The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-10-13 00:00:00

MONDAY.

The court commenced this morning with the investigation
of the claims made in several wards. Most of the claims
were made by members of the Protector Society, but we are
glad to: say that the*conservatives were tolerably successful
in striking them off. Nothing of the slightest interest occurred
during the whole day.

MEETING OF CASTLE-STREET ARD.

A meeting of the radicals in this ward took place on Fri-
day last, at the Clarendon Rooms. When au actor distrust-
ful of his own powers, wishes to make what is termed in
theatrical parlance " a good bill," he enlists into his ser-
vice " a star" as an attraction—such was the case with the
promoters of this meeting. Well knowing that Mr. James
Aikin would not alone prove a good card to insure a strong
muster, a gentleman, whom the silly people of Wolver-
hampton permit to write M.P. after his name, was induced
to become chairman on the occasion. Even with this " ap-
pliance to boot"—with the aid of Mr. Thomas Thornely—the
meeting was decidedly a downright cold affair, if not a failure.
The room was not crowded, even when Mr. Aikin was speak-
ing, twenty minutes after the meeting commenced, for at that
time even numbers were " tailing out," apparently quite satis-
fied ; and had it not been for two fat gentlemen, with luxuri-
ant corporations, standing on each side of the door, thus
preventing the egress of those wishful to leave, the room
would have been half empty at a much earlier period than it
really was.
Mr. AIKIN, in the course of his address, alluded to the
schools, and made some observations respecting " old women,"
but whether in reference to the radical membrs of the coun-
cil or not, we did not exactly comprehend. He stated, that
the children educated in the corporation schools would for ever
bless their fate in securing a liberal education. Mr. Aikin
also alluded to the establishment of a sailors' home, and
gave expression to several clap-traps respecting the " blue
jackets ; ' but small applause followed the orator, and the
points fell unnoticed. One remarkable fact was stated by the
speaker, that he had been a reformer from the time that hie
father rave him birth ! No wonder that such brilliant ta-
lents should adorn Mr. Aikin, since he, Minerva-like,
issued from his father's brain ! !

On the conclusion of Mr. Aikin's speech, somebody said
something, but in so low a voice that it seemed only " a sound
between that and silence." Indeed, so faint was the voice,
that several persons inquired the reason the meeting was not
proceeding.
Mr. TINDAL ATKINSON arose with all the dignity
with which he is so eminently endowed. The uplift-
ing of his voice was perfectly electrical. His well known
tone, sonorous as a bell, acted like one, for it proved to be
a ringing out, one-half of the auditors withdrawing during
the speaker's progress. Mr. Atkinson hammered away at
railroad speed, in his usual vulgar style, and if we are to be-
lieve his assertions, we cannot but fancy we must have been
attached for many years to a most base and unpatriotical
party, as the meeting was assured that the tories were at all
times desirous to ride roughshod over the poor, and give the
country a taste of the " oppressor's wrong." Vituperation
Mr. Atkinson did not confine himself to ;—he made a joke.
which set " a few (literally) barren spectators on to laugh ;"
but whether at him or with him, was not exactly evident.
The most brilliant jest gave the speaker an opportunity
to exhibit his zoological knowledge—acquired, doubtless,
amongst the animals with whom he is in the habit of
associating. He compared the conservative party to a
rhinoceros, which was vulnerable only in the belly. How
exceedingly droll ! Mr. Atkinson sprinkled a little salt
of abuse on Mr. Wilkins, and informed his auditors
that the annoyance of " objections " commenced with
the conservative party ! Mr. Tindal Atkinson must surely
be troubled with a short memory. He was at times highly
poetical, indulging in a high flight about " Hope telling a
flattering tale," and that the radicals would succeed in nine
wards, if not ten, out of the sixteen ! The meeting was in-
formed that the old register would be put in operation. Mr.
Atkinson was particularly happy and profuse in his laudation
of Mr. Aikin and his other employers, while all who differed
from him and them were denounced and vilified in good set
phrase. When Mr. Atkinson had concluded,
Mr. HOLLAND was called upon to address the meeting,
which he did, but evidently with either a prepaied speech or
an opacity of vision, as he affirmed that he was delighted to
see the crowded state of the room, and the enthusiasm which
was exhibited. Now the room at that time was more than
half empty, three deep standing only round the table, the
rest of the room being unoccupied except by three persons
sitting on a table in the corner, and a mangy-backed white
terrier, who appeared to listen with a most doggedly con-
temptuous expression of countenance to the proceedings.
Mr. TAYLOR, the candidate for Great George Ward, also
addressed the meeting.
Both Mr. Holland and Mr. Taylor seemed highly anxious
to terminate the meeting, as both attempted to propose a
vote of thanks to the chairmain, in which, however, they
were unsuccessful, and sat down amidst much tittering and
many significant looks.
In the course of the meeting several gentlemen were called
upon to propose and second motions, and also to address the
meeting; but, like spirits, they " would not come." With
the exception of a hearty cheer for Mr. Thornely, the meet-
ing was most " stale, flat, and unprofitable," presenting a
vivid contrast to the enthusiasm shewn at all the conserva-
tive meetings. The radicals of Castle-street are either apa-
thetic or in deep despair.