The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1848-05-02 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

OPENING OF TRANMERE FERRY.

The report of a disagreement between the Corporation
and Messrs. Willoughby, the late lessees of the Birken-
head Ferry, and the announcement of the transfer by
these gentlemen of their most efficient packet establish-
ment to Tranmere, have created in the minds of a great
portion-of the inhabitants on both sides of the water equal
surprise and sincere regret. During the past few years,
and indeed from the commencement of their management
of the Birkenhead ferry, Messrs. Willoughby have dis-
played an amount of liberality, enterprise, and regard for
the convenience of both communities, which cannot be
sufficiently praised. With powerful opponents to compete
with in the Birkenhead Commissioners—the owners of the
Woodside and the Monks' ferries—they have not only stood
their ground, but even gone in advance in the race; and,
up to the last day of their connexion with the Birkenhead
property, it has not been in the power of the most cynical
to point to any establishment upon the river more perfect
in all its arrangements, conducted with more unvarying
urbanity to the public, or more actively useful to the in-
creasing traffic of the locality, than this ferry. We regard,
therefore, with regret, in connexion with hundreds of their
friends, the step taken, both on private and—so far as the
interests of Liverpool are concerned—on public grounds ;
for we cannot anticipate that the Corporation will be en-
abled to provide themselves readily with lessees of the
property, whose management will be so advantageous to
all parties.
We shall not here enter into the question as to the
grounds of the unfortunate disagreement which has taken
place. These will, most likely, be elicited in the Council.
Our object was only to convey to the late lessees of
Birkenhead the tribute of approval of their past exertions,
which they have so fully earned ; and, at the same time,
to congratulate the sister locality of Tranmere upon the
acquisition which they have gained in the reopening, under
such management, of their long disused ferry. We are
not quite so full of Liverpool sympathies as to be warped
by the fact, that the benefit now extended towards Tran-
mere and the neighbourhood must be attended with some
depreciation of the property of our Corporate estate. The
time must inevitably have come, in a year or two, when
the Tranmere Ferry must have been reopened. It is
urgently required for the accommodation of the population,
which is fast extending from the south of Birkenhead
towards Limekiln-lane. Rock Ferry, and Bebbington •
and we doubt not it will be found after awhile that there
will be traffic sufficient for all the ferries. In the mean-
time, we look for a considerable increase in the value of
property in the locality now to be supplied with increased
facilities of communication with Liverpool.
The present Tranmere slip has been greatly improved
recently ; and will now be found to be one of the most
commodious upon the river. A spacious waiting-room
for ladies has been erected, and is well fitted up. Of the
boats which will in future ply to it we need say nothing
in praise, inasmuch as they are known to be unsurpassed
for speed, comfort, and safety. The charges for con-
tracting, &c. will be upon the same low scale as those
made by Messrs. Willoughby at Birkenhead.
Yesterday morning, Messrs. Willoughby commenced
running their boats from Tranmere, and thriughout the
day all was life and bustle on the slip, which for so many
years has been entirely deserted. Up to twelve o'clock,
they also had boats plying to Birkenhead, but at that hour
the Corporation entered into possession of that ferry. and
three steamers engaged by them will continue to ply, we
presume, until other arrangements are entered into. We
have no doubt that the ferry will be worked by the Council
with energy and punctuality, but they will now find very
formidable competitors, both north and south, and great
economy must be exercised to make the property at all
remunerative. We believe every one of the contractors
at Birkenhead have followed Mr. Willoughby to Tranmere.

GENERAL TRADE REPORT.

Monday Evening.
We have had a tolerably quiet week in the political
arena, and, with the exception of the intelligence from
Denmark, our continental advices are comparatively of a
satisfactory nature. The triumph of the moderate party
in the French elections is a great fait accompli, and the
position on the poll occupied by Ledru-Rollin and his parti-
sans is a clear proof that the ultra-democratic party has no
chance in France. Had it not been for the arrival of this
intelligence in London on Friday, and the advance of
about 3 per cent. in the Rentes in the Paris market on
Thursday, the Schleswig affair would have considerably
depreciated the value of public securities. We are not,
however, quite so enthusiastic in our approbation as the
Paris correspondent of the Daily News, when he swal-
lowed the hoax that the Bank of England had contracted
to supply the Bank of France with two millions sterling,
upon security of French' treasury bonds and Bank shares
in deposit. There may be " a good time coming," but
they must " wait a little longer." The conjecture that
a portion of our bullion has found its way to France to
purchase manufactured goods, which are to be had at a
very low figure, has more plausibility ; and this, combined
with the small demand on the Continent generally for
goods from this country, and the increasing desire to send
commodities here for security, several cargoes having been
put into British ports which were on transit to other
parts of the world, brings under our notice the im-
portant consideration as to whether our markets are
not in danger of becoming overstocked with the pro-
ductions of foreign labour to the detriment of our own.
The average price of Consols during the week has been
rather higher than for some time past, and trade for arti-
cles of Colonial produce and general consumption has
improved ; but little business, however, is doing in any
department on speculation. In consequence of the Bank
returns showing a further diminution of £535,913 in the
bullion, the English funds opened on Saturday morning
at a slight depression from Friday's prices. Several pm--
chases, however, having followed, a reaction took place of
about a half per cent., which was maintained in some
measure up to the termination of business. The first
uotation of Consols, for money and account, was 821 to
I, and after advancing to 821, they closed sellers at 821.
Prices of SHARES have again been steady during the
week with a tendency upwards, being at the end of the
week slightly higher than at the commencement. This
change is not so much the result of any great increase of
purchases, but arises from the confidence inspired from
the peaceful manner in which the elections are proceed-
ing in Paris, and the absence of any belligerent news from
Germany. To-day is a holiday here and in London.
The demand for CorroN throughout the week has been
regular and steady, and prices have been fully sustained,
notwithstanding the large importation of 40,622 bags from
the 21st to the 28th ultimo, and the quantity at sea, esti-
mated at 100,000 bags. The small stock of good Cotton
in our market, and the extensive orders here from Russia,
have caused that class of Cotton gradually to be enhanced
in value, whilst, on the contrary, inferior Cotton is not
only abundant, but will probably become much more so,
consequently we quote this description Id. per lb lower up
to the close of last week, and " Fair' very firm at the
quotations, which will be found in page 7. TO-DAY a
good business has been transacted ; the sales are about
9,000 bales, nearly all to the trade, 200 only being for ex-
port, and we have had a decidedly stiffer market, at an
advance of Id. upon common sorts.
The business done in foreign WooL, during the past
week, has been on a very limited scale: and, as the accounts
from the country are very discouraging, we fear it will be
some time before we have anything like an average de-
mand. Public sales commence in London on the 4th inst.,
and will continue until the 20th inst. There will be nearly
18,000 bales fine Wool brought forward. Imports for
the week :—Foreign—Nil; previously, 22,621. Scotch-
-355 ; previously, 5,094 ; total, 5,429.
COLONIAL MARKETS.—The demand for Sugar, which
was so extensive, continues, both grocers and refiners
buying very freely. Since the brokers' circular was pub-
lished, a further advance of 6d. per cwt. has been ob-
tained, and the sales amount to 7,000 bags Bengal, 200
hhds. Demerara, 100 mats Mauritius, and 50 cases Per-
Darns : the market has a healthy tone, and holders evince
much firmness.—Molcsses are more enquired after; fine
description are scarce and much wanted : 300 puncheons
of old Barbadoes in store fetched 18s. 6d. per cwt., which
is a full price.—Saltpetre is lower : the sales are 2,000
bags, 6 to 31 8 refraction at 30s. to 315., and a parcel of
300 bags 13 8 refraction, 28s.—Rum lower and little doing.
—The London markets opened on Wednesday, after the
Easter holidays, and business has since presented some
symptoms of improvement. In the sugar market both
grocers and refiners have shewn greater desire to purchase,
and there has altogether been more animation than for
some time past, an advance having been obtained of 6d.
to Is. per cwt. Rice 6d. per cwt. dearer. Coffee at pre-
vious rates. Saltpetre heavy, at a slight decline.—At
Manchester there has been an improved demand for sugar,
at an advance of 6d. for all descriptions.
The CORN trade here, although we have no improve-
ment in value to notice since Friday's market, exhibits
considerable firmness at the slight advance then realized,
with a continued active demand for Indian Corn on Irish
account; in fact, until the potato crop in some measure
supplants this article, its very general consumption in
Ireland will still call for an extensive supply. We have
received letters this morning from most parts of this
country and Ireland, the tenor of which leads us to the
conclusion that the trade generally is steady, and in some
of the leading markets prices for all articles have an up-
ward tendency, but particularly for wheat. The weather
to-day is fine and warm, and its continuance would
speedily remove any unfavourable•symptoms in the grow-
ing crops which may have appeared, and also afford the
much-desired opportunity for completing the spring
sowing.
There have been two sales of AMERICAN Lard this-week,
one on Tuesday, at which 15Ettierces, 400 barrels, and 2,500
kegs were offered ; the other on Friday, when 186 tierces,
1,785 barrels, and 1,056 kegs were brought forward :
at the former, the tierces and barrels and about 1,000 kegs
found buyers at previous rates ; and at the latter, a great
proportion was sold at 6d. under Tuesday's prices : the
remainder were withdrawn, but were afterwards taken by
private, in some instances at an advance on the
sale prices—At the public sale of Bacon on Tues-
day about 1,100 Western found buyers at improved
prices upon previous private sales, which about cleared the
market : since which there have been 1,000 boxes sold of
this week's import.—There is a considerable inquiry for
Hams and Shoulders, but the price remains moderate.—
A good business has been done in Beef, within the range
of the quotations.—The majority of the imports of Pork
are of very ordinary quality, and anything fine is taken
eagerly by the trade at full prices.—The little business
done in Cheese has been at full prices.—The following are
the current rates :
Cheese—(duty paid)—Fine, 488 to 508 per cwt. ;
42s to 46s ; ordinary, 39s to 415. Beef—U.S., (free)—Prime
mess, per trce. 3041 b., 858 to 92s 6d; ordinary, .6s toB3s, Old
60s to 68s; extra, India, family, Bm, 978 to 105 s; ditto, per
half-barrel, 30s to 3554—mess, per barrel, 2001 b., 50s to 56s ;
ordinary, 40s to 465, old 36s to 40s ; prime, 34s to 365. Pork—
U.S., (free)—Prime mess, per barrel, 2001 b., 55s to Vs, old 48s
to 565; prime, 40s to 45s' old 358 to 40s; mess, family mess,
&c., 58s to 635, old 48s to 525. Bacon—(free)—Eastern, 50s to
545; western, 42s to 525; shoulders' old 22s to 26s per cwt.
Hams—Dried, (duty paid,) old 20s to 50s per cwt ; in salt,
(free,) 38s to 455, old 26s to 355. Lard—(free)—Fine, in kegs
42s to 445, in barrels 40s to 42s per cwt. ; ordinary to middling,
37s to 395 ; inferior, and grease, 30s to 355. Baiter—Grease,
(free,) 40s to 45s per cwt. .Soda Biscuit, (duty paid-0 245 to 30s
per cwt. Pilot Biscuit, 15s to 20s per cwt. Apples, (duty
paid,) 20s to 30s per barrel.
The pastures in this district are excellent, notwithstand-
ing the late cold and ungenial weather, and the country
marirets are abundantly supplied with fresh BUTTER.
There is caly a limited quantity of Irish on the market,
for which, however, the demand has materially declined,
and although holders have offered to submit to a little re-
duction, no progress has been made in sales. Prices are,
for Waterford (new), 102 s. to 105 s. ; Carrick (new), 104 s.
to 105 e. For BACON there is a moderate inquiry, long
middles, free from bone (new), 565. to 60s. ; short mid-
dles, ditto, 58s. to GOs. Fine keg LARD, 60s. to 665. Ar-
rivals for the week ending May Ist (yesterday:—Butter,
3544 firkins, 762 crocks ; Bacon, 34 bales ; Hams, 3 hhds ;
Lard, 2 tierces, 35 kegs.
In Scotch Pig IRoN but a small business has been done
this week. From the makers declining to sell at present
rates and the small quantity offering, prices have slightly
improved, and the present quotations are 425. to 435. for
mixed Nos. at Glasgow—cash.
The arrivals of TIMBER this month from British America
have been very moderate, consisting only of four vessels,
2,705 tons ; the demand throughout, both from merchants
and consumers, has been of a very limited character, giving
unmistakeable evidence that the general depression has
fully reached the timber trade, and, consequently, recom-
I mending the greatest caution and circumspection to all
those who may be preparing imports for this locality ; for
though our general stocks are moderate, and comparatively
with other years, decidedly low, they are quite sufficient to
meet a demand such as has ruled for the last few months,
and which, unfortunately, presents no better feature yet ;
one great evidence of the disinclination to build being ob-
servable in the almost total cessation of brickmaking.
The following is an extract from the circular of Messrs.
M'Nair, Greenhow, and Irving, of Manchester, dated
Saturday last, the 29th ult. : " Continental affairs,
though sadly too powerful, have not alone been instru-
mental in causing this month to be of a peculiarly unsa-
tisfactory character. In its early portion, a considerable
degree of uneasiness and apprehension prevailed lest some
disturbances should take place in this country, and parti-
cularly in the metropolis. From the lst. tithe 10th, the
market was characterised by increasing gloom and depres-
sion but since the latter date, when all the previous ap-
prehension became dissipated, through the firmness of the
authorities and the support rendered to them by the great
mass of the community, a feeling for the better has been
manifest, and is now, we are happy to say, of a more ma-
tured character, attended with an increase in the demand
for India and China chiefly.—Priecs, which have been ex-
ceedingly irregular throughout the month, both as regards
cloth and twist, have continued gradually to decline, and
are, with one or two exceptions, lower than they were ever
known to be at any former period. Our quotations,
though representing as nearly as possible, the market
value of the article, you will please to consider as, in many
instances, merely nominal ; the real value being deter-
minable only by the position of the producer, and the
possession of authority to operate on the part of the buyer,
when frequently a wide marginal difference is realized.—.
In the Woollen districts, we are glad to perceive symptoms
of amendment.—Disheartening as things are, we adhere
to the belief that with the settlement of matters on the
continent, and with the prospect of an abundant harvest,
a return to a more prosperous period would not be dis-
tant. Considerable orders are in the market, independ-
ently of those which have for the time been counter-
manded. This fact, coupled with others of an equally
valuable character, such for instance as the improving ac-
counts from India and China, the present and prospective
value of the raw material, and the low price likewise of
the manufactured article, as well as the probable cheap-
ness of the necessaries of life, calk scarcely fail—the con-
, tingencies being excepted—in originating anti promoting

a very different state of things to that which has unhap-
pily been in existence for some time past."
The Isle of Man Commercial Bank was to resume busi-
ness yesterday. About the end of the year, it will be
united with the City of Glasgow Bank. The Commercial
Bank possesses a paid up capital of about one million
pounds sterling ; and it has a reserved fund of undivided
profits amounting to nearly £130,000, which fund is avail-
able as a guarantee.
Messrs. Cotesworth, Powell, and Co., extensively con-
nected with the South American trade, who suspended
payment on the 31st of December last, are now paying a
first dividend of 4s. in the pound. It is anticipated that
after realizing their estate in full, a surplus of at least
£30,000 will remain for them to carry on business. As
Mr. Prior, the junior partner, retires from the house, the
firm will hereafter trade under the title of Cotesworth and
Powell.

The accounts of the Bank of France for the week end-
ing the 27th ult. are again unfavourable.
Advices from St. Petersburgh reach to the 18th ult.
The exchange was as 351 d., and it was understood that
the Neva had £300,000 in gold on board for England.
The amount of notes in circulation, according to the
Bank of England returns for the week ending the 22d
April, is £18,761,865, being an increase of £165,325:
and the stock of bullion in both departments is X 13,228,341,
shewing a decrease of £535,913 when compared with the
preceding return. It is not unlikely that a considerable
sum has been sent to France, for the purchase of manu-
factures, which, it is said, can be made for hard money on
the most advantageous terms. It may also be that a large
sum has been sent to Ireland, to meet any run arising
out of the apprehension for the savings' banks. If for
either of these causes, it is rather advantageous for the
bank to get rid of its immense surplus.
The rates of exchange with Europe are still rather de-
clining ; but as a considerable traffic has been carrying on
in interchanging silver for gold, which renders it more
difficult to ascertain the bona fide state of the balances,
we can only state that there is little reliance to be placed
on the actual quotations, which are as follow :—Amster-
dam, 3 months, 12 31 4 ; Ditto, short, 11 18 12fl. ; Ham-
burgh, 13 11 13 ' Frankfort, 12 31 ; Paris, short, 25 30 40;
Leghorn, 30 75 31 : Madrid, 414, Cadiz, 451 ; Lisbon,
511 I; Oporto, 511.
The accounts received by the Hamburgh mail of the
commencement of hostilities between the Danes and
Prussians has produced considerable anxiety amongst the
merchants connected with the north of Europe. The
Hamburgh papers publish a list of 38 vessels (which, it
is stated, are not all Prussian) already seized by the
Danes, in accordance with the notice of the Danish Go-
vernment, in which the neutral position of Hamburgh and
Lubeck is recognised. An impression is gaining ground
that the reprisals by Denmark will be extended to vessels
of Hanseatic Towns, as the aggression is at the instance
of the German Confederation, of which all are members.
Many of the homeward-bound Prussian ships are known
to have property on board belonging to British subjects
to a large extent ; and although this may be recovered ul-
timately by adjudication by the captors, considerable
delays will be interposed and also expense incurred, which
will further tend to increase commercial embarassments.
We are glad to find, from the intelligence by the Over-
land mail, which reached London yesterday, that the im-
port trade at Bombay had been extremely active, and large
transactions have been entered into, and the revival was
not looked upon as merely temporary, but a continuance of
business, to a fair extent, was looked forward to till the
season was closed by the setting in of the south-west
monsoons. The dealers had been supplying themselves
pretty freely with cotton piece goods, and large quantities
of cotton fabrics had been moved off. There was still a
scarcity of the circulating medium-, but an easier feeling
prevailed, and confidence was again somewhat restored.
Freights had declined after the previous mail, but had
again rallied, and the day beforethe advices left, a further
advance had taken place, in consequence of the favour-
able accounts for cotton received from England, and two
vessels had been taken for Liverpool at £5 7s. 6d. The
rate for China had also advanced again ; and a vessel had
secured cargo at 181 rupees per candy. These rates of
freight, or higher, are expected for some time, as large ar-
rivals of cotton were coming forward for shipment.
At Calcutta, the news from home by the mail of the
24th of January, had a rather depressing effect on com-
mercial affairs, and completely checked the course of im-
provement. The mail of the 7th of February came in the
day before the advices left, but what its effect might be it
was too soon to prognosticate. The money market re-
mained much as before—the article not scarce, but rather
tightly held. Exchange had gone down, and was quoted at
ls. 101 d. to ls. 101 d. for first-class document bills at six
months' sight. Numerous arrivals of shipping were low-
ering the rates of freight.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.
(BY EXPRESS.)

Lord and Lady Normanby dined with M. Lamartine in
Paris on Saturday.

It is said that many agents of commercial houses in
England have received large remittances in gold, to lay
out in Parisian produce at the present low prices. Many
purchases have been made at 20 and 25 per cent. discount.

MONEY MARKET—YESTERDAY.
To-day is kept as a strict holiday at the Bank, the Stock Ex-
change, and all other public establishments. The Hamburg:
mail is in, but no letters have been delivered. It is reported,
however, that matters remain nearly in etatu quo between the
Danish and Prussian forces. Some tumultuous movements at
Copenhagen are vaguely spoken of.