The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-12-03 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

should be in the habit of reporting any conversation, or '
any interference, that might, or might not, have taken
place upon the part of any member of the committee.
The object of the resolution agreed to at their last meet-
ing was, to prevent such interference upon the part
of any member of the committee. It appeared now
that an interference had taken place. They passed a
resolution last week in which they expressed their opinion
(and he believed it was unanimous) that any such inter-
ference as that reported on the part of Mr. Parker was
extremely reprehensible. All they bad to do, then, was,
in the first place, to ascertain whether such interference
had taken place : and if they considered it reprehensible,
to express their opinion to that effect. With regard to
the conduct of the officers, that was a separate case alto-
gether. The officers had been thanked by the magistrates
for having resisted the interference. They had nothing to
do with the way in which the committee kept their books.
It was the duty of the magistrates to see that the officers
of justice were not intimidated in the discharge of their
duty ; and it was upon that ground solely that they had
thanked the officers for having resisted the interference
which was attempted to be made to prevent them dis-
charging a calm and straightforward duty.
The CHAIRMAN rose to reply to Mr. Hornby's ques-
tions, but gave way to
Mr. THOMPSON, who again said he wished to know
how these charges came to be made before the magistrates,
if they (the committee) had no evidence of them ? The
public prints stated that the meeting of the magistrates
was " to investigate certain charges made by some police
officers ;" and he wished to know from the chairman, as
being a magistrate, and present at the meeting referred
to, whether they had any "charges" before them made
by police officers? It there was any " charge" it had not
been transmitted to the committee along with the evi-
dence taken. Ho wished them to be informed bow the
magistrates came to know of any " charges" against an
individual member of that. committee? Before he offered
the observations he had to make upon the proceedings of
the magistrates, he wished to be informed how they got
the information ? The Watch Committee had no means
of ascertaining it from their books ; there was no charge
there against any member of the committee. Was there
any charge made by the police officers, or the head-
constable, or did the magistrates meet not knowing what
they were proceeding upon, and at once investigate the
case, without any report?
The CHAIRMAN said the usual course of the magis-
trates w s to act only upon informations being lodged.
Upon the present occasion, so far as he was aware, there
was no information ; but a statement came from a magis'...
trate present; and they then proceeded to substantiate
that statement by calling for officers to give evidence (if
be could call it evidence) to corroborate that which they
themselves had put forward. He believed it was per-
fectly unusual for magistrates to proceed except upon
information ; this proceeding, he believed, was commenced
by the magistrates themselves. With regard to the hooks,
a question had been asked if it were usual to report con
versations. Distinctly, it could not be usual to report
conversations that passed in the ordinary way between
members of the board and officers ; but it was equally
necessary to report anything taking a form in which the
efficiency of the force was meddled with by any individual,
whoever be might be. If, in the estimation of the officers,
there had been anything done with the view of intimi-
dating them, by any one, either as a member of the com-
mittee or as a private individual—any meddling with their
authority in a way dangerous to the efficiency of the
force—it was their bounden duty to report it.
Mr. GLAZEBROOK remarked that although there might
be some excuse made for the police-officers in not making
minutes in the books from a consideration that tires might
regard a conversation with a member of the committee
differently from a conversation with another person, still
that was no excuse if the conversation with Mr. Parker
amounted to an interference. Mr. Parker was charted
with interference ; but there was no excuse for the cir-
cumstances not being stated to the committee, whilst they
were made matter for a charge before the magistrates.
Mr. THORNHILL suggested, that as they wished to as-
certain how the matter came before the magistrates, the '
Commissioner should be called in and questioned.
Mr. H. HORNBY, as a magistrate, wished to be allowed
to make one observation. He did not know that any
member of that board was entitled to ask for an account
of what had taken place at a private meeting of magis-
trates ; and he was not quite certain whether he should
be acting properly in stating what did take place. Hebe-
lieved, as a bench of magistrates. no parties were entitled
to question them as to the mode in which they obtained
that information, or as to the proceedings which they
thought it right to adopt when they had obtained it. 'He
believed, however, there was nothing which any magis-
trate that was present upon the Saturday when this in-
vestigation first begun, would object to have known. In-
deed he had no objection to say it came out incidentally.
The magistrates had met for an entirely different purpose
and object ; and the first notice of the subject arose in
consequence of one of the magistrates alluding to a letter
which had appeared in one of the public prints, and ask-
ing whether any thing was known about it. In conse-
quence of that, the Stipendiary Magistrate stated the fact
relating to the interference of Mr. Parker by endeavour-
ing to prevent an information being laid against a publi.
can. He stated that this ease had come to his knowledge
altogether incidentally.; that he had not heard of it from
the Chief Commissioner, but incidentally. When the
magistrates heard that such interference had taken place,
it appeared to them a case which had a tendency to inter-
fere with the course of
,justice, and that it was their duty
to inquire whether such interference had taken place ; and
the constables who were cognizant of the .circumstances
were directed to report what had taken place. These,
simply, were the proceedings of the magistrates. He did
not know whether Mr. Thompson wished to make any
charge against them.
Mr. THOMPSON.—Certainly not; only wished to
know how the information came before them.
Mr. H. HORNBY.—The information came incidentally
before them.
Mr. HARBOWL—It was sought for by the magistratei
in consequence of some reports being in -the newspapers.
. Mr. H. HORNBY :repeated that the information was
conveyed to them incidentally at a meeting called for a
different purpose:; and having heard that such proceedings
had taken place, the magist ates considered it their duty
to inquire into them, in order to prevent their recurrence.
He might state that he bad no degree of animosity what-
everhe pure; he did riot like this to be made a party ques-
"'no , angoa.i'n' s)
t Haenyw eaneoru soft, that their co mpar'oiteteeeed. ing( sCsrbi eosu?df
ftroomtarektehecmaTatshaat •bsionnarede.xttp)resilsoiownfoorf
member of council should presume
opinion
tboursteht,ohute
hiyda otcuo2gToh
et
upon his position in order to convey any instructions to
the officers of justice.
Mr. THomesora said the object of his question had been
answered. The meeting of magistrates was not to inves-
tigate charges, hut to make inquiries into the interference.
Mr. HARBoRD.—Into the accuracy of certain reports.
Mr. H. lIORNBY added that Mr. Parker was not
charged at all. A complete mistake had arisen as to any-
thing being brought against Mr. Parker by the magis-
trates. The magistrates.had not Mr. Parker in judgment
before them. They did not ask for his presenee,,but he
requested from the Mayor that he might be present. The
magistrates advance d no charge ; they merely investi-
gated whether any interference had taken place, momat-
ter by whom ; and they had passed a resolution (which
the Watch Committee had confirmed) to preverat such
proceedings taking place again. Mr. Parker's name was
mentioned, but no charge was brought against him.
The CH ,IRMAN.—No.; none.
Mr. HORNBY in continuation, said they had all their
own opinforis whether Mr. Parker's conduct was correct
or not. He believed the public and the magistrates had
but one opinion.
The CHAIRMAN said he must correct Mr. Hornby as
to the resolution. The object of it was to prevent inter-
ference with the officers, but it was merely the reiteration
et what formed part and rateel of the whole management
of the force under circumstances .of undue interference.
The animus of the ruagi-trates was to prevent any impro-
per interference ; hut they did not pronounce that any in-
terference whatever had taken place.
Mr.*THemasoN wished ti ask one question more. It
was said, he thought. that Mr. Parker had interfered in a
charge against a drunken man.
Mr. H. lionagar. —No ; but that he attempted to pre-
vent an information being laid.
Mr. THomPSON.—That was in the case of the flags.
Mr. TINNE.—WiII that account for the Orange flage
not being mentioned in the report on the books ?
The CHAIRMAN.—The Orange flags are mentioned.
Mr. TINNE.—But not in connection with Mr. Parker's
name.
The CHAIRMAig.—No.
Mr, TINNE.—Tben the object of the present inquiry is
toured out how the police officers had not mentioned Mr.
Packer's name in .connection with the flags, in order to
account. for not taking up this subject sooner—as soon as
the magistrates?
Mr. H. ElortNßY.—l fancy that is Mr. Thompson's
ofi, et,
Mr. THOMPSON repeated that he only wanted to know
how the informations got before the magistrates ?
Mr. H. Hort/sit-tr.—lt came out inadvertently.
Mr. THOMPSON.—Then there is a mis-statement in the
papers.
Mr. Tetostmaree contended that the officers were not
to blame for not reporting the conversation.
Mr. H. HORNBY.—It is rather a delicate thing for an
officer to report to this board the conversations he may
have had with any member of the board.
Mr. TINNE.—Do you not think the officer would be
supported by this board ?
Mr. H. FIORNBY.—I think he would ; and if I had been
an officer I should have reported it.
The CHAIRMAN.—But if it is a delicate thing for an
officer to report, it is a much more dangerous thing for
him to talk elsewhere. If he does not report it, how
comes it that he goes out—if he did go—and babbles else-
where ?
Mr. H. HORNBY said he did not appear to be under-
stood. This matter came into inquiry not from any re-
port of the officers but quite accidentally. No officer, he
believed, had stated any thing of the kind to any magis-
trate—neither to Mr. Rushton nor to any magistrate.—lt
came out incidentally. He (Mr. Hornhy) might state
that he happened to call upon Mr. Rushton in the magis-
trates' room after this information had come to him ; and
the chief commissioner coming in, Mr. Rushton men-
tioned the subject to him. Till that time Mr. Rushton
had had no communication whatever, neither with him,
nor with any officer ; and lie asked the commissioner
whether the statement f what had come to his knowledge
was correct, and he said it was.
The CHAIRMAN here said he had just received the fol-
lowing letter from Mr. Parker :
" Liverpool, November 30, 1844.
" understand, from the notice I have received, that it is
intended, at the meeting of the Watch Committee to be held this
day, to examine into the charges which have been recently brought
under the consideration of the magistrates.
Permit me to expiess to you, sir, and to the members of your
board, tie sense I entertain of the courtesy I have ever received
from tb,e !ward during the litue I Wye had the ,haneur to be a

member of it, and my perfect readiness, should you desire it, to
attend personally, and to afford every facility in my power for
obtaining the evidence which may be necessary in order to elicit
the real facts of the case.
" I am quite ready to admit, that in the case of Connor, though,
literally, only carrying into effect the law in endeavouring to secure
his arrest, that the motive of action which was assigned was altoge-
ther unjustifiable.
" In the case of Allen, on the other hand, though the motive, I
can conscientiously say, was in this instance good, yet the act itself
of endeavouring to influence an officer not to lay an information
was, in itself, improper
" Having said thus much, sir, I am quite willing to place myself
in the hands of the board; expressing, at the same time, my deep
regret that I should, in the excitement of an election, have done
what, in calmer moments, I do not attempt to justify.
" With regard to the course which has been pursued and the spi-
rit which has been manifested towards me by some of the magis-
trates, I must, in justice to myself, be allowed to observe, that 1
cannot but feel that the whole affair has been magnified into one of
undue importance.
" I hare the honour to be, sir, your most humble servant,
" JAMES PARKER.••
The CHAIRMAN said be bad also at that moment re-
ceived the following letter from Dr. Gouthwaite:—
.

1/ St. Anne-street, Nor. 29, 1844.
" Slll.—As my numerous professional engagements to-mor-
row wi.l, of necessity. prevent my personal attem.ance, should
it he required, before the Watch Committee. to give my evidence
respecting the conversation which took place at the Police sta-
tion, in my presence, between Mr. Parker, Mr. Superintendent
Jones, and Mr. Superintendent M'Donald, I beg leave to sub-
mit the following statement.
" It was at my earnest request that Mr. Parker went to the
Police station on the evening of the sth of November last. I
called at his office about a quarter before nine, and was in-
formed that he was out of town, at Crosby, but that he was ex-
pected back every minute. Mr. P. returned in the course of
about ten minutes, when I informed him of the report wh:ch I
had just heard. that Mr. Allen, of Shaw's.brow, had got into
some trouble with the police, on account of having displayed
s, me Orange flags out of his win ows on the occasion of the
club anniversary, held at his house that day, and that an io for.
mation was laid against him at the Police-office, which might,
probably, subject him to a penalty. We accordingly went there
together, for the purpose of ascertaining the nature of the
charges against Allen ; and I was present during the conversa
tion which took place between Mr. Parker, Mr. Jones. and Mr.
M`Donald. Ha., ing heard their statemei t, the purport of Mr.
Parkei's reply was, that lie considered it a very hard case that
an information should he laid against Allen f r the exhibition
of Orange flags, as, most probably, had th, y been green flags.
belonging to any of the Hibernian societies. no notice would
have been taken of hem. And he also stated, that he thought
that the laving of . uch information would have the effect of
causing much political excitement and ill-feeling especially
just after the election. I did not hear him say anything which
could he construed into a threat, nor see him interfere with the
police in the discharge of their duties. Mr. Parker retired for a
tew minutes into the inner office to hear the report read. while
I was in conversation with Mr. Jones. near the door. Though
I did not hear the tenon read, I could hear Mr. Parke,'s re-
marks, as he spoke rather loud. On quitting the station, Mr,
Parker informed me that nothing could be done for Allen, as
there was a charge of drunkenness against him, and that the
case must necessarily go before the magistrates.
" I remain, sir, &c., " THOS. GOUTH WA ITE.
"To the Chairman tthe Watch Committee."

The CHAIRMAN said they would all have remarked the
singularity with regard to Connor's case—that there
was no earthly interference. He did not take into
account the motive, but there was no interference, for
Mr. Parker merely went to ask a question from Boothbv,
whe tin rhe had any warrants at all. The warrants were
out of his hands; he knew nothing; he had no 'warrants ;
they were in the officer's hands; it was nil. He was not
speaking of the immorality of meddling for purposes of
election, but of the moving cause of action upon the part
of the magistrates; and he never was more clear of any.
thing in his life than that there was no moving cause for
their interference. _ _

Mr. T. B. HORSFALL said Mr. Parker's letter was a
manly confession of error, and he thought the Committee
ought not to hesitate one moment in accepting it. He
had stated the case as against himself fairly and fully.
Mr. MANN considered Mr. Parker's conduct, in send-
ing this letter, manly and straightf'irward.
Mr. T. B HORSFALL added, that it must be a source
of satisfaction to the board to have heard from Mr.
Hornby that the information was not laid by the officers
before the magistrates, but that the proceedings origi-
nated with the magistrates themselves. Th.- committee
would have considered their officers culpable if they had
na laid any information before them that they thought it
necessary to lay before the magistrates.
Mr. GLAZEBROOK moved the following resolution:—
'• That this committee accept the expression of regret offered
to them by Mr. Parker for the part he took on a late occasion,
as detailed in his letter, or this day, and that the same be en-
tered o• the minutes of this board."

He would just say for himself that he was not disposed to
palliate the fault Mr. Parker had committed, especially
with regard to the case of Allen. It was plain he there
interfered with the duty of the police officer, although
that officer was supported in the view he took of his duty
by his superiors; and he thought on his (Mr. Parker's)
appointment to this board—a board especially for the pur-
pose of watching over the eveution of the law, as far as
their functions were concerned—he oughr to have been
the more particular in the conduct he pursued. He (Mr.
Glazebrook) knew there were palliative circumstances,
but he was not disposed to dwell upon them, because the
person who occupied a place of trust, like Mr. Parker,
should be particularly jealous in seeing that his authority
was always exercised with discretion and care.
Mr. G. G. HORNDY seconded the motion, and it was
Passed unanimously.
' VINDICATION OF MU. DAVID HODGSON.

The CHAIRMAN, rising, said that as he was sbout to
introduce a subject personal to himself, his wish had been
that the Mayor should take the chair while it was dis-
cussed. The Mayor consulted the Town-clerk, and they
thought that as it was unusual for his Worship to attend,
as Mayor, it would be better for him not to be here. It
he could have thought that the imputations cast upon him
•of want of veracity—of not having told the truth, in the
face of the magistrates—of having imputed what he had
not grounds for imputing, upon the occasion of the last
meeting of magistrates—might be treated seriously, he
would not for a moment have taken the chair tit the sub-

ject had been taken up. But he thought he held a posi-
tion in society, as connected with every gentleman who
knew him, to enable him to treat such imputations upon
his veracity as deserving of very little consideration. Still,
as the subject was connected with one who was acting as
their Head-constable, he thought it was of great import-
ance that the committee early, hale this matter
made clear. He ( he•chairman) stated to the magistrates
that Mr. Dowling had stated here, and that upon his
behalf Mr. Thompson had stated here before the daily
board on the 20th November, that Mr. Dowling himself
had stated before the weekly board that day week (the
23rd), that his inference wad, from Mr. Rushton telling
him if he consulted the Watch Committee, or if he did
not obey the orders of the magistrates, he would call a
meeting of the magistrates for his dismissal. Mr. Dow-
ling was called in, and he gave a negative to what he (the
chairman) had stated ; and then there was a triumphant
taunt, as if he, a magistrate, had told a lie in the magis-
trates' presence, and brought forward that which he had
no authority for stating. Now, Mr. Rushton, the stipen-
diary magistrate, was told by the commissioner, supported
by the opinion of the Town-clerk, that the orders given
to Mr. Commissioner Dowling exceeded the powers of
the magistrates, and were illegal. A consultaton took
plate between these parties ; the Mayor was present. The
Mayor proposed to call a meeting of the magistrates to
re-consider the subject—
Mr. H. HORNBY.—I think Mr. Rushton proposed it.
The CHAIRMAN.—No matter; but the Mayor said he
would call a meeting.
Mr. H A RBORD —A meeting was proposed, but there
was not sufficient time for it.
The CHAIRMAN,—Yes, it was proposed. The Mayor
who had signed the documents [the Magistrates orders]
did not take upon himself the responsibility of altering
the decision of the Magistrates. But the Stiper diary
Magistrate did. He did not leave the matter here; he
was not depending upon Inferences ; becanse the com-
mitter should hear what Mr. Dowling had told them, for
he hoped they would have him called in. But was it an
unnatural inference for Mr. Dowling to make? if Mr.
Rushton told him he wouldcall the Magistrates together,
if he did not ca'ry their measures out, pray what could
he anticipate but something very much more decisive,
there being a decided instance of authority before him,
vt hen an individual magistrate took upon him to abrogate
the orders given by the magistrates themselves? What in

the ordinary course of proceeding could not the stipendiary
magistrate have taken upon himself to perform, when he
could take upon himself the responsibility of altering the
directions given by the magistrates, without consulting
them ? And he (the Chairman) did say, that he had a great
feeling for Mr. Dowling, in the posi ion in which he was
placed., for it was no light matter tor a man to lose £5OO
a•year at his time of life, with an uncertain prospect of
how to find a maintenance. He knew, too, that upon
the occasion when this committee yielded with regard to
the Orangemen, they were told by the magistrates they
would cliso,iss them, when they found they were belong-
ing to the Orange Society; a power which the magistrates
had not, and a power which was declared to be illegal.
Well then might Mr. Dowling, though as a man of the
law he knew the orders to exceed the magistrates power,
fedr the unpleasant situation of being dismissed if he dis-
obeyed : it was natural for him, and he (the Chairman)
felt very much for him. But he could not consent to
jeopardise his position of the chairman of that committee
in any way whatever, to serve the purposes of Mr. Dow-
ling: therefore, hP. should call upon Mr. Dowling. They
'who had heard Mr. Dowling's declarations there, could
state what had passed, and what Mr. Dowling really did
say. Let it be distinctly understood, that he (the Chair-
man) had no preference to this body as a body, nor to the
magistrates as magistrates; but whether he was with one
or the other, his anxious desire always was to support the
honour of both—to maintain them in connection with the
law they were given to execute—and to express his opi-
nion fearlessly if they exceeded the limits the law had
given them from any fancied notion that they were supe-
rior to the law, or had any power that the law had not
given to them. Their duty (the Committee) was, not to
outstep the limits of the power given to them, but to lake
care they did not allow the powers which they did possess
to he infringed upon by any body, so that the police
might not come into the awkward position of being under
two masters. We all knew that no man could serve two
masters. There must be unity of regulation. If the
magistrates bad that power, let them act upon it ; but
they had not. The Watch Committee, on the other hand,
had the power, and it was their bounded duty to execute
it. If it could be supposed that he had any leaning either
for one side or the other, it was natural, perhaps, that he
should lean towards the magistrates, for he was placed
there. in all probability for lite, or at least, during Her
Majesty's pleasure ; and it was not likely the Sovereign
would take offence; but, as to this Committee, he was
there only for a day. Nay, if they believed he was not
voracious, lie hoped they would not let him sit there one
hour. Nay, unless they were clearly:of opinion that he
had stated that which was right, he would 5101 sit there.
He would not take up their time further, than to ask that
Mr. Dowling might come in—that Mr. Thompson would
he good enough to state what he stated to the daily board
(which was under the presidency of Mr. Harhord)—and
also to hope that other gentlemen, who were present
teat dew week. would see the propriety of stating what
they then heard.

Mr. H. HORNBY confessed he did not see exactly the
object of calling Mr. Dowling in, as they all knew what
he had stated.
Mr. EARBORD thought that, until Mr. Dowling was
called in, the chairman was placed in a very peculiar
position.
The CI :AIRMAN said, the object of the Committee was
to know naetlier what Mr. Hodgson, their chairman, had
stated to have passed from the mouth of Mr. Dowling,
or whether what Mr. Dowling had declared from his
mouth was true. Mr. Dowling was exceedingly impli-
cated. If Mr. Hodgson had stated that which was not
true, he was delinquent. But if Mr. Dowling had. in
the face of the magistrates, retracted and denied words
which he had state.l in that committee, it was a matter of
important consideration with regard to the confidence
they could place in Mr. Dowling.
Mr. H. HoRNBY suggested that it would be better not
to proceed with this subject. He was present at the
magistrates meeting when the chairman brought a direct
charge against Mr. Rushton of having threatened to dis-
miss air. Dowling, if he did not carry out the resolutions
of the magistrates. He (Mr. Hornhy) had not the least
doubt in his own mind, that when the chairman made
that charge, he believed it to be true ; but it appeared to
him that the chairman had drawn an inference—which it
was very possible Mr. Dowling or any member of the
committee might draw—and substituted the inference
instead of the tact. What was the fact? Mr. Dowling
said, " Suppose the committee should direct me not to
read these proceedings; what am Ito do? And if I do
not read them, what will be the consequence ?" What
could Mr. Rushton say if a resolution giving instructions
on the part of the magistrates to the head constable to
perform a duty was not carried out ?" Mr. Rush-
ton would hive no other course to take than to call a
meeting of the magistrates and submit his conduct.
If Mr. Dowling chooses to draw an inference that the
magistrates had threatened him, he was at liberty to do
so; but certainly it was not correct to charge Mr. Rush-
ton Kith having threatened Mr. Dowling with dismissal.
His (Mr. Hornby's) firm belief was, that if Mr. Dow-
ling had disobeyed, under the delicate circumstances in
which he was placed, the magistrates would not have
gone upon the extreme ground of proceeding ; but if he
chose to make such an inference in his own mind, it was
hard to charge Mr. Rushton with having threatened him.
Mr. Rushton did no such thing, and he was therefore
quite right in denying the charge, but in, bringing it for-
ward he repeated his belief, that the chairman at the
moment fancied it was correct.
The CHAIRMAN said be simply wanted the grounds to
appear upon which he had made the statement. If he
made any such statement as, that represented, it must
have struck him forcibly.
Mr. HARBORD said, if the reports in the papers of the
magistrates' meeting were correct, Mr. Dowling certainly
was in fault; and if it should be proved that he had made
a false assertion, he (Mr. Harbord) should not entertain
the high opinion of him he had hitherto held. It was
essentially necessary that they should have as chief officer
a man in whom they could place the utmost confidence.
He trusted Mr. Dowling would be called in. As chair-
man of the daily board, he begged to state that the state-
ment made before them by Mr. Dowling varied from the
statement he had made to the magistrates.
After several other speakers bad offered observations,
Mr. H ARBORD moved, and Mr. GLAZEBROOK seconded,
a resolution which was carried unanimously, that Mr.
Dowling be called in.—Mr. Dowling was then introduced
and lie took his seat n-xt to Mr. Houghton. Mr. Hodg-
son vacated the chair, and Mr. Tinne was elected
to fill it pro tem.—As Chairman, Mr. Tinne told
Mr. Dowling that he had beet, called in in order that he
might hear what passed before saying anything himself.
Mr. D. HODGSON said he wished to be distinctly un-
derstood that he was making no charge against Mr. Rush-
ton : he was merely supporting his own character for ve-
racity.
Mr. THOMPSON then rose to state what had taken
place previously at the daily heard, and also at the meet-
' ing on SAurday last. Mr. Dowling called upon him and
expressed very great anxiety in consequence of a resolu-
tion of the magistrates being given to him for the purpose
of being read to the force : he said he was awkwardly
placed—that he was between two fires—that if he did not
obey the orders of the magistrates he was liable to pun-
ishnient from them, and if he did obey their orders he
might offend the Watch Committee: that he was anxious
to do his duty but he was quite at a loss in what way to
do it. He (Mr. Thompson) said he thought if the ma-
gistrates would allow him to lay the papers before the
Watch Committee, it might be managed without his being
involved with either party. Mr. Dowling replied that he
had mentioned the subject to Mr, Rushton, but Mr.
Rushton had forbidden him laying the papers before the
Watch Committee—that if he did, and did not obey the
orders of the magistrates, he would call another meeting
of the magistrates. " For what purpose ?" (be Mr.
Thompson) asked. Mr. Dowling's answer was "that
I may he dismissed." He (Mr. Thompson) told him the
magistrates had not the power of dismissal for the orders
were an interference with the regulations of the police-
force, which they could not enforce. Mr. Dowling still
expressed great anxiety not to offend either party, and
wished him (Mr. Thompson) to attend the daily board in
order to make some arrangements that might not offend
the Watch Committee : he attended the daily board for
that purpose, and those members who were present would
state what he said after Mr. Dowling had been examined
on the point. With regard to what took place at the
hoard last Saturday, as far as he recollec'ed it was this.
When Mr. Dowling was called in he did not go to the
length of sating that Mr. Rushton had threatened to
dismiss him, or that he would call a meeting for that pur-
pose; but he stated his inference was that he was to be
dismissed if he did not obey the orders of the magistrates.
It would be in the recollection of the Board that after
Mr. Dowling had left, he (Mr. Thompson) immediately
rose and mentioned that what Mr. Dowling had stated was
considerably modified from what he had stated before,
and that it did not bear the same construction ; that
what he stated to him (Mr. Thompson) was that Mr.
Rushton threatened to dismiss, whilst what he then stated
was his inference that he was to be dismissed.
Mr SOTHERN said the exact words of Mr. Dowling
last Saturday, were that he "he drew his own inference'
from Mr. Rushton's expressions. They impressed him
(Mr. Sotbern) most strongly that Mr. Dowling ex-
pected at the meeting of magistrates his dismissal would
follow.
Mr. T. B. HORSFALL had a very distinct recollection
of what passed. His attention was particularly drawn to
it from Mr. Thompson having said Mr. Dowling had
qualified very much what he had said to him. Mr. Dow •
ling said Mr. Rushton did not threaten to dismiss him,
but that he " drew his own inference."
Mr. G. G. HORNBY said Mr. Dowling was asked the
question, " Did you consider teat [from Mr. Rushton] a
threat of dismissal?" He :aid, "No ; I drew my own
inference."
Mr HARBORD gave n long and circumstantial account
of what took place both at the weekly arid daily board,
confirmatory, in all respects, of the statements made by
the preceding members.
Mr. GLAZ EBROOK remembered Mr. Dowling being
asked whether Mr. Rushton threatened hint with dismis-

sal; and Mr. Dowling's answer was, " Mr. Rushton did
not threaten me with dismissal, but I drew my own infer-
ence."

Mr G. H. LAWRENCE (who had entered the room
during Mr. Thompson's explanations) here said " And a
very natural inference to draw ; I know what mine would
have been under such circumstances.
Mr. H. HORNBY said it was possible Mr. Dowling
might have said that he drew his own inference ; but
what had they to do with that ? It did away entirely
with the charge of Mr. Rushton having threatened to dis-
miss him.
Mr. D. HODGSON called Mr. Homily to order. They
were not considerine the conduct of Mr. Rushton, but
whether he (Mr. Hodgson) had made a statement upon
proper grounds or not.
T e CHAIRMAN said he recollected Mr. Dowling an-
swering, when pressed, that Mr. Rushton had perempto-
rily told him he must carry out the magistrate's order.
Subsequently, a member ot the board asked him if he re-
garded that tt a threat of probable dismissal, but
Dowling did not give a dirrct answer to the inquiry.
Mr. DOWLING then said he thought there was very
little left for him to say. As far as his recollection served
him, gentlemen had stated, as nearly as possible, the
words he used. He beliesed he did say—he recollected
being pressed upon more than once—as to what inference
he drew tram the threat of having another meeting of
maeistrates.
The CH AIRMAN.—Did you consider that a threat ?

Mr. DOWLING.—No; but that was the way in which
it was put to me. " I have no doubt of that." I said
" that Vint was the impression upon my mind." I drew
my own infe enc.., aid I said, " I have no doubt of it."
I said I drew my own 'n'erence ; but still I did not state
what that. inference was to this board. (Mr. Dowling
then withdrew, hut was subsequently again called in, in
reference to the conversation he had, in the first instance,
with Mr. Rushton.)
Mr. THOMPSON.—I stated, Mr. Dowling, if you recol-
lect, what took place between you and myself. When
Mr. Rushton stated to you he should call another meet-
ing of the magis.rates, I asked you, "What then?"
Your answer was, " that I should be dismissed." Were
they the words of Mr. Rushton, or were they the impres-
sion of your own mind ?

Mr. DOWLING.—Upon my word, I cannot charge my
memory with the conversation between you and me,
because it was a lengthened conversation; but if I did
make use of those words, they could not be in reference to
what Mr. Rushton had said, but to my own feelings.
Mr. THOMPSON.—It was fAlowed up by my inquiry
of what Mr. Rushton had said I had stated that Mr.
liusliton had not the power to dismiss you, as it was an
illegal order ; and it was in answer to what I said.
Mr. DowuNo.—Certainly ; I could not have stated
that, because it was not so.
Mr. H Altman understood Mr. Dowling to say, that if
he had stated those words—that he should be dis-
missed—he had used them in reference to his own feelings,
and not to anything that had been said by Mr. Rushton.
Mr. DowLiso.—Certainly.
Mr. SOTHERN.—Upon what question was it that you
drew your own inference?
Mr. DOWLING.—The question was, "What inference
do you draw from the threat of Mr. Rushton to call the
magistrates together ?" I think it was that. Then I
said, "I drew my own inference."—Mr. Dowling then
withdrew.
Mr. H. HORNBY having reiterated his views of the case, ;
Mr. Hodgs.or defended his conduct through the entire '
transaction; and several members expressed their opinion,
that Mr. Dowling 's evidence fully ju-tified Mr. Hodgson
in making the statements he had made before the magis-
tra,es.
Mr. T. B. UTORSFALL moved the following resolution.
•—•• It is the olinion of this committee that the evidence
of Mr. Dowling npon the 20th and 23rd inst. fully justi-
fied Mr. Hodgson making the statement which he did
make before the magistrates relative to the threat of die-
ptissal the stipendiary magistrate ; although thig

mittee are now of opinion, from Mr. Dowling's subte-
quent statements, that no such threat was made."
Mr. HARBOR() seconded the motion.
Mr. H. Hororwt, said he was quite satisfied from who(
had taken pin- at the daily board on the 20th, that Ms._
Dowling did make statements which justified Mr. Hush
son.
Mr. THORNHILL remarked that such a resolution VI
that proposed would place Mr. Dowling in a peculiar po-
sition.
Mr. HARBORD in reply said the committee did not
place him in avy peculiar position ; he placed himself.
The CHAIRMAN having put the motion it was carriei
unanimously. Some other business was then dischrugta
and the board adjourned.

The late Bank of England clerk Burgess arrived here
in the Hibernia, in custody of John Forrester. He wait

immediately taken to Lot:,don to answer vthe charge of
forgery.

SELF-GENERATING GAS LAMPS.—A simple and beau-
tiful lamp, which geoeraTes Ds own gas—peculiarly appli-
cable to places where ordinary gas cannot be procured-.-
such as railway stations—may be seen burning at ottr
office this day. The principle is entirely new, and tel
those who are interested, it must he of great inn portartes.
We shall notice it more at length on some future occasion.

Sr. GEORGE INN.—There are few in town that have
not heard of " Latham's"—it is almost as well kn.wn

among those whose business keeps them throughout VIA
day in town as the Town Hal, and it will be with satis—
faction that n,any will le•srn that he has recently malt:
considerable additions to his house all of which tend to-
increase the comforts-of his customers.—See adv.

Assizes.—The special commission will open in Lives.
pool on Monday next._ The ing is a summary cY

prisoners for trial :—Murder, 3; intent to murder. 2j
manslaughter. 4 ; rape, 2; et-ibbing, 3; concealing birth,
4; arson, 2; sacrilege, 1: burglary, 3; housebreakie,g,
1; robbery from the person, 9; foreery, 3; nigrtnay.
horse-stealing, 3 ; calf-stealing, 1; mint cases, 3 ; makius
false declaration, I.—total 50.

HAIR DYE--The great objection that has hitherto
been urged against the for the hair is the unnwural red
or purple tinge it gives to the colour, but our townsmaD
Mr. Evans, of Bold-street, has advertised a new artiebe
in our paper of to-day, which entirely obviatPs all pre-
vious objections, giving. wi,h momentary operation, the.
hair, whether grey or red, a truly natural colour. The,
experiments we saw tried were as perfectly satisfactory its
they could be.

DOCK WAREHOUSES AT BIRKENHEAD.—We lear
that the Birkenhead Warehousing Corrlviny have engaga
by contract the partners of a celebrated brick. making first
of the south of England (who, we heliivit, uttie the bricks
for the Eastern Counties Railway) fat; the snoply, agaiti4
the next summer, offiflp millions ("ricks, for the build-
ing of their warehouses on the southern margin of Wel-
lasey Pool ; and that within the hat week three hundred
operative brickmakers lia‘e been sent from Kent to Bit-
kenhead, and have already commenced operations.
COLLEGIATE INSTITUTION.—We observe that one of
the best elocutionists of the day, Professor Calvert, ts
about to appear amongst us, when we anticipate the ramai
crowded houses which hailed the appearance of Mr.
Kemble. The illustration. to be introduced ale ad miratly,
selected, and, as recited by Mr. Calvert, must tell eis.
ceedingly well. We never heard the " Loan of a grid-
iron," for instance, so well delivered, riot even by Lover
himself, although the se, loos and impassioned may by
considered the forte of the lecturer. He always manage
to introduce a humourous st,Tv or recitation at the duals
of each lecture, so as to send his audience home in perfeett
good humour with themselves and him.

MONS. HUGUENIN'S GYMNASIUM.—By an advertise-
ment in another column it wilt be seen that this experi-
enced professor of gymnastics has removed to the spaci-
ous premises called the t ommercial Hall, in Gloucesteja,
street, which is now fitted up for the purpose with ever
apparatus necess,ry for assisting in developing the strength
and symmetry of the human frame. We cannot too ears-
neatly impress upon those who value health to avail them-
selves of the means offered by Mr. Hueuenin of correctinag
by wholesome and well-rt gillated exercise " The ii
which flesh is heir to " in localities like Liverpool. 4a.;
this moment we have reason to know that much miles
of a febrile character unhappily exists amongst us, audit
is a remarkab:e fact that it prevals more amongst 01
middle and upper classes, whose avocations are of a 'se-
dantary kind, than amongst the labouring classes, whoa
avocations are of a nature calling for greater bodily exit,
tioas. The exercise of the gymnasium, we are confident,
will, on this account, be found jast now peculiarly valda-
ble. Mr. Huguenin has, it will be seen, hours set apit#
tor female classes which, we are glad to learn, are we
and most respectably attended. For the use of those who
object to practising in public, Mr. H. fits up a very neat
apparatus, which can be usad in the drawing •roorn yr 010
nursery, and combines every necessary exercise.
FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT, WITH Loss OF LIFE, IN d
RAILWAY TUNNEL. —On Friday morning last, fettnr
workmen, Mitchell, Erskine, Blair, and Philips, engaga
in the drift mine of the Edinburgh, Leith, and Grant°,
Railway, lost their lives by the bursting in upon them ca
an accumulated body of water from a higher
consequence of the barrier that pent it up being in-
judiciously weakened. A great mitt of the tunnel. fran
the upper end, and under several streets, was finished,
and two barriers of rock were left at some distance tti
protect the workmen employed in the lower part fr, m th
water which was then beginning to accumulate abrive.
Through the lower barrier an aperture of about a frq.' tyi
diameter was made, through which the water gradual
and safely made its way, leaving the men comparative
dry. In opening a way for the water through the upi.,
barrier, instead of adhering to the same plan, the woeli•
men blasted the rocks. and on removing the debris, lan
barrier became so enfeebled that it gave way to the vreiaba
of water on the other side, and before the unforturealin
parties could make the slightest attempt to escape;:ttlg
whole volume burst in and eng&pheat them in a watt
grave. The bodies of Erskine and Blair were first four
lying at the foot of the shaft, the latter candling the I
of the former. Mitchell and Philips were found lock •
in each other's arms. A boy at the foot of the 811
escaped most narrowly. Hearing the water he hatUtts
presence of mind to ,eize the bucket-rope, and calUngo)
the man at the t p, was instantly hauled uv. In al'
instant afterwards the water rushed w'ti, frightful rapidity,
to the top of the shalt, and even struck the roof of a she
over the eye—neatly eighty seer front the bed of the 0:n8-
nel—such was its volume and force. Erskine had 114
reached the bo•torn of the shaft when the rush of ware
took place, and while the boy was being pulled up, tap
agonizing cries for held were distinctly heard by those #
the windlass, but under the circumstances they coulli
render no aid. being to run fur their own Haas dat
the boy reachieg the mouth of the shaft. The work!!
were not injured.

HOUSE DRAINS.—The attention of the public beic!g
now very much drawn to the subject of house drainage!,
it would appear to We extremely desirable that clear view],
of the elementary principles of the subject should receite
the utmost publicity, to the intent that a better ni od*
should speedily succeed the present bad and ineficieet
system of building house drains. .1 hey should consist
of thick strong cli y pipes, of from four inches to eight
inches diameter, well burns and glazed inside, made of
an entire piece, nearly of a circular form, and of a length
convenient for use, so that the end of one pipe coutel relit
into the next without forming a protusion withne
it. Drains thus formed and carried in direct limb
IN lth regular ire litiatiens to sewers, with proper
curved junctions, all properly laid, and with an efficietit
and well-regulatt d supply el water, world he t ff,cual tb
cat rying off ti.e sulli,-)ge and keeling themselves perfectly
free from smrm:Wiens, fer the calibre being smaller,
the stream would he mire contracted, and in consequenCe
would have greater velocity, The smoothness of surface
produced by pl,zirig would vasily facilitate passage
through them. With proper apparatus they could MP
cleansed if re qu,reet ;It any time, precisely in the same
manner as chimneys :ire now swept ; eonst quently breale-
lug up floors and ratin7. with all the accompaniment!'
of foul stench, and natter distributed about, would tre-
rendered unneces,,ry. The above method would insure
:the perfect cleanliness of drains; and a properly con-
structed trap to every lilt t would be a preventive to ar_ty
noxious and offensive exhalations emi.nating from rhea.
In laying the tubes, the ground should be cut aq near air
rossible to their form, and the lower half should be thinbr -
bedded with mortar to u
t,onfi ; :e tubesllTa!: vlitwtho.uirldretgiuieltaltities fit
have
t
the cutting of the
solid foundation.-7'ke Builder.
SECRECY OF THE JESUITS.—ThereiS reason to belieee
that many of the edicts, which possess the fo•ce of
.lavci
among the Jesuits, hive never been printed; and e es-
the constitutioi s, properly so called, they have seld tit
committed t • the press, but in the Colleges of , he Order_
Whenever they ventured to print this work elsewhere,
they always took pret autions to secure the whole impres-
sion. Thouch these precautions ['roved it) vain, and thet
enemies of the Order-had found means to obtain cbpi7ll
of these constitutions, they were never ant horitatively'pro-
mulgated until 1761, when in the course of the celebrated
suit of M. M. Lionci and Father La Valette, the Jesuit**
were inconsiderate enough to produce. the my-serious vo-
lume of their institute. By ill- aid of these authentic r~
cords, the ;nine Wes of their government may be delineates
and the sources of their riwer in, eszigated, with a degree
of certainty and preccien which, previous to that event,. .
it was impossible to attain. But not only were the Jesultt
secret with respect to the r principles, they acted ever ire
men ashamed of their conduct, and afraid of being Iceowee
—moving about the world in disguise, assuming false
characters, and adopting fictitious names. History
abounds with proofs of this. Mr. Martin, the Governor -
of Pondicherry, who had opt ortunities of knowine, speaks
much of " disguised Jesuits ' fir re, and " masked Jesulte.
there, and says, " Tl.ese Jesuits, disguised and dispers4 -
over the whole earth, and who all know each other by
signs like the Freemasons, invariably act upon one sys-
I tem." Now, why all this secrecy? Why be afraid of
coming to the light ? if their principles were good, they
could surely bear the lace of day. If their deeds wert•
good, why be so secret—why hire their candle under*
bushel in this way ? The :eason is plain enough for thn
simplest mind to discern. THEY LOVED DARENBEk
RATHER THAN LIGHT, BECAUSE THEIR DEEDS WEI%)
Byte. Like bats and °els, and creeping, crawling, slimy
things, night suits.them better than the day. Unlike tffe
soaring eagle, which bat es its splendid plumage in tb,
golden light of heaven, the vul'ure brood cower on foldel
wing in the d.ok ea% ems of the earth. Unlike the honest.- -
hearted Christian, v-ho soars upwards on the eines a
faith and love, and bathes his sprit in the beams of Divirat
radiance, drinkiee in the glorious ligl,t which emanates-
from the Son of llielve usness, courting too the scrwiey
of the world, and letting his li,lit shine (before men, F.
the glory of his Father and his, God the Jesuits grcoovuerltll
low in earthly pursuits, shunned the light of day,
tlisguise and obscurity, or revelled in the murky glare a-
falie °Onions aryl a vicious philosophy, and hid 'their
objects from the geee of mortal man in fear and treyidam.
ticß.---4-elter from Malta. .

Rittraturt.

THE OTHER DAY.

(From Fraser's Magazine for December.)
Upon the meadows spread below
Full softly fall the flakes of snow,
Yet choke they up the way
That lately wound along the scene
• 'Mid fields of gold and swards of green.
.. Ay, but the other day.
The sun bath shrunk into the south,
• And every bird bath shut its mouth,
.And broken off its lac;
• And yet with sultry beams the air,
And yet with songs the woodlands fair,
Were full the other day.
, All things are here but for a while,
' The IrOwn must vanisn, fade the smile,
E'en beauty must decay.
And who upon that wrinkled face
The lily and the rose can trace
We saw the other day?
But form and beauty, too, might die,
And fire forsake the aged eye;
Could any mortal say,
My heart is still as warm and light,
. As full of hones and fancies bright,
As 't was the other day?
Repose mankind can never know,
They change as on the seasons flow,
Until they pass away ;
And whilst we live there 's not an hour
That sees not fall some cherished flower•
That bloomed the other day.
The mother sadly bends her head
Upon the breast that lately fed
A child with glances gay ;
See how her eyes now vainly seek
The softly dimpled rosy cheek
She kissed the other day !
But wander through all scenes of life,
Through scenes of peace and scenes of strife,
Consult the whole army!
• Seek amidst every rank of men,
For one who would not fly again
Back to the other day.
Lovers regret their early sighs,
Regret the maiden's downcast eyes,
When first she said them nay ;
All quaff too soon, a'l would regain
The feelings they esteem'd a pain,
And quench'd the other day.
Children alone look forward still,
They pant to climb life's rugged hill,—
Oh !in the valley stay; •
Stay in the balmy land awhile,
Where heaven, and earth, and all things smile
Now as the other day !
They listen not, hut onward throng,—
Farewell to innocence ere long,—
Enjoy then whilst you may!
Those rad.ant brows ere long will lower,
Ere long you will regret the hour
You scorn'd the other day!!
But if in joy, and if in woe,
Along these twilight plains below,
You f;illow virtue's ray,
less bitter pangs may ring your breast,
When rise amidst your hours of rest
Dreams of the other day !

NOTICES.

Report of William Foirbairn. Esq , C E., rn the Con.
struction of Fireproof Buildings. With Introduc ory
Remarks, by Samuel Ho'me. Liverpool: printed by
Thomas Baines.
Our townsman Mr. Samuel Holme, who last year de-
livered a talented discourse on " the public improvements
of Liverpool," at the Polytechnic Society, (afterwards
published,) in which he evinced much classical taste as an
architect, has just put forth a most interesting and, at the
present time, when fireproof buildings are in rapid pro-
gress as essential to the commercial prosperity of the
town, a most. important pamphlet under the title quoted,
which we have no hesitation in strongly recommending
to all persons interested in the security of our mercantile
buildings, and especially to those who cor template the
• Construction of fireproof warehouses. The frightful
Number and extent of the fires that have occurred for
forty years past, and within the last five years especially.
in our town,—involving an immense loss of property, as
well as a great loss of life, and the consequent increase of
insurances,—at length roused a portion of the moneyed
Community lo a sense of the necessity of erecting build-
ings that would withstand the ordinary risks. In the
expressive language of Mr. Holnic, ‘• whole neighbour-
hoods have been swept away, principally be the rapidity
with which cotton has been consumed ; sad it has been
mo uncommon circumstance to see at once a number of
warehonses, offices, stables, and dwellings, reduced in a
few hours to one smouldering mass of ruin and devasta-
tion. Since the year 1795 it is conjectured that above
sixty lives have been lost during our conflagrations, be-
sides numbers who have been mutilated or injured ; and,
independently of the losses which have had to be borne
by the insurance offices, and by those who have, unfortu-
nately, been uninsured. or only partially covered,"
(amounting in all to upwards of £2,000,000 sterling.)
" the poor who reside in the vicinity of our warehouses
have suffered to an extent of which few lave any coecep-
tion, by the breakage and removal of their furniture, and
by being burnt out of their dwellings at all hours and
staving. ' Further on in his " bar iductory Remarks,"
Our author, with equal point, after noticing the long apa-
thy towards improvement, which had previously found its
way in the manufacturing districts, says—" The Formby-
street fie having, however, burnt us into conviction that
some improvement was necessary in our warehouses, and
the only building that was saved in that conflagration
being the fireproof warehouses belonging to the Royal
Bank, which escaped with very trival injury, though fi11,41
with cotton at the time, several gentlemen determined on
'erecting fireproof buildings, amongat whom were Mr.
Anthony L. Molyneux, Mr. Harold Littledale, and Mr.
Higginson. These have been followed by Mr. P. W.
Brancker, in Dublin-street, Mr. James Brancker, in
Mathew-street, and several other parties. The buildings
erecting by the Messrs. Brancker are of a most extensive
character, and when completed will be of the most secure
description. The splendid pile in Dublin-street, which
covers nearly an acre of ground, will probably be the
most complete set of private warehouses tbat hag ever
• been erected. But sonic fears having been expressed, that
the principle of substituting iron beams and arched floors
for the old method of construction was likely to result in
danger, and that goods would not be more secure from
fire in one mode of building than another, it was deemed
advisable to request the opinion of some eminent man on
this most important subject who had no local connection
With Liverpool, not only to allay the fears of those who
were investing large sums is the erection of the buildings,
but as a justification to those who had advised this mode
of construction."
Mr. Fairbairn, a gentleman of great experience and
high attainments as an engineer, was selected to visit
several of the new warehouses that had been built, and
alio to inspect the plans and details of those in course of
erection for Mr. P. W. Brancker, which cover nearly an
acre of ground. He did inspect them, and here we have
his valuable report, also the joint ra•port of himself and
Mr. Bellhouse on the causes that led to the destruction
stsf Messrs. Radcliffe's mill at Oldham, showing that that
fatality did not arise from any want of security in fire.
proof warehouses, of iron and brick, but from unskilful
construction and want of sufficient strength and proper
application in the iron tension rods and beams. Mr.
Fairbairn's report on fireproof warehouses generally is
exceedingly interesting throughout, and the facts he de-
duces will not be questioned by any mechanical or scien-
tific man of experience, who has studied the subject. He
states that, in order to give perfect security to fireproof
warehouses, they must be constructed upon the following
principles :
" I.—The whole of the building to be composed of
mon-combustible materials, such as iron, stone, or bricks.
2.—ln order to prevent fire, whether arising from
accident or spontaneous combustion, every opening or
crevice communicating with the external atmosphere to
be closed.
" 3.—An isolated stone or iron staircase (well protected
on every side by brick or stone walls) to be attached to
every story, and the staircase to be furnished with a line
of water-pipes communicating with the mains in the
Street, and ascending to the top of the building.
4.—ln a range of stores, the different warehouses to
be divided by strong par ition walls, in no case less than
18 inches thick, and no more openings to be made than
ere absolutely necessary for the admission of goods and
light.
s.—That the iron columns, beams, and brick arches,
be of strength sufficient, not only to support a continuous
dead pressure, but to resist the force of impact to which
they are subject by the falling of heavy goods upon the
floors.
Lastly, that in order to prevent accident from intense
heat melting the columns, in the event of fire, in any of
the rooms, a current of cold air be introduced into the
hollow of the columns from an arched tunnel under the
doors."
Adopting these heads, he proceeds to consider each
separately, and supplies a mass of valuable information
as to the requisite strength of iron, the rise of the arches,
ac., to sustain the required weight, or resist the acciden-
tal falling of heavy packages, and points out the kind of
iron doors. frames, shutters, &e., most suitable, strongly
recommending those constructed by Messrs. Samuel and
James Holme. After alluding to some objections to fire-
proof warehouses of iron, &c., he concludes by stating—
" In my own mind, there is not the shadow of a doubt as
to the security of such a structure ; and I do not hesitate
to assert, that a well-buil and properly-arranged fire-
proof warehouse can not only be constructed, but may be
wade to entail upon the commercial and manufacturing
Communities of this country an important and lasting
benefit.
Reverting to Mr. Holme's introduction to the report,
we may state that it comprises a valuable succinct view
Of the calamities by fire that have for many years arisen
in the town from the manner in which warehouses have
been built, and, in some parts, huddled together; as well
as from the deficiency of water,—both of which evils will,
he anticipates, be speedily removed—the first by improved
buildings, and the latter by the introduction of an abun-
dant supply of water, in virtue of the recent act.
In the Appendix, Mr. Holing has supplied, from offi-
cial sources, a " List of Fires in Liverpool, and Estimate
ef Losses which have taken place in Liverpool since the
burning of the Town-hall, in 1795." This is a truly in-
teresting document, and much trouble and research must
have been exnended in procuring it. We select from it
She principal fires only, in .h...
n the loss in each respec-
iively ameunted to £15,000 and upwards, not having
room for the whole list :-
1795
Jan. 18 Town-hall
1796
7 Sept. 22 Middleton's warehouse, Cheapside 15,000
199
May 23 Okill & Co.'s sugar-house, Preeson's-
row

........... £45,000

............. 35,000

1802
s.pt. 15 Goreewarehousem,buildings,goodo,&c. 399,500

40,000

1818
Jan. 31 Parr's warehouse, Suffolk•street..
1821
Jan. 31 Caxton printing-office, Bolton street.. 36,000
1823
Oct. 22 Booth's warehouses, Wapping........ 100,000
1826
Nov. 23 Three sh;pbuilders' yardc, Sefton-st.. 30,000
Tennis-court, Gradwell-street, full of
cotton,
Wright and A,pinall's, Orford-street
and Campbell-street

33,835

50,000

1828
Dec. 25 Holmes's, Old Haymarket ....... 16,000
1830
Mar. 21 Downward and Ryland's sugar-house,
H ari ington-street

1831
Dec. 22 Hey wood's warehouses, Fenwiek-street

--crerchlnd:ze only

1833
Jan. 14 Lancelot's-hey Fire—
Fourteen warehouses .
Five dwell,ng-houses
Merchandise. . .

35,68

-198,000
.. 40,000

May 24 Dover and Co.'s, Gibraltar-row
1834
Oct. 10 Birkett's, Lancelot's-hey 30.000
Dee. 2 Bird's Castle Mills, Meadows-street 15,000
1838
Oct. 5 Warehouses and merchandise, Robert-
street
1841

150,000

Sept. 12 Rev. J. Tobin's, Galton-street
23 Great fire, Formby-street......
Dec. 22 Platt and Crane's, Parliament-street 38,663
1843
March 6 Fawcett & Pri-ston's, York-street, and

wen-houses in Lydia Anne-street 41,446
19 Wright's warehouses, Jackson-lane 43,587
June 14 Croft's soapery, Comus-street
Dec. 28 Brincker's, Mathew-street.