The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-06-14 00:00:00

SATURDAY, JUNE 11.

The first witness called was Oliver Hatch, who deposed :
I am a merchant. I acted as secretary in St. Anne's
Ward. I began so to act about twelve years ago. I
acted as secretary at the last election. I was a member
of the car committee at the last election. There were
about three members who attended—Mr. Lowe, Mr.
Cooper, and myself. We met at the Constitutional-office,
in John-street. There was a regular business room, which
is a large one, there, and an anti-room. That was the
central office. Those were the only rooms there that I
know of. I believe another room was rented to me, but
I knew nothing about it. I know Mr. Buckmaster. He
did not attend the meetings of the ear committee. I did
not communicate to him what the committee did. I
don't know what other members may have done. Our
business was to arrange for the cars, to carry up the
voters to the poll on the polling-day. I cannot say when
I first went to the central office on the subject of the elec-
tion business. I was there most days. I can't say I
communicated with any one when I went to the office. I
did not go on any particular business. I took in my re-
turns of the canvass, and communicated with whoever I
saw there. Ido not recollect that I communicated conti-
nually with Mr. Buckmaster concerning the state of my
canvass in St. Anne's Ward. 1 left my returns with him.
I cannot say why I gave the returns to him rather than to
any one else. I communicated with whoever I saw. The
rooms were up stairs. I went into that room to see the
voting-cards. I did not get the voting cards there. They
were sent through the post-office. I was present at the
meeting of the Ist April. I was on the nomination com-
mittee, the procession committee, which was a separate
committee from the car committee. The members of the
committee were Mr. Crowther, the chairman, Mr. J. B.
Cooper, Mr. Wadham, and some others. We engaged
the bands for the procession. I saw the estimates for the
expense of the bands. That was when the parties were
called in. I did not see the estimates before. There
were no papers sent in at all. The partiet were called in
individually, and asked what they would supply bands
for. lam not aware that any one took a note of the
amounts mentioned. I was in the chair. There was no
agreement signed. There were agreements for the hire
of the cars for the conveyance of the voters in St. Anne's
Ward. The central committee had the return of these
arrangemei,ts for providing the cars sent into them. The
number of cars required they obtained from me, from my
canvass. I managed the canvass. I never called the
attention of the committee to the inconvenience of having
a placard outside to the effect that there was a committee,
where there was in fact nono. I don't remember there
were placards all over the town stating who were the
chairman. vice-chairman, and secretary for each ward.
Mr. T. Parker, Mr. Holden, aid Mr. Bircball were can-
vassers ; so was Mr. Clegg ; also Mr. Hobb. They
took districts as canvassers. Mr. Nicholson may have
come in at the meetings of the canvassers, but I am
not aware that he had a district. The canvassers met,
almost every evening, at eight o'clock. I made arrange-
ments with Mr. Clegg for the use of his house. I
got £4O from Mr. Bold to pay Clegg. I received from
Clegg a written account. I paid it. I kept it for some
time myself until last November, when I destroyed it,
having paid him another account. I knew the petition
against the return had been presented ; but I never had
the remotest ides that, with 1,400 majority, there was
any probability of that petition being prosecuted. I gave
Mr. Bold a receipt for the £4O. The municipal election
takes place on the Ist of November ; and I generally get
in the bills as soon as possible afterwards and discharge
them. I keep the bills from one election to another. I
always keep the last bill. I told Mr. Clegg I should want
his rooms as usual. There was no particular agreement
for the hire of his room!. If I had them for a few days
only I should give him £5 but, if 1 had them for
thirteen weeks, I should pay £25. There were two rooms,
one smaller than the other. I got writing-paper from the
central office ; also, the canvass-books and burgess-roll.
I paid the whole of the expenses; not only Mr. Clegg's
£4O, but the whole. There was some car-hire that I
paid for, but I did not pay for the cars employed by the
car committee of the ward. I also paid for the refresh-
ments to the canvassers on the day of election. I paid
the travelling expenses of several persons, and for sta-
tionery. I paid persons for carrying flags on the nomina-
tion-day. There were sixty or seventy persons engaged to
carry flags. I took down the names of the persons who
carried flags when the flags were delivered to them. I can-
not tell who made the arrangement for the distribution of
the flags. The persons who carried flags came for them
at night. One man could not carry one flag. Some of them
required six or eight men to carry them. There were not
sixty or seventy flags of that description. I destroyed the
list of the flag-bearers at the time I destroyed Clegg's ac-
count. I destroyed it because I felt sure that, after the
lapse of so long a time, no further claim would be made for
the five shillings. I paid them five shillings a-day out of
the money I got from Mr. Bold. There were no painted
staves with orange ribbons attached to them in our ward.
I would not have allowed such things. Nothing of the
sort was arranged in other parts of the town. The chair-
man set his face against it. I believe an intimation was
made by some Orangemen that they wished to carry their
colour. There were a great many paper flags carried in
our ward by boys and other persons, but no payment was
made to them. I received £2O from Mr. Bold on the day
of the nomination. I saw him at his own office. He gave
it me in sovereigns. After that I received £lO from him.
I was at the Pontack the greater part of the following day.
Canvassers were there superintending the transmission of
voters in cars to the poll. Mr. Birchall and Mr. Manger
were amongst them. I saw no eating and drinking going
on at the Pontack during the day. When I went down
stairs there were a great number of persons about the bar
and other places. There was no drinking at all in the
room
on in where
part
;it ,s
ofan thel
oi du sno owt
hseene y drinking
the
canvassers
present. .I .did not order the refreshments which were
charged in Clegg's bill. Clegg provided them. The bill
was divided thus : £25 for hire of the room, and £l5 for
refreshments. The canvassers consumed the £l5 worth
of refreshments, I considered the charge extremely mo-
derate. I consumed some myself. Some of the can-
vassers grumbled because they had not enough to eat and
drink, but I cannot say who they were. Mr. Birchall,
Mr. Holden, Mr. Manger, and Mr. Nicholson consumed
refreshments. I did not ask Mr. Clegg to provide the
refreshments. He did so of himself. I considered that
Clegg would provide refreshments for all persons who
acted as canvassers and in bringing voters up. I heard
no order given at all for beer to be carried out by the can-
vassers.
Cross-examined by Mr. M. SMITH : I gave no autho-
rity whatever to Mr. Clegg to supply refreshments to
voters • nor did I mean, in paying this bill, to sanction
refreshments to voters. There were many persons en-
gaged as canvassers whom I do not recollect. If they
had gone home to their houses for refreshments much
time would have been lost. I received £BO and £2O from
Mr. Bold, but he gave me no orders to provide refresh-
ments for any one. I was manager of this ward at the
election. The canvassers did nothing else than canvass.
I was my own secretary and committee. I was on the
car committee, and on the nomination committee. The
bandmasters were introduced one by one. I was in the
room when Grooby was called in. I believe I myself
mentioned him to the committee. He came to me some
time before the election, and asked me if I would employ
him and the band, and I said I would recommend him to
the committee. When he came to me, I never asked him
about his vote. As he had always voted for one party at
the municipal election, I felt sure he would vote for one
candidate on that occasion. I recommended the com-
mittee to employ him. The estimate for Joliffe and
Stubbs' bands were £l5 each. Grooby's was £l2; but
:he committee decided on paying him £l5, as it might
create dissatisfaction and unpleasantness if Grooby came
to discover that the others were paid £l5. Mr. Troutbeck
stated that ; and when Grooby came he was told that he
should have £l5, the same as the others.
To Mr. WILLIAMS : I don't remember that Stubbs or
Joliffe was told that Grooby offered the services of his
band for £l2.

To Mr. M. SMITH : Mr. Bremner did not tell Grooby
that, if he would vote for Mackenzie and Turner, he should
have £l5 (that was £1 a man) for his band, instead of the
£l2, which was the amount of his estimate.
To Mr. WILLIAMS : Grooby supplied two bands, I be-
lieve. I don't know how many bands were engaged.
To Mr. BALL: I was present when Grooby was called,
and I think he said he had two bands.
To the CHAIRMAN : Mr. Bremner did not say that
Groohy's estimate was £l2 for fifteen men ; but, if he
would give his vote, lie should have £1 a man.
To Mr. M. SMITH : Nothing whatever of the sort was
said ; and if Grooby has stated that there was, he tells
what is false. Grooby was not asked if his band could
play " Croppies lie down" and " Boyne Water." The
chairman would not allow anything of the sort. The
same resolution was come to by the committee as to party
tunes that they had arrived at with regard teo Orange flags,

Theydetermined not to allow,any party tunes to be played,
and their reason was that a number of Orangemen had
applied for permission to join the procession. The can-
vass lasted about thirteen weeks in my ward. Somebody
told me that my name was on the central committee, but
I never acted on that committee, or gave authority to any
one to place my name upon it.
Re-examined by Mr. MACAULAY : Of the three band-
masters I employed two ; estimated the charge at £l5,
and the third at £l2. I sent word to Grooby to attend
the committee. Grooby was a voter in St. Anne's Ward.
I don't remember seeing him at the central office after-
wards, waiting there whilst I was present. I might. I
cannot say whether I did or did not. I don't remember
that I came out, and, shaking my head, told him that we
could not give him employment. I believe, after he
applied to me, I told him to meet me at the central office.
I recommended him to the committee, and put his name
down for the band. I put his name down, in order that
when the bands were engaged his should be one of them.
I remember Groo by coming to me at my office, and ask-
ing me to have his band employed, and I said I would
bear it in mind. Gribben, another band-master, was not
employed, because it was known to the committee that he
belonged to the opposite party. He was not in the room
five minutes, and he was told that he was not wanted.
Grooby was the only man that I took any interest in.
Grooby offered his band first for £l2 ; then the others
came in and offered theirs for £l5 each. I said nothing
to the other two. Nobody asked Grooby if he could play
" Croppies, lie down ;" nor was that question put to
Joliffe and Stubbs.

To the CHAIRMAN: When Grooby came to me first, he
said he wanted employment generally. That was before the
band was mentioned. I told him I would bear it in mind.
To Mr. WILLIAMS : I was told that some of the can-
vassers could not get refreshments at Clegg's, and that
they were obliged to go to the other side of the street to
procure them.

To Mr. BALL : Several of the canvassers were indepen-
dent persons, and were not paid. There were others,
however, who were paid.
To Mr. FRESTIFIELD: Many persons volunteered to
'canvass, and the number increased as the election ap-
proached. Many additional ones volunteered on the day
of polling. Grooby at first wanted employment generally.
It was afterwards he mentioned the subject of his band.
To Mr. BALL : Mr. Birchall acted as a canvasser. He
was a vounteer, and unpaid. I am not aware, it never
came to my knowledge, that he invited persons to take
refreshments.

To the CHAIRMAN There were 754 electors in my
ward, and there voted for Turner 321, Mackenzie 308,
Cardwell 258, Ewart 240.

Thomas Wilson re-called, and examined by Mr. PA GET :
I stated yesterday, when under examination, that I was at
the Pontack on the day of the nomination and the day of
the poll.
Mr. PAGET : Had you any refreshments there ?
Mr. JAMES objected to the question being put, and the
witness was ordered to withdraw.

Mr. JAMES said that when the witness was under exa-
mination yesterday, the committee held that the question
could not be put; and he contended that nothing had
since been elicited to justify it being put now.
Mr. Sergeant KINGLAKE argued that at the Pontack
there was a room used for the conduct of the election on
behalf of the sitting members ; that Mr. Oliver Hatch,
who was there as secretary to that committee-room, was
in constant communication with the central committee-
room, and that all that was done there was recognized by
the central committee. Further, according to the evi-
dence of the landlord, (Clegg,) it appeared that the can-
vassers bad ordered drink and refreshments to be given to
persons whom he believed to be voters in that very room.
He held, therefore, that counsel for the sitting members
had a perfect right to go into this part of the question.
Mr. JAMES : Why, it was decided yesterday by the
committee, and, indeed, acquiesced in by the learned ser-
geant, that, until he proved some inure agency than he
had done, his learned friend could not ask the witness a
question about what he had to eat and drink.
The CHAIRMAN : What passed in the mind of the com-
mittee, when they held that the question could not be put,
was that the learned counsel for the petitioners was going
on the ground of the presumed agency of Birchall.
Mr. JAMES : It was almost conceded by the learned
sergeant, yesterday, that they could not establish Birchall's
agency. And what had occurred since to establish it
It simply appeared from the evidence given to-day that
Birchall was a canvasser, of whom there were a great
many, but no proof whatever that Birchall had received
any authority to order refreshments to persons. It was
for the petitioners, then, to establish to the satisfaction of
the committee prima facie evidence of agency. If Birchall
were an agent, so also was every one of the sixty, eighty,
or one hundred other canvassers who were engaged for the
sitting members, and in that case the acts of any of them
might unseat those gentlemen. He submitted that there
was no evidence before the committee of Birchall's agency;
nay, he would go further and say, nor any evidence what-
ever that the witness Wilson had anything to eat or drink
by order of any person who was satisfactorily established
to be an agent.

The room was then cleared, and the public excluded,
whilst the committee deliberated upon this point for
three-quarters of an hour.
On being re-admitted,

The CHAIRMAN stated that it was the opinion of the
committee that Oliver Hatch was such an agent for con-
ducting the election in St. Anne's Ward as to make evi-
dence admissible with regard to refreshments supplied on
the nomination and the polling days to voters introduced
by canvassers recognised by Hatch.
The witness was then re-called and examined by Mr.
PAGET : I went to the Pontack because I was sent there
to get some allowance. I saw Mr. Birchall on the polling
morning before I went to the Pontack. I saw him by the
bar when I went to the Pontack. lam not aware that I
had any conversation with him then. I don't think he
was by when 1 got the drink. I got my breakfast at
the Pontack. It was before 1 polled that I saw him. I
got my breakfast before I polled. I saw him by the bar
before I got my breakfast. I saw him at the bar. Mr.
Birchall canvassed me. I told him I had promised my
vote, and I told him who I meant to vote for. The reason
I went to the Pontack was, that when he canvassed me
he said he would see me at the Pontack.

By Mr. PAGET : I can't say who the persons were who
were in the room I got my breakfast in. There were some
freemen there.

The CHAIRMAN : How do you know they were free-
men ? You say you did not know them ?
Witness : They said they were freemen.
By Mr. PAGET : I polled early in the morning. I can-
not say whether I saw Birchatl at the Pontack after I
voted. I went to the poll in a coach. I don't know who
put me into the coach. Wilson went with me and voted
with me. He cam 2 back with me in the coach. There
was a man to take us up to the poll. I don't know who
he was. He came back with us.

Mr. PAGET : Did he order anything for you t
Mr. M. SMITH : I object to the examination continued
by Mr. Paget.
Witness : I cannot say how long I remained at the Pon-
tack after I came back from voting. I don't think the
man who took me up to the poll was in the room with me
when I breakfasted. There were other men in the room.
I don't know who they were. The only man who polled
with me who was there was Wilson. I went to the Pon-
tack alone. Mr. Birchall was not with me. When I saw
Mr. Birchall was at the bar, I don't know whether he saw
me. It was some time before the election that Mr. Bir-
chall first told me to go to the Pontack. He did not tell
me that I was to go and vote from the Pontack. I think
I said I would go up to the poll from the Pontack. I
don't know what he said when I told him that. I don't
know whether he assented or dissented. It was in Ha-
nover-street where I told him this.

Mr. PAGET : What passed between you and Mr.
Birchall when you told him you would vote from the
Pont ack ?

Mr. M. SMITH objected to the question. The witness
had already stated all he recollected.

The CHAIRMAN : The witness has already told you he
can't remember. It is a long time ago since it occurred.
Examination resumed : I met Mr. Birchall afterwards,
between his canvassing me and the polling-day, but I had
no conversation with him further that I can recollect.
Mr. PAGET : Why, can't you recollect whether you
saw Mr. Birchall at the Pontack after you breakfasted ?
Mr. M. SMITH again objected to the question.
The CHAIRMAN 'said the witness had already answered
the question to the best of his recollection.
Mr. PAGET : Did you pay for your breakfast at the
Pontack ?
Mr. M. SMITH : I object to that.
The CHAIRMAN : The witness had better withdraw.

The witness having left the room,
Mr. PAGET submitted that the question was within the
scope of the resolutions of the committee. He had shown
that the witness was canvassed by Birchall. He had
shown that he had conversation with Birchall at the time
the canvassing took place, and that the Pontack was men-
tioned, and he bad shown that in consequence of what
was said to him by Birchall, the witness said he would go
to the Pontack.
The CHAIRMAN : That is not the effect of the wit-
ness's evidence. What he said was that he told Birchall
that he would go to the Pontack. There is nb evidence
that Birchall said anything about it.
Mr. PAGET : I submit then, sir, that we have it in
evidence that he went to the Pontack in consequence of
what he said to Birchall when Birchall canvassed him,
and it was after he had been asked for his vote, and had
stated for whom he meant to vote, that he said he would
go there. There is every reason for believing that Birchall
was to see him there. We find that be did go to the
Pontack on the morning of the polling-day, that he saw
Birchall twice, that he went up to vote and came back to
the same place, that he saw•Birchall at the bar, that he
had breakfasted there, Birchall being by the bar at the
time.
Mr. M. SMITH : No, he did not say that.
Mr. PAGET : He said he saw Birchall by the bar, and
that he saw him there several times during the day, but
he said he could not say how late he saw him there. We
have proved that Birchall was active in the canvass; that
he canvassed the witness ; that when he canvassed him
something was said about polling from the Pontack. We
have proved that he went to the Pontack on the morning
of the polling-day ; that Birchall was there ; that the
witness went up from the Pontack to the poll; that he
got his breakfast there; and now I ask whether he paid
for that breakfast ? Surely that is a question I have a
right to put.
Mr. FRLSHFIELD : I do not see anything in the evi-
dence to fix Birchall with what took place at the Pontack.

The CHAIRMAN : There is nothing to fix Birchall with
any knowledge of the transaction. There is nothing to
show a recognition on his part of what took place at the
Pontack in regard to the voter. The question would
therefore be irregular.
Mr. M. SMITH : I think sir, I am entitled to have this
part of the evidence struck out from the notes.
The CHAIRMAN : I don't know how far that is con-
sistent with the ordinary practice. It seems to me that
the matter will be better explained by leaving the notes as
they are. It will show then that an objection was taken to
the course of evidence, and that it was not permitted to be
continued. _

Mr. M. SMITH My object only is that attention
should be called to the matter. That being done, lam
in the hands of the committee.
The CHAIRMAN : We will let the evidence remain on
the notes. It will explain itself. It is now very near the
hour we fixed for adjourning. 1 think wo had better not
go any further to-day.
The committee then adjourned, at ten minutes to three

SECOND EDITION.

MONDAY, JUNE 13. •

The Committee assembled to-day at noon.
Robert Talbot was re-called and examined by Mr.
PAGET : I saw Mr. Burchall the day before the election
at the Pontack. I told him I would vote for Mackenzie
and Tower. He said nothing to me about putting my
name down ; but he told me if there were anything going
I would have part of it. I understood him to refer to
employment during the time of the election. There were
other persons in the room ; some of them were voters.
I went to the poll from the Pontack between eleven and
twelve. I saw other persons polling from the Pontack.
We went to the poll in a cab. I saw Mr. Burchall at the
Pontack on the day of the election. I had some coffee at
the Pontack that morning. I did not pay for it. There
was plenty to eat ; but I could not take any food. Mr.
Burchall seemed to be full of election business. He spoke
to all the people at the Pontack. He asked me when I
was going to vote ? I replied, I was ready to vote
at any time. Immediately afterwards I went to the poll,
in company with two voters named \%estmore and Brown.
I recollect Mr. Birchall asking me to go up stairs and
have some breakfast. I did so. This was at the Pon-
tack. I saw no persons there who were acting as can-
vassers, or who were taking voters up to the poll. I did
not see Mr. Birchall speak to Brown or Westmore. In
the breakfast-room there might be shout two dozen peo-
ple. I did not see where they went to after leaving
the room. There were several persons in the car which
took me to the poll, but I do not recollect having seen any
of them in the breakfast-room. Mr. Hatch gave me a
voting card. He was in a little room at the Pontack. I
saw voters going into it, and I followed them. Mr. Hatch
asked me to what ward I belonged. I told him, and
nothing more passed between us. I saw several persona
getting voting-cards. Several of them were persons
whom I had previously seen in the breakfast room.
The Pontack was very throng that morning. I do not
think Mr. Hatch, from the room where he wassitting, could
have seen what was going on in the other parts of the
house. I did not pay for the coffee I had, nor did I see
any of the others pay anything. I saw no liquor in the
breakfast-room—l mean liquor given for nothing; but I
called for a glass of rum and paid for it myself.
By the CHAIRMAN : I returned to the Pontack after I
voted ; but, seeing no one there, 1 immediately left. I
got nothing then.
Thomas Cannell, examined by Sergeant KINGLAKE : I
am a voter of Liverpool. I know Mr. Birchall. I saw
him on the morning of the election ; he called at my
house. He asked me if I was going to the Pontack ? I
said I was. He told me to go up and get breakfast. I
went up to the Pontack, and when I got there I saw Mr.
Birchall. I had some breakfast and a little drop of
whiskey ; but I cannot say whether I tasted beer,or not.
A number of people were breakfasting at the same time.
but I did not know any of them. After breakfast a stran-
ger asked me to go to the poll with him, and I went. I
saw Mr. Birchall before I left the Pontack ; but I do not
recollect him saying anything to me. I did not return to
the Pontack after I voted. _ _

By Mr. JAMES : I was not in bed last night. I was on
the railway all night. When I arrived in town this morn.
ing, I went to the Horseshoe and Magpie. I made no
statement yesterday at Liverpool that was taken down.
I certainly saw a gentleman, but I gave him no satisfac-
tion. I have not been drinking to-day. (The witness
was evidently labouring under the combined effects of
liquor and drowsiness.) I cannot tell when I first saw
Mr. Birchall. He canvassed me for my vote, but I do
not recollect the date—it was some days before the day of
the election. I told him I wanted something for my
vote, but I subsequently promised to vote for Mackenzie
and Turner, and I did so. A gentleman called upon
me yesterday in Liverpool, and asked me if I
went to the Pontack on the day of the election.
said I did. He asked me if Mr. Birchall took
me into the Pontack. I said he did not. He
then asked me if Mr. Birchall took me to the poll. I
said he did not; that it was a strange man who went with
me to the poll. He then gave me half a sovereign, and
told me to come up to London. I came up in a first-
class carriage, but Ido not know who paid my fare. I
wanted more money for my vote at the election. I voted
as a £lO householder. I got half a sovereign for my vote
at the last election, and tha man who gave me the money
came with me—Mr. Birchall—but I did not know him;
he was a stranger to me. Ido not recollect talking to
any person within the last week of what took place at the
Pontack on the morning of the election. One glass of
whiskey was all that I had that morning. I did not feel
very well, and asked Birchall to give me a glass of
whiskey, which he did. I was in the Pontack about half
an hour.

By Sergeant KINGLAKE : Mr. Birchall and another
man called upon me a day or two before the election. It
was then I got a half-sovereign for my vote. It was
the same Mr. Birchall who asked me to go up to the
Pontack on the day of the election.
By Mr. FRESHFIELD : Mr. Birchall requested the man
who was with him to give me half a sovereign. I had
asked a Mr. Owen before to give me money for my vote.
When I first came up to London I got a sovereign for my
trouble and loss of time. I was allowed 10s. a day for all
the time I was in London. The pay stopped on last
Friday week, when I returned to Liverpool.
By Mr. RODWELL : I did not say in the shop of a Mr.
Taylor, in Liverpool, when I returned, that I did not care
what I said in London, so long as I get well paid for it.
James Dolby :lam a freeman in Liverpool. Know
the Pontack public-house, and a person of the name of
Hatch. I remember being at the Pontack before the
election. I saw Hatch there. He instructed me to come
to the same place on the following day, in order that I
might vote in that ward. I went to the Pontack about
nine o'clock in the morning of the election. I went Into
a room and eat down. I got my voting card about an
hour after that. I know Mr. Burchall. He was at the
Pontack on the morning of the election. He seemed to
be busy, going from room to room, and talking to the
people there, but I did not hear what he said, because
I was too much engaged with my breakfast. I did not
see him going with any person to the poll, nor did I hear
him giving orders about taking voters to the poll. I got
my voting card from Mr. Hatch in another room. There
were several persons in the room at the time. I went to
the poll in a car. I do not know who took me there.
There were other voters with me. I returned from the
poll alone. I stayed at the Pontack about half an hour ;
it was on my road home. The people had all gone by
that time, and so I lett and returned to my work.
By Mr. WILLIAIft I did not pay for anything I got
at the Pontack in the morning.
Edward Marshall : I keep the Edgehill Coffee-house.
One of Turner and Mackenzie's committees met there at
the last election, beginning in March. They occupied
one large club-room, and occasionally a small sitting-
room of my own. The rooms were engaged by Mr. Watt,
one of the committee. The chairman was Mr. Richard
Saunders, and the secretary Mr. Wensley. I have seen
Mr. Atrbur Henderson there, but I do not think he was
a member of the committee. Mr. Rowett was a member
of the committee ; Mr. Joseph Bailey was another ; Mr.
Lunt another. I was not a member myself. Mr. John
Downes was a canvasser for the West Derby Ward. I
had ss. a-night for the use of the club-room and lights. I
made out a bill at the close of the election. It amounted
to between £8 and £9 ; but I had another of about £l6
for the use of cars and refreshments—in all, £24. There
were several public meetings in my house of the rate-
payers residing within the ward ; likewise meetings of
ropers, for whom the committee ordered the room. Ido
not remember Mr. Rowett speaking to me about those
meetings. He might have been present when the room
was ordered. The candidates attended the first public
meeting held in my house. My bill for the use of the rooms
was paid about a week after the election by Mr. Whatham.
The bill for the rest has not been paid yet. I gave it to
Mr. Whatham at the same time I tendered the bill for
the use of the rooms. The refreshments were supplied
on the nomination and polling days. I gave refreshments
to persons supplied with tickets to the number of 531.
The tickets were only of one colour. I supplied the re-
freshments by order of the committee. The directions
were given to me on the 3rd of July.
John Downes : I know the house kept by the last wit-
ness. I attended meetings there preparatory to the last
election. I went because I was a canvasser. Mr. What-
ham, one of the committee assembling in Marshall's house,
requested me to give my services as a canvasser. I did
so ; I had a district assigned to me ; and I was paid for my
services. The secretary, Mr. Wensley, handed the books
to me and to the other canvassers. We returned in the
evening and gave in our reports. Ido not remember all
the canvassers, but Mr. Bailey, Mr. Bradshaw, Mr.
Rowett, and others were among the number. We were
paid by Mr. Buckmaster. Mr. Whatham told me to go
to that gentleman. I accordingly went to the Constitu-
tional-office, and there saw Mr. Buckmaster, in the
presence of Mr. Whatham. When I asked for pay-
ment, Mr. Buckmaster asked Mr. Whatham if it
was all right, and on being answered in the affirma-
tive, he paid me. Ido not recollect how much I got ; but
I think I was paid at the rate of ss. a-day.
The examination of this witness was not concluded when
the committee adjourned at a quarter before 4 o'clock.

THE LIVERPOOL ROMANISTS AND THE
"NUNNERIES BILL."

The Concert-hall, in Lord Nelson-street, was crowded to
excess last night, the Romanists having assembled there to pro-
test and petition against the so-called Nunneries Bill," intro-
duced into Parliament by Mr. Chambers. Hundreds were un-
able to gain an entrance, and the crowded state of the building
was most oppressive.
Mr. DANIEL POWELL, corn-merchant, was called to the chair,
on the motion of Mr. Levingstone, and, in his preliminary
speech, he denounced the bigotry which dictated the adoption,
in the British Senate, of the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill—a bigotry
which was manifested anew on the Nunneries Bill. He denied
that the Lord Chancellor of England's nominee, in inspecting
religious houses, could behave either like a gentleman or a
Christian. (" No, No !")
Resolutions were moved and seconded by Messrs. LYNCH,
SHELL, ASPINALL, NPCURTIN, YATES, and others.
Mr ASPINALL was the principal speaker; and, what he
uttered, included all that was said by the others. He moved
the protest and petition on the following amongst other grounds:
—that the bill was an unmanly and fanatical measure, proposed
to gratify the malignant feelings of certain constituencies ; that
it was specially designed to annoy the Roman Catholics ; that
three-fourths of the people of England were against it ; that he
hoped the bill, and not only the bill but its promoters would
be kicked out of Parliament ; that, if the abominable specimen
of furious bigotry were adopted, lie hoped, when the inspectors
called to gratify their prurient curiosity in the houses of the
religious, they would at once be kicked out of the window.
Mr. JOHN YATES said that, it the bill were passed, the
Roman Catholic population would set the measure at defiance,
and laugh it to scorn, and give the inspectors a greeting which
would prevent them returning a second time.
These and similar sentiments were loudly applauded, espe-
daily by a poor old maniac, in the front of the gallery, whose
furious exhibitions of approval created a pitiable interlude,
which proved a source of merriment to those who relished fun
more than oratory.
All the resolutions, including a strongly-worded petition,
were adopted; and at half-past nine o'clock the proceedings
closed, with an advice from Mr. Powell, that the Roman
Catholics of England should frighten the members of parlia-
ment, by telling them that no Romanist would vote for that
person, at the coming election, who gave his support to the
motion of Mr. Chambers.

THE CUSTOMS' AUTHORITIES now allow the luggage
of passengers from Paris by the mail train to be brought
to London without examination at Dover, in order to
prevent detention in the latter place. The examination is
made by officers from the Customs, at the London.bddge
station of the South-Eastern Company,

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MONDAY, JUNE 13.
(Continued from the eighth page.)
Mr. R. PHILLIMORE opposed the amendment.
Mr. MULLINGS supported it.
After some observations from Mr. Pellett and Sir J.
Walsh,
Lord J. RUSSELL briefly opposed the amendment. The
present proposal was charged with injustice, but it wee
remarkable that those who complained of it did not com-
plain of the Legacy Duty. If taxation was at all to be
made equal, the principle of the bill must be agreed for
however it might be modified in committee. The meal-
sure had been approved of by the country, and he hoped
it would be supported by the house.
Mr. ERNEST DUNCOMBE, in a maiden speech, sup'
ported the amendment. The succession tax he regarded
as a war tax only.
Sir E. DERING opposed the bill, on the ground that it
was wanting in the fundamental principles of equity to
the holders of real and personal property.
The house then divided, when there appeared—for the
amendment, 185 ; against, 268: majority against, 83. The
amendment was consequently lost.
The bill then passed through committee, pro forma. ,
SAVINGS' BANK BILL.—On the motion for the second
reading,
Mr. VANCE objected to the motion at that late bar
(two o'clock.)
Mr. H. HERBERT said the object of the bill was to give
Savings' Banks depositors the security of the public for
their deposits. The bill was retrospective.
The bill was read a second time and ordered to be COd'
mitted this day week.
Savings' Banks and Annuity Bill was read a second
time and ordered to be committed this day week.
CHATHAM ELECTION.—New writ ordered hr the room
of Sir F. Smith, unseated on petition. '
Common Lodging Houses Bill, and Bail in Error Billy
passed through committee.
Public Works Loan Bill was read a third time.
Convicted Prisoners' Removal and Confinement Bill,
and Bankruptcy (Scotland) Bill was read a third time.
MR. FITZGERALD moved for a new writ for Sligo.
MR. BUTT moved as an amendment that the writ be
postponed for a fortnight.
Lord PALMERSTON thought the writ ought not to issue
until the evidence taken before the Committee was
printed.
Mr. F. SCULLY moved the adjournment of the debate
until this day week.
The House then divided, when there appeared—
For the adjournment
Against

Majority for the adjournment.. 139
The House then adjourned at a quarter to two.

TURN-OUT OF THE LABOURERS.

IT is one of the evils attending legislation for the
masses, that it is almost impossible to do theta
good. If trade is slack, they complain of want of
employment ; and when trade is brisk, they cut
their own throats, by turning out for an advance Of
wages, such as the profits of business will not
allow masters to pay. At Stockport thousands are
now idle, notwithstanding that they have beers
offered the full average wages of the district ; and
the infection has spread to our own town, all the
cotton porters being out for an advance from 3s. 6d. to
4s. per day. Such proceedings, which are usually
instigated by the least worthy among the men, are
suicidal to their own interests, and should be firrnlY
resisted by the employers, even at some sacrifice to
themselves. Where skilled artisans refuse to work'
the movement, however injudicious and reprehen-
sible, has an apparent chance of success ; but for
men whose whole service consists in the exercise of
animal strength to stand out for more than 21s.
per week, when there are thousands within a few
hours' ride by railway who would be glad to take
their places even for less money, is absolute folly.

THE DOCK LABOURERS' STRIKE.
COMMITTAL FOR INTIMIDATION YESTERDAY'

At the Police-court, yesterday, James Hughes, a porter enl-,
ployed at the Albert Docks, charged a man, named _Michael
O'Hara, with a disgraceful and cowardly act of intimidation,
on Saturday evening last.
Mr. NORTH, solicitor to the dock trustees, appeared in sur,
port of the charge, and, having briefly addressed the court, an,'
the complainant would lay before the magistrates the particu-
lars of the case.
The complainant, James Hughes, then stated that lie resided
in Edgar-street. On Saturday night last he was sitting at hoMe
along with his family, when they heard a smash at the window's.,
which were broken by something having been tkrown througn
the panes of glass. They ran out of the house, when some per-
sonsn standing outside pointed out the prisoner and another init_
who was with him as the men who had broken them. _
there until the prisoner came out of the house, w. _
prisoner why he bad broken his (complainant's) windows. Pri-
soner replied that he had been sent to do it. Complainant then
asked him to pay for the window, on which the prisonerpulled
plainant followed them to a house in Milton-street,haenndhsetoapskpeeda
out a large iron bar, and struck him, and said, " I will pay you,
and all the b—y black sheep as well." Complainant then seized
the prisoner, and held him until a policeman came, and tool'
him into custody.
By Mr. MANSFIELD : Was sure the prisoner called him "a
b—y black sheep," and that he was sent to do it. Had reason
to fear that other assaults would be made upon him. Was em-
ployed at the Albert Docks.
In answer to the magistrate, the prisoner said he admitted
breaking the complainant's windows, but he did not strike him
until the complainant struck him.
Mr. MANSFIELD (addressing the prisoner), said, that after
the evidence which had been adduced it clearly appeared that
the prisoner was one of those persons forming a class of men
who were most disgraceful and dangerous members of societYc
and by whom the peace of the community was to be broken,
arising out of the differences between the employer and the,
employed. The prisoner, according to his own account, seemed
to have taken upon himself The office of a hired ruffian, for the
purpose of wreaking his vengeance upon a man who was simply
taking his labour to the best market, and, by so doing, making
an honest living. There was no palliation for conduct so
cowardly. and base, and therefore the full penalty of the 101
must be inflicted on the prisoner. He must be committed for
three months, with hard labour.
The prisoner was then removed in custody.