The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-05-07 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANI)AIID.

THE MAGISTRATES, THE TOWN COUNCIL
AND THE ORANGEMEN.

The meeting of the Town-Council on Wednesday last
throws a little more light than we had previously upon the
proceedings of the authorities with respect to the seven
members of Orange benefit societies, who have been dis-
covered to belong to the Liverpool Police Force; and, we
must say, the disclosures made do not very materially im-
prove the position of the magistracy. What is it that is
urged in defence of the proceedings of that body, and in
mitigation of the charge brought against them of having
slighted, by the course which they adopted, the Watch
Committee of the Council? It was explained by the
Mayor that the whole affair, so far as regards the ques-
tion of Orangeism in the police-force, originated out of a
procession, " said to be an Orange procession ;" and
which has proved, to use the language of Mr. Henry
Lawrence, to have been " a paltry procession of a few lads,
with yellow ribbons and a cracked drum." 'With the
fact of such a procession having taken place, as his cue,
the Stipendiary Magistrate bustled to the Mayor, with a
face full of horror doubtless, and made to him " certain
representations ;" but what were these we know not. We
can only guess that they were representations which had
been conveyed to himself by the late Head Constable,
Mr. Whitty, to the effect that there were a large number
of Orangemen connected with the police-force. The
Mayor sent for the Town-Clerk to share and advise with
him upon the important representations of the Stipen-
diary ; and, having so consulted with the Law Officer of
the Council. suggested, very properly, that they should
communicate with the Watch Committee. So tar, then
affairs were conducted quite regularly; and had the May-
or's suggestion been adopted, the injurious collision
which has since arisen between the Watch Committee and
the Magistracy would have been avoided.
But such straightforward course was not that advised
by Mr. Rushton and the Town-Clerk. "The objection
they had "—we quote the Mayor's words as reported
—" was simply this : they thought the matter might be
kept perfectly quiet, and done in a qaiet way(?) They
did not think it would be necessary even to consult the
bench of Magistrates" (I I) So far then, by his worship's
own showing, no question had arisen as to conflicting
jurisdictions, between the Watch Committee and the
Bench. That body was not to be asked to lend the sane•
tion of their authority to any course which might be
adopted ; but, in a quiet way, Mr. Edward Rushton, was
to assume the powers of a Fouche, the Mayor's room w,s
to be converted into a bureau of secret police, and the
community was to be astounded by some such master-
stroke of policy as was wont, in the days of the Empire,
to startle France and the world !

But it will be asked—what, during all this time and all
this awful secrecy, had the question of Orangeism in the
police force, to do with the paltry procession of lads
with yellow ribbons and a cracked drum"—the assumed
origin of the movements of the Mayor, the Stipend'ary,
and the Town-Clerk ? Had any one of the seven Orange
policemen neglected to enforce order on the occasion of
the procession in question ? We have never beard that
such was the tact ; and had it been, we should have heard
of it soon enough. We assume, therefore, that no such
neglect had occurred, and proceed with the doings of our
secret tribunal.

Mr_ Whitty, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Dowling were sum-
moned to its presence, and directed to make such inquiries
as should enable the stipendiary and the Mayor—not the
magistrates, mind—to detect the unfortunate parties who
were to be quietly done for. But, alas ! before such con-
summation could be effected, the whole affair got out !
The Mayor would have us infer that this unfortunate con-
tretemps occurred owing to the instructions given to Mr.
Whitty and Mr. Miller being laid before the Watch Com-
mittee ; and a contemporary declares that the proceedings
in the Mayor's room, which should have been kept as "A
POLICE SECRET" (!)—from whom ?—would never have
been divulged but for the circumstance of Mr. Harbord,
a member of the Orange order, being also a member of
the Watch Committee! That both these conclusions are
erroneous, we know; and in fact that they are so, is self-
evident. Mr. Whitty had informed the seven men them-
selves, and, we bel,eve, the whole force, of the resolution
to which the Mayor and stipendiary had come—(that
Orangemen were ineligible for the situation of police
constables)—some days before the Watch Committee
knew that anything of the kind was in agitation. Why
should the Watch Committee fly up in indignation, if,
whilst quietly, the proceedings of the Mayor and stipen-
diary had been regularly conducted, and Mr. Whitty's
instructions recorded at the time in the proceedings of
that committee ? Upon this part of the defence—for as
such it appears to be given—we feel assured that we need
say no more ; and with respect to the disclosure of the
great " police secret" by Mr. Harbord or any member of
the Watch Committee, it was known to ourselves, and,
we venture to say, to the Mercury as well, (who appears
to have been well primed as to what was going on,) before
either Mr. Harbord or any other member of the com-
mittee knew a word about the matter !

The doings in the Mayor's room, and the " Police
Secret" of Mr. Whitty, having transpired we need not
describe the alacrity with which the majority of the ma-
gistrates (who were themselves, in the first instance not
to have been consulted) rushed to aid with their authority
the Mayor and Mr. Rushton, and thus brought to a full
head the very pretty quarrel in which they had got them-
selves involved with the Watch Committee. Knowing as
we do the materials of which that bench is in a great part
composed, we are not surprised at finding that Mr.
Rushton's conduct received their sanction ; but it does
strike us with some little surprise to see the names of one
or two conservative gentlemen recorded, as the unengni-
ring registries of Mr. Rushton's or any body's decrees.
If Mr. Ru‘hton's secret police bureau had thought it po-
litic and prudent to act, without the concurrence or
knowledge of the Watch Committee, there was no earthly
reason, secrecy being no longer necessary, for persisting
in the course of slight towards that body which had been
originally and unfortunately adopted; and we cannot but
think that, on reflection, the gentlemen in question will
be dissatisfied with their silent acquiescence in the pro-
ceedings of the Radical majority.
We are quite disposed to acquit the Mayor of any desire
to outstretch the authority of his office, or to shew any
want of atten►ion to the Watch Committee, throughout
this affair. He wished to have communicated with that
body. But it is not at all clear that Mr. Rushton and
the Town-clerk can be excused so easily. Both these
official parties appear to have set themselves above, not
only the Watch Committee but the bench as well; and
this conclusion is not at all weakened by the explanation
of the Town-clerk, that the Watch Committee were to be
communicated with "at the proper time." Their pur-
pose was—and would have been carried out if the " police
secret" could have been well kept,—first, quietly to pro-
nounce the law, and then quietly to weed the force ; and
then, possibly, the empty compliment would have been paid
of informing the Watch Committee of their proceedings.
That such project was not successful, and the commithe
rendered merely the recording body of the presiding genius
of the police-court, we have to thank the able stand made
against the encroachment meditated upon their powers by
Messrs. Aspinall, Harbord, Turner, and other of its
members, which we are happy to see adequately appre-
ciated by the majority of the Council. Whatever may
be the opinion of the authorities to be consulted, with
respect to the legality or illegality of the Orange order,
and the eligibility of members of that body to situations
of public trust, we are confident that the expression of
public opinion which has already been elicited, will pre-
vent any further attempts of the bench, or a single, but
eminent, member of it, to arrogate an authority which, if
they do possess, which we• doubt, might be wielded with-
out the very injurious result of weakening, by outward
and delibe'ate slight, the moral influence and consequent
usefulness of a body, to whose labours the public of Li-
verpool are so deeply indebted.
A few words, with respect to the outcry which has been
raised against Mr. Harbord, as a member of the Watch
Committee and, at the same time an influential officer—
not the Grand Master, as he is erroneously styled—of the
Orange Order. It was urged by Mr. Rathbone, at the
meeting of the magistrates, that it was highly improper
for " such a person " as Mr. Harhord to remain a mem-
ber of the Watch Committee. Let any member of the
Council come boldly forward and propose tLe opinion
which Mr. Rathbone thus volunteered, in his capacity of
magistrate, as a resolution in the Council ; and, if he
succeed in the effort to carry it, he will earn the adulation
of the Mercury, and—the indignation of the Council.
With this challenge we take leave of the subject.

MERCURIAL ELEGANCIES & AMIABILITIES.

Our very excellent contemporary, the Mercury, is just
now in anything but a sweet temper, which we are com-
pelled, in candour, to attribute to the rapid decline taking
place in the number of his advertisements and in his
circulation, and the increase of those of two or three of
his contemporaries,—our own paper in especial. We are
the more irresistibly driven to this conclusion from the
fact that all, or at least the principal proportion; of his
ire is directed against those contemporaries. We give a
few specimens of the elegancies with which he bespatters
us, in what he facetiously styles his notes "To Corres-
pondents," but what the world might appropriately call
Grunts from the Mercurial stye." We quote verbatim,
and in order.

" The Crescent tiny tory asks—"
" Our half brother of Liver Court"—
" The conductor of a shameful paper"—
"The veracious Mail"—

" The Crescent tory"—
" Our friend of the Courier"—(Our friend is not ma-
terially damaging the Mercurial property, and hence, per-
haps, his being let down so easily and with so sweet a
name.)
These are but the titular insolencies of which the spleen
of a falling organ vents itself. The insolence of remark
is infinitely more disgusting and indecent. The conduc-
tors of a print acknowledged to be the least talented in
Liverpool, or in Lancashire,—whose influence is solely in
its " Houses to let", " Situations %anted," and " Wanted
a maid of all work," &c.,—ought to be more modest.

EARLY CLOSING.—We are glad to perceive that the
boot-makers are about to adopt the now almost general
system of early closing.
GRAND CONCERT AT THE ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
—A grand concert is announced for to-morrow evening
at the Royal Amphitheatre, under the patronage of the
Worshipful the Mayor. It is for the benefit of Miss
Hamilton, of the Philharmonic Concerts, a highly ta-
lented and deserving young lady, who has for this occa-
sion, engagaged, at a great expense, a constellation of
talent, instrumental, as well as vocal. Amongst the
" stars" will appear the tar-famed Herr Ernst, the greatest
violinist of the day; Signor Paltoni, of the Italian Opera
House, London; Mr. John R-eves, limn the Theatre
Royal. Drury-lane; Miss Keale, pianiste; Mr. S. Per-
cival, flutist, and many favourite native i:er tormT: Mr.
George Holden, will precide at the piano, and it is fulll
anticipated that the entertainment will be a rich treat to
be musical world.

LOCAL LITERATURE.

We give the following selections from Punch in Liver.

pool, No.
_3

. •
PUNCH'S FASHIONS FOP. LIVERPOOL.—Coats for
gentlemen are this season worn over the waistcoats, and
give an extraordinary elongation to the back. They are
buttoned before, except when confined by studs. As a
substitute for gloves the back pockets are extensively
used. which has the advantage of concealing the naked
digits, and at the same time of allowing a glance at the
dorsal formation, which is worn a little protruded for the
purpose. Slops, Chesterfields, and Down-the- Roads are
scouted—the printer's devil suggests spouted—for this
season, except where the fine quality and preservation of
the under garments are modestly sought to be concealed.
From feelings of philanthropy, no doubt, to encourage
the distressed artisans of Brummagem—(Punch adopts
here the pronunciation of Lord Brougbam)—jewellery is
extensively worn in the cravats and on the fingers; and
where the latter is the case, one hand only is worn in the
back coat pocket, which mode has the disadvantage of
disclosing only one-half of the dorsal extremity. Punch
may remark that the riding whip, carried in the hand
adorned with jewellery, is very graceful ; and appropriate
especially for gentlemen who ride only in omnibuses or
the packets.
LADIES FASHIONS are out of Punch's line, and will
be expounded by Mrs. Judy, from her Mercurial establish-
ment in Lord-street.

MARKETS.—Ships have been very slow of sail during
the past week, steamers having been the only kind amongst
which there has been any great movement, owing to the
calm prevailing in the market. Lead is heavy, particu-
larly pigs, of which great numbers are arriving from
Ireland. Corks are buoyant, and Guinness's porter corks
owing to the warm weather, are particularly lively. Cork
soles may be said to be shelved for the season. Paper is
stationary, except some Standard sorts, which go off
readily Brimstone is just now a drug, and treacle dull,
although we have had a little demand for both this season
from the Yorkshire schools. Yellow ochre and cinders
have been taken off extensively for agricultural purposes,
in lieu of guano, which is very scarce in the market. Soot
has fallen considerably within the last few days; but
although clouds have presented a lowering aspect, Punch
has to record no fall in rain.—ln shares we have had little
doing. Birkenhead Docks have been mentioned, but
nothing done in them. All kinds of rails are steady,
and maintain their position of last week, with the excep-
tion of Chester and Birkenhead, which were much gone
upon on Wednesday and Thursday, at increased prices,
stand-ups being sold at the rate of first-class. In banks
there is no change—Burbo and West Hoyle remain as
be fore.

DISTRESSING CASE.—Punch feels it his painful duty
to inform his friends, that the Old Church clock is still
unwell, being as yet unable to strike. He complains of
great panes in his face ; and from the circumstance of two
or three large red spots appearing upon it every evening,
which move about in a circular direction, Punch suspects
the presence of St. Anthony's fire, although he is unable
to state precisely the complaint of the sufferer, notwith-
standing he has studied Clockology ever since he knew
what time it was.

Friday, 3d May.—The clock is somewhat better, having
recovered his voice. _ _

Saturday, 4th May.—The patient seems perfectly re-
covered, and is beginning a dispute with his brother on
the pier-head upon the subject of time. The old clock
maintains, that, in respect of his seniority, although not
goine so fast as his youthful opponent on the parade, the
public ought to look up to him as the most enlightened
authority. He of the parade retorts that the old 'un,
because one of the light-fingered gentry, is not regular in
his habits, and should not be trusted after dark. Punch
regrets that he cannot himself decide the question between
them ; and still more regrets that two such great authori-
ties as to time should differ.

Trig " CROPS " IN THE NEIGHBnURHOOD.—Since
the accession of warm weather, a good deal of hair has
been cut, although there is still a great quantity of pro-
duce of this class which requires the shears. Carrots
especially should be operated upon at once; and when
grown upon exposed localities might be rooted up with
advantage. Punch deprecates the use of guano as a
fertilizer upon those facial localities which nature has
doomed to be unproductive of a full crop ; and would
advise the sprouts which have appeared to be clean shorn
daily.