight, and Mr. Matthews as wild Orson. The scenes in
circle are excellent, but they want shortening—equestrians
never know when they have given us enough of a good thing.
The merit of Mr. Cooke's amplii theatrical scenes was that they
were smartly gone through, and ended quickly. The appetite
ought never to he cloyed. Mr. Wells does a clever act as a
corporal of the Twenty-second. The Races are capital—the
riding of the monkey is surprising ; it is quite laughable to
see him turn round to look after his competitors. Mr. Pablo
Fanque's swinging is clever, but very frightful. The panto-
mime of " Perouse" has concluded the evenings amusements.
Mr. Nicholo's Chanipanzee is good. This evening Messrs.
Howell and Matthews take their benefit. A new piece is
announced for Monday next, which has been some time in
preparation.
Mr. W. W. Simpson, the eminent auctioneer and valuator,
arrived this morning at Gresham's Hotel, from London, on
his way to several of our counties, to make arrangements for
extensive sales in the south, and to value several estates pre-
paratory to the advance of large sums, upon mortgages.
When last in Ireland, during the reign of the whigs and the
O'Connell faction, such was the dist' ust among the moneyed
interests of England, that Mr. Simpson could not prevail on
his employers to advance a guinea on land in this country ;
but a change has come over the spirit of the dreams of Eng-
lish capitalists, who are now most anxious to be afforded op-
portunities of letting their money flow in amongst us. The
confidence in Sir Robert Peel's administration is without
bounds, and his Irish appointments have given the most
complete satisfaction to all ranks and degrees of those who
feel an interest in the affairs of this part of her Majesty's
dominions.—Dublin Evening Mail.

EXHIBITION OF THE WORKS BY MODERN

ARTISTS

Having completed our survey of the first and second
rooms, we now proceed to examine the works in the third.
The first picture we notice as " noticeable " is
411. " Study of a Negro." H. JOHNSON, London.—
The position of this picture is a specimen of the judgment
of the hanging committee. The subject is without a joke—
extremely dark, yet it is suspended at such a distance as to
be hardly perceptible. The stars invisible to the naked eye.
yet discernable by an instrument, are termed " telescopic
stars "—we may therefore term this a " telescopic" picture.
413. " Unlawful Hours." CHAS. MARTIN, London.—
A youth and maiden are discovered doing a bit of courtship.
The artist would have us to understand that these " two
young loveyers as the song says,—are out at "an unlaw-
ful hour," he has consequently given a twilight effect and a
deserted street. Any other title would have done for this
picture, which is not altogether destitute of merit.
414. " Water Carriers." W. SHAPER, Southampton.—
This work is clever in parts.
418. By the same artist.—He is particularly successful in
his figures, but we object to that hazy neutral tint which
seems to hang about the backgrounds. His drawing is good.
421. " Juliet and the Friar." E. B. Mortnis, London.
—The artist has been studying Lewis's Monk instead of
Shakspere.
427. " Study from Nature." S. DRUNIMOND, A.R.A.,
London.—Subject, an old man. A clever picture. The ex-
pression of the face good.
430. " Alfred entering the tent of the Danish King in dis-
guise." W. B. SCOTT, London.—We welcome this as one
of the few historical pictures exhibited. There is much talent
in it ; the light is broadly cast, and well managed ; the figure
of Alfred bold ; the groups good.
431. " Scene from Don Quixote." T. M. JOY, London.
—The Don is too fat. Sancho's figure is very good. " The
sprightly damsels " graceful and well placed.
432. " The Long Walk, Windsor. S. B. PYNE, Fulham.
—Conveys a good idea of this exquisite and extensive land-
scape.

4.33. " The City of Rouen," from Mount St. Catherine.
H. GRITTEN, London.—A charming view -of this celebrated
old city ; the foreground, cottages, and winding road, as well
as the river, are sweetly painted. The city in the middle
ground, and mountains in the distance, are excellently worked
up. This is one of the very few capital pictures in the ex-
hibition,—there is a freshness in the atmosphere and a calm-
ness thrown over the whole that render it peculiarly pleasing.
The soldiers give animation to the foreground.
437. " Bellringers and Cavaliers celebrating the entrance
of Charles II into London. No name.—This work is curious;
it is divided into three parts ;-Ist., the Ringers ; 2d., the Bell-
loft; 3d., the Tower.

428. "The Penitent's Return Home." C. W. Core,
Kensington Gore.—An affecting subject ;—a young girl is
seen kneeling at the threshold of her home ; her father is in
the act of raising her ; her little dog is welcoming her, while
" a scene" appears taking place in the interior of the cottage
between the sister and mother. In the distance is a city—a
waggon toils along the road in the middle ground, which is
occupied by a landscape. The bundle beside the penitent
exhibits relics of faded finery. This is a clever little picture,
the spirit and moral excellent : the colouring good.
440. " Marple Bridge." F. LLOYDS.—A little unpretend-
ing picture, exhibiting much promise.
444. " The Lady brought to the Cave of the Robbers."
JOHN GILBERT, London.—Painted boldly and free—much
vigour in the drawing : the light broadly thrown upon the
principal figure. This is a clever picture.
448. Prince Albert's visit to the Steamers belonging to the
African expedition." E. DUNCAN, London.—A very good
picture—the atmosphere and general character sunny and
warm ; the principal steamer beautifully drawn—the water
good, the surface ruffled with wave enough to give animation
to the scene. Mr. Duncan is a very clever artist, and his
style is pleasing. The view of the dock-yard, &c., is most
faithfully depicted.
452. " Vicar of Wakefield and Family at Prayers." H.
ANDREWS, London.—A telescopic picture : " distance, "
says the poet, "leads enchantment to the view."
453. " First Fruits of the Net." H. BARRAUD.—Mr.

Barraud has quite a style of his own. His works remind us
of the Italian water colour or distemper drawings of Naples,
Vesuvius, &c.
456. " Mills, near Stoke." J. B. CROME.—Another of
Mr. Crome's sombre pictures ; not the less clever for the
darkness of the tones
457. " Skittles."
458._" Relieving the Destitute." T. F

A. MONTAGUE.—A barber-ous effort

MARSHALL, Li-

verpool.—The children appear anything but destitute. Such
a chubby rogue as " baby' it is seldom our lot to look upon.
The other children do not show lack of flesh. The philau-
throphy of the subject is the best art of the picture.
463. " The Forum at Pompeii,' painted on the spot. Mrs.
OATES.—The artist seems to have gone a long way to paint
an indifferent picture.
464. " Scene in Catania." H. BARRAUD.—In this artist's
peculiar style—bright clear colours. Every object sharply
defined.

466. " Hawkeye and Chingagook waiting the arrival of
Uncas." COOPER, London.—The admirers of Cooper (the
author) will be glad to see their favourites placed so cleverlY
before them. A good picture.
468. " The Blacksmith of Antwerp." Mrs. MIAK, Lon-
don.—Here we perceive the famous blacksmith of Antwerp
busily engaged upon one of his charming works. His model
appears deeply interested in his picture. This is a sort of
illustration from pictorial history.
47]. " Gil Blas." J. HOLLINS, London.—This represents
Gil Blas declaring his passion for Aurora. The artist has
given the text cleverly upon his canvas.
480. " Moon Rising—Composition." J. B. CRomE..--A.
clever painting.
488. " Trysting Tree." CROWLEY, London.—By the ap-
pearance of the " damoisel," her cavalier is behind his time.
She looks delightfully sulky.
492 " Portrait of Ebenezer Elliott, the Corn-law Rhymer.
I. MOORE. London.—A good likeness of this extraordinary
man and clever poet.
493. " The Rosebud." I. BORTHWICK, Liverpool.—Sen-
timental young gentlemen, beware !
495. " Old Houses, Church-street, Ormskirk." Miss
FAIRHURsT.—We have been told that the artist is
yet i eats
teens ; if so, this little work is extraordinary. It aPP
like a camera obscura reflection, so cleverly and distinctly
are the most minute objects depicted. Many a man wh°
has stood at his easel for years, cannot paint with half the
truth, ability, and spirit of Miss Fairhurst. This picture
reminds us of the elaborate works of certain of the old Dutch
masters.—No. 505 is also by Miss Fairhurst ; it is equally
surprisingly painted. If hung higher its quality would be
more perceptible. If our information be correct, as to the
youth of the artist, these two pictures are real curiosities. ,
496. " Fruit. GEORGE STEVENS, London.—N'aturat
and well drawn.
497. " View on the Tay." Miss JANE NA SMYTII, POI
"th
croft.—A very charming landscape, glowingly painted, w
a bright tone of colourprevailing
throughout.
gross
of
501. " Moses returned from the fair with the _
stu-
pidity spectacles." CLAXTON, -London.—Poor Moses
_are_
pidity is here amusingly displayed. The faces of the
en",Y,
group exhibit the various emotions of surprise, merrim
astonishment, and vexation. The females are painteFl_in_7
much grace. This, taken altogether, is a capital picturc
and does the artist great credit.

TOWN COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

The. usual monthly meeting of the Town Council was held
on 11 ednesday, in the Council Chamber, Town-hall.

FINANCE COMMITTEE.
In the minutes of the proceedings of the Finance Com-
mittee, it was set forth that the committee had received a
communication requesting their interference with the lessee
of the Birkenhe.•3 property, to preserve the custom of con-
tracting for ferryage. The committee had decided that they
could not interfere in the matter.
Mr. CASE moved the confirmation of the proceedings.
He said he had brought up the returns of the salaries of the
respective officers of the corporation formerly moved for, and
also the returns of the expenses of deputation's to London.

THE CHESHIRE FERRIES

Mr. PLATT wished to ask if a clause could not be introdu-
ced into Mr. Willoughby's lease, stipulating that he should
convey passengers across the river at the same charge as here-
tofore. He understood, that though Mr. Price had the pri-
vilege of ferrying fi om the Cheshire shore, he had no exclu-
sive right to carry them back.
Mr. CASE said the subject had been fully considered, but
the lease was already granted. The object of keeping down
the rate, however, had been fully accomplished. A small in-
crease' in the rate had been determined upon, with which all
parties appeared to be content, and Mr. Willoughby was
willing to contract for one, two, three, four, five, six, or
seven years.

Sir J. WALMSLEY said there had been no intention on the
part of the Railway Directors to advance their rates. The
rates were formerly three pence per each person. They were
now two pence. The directors wished persons on one side
of the water to be on the same footing as those on the other.
Some of the inhabitants dwelling on the other side of the
water paid no more than a farthing for each passage.
Mr. CASE said the lease was not signed but the draft was
prepared and sent in, which amounted to the same thing in
effect.

Mr. JAMES LAWRENCE said the directors of the railway
were requested to raise the casual fares to threepence, in
order that the burden might fall upon them rather than upon
the comparatively few contractors of Birkenhead, some of
whom paid no more than a farthing.
The TOWN-CLERK, in reply to a question, said that the
corporation had formerly purchased the right to ferry passen-
gers from this side of the river, which right about seventy
years ago was given to the public . and had been lost by lapse
of time. The exclusive right on the other side, now vested
in Mr. Price, had been carefully preserved. As regarded
Birkenhead the corporation had now the same power which
had been vested in Mr. Price, which power they had acquired
by purchase.
Mr. G. HOLT asked if the corporation had a right to open
a new ferry on any portion of their property on the other side
of the river
The TOWN-CLERK said they had not a right to establish a
new ferry on any of their land ; they could do so on any land
between the Birkenhead Ferry and Monks' Ferry. That
right, however, they had leased to Mr. Willoughby. It was
confided to him for seven years. The draft of the-lease was
sent in ; and though it was not signed, it was as effectual in
law as if it were signed.
Some, discussion arose as to whether the Council were in
order in discussing the question. It appeared that the lease
bad been ordered by the Council some time since, and the
whole proceedings confirmed. There the subject dropped.
Mr. CASE moved the appointment of Mr. Richard Rad-
cliffe, jun., as Chief Clerk to the Town-clerk, at a salary of
£250 for the present year, commencing from the Ist of
January last.
Mr. PLATT seconded the motion.
Mr. BIRKETT found fault with the system of anti-dating
appointments. Ile did not mean that Mr. Radcliffe was not
entitled to every shilling he was to receive, but he objected
to the system.
The MAYOR said Mr. Falcon resigned his office on the let
of January last, and Mr. Radcliffe immediately commenced
the performance of the duties. It was but just, therefore,
that he should be paid.
The TOWN-CLERK read the following report, formerly laid
before the Finance Committee, on the subject :
" The Town-clerk submits for 'the consideration of the
Finance Committee, and, if approved, their recommendation
to the Council of the appointment of Mr. Richard Radcliffe,
jun.. as the successor to Mr. Falcon, the late principal clerk,
in the Town-clerks' office, at the salary after-mentioned.
Mr. Richard Radcliffe, jun., on the Ist of January, 1841,
when he commenced as such successor, had served an ap-
prenticeship in the Town-hall of four yearS and a half with-
out any salary, making, with service in a private office, an
apprenticeship to the profession of upwards of seven years.
He has for some time been entitled to admission as an attor-
ney, and his application for enrolment has only been post-
poned for the convenience of business in the Town-hall, and
in consequence of the late official changes.
" The proposed appointment has stood over, that some ex-
, perience may be had of the way in which the office of suc-
cessor to Mr. Falcon would be discharged by the party pro-
posed, and that the new deputy Town-clerk might be able to
speak on the subject of efficiency.
" The appointment of clerks in this department has hitherto
rested with the Town-clerk, but one obvious circumstance
makes the appointment in this case peculiarly proper, to be
specially submitted to the consideration of the Council.

" The salary of Mr. Falcon was £350 per annum. For
the successor now proposed, the town-clerk submits £250
for the first year, commencing from the Ist January last,
and thereafter £350 per annum during the pleasure of the
council. •
" Town-hall, Aug. 27, 1841."
The TOWN-CLERK added that the Finance Committee
had not deemed it right to pledge themselves in any way as
to what salary they would give in future.
The appointment was confirmed.
Mr. PROCTER moved that the returns of salaries and de-
putations be printed for the use of the members. Agreed to.

THE WATCH COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of the Watch, Lighting, Cleansing, and
Fire-police Committee having been read,
Sir J. WALMSLEY moved their confirmation. He also
moved that William Williams and William Walthew be ap-
pointed assessors for the lighting and cleansing rates for
1841-2 ; that Richard Widdowes and others be appointed
collectors of the lighting, cleaning, and fire-police rates in
the parish of Liverpool ; and that the fire-police rate be laid
as usual, at one halfpenny in the pound. In doing so he
stated that the latter rate had amounted last year to £1524
15s. Bd. ; that the contributions from the fire-offices had
amounted to £390 6s. 10d., making a total of £lBO3 10s.
Id., and that the balance to the credit of the parish was
£ll 12s. Id.
Mr. PLATT seconded the motion, which was agreed to.
Trim MARKETS COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of the Markets Committee, comprising
notices for the amendment of market acts, were next read
and confirmed, after some complaint had been made by Mr.
Harbord respecting the narrow width between the standings
in Cleveland-square Market, which the committee promised
to take into consideration.
_ THE TOWN-HALL ESTABLISHMENT COMMITTEE.

The proceedings of the Town-hall Establishment Commit-
tee were read arta confirmed.

THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The proceedings of the Education Committee, comprising
the appointment of Marianne Boyce to the situation of
second mistress of the South School, the consideration of
which was postponed at the meeting of the council on the
Bth ultimo, pursuant to the standing orders, having been
read,
Mr. HARBORD asked whether Marianne Boyce was a pro-
testant ?
Mr. YATES said she had been particularly recommended
by the Bishop of Ferns.
Mr. HARBOARD asked whether it was the protestant or
the titular bishop who had recommended her ?
Mr. YATES said it was the protestant bishop, and that she
herself was a protestant.
Mr. StIEIL rose, and with considerable animation said he
would always protest against such a practice as the present.
The law of the land asserted that they were all equally eligi-
ble to sit in the council, and therefore no system of exclusion
ought to be adopted with regard to the persons qualified to
teach the children in their schools. The remark made by
Mr. Harbord had its origin in a species of religious bigotry,
which had long existed, but which happily was dying fast
away at present. He never made any remarks unfavourable
to the religious opinions of his neighbours, and he certainly
thought it unjust, unfair, and ungentlemanly for any man to
be constantly remarking on the creed and religion of others.
There were men insane on the subject—men whose minds
were so warped, so prejudiced, so deranged, and so contrary
to the order of nature that they could not refrain from the
habit ; but when he saw a man who never lost sight of his
own interest dealing in such a way, he would never shrink
from denouncing such a proceeding as being unworthy of any
liberal-minded man. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. SANDS said he was not aware of the reason Mr. Har- '
bord had for asking the question; but whatever that reason
was, he (Mr. S.) wished to state that some respect had been
bad to the religious principles of the teachers, not from any
bigoted feeling at all, but for the purpose of accommodating
the children belonging to each denomination. Some respect
had been paid to the question as to whether they were
Roman catholics or protestants, not out of any disrespect to
the denomination to which Mr. Sheil belonged, but that they
might attend to the children when going to and returning
from their different houses of worship. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. HODGSON said he was in hopes that the subject would
be passed without any notice, particularly as the time was
fast on the approach when effect would be given to the views
of the majority of the council on the subject of education.
(Hear, hear.) But since it had been introiuced, he felt that
he should not be doing his duty to the public if he allowed it
to pass sub silentio. Perfectly agreeing as he did with the
inquiry made by Mr. Harbord, not invidiously as regarded
any personarfeeling, but for the maintenance of truth, he
rose for the purpose of giving it as his decided opinion that
the masters and mistresses of the schools ought to be of the
established religion. (Hear.) In saying thus much he meant
no offence to others ; but no mannerisms of expression—no
attempts to fix individually on him the insanity of feeling, or
anything else, which liberal" gentlemen might choose to
say, would ever prevent him from maintaining the truth fear-
lessly there and everywhere else to the utmost of his power.
(Hear, hear.) In conclusion, he hoped that the schools of
the town would be placed on their right footing in a very
short space of time.
The MAYOR said they all assembled in that chamber on
terms of equalitY—he, filling the chair, as a protestant dis-
senter, and Mr. Sheil, sitting at the table, as a Roman ca-
tholic ; and any remarks such as Mr. Hodgson had just given
utterance to were not only unjust and uncalled-for, but im-
pertinent and improper. (Hear, hear, laughter, and uproar.)
Mr. HoDGsoss said he would do his duty at all times what-
ever might be the opinion of the mayor. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. PARKER said he looked on himself as one of the party
to whom Mr. Sheil alluded in his address, but he felt that if
the term " insanity" could be applied to any one, it might
well be applied to Mr. Sheil himself from the violent man-
ner in which he had given utterance to his expressions.
(Hear, hear.) Since he had had the honour of a seat in the
council, Mr. Sheil asserted that three-fourths of the civilised
world belonged to the Roman catholic faith, and he supposed
he meant to say that the rest of the world were
The MAYOR interrupted. He thought Mr. Parker out of
order.
Mr. HENRY LAWRENCE thought it the duty of the mayor,
holding the position he did in the town, to state openly when
he thought any member was indulging in improper remarks ;
but, at the same time, he had used words a few minutes be-
fore in reference to Mr. Hodgson in which he was not justified.
4.
(Hear, hear.) Those words were "improper," and ‘
im-
pertinent ;" and he (Mr. Lawrence) should say, that, filling
the situation the mayor did, and to which be had been elevated
by his fellow-townsmen, the word " impertinent " was one
which should not have emanated from the chair. (Hear.)
The MAYOR said he had not meant to apply it particularly
to Mr. Hodgson, because there were other members present
who had indulged in remarks derogatory to the religious
feelings of their brethren. If, however, the word " im-
proper, was a better word, he would most heartily withdraw
the word " impertinent " and substitute the former one.
Mr. HARBORD rose to explain. He had asked the question
prior to giving his assent to the confirmation of the proceed-
ings, and merely for the purpose of satisfying himself upon
the subject. If he had dune anything unhandsome in asking
the question he should be ready to make an apology; but he
should do himself the justice to state that, when he put the
question, be had no intention to insult the feelines of Mr.
Shell personally. • (Hear.) He had the most kindly feelings
towards the Roman catholics themselves ; but he had a dis-
inclination to give the slightest assistance to their particular
creed. (Hear, hear.) He would wish to banish from his
mind at all times any ill feeling towards his kindred flesh,
but he never would be instrumental in destroying the faith
handed down to him at the sacrifice of the lives of his fore-
fathers. (Cheers.)
Sir J.WaLatsm;Y,in moving the appointment of Marianne
Boyce, wished the members of the council to recollect that
they had appointed both Protestants and Roman Catholics to

the schools ; that the children of both persuasions were as
well cared for as they possibly could be, and that the funds
by which the schools were supported were not the property
of one creed or class in particular, but the property of all.
Mr. SHESL begged to second the motion. He did so with
pleasure, though he knew Mrs. Boyce to he a member of the
established church. He wished to remind Mr. Sands, that
up to a late period there was no Roman Catholic mistress in
the South School. Nevertheless, the Roman Catholics were
willing to depend on the truth of their own doctrines, and
were in no fear of having them affected by what seemed to
affect the nerves of others. (Hear, and laughter from the
radicals.)
The motion was carried, and the proceedings were con-
firmed.

THE CHURCH EXPENDITURE. COMMITTEE

The proceedings of the Church Expenditure Committee
were read, from which it appeared that Mr. John Tomkinson
had contracted to repair the Church of St. Michael for £450,
and the Church of St. Martin for £lBO, and that his contract
had been accepted.
Mr. CASE congratulated the council on the much smaller
sums for which both those churches could be repaired than
was supposed in the first instance. (Hear, hear.)
The proceedings were confirmed.
HEALTH COMMITTEE.

The proceedings of the Health Committee, comprising a
notice of bills for the improvement of small dwellings within
the Municipal Borough, were read and confirmed.
Mr. BIRKETT advocated the shutting up of certain of the
parochial burial grounds. Some discussion ensued on the
subject ; Mr. Evans and others proving that such a step
would either be infringing on private rights, or putting the
Corporation to expense for compensation. Mr. Birkett
said, an amicable arrangement could be come to. Ultimately,
Mr. Birkett's proposal assumed the following shape :—"That
the Town-clerk be directed to submit to the House of Com-
mons a clause in the notice of the bill proposed for limita-
tion of interments in certain of the parochial burial places ;
and that the Health Committee be empowered to settle the
terms of such clause, and to take the subject thereby pro-
posed into consideration, and to report to the Council
thereon."

The MAYon. read a communication from the Pilots' Com-
mittee, complaining of the danger arising from steamers
being moored too near the pierhead. Referred to the Finance
Committee.

The MAvon presented memorials from the inhabitants of
certain parts *1 the town, complaining of nuisances from
various factories and from marine-store dealers keeping large
quantities of bones in their cellars.
Mr. CASE moved the folloWing resolution :—" That the
memorials on the subject of nuisances presented to the coun-
,•.l be referred to the Finance Committee, with directions to
tiist prosecuting solicitor to report to that committee thereon,
and particularly how far the alleged nuisances appear to affect
the general health and comfort of the borough, in order that,
with the report of the prosecuting solicitor, the Finance
Committee may report to the Council on such restrictions as
may appear to the committee proper for relieving the council
from prosecutions that may appear to be so far of a private
or limited local nature as that they ought not to be taken up
by the council prosecuting for the public, and at the expense
of the general borough fund."
The resolution was seconded by Mr. JORDAN, and carried
unanimously.
The council adjourned at a quarter before two o'clock.
The final meeting for winding up the business of the mu-
nicipal year will be held some time about the close of the
present month.