The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-01-16 00:00:00

DINNER IN CELEBRATION OF THE TRI-
I UMPHS OF CONSERVATISM IN NORTH AND
I SOUTH TOXTETH WARDS.

On Wednesday evening last, the triumphs of conserva-
tism, during the last few years, in North and South Tox.
teth were celebrated by a public dinner at Mr. John Brig-
house's, Bowling-green Tavern, (near the Dingle,) and
the friends of the cause availed themselves of the occasion
to present to Mr. Thomas Inman, the active honorary
secretary, some handsome pieces of plate and a tea-service,
in testimony of their gratitude and respect for his long and
unwearied services. The apartment (the ball-room) was
tastily decorated, the walls being festooned with ever-
greens and flowers, and adorned with flags. Behind the
chair was suspended the Royal Arms, with the inscription
—" England's Queen." Over this was the Royal Standard,
on one side, and the British Ensign on the other. At the
other end a Royal Standard also floated from the orches-
tra, which was entertwined with laurel and holly ; and in
the middle—reaching the roof and fixed transversely—was
another Royal Standard, and corresponding with it, on
the opposite side, a handsome flag bearing the inscription
—" Sandon and Douglas for ever." About sixty gen-
tlemen sat down to the repast. Amongst them were Robt.
Rankin, Esq., John Lawrence, Esq., Henry G. Harbord,
Esq., John Payne, Esq., W. Wagstaff, Esq., J. S. Skip-
per, Esq., George Clay, Esq., Joseph Harrison, Esq.,
Trotman, jun. Esq., Daniel Clarke, Esq., and Capt.
Robinson.
C. H. HORSFALL, Esq., ably officiated in the chair,
and Mr. JAMES ROBERTSON in the vice-chair, the former
being supported on the right by Alexander Smith, jun.,
Esq., and on his left by S. L. Trotman, Esq., R. Har-
bord, Esq., and T. T. Glazebrook, Esq. ; and the latter
by J. Sheppard, Esq., and on his left by T. Inman, Esq.
The dinner was of the very best description—second,
indeed, to none that could be provided at the first hotels
in the town, either in quality or cooking. In addition to
the usual substantials in roast and boiled, there was a va-
riety of game, pies, puddings, &c., introduced as a last
course, and the whole was served in a manner that did
infinite honour to " mine worthy host and hostess." The
desert comprised excellent grapes, dried and other fruits,
and the wines—chiefly port and sherry—were pronounced
by connoiseurs to be super-excellent. Mr. Jolliffe's band
was in attendance, and played appropriate airs during the
evening.
On the removal of the cloth, the CHAIRMAN, after a
loyal introduction, gave the health of " The Queen—the
Duchess of Lancaster," which called forth loud cheers,
followed by the Kentish tire and the national anthem.
He next proposed the health of an illustrious and excel-
lent lady, whose many virtues and amiable qualities en-
deared her to all true Englishmen--" The Queen Dowa-
ger." This, too, was bailed with extreme applause, and
a tremendous volley of the Kentish fire. The next toast
coupled the name of " Prince Albert "—" an amiable
person and a good husband "—with " the rest of the
Royal Family." (Much applause.) " Our glorious Con-
stitution in Church and State" followed, with equal ho-
nours, and the air " Here's a health to Old England, the
Queen, and the Church." " The bulwarks of the Bri-
tish nation—the Army and Navy,'' was next drunk with
equal enthusiasm.
Mr. KENYON, being called upon, replied in suit-
able and feeling terms. It had been, he said, his
good fortune to be at the Battle of Waterloo, and
it was a pride and comfort to him, after the dan-
gers he and others had passed, to return to the bosom
of his country, and still to feel assured, from the feelings
of those around him, that the conservative flag of Eng-
land would never be struck whilst there was an inch of it
remaining on the pole. (Loud cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN then gave " The Duke of Wellingto❑
and the House of Peers," which was received with three
times three, the band playing " See, the conquering Hero
comes." The next health drunk was that of " Sir Robt.
Peel," which was received with three times three and
prolonged applause, the band playing.
The VICE-CHAIRMAN here proposed the health of two
gentlemen who had served them faithfully and conscien-
tiously in parliament—" Lord Sandon and Sir Howard
Douglas." This too was received with tremendous ap-
plause, followed by the Kentish fire.
The CHAIRMAN said he had yet many excellent and
loyal toasts to propose, which he trusted would be drunk
by genuine Englishmen to the end of time ; but he must
now pass to the health of men who were more intimately
connected with the town. He proposed " The Conser-
♦ative Members of North and South Toxteth Wards,"
and would not dwell upon their merits, which were well
known,—particularly as five of them were present, and
would doubtless have a good deal to say. The toast was
rapturously received.
Mr. R. HARBORD, being first in the order of seniority,
rose amidst tremendous cheering. He felt, he said, in-
adequate to do justice to the toast, but would endeavour
to do so, not as an individual, but as one of those so kindly
alluded to. He had been in the council upwards of three
years, but four years had elapsed since he first came
amongst the electors. At that time popery and radicalism
were rampant in these wards, and they could hardly have
anticipated so favourable a result, but the goodness of
their cause had ensured them success. They had rallied
in support of the cause of God, their sovereign, and their
country ; and were mainly indebted to the immutable
truths which that cause involved. He took that opportunity
of sincerely thanking those gentlemen who had given them
their unremitting support, and trusted the wards would
never be in want of a proper candidate to represent them.
If he studied his own convenience, he should prefer pri-
vate life. So long, however, as he had represented the
ward for which he was returned, he trusted it would be
admitted that he had acted on truly English principles.
(Loud cheers.) His colleagues would doubtless enter
more into generalities, and he should therefore content
himself, on this occasion, with wishing all present health
and prosperity. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. ALEX. SMITH said he had had the good fortune to
be second in the field, his friend Mr. Harbord having led
the way in 1840. He detailed the successes of the two
wards since 1835, when their prospects were very gloomy,
up to the present time, showing the gain to the good cause
year after year, through the indefatigable exertions of its
friends. He knew of no two wards equal to them in
public spirit in the town. Their interests were indeed
identified, and well they united in supporting them. In
consequence of some of those around him having inquired
where was the sixth member, Mr. Lace, he begged to
state that that gentleman had had an engagement previous
to his hearing of the meeting, which he could not post-
pone, otherwise he would have done himself the greater
pleasure in being with them that evening. (Cheers.) He
had also to state, and with regret, that Mr. Alderman
James Lawrence would have been in attendance, but was
prevented owing to ill health. Mr. Chilton would also
have been amongst them, but had been summoned to
Scotland as a witness on a trial. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. SHEPPARD, in next returning thanks, alluded to
his triumphant return, and trusted that it would be ad-
mitted that he had ever voted on sound conservative prin-
ciples. There were, he said, many important questions
about to be discussed in committees of the council, and
the conservatives must in dealing with them be prudent,
zealous and determined. After complimenting respec-
tively the Chairman of the Finance and the Chairman of
the Watch Committee, he alluded to the resignation of the
Chief Constable, and the important duty of choosing a
proper person to succeed him. With regard to the school
question, he was of opinion that a sound Scriptural edu-
cation was the only means of bringing Great Britain—
aye, and Ireland too—(cheers)—to that position which
would render them the glory of the world. He next no-
ticed the proceedings of the Health of the Town Com-
mittee, and said that, having visited many of the dwellings
of the poorer classes in his ward, along with Mr. Councillor
and Mr. H. G. Harbord, it was clear that sewerage was re-
quired to place them in a comfortable state. With regard
to the administration of the new poor-law, he and their
other representatives had done everything they could in
behalf of those who unhappily fell under its operation.
Gentlemen (continued Mr. Sheppard), the due adminis-
tration of the poor-law is also a matter of grave and im-
portant consideration. I beg respectfully to call your
attention to the following facts. The county rates are
very heavy items, levied under the head of poor-rates.
It is shown by Mr. Wm. Cleaver's statement (the clever
and intelligent clerk of the West Derby Board of Guar-
dims), that, in 18 townships comprised in the said union,
the amount expended in the relief of the poor of the said
union, including salaries of officers, and the whole cost of
establishment, for the year ended March, 1843, was
X 5,552; and that the amount paid by the same townships
towards county rates, during the same period, was £9,936,
or nearly double the amount expended in the relief of the
poor. (Hear.) The West Derby Board of Guardians
were about forwarding to the magistrates of the county of
Lancaster a memorial on the subject, together with the
statement therein referred to, and have further requested
other unions to adopt a like proceeding. (Hear, hear.)
With regard to Ireland, he thought that Sir Robert
Peel deserved the thanks of the country for his mild
but efficient administration of the law in that coun-
try. (Cheers.) He next complimented the Attorney-
General for Ireland, and expressed an assurance that the
result of the state prosecutions would he the con-
firmation of their constitutional rights and privileges,
which they inherited from their forefathers, and which,
with the blessing of God, they would hand down unsullied
toTheir posterity. It was, however, not to be borne, tha .
any man whatever should be allowed to browbeat either
the Queen, House of Lords, or Commons. (Applause.)
They would, at all hazards, maintain their principles, and
take care to hand down to their children unimpaired those
institutions they received from their forefathers. (Cheers.)
As regarded the landlords of Ireland, whoever maligned
or traduced them did so falsely, as he was convinced
would be made manifest when the commission appointed
by Sir Robert Peel had made its report. (Cheers.) In
conclusion, he again thanked them, adding that he should
ever, in return, endeavour to do his duty honestly and
zealously. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. TROTMAN then briefly, but forcibly replied to
the toast. He had been an humble instrument in their
hands of redeeming South Toxteth from the degradation
of radicalism into which it had comparatively recently
sunk. He had ever given his vote for what lie considered
the best interests of his constituents, and tendered them
his best thanks for their kindness and support. (Cheers.)
Mr. GLAZEOROOK then rose amidst loud cheers. He
said lie most cordially entered with them into the festival
of that evening to celebrate the triumph of conseryativ-
ism in the two wards which had been almost perfected by
his election. Only four short years ago they had six
" liberal" candidates—so called ; now they had, happily,
six conservatives. True they had one " liberal " alder-
man, but from what he that night saw, and if he were
rightly informed, he would not long be charged with his op-
pressive honour. (Cheers.) When they saw so remark-
able a change in a constituency, they naturally inquired
what had led to it. Only seven years ago a great and
startling change took place in all the various gradations
of authority in the land. This was a phenomenon in the
history of the country, which required serious considera-
tion. It was not to be accounted for in the fact of any
mistake having been committed on the part of those eh()

exercised the suffrage, but rather from their being imper-
fectly instructed in the nature of their duties, and but im-
perfectly informed as to the nature of the privileges they
enjoyed.
its Happily for the country that blot did not re-
main on history long—happily for them, reflection and
experience had led them to correct the error into which
they had fallen, and to return to those principles, and
practices, and morals, from which they had temporarily
fallen. (Applause.) It was no doubt an apparent fact,
that their political opponents did not form their principles
on the truths of revelation, and in consequence of that
omission, they were incapable of coming to anything like
a sound conclusion en the subjects submitted to their con-
sideration. (Hear, hear.) There had, however, been a
return, from some cause or other, and lie could not
but hope that it had been brought about by Providence,
who, in his wise arrangements of human affairs, generally
provided a corrective to the evil which abounded. (Hear,
bear.) He, therefore, trusted that many had come to the
conclusion of forming their opinions upon that only true
and infallible commentary upon human life, namely, that
which the Scriptures supplied—(cheers.)—for he felt con-
vinced that any who derived their knowledge from any
other source were equally unfit to govern or to obey.
(Applause.) He did not merely rejoice because power was
transferred from one party to another, but because
a different principle was acted on. Of what use was it to
them that the transfer of power merely had taken place, .
if they not take care that their principles were carried
out. Now that these wards enjoyed peace, let there em-
ploy it for the general good. He was unwilling to trespass
upon their time on this festive occasion,—(go on)—but
he thought he would not stand well with them if he did
not justify to them and to their political opponents the
reasons that actuated him and others who acted with him
in their votes in the council. Since he had the honour to
belong to that body he had been called upon to give his
vote on several important occasions. He had given his
vote for the election of Mr. Sands to the mayoralty. The
subject was one which had been much discussed out of
doors; and he would state for himself that if he had
thought there was anything improper or dishonourable in
that gentleman's conduct, he, for one would not have
given a vote in his favour. (Cheers.) He was as jealous
as any one of the uprightness and integrity of public
officers,—and especially of mayors; and if he hal thought
that that vote went to prejudge Mr. Sands case, or to ar-
rest enquiry into it, he would not have given that vote.—
Had he thought as Mr.Blackburne did, he certainly should
not have voted for the election of Mr. Sands ; but when
he found that gentleman asserting his Own innocence of
the charge and demanding inquiry, and more especially
when he was assured from other parties that the charge
could not be maintained, he felt that lie could give his
vote for him with perfect sincerity, as he was convinced
every other member of the council did. (Cneers.) On
the question of the Harrington docks, he would tell them
the state of his mind on that subject. He was in the
condition of a juryman who awaited the bearing of the
evidence. There were difficulties in the way of forming
a second judgement on that question, and he considered
it the most proper course to wait until he could read the
statements of the case,—until, too, he had the advan-
tage of the discussion that would no doubt arise in the
public press, which might correct those who were in error,
or remind them of what they might have forgotten.
(Cheers.) Standing there as their representative he would
say that he had not withdrawn his confidence in Sir R.
Peel, though the ministry certainly appeared to him
to exhibit a want of firmness and courage on the
question of Scriptural Education so essential to
the well-being of the people. (Hear, hear, and cheers.)
The people had delegated them to instruct and to direct
them, and it became their first duty to promote moral
and religious instruction. He knew that ministers had
difficulties to contend with, but they did not appear to
him to entertain that cordial feeling for the church, on
which depended our national prosperity and stability. He
would not have said so much, but he considered it his duty
to state his opinions candidly on matters on which his con-
stituents had a right to know what views he entertained.
He concluded, after a feeling allusion to the benefits of
Scriptural education, by thanking them for the honour
conveyed by the toast. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. SHEPPARD proposed the health of the vice-
president, to which that gentleman ably responded. The CHAIRMAN then gave, in connection with " Ships,
colonies, and commerce," the health of Mr. Rankin,
who was deeply interested in the prosperity of the trade of
Liverpool as a large, perhaps the largest, shipowner in the
world. (Applause.)
Mr. RAN KIN responded.
Mr. ALEXANDER SMITH proposed that the next toast
should be in a bumper. It was to the health of a gentle-
man who had been of essential service to the conservative
cause in those two wards, and in bringing about the
effect he had already described, They were all aware that
an able secretary was of essential importance to every
cause—(applause)--and it was their good fortune to have
enlisted in their cause a most energetic and able one, who
had taken the deepest interest in conservatism, who had
worked night and day to promote the cause he had at
heart, and who had now the satisfaction of seeing his
efforts crowned with success. (Loud applause.) There
was no doubt but the person who stood forward to bear
the brunt of the battle as their secretary and treasurer had
done, deserved their warmest applause, and this was due
to Mr. Inman. (Tremendous cheering.) The reception
of the name of Mr. Inman convinced him that not another
word need be said in his favour, for they all seemed fully
convinced of the importance of the services he had ren-
dered. (Cheers.) The friends of the cause had thought
it right to present him with a substantial testimonial of
the value of his services, which he would now request the
chairman to present to him.
A very handsome silver tea and coffee service was here
introduced, bearing the following inscription :
" Presented to Mr. Thomas Inman, by a number of
his political friends of North and South Torteth Wards,
in acknowledgment of the valuable services rendered by
him during many contested elections, both parliamentary
and municipal, which have resulted in the return of two
Conservative members to Parliament, and of the six
Conservative representatives of these wards in the Town
Council.

" Toxteth-park, Ist November, 1843."
The CHAIRMAN said it gave him infinite satisfaction,
as one of the subscribers to this testimonial, to present it
to Mr. Inman, not as a reward for what he had done, but
as a small tribute of respect, showing the manner in which
they appreciated the services he had rendered to the cause.
He doubted not it would be received in the same
feeling in which it was offered, and that he would show it
to his children and tell them how they must act if they
wished to enjoy a similar share of the confidence and good
will of the community. He must consider it, indeed, as
a mark of their great—their affectionate regard. He,
therefore, presented it to him with sincere thanks for his
twaabrmouetsttlwieishreessuflotsr
hthiseyprhoascl.
(Loud cheers.)
ps eemetrMr rtyc.oe asicn, Nedwll:thhbAairesia'htp, hn'weahasdnos dbtwhratoriso'ueurgi received vi feed. with loud cheers, said
he really knew not how to thank them for the honour con-
ferred upon him. If on former occasions he had felt a
difficulty in addressing a large number of individuals, how
much more difficuit must it be on that occasion, when he
occupied so much of their attention. (Cheers.) It was
a great source of pride and satisfaction to himself, inde-
pendent of the position in which he stood, to be able to
congratulate them on the state of the representation in
the town, both parliamentary and municipal. Their kind-
ness he took as an earnest of their good feeling towards
him, for he had only done what others might have done
had they been disposed to have paid the same attention.
(Cheers.) There were many who only waited an oppor-
tunity of doing as he had done—(no, no)—and although
they were now successful, there was no time for relaxation
in their efforts if they wished to maintain their ground.
(Cheers.) If they looked at the state of Ireland, and the
efforts of the Anti-Corn-Law League, there was no room
for relaxing their efforts; and he was convinced by proper
and well-directed exertions the public mind would soon
be disabused of the League fallacies. (Loud cheers.) It
was evident to all persons who were observers of passing
events, that the cry of cheap bread, &c., was only another
name for cheap labour, and they, no doubt, would recol-
lect that the principal persons now composing the Anti-
Corn-Law League publicly stated in the Manchester
Chamber of Commerce, " that so long as the wages of the
operatives of this country were so high, it would be im-
possible to compete with foreign manufacturers ; and the
only way open to them to remove this obstacle was a plen-
tiful supply of cheap food, which could only be done by
repealing the corn-laws." He would not further take up
the time of the company, but again thanked them for their
kind feelings towards himself, assured them that he looked
upon this day as one of the happiest in his life ; and would
hand down to his children the splendid gift made to him
that evening, to encourage them in after times to do all in
their power in support of our glorious constitution in
church and state. (Cheers.)
The Vxcs-PRESIDENT, after paving a well-deserved
compliment to the services rendered by the President of
the conservative cause, proposed his health, which was
drank with due honours.

The PRESIDENT thanked them sincerely for the honour
done him, and particularly his friend Mr. Robertson, for
the kind allusion he had made to his services. He wished
to congratulate them on the success which the conserva-
tive cause had gained In the two wards. It might at first
sight appear remarkable that that success was so great,
but when they contrasted the one party with the other,
it was more surprising that their opponents could act at
all. True convervatism was founded on the Bible. Their
opponents he could not admit to have any princi-
ples. Their bond of union, and their only and com-
mon object was hostility to the Church of Eng-
land, which they wished to pull down. The principle
they (the conservatives) espoused, required, however,
energy to put it in action. Let them then keep it alive in
order to maintain their present position. This required
but little exertion, for, as Sir R. Peel had remarked,their
battles were fought in the registration courts. With re-
spect to the dock question he entertained the same opinion
as Mr. Glazebrook, and would reserve his opinion until
all the information was before him. They were, he con-
cluded, greatly indebted to their conservative representa-
tives for the stand they made on the school question. He,
therefore, proposed " The Conservative Councillors."
Mr. HARBORD and Mr. SHEPHERD responded in an
effective manner.
The CHAIRMAN then proposed " The Toxteth Park
Protestant Operative Association," connecting with the
toast the health of Mr. H. Harbord, who had been most
active amongst them.
Mr. H. HARBORD ably replied.
Mr. HARBORD proposed "The Conservative Press,"
and more particularly that of Liverpool.
Mr ADDISON (of the Standard) responded to the toast.
The press was, he said, a mighty engine for good or for
evil, and for the honour conveyed by the toast to the con-
servative papers of the town, he felt at once gratitude and
pride. The cause he rejoiced to say was rapidly advanc-
ing, and if every ward were as true to itself as the Tox-
teth wards, their triumphs would at no distant period be
complete. Looking at the state of the representation of
the town, both parliamentaryseeing that
and municipal;.
we had two conservative representatives in the house of