The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-11-29 00:00:00

2 :
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.1

,Eiberpoot taifbarb.

TURSD.dY MORNING, NOV. 29, 1853.

DRUNKENNESS AND CRIME.

ALARMED at the sad array of facts which have, we had
almost said ruthlessly, been collected and treasured up
against us as a nation, it has become a fashion, and a bad one,
torepresent British society as the stronghold of drunkenness,
to describe our cities and towns as the peculiar temples in
which the worship of Bacchus is maintained with all its
Most frightful orgies, and where his votaries and victims
are more willing and more numerous, relatively as well as
absolutely, than in any other country or among any other
people. Such statements are unquestionably fallacious.
The vice of drunkenness is unfortunately too prevalent,
much too prevalent, among us ; but in this, as in other
cases, it is quite possible to overdraw the picture, and, like
many others, the scene has been painted in colours more
dingy and repulsive than the blackest tints of the reality
would warrant. The truth of this assertion, we make not
the least doubt, will be readily apparent on comparison;
and what must inevitably force itself on every observer, in
such a town as Liverpool, confirms it. If foreigners are
the comparatively abstemious men they are represented
to be, by those who so vehemently stigmatize the British,
how comes it that foreigners of every land and clime are
so easily induced to worship at the shrine of Bacchus on
their arrival in our port ? But, to come nearer the point,
let us take an example. The Norwegians are generally
represented as a simple and virtuous people, and such we
• readily believe they are; while admitting their virtue and
simplicity, however, we hesitate to promulgate a wholesale
condemnation of our own countrymen. Instead of doing
so, let us take London and Christiana, the capitals of the
two countries, and by a comparison between them endea-
vour to effect a means of judgment. From well-authenti-
cated returns, it appears that in London every three
hundred-and-sixtieth man is, in the course of the twelve
months, arrested on a charge of drunkenness, while in
Christiana, during the same period, every twenty-seventh
man is arrested on the same grounds ! This astounding
result of comparison we sorrowfully admit is no just ground
of triumph ; and though we could repeat it in every pos-
sible case of comparison, it would, after all, form only a
negative ground for congratulation. Drunkenness exists
as a fearful evil in the British Isles, and ever.", well-wisher
of humanity must desire its abatement.
Probably no social affliction produces an amount of
present and prospective misery equal to that which is
directly and indirectly traceable to intemperance. Look
at the records of crime, as these are unfolded in all their
loathsome atrocity, and we shall there see that their most
prolific source is to be found in intoxication. Inquire into
the history of family suffering, and domestic misery, and
individual degradation ; and, ten to one, but these are found
immediately to arise out of drunkenness, or may be
readily traceable to it as a primary, though it may be
-remote, cause. Investigate carefully into that course of
physical and mental degeneracy which seemes at first
sight to threaten, at no distant day, the conversion of a
large portion of the lower orders of society into a
race of brutalized and ferocious savages, destitute
of reflection, and displaying few of those attributes which
distinguish man from the inferior animals; and, in the
majority of instances, the origin and progress of the
malady will be found rooted in, and consequent on, drunken
debauchery. If any one is disposed to question the pro-
priety of such an inference, let him examine the initiatory
stages of crime,as these are unfolded before the magis-
trates and judgg of our inferior and police courts. He
will there find every variety of the social pestilence dis-
played before him, from the maudlin stupidity of him
whose senses have been so steeped in oblivion that he
knows not how or whence he came, to him, who, in the
mad excitement of inebriate frenzy, has plunged the
murderous weapon into the bosom, it may be, of his best
friend, or of some one entirely unknown to him, and
towards whom he cherished no feeling of either love or
enmity ;—from the degraded female, forgetful at once of
virtue and of self-respect, to the horrid destroyer of home's
sacred harmony, the despoiler of her husband's household,
the vile assassin of her children's happiness ;—from the
lisping victim of parental drunkenness, to the hardened,
though still youthful, malefactor. From such and so sad
a display of the demoralizing effects of intemperance, he
will become acquainted with many of the channels by
which the social health • is wounded, and through which
the general well-being is threatened with destruction ; but
in even these nume-rocs and appalling instances, he will
be unable fully to understand or realise the amount of
social degradation arising from intemperance.
,With so alarming a source of evil—so readily traceable
a cause of misery before him—is it surprising that the
philanthropist is roused to the suggestion of many erro-
neous antidotes ? The magnitude of the evil to be over-
come—the multiplicity of forms in which it shows itself—
must plead powerfully in mitigation of even mistaken
nostrums for its cure; but, while admitting this in its
fullest sense, we cannot acquiesce in every scheme pro-
posed even for the eradication of drunkenness. To attempt
the cure of the worst malady, by even worse remedies, is
quite a possible thing. One of these, dangerous and inju-
dicious, is being attempted at present by an association
dating from Manchester as its headquarters, with an im-
portant ramification in Glasgow—its object a legislative
prohibition of the sale of any and all intoxicating liquors—
in other words, the introduction into this country of what
is known among our transatlantic brethren as the " Maine
Liquor Law." To the introduction of such a law there
are many and serious objections, not the least of which is
the difficulty, not to say impossibility, of having it fully
acted on ; besides which, we are entirely ignorant of the
efficacy of its operation, where, by some enthusiasts, it is
said have worked such wonders. We cannot consent to
indorse the theoretical excellence of such a law, and also
to receive, as evidence of its efficacy, the ipse dixit of one
man, even although he should be the fortunate husband
of Mrs. BEECHER STOWE ; nor do we feel warranted in be-
lieving a two years' experiment conclusive on so important
a subject. Are we, at the bare bidding of any individual,
to surrender our right of judgment as something with
which it is dangerous to entrust us, and so convict our-
selves, as a nation, of a grosser amount of degradation
than even our worst enemies would charge us with ?
Surely, we have not yet so far descended in the social.
scale. If there is not sufficient moral virtue left among
us to vindicate ourselves from the charge of universal
drunkenness, the cause of temperance is indeed a hopeless
One. In so moribund a condition, we should indeed be
sorry to contemplate it ; but we look for the healthy
growth, the fall development, and the final triumph of
temperance from the employment of other and more
legitimate means than the application of physical force.
We hope for the restraint of• intemperance and its kin-
dred vices from the extended operation of the same means
and causes which have rendered our people, as a people,
more religions, more virtuous, and more happy, as genera-
tion has succeeded generation. We confidently rely on
the influence of that Gospel, and of those ministrations
which have raised us from the serfdom of savage life, and
from the bondage of a degraded Paganism, to the exalted
freedom of religious knowledge and Christian practice ;
and we trust to the operation of those civilizing arts;
which have at once raised the national character, and
improved the individual condition of its sons and daugh-
ters. Are we to believe that the powerful agencies, which,
under God's blessing, have so far forwarded us in social
advancement, have at last become paralyzed ? Are we to

completion, and the bill to give the necessary powers was
passed through parliament last session. In accordance
with this agreement, by which a right of property in the
South Reserve, which adjoins the beaching ground at
Woodside, was secured to Messrs. BRISSEY and Co., they
commenced operations in the course of the summer, on
the outer wall of the North Reserve, and since then the
works have been proceeded with as rapidly as their
peculiar nature will permit. Those who cross the Mersey,
either by Woodside or Seacombe ferries, may have observed
the gradual extension of the northern wall, over which is
a double line of rails, laid upon a course of piling within
and without.

In the course of this work, which is of the most sub-
stantial character, great difficulties have to be encountered,
owing to the wall being brought almost to the extreme
edge of the sandy formation, and the necessity of securing
a firm foundation for such massive erections. The portion
yet unfinished is only uncovered at low water of spring
tides, and, consequently, the men employed can only work
at it about four days in a fortnight, which accounts for
the seeming delay that has taken place in its completion.
In the mean time, however, the embankment at the
northern part of the South Reserve is being actively pro-
ceeded with, in order to join the outer wall, and thereby
exclude the tide at this point ; so that, when the gap in
the northern wall is filled up, the water will be shut out
from the whole of the northern portion, including the
space intended for the central dock, which will form the
entrance to the Great Float.

When this part of the work has been done, which will
probably be in about a month or six weeks from this
time, many hundreds of additional labourers will be
employed, and a rapid progress made with the works.
These will comprise, in the first instance, the completion
of the North Reserve, and a long line of wharf, extending
from Seacombe Ferry along the side of the Mersey and
the central dock to the entrance of the Great Float, the
interior forming an ample space for the erection of com-
modious warehouses. On the southern side will be a
dock or basin, opening from the Mersey, of the spacious
area of 37 acres, capable of receiving vessels of a larger
burthen than any that have yet reached the Mersey, and
affording shelter to shipping fully equal to any of the
docks on the eastern side of the river, at the same time
forming a magnificent inlet to the vast area of the
Great Float.

'While these works are in progress, the contractors will
complete the outer wall of the South Reserve, in a similar
manner to that on the north, so as to join the corner next
Woodside. This will form another extensive wharf sur-
rounding a large area for the erection of substantial build-
ings, for the purposes of trade, the whole communicating
with the line of railway, and giving such facilities for
commercial operations as will not be surpassed at any
other port in the world. Between the south wall, at the
upper end of which is the entrance to the Morpeth Dock,
and the pier and esplanade of Woodside Ferry, is a well-
sheltered beaching ground for colliers and other small
vessels, of the extent of about sixteen• acres.
We may remark that the outer wall, which is now being
constructed, is of the most substantial masonry, present-
ing a smooth surface to the action of the' tide, the upper
course being several feet above the level of the highest
spring tides ; and there can be no doubt,. from the high
character of the eminent contractors, that the whole work
will be carried out to completion in a manner to do justice
to their reputation. They have also now a greater interest
in the dock works being brought to a state of completion,
owing to their own extensive foundries and workshops
which they have recently erected at the upper end of the
Pool.

When the whole has been finished, which may reasona-
bly be anticipated in about two years from this time, there
will be a total area of wet docks on the Birkenhead side
to the extent of at least two hundred acres, which is equal
to that of all the docks on the Liverpool side of the
Mersey. But, in addition to this, there will be ample
facilities for increasing the dock accommodation to almos'c
any extent, both in water space and quay-room, should
the growing trade of the port demand such extension, as
both on the Seacombe side and the Birkenhead side of the
Great Float there is ample room, and all of it more really
accessible than the extreme north end of the Liverpool line
of docks, and far less costly to make it available.

We have hitherto confined these observations on Birken-
head facilities for shipping purposes to the spacious area
known as Wallasey Pool ; but this is by no means the
limit• of the advantages which the western shore of the
Mersey presents for extending the trade of the port of
-Liverpool. Between Woodside and Monks' Ferry, as have
been noticed already, will he-two large ship-building yards
on land leased by the Liverpool Corporation to Messrs.
CLAYTON and Co., and Messis. CLOVER and Co. ; and the
whole of the intervening space will be thus occupied.
From the upper side of the-railway station to Birkenhead
Ferry, including the whole of the land up to Church-
street, with the exception of a small spot in the south-
west corner belonging to Mrs. La FRENCH, the space will
be occupied by Mr. JOHN L.A.ino) with iron ship-building.
Along this frontage the Corporation has engaged to build
a river wall, and construct graving-docks and other ap-
pliances for building and repairing large vessels.
Immediately beyond what is,n.ow the Birkenhead Hotel,
and which will form the southern extremity of Mr.
LAIRD'S premises, is a partially formed dock, originally
the outlet of Tranmere Pool. The mouth is covered by a
light wooden bridge, connecting the Birkenhead and
Tranmere Ferries ; it has been partially walled, and on
the north side is a slip dock, where corn and coals are
landed. A very moderate outlay might serve to render it
a. commodious wet-dock, while -the outer wall would serve
to continue the boundary of the Mersey, which would
then be complete from this point to Seacombe Ferry, and
prove of very great advantage. to, the clear course of the
tidal stream—an object of much importance in preserving
the mouth of the Mersey from:being obstructed by sand-
banks.

Above Tranmere Dock tbctre is also a spacious bay
formed by an indentation of the Mersey, which, if more
dock-room were required, might be made available by
constructing a river wall and embankment from the point
at Tranmere, to one near Rock Ferry. This would have
a two-fold advantage, as it would not only still further
preserve the tidal stream,. but make available a consi—
derable space now of little. value, from its being too low_
for complete drainage. It would also be admirably
adapted for ship-bundin purposes, as the river is here.
very deep, being that portinu known as the Sloyne, where
large vessels usually find a good anchorage ground.

overlook or repudiate the fact, that in those circles, whence
the example is set in social life, habits, in respect to drink-
ing usages, are now prevalent and on the increase, which,
in the days of our fathers, would have been looked on as
the habits of anchorites ? No ! We cannot bring our-
selves to believe that, with so good and improving an
example set before us, irreligion, ignorance, and drunk-
enness will not suffer a steady, though it may be slow,
diminution. On the rising generation, in this respect,
must be fixed the nation's hope. While we endeavour, by
all means, to reclaim the aged and mature from vice and
its contingent miseries, let us devote every effort of love
and of persuasion to secure for the young increasing know-
ledge, religions and secular, trusting more to these elevat-
ing agencies, and the blessings which must inevitably rest
On them, and less to vituperation and coercion.

THE PORT OF LIVERPOOL.

No. V.

Et the contract which was entered into with Messrs.
Ba.isszy, M'CortmicK, and Co., at the close of last year,
11 the then Birkenhead Dock Trustees, and confirmed
1)7 the board which was subsequently elected, in which
thePartY familiarly known as the Blue List so strongly
Preponderated, it was agreed that the outer works adjoin-
ing the Mersey should be completed, so that the Great
111 11, °at might be rendered fully available for dock
8 11)%es, and the tidal water excluded from the large
11;eae: 6,,1.114113- destined to form the North and South
eminent dough Through the liberal terms upon which those
of the ht e'ntractors agreed to undertake the responsibility
the Dock °y which would necessarily be incurred,
,step t„„, stew were enabled to take this important
"" 4'14 the realisation of the long,-cleferred hopo of

TIIE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, AND GENERAL COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER

of the regency of these kingdoms, and, in conformity to
the said constitutional charter, I swear to maintain the
Roman Catholic apostolic religion, the integrity of the
kingdom, and to observe and cause to be observed the
political constitution of the Portuguese nation and other
laws of the kingdom, and provide for the general good of
the nation to the utmost of my power. I also swear to
preserve fidelity to the King, Lord Dom Pedro VIII., my
above all much loved and hiL,hly prized son, and to resign
the government to him immediately on his attaining his
majority."
The Government is triumphing in the municipal elections.
BA.DEN.—The government measures against the refrac-
tory Roman clergy have led to deplorable riots. The
gendarmes, who were ordered to arrest several priests,
were attacked by the peasantry in the Tauber Valley. In
other places the priests were rescued by the populace.
AIISTRIA.—The Press states that the Austrian govern-
ment has appealed to her Majesty's government to make
with it, as a service to Russia, who does not herself choose
to originate the suggestion, a joint proposition for an
armistice between the Turkish and Russian forces during
the winter.

Russia.—lt is said that the Czar, in reply to an inquiry
of Austria, has stated that he is still willing to enter into
negociations, if the Porte will submit a project of peace.
The Grand Duke Michael has been• appointed to the com-
mand of the Russian army of reserve. This army, it is
said, is to be directed upon the Caucasus. A Russian
bulletin, dated the 11th instant, has been published. It
states that the Turks, who, on the Bth, occupied the island
of Mokan, near Giurgevo, evacuated that position on the
9th, because they were smashed (foudi•oyes) by a Russian
battery of 14 pieces.

was launched at the unfortunate little entrenchment,
encompassed on three sides, as it appeared, by its enemies.
Skirmishers were duly thrown out, and on a close approach
were recalled. Be it understood that the infantry ad-
vanced in columns on both occasions close on quarter-
distance—very ridiculously, it is thought, though of
course the world must bow to the superior knowledge and
experience of such a military nation as Russia. The
columns had not advanced many paces when they
appeared overwhelmed with the infantry fire of the
entrenchment, and the artillery fire of a battery on the
right bank. They were thrown into the most complete
disorder, and retired utterly discomfited. Again their
artillery opened, and drove tunnels into the entrench-
ment, and continued firing for half an hour. On
the retreat of the infantry, through the glass their dead
could be seen in numbers strewing the ground. There
could be no mistake about it, as there were hundreds of
pairs of eyes that saw them, with or without the assist-
ance of the telescope. A hearty cheer from the entrench-
ments gave vent to the good spirits of its gallant defenders.
It was echoed by one from this side by the united voices
of the chief's staff and posse comitatus. The Turkish
force was commanded by Hall Pacha, as lieutenant-colonel
in the service, who, upon his presenting himself to Omer
Pacha, was made a full colonel. One of General Prim's
aides-de-camp, Colonel Detente, was present in the action,
and escaped unhurt. The commander received a slight
wound in the hand. The report of the killed on the
Turkish side is only 20; but this was an hour or two after
the action, and many who were then simply wounded,
have since, poor fellows, left this scene of trouble.
This morning (sth) it is stated that 1000 stand of arms
have been taken. One half of the: 11th division of the
corps frarme'e contains the 21st Selimginski and 22nd
Takut : they have four battalions, each active. The num-
bers in the calculations above are therefore below the
reality.

on speculation, and 580 in transitu. The sales the whole
of last week were 8,095 bales, of which 3,272 were for
export, 3,604 for home use, 900 on speculation, and 319 in
transitu. We quote :
NEW YORK CLASSIFICATION. N. Orleans
Upland. Florida. Mobile. & Texas.
Ordinary 7l •• • • 71 •• • • 71 •• • • if
Middling
Middling fair
Fair
Total import since Ist instant 13,894 bales.
Export from Ist to 15th Nov. 1853, 8,208; 1852, 10,785.
RECEIPTS, EXPORTS, AND STOCKS OF COTTON.
Exports to Total Exports Stock, and
Receipts. Gt. Britain. to For. ports. on ship b'd
1833 288,649 85,267 117,234 213,673
1852 528,349 159,629 207,878 302,366
Increase —
Decrease
From W. P. Wright's Circular of November 15.—
The quality of the new crop, so far received from the
Atlantic States, is decidedly inferior in colour, staple, or
cleanliness to that of the last, and with tigreater propor-
tion of quality below middling. I hear the same com-
plaint from Charleston and Savannah, as well as the inte-
rior towns of South Carolina and Georgia. There has been
too little cotton received here from the Gulf ports to form
an opinion from actual observation, but letters from Mo-
bile and New Orleans make similar complaints of the re-
ceipts at those points, although hopes are entertained that,
when the last pickings arrive, a manifest improvement
will exist. In regard to the crop, I confirm my remarks
in my last circular. We have no accounts as yet of frost
having passed over the south-western cotton region, nor
has any injury been done in Southern Alabama, Florida,
or Louisiana. In portions of Mississippi, Tennessee,
North Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, the frost of
21th October has done more or less injury, according to
situation, and it seems not improbable that the production
of these localities may fall below that of last year.
SALT.-Sales have been made of 400 sacks Bromilow's
Liverpool fine at $1,50 cash, and 10,910 do. ground and
fine, on private terms.
Coin.-45 tons Liverpool cannel havebeen sold at $12,50,
four months. Cumberland is in active demand at $3,75
for fine, and $4 for run of mine, and $4,35 cash, delivered
at Baltimore.

I wy.—Scotch pig has been in good demand, and some
1,200 to 1,400 tons have changed hands, chiefly at $36,50
to $37, 6 mos., and in some instances $32,50 to $34,50,
cash. We quote English bars $65, and common Swedes
$83,50 to $B4. 150 bdls. English sheet, assorted numbers,
brought Eric., 6 mos.
BkEADSTUFFS.—For flour there' was an extensive de-
mend till near the close of last week at an advance of fully
•

12ic. per barrel on the quotations of the Bth instant. The
receipts on Friday of the telegraphic adviees per steamer
America; via Halifax, to the 29th ult., received on Friday,
gave a *father slight impulse to the demand, but, since the
arrival of the Baltic, yesterday morning,• the turn of the
market has been in favour of the • buyer, although we do
not quote any actual decline from the advanced rates of
last week. Wheat is without change in price, but prime
qualities are scarce. Indian corn has been in good de-
mand, part for export.
PRovisma.r.—With increased receipts and, a, moderate
demand, western:mess and prime pork declined 25c..t0 374 e.;
but there was moredoing at the decline, the market closing
heavily ; other descriptions are scarce. Beef haseontinued
in active request. Lard is plenty and lower. Butter is
arriving freely. Cbeesv continues dull.
I!RElGHTS.—Freightir to' Great Britain and the Con.
tinent are scarcely io>firm since the arrival of the. Baltic,
though rates have not veried materially. Shipowners and
agents are unwilling te, submit to a decline so long as the
offers continue so large,and4he tonnage in port so small,• as
•
at present. To Liverpoolithe rates are, for cotton, 1 3-64, to
id. per lb. ' • flour, 3s. &L per barrel ; grain, 124 d. to Bid.
per bushel. To London, four, 4s. 9d. per barrel ; grain,
nt. balk, 15d. to 16d. per bushel.. To, Havre, cotton, id.
per lb. ; flour, 95c. to 100c.per barrel; grain, in bags, 255:.
per'bushel.
CAIARLESTON, Nov. 13.—Ithe sales of cotton yesterday
were-350 bales. The quotations range from Bc. to 104 e.
Mr.nfzr, Nov. 11.—Middling is. quoted 84c. per lb.,
with sr, quiet market. Freight, to Liverpool id., and to
Havre li3c. per lb.
NEW OIMEARS, Nov. 15.—COttbn was very active yes-
terday. Sales 9,000 bales, at my advance. of 4d. on the
better qvilities. The quotations, are, middling, De. to
; gooAniddling, 91-e. to 10e. Preightto Liverpool, id.
to Id. per lb:.
HirAngi.Nov. 8 —Sugar was quiet and, unchanged.
The stock in, Begin warehouses was 99,850 boxes, and in
'private warelionses 8,000. The clearances of the week at
Havana and Matanzas were 6,887 bores.. Freights are
more nurnersm; and engagements to 'Cowes were. made at
£3 to £3 2s. 64. - and to the Continent £3 ss; to 1.3 7s. tid.;
to France, 80fr..Yto 85fr. Exchange. erg 'London were 114
to 12 preminnv-

AUSTRALIA.
•
ARRIVAL OF THE INDIA SC QUEEN.
Bythe Indian-Queen, Captain Mill, belonging.to Messrs.
.I.Jsimes Baines anel. Co.'s "Black Ball " line of Australian
!packets which reached this port yestercliy, we haveadvices
ifrom Melbourrk.tce the 30th of August.-
The Indian Queen. has brought about.9o passengersarsd
438,992 ounces eiVgold dust on freight ~besides a have
amount in the hands of passengers.
The Indian Queen sailed from Port Pip; at 1 .p,m., on
this 30th of August, after remaining in pert for •twently-
; three days ; passed Swan Island, Bass's Straits,• on the
31st August ; the•ootermo,st point of New.-Zealand on the
/fith September ; passed Cape Horn, 6th. October; and
the Equator on thaist Nov. Her greatest .day's running-.
going out was 31.1, miles, and coming home for several,
rkiys she ran 3.30 o miles per day. She performed the,
voyage out and home- in six months arid. eleven days,.
hawing left Liverpool on the 17th May.
The Melbourne..lllarning Herald gives:4lle following:
as -a summary of the.-news :—" The priceotgold has re—
mained immoveabletthroughout the week, motwithstanding,
oonsiderable fluctuation, in the extent of the supply, w.hichs
now invariably falls..off after the middle of the week. Thee,
aspect of gold dast'and, ingots for the week, np,to yester--1
day, was confineftta that shipped by the Argo, but to-day,
the Bavaria was to clear out for New York, with some.
'ask or seven thousand:ounces. The receiptsof Specie have-
not much exceetidd . £30,000. In money and • banking:
affairs we have no changes to note, beyond the extension_
o 6 demand for draughts on London, whiCh shows that
ether remittances;besides gold dust are largely required at
present to meet the:increasing bulk of importations.. The
Arnited States alko,begin to draw off ourbullion —the-
''tdeparture of the -finst vessel direct for the commercial
;;capital of that Republic- having been announced for to-day,.
lea referred to al-ose. On the other hand„remittances to-
L',lthe amount of a:milliton, or upwards, will. be shortly
lflowing into the-eolony, from the recent wooi.sales, and
wall restore the dance: which now turns against us.
The usual weekly return of shipping and imports, ap--
'pended hereto, includes eight days on the present occasion„
awing to the return having been made up-. a day earlier
. ban usual last week; fOr transmission to Prland by the:,
'Argo. The aggregate of the two weeks shows an arrival.
•of over 4,000 tons of shipping, and about six thousand,
passengers. The principal feature in the iiiiports has been.
a decline in the receipts of flour, and a large increase in.
those of building ,materials and useful implements, from_
Great Britain; America, and other distant. ports. Thew
arrivals, together-.-with the large amount of, .more sub-.
stantial builelingsnow in progress in theeitT, can .hardly
fail to affect, shortly, the enormous rents still . demanded
for small tenements, and promise ultimately to increase
largely the-amount of storage, both for, wholesale and
retail dealers..
Although a slight appearance of activity. has been. im-
parted to some branches of the wholesale trade -this week
by speculative purchasers, nothing has transpired effec-
tually to.stop the downward tendency which the constant
heavy arrivals of goods occasion. The flour trade may, how-
ever,be4illtxceptedfromthisdepressicnAdditionalfirmness
having been evinced in the colonial imports of that article,
which now find a market at the full rates of the- town
mills. We have also heard of good., barrel flour realizing
nearly,the same figure. Bran continues very Beanie, and
some-importers are asking ss. 6d. per bushel, The very
large receipts, of oats keep down the price of that corn ;
and far prime-English barley lls.„ is. obtained with diffi-
culty..
Quotations in the wine trada- are ,considered nominal,
and'all descriptions of spirits, except rum, have-gone down
lower. Martell's brandy has been ,sold.at 10s.. 6d. to 12s.
per gallon. Malt liquors are also lower ;. a Inge quantity
of bottled porter (choice brand, as changedbands at 10s.
in Abe ,Bay.
In the provision trade thereia a further decline in many
argyles,. particularly English; hams and. bacon. Tea,
CAffee, and sugar maintain previous ratee,, except English
leaf sugar, which is decidedly, lower.
A decline of about 2d. per. lb. hasbeen submitted to in
manutictured tobacco.
Timber is ten to twenty per cent, lower, but the prices
are still highly favourablefor the importers.
We lately noticed the increased importation of articles
of luxury, as marking our progress onward to a more•
settled condition : we, have, now the gratification to per,
eeive a constantly increasing import of food for the mind,
in the way of books, pictures, musical instruments, &c.
Another and more matter-of-feet evidence of this progress
is the almost daily- announcement of new joint-stock eorn-
panies for carrying out desirable and practical objects in
that city.
The Cleopatra; steamer was to sail from Melbourne on
the Ist of September.
Two of the. persons implicated in the recent extensive
gold escort robbery, had been arrested and lodged in gaol
at Portland.,
There was. a, great demand in the labour market, and in
consequence, the rates of wages had slightly advanced
beyond those last reported.
The Government escort from Melva; and Goulbouru
arrived at the Treasury, on the 26th of August, with its
usual punctuality, bringing down 1,408 ounces of gold.
Last number of certificates, 1,534 ; Goulburu, 17.
The Government escort from Castlemaine, in charge of
Lieut. Messenger, and a troop of the mounted 40th,
arrived at the Treasury, on the same day, with 35,360
ounces. Last numbers : Forest Creek, 10,567 ; Sandhurst,
18,137 ; Eagle Hawk, 85 ; Fryer's Creek, 666 ; Golden
Point, 11; Wederburn, 204; Amherst, 74 : Moliagull 89.
Exchange on London for 30 days bills, was quoted at
par or per cent. discount, for every additional thirty days.

DEVICE OF FItEXCII DIIEVES.—An elegantly-dressed
gentleman ordered, some time ago, at a hatter's, in Paris,
twenty-five hats of an entirely new form. The maker,
when they were finished, tried one on, and finding that it
became him, made a twenty-sixth for his own personal
use. The individual who had given the order called
punctually for the hats, and paid cheerfully. The next
Sunday, the weather being very fine, the hatter gave his
new head-piece an airing in the Champs Elysdes. When
at the Rond Point, he. observed several persons adorned
with the coverings he had made. One came up and said,
with a peculiar wink, " A good day for booty, and no
breaks about !" Dear me, thought the hatter, I should
not wonder if I had been making hats to serve as a rally-
ing signal to members of a secret society. Rather con-
cerned he kept on his walk. Under the Arch of Triumph
he saw other individuals sporting other specimens of his
last new style. One came quickly behind him and said—
" Here, put these in your deep : and these, and these."
He handed him three watches with broken chains,
two purses, and five handkerchiefs. The hatter now
saw plainly enough the sort of society with which he was
in league. He hastened to the nearest commissary of
police, and the twenty-five pickpockets were speedily
lodged in gaol.