The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-09-17 00:00:00

MEETING OF THE DOCK-COMMITTEE.

The weekly meeting of the Dock Committee was held yes-
terday, at the offices in the Custom-house Buildings. There
were present, Messrs. Benn, (Chairman) Horsfall, T. Holt,
Holmes, Middleton, Smith, Sands, Mellor, Bulley, Chap-
man, Martin, Hornby, Evans, and G. Holt.
The Harbour Master's sub-committee recommended that
Samuel Duckworth he appointed head keeper of the west
gates of Victoria Dock, at an increase in his wages of 2s. per
week.—Agreed to.
The MARINE SURVEYOR reported that the new lantern in
the Comet light-ship having been completed satisfactorily,
she had been:yesterday moored on the north-west station, in
the room of the Meteor, which had been brought into port.
The Meteor having been out for two years, it would be ne-
cessary for her to go into the Graving Dock for examination,
and it would further be necessary to furnish her with a bell
of larger dimensions, and with an improved reflector. The
report was referred to the Harbour Master's sub-committee.
The CHAIRMAN read a letter from Mr. Thomas M`Teer,
complaining of the arrangements of the committee with re-
spect, to the admission of coasting vessels into Trafalgar
Dock, during the time that Canning and Salthouse- Docks
will be closed. The letter complained, that on the south side,
which is appropriated to steamers, there were two tier of
coasters. The vessels under his charge traded to Bristol and
Wexford, they were of the largest class, and it would be a
great inconvenience if they could not discharge immediately
upon their arrival. The remaining, three sides of the dock
were occupied by vessels taking in machinery, or vessels laid
up ; and the dock would speedily be very full, as, in addition
to those already there, he understood the City of Dublin
Company bad three large ones about to enter the next tide—
two after launching, and one for repairs. Undet these cir-
cumstances Mr. M`Teer requested the committee to make
some alteration in their resolution for the accommodation
of those connected with steamers. This letter was followed
by one from Messrs. William Dawson and Son, confirming
Mr. M'Teer's statements, and adding that they had three
steamers arriving every week from Whitehaven, and that the
withdrawal of the usual accommodation to them in the dock
would he an injury to the public.
Mr. Alderman EvANs said he had recommended Mr.
M`Teer to write the letter just read. That gentleman com-
plained that the committee were removing the steamers from
their habitual births, and that if one side of the dock were
wholly appropriated to their use the inconvenience would not
be so bad, especially as sheds had been erected specially for
them.
The CHAIRMAN said the committee had not given up the
dock to coasting vessels in the way that Mr. M'Teer seemed
to think ; what the committee did, was to leave it to the
harbour master to accommodate as many coasters there as
he could without inconvenience.
Mr. Alderman EVANS observed that Mr. `eer seemed
to think that the dock had been given up to cMoasTters.
The CHA TEN AN.—Certainly not ; but at the same time the
committee have given no exclusive right to any.
Mr. Alderman EVANS had mentioned to Mr. `Teer that
there could be no exclusive right to accommodation on the
Part of any, and that the steam trade must submit to their
portion of the incnvenience , which woul las! for nine
months. Of courseo, if there were any incodnvenience they
must take their share.
Mr. CHAPMAN said the steam companies fancied they had
ned
h
an exclusive right to this dock ; but because they apple 'ed
to have more capital employed on them than was emp ( ?)
on coasters, it did not follow that they must not suffer along
with the poor coasters.
Mr. Alderman EVANS remarked that the committee must
not be led away by the notion of. any abstract rights, but at
the same time they must be careful of doing injury to the
community. They must look upon steamers as they' would
at a chronometer—that time was a voyage. If they delayed
a coaster of 8t or 100 tons, coming from Limerick or Dun-
dalk, for one or two days, they would not he doing anything
like the proportionate harm which they would by delaying a
steamer, which would complete the voyage in that very time.
He would not be led away entirely with abstract rights, for
one man had as good a-right to the quay as another.
The CHAIRMAN said, it the principle alluded to by Mr.
Alderman Evans. were
.carried out,. the sailing of coasters
might be put down altogether.
Mr. Alderman EVANS had arrived at no decision what-
ever upon the subject, he had merely put.in a kind of caveat
in arrest of judgment, in order that the committee might,
after calling upon the harbour master and dock master, say
whether thy could not consider the case of the steamers
without prejudice to that of the coasters.
Mr. HORSPALL would answer that by giving them to un-
derstand that steamers had no exclusive right. He would
certainly direct the harbour master to give them every ac-

commodation he could give, but beond that the committee
would not go.
Mr. Alderman EVANS said there was another view in
which to put the case of a steamer. A steamer might interest
a hundred individuals or more, a little coaster would in-
terest only one.
Mr. CHAPMAN observed thatthrogh the stagnation of trade
all the docks were crammed with shipping, and that would be
the case for the next six or eight months. If Clarence and
Trafalgar Docks were kept at such a time exclusively for
steamers it was unjust to the port at large ; and if the Comp-
mittee once admitted that that description of vessels had an
exclusive right to them,—they did not know when the de-
mands upon them would cease. He recommended the subject
to be deferred till next week, by which time every member of
the Committee would have the opportunity of considering a
motion of which he had given notice, with the view of pro-
viding for the inconvenience which would arise from the tem-
porary closing of Canning and Salthouse Docks.
The CHAIRMAN observed that there were other parts of
Trafalgar Dock where the steamers could be accommodated.
Mr. CHAPMAN said that was so, but sheds had been erected
for their use on their usual side.
Mr. MARTIN admitted that coasters had quite as good a
right to all the accommodations they might require as steam-
ers had, but at present the great inconvenience to steamers i❑
Trafalgar Dock, was the presence of large ships, not coasters.
Coasters took up but little room, but these vessels occupied
a great deal.
Mr. HORSPALL said the Harbour Master ought to have
reported that difficulty and removed it if he had the means.
Mr. MARTIN said the Harbour-master had the means if
he had only done his duty.
The CHAIRMAN wished when Mr. Martin went down to
the docks, he would report every case of neglect of duty.
Mr. CHAPMAN said when he was down at the docks yes-
terday, the Harbour-master referred hiai to some old order
in council as his authority.
Mr. MARTIN said it had already been well understood by
the committee that Clarence and Trafalgar Docks were
steam docks ; and he begged to say that next week there
would be many additional vessels in the basin.
Mr. CHAPMAN called attention to his notice of motion for
next Thursday, urging that unless something of the sort were
adopted, the committee would have difficulties of every kind
put into their way, and they would be inundated with peti-
tions for exclusive rights, just as they were about closing
Canning and Salthouse docks.
The CHAIRMAN.—The committee can only say that we
will give all the accommodation we can.
Mr. CHAPMAN said his notice would include that circum-
stance, and on that ground he wished for members to come
prepared to discuss it. lie desired the Chairman to read it.
The CHAIRMAN then read Mr. Chapman's notice, of
which the following is a copy :
" 1. That in consequence of the, unusual and unexpected
depression of the general trade of the port, and especially of
.the sipping interest, it 'will be inexpedient to close the
Canning and Salthouse Docks until equivalent accommoda-
tion is provided by the opening of the south boundary basin and
the erection of sheds on the north sides of the Waterloo and
Victoria Docks, in addition to the south side of the Trafalgar
Dock already thrown open to the public.
" 2. That if the proposed accommodation is afforded the
public service will not be materially impeded by closing the
Canning and Salthouse Docks, which will allow of the pro-
posed alterations being carried on simultaneously as proposed
by the sub-committee of works, and be the means of effect-
ing saving of £lO,OOO to the dock trust as estimated by the
dock surveyor." _ _ _

_
Mr. G. Hour said if he understood the notice right, Mr.
Chapman wanted to ensure the opening of the south basin
before the new works were commenced ?

Mr. CHAPMAN replied in the affirmative.
Mr. G. HOLT said it would be most injurious for the com-
mittee to pledge itself to that proposition.
Mr. CHAPMAN was quite sure accommodation could not
be given to the shipping unless the committee adopted his
motion, for all the docks were now full, and would be for
some time.

Mr. Alderman EvANs said Mr. Chapman's argument
would go so far as not to close the two docks at all.
Mr. CHAPMAN said his sole object was to provide the
requisite accommodation.
Mr. MIDDLETON observed that as this was only a notice,
any discussion upon it was premature.
Mr. CHAPMAN said he only wanted the surveyor to report
upon the plan he had suggested in the notice; but he could
not enter further on the subject to-day.
The further consideration of the subject was then post-
poned until Thursday next ; and the committee separated
after the transaction of some financial affairs. •

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A CLERGYMAN OF

THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH.

On Wednesday last, an investigation took place .at the
White Lion Inn, in the village of Halton, near Lancaster,
before five commissioners appointed by the lord bishop of
the diocese, into certain charges preferred against the Rev.
Robinson Shuttleworth Barton, rector of Heysham, near
Lancaster, preferred by Thomas John Knowlys. Esq., of
Heysham Hall. The proceedings were taken under the 3d
and 4th Victoria, chap. 86, the Church Discipline Act re-
cently passed, which gives power to the bishop to appoint
commissioners to make inquiry into the grounds of the
charge alleged against the party, which commissioners are to
report to the bishop, whether upon hearing the whole evi-
donee, there shall be sufficient prima facie case established,
to warrant further proceedings, in the way Of reprimand,
suspension, or exclusion ; and the alleged offence must have
been committed within two years from the date of the com-
plaint to the bishop.
The commissioners named by the bishop were the Rev.
Thomas Mackreth, rector of Halton, and rural dean, the
Rev. "William Carus Wilson, rector of Whittington, the Rev.
Edward Thurtell, incumbent of Caton, the Rev. Edward
Scott, incumbent of Poulton-le-Sands, and the Rev. David
Umpleby, of Lancaster. The case, on the part of Mr.
Knowlys, was conducted by Mr. Buck, attorney of Preston ;
the defence, by Mr. Brandt, barrister of Manchester, and
Mr. Shuttleworth, attorney of Preston. Mr. Barton. the
accused, was present during the whole of the proceedings.
Mr. MACKRETH opened the Court by reading the com-
mission which alleged " that the Rev. Robinson Shuttleworth
Barton, Rector of the Rectory and Parish Church of Hey-
sham, a clerk in holy orders of the united Church of England
and Ireland, hath been guilty of profane and lewd converse-
intemperance and intoxication, to wit between the 18th
and 27th days of December last, past, and on other days and
times past, against the laws ecclesiastical. And further, that
by reason of the unholy life and conversation of the said
Robinson Shuttleworth Barton, there exists scandal and evil
report that the said Robinson Shuttleworth Barton hath
offended against the said laws."
Mr. KNOWLYS then proceeded to open the case. He
commenced by saying that it was with no common feelings
he appeared before the commissioners to make the charges
mentioned in the commission; but he considered himself
bound to do so upon many accounts, the pi incipal of which
was that he had the honour of occupying the position of one
of her Majesty's justices of the peace. The commissioners,
no doubt. had frequently heard her Majesty's proclamation
against vice, profaneness, and immorality, which she com-
manded to be read at all assizes and quarter sessions. There
was one passage in that proclamation which was his justifi-
cation for coining forward with the present charges. It was
as follows :—" We most seriously and religiously consider-
ing that it is an indispensable duty upon us to be careful
above all other things to observe and advance the honour
and service of Almighty God, and to discountenance and sup-
press vice, profaneness. and immorality, which are so highly
displeasing to God "
Mr. BRANDT here objected to Mr. Knowlys opening the
case, when he had his legal adviser with him. A long argu-
ment followed, at the end of which the commissioners inti-
mated that Mr. Knowlys might be allowed to explain his
motives for making the charge, but without entering into a
statement of facts.

Mr. KNOWLYS said he was sorry the commissionersshould
have been delayed so long upon such a point as that they had
been discussing, but he would on his part endeavour to be
very concise. Her majesty's royal proclamation went on to
say—" We have thought fit by the advice of our privy coun-
cil to issue this our royal proclamation, and we do hereby
declare our royal purpose and resolution to discountenance
and punish ali manner of vice., profaneness, and immorality
in all persons of whatsoever degree or quality within this our
realm." Again, it is said—" And we do expect and require
that all persons in honour or in place of authority will give
good example by their own -rirtue and piety, and to their
utmost contribute to the discountenancing of persons of dis-
solute and debauched lives, that they being reduced by that
means to shame and contempt for their loose and evil actions
and behaviour, may be thereby also enforced the sooner to
reform their idle habits and practises, and that the visible
displeaure of good men towards them may (as far as it is pos-
sible) supply what the laws probably cannot altogether
prevent. * * * * * * * * *
And for the more effectual reforming all such persons who,
by reason of their dissolute lives and conversations, are a
scandal to our kingdom ; our further pleasure is, and we do
hereby strictly charge and command all our judges, mayors,
sheriffs, ieetieee et
the peace, and all other our officers and
ministers, both ecclesiastical and civil, and all other our sub-
jects whom it may concern,
to be very vigilant and strict in
the discovery, and the effectual prosecution and punishment
of all persons who shall be guilty of excessive drinking,
blasphemy, profane swearing, and cursing, lewdness, profa-
nation of the Lord's day, or other dissolute, immoral, or
disorderly practices." He therefore held that he was bound,
not only as a private individual and as an inhabitant of the
parish of Heysham, but as a justice of the peace, to prose-
cute this inquiry. And theißev. Robinson Shuttleworth
Barton being a spiritual person, it was a privilege that he
should be prosecuted in a spiritual court. For that purpose
he (Mr. Knowlys) was there. He was there to make certain
charges against Mr. Barton, of excessive drinking, profane
swearing, cursing, lewdness, and other dissolute and immo-
ral practices, and in the words of the information that he
was a man of ungodly iife and conversation.
Thomas Bailey, of Lancaster, slater and plasterer, was the
first witness called. He stated that on the 24th of August,
1839, he was working near Heysham rectory, when he heard
Mr. Barton utter certain oaths, (which he described,) on
three separate occasions, and that he (Mr. Barton) was
tipsy in the afternoon of that day.
Mr. Thomas How itt, surgeon, of Lancaster, said, that
about a year and a half ago, he dined at Mr. Hargreave's,
with Mr. Barton, and eight or nine other gentlemen. Mr.
Barton after dinner was not altogether sober. In cross-
examination, the witness admitted that he was " a little
elevated" himself on the occasion.
John Hodgson, George Hodgson, and Thomas Ripley, de-
posed as to Mr. Barton having used the expressions described
by the first witness. They also spoke as to Mr. Barton hav-
ing been in liquor.
Mrs. Jane Rldly, widow of the last rector of Heysham,
described the congregation of the church as having
fallen off very much lately, and added, that she had herself
ceased being a communicant for the last eighteen months,
because she did not feel very comfortable owing to the
reports that were circulated concerning Mr. Barton. On
being cross-examined, Mrs. Ridley said, she had herself
never seen any thing ungentlemanly in the conduct of Mr.
Barton, and that she had never heard him use any improper
language whatever, or seen him in a state of intoxication.
Edward Lamb deposed to having heard profane language
from Mr. Barton.
Robert Summers and Thomas Jackson described certain
indecent expressions as having been uttered by Mr. Barton.
Joseph Lund said he had heard Mr. Barton propose to
toss with Robert Dennison for a pint.
Hobert Dennison in his evidence said Joseph Lund pro-
posed to Mr. Barton to toss, but he did not. This witness
further testified to some loose expressions approaching to
swearing.
The Court then adjourned till ten o'clock the following
morning.
On Wedu
denee was produced of swearing, intoxication, and lewd
nsdaY, the court was opened, when further evi-
expressions. The witnesses were Mrs. Dennison, a midwife,
William Swaine, John Stephenson Mary Dennison. John
Dennison, Edward Edmondson, Thomas Charnock, Edward
Lyon, Thomas Wilson, John Beesley, Robert Fox, and
Robert Young.
Mr. BUCK then applied for an adjournment of the case, on
the ground that one of the witnesses whom he expected to
have been present was ill in bed, and another had not yet
been found.
The CommissioNens consulted upon the applications and
ultimately they consented to it.
Mr. BRANDT stated, in answer to a question from the
Commissioners, that he intended to call witnesses on the
part of Mr. Barton.
The court adjourned about three o'clock. The ease has
excited great interest in the neighbourhood.

WEAVER CHURCHES.—The first stone of another of these
churches was laid last week by John Tollernache, Esq., M.P.
one of the trustees.

. ~~ „ . .

THE SHIPMASTERS' ASSOCIATION.

DIALOGUE BETWEEN A SHIPMASTER AND A MEMBER OF
THE ASSOCIATION.
S.—Good morning, Mr. —. I have heard that you are
a member of the committee of the Shipmasters' Association.
Pray how is that institution coining on, for I have been 'told
that it is going wrong altogether ?
R.—lndeed ; what is the point in which you have heard
that it is going wrong ?
S.—Why, it is this. The masters cannot see any use in
joining it. They say they can derive no benefit from it.
That is the reason why I consider it as almost broken up.
R.—From what you have just said I perceive that although
you are a shipmaster you know little or nothing of the
principles upon which the Shipmasters' Association is based.
Give me your attention for a few minutes, and I will explain
them to you and after you have heard what I have to say I
have no doubt that you will become one of its members.
S.-1 am very willing to listen, for I really have no preju-
dice against the association.
R.—l am glad to hear that, for prejudice is the most
formidable enemy we have to contend with. The association
originated in most praiseworthy motives. It is intended
solely to promote the interests of the shipmasters, and those
connected with the sea, by means which I will point out to
you before we separate; and commenced its operations only
after an immense expenditure of labour and money. Its
first object is to disseminate among shipmasters useful in-
formation on all points connected with their profession, and
next to extend the same advantages to their crews; not only
that, but to better the condition of the seamen by every
means within its power. So you see the Shipmasters Asso-
ciation will be useful to every class of seamen.
S.—Many people have doubts as to your ability to accom-
plish anything in improving the condition of the seamen.
R.—Those doubts have no foundation to rest upon, be-
cause they are started by parties who dread the cot socurences
should the present system be changed. The fact is that a
few interested individuals connected with the offices for
shipping men have raised the cry about the docks, that we
are doing an evil instead of a service, because their profits
will be injured or destroyed by an alteration for the better.
You must admit that there are many gross abuses attached
to the present mode of shipping men.
S.—There are many evils I confess, and I wish an effectual
remedy could be found for them.
R.—All that we are contending for is that the evil should
be expelled, for nobody can be found to defend it. Yet in
grappling with it we have met with the strongest hostility.
'We were prepared for some opposition, but we did not con-
template that our own friends would be parties to it. We
did not think it possible that so many of them would be, as it
were, leagued with the shipping masters in the way they seem
to be. However we must encounter their-prejudices, and
correct the evil as far as we may have the means. You may
depend upon it that sooner or later it will be cured.
S.—l can see the difficulties you have to grapple with, and
when I come to consider I believe your object to be very
good. But tell me now what are the other objects of the
Shipmasters' Association ?
R.—Another very important end that we have in view is to
band the shipmasters together, as they are in many other
trades and professions, for their common benefit. There is
no body of men among whom there is a greater necessity for
union and concert than among the shipmasters. No class
requires it more than the sailor. In other pursuits they can
always meet together for debate and discussion, but the sailor
has not the same facilities, inasmuch as he is away for,
probably, the greatest part of the year. He, therefore, has
need of a representative at home—a body which is able to
maintain and protect his various interests with success during
his absence.
S.—l confess I do not at present see the use of our having
representatives when we are aboard.
R.—There, again, you show a want of information, in the
absence of which you can scarcely be expected to appreciate
the value of the institution. You may derive great benefit
from the system of representation. The other day, for
instance, an attack was made by her majesty's ministers upon
the Merchant Seamen's Fund, and if there had been no con-
stituted body to expose the unfairness and injustice of the
attempt, what could you have done? Truly nothing what-
ever. All your efforts would have been powerless because
detached and unconnected. Fortunately the Shipmasters'
Association took up the cause. We called the attention of
the mayor to it ; the mayor, at our request, called a public
meeting, and in short we raised such a noise apout the ears
of her majesty's ministers, that the Merchant Seamen's
Hospital Fund was rescued from danger. Ministers through
this opposition abandoned their intention of amalgamating
the funds of Liverpool and other ports into a common fund
to he administered in London. If they had succeeded, they
would have created offices, and had the patronage ; the
claimants upon it would have difficulties multiplied in the
way of their rights, and the weekly pensions now received in
Liverpool would have been seriously reduced. Now, sup-
pose you were from home, and you read in the papers that
this institution had been so attacked by her majesty's mini-
sters, should you not feel some anxiety about the fate of the
Liverpool Merchant Seamen's Fund, in which you are of
course interested ? On the other hand, would it not be satis-
factory to your mind to remember that the Shipmasters'
Association would take up the cause, and leave nothing
undone to protect you from injury ?
S.—l grant that in such cases the plan is excellent ; but
are what you have mentioned all the advantages that would
arise from joining you?
R.—Certainly not. Let us suppose a case. Suppose that
you, as a commander, are in circumstances of considerable
difficulty in a foreign port, and that the feelings of the Con-
sul are adverse to your interests from being influenced by
foreign mercantile prepossessions. Suppose you find your-
self without a remedy, unable to obtain redress, and, in short,
actually trod upon. In such a case you have, by joining
this association, the remedy in your own hands, certainly i
an indirect way, but nevertheless effectual in due course
of time. You just represent your complaint to the associa-
tion ; and from the moment it was received, do you not
think the ears of the Foreign Secretary would be made to
tingle with it ? No complaint would be allowed to rest quiet,
provided it were well authenticated, by the Shipmasters'
Association ; and the British Consul, if he were the party
offending, would be taught a lesson through its agency which
would prevent him from temporising with the interests of
any individual because he happened, at that moment, to be
unable himself to protect them.
S.—That is an important feature that I was not aware of
before. I begin to think that the Shipmasters' Association
has larger purposes than are generally known.
R.—lnstances of that might be multiplied ad infinitum:
and as you seem struck with it, I will just mention another.
Do you think the river Plate would have continued blockaded
as it was for several years if the members of the Shipmasters'
Association had then been banded together? Do you think
they would have rested quiet until Lord Palmerston had
done something to remove that blockade which so seriously
injured our trade ? We would have raised the whole country
before we would have consented to allow British property
to lie rotting there and British subjects consigned to ruin in
consequence, year after year, without an effort- being made
for their relief. In this instance, again, you see you would
have had a powerful body carrying out not only your own
wishes, but absolutely defending the interests of our mer-
chants, brokers, and general dealers.
S.—That is a strong reason, then, why all those classes
ought to take an interest in your proceedings. Do they all
know the principles of the association ?
R.—l really believe they do not ; and I am rather disposed
to blame the'committee for not giving sufficient publicity to
the objects of the association, and to the advantages to be
derived from its working.
S.—The utility of the association will unquestionably be
very great in all the cases you have mentioned, but still,
something more is wanted to make it popular among the
entire body of shipmasters. I understood there was to be
attached to it some other body, to which one might pay a
certain sum either monthly, quarterly, or annually, as a pro-
vision, in case of death, for our widows and children. This
is a point on which hundreds of shipmasters are as dissatis-
fied as myself.
R.—Then, from want of information, you have again done
the association some injustice. There would undoubtedly
have been a branch attached to it with this special object,
but there happens, at this moment, to be a Marine Society
for the same purpose, with between £lO,OOO and £ll,OOO in
hand ; and that society is already so far in connection with
this association, that the secretary of it is the master of our
rooms. The rules of the society have certainly been of an
exclusive character hitherto, but for some weeks past they
have been in the hands of a committee, undergoing revision.
They will be immediately brought out, members will be
more readily admitted, and they will then have such advan-
tages as they seem to desire in the Shipmasters' Association.
Therefore, as there is this society already in existence, and
so far connected with the Shipmasters' Association, we do
not consider it necessary to establish another of the same
description. I should feel exceedingly glad if you would
enrol yourself a member of the Marine Society.
S.—Have the goodness to inform me what are the benefits
to be derived from this Marine Society.
R.—The pensioners upon that fund are the widows and
children of deceased members, and they receive £lO, £2O,
£3O, or £5O a year, as the case may be ; but by a new scale
now in preparation, and which will be published in a few
days, you will at least derive a benefit from joining it quite
adequate to the money you invest in it, besides having an
interest in the large sum which is already to the credit of the
society.
S.—ls there no provision for the members during sickness?
R.—Certainly there is, and in every case where assistance
is absolutely called for. A committee composed of such
men as William Potter, Esq., and Alexander Smith, jun.,
Esq., enquire into the merits of each case, and they admi-
nister assistance accordingly, I believe. Besides all this, the
committee of the Shipmasters' Association is the acting,
committee of the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners
Society ; and in case of actual distress by wreck, they pro-
vide an asylum for every sufferer. Indeed, the committee
are very glad to have the opportunity of rendering them a
service ; and they have relieved many who have had the
misfortune to be placed in such circumstances during the
brief period they have had the management of the Liverpool
branch of that excellent institution. ^
s.—Well, sir, I feel strongly interested in what you have
told me, and I should be glad to do something towards
assisting you in all these things, but it will be out of my
power, as I am going to sea almost immediately.
R.—Your going to sea will not deprive you of the power
of promoting our views provided that you do not, as I am
sorry to say many do, as soon as you get on board forget all
about the institution. Many sailors on entering their ships
appear to think that they carry all their interests with them,
and it is not until they become involved in difficulties of
some sort or other abroad, that they feel the necessity of
having some one at home willing to be actively concerned for
their welfare. The Shipmasters' Association offers a bond
of union between its members abroad as well as at home,
and by a very simple process, which is attended with no ex-
pense and very little trouble.
S.—How?
R.—The explanation is easy. There are now over one
thousand members, a large proportion of whom have fur-
nished themselves with the flags of the association. Of
course when you become a member, as I hope you will for
your own sake, you will possess yourself of a flag. If you
happen to be placed in difficulties of any sort abroad, you
will hoist your flag ; wherever you may be, (for the associa-
tion does not limit its operations to Liverpool ships,) one or
more flags may be hoisted in answer to yours. You thus
know that the captain or captains answering are members of
the association ; you go on board ' • you lay your case before
them, and receive from their hands whatever your necessities
require, either in the shape of advice, or in the shape of sub-
stantial assistance. You may also write direct to the associ-
ation, and if the case presents any difficulty, whatever it may
be, if it is consistent with the objects of the association, the
committee will adjust it for you without any cost to you for
their trouble.
S.—That is excellent.
R.—Yes ; and by keeping it constantly in mind, and
availing yourself of every opportunity of acquainting those
about you that there is such an institution at home guarding
and watching over their interests, you will be doing all that,
as a member, you are called upon to do.
S.—Shipmasters are always abroad or moving about, and
how can they attend to the management of the institution,
seeing 'that they are at borne but a very little time?
R.—Many of our merchants and brokers, and resident
subscribers, seem to imagine that the shipmasters can them-
selves carry on the institution, but this is a mistake. Ship-
masters may be compared to birds of passage ; they are here
to-day and gone to-morrow ; and, of course, when they re-
turn home, they wish to be in the bosom of their families
without being perplexed with the affairs of a public institu-
tion. The active management of it, therefore, must, remain
among. the resident members ; they must take upon them-
selves all the trouble and responsibility of carrying it on. The
shipmasters are consequently relieved from all care on this
account ; all that they are asked to do is to give their coun-
tenance to the institution, and to assist it by sending horns

whatever information they may have' collected on their
Voyages. If they should have met with any curiosities that
may happen to be of but little value to them, the institution
will gladly accept them, as one of its objects is the formation
of a Museum.

S.—Of what use will he a museum to us? The reading;
room will be useful, and the dining-room will be very con-
venient, but a museum cannot be necssary.
R.—l cannot agree with you on that point. We have
already a pretty good collection of foreign curiosities, which
have been contributed in the way I have stated, and we
hope, by the same means to form a handsome museum
in the course of a few years. I grant that the museum
cannot, from circumstances, be of direct use to you, but
you must recollect that all, or if not all a very large
proportion, of the resident subscribers take great interest in
any extraordinary production of nature or art from other
countries. Indeed, for the sake of the Museum alone. many
would be induced to subscribe ; and as the annual subscrip-
tion of a resident is 235. whilst that of a shipmaster is only
10s. considerable means are afforded, through their agency
alone, of furthering the general objects of the association.
It is not unlikely that in the course of years a surplus fund
may be accumulated ; and I ought to tell you that any surplus
fund belongs, by the rules, to the shipmasters, members of
the Association, for their benefit, and is also applicable for
the relief of the widows and orphans of members. There
is at this moment the Alpaca, a most extraordinary animal
from South America, which has been proved to be of im-
mense value in the improvement of the wool of this country.
Don't you think that when the attention of the public has
been sufficiently directed to the merits of that animal through
the medium of this and other institutions, its great utility
will not be felt? Will not its introduction into our agricul-
tural and manufacturing districts be hastened through the
instrumentality of our merchants and manufacturers : yea,
and of our shipmasters also ? Besides the Alpaca there are
many other specimens of natural history in the rooms, al-
though the Association is quite in its infancy.
S.—Captain, you have convinced me of the necessity fora
Museum, and also of its utility ; and what you have said
ought to be an encouragement to us to pay more attention
than we have hitherto to the bringing home of curious foreign
productions. I, for one, might often have brought over a
great variety of articles, but I used to consider them of no
value, or to make a few shillings by them. I never thought
of the lasting value which they might have to the public. I
shall now, however, take care not to come home without ad-
ding something to your collection, and I hope that others
will form a similar intention. By the way, there is a Sailor's
Home to be established in Liverpool : what do you think of
that ?

R.—l will give you my opinion in a very few words. The
Sailors' Home, acting in conjunction with the Shipmasters'
Association, cannot fail in being of infinite service to the
shipowner, the shipmaster, and especially to the sailor him-
self. These institutions united, may direct a heavy blow
against the practises of those _unprincipled parties who are
now continually oppressing the sailor. Nevertheless, all those
who are earning a livelihood by a just and honest calling,
whether as shippers of men, lodging house keepers, or as
" crimps," will not be in the slightest degree injured, though
the objects of the two institutions should be carried out to
their fullest extent. This effect will unquestionably result—
all the vicious parts of those trades will he eradicated, because
these two institutions will consider it their duty rigidly to
superintend the entire working of each of those establish-
ments, to see that no " crimp" bo employed to put men on
board a ship, unless his character has been a subject of ex-
amination before being admitted to such an office. This, I
conceive ought to be the working of the two institutions when
brought to bear upon this subject.
S.—Are not the two inititutions now united for this pur-
pose ?

It.—The Sailor's Home is scarcely sufficiently formed yet
to say they are united; but it is contemplated, I believe,
to unite them so far as their objects are consistent. The
objects of the Sailor's Home, as far as they relate to
provision for the sailor, will be mnch more efficiently carried
out by connection with the Shipmaster's Association than
alone.

S.—May I ask you to inform me what are the specific ob-
jects of the Sailor's Home?

R.—l am not so much acquainted with its objects as to he
enabled to speak of them with certainty. It is contemplated
to have a home for sailors, where those who are strangers to
the port, or those who may be disposed to lodge there, may
be provided with every convenience, and be protected from
the many evils to which they are now exposed. There will
there be found an easy means of being appointed to a ship ;
their notes will there be cashed without fraud or imposition,
and there they will be effectually protected from the danger
of ruin, to which they are frequently brought in some of the
present hoarding-houses, which are professed to be esta-
blished for their "convenience." But, above all, means of
worship and devotion will be provided for them, and a
library will be at their service. It is considered, and not
without good reason, that when these instrumentalities are
furnished to him, the well-disposed sailor will at once meet
with advantages which cannot fail to be greatly profitable to
him. The chief difficulty, I apprehend, will be to persuade
the ill-disposed, those who are in the habit of running riot
as soon as they come on shore after a voyage, to conform to
the requisite discipline, although it is manifest that they are
almost the only parties to be benefitted by such an institu-
tion. Nevertheless, I hope that even these will, in the course
of a little time, have their eyes opened to:its advantages, and
be willing to enjoy them. The impositions to which they
have been subjected by the crimp, the boarding-house
keeper, and the slop dealer will there be extinguished. You
know yourself, as well as I can tell you, or better, that the
" crimp" will bring you down to the ship five or six sailors
just when you are on the point of sailing ; that he will get
them put upon your articles; an advance note is given them,
and a promise is made that they will be at the ship at the
time appointed in order to proceed upoes the voyage. They
come, or are brought to be sure, but in what state ? Why
frequently in a state of drunkenness, or suffering from the
effects of drunkenness. and how has the money raised
by means of the note been disposed of? In this way. As
soon as the sailor has received his note, he takes a glass of
" grog," perhaps two, with the crimp ; the sailor's object is
to get his note cashed ' • and the crimp, who now pays for a
glass or two more, tells him to go to Mr. —, who will cash
it directly. This Mr.
expended on one or two articles, which are cbarzed an exor-
bitant price, five shillings are deducted for ca-huxg a note for
£2, and out of this, and out of the overcharge for the slops,
the slop seller is enabled to pay the crimp half-a-crown for
his trouble. Of course, Jack knows nothing of the under-
standing which exists between the two; lie thinks the bar-
gain is what it seems to be, 'lt fair one, and he goes and spends
the rest of his money, promising the crimp he will be on
board ship the next day when she sails. In very many in-
stances these crimps do nothing more than use the name of
their masters to get men on board, and they live altogether
by what they so shamefully plunder in this manner from poor
Jack. But it is a waste of time for me to tell you all this,
for you know it from experience. The " Sailor's Home,"
in conjunction with the Shipmasters' Association, is intended
to cure this evil. Don't you think it a very laudable under-
taking ?
S.—l have wondered many a time how it was that our
merchants—who have so much time, so many opportunities,
and withal so much money, and who as a body manifest a
great desire to serve the interests of the sailor—have never
bestirred themselves to destroy the abominable practices of
those vagabonds who crowd about the docks to destroy the
poor sailor. Every master they meet in the port, if his
eyes are open, cannot fail of seeing it every day ' • but after
all, our merchants, who come down to their offices late in the
morning, and who are busy with their own affairs all the
day, and return home early in the evening, little think what
is going on about the docks through the night. I see that
you are pretty well acquainted with the matter. Don't you
think it would be very well if some of our merchants would
only step down a few nights in the beginning of April just to
witness the practices of some of these gentry among the
sailors ? _ _

R.—lt might do good, and could do no harm.
S.—Don't you think it would be worth their while to watch
some of these gentry rigging out a poor Irish boy for a
sailor, whose only experience at sea has been just one voyage
across the channel? Just imagine a captain anxious to get
his crew so deceived by his appearance as to take him on
board, believing him to be an able-bodied seaman ! Imagine
him proceeding to sea, and, when an emergency arises, pic-
ture his dismay at discovering that " the bran new sailor
from the sod" never was at sea before ! I had once two of
these land-lubbers on board my vessel, and the only work
they could do was that of scraping and scouring the ship. I
was obliged to feed them, and at the end of the voyage to
pay them the same wages as a real sailor. Of course the
rest of the crew had to do their work ; and the ship was short-
handed into the bargain.
R.—That is just the evil we are endeavouring to remedy—
yet, strange to say, we have the utmost reluctance on the
part of your captains to give us a helping hand. Let me
ask them, through you, to be philanthropic for once, and not
only give us their assistance, but induce others to render us
theirs. By this means, adding link to link, a chain will be
formed which eventually will bind every shipmaster who has
one spark of regard for his species to join in the bond with
us, and a large, influential, and I need not say respectable,
association will be the issue.
S.—The larger the body, the better will it be calculated to
carry out out any object of importance. You have so con-
vinced me, in this short conversation, of the advantages of
the Shipmasters Association, that I will'immediately go up
to the room, enrol myself a member, and get one of your
flags for my ship.
R.—The flag is a very small matter, but you will find it of
considerable importance. It will show that you are on board
the ship, whatever may be the name of the vessel, and your
number being reported, will be sufficient to cause the ship to
be reported, in any position, without hoisting a multiplicity
of flags.
S.—l perfectly understand that. It is very clear to my
mind that the existence and the principles noon which this
institution is founded, ought become generally known
amongst shipmasters. There are some men about the
docks, who, I should have thought would have had an inte-
rest in spreading correct information concerning it, seeing
that it will work a general good, but I find they have, from
some unworthy motive I fear, entirely misled me. I will
however, do all in my power to disabuse the minds of my
fellow-masters, whom I know to have imbibed the same pre-
judices as I had, and induce them to become members. I
wish you good morning, but I will see you again on this sub-
ject on my return into port.
R.—Thank you. I hope to. meet you often at the rooms.
I have no interest in the association, except so far as it is
calculated to do good, and if I have convinced one prejudiced
mind of that, I conceive myself amply rewarded.