The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1850-01-08 00:00:00

A. Vorc

well in its day, but it is not sufficient for our pr(
prospective trade. (Hear, hear.) In the respective years
he had named the imports were as follows:

sent and

Wheat
Barley,
Mslt,
Oats,
Rye,

In 1809 and 1810
160,000 quarters.
26,000 ~
54,000 I p
338,000 ~

~ 213,627
10,913
„ 142,991 14,000

Beans,

Peas, ~ 33,943
Indian corn „ 851,597
Ditto meal, brls. 43,867
Oatmeal, loads, 254,141
sacks, 162,496

12,000 „
109,000 „
Notwithstanding the present low price of breadstuffs,
the estimated value of the amount which passes through
the Corn Exchange was £4,500,000 per annum against
£930,000 in the years 1809-10. The trade had nearly
quintupled, and, therefore, taking all these things into
consideration, he thought ho was justified in proposing to
the meeting the resolution which he had just read.
Mr. M`HENRY, in seconding the resolution, said that
Mr. Powell's statement had made the necessity for a new
corn exchange so patent, that he could add nothing to
the force of his arguments, and, therefore, would simply
second the motion, which, on being put from the chair,
was carried unanimously.

Flour,
Ditto,

725,17

Mr. HUGH HORNBY proposed the next resolution as
follows :—" That the site of the land on the west side of
Drury-lane, fronting also Brunswick-street and Water-
street, affords a favourable opportunity for the erection of
a suitable building, with 'adequate accommodation, and in
the opinion of this meeting advantage should be taken of
securing what land may be necessary." He thought that
Mr. Powell bad already made it sufficiently plain that a
new Corn Exchange is required for Liverpool. No per-
son could go into the present building without being
struck with its incapacity for the purposes required ; and,
in his opinion, if a change was to be made at all, it was
desirous that they should remove as short a space as pos-
sible from the seat of trade. It was proposed that the
site of the new erection should be in Brunswick-street,
and certainly no person could say that that was far from
the present centre of the corn trade ; and he believed that
the accommodation would be suitable, not only for the
present, but for the prospective wants of the trade.
(Hear, hear.) He expressed his entire concurrence in the
concluding remarks of the chairman. The provisional
committee had been guided, not only by the belief that
the undertaking would be lucrative, but also by the belief
that it was absolutely necessary that new and increased
accommodation was wanted for the corn trade of Liver-
pool. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Powell had shown them what
increase had taken place in that for forty years; and any
person who looked forward to the increase which was
likely to take place in the commerce of the port &net at
once admit that the requirement of the corn trade would
be greater the ensuing than the past forty years. (Hear,
bear.) It was therefore necessary for them to provide for
the coming wants of the trade ; and therefore he had
great pleasure in moving the resolution which he had just
read.

Mr. HUBBACK, having seconded the resolution, it wa!
put from the chair, and carried_ unanimously.

-
Mr. WILLIAM EARLE, in a few remarks,, prooosed the
next resolution, to the effect that it was desirable to pro-
ceed with the proposed new Exchange. This was sup-
uorted by Mr. Jump, and passed unanimously.

then claimed the indulgence of
...-- -
the chairman whilst he entered into a few details explana-
tory of the negotiations which had taken place between
himself and the Committee of the old Corn Exchange;
and, in order that the facts of the whole case might be
put before the public, he would read a statement of facts
which he had prepared on the subject :
_

To carry out this object a treaty was commenced with
the committee of the old Exchange, partly between a com-
mittee of the present Corn Exchange and myself, and
partly through the medium of Messrs. Lowndes and Co.
and Messrs. Lace and Co.
The treaty progressed so fares to lead to an offer on the
part of the Corn Exchange committee for the sale of the
old building, preparatory to the removal of the market to
the new site.

The position of the treaty at this period is shown by the
following note, addressed by Mr. Lowndes to one of the
proprietors of the land

" Brunswick-street, 14th Oct., 1849.
‘, DEA R SIRS I was in search of Mr. Bouch to-day, to report
to him the result of the committee's meeting at Mr. Laces',
and was sorry to find he had gone from home. I was sur-
prised to find that the impression in favour of your plan was
general. and if you can offer to take shares of any dissentient*

be able for

at .e3BO, the task is accomplished. Will you favour me with a
call in the course of Monday ? .

"I am, deaisir, yours faithfully,

. ..
" M. D:.LOWNDES.
* "I mean conditionally on your plan being taken by the
public."

This offer Mr. Lowndes accepted in the following
terms :

"DEAR SIRS,—The Corn Exchange.—We are authorised by
the promoters of the new Corn Exchange to signify to the com-
mittee of the present Exchange, through you, their readiness
to take the shares of the proprietors of the present Corn Ex-
change at the sum of three hundred and eighty pounds per
share, contingently upon the plan of the promoters receiving,
as they have no doubt it will, adequate support from the corn
trade and the public.
We are, dear sirs, yours truly,
"LOWNDES, ROBINSON, & BATESON.
"18M October, 1849. _ _

"Messrs. Laces, Myers, Rigge, and Roscoe."
Subsequently the Corn Exchange Committee declared
that the parties with whom Mr. Lowndes had been treat-
ing had no power to proceed as they had done, and efforts
were made to procure a site for a new Corn Exchange in
James'-street, and at the old Sessions-house, &c.—
This proceeding was protested against as unfair to the
owners of property contiguous to the present Exchange,
who have a right to ask the committee, before removing
the market, to weigh deliberately the advantages offered
by the site already existing close to their present pre-
mises. And here it may be mentioned that at the outset
the committee were informed no steps would be taken
towards removing the market until it had been fairly
proved that it was impossible sufficiently to enlarge it on
its present site,and the fullest considerationwould be given
to the interests of the old proprietors and to the conve-
nience of the trade. Consistently with these principles,
on the invitation of the committee, Mr. Bouch made the
following propositions :—First, To purchase the Old Ex-
change at £3BO per share, on condition that each of the
present occupiers of stands (said to be 133) should trans-
fer his occupancy (by lease) to the New Exchange. Or,
Second, To Amalgamate the whole property on the
basis of £3BO for an Old Exchange share. Or, Thirdly,
To erect a new Exchange, with room for 150 stands,
and convey it to the proprietors of the old Exchange,
in lieu of their property, which 150 stands, at
£l5 15a each, would yield an income of more than £3l
per share per annum. Or, Fourthly, To erect, indepen-
dently of the old Exchange, a new Exchange, and to offer
the stands to the trade at 150 guineas each, to be paid for
by instalments of £3l 10s, every three months, until paid
up. And, in every case, the control of the market to
remain with the trade. At this juncture Mr. Bouch
addressed the following note to the Chairman of the
Corn Exchange Committee :
"Liverpool, Friday Evening.
„ _

"MY DEAR SIR,—I have, at the request of Mr. Lowndes,
seen Mr. Claxton, who promised to see you. Mr. Claxton
seemed to think that no site incapable of accommodating
200 stands ought to be chosen, and this was my first opinion.
The area we have submitted to you is thrice the extent of your
present Exchange, and you have in the latter, I believe, 133
stands. An area could, therefore, at any future period, be
enlarged to the required extent. lam leaving town to-night,
and shall be absent until Tuesday evening. In justice to our-
selves, I annex a statement of what we could do, unaided, for
the trade."

The statements alluded to proposed the erection of the
new market with our own resources. The stand rent to
be what it now is, but the holders to have the privilege
of purchasing one at 150 guineas ; in all cases the control
and management of the market to remain with the trade.
These protracted negotiations ended in a resolution of the
committee rejecting all these proposals, whilst at the same
time many members of the trade expressed an earnest
desire that the plans proposed might be issued to the
public. This step was objected to unless such a measure
of support was promised by the members of the corn
trade as would deprive the act of any appearance of
uncalled for interference with the interests of the present
Corn Exchange property.
Mr. WILLIAM MANN, as a proprietor of the oil Ex-
change, thought it right to state that the dispute in
question was not between the proprietors of the old.
Exchange and the proprietors of the new. It was en-
tirely between those engaged in the trade themselves.

MT. EARLE asked if Mr. Mann approved of the con-
duct of the Committee of the old Corn Exchange ? He
(Mr. Earle) was a proprietor, and he did not.
. .

Mr. MANN said he Was finding no fault with any per-
son ; but he wished it to be understood that this was en-
tirely a matter with the trade; it was not a matter be-
tween the proprietors of the old and the committee of the
new Exchange.
The CHAIRMAN observed, that it was well understood
that Mr. Mann was not finding fault with any one. Mr.
Earle only blamed him for not finding fault with some
one. (Laughter.)
Mr. ItIDYARD, in cemplimentary terms, moved a reso-
lution bearing testimony to the handsome manner in
which Mr. Bouch, on behalf of himself and his co-owners
of the vacant land in Drury-lane and Water-street, had
endeavoured to meet the wants of tae corn trade in refer-
ence to a new Corn Exchange.
The CHAIRMAN, having corCially seconded this motion
bearing testimony to the disinterested conduct of Mr.
Bouch, it was carried by acclamation.
The thanks of the meeting were then accorded to the
chairman, after which the meeting separated.

BRITISH AGRICULTURE AND FOREIGN
COMPETITION.

s Ma§az

In last month's number of Blackwood'
article, unmistakeably the production of Prof(
excited the ire of the whole body of free trade
Times especially, was furious, and raved through a column
of leader in his best style of Billingsgate, without at-
tempting, however, to grapple with a single argument of
the object of his abuse. The present number of the

same magazine contain

ome while to get rid of

public will, no doubt, read the article for themselves ;
but for those whose leisure is not sufficient to enable them
to examine the whole of our able contemporary's pages,
we shall not perhaps be performing an unacceptable task
in furnishing an abstract.
The writer commences by reminding the public of the
fact that, in February, 1842, Sir Robert Peel made this
express declaration to the agriculturist community :—" I
cannot undertake to guarantee to you, by legislation, a
particular price ; bul this I will say, that as long as corn
is under 51s. you shall not be exposed to the importation
of foreign corn," At the same time he calculated that,
under the bill of 1842, prices would range from 545. to
58s. That calculation was realised, for in the six years
from 1842 to 1847 the lowest price was 50s. ld., the high-
est, (18470 695. 9d., and the average, 555. 7 2-3 d. The
tergiversating baronet, however, in 1846 turned his back
upon his previously recorded opinions, seduced apparently
by the desire to outbid his rival, Lord John Russell, for
power ; and the result was the repeal of the corn laws.
Amongst the pretexts for this change the most prominent
were, in the first place, the alleged increase of yield to be
derived from high farming, and in the next, an asserted
inability of the foreigner to supply the British market for
less than a price somewhat about 455. per quarter, and
with a quantity which Mr. Tooke, in his History of Prices,
considers " might approach to from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000
of quarters." We shall first consider the question of
foreign price and supply ; and here we quote from Black-
wood :

" In place of 2,000,000 quarters of wheat annually from the
passing of the corn law repeal act, (26th June, 1846,) until the
sth of November, 1847, a period of little more than sixteen
months, we imported 7,229,916 quarters of wheat—while the
total of all kinds of grain entered for cqpstimption amounted
to 16,331,282 quarters ! Some idea may IYE formed of the effect
of such an aggregate importation if we bear in mind that from
sth July, 1828, to Ist January, 1841, a period of nearly thirteen
years. the whole quantity of foreign wheat and flour entered
for home consumption was 13,475,000 quarters."
The writer continues

" But lest it should be argued that this was a supply pro-
duced by extraordinary circumstances, and whch could only
be furnished from accumulations of former seasons—as was,
indeed, said at the time—the further history of the trade has
shown us that our foreign supplies continue to pour in at pre-
cisely the same rate. The total of all kinds of grain and flour
entered for consumption in the last nine montl43, ending sth
September 1849, as exhibited by the Board of Trade returns,
shows an amount of 9,870,123 quarters, the quantity of wheat
being for this period 3,821,293 quarters; and of wheaten flour
—besides frightening the farmers, bearing ruin to our own
millers-3,236,993 cwt.—together equivalent to quarters of
wheat, 4,746,147. And all this, be it observed, has been im-
ported while the average price per quarter has been one six-
pence only above that named as likely to exclude the approach
of more than 1,500,000 or 2,000,000 quarters from our shores !
Formerly—in the first years of the century, up to 1842—the
farmer bad to contend against a foreign supply of grain
amounting to little more than 1,000,000 quarters per annum—
now, in some Cases, under obligations contracted on the faith
of protection to native industry, he is called upon to make
the vain struggle against an inundation of foreign corn
amounting to upwards of 1,000,000 quarters per month! He
cannot it is evident, maintain the contest long."

So much for the supply up to the closing of the ports
in the north of Europe. Another question, however,
discussed by the writer is that of the prices at which grain
can be furnished to us. Thus far the surplus grain of
Europe has been bought up by middlemen, principally
Jews, on speculation, and furnished to us as our necessi-
ties opened the market. Of course these speculators had
their profit to screw from us. But at present it is well
known (and here we can corroborate the writer in Black-
wood) that grain is coming to us direct from the foreign
cultivator on consignment, and will be sold for what it
will bring, a very low price in our market being equal to
what he has heretofore received. In order to give an idea
of the price at which it can be sold, we are reminded of
the remarks of Mr. Sanders, M.P. for Wakefield :

"This much, we know for a fact, that an eminent corn-
merchant in Leith has, in former years, purchased fine wheat,
ft ee on board, at Dantzic for 18s., with the offer of a constant
supply, and that no circumstances have since then
emerged to enhance the cost of production. Besides this, as
Mr. Sandars well remarks in one of his published letters, we
have had plain and evident experience of foreign production
under the working of the corn law of 1842. We hEd a fixed
duty of 20s. per quarter in actual operation for four years;
and in 1844 and 1845, such duty was paid, week after week,
and in the latter year for six months consecutively, at a time
when our general averages were only 465. to 475. a quarter.
Was the foreigner at that time selling at a loss ? His price,
then, adapting itself to ours, was 265. and 275., deducting the
duty, and at that time, be it remembered, he was unprepared
for competition. So that, from experience not five years old,
we may gather what kind of future competition awaits us, and
also what we are annually sacrificing in revenue, by madly
abandoning protection."

We may also quote the writer's remarks as to the quan-
tity of the supply :

" Of the capability of the foreigner to supply us with any
given amount of grain, we think no reasonable man can doubt.
There is a breadth of soil open sufficient to supply more than
twenty times the most exorbitant demand. It is his power to
undersell us, and the extent of that power, which have been
questioned; and on
the solution of that question depends the
utility of high farming, in this country, on a grand and com-
prehensive scale. We shall show that, at present prices, high
farming is so far from remunerative, that those who practise
it are actually incurring an immense loss; and that, unless
rents come down to zero, or at least to a point which would
utterly ruin the landlords, high farming cannot be proceeded
With. We have shown that, within the last five years, we have

been supplied, and that regularly, from abroad, when wheat
was at 465. per quarter, and a duty of 20s. existed ; and, at
such rates, it is quite evident that all attempt at competition
would be hopeless. Wheat could not be grown remuneratively
at 265. or 275. in England before a single shilling of the national
debt was incurred ; and no man is mad enough to insist upon
its possibility now. When, therefore, the free traders tell us
that the present is a mere temporary depreciation, we ask
them—and we demand a distinct reply—for an explanation of
the imports in 1845. How was it that, for along period, foreign
corn came in plentifully, paying the duty of 205., when our
home averages were at 465. and 475. ? Can they assign any
special reason for it ? If not, the conclusion is plain, that the
foreign growers can and will undersell us down to that point,
if we possibly could compete with them so far, and all the
while add to their profit, while they also abstract from our
revenue."

The writer expresses his opinion, and enforces it by
strong corroborative evidence, that the European grower
can and will sell in competition to us as low as 18s. per
quarter.

The agriculturists are told, however, by such authori-
ties as Lord Kinnaird, Doctor Buckland, and recently by
Sir Robert Peel, that they may still maintain their posi-
tion by the adoption of the newest processes, or by what
is styled " high farming ;" and the English portion of
them have again had pointed out to them the example set
them by the Lothian and other Scotch farmers. It is ad-
mitted that these men have devoted every resource of
skill and capital combined to develope fully the capabili-
ties of the soil under their cultivation. The writer in
Blackwood has, therefore, instituted inquiries as to the
effect upon them of free trade and low prices. We can-
not go into the details and figures with which he has sup-
plied us : but must content ourselves with giving a few of
the results. Mr. Hugh Watson, on an average of years,
before the recent measures, cultivated a 500 acre farm, in
Strathonore, county of Forfar, with an improved breed of
stock and sheep, and aided by an ample capital. His
average profit, after payment of interest, &c., was, before
free trade, £lO6 per annum, a sorry sum enough for a
man of intelligence and practical skill. With the, same
produce at free trade prices, he calculates that he would
be left minus, for rent, capital, and expenses of manage-
ment £412. 55., showing a difference altogether of
£5lB. ss.

Mr. John Dudgeon, occupying a farm, on the South
Eastern borders of Scotland, in a full state of productive-
ness, and five hundred acres in extent, where the returns
of stock form a very considerable means of remuneration,
calculates that the result to him will be the conversion of
a profit of £245 into a loss of £l4l. And this is upon
the supposition that his receipts for stock remain unal-
tered, ,whereas he considers that the reduction under this
head, is already 15 per cent.. Before publishing these
calculations, our contemporary submitted them to revision
by 50 of the most eminent farmers in Scotland. Twenty-
eight of these have authorised their names to be recorded
as satisfied of the correctness of the calculations; several
more have expressed their sanction to them without
their names to appear. A few suggest trifling changes of
cultivation, and three have refused their assent on the
ground of difference of opinion. Statements shewing
similar results are also furnished from Aberdeenshire,
Roxburghshire, Mid Lothian, and a farm within five miles
of Edinburgh.
The writer remarks :

" If our statistics should he admitted as correct, we think it
must be clear to demonsteration that British agriculture can-
not maintain itself longer against the competition of the foreign
grower, We believe it impossible for any man who has atten-
ded to the minute statements given above, to arrive at an
opposite conclusion. No appliances, no energy, no high farm-
ng, can avail in this ruinous struggle. To expect that more
capital will be embarked in so losing a:trade, is perfectly idle,
even if tenants had the wish to do so, they would fail for the
want of means. It will be seen from the preceding tables what
amount of capital is usually perilled on Scottish farms, and
what amount of loss, at present prices, the farmer must neces-
sarily sustain. Even in better times, few men could afford to
do as much as has already been done by the agriculturists of
of the Lothians and Berwickshire ; and, under existing cir-
cumstances, the great body of the tenantry cannot find the
means to continue their ordinary operations. With capital
exhausted and credit denied to him, what is the farmer to do?
The question is one which we would fain see answered, and that
immediately, by those who have brought us to the present pass.
It cannot remain long unanswered, without such an augmen-
tation of distress as must render all remedy ineffectual."

It will be remembered that a few weeks ago, at a
farmers' meeting at Fettercairn, Mr. W. E. Gladstone
propounded his views as to the operation of Free Trade
upon the agriculturist, and maintained, firstly, that the
present low prices have not arisen from importations, but
from an abundant crop ; and, secondly, that in 1835,
under the protective system, " we had wheat at 355. per
quarter, and this not only for a short time, but for the
whole year." The writer contends, and we think he
proves, that Mr. Gladstone's statement is utterly incor-
rect. The average price in 1835, taken from the official
tables, was 395. 4d., not 355. Not even for a single week
did prices sink to 355. To discover a time when prices
were ss. per quarter below our present average, we have
to go back to the year 1779, when wheat war quoted at
335. Bd., the National Debt at that time being one-fourth
of its present amount, and the poor rate being, instead
of nearly eight millions, considerably short of two
There is this important fact, too, to be borne in mind,
_ _

whilst comparing the condition of the farmer in 1835 and
at present. The crop of the former year was the last of a
series of fine ones, extending from 1833, as shewn by the
fact that the import of foreign corn in that year was only
82,346 quarters, and that it gradually diminished to
24,826 in .1836. We have now, however, nearly as low
prices as in 1835, in the first fine year, after a series of
bad ones. Mr. Gladstone says that our low prices have
not been caused by importation, but by the abundant har-
vest of the last year. The crop of 1848, it is well known,
was not an abundant one, yet in April, 1849, before cur
abundant harvest was in the ear, we had wheat at 445. 5d.,
barley at 28s. 9d., and oats at 16s. 9d. • Obviously im-
portations, and nothing else, could have caused this

effect of free trade upon the price of provisions is
Ore us in an equally striking light. It has been

v stock

from that of cured meats. American beef, pork, and
bacon undersell in the market the same articles cured in
Ireland, and now form the bulk of the consumption of
our shipping, and even of the British navy. A gentle-
man, who is said to stand at the head of the provision
trade in Dundee, states that he now supplies " prime
American mess beet" at £2 Os. 6d. per tierce lower than
he can cure it for, although buying from the butcher at
£4O per cwt., or a little over 34d. per lb. Hamburgh
beef and pork are likewise sold at about 10s. per cwt. less
that the price of Scotch ; and establishments are being
opened there for its cure on the Scotch system, ti supply
the London market.

We shall close our abstract of this able article by giving
a few words of advice which the author addresses to the
British public :
" One word in conclusion to our friends. It is the policy of
those who are against us—and indeed their last desperate
chance—to promote disunion among the ranks of those who
draw their subsistence from the land, and whose welfare de-
pends upon the agricultural prosperity of Britain. They are
trying to set the tenant against the landlord, the labourer
against the farmer;• and their efforts have been assisted, to no
inconsiderable extent, by the folly of weak men, who, in their
terror, are attempting, by all the means in their power, to
shelter themselves from the consequences which they thoroughly
foresee. Our policy, as well as our duty, is to maintain a firm
and united front. It would be madness to suppose that among
the three great agricultural classes there can beany disunion of
interest. Landlord and farmer depend upon each other; the
one class cannot be prostrated without the other falling a vic-
tim. And both of them have a duty to perform to the labourer
which must not be disregarded. He, as the lowest in the scale,
is often the first to suffer; but woe to our land if the labourer
should be trodden under foot

“We repeat that we have no fear for the future. We see on
all hands the unmistakeable signs of a mighty reaction, which
cannot but defeat the designs of that grasping faction for whose
benefit alone this ominous experiment has been made. Deeply
as we deplore the misery which has overtaken us, we must re-
gard it as the penalty incurred for having swerved from the old
path by which Britain attained her greatness- -for having
listened too readily to the suggestions of selfish and incom-
petent men. The experience of each succeeding month shows
the error of the course we have been pursuing, and demon-
strates the necessity of a return. Why should we fear?
England—that noble country which stands pre-eminent among
the nations of the world for its loyalty, enterprise, and inde-
pendence—for its regard to sterling worth in the lowest, as
well as the highest sphere---has awakened from its momentary
trance. The voice of the people, before which that of faction
must be silenced, is proclaiming, in clear and articulate lan-
guage, that the virtual possession of its free and unviolated soil
shall not be yielded, through fraud, to the foreigner, who never
could have taken possession of it by force of arms; and that
the English yeomanry will not submit to be sacrificed or anni-
hilated for the wretched interest of a handful of manufacturers,
whose gains are dependent upon the extension of a foreign
market. We rejoice to see that the men of England are up and
doing. Their energy, if rightly directed, nothing can with-
stand. Cobden may bluster, as demagogues always do; and
Bright may insinuate revolutions which he has neither the
courage nor the power to attempt; but the day for such trashy
vapouring has gone by, and England will no longer allow her
greatness to be perilled at the bidding of such miserable up-
starts. The issue of the late elections, and the triumphant
meetings which are everywhere held in England, for the main-
tenance of her national and agricultural prosperity, should ex-
cite us to similar efforts. If our statements of what is occur-
ring here can strengthen the hands of our brethren in the
south, we shall he more than amply repaid for the pains we
have expended in a close and laborious investigation. England
may not require support; but support is ready for her. Ire-
land, from the depths of present misery, sees the hand which
is striving to keep her down, and prepares herself for another
struggle. Scotland will not remain inactive. Her interest is
so clear, that it would be almost wasting words to attempt to
explain it further. Let but this experiment go on for a few
years longer, and all that we have gained, by more than a cen-
tury of unremitting toil, will be lost to us : our improvements
will be annihilated, and our people pauperised. Deprived of
her yeomanry, as noble a body of men as exists upon the face
of the earth, the nationality of Scotland is gone. We trust,
then, that in every part of the country the appeal will be ener-
getically answered. Scotsmen are slow to move; but being
moved, they have a will and resolution that can bear down any
obstacle whatever. There never was a time when the old
national spirit was more imperatively required to show itself
than now. Let us then speak out boldly in defence of our
country, and tell those Manchester conspirators, in answer to
their insolent challenge, that—beyond that circle of smoking
factories, which they falsely imagine to be the heart of Britain—
there exists a majority of loyal British subjects who despise
their dictation, detest their hypocrisy, and utterly defy their
Power.”

SIR ROBERT PEEL'S LETTER.
EGO, PEEL.
Peel, egotistic, lacking something better,
With " I " and " My" has filled his flippant letter;
In vain the slippery snake his arts may try,
His logic, like his letter's, '• all my (I) eye 1"

The Duke of Wellington commences the new year with
fresh evidences of health and strength. Thq other day
he went out hunting, and actually rode between ten and
twelve miles to cover.

THE SCOTCH FISHERIES.—We learn from a Parliamen-
tary return that the total produce of the fishing in 1848
was 999,345 barrels of herrings, value £1,000,000. Du-
ring the same period, 364,951 cwt. of cod and ling were
taken. The number of boats employed was 15,062, and
the number of fishermen 60,346, besides 97,477 persons
engaged in curing the fish. The tonnage of the vessels
employed in conveying salt and exporting herrings was
66,214, and the number of the crews 5,097. The tonnage
of the fish-boats was 125,946, and the total value of boats,
nets and lines, £1,250,078,—n0t (be it observed) the capi-
tal of merchants or fish-curers, but the property of the
poor fishermen, who, if he loses his boat, loses his all.

CORRESPONDENCE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD

SlR,—Having once trespassed on your kindness, I am
emboldened to tax your courtesy again ; and as the sub-
ect on which I write is one of very great moment, and is
daily becoming more so, perhaps you will permit me a
short space in your columns.
That a thorough investigation into the condition of the
Masses must soon engage the attention of the Legisla-
ture no one can doubt, and how much soever we have
reason for want of confidence in the present administra-
tion, whose weakness and tergiversation have disgusted
even their friends, yet at all events the question will be
forced upon them. That a very large portion of the
labouring classes are suffering great distress is too true a
tale ; many most anxious and willing for work can find
none, and are either a burthen on the parish, or eke out
a wretched existence in privation and misery. Yet, sir,
though very many are deserving the deepest sympathy,
sorry am I to say the working man has, (and the accusa-
tion is general), much wherewith to reproach himself.'
After a week's hard labour, numbers on a Monday morn.
ing have not a farthing, and what is More, made little or
no provision for the week. I know several, in constant
employment, who, towards Wednesday or Thursday, have
only a little bread, their children ragged, and themselves
selling matches or chips in the streets, their wives beg-
ging, and were their houses visited the inmates would to all
appearance be in the direst destitution. The proof of my
statement may very easily be solved any Saturday night
or Sunday morning : for, in defiance of the law, plenty
of public-houses are open. You have (see police reports)
done much good by bringingunderthe notice of the authori-
ties the illicit sale of whiskey ; yet much remains for
them to do, though the secret manner in which the prac-
tice is carried on, and the vigilant watch they keep, may
well baffle the excise. Before the labouring class as a
body can be permanently benefited, they must first re-
form themselves. A whole week's wages must not be
spent at one debauch. The pawnbrokers' shops must not
be a scene of such bustle on Saturday evenings to redeem
clothes, and on the Monday to again pawn them. Their
wives instead of gadding from house to house, and too
often to the gin-shop, should stay at home, and strive how
far they can make the money go to the best advantage.
Economy in a working man's family is a rara avis—it is
all waste, or all want, no thought for the future. Of
course there are many and noble exceptions ; but they are
few indeed, compared with the rest. If any emgloyer
would go himself, or send so meone on whom he could depend,
to the public-houses on Saturday nights, he would see
how quickly the week's wages are dissipated. To attempt
the amelioration of such, would be as hopeful a task as
making a rope of sand. It may be a harsh truth, but the
labourer is his own enemy. To do him good, so long as
be is improvident, drunken .or addicted to low pleasures,
is utterly impossible, and till he be radically changed, his
mind elevated by cultivation, a feeling of forethought and
reflection implanted in him, neither private benevolence,
nor public statutes will benefit him. I write feelingly,
for too well I know it by my own sad experience, that all
the efforts of friends, all the privations I suffered, and
few have gone throughl more, were worse than useless till
I began with myself, and abstained from what proved my
bane, as it is of thousands, and firmly determined, not by
taking any pledge, but by continually reflecting to what
it had brought me, to abjure it for ever. Let my fellow-
labourers do this, and they will find most of their dis-
tresses vanish. They will be more fitted to battle with
afflictions, and should they be in need will have the heart.
felt satisfoction of knowing that it is not a visitation
brought on by themselves. lam led to these reflections
by being so often a witness to the fatal effects of excess,
and the misery it entails ; and also to show that depressed
as things are, (thanks to free-trade), yet by our own mis-
conduct we make things a thousand times worse. Let the
artizan and labourer firmly commence self-reformation,
and the " good times" will come.—l remain, very respect-
fully yours,

" A LABOURING MAN."

THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY'S
OPINION ON CHEAP BREAD.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD

Sir,—Having remarked during my travels for many
years, both in Great Britain and various parts of the con.
tinent, th at every cheap country, town, or village to which
I came. was also poor, and that every flourishing place
was dear—l am much struck by reading the following
confirmation of my observations in a work published by
the Archbishop of Canterbury, "On the Wisdom and
Goodness of the Creator :"—" It has been remarked by
various travellers, that they have nowhere witnessed more
distress and poverty than where provisions were so cheap
that a plentiful subsistence might be obtained at the rate
of hi. a day."—" Records of the Creation," by John Bird
Sumner, &c. Vol. ii., p. 381. Fourth Edition,
A.D. 1825.

It may be well, in these days of mania for cheapness,
that the public should be made aware of the state to
which experience has proved that our country will be
reduced if the Cobden and Peel crew be permitted to carry
out their devices.

Jan. 2, 1850.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
VI ATOR

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD

SIR,—In the Chronicle of Saturday last, I have read a
great prologue about fires on board ship. The Editor
says, that Liverpool is the only port in the world where
fires are prohibited, which is entirely untrue, for I can
name several ports myself, Riga, Antwerp, Havre,
Dundee, and several other places ; therefore, to disabuse
the minds of the uninformed, I request a space in your
paper for the following, if you can spare me the favour

a ques

merchants, or seamen ; it is purely a case of American
merchants, captains, and brokers—American sailors even
detest the idea of it. For the only inducement for seamen
to come to Liverpool in the winter time (to cross the
Atlantic when Boreas blows his most discordant and
coldest notes, enough to freeze a man's heart-strings,) is
the anticipation of a good boarding-house, its hot and
comfortable breakfasts of a cold morning—so much unlike
a sea breakfast, with its hard bread, insipid coffee, with
many other inconveniences which even a fire would not
make comfortable ; and then, what does a sailor care
about a fire till eight or nine o'clock at night, compared
with these comforts—why, the fires being put out at
night will only make the cold ten times colder.

In the next place, Liverpool, its seamen and merchants,
are not within its pale at all,—when the ship comes in
dock, the crew, to a man, are discharged, and they go to
their homes or boarding-houses, or wherever they

agricultural alai ii?ortirultural

COLUMN,

In an extract from a cotemporary, last week, we alluded
to the probability of many of our choice exotic aquatics
succeeding when turned out in ponds and fountain basins ;
there is no experiment in modern gardening better worth
trying than this, and even should we only partially suc-
ceed, every successful remove from the stove to the exter-
nal aquarium is a decided gain.
Even the indigenous species are worthy of much more
care and attention, most of them being ornamental, and
all interesting. If to these we can succeed in adding some
of the beautiful Nymphwas, such as the blue and rose
coloured ones of India and Egypt, and the many hand-
some white ones of various countries, some of which
would certainly succeed, our artificial lakes and ornamental
pieces of water will assume an interest totally new. Our
native Nuphar is very beautiful, resembling, as it floats
on the surface, a cup of purest gold ; and besides, there
are several North American species of equal beauty—one
with arrow-shaped leaves would form an interesting
variety. The species of Limnocharis have been tried
successfully it would appear, and if the Indian Nymphseas
would succeed the splendid Nelumbium and curious Eu-
ryale might be tried. Victoria is almost too much to be
hoped for ; nevertheless, as the seeds are so freely pro-
duced, and the plants are likely to be easily raised, it is
worth a few trials. To break up the smooth surface of the
water the Papyrus antiquorum and Cyperus elegans, might
be placed out, if it were only during the summer months,
and the handsome Arundo donax and its variegated va-
riety could be had at all times, and forms a fine object.
But there is still another pretty feature which might be
made with aquatics of smaller kinds, where masses of
rockery form part of the scenery of the grounds, a small
cascade might be made to fall into one or more small
basins, just sufficiently to change the water and
prevent stagnation in these little pools, how interesting it
would be to watch the wondrous processes of Vallisneria,
and examine the lovely forms of the numerous small but
beautiful aquatic plants whose habits would suit them for
such situations. Hottonia palustris, Aponogeton dista-
chyon, Byblis liniflora, Pistra stratiotes, Oxalis nataus,
the Utricularius, and many others of similar habits,
would be most interesting. Anything tender would have
to be raised in a stove, and afterwards hardened off in a
cistern in the greenhouse previous to final placing in the
lake or fountain basin. Though the stately Calla lEthi-
opica is thought by many to be too tender, we have seen
it tried with perfect success in this cold locality, and we
believe a slight protection in winter would insure its suc-
cess in most parts of this kingdom ; when well grown it
is a most beautiful object. We sincerely hope some of
our readers will act upon these suggestions, and give an
account of the results of their experiments.

PAPERS ON AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY

NO. XIN

Agricultural chemistry is a science of observation as
much as experiment, and if this is not borne in mind innu-
merable errors will arise. For instance, suppose, upon
the analysis of a'plant it was found to contain a certain
amount of potash, the mere experimentalist would rushto
the conclusion that potash was indispensible to that plant :
perhaps it may be so in its normal condition, but the ob-
servant agriculturist would notice how the same plant
throve in different soils, and his observations might show
that on a soil deficient in alkalies, but rich in lime, the
same plant grew better and was more prolific; for be it
remembered that a vegetable which naturally contains
potash or soda, may, if planted in soils where these alka-
lies are absent, replace them entirely with magnesia or
lime, and perhaps with this change may become more
valuable to man. It is therefore necessary to study first
the normal condition, if it can be ascertained exactly, and
then observe the effect of other combinations upon it.
We thus discover what condition is essential for improv-
ing the quality or productiveness of a plant, and the next
step is to learn the most economical method of supplying
it. All soils containing decomposed organic matter, whe-
ther of the animal or vegetable kingdom, possess some of
the requisites for the growth of plants ; these should be
previously ascertained, and then other materials which are
absent or deficient can be supplied. Judgment is required
to furnish the requisite supply ; for instance, if we obtain
a good crop of wheat from land, and immediately after
sow the same with barley, the probability is that we
should be disappointed in our bores of this second crop,
which would be a comparative failure. If we examine the
cause we shall find a deficiency of silicate of potash in the
composition of the barley-straw and ears, but it would not
follow from this that we should supply silicate of potash
to the land as a manure, and then sow wheat again. An
examination of the case would teach us that silicate of
potash is obtained by the slow disintegration of inorganic
portions of the soil and requires time, and exposureto the
decomposing power of the atmosphere to supply the enor-
mous loss produced in raising &crop of wheat; therefore
it becomes necessary to lay the land in fallow, or else crop
it with something which will not require the same essen-
tial bases as the cereal grasses. It is probable, however,
that when our knowledge of organic and inorganic manures
is more complete, we shall be able to establish a complete
rotation of crops uninterrupted by fallow. In this respect
the Chinese are far in advance of European agriculturists.

PERICDICALS FOR THE MONTH

Maund's Botanic Garden and Fruitist contains well-
executed figures of Zauschneria californica, Cosmanthus
fimbriatus, Tris xiphioides, Oxalis roses, and the excellent
apple, Mannington's Pearmain. The figure of Zausch-
neria is the most correct we have yet seen.
Curtis's Magazine. The principal points of interest in
this number are—first, our old friend Plumbago Larpentte,
under the name of Valoradia plumbaginbides : it is not
new, having been collected by Bunge in the same loca-

Hey as by Air. lortune, and named by him Ueratostigma
plumbaginoides, but belongs to the Valoradia of Hoch-
stetter ;—and secondly, Oxalis elegans, a most beautiful
hardy species. The other figures are Echinocactus rod-
ophthalmus, Metrosideros tomentosa, Ophelia corymbosa,
and Microsperma bartoniiiides.
Hooker's Journal of Botany, and Kew Garden Mis-
cellany, contains Dr. Wallich's remarks on the flora of
the Nicobar Islands, and the continuation of Dr. Hooker's
interesting journal. Amongst the miscellaneous scraps of
botanical information is an interesting account of the ma-
nufacture of toddy from the toddy-palm, illustrated with
an elegant coloured drawing ; and various other subjects of
interest.

English Botany (the cheap re-issue) contains, in the
January part, most perfect illustrations of the re-
mainder of the genus Juncus— Luzula, Oxyria, and
Rumex. The rapid progress made, and the admirable
colouring, must be highly satisfactory to the subscribers.

MISCELLANEA

Method of clearing tile drains when choked with roots.
—At one end of a stiff wire, about 35 yards long, there is
a wooden egg (small enough to go up the drain) that is
pushed up. The men then step 35 yi;r3s, and dig down,
take up a tile, and get old of the egg-shaped piece of
wood, having tied a little wisp of ling to the other end of
the wire; it is pulled through, and effectually clears away
every obstacle.—Agricultural Gazette.
Austrian Mode of Growino Asparagus,—At Vienna,
though the cultivation of vegetables in maraiches or
market gardens is very far advanced, the asparagus forms
an exception, for if it is good and well grown, it is dear
even when in full season. The temperature of Vienna
being cold for a long period of the year, the gardeners
employ a very ingenious method of preserving asparagus
from frosts. As soon as the shoots begin to push out of
the ground, they are covered with wooden cases or boxes,
perhaps similar to sea-kale pots, fixed in the soil by means
of three wires fastened to the " under extremity' of the
boxes. This covering is pierced with holes at its upper
part, to admit air to the shoots of the asparagus, which,
treated by this method, comes up stronger, more tender,
acquires a greater amount of edible substance, and forms
one of the most savory dishes that can be placed on the
dinner table. The covers are taken off during the sun-
shine, or mild weather, and replaced towards the even-
ing. This method reminds us of another that we have
seen successfully employed in the department of La Meuse,
[in France] ; one of which is adopted, from curiosity,
with a great number of fruits, and which consists of in-
closing (inserting) a young fruit of an apple, pear, or
melon, in a glass globe, (which is at the same time at-
tached to the branch close to the peduncle of the fruit,)
where the fruit gradually swells and ripens ; and if the
glass has been suited to the kind of fruit, ultimately fills
it entirely. [This is very common in Scotland with large
kinds of wall fruit.) For asparagus it is sufficient to have
some bottles with the necks broken off. They may be
placed over the shoots that have already come up, and
fastened to the ground by twigs, similar to those used for
pegging down verbenas, and other flowers in the parterre,
but stronger ; but asparagus soon reaches the summit,
bends and twists about till it entirely fills the bottle.
When it is perceived that they have ceased growing,
the shoots are cut at the base, and the bottles broken.
Two asparagus shoots (done in this way) will be found
sufficient for a dish. They are very tender, delicate, and
of an exquisite taste. When served with green peas they
constitute a very delicious vegetable,—Ghent's Annals,
quoted in Gardener's Journal.
On Drying Plants so as to Preserve their Colours.
—No science, perhaps, requires so much practical
knowledge as botany ; in its study, botanical ram-
blings and the preservation of gathered specimens are of
the greatest assistance. The usual method, however, of
drying plants is generally long and troublesome, and
above all, very uncertain. Indeed, whatever quantity of
papers is employed to separate the plants, and even if the
damp papers are replaced by dry ones every twelve hours,
ten days are required before the plants are properly dried,
and at the end of that time they are so discoloured, and
their characters are so altered, that a great deal of practice
is requisite to enable one to make them out. I have made
several attempts to remedy these inconveniences, and I
take the liberty of laying their result before the academy.
In a botanical excursion, I arrange my plants between
sheets of grey paper, which immediately absorbs any free
water arising from rain or dew. In this state the plants
can be preserved for twenty-four hours without alteration.
tThheemnienx tda
n aayp
pI a
rplaces themyi no
own
ne riy dry p
n v en
ti
oa
np h
n;
whicht e nI t
hp
euyt
are completely dried in 24 or 30 hours, preserving the
colour of their leaves and the brilliancy of their flowers.
The following is the. theory of my method :—The water of
composition and interposition evaporates but slowly in
ordinary cases. It, however, struck me that by raising
the temperature and diminishing the atmospheric pressure
should probably arrive at a good result. I accordingly
made a copper cylinder half a yard high and two feet in
diameter. In this vessel I placed a packet of papers con-
taining 100 specimens. I then put about eight pounds of
lumps of unslaked lime in the places between the papers
and the side of thecylinder and fixed the top of the cylinder
on. I then put the whole into a small tub, and rose the
temperature to about 125 or 130 degrees by means of
boiling water poured into the tub. The air is then ex-
hausted from the copper cylinder by means of a small
air-pump screwed into its lid. I make use of no anano-
meter, because, at this tqcoperatuxe, as the air is drawn

country

commodities

Abstra t
~,,,,t iin, -,lace is filled by aqueous vapour, and besides/;.
5un:1,,,,,..-7ation as this no precision is requisite. ji kii
three hours, the apparatus is lei vmac;tili" ;co ~s.ide, that is to say after having putrn'l c
Britainsth of 4
intervals for' tiro or
at the end of this time, on oPr.v th jan
ereof.
ing the apparatus, the
itself for 24 of 30 hours;
plants are found dry and like ,
specimens I have the honour to lay before the acadera' ------____
Gannal in Cornptes Pendia..

w E
euttirintrest
scot,
OPERATIONS POR TI
17V,e1 China Stove, Conservatory, 8,c.--Let the day tenaperauo',,
the stove be from 55 degrees to 00, and that of the gr.l stac'se ......
house 45 degrees to 50, and the night temperature in ers mPs• •
structure five degrees less ; in the latter, the remooo, paxes • • ...,
?roe
all decaying matter, such as leaves, &c., is of much
portance, because with the low temperature they st °Mee.,
gender mildew ; never water unnecessarily, but whe. is;;('swu Land
required, take care to thoroughly wet the whole
earth. In the fruit garden, pruning should be proceed / Ina llone,
with as early as possible; all vegetable crops must be
Moneys
free of dead leaves.
•

AdranCeL~
s

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. ,t 4
d "James M'Farlane."—Your sparaxes and ixias iciu Total
better placed in a gentle heat, and as near as possible otal Inco:
the glass. de'
" Enquirer."—Tuberose should be potted without
lay : the double Italian is the best.
"N. W."—Your Euphorbia jacquiniflora require°
little more water, it must, however, be administered r9waus tiously, and if those in flower be kept cool, they te‘ ri
urdiYaert.'
main longer in flower. made ur
giola P—Y

TOO MUCH MONEY!

Ice
Some very singular features are manifesting themte
in the condition of the monied interest throughout tba
Not only is the great national establishnO
overburthened with specie, and unable to employ its Pa °
even at the low rates of 1 to 2 per cent. ; not onlYl4l.
the bill-brokers of London at their wits' end to find bilP,
to discount, but private bankers even seem to be in °III
same predicament. The Scotch banks have been CO'
pelled to lower the interest allowed upon deposits ; and
joint stock banking company in Sheffield have actual"
found it necessary •to return a portion of their paid'
capital to the shareholders. The following is the circa!'
of the company in question, announcing this step
In pursuance of the powers given in the 13th section of tbe,
deed of settlement, the directors of the Sheffield Bankin,Cow
pany, finding that, in the present state of commercial and .11
notary affairs, they cann t profitably employ so large a Woo
as heretofore, have concluded to return to the shareholder'. tj
sum of £lO per share, which will be paid at the bank or, ti"
after the 21st January next."
In what way may we account for such a state of thing'
Is it prosperity at which the Sheffield Banking ConiPall,sls
point, as disabling them from employing so large a capitsu,,,
heretofore ? It cannot be ; for notwithstanding the 10s"
inerease in our exports, over which the free traders 1
raising such paeans of triumph, we are at a loss to
that general activity in the industry of the country sal
ought to accompany an increase of our foreign tint,
Employment throughout the country is not now gene;
the shopkeeper and tradesman, except, perhaps, in
portions of the manufacturing districts, are not thrill
overmuch ; nor are bills very punctually paid. It is 11°
because we have all been getting richer lately, that Enull',
has been flowing into the banks, but a directly contra.'
state of things is to be inferred.

A vast dec-rease has taken place in the internal tranit;
tions of the country. Speculation is at a stand-sn'`,4
improvements and new undertakings of all descripti°:;
have been arrested, and confidence is destroyed. 11103;t1
is returned to the banker, because we no longer know I°
to employ it profitably. Large masses of the community
too, too are economising their expenditure. The farmer
contract his bills with the tailor, the draper, &c.,
every possible way, lessen his outgoings. The jandlot9,
also, must accommodate his expenses to his reduoit!
rent-roll, Hence, with a plethora of money lying idle ,j 4
the banks, we hear from all parties the one regretful
quiry,—whither has all the money lately in circuinti°
amongst us vanished ?
Another consideration, bearing upon the accutnulatill
of the banking and monied interest, is the fact, that sot
lowered prices of every article of necessity and comfor
unaccompanied by any great increase of consumption,
less quantity of currency is required for the purpose dill:,
ternal distribution and exchange. Forty shillings is no
the cost of a quarter of wheat, instead of sixty or seventl'
and forty shillings accordingly is the sum required to (115;
tribute it in return for a corresponding quantity of other

VARIETIES

FORENSIC ELOQUENCE IN AMERICA.—The folio •
" burst of eloquence" was delivered before a court
justice in Pennsylvania :—" Your honour sits high on
adorable seat of justice, like the Asiatic rock of Gibral
while the eternal streams of justice, like the cadaver°
clouds of the valley, flow meandering at your feet."
SPORTING " FACE."—Mr. Gurney (Mrs. Fry's fatb
was a strict preserver of his game. Upon one occasio_

that f