The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1847-08-24 00:00:00

assume the command

to so certain that all the par-
Ls Peelites are disposed to be
Yed much further in the anti-industrial move-
nt. Many of them, no doubt, talked very flip-
" at the hustings in laudation of those grand
ensive measures of free trade which
They could do no
which they could
ke for forfeited promises and consistency. But
not pledged by so doing to anything

It is not either qui
s who are ranked c

thee. They followed, moreover, in the last session
Et. Conservative government, with a leader recog-
-sed by them as being possessed of consummate
r ; but will they follow a Whig government,
ich they have no confidence ? We don't be-
_ And, besides, what are the great commer-
iuestions remaining to be solved, and the solu-

_ important feature
ion. They are few in-
c, precisely those which
11 is unfit to touch, because they
ss of revenue ; and his lordship's abili-
sncier are not regarded as of a very high

hich can constitute

the business of the kg
ed ; and they are, besic
>rd John R

Besides, it is quite probable that the poSi7

tion of the country, by the time that Parliament
meets, may have become such as will compel some
of these honourable gentlemen to open their eyes
a little wider, and afford them a fair specimen of
the actual working of free trade. It was tolerably
easy to face an agricultural constituency at a time
when wheat was selling at 80s., and the farmer's
heart was gladdened by the remembrance of the
still higher rates which he had just pocketed. It
was easier still to meet a borough constituency,
when you could tell every elector, with a fair show
of reason, that your free-trade policy had snatched
him from the jaws of famine. But with wheat re-
duced to a minimum rate—with the farmer's abun-
dant crop of this year rendered, by an inundation
of foreign grain, not half so productive as his defi-
cient crop, of last year--with that trade at a stand-

have ultirnatel

blunder of 1843

nd the commerce of the port wil

to pay, in some shape or other; for the

To us it is clear the Birkenhead Commissioners will
never carry out these works. The public will not lend
them the £400,000 additional they require ; and the pre-
sent bondholders will wait patiently until the necessities
of commerce force the Liverpool Dock Trust or the rail-

way interests to buy them out. A third party must
will step in ; and it is a matter of grave import tl
bondholders of the Liverpool Docks whether it woul(

be well, no
hands, for the trustees
possess themselves of the concern

n in their
,te to

he opportunity _
the Liverpool Dock I

A more immodest production than the above it
is difficult to imagine. "The gentlemen who have

staked so much on the mu
11 di

not at

sof the new port

yet our contemporary says

ead Commis-
sioners will never carry out these works." We are
told that "if any °nein Liverpool have imagined that
the Birkenhead Docks were to be got for half their
cost, they will now discover that they have cherished
a very erroneous_ impression." " Capitalists,
moreover

"to us it is clear thE

" like Baron Goldsmid can afford to
wait,"—can some of the poor Bondholders ?
"and it is evident will do so, feeling confident that
they will ultimately get principal and interest."

MOdest again ! for if is admitted that the land
made available by the works has been lost by
the Birkenhead Commissioners; that the works
have not been so rapidly and economically carried
on by an engineer "resident in London, only oc-
casionally in Birkenhead, and with no experience

as a constructor of doeks" as they would have
been by "the resident and experienced engineer"
of the Liverpool Dock Trust. We are, therefore,
to pay Baron Goldsmid and his confreres both
principal and interest of an expenditure impro-
vidently made, and for works which can never be
completed by the Commissioners because " the
public will never lend them the £400,000 additional

they require ! "
We do not at all deny the good policy of a pur-
chase of the Wallasey Pool and its works by the
Dock Committee. No other body, we have felt
convinced all along, can ever, successfully, convert
that property into profitable use. As an adjunct
to the Liverpool Docks, the Wallasey Docks would
be invaluable; but only as the site of a rough trade
—of building and boiler yards, and, perhaps, for
the erection of timber wharfs and other similar
purposes. As Docks for regular import and ex-
port purposes, they never can compete with the
Docks of Liverpool ; for, in nine cases out of ten,
vessels chartered inwards to discharge at Birken-
head, would have to come to Liverpool for outward
freight—as witness Mr. Potter's two vessels which
discharged at Birkenhead and had to come over
to Liverpool to load, thus incurring double dues,
both in ships and cargoes. This double charge
would not occur, were the Birkenhead Docks made
part and parcel of the Liverpool Dock Estate.
We should be ready, also, to advise this purchase,
with a view to save from loss those unfortunate
bondholders, who are not in such good case as
Baron Goldsmid.

still which cheap food and increased foreign
,im-
ports were to have so amazingly extended, and
amidst the wide-spread insolvency and ruin upon
which we have already entered, neither the agri-
cultural nor the borough elector will be so readily
,eguiled by honeyed words, however trippingly
ronounced, and pregnant with the specious philo-
thy of the schoolmaster under whom their re-
,ntatives have been studying. The stubborn-
of facts will at length be acknowledged by all

parties.
It is abundantly clear to us, from these combined
considerations, that the ministry of Lord John is
far from being placed, by the result of the elections,
in the agreeable circumstances upon which they
flatter themselves. We believe them to be power-

It was from these very parties that a deputation
last week waited upon the Dock Committee, and
had an interview with their chairman, Mr. Bramley-
Moore, the result of which, we believe, was incon-
clusive, from the very fact that the bondholders
had not the powers requisite to conduct such a
negotiation. Before any purchase can be made,
however, the Birkenhead Dock Commissioners must
act reasonably—must put a market value upon their
property. We cannot, and will not, pay for the
expense of blunders committed, and demonstra-
tions made for the purpose not of constructing the
docks, but to advance interests of land speculators
in the vicinity, some of whom, having realised their
several ventures, have washed their hands of all
connexion with the locality. Sorry though our
Dock Committee may be for those who have been
less fortunate,—probably more honest,—and who,
as the result still remain involved, we must re-
member that we have dock bondholders of our
own whose interests we have to consider before
giving way to our feelings of benevolence.
We are not advised whether, whilst purchasing

less for the achievement either of any very great
good or anyvery considerable evil. A few social
questions, indeed, they may be enabled to settle,—
thanks, however, not to their own abilities or fore-
sigh, but. to the pressure upon them of public
.opinion, and the aid which they will receive from

to effect ti

is would not be

alteration, the expense of working
lessened as very shortly to make up the outlay
We have never heard it alleged that steam engines
would be less efficient—would lose any of their
power—by ceasing to discharge so large a portion
of their fuel in the shape of vapour. On the con-
trary, scientific men agree in stating that their

would be so far

efficiency and power would be increased by so doing.
Where the difficulty arises, therefore, and why in
this important requirement the committee have not
exercised their powers with the same promptness
and energy as in others, we repeat that we are at a
loss to know.

We have heard, indeed, that the proprietors of
some of our ferry and other steam-boats, and espe-
cially of a portion of the owners of manufactories in
our town, object to make the attempt to abate or
remove the evil. It is urged, we learn, in the face
of scientific opinion, and of experience, that the
object cannot be effectually achieved. The Health
Committee, however, have a plain duty to perform.
They have an act of parliament, whose provisions
they are bound to carry out—or, at least, to endea-
vour to carry out. If engineering science should
prove unequal to the effort, then the act, thus far,
will become a dead letter. Should injury result to
individuals from the effort to promote public advan-
tage, that advantage will warrant compensation
being made. We are satisfied, however, that no
such difficulty or injury can arise ; and, so far as
regards the river steamers, we are convinced that an
important advantage would accrue from tl-ke greater
resort of the public to their use. Remove the nui-
sance—the deterioration of the clothing of passen-
gers on board ; get rid of the falling specks of soot,
which make such ravages upon silk or satin dresses,
bonnets, shawls, coats, and other articles of apparel;
and thousands will embrace the opportunity of a
sail across the river, for health and recreation, for

fined to the demand for local consumption the demand
for the up country marts generally felt at this season of
the year not having yet taken place, the greater amount
of sales reported have been in low gray shirtings, which
continue inquired after, being light in stock ; the better
sorts can only be passed off by importers submitting to a
decline on the low prices ruling previously, which in some
instances has been done, and bonsiderable parcels have
found buyers.. The lower descriptions of bleached shirt-
ings have also been sold to some extent, but the finer

sorts cannot be placed except at a considerable sacrifice.
Grey Madapallams of low qualities are saleable, but bet-
ter sorts are neglected ; Whites are also difficult of sale.
Low grey jaconets have met with a ready sale, in some
instances a slight advance on former rates, but in these as
in nearly all cloth, the finer sorts have been neglected,
and are difficult of sale unless at a sacrifice ; there is a
slight inquiry for the finer threads of bleached, the stock
of which sort is light.

•• •••••,.. •••-•
Coloured and Printed Goods.—There continues to be a
slight demand experienced for those goods, but the prices
obtainable are very low. The sorts principally inquired
for are low Bengal stripes, which have been placed to a
considerable extent at, for common, 2r. Ba., per piece, and
for better sorts, 3r., for which there is a fair inquiry.
Most other descriptions are neglected, and can only be
forced off by a heavy sacrifice being submitted to. Turkey
red cloths, both plain and printed, meet with a ready sale
at remunerating rates. _ _

Woollens.—Our market for these goods has been un-
usually dull at this season of the year, which is generally
looked on as the briskest, and sales can only be effected
by importers submitting to a discount of 15 to 25 per cent.

on invoice.
Mule Twist.—Holders having shown more disposition
to reduce their stocks by submitting to a slight decline on
former rates, sales to a considerable extent have been
made, consisting principally of No. 40.
Coloured Yarn.—There has been a slight improvement
in the demand for German dye Turkey red, which has
been placed to some extent at lr. Ba. per lb. Sales are
also reported of English dye at lr. 4a. per lb, but the lat-
ter is in moderate demand. In other colours we have not
heard of any transactions.

affords, who never set foot upon their decks, unless
compelled by necessity, or the calls of business.
We trust that the committee will no longer dally
with this matter. Let them bear in mind its impor-
tance to the health of their fellow-townsmen. We
have in Liverpool no public parks for resort by our
population. The mooting of any proposal to form
such, upon a scale worthy of the town, has aiw ays
been met by the plea that, in our river and its
marine parades, we have ample substitutes. Let us
then make that river—its many conveyances and its
piers—available for the use of those seeking to enjoy
a pure atmosphere and a fresh breeze. Let us rid
our town of the stigma which attaches to it that the
noble river, from which it derives its importance
and its wealth, is only approachable through clouds
of smoke and filth, which can scarcely be rivalled
in denseness by those of the smithies of Wolver-
hampton or Birmingham.

The Rate of Exchange, per the present mail, 2s. per
Rupee for six months' sight drafts, and from 2s. 04d. to
2s. Oid. for ten months' date Bills. Freights—
Sugar .. £9 oto £9 5 per ton of 20 cwt,
Rice .. .. 910 to 915 do. do.

Hides
Jute

6 6to 610 do. of 5 bales
7 oto 7 7 do. of 14 cwt.

JENNY LIND.—The Swedish Nightingale will sing for
the first time in Liverpool next Monday week. The box-
office was opened for the sale of tickets and the distribu-
tion of places on Thursday, when there was a fearful rush.
No less than £1,900 was received in a few hours. Several
gentlemen paid as much as thirty and forty pounds each
to secure places for themselves and their parties. The
Journal says, " We learn that the intention of giving three
operas has been abandoned. Mademoiselle Lind sings in
Manchester on the Friday, and was, therefore, apprehen-
sive of being unable to sing the following night in Liver-
pool. There will, in consequence be only two operas in
this town."

SHARSPERE'S HOUSE—THE AMATEUR PERFORMANCE.
—The proposed amateur performance in aid of the funds
for the purchase of Shakspere's house, is likely to be
very successfully carried out. The first rehearsal of the
" Twelfth Night," by the gentlemen who are to take part
in the proceedings, took place a few evenings ago. Witk
the exception of the ladies, the whole of the performers

List of cabin passengers by the splendid new packet-
will consist of amateurs. That clever actress, Miss
ship Ocean Monarch, Captain James Murdoch, sailed Emmeline Montague, has been solicited to appear on the
24th instant for Boston :—Rev. Mr. Hir cks and Son, Mr. occasion, and we doubt not she will readily come forward
E. Gilmore and lady, Miss Welsh, Miss E. Morriss, Mr. should her engagements permit. We understand that if
Robert Earp, jun., Mr. M. Bech, Mr. E. Fyvive, Mr. C, the Theatre Royal can be obtained, the performance will
Alger, Mr. H. Clapp, Mr. Bakewell, Mr. Welsh, Captain take place in that building.
Curtis, Dr. Greaten, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Birmingham, Mr. OUR ONLY CorroN MILL.—We learn with great regret
Tibbs, Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Lilly, Mr. Pratt, Mrs. Pratt, that it is purposed entirely to close the " North Shore 1
Mrs. Worcester, the Misses Pratt, Mr. Cotter, Miss Joh- Mill," the only one in this town, on the 11th of next
son, Miss Phillips, Mr. W. P. Birmingham, two Sisters of month, and that it is doubtful when the proprietors will
Charity, and 170 in the steerage. again open it, the trade—spinning of twist for export—
RAILWAY PRACTICE.—An important, work on this being anything but remunerative. About 500 operatives
subject has just been published, giving every practical will thus be thrown out of employment, and with them,
information on railway matters, and entering Into every taking a small average as regards families, 500 more, or
point bearing on the construction of a line, from the pur- in all 1,000. We the more regret the fact, inasmuch as
chase of the land until the completion of the project. Mr. North, the managing partner here, is a most kind-
The pages are illustrated by a large number of well-execu- hearted and indulgent master, and spoken of with the
ted plates, and the accuracy of the details in the volume most grateful feelings by even the poorest who are de-
is backed by the authority of the most eminent and skil- pendent upon him. We could state much on this point,
ful engineers in the kingdom. but Mr. North's retiring and unassuming manner forbids
THE PENNY SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE PURCHASE OF US. We, in truth, know him only from his good works
SHAKSPERE'S HOUSE.—We believe that a preliminary to his people, and his constant endeavour to improve their
meeting will be shortly held in this town, to consider and religious, moral, and domestic condition.
devise the best means of furthering the above object. We ACCOMMODATION FOR VISITORS TO LONDON.—Any
hope that every true admirer of the illustrious and far- , gentleman desirous of meetins with comfortable accom-
famed bard will assist in promoting this most excellent modation in the metropolis, will meet with every attention
and praiseworthy undertaking, and we likewise hope that at Evans Hotel, where the charges are extremely moderate,
the various workshops, warehouses, &c., will prepare and and the provisions ample and first-rate.
hold themselves in readiness to aid the Works of those ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.—The entertainments at this
who are actively engaged in the preliminary matters. popular place of amusement continue of a varied and
With an active and well organized central committee, we pleasing character. Mr, W. J. Hammond, an old fit-
fully anticipate the realization of it toler§ble sum, small vourite with the Liverpool public, has been playing very
as tho subscription is, I successfully.

Liverpoo

sider their objection

THE CROPS IN LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE

The harvest in the districts around Liverpool (Lan-
cashire and Cheshire) is approaching towards completion.
The greater part of the grain croi?_is cut down, and a

wheat crop is considered by experienced agriculturists to
be the largest, or heaviest, that this country has produced
for the last twenty years, and the grain is in excellent
order. The oats, or which a good deal was grown this

season, are, also, particularly fine. Although more of it
has been lodged by the rain than of the wheat, it has re-
ceived very little injury, and with a few fine days it will
be well got in and prove an abundant yield. Barley,
which is not grown to a great extent in these localities, is
also good. We know of &Yew fields that were'attacked in
the spring by the wire-worm, and became thin, sickly,
and unpromising, but the insect having died out, and
feeding weather supervening, they have since thickened
and improved amazingly. But few beans and peas are
grown here. The peas have yielded pretty fairly ; but
the beans have been much injured by " the black dol-
phin " fly,—some fields of them destroyed.

It is highly gratifying that the crops of gram are so
abundant, and the harvest progressing so favourably ' • for
it is now ascertained beyond a doubt, that there will be a
great failure in the general potato crop. The same
disease that has been so fatal to this plant for the last two
years, is again raging as virulently as it did last year.
Great hopes were entertained, until last week, that we
should this year escape such a visitation ; but from yes-
terday week, crops, apparently strong and healthy, have
rapidly drooped under the influence of the mysterious
agency, and many of the tubers are already destroyed.
Whether it were safer to dig t'