The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1843-01-27 00:00:00

LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER RAILWAY

The twenty. second half-yearly meeting of the proprietors
of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway was held on Wed-
nesday, in the Cotton Sales Rooms, for the purpose of
receiving the report of the directors, and declaring a divi-
dend. CHARLES LAWRENCE, Esq., chairman of the
board of directors, took the chair.
The advertisement convening the meeting-having been
read, Mr. BOOTH read the report of the directors. In
commencing the report, the directors regretted the conti-
nuance of that general depression in the affairs of trade and
manufactures, which they have been compelled to notice, in
so many of their former reports. In the half-year just
ended, the business of the railway, both in the merchandise
and coaching departments, had experienced still further
and extraordinary checks, caused by the disturbances which
prevailed so extensively, in the manufacturing districts, in
August last. The period of the year which in general is
relied on, as most propitious to locomotion by railway, was
thus rendered comparatively unprofitable. The total receipts
from passengers had fallen off to the extent of £B,OOO, and
from merchandise to the extent of £5,000, as compared
with the corresponding six months of the previous year.
To meet this great deficieney in the receipts, the directors
had been anxious to introduce the strictest economy into
every branch of the expenditure ; and their exertions
in this respect bad succeeded to an extent which, under
the circumstances, they trusted will be deemed satis-
factory ; the current disbursements for the half• year
being £lO,OOO less than in the corresponding period of 1841.
Since the general meeting of proprietors, in July last, the
directors have completed their contracts for tlw, execution of
the extension railway from Ordsall-lane to Hunt's Bank.
The report concluded by stating, that four directors went out
of office by rotation, viz.:—Mr. Robert Benson and Mr.
William Rotheram, elected by the proprietors; Mr. George
Locke and Mr. Langton, elected by the Duke of Suther-
land ; to which list must be added Mr. Wm. Garnett, elected
by the proprietors, who resigned his directorship on the 12th
December last ; the present election, therefore, would be for
three directors by the proprietors, and for two directors by
the Duke of Sutherland. Then followed a statement of the
receipts and expenditure, from which it appeared, that the
nett proceeds for the half-year were £63,696 10s. 9d. ; to
which must be added, the amount reserved in July last for the

income tax, not yet paid, £2,168 12s. sd. ; making a total of
£65,865 3s. 2d. The directors recommended a dividend of £5
per £lOO share, which, on 12,090 shares, amounts to £60,450;
and which will leeve a balance of .£5,415 35., chargeable with
the income tax for the year ; this charge being liquidated,
there will be a small residue (the amount at present uncer-
tain) to
_be carried to the credit of the next half-year's ac-
count.

The CHAIRMAN then addressed the proprietors. He said
that in submitting the report of the directors to their ap-
proval, he was sure it was not necessary for him to detain
them by enlarging upon the subjects contained in it. They
had, indeed, travelled the same road so often that, really,
very little which was new could be said. The directors, how-
ever, had to express their regret that, owing to the great de-
pression of trade, their returns had not been so great as on
former occasions; they had, consequently, exerted them-
selves to the utmost to increase their trade, and he hoped
it would be found that in some respects they had succeeded.
If better times came they would be prepared to carry on an
increased trade at a reduced charge. (Hear, hear.) One
word he would add with regard to the satisfactory sum the
directors bad been able to save in the disbursements—namely,
a reduction to the extent of £lO,OOO. At the same time.
he was justified in saying that the efficiency of the stock was
not at all impaired. Upon the contrary, he was happy to
say, that at no period since the commencement had the
engines, both in working and in stock, been in such high
order as at the present time. The proprietors owed much,
in this respect, to Mr. Woods, the superintendent. He
might here mention that, within the last two years, nineteen
engines had been either entirely removed or replaced. He
would not longer detain the meeting, and he would conclude
by saying that either himself or the treasurer were prepared
to answer any question which the proprietors might put.
On the motion of Mr. WILSON BENSON, the report was
received and adopted ; and Mr. BICKERSTETH moved, that
a dividend of £5 per £lOO share be declared. The motion
was carried.

In answer to a question from a SHAREHOLDER, Mr.
BOOTH stated that the dividend would be paid on the 7th or
the Bth of February.

It was then resolved, on the motion of Mr. WILSON
CREWDSON, seconded by Mr. WILSON, that Mr. Robert
Benson and Mr. William Rotherham be re-elected directors,
and that Mr. Edward Cropper be elected a director in tile
place of Mr. William Garnett, resigned. Some conversation
took place on a suggestion of Mr. ALSTON that the number

of directors be reduced from fifteen to ten, but the sense of
the meeting appeared to be against any alteration.
Mr. Lawrence was then thanked for his conduct in the
chair, and the meeting separated.

On Thursday, at the meeting of Income-tax commissioners
held at the Half-way House between here and Canterbury.
Mr. Manti, an Italian, and a dealer in watches, &c., appealed
against his surcharge, when he was asked to produce his
books. In compliance with this demand, Mr. Manti pulled
from his pocket a memorandum-book, which contained cer-
tain jottings in his native language, and presented it for the
inspection of the inquisitors, telling them that it was all the
books he kept. Whether this document contained satisfac-
tory evidence that Mr. Manti was, or was not, entitled to
exemption was not explained, no one of the inquisitors being
able to read it ; but, at all events, he got clear of the sur-
charge.—Dover Chronicle.
ANECDOTE OF TDB PRINCESS ROYAL.—During one of
the late cold and stormy nights, her Royal Highness was
awakened by the loud and frequent coughipg of some one
without, and starting up in alarm, enquired of her sleepy at-
tendant " What it was ?" On being informed that it was
the sentinel on duty on the terrace beneath the tower. the
Princess observed, " Oh, poor fellow, he has got a very bad
cough ; and after repeated expressions of sorrow for the
" poor soldier out in the cold," again fell asleep. The
weather continued for several days unfavourable, but one
morning preparations were made for her Royal Highness and
her little brother to take their usual airings, and when the
party bad reached the terrace from the postern door, the
Princess was again startled by the well-remembered sound
which had disturbed her slun-ibers a few nights before, and
breaking from her attendants, she ran up to the sentinel on
duty, an old grenadier, and addressed him—" How is your
cough to-day, soldier? I hope it's better." The surprise
and pleasure of the soldier was great when told by her atten-
dants that it was tilie Princess Royal who had made this kind
enquiry. But neither his surprise nor his pleasure ended
here, for the Queen, on hearing of the sympathy expressed
by her little first-born, sent a present of two guineas as a cure
for the "poor soldier's very bad cough."—Court Journal.
ROMANCE IN REAL LIFE, OR LOVE IN A CHIMNEY.
—A correspondent informs us, that the Quiet and secluded
neighbourhood of Thornley, near Longridge, has this week
been the scene of one of those singular adventures which are
so often depicted in the works of fiction, with more colouring
and exaggeration than the nature of such adventures will al-
low ; but which, in the case in question, is painfully true to
the letter. The hero of the story, a labourer in a quarry, has
certainly for some time been a hero in his way, and his love
adventures at Longridge or the neighbourhood have often
been of sufficient importance to occupy an idle hour of some
of the softer sex of the village. and his stratagems, too, have
often displayed more than ordinary tact and sagacity. The
house and scene of his enterprise on Monday evening was
the residence of a farmer, who, with his wife, were from home,
and the house was occupied at the time by the object of our
hero's earnest solicitude—a sweet-looking damsel under 20.
The luckless wight knocked at the door and windows, and
could get no answer. It then occurred to him, that all ap-
parent means of access were blockaded up at the sides of the
house, there might be wisdom in trying to get an entrance
from the top. So having found his was there, be was not
long in thrusting himself down the chimney; when lo! having
got only a part of his way down the chimney, this man of the
hammer and wedges was wedged fast in the chimney, and
for neither good nor ill could he extricate himself. A groan-
ing was heard, which was frightful at first. However, the
alarm was soon given—a great part of the chimney was pulled
down, and a chain of the quarries procured ere he could be
extricated from his most perilous situation. He was at length
dragged out, nearly half dead. Medical aid was speedily pro
cured, and this hero of a hundred love affairs released from a
situation which threatened quickly to put a " finis " to his
love adventures and excursions forever.—Preston Chronicle.

THE WHITE QUAKEHS.---The Monitor, of Wednesday,
in bringing again under notice some of the recent antics of
Joshua Jacob, thus observes:—" When we find him success-
fully inducing among others, an unfortunate lady to quit her
own home and to reside in his house, with property to the
amount of £9,000, of which sum £6,313 were government
stock, and two-thirds the property of her children, their fa-
ther having died intestate—when we find him afterwards
systematically bringing her to a stockbroker, and standing
by while the necessary steps were taking for selling out and
making the transfer, and then himself receiving, in her pre-
sence, twelve Bank of Ireland notes for £5OO each ! then
taking ten of these notes to the Bank in Dublin, and the re-
maining two subsequently to Waterford, and not merely ex-
changing them for gold, but insisting that the sovereigns
should be weighed—nay more, that he himself should hold
the scales to prevent even the possibility of his being de-
prived of a single grain. When we consider all these facts
we cannot but be led to the conclusion that his pretended
fanaticism is but a knavish imposition, put in practice until
he shall have entirely drained the unfortunate victims whom
he has gained over to his delusions. The above facts are not
in the slightest degree exaggerated, being taken almost ver-
batim from the affidavit supporting the petition for a writ of
as exent regno, made by Mr. Geoghegan, the solicitor, of
Lower Gardiner-street, who has, with considerable ingenuity
and perseverance, traced step by step the whole proceedings
as they occurred. A petition, we understand, has been pre-
sented
to make the Minors Wards of Chancery, and a bill •
has already been filed praying, amongst other matters, that
Joshua Jacob may be compelled to refund two-thirds of the
property, amounting to £6,000, which the wretchedly de-
luded mother signed over to him, and which legally belongs
to the children. Joshua himself continues in the City Mar-
shalsea, being either incapable of procuring hail to the amount
of £4,000, the sum in which the writ was marked, or unwil-
ling to lodge that sum in court as security to abide the de-
cree. In addition to the sum of £9,000, the subject matter
of the suit above referred to, we are informed that he has
also possessed himself of several other sums."

FURTHER PARTICULARS OF REBECCA AND II ER
DAUGHTERS.—The lawless mob in the neighbourhood of
St. Clear's have again committed a daring outrage. On Fri-
day, the sth ult., the magistrates for the county met at the
Shire Hall, Carmarthen, to deliberate respecting the riotous
transactions at St. Clear's, during the past month, and to
take measures for the apprehension of the ringleaders. The
proceedings on that occasion were strictly private, but the
result has been that a troop of the royal marines from Mil-
ford, commanded by Captain Wilson, was stationed at St.
Clear's, and a great number of the old pensioners from Car.
marthen received orders to proceed to the same place ; the
reward for the apprehension of the offenders was also in-
creased from £5O to £lOO. Notwithstanding these precau-
tions, on Monday last the rioters sent a message to the ma-
rines, to the effect that they were about to pay a visit to the
gates, and that they should be glad to meet them. Between
three and four o'clock in the morning a detachment of 20
marines, accompanied by four officers, set out for the gates,
to ascertain if the men intended carrying their threat into
execution. When they arrived at Trevaughan gate, it was
found to have been levelled to the ground, and part of the
toll-house destroyed. Not one of the rioters was, however,
to be seen, they having dispersed in different directions after
they had levelled the gates. On each of these excursions
the mob, consisting of a large number of men and boys, all
of them well mounted, and most of them dressed in women's
clothes, and nearly all armed with guns, pistols, pitchforks,
hay-knives, reaping-hooks, crow-bars, or some other weapon,
are invariably headed by Rebecca, who is described as being
a remarkably strong tall man, well disguised, and who appears
to have unlimited authority over the lawless crew who terni
themselves her children. The toll-keepers arc dreadfully
afraid of them, and the mob altogether is the terror of the
surrounding country. The farmers in the neighbourhood
have refused to be sworn in as special constables, and many
of them have paid the tine of £5 for such refusal. The
whole of the peasantry of that part of the country appear to
be in a state of the greatest excitement, and w
dis-
pute will not be put an end to without theo effusion efear
o ft
ood
We have just been informed, that onefthe mob can be
identified, and will at once be apprehended. A
ameetis was
gosf
the representatives of the various neighbouring parishes
held on Wednesday last, when several resolutions.wearrepa,ssed
which are to be printed, and circulated in the 1
dis-
trict.—the Welshman.

INFORMATIONS
_AGAINST THE MINOR

THEATRES.

On Wednesday morning a Special Session was held at the
Court-house, at Kirkdale, for the purpose of hearing the in-
formations laid under the direction of the proprietors of the
Theatre Royal, against the managers and actors of the Minor
Theatres in this town.
The Rev. Rector Brooks presided. There were on the
bench the Rev. Miles Formby, Richard Edwards, Esq.,
Nicholas Robinson, Esq., John Fletcher, Esq., Adam Hodg-
son, Esq., Charles Horsfall, Esq., James Ileyworth, Esq.,
and the Rev. Mr. Moss.
Mr. James appeared on behalf of the proprietors of the
Theatre Royal; attorneys, Messrs. Foster and Lloyd. Mr.
Sowler, of Manchester, defended Mr. Copeland, the mana.
ger of the Liver Theatre; attorney, Mr. James Norris.
Mr. Myers read the first information, which was laid by
Mr. Robert Sandford Robinson, against Mr. W. R. Cope-
land, who was charged with having, at the Liver Theatre,
without lawful authority, and without license, &c., on the
19th December last, caused to be acted a dramatic entertain-
ment called the " Pet of the Petticoats." To this informa-
tion Mr. Copeland pleaded Not Guilty.
Mr. James opened the case by directing the attention of
the bench to the Act under which the informations were laid,
(10th Geo. 11. cap. 28th,) which makes each offence punish-
able by a fine of £5O. The information stated that on the
19th December Mr. Copeland caused to be acted the " Pet
of the Petticoats," without either patent or authority. In
point of fact, such authority as this could not have been given
by the Lord Chamberlain save in Westminster, or in some
place where his Majesty was residing. No such authority,
therefore, could be given as regarded Liverpool, because Li-
verpool was not Westminster, and the King did not reside in
Liverpool. He did not appear as counsel for a mere com-
mon informer, who went about the country laying informa-
tions, with the mere object of putting money in his pocket.
He would state broadly that he appeared as the representa-
tive of a large body of gentlemen whose interests were at
stake—as the representative of the proprietors of the Theatre
Royal. The lessee of the patent theatre had no more to do
with these proceedings than any of the gentlemen on the
bench. He might indeed be interested in the result, but the
proceedings were brought forward by the body of the proprie-
tors, who were determined to protect that which was their
property, and which had been infringed upon. There was a
spurious sympathy existing in Liverpool on this subject, at
least in the minds of some individuals. It was said to be very
hard that the people at the Liver Theatre could not be let alone ;
that the pUblic surely had a right to be allowed the choice of
going to what theatre they pleased, and that the public conve-
nience ought to be consulted. Persons who reasonedlthus should
remember that there was an adage which inculcated that it
was proper for individuals to be just before they were gene-
rous. They should consider that there were other interests
which ought to be as narrowly watched as the interests of
the Liver Theatre. Had not the proprietors of the Theatre-
Royal a right to be protected against the infringements upon
their patent, which was their property, and which had cost
them a large sum of money ? At one time there could by
law be no performances in Liverpool. It was well known
that parties had to pay large sums for peculiar privileges.
Here was a right legally sanctioned and known to exist ; a
contract to which the faith of the nation was pledged. What
right had any one to say " I will infringe this contract " ?
People had spoken of the hardship of the case. There was
no hardship in it. Here was a benefit conferred upon the
public. They had no theatre, and a number of gentlemen
stepped forward and said, " You shall hare a theatre, and
we will be at the expense of procuring the privilege." It
had been attempted to make it appear that the minor thea-
tres were open for the benefit of the public. This was ab-
surd. Mr. Copeland, or whoever else might be the manager
of a minor theatre, infringed on the privileges of the paten-
tees, not for the benefit of the public, but for his own benefit.
The subject for inquiry was not, however, how far the open-
ing of minor theatres was expedient or otherwise; they were
then to decide upon the law as they found it. It was not
for them to determine what was proper or improper, but to
administer the law. Mr. James proceeded to show, that
many vested rights are fully maintained and acknowledged,
even when the public convenience really suffers. Be cited
an illustration, the case of the Lord of the Manor of Man-
chester, who has the exclusive privilege of selling meat in
the market, that of the right of ferry on the opposite side of
the river, &c., observing that these were all privileges which
had been some time or other contracted for, which had cost
money, were held as valuable, and respected by the nation.
If the public complained, there was but one clear course to
adopt, which was, to go to the legislature, .and get the law
repealed ; but while the law remained in force, it was neces-
sary that it should be respected. It might be said, and had
been said, that the town had increased in size, and that there
was occasion for more theatres than formerly. He would
urge those who reasoned thus to look at the fact, that though
the town had increased in size, the taste for theatricals had
diminished. In conclusion, Mr. James said the defendants
could not say that they had been taken by surprise. Ample
notice had been given to them, that if they proceeded they
would be prosecuted.

Mr. So;vier said he might as well save the time of the court
at once by objecting to the case. It appeared that his learned
friend relied on the 10th of Geo. 11. cap. 28. Now another
act had been brought forward subsequently, which exempted
the town of Liverpool from the operation of that act.
Mr. James said his learned friend had better be regular,
and wait till the time arrived for opening the defence.
Mr. Sowler said his object was to save time.
Mr. James had no objection to argue the point, but he
assured the court it would save no time. If his learned
friend would rest the case on that one point, he had no ob-
jection to proceed upon it.
Mr. Sowler declined to stand upon the point.
Mr. James proceeded to call his witnesses.
Mr. Peter Godfrey Lloyd proved that he went to the pit
of the Liver Theatre, in Church-street, in the parish of Li-
verpool, on the 19th of December last ; paid two shillings ;
saw other persons paying, and was admitted with them into
the pit, where he saw a dramatic piece, consisting of dialogue,
music, and action, performed. It was called " The Pet of
the Petticoats."

Mr. Thomas Carter was called.
Mr. Sowler objected to Mr. Carter's evidence, because he
is a rate-payer. The fact of Mr. Carter being a rate-payer
having been proved on his own testimony,
Mr. James called upon Mr. Sowler to give his reasons for
the objection.

Mr. Sowler cited an act of parliament which prevents rate-
payers from giving evidence in cases where the parish is
interested in the penalty.
Mr. James said his learned friend must have forgotten a
little act of parliament, 3rd and 4th Victoria. which allows
rate-payers to give evidence in all cases.
Mr. Carter proved that he had printed the bill announcing
the performance in question, at his printing establishment;
that the order was given to Mr. John Connor, his overseer,
and that Mr. Copeland paid for the work.—Mr. Connor was
called, and he proved that he received the order for the bills
from Mr. Copeland.

Mr. Sowle.r, for the defence, said they never would have
heard of these prosecutions if the Theatre-Royal had been a
paying concern. Mr. Sowler produced the act of Geo. 111.
which repealed so much of the act of Geo. 11. as to allow a
patent to Liverpool. He contended that it repealed the
whole act.

Mr. James, in reply, contended that the Act of Geo. 111.
was merely permissive as regarded Liverpool. but did not
repeal the other portions of the Act of George 11.
The opinion of the court was taken on this point. The
Magistrates were of opinion that it did not affect the case
at all.

Mr. Sowler proceeded to contend that no proof had been
given that the piece in question had been acted for fee, hire,
or reward.

The Magistrates, after a short consultation, retired. On
their return the Chairman said they were unanimously of
opinion that the defendant must be convicted in the penalty
of

The next information was against Fanny Fitzwilliam, for
having acted in the " Pet of the Petticoats." The evidence
and defence in this case were similar to those brought for-
ward in the preceding one. The defendant was convicted.
The Chairman asked if Mr. James intended to proceed
further against actors.

Mr. James, having consulted a minute or two with Mr.
Lloyd, solicitor, said he had no discretion. The parties had
expressed their determination to proceed. Leniency had
been before exercised but it had no effect, and now when the
opposite party had thrown down the gauntlet they were bound
to take it up. Their rights had been invaded, but if the other
parties would now stop—
Mr. Norris.—We will agree to the same arrangement as
before. Give us the half year.
Mr. Lloyd.—No.
Mr. Norris.—Then we will go on and try it with vou.
Mr. James.—We have a right—an acknowledged right—
which they have invaded, and now when we contend for it
they ask us to divide our right with them ; as if a man should
meet another in the street with a loaf, and say to him, that
loaf is yours, I know I have no right to it, but I won't be
content unless you give me half of it.
Four other informations were heard against Mr. Copeland,
for four several performances. In one of these the case
failed, in consequence of no proof being offered that the Liver
Theatre is in the parish of Liverpool. In the other three
Mr. Copeland was convicted.
The court adjourned about half-past five o'clock, till
Tuesday next, at eleven o'clock, when the proceedings will
be resumed.

Sia GEORGE COCKBURS.-It is with deep regret that w•e
learn, at the moment of going to press, that the condition of
Sir George Cockburn has undergone no improvement. He
still lies in a very precarious state, it being impossible to stop
the hemorrhage from the lungs altogether. But slender
hopes are. we are sorry to say, entertained of his recovery.—
Standard of Wednesday.

TRAGICAL. OccußßENcE.—Mary, the wife of John Fair,
residing at Lenuel, near Coldstream, had gone to bed at the
accustomed hour, and he (her husband,) coming into the
house intoxicated, threw some burning coals from the fire to
the bed, and in endeavouring to extinguish the flames they
were both so severely burned in consequence as to cause
their depths in a few days. John died on the 13th, aged 66,
and the poor woman lingered in a protracted agony till the
14th, when death terminated her sufferings also, aged 67.
Caledonian Mercury.

THE ATTEMPT ON MR. DRUMMOND.—A singular inci-
dent occurred to the Duke of Wellington a few minutes after
Mr. Drummond was wounded. His grace had left the
Commander-in-chief's office, and was crossing the parade
in St. James's Park, when a stout made youth, about 16 or
17 years of age, ran with considerable violence against his
grace. The collision caused his grace to stagger. A police-
man on duty, witnessing the occurrence, and with the fact
of the recent attempted assassination being upon his mind,
ran up and secured the person, believing that some intended
violence had been used towards the duke. It is but justice
to the lad to state, he instantly made an apology, without
being aware of the high rank of the person he had so unin-
tentionally assaulted. The reporter understood his grace to
make use of the following reply, " I will take no apology,"
and instantly passed on. The policeman, construing this
into a charge, conveyed the lad to Gardiner's-lane station-
house, where he stated the circumstance to Inspector Hughes,
who was on duty. It was deemed advisable to detain the
lad until it could be ascertained whether it was the intention
of the Duke of Wellington to charge him with the assault.
After a detention of upwards of three hours, the lad, who
was not locked up in a cell, was given over to his friends.—
Standard.

ATROCIOUS CRUELTY.—On Friday morning, Thomas
tulwell, between 50 and 60 years of age, was brought up at
the County Magistrates' Office. Palace Yard, charged with
having caused the death of a valuable young horse belonging
to his mistress, by cutting out its tongue. Fulwell had been
taken into the service out of pure charity, and treated with
the utmost kindness. On Wednesday fortnight the horse
was observed to be very ill, and bleeding profusely at the
mouth. On Wednesday se'nnight the animal died, and it
was then discovered that its death had been caused by a deep.
gash at the root of its tongue, from which it had gradually
bled to death. Fuh% ell had repeatedly wished the horse dead.
Sergeant Chipp, upon taking the prisoner into custody, was
told by him that " if his mistress would forgive him, he
would tell all about it." Ile denied having a knife in his
possession, but eventually, upon being taxed with having
had one a few minutes before, vvoduced a large clasp knife,
which appeared to have been the instrument used in this
diabolical act of cruelty. Unfortunately, however, as the
prisoaer's own statement under a promise of forgiveness
would not be evidence against him, Chipp would not allow
his admission to be received on these conditions, and then
being no other evidence against him, he was sent about his
business, with an intimation that, if anything further trail-
spired to confirm his guilt, lie would be again apprehended.
—Worcester Paper.

CORRESPONDENCB.

THE WORKING MEN OF LIVERPOOL AND
THEIR WIVES.

•••......
FRIENDS,--In my last letter to you I ponted ut
that you, as a class, suffered more front thei effects ofthe fact
r"
than your wealthier brethren, and also, - ~
to tables drawn from the reports of tl.
that in Liverpool the chances of life were
town or place in Great Britain.
I shall now devote myself to the task 1
you some of the various causes which prodm sequences, more especially as regards Liverpool; and I
would wish you to understand, that of whatever value my
own personal experience in these matters may Ise,
I claim
your attention, more especially from the fact, that what I
have to say to you is borne out by the evidence of the most
intelligent practical medical men, engineers, and others
throughout the empire, who having had special opportunities
of observation, were requested to give their evidence to the
commission of inquiry, and which was embodied in their re-
port presented to Parliament by command of her Majesty,
in July last. I must here once for all state the obligations I
am under to the compilers of this report, for the valuable in-
formation conveyed in so clear a manner ; and I would un-
hesitatingly affirm, that the statesman who should carry out,
or rather encourage the people to carry out the various
suggestions contained in its pages for the prevention of
disease and death, would more deserve to be handed down to
posterity as a great benefactor of his species, than any of
those whose abilities have gained for them an almost immortal
name.

e itegis

g cut to

The causes which produce such evil consequences may be
classed under two beads, viz., those which require the assist-
ance of men in authority, and those which may be remedied
by yourselves alone.

In the first class of causes may be placed, defects of the
houses in which you reside, as to situation, ill construction,
want of ventilation, dampness, want of proper drains, sewers,
and ash-pits, neglect of street cleansing and paving, and
scarcity of water.
Under the second class of causes, or those which you your-
selves alone may remedy, may be included :—Want of clean-
liness of your houses and persons, overcrowding, intem-
perance, popular prejudices, quackery, and general domestic
mismanagement.
With regard to the first class of causes, the new act of par-
liament obtained by the Town-council" is so complete a re-
medy, that if the " Health Committee only do their duty in
carrying the various clauses into effect, its good consequences
will soon be found in the improved state of health and morals
of yourselves and families, and as a short way of pointing out
to you the kind of dwellings you should avoid, I would wish
you to notice the various provisions of the act as affects your-
selves. The Town-council are empowered to appoint a com-
mittee out of their own body, to attend to the health of the
inhabitants, and to call in to their assistance the surveyors.
No streets are, in future, to be built of less width than
twenty-four feet, and all courts of houses are to have an open
space of fifteen feet from side to side, and from the ground
upwards ; the floors of all houses are to be raised six inches
above the level of the footway ; the rooms are to be eight feet
high, the attic seven feet, and cellar, not used as a habitation, -
six feet ; there must be only one story in a roof ; the windows
must be of a proper size—viz., five feet high, and three feet
wide.

No cellar in a court can be let as a dwelling, and after July
Ist, 1844, no other cellar may be let as a dwelling, unless it
be seven feet high, two feet of which must be above the level
of the street, with an area of two feet wide in front, a window
three feet square, and the use of a privy and ashpit ; and
every person letting a cellar for a dwelling, not according to
the provisions of the act as above, will be subject to a fine of
five shillings a-day for every day it is let ; owners of houses
must provide proper privies and ashpits ; owners are to keep
these in proper repair under a penalty of five pounds, and
ten shillings a week after, so long as the nuisance continues
owners of courts and passages are to keep them in proper
repair. Private drains and cesspools, &c., to be kept cleansed
by occupiers.

If any house be kept in a filthy state, and the tenant re-
fuse to clean it, the magistrates have power to order it to be
cleaned, and the charges of cleansing, in case of nonpayment,
to be levied by distress and sale of goods of the occupier.
The Council have power to make bye-laws for preventing
nuisances and annoyances in courts and passages, and effect-
ing cleanliness therein ; and for removal of the contents of
middensteads, &c., when necessary, and for preventing foul
water from soaking therefrom, to the annoyance of the own-
ers of adjoining property, &c., &c.
There shall be no interment in any grave which shall not
leave two feet and six inches clear of soil above the coffin,
under a penalty of ten pounds. Houses are to be more sub-
stantially built than before, and roofs, chimneys, drains, and
water-pipes, to be more carefully constructed. Ruinous
walls or chimnies must be taken down; owners of property
must pave half the street fronting their property, and keep
it in repair for twelve months, and after that time the high-
way board must keep it in repair; a justice of the peace may
issue a warrant (without summons) for the apprehension of
parties offending against this act of parliament.
Here you will find the most ample provisions for suitable
dwellings for you ; the increased width of the streets and
courts; the improved regulations for the cleansing of filthy
accumulations ; the better provisions for internal ventilation
in the height and size of your rooms and windows; the dis-
continuance of cellars as dwelling-places (those graves for
the living with which this town has unfortunately been over-
stocked) ; besides, the powers (for the first time given) to
carry these excellent measures into effect, will, if assisted
by your own exertions, be the means, through God's bless-
ing, of extending the lives of yourselves and of your chil-
dren at least twelve years.
In my next I shall review the second class of causes of
premature death, and on that subject I shall have a great
deal more to say to you, as 1 have for years been well ac-
quainted with your habits as a class, and have only waited
for an opportunity when I might speak to you of these mat-
ters with the greatest advantage. That time has now ar-
rived. Till next week farewell.

MEDICUS ACHATES.
[We call the attention of the Health Committee of the Town
Council—which is likely to have one of the most useful,
and at the same time the most laborious, of delegated du-
ties to discharge—to the present and forthcoming letters
of our intelligent and respectable correspondent, " Medi-
cus Achates." At the same time, we would offer a sug-
gestion to the committee—namely, that the provisions of
the act which they are to administer have not yet had that
publicity which their very great importance requires.]

SCOTCH CHURCH QUESTION,

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

SlR,—Your last number contained a paragraph (trans-
ferred from some other journal) which stated that, in the late
decision against the Scotch Church in what is called the
Stewarton case, the judges were unanimous. The fact on the
contrary is, that the judges were divided, five being for and
eight against the church. In her former suits there has been
a like powerful majority in her favour; and it is remarkable
that Lord Cunningham admits that the views and judgments
which he and those who side with him now against the
church entertain and pronounce, are opposed to those of the
soundest and most eminent lawyers of the last century and
of the court itself in time past. There is no doubt the law
is now interpreted differently from what it was heretofore.
If your readers knew the first usurpations of the civil power
over the ecclesiastical, and felt the evil, or I may say ab-
horred the sin, of surrendering the discipline, the indepen-
dence, the functions of Christ's Church to the controul of
statesmen and lawyers, they would not wonder that the body
of the people attached to the Scotch Church, and probably
one-third of her pastors, should prefer to resign the bene-
fitshave observed that Sir James's
, Advocate, Edin•_
of such a state connection rather than enjoy them at the
price now exacted. The answer of the commission com-
amusingmitiola hs
com-
mittee to the letter of Sir James Graham may be referred to
by those who wish to see a clear, convincing statement on
the church's side. You may
a dray
letter (framed, it is said, by Mr. Inglis
burgh) is written on principles which the church has
repu-
diated from her earliest existence. It is
some parties describe the non-intru.,ionists as a
they must in number amount to three•fos
wonder, for their sentiments are those of the standardsof the
church. _ .

Yours with respect,
LUCEM E TENEBRIS EXPECTANS

----......----

MR. W. J. HAMMOND

obbo iveec
t s signature attached.
o insert a few re-
.ith
fairness the
aTO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL sTA 2vHARD,
SIR,—My attention has been drawn to
r
a letter in you
paperpres
oomf teh
ye
01117 twh i
li
In
ns toatnitn, vs
marks in reply.
The private correspondence of ten years' standing,
violation of which Mr. Hammond seems to in the
make him a present of. It says little f plume himself, I
for
less for his heart ; and were he at ala his head—much
how to estimate his real character, I sito
teach the public
he has fully succeeded. think in this instance
In resisting the disgraceful " penal act," I injure no man. It is an ac'," by which I have
a disgrace to the country, and in della long since considered
ne
dozen theatres are constantly open i eof which, at least a
the very eyes of royalty. n the metropolis, under
It is with reluctance, Sir, I press these
the public ; but in this instance iiese observations before
Mr. Hamtnond's letter on its own cannot remain silent.
reply. Were it a private matter I merits is unworthy of
in a different manner; but Justice should have answered him
lic, to whose kindness I have been
to myself and to the pub-
mands that I should publicly een indebted for years, de-
with truth. answer a statement at variance
Mr. Hammond asserts that,l, ,
ei
Live ur Theatre, he was notng a partner with me at the
ceedings, &c. Perhaps lie " a willing party" to my pro-
he openly caricatured a will allow me to ask him—when
express order, called • late lessee in a drama written to his
him with the mimicry ' The Jewess Travestie," did I inspire
public scorn for try by which he held that gentleman Ill) to
That
? Why didwelve successive nights at the Liver
gentleman alluded t - Ir. Hammond do this? Because the
the theatre, a
credit be it threatspoken,
which Mr. Hammond, to his lusting
, has since carried out.
Allow me again
scriber for a piece
to ask Mr. Hammond—was he not a sub-
ce of plate to present to the author of the
said drama vvl • itch had so delighted him? Did not Mr.
Hammond sit for '
his picture in the character in which he so
ridiculed the
publicly said gentleman ?—and did he not cause it to be
exhibited for several weeks in a shop window in
Lord-street, that it
the stage • ,
On the merits or demerits of these acts I make
no comment : I leave the public the judge of Mr. Ham-
mond's "truth" in asserting that he-was "not a party" to
the proceedings of the Liver Theatre. They will best know
how to estimate the character of the man who can violate
confidence, and screen it by a statement which he Act."l:ow'c* can
be untrue, that " my interests cannot suffer by
it
"Ttfi.eat one hour exclaim against dramatic monopoly,d assista in the
Am-
phitheatre, and at another, turn roundican
h h he had derived
prosecution of an establishment from u,e-ar,..._an _
d who lastly
support for himself and family for Y
makes an attack on the professional revved of a worthy gen-
tleman,
d ad fiend, and
tleinan, who had long
gratuitous advice
been open to him.
Your obedient servant,
YMOND
RICHARD MALONE RA .
Birmingham, Jan. 25,1843.
ourselves with the matter in debate
[Without identifying
d th minors—Mr. Hammond or
between the major an e ,
ress an opinion that not
Mr. Raymond, we cannot but express
also, has misunder-
Mr. Raymond alone, but Mr.
d' - üblishing the
intention of Mr. Hammon . h p
stood the
appeared 111 the STANDARD
extract from the letter,
which
bend that Mr. Hammond,
We apprehend
of Tuesday week.
t cautionsg made to induce
feeling that an unworthy attemp
against the Liver
• to believe that the ros".
the public means of Fair Play's " letter
were instigated by him, by
üblished a portion of a
which appeared in the ilibioni,,
to p
show that he was not
letter along with his reply to t
clings. and that when in other
the originator of the yrocee
b w to authority,
his wish was to 0 from a,
circumstances,
s too strong to be played with. We
feeling that the law wa . ,or Mr.
• e that either --- 3
do not perceive .
this
w ~_ tact; and we cannot but think
letter does away . ILu
publication of the letter by Mr. Hammond was
that the
intended
not to wound the feelings of any one, but merely
to al
shew that he had not acted with the inconsistency -
-
leged.—Ep. L. S.J

It is said that the Duke of Cleveland will move the address
ftLheorsdessbijnon'a.u_svis•ei,rapt:io lai,7l.lMajesty,, speeci
i On
tiLttgoeptilstulgseoot