The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1843-03-17 00:00:00

LOCAL NEWS,

EXTRAORDINARY PASSAGE.—The packet ship Inde-
pendence, Captain Nye, arrived at New York on the 27th
ult. after a remarkably quick run from Liverpool of fifteen
days.

FASHIONABLE AltravAis.—Lord anti La!y Walkeourt
and tautily arrived in this town during the past week, and
are staying with Dr. Ileatheote, Mount-pleasant. The Hon.
Misses Blake are also of the party.

THE INCOME TAX IN LIVERPOOL.—The assessment on
property and income in this town is said to be upwards of
J.:4,000,000, and the sum to be levied on the inhabitants will,
therefore, be about £120,000.

CHESS.—The second game at chess played by correspond-
ence between the clubs of Armagh and this town has resulted
in a draw. The first game being won by Liverpool, and the
second drawn, the match is determined in favour of our
town, and the experience of the great trouble attending games
by currespouce has, we understand, decided the committee
of the Liverpool club never to undertake another.

;;,THE GREAT WESTERN.—We find we were in error in
stating that this vessel would leave New York for this port
on Saturday last, our authority for which was a Bristol paper.
The steamer was fixed to leave New York on the IGth inst.
(yesterday,) and if she makes an average run across the At-
lantic, she may ue expected here on or about the 29th. She
had nut, however, arrived at New York on the 28th mt., but
was expected every tide.
CONCERTS.—We beg to refer our readers to the adver-
tising columns, where are announced four classical chamber
concerts, by the Messrs. Herrman, of this town, who will be
assisted by Mr. J. Lidel Herrman, from Dublin, and other
talented artistes, vocal and instrumental. Our musical
friends will do well to lose no time in entering the lists as
subscribers, for, we feel assured, they have a rich treat in
store.

ROBBERY BY SWEEPS AT LISCARD. Two persons,
named John Farrall, (a boy,) and his master, John Jones,
were yesterday committed, by Henry Winch, Esq., to Ches-
ter Castle, on a charge of stealing a silver and a wooden snuff-
box from the house of Mr. John Simpson, at Liscard. The
prisoners were engaged to sweep the chimnies of Mr. Simp-
son, and, shortly after their departure, the boxes were missed,
oue of which was afterwards found in the house of Jones.
Wno WILL CLAIM THEM ?—The morning after Valen-
tine's Day two letters were delivered from the Post-office,
Warrington, to the letter carrier. One was addressed to
" The ugliest woman," and the other to " The prettiest
girl," in Penketh. The postman must have found himself
in "a fix." He wisely returned them, affirming that there
were none of the former, and that as to the latter, there were
so many he did not know which of them the valentine ought
properly to be delivered.
DUBUFE'S ADAM AND EVE—Now that these pictures are
becoming well-known crowds of visitors are hourly inspect-
ing them. Public taste appears divided as to their excellence,
some giving the palm to the " Temptation," others to the
" Expulsion." From the low price at which the season
tickets have been fixed, those who go once generally avail
themselves of the opportunity of paying the additional shil-
ling for the season admission. It appears by the slate at the
door that upwards of 3000 persons passed through the rooms
last week.

7:PENMANSHIP, &c.—ln another column will be found an
advertisement of Mr. Thompson, the celebrated instructor
in writing, short-hand, and arithmetic. Mr. Thompson's
system is a most excellent one, as thousands who have re-
ceived instructions from him can testify. Those' who at
present have but a limited acquaintance with the useful arts
Mr. Thompson professes, and are desirous of obtaining a
ready and perfect knowledge of them, will do well to avail
themselves of the services of so able a teacher.
Miss FANNY TERNAN'S BENEFIT.—This pretty and ta-
lented little child will have a benefit at the Theatre. Royal,
on Wednesday evening next. The entertainments selected
are, the comedy of "Every One has his Fault," the fifth act
of Shakspeare's tragedy of " Richard the Third," and the
" Young Actress." Since the days of Clara Fisher, Miss
Poole (when she was " little,") and Master Burke, there has
not been a child of so much promise and talent upon the
English boards. It may be said truly of Fanny Ternan that
" she can snatch a grace beyond the reach of art."
PERSONAL COMFORT.—The present season being that in
which the utilities and grateful effects of " ROWLAND'S
KALYDOR" become equally apparent with that of summer,
we strenuously recommend it to those persons who suffer
from the baneful effects of inclement weather on a tender
and delicate skin. Its extraordinary efficacy in allaying all
irratibility and tendency to inflammation of the skin, is no
less esteemed than are its peculiar virtues in enhancing the
beauty of the complexion; and as a toilet appendage, is of
unquestionable safety, efficacy, and of unrivalled elegance.—
See advt.

The fine packet-ship Hottinger, which sailed from this port
for New York on the 17th January, went ashore on the after-
noon of the 26th ult. as she was entering the harbour of New
York. The Hottinger, it will be remembered, first set sail
from Liverpool on the 12th of January, in company with the
packet-ship North America, but put back on the 14th, owing
to the severe gale of ttie 13th. The thief mate was so severely
injured in that gale that Captain Bursley was compelled to
perform double duty during the voyage. He took a pilot on
board as he neared New York, and went to bed exhausted.
The ship struck two hours afterwards. About a thousand
bags of salt, and a large quantity of tin were thrown over-
board to lighten her, after which, with the assistance of a
steamer, she was got off in a perfectly sound condition.
PORTRAITS IN CHALK.—We were favoured, a few days
days ago, with an inspection of some portraits, drawn in
chalk, by Mr. Gordon, an artist of first-rate talents, who has
taken up his residence in this town. He produces, by means
of black and white crayons, of various shades and depths,
the effect of a mezzotint, imparting to the hands, arms, and
face the fleshy appearance of life. In the imitation of silk
or satin he is also very successful, as well as in representing
gauze, lace, and other transparent fabrics. This style is new,
and has many recommendations, two sittings of half an
hour being only necessary, a pleasing and good effect is pro-
duced, and the expense trifling. Mr. Garnett, Mr. Hugh
Neil, Mr. Bushell, and other gentlemen of the town have had
sittings, and the likenesses taken are decidedly successful.
Mr. Gordon will, doubtless, when known to the lovers of
art, have his hands full of business.
STOPPAGE OF CARS.—Mr. Gough, of the Woodside Ho-
tel, appeared yesterday before the magistrates at Birkenhead
Town-hall, to complain of Henry Booth, and Henry
Lawton, the owners of cars, for allowing their cars to stand
in the public highway, at Woodsiik Ferry, a longer period
than was necessary for the loading and unloading of the same,
whereby, under the Birkenhead Improvement Act, they had
incurred penalties of 40s. each. Mr. Williams, solicitor,
who appeared for Mr. Gough, stated that the complainant
had no wish to press the charge against the defendants, but
simply to ascertain whether they had a right to occupy the
stand, for if they had he would send cars also ; but being of
opinion it was contrary to law, he had no course left but to
summon the parties. The magistrates, after a long consul-
tation, expressed their opinion that, as the law at present
stood, the defendants had no right to allow their cars to
stand at the Ferry. There was, however, a clause in the bill
before parliament which would enable the magistrates to fix
coach stands. The case, however, was dismissed, on the
payment of costs.
MEETING OF THE DOCK COMMITTEE.—At the weekly
meeting of the Dock Committee, held yesterday, the follow-
ing members were present:—Messrs. Sands, Holmes, Moly-
neux, Nicol, Bulley, Tobin, Shand, Smith, Holt, Aikin,
Middleton. and Evans. The sub-committee for the depart-
ments of Works and the Marine Surveyor had no report to
present. The Harbour Masters' sub-committee reported
that in the case referred to them by the last meeting, the
master of George's Dock, whose conduct was impugned, did
not appear to have been blameable. The allowance to John
Probert, late a dock gateman, of 15s. per week, was ordered
to be continued for three months longer. Two letters were
read from the Solicitor, reporting that the bill for regulating
the mode of admeasurement of foreign vessels had been
allowed to pass the committee on standing orders, on condi-
tion that notices of it be inserted in the Gazette, and in the
local papers. He hoped it would pass the House of Com-
mons before the Easter recess. [The notice will be found
advertised in another column of the Liverpool Standard.]
Mr. E. G. Deane, solicitor to the Commissioners for Paving
and Sewering, submitted copies of the bill now being applied
for by that body for, obtaining a better supply of water for
the prevention and eytinguishin.g. of fires. After some con-
versation it was understood that the committee decided
they had no objection to the clauses. Mr. Cook, super-
intendent of the pilots, submitted a specimen of Carr's life
buoy, with the view of their being adopted in preference to
the cone buoys. now in use at the different dock-gates,
stages, and slips. The communication was ordered to be
acknowledged. Some financial business was then transacted
and the meeting separated.

MEETING OF MAGISTRATES.—THE HIBERNIAN SO-
CIETIES.—An adjourned meeting of the magistrates was
held in the Town-hall yesterday, at two o'clock, on the sub-
ject of the procession of the Hibernian societies, this day,
the anniversary of St. Patrick. The following magistrates
were present:—The Mayor (chairman), John Holmes, E.
Rushton, W. Earle, C. Turner, C. S. Parker, H. Hornby,
R. E. Harvey, A. Hodgson, E. Evans, T. Booth, W. Potter,
R. Houghton, W. Rathbone, C. Rawdon, R. Benn, T.
Sands, and G. Grant. The Mayor said he had the pleasure
of informing the magistrates that he had that morning re-
ceived a communication stating that it was the intention of
the Hibernian societies to abandon all idea of their annual
procession on the 17th instant. A placard had been for-
warded to him announcing this intention ; and a communi-
cation had been made to him, by Mr. Rushton, conveying to
him a copy of the resolution. The Town-clerk then read a
letter to the Mayor from the Rev. Wm. Parker, in which the
rev. gentleman announced, as the result of a successful ap-
peal to them on Wednesday night, that the Hibernian societies
would not walk, and enclosing a copy of a placard which was
to be posted by twelve o'clock. The Town-clerk next read
the copy of a placard issued by the magistrates, which ap-
pears in our advertising columns, in which they acknowledged
the resolution of the Hibernian societies, their approval of
it, and their earnest hope that all parties would unite in the
preservation of the peace. A short discussion took place,
in the course of which Mr. Rushton entered into an ex-
planation of the law. Eventually the placard was agreed to
as it originally stood; and the Mayor was requested to ac-
knowledge Mr. Parker's communication, and their high
sense of his exertions on this occasion. The meeting then
separated.

•
MISS STOTT'S CONCRRT.—The fourth annual concert
given by Miss Stott took place on Tuesday evening last, at
the Royal Assembly Rooms, Great George-street, and, we
are glad to say, was attended by a most numerous and fa-
shionable audience, who testified their approbation of the
performances by repeated plaudits throughout the evening.
The opening pieces were well executed, by a party of good
performers. The trio, " Night's lingering shades," by Miss
Leach, Mr. Armstrong, and Miss M. Swain, was exceed-
ingly well sung. Their voices well amalgamated, and the
accompaniment was played in Mr. George Holden's usual
admirable manner. The song, "The ray of hope," by Miss
Stott (with a clarionet obligato by Mr. Stubbs) was a bold
but successful effort on the part of that lady. The song was
arranged by Bishop, for one of the first-rate vocalists of the
day, and, as such, is one to which it is difficult for any singer,
not of superior attainments and practice, to do entire justice,
particularly the cadence, in which there is too much same-
ness and prolongation, and which, if shortened, would be
more easily accomplished both by the singer and the player.
Miss Scott evinced some timidity in encountering it, but got
through it in a manner highly creditable to her talents. Of
Mr. Stubbs's obligato accompaniment it is high praise to
state that the subdued tones of his clarionet blended so
sweetly with the lady's voice that it was scarcely possible to
dististinguish the one from the other ; arid the solo parts ex-
hibited good taste and great precision of execution. "Oh !
Thou whose power" was well sung by Mr. Lewis--himself
the composer. The concerto (piano-forte), by Miss Mat-
thews, evinced a command of the instrument, which, with
increased confidence and practice, will probably ripen into
true excellence. It was received with much applause.
" The pearly deep," by Mrs. Armstrong, was finely sung—
evincing great compass of voice. The trio "Oh ! listen to
the Nightingale," by Miss Leach, Mrs. Armstrong, and
Miss Stott was splendidly sung. Miss M. Swain
" Sandy and Jenny" in a highly pleasing manner,ainnidsuwia%
warmly encored. The instrumental introduction to
se-
cond part was well performed—by Mr. J. Z. Herrmann, t
gG. Eyton, Mr. Eyton, Mr. C. Herrmann, and Mr. c
Miss Stott and Miss M. Swain sung a duet (not, we believe,es
respec-
table, in the bill) with great sweetness, and were loudly encored.a
Mr. Armstrong's " Molly Bawn," a serio-comic ball
given with considerable quaintness of style. We have waso riot
room to notice the other performances,
which were
and some of them fine; and may conclude by stating
that the concert as a whole went off with great eclat.

CHEAP TRAIN TO LONDON.—it will be seen from our
advertising column, that the period for this economical and
gratifying treat is now fixed upon. The days will be then at
their longest span, and the season is usually devoted to agreea-
ble relaxation; and, of course, it is useless to say one word
as to the fund of amusing and instructive variety in store for
the company at the end of their pleasant journey. The gen-
tlemen who have entered into the necessary arrangements
with the railway companies, offer to parties who intend to
avail themselves of such a cheap trip to the great metropolis
the option of five or eight days absence from home, thus, as
tar as possible, meeting the convenience of the public. Though,
we believe, no reasonable complaint could be raised against
the management adopted on a similar occasion last yeat, yet.
of course, several minor matters incidental to the comfort of
the passengers (the want of which was not then anticipated)
can now be and are provided for. An opportunity is al, o
offered of contrec':iug for their " keep " during their residence
in the city.

THE FUNDS : 'WEDNESDAY EVENING.—The chief tran-
saction in the English funds to-day was a purchase by a
leading broker of £170,000. New Three-and-a-Half per
Cents. at 102 Z—a price he has previously Paid for similar
investments. At that quotation the market was firm. Con-
sols for money and the account closed 961 to 97; Exchequer-
bills, 725. to 745. premium ; India Bonds, 765. premium.
Among the jobbers in the foreign market the arrangement
for the settlement of the six weeks' account was the object
of special attention. There will be, it is expected, a more
than ordinary qm.ntity of speculative dealings to settle, con-
sidering the turn affairs have taken in respect to this class of
business within the last few weeks. The Spanish market
has again been favourably influenced by operations for the
rise, and with the abundance of money, which, for the ac-
commodation of parties in this department of the house, is
at the moderate rate of from 3 to 5 per cent., there appears a
probability of the continuance of some activity. As far as
the progress of the account is yet known, difficulty in its
final adjustment is not in the least apprehended. Mexican
was the only security exhibiting a heavy price, and that seems
to have been occasioned by a doubt of the payment of the
dividend due next month. The advertisement announcing it
should have been published to-day ; but it was not, and hence
arises the fear. Spanish Actives left off 221. to ; Ditto
New, 30 to ; Portuguese Converted, 40Z to 11; Mexican,
308 to ; Ditto Deferred, 8Z to ; Dutch Two-and-a-Half
per Cents., 561 to i; Ditto Five per Cents., 1011 to 132 ;
Danish, 861 to 871; Colombian, 261 to I; Brazilian, 80 to
81; and Belgian. 104 to 105.

THEATRE-ROYAL.—A drama, produced during the last
season at the Haymarket, called Grandfather Whitehead,
was represented here, on Monday, for the occasion of Mrs.
Clarke's benefit, and has been repeated every night since.
It fs one of domestic character, and possesses deeply pathetic
and interesting situations. The characters are such as we
meet with in everyday life. Mr. William Farren's Grand-
father Whitehead is a masterpiece of acting, and, towards
the close of the drama, so highly did he work upon the feel-
ings of the audience, that, as for the ladies, not one was
without a handkerchief to her sweet eyes ; while the sterner
sex, " albeit unused to the melting mood," di,covered that
they had very bad colds, and that their noses required blow-
ing with very great activity. Nor do we say this to their
discredit. Smiles may be false, but tears must be true ; and,
if genuine ones were not shed on witnessing Mr. Farren's
Grandfather Whitehead, we may never trust our eyes again.
In fact, we pity that man who could sit unmoved to witness
a drama like this, or see without emotion the old man fond-
ling his little grandchildren, with the kindliness of one
whose end and aim is the happiness of all around him. It is
a most exquisite piece of acting, and makes a deep impres-
sion upon all. Miss Fanny Ternan played Edward Drayton
charmingly. This clever and pretty little child seems to enter
fully into the spirit and feeling of the scene. Mrs. Seymour's
Louisa was graceful, natural, and replete with feeling. Mr.
W. J. Hammond personated Bob Lincoln, the lawyer's
clerk, with spirit and considerable humour and drollery.
Mr. Addison's Driver was also good. Mr. Stuart, as Lang-
ley, showed the evil effects of badly acquired wealth and the
unhappiness that awaits the evil doer and ingrate. His act-
ing in the last scene was very effective. His falling at the
old man's feet was well conceived. Grandfather Whitehead
is one of the most interesting dramas we have seen for some
time, and cannot fail to please. To-night Mr. Browne takes
his benefit. He has a strong bill.
INQUESTS BEFORE THE BOROUGH CORONER.—On Wed-
nesday an inquest was held on view of the body of Sarah
Ann Worthington, a little girl who lived with her parents in
St. Andrew-street. On Sunday night the deceased was
washing some potatoes near the fire in a nighbour's cellar,
when another girl told her to take care of the fire, to
which she replied, " Do you think I have not better sense
than to burn myself." In a short time, however, it was
observed that her clothes had caught fire. Her companion
ran into the street for assistance, and deceased followed her.
Several persons went up and endeavoured to extinguish the
fire, which, however, they could not do until nearly all her
clothes were burnt off, and she was severely injured all over
her body and face. One man, in assisting, had his hands
much scorched. She was immediately sent to the infirmary,
where she was carefully attended, but died on Tuesday. One
of the witnesses, a young man, who was present, stated that
police-officer No. 469 was in the street when the girl ran
out, and refused to throw his coat over ber, otherwise her
life might have been spared. It appeared, however, from
subsequent testimony adduced, that this was not the fact,
and that on the contrary, he rendered every possible assist-
ance. There was, therefore no imputation on his character.
The jury returned a verdict of " accidental death."—Same
day, on the body of Antonio Drouet, a seaman on board the
American ship Michigan, lying in the river. The vessel ar-
rived on Monday from New Orleans. About twenty-five
days ago, deceased complained of a pain in his chest, but was
able to do his work during the whole passage. On Tuesday
morning he was observed to fall suddenly, and was found to be
insensible. Volatile salts was applied to his nose, but he ex-
pired in a few minutes. Mr. Dunn, surgeon, made a post
mortem examination, and ascertained that the deceased had
died from a rupture of an aneurism of the aorta, the result
of natural disease. Verdict accordingly.—Same day, on
view of the body of Ann Williams, who lived in Heath-st.
Deceased, who was 63 years old, had complained of asthma,
and died suddenly on Monday night. Mr. Carr, surgeon,
gave his opinion that death was produced by disease of the
heart, producing effusion into the lungs. Verdict accordingly.
—Same day, on view of the body of 'William Jones, aged 44,
who resided in Eccles-street. He bad had a severe cold and
cough, and died suddenly on Monday night. Verdict, "Died
from natural causes."—Yesterday, the 16th, on view of the
body of David Leary, an infant living with, nis mother in
Banastre-street. It appeared that deceased had been acci-
dentaly overlain. Verdict, " Chance medley."—Same day,
on view of the body of Susanna Davies, who was between
60 and 70 years of age, and lived in Tkornion-street. On
the 24th of December lust, she fell in Great Howard-street,
while rather intoxicated, and sustained a compound fracture
of the left leg. She was sent to the Northern Hospital, but
gradually declined and died yesterday morning. Verdict,
" Died from the injuries, but in what manner received there
was no evidence.";—Same day, on view of the body of Bridget
AP Kenna, aged 55. Deceased, with her husband and others,
purposed to emigrate to America. Yesterday morning she
went down to the ship Columbia, lying in the Waterloo
Dock, and, while between decks, fell down a hatchway which
had been left open to take in cargo, and where there was not
sufficient light for a stranger to see it. When picked up from
the kelson, her head was dreadfully smashed, blood was flow-
ing from her mouth, nose, and ears, and she almost immedi-
ately expired. The jury have not yet returned their verdict.

THE TORPEDO.—GLow-wortm. —M. Zantedeschi has
confirmed the experiments of M. Matteucci on the torpedo :
he thinks that the nerves come from the dilatation of the
medulla oblongata, which forms the fourth lobe with the grey
matter covering it.—Mr. Morren has found phosphorus in
glow-worms, as well as a system of prisms or transparent
lenses above the luminous matter.

---.
LEGALITY OF ART UNIONS.—A short time ago, Sir Ed-
ward Sugden, the present High Chancellor of Ireland, was
at the Royal Irish Institution, examining some pictures about
to be sold by auction. Mr. Stewart Blacker, the honorary
secretary to the Irish Art Union, being in the rooms at the
same time, spoke to him relative to the assumed illegalty of
art unions, when Sir Edward stated his opinion that the laws
which have been referred to did not in any way apply to such
societies. Mr. Blacker having expressed his gratification at
hearing this, Sir Edward said, " If you like I will give you
that opinion in writing," and, taking a pen, wrote an order
on the Royal Bank to pay the Art Union three guineas an-
nually until further notice ; thus gising his opinion in the
most satisfactory manner by joining the society.

- - -
Another painful illustration of the danger of retaining in
houses loaded fire-arms occurred in the vicinity of Fraser-
burgh, upon the evening of Tuesday last. Two brothers
named Carr, and respectively aged about eight and fourteen
years, in the temporary absence of their parents, proceeded
to take down for amusement a gun from the beams on which
it rested. In a few minutes, however, the children, fearful
of detection, hastily attempted to replace it; in so endea-
vouring the piece unluckily went off, and the contents lodging
in the head of the younger child, launched the poor little
fellow into eternity. Wofully unexpected was the sight
which met the unhappy parents' gaze, one child weeping and
the other dead. It is but justice to remark, that the father
had previously attempted to discharge the gun, but without
effect.—Aberdeen Banner.

PROCESSION OF THE POOR.—On Tuesday there was a
procession of miserable-looking people—men, women, and
children—along the principal streets of this city, carrying
banners, &c. The chief part of the persons composing the
cavalcade were very worthless, " ne'er-do-weel " characters
—of that there was no doubt; but still the hardship of their
lot, which was strongly impressed on their meagre counte-
nances and half-clothed persons, excited a good deal of sym-
pathy. We have seen the day when the carrying of such
flags and insignia would have amounted almost to treason.
On the hoard borne by the women, (who had also a black
flag,) there was inscribed, " Bread or Death." On another
" And is our Glorious Constitution come to this ? " We
cannot say that the appearance of these poor people occa-
sioned any alarm to the citizens, but this might result from
the fact that the Superintendent of Police followed in their
wake, to take care that they committed no violence. We
understand these people propose to continue their procession
every day, but we hope they will be prevented by some mea-
sure of relief.—Glasgow paper.
REMOVAL OF INPNALIGHTEN.—On Tuesday, at three
o'clock, this wretched criminal was removed from Newgate
to Bethlehem Hospital. The warrant for his transmission,
signed by the Secretary of State, was received by Mr. Cope,
the governor of the prison, at an early hour in the day. and
on its arrival that gentleman at once made arrangements for
the removal of the culprit under his own superintendence.
111`Naughten received with evident satisfaction the intimation
that he was about to leave Newgate, and walked with a quick
firm step to the outer prison gate, where a hackney cabriolet
was in waiting to receive him. Mr. Cope alone accompanied
the prisoner, and on arriving at the hospital handed him over
to the custody of the governor. He was immediately con-
veyed to that portion of the building on the southern side
appropriated to the reception of criminal lunatics, where an
apartment had been prepared for him. The following brief
particulars of the demeanour of M`Naughten since his in-
carceration will be read with interest at the present moment :
nd
On his committal he was placed in the cell previously occu-
pied by several of the more notorious criminals of late years,
a commodious apartment on th
He was constantly watched by two turnkeoorr, of the prison.
ys, who were re-
lieved every twelve hours, and with these individuals the
wretched man at all times entered into conversation with
considerable alacrity. He frequently made inquiries as to
the political movements which were going on, and manifested
great anxiety when in the performance of their duty the
officers attempted to evade answering the question. His
excitement when conversing on thi,s subject appears to have
impressed all those who were brought into contact with him,
with a belief that his mind was affected. His conversation
generally is stated to have been extremely interesting, fre-
quently turning on mechanical subjects ; but it is a curious
circumstance, that on one occasion only did he allude to the
fearful crime committed by himself, and then only in the
most unconcerned manner. lie
appeared to have no anxiety
s
as to his defence, and saw hissolicitor only two or three
times. He was impatient of
_..
confinement, and would some-
times pace his cell backwards and forwards for half an hour
together. He slept remarkably v7ll, generally retiring about
ten o'clock, and seldom waking during the night. Since his
acquittal he has been visited by his father, but no other
•
relative has seen him. He attended . divine service in the
prison chapel twice on Sunday. last, and took part in the
prayers with great apparent feeling and propriety. It may
not be generally known that the number of criminal lunatics
at present confined in Bethlehem exceeds sixty. The visiting
privilege, allowed to friends of the inmates generally, is also
extended to those of the criminal lunatics, who are permitted
to see their relatives twice a month ; but it is currently re-
ported that some more stringent rules than those hitherto in
Toree will be immediately applied to this class of persons.

THE POLYTECHNIC SOCIETY

INTERESTING COMMUNICATION ON THE IMPROVEMENTS

OF LIVERPOOL

The general monthly meeting of this society took place on

Wednesday evening, in the Lecture Room of the Royal In-
stitution. Mr. GRANTHAM, the president. in the chair•
The attendance was very numerous—the room, and,even the
entrances, being crowded. The chairman was supported,
on his right, by his Worship the Mayor ; on his left by Mr.
Wm. Fawcett; and we observed, amongst the strangers and
members present, the Rev. R. Davies, Rev. T. Dwyer, :Mr.

W. Earle, Mr. T. Blackburne, Mr. S. Holme, Mr. C.
Boutflower, Mr. Priestley, Mr.
,Shepherd, Mr. Joshua Ed-
wards, Mr. Dover, Mr. Currie, Mr. R. Rigby, Mr. Rosson,
Mr. C. W. Williams, Mr. Holt, Mr. Wm. Damon, Mr.
Alderman Bulley, and many others of our distinguished
townsmen.

The CHAIRMAN, in opening the business of the evening,
explained, for the information of the visitors present, the
nature and objects of the society, in furtherance of whicn he
read an extract, show ing that it sought the encouragement of
science, arts, inventions, and practical improvements. He
congratulated those present on the numerous attendance of
members and friends, and particularly on the presence of
the Mayor, who, by coming amongst them, did credit to
his high office, and, by his encouragement, conferred a
benefit upon the society, for which they could not but feel
grateful. The society was open to the contributions of all
parties, and, on the present occasion, they were fortunate in
having a gentleman who would favour them with a paper on
a subject which could nut fail to be highly interesting to all
who were present. That gentleman—Mr. Holme—was at
once a scientific and a practical man, and he doubted not
they would derive both pleasure a❑d instruction from his
observations. He concluded by calling upon Mr. Holum for
his promised communication

ON THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS OF LIVERPOOL

Mr. SAMUEL HotAtE then came forward, and was re-
ceived with very great applause. He said,
On ordinary occasions, it might be expected that at a
meeting of the Polytechnic Society, the paper for the even-
ing should comprise an illustration of some mechanical dis-
covery, or a new adaptation of those scientific triumphs
which are now in existence, and which are exercising such
an important influence on the comfort and the destiny of the
great family of man. But it is one of the advantages of such
a society as this, that it brings mind into collision with mind
—that as fire kindles fire, so does intellect brighten intellect,
and the corruscations of intelligence and of thought cast a
light upon distant and more remote objects, and, as the gloom
is penetrated, fresh objects are discerned, and ideas are eli-
cited which, but for the gleams thrown out, would have re-
mained in obscurity, or have lain dormant in the mind.
Here, the man of commerce arid the man of science,—he who
is engaged in the honourable pursuit of mechanical industry
and rie whose learned leisure enables him to dive deeply into
literature and study,—the mechanic, who earns his bread by
his daily labour, and by the exercise of the mysteries of his
craft,—all can meet together on common ground • and the
active and vigorous character of the commercial and trading
community can be inseparably united with the graces and
the accomplishments which distinguish the man of literature
and of science, and both will be benefitted by being brought
into juxtaposition with each other.
Here the mine of science may be opened, here the great
deep of profound thought may be safely embarked upon. It
is a voyage of discovery, unconnected with selfishness ; and
the freight which we adventure, and the commodities which
we receive, are intended for general distribution, and for ge-
neral benefit. Here we can escape, for a time, from the tur-
moil of business. Here men of different opinions and senti-
ments may meet on neutral ground, and, escaping from those
perplexing questions which at present agitate society, can
join together in harmony and in concord in furthering those
views which are inseparably connected with our prosperity
as a nation, with our success as individuals, and which kin-
dle a spirit of friendship and esteem amongst many who
might otherwise be enstranged from each each other by dif-
ferences of opinion on subjects which are not permitted here
to be discussed. _

Having benefitted by the scientific inquiries of those who
have preceded me, it has occurred to me that, on an occasion
like the present, when we are honoured by the presence of
our Chief Magistrate, who takes a laudable interest in every
subject where the prosperity of our town is concerned, and
who, in connexion with his family, has assisted in no slight
degree to stamp this town with commercial importance, that
it would neither be out of place on this occasion, nor incon-
sistent with the objects of the society if I brought before it a
subject of local importance, possessing a more general charac-
ter, and divested of those technicalities which more or less
attach themselves to every subject of a purely scientific cha-
racter, and which, it must be confessed, are not fraught with
deep interest to many whose general avocations do not bring
them into collision with mechanical science, or who have not
pursued those particular subjects which it is the proximate
object of this association to elucidate and to engender. I
will, therefore, with your permission, direct your attention
to a subject of general as well as local interest, assuming that
every one who hears me is anxious not only for the commer-
cial prosperity of this great port, but is desirous of witnessing
her progressive march in those improvements, both of con-
venience and of taste, which should always accompany suc-
cessful efforts, and which can only be accomplished by an
outlay of capital directed by architectural and engineering
skill, and fostered by that enlarged spirit which existed
amongst the commercial princes of Italy, and which have
rendered their cities the admiration of travellers, and the
models from which the man of taste may draw the most im-
portant instruction. Permit me, however, to make a few
general remarks arising from the consideration of the subject
which I propose, namely, a sketch of our public improve-
ments and the best mode of rendering them effective.
There never was a period in the history of the world when
so many facilities existed for carrying out vast and magnifi-
cent designs; nor probably did there ever live such a num-
ber of men capable, not only of conceiving, but also of exe-
cuting, works of surpassing greatness and splendour. We
view the great works of antiquity through the vista of 2,000
years ; our feelings are excited at the moss-covered ruin,
grey with the touch of ages, and consecrated by the recol-
lections and the charms cast around them by the events of
nations, now only matters of history. We view their mighty
fragments with awe and wonder, and they are rendered sa-
cred by those feelings of reverence which are the fruits of
our early impressions: and far be it from me to condemn
those feelings of respect for the mighty dead, which must
arise in the breast of every reflecting mind, whether he wan-
ders amidst the magnificent ruins of Petra, surveys the lofty
Pyramids which are as durable as when they were erected—
whether he gazes with admiration at the simple proportions
and severe majesty of the Parthenon and the Temples of
Paestum, or views the more modern, but not less interesting
and gigantic, ruins of the Colosseum. These things connect
us with nations and individuals which have long ceased to
exist : and if I ever enjoyed serious and delightful, but reflec-
tive moments, it was when in silence, and with no companion
but the moon, I have wandered amidst the ruins of the Foro
Romano, and pictured to myself the mighty transactions
which have rendered so celebrated that wonderful spot. For
grandeur of arcbitectural design, for just proportion and har-
mony of parts, I cheerfully and willingly award the [need of
praise to our illustrious ancestors; but having made this ad-
mission, and endeavouring to divest my mind of those feelings
with which we view the great works of antiquity, I must
claim for the engineering skill and the architectural talent of
this country the praise due to it :—and it', in future ages, by
the operation of those events which have rendered the an-
cient empires matters of history, the public works of Great
Britain shall fall into decay, I doubt not but posterity will
look with equal wonder on the ruins of many of the public
edifices of this country, and they will excite feelings of admi-
ration, such as those which now attract the traveller, when
he gazes on the ruins in Egypt, in Syria, and in Athens, or
on those which connect us with the glories of imperial Rome.
Let us take a few examples. The bridge which spanned the
Tiber, and was rendered immortal by the exploits of flora-
tius Cocks, is surpassed both in grandeur arid in beauty by
those which have been recently erected across the Thames.
The ancient bridge, which by one arch spanned the Danube,
was not to be compared with that light and airy, yet stable
and graceful structure, thrown across the Menai by our own
illustrious Telford. The Pharos of Alexandria will find its
equal in the well tried erection of Smeaton on the Rock of
Eddystone. No ancient port of which we read, could show
a work so grand or so gigantic as the Breakwater of Ply-
mouth. The Cathedrals of St. Paul's and York Minster
will not suffer by comparison with many of the edifices of
old ; and our new Houses of Parliament will vie with many
ancient erections, of which the ruins exist at the present
time. The lofty viaducts which carry our railways across
towns and rivers; the Tunnel which has given to the inha-
bitants of London a road beneath the Thames—the Chain-
piers at Brighton and other places, and the embankments
and cuttings of our railroads, all these wonderful works, are
so many proofs of engineering skill, which have become so
common of late that they cease to excite surprise. But we
must not forget the mighty power of the steam-engine. No
Archimedes of old could conquer the winds and the waves,
could bid defiance to the storm, and with artificial wings
transport navies across the ocean, and annihilating distance,
make the inhabitants of another hemisphere what Divine
Providence intended they should be, viz.. our neigh-
bours. No man was found who could transport one
thousand persons with their travelling equipments thirty
miles an hour, who had the enterprise to penetrate the womb
of the mountain, carry roads across the deepest valley, who
could overcome the almost insuperable obstacles of nature by
bringing the elements themselves into subjection, and making
those elements subservient to the wants and wishes of man-
kind ; and who, by this mighty agent, could destroy the na-
tural boundaries of nations and assimilate in one, by ex-
tended intercourse, the whole family of man. True it is,
that we have benefitted by the inventions, the works, and in-
genuity of our forefathers; and true it is, that, by the com-
parative beneficence of the governments of the present age,
mechanical inventions are fostered and encouraged, and a
freer scope is given to the architect, the engineer, and the
mechanic, to carry out the promptings of intellectual skill,
than was afforded during the times of old, when vast stand-
ing armies of barbarian soldiers were employed during times
of peace in erecting national structures, or even at a later
period, when men of enlarged mind, like Galileo, were cast
into prison as necromancers, for eliciting those simple prin-
ciples, which are now understood by the humblest mechanic.
But, notwithstanding the facilities afforded at the present
time, notwithstanding the abundance of materials which geo-
logy and chemistry have made known to us, notwithstanding
the comparative advantages of transit by the canal and the
railroad, and the ease with which the largest mass can be raised
from the ground, can be fashioned and shaped, and ;.oiled in the
air; notwithstanding the engineering and architectural talent
with which our country absolutely overflows; yet, anoma-
lous as it may appear, many of our public works would be
wrongly designated if they were called public improvements,
and in too many instances the man of science and of taste has
to regret that he cannot dwell upon them with unmixed plea-
sure. How is this ? Is it for lack of national enterprize ? I
answer no ! Our national enterprize discovers new countries.
We establish mercantile settlements in barbarous regions.
We trade, we colonise, we carry cizilization with us ; and the
savage, who started at the report of a musket, ceases to
wonder at the mechanism of the steam-boat. During the
last century, India, Southern Africa, Australia, and the
thousand islands of the Polynesian Archipelago have yielded
to that spirit of national enterprise, which penetrates every
clime, surmounts every difficulty, which draws out the pro-
ductions of every country, and converts them into sources of
national wealth ; which creates artificial wants among people
who were strangers, not only to luxuries but to comforts;
and the looms of Manchester and of Leeds, and the forges
of Birmingham and of Sheffield are called Into active opera-
tion to supply their new-born wants. Is it for want of na-
tional means? That cannot be. Sixty millions of money
have been raised within a very few years wherewith to con-
struct railroads alone. Many millions a year are paid for the
duty on ardent spirits. The plate possessed by the inhabi-
tants of Great Britain is said to be worth nearly two hun-
hundred millions sterling; and the produce of the soil
is estimated at more than 250 millions annually. No country
possesses such a number of individual capitalists; none,
whose various institutions are so richly endowed; nor does
any nation possess such available facilities for promoting
works of public improvement. The whole island abounds
with stone, with clay, with lime, with coal, and with iron,
distributed and diffused in a remarkable manner, and 1,1
is
highly probable that in a very short time Great Britain will
present the appearance of one great family, and the Orkneys
be only a few hours' distance from Cornwall.
Is it for want of public spirit? I should libel our country
if I was so unwise or so unjust as to hazard the assertion.
Let a scheme be propounded In which it can be s ow
there is reasonable hope of a g the moans of carry-
unlimited capital will be found to supply
ion
return for investment, and

ing it out. The country refuses not to any ministry the most
ample means for the protection of our trade, or for uphold-
ing the national honour. What, then, is the cause ? lam
compelled to attribute it to our want of national taste, and
to that unfortunate love of cheapness which is unhappily
characteristic of the present age, and which places the un-
educated and the unskilful on a par with the accomplished
architect and the scientific engineer; which generates a love
for quantity without reference to quality; which looks at
per centage but forgets ability ; which chairs down the
faculties of the intellectual, and too frequently rcdeces
mind to the level of matter.
This principle, if principle it can be called, prevades all or-
ders, and is becoming more and more developed in the national
character. It assumes the specious name of public competi-
tion, and is one of the corollaries of our free institutions. It
is in the nature of things that the greatest advantages, both
physically and intellectually, have their corresponding draw-
backs, and the very freedom we enjoy has a tendency to fos-
ter that feeling which is a kin to selfishness ; and it gives birth
to opinions, which, however admirable in their general effects,
have an unfavourable tendency on the development of indi-
vidual skill and enterprise. In this respect, however, I la-
ment it not. Better for us it is to enjoy our public liberty
than to exist as Russian serfs, though privileged to gaze on
the splendid edifices which adorn the banks of the Neva—
better to dwell amidst our national blessings and privileges
than to witness the stately grandeur of other countries, at the
expense of those civil and religious rights which we all so
dearly prize. But why should national taste decay in pro-
portion to the advance of public liberty ? The nation surely
need not to be told that judgment and taste are not the extra-
vagant commodities which men take them for, because it is
too generally the case, that it is the absence of these qualities
that is ultimately found to be expensive and unsatisfactory,
because present cheapness and insufficiency is incompatible
with permanence and stability. Present and immediate return,
and a carelessness of future expenditure, arising out of speedy
dilapidation or decay, is one of the evils of the present time.
Men build for themselves, and not for posterity; and one
might suppose that the present generation had seriously set
themselves to answer the question of the Irish senator,
" What has posterity done for us ? " As it is with indivi-
duals, so it is with nations and localities : the same ideas
prevail, and pervade, in these days of competition, all our
public improvements. And yet we need not to be told, that
the cheaper the commodity purchased, the more evanescent
and unsatisfactory it will be found in the end._

These general remarks would, if pursued, lead me into a
wide field, and would be beyond the limits which I have
prescribed for myself in this paper. It would also be a se-
rious encroachment on your time ; and I must therefore
condense my subject, and ask your further attention, while
I direct myself more immediately to our own locality. I
freely confess to you, that, as a Liverpool man, I am jealous
for the honour of our town. I desire to see it second to
none ; and while with you I rejoice in its extended com-
merce and its growing importance, in its benevolent institu-
tions and in its local advantages, I am anxious that its beauty
should keep pace with its extension and its prosperity.
Let us for a moment glance at our local advantages. Li-
verpool is nearly in the centre of the empire. She is
seated as the only navigable ricer between the Severn and
the Clyde. Six millions of our population are supplied with
foreign produce through her portal, and a great portion of our
staple produce is exported through her. Our cotton ma-
manufacture, our salt, a large proportion of our woollens,
our pottery, and our hardware ; the silks of Macclesfield,
and the varied productions of our looms; these are generally
exported through Liverpool, and give employment to our
shipbuilders, our sailtnakers, anchor-smiths, ropers, and the
many thousands who form the bulk of our population.
Within a circuit of forty miles from the Exchange of Man-
chester, a much greater population is found than within the
same circuit round the Exchange of the Metropolis. Our
public revenues exceed that of many of the German princi-
palities ; and our dock rates (which is the best proof of our
general prosperity) exhibit a steady increase, the surplus
being available for continued improvements. Aud yet, I
would ask you, with all the advantages which we possess,
whether our local improvements have been commensurate
with our local importance? We have not one street in the
town which exhibits any pretension to beauty—not one grand
and striking place to present to the stranger with pleasure or
with pride. This circumstance may be easily explained.
Our town, although of quick, has still been of gradual,
growth ; and our ancestors were in the habit of having their
offices, their warehouses, and their dwellings contiguous to
each other, the custom being derived from the Flemings, who
at this day adopt the same plan. A heterogeneous character
was thus given fo the town. Hence we see the workshop and
the dwelling, the warehouse and the mansion, in juxtaposition
and a diversity of character, and a difference of elevation was
thereby produced. A proof of this may be afforded by the
building in which we now are assembled. This was the mansion
of a Liverpool merchant. The western wing was his counting-
house, and the whole is overshadowed by an unsightly ware-
house, in which his sugar and his rum were stored. Our
ancestors engaged in commerce did not probably anticipate
the future extent and importance of the town. Meanwhile
the soil became subdivided, and passed into a multitude of
holdings. No general plan was devised for laying out what
were then the suburbs, but which have since become the cen-
tre of the town. Every man laid out a street through his
land as it pleased his own fancy ; and that street being cut up
and sold in distinct lots, every purchaser adopted the same
plan ; and thus we see in our principal streets a hundred
different styles, a diversity of height, and a barbarity of de-
sign, which it is now too late to rectify. Improvement acts
have done much to widen many of our thoroughfares, but
little attention has been paid to the architectural character
of the new structures which have been raised. Let us take
a few instances. The first great improvement was that of
Castle-street • and yet we find our chaste and elegant Town-
hall not standing in the centre of the street. Here was an
opportunity for a splendid display. Here was a noble front-
age, and a fitting approach might have been made to our great
public mart. Had the architect who designed the beautiful
dome of the Town-hall been employed then, instead of the
plain surface and the mere perforated brick walls which we
now see, we should probably have had the clustering colon-
nade, the splendid capital, the projecting cornice, and the
lofty and graceful and perforated parapet, blended in all the
harmony of architectural skill.

(I: be remainder of Mr. Holme's address and the subsequent
proceedings in our next.)