The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1846-05-12 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

LIVERPOOL MAY SESSIONS.

The sessions opened yesterday, before Gilbert Hender-
son, Esq., the Recorder. The calendar was unusually
heavy, considering the short period that has eiapsed since
the last sitting of the court, there being no fewer than 88
prisoners charged with felony, and 13 for misdeanaeatiours.
Of these, 38 could rend and write imperfectly, 8 could
read and write well, 19 could read imperfectly, and 28
could neither read nor write. .

The following gentlemen were sworn in to act as the

GRAND JURY:
William Fothergill Robinson, T.thebarn-street, bide merchant.

foreman.
William Ashley. Water-street. merchant.
John Barne- Braneker, Exchange-alley North, broker.
William Butterfield Colton, Oldhall.street, hide broker.
Christopher James Corbally. Fenwick-stteet, merchant.
John Coward, India- building,, cotton broker.
John Irving Curie, North John-street, merchant.
Thomas Philip Danson, Exchange-alley North, cotton broker,
William Rathbone Duncan, Catherir e-street, merchant.
Thomas Stewart Gladstone, Oldhall.street, breker.
John Bore, George's-dock Gates, corn merchant.
James Middleton, liumford-pace, merchant.
Robert !WA ndrew, North John-street, fruit merchant.
Daniel Mather, Mount- pleasa,t, ent!eman.

Charle, Melbuish, Castle-street, merchant.
Henry Murray, Rumford-street. merchant.
John Moore Priestman, Chapel-street, merchant.
Henry Alexander Stewart, Cable-street, ship broker.
George Adams Tinley, Toxteth-park, sharebroker.
George Johnson Wainwright, Dale-street, broker.

The RECORDER delivered the following address. He
said—" Gentlemen of the Grand Jury, the cases you are
assembled to consider depend on the principles of the cri-
minal law, so familiar as to render any particular direc-
tions from me superfluous, especially as it will be in your
power at any moment to command my best assistance if
any c ise of doubt or difficulty should present itself. There
is one charge of assault which seems to have arisen out of
one of those disputes which exist between the workmen
and the masters engaged in trades connected with build-
ing. Deplorable as such a contest is, it is still some satis-
faction to observe that it has hitherto been con-
ducted without those scenes of violence and disorder
which have sometimes occurred on similar occasions.
If the same spirit of conformity to the law should
continue to, and it will be a strong proof, not only of the
increased intelligence of the parties concerned, but also of
their due sense of social duty. It is lamentable to think
that the labour of so many skilful artificers should be so
long suspended, and that the fruits which might naturally
be expected from their exertions have been lost, not only
to them elves, but to the community at large. However,
gentlemen, as the law gives me no power to interfere to
settle these disputes, 1 shall abstain from offering any
opinion upon their merits. Gentlemen, the calendar
contains the names of 112 persons to be tried for felony
or misdemeanor, and I think it will hardly be possible for
you to contemplate such a mass of crime without feeling
an anxious wish for its diminution. In fact, gentlemen,
this is a point not merely of local but of national impart-
ance. The government has for some years past found the
proper disposal of between four and five thousand con-
victs, who are annually sentenced to transportation, a sub-
ject of extrome embarrassment and difficulty; and a new
colony called North Australia is now being established at
public expense. partly to receive those persons, and relieve
our other settlements in that part of the globe, who
complain of the oppression arising to them from the in-
flux of these unhappy persons. Now, Gentlemen, with a
view to this state of things and to the diminution of crime,
of the means at present untried there is none that seems
to hold out more hope of good effects than the improve-
ment, and further improvement of our penal institutions.
Gentlemen, the subject of prisons and prison discipline
has of late years attracted a deep attention on the
part of the most enlightened nations. It has been
the topic of a speech from the throne in France.
France, Prussia, and England have severallyiinstituted
inquiries into the experience of the United States.
The results of these inquiries are before the
world ; and I only adopt the opinion of much better judges
when I say that the value and importance of what is called
" the separate system," and its superiority to all other
means hitherto discovered for the treatment of prisoners,
is now fully established. Gentlemen, of the truth of this
opinion our local government seems at an early period to
have been fully aware. That appears from the steps which
they tl:en took. Unforeseen obstacles have since occurred
to retard the completion of their intentions. Years have
passed away, and it is now impossible that Liverpool
should be foremost, but let us hope that it will not be the
last to avail itself of those improvements from which we
may most naturally look for a diminution of crime.
The grand jury then retired to their room for the dis-
patch of business, and shortly after sent several bills into
court. The trials during the day were unimportant, the
particulars of them having already appeared in our pike
reports.
The following were the results up to the closing of the
court in the evening : _

Margaret Bullen—acquitted.
Matthew M'Coy—ten years' transportation.
James Williams—five calendar months, twice whipped.
James M'Keown—seven years' transportation.
Hugh Doyle—two calendar months.
Michael Phillips—seven years' transportation.
John Sullivan—fourteen days, four days solitary, and
once whipped.
William and Daniel Kelly—each four calendar months.
Elizabeth Burns—acquitted.
Robert Speight—three calendar months, once whipped.
Edwd. M' Caffery—four calendar months, oi.ce whipped.

The Bishop of Chester has licensed the Upper Room of
the Church of EnglLnd North School, Bond-street, for
the celebration of divine service until a church can be
built for the district of Bevington. On Sunday next the
room will be opened for the purpose, when the Rev. A.
Campbell, and the Rev. F. A. Power, the minister of the
district, will officiate. Baptisms and churchings will be
administered every Sunday afternoon.
ORANGEISM.—GRATIFYING MARK OF RESPECT.—
On Wednesday evening last, the Brethren of L 0. L.,
No. 42, who met at Brother Marshall's, Edge-hill Coffee-
house, presented their W. Master with a very handsome
silver snuff box, bearing a suitable inscription, as a token
of their great esteem, and high admiration of the able and
courteous manner in which he has discharged the onerous
duties of his office. We believe that this is the first in-
stance on record of a similar gift from a local lodge.
We beg to call attention to the advertisement in our
columns this day of the anniversary sermons and meet-
ings of the Church Missionary Society. We feel
it unnecessary to say anything in commendation either
of the excellent society or the object, both being already
sufficiently advoceed and appreciated in our town ; and
we are convinced that the liberality manifested at former
anniversaries will be exhibited in equal if net larger mea-
sure at the next. We are happy to find that in addition
to the deputation named in our advertisement, the Rev.
F. Close, of Cheltenham, will plead the cause of the so-
ciety at St Michael's Church, on Friday. 291 h May not
the 22d, as was supposed by some. Hand-bills with
particulars of the meetings, sermons, and preachers, &c.,
can be had at our office.
CHARGE OF &TV ALING WEARING APPAREL, &C., AND
OF RECElVlNG.—Yesterday, at the police-court, a girl
named Fanny Larkin, (residing in New Milk-street), and
three women, Ann Rogers, Margaret Goggerty, and Mary
Murray, were charged, the two first with stealing wearing
apparel, &c., from the shop of Mr. M'Kenna, auctioneer
and general furniture broker, Manchester-street, and the
others for receiving the property, which. it appeared. was
of hut trifling value. The evidence of the complainant
and his witnesses went chiefly against the girl, but it ap-
peared that her mother, who as well as herself had been in
the service of complainant, had been committed a short
time ago on a similar charge, and that the daughter had
thereupon been sent for to take charge of the house and
what was in it, for the nature of which list she was not to
be held responsible. The evidence against the other pri-
soners was by no means conclusive, and the whole four
were discharged.
LOCAL BILLS BEFORE PARLIAMENT.—A resume of
the exact condition of the local bills now before the legis-
lature may not be without interest. The Dock Bill was
under the consideration of the Standing Orders Committee
of the El ease of Lords, last Tuesday, and it passed
unanimously. This circumstance. however, is no indica-
tion of peace; for in the committee on the merits, a
strenuous attempt, we understand, will be made to re-
introduce the warehouse building clause, whilst the good
people en the other side the Mersey are by no means
satisfied with the issue of their exertions in the Commons
to procure a landing stage at George's Pier, for the ex-
clusive use of the ferry steamers. Hitherto no steps have
been taken in the house to obtain a locus standi before the
committee, by the parties who wish to retain the building
clause ; but no doubt they will, in due time. As to the
landing stages, the Birkenhead Commissioners are backed
by a host of petitions, namely, from the inhabitants of
Birkenhead, Chester, Trentnere, Neston, Bebington,
Eastham, Hooton,Bromborough,Seacombe,Newßrighton,
and Egremont ; from owners and persons interested in
certain steam vessels running between Liverpool and
ports in Ireland, Scotland, and other places ; from certain
coal and salt proprietors; from owners of flats and other
river craft, frequenting the port of Liverpool ; from the
Chester and Birkenhead Railway Company ; and from
certain masters of fiats plying on the Mersey. The Sana-
tory Bill, the Paving, Sewering, and Watering Bill, the
Liverpool Water Bill, the Harrington 'Water Works Bill,
and the Toxteth-park Improvement Bill, go int) com-
mittee this day (Tuesday.) The committee will consist
of the South Lancashire list, and the following selected
members :—Mr. h . G. Ward, Mr. Gisborne, Hon. F.
Berkeley, Mr. Rice Clayton, and Mr. M'Geachy. A
great number of petitions against these bills have been
referred to the committee and counsel ord,red. The
committee on the Liverpool Improvement Bit is post-
poned until Thursday next. Mr. J. B. Lloyd is a pe-
titioner against it, probably only for.chiuses. The pro-
prietors of the Mersey and 'resell Navigation Company
have petitioned against the He rculaneum. Dock Bill. In
fact, all our local bills are opposed on different gi-ounds,
and the several contests appear to promise considerable
employment to all the parties engaged in them for at
least a month or six weeks.
TESTIMONIAL.—The following testimonial is well de.
served :
" The undersigned passengers in the ship New York,
cannot take leave of its commander, Captain Thomas
B.
Cropper, without expressing, most unfeignedly, their
high sense of his merits as a skilful, prudent, and vigi-
lant officer; and their sincere appreciation of his conduct,
as a courteous and accomplished gentleman. They tender
to him their thanks, and avail themselves of this occasion
to convey to him their warmest wishes for his future wel-
fare.
" William F. Speer, Franklin Osgood and
Rev. E. Lepelletrie, family,
P. Mathews,
F. A. Huntington,
Rev. James Petrie,
John C. Orton,
J Bateman. E. Mills.
William Todhunter, Albt. J. Tobias,
Washington GreenhOW.
" Liverpool, May Stb, 1444."

,ORRIBLE INFANTICIDES!

POISONING A FAMILT .AT 11UNCORN TO OBTAIN

FUNERAL MONEY.
The hitherto peaceable and delightful little town of
Run,lorn has been lately very considerably excited owing
to the disclosure of most horrible offences—offences which,
for the credit of human nature, we seldom either hear or
read of. In the present case the parents of three children
were taken into custody on a charge of murdering two of
their own offspring, and attempting the life of the re-
maining child by the administration of arsenic. Their
names are Joseph and Mary Pimlet, the former being a
ship carpenter, and both, for the position in life in which
they move, being considered respectable characters. They
took up their residence in Runcorn about seven or eight
months ago. At that time the husband was a member of
the Weaverham Friendly Society, which allows a small
sum for funeral expenses on the death of a member or
any portion of his family. About the same period the
children were entered as members of the Liverpool Vic-
toria Legal Burial Society—a society which collects sub-
scriptions of one penny per week for persons above five
years old, and, in case of death, pays £5 at the expiration
of twenty-four weeks' payment as funeral money; and
one halfpenny per week under five years, and £2 10s. as
funeral money. On the 6th of March last, James Pimlet,
a boy only ten months old, died, and there being some
circumstances connected with his death which required an
investigation, an inquest was held before Henry Churton,
Esq., the county coroner, and on the evidence of the
mother, a verdict of "found dead" was returned. On the
16th of the same month another child, Richard Pimlet,
aged four years and six months, was taken ill. That child
died on the 21st, and was buried, at the request of the
father, under the coffin of the former. On Monday,
the twenty-seventh of April, a third child, named Thomas
Pimlet, about three years old, was taken ill, and
attended by Mr. Edward Pye, surgeon, who bad also
seen the former child, and who had been induced to
give a certificate of its death from the plausible represen-
tations of the mother. Thomas exhibited such symp-
toms as led Mr. Pye to suppose that he was labouring at
the time under an attack of indigestion, in consequence
of which he administered a purgative powder, with a view
of getting rid of the irritation. Something, however, oc-
curring during the day, and the following morning, to ex-
cite suspicion. Mr. Pye deemed it necessary to place him-
self in communication with the proper authorities, and it
is mainly owing to the judicious conduct pursued by this
gentleman, and the talent and ability he has displayed,
that the whole affair has been brought to light. He very
properly narrowly watched the conduct and treatment
pursued by the mother towards the only remaining child,
principally with a view of taking care that another life
was not sacrificed. On Wednesday morning, Mr. Pye
called at the house of the parents, prepared to get hold
of a portion of the ejects of the clb], with a view of as-
certaining whether his suspicions regarding her conduct
towards the child had any foundation in fact ; but al-
though she told him, at his surgery, that the child had
been very sick, and in consequence he bad directed her to
preserve the vomit, yet she then said that the child had
not thrown up at all, and thus artfully avoided producing
the ejecta. She, however, entertained him with relating
a dream, which she said she had had the previous night.
She said she had seen her two deceased children taking
hold of each other's hands in heaven ; that the elder,
Richard, said " Mother, don't fret about Tommy, he is
corning to us in a fortnight—there is a place prepared for
him in heaven." She added, that on that morning the
sick child, Thomas, had said to her, " Mother, don't put
me Richard's shoes on ; I'll have my own on, for I am
going to Richard and James." On Saturday, the autho-
rities deemed it requisite to act energetically, and accord.
ingly the coroner was communicated with, and both the
father and mother were taken into custody, and, we un-
derstand sufficient evidence has been obtained since to
prove distinc'ly that arsenic had been administered to
Thomas. The coroner, Mr. Churton, immediately or-
dered the bodies of the decea-ed children to be exhumed,
and summoned Mr. Pye to make a post mortem exami-
nation of their bodies, which that gentleman did, assisted
by Mr, Hutchinson, of this town. An inquest was held
at the time, but adjourned to Saturday last, for the pur-
psse of giving time to perfect the requisite evidence.
Accordingly on Saturday morning the jury c'.nsisting,
of fourteen respectable and intelligent gentlemen, assem-
bled at the Royal Hotel, with Henry Churton, Esq., the
coroner, to inquire into the cause of the deaths of James
and Richard Pimlet. _ _

The father and mother were brought into the inquest-
room in cu,tody. The father was dressed in fustian
trousers aid blue slop. His conduct during the inquiry
appeared proper and b,,coming. The mother was respect-
ably dressed in mourning. Her ftelings during the in-
quiry, which lasted from ten o'clock until nearly five in
the afternoon, were often so much excited that she had
difficulty in supporting herself.
The evidence of two of the neighbours, which had been
given at the previous inquiry, was read over. It merely
detailed the circumstances attending the deaths of the
deceased so far they were acquai,ted with them. They
added that both the father and mother appeared affec-
tionate and kind to their children. It was also proved
that the female prisoner had purchased arsenic at the shop
of a druggist in Runcorn, previous to Thomas being
taken ill.

The next piece of evidence was that of
Mr. Edward Pye, surgeon, of Runcorn, who deposed
that the deceased. Richard Pimlet, was brousht to his
surgery on Monday, the 16th March last. He did not
appear to be particularly ill. There was very little con-
stitutional disturbance. The mother stated that the child
had been sick. His bowels had not been opened since
the previous morning. Conceiving that the child might
have taken some improper food, he gave it an aperient
powder. On Tuesday, the child had had its bowels freed
with the powder, and was better. On Wednesday, the
mother again brought the child ; it was then complaining
of vomiting and purging, and was ordered to have some
alternative medicine. This was the lest time he saw de-
ceased alive. On Friday morning, the mother informed
him that the child had complained of pain in the stomach
and bowels, and was very thirsty on the previous after-
noon, and died in the evening. There were other symp-
toms, also, which led him to infer that the child had died
in convulsions, and he gave a certificate of death ac-
cordingly. This he gave, not on his own knowledge, but
on the representation of the mother. On Monday, the
27th of April, he made a post mortem examination of the
body, in obedience to instructions received from the
coroner. He had no difficulty in identifying the body as
being that of the child which had been brought to his sur-
gery. The body was that of a child in full flesh ; and the
progress of decomposition appeared, from some cause or
other, to have been retarded. On opening the chest and
abdomen, the viscera presented no external signs of
disease. He tied the oesophagus about its middle, and
removed the lower portion, together with the diaphragm,
stomach, and the remainder of the abdominal viscera, ex-
cept the bladder; he also removed small portions of each
lung. On opening the stomach, a yellow deposit was found
spread on the MUCUOUS coat, and was greater in the more
depending portion of that organ. The mucuous lining
around the cardine and pyloric orifices was exceedingly
vascular. The deposit appeared blended with the mucous
coat, and in some places had penetrated through to the
muscular layer, and could not, without considerabie diffi-
culty, be parted from it. This occu red where the deposit
appeared concentrated, and was distinctly marked with
such patches of vascularity. There was no ulceration. The
yellow deposit was found, not only in the stomach, but
nearly throughout the small and large intestines. These
appearances are such as would be produced by an irritial
poison, such as arsenic. They could not have been pro-
duced by natural causes. He did not, when deceased
was brought to him, suspect the presence of mineral
poison. He bad taken the stomach and two pieces of the
small intestines for the purpose of being analysed. They
were now in the possession of Dr. Brett, of Liverpool.
By a Juryman.—Arsenic was an antiseptic, and would
have the effect of preserving the stomach and body gene-
rally.
By the Foreman.—Ulceration was sometimes a result
of poisoning by arsenic. It was absent in ibis case.
By the Mother.—Could not remember her bringing the
child to him on the Sunday evening. She might have
done, nevertheless.
By the Father.—He might have ordered a warm bath
in the course of treatment. Could recollect ordering a
mustard poultice to the pit of the stomach.
On the Ist May, witness made a post mortem exami-
nation cf the body of James Pimlet. The external ap-
pearances led hint to the conclusion that tl,e deceased had
been a remarkably stout child for his age. There was
slight decomposit on about the mouth and nostrils ; the
abdomen was much inflated, but not discoloured by
decomposition. On dissecting back the integuments of
the chest, the whole of the internal organs presented signs
if recent death, but no appearance of diseased action.
The peritoneum covering of the stomach and intestines
was remarkably white and glistening. He tried the mso-
phagus high up, and removed the whole abdominal viscera.
The vessels of the brain were slightly congested, but pre-
sented no decided evidence of disease. The brain itself
was healthy. The internal surface of the stomach was
very vascular, and also the intestines, but not to the same
extent. The greater portion of the internal viscera was
conveyed to Dr. Brett, of Liverpool, for the purpose of
being analyzed, without detailing any decisive evidence of
poison. Witness also retained a portion of the stomach,
abdominal viscera, and brain of the body of Richard. He
analyzed a portion of the fluid contents of the stomach,
and proved it to contain arsenic in portions of the brain,
kidneys, spleen, liver, and oesophagus. [The witness
produced several glass tubes before the jury, which ex-
hibited very clear specimens of chrystalized arsenic ]
He added, that when arsenic was taken into the stomach,
or applied to an external wound, it very soon, became
absorbed.
By the Jury.—lt did not necessarily follow that ulcers
should be found in the stomach after Beath had been
caused by arsenic. Should think in the present case that
arsenic had been administered in very small and repeated
doses.
Dr. Brett, lecturer on chemistry and modical jurispru-
dence in Liverpool School of Medicine, was next called.
He stated that he made an analysis of portions of the body
of Richard Pimlet. The surface of the mucus membraue,
he found, was covered with yellow patches, which lie had
reason to suspect was sulphuret of arsenic. He there-
fore converted the sulphur into sulphuric acid, and re-
tained the arsenic in a metallic state. He next examined
the tissues of the stomach, which. were as free as possble
from the yellow stains, and obtained decided evidences of
the presence of arsenic, from which he inferred that arse-
nic had not been administered in a state of sulphuret.
He also found arsenic in the liver, spleen, and lungs.
The next day he analyzed the contents of the stomach,
which was a- fluid of a brownish colour, and measured
about f 3 ounces. The learned gentleman detailed a va-
riety of modes he adopted with this fluid, the result of
which proved that about eleven grains of white arsenic
were contained in it, or, as he stated,'_etiough must have
been taken to kill half a dozen persons. Subsequently he
analyzed the internal viscera of the body of James Pimlet,

the result of which proved most decidedly the presn,:e of
arsenic.
Mr. R. Hutchinson, surgeon, of Liverpool, fully cor
roborated the evidence of Mr. Pye.
Thomas Hornby, steward of the Weaverbam Benefit
Society, proved that £1 50. hod been paid on the death of
one of the children, and £1 15s. on the death of the other.
George Penketh Mather, collector for the " Liverpool
Victoria Legal Burial Society," was next called. When
the testament was tendered to him he declined to be
sworn, stating that he bad a conscientious objection to
take an oath. In answer to the coroner, he said he was
neither Quaker nor Moravian, but a member of the Chris-
tian Church.

Capt. Jackson.—Of what portion of it ?
Witness.—l consider there is only one Christian church.
In answer to other questi ins, he stated that he attended
the Wesleyans, but was not a member of their body.
However, after being informed by the coroner that if he
refused to give evidence, he bad no alternative but to com-
mit him until he consented to do so, he at length gave
way, and took the required oath.
His evidence went to show that all the three children
were members of the Liverpool society, of which he was
the collector for the Runcorn district ; that 255. had been
paid on the death of one child, and £5 on the death of
the other. Whe❑ the latter money was paid, the female
prisoner entered herself and her husband as members of
the society.
The sexton of the church proved the burial and disin-
terment of the bodies.
Mr. Richardson, head constable of Runcorn, deposed
to apprehending the prisoners on the 28th April. He had
since searched the house in the company of Mr. Irwin,
special high constable of the hundred, when they found
four powders, which were delivered to Mr. Pye.
Mr. Pye being recalled, stated that two of the powders
were what he had given the female prisoner to be adminis-
tered to Richard. The other powders were powder blue
and mustard. _

The coroner then cautioned the prisoners in the usual
way, after which the female entered into a long and ram-
bling statement respecting the illness of her children,
which had very little bearing on the subi.ct of inquiry..
The Coroner then summed up the evidence most mi-
nutely, pointing out those portions most pertinent to the
inquiry. He said there could be no doubt whatever that
the death of both children had been produced by the ad-
ministration of arsenic. There could be no doubt of that
if the jury relied on the evidence of Mr. Fye and Dr.
Brett, and of the former he might say that the mode in
which he had given his testimony proved, most satisfac-
torily, that he was a gentleman of very considerable talent
and ability; and as to the latter, he thought toe character
of Dr. Brett was too well established to need one word of
commendation. No doubt be was one of the first ana-
lytical chemists of the day. According to both those gen-
tlemen, arsenic was found in the bodies, and therefore the
jury must consider the other circumstances of the case,
and come to such a conclusion as, in their judgment, the
evidence would justify.
The jury, after a short consultation, found a verdict of
WILFUL MURDER against the mother only.
On the decision being made known the prisoner burst
into tears and loudly protested her innocence.
The Coroner issued his warrant for her committal to
Chester Castle and she was removed from the room in
great distress.
The husband was discharged and he wandered out of
the room as if lost in amazement.

COURT OF EXCHEQUER.-THURSDAY.

IN THE QUEEN V. THE COMPTROLLERSHIP OF THE CUS-

TOMS OF THE PORT OF LIVERPOOL.

An application was made for a mandamus to the defen-
dant to return to the Court why he did not admit to the
register a British-built ship, the Aquada.
There was a strong array of counsel. The question
turned on the construction of the 23rd section of the last
Shipping Registration Act, as tl the admissibility of a
British-built ship, owned by foreigners, in company with
others who were British subjects, to registration under
'the Navigation Acts.
The Court interrupted the argument, directing that a
return be made to the mandamus, when this very impor-
tant question to many shipowning companies may he raised
on the return, and fully discussed and formally decided.

May 12, 184&.

AMERICA AND MEXICO.

Late advices have just been received vid Falmouth, by
j ship Eloßander, from Boston.
Th; Boston Advertiser states, " that there is a wider
dirfefemzt of opinion between the actual views of the two
Goveraam,,ts than the public have been led to suppose."
The mamaiusetts Legislature aiijourued on the 16th
ultimo to the earl) Part of January, 1847.
reOarz.he u
in at New Oriteaatne:., at the dispo-
sall‘olfr.thSelidGtrel willrt/tnerit o

By a communication from Washington, of the 15th ult.,
it appears " that the earrespondeoce which has taken
place between Mr. Al`Lane and the Unitel States Govern•
ment was understood to be of an unfavourable character.
Though the letters of Mr. M'Lane, to which Mr. Web•
ster referred in his speech on the no:ice question, were
not communicated bv the President, yet they have been
seen by some of the -Senators, and are represented as un-
favourable to a resumption of the negotiation. It has
been hoped that the President had, through Mr. M`Lane,
responded to theideclaration of Sir R. Peel, by expressing
a desire on the part of the United States Government to
receive an offer, and that the British Gozerument would
accordingly make' one. None his been made."
It was anticipated' at Vera Cruz, that General Alraonte
would be sent on a mission from the M-xican Government
to England. He had arrived as far as Falapa, on his way'
to the sea-coast. Many doubted his accepting the mis-
sion ; others, that he contemplated a new revolution. Pa-
redes has declared himself a Republican, and that he had
only allowed the recent a titles on the subject of " Mon-
archial projects" for his country to appear as they had
doll,: in El Tempo newspaper for the sake of free discus.
sion.

THE STRIKE OF THE OPERATIVE BUILDERS.

The weekly meeting of the master builders was held
yesterday, at the Portico, Newington. In the unavoid-
able absence of Mr. Tomkinson, Mr. Jour; JouNso
was called to the chair.

Letters were read from severe:, railway contractors,
approving of a defensive association of masters, and
stating their desire to co-operate with them fur thst
object. A letter was also read from the Manchester
committee, to the effect that the roles• of the general
association were nearly prepared, and would be ready for
submission to the approval of the several local boards in
a short time. It was reported that several of the masters
had succeeded in procuring additional men, and that the
applications to be taken on were daily increasing.
Mr. WALKER, of Birkenhead, stated that he and his
partner had a number of bricklayers now at work, in
addition to a large number of joiners; tied that the whole
of their workmen had subscribed a document to the effect
that they had abandoned the unions.
It was stated that a mechanic who had subscribed tootle
of the clubs (called " a benefit society"), and who had
met with an accident, was refused any relief by his society,
in consequence of his having returned to his work. This
case was referred to the committee for investigation, the
refusal of relief to the man, under the circumstances,
being considered unjust and illegal.
Mr. S. HOLME proposed the establishment of a be-
nevolent society on a comp.( hensive scale, to be called
" The Builders' Benevolent Society ; " to be conducted'
by a joint committee of masters and workmen, and to'
which all masters should be invited to suescribe. He
proposed that the funds should be invested in Govern-,
merit securities, and offered, on behalf of himself and
partner, to contribute towards its formation. This
suggestion was warmly received by every one present,
and a general feeling was evinctd that such a society
would be of great benefit to the working classes, by
affording them an eligible and secure investment for the
savings of the working clas,es. It was agreed that tbe
men now at work should be immediately requested to
join it.
Mr. Johnson, Mr. Kilpin, and other gentlemen pro-
posed a delay of a week, in arder to make inquiries as to
the best mode of carrying out the object in view, which
was agreed to, so that the subject aid be resumed at the
neat meeting.
It was intimated that Mr. R. V. Yates had agreed to
postpone some building in the Prince's Park, and that
this was most handsomely conceded, inasmuch as the sus-
pension of the works was a great inconvenience to him at
loss of time.
Some other matters of secondary importance were then
discussed, and the meeting adjourned until Monday next.

At the two meetings of the Birmingham and Midland
Railway Companies the amount of capit,l represented in
the rooms, taken collectively, was-£10,003.0(t0.
The English bar is composed of a:,)ve 3080 barristers,
exclusive of 28 serjeants-at-law. There are 74 Queen's
counsel.

On Friday, the proprietor of the Dublin World news-
paper, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, for a
libel on a clergyman.
In the first week of this present month of May. there
were ten thousand quarters of wheat and nearly seven
thousand quarters of oats imported from Ireland into the
single port of Liverpool.
It is currently reported that there is every probability
that the conservative member for Oxford, Donald Mac-
lean, Esq., will, in a few days, accept the Chiltern Hun-
dreds.
The New York packet-ship Liverpool, which left that
port on the 21st ult., was off Holyhead at six last right,
and will no doubt be up in time for an early second

edition._

THE RECENT ELOPEMENT IN HIGH LIFE.—It is cone
fidently said that the marriage of Lady Anna Gtenville,
only daughter of the Duke of Buckingham, and Mr.
Langton will not be solemnised before the week after
next.
The Caledonia steamship, which would leave Boston on
Ist instant, may be expected here to-morrow or Thursday.
Tne Great Western, which was to leavi: New York on
Thursday last, will probably arrive at this port at a yerr
early pt', lad of next week.
PROTESTANT TRACTS.—It will be seen that the active
committee of the Liverpool Protestant and Reformation
Society, through their desire to spread scriptural princie
pies, have opened a depot in London-road, for the sale of
Protestant tracts. A reading-room and library, formemem-
bers of the association, is also open at the same place.
THE UNICORN.—This fine steam ship. commanded hi
Captain Delamore, arrived at Boston on the 17,th.ultimo.
Her passage was prolonged in consequence of western
gales and by a detention of about a week in the ice. She
afterwards put into St. John's, Newfoundland, whence
she sailed for Halifax on the 14th.
IRON TRADE.—The price of Scotch pig iron has, this
week, manifested no appearance of receding. For: the
best brands of all, No. 1, from 68s. to 70,. has to be paid,
and from 635. to Cbs. for the other numbers, according as
they are assorted. This article being now mostly out
the hands of needy holders, may be expected to contine°
firm. Scotch bars remain at .£lO per ton, and plates e'
£l3 10s., with a brisk demand.--Scotch paper, Saturday
MIDDLE TEMPLE, MAY 9.—The undermentioned
members of the Hon. Society of the Middle Temple have
been called to the bar :—Mr. J. C. Jones, Mr. W. "'
Doyle, Mr. E. Boscawen, Mr. G. Roope, Mr. A. Ge.:
nine, Mr. W. H. Claridge, Mr. W. F. B. Staples, 25.,'
J. G. B. Hudson, Mr. D. M. Logic, Mr. J. H. 1....-Vtitet,
field, Mr. H. W. Morris, Mr. D. R. Blaine, Mr. '"
Nalder, Mr. J. Bower, and Mr. E. K. Rodorell.
Ire
,
A rumour is afloat in the city to the effeat • that tie,
is to be an immediate consolidation of the Board of 0';
cise and the Board of Stamps and Taxes, so as to lead
only one revenue board for customs or foreign duties,„eltel
one for inland duties. It is even said that Sir R. r,`..
intends to make this arrangement part of his forthcotel
budget. The repeal of many of the excise duties, es,
the expected repeal of others render some change nec..:4
sary, and the present united revenues of both the exis;lo
boards do not amount to so large an income, it is sale'
was formerly collected by one board alone. ki%
The Electors of the County of Monmouth are 1ne,..01
the most strenuous exertions to reliese themselves 119 e,
being represented by Lord Granville Somerset, in ecrifree
quence of his lordship's advocacy of the government
trade policy. A requisition to Captain Edward Somer_!:i
calling on him to stand for the county on protecti?lfj,
principles, has been signed by upwards of thirteen Duo.
dred electors, in eighty-five parishes, while as yet ITbeS•
turn has been made of the remaining sixty-one ner'slopt
The Monmouthshire Beacon of Saturday opens eptbie-
leading azticle on the subject as follows :—" We hal-eolf
day a most painful duty to perform—publicly and 013410.
to dissolve our political connexion with Lord Granola,
Somerset, and to withdraw the support which vve,„,,.;eo,
always tunct to rprld.r. rand ron"%tioa
to him, as the head end representative of the !'rote'
and Conservative feeling in this county." hue 11111
THE IRISH MAAKETS.—The weather during Itureg
xgric,!,, the
week in Ireland was rather favourable for
operations. In the midland and southern conlipster
potatoes are nearly all planteti. In Connaught anu,„d
field labour appears to have` been seriously retaractstoes
the late heavy rains, but it is expected that the P,.°.
will be planted before the close of the ensuing wee,'ol, re',
shoots of the early potato seed are reported to teroble
markably healthy, and increased confidence is ebßenuinfr,
in all quarters amongst the small farmers, who areirstnet
ing rather more than their usual quantity of P°..npliev--.
The markets have fallen in all directions, and the
of food are fully equal to the demand. At N,,lrre o,4thhi;
Friday, potatoes, oatmeal, oats, and barley,
bited in large quantities and at reduced Price_e rec".,
Telegraph says :—" At half.past twelve o'clock 7.1„ ems,
oned 167 loads of potatoes in the market, and he__ue:,ol
had the least appearance of disease." There are.rreriott ;
from the counties of Kildare. Carlow. Cork,eq
7
Armagh, Londonderzy, and Westmeath, of 00
gratifying character

11,
LIVERPOOL CATTLE MARKET, MYstiostiol'es
tTd to
oday.
; Ni aT2›.°.°.

LIVERPOOL,IOI, :12, 1846. s
.„ 4 6,
TUESDAY,
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