The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-07-31 00:00:00

THE CABINS

THE SALOON.—This room is under. the fore part of the
quarter deck, and occupies the full breadth of the ship. It
is nearly square, being 28 ft. in length by 34 ft. athwartships.
The height to the beams, which are rendered ornamental, is
7 feet 8 inches, being the height throughout between the
main deck and the spar deck. This spacious apartment is
finished in the Tudor style of Gothic. There are four doors,
two from the main deck, and two from a wide passage or
corridore leading to the stern. The tops of these entrances
are pointed arches. On each side there are sofa fixtures,
upholstered in embossed crimson velvet. The walls are en-
riched with narrow Gothic panels, of a delicate tint, and the
stiles or mullions are raised in alto, in grained oak, a pointed
donated arch being formed in bold carved work at the top
of each. The cornice is embattled, and as it projects from
the wall, has a fine effect. The whole of this oak work
strongly resembles in style that in several of our cathedrals
and antique churches. A cheerful light is poured in not
only from the middle of the deck, but from four win-
dows, as large as Port holes—two an each side—each
glazed with a single plate. Therg are four sideboards, in
recesses, near the corners. Au oblong mirror is inserted
behind each of these, giving it a " double" effect... Above
these there are three gothic panels, similar to those in the
room ; and in the middle one in each is inserted a small oil
painting or portrait of au American worthy ;—General Wash-
ington, the present President, and two others. Four tables
are ranged in parallel lines along the floor, with sofa seats.
Here upwards of. a hundred individuals may sit down to the
festive board. The side windows form thorough lights, and
afford a view of sea or land as. the vessel dashes on her
course. Adjoining the saloon, and farming_ two wings to it,
on each, side of the entrances from the main deck, and enter-
ing from them, are the steward's two pantries, replete with
the splendid plate, and glass and earthenware, &c., of the
ship, requisite in the serving up of the good things of this
life to the passengers. A portion of the panel work, like a
'secret door, opens from each of these into the saloon, for the
convenience of the waiters. _

TuE PRINCIPAL CORRIDOR.—This wide passage or cor-
ridor. extending front the saloon to the stern of the vessel
amidships, and well lighted from the roof as well as by several
large windows in the stern at the further end, is one of the
most interesting parts of the ship. It forms an interior pro-,
menade, and on each side are the principal state rooms or
dormitories, two deep between it and the sides of the ship,
and accessible by passages topped by pointed arches diverging
from it at right angles. The style of the corridore corresponds
with that of the saloon ; but it is more highly enriched. It
is divided at each side into five compartments, between each
of which there is a mirror within a gothic panel. These ten
large compartments are filled up with oil paintings, executed
on canvas, in such a manner as to resemble the fine tapestry
of olden times. The whole of the ten pictures are illustra-
tive of the life, early aspirations, adventures, discoveries,
and subsequent misfortunes of Christopher Columbus. The
artist has chosen the most striking passages in the life of the
illustrious and ill:requited navigator :
__

. -
No. I.—A.D. 1470. Columbus selling maps.
2.—Columbus kindled into enthusiasm in the contemplation

. ,
of his voyage.
3.-1482. _ Begging bread for himself and child, at the Con-

vent of La Gbida.
4.—His conference with Juan Perez Marcheza, and the

physician Garcia Fernandez, who admire the grandeur of

his views.
5.-1492. His joyful discovery, from the high stern of his
vessel, of the land, on the 11th of October of this year.
He sailed on the 3d of August.
6.—The landing on the 12th of October, 1492, at San Salva-
dor, one of the Bahama Islands. He offered up thanks-
giving, his crew humbling themselves at his feet. The
naked and painted savages regarded them as visiters from

the sky.
7.—His entry into Barcelona in 1493, on his triumphant re-
turn to Spain.
_ . _ _

B.—His condescending reception by Ferdinand and Isabella.
9.—The arrest—after, through evil counsellors, Ferdinand
had him brought back in chains.

10.—The Return in 1500. His- arrival at Cadiz in chains.
As an historical reminiscence it may be added, that Colum-
bus was born in 1445-6, at Genoa, and died at Valladolid on
the 20th of May, 1506, in poverty and neglect.
Such are the events in the life of the great discoverer of
the New World which the artist has selected ; and he has exe-
cuted his task with a strict adherence- to historical truth.
The vraisemblance of the hero is remarkably well preserved
throughout all his vicissitudes of circumstance, and the cha-
racters who surround him are well and boldly pourtrayed.
The. whole give the corridor the appearance of a picture gal-
lery, and the contemplation to which it leads is most appro-
priate in a transatlantic steam-ship.
THE LADIES' RETIRING CABIN.—At the further end of
the principal corridor there is a large and lofty room on each
side, handsomely papered and carpetted, and lighted from
large windows in the stern. One of these is the retiring
cabin for the ladies. From their height being comparatively
greater than that of the saloon, in proportion to their size,
they resemble rooms on shore, and being close abaft, afford
a quiet and secluded retreat.
THE STATE OR SLEEPING ROOMS.—These are larger,
and consequently more commodious than those generally
found on board of our larger passenger ships ; and they are
fitted up with every regard to comfort. Owing to the ne-
cessity even in a large ship
of economising room, the usual
plan has been adhered to of having two beds, one over the
other, in each. We hope yet, however, to see the day when,
though the sleeping rooms may be made smaller, each pas-
senger will have his or her sanctum sanctorum. As it is, the
President's state rooms are fully equal to any we have seen.
They are moreover altogether apart from the saloon, which is
considered an advantage. The corridor, and small lobbies
leading to them from it, give the whole the appearance of the
upper story of a large and splendid hotel.
THE LOWER CORRIDOR AND SLEEPING ROOMS.—Below
the rooms just noticed there is another, or lower story, corre-
sponding in almost every particular, with the exception of
the paintings, and their having a scantier " supply" of light,
which, however, is admitted sufficiently for practical pur-
poses, even in the berths, from the ship's sides. This cor-
ridor is lighted from oblong openings in the middle of that
above, and which are surrounded by handsome railings. It
extends forward, as do the sleeping rooms on each side,
under the saloon; and that part of it is lighted from immense
thick squares of glass, inserted in the middle of, and level
with, the floor of the saloon, immediately below the deck
light, and which have, from above, the appearance of sheets
of ice. The rooms are as lofty and well furnished as those
above, and those at the sides of the ship have each a side
light which may be opened or closed at pleasure. Those
nearer the centre of the vessel, in both stories, have larger
windows to the respective corridores. There is a most con-
venient and handsome light spiral staircase leading from the
quarter-deck down to the corridores and also to the after
entrances to the saloon.
THE FORE CABIN is of considerable size, and well painted.
It is surrounded with sleeping rooms not inferior to those
abaft, and here 40 or 50 passengers may be accommodated.
In the fore part of the vessel there is also a cheerful apart-
ment for servants. In all, from 20 to 130 persons may be
comfortably " lodged and boardedl."
FORE DINING-ROOM.—This is a handsome room, erected
on the spar deck, between the paddle-boxes, and is conse-
quently one of the most airy and " commanding" apartments
in the ship, as regards the view. It is about 32 feet Yong

and 13 in width. Continuous with it, in front, is the ste-
ward's room, from the centre of which rises the funnel, and
further forward, of a half oval figure, is the smoking room,
in which those may disport who delight to inhale the fumes
of " the fragrant weed." - -

ERECTIONS ON THE MAIN DECK.—On this deck, in the
middle, passing froth the saloon forwards, are two commodious
rooms (a sitting and sleeping room) for the head engineer
and adjoining these, similar accommodations for the. 4 frA
officer, furnished with desks, &c. Further forward,:there are
three distinct galleys, or cooking houses, one foi' each cabin,
and one for the crew. These are providecTivith cabouses,,
or coppers, of the most approved .construction. There are
also separate establishments for thebutcher, the bakir, and
the pastry cook. On each side of this deck, fbrward, there
are the captain's private room, of a good size, and opposite
to it a similar one for the second and third officers. Further
aft are rooms for the providote, the engineers, and others
connected with the ship. Under the forecastle, on this deck
too, are two large rooms, reaching to the bow, for the sea-
men, fitted up in an ingenious and excellent manner, to .in-
sure air, cleanliness, and comfort.. Every man has his sleep-
ing berth and his drawers and locker, with locks and keys
below for his clothes, so that the lumber of sea chests is al-
together avoided. The officers are as proud of these rooms
as of any in the ship. _ _

There are a number of other conveniencies, including cel-
lars, store-rooms, luggage-rooms, baths, &c., which it were
superfluous to particularise. Suffice it to say that everything is
contrived to render complete the huge hotelerie which we
have endeavoured to describe.

THE ENGINES.—To scientific individuals, the stupendous
engines of the President, the largest ever yet made, and their
working, while at sea, with a ceaseless power which may be
considered sublime, are objects of interest, and induce fre-
quent visits to the engine-room. The frame-work of these
gigantic machines is in the Gothic style ; the castings are all
beautiful and ornamental; and the polished iron and brass
admirably finished, like a piece of fine clock-work. They
were built by our celebrated townsmen, Messrs. Fawcett,
Preston and Co. The following are some statistical parti-
culars :
Diameter of cylinders
Stroke
Weight of cylinders
Gothic pillars, 4 pairs, each ll t. 7 cwt.
Boilers, each

Bed plates (two) each in one casting l5 „
The whole engines and boilers, with the water, weigh about
510 tons.

THE RECENT TRIAL TRIP.—A. gratifying proof of the
admirable sea-going qualities of the President was afforded
by her recent trial trip to Cork and Dublin, and back to this
port. A party of about fifty gentlemen was on board, and
all were highly delighted with the accommodations, and
the easy motion of the ship, as well as her extraordinary
speed under the disadvantages of new, and, consequently.
stiff engines, and a generally heavy sea-way and head wind.
Had there been three times the number of passengers on
board, all would havc found "ample scope and verge enough,"
in her saloons and on her spacious decks. It was, indeed.
quite a treat to tread the spar-dgek as she bounded along the
rocky and romantic shores of Ireland, or when out of sight
of land, Overhauled and rapidly passed even smart sailing
ships, that had not the advantage of that " iron,pent poten-
tate—steam."

The following is a statement of the rate of going :

Average No. of
Miles. Hours. knots per hour,
From Liverpool to Cork, about
by a devious course, to 33
9 1-11th
give the shoals and a 300
clear birth, about
From Cork to Dublin,
170 18
(outside)
From Dublin to L'pool,
124 9h. 52m. 12 4-7ths
by the Vic. Channel

9 4-9ths

Total 594 60h. 52m.
Or about an average throughout of 94 nautical miles an hour.
On one occasion only (in coming from. Dublin) was any sail set,
but the wind was so light, and her speed at the time so great
—l3k knots—that it was found on dewing all up, that she
had gained only half a knot au hour by her canvass, as she
still made good 13 knots. After passing Holyhead, on her
homeward voyage, she frequently ran 14 and 14 knots, and
when near the Formby Light-ship she accomplished 15 knots
by the line ! It is, however, to be remarked, that the ship
was comparatively light at the tine,—though, from her fine
bearings and breadth aloft, we do not expectr she will ever be
what is termed very " deep in the water.
The after cabins and saloon were designed and executed by
Mr. W. Simpson, of the Strand, London; the fore cabin by
Messrs. Humble and Milcrest, in the joiner work, and the
painting of this and the other parts of the vessel by Mr.
White, both of our own town.
The following are the names of the present officers :
Lieut. R. J. Fayrer, R.N., Commander, formerly of the
" Liverpool" steam-ship.
Mr. Kean, First Officer.
Mr. Duncan, Second Officer.
Mr. Little, Third Officer.

The principal engineer is Mr. William Griffith, and there
are six engineers, and twenty firemen. A director—Mr.
Read, from Messrs. Fawcett and Co.'s—is also on board.
She carries three mates, a boatswain, five or six cooks,
and about thirty-five men before the mast.

We may in conclusion quote as appropriate a few words
from the account we furnished of her trial trip :—The Presi-
dent is a ship of immense length and immense tonnage. It
could not be doubted that she would afford sufficient space
for the exercise of those on board ; but some doubt had arisen
even in the minds of practical men whether she would not
prove unwieldy, and difficult to work at sea, or even in smooth
water. These doubts must be entirely dissipated by the first
performance of this noble vessel, She is steered with the
comparative ease of a yacht, even in a heavy sea-way, and
may be worked through narrow and intricate channels with
equal ease. A more easy or finer sea-boat it is impossible to
conceive. There is no labouring, no pitching and rolling to
an extens to cause uneasiness. All is steady, dry, and com-
fortable ; and in point of space, convenience, and ventilation,
she cannot, we think, be surpassed.

[We regret to state that it is not in our power, (as will
be found by an announcement in another part of our paper,)
to present our readers (this day) with the print-of the
President, which was intended to accompany the above
description. They will, however, receive it in a few days.]

MEETING OF PROPRIETORS OF THE LIVERPOOL
D MANCHESTER RAILWAY.

The seventeenth half-yearly meeting of the proprietors of
the Liverpool and Manchester Railway was held on Wed-
nesday, at one o'clock, in the Cotton Sale-room, Exchange-
buildings. _ _

CHARLES LAWRENCE, Esq., having taken the chair, the
notice convening the meeting was read; after which,
Mr. BopTH, the secretary, read the report and accounts.
The nett proceeds for the half year ending 30th June last,
were stated to exceed, considerably those for the correspond-
ing period of the previous year ; the amount for the first si;
months of 1839 being £48,211, and for the half year just
concluded £59,471. These larger proceeds were stated to
have arisen more from reduced expenditure than increased
receipts. In reference to the junction of the Liverpool and
Manchester with the Manchester and Leeds Railway, the
directors trusted it would not be considered that they had
lost sight of so important a subject ; at the present moment,
however, they. were not prepared to recommend any defini-
tive course of proceeding to the proprietors. Among the
various railways which had been opened to the public within
the last weeks, the Lancaster and Preston and the Preston
and Wyre were the two most directly in communication with
the Liverpool and Manchester. From the increased travel-
ling which had ever followed the additional facilities afforded
by new railways, the directors trusted that the two above-
named undertakings would prove auxiliaries to the Liverpool
and Manchester line. The accounts exhibited £126,474 9s.
Bd. as the total receipts for the half year, and £67,003 ss. ld.
as the total expenditure, leaving a balance -of profit of
£59,471 4s. 7d. To this was added the surplus of £10,784
18s. 3d. from the last half-year's account, making a total of
£70,256 2s. 10d. The number of shares entitled to a divi-
dend were—The old shares as heretofore, 79681 £lOO shares.
New shares sold under the act, 1361 £lOO shares ; 7968 £5O
shares, equalling 3984 £lOO shares ; making 12,089 £lOO
shares. The directors recommended a dividend of £5 per
share, amounting to £60,446 55., leaving a balance of £9809
17s. I,od. to be carried to the credit of the next half year's
account.
The CHAIRNIAN said the meeting had heard the report
read, and he hoped they would consider it satisfactory. He
had nothing particular to add to it, but if any gentleman pre-
sent had any questions to ask, he should be most happy to
answer to the best of his power.
After a pause, Mr. RIGG moved the adoption of the re-
port, and that the accounts should pass. The motion was
seconded by a shareholder whose name we did not hear.
Mr. JOSEPH CREWDSON moved that the dividend of X 5
per share, recommended by the directors, be approved, and
be payable on the 6th August next.
Mr. MAXWELL seconded the motion.
Mr. WILSON CREWDSON said, after so satisfactory a re-
port, he thought the warmest thanks of the meeting were due
to the Chairman, and he begged;leave to move a resolution to
that effect.
Carried by acclamation.

The CHAIRMAN.—I feel very grateful for your expres-
sions of approbation. The meeting, I believe, is now at an
end.

The bulk of the shareholders had risen to depart, when a
gentleman, named Gill, who, we were informed, is one of the
principal directors of the Leeds line of railway, the junction
of which with the Manchester and Liverpool has been under
consideration, pressed hurriedly forward, and begged to have
the attention of the meeting for a few moments. He had
come over expressly to attend this meeting, before which be
wished to lay some propositions of considerable importance ;
he hoped, therefore, that the Chairman would detain the
shareholders for a brief period, while he laid before them a
document which he would bring up in a few minutes.
The CHAIRMAN.--I do not know whether we can, with
propriety, enter upon any new business at this moment : the
meeting is formally at an end. However, lam in the hands
of the meeting ; if the shareholders think fit to hear your
propositions, lam sure I have no objections. _ _

Mr. GILL.—I will not detain you. I merely ask you to
wait three minutes, The document is copying below. The
proposals are of a nature in which the interests of the Com-
pany are greatly concerned.
Mr. JOSEPH CEEWDSO*-:, I really think, Mr. Chairman,
that it would be very irregular to enter upon any business
but that upon which the meeting was called, and which is
now concluded.

Mr. JOHN CROPPER : I am sure this is not the proper
place to bring forward business of the nature Mr. Gill has
come upon. The regular mode is to bring it hefore the di-
rectors.

Mr. GILL said be was of the same opinion, and he had al-
ready communicated with Mr. Booth, whom he took, to be
the organ of the directors : he had understood that if he did
not bear from the latter he was at liberty to bring the subject
before the shareholders.

Mr. JOHN CROPPER would say, on behalf of the directors,
that no proposition whatever, from Mr. Gill, had come re-
gularly before them. He was quite sure that if Mr. Booth
had received any communication in a regular shape, he would
have brought it before the board.
The CHAIRMAN : Mr. Gill will see, I am sure, that at this
meeting no matter can be introduced but what directly con-
cerns the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.
Mr. GILL (anxiously) : I beg to say that this does materi-
ally concern the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. I have
come here expressly for the purpose of laying it before this
meeting, and if they will but hear what I have to propose, I
am sure they will see how much they are interested in it.
The CHARMAN said, Mr. Booth had certainly mentioned
to him that Mr. Gill had spoken to him on the subject, but
nothing was personally brought before the directors. They
had already stated that they were not prepared to recommend
any definite course of proceeding to the proprietors.
Mr. COGLAN wished to know what the subject was for.
The meeting, he was sure, did not understand what the pro-
position to which Mr. Gill alluded related to.
Several members expressed a desire to be further informed ;
and the CHAIRMAN said it was understood to be something
touching the junction of the Leeds line with that of Liver-
pool and Manchester.
Mr. BooTH begged to be allowed to say a word or two in
explanation. He had certainly communicated with Mr. Gill
on the subject, but, as regarded bringing it before that meet-
ing, he told him distinctly that he thought such a course
would be extremely injudicious. _

Mr. GILL said he understood that if he did not hear from
the directors, he was at liberty to bring the subject before
that meeting.

Mr. JOSE-Pll CREIVDSON thought it would be extremely

irregular and improper for them to Over-ride their directorg:
In their directors, and in.-their chairman, they had the
fullest confidence, and IV hoped that confidence would be
evinced in the proceedings of that day... He thought it would
be irregular., any proposition which the directors
desired give first submitted to them for consideration.—
(ApPlause.)
The CHAIRMAN, in 'the name of the directors, thanked
the meeting for their good opinion. He repeated that the
directors„,had not felt in a position to decide immediately on
a subject involving so many interesting considerations.—
(Cheers.)
Mr. SANDARS said he trusted Mr. Gill would see that this
meeting had been called with one special object, which hav-
ing been completed, no matter which did not immediately
arise out of it could be regularly entertained.

Mr. COGLAN -said as The subject named was one which
perhaps ought to come before the directors, the present meet-
ing could not interfere in it. He moved, therefore, that the
meeting should separate.
Mr. GILL : If that be your decision, I must submit.
The meeting broke up immediately.