The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1848-01-11 00:00:00

:ourse not inclu

--___ning on the education under which they
-retrained, and the iron despotism to which they
are continually subjected, the fearful condition
and awful state of moral degradation of the help-
less peasantry, that look up to their priests alone

fas

for precept 1
succeed in m

No measure can ever
zating the evils of unhappy Ireland,

ad exampF

but one that tends in some way to break the spell
by which the priest holds the peasant in his grasp.
And, alas, every step in our recent legislation goes
directly to rivet the chain it should rather seek to

sever, aggravating the very evil it professes to heal.
What would be the effect of stipendiarizing the
Romish priesthood of Ireland, as more than hint-
ed at throughout Lord Shrewsbury's letter Does
not his lordship know enough of the constitution
of his church to be aware that such a step would
only enhance sevenfold the arbitrary power of Dr.
M‘Hale and others over their vassal minor clergy ?
The English nation becomes the paymaster, while
M`Hale and Co. become the patrons of the thou-
sands that would thus be employed to the injury
of the country that paid, as well as of that which
received it. We have hope, however, that in the
transport of his anticipated triumph, and judging
of the rest of the kingdom, according to the deso-
lation by which he has surrounded his own diocese,
as described by his noble correspondent, Dr.
M‘Hale has spoken rather too loud, and too soon,
and that England may reflect and pause before it
makes any further advances to its deadly and im-
placable foe. At the reformation England ". scotch-
ed the snake, not killed it." This Rome does not

" Never can true reconcilement grow
Where wounds of deadly hate have pierced

io deep

IN our remarks, last week, upon the commercial

results of the past year, we stated that the same
disastrous depreciation in price, and limitation of
consumption, which had affected our markets for
cotton and manufactured goods, had been felt in
nearly all our principal articles of import. We
shall now refer to a few of these in detail ; and
first, we shall refer to the
TIMBER TRADE.—From the able circulars issued
by Messrs. Chaloner, Messrs. Duncan and Ewing,
and Messrs. James Houghton and Co., we learn
that our imports, last year, into the port of Liver-
pool, of Pine Timber, in Logs, from North Ame-
rica, were, in 1847, 80,834 logs, against 138,333
logs in 1846, and 126,122 as the average of the
four preceding years. The imports of Deals from
Quebec were 156,889 pieces, last year, against
230,157 in 1846, and 288,672, the average of four
preceding years. The imports of Planks from St.
John's, New Brunswick ware, in 1847, 1,264,544
pieces, against 1,307,130 in 1846. The import of
Oak Logs from Quebec, was, in 1847, 6254 logs ;
in 1846, 6698 logs ; average of previous four years,

4470 logs.
The tonnage employed in the colonial timber
trade, excluding that employed in the transport of
railway sleepers, was, in 1847, from February Ist
to the end of the year, 151,116 tons ; in same
period of 1846, 214,646 tons, and for average of
/receding four years, 190,598 tons. The ton-
from the North of Europe was also falling off
t of 16 per cent. below that of 1846.
the short supply, apparent from
the above ngurc,, the trade has been attended
throughout the year with serious loss, in part aris-
ing from the high freights paid, and in part from
the stagnation in building operations, and the mo-
netary difficulties which have been felt throughout
the community. This is shewn by a comparison
of the prices at the close of 1847, as compared
with those of the preceding year, which, bearing in
mind that the chief element of the price of colonial
timber is freight, which has been much higher than
ordinary, warrants the conclusion come to. that at
present prices, the first cost of the timber is nearly
sacrificed. We give the prices at the two periods :

to the c

DGS, 1847. 1846.
Quebec Red Pine 19d. to 20d. 21d. to 22d. per foot
White
St. John's lsd. to 16id. 174 d. to 19d. „
Miramichi l2d. to 130. 13d. to 14d. „
Pictou

DIALS,
Quebec Pine,

£8 Os. to £l2 £lolos. to £l4 per stnd
£7 10s. to .£8 £9 10s. to £lO „
.. 2d. to 244. 21d, to 2td. per ft„ 2in
.. lid. to 2d. 28d. to 21d. „

Spruce
St. John's Pine

Spruce

OAR LOGS,
Quebec ,

20d. to 2s 4d

28. 2d. to 2s. 4d. per foot

1843 I 65 to 75

58 -,-, 62 I

43 „ 52

48 to 51 41 to 42
45 „ 48 33 „ 34
50 „ 54 42 „ 46

52,,55 45 „ 47
50 „ 53 45 „ 46
46 „ 49 55 „ 58

Messrs. Gardner remark, with respect to bacon,
which it will be observed is a new article of import,
that whilst a large portion of.the eastern cure was
of fine quality, the western cure has been almost
entirely of an inferior quality, roughly cut, and not
well cured. Many of the cargoes which have been
shipped along with corn, have arrived out of con-
dition ; and the trade in this description has, in
consequence, been a losing one to all parties. • The
stock on hand, at present, is chiefly of western cure.
Messrs. Badenach and Co., in their circular, give
a similar report of the trade, and estimate the
stock of beef on hand at 2500 tierces, against
2750 tierces same period in 1846, and 3600 tierces
in December, 1845. These gentlemen complain of
a practice on the part of the American curers, by
which much trouble has been experienced, of giving
short weight, the tierces having been, in nearly every
instance, from 10 lbs. to 15 lbs., and in some cases
25 lbs., short of •the proper weight, 304 lbs.
WOOL.—The woollen trade has shared fully in
the depression which has been the characteristic of
the past year ; and the closing rates are from 5 to
25 per cent. below those which were current at the
end of 1846. " The fall—we quote from the an-
nual circular of Messrs. Hughes and Ronald—" is

most evident in Australian, Cape of Good Hope,
Russian, Merino, and Buenos Ayres wools, which
is partly attributable to the un due quantities brought
at one time on the market, at the London public
sales. In domestic and some of the useful quali-
ties of low Foreign, as East India and Egyptian,
the fall is less marked, and will range from 5 to 15
per cent". .

Upon the future prospects of the trade, these
gentlemen say :

" We remark during the year a full average demand for
wool for export. This branch of the trade seems on the
increase, and, since the suspension of the import duty,
this market promises to become the great centre for for-
eign imports. In the export of wool of home growth we
observe a diminution. In the export of manufactured
goods we are sorry to perceive a falling off to most quar-
ters. This is, fortunately, to some extent, made up by
increased shipments to the United States ; our extending
relations with that country now forming one of the
brightest features of our prospects. Stocks of foreign are
generally light, and not likel7 to be increased by any
heavy arrivals for some time, as the prices in most of the
markets abroad are still too high to allow of shipping to
advantage. The stock of domestic wools held by the
trade and manufacturers is unusually light; that in the
hands of growers will be above an average. But in the
present position of the agricultural interest there is little
prospect of its being unduly pressed upon the market. On
the whole we have every confidence in the maintenance at
least of present rates ; and although further disasters may
demand a continuance of the present salutary caution, we
have strong grounds for anticipating a steady and healthy
course of trade for the ensuing year."

The imports of the year, into this port, have
been, Foreign, 70,1131 bales ; from Scotland, 17,450
bales; from Ireland, 5308 bales ; coastwise, 1049
bales—total for 1847, 93,988 bales, against 100,371
in the preceding year. It is stated, however, that
the apparent decrease of 8000 bales in the number
of bales imported, is fully made up by the increase
in weight, especially in those from Buenos Ayres.
SUGAR.—With respect to this article we cannot
do better than quote from the very valuable circular
of Messrs. T. and H. Littledale and Co., which,
besides being stamped, is in every other respect
an Annual Commercial Newspaper. Under this
head Messrs. Littledale remark—

" During tne past year tne enanges in the va.
Sugar have been considerable, and the continual depres-
sion in prices for many months has been attended with
the most disastrous results, causing the ruin of many old--
established firms, and the abandonment of a number of
estates in our West India colonies. At the commence-
ment of the year the stocks of Sugar were moderate, and
from the impression that it would be allowed in our
breweries and distilleries, which, on the opening of Par-
liament, was confirmed, prices advanced ss. to 65., brown
West India being worth 50s. per cwt. In the first few
weeks the trade, assisted by speculators, and in some in-
stances brewers, purchased largely, but it soon being
apparent that the quantity likely to be taken for brewing
and distilling had been greatly over-rated, and at the
same time considerable supplies arriving, the market gave
way, and continued to droop throughout the year, and
closed at a decline of 10s, and even of 12s. to 15s. per
cwt. from the highest point of the market in January.
Foreign Sugar was also excited, but, with Colonial, gave
way and now rules ss. to Bs. per cwt. under the prices
current this time last year. The total import into the
four ports has been 374,000 tons. The consumption
during the year 253,000 tons, showing an increase of
26,000 tons over 1846, which would have been 39,000
tons had it progressed in the same ratio as for the first
nine months of the year, when it amounted to 199,000
tons. Into this port the import has been 80,500 tons,
and the stock is 34,000 tons. The total stock in the four
ports is 110,000 tons against 54,500 tons, and in Europe,
exclusive of Russia, on the Ist Dec. 150,000 tons against
86,000. The present prices of all descriptions of Sugar
are extremely low, but we cannot look to any great 'im-
provement at present, as the increased production of
Cuba, Brazils, and Louisiana, with our heavy stocks, will
counterbalance the deficiency from Mauritius and the
West Indies ; though we think, in the course of two or
three months, when the export season opens again, there
will be more doing, and a gradual advance in prices."

The Importations during the year have been—
Of Brit. Plant. Hhds. & Tces. Hhds. & Tces.
From Jamaica in 1847 5005 against 4690 in 1846
Other Brit. Islands „ 20385 „ 12870 „
Demerara&Berbice „ 10950 „ ' 4410 „

Brought Coastwise in
Bond
Stock on 31st Dec. 1846.
In Importers' hands 1750
In the hands of
Sugar Refiners,
Dealers and Spe-
culators

This has been disposed:of as follows
Taken for home use.. 17150

Coastwise

9175-26325 against 24950 in 1846

Brought Coastwise

Stock 31st Dec. 1816

Mauritius

In 1846.

In 1847.
Mats, Scc
89000 against 96260
300

89300
10000

Taken in 1847
Home-use....

Export ..
Coastwise

17500-

111260

Leaving Stock Dec. 31, '47 27000
Stock 31st Dec. 1847. 1846. 1845.
27000 10000 25000
Prices...... 31s. 6d. @ 425. 425. @ 525. 425. @ 565.
COFFEE.—We quote the following from Messrs.
Littledales' circular :
" In February there was an animated demand for Coffee,
and Native Ceylon advanced from 38s. to 425. per cwt. ;
but in the following month prices receded 2s. per cwt.,
and further declined till the month of November, when
they were sold at 335. The decline in plantation descrip-
tions have been even greater. In foreign, prices rule 7s.
to 103. per cwt. lower than they did this time last year."

From the same authority we quote the remarks
upon the market for Rum:—

" In January, proof Bengal was sold as high as 4s. per
gallon. in February, it declined to 3s. 3d., and gradually
fell each month. It is now worth Is. 7d. to ls. Bd. West
India Rum was also enhanced in value on the government
measure being known, but receded as rapidly as it had
advanced. Present prices seem likely to be maintained."

Messrs. Littledale also supply us with a review
of the state of the market for Tea, during the past
year; and, although we ought to apologise to those
gentlemen for quoting from them so largely, we
owe no apology to our readers for giving them
such excellent authority :

" TEA.—Throughout the past year the market has par-
ticipated largely in the general dulness and depression of
the mercantile community, and it has been our lot to
notice each month, without exception, a gradual decline,
and especially the last three months a most ruinous one
for nearly all descriptions. The importers have generally
met the market freely, but the policy of the trade being
not to purchase except for immediate want, this, coupled
with the large stocks on hand, and the disarrangement of
the monetary affairs of the country, has driven prices
down considerably lower than they have ever been known
since the opening of the trade.
" BLACK TEAS.—In Congous a fair business has been
done during the year, but a decline has taken place com-
paring with 1846 of fully 2d. per lb. on the common, and
4d. to sd. on the fair to good medium qualities, (of which
the consumption is large,) and 4d, t0..7d. on the fine and
finest Boning kinds. The first arrival of the New Con-
gou brought ls. Rd. ; since then several other parcels
have arrived, a portion of which has been sold at
ls. 4d. to ls. 72d ; the remainder very heavy of
sale at these rates. Souchong and Flowery Pekoes
are much neglected, especially the latter, which
have nearly gone out of consu ption : the same remark
is almost applicable to plain Orange Pekoes and Capers.
Scented Orange Pekoe and Capers have been in fair re-
quest, the former has declined 6d. to Bd., whilst the fine
clean qualities of the latter have nearly maintained their
rates.

In Greens, all Canton-made sorts and common Twan-
kay kinds have been very heavy of sale, with but few
exceptions, and prices are considerably lower, which will
be seen on reference to the quotations. Common to good
Hyson and Imperial have also been heavy of sale, and
prices are Bd. to 10d. lower ; fine Hyson, Young Hyson,
and Gunpowder have continued saleable, and maintain
full rates. As regards imports and clearances, we refer
you to the tables below. The arrivals for the month are
the Lanercost and Selina.

We give the concluding remarks of Messrs.
Littledale, as to the prospects for the future for the
commercial world, which our readers will recognise
as being those which we have before expressed in
these columns.—

" In looking to the future we cannot shut our eyes to
the many impediments which must be removed before
confidence is restored and trade resume its wonted activity,
which may be done by a judicious budget on the re-open-
ing of Parliament. A prompt reduction in the Tea duty
to Is. per lb. would put an end to speculation on that
head, and give relief to the China Trade,—some conces-
sion to the Easf and West India Sugar planters, to pre-
vent the total abandonment of our valuable islands, would
be well received, and tend to a revival of our exports and
the relief of our markets."

ST. SAVIOUR'S CHURCH.—We are extremely gratified
to learn that, during the past year, the very handsome
sum of £547 has been contributed by St. Saviour's
congregation, towards the schools and religious societies
connected with that Church. This liberality reflects the
very highest credit on both the congregation and their
highly-esteemed pastor.

MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE.—On S unday morning,
at a very early hour, a man's hat was found by a police
officer on one of the flights of steps 'at the Prince's pier.
A,,pieoo of papar wan in it iliac-rib...l "No. 7, Plowennt-
street." The wife of a person who lived there has since
recognized the hat as that of her husband, and as he is
yet missing, the apprehension is that he had either wilfully
or accidentally got into the wa•er and was drowned.

A report was received at the Police-office early yester-
day
morning, to the effect that a gentleman on horseback
had, on the previous night, been maltre.ted,and robbed
on one of the roads or lanes in the township of Kirkdale.
We have since learned that the gentleman in question
(who had probably been giving the new year a prolonged
welcome) fell from his horse, and lost some of his effects,
but was not attacked, and luckily escaped from the fall
without any serious injury. It is now so fashionable for
parties to be robbed in the outskirts of the town, or to
state that the attempt has been made and most heroically
frustrated, that we think it high time that the public
should divest themselves of unnecessary alarm—first,
because great exaggeration has been abroad, and, secondly,
because steps have been taken by the police authorities to
give every possible protection to wayfarers.
THE WEATHER.—The week ending with our present
date was variable—chequered with cold winds, rain, hail,
and other wintry elements, interspersed with occasional
fine sunshine, until Sunday afternoon, when a rather keen
frost commenced, and has continued up to the time of our
writing (Monday night), with an appearance of enduring
for some time. The wind yesterday was from the south,
but it is not unusual for a frost to last in t his latitude for
for some time with the wind in that quarter, and its con-
tinuance, if not very severe, would certainly be preferable
to the wet and sloppy weather we have generally expe-
rienced so far during the winter, and would, we think, be
better for the land, and more conducive to the public
health. Farming operations, with the exception of re-
pairing stone and other fences, carting manure, and in-
door work, may be said to be at a stand-still.
POLICE COURT, YESTERDAY.—Frederick Bedey, for
attempting to steal a casket and contents, in Fontenoy-
street—an old offender—was committed to gaol for three
months.—John J. Murphy, for stealing, 301bs. weight of
lead in Smithdown-lane ; and afterwards Thomas Davies
and Patrick Cain, for the same offence ; three months.—
Bridget Nelson, for stealing, in Fontenoy-street, two vests:
two months.—Two parties were committed for a month
each for stealing bread from shops.—Ellen Lion and
Catharine Moran, for stealing 31bs of cotton from the quays,
were committed respectively for two months and one
month.—A girl, named Mary Dillon, for stealing a con-
siderable quantity of female wearing apparel, from the
shop in which she was employed, in the Upper Arcade,
arid part of which she had pledged, was committed for
trial.—William Wright, a man advanced in life, was sent
to undergo the same ordeal for uttering base shillings, to
various parties. The business throughout the day was
tame and uninteresting.

OPERATION UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF CHLORO-
FORM.—Yesterday, in presence of P. F. Curry, Esq., the
borough coroner, and other gentlemen, an operation of a
dangerous kind was most successfully performed upon a
male patient in the Northern Hospital, while he was un-
der the influence of this deadener of pain. The man had
received a fracture, which rendered it imperative that he
should have his left leg emputeted at the thigh. The
chloroform was administered, and almost immediately
took effect. The operation was most expertly performed.
by Mr. Bainbrigg, one of the house-surgeons of the es-
tablishment, and under ordinary circumstances would
have been one of great and prolonged pain. It was ac-
complished in a comparatively short time ; and on the
patient recovering from the soothing effect of the drug,
which rendered him unconscious of what had been going
on, and apparently threw him into a profound sleep, he
exclaimed with delight and surprise, " Is my leg off then ?
that's capital !"
APPLICATION TO BE RESTORED TO THE POLICE FORCE.
—At the Police Court, yesterday, a letter was handed to
Mr. Rushton, from a police-officer named Arthur Jones,
who, with another named Blake, was lately suspended
from the force, and committed for trial at the sessions on
a charge of unwarrantable assault and maltreatment of a
gentleman at the north end of the town. Mr. Rushton
calling upon Jones, who made his appearance near the
bench, said that his application to him was that he should
sign a petition having for its object his restoration to the
police force. He (Mr. R.) would not do so. lle had
sent the applicant and his associate on the occasion
(Blake)•for trial at the sessions, and though they had been
acquitted, he had found from the statements they.had
made before him that they were unworthy of belief on
their oaths. The magistrate, after briefly stating the
points to which he alluded, said that neither of them
should be restored to the police while he sat there as a
magistrate.
THE ROYAL MERSEY YACHT CLUB.—The weekly
meeting of this flourishing club took place in the Club-
house, on Tuesday evening last, John Grindrod, Esq.,
MP., the commodore, in the chair. Mr. J. L. Ives,
owner of the yacht Prima Donna (25 tons), was voted in
as a member of the club. On the motion of Mr. R.
Kaye, several amendments were made in the laws and re-
lations—one of them substituting the title of " Vice-
CCmmodore " for that of " Captain ' ; and another re-
quiring all yachts belonging to the club to wear the club
flag (as granted by the Admiralty warrant) when within
the waters of the Mersey ; and elsewhere, when the Com-
modore's flag is there hoisted. Mr. Melling (the hono-
rary secretary) exhibited a ship's compass on a new and
improved principle, the object attained being greater stea-
diness in heavy weather, with an application for increasing
and maintaining the magnetic power of the needle. This
was much commended.. The concluding portion of the
evening was spent in social enjoyment by the company,
which was numerous, considering the season of the year.