The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-07-26 00:00:00

Lples, the import duty on bdoks

THE NATIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION.

TO THE EDITOI OF TIRE DUBLIN STESMAN

Sir,—l was about to submit to public atteuton a fact con-
nected with the working of the national system of education
in my own district--before I could do so the last report of
the commissioners appeared in the newspapers in the shape
of a recommendatory appeal to the lord lieutenant's approy-
hie judgment. I cannot but, at the same time, with your
permission, connect my intended remark on what: has come
tinder tny own knowledge with the glaring inconsistency be-
tween the commissioners' professions and the practical

working of the system

What a different clue would an every-day 'experience of
its progress and details afford as to its real merits and cha-
racter, from that which. the .less-instructed would derive
from the studied representations and high professions of the
commissioners in their report.
They can be, in a flourish of a report, all but as warm ad-
vocates for the use of the Scriptures, as their most inveterate
opponents—they can put forward their Scripture selections
" not as a substitute, but as an introduction to the sacred
volume itself"—they can even " earnestly and unanimously
recommend them." This is their high-toned profession—
this is the system trimmed and dressed out in speCious and
seductive colours to win the admiration, and gain the
support of the thoughtless and indifferent. They can put
forth plausible statements, and lay claim to a close conformity
to a scriptural standard and foundation. But how are their
fine principles and statements borne out by facts ? How is
their professed preference for scriptural education exhibited
in practice? Do they not know that it is delusion to refer to
their extracts for proof of the Scripture character of the
system.to vaunt of their " earnestly and unanimously re-
commending them as an introduCtion to the sacred volume
itself." Is it possible to believe with all this, that the
scriptural extracts are anything more than an apology and a
cloak for the board ? They may, indeed, ever so earnestly
" recommend" them. But when they tell us that the
" national schools are not so much the schools of the govern-
ment as of local patrons and managers," who would be so
dull as to imagine that in the nine-tenths of the schools
where the Roman Catholic clergy are the "pastors and
managers," that the Scripture extracts are anything more
than a dead letter—in fact, that they are not a proscribed
book. It is thus that as education increases (see report)—
spiritual light is stationary in its progress; in proportion as
facilities for procuring knowledge are multiplied, the priests,
shielded by the regulations of the national system, incur no
increasing odium as the withholders of scriptural truth. The
commissioners give their sanction, and the priests bear rule
by their means ; for, connected as they are with the controul
and management of the schools, they appear less in their
own proper spiritual character. as suppressors of scriptural
truth, than as agents in the administration of a system
founded and nurtured by government.
Perhaps it would be too'fearful a libel to assert that the
board tacitly co-operates with the priests in the suppression
even of their own extracts. But does the board seek to en-
courage and facilitate their"uie ? No; if they were really
anxious that they should be as much as possible in general
use and requiSition, would they not allow thear a free course
and circulation. But the ffiCrliThe reverse There is only
a free grant of them every four years. But how long in
general does this supply last? I will venture to affirm that,
for three years out of the four, the grand maimbrity of the
schools are most ill supplied, or completely destitute of
them. Ido not speak at random. • I was told by the master
of one of the schools here that they are in want of Scripture
extracts, that their supply was long since exhausted, and
that they do not in general make much use of them, and
that in the two neighbouring schools (he particularised their
localities) they are not used at all. Now, here are three
schools in one small district, in which the children have not
the semblance of a scriptural education. Here is a specimen
of the practical working of the system. As much of the
Scriptures as the board will authorise and patronise, become
either a dead letter, owing to the operation of their own
rules, which obstructs instead of regulates a supply of this
portion, or to their proscription by " local patrons and ma-
nagers." _ _ _

We have a parade of figures in the last report—that, for
instance, " in the course of this year, there will be between
3,000 and 4,000 poor children receiving instruction under
us." It is well that they do not say a scriptural education.
Taking the number at 200,000, it would be found, I am con-
fident, tat not 10,000 children could be found to exhibit
even a tolerable proficiency in the book of extracts. It would
be a good criterion on this point, as the hoard has paraded
£6,154 7s. as the amount last year for the sale of books and
requisites, if they would specify the exact proportion which
the sale of Scripture extracts bears to the gross sum. Will
they do this ? lam sure they will not. But should they not
do this in fairness and honesty ?

It is only easy simplicity or ignorance of the religious
state of Ireland that could be deluded into the belief that
" the principles (see report) upon which the national schools
are established" could be, in the nature of things," deve-
loped in practice." The board professes to exalt the Scrip-
tures as the best foundation for education; but what do
their professions signify when all that they can do, if indeed
they strive to do more than what they assert in a printed re-
port, or in the preface to their extracts, is to a LEAVE"
" the use of the sacred volume to the religious instructors of
the children," and to "RECOMMEND" " the extracts to be
used in all schools" whose " local patrons and managers"
are the priests. It is thus, whether by the desi.ned genius
of the system, or by the direct connivance of the board, that
the priests influence is upheld, and their hands strengthened
in withholding from the people the word of God
July 20, 1042

. .
I am, Sir, your's faithfully,
H. SIRR

THE CLAYTON SQUARE MEETING

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MORNING HERALD

SIR,-1 have recently arrived in London from Liverpool
and Manchester, and cannot but feel surprised at the manner
in which the sayings and doings of certain gentlemen, calling
themselves deputies, are chronicled.
I have heard of a Mr. Heyworth making speeches at
a meeting of the defeated Whig-radical clique in Liverpool;
and if the Mr. L. Heyworth, whose name figures in the
anti-corn-law conferences and deputations, be the same
individual, he can scarcely have the effrontery to assert that
'he is either commissioned to speak, or that he does speak,
the sentiments of the respectable inhabitants of Liverpool.
When the public of Liverpool think proper to express their
opinions by deputation on such an important point of com-
mercial policy as the corn laws, they will select a very differ-
ent person for•the undertaking to Mr. Lawrence Heyworth.
Again, who•is Mr. Holland Hoot? A short time back a
bundle of cotton lords, full of wisdom and philanthropy,
came from Manchester to. Liverpool to infbrtn the natives of
Liverpool of their diainterkled• views. upon the' corn laws.
Among them came Mr. Holland Hoot, or, as some of the
placards announcing the meeting hid it by mistake, Holland
Tool, and othertolland Fool. They preached and spouted
away at the Amphitheatre, and the astonishing modesty and
self-denial displayed had the wholesome effect 'of turning
several wavering whielingainto staunch tories. They went
back •with their tails between theirlegs. If the Mr. H. Hoof,
who generally takes upon. himself to represent the opinions
of the inhabitants of Manchester, and Salford, be the same
gentleman, he will have a lively recollection of the circum-
stances.
But Who is the distinguished cotton-spinner that, according
to the report of the deputation the other day to Sir Robert
Peel, absolutely " shed tears!" This astounding display of
human agony must surely at once have overcome the sternest
resolutions of the Premier; and it is indeed to be deplored
that those precious drops were not carefully preserved in
spirits, to be exhibited among the rarest curiosities at the
next " National Anti- Corn-Law Bazaar."

But, sir, how long is this scence of iniquity and cajolery
to be tolerated? For the last ten years in Liverpool and
Manchester the same democratic knot have been putting
forth the same sophistical selfishness about the corn-laws.
They have lately been admitted to conferences in highs places,
and obtained a consequent notoriety which their arguments
never could secure to them. Is their real position changed?
Not a bit. There is not so much reason or necessity to be
shown now for the repeal of the corn-laws as there could be
ten years ago. It is, however, quite impossible that these
overpowering exhibitions of agony on one hand, and smpathy
on the other, can be continued without producing consider-
able effect ; and the question naturally forcing itself on the
consideration of the people of Liverpool is, are the land-
owners of England going to permit Mr. Lawrence Heyworth
and Mr. Holland Hool to repeal the corn-laws? If they
are, the natural reply will be, What the deuce did they do
that for ? Let us, however, hope, before the separation of
parliament, that some responsible English gentleman will
speak i❑ a more uncompromising tone on this important
subject than the present ministers appear inclined to use.
The threats of outbreak and rebellion are base libels on the
manufacturing population, for every subscriber to the Anti-
Corn-Law League well knows that it is utterly beyond the
power of that mischievous body to delude the people into
the scenes that they describe. The working classes in Liver-
pool and Manchester know them and their objects, and are
only surprised that any minister, or in fact any man, should
be influenced by their pompous inanities.—yours, &c.,
A LIVERPOOL BURGESS.
•

DIVISION ON THE GRANT TO MAYNOOTH

AYES.
Acland, Sir T. D. Gore, M. Paget, Lord A.
Aglionby, H. A. Goulburn, H. Palmerston, Lord
Ainsworth, P. Graham, Sir J. Pechell, Capt.
Aldam, W. Hamilton, W. J. Peel, Sir R.
Baillie, Col. Hardinge, Sir 11. Peel, J.
Baring, W. Hawes, B. Philips, M.
Bentinck, Lord G. Henley, J. W. Plumridge, Capt.
Berkeley, Capt. Herbert, S. . Pulsford, R.
Boldero, IL G. Hervey, Lord A. Rout, Capt.
Bowring, Dr. Hill, Lord Al. Simi!, R. L.
Brotherton, J. Howard, P. H. Smith, R. V.
Bruce, Lord E. Jermyn, Earl Somerset, Lord G.
Cavendish, G. Jocelyn, Lord Somerville, Sir W.
Clements, Lord Knatchbull, Sir E. Stanley, Lord
Clive, E. Knight, H. G. Stanslield, W. R.
Cockburn, Sir G. Lambton, H. Stewart, J.
Colborne, W. Langston, J. H. Sutton, H.
Corry, H. Lasielles, W. S. Tancred, H. W.
Courtenay. Lord Leicester, Earl Thornely, T.
Cowper, W. F. Lemon, Sir C. Tufnell, 11.
Crawford, W. Lincoln, Earl Vane, Lord 11.
Darner, Col. Lindsay, M. Wawn, J. T.
Denison, E. B. M•Geachy, F. A. Wilde, Sir T.
Douglas, Sir C. Mangles, R. D. Wodehouse, E.
Eliot, Lord Manners, Lord C. Wood, B.
Escott, B. Milnes, R. M. Wood, G. W.
Ferguson. Sir R. Muntz, G. F. Wyse, T.
Flower, Sir J. Newport, Lord Yorke, 11. R.
French, F. Nicholl, J. Young, J.
•
Gaskell, J. M. Norreys, Lord
Gill, T. O'Brien, J. Tellers.
Gladstone, W. O'Connell, D.
Fremantle, Sir T.
Gordon, Capt. O'Connell, M. J• Clerk, Sir G.

NOES.
Allix. J. P. Fuller, A. E. Newry, Lord
Antrobus, E. Gladstone, T. Packe, W. C.
Archdall, Capt. Goring, C. Polhill, F.
Blackburn°, J. I. Grogan, E. Rushbrooke
Bradshaw, J. Hamilton, Lord C. Russell, J. ,Col.
1). W
Buck, L. W. Hardy, J. Sibthorp, Col.
Buller, Sir J. Y. Hodgson, F. Smith, A.
Burroughes, H. Hughes, W. B. Smyth, Sir H.
Campbell, A. Kemble, H. Stuart, H.
Clietwode, Sir J. Lefroy, A. Tollemache, J.
Clayton, R. Lockhart, W. Tyrell, Sir J.
Codrington, C. Lowther, J. H. Verner, Col.
Colvile, C. R. Mackenzie, T.
Duffield, T. Mackenzie, W. F. • Tellers.
Ferrand, W. B. Mainwaring, T. Plumptre, J.
Fitzroy, Capt. Masterman, J•
Flothou, J. Morgan, 0. Bateson, 11.
Forbes, W. Munday, E. M• :.,••

THE AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.--SOMething was said
on the subject of feeding, and a curious disquisition was
commenced on the possibility of bringing up a ties entirely
by hand ; but a member declared that he had felt one at his
foot all the preceding night, and had made several efforts to
bring it up by hand, all of which were utterly futiie. (Loud
cheers.) The secretary related an anecdote of a domestic
spider which knew him, (the secretary,) and would take food
off his (the secretary's) hand. A member observe& thatthis
was nothing in comparison with a case he Could .relate from
his own experience. There was a whole colony of }leas
so
exceedinly attached to him that they invariably waited till
he (then ember) came to bed, when they:ldatiPyl.papyeefruitileoldy;.
begin to tickle him, (the member,) and would not only take
their food off his (the member's) hand, but i
his (the member's) perzion which they (the fleas) hap
to find at the moment convenient. (Immense sensation.)--
Pilneh,

MISCELLANEOUS

Two troops of dragoons left Manchester on Friday morn-
ing to be ready in case any disturbance should break out in
that town, a thing anticipated by most people.

A correspondent of the Standard says one of the leading
anti-corn law brawlers, living near Manchester, and in the
&mid trade, cleared £24,000 by his business last year !
A series of patent machinery for theatres, by which a si-
multaneous change of thirty-five different pieces of scenery
may be effected by turning the handle of the apparatus, has
just been invented by Mr. R. Macdonald Stephenson.

QUICK WORK IN A HAY FIELD.—A correspondent who
writes from Wibsey, near Bradford, but who does not give
his name, informs us that a farmer who resides not a hun-
dred miles from Wibsey Slack, and who has long boasted of
his ability in prognosticating the weather, and of his skill in
getting in his hay without damage by rain, cut a field of grass
early last Saturday morning, set the hay-makers speedily to
work, and before eight o'clock that night " he had got in all
his hay and had his cattle turned into the field to eat the
fog I"—Leeds Intelligeneer.
EXTENSIVE SEIZURE.—A seizure of upwards of 40,001b5.
of foreign unmanufactured tobacco, besides cigars, was, on
Wednesday morning, made at Hedon. It appears tint,
in consequence of information received the officers pro-
ceeded, during the night, to the premises of a carrier in
Hedon, named John Branton, where they found two
carts loaded with packages of tobacco, &c. ; and, after
lying in ambush for some time, they also discovered toge-
ther, concealed in an outhouse, Branton, the carrier, and two
persons of respectable appearance, as countrymen, who gave
their names John Fletcher and William Baker. Having
secured them, the carts were examined, and found to con-
tain 4,1721b1: of tobacco, and five cases of cigars, weighing
591bs. ; another ease was also found, containing tea, coffee,
manufactured tobacco, and cigars. The prisoners were exa-
mined, first before the Hull, and afterwards before the East
Riding magistrates, by whom they were remanded till Mon-
day.—Hull paper.

THE VICAR OF GEDNEY.—This gentleman (the iiev.T.
S. Escott) has addressed the following letter " to the clergy."
It is inserted in the London Times as an advertisement:—
" Rev. Brethren—The Privy Council hits given a decision,
by which a clergyman is to he suspended for three months
for doing his duty—for refusii:g to use the burial service at
the interment eff one who had died ' unbaptised ;' and, in
order to put a face upon this decision, the Council has
asserted that every human being, whether schismatic or
otherwise, may validly perform the holiest office of the priest-
hood of God. Thus the Council entirely denies the utility
of a priesthood ; and thus the Bishop's office, in the eye of
the law, is ended ; for a lawyer assumes the Prelacy, and
confers his ordination upon all mankind ; and each member
of the Council having taken an oath to support the Church,
this is their regard for that oath, and this is the support
which they afford. And sill you, rev. brethren, sit down
quietly under such mockery as this ? No, surely you will
not! but you will unite in petitioning ypur respective dio-
cesans to oppose, in the proper place, the wicked insult
which the Privy Council has thrown upon the Word of God
and his Church, and to memorialize the Queen of the realm,
respecting that religion, which the Queen, as well as the
Council, is sworn to defend."—[Mr. Escott is not likely to
gain much sympathy by such 411 offensive outrage against
constituted authority as this letter exhibits. Whether lay-
baptism be valid or invalid may be matter of argument, but
it is degrading and disgusting to hear a clergyman describe
the sentence upon himself, as a " wicked insult to the word
of God," and the judges who passed that sentence as guilty
of perjury. It is a pity that Mr. Escott shows so little con-
trition for the ignorance of his duty as a christian priest.—
ED. L.S.]

INTERESTING PIECE OF WOOD.—(From a correspondent.)
—On Thursday morning a piece of wood, addressed to the
Lord Steward of her Majesty's Household, was landed at the
Woolwich Dockyard from the Rhadamanthus steam-vessel,
and forwarded the following day as a present to her Majesty, at
Windsor Castle. There is nothing curious in the appearance
of this piece of wood, but it is said to be interesting owing to
the associations connected with it, having formed part of
the identical tree on which Robinson Crusoe made his not-
ches to calculate time, and on which his parrot perched
during the long solitary residence in the Island of Juan Fer-
nandez of the hero of De Foe's interesting tale, grounded
upon the actual occurrences which happened to Alexander
Selkirk on that desolate island. The piece of wood is of a
dark brown colour, without any bark upon it, and resembles
the body of a person from the breast downwards, cut off at
the knees. It is about two feet long and nine inches in dia-
meter.—[We should be glad to know where the Rhadaman-
thus picked up this "interesting piece of wood," seeing that
she has just returned from the eastern coast of North
America, and that the Island of Juan Fernandez happens to
he some thousands of miles off on the western coast of South
America. They must haVe been knowing fellows, moreover,
who recognised this dark brown log as " the identical tree"
of Robinson Crusoe and his apocryphal parrot. Such dis-
coverers should be applied to by the miracle-makers of the
church of Rome, they could furnish many valuable items.]
.111ornillli Herald.

CAPICURE OF a GANG OF HIGHWAYMEN.—On Saturday
a session was held before William Davis, Esq., chairman,
and Messrs. Streatefield, Maitland, Major Fanshaw, Major
Anderson, W. Cotton, Guilliman, and Mashiter, magistrates
of Essex, at the Angel Inn, Ilford. Four gipsy looking men,
known as Edward Houghton (alias Jones Joseph). Homan
(alias Job Challis), James Hoy ( alias Tydihorne), and
Henry Chapman, were placed at the bar, charged with being
found, together with three other persons who escaped, in a
cave in Epping Forest, under very suspicious circumstances,
and with assaulting and resisting the police in the execution
of their duty. Much interest was manifested in the proceed-
ings, in consequence of the numerous highway robberies
which have recently taken place throughout the neighbour-
hood. Police-sergeant James White, K 13, stated, that he
did duty at the police station, Woodford Wells, for some
time past. Various complaints had been made to him of
serious highway robberies, committed in various parts of the
country, by a numerous gang, who had located themselves
in a cave, which they had managed to construct in the thick-
est part of Epping Forest. On Monday last, with one or
two of his men, he scoured the forest, and ultimately suc-
ceeded in finding the place alluded to, the entrance to which
he found choked up with stumps of trees and boughs, to pre-
vent it being seen. On entering the place he found it empty,
but picked up a tobacco-box, containing bullets, and the
wing of a duck. He thought it imprudent to molest the
cave, but directed some of his men to watch it. On Thurs-
day night last, police-constable Turpin, K 289, was lying
on the ground for this purpose ; and, after waiting
about three hours, he observed seven men enter the
cave, make a fire, and cook something which appeared to
have a great deal of fat in it. The men began to sing and
carouse; and Turpin then made the best of his way to the
Woodford Wells station, and gave information. Six con-
stables, armed with cutlasses, were despatched to the spot,
at which they arrived at half-past two on Friday morning.
On entering the cave, they found the prisoners and three
other men asleep; but they were roused instantly, and made
a desperate attack on the police with bludgeons, and, for
some time, nearly overpowered them ; ultimately they suc-
ceeded in capturing the four prisoners, but the other three
managed to effect their escape. On searching the place, a
large knife, similar to a butcher's knife, was found, hut no
property. • The constables had the greatest difficulty in get-
ting them .tts the station-house. Police-constable Turpin,
K 289 corroborated the above evidence, and added that he
knew the prisoners to be most desperate characters. A gen-
tleman, named Hearn, residing at Ilford, identified the pri-
soners as men he found stealing fruit from his garden on .
Monday night last. Inspector Cooper, of the N division,
also recognised the prisoners as notorious characters ; and
Mr. Anderson governor of Ilford gaol, said they had all
been committed to his custody about six times each, and
they were notorious for robberies throughout the county.
The prisoners, in defence, said thry were inveigled into the
cave, to have some beer, by the men who escaped. The
bench expressed their convict:on, that the prisoners were the
perpetrators of the robberies ; but, in the absence of further
proof, committed them to Ilford gaol for three months and
hard labour, and directed the police to use every exertion to
apprehend their companions.

Not exceeding 20 440,740 410,402, 2,904,2071 3,067,668
50 209,463 215,855; 6,437,846 6,666,315
100 85,118 88,88/1 5,847,8111 6,120,312
150 28,449 29,7851 3,408,0371 3,579,040
200 15,538; 16,221! 2,639,648; 2,760,902
Exceeding.... 200 3,06611 3,012 742,248 721,703
~
Indivdl.Depostrs. 782,37411 824,162 i 21,979,7971 22,915,940
Charitbl. Institns. 7,9881 8,778 485,908; 478,096
Friendly Societies 7,6931 8,2641 1,005,345 1,080,653

798,0551841,204; £23,471,056£24,474,689

MAN AND MACHINERY.—In the year 1829 there were
2,400 operatives cotton spinners in Manchester and Salford
alone, each spinner working a pair of mules averaging 300
spindles each. In that year it was resolved by the master
spinners that if any of them bad mules exceeding 300
li spindles, they should be allowed to pay the operatives wages
at the rate of 11d per cent. less for 'every 12 spindles above
300, so that those masters who had mules of 600 spindles
would derive an extra profit of 371 per cent. over those
masters who used mules of 300 spindles. The consequence
was, that the masters vied with each other in lengthening
their mules, and to such an extent has this been done, that
at the present time, the operative is compelled to work a
pair of mules of 1,000 to 1,344 spindles each. Again, in
course spinning, manual labour has, to a great extent, been
superseded by self-acting mules, which are increasing so
rapidly, that at the present time there are only about 700
cotton spinners employed in this branch in Manchester and
Salford ; hundreds have been cast adrift and suffering the
deepest privations. Improvements in other machinery
connected with the preparing of cotton, which will have the
effecting of diminishing the number of workers, are likewise
going forward, and it is impossible to say where the evil will
stop. The facts cannot be disputed, and the only question
that remains is, how the effects of the inventive genius of
the nation, upon the working classes are to be contervailed.
—Manchester Courier.
ANOTHER BURGLARY.—We record the perpetration of
another daring burglary in the vicinity of this town. The
scene of this outrage is the dwelling of John Gardner, a
small farmer, who resides at a retired spot, on the road side
between Galgate and the Dog and Partridge, in Qeeremore.
Gardner is a man far advanced in years, being nearly seventy
years of age, and having no wife or family, he generally
lives alone, but at present his brother Robert, also an old
man, resides with him for the purpose of assisting him to
mow his hay. These old men were in bed, when about
three o'clock yesterday (Friday) morning, they were alarmed
by a great noise, and they soon found that thieves were in
the house. John Gardner immediately seized a hay knife,
and at the head of the stairs encountered two or more IT
ans. He struck manfully with the knife, and must have
maimed one of the villains, because the fellow cried out that
his blood was flowing. Unfortunately, Robert Gardner,
the brother, lost his self possession, and concealed himself
demandedurderohuiss
under the bed. Old John, though boVly defending himself,
n
was overcome, and most cruelly treated.
T he i
villains beat him with savage ferocity, and
money. He said he had none, and they there reminded him
that he had recently sold a calf. Lie said that was so but
that the money paid for the calf had not been received by
himself. The brutes afterwards renewed their ill treatment
of the poor old man, and in fact left him for dead come
suggestion was made to inflet further punishment, when.' one
of the gang liited the poor man's head by the_ hair and let it
fall on the ground, saying he was dead enough. This shows
the blood-thirsty disposition of the marauders by whom the
Robert neighbourhood is infested. The brother was dragged
from his hiding-place and ill-used, but not so severely as his
brother. The latter was in time brought to his senses; but
his head and body were frightfully bruised, and the pool of
blood around the spot where he lay, extended a considerable
distance on all sides. It was reported yesterday that he was
dead, but we believe the fact is not so. All the burglars got
for their pains, after all, were two shillings in money, a shirt,
and a pair of shoes. How many the gang consisted of is not
ascertained. Only two were up stairs, but at least one voice
was heard below. The unceremonious 'means the ruffians
took for entering the house are quite characteristic of modern
burglars. They procured a large st
. rnd pith it fairly
dashed the entire window-framein,Lnde
there it law in the
apartment with the stone in the midst, when the premises
were visited.---Lancaster Gazette.

By a Loyal decree, at N
s been reduced one-half.

For the Oaks there are 123 subscribers.
wen entered for the Derby Meeting, 1814.

161 horses have

Several highway robberies have recently been ciinnnitted
)11 the Manchester and Middleton road.

A. woman of Ghent recently delivered of four children
L!y were. all born alive, but died soon afterwards. . •

A woman of the name of Ock well, in the hamlet of Down-
arnpney: Wilts,• has 21 children, all at home, and the eldest
only 18 years of ape.

The 21st instant (yesterday). was appointed by the last
General Assembly of Scotland. " to be set apart as a day of
"solemn humiliation and prayer, with especial reference to
the distresed state of-the country."

. At a petty sessions held at Rochdale on Monday last,
fifteen local constables were appointed, and it was agreed
that a superintendent should be stationed in each ot• the out-
townships.. • - • ".-

Since' December fifty-seven lives have. been successfully
recovered from ctroicnint h Hyde-park ; and in Ireland and
other parts of the country, fifty-one out of 154 had been re-
suscitated.

• Mr. William Thos. Elder, Who holds a hizh official situa-
tion in the Ordnance Department at the Tower, has been
held to bail in £l2OO, for an. unnatural offence.

Thomas Newton, a driver of one of the Post-office omni-
buses, in London, has been commiLted for trial, charged
with stealing newspapers, The offence is becoming one of
very frequent occurrence.

THE LANCASTER AND PRESTON RA ILWAY.—The Lan-
caster Canal Company have taken a lease of this line for 21
years, at a rent of four percent. per annum on the paid•up
capital of the company. Possession is to be given to the
lessees on the Ist of September nest. The shares. of the
railway have advanced considerably since the arrangement
was announced. • '

StR ROBERT INGLIS.—The author would do injustice to
the laity of England, as well as to his own feelings, did he
omit to name the noblest representative of their :class, Sir
Itobert Inglis, Bart., the distinguished member for the Uni-
versity of Oxford, the unflinchin,7, untiring champion of the
church. Ills was. the first acquaintance formed in England,
and, through his -instruction and unwearied kindness, the
way was opened constantly to fullest sources of
.thepureat
satisfaction ; especially to that most Memorable day at qydal
Mount, with the great sage and poet of our tinies4-I,4shlP
Doane, of New Jei-seii.

A SIMPLE REMEDY.—We this week saw 311 interesting
little boy writhing under extreme agony from the sting-of a
bee inflicted upon Into in the hay.-field. After..he had-suffered.
forsome time, a small quantity of honey was rubbed upon
'the almost. imperceptible wound, whit .so...cotnpletely. ex-
tracted the- virus that he became ithinist" instantly fl'ee
from pain, and resumed his sports more joyously than be-
fore, from the contrast between pain and pleasure. In the
absence of honey, treacle, or probably sugar moistened with'
a drop or two of water, would be found equally efficacionS.—
Leols Mercury..

ARTESIAN VITELLS.—M. Degousec has published an ac-
count of some recent results in the making of Artesian wells,
in which he states that he has bored for water in the plateau,
which extends from Lagny to the forest of Armitiviliiers, at
the height of 110 metres above the Marne. In one spot an
abundant supply of water rushed out, although he had gone
to a depth of only nine metres. With M. DegOus6e's report
he forwarded to the Academy of Sciences a letter which he
had received from Aime-Bey, the director of the mines of
Egypt, who announces his intention.. of re-opening some.of
the bored wells of the ancients, at the foot of the Libyan
chain, and requests that the necessary instruments may, be
sent out to him for that purpose.
ILLNESS OF MR. BYNG, THE MEMBER FOR MIDDLESEX.
—Mr. Byng, the venerable and highly-respected member for
Middlesex, and father of the House of Commons, was and
denlv seized with an alarming illness whilst in-the house, on
'Thursday evening, and which, it is feared, will wholly inca-
pacitate him from again attending his parliamentary duties.-
It appears that Mr. Byng went to the House of Commons.
about 5 o'clock on the above evening, and the hon. member
was then to all appearance enjoying his usual health. At
half-past six o'clock Mr.-: Byng was observed to Shake viol
lently from head to foot, and momentarily- his faceassumed
a dark hue. Several members hurried the venerable gentle-
man out of the house into the lobby, and there a.lie fresh air
acted as an essential restorative, but 'not sufficiently so as to
entirely remove the dangerous symptoms, and accordingly a
cab was procured, and Mr. Byng being carried into it, was,
taken by one of the messengers to his mansion in St. James's-
square. Dr. Anderson was sent foi, and has been in con-
stant attendance since. Yesterday it was stated that Mr.
Byng was much better, but still not capable of leaving the
house.— Observer.

Died, on Thursday, July 21, of atrophy and consumption,
in " His Majesty's" garrett, in Bridge-street,. Stockport,
where it was born, aged six years, the Stockport Chronicle
and North Cheshire and South Lancaihire• Independent
PresS, alias the North Cheshire Reformer and Stockport and
Macclesfield Chronicle. The poor sufferer had been relieved,
at different periods of its ricketty existence, by Dr. Corpo-
rate's " Soothing Syrup," and " the Golden Balm" of Dr.
Stanley ; but notwithstanding which, and the spiritual minis-
trations of Messrs. Arius and Socinus, it expired about mid:
night, (to the infinite joy of the printer's devil, who has long
been tired with sitting up with it.) Its remains, we under-
stand, will be removed to-morrow by railway in one of Mil-
ner's Safety Boxes," for interment at Alderley Edge ; and it
is said there are unsold newspapers sufficient upon the pre-
mises to defray all the funeral expenses. It is unnecessary
to add, that this anti-constitutional, anti-protestant, anti-
christian, and revolutionary brat, has neither lived respected
nor died lamented.

LOCKING OF RAILWAY COACHEs.-:-Ilowever, prudent
and even necessary, the " locking of railway coaches" mar,
be considered, a great number of persons who travel by this
mode of conveyance are decidedly opposed to the 'measure ;
and the late terrific accident .on the Paris and Versailles
Railway has added much to create a strong feeling against
the "lock-up" system. That :a strict attention, even to
locking up passengers, is necessary, no one doubts ; but the
method of doing so (affording security to railway proprietors,.
and prot.'etitin to railway paSSengers) has hitherto proved an
objection. 11 e have ,seen a very ingenious lock in the Ware-,
house of Mr. Peter Gray, ironmonger, (the inventor,) No.
47, North Hanover-Street,-Edinburgh, which obviates evitly
difficulty in regard to the lock-up' process. By Mr. Gray's
invention, no individual passenger can open the door. there,.
by preventing any accident from drunken, reckless, or dis-
orderly persons attempting to get out, to the danger of their
own lives, and the discomfot t and annoyance of all who are
in the same carriage ; but, in addition, Mr. Gray provides
that, in the case of accidents, &v., the passengers (altogether
from the will of the, guard) may simultaneously, but not
individually, escape from "durance." The object to which
Mr. Gray has directed his attention is the 'security of railway
travelling when conducted under proper management. We
are satisfied that 'if railway companies will adopt this very
ingenious contrivance, all the advantages of the " lock-up"
system will be obtained, while the safety of railway passen-
gers will, at the same time, be amply secured.—Caledonian
Mercury.

NOVEL CARICATURE IN A COUNTRY VILLAGE. NOT TEN
MILES FROM GATEHOUSE, IN THE STEWARTRY OF KIRK-
CUDBRIGHT.—A well told, laughable story has recently
been goinc, what is called the round of the newspapers. It
is entitled,' " The Ghost Outwitted," and has obtained a
wide circulation. A few days ago an elderly bachelor, on
receiving his weekly compendium of news, exclaimed, on
reading the above-noticed story, that the editors ought to be
hanged for giving publicity to such LIES. Having had oc-
casion to go to a neighbouring village, he made rather too
free with the blood of John Barleycorn, and was seen in the
evening waddling homewards at the rate of three miles an
hour, though his progress did 'not measure more than one.
When he reached his domicile, and was quietly ensconced in
the arms of Morpheus, some wags took a piece of chalk,
drew a coffin on the outer door, with the figure of an elderly,
wo-begone man standing as erect as the effects of the barley
bree would alldw, with afull glass in his hand, his head lean-
ing back, and his open mouth, like an mamma dish, willing
to gulp the delicious, care-killing beverage. In the morn-
ing some of the neighbours saw the laughable caricature,
which attracted a good deal of attention ; and they have
since advised the withering bachelor not only to forego the,
taste of strong waters, but to lay aside the " sword of
singleness," with the view of adding to his earthly felicity
and making himself useful in his day and generation:

13HAZIL AND THE RIVER PLATE.—H. M. packet-ship
Peterel brings accounts from Rio Janeiro to the 25th May,
one week later than the advices per Actreon, received lately.
The rebellion in the province.of St. Paul had not been sup-
pressed, neither had it extended; but, as the troops sent
from Rio had arrived at Santa, where they were well received
by the inhabitants, it was expected they would succeed
quickly in restoring order in the province. The 6 per Cent.
Stock remained firm at 721, and the Exchange on- London at
27-il-. The Peterel brings intelligence from Buenos Ayres to
the 10th May. Nothing new had occurred there, and' we
have no further accounts of military movements in Entte
Rios or elsewhere. Admiral Brown remained with his
squadron, which was lying at anchor at Buenos Ayres on the
10th May ;- consequently, the 'reports circulated at Monte
Video about his defection are proved to be false.

RATS,ING WiNn.—Among the various resorts to
which the wits of sharpers have recourse, we have this week
been informed of one which is certainly distinguished for its
novelty. An unknown party sends an advertisement to a
journal of extensive circulation, announcing that a situation
is now vacant, where the salary is liberal and the duties light.
Application is to be made, by post only, to A. B. or Y. Z.,
L—, and each applicant is to enclose a postage-stamp in
his letter, to be used in reply to the application. The bait
thus laid attracts great numbers of persons who are in want-
of situations, and the advertiser receives probably two bun-.
dred letters, each containing a postage stamp. This realizes.
Mrs. Bd., and the cost of the advertisement not being more.
than about 55., he nets lls. Bd., as the profit of the specula-
tion, his dupes in vain looking with anxious eyes and fervent
hope for an answer to their letter. , Surely the present age
is distinguished for the feats which are performed by those
who "live by their wits." This is indeed the very essence
of speculation. Little did Rowland Hill consider that he
was creating an entirely new profession when be promulgated
his penny postage system.

THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.—On Saturday after-
noon, shortly after three o'clock, her Majesty the Queen,
accompanied by his Royal Highness Prince Albert and their
Serene Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Saxe Coburg
Gotha, with a numerous suite, in four of the royal carriages,
left Buckingham Palace for Windsor via the Great Western
Railway to Slough. The most 'excellent arrangements for
the accommodation of the royal party were made under the
superintendence of Mr. Saunders, the secretary, and Mr. S.
Clark, the superintendent of the line ; and on 'the arrival of
the cortege at the Paddington terminus, Mr. C. Russell,' the
chairman, and several members of the board of directors,
received her Majesty, and led the way under a handsome
awning constructed for the occasion to the royal carriage,
which was tastefully decorated with the choicest flowers. A
great number of ladies were admitted by tickets to witness
the departure, and about 20 minutes to 4 o'clock, the Men-
tor engine having been attached to the train (which con-
sisted of four carriages), the signal was given, and the royal
party were quickly out of sight. Her Majesty and the
Prince appeared in excellent health, and gracefully acknow-
ledged the loyalty of the assembled company.
CHYMICAL EXPLOSION.—On Sunday morning, about 9
o'clock, considerable alarm and excitement prevailed in the
neighbourhood of Piccadilly, near St. James's-street, Lon-
don, in consequence of a loud report, similar to that pro-
duced from a piece of ordnance, having taken place, which
proved to have proceeded from the premises of Messrs.
Reece and Co., chymists and druggists, No. 168, Piccadilly,
and which, but for the merciful interposition of Divine Pro-
vidence, would doubtless have resulted in the loss of human.
life. Police-sergeant Boore, 15 C, who was near the spot at
the time, immediately, with two of his men, rushed into the
premises, and on arriving at the warehouse, which is situate,,
underneath the shop, discovered that the windows were shi-
vered to atoms, through which the smoke was issuing in.,
clouds. Upon the floor lay a youth, about 17 yearslof age.,,
in an apparently lifeless state, as also a man, who was la-
bouring under the effects of the explosion. The sufferer's.
were removed without loss of time to the upper part. of the.
premises, when it was discovered that the man had escaped.
with merely temporary stupefaction, and that the youth hut.
sustained a comparatively slight laceration of the am. The.
cause of the explosion is ascribed to the overheating ot some-
chymical machine which the boy and man were then working..
The damage sustained, and which was confined to. the ware--.
house, is comparatively trifling. The engine from the County.
Fire-office, which is adjacent, was in immediate attendance,.
quickly followed by several others from the various:
st'aatsions ; but their services, were not required, as no it-
hairied '
nition had taken place.

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