The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-11-13 00:00:00

LOCAL NEWS.

The Hon. Captain Stanley, we understand, has purchased
the lieutenant-colonelcy in the grenadier guards, vacant by
the retirement of Lieut.-Col. Johnson.
A RADICAL COUNCILLOR NONPLUSSED.—An incident
worth recording took place at the melting of the newly-ap-
pointed Watch Committee, at whith the chairman and vice-
chairman were chosen. We give it as it was related to us.
Sir Joshua Walmsley having been appointed chairman of the
committee, Mr. Thornhill was nominated to the secondary
office of dewy, upon which Mr. Birkett remarked that, as
charges of drunkenness were frequently, preferred against
parties appearing before the cominittee, it would be scarcely
consistent to appoint as vice-chairman an individual who was
himself liable to the failing of taking a glass too much. Mr.
Thornhill demanded Mr. Birkett~ authority for bringing
such a charge against him. Mr. Birkett unhesitatingly gave
Mr. F. 41(111 as his authority. The latter gentleman did
not think fit to make any reply, and the two Radical coun-
cillors looked unutterable things at each other. We have
not heard whether Mr. Thornhill slunk out of the room.
ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.—It will be seen that this theatre.

will be opened on Monday next, under the management of
Mr. Egerton, whose spirited superintendence of the Queen's
Theatre, Manchester, has so often called down the coin-

mendations of the press of that town, and whose exertions to
render this theatre equally acceptable will, we doubt not,
meet with approbation. We have seen the new act-drop—a
restored view of the " Court of Lions, in the Alhambra,'

ich is the most splendid production of the kind we
ever witnessed ; and though elaborate in design, there is a
freedom and boldness in the style that cannot fail to
ensure the admiration of all lovers of the fine
arts. It is painted by Messrs. Parker and Johnstone, who
have spared no pains to render the picture such as will pour-
tray to the beholder a faithful representation of that splendid
palace. To give additional effect to this scene, a carpeting,
representing tile-work in perspective, and in accordance with
the floor of palace, will run out from the foot-lights, and
meet the scene on its being dropped, which will tend greatly
to distance and harmonize the view. We had prepared a
description of the decorative improvements which the enter-
prising manager has effected, but we are compelled to post-
pone it until Tuesday.
LONDON NATIVE OYSTERS. —Any person desirous of
" astonishing the natives," may have an opportunity of do-
ing so by paying Mr. Barton, of Renshaw-street, a visit.
His delicious oysters are well worth the notice of the %picure
and man of taste ; and as they are brought from London dai-
ly, are always fresh and good.
LAUNCII.—On Tuesday last, a fine ship, built by Messrs.
Hazelden, Pearson, and Troughton, was launched froM their
yard, south side of the Queen's Dock basin. She is (as we
before had occasion to notice) one of the finest vessels ever
turned out at our porL She is of 376 tons burthen, and is called

" The Meg of Meldon," a celebrated witch who rendered,
as our historical readers will remember, good and effective
service to the Earl of Derwentwater in " olden times." She
is built of the choicest materials, and as was remarked by

Mr. Bailey, the talented surveyor for Lloyd's at this port,
" may be equalled in fidelity and excellence of construction,
but cannot be surpassed." She was built for, and is to be
commanded by Captain Arthur Cookson, well known as the
commander of the Jumna, and more recently of the Marl,
the command of which last vessel he undertook while this
ship was building, for one voyage, across the Atlantic and
back. Notwithstanding the precarious and inclement state
of the weathei, the yard and every adjoining eminence were
crowded by hundreds of spectators, including many respect-
able individuals of both sexes. Soon after eleven o'clock,

all being in readiness, the daggers were struck, and the ves-
sel glided from the yard into her destined element in gallant
style, amidst the loud acclamations of the delighted specta-
tors—her name being given by Miss Sinclair, daughter of
Mr. S. of Duke-street, who was one of the party present.
She looked beautiful when high and dry, and still more so
when afloat. She sat firmly and lightly in the water, was
much admired by all who are judges of naval architectural
symmetry, and we doubt not will, besides carrying a large
cargo, turn out to be " a clipper." After the launch a
number of ladies and gentlemen, friends of the builders
and owner, retired to the mould-rooin, and while the
rain poured in torrents without, passed a delightful
afternoon in festive enjoyment. Amongst the gentlemen
present was Mr. Sinclair, (who occupied the chair), Mr.
Shand, Dr. Grindrod, Dr. Gouthwaite, and many others of
our most esteemed citizens. The number of " Lancashire
Witches" who came to honour their " weird sister" " Meg
Meldon," was proportionately great. The room was
beautifully decorated with national flags. An elegant and
sumptuous cold collation, with wines, &c., was served by
Mr. 'Wilde, of the American Hotel, Lower Sparling-street ;
many appropriate speeches were made, and toasts drunk,
and a more harmonious or happy party we never witnessed.
The health of the builders and that of the owner of the ves-
sel, and success to them in their future undertakings, was
drunk with repeated rounds of applause, and was followed by
neat and suitable replies. After the repast the merry dance
commenced, two fiddlers being present, and the pleasures of
the evening were prolonged till a late hour of the afternoon.
The workmen were regaled below, and testified by their
cheering their good wishes to their employers. We were
never, indeed, present at a more joyful assemblage, and the
respect shown to the builders and owners of the noble vessel
just let afloat on the bosom of the old Mersey, was not more
hearty than it was deserved.
BRIDGEWATER Housx.—Lord Francis Egerton has en-
trusted the erection of this mansion to Mr. Barry, the archi-
tect of both houses of parliament •, and it is understood it will
be commenced immediately. Sir R. Sinirke was first engaged
as its architect, but that gentleman gave up the undertaking.
PERSONATION OF A VOTER.—William Thompson, a
slimmaker, residing in St. Andrew-street, in this town, was
placed before Mr. Rushton, on Saturday, charged with having
at the late municipal election, voted in Abercromby Ward,
for Mr. Todd, the radical candidate pretending that he was
Wm. Thompson, a cow-keeper, resident in the same street.
It was proved that the prisoner had delivered in a voting-
paper at the booth where the votes for Abercroniby-ward were
received, and that his vote was recorded as that of the Wm.
Thompson who appeared on the register, in which the prison-
er's name did not appear, as he was not duly qualified. It was
known by some parties present, that the Wm. Thompson
whose name appeared on the register was ill and unable so
leave his bed, but according to the evidence, the vote was in-
serted before any objection could be made. Shortly after-
wards, however, Mr. Robertson Gladstone and Mr. Christo-
pher Bushell, having heard of the circumstance, entered the
booth and protested bgainst the validity of the vote. Thos.
Atkinson was called by Mr. Penington. He stated that hav-
ing heard that the prisoner had personated his neighbour,
Win. Thompson, the cow-keeper, in 1839, when he voted for
Mr. Ripley, he had some conversation with hint} on the sub-
ject. The prisoner at first said he thought he was the person
entitled to vote : but, upon being pressed on the point by
the,.
witness telling him that not having paid his rates, he mu"
have known that he was not qualified, he admitted that he
had done wrong, and said he would never be led into such an
error 'again. It was proved by Mr. Hart and Mr. Tyson,
that the prisoner's name did not appear in either the rate-
book or the burgess-roll. Mr. Snowball, who appeared for
the defenCe, contended that supposing the prisoner had voted
in the manner alleged, it was not an indictable offence. Mr.
Rushton said, when a case of this kind occurred, some time
ago, they had the whole law very fully discussed, and a very
high opinion was taken, which entirely coincided with his
own. He was clearly of opinion that this was indictable of-
fence. Mr. Rushton asked the prisoner if he had any thing
to say. He replied that the statement of Mr. Atkinson as to
the conversation that had passed between them was entirely
false. Mr. Rushton said, that in the discharge of his duty,
he should commit the prisoner for trial for an offence which
he regarded as very serious. Knowing lie was not qualified,
the prisoner had personated a voter at the municipal election,
which was a fraud upon the candidate, and in direct opposi-
tion to the intentions of the legislature, for by it all the ends
of legislation were defeated. Mr. Atkinson's statement
pressed in aggravation, for the prisoner had acknowledged his
error in 1839, and had repeated it in 1840. The prisoner was
committed for trial at the next sessions, with an intimation,
that bail would be taken immediately, if required. The sure-
ties demanded were two of £2O each, and the prisoner's own
recognisance in £4O. The witnesses for the prosecution were
bound in recognisances of £lOO each to appear and give evi-
dence on the trial. Bail was afterwards given, and the pri-
soner was liberated.
THEATRE ROYAL.—MRS. CLARKE'S BENEFIT.—This
evening this theatre closes for the season, when will termi-
nate the present lessee's interest in it. There have been
few, we may say, establishments in the kingdom, which
have been conducted with greater regularity, more honour-
able conduct, or with better taste and spirit, than this. Ne'
velties have been brought forward, and " stars" have been
engaged, without much regard to the chance of profitable
return ; a spirit has been manifested to afford the public all
opportunity of seeing that which was popular in the metro-
polis, and occasion has been, when pieces were produced, and
performers engaged, when there appeared but small hope er
expectation of return adequate to the outlay. Take, for in-
stance, the engagement of the French company, one of the
best that has ever appeared in London. The house was not
well filled during the whole of the time they were here. The
management thought they might please, but never had all
sanguine expectations of success. We hear, occasionally,
complaint made of the inefficiency of the company engaged ;
but let us inquire where we shall find a better one, or one in
which there are more careful or more steady actors ? A good
second or third rate man is as valuable in one point of view
in a theatre as a "star :" he does not produce so much, but
his efforts are necessary to conduce to that " star's" suc-
cess. Look the country through, we shall not find a
company better organized, or more respectable, than has aP-
peered at the Theatre Royal, and the public and playgoers
must consider themselves fortunate, if they have as good
a caterer of amusement as the present, in the next manage-
ment. Let us look at the Theatre itself. For comfort in the
auditors' portion there is none more agreeable ; and as to the
decorations, there is not an interior anywhere, not even in the
" Great Metropolis" itself, can compare with it. The scenery
is, generally speaking, handsome and picturesque, and well
executed; and the appointments are quite good enough for
any purpose. To draw attention to the last night of the
season—Mrs. Clarke, the best actress in her line upon the
stage, upon this occasion will make her farewell curtsey.
We are confident that all who have enjoyed her truly
original humour will honour her with their presence•
Those who have participated in the mirth which she has oc-
casioned should, and no doubt will, testify substantially their
admiration of her. In the true commercial spirit prevalent
in this great town, Mrs. Clarke offers an inducement 'for
those who do not personally interest themselves in her wel-
fare, by introducing to them Miss Ellen Tree, in Shakspeares
delightful play of "As You Like It. Ellen Tree's Rosalind
is the most finished performance on the stage. Mr. Charles
Kean, as the " melancholy Jacques," will give the play goers
an opportunity of witnessing his reading of it. It maY ",,
looked upon with some curiosity. It is needless to say a fat'
house may be expected. We give advice to those who wi
to be present to apply for tickets immediately.
DESERTING A NEWLY-BORN CHILD.--A middle-aged
woman, named Margaret M'Cann, was yesterday Placed
before Mr. Rushton, at the Police-office, charged with ha"
ing on the previous evening deserted an infant child.
the evidence it appeared that the child had been placed in a
basket and left on the steps of a shop, where it was foul'
almost dead, with a note attached to its. clothing. The
male made some statement in extenuation of her conduc,"
but Mr. Rushton said he would not be doing his duty if L'e
did not commit her for trial.
the
IN RAPHAEL'S PROPHETIC ALMANACK FOR 1841,
Veil of Futurity is rent asunder, and the Lives and Actiens
of the Queen, Lord Melbourne, Wellington, Sir Robers_
Peel, &c. &c., (as influenced by the Planets in the course o
next Year,) symbolically depicted. 50,000 purchasers att es
f
,t,
the interest in this bold man's writings, who, if he be road'
has method in his madness. "It is the Stars, the Stara
above us, govern our conditions," as King Lear says. Rai
phael's Prophetic Almanack has been twenty-one Yea`„
before the public, and annually increased in circulation ;r
contains 108 handsome pages, and a large coloured
glyphic. In it the Politician may trace the windings of t"°'
Cabinet ; the Farmer find every thing useful, with a Monthly.
Weather Guide and Fairs, the Student, Tables for consul ti,-
tiou, the Christian be led " through Nature up to Nature :
God," and Ladies become enraptured with Tales of the
Wild and Wonderful, and interspersed with poetical extracts
of the highest order. In the language of Cicero, it may he
said, that Raphael's Prophetic Almanacks " belong to al!
seasons, to all ages, and to all places : afford inaprovernCL,
to youth, delight to old age—are an ornament to prosperli.v_,
provide a refuge and a solace in adversity ; amuse at hop;
are no hindrance abroad, add pleasure to our nights, delight
on a journey, and are our companions in the country. A
tract recently published by an " English Radical," says
that " universal suffrage is a mere animal demand. wlne!
might emanate from a conclave of bears," and that '' houser
hold suffrage includes all the blackguardism and thievery
which rents a gin-shop or a cellar."