The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1845-04-29 00:00:00

Frilk LIVERPOOL *l.llifsilltAßD

FIRST TRIAL TRIP OF THE LIVERPOOL AND
WHITEHAVEN STEAMER " THE QUEEN."

We last week gave some interesting particulars of the
construction and dimensions of this beautiful vessel, (of
470 tons burthen,) and have now to notice her success.
On Tuesday last she made her first experimental trip,
with a goodly company on board, of about 250 ladies and
gentlemen, starting from the Prince's Pier-head at about
eleven o'clock. The vessel is a three-masted schooner,
in the Scottish style, and being gaily decorated with flags,
attracted the attention of a vast crowd of persons on the
pier, and, as she ran up the river from the Clarence Dock
outlet, and rounded to, against the tide, to receive her
living freight, presented a truly beautiful and nouel ap-
pearonce—a specimen of all that has hitherto been con-
sidered elegant, classical, and sylph-like in naval archi-
tecture, and, in neatness of rigging, resembling, in fine, a
first-rate nobleman's steam-yacht, of large dimensions,
and, as a Yankee would say, "as slick as an eel." The
day was very fine, with a cool breeze from the southward
and eastward.

The vessel went gallantly down the river, and reached
the Hock Battery at 15 minutes past Il o'clock,—the run
so far, though with a slight adverse tide, if any, being ac-
complished in 13 minutes. She stood out by the Horse
or Southern Channel, and after a delightful run in, it
must be admitted, comparatively smooth water, reached
and rounded the N.W. Light-ship, (about 15 miles from
the Rock,) at nine minutes past 12 o'clock ; thus making
that spot in one hour and seven minutes, which, consi-
dering the stiffness of new engines, was great going.
H.M.S.S. Radamanthus. (a tender for the conveyance of
volunteer seamen for the navy, and, certainly, an appa-
rently clumsy vehicle, and sluggish in power,) had passed
down the river, and taken the Victoria Channel about
half-an-hour before her ; but the " Queen," on her re-
turn from the Light-ship, met her near the Bell Buoy, at
about half-past twelve o'clock, though " her Majesty"
had, in returning, a strongish tide against her.
The engines, of about five feet stroke, made, so far as
we could calculate, when at full speed, which—lest they
should become heated by friction, was scarcely
sought to be attained—about 26 revolutions in the
minute, with a paddle-wheel of large diameter. She
reached the Bell Buoy at 36 minutes past 12 o'clock, against
a strong tide ; and the company being delighted by the trip,
and desirous to proiong it, she rounded the buoy, and
again reached and rounded the N.W. Light-ship, attain-
ing at one time a speed of nearly 14 knots an hour. Three
pilot-boats, which were in the Offing, were successively
passed, and two of them, in compliment to the new ship,
fired their cannons, and gave her loud cheers, which were
heartily retutued by those on board the Queen. The day,
though fine, was rather hazy, preventing a dis inct view
of the land ; but what may be termed the marine scenery
was varied and interesting, many vessels of all classes be-
ing ever and anon in view steaming or sailing along the
blue expanse of waters, outward or inward-bound.
On the final return from the. Light Ship the company
were entertainea, at successive tables, in the main cabin,
with a sumptuous collation, dessert, wines, &c. The
" Lancashire Witches" on board were first invited below,
and, we need scarcely say, their health was drunk with
enthusiasm. At tne second set-out the toasts more espe-
cially appertained to the owners and builders of the vessel
and engines.—Mr. Bell feelingly replied to that combining
himself with the owners of the Queen.—Mr. J. Nelson
Wood, in allusion to the successful trial of the splendid
engines on board, complimented Messrs. Fawcett, Pres-
ton, and Co.. and pronounced a warm eulogiurn on the
character of the late William Fawcett, Esq., the recent
loss of whom the town of Liverpool had deeply to lament,
and a splendid specimen of whose mechanical talents they
had that day witnessed in the engines of the vessel. He
proposed the memory of that gentleman, which was re-
spectfully drunk in solemn silence.—Mr. Thomas Vernon,
in reply to his health being given, spoke at some length,
and in very impressive terms, on iron shipbuilding, as
compared with timber vessels. He urged the fact, that,
in iron shipbuilding it was necessary to amalgamate sci-
ence with practical experience. There were many diffi-
culties to be contended with, and without a combination
of the talents to which he had alluded, the result would
not be satisfactory. The trade might yet be s tid to be
new, and many faults had been committed ; but improve.
ments had gone on, and would, no doubt, proceed. He
might state that the Queen approached as near to perfec-
tion, from her keel to her mast beads, as could yet be
attained. Iron vessels were peculiarly adapted for steam-
ers, but he thought the art might yet be applied most
successfully to sailing ships, which might be greatly im-
proved in construction of that material. Notwithstanding
the specimen in which they were then so comfortably
afloat, he and his brother builders in iron had not got at
the top of the tree, but they would anon overstep their
present efforts, and prove that a proper and scientific
application of iron was equally advantageous in sailing as
in other vessels.—Mr. John Grantham, the consulting
engineer for the vessel, on his health being drunk, ascribed
the merit of the successful result they had witnessed more
to the gentlemen connected with the vessel than to himself.
Though (as we understood him) the model adopted was
somewhat new, and contrary in some respects to the pre-
vious general opinion entertained of fine steam models, the
result was most satisfactory ; but his friend Mr. Vernon
had gone hand in hand with him in accomplishing it, and
he hoped they should yet be together on future occasions.
He complimented the owners on the liberality they had
evinced throughout in the building and equipment of the
vessel, and afterwards proposed the health of the gentlemen
of the Dock Committee, in connexion with Mr. J.N.Wood,
who had resolved to give every possible accommodation to
the shipping of the port. (Cheers.)—Mr. Wood said in re-
sponse that the Dock Committee would do all in their
power to accommodate all the trade of Liverpool ; and not-
withstanding tbeyand the Birkenhead Commissioners were
not on the most friendly terms. he believed that in three
years nothing would be deficient in that respect. He com-
plimented Mr. Vernon for " sticking to the right side of
the M ersey," where he had taken and was preparing a new
shipbuilding yard. He, however, differed from that gen-
tleman in respect to iron sailing ships. The material he
admitted was very applicable fur steamers, but for sailing
ships commend him to wood ! in fact, he was " Wood" by
name, and " wood" by nature. (Cheers.)—The health of
Messrs. Foster and Steward, the agents for the vessel in
Whitehaven, and who had been mainly instrumental in
getting the vessel up, was drunk with much applause, and
was responded to by Mr. Vernon, who characterized them
as active and intelligent men of business.—Many other
toasts were drunk, and ably responded to.
After returning into the Mersey, the " Queen" went
round her " own" Lazarettes opposite the Royal Rock
Ferry, stemming a strong tide gallantly all the way, and
finally landed her delighted passengers at George's Pier,
about five o'clock, by a river steamer engaged for the
purpose. _
. . ,

It may be here stated that the saloon (or main cabin)
is unusually roomy and high for a vessel of the tonnage,
and is decorated in the Grecian, or rather composite style,
with beautiful japanned and richly-coloured paintings on
papier mache, forming panels within richly-foliated and
gilded frames. These pictures illustrate some of the
most interesting events in the life of the illustrious Lady
whose name the vessel bears, and also the magnificent
scenery of the locality to which she plies, including views
of the Cumberland Lakes. The groundwork, of delicate
tints, is also relieved by pilasters with handsome capitals,
and, as well as the roof, is panelled in compartments with
elegant mouldings and other enrichments, in white and
gold ; the whole executed with much classical taste, by
Mr. Keys of Bold-street. Several handsome mirrors, in
richly-carved frames, add to the pleasing effect, giving
apparent enlargement to the splendid apartment. Besides
the stern windows there are two large deck or skylights,
forming domes, and glazed with stained plates, bearing
on opposite squares portraits of her Majesty and het
Royal Consort ; the arms of Brunswick and of England ;
the arms of Liverpool, Whitehaven, and Westmorland,
and those of the Earl of Lonsdale, &c. The furniture,
by Mr. Blain of Paradise-street. is of corresponding ele-
gance, the backs of the chairs being each in the form of a
crown, carved in fine white wood, and brightly polished.
The ladies' cabin, the state rooms, vestibule, pantries,
&c., are equally neat, elegant, and commodious,—the
hangings, furniture, and appointments being all that taste
and propriety could suggest. The sofas, which are fix-
tiu es, are upholstered in rich figured crimson velvet.
Besides the two main saloons there are four smaller
cabins, with four berths and sofas, in each, making the
total number of sleeping places about fifty. She carries
more canvas than is usual for steamers. This was pro-
vided for in anticipation, that she would bear a considera-
ble side pressure without careening too much, and the re-
sult has proved fully satisfactory. The deck is roomy
and convenient, and every thing accords to render her a
most agreeable passenger vessel. She will, probably, be
the means of inducing nuithers of persons to go by
Whitehaven, as the easiest and cheapest mode of transit
to the romantic lake scer.ery of Cnmberland. Great atten-
tionhas been paid to the accommodation of deck passengers,
there beingtwo largecabins forward, one for the males and
the other exclusively for the females. The engines are re-
markably beautiful and effective. They have a peculiar
motion, or direct action on the cranks, which is aloge-
ther new, and highly creditable to the skill and ingenuity
of Messrs. Fawcett and Co. In fine, the " Queen" is
constructed and finished throughout with the greatest
fidelity in workmanship and taste in adornment, and,
from her tested speed and beautiful appearance, will be
acknowledged to be an honour to her owners and builders,
as well as to the towns between which she is destined to
maintain an improved and delightful means of communi-
cation.

FIRST, OR TRIAL TRIP, TO WHITEHAVEN

" The Queen" left the pier at this port, at a quarter to
three o'clock, A.M., on Thursday, on her first trip to the
northern terminus of the station on which she is to ply,
with a number of gentlemen connected with the vessel,
a few of their friends, and several ladies—their guests.
After a delightful run she reached Whitehaven at a
quarter before ten o'clock, thus making the pai.sage in
seven hours, which, allowing for the cog nes not being in
exactly working trim, and one or two other little contin-
gencies unavoidable on a first trip, may be considered a
good passage. She will, no doubt, hereafter accomplish
it from port to port in six hours. The passengers were
much delighted by the scenery that presented itself in
ever varying and interesting aspect, after sunrise ; and not
less so by the unceasing attentions and urbanity of her
worthy and experienced commander, Captain Thompson.
The cheer dispensed was choice and abundant. The ap-
proach to Whitehaven afforded an increasing theme of ad-
miration, and, we may add, of astonishment, commingled
with no little blameless pride in the bosoms of all on
board, in being borne along in a vessel of such beautiful
construction and extraordinary power, and which, in
truth, '. waked the waters like a thing of life". ln en-
tering the harbour she was gaily decorated with numerous
colours, and the bills from St Bees' Head to Whitehaven
were covered by admiring spectators. The piers at the
entrance of the port literally swarmed with people ; it be-
ing market-day, added some hundreds to the numbers
that would otherw►se have assembled. We were ourselves
on board, and never witnessed a more exhilerating scene.
The Queen fired a salute of a number of guns, and these
were answered with interest from many parts of the

shore by the firing of cannons and loud huzzas, till the
welkin rang again, the surrounding amphitheatre of hills
prolonging the reverberation like peals of thunder. The
directors of the Steam-packet Company met us a few
yards from tire land in a small steamer, from which they
embarked on board " The Queen," and enjoyed in her a
turn or two out to sea, showing a " smack of her quality "
to the good people of Workington, which she closely ap-
proached.
It was amusing to walk in the streets of White-
haven after the steamer had arrived. Every body
was making some congratulatory observations about
" their " noble vessel, and she is really worthy of ail ad-
miration, for she is a truly splendid t hip. In fine, had
our gracious sovereign herself, whose name she bears,
appeared in propria persona amongst bcr loving subjects
of Whitehaven, she could not have been more heartily
hailed. Brilliant fire-works and a fire balloon, were set
up at night, which were seen for many miles round, and
the whole country-side devoted themselves to a generalday
of festivity and enjoyment.
The vessel left Whitehaven on Saturday afternoon with
a full and heavy cargo, and, notwithstanding a strong
head gale all the way, effected a good passage back to this
port, proving herself to be an admirable sea-boat.
She excited the admiration of all on board by the ease
by which she was propelled, and the entire absence of un-
pleasant rolling. We need scarcely say, that the engines
of Messrs. Fawcett and Co., have quite equalled the san-
guine expectations that had been formed of their power
and smoothness in working. " God save the Queen ! "

IMPORTANT PUBLIC MEETING ON THE
HEALTH OF TOWNS.

On Wednesday last, pursuant to a numerously and
respectably signed requisition addressed to the Mayor,
a public meeting was held in the Sessions-house, for the
purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of
forming a Liverpool branch in aid of the Health of Towns
Association, recently established in the metropolis. The
meeting was well attended, many influential gentlemen
being present, including Sir Arnold Knight, M.D., Dr.
Duncan, the Rev. John Jones, the Rev. Thomas Bold,
the Rev. Wm. Hampden, the Rev. Donald Ferguson,
Mr. Councillor Blackburn, Mr. Councillor Aspinall, Mr.
Councillor Tinne, Mr. Councillor Mann, Mr. Councillor
Holmes, Mr. Councillor Henderson, Mr. Councillor
Hornby, Mr. Alderman Nicol, Adam Hodgson, Esq.,
Edward Rushton, Esq., T. B. Barclay, Esq., Samuel
Holme, Esq., James Mulleneux, Esq., John Cropper,
Esq., William Rathbone, Esq., Hugh Neill, Esq., Ed-
ward Glazebrook, Esq., Thomas Dover, Esq., M. D.
Lowndes, Esq., E. G. Deane; Esq., &c. &c.. Shortly
after twelve o'clock the chair was taen by the Mayor.
The Town-clerk having read the requisition calling on
the mayor to convene the meeting,
His WORSHIP said that with a requisition so respect-
ably signed, and having for its object the general good of
the community at large, he felt it his duty to comply.
He acknowledged the receipt of letters from the Rev. Dr.
Tattershall, and the Rev. Dr. Beanmont, approving of
the object in view, and regretting their inability to attend,
and called on Mr. T. Blackburn, who was well acquainted
with the object to move the first resolution.
Mr. BLACKBURN expressed the pleasure he felt in
meeting on that occassion with gentlemen of all sects in
religion and all parties in politics, cordially and harmoni-
ously co-operating to promote the general object in which
they were all interested. He hoped such occasions would
continue to increase among them, bringing them more
into harmony, and thus enabling them to learn more
justly to appreciate each others motives and character,
and to discover that a sincere interest in the welfare of the
humbler classes of the community, and a desire to pro-
mote their happiness, was not the peculiar object of any
one sect or denomination, but the common property of
all. His resolution assumed an important fact, and
founded on it an interesting inference. It was as fol-
lows :—" That the great unhealthiness of this and other
large and populous towns of her Majesty's dominions, as
evinced by the recent sanatory reports and inquiries of
the government and other public b dies, calls for the se-
rious and i umediate attention of their respective commu-
nities, and for the adoption of the most effectual remedial
measures." Towns, it will be admitted, were less healthy
than rural districts, for, as had properly been said, " God
made the country, and man the town," and large and po-
pulous localities could not be made quite as salubrious as
country places that enjoyed the pure air. It was found by the
statistical enquiries of the government. that taking three
milions and a-half of the population of this country who
resided in towns, and comparing the annual mortality
among them wi.h an equal number in the c mntry, the re-
sult was—that in the country there was one death in 51,
and in the towns one death in 38. There were great dif-
ferent 13 bi twa en the degrees of health in some towns, as
was proved by t same statistical statements. For in-.
stance tl'e annul mortality in the metropolis was one in
37; in Birmingham and Leeds, one iu 3G; in Sheffield
and Bristol, one in 32 ; in Manchester, one in 29; and in
Liverpool, one in 28. Another source of difference on
this subject wa, the average ages of those who died. In
one part of London, the average age was 26i; in Leeds,
21; in Manches'er, 20 ; in Bolton, 19 ; and in Liverpool,
17. This showed that different towns differ from each
other in their unhealthiness, and also in the prevalence of
disease. There was another class of facts still more strik-
ing, for they went to show that different portions of the
same town presented great variations in this respect—
some portions of the town being more healthy than others.
He was indebted for the proofs which established this
fact to the very able pamphlet published by Mr. Duncan.
(Cheers.) From a careful examination of the returns of
the Superintendent-Registrar of Deaths, Dr. Duncan as-
certained that in Vauxhall Ward the deaths were one in
234, while in Rodney-street and Abercromby Wards they
were one in 411. The same fact was demonstrated in
London. London was divided into five districts—the
west, the north, the central, the east, and the south ; and
of every 10,000 inhabitants, there died annually 22-1 in the
west. 231 in the north, 235 in the central, 260 in the east,
and 259 in the south. There was certainly some truth in
the remark that a difference in the respective circumstance
of the people in different parts of a town had some in-
fluence upon the result. In Bradford and Horton, form-
ing together what is called " Bradford," the inhabitants
were similarly circumstanced in occupation and means ;
yet Horton, which stood higher and was more airy than
Bradford, exhibited less mortality, beirg in the former
one in 37, and in toe later one in 47. It toe causes of
this difference be as( ert. inert, a hope might be entertained
that great amelioration mi.;ht he effected by proper
exertions. They were alt awo,re that the great cause
of the unhealthiness of Liverpool was the va t num-
ber of confined, ill-ventilated courts, and the very
large number of damp, dark cellars which were in-
habited. The former bill dealt with those two evils in a very
effectual manner. It provided that no court should be
built in Liverpool where the space between the houses
was not six yards in breadth ; and it provided that every
court should be a thoroughfare, open at both ends ; and it
allowed that the entrance to each end might be narrowed
to three yards. In some respects the provisions of the bill
relative to courts were more valuable than the provisions
of the present bill ; for, according to the present bill, the
courts which were proved to be 5 yards in width, might
be closed at one end. With regard to cellars, the bill of
1802 provided that after the passing of the act no cellar
should he inhabited which was three feet above the level of
the adjoining street, whereas the present act allowed them
to be two feet 4 inches above the level, and in some cases
two feet only. But the corporation of that day having
been foiled, by the opposition of the parishioners, the re-
rult was, that for forty years the owners of land and the
erectors of buildings in the town of Liverpool were pretty
much in the position of the children of Israel at one pe-
riod of their history—" every man did that which was
right in his own eyes"—(hear, end a laugh)—and the
consequence now was, that we had a mass of evil in the
town difficult to describe, and still more difficult to re-
move,—(hear, hear)—and while it continued it was an
utter impossibility that Liverpool could be a healthy
town, (Hear, hear.) During that time there was no su-
pervision, and streets were made and courts were laid out
in such a manner that it would cost a quarter of a million
of money, at the very least, to remove the evils which had
sprung up. (Hear, hear.) With reference to the provi-
sions of the bill now in operation, he thought it a great
step in advance—a prodigious improvement on the condi-
tion of things previous to its enactment ; and he consi-
dered the Health Committee of the Council enti,led to
the gratititude, sympathy, and support of the community,
for the manner in which they had been carrying it into
effect. In its most valuable provisions, however, it was
almost entirely prospective, preventing the ext-nsion of
the evils which now existed. Having alluded io some of
the provisions, he gave it as his opinion that no man
ought to live in a cellar. He did not think that man
ought to go underground, to be dealt with like moles or
rabbits, or that man was ever destined to be entombed in
the earth before his time ; and he trusted that if the Go-
vernment brought in a hill on the subject, one of the pro-
visions would be an entire prohibition of all cellar-habita-
tion throughout the whole of the empire. (Cheers.) The
inhabitants of the town were deeply interested in this mat-
ter, for cellars and courts were sources of disease and
death. There were about 700 courts in Liverpool, every
one of which ought to be opened out, and have the houses
in front thrown down; and this great good might be ef-
fected for about £lOO,OOO. Parliament must be applied
to for additional powers to effect this and similar objects;
but they could hope to carry this point only from enlist-
ing the great body of the community in the cause, and
thus assisting the authorities in the removal of the evil.
(Cheers.) He could not but regard the increased atten-
tion excited on this subject as a very delightful evidence
of the increasing power and influence of Christianity upon
the public mind at large. He traced up to the influence
of true religion the desire to pay attention to the good of
the working classes, and, he believed, the more the pub-
lic mind was imbu-d with religious feelings, in the same
proportion should we see objects of this nature permeat-
ing and pervading that mind, for Christianity secured a
thousand blessings by the way as it conducted its votaries
to the skies. (Applause.)
ADAM lionnsosz, Esq., seconded the first resolution.
He staid that it was impossible for any candid man to rise
from an attentive perusal of the reports of the sanatory
commissioners without being fully convinced that there
was an immense amount of disease and degradation gene-
rated amongst us, which aro.e not out of any laws of our
being, but had their origin in causes over which we had,
and ought to have, control. He believed the Health
Committee had discharged their duties with benevolent
zeal, but they were not possessed of sufficient power to
grapple with the tremendous evils which the sanatory
reports disclosed. The only effectual way to endeavour
to remove those evils was to inform the public mind, and
create a disposition to co-operate with the government.
SAMUEL HOLME, Esq., proposed the second resolu-
tion. [The several resolutions, which were all passed
unanimously, will be found in our advertising columns.]
He said it was a melancholy reflection that 30,000 at least
of the poorer inhabitants of Liverpool were huddled toge-
ther every night, without distinction of age or sex, in ill-
ventilated habitations—habitatienv in which, at the north
end of the town, gentlemen would be ashamed to put their

cattle. A short time since he went into an Irish lodging-
house in Chisenhale-street, 12 feet by 11, and found that
the beds consisted of decayed rags and some horse-cloths,
and that occasionally twenty, thirty, and even fifty slept
i❑ the miserable place. A court, not twenty yards from
the Exchange, had recently been removed. It had been
occupied for years by no fewer than eighty people ; and
it was in such a state when removed that all the timber
had to be burned. After expressing a hope that her Ma-
jesty's government would, at the earliest opportunity,
sweep away the window-tax, Mr. Holme went on to re-
mark upon the necessity of having internal drainage,
proper cleansing, and a better supply of water. He had
been drawn into a controversy on the latter subject, and
he believed it required some one why' knew the necessities
of the poor to stand forward end declare, in the name of
the inhabitants of Liverpool, that a monopoly of the water
companies should no longer exist, but that there should
be a copious supply for all parties, both public and pri-
vate. (Cheers.) An arrangement had been come to—
satisfactory, he believed, to all—with the gas companies,
and he hoped that gas would thereby be introduced into
the dwellings of the poor. (Hear, hear.) He hoped the
same thing would be done with regard to the water. Let
the present companies have a fair equivalent for their
shares; but the time had come when the public interests
—when the public health demanded a better supply of
water; and the attention of the corporation must be forced
to the consideration of this great and important subject.
(Great applause.) He then adverted to the mode of con-
structing dwellings, and said that numbers of buildings
were now in course of erection, many of which were un-
fitted for the pui pose of human habitations, if health was
to be taken at all into consideration. He contended that
without parliamentary legislation many of the existing
evils could not be remedied ; and he concluded by saying
that the state of the town was as if the destroying angel,
with an unsheathed sword, had been passing over it, cut-
ting down the population by hundreds and thousands.
Dr. DUNCAN seconded the resolution, and, in doing
so, referred to a variety of statistical facts relative to the
mortality and disease in several towns.

The Rev. JOHN JONES proposed, and JOHN CROPPER,
Esq., seconded the third resolution.
Sir ARNOLD KNIGHT prorosed the fourth resolution.

WILLIAM RATHBONE, Esq., in seconding it, said it
was in vain to minister to the spiritual condition of the
inhabitants, so long as 40,000 of them were herding to-
gether like pigs.
The Rev. Mr. HAMPDEN proposed the fifth resolution,
and said that Toxteth-park was the worst ventilated and
drained part of Liverpool.
_ _. .

Mr. Councillor TIN.NE briefly seconded the resolution

Upon the motion of the Rev. Mr. BOLD, a vote of
thanks was passed to the Mayor, and the meeting sepa-
rated.

LAUNCH OF TWO SPLENDID IRON STEAM
FRIGATES.

There are few sights more attractive than the launch of f
a large vessel; and it is not therefore to be wondered at,
that the fact becoming rumoured, though not generally
announced, that two fine ships of war, of what may be
called the " new" material, were to be let off the stocks
into their destined element, from one yard, and in one
tide, should attract a vast number of persons to the scene
of movement, as on Wednesday last, at the building yard
of Messrs. Thomas Vernon and Co., North Shore. The
interest which such! a spectacle, too, was calculated to ex-
cite was considerably enhanced by the remarkable circum-
stance,thatbothshipswereconstructed on the most approv ed
modern principles, with patent rib-iron ; were built from
almost precisely the same moulds ; were of equal tonnage,
and to be provided with equal steam power—being what
may be termed sister ships; and (still more curious) that
they were constructed respectfully for, and in compliance
with the orders of, two of the most exalted potentates of
the European continent,—the Emperor of Russia and the
King of Prussia, and these standing somewhat in rela-
tions of rivalry. By what chance this apparent unity of
purpose arose, or whether accidental of concurrent, we have
not the means of knowing, and are therefore left hovering
on the wings of conjecture, probability suggesting that
their majesties had amicably conferred together and ar-
rived at the same conclusion, each anxious to possess a
similar vessel, for the purpose of mutual friendly inter-
course and noble rivalry of seamanship in their manage-
ment ; and possibility urging the remoter supposition that
should a quarrel arise between them, their respective na-
tional skill and prowess in the art of naval warfare, by
steamers, might be tested on undoubtedly lair and even
terms. Be this as it may. the circumstances altogether
are such as find no parallel in the annals of ship-building
in this or any other country •, and constitute a coincidence
which will form a memorable item in the chronological
records of each of the three countries—redounding not a
little to the credit of our own artificers in iron, to whom
the preference in constructing these vessels has been, we
doubt not judiciously, awarded.
To describe one of these vessels is to describe both ; for
they are as like in every respect as two peas. Each was
built to the same measurement, as follows
Length over all • • • ••••••
Breadth, or beam ..
Depth ,jf hold
Burthen 750 tons, carpenters', or old measurement
In model they are almost precisely alike, with very fine
extremities, but with that peculiar fulness of bilge and
slight rise of flooring amidships, which is found, though
somewhat contrary to the usual conception of the beau
ideal in naval architecture, to impart stability and speed,
especially to steamers, besides additional buoyancy, suit-
ing them for peculiar navigations. The whole of the side
frames, or ribs, and the deck-beams, are of Kennedy and
Vernon's patent iron, (a decided improvement on the
angle-iron hitherto in use.) This new form of ribs has
already been partially employed in other vessels with sa-
tisfactory effect ; but in these it is used in every part
where it is applicable, and combines the greatest strength
and non-liability to fracture, with the utmost attainable
buoyancy. The plates of the garbord streak are three-
fourths of an inch in thickness, and, decreasing a little
as they rise, are at the gunwale. or covering board, halt an
inch. They are so rivetted and secured to the ribs, which
are strung together in every possible manner for effi-
ciency, that the whole is, as it were, one solid mass of
metal. The bottoms, to light water mark, are clencher-
built or lap-jointed, and the sides flush or carver, and
present a very smooth and finished appearance. They
have each billet-heads, made good from the bulwarks to
the extreme point forward,—a comparatively modern im-
provement, which gives a vessel greater buoyancy when
meeting with a seaway a-head. Over the hause holes is
a handsome wreath of foliated carved work, which forms
to the eye an agreeable substitute for the open head rails of
the old style. The sterns, which are round in form, are
also enriched by appropriate carving—the whole from the
tasteful bands of Messrs. J. and H. Hammond, ship-
carvers, north end of Canning Dock. The vessels are
both schooner-rigged, and will be fitted with fine engines
of equal power from the works of Messrs. Berry and Co.
Long oefore high water, the road leading to Messrs.
Vernon and Co.'s establishment—a circuitous route
through the new north dock works to the north gate of
the yard, the only one by which access could be obtained
—was thickly covered with pedestrians, and vehicles of
all kinds, carrying parties of ladies and gentlemen. Some
disappointment was for a time felt by the many hundreds
congregated, by the gate being kept closed, until, we pre-
sume, the workmen could make the necessary prepara-
tion without being pressed upon ; but this was afterwards
remedied by the gate being thrown open to all who de-
sired to enter. Several of the police force were on the
spot to maintain order, under the direction of Mr. Dow-
ling, head-constable, and Mr. Inspector Lawson, both of
whom, as well as Messrs. Vernon and Co., were assiduous
in their civility and attention to those present.
The ships were nearly abreast, and but at a short dis-
tance from each other. The " Preussischer Adler," the
Prussian ship, was first launched, and shortly before
twelve o'clock, all being in readiness, and the usual com-
mands bring given, the " daggers" were struck dofvn
amidst the almost breathless anxiety of the assembled
throng. She slightly hung fire, but in another moment
moved down the inclined plane in gallant style, eventually
attaining a velocity, as her full body reached the water,
which sent her a iong way across the river. A more beau-
tiful and sublime sight than this immense mass of mate-
rial rush ng into her destined element was never witnessed.
She floated very lightly on the water, drawing, on nearly
an even keel, considerably under six feet. She glided up
the river with the still upgoing tide, and was shortly after-
wards taken in tow into dock. In a few minutes after the
launch of this vessel (the departure of which made addi-
tional room for spectators in the yard,) the Russian steam
ship, called the " Wladimir," was released from her bond-
age on shore in like manner, and went off with equally
beautiful effect. The decks of both vessels were densely
crowded. and what with the fineness of the day, the glit-
tering effect under the solar beams of the scarcely ruffled
waters of the Mersey, the numerous vessels afloat,--
steamers and boats innumerable moving shunt near the
scene of action, all thick with anxious spectators,—the
immense and gay assemblage on shore, together with the
responding shouts and cheers from both, as the respective
vessels reached the stream, the scene was for a long time
one of the most interesting and impressive that can be
conceived, and would have formed a fine subject for the
pencil of a competent artist

185 feet

After the launch the elile partook of a splendid cold
collation, or rather dinner, dessert, wines, &c., provided
by Mr. Fisk, of Castle-street, in the extensive model-
room on the premises, which was tastefully fitted up to
accommodate about three hundred persons, though all
too small to meet the requirements, at one sitting, of the
guests invited by the builders of the ships. Every deli-
cacy of the season was provided in ample amount, and
the tables were decorated with vases of exotics. Mr. T.
A. Vet non occupied the chair, and in a neat address gave
the health of the two ladies who; had christened the ves-
sels—Mrs. Berry, the lady of Mr. Berry, who ga‘e the
name to the Russian ship, and Miss Curtis, daughter of
Mr. Curtis, and neice of Sir T. Curtis, both gentlemen
of the firm of Berry, Curtis, and Kennedy, and also of
that of Thomas Vernon and Co.

Dr. BEA ustosT, in a neat and somewhat ironical ad-
dress, described the progress of iron shipbuilding. A
lump of iron was taken from the bowels of the earth ; it
was submitted to the action of machinery; it was made
into an iron horse, and though they had not railways on the
ocean, when it was placed in such magnificent vessels as
they had that day seen launched, they could traverse
wt:ere they would, stopping here and there—at such a
speed that the winds of heaven would lag behind them.
Everything was now of iron ; we had an iron horse, an
iron house, an iron vessel: and he was proud to see that
to England—to this little island—were they indebted for
all these " gems of art." After giving, in most respect-
ful terms, the healths of Messrs. Thomas Vernon and
Co., he concluded by hoping that England would ever be
considered
" First flower of the earth, first gem of the sea."
Mr. T. A. VERNON replied in an appropriate and elo-
quent manner. In reference to the vessels they had that
day launched, he had no reason to detract from the title
that had been given them as magnificent vessels. He
had watched them from the laying of the keels; and they

were faithfully put together. Iron ship-building pre-
sented many difficulties not ordinarily seen : it was a
science in its infancy, and one that required a combina-
tion of fine scientific knowledge and practical experience.
He never knew a good ship-builder whose knowledge
was solely scientific ; nor, on the other band, one whose
acquirements were entirely practical. It required a fine
amalgamation of the two. Far more science and far more
expense was required than any one could at once con-
ceive. Boiler-makers were not conversant with iron
ship-building—and the consequence was, that, from
want of a combination of experience and scientific know-
ledge, many imperfect vessels were at first produced, and
he must say they were at first bad enough ; but they had
gone on improving, and, as far as lie was concerned, he
had gone on as well and as quickly as he could. (Cheers.)
The two vessels they had that day launched far exceeded the
strength, symmetry, and dimensions of any they had pre-
viously constructed, and equally far exceeded their con-
tracts with the respective governments for whom they
were intended. After alluding more particularly to their
construction, Mr. Vernon concluded by proposing the
health of Mr. Curtis, to which that gentleman ably re-
plied.
Several other toasts were drunk, including that of
Captain Kraseninikoff, of the Russian navy, who was
here in charge of his sovereign's new ship; and that of
Captain Barendon, of the Prussian navy ; both of whom
(the former in Russian, and the other in fair English)
returned thanks in a spirited and feeling manner. The
healths of the two monarchs were also heartily drunk.
The company dispersed shortly after one o'clock, all
highly delighted with the events of the day and the cor-
dial hospitality of their entertainers.
These two vessels are, in all probability, the last that
will be launched from the north end of the town. Messrs.
Wilson's yard, contiguous to Messrs. Vernon's, is al-
ready swept away, together with the buildings, leaving
" not a wreck behind ;" and the premises of dr- latter
(who have in preparation a fine yard near the Toxteth
Docks) are already in rapid progress of demolition, to make
way for the equally rapid breaking up of the ground in
that quarter for the new docks.