The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-02-02 00:00:00

..~

SHOCKING ACCIDENT.—An inquisition was held before
P. F. Curry, Esq., on Saturday, on view of the body of
William Rylands, a joiner, aged 50. It appeared that, on
Friday afternoon, the deceased and two others were engaged
in erecting a scaffolding over the altar in St. Anthony's cha-
pel, preparatory to painting the ceiling. There were to be
six stages in all, and they were preparing the fourth. They
were getting up a piece of timber for a cross piece, and the
deceased stood in the top stage. Suddenly the cross which
separated him broke, and he was precipitated from his posi-
tion, and fell on the steps of the altar. He was lifted up with
the blood streaming profusely from his head. On examina-
tion he was found to be quite dead, his head having been cut
completely open. He was a very sober, steady man, and had
himself selected the timber for the stage. The jury found,
that the deceased had been accidentally killed, and ordered
that a deodand of £5 should be levied on the stage.

STREET ROBBERIES.—On Saturday night, about seven
o'clock, a gentleman was knocked down, in Gill-street, by
two men, who robbed him of a pocket-book containing £750.
in Bank of England notes. The gentleman, we are informed,
was a commercial traveller, and was, when attacked, within
a few yards of his own house, where he had been refreshing
himself after his journey, preparatory to placing the money
which he had collected in the hands of his employers. A
night protector was, we hear, found near the spot where the
robbery was committed. On the same evening, shortly after
six o'clock, a Mr. Miles was knocked down, at the end of
Gloucester-street, as he was proceeding to the railway station
with a parcel. He was robbed of a large sum of gold. Both
the above parties were much injured about the head. Mr.
Miles was carried to the Caledonia Hotel, where he remains.

HORNED CATTLE.—IMPORTANT TO FARMERS.-Mr.
Sumner, surgeon, of Formby, near Liverpool, has commu-
nicated to the Liverpool Agricultural Society the following
remedy for that disastrous complaint to which horned cattle
are so frequently subject—the hoven, or swelling from over-
feeding on turnips, &c. Mr. S. says the affection of " the
stomach in animals called over-feeding, hoven, blown, or fog
sickness, sometimes causes the stomach to burst from over
distension. Numerous remedies hare been advised, but have
in general failed to evacuate the air; tapping, or stabbing,
is then resorted to, which from the unskilful manner in which
it is performed often proves a dangerous remedy. The re-
medy which I have frequently used has never yet failed to
cure the animal immediately—and that is, two ounces of sub-
carbonate of Ammonia (commonly called carbonate of Am-
monia .or smelling salts) in a quart of rain water—its effects
are wonderful."

BOY DROWNED IN ATTEMPTING TO RESCUE HIS BRO-
711ER*---A most afflicting occurrence, attended with some
singular circumstances, took place on Monday last, on the
Cheshire side of the Mersey. Five boys were returning
from schnol, at Woodchurch, when one of them, about seven
years of age, son of Mr. Richard Edge, farmer, of Bidston,
went on the ice on a deep pit at Nocturum to slide. The
little boy had been only on a few minutes when the ice gave
Way, and he was immersed in the water. His brother,
Richard Edge, ten years of age, seeing his situation, ven-
tured to save him, when the ice broke again, and let him in
also. Under these distressing circumstances, the boys near
the pit viewed the two brothers struggling for life, when one
of the little fellows, with a forethought and determination
which is seldom evinced in such cases by men of mature age,
pulled off his jacket, and tied a comfortable from around his
neck to the sleeves. This done, he ventured as far as he
could, and threw the jacket, his instrument of deliverance,
towards the brothers in the Water. The younger, who first
fell in, caught hold of it, and the courageous boy drew him
out of his perilous situation. This accomplished, he made a
second effort to rescue the eldest brother ; but it was too
late, for, just as he threw the jacket towards him, he sank,
and did not appear again. The body was got out of the pit
in about an hour afterwards.—An inquest was held on the
body, on Thursday last, before F. Thomas, Esq., coroner,
when a verdict of " Accidentally drowned" was returned.

INGENIOUS ATTEMPT OF THE LAUREL-STREET BUR-
GLARS TO ESCAPE FROM KIRKDALE GAOL.—Some time be-
tween Thursday and Friday morning last, the men who have
acquired so much notoriety in this town under the designa-
tion of the Laurel-street burglars, made an attempt to escape
from Kirkdale Gaol. The prisoner, Henry Mitchell, who is
known to be exceedingly clever in his trade as a locksmith,
was the active principal in the attempt ; but there is not the
slightest doubt that it was concerted in consultation with his
friends, Evans and Taylor, and another prisoner, named
Oakes. The woman, Louisa Mitchell, being confined in a
separate ward, was not concerned in the plot. The four men
above-named were allowed free communication with each
other during the day, but at night were locked up in separate
cells. The doors of the cells are about three inches in thick-
ness, studded with iron nails, and fastened by padlocks and
strong bolts. Mitchell, it appears, had by some means or
other managed to obtain possession of a saw, with which he
contrived, by great assiduity and labour, to cut a piece, about
four inches square, out of the door of his cell just before the
lock. He performed his work so neatly that discovery was
next to impossible, the junction now being not discoverable
even to one aware of what has been effected, except on very
minute scrutiny. He next took a pattern of the padlock out-
side, and having extracted from the sockets of the window
bars sufficient lead for his purpose, he made a leaden key,
and, on Thursday night or Friday morning, opened the pad-
lock which was attached to his door, withdrew the bolt, and
walked forth. Having, with the same key, liberated his
three friends, and opened two doors which lead to the roof
of the prison, the gang, it is supposed, sought for the means
of escape in that direction. Whatever were their intentions,
they failed in effecting them, and were compelled to return
to their cells, where Mitchell, in endeavouring to lock his
companions up, broke the leaden key in the first lock which
he tried, which being discovered by the turnkey on the fol-
lowing morning, and the doors of the other cells unfastened,
led to the discovery of the whole scheme. The prisoners
have since been kept, night and day, in separate cells, and
heavily ironed.

TUB LATE MR. WAINWRIGIIT.—The death of Mr.
Wainwright, surgeon, of the Northern Hospital, of this town,
is another melancholy instance, showing that, even those who
are in the flower of manhood, are not exempt from the rava-
ges of disease. Mr. Wainwright, at an early age, in the
midstof a prosperous and most useful career, has been taken
from us ; and many there are who will miss this humble
individual from the bustling stage of life. Mr. Wainwright
was universally beloved by those poor creatures who were
placed under his care, in the charities to which he belonged.
This is, perhaps, the strongest praise we can bestow—he was
esteemed and honoured by those who have served with him,
he was loved and respected by those who served under him.
He was a man of indefatigable perseverance, a profound and
sagstioutrobserver, a laborious inquirer, and of more than
ordinary acuteness; be possessed great softness of manners,
and the mildest and most tranquil disposition ; in his private
deportment he was very amiable, polite, gentle, and obliging ;
he was attentive in every respect to the laws of decorum ; he
had a heart which never disgraced the powers of his under-
standing—a judgment, masculine and most correct. Mr.
Wainwright's loss to the Northern Hospital, and to society
in general, will be long felt. His duties at that institution
have often been very great ; this, in conjunction with an ex-
tensive private practice, and studious habits, has been too
much for a constitution naturally delicate. Had Mr. Wain-
wright's life been spared, it was his intention to have added
observations, on some important subjects connected with his
profession, to those which are about to be published by the
Provincial Medical and Surgical Association. Mr. Wain-
wright possessed all the qualifications of a good surgeon—
coolness and self command, so essential in difficult cases, he
held in a manner which denoted a full knowledge of his pro-
fession; ever ready, never wanting. During the twelve years
he held office in the Dispensary and Hospital, he was never
known to neglect one patient belonging to these charities.
He took an active part in establishing the latter institution,
which has pro ved so advantageous to the town—and felt great
anxiety in its welfare. Mr. Wainwright's private life was,
in all its relations, equal to his public one. He was a most
conscientious and religious man, and merits the reward due
to such a life.

POSTOFFICE EXHIBITION Rooms.—Tan WORKS OF THE
OLD MASTERS.—These rooms opened yesterday with a col-
lection of very splendid paintings, the property of the spirited
proprietor of the Caracci pictures. 'We have only been able
to glance at these fine paintings, and shall briefly enumerate
them. The first picture that struck us was a "Frost Scene,"
by Vanderneer ; it is a delicious specimen of this master. Be-
neath is an Interior, by Ostade, with " Dutch Boors Re-
galing." To the left of these is a Pontormo, the subject
John Preaching in the Wilderness; this painting is a fine spe-
cimen of the early school. Beneath this is an Interior,
with figures dancing. by Teniers. The large picture of St.
Cecilia, is a Domenichino, possessing all the peculiarities of
the school of Caracci. Next to this is a Gaspar Poussin, re-
markable for its firmness of colour, depth of shade, and clear-
ness of light. The small picture underneath is the original
sketch of the large picture, by Rubens, of the Holy Family.
In the centre of the room is an Ecce Homo by Titian, a very
fine specimen : this picture is from the gallery of Lucien
Buonaparte. "The Holy Family," by Venusti, is a remark-
able picture, the colouring is brilliant in the extreme. The
little picture is a Virgin and Child, by Fra Bartolomeo ; this
picture is from the Lucca gallery. In the centre is a magni-
ficent painting by Sebastiano del Piombo, of Christ bearing
the Cross ; this picture was sketched by Michael Angelo,
finished by Sebastiano ; the extreme agony both mental and
bodily of the principal figure is remarkable. The muscular
brawny arm of the peasant will be much admired: The small
picture to the left is " Saint Barbara," by Annibal Caracci.
The subject is taken from a Roman legend : the Virgin and
Child beneath is by Fra Bartolomeo. The next picture that
strikes the attention is by Jan Steen, and not only con-
veys a moral, but is also highly humorous ; it shows the
effects of over-indulgence. This picture canoe from Foothill.
The large picture in the centre is "St. Jerome in the Desert,"
by Vandyck ; this painting was originally called " L'Ange
au plume." This magnificent work of art was purchased
from Marshal Soult for 1,000 guineas. It is a splendid
specimen of art, and will attract many admirers. To the left
is a Sea View, by Backhuysen ; this is a delightful picture.
Over the door is a very beautiful picture by Paul Veronese,
.‘ St. Cecilia playing on a Mandola ;" the fleshing is very
delicate. The last picture and the most interesting is West's
" Death of Nelson." This picture cost 1,000 guineas.
In a national point of view it cannot fail to attract much
attention.—We shall notice these pictures in our next at
length, in the meantime recommending them most warmly
to notice, as being a few fine and genuine specimens of the
old masters. lt should be borne in mind that a collection of
paintings takes its merit from its quality, not its quantity,
and we may pronounce this gallery to be very recherche'.
In the course of this week several additions will be made to
the gallery.

THE ROYAL MAIL STEAMER COLUMBIA.-It was report-
ed early in the week that this vessel, which sailed from this
port on the sth ult., for Halifax and Boston, had been spoken
on the 12th, 63 days out, with her machinery damaged, going
only four knots an hour. The following letter, addressed to
Mr. Court, the active and intelligent secretary to the Under-
writers' Association, will tend to allay any anxiety which the
rumour may have created in the minds of persons who had
relations or friends on board the Columbia :
" Cove, 29th January, 1841.
" Dear Sir,—l received yours of the 26th instant, and
acquaint you that I have seen the master of the Rapid, and
got his answers to the queries.
" The steamer he spoke was the Columbia, the captain of
which did not wish him to make any report. He brought
some letters from her, and which were posted here. The
steamer sent her own boat with the provisions, and in which
was a man, (the master of the Rapid believes the boatswain,)
who mentioned to him, as a cause for her going so slow, that
the engines were partially damaged, so that they could not
put the full power of steam on them.
" This man did not name any particular part of the ma-
chinery. They first saw the steamer at 11 a.m., and got the
supply about 2m. The crew of the Rapid made a signal
p.
to the steamer, when she came towards them.
" The supply received was one tierce of beef, one bag of
bread, and about 121bs. potatoes.
" Inquired if crew and passengers were all well, and was
informed they were. Again says, she did not appear to go
more than about four knots.
" These, I believe, are all the particulars you require. I
cannot help thinking, from the manner in which the report
Was_ made that little apprehension of any serious injury to
Lun.e is.teiaamer should be entertained by the parties interested,
a
flauest,t
8:2 in fact, it was some necessary operation of cleaning
c. that was
die t n servant going on.—l remain, dear sir, your obe-
" SIMON RING.
The os. Ear,
explooa,
•
ion we would give of the foregoing is, that as
the I) canLai had
wrong. Theno report to send. there was little or nothing
to rig asColumbia has spare spars and sails on board tit
more rapid pace effective sailing ship, and to carry her along at a
will turn than tour knots an hour. We imagine it
out that
advantage of it,
n, with a fair wind, the steamer was taking
thing requirednder her ordinary canvas, to touch up any-
after her 64 days' steaming.—Albion.

NORTH TOXTETH WARD.-THE LICENSING

SYSTEM

The following letters, which we transfer into our columns
from a contemporary of Saturday, throw much light upon a
subject, to obsnre and mystify which a vast deal of trouble
has been taken. It is not at all wonderful that Mr. Smith's
memorabilia of Toxteth should have given rise to extraordi-
nary efforts of this sort; neither is it surprising that when
ao much astuteness has been called into exercise, and de-
nials so certainly blunt, and so apparently complete, have
been put forward, that a portion of the public, at least,
should have found some difficulty in regulating their belief
touching statements which, though coming from a source
entitled to the highest credit, had yet met with contradic-
tions seemingly most precise and conclusive. From the
subjoined letters, however, it will be apparent that Mr.
Smith's character for veracity stands entirely unimpeached.
Those who have taken the trouble to understand the plain
and obvious meaning of his words, must have observed that
he made his allegations, from the first, not upon his own
knowledge, but upon the authority of another—of one whom
he now describes as a " neighbour, whom he bad known for
ourteen years as an upright and honourable person." That
individual now comes forward in propria persona to main-
tain his representations, and as the issue of the controversy
must depend on the degree of credit which shall be given to
his testimony, when put in competition with the denials of
other parties, we shall, with this brief preliminary obser-
vation, and this only, submit the whole matter to the dis-
passionate consideration of our readers.