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 bad 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 had td 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. Triosirsorr, 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 how 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 'rnegis-
(rates wes 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
he 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 he 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 they 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 charged
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. Tifonalnim, suggested, that as they wished to as-
certain how the matter came before the magistrates, the
Commissioner should be called in and questioned.
Mr. 11. 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 bad 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. He be-
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 bad 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 case 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. l'nompsoN;—Certainly not ; I only wished to
know how the information came before them.

Mr. H. HORNBY.—The information came incidentally
before them. •

Mr. HARBORD.-It was sought for by the magistrates
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 magistrates considered it their duty
to inquire into them, in order to prevent their recurrence.
He might state that he had no degree of animosity what-
ever against any member of the committee. (Cries of
" no, no.") He was anxious that their proceedings should
be pure; he did not like this to be made a party ques-
tion ; but they ought to take care that some expression of
opinion should come from them, as a board, to show for
the future, that no member of council should presume
upon his position in order to convey any instructions to
the officers of justice._ _

Mr. THomPsoN said the object of his question had been
answered. The jneeting of magistrates was not to inves-
tigate chargei, but to make inquiries into the interference.
Mr. HARBORD.—Into the accuracy of certain reports.
Mr. H. HORNBY 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 presence, but he
requested from the Mayor that he might be present. The
magistrates advanced no charge; they merely investi-
gated whether any interference had taken place, no mat-
ter by whom ; and they had passed a resolution (which
the Watch Committee had confirmed) to prevent such
proceedings taking place again. Mr. Parker's name was
mentioned, but no charge was brought against him.
The CHAIRMAN.--No; none.
Mr. HORNBY in continuation, said they had all tbelP
own opinions 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
of what formed part and parcel of the whole management
of the force under circumstances of undue interference.
The animus of the magistrates was to prevent any impro-
per interference ; but they did not pronounce that any in-
terference whatever had taken place.
Mr. THOMPSON wished to ask one question more. It
was said, he thought, that Mr. Parker had interfered in a
charge against a drunken man.
Mr. H. HORNBY. —No ; but that he attempted to pre-
vent an information being laid.
Mr. TuompsoN.—Tbat was in the case of the flags.
Mr. TINNE.—WiII that account for the Orange flagr
not being mentioned in the report on the books ?
The CIiAIRMAN.—The Orange flags are mentioned.
Mr. TENNE.—But not in connection with Mr. Parker's
name.
•
The CHAIRMAN.—NO. _

Mr, TINNE.—Then the object of the present inquiry is
to find out how the police officers had not mentioned Mr.
Parker'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. Honmsr.—l fancy that is Mr. Thompson's
object._
_ _ _

Mr. THOMPSON repeated that he only wanted to know
how the informations got befure the magistrates ?
Mr. H. HORNIIY.—It came out inadvertently.
Mr. TnomPSON.—Then there is a mis-statement in the
papers.

Mr. THORNHILL 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. HORNBY.-1 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 be 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. be
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. Hornby) 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 he asked the commissioner
whether the statement of 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.
Stn,—l 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 eonsideration of the magistrates.

" Permit me to express to you, sir, and to the members of your
board, the sense I entertain of the courtesy I have ever received
from the bora daring the time I have hAd the IlonPur to be a

member of it; and my perfect readiness, should you aesire it,
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
" Saving 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 I
cannot but feel that the whole affair has been magnified into one of
undue importance.
.' I have the honour to be, sir, your most humble servant,
"JAMES PARKER."

The CHAIRMAN said he had also at that moment re-
ceived the following letter from Dr. Gouthwaite

"77, St. Anne-street, Nov. 29, 1544.
" Sta,—As my numerous professional engagements to-mor-
row of necessity, prevent my personal attendance, should
it be 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 which I
had just heard, that Mr. Allen, of Shaw's-brow, had got into
some trouble with the police. on account of having displayed
some Orange flags out of his windows on the occasion of the
club anniversary, held at his house that day, and that an infor-
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.
Wllonald. Having heard their statemei t, the purport of Mr.
Parket's reply was, that he considered it a very hard case that
an information should be laid against Allen f it the exhibition
of Orange flags, as, most probably, had they been green flags.
belonging to any of the Hibernian societies, no notice would
have been taken of hem. A he also stated, that he thought
that the laying of inch infot illation 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 be construed into a threat, nor see him icterfere with the
police in the discharge of their duties. Mr. Parker retired for a
few 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 report read, I could hear Mr. Parker's re-
marks, as he spoke rather loud. On quitting the station, Mr,
Parker informed me that nothing mull Le 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, " THOS. GOUTII WAITE.
"To the Chairman of the Watch Committee."

The CHAIRMAN said they would all have remarked the
singularity with regard to Conuor'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,-
whetha he had any warrants at all. The warrants were
out of his hands; he knew nothing; be 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 be 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 straightforward.
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. The committee
would have considered their officers culpable if they had
not 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, of this day, and that the same be en-
tered of the minutes of this board."
He would just say for himself that be 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 execution of the law, as far as
their functions were concerned—he ought to lave 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. HORNBY seconded the motion, and it was
Passed unanimously.
VINDICATION OF MR. DAVID HODGSON.

The CHAIRMAN, rising, said that as he was about 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. If
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 tilt 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.
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 should, early, have this matter

made clear. He (be chairman) stated to the magistrates
that Mr. Dowling bad 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 was, 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 consultation took
place 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. HARBORD.—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 Stipendiary
Magistrate did. He did not leave the matter here; he
was not depending upon inferences ; because the com-
mittee should hear what Mr. Dowling had told them, for
be hoped they would have him called in. But was it an
unnatural inference for Mr. Dowling to make ? If Mr.
Rushton told him he would call the Magistrates together,
cr he did not carry their measures out, pray what could
he anticipate but something very much more decisive,
there being a decided instance of authority before him,
when 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 bad a great
feeling for Mr. Dowling, in the position in which he was
placed, for it was no light matter for 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 dismiss 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,
fear the unpleasant situation of being dismissed if he die-

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, he 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 be (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 take
care they did not allow the powers which they did possess
to be 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 regulatiott. If the
magistrates had 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 life, 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
varacious, he 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 not sit there.
He would not take up their time further, than to ask that
Mr. Dowling might come in—that Mr. Thompson would
be good enough to state what he stated to the daily board
(which was under the presidency of Mr. Harbord)—and
also to hope that other gentlemen, who were present
that day week, would see the propriety of statjpg what
they then beard,

Mr. H. HORNBY confessed he did not see exactly the
object of calling Mr. Dowling in, as thei all knew what
he had stated.

Mr. F.TARBORD thought that, until Mr. Dowling was
called in, the chairman was placed in a very peculiar
position.
The CI.stIRMAN said, the object of the Committee was
to know viaether what Mr. Hodgson, their chairman, bad
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) in tha.t 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. Hornby) 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 fact. 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 have 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. Herriby's) firm belief was, that if Mr. Dow-
ling had disobeyed, under the dzlicate 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 he 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 had offered observations.
Mr. HARBORD moved, and Mr. GLAZEBROOK seconded,
a resolution which was carried unanimously, that Mr.
Dowling be called in.—Mr. Dowling was then introduced
and he took his seat next 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 been 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 lie 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 beard, and also at the meet-
ing on Saturday 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-
ishment from them, and if he did obey their orders he
might offend the Watch Committee : that be 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 bad 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 r' (he 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
board 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 saying that Mr. Rushton had threatened to
dismiss him, or that he would call a meeting far 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 bad stated was
considerably modified from what he had stated before,
and that it did not bear the same construction ; that
what be 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 lie "he drew his own inference'
from Mr. liushton's expressions. They impressed him
(Mr. Sothern) 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 that [from Mr. Rushton] a
threat of dismissal ? " He said, "No ; I drew my own
inference."

Mr. HARBORD gave a Luig and circumstantial account
of what took place both at the weekly and 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 him with dismis-
sal ; and Mr. Dowling's answer was, " Mr. Rushton did
❑ot threaten me with dismissal, but I drew my own infer-
ence."
Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE (who had entered the rooms
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. Hornhy to order. They
were not considering the conduct of Mr. Rushton, but
whether he (Mr. Hodgson) had made a statement upon
proper grounds or not.
Ti.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 of the board asked him if he re-
garded that as a threat of probable dismissal, but Mr
Dowling did not give a direct 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 believed he did say—be recollected
being pressed upon more than once—as to what inference
he drew from the threat of having another meeting of
magistrates. _ _

The CHAIRMAN.—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 that was the impression upon my mind." I drew
my own inference, and I said, " I have no doubt of it."
I said I drew my own inference ; but still I did not state
what that inference was to this board. (Mr. Dowling
then withdrew, but 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 magistrates, 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,
bscause 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 followed up by my inquiry
of what Mr. Rushton bad said- I had stated that Mr.
Rushton had not the power to dismiss you, as it was an
illegal order ; and it was in answer to what I said.
Mr. POWLlNG.—Certainly ; I could not have stated
tbat, because it was not so.
Mr. HARBORD 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. DoweiNG.—Certainly.
Mr. SOTHERN.—Upon what question was it that you
drew your own inference?
Mr. DowLusio.—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.
HORNBY having reiterated his views of the case,
Mr. Hodgsan defended his conduct through the entire
transaction; and several members expressed their opinion,
that Mr. Dowling's evidence fully justified Mr. Hodgson
in making the statements he had made before the magis-
trates.

Mr. T. B. HonsFALL moved the following resolution.
—'• It is the opinion of this committee that the evidence
of Mr. Dowling upon the 20th and 23rd inst. fully justi-
fied Mr. Hodgson making the statement which he d'd
make before the magistrates relative to the threat of dis-
missal by the stipendiary magistrate ; although this core-

mittee are now of opinion, from Mr. Dowling's subse-
quent stateuients, that no such threat was made."
Mr. H ARBORD seconded the motion.
Mr. H. Holum- said he was quite satisfied from what
had taken place at the daily board on the 20th, that Mr.
Dowling did make statements which justified Mr. Hodg-
son.

Mr. THORNHILL remarked that such a resolution as
that proposed would place Mr. Dowling in a peculiar po-
sition. _ _

Mr. IlAnsonn in reply said the committee did not
place him in any peculiar position ; he placed himself.
The CHAIRMAN having put the motion it was carried
unanimously. Some other business was then discharged
and the board adjourned.

The late Bank of England clerk Burgess arrived here
in the Ilibernia,-in custody of John Forrester. He was
immediately taken to London to answer the charge of
forgery.
SELF-GENERATING GAS LAMPS.—A simple and bean-
tiful lamp, which generates its own gas—peculiarly appli-
cable to places where ordinary gas cannot be procured.—
such as railway stations—may be seen 'burning at oar
office this day. Tire principle is entirely new, and to
those who are interested, it must be of great importance.
We shall notice it more at length on some future occasion.

ST. GEORGE INN.—There are few in town that have
not heard of " Latham's"—it is almost as well known
among those whose business keeps them throughout the
day in town es the Town Hall, and it will be with satis-
faction that many will learn that he has recently made
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 TASTY,.
pool on Monday next. The following is a summary of
prisoners for trial :—Murder, 3 ; intent to murder. 2 ;
manslaughter, 4; rape, 2; stabbing, 3; concealing birth,
4; arson, 2; sacrilege, 1: burglary, 3; housebreaking,
1; robbery from the person, 9 ; foreery, 3 ; bigamy, 5;
horse-stealing, 3 ; calf-stealing, 1 ; mint cases, 3 ; making
false declaration, I.—total 50.
Harts DYE.—The great objection that has hitherto
been urged against che fur the hair is the unnatural red
or purple tinge it gives to the colour, but our townsman
Mr. Evans, of Bold-street, has advertised a new article

in our paper of to-day, which entirely obviates all pre-
vious objections, giving, with a momentary operation, the
hair, whether grey or red, a truly natural colour. The
experiments we saw tried were as perfectly satisfactory as
they could be.

DOCK WAREHOUSES AT BIRKENHEAD.—We learp
that the Birkenhead Warehousing Company have engaged
by contract the partners of a celebrated brick-making firm
of the south of England (who, we believe, made the bricks
for the Eastern Counties Railway) for the supply, against
the next summer, of fifty millions of bricks, for the build-
ing of their warehouses on the southern margin of Wal-
lasey Pool ; and that within the last week three hundred
operative brickmakers have been sent from Kent to Bir-
kenhead. and have already commenced operations.
COLLEGIATE INSTITIITION.—We observe that one of
the best elocutionists of the day, Professor Calvert, Is
about to appear amongst us. when we anticipate the same
crowded houses which hailed the appearance of Mr.
Kemble. The illustrations to be introduced are admirably
selected, and, as recited by Mr. Calvert, must tell ex-
ceedingly well. We never heard the " Loan of a grid-
iron," for instance, so well delivered, not even by Lover
himself, although the serious and impassioned may be
considered the forte of the lecturer. He always manages

to introduce a humourous story or recitation at the close
of each lecture, so as to send his audience home in perfect
good humour with themselves and him.

MONS. HUGUENIN'S GYMNASIUM.—By an advertise.
ment in another column it will be seen that this experi-
enced professor of gymnastics has removed to the spaci-
ous ptemises called the Commercial Hall, in Gloucester-
street, Nrhioh is now fitted up for the purpose with every
apparatus necessary for assisting in developing the strength
and symmetry of the human frame. We cannot too ear-
nestly impress upon those who value health to avail them-
selves of the means offered by Mr. Huguenin of correcting
by wholesome and well-r:gulated exercise " The lib
which flesh is heir to " in localities like Liverpool. At
this moment we have reason to know that much illness

of a febrile character unhappily exists amongst'us, and it
is a remarkable fact that it prevails more amongst`the
middle and upper classes, whose avocations are of a se-
dantary kind, than amongst .the labouring classes, whose
avocations are of a nature calling for greater bodily exer-
tions. The exercise of the gymnasium, we are confident,
will, on this account, be found just now peculiarly valua-
ble. Mr. Huguenin has, it will be seen, hours set apart
for female classes which, we are glad to learn, are well
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 used in the drawing•room or the
nursery, and combines every necessary exercise.
FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT, WITH Loss OF LIFE, IN A
RAILWAY TUNNEL. —On Friday morning last, four
workmen, Mitchell, Erskine, Blair, and Philips, engaged
in the drift mine of the Edinburgh, Leith, and Grant=
Railway, lost their lives by the bursting in upon them of
an accumulated body of water from a higher level, in
consequence of the barrier that pent it up being in-
judiciously weakened. A great part of the tunnel, from
the upper end, and under several streets, was finished,
and two barriers of rock were left at some distance to
protect the workmen employed in the lower part from the
water which was then beginning to accumulate above.
Through the lower barrier an aperture of about a foot in
diameter was made, through which the water gradually
anti safely made its way, leaving the men comparatively
dry. In opening a way for the water through the upper
barrier, instead of adhering to the same plan, the work-
men blasted the rocks. and on removing the debris, the

barrier became so enfeebled that it gave way to the weight
of water on the other side, and before the unfortunate
parties could make the slightest attempt to escape, the
whole volume burst in and engulphed them in a watery
grave. The bodies of Erskine and Blair were first found,
lying at the foot of the shaft, the latter clutching the leg
of the former. Mitchell and Philips were found locked
in each other's arms. A boy at the foot of the shaft
escared most narrowly. Hearing the water he bad the
presence of mind to seize the bucket-rope, and calling to
the man at the top, was instantly hauled up. In an
instant afterwards the water rushed with frightful rapidity
to the top of the shaft, and even struck the roof of a shed
over the eye—nearly eighty feet from the bed of the tun-
nrl—such was its volume and force. Erskine had just
reached the bottom of the shaft when the rush of water
took place, and while the boy was 'being pulled up, his
agonizing cries for help were distinctly heard by those ax
the windlass, but under' the circumstances they could
render no aid, being obliged to run for their own lives OR
the boy reaching the mouth of the shaft. The works
were not injured.
HOUSE DRAINS.—The attention of the public being
now very much drawn to the subject of house drainage,
it would appear to be extremely desirable that clear views
of the elementary principles of the subject should receive
the utmost publicity, to the intent that a better mode
should speedily succeed the present bad and ineficient
system of building house drains. They should consist
of thick strong clay pipes, of from four inches to eight
inches diameter, well burnt 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 could at
into the next without forming a protusion within
it. Drains thus formed and carried in direct lines
with regular inclinations to sewers, with proper
curved junctions, all properly laid, and with an efficient
and well-regulated supply of water, would be effectual in
carrying off the sulliage and keeping themselves perfectly
free from accumulations, for the calibre being smaller,
the stream would be more contracted; and in consequence
would have greater velocity, The smoothness of surface
produced by glazing would vastly facilitate passage
through them. With proper apparatus they could be
cleansed if required at any time, precisely in the same
manner as chimneys are now swept; consequently break-
ing up floors and paving, with all the accompaniments
of foul stench, and matter distributed about, would be
rendered unnecessary. The above method would insure
the perfect cleanliness of drains; and a properly con-
structed trap to every inlet would be a preventive to any
noxious and offensive exhalations emanating from them.
In laying the tubes, the ground should be cut as near as
possible to their form, and the lower half should be thinly
bedded with mortar to fill up any little irregulatities In
the cutting of the ground ; the tubes would then have a
solid foundation.—The Builder.
SECRECY OF THE JESUITS.—There is reason to believe
that many of the edicts, which possess the force of laws
among the Jesuits, have never been printed ; and et-en
the constitutions, properly so called, they have seldent
committed to the press, but in the Colleges of the Order.
Whenever they ventured to print this work elsewhere,
they always took precautions to secure the whole impres-
sion. Though these precautions proved in vain, sod the
enemies of the Order had found means to obtain topics
of these constitutions, they were never authoritatively pro-
mulgated until 1761, when in the course of the celebrated
suit of M. M. Lionel and Father La Valette, the Jesuits
were inconsiderate enough to produce the mysterious vo-
lume of their institute. By the aid of these authentic re-
cords, the prior pies of their government may be delineated
and the sources of their power investigated, with a degree
of certainty and precision which, previous to that event,
it was impossible to attain. But not only were the Jesuits
secret with respect to their principles, they acted ever as
men ashamed of their conduct, and afraid of being known
—moving about the world in disguise, assuming false
characters, and adopting fictitious names. History
abounds with proofs of this. Mr. hiartin, the Governer
of Pondicherry, who had opportunities of knowing, speaks
much of " disguised Jesuits" here, and " masked Jesuits"
there, and says, " These Jesuits, disguised and dispersed
over the whole earth, and who all know each other by
signs like the Freemasons, invariably act upon one sys-
tem." Now, why all this secrecy? Why be t.fraid of
coming to the light? if their principles were good, they
could surely bear the face of day. If their deeds were
whtyhbise"s•oayse?creist
hideh—ewiehayso
their candle
good, why
in
simplestßATHEß
THANmind
LlGHT,todiseeß ECAn.TUSII
EEY LOVED DARKNESS
TIiLiR
Evil.. Like bats and owls, and creeping, crawling, slimy
things, night suits them better than the day. Unlike the
soaring eagle, which bathes its splendid plumage in the
golden light of heaven, the vulture brood cower on folded
wing in the dark caverns of the earth. Unlike the honest-
hearted Christian,
who soars upwards on the wins oT
faith and love, and bathes his spirit in the beams of Divine
radiance, drinking, in the glorious light which emanates
from the Son of Righteousness, courting too the scrutiny
of the world, and letting his light shine !before men, to
the glory of his Father and Ijis God the Jesuits grovelli
low in earthly pursuits, shunned the light of day, courted
disguise and obscurity, or revelled in the murky glare of
false opinions and a vicious philosophy, and hid their
objects from the gaze of mortal man in fear and trepida-
tion.—Letter from Malta.