The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1850-06-18 00:00:00

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

WM observe that a vestry meeting is announced
to take place on Thursday next, for the purpose of
determining whether the money raised by the vo-
luntary rate shall he applied towards any further
opposition to the bill for the construction of the
Rivington Pike Works. Our objections to this
scheme have been again and again urged; and we
shall, therefore, not be open to the accusation of a
wish to turn our hack upon our past professions,
in the remarks which we feel it our duty to make.
It does, however, seem to us that the opposition to
this scheme has been carried to its legitimate ex-
tent, and that any further outlay of money is
wasteful, The public refused to be warned in time,
and upon the public be the onus of their own ne-
glect.

We receive in perfect good humour the remonstrance of the
Chester Courant. Does our contemporary deny the exist-
ence of two parties in the church ? If not, can he furnish us
with a distinctive appellation for one of tkem which will not
offend him, and we promise to adopt it. The terni we used
originated with that high-minded and aged churchman, the
Rev. G. S. Faber, -and our contemporary ought to exhibit a
little more modesty when he differs from so able and mode-
rate a divine.

Eig Etheypoot otanbarb.

TUESDAY MORNING, JUNE 18, 1850.

WE are afraid that posterity, in passing its
judgment upon the policy which has governed our
local bodies in providing for the accommodation of
the commerce of this port, will be constrained to
express itself in rather unsatisfactory terms. We
pride ourselves upon the length of strand occupied
by our magnificently constructed docks. Yet
experience is telling us day by day that, in availing
ourselves of the facilities afforded us by nature, we
have committed many sad mistakes, and that we
should have done better had we allowed ourselves
to be guided by the example and "the wisdom of
our ancestors.' Our csnversion of the Old Dock
of Liverpool into the site of a Custom-house was a
mistake. Nature suggested to us that locality as
the commencement of a series of docks running
inland in the direction of the old pool, now unfor-
tunately built over, and inhabited by a dense
population. We seized, instead, upon the frontage
of the river for dock purposes, neglecting almost
entirely the adaptation of that frontage for a trade
so necessary to the prosperity of a great commercial
port as shipbuilding. The occupation of the site
upon which the Albert Dock and Warehouses are
constructed was another mistake. We destroyed
in that locality a valuable position for shipbuilding
and the trades connected with it. Further north,
we committed, more recently, another mistake.
We might have secured for a very trifling conside-
ration a very large tract of land between the Clarence
Dock and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal which
would have furnished all that we required of dock
room for years to come. This land is now built
. over, and, by its price, placed completely beyond
our reach. And what is the result of this series of
blunders ? The business of shipbuilding in Liver-
pool is almost extinct from sheer want of accommo-
dation ; and we shall shortly be at a loss for the
means of even performing casual repairs. For
years we have submitted those engaged in the
trade to every species of inconvenience. They have
been driven from spot to spot, and prevented, by
the insecurity of the tenure upon which they have
held their various yards, from erecting the necessary
conveniences for their business; and the result is
before us in the declining condition of an important
portion of our population. It is estimated that
nearly thirty thousand persons connected with the
shipbuilding branches of business have been driven
from the port, at a loss to us of from £200,000 to
£250,000 of annual expenditure. In the engi-
neeribg business connected with shipping, the firms
of Messrs. Bury, Messrs. Fawcett, M`Gregor, and
others, were not long ago in the habit of employing
as many as six thousand hands ; they do not now
employ more than three hundred.
We are glad to observe that a committee of the
Council has been formed for the purpose of inves-
tigating the causes of the decline of these trades,
and providing, if possible, a proper provision for
their convenience. A more important subject can-
not occupy the attention of any committee ; and
we trust that the gentlemen engaged upon it will
enter upon their duties impressed with a full sense
of the responsibility which is attached to them,
and of the advantages which they may confer upon
the industrious masses of their fellow-townsmen.
When we state that the parties interested in their
enquiries consist of carpenters, engineers, rope-
makers, chain cable makers, sailmakers, painters,
blockmakers, shipsmiths, anchorsniiths, boat-buil-
ders, and others, the vital interest of the town, in
their well-being, cannot be denied. Upon the de-
tention of these trades in Liverpool depends the
occupancy or non-occupancy of large masses of
cottage and other property, and the custom to the
merchant and the retail tradesman to he derived
from the expendithre of their wages. Already the
depression caused by their secession is being se-
verely felt, and is seen in the increasing number of
tenantless houses and shops in every part of the
town; and, unless some decisive steps are taken to
arrest the present crying evils incident to their po-
sition, a further serious decline in the prosperity of
the town is inevitable. We should suggest to the
committee, as the best means of making themselves
acquainted with the subject, the propriety of invi-
ting deputations from the various trades interested,
to attend before them and state in detail their griev-
ances and their wants ; and to those trades them-
selves the importance of being prepared for such a
course of proceeding, and; if necessary, of present-
ing their evidence for examination. •It would, also,
be a material advantage, if reporters were admitted
to take notes of, and give publicity to, the commit-
tee's proceedings.
We are perfectly satisfied, after a careful review
of the capabilities of our existing Dock Estate, that
it is still within the power of the Council to provide
a fair amount of accommodation on this side of the
river for ship-building purposes. And, when we
say on this side of the river, we take into considera-
tion the deep interest which the Burgesses of Liver-
pool ought to feel in such accommodation being
given within the boundaries of their own estate.
From the Exchange, running eastwardly up Dale-
street to Moss-street, thence along Crown-street to
Windsor, and westwardly thence to the river, is an
area of land densely built over and populated, four-
fifths of which, it is estimated, is held under lease
from the. Corporation of Liverpool. It is easy for
gentlemen connected with the trade of the port, in
their capacity of members of the Dock Committee,
or otherwise, to agree that it is immaterial whether
their ships are built and repaired in Birkenhead, in
Bootle-bay, or eliewhere. It makes every difference
to the rate-payers of Liverpool, and to the burgesses
who are interested in the prosperity of the Corpo-
rate Estate. The accommodation required by our
ship-building trades ought to be furnished and we

We submitted this matter to the arbitration of a
most honourable man, Mr. Robert Stephenson.
The evidence, pro and con, was adduced in public.
Every scientific intelligence within our reach was
brought to bear upon it ; and if the verdict has
gone against us, however firmly we may still retain
our previous convictions—and we confess that we
do retain our own in favour of a local supply—we
have no right to cram, those convictions down the
throats of the public at the public's expense. It
is an excellent thing for a portion of the commu-
nity which dissents from the will of the majority.
or the powerful minority, to have a public purse to
resort to; but, in this case, we see no prospect
of good to result from their exertions. The
House of Lerds is, in many cases, the people's
hope ; but they will scarcely stir to overthrow the
decision of the other House in this matter. Much
censure has been cast in certain quarters on the
Parochial Water Committee; but we are convinced
that those gentlemen performed their onerous and
responsible duties faithfully, and only retired when
there was no further occasion for their services.

THE NEW AMERICAN SHIP " HEMISPHERE."

Since the establishment of steam to America, the time
occupied in the accomplishment of an Atlantic passage has
been decreased from eighteen or twenty days to.nine or
ten. 'ln sailing ships a progressive improvement nearly
as rapid has been achieved. Scarcely a week passes that
we are not called upon to notice some new effort of the
naval architects of the western world—some ship whose
monster proportions, or whose adaptation to her peculiar
trade, renders her unequalled by any predecessor. The
Americans justify the title of a " go-a-head people"—
but in nothing is this more exemplified than in the energy
they have of late years evinced in ship-building. So
great has bsen the accession to the tonnage of Livecpool
docks that we now stand unequalled, " the port of the
world ;" and London, the once great seat of commerce;
with all her string of colliers, is left in our wake in num-
bers, while in tonnage, in imports and exports, we now
stand A 1.

In our shipping intelligence we recorded, last week, the
arrival of the Hemisphere, now on her first voyage from
New York. Having been invited to inspect her, we were
received by her commander, Captain Whittlesey, from
whose polite attention and erudite description of parti-
cular minutice of the construction of this noble craft, we
may glean that she is placed under a command the most
able.

The Hemisphere is in length over all 183 feet; she has
a depth of hold from the main deck of 231 feet ; but her
beam being somewhat narrow (36 feet) in proportion to
length, she looks "the rake." She is clean in the run,
her entrance is fine, and her midship beam is carried
well forward to stiffen her for cracking on all canvas.
Her side is beautifully rounded, and to the eye she pre-
sents that happy medium between the clipper and the
merchantman, that, while carrying the large cargo of the
latter. she will sail with the speed of the former. A neat
scroll of floral carving, richly gilt, with trail boards
appropriate, heads the stem ; and on the stern, which
forms a graceful segment of a circle, is emblazoned in bold
relief the eagle of America, whose spreading wings are
extended in protection over the star spangled banner.
This splendid ship is all but a three-decker. Her topgal-
lant forecastle is carried aft close to the main hatch, while
the poop is carried forward of the main mast, the one
forming a splendid promenade for the steerage, the other
for second-class passengers. The cabin of the Hemisphere
is somewhat English in style, the decorations being more
than ordinarly bold and massive. The panneiling of satin
wood, with deep-toned rosewood, is large, rich, and effec-
tive, and the coluams headed by a simple architrave of gold
and white give it an aspect of home and comfort. Adjoin-
ing
the main is a second cabin which will accommodate
about 100 persons in permanent state-rooms.
The topgallant forecastle, we have already stated, is
carried well abaft, one portion forming an excellent house
on deck, while the other serves as an ample rendezvous
for the divided watches. The forecastle and the poop are
connected by moveable bridges, thus forming at sea a com-
plete spar-deck. The lower deck forms one apartment,
lighted from side, stern, and deck, and ventilated fore and
aft, which is fitted with iron berths throughout. From
the lightness of the rig of the Hemisphere, all her spars
being solid, but lofty sticks, her strength could not be
judged. She is put together most faithfully, no ship of
similar material could possibly be stronger ; she has every
weight of wood and metal required. Her frame-work
is entirely of live oak. Her guardboard streak, of the
same material, is 14 inches square. Her bilge-planks or
piecesare 15 inches, gradbally diminishing to 9 inches at the
clamps. Her breast-hooks are numerous; one alone is
40 feet long, and is bolted from the timbers with 80
rooved fastenings. The keel and kelsons are 5i feet
through. The hanging and lodging knees are thickly
placed, well formed and finished, and are all white oak.
The planking is white oak and yellow pine, and the fas-
tenings carried through and through, are double rooved.
numerous and strong, as required to attain strength.
The Hemisphere, American measurement, registers
1,000 tons, but from her clipper build, that capacity will
bo exceeded in English register tonnage. She was built
by Messrs. Hayden and Cod watb, of Med fort, near Boston,
under the personal superintendence of her captain, and as
the beau ideal she is not eclipsed by any. M`Gaw,
.justly
Foster, and Co., of New York, may feel proud
of so admirable a craft. She sails as one of the St.
George's Line of Packets ; and we cannot refrain wishing '
her a success commensurate with the enterprise of her
deserving owners.

SUDDEN DEATH.—Yesterday morning, Miss Alice
Haves, aged 57 years, who lived upon her own property,
at No. 33, Bute-street, (out of Fox-street,) was found
dead in bed, and partly dressed. It appeared that she had
been ill for some months with a nervous complaint.
ACClDENT.—Yesterday afternoon, as George White,
a groom in the service of Mr. Goodwin, of Aigburth, was
riding a horse belonging to his master, the animal became
restive, and both horse and rider fell together: the latter
when raised from the ground, was bleeding from the head
rather copiously, and was taken to the Infirmary, when
he soon recovered and was dismissed.
On Saturday, in the Admiralty Court, judgment was
given by Dr. Lushington against the British and North
American royal mail steam--ship Europa, having run down
the Charless Bartlett, emigrant ship, in the Atlantic
Ocean, in January last year, during a fog, when, as will
be recollected, a great loss of life occurred, and the Chas.
Barlett sunk.

conceive may he furnished, within the limits of that
estate ; and it is within the power of the Council
to render their port one of the first in the kingdom
for the trades in question.
Very shortly it is most probable that we shall
see the timber trade transferred almost entirely to
the north end of the Dock Estate ' • and it is essen-
tial with regard to the interests of owners of pro-
perty in the locality, that its place should be sup-
plied by some other trad; capable of supporting a
large population. The west quays of Brunswick
and Queen's docks, with the land now occupied by

ACCIDENTAL DEATH.--John Thompson. aged 32, re-
siding at 4 court, Adlington-street, was at work at Mr.
Howard's, brewer, taking in some malt, on Saturday
week, when the strap of the hoisting engine gave way.
Several of the men went up to the jigger loft to hoist the
remainder into the warehouse by hand. Deceased fol-
lowed them, and accidentally fell from a height of about
12 feet, He was taken home, and thence to the Infirmary,
where he died from the injuries yesterday morning.
CRICKET.-A match at cricket was commenced on
Saturday afternoon between the first eleven of the Wirral
and the second eleven of the Victoria cricket clubs, on the
ground of the latter, in Birkenhead Park. The play was
resumed yesterday, and the result was in favour of the
Victoria by a majority of seven runs, the scores being :
Victoria, Ist innings 35, 2nd, 60, total 95; Wirral, Ist
innings 48, 2nd. 40, total 88. As the Wirral is quite a
new club—this being their first match—this result is not
discreditable to them, considering that the Victoria is an
old-established one, having been formed upwards of six
years.--A match between the Olympus and the
Preston clubs will take place on .Thursday, next, on the
ground of the former, Prince's-park • Wickets to be
pitched at ten o'clock ; a considerable degree of interest
is excited as to the result of this match, in consequence
of their superiority in the respective towns.—A band of
music will be in attendance.

the Engineer's office, are capable of affording ad•
mirable sites for ship-building purposes. The
Corporation ought to provide to every builder a
graving dock, as they are about to do to Mr. Wilson
on the Birkenhead side ; and a further accommo-
dation might be afforded, which would confer a eery
material advantage upon the working classes en-
gaged in the ship-building trades. At present a
serious drawback is felt, arising from the exposure
to which the workman is submitted. And this,
perhaps, accounts for the fact that a higher rate of
wages is paid in Liverpool than in most ship-build-
ing ports. London, for example, pays 6s. per day
to carpenters ; Liverpool ss. per day. In Scotland
the wages of a carpenter are 3s. 6d. .per day, and in
the North of England 4s. Hence we find that,
whereas in the Tyne at the present moment we are
informed that about ninety vessels are in course of
building, we have barely nine vessels on the stocks
in our own town. In Liverpool our carpenters can
work only three days in the week on the average,
being continually driven from their avocations by
stress of weather. Provided with sheds to protect
them, our carpenters, even at the wages paid in the
North of England,—say at 4s. a day,--would be
able to earn a much larger wage than at present
with the nominal wage of ss. per day.
We are quite aware that provision is proposed to
be made for the ship-building business at the north
end of the Dock Estate. Graving docks are, at all
events, to be provided in that locality. But ship-
building yards are necessary adjuncts to graving
docks; and it is said that the demands of the timber
trade will prevent the possibility of supplying these
to the extent required. Besides an impression pre-
vails amongst the trade that the exposure to weather
at the north end will be severely felt by the evak.
men ; and there is the additional disadvantage of
the trade being seated in that locality, that the
large population employed by it will be extra paro-
chial, and contribute by its expenditure nothing to
support the burthena of the town. The out town-
ships, it must be remembered, contribute nothing
towards the expense of that pauper immigration
`from Ireland, which has of late so unmerially de-
pressed the interests of the tradesmen Aud rate-
payers of Liverpool.

SCRIPTURE AND THECHURCH.--The Scripture is the
sun : the Church is the clock, whose hand points us to,
and whose sound tells us, the hours of the day. The sun
we know to be sure, and regularly constant in his motion:
the clock, as it may fall out, may go too fast or too slow.
We are wont to look at, and listen to the clock, to know
the time of the day ; but, where we find the variation
sensible, to believe the sun against the clock, not the
clock against the sun. As, then, we would condemn him
of much folly, that should profess to .trust the clock
rather than the sun ; so we cannot but justly tax the mis-
credulity of those, who will rather trust to the Church
than to the Scripture.—Bishop Hall.
SONTAG ANDMALIBRAN'S FIRST DUET.—The presence
of Mademoisselle Sontag at the Italian Theatre was fresh
stimulus for Maria's talent, and contributed to its per-
fection. Each time that the former obtained a brilliant
triumph, Maria wept and exclaimed Mon Dieu? why
does she sing so well ?" Then from those tears sprang a
beauty and sublimity of harmony, of which the public
had the benefit. It was the ardent desire of amateurs to
hear these two charming artists sing together in the same
opera ; but they mutually feared each other, and for some
time the much-coveted gratification was deferred. One
night they met at a concert at my house; a sort of plot
had been laid, and towards the middle of the concert they
were asked to sing the duet in Tancredi. For a moment
they showed fear, hesitation ; but at last they yielded,
and approached the piano, amidst the acclamations of all
present. They both seemed agitated and disturbed, and
observant of each other; but presently the conclusion of
the symphony fixed their attention, and the duet began.
The enthusiasm theifsinging excited was so vivid and so
equally divided, that at the end of the duet, and in the
midst of the applause, they gazed at each other, be-
wildered, delighted, astonished; and by a spontaneous
movement, an involuntary attraction, their hands and
lips met, and a kiss of peace was given and received with
all the sincerity and vivacity of youth. The scene was
charming, and has assuredly not been forgotten by those
who witnessed it.—" Madame Malibran," per le Vern.
tease Merlin.

TAE LIVERPOOL

Mr. HoRseALL agreed with Mr. Hamlett; that the
present site was a very convenient one; and 'might be en--
larged to snit the wants of the public. (Chesrs.)
The motion was then put and carried unanimously. .
Mr. P. SHAND. Chairman of the West India Associae
tion, rose to propose the second resolution. They ex-
pected the Post-office would be removed to a more con
convenient situation, and as to that proposed by the
authorities, bis friend Mr. Earle had not made up his
mind as to its being a convenient site. Neither had he
(Mr. Shand), but he had made up his mind that it would
be most inconvenient, and was very much surprised that
government should have fixed upon the site without con-
sulting the mercantile interests of Liverpool. As to the
observation that it might be convenient to the railway,
that, after all, was only,one half of the question, for there
was the railway station in Tithebarn-street, now of very
great advantage and convenience •to the public. The
speaker then referred to the memorial forwarded to the
authorities in 1847, which recommended the Sessions'-
house as most convenient for the purpose, mid concluded
by expressing his surprise that so inconvenient a spot
should be fixed, for he was convinced nine-tenths of the
commercial community against it. (Cheers.)
Mr. TORR seconded the motion. The question of in-
convenience to the town had been touched upon, as well
as that of the mercantile body. If, however, it was
merely a question of convenience to the inhabitants, or
simply relating to common letters, all he had to say was,
that for their accommodation there were the receiving
houses; but, when commercially considered, they must
look at the question with regard to the transmission of
money-orders, and money by means of registered letters ;
and on this point, so far from Mr. Earl's argument being
in favour of the present site, he (Mr. Torr) thought it
told against it. (Applause.) If the Postoffice was re-
moved to London-road, there would be greater risk in
the transmission of motley ; but the most important con-
sideration was with reference to the registered letters.
Of these, on an average., one hundred was received each
day. (Hear, hear.) He (Mr. Torr) had been at all the
banks in the town to ascertain the money letters trans-
mitted daily. He found that every one were in the habit
of doing so ; but the different amounts could not be made
up at once. At ono bank, however, he found that
in one week £50,000 were sent; and in many instances
£70,000, making a' total of not less than £2,500,000
a year. If they took the whole of the banks in tow then
they would find, on a moderate calculation, that something
like £25,000,000 a yeai was transmitted. That was only
one Class which made Use of registered letters. In his
own firm on an average they sent one registered letter a
day, and some times for very large Sums. He had known
one firm receive In one day no less a sum than £50,000 in
half notes. They might, therefore, put down the sum
thus annually sent at £50,000,000, and if all this was to
be risked to boys and 'clerks, passing along some of the
least respectable streets in the town, it was a consideration
which far outweighed,: any advantages likely to arise by thu
removal. (Hear, hear.)
The motion was pue and carried unanimously.
MreCILOSSIE chairman of the East India Association,
had very great Pleasure in proposing the next resolution.
When it was first proposed to remove the Postoffice from
its present site to the School for the Blind, the East India
Association presented a strong memorial against it. They
had then an interview with the head Inspector of the
Postoffice, and from'what then took place they were under
the impression that.it would be abandoned. They were,
"T. B. Horsfall, Esq., therefore, quite taken by surprise to find that such was
"Liverpool." not the case. After alluding to the inconvenience which
Now, we had no communication from the Postoffice as the mercantile community would suffer if the project was
to whether they were disposed to accord to the wishes of
the memorialists or not ; but having heard a few weeks the
in. The speaker concluded amid loud cheers.
same site, memorials Mr. SHIEL, in seconding the motion, said it was not.
ago they were still intent On the' necessary for him to detain the meeting with any length-
were adopted, one to the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
ened arguments on the subject. Many of them—nay,
one to the Lords of the Treasury, and a third to the
was there any person whatever, who approved of the
Board of Trade, calling attention to the memorial which
had been forwarded to the Postmaster-General in February oblect ?He could not imagine that in Liverpool, where
they prided themselves as being practical men, taking a
common-sense view of things, he could not conceive that
last. To that we received a very fitting and a very proper
and encouraging reply from the Board of Trade on the 3cl• one person could bo found in favour of the spot selected;
June, to the following effect : indeed his friend Mr. Earle did not Mier any observations
" Office of Committee of Privy Council for Trade, in its favour, arid he (Mr. Shiel) thought what he did say
"Whitehall 3d June, 1850. was merely for the purpose of producing a little variety
"Sir,--I am directed by the Lords of the Committee of Privy (a laugh). to gratify himself and the• meeting, and to
Council for Trade, to acquaint you, for the information of the cause to think upon the subject, for he noticed that he
Chamber of Commerce of Liverpool, that my Lords have com-
municated, to the Postmaster General, their wish that the did not vote against the resolution.—(Laughter.)
Memorial, relative to the selection of the site for a new Post Mr. EARLE.—I • did not vote either one way or the
Office in Liverpool,—which it appears was forwarded from your other.--(Continued laugher.)
Chamber to the Post-Office on the 25th February last, should Mr. SHIEL continued. The points in the, resolution
receive the most prompt and attentive consideration. were that in a matter of so much importance the opinion
" I am, Sir, of the mercantile romronnity ought to be taken, and it
"Your most obedient servant,
"DENIS LE MARCHANT had been said that Government would decide the question
"Thomas B. Horsfall, Esq., &c. &c. &c., without doing so. He (Mr. Shiel) did not believe it.
"Chamber of Commerce; Liverpool." He could riot believe that any man having any. experience
Well, a deputation proceeded to London a few days ago, in business, would undertake such a matter without con-
went to the Treasury, and saw the Secretary ; and they suiting those who' were best acquainted with the subject,
were told, to their utter amazement, that the site was as well as those interested in what was about to be done.
fixed, and that the thing was settled ; but we were referred (Hear, bear.) StiPposesome one present were about 'to
to. the Postmaster-General. We went-down and save erect a public building, 'what would he do ? Would he
Colonel Maberly, from whom we received the same answer, not advertise in some of the papers for the most conveni-
that the matter was settled. However, on a little further eat spot, and consult the trading and commercial bodies
inquiry, we found there was no contract made, that even of the town before deciding upon it ? No man of sense
the price was not agreed upon ; and as men of business, would think of deciding until he had done so, and lie
we knew, therefOre, that the matter was not fixed. (Hear, (Mr. Shiel) was satisfied the Government would so act
bear.) But Colonel Maberly prone:ly said the matter also. As regarded the expenses of the removal, he
rested with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and he could thought when they looked at the returns paid by Liver-
add nothing further on the subject. The deputation ac- pool, it would far outweigh in importance any considers.
cordingly went to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and tion of that kind. Some had compared Liverpool with
told him the position in which the matter-stood, and what 'London, but when they considered that in Liverpool there
the feeling of the commercial community' of Liverpool fifteen dispatches and nine deliveries every twenty-four
was; and they said, now, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, hours, and when they looked .at the interests of corn-
we are told this matter is fixed, though the contract is not coerce such a comparison would not hold good. They
signed, the price is not even agreed upon,. and will you sometimss received orders to ship goods at seven o'clock
wait until you have au exprcsaion from Liverpool of rho, in the evening, and they must be on board before twelve
feeling of the commercial body upon this subject. He o'clock the same night, but, how was this to be ac-
(the Chancellor of the Exchequer) gave us a pledge, and complished if they were compelled to go to a distance
Ido not question the fulfilment of it ;—(hear hear !) and for their letters. After referring to the delay which would
it is for you to say whether the site of the School for the be occasioned regarding ship letters by having the post-
Blind is a fitting site for the Postoffice of this town. (Cries office at a distance from the custom-house. Mr. Shiel
of " No, it is not !") It is not necessary for me to point said he was not afraid of being contradicted when he said
out the various inconveniencies that will attend the selec- he was satisfied that Liverpool would shortly become the
tion of this site. lam aware that other gentlemen will great centre from which letters would be transmitted to
follow. ,I have alluded to what has passed; haVing done all parts of the world. (Applause.) It was daily becom-
so, I feel I have discharged the duty imposed upon me; ing the great centre of the transatlantic trade, which
and Ido confidently hope and confidently believe that, if would be the most important in the whole world. Again,
one section of the Government do not attend to the wishes there was no' place having so many facilities for sending
of the community of Liverpool another section will.— letters as Liverpool. Suppose a letter arrived in the,
(Applause.) If the Postoffice authorities -won't ; if the evening, the letters brought by her could be in every itn-
Chancellor of the Exchequer won't pay attention to these portant town in England the next morning. After urg-
wishes, but I believe he will, we will go to the First Lord ing on the meeting the necessity of union to resist the
of the Treasury, and Lord John Russell himself will attend change of the post-office, the speaker concluded by Se-
to our wishes. (Applause.) I will only say, in conclusion, conding the motion, which was put and carried unani-
if unhappily the Postoffice authorities should persevere in mously.
the selection and maintenance of this site, I believe that Mr. M`FIE proposed the next resolution. He said,
it will be a continuous source of irritation to the cocci- after the conclusive reasons already urged why the Post
tnercial community of Liverpool, and will stand there a Office should not be removed to London-road, on which
monument of the disregard of the Government to the in- all parties seemed to agree, it was unnecessary for him to
terests and wishes of the town. (Great applause.) He take up the time of the meeting further. There were,
begged to move the first resolution, which will be found hawever, one or two points on which he might offer an
along with the others in our advertising columns. observation or two. Before coming to the meeting he had
Mr. G. HaLT, in seconding the motion, said he could called upon their excellent post master, Mr. Baring, and
hot conceive why the Post-office authorities should have there he learned that not only in the postofftee here, but
selected such a place as the Blind Asylum for the new also in London, there was no wish but to accommodate the
Pest-office ; who would it serve ? Would it serve any one public : that there was no predilection in favour of any site
class of the community ? on the contrary, he was of whicn was an inconvenient one to the mercantile interests,
opinion that it would be a very great inconvenience and and therefore the question rested entirely with the Chan-
disadvantage to every class. With regard to the upper cellor of the Exchequer and the Lords of the Treasury.
part of the town it was no convenience to it, because that From this they had great hopes, as Mr. Horsfall told them
part had their receiving places in every direction, and, that the Chancellor of the Exchequer pledged himself that
therefore, there was no necessity for removing it from the no further step should be taken until the result of that
neighbourhood of the Exchange. Again, on the ground meeting had been ascertained. Being a merchant and
of cheapness it would be of no advantage, and, therefore, and engaged in the manufactures of the town, he had
there could he no reason whatever for the proposal. He often considered the question of a site for the post office,
considered a site in Dale-street excellently situated, as it and having in 1847 gone round to obtain signatures to the
was about midway between the termeni of the two great memorial which had been read by Mr. Shand, from what
railway stations, and either the Saracen's Head, Sir he had learned, and had that day beard, he could boldly
Thomas'-buildings, or the Gas Works would answer the say the whole of the public were opposed to the proposed
purpose. To have the Post-office placed in the most con- site, and that the intellinence of its being adopted had
venient situation must be the object of all parties, and, had been received with general indignation. (Hear,
therefore, the only question which could remain for con- hear.) The speaker complimented the tradesmen of the
sideration was that of cost; but he could not conceive town on the unanimity they had displayed on the subject
that it would be greater in the places alluded to than in of the bickerings which of late years had been manifested.
the higher part of the town. He could scarcely credit; He thought that Liverpool's greatness was now well
that the government would—he could not conceive what known, and the true means of attaining it properly
could be their moving cause to take away the Post-office I understood. (Applause.) He hoped there would be a
from the midst of the business portion of the town, against strong and united appeal on the subject, which could not
the universal wish of the inhabitants. (Hear, hear.) •He fail of success. (Continued cheers.) With regard to
had great pleasure in seconding the motion. what had fallen from Mr. Earle, as he was a director of
The MAYOR was about to put the motion, when one of the railways, it was perhaps only right he should
Mr. W. EARLE wished to make a few observations on say something in their favour; but it was necessary for
the subject. He thought there ought to be a distinction the interests of commerce that the Post-office should be
drawn between the inhabitants of Liverpool generally, near the docks. There were vast docks forming at the
and the commercial community. As to the question before north end of the town, and still more vast at Birkenhead ;
the meeting, that was a subject on which he had not made and such a site could not be more inconvenient. Business
up his mind, as to whether the post-office should be on was drawing nearer to the river, and why should a place
the site proposed or not. It was a fair subject for dis- like Liverpool not have its Post-office in the very best
cussion, and he did not know why Mr. Horsfall should site, at whatever cost ? (Hear, hear.) In other places •
have been so emphatic on the subject, except that like it was so. But it was objected that Dale-street was
him (Mr. Earle) he was led away occasionally (laughter.) unhealthy. The firm with which he was connected did
Now, he thought, there were some reasons why the post- not find it so. Why did the Bank of England remove ?
office should be on the site the government had selected, (Hear, hear.) The Health Committee, one of the most
and even that the convenience of the commercial commu- important bodies in the town, had recommended the
nity might have been consulted in fixing on that site. Saracen's Head as the most convenient site ; but for his
The great bulk of the letters sent from Liverpool, the part be did not think there could be one more fitter than
foreign letters, would all go from the London and North- the building they were then in. (Hear, hear.) The
western railway sation, and if there would be a great con- neighbourhood proposed was objectionable on another
venience from turning the locomotive post-office into the ground. It was not a place to which they, as masters,
local post-office, he (Mr. Earle) was not quite clear whe- , would feel disposed to send those over whom they ought
tber the merchants might not get their letters earlier, and to exercise the most friendly influence. (Hear, hear.)
whether the hour for receiving letters might not be ex- After pointing out the mistake that had been made in the
tended. Then, again, the money order office would be London Post-office being erected at a distance from the
there, which was not much used by merchants but by the business part of the metropolis, though business was not
great bulk of the community who ought to be consulted. concentrated as iu Liverpool, he said no London man,
He, therefore, did not think it quite so clear a matter as not even Colonel Maberley, could form my idea for the
Mr. Horsfall and Mr. Holt appeared to consider it. .He best situation for such a building. (Cheers.)
did not know that he should move an amendment, but he Mr. C. HOLLAND, in seconding the motion, said he
had no idea that the inhabitants generally had made up had not heard a single argument in favour of the proposed
their minds in favour or against the site. There was a site; and had Mr. Earle any, he would no doubt, with his
body called the Chamber of Commerce who had taken usual quickness, have favoured the meeting with them. In
the matter up, and he thought the Chamber of Commerce the absence, therefore, of any opposition, it must be
was —he would not say what. (Laughter.) If they taken as pretty conclusive, that there were none.—(Hear,
would advocate the propriety of receiving and delivering hear.) There could be no difference of opinion that the
letters at least once on a Sunday they would do some Post-office ought to be in the neighbourhood of the Tomn-
good. (Loud cries of " No, no.") hall; but, if necessary, it could be shown that even the
Mr. HORSFALL rose to order. The meeting was called Saracen's Head was more in the centre of the dansly
for a specific object, namely, the consideration of the populated part of Liverpool than the Blind Asylum. He
site of the intended post-office and not respecting the de- expressed the surprise that was felt that the understand-
livery of letters on Sunday. When Mr. Earle, however, ing which had been come to by the authorities as to the
chose to discuss that question, he (Mr. Horsfall) should site had been suddenly changed, and could only attribute
be quite ready to meet him. (Hear and cheers.) the selection of the present site to some backstairs influ-
Mr. EARLE.—I don't care how soon. I only wished ence, of which they at present were ignorant. He trusted,
to have a little dissertation against cant. (Hisses.) however, that as we bad a liberal Government disposed to
Mr. HARNDEN enquired whether the object of the accede to the wishes of the people, they would listen to the
meeting was to consider the question of removing the remonsstrance of the neople of Liverpool. In allusion to
post-office or of fixing upon a site for it ?
He thought what had been said by Mr. Earle respecting the Chamber of
they ought to consider the question with reference to the Commerce of Liverpool, he said were they guilty of any
cost, which, as British subjects they were bound to look offence contrary to the good of the town, he expected to
to, and the present premises he considered quite adequate hear it pointed oat so that they might have defended
for the purpose, which would be a great saving. (Hear, themselver. Had it not, however, been for the watchful-
hear.) Why could not the entire east wing be, ejpropri- ness of that chamber, and particularly Mr. Horsfall, the
ated to the pug pose ? contract for the Post-office might have been entered into
The MAYOR said the post-office authorities had deter- before they knew anything about it. The speaker paid a
mined. to remove—the merchants did not wish it. ' high eoraplitnent to Mr. Horsfall, to the two borough
Plause.) mawhera, and to Mr. Wm. Brown, the member for
Mr. HARNDEN suggested that a remonstrance from thtl •South Lancashire, for their exertions on the subject, and
meeting against such removal might have the effect, of concluded by urging the meeting firmly and strongly to,
Inducing government to alter their determination. proteilt *Oast the measure,

THE INTENDED NEW POST-OFFICE.
PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting of the inhabitants of this town was
held yesterday, pursuant, to a requisition to his Worship
the Mayor, for the purpose of protesting to the Govern-
ment against the intention of fixing upon the School for
the Blind as the site for the new Post-office. The meet-
ing was numerously and respectably attended, amongst
those present being Messrs. T. B. Horstall, Robertson
Gladstone, W. Earle, W. P. Freme, J. Bennett, T. L.
Hodson' Woodruff, -Mulleneux, Titherington, Shiel, C.
Holland, M'Fie, n Shand, Preston, G. Holt, Rankin',
W. Rathbone, Minden, Harold Littledale, Turi, Crosby,
H. G. Ireland, 4. smith, Gardner, Tyrer, &c.
Precisely at twelve o'clock, John Holmes, Esq., the
respected chief magistrate of the borough, took the chair
amid warm expressions of applause.
- His Wonsniii said the meeting was aware of the object
for which they were called together,—namely, to take
into consideration .the site of the intended new Post.
office, and that it wts the intention of the Government to
adopt the present ;Blind Asylum, which many gentlemen
considered most inconvenient to the merchants and
tradesmen of the town. ( Hear, hear.)
Mr. DRIFFIELIi, at the request of the Mayor, read the
requisition and. notice calling the Meeting.
Mr. Alderman. HORSFALL, President of the Chamber
of Commerce, rose to propose the first resolution. He
said, permit Me, Mr. Mayor, in the first place, on behalf
of this commercial community, to thank, you, sir, for the
promptitude with which you have attended to the wishes
of the community in convening this meeting. (Hear,
hear.) And permit me, in the next place, to express my
deep regret that any necessity should exist for having
called you, gentlemen, together. But, sir, if a calm, un-
obtrusive, and respectful memorial to the Government is
not attended to, then, Mr. Mayor, I think the time has
come when we must adopt what to me is a more objec-
tionable, but what has ever been found a more effectual
course, by holding a public meeting. (Hear, hear.)
You are well aware, sir, that the site of the Postoffice of
this town, has been, and must necessarily be, a subject of
great interest to .the commercial community. (Hear.)
So long ago as 1847 I believe a memorial was presented
to her Majesty's Government, praying that whatever site
was selected it should be within a moderate distance of
the Liverpool Eitehange, the acknowledged seat of busi-
ness ;-:—(hear).=aud in February last, hearing that a site
at an inconvenient distance from the Liverpool Exchange
had been selected, another memorial was sent to the
Postmaster-General, which, in a very short period or
time, received the signatures of between three hundred
and four hundred firms, praying that a site not more than
a quarter of a mile distant from the Liverpool Exchange
might be selected. The memorial did not presume to
dictate any site, but merely prayed, that it should be
within a certain distance fronythe.Exchange. What• was•
the effect of that memorial ? Why, sir, it was trans-
mitted to the Postmaster-General,'-and the only answer
which the Postmaster-General has tonfle,Nended to give
to the community is merely a printed official fOrm to this
effect, signed by Charles Sqhnson : ,
General Post Office, 2Sth :Feb., 1850.
am- commanded by the Postmaster General, to
acknowledge the receipt of the Memorial from the. Liverpool
Chamber of Commerce, forwarded by you on the 25th instant,
and to inform you, that it will receive his Lordship's conside-
ration. I am, Sir,
"Your obedient humble servant,
"CHAS. JOHNSON,
"for the Secretary.