The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-10-21 00:00:00

to beSonteadictions has most likely read a large portion of
that book, and has, probably, a very extensive and superficial
icn"ledge of its contents. Now, the perfection, the very
Perfection of neutral education, of teaching no positive syste-
tnatic religious truths, because all systems are objected to by
"7" efte—the very perfection of this, we say, is to give this
veil name superficial, extensive, matter-of-fact information.
It has no Way of reaching or impressing the HEART. It is
an education of the memory, but, most truly, it is no teach-
ing of the HEART."

The concluding passage of the same article is so
directly confirmatory of our views, as to what should
be the course of the Council, that we gladly displace
our own remarks to make room for them ; and at the
same time we would impress their truth and wisdom
upon some of our own local legislators, whose opinions
upon the subject are, we fear, unsettled.
" Let the council boldly and manfully select some ONE
definite, fixed, and intelligible system of religious education,
and let them select with reference to the intrinsic truth or
falsehood of the systems that are before them ; let them sup-
Port it in a large and comprehensive spirit, and not deal out
their grants in a beggarly system of niggardly economy; let
them throw their schools open, whilst rigorously maintaining
the principle of them,' to every person who will choose to
Profit by them ; let them bring their teaching home to every
mans door; and they may rest assured that this great gift—
this very great gift—to the people of England will neither be
BPurned nor undervalued ; and that they will do more, by
that one act, to heal our dissensions, to promote brotherly
1"e and kindness among our poor, and to further, for gene-
rations to come, the cause of Christian peace, of Christian
,Unity, and of Christian charity, than they could have effe'ted
by any other single course of action that the art of man could
nave devised."

That delectable specimen of Socinianism, Mr. Thos.
Bolton, appears desirous to enact the part of an end of
had tallow and wick ; and having shone offensively in
the Council, to go out, leaving the offensive odour of
the bad commodity behind him. By the report which
aPPears in our columns this day, it will be seen that
this gentleman has thought proper to favour ourselves
With a visitation of his, happily abortive, spite. It will
be remembered that in a late publication we gave
entire the Report of the Enquiry of the Paid Officers'
Committee into the Town-hall Department. We
Judged, and rightly we think, that such a document
would be .interesting and valuable to the public ; and
certainly- the last persons to exclaim against its being
given to the world, exposing, as it does, the maladmi-
nistration of the affairs of the borough, are the
liberals"—the PURISTS par excellence—amongst
Whom Mr. Thomas Bolton has always figured as a
conspicuous member. The Report in question ap-
peared, however, exclusively, in the columns of the
STANDARD ; and this compound of bitterness and
stupidity forthwith ventured upon the assumption
that it must either have been conveyed to us by a
betrayal of duty on the part of some of the officials of
the Corporation, or that we must have " stolen" the
document from which we copied.
Now we venture to say, that had we ventured upon
eneh a charge against Mr. Bolton, as that which he
has
the insolence to make against us, we should very
Promptly have been visited, by some Dodson and Fogg,
with an application to us of the power given to thin-
skinned fools by the law of libel. We have too much
contempt, however, for the present accusation and its
envenomed author to make either of them of the im-
portance which such a proceeding would imply. A
reference to the explanation given by Mr. J. B. Lloyd
Will sufficiently inform our readers how we became
.Possessed of the report in question; and we can afford
t° Pity and forgive the baffled and frenzied Socinian
forri, his expiring effort of malice towards us. Poor
'llornas Bolton ! This month will rid us of him; and,
thanks to a tolerably vigorous constitution, we can en-
'lire even so great a nuisance until its close.

A BOROUGH RATE !—What would the constituency
of Liverpool think of such an imposition, in the pre-
Sent depressed condition of the commerce of the
t°'" ? ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND
b
°lcns to be abstracted by this process from the
Pockets of the leypayers for the purpose of building a
a new gaol. " Monstrous !" will be the exclamation
0f nine men out of ten ; and yet that such a propo-
sition is not at this moment being carried out—that
the fingers of the rate collector are not at this moment
In our pockets—we have to thank alone the consider-
ate firmness of the Conservative majority of the
council.

A reference to our town council proceedings will en-
lighten the electors and the inhabitants of the borough
with respect to this expiring effort of the Evans clique
to get hold of their purse-strings. The public will,
no doubt, be able to appreciate the kind of regard for
its interests felt by the men who would thus willingly
adopt precisely that mode of raising money for the ge-
neral purposes of the borough which would press most
lightly upon themselves, whilst the surplus property of
the corporation is left untouched, to be lavished here-
after upon the pet whirligigs of the projecting tribe
4111011{4st our local legislators. Let the electors weigh
well the animus displayed by this attempt ; and when
they are asked, " how have we been benefitted by the
substitution of a Conservative for a Whig Radical
council ?"—they will at least be able to say that the
'ertrier is considerate of the convenience and the pro-
PertY of the rate-payers, whilst the inordinate selfish-
Tie" of the latter cares nothing by what sacrifices of
comfort on the part of the industrious portion of the
e°4lnlunity, the money which it is so eager to lavish be
raised, provided such money is not drawn out of the
Pocket of Liberalism itself.

LOCAL NEWS.

ST
Iv PITT-REET ARD.—John aylor, s., has coe for
ard as a candidate on conservative principles for them repre
-e4tation of Pitt-street Ward in the Town-council. Re-
rr,2eroberine the majority obtained by Mr. Aspinall in this
Kiird at theb last election, we predict, with confidence, that
r• Taylor will succeed in ejecting Mr. R. V. Yates.
tw4* ANNE'S CHURCH, RAIN-HILL.—On Sunday last,
Re
sermons were preached in Rain-hill Church, one by the
iclev• T. B, Ingham, M.A., Incumbent; the other by the
". W. Pollock, Incumbent of St. Helen's ; after which
esollections amotin to -£1 lls. Bd. were made for the
ePPort of the S unundag y SchoolB s.
SALE OF THE GREAT WESTERN STEAM-SHIP.—On Mon-
aY afternoon, at two o'clock, the steam-ship Great Western
dias offered for sale by public auction in Bristol. The bid-
,,n;,l was very spirited ; but she was ultimately bought in at
b'u,ooo by her present owners, to be by them sold by private
ergain. The Great Western will take her departure from
Bristol for New York to-morrow, (Saturday,) and is adver-
tised to sail for Liverpool on the 17th of November next.
h LIVERPOOL PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION.—We are truly
eaP,,PY to find that the Rev. Hugh Stowell, that undaunted,
klnnching, and uncompromising champion for Protestant
next, in addition to Rev. R. J. M`Ghee, and our own sturdy
InPion, Rev. Hirth INl`Neile. The little agitator of
oodside Rev. Jo hB. lee i al-o to take part in the
Pro . • •Joseph
thoeeedines.—Of course Dr. Butler will he present to hear
proceedings.
14R. JAMES AIKIN'S 'SCOUSE.—" One of my children,"
I,Zarked Mr. Aikin, at the council meeting, " tasted the
Ceti use at tbe Borough Gaol, and declared that he got
lee so good at home." So very uncomplementary this to
„ 1". James Aikin's cook that we shall be very happy to open
.I,tir, Columns to afford her an opportunity of reply. The
dame
who also expressed himself in raptures with the
(11:7° culinary preparation, proposes, we understand, intro-
,eing it as the leading dish at his parting entertainment.
the
LATE FIRE.—The following is a detailed account of
damage done by the late conflagration :-40,797 bales of
task 12,087 barrels of turpentine, 150 barrels rosin, 39
„8,.:,a tallow, 60 tons oil, 145 tons hemp, 141 tons flax, 200
'l"ca
,tiercescoffee, 57 casks tincal, 14 cases tincal, 108 cases
beef 3,224 barrels flour, 800 sacks flour, 5 tons coffee,
jereitron bark, 60 casks horn tips, 37 tons logwood, 54
el:de-bales madder, 416 barrels Indian corn, 6 packages
par rubber 3 crates teazles, and several packages and
eels of drugs.
veCLOTHING FOR THE POOR.—We beg to call attention to a
sier2; laudable mode of benefiting the industrious shapes ad-
-11-,"sed in our columns of to-day. It is in the of a
I,plaar of clothing, the articles of which have been made
0 Poor women under the superintendence of a Ladies'
al Society. The clothing which is to be offered for
already been the means of keeping a number of in-
snrPus women, many of them with large families, in work.
h„t. waus, by their own personal labour, not only contri-
atipl,,e,g to the support of themselves and their families, but
"4).riug comfortable clothing to others also at a cheap rate.
Tu ,
liaterhlt EATHER.—After an unusually long and delightful
shlnZer, and an autumn almost equal in warmth and sun-
Rel.); to the summers of ordinary years, winter has paid us a
taav"katid somewhat abrupt preliminary visit—indicative, it
of the Presumed, of his approaching rigours. The first half
Pasti' Present month was uncommonly mild and sunny, and.
this "who had previously left their summer residences in
district,hezeh.. or abandoned their rural or aquatic excursions,
froe„- ,‘.O lament that they had so soon withdrawn themselves
On Wednesday
health-inspiring recreations of " flood anc,l, field."
bee, ednesday last, however, the air, with a N.N.L. wind,
and the more rapidly chilly than agreeable to delicate nerves,
of e Change was felt the more after so long a continuance
4
show genial and balmy atmosphere. Several slight, cold
abinpera, of rain fell throughout the day, succeeded by sun-
eold-i„mn acccmpanied by a biting breeze. Yesterday the
and h"Fireased, and some heavy showers of commingled rain
Thiesi,enlit and finally, of hail alone, continued to tall at.inter-
Pleee„ renderint, the streets and roads very wed
and un-
-Beveri:lte to the foot.b As we may now anticipate further
softe,"l,3 (though last night the temperature was somewhat
of th eu by the downfals), the destitute condition of many
the Poor, Particularly as regards fire and clothing, during
of
been
will, we trust, meet with the early consideration
be,.'l2e humane of all parties. The harvest has, we believe,
imilent
housed, and is one large in quantity, as well as
quality.

AMEItICAN CIRCUS.—The tXtremely clever company of
American equestrians are about to revisit Liverpool. The
entertainment they afforded last year will be greatly enhanced
by the novelties they can introduce.

CAR-DRIVERS FlNED.—Thomas Hilton and John Barnes,
car-drivers, were yesterday charged in the police-court with
driving past St. George's church during divine service. One
of them drove up Lord-street, across the Crescent, and
went into Redcross-street, in place of going along South
John-street, up Cable-street, and thence across to Red-
cross-street. The other had driven along Castle-street, south-
ward, and along Derby-square, into James's-street. The
case being proved, they were each fined 10s. and costs.
THEATRE ROYAL.—We beg again to draw attention to
Mr. W. J. Hammond's benefit, announced to take place on
Monday next. The bill of fare for the night will give several
of the company opportunities of displaying their talent and
ability. The fine old comedy of " Speed the Plough " ap-
pears to be well cast, as also the afterpiece, the " Pilot,"
in which Mr. W. J. Hammond will appear in his original
part of Captain Barroweliffe—with his "opining and guess•
ing." A very full and fashionable house may be expected.
Mr. Hammond's many friends should now prove their
sincerity. We need hardly remind the Masonic craft that
the Lessee has some claim on them for support as " a good

and worthy brother."
TILE FUNDS, WEDNESDAY EVENING.—The market for
English securities remains unchanged. The bargains entered
into were few, but the aspect of quotations continues as firm
as previously rated. Consols for money were last quoted
934 to -3 ; ditto, account, 934 to 4 ; Bank Stock, 165 to 166 ;
Exchequer Bills, 555. to 575. premium ; India Stock, 251 to
252; 3 per Cents. Reduced, 923 tog; 31 per Cents. Re-
duced, 1003 to 4 ; New 31 per Cents., 1013 to 4 ; Long An-
nuities, 123 ; and India Bonds, 465. to 48s. premium. In
foreign stocks, Spanish Actives were quoted 164 to 3 ; ditto.
3 per Cents., 211 to 3 ; Mexican, 324 to 1 ; Dutch, 24 per
Cents., 524 to 4 ; ditto 5 per Cents., 1003 to ; Danish. 82
to 83 ; Brazilian, 63 to 64 ; Belgian, 1034 to 1041; Portu-
guese 5 per Cents., 371 to 38 ; ditto 3 per Cents., 224 to
23 ; Colombian, 20 to 214 ; and Peruvian, 151 to 161.

COMPLETION OF THE EXCAVATION OF THE SALTHOUSE
Docx.—This dock, to which considerable quay room has
been added on the eastern side, its depth increased, and

has otherwise undergone great improvement, so that it forms
one of the new docks now in progress in the centre of the

town, having been completed, the contractors, on Thursday
evening last, treated their hands to bread, cheese, and ale on
the occasion. Tables were laid out in the interior of the

dock, and above five hundred workmen partook of the
above-named refreshments. The contractors provided very
liberally for the men, as we understand they treated them
with 1,000 lbs. of bread, 350 lbs. of cheese, and six barrels
of ale. The entertainment lasted for about an hour, and
attracted considerable notice.

CONSERVATIVE PRINCIPLES.—Mr. Thomas Royden ap-
pears as a candidate for Great George Ward. His spirit-
stirring address is quite in accordance with his manly and
straightforward habits of dealing, and in him we are sure we
shall have an honest, determined defender of our established
institutions, and of the sound and long-tried principles upon
which they are based. We cannot afford to have any trim-
mers, any half-and-half conservatives, in the camp. The
principles by which we obtained our ascendancy in the coun-
cil are the principles by which we must continue to hold it.
We did not eject the liberals from the town-hall merely to
occupy their places; we did not struggle for power for its
own sake, but for the sake of having it administered upon
right principles. We did not assume principles as a means
of obtaining power ; we sought power as a means of carry-
ing out our principles . we can, therefore, have nothing to do
with those who profess to be conservatives while power is to
be gained, and betray the principles of conservatism as soon
as that power is obtained. It is the duty of all right-
minded electors to show that they have no sympathy with
persons of this description.—Courier.
- - - -

MARINE SIGNALS.—We were much struck, the other day,
wish the simple and efficient manner in which Marryatt's
Code of Signals is used on board the ship Lady Rowena, of
this port. The plan, we believe, originated with her late
commander, Captain Clayton, and may be thus described :
An horizontal block, with ten sheaves in it, is hoisted to a
mizen topmast-gaff, and a similar or sister block is fastened
to the quarter-rail ; through each sheave, above and below,
a haulyard is rove, and the two ends of each haulyard fas-
tened together; on each haulyard a flag is bent, and the
number indicated on the lower sheave. There are also two
smaller blocks for the pennants ; the numbers are thus rea-
dily hoisted, hauled down, or changed, with a rapidity and
certainty unequalled by any other method. We recommend
our nautical friends to visit the ship, and feel assured they
will be gratified by witnessing the simplicity of the contriv-
ance, which has often enabled Captain Clay ton to receive
and communicate intelligence with surprising rapidity when
falling in with ships at sea. When not required, the blocks,
haulyard, and flags are stowed away altogether in a box, and
when wanted, the upper block is hoisted to the gaff, and any
signal may be instantly made. As our friends in America
would say, " Go and see."
DISMISSAL OF A POLICE-OFFICER.—On Wednesday last,
Matthew Maguire (No. 113), of the borough constabulary,
was ordered by Mr. Rushton, at the Police-office, to be dis-
missed the force, for having, while in a state of intoxication,
upon the night of Tuesday last, shamefully beaten an unfor-
tunate Irishman, who had just landed from the Drogheda
steamer, with a large stick. It appeared, from the evidence,
that the act had been one of great violence upon the part of
the officer, who had rendered essential service heretofore in
apprehending thieves, and who, from his activity in this and
other respects, and long experience, must have known well
that he was exceeding his duty. The transaction occurred
shortly after the fire had broken ont afresh in the neighbour-
hood of Neptune-street. An immense crowd assembled for
the purpose of witnessing the flames, and among others the
Irishman who had just landed. Maguire had ordered them
to retire, and, because his order was not instantly obeyed,
he rushed into the crowd, being drunk, and struck the Irish-
man several blows with his stick, thereby inflicting on him
a number of dangerous wounds. He then gave the man into
custody ; but, upon the hearing of the case, the tables were
completely turned, and Maguire was ordered to pay for the
assault 50s. and costs, or to be imprisoned a month, and to
be dismissed the force. He alleged, in his defence, that he
had not a stick in his possession, and that he was not intoxi-
cated, having taken only two glasses of ruin.
LAMENTABLE A CCIDENT.—On Wednesday afternoon,
about twenty minutes to four o'clock, as Mr. Frederick K.
Thompson, professor of music, of 47, Bedford-street, was
riding on horseback along Crown-street, near Edge-hill, the
animal took fright and ran off with him, taking down Pem-
broke-place, London-road, and Shaw's-brow. He main-
tained his seat for a considerable time, but was eventually
thrown near the bottom of the last-named street, and, one of
his feet remaining in the stirrup, he was dragged some dis-
tance with his head on the pavement before the terrified
horse could be stopped, which was effected at the bottom of
Dale-street. He was lifted up with all possible speed, and
conveyed, by Mr. Inspector Anders and others, to the shop
of Mr. Bradbury, chemist, in that street. Dr. Cripps was
immediately in attendance; but finding him in a most pre-
carious state, ordered his instant and careful removal to the
infirmary, to which he was conveyed with every care and
promptitude. The utmost medical and other attention was
given to the case of the unfortunate gentleman, but the in-
juries he had received precluded all hope of his recovery.
His skull was fractured, and the right leg severely contused.
He never spoke after being picked up, and breathed his last
about four o'clock yesterday morning. The deceased was
about twenty years of age, and was highly respected. The
horse on which he rode was, we learn, the property of his
brother, who attended him at the Infirmary.
THE LATE Mn. BIBBY.—On Wednesday morning a
rumour was prevalent throughout the town that a party or
parties had been apprehended on a charge of having caused
the death of the late lamented John Bibby, Esq., who was
some time since found drowned in a pond in the vicinity of
Stand Park. The following are the particulars which gave
ground for the report:—Amongst the recent convictions was
a female of notorious character, whose crimes have at length
been visited by the penalty of transportation. She belongs
to a family of disreputable persons, most of whom have
already been banished, and all her connexions are of the
worst description. This woman, a short time ago, while
undergoing her removal from this town to the point of her
ultimate departure from the kingdom, communicated to the
person who had her in custody, that she knew something
concerning the death of the late Mr. Bibby. She said that
she had overheard two parties, who have been sentenced to
transportation for life, say that they had dragged Mr. Bibby
along the road and robbed him of his watch and other valu-
ables, and that they threw him into a ditch, but they did not
intend to hurt the old —. They had, they said, taken the
old —'s watch and money, but they had no notion that he
would be such a fool as to go and drown himself after they
left him. The woman also states that she had the watch in
her possession some time, and that she ultimately disposed
of it for the two men. This story is considered rather
apocryphal, as the woman is known to be a cunning indi-
vidual, capable of saying or doing any thing. It is believed
that she has trumped up the story to procure delay, in the
hope that she may ultimately remain in the country.
TIIE LATE FIRE IN FORMI3Y-STREET.—For some days
past a mass of fire has been smothering under a heap of part
of the ruins in one of the cellars at the back of Crossley's
sheds, Neptune-street, which it has not been possible en-
tirely to subdue, it has, however, been kept so far under as
to enable the labourers to remove the rubbish and part of
the property, chiefly turpentine. At six o'clock on Tuesday
evening the ruins were, to all appearances, quite safe, but at
about half-past six, an alarm was given that the fire had
broken out afresh, and so quick was the communication to
the combustible matter, that in five minutes the place was
one mass of flames. At first it threatened destruction to all
around, and great fears were entertained, for a fine stack of
warehouses on the opposite side of Neptune-street. M`Night's,
337, which were partially destroyed on the 23d September,
caught fire, but, by timely directing the branch to the part,
this was soon got under. We have great pleasure in stating
that Mr. Dowling, Mr. Whitty, Mr. Hewett, Mr. Maxwell,
Mr. Stone (of the customs), and many respectable gentle-
men, were early in attendance, and exerted themselves
nobly to save the property and extinguish the flames which,
at one time, bore an alarming appearance. Tne engines,
seven in number, were soon on the spot, and, after a little
delay, were copiously supplied with water ; though the admir-
able conduct of the firemen, under the able directions of
Messrs. Whitty, Hewett, and Maxwell, the flames were,
after great exertions, reduced, so as to require one engine
only, which now remains in case of need. About nine o'clock
the fire was reduced to the same state as it was at six o'clock.
We could not but admire the praiseworthy conduct of several
gentlemen, whose names we could not learn, mixing them-
selves with labourers in removing nearly 300barrelsof
turpentine (lying in Crossley's shed) which had been got out
of the ruins in the course of the day—amongst which the
fire was raging furiously—particularly a young man,
ware-
houseman to Mr. Kewley, of Crossthwaite's, Galton-street,
who at great risk was first at this task of danger.
MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.—On Wednesday last an in-
quest was holden at Huy ton, before Mr. Heyes, the county
coroner, touching the death of Michael O'Brian, whose death
was occasioned under the circumstances related in the follow.
ing details of the evidence adduced before the coroner and
jury :—John Cundin stated that he met with the deceased on
Saturday last, in Liverpool, where he had been receiving his
pension. Deceased requested witness to help him to drive
three pigs to Prescot. They had got nearly as far as the
Blue Bell, and were on the right hand side of the road, when,
witness turned round, and saw deceased on the
did not ground, hbutav-
ing been knocked down by a gig. The gig stop,
a person came up on horseback, who rode on to Prescot for
a surgeon. Deceased was not able to speak. He was re-
moved to Eaton's public-house, close by, where he was at-
tended by Mr. Garton, surgeon. He died the following
morning.—Ann Tinsley deposed that she saw the deceased
and another man driving some pigs on Saturday last, between
five and six o'clock. She was within a few yards of the de-
ceased when a gig came up, the horse attached to which was
galloping. The deceased was knocked down, and the wheel
passed over his neck or head. There were some carts pass-
ing at the time, which might have prevented the deceased
from hearing the gig coming. This person described the
person who was driving the gig: it was Mr. Abraham Fair-
dough, of Winstanley, nailmaker.—Mr. William Fairclough,
nephew of Mr. Abraham Fairclough, and who was with the
latter in the gig when the accident occurred, was examined.
He stated that his uncle endeavoured to pull the horse in be-
fore they got up to the deceased, but he was unable to do so.
He called out to ihe deceased to get out of the way, but he
did not do so. The wheel of the gig caught against deceased,
and knocked him down, brit they did not think he was hurt,
as they were not aware that the gig went over the deceased.
—Mr. Garton made a post mortem examination of the de-
ceased, and proved that the injuries which he had received
in his head were the cause of^death.—The jury returned a
verdict of manslaughter against Mr. Abraham Fairclougli,
who stands committed to take his trial at the ensuing Liver-
pool assizes.

WEST DEIIBYWARD—TRIUMPH or SCRIPTURAL

PRINCIPLE.

A meeting of the conservative burgesses of 'West Derby
Ward was held, on the evening of Tuesday, " on important
business connected with the next municipal election." This,
in fact, was a meeting to afford the burgesses an opportunity
of expressing their opinion upon the conduct of Mr. John
Smith, the retiring member for the ward, upon the vital
question of Scriptural education in the Corporation Schools.
That gentleman, as well as Mr. Plumpton, who comes for-

ward in opposition to him as an uncompromising supporter
of Scriptural education, was present. Mr. G. H. Lawrence
was also present. The meeting, which took place at Mar-
shall's Edge-hill Coffee-house, was very numerously at-
tended, the room being crowded.
Shortly after seven o'clock, the chair was taken by Mr.
JOHN MIDDLETON, who said, that in order that there might be
no mistake he would read a portion of placard convening the
meeting. It was " a meeting of the conservative electors of
the ward upon important business connected with the next
municipal election ;" and if there were any persons in the
room of the opposite party, he would suggest that they
should exercise their good taste by retiring. He mentioned
this matter because, before entering the meeting one of the
opposite party had actually attempted to enter the committee-
room. (Hear, hear.) He would only detain the meeting a
few moments whilst he said a few words in vindication of
the conduct of the committee. (Hear. hear.) It had been
asked why was not the present meeting called sooner?
(Hear.) The fact was, that until a week or ten days ago it
was fully expected that Mr. John Smith would have come
forward and made some concessions, which would have ren-
dered such a step unnecessary ; but he (the chairman) was
sorry to say that, instead of that, Mr. John Smith had held
out a threat that he would heat them by a majority of forty.
(Hear, hear.) He (the chairman) was sorry to say anything
which might be deemed harsh towards Mr. Smith, but he
deemed it right to mention this in order to put the question
in its proper light. You know (continued the chairman)
we have been pointed at with very considerable scorn for
some time for allowing the grand principles of truth to be
abandoned by our representatives (hear, hear) ; and the
time is drawing near when you will have to exercise
that important trust committed to your charge, in the
election of a fit and proper person to represent not only
you but your sentiments in the town council of Liverpool.
(Hear.) If ever there was a time more than another when
it behoved you to be careful in the exercise of such a duty I
believe it is the present time. (Hear.) If you are not
cautious, you are arrived at that point when all the victories
we have obtained, and for which we have fought so hard,
will be thrown into the hands of our enemies. (Hear,
hear.) I, therefore, call upon you to use every exertion to
secure the return of a man who will support sound, Scrip-
tural, Protestant, and conservative principles in the town
council. (Cheers.) Such a gentleman is now willing to
come forward and contest the ward (hear, hear) ; and, there-
fore, every one who properly values the rights and privileges
of Englishmen ought to use every exertion in his power to
secure the return of that gentleman to the town council of
Liverpool. (Cheers.) I will not detain you from the im-
mediate business of the evening further than to request at
your hands a patient hearir, for every one who may address
you. (Hear, hear.) I shall deem it my duty to call upon
Mr. Smith, at a certain period of the meeting, to enter unto
such explanations as he may think proper, as one of the re-
solutions implies a charge against him. (Hear, hear.) In
conclusion, I request for every one who may address you
this evening a patient and a candid hearing. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. SANDARS said the first resolution had been placed in
his hands ; and, although he was sorry it had not been con-
fided to some person more able than himself, he had great
pleasure in moving it. It was as follows—" That, in the
opinion of this meeting, Mr. John Smith, in the town coun-
cil, within the last three years, has not conducted himself in
such a manner a, to entitle him to a further confidence of
the electors of this ward." Loud cheers.)
Mr. RATCLIFFE said he had been requested by the com-
mittee to second the resolution just moved by Mr. Sanders,
and he confessed he did so with mingled feelings of pain and
pleasure ; of pain, that there existed the necessity to come
forward at this period and protest against the conduct of their
representative in the Town Council, but also with some de-
gree of pleasure, for he always took pleasure in standing for-
ward to defend those great principles which had been, and
still continued to be, the glory of this Protestant land,—
(loud cheers)—to defend those principles which he had im-
bibed in his childhood, and his attachment to which had
grown with his growth, and strengthened with his strength.
(Applause.) He confessed he was but a humble individual,
and that he had not the eloquence of many ; but though he
had not an eloquent tongue he had an English heart, a heart
that beat with warm attachment to our gracious sovereign—
(cheers)—a heart that glowed with warm affection to that
Protestant church which was the bulwark of our country and
the glory of our land. (Applause.) A mighty struggle had

for some time been going on in this town, with respect to
which the electors of West Derby Ward had great reason for
congratulation; for whilst the other wards had been misre-
presented by the radicals, they had, ever since the passing of
the municipal bill, returned to the Town Council men only
whom they believed to be sound, genuine, consistent conser-
vative Protestants. (Cheers.) But he was sorry to say that
the confidence reposed in some of those gentlemen had been
betrayed—(cheers);—and therefore they were driven to the
step, about to he taken this evening, of protesting against
the proceedings of Mr. Smith. and of proposing a gentleman
who, they believed, would more fully carry out their views in
the Town Council. (Cheers.) He might be asked, "What
is the objection against Mr. Smith? Is he not a most re-
spectable man ?'' He believed he was; all he knew or heard
of him was that he was a most respectable man, nor was he
wanting in talent. It was not upon that ground therefore
that they protested against him, but it was against the prin-
ciples he had lately advocated in the Town Council. (Hear,
hhar.) It was not with Mr. Smith's person they had to do,
but it was with the principles he had of late espoused.
(Hear.) Bear with him (Mr. Ratcliffe) a little time, whilst
he endeavoured to substantiate the charge which he made
against Mr. Smith,—that he had betrayed the confidence re-
posed in him. He held in his hand a copy of a paper, called
the Liverpool Mail, of 2d Decembr, 1841. In that print he
found a speech of Mr. Smith in a debate which took place
upon the school question in the Town Council, and he was
there reported as saying " that nothing would give him greater
pleasure than to see the present momentous question brought
to a conclusion. Never could peace or unanimity be expected
to prevail until this millstone were entirely removed. Never
could the cause of true conservatism be placed on a firm and
lasting basis until this religious firebrand had been altoge-
ther extinguished. Ardently and sincerely attached to the
church to which he belonged, be was not so uncharitable
as to wish to withhold the benefits and blessings of edu-
cation from the children of the Roman Catholics." Then,
a little further on, he found that Mr. Smith moved " that
it he an instruction to the committee to examine into,
and report upon, the propriety of providing separate schools
for the use of the children of the Roman Catholic poor."
Here, he (Mr. Ratcliffe) thought was a proof that Mr. Smith
had betrayed the confidence which the electors reposed in
him. (Ilear.) Mr. Smith came forward as a conservative;
he was returned as a conservative, and he, as a professed con-
servative, had betrayed the confidence reposed in him ; for
if Mr. Smith was in favour of the system of education car-
ried on by the late radical Town Council, why did he not
come forward and avow it ? (Cheers.) If he had so come
forward and manfully mowed his principles, he (Mr. Rat-
cliffe) felt persuaded he never would have been returned to
the Town Council by the electors of West Derby Ward.
(Loud cheers.) Mr. Smith spoke of educating the Roman
Catholics, and he seemed to appeal to the sympathies of the
town in behalf of educating the poor Roman Catholic child-
ren, in whose behalf he proposed that two schools should be
built. Now, they had no objection to the education of Ro-
man Catholics—(hear) ;—the question with them was not
what persons they should educate, but what principles they
should inculcate. (Hear, hear.) Doubtless it was the duty
of a Christian community to educate the infidel, but in what?
Were they to educate in infidelity? No; certainly not,
but to educate him in Christianity. Doubtless it was the
duty of a Christian country to send the gospel to a benighted
heathen, and to instruct them, but to instruct them in what?
In heathenism? No, but in Christianity. Doubtless it was
further the duty of a Christian community to send the gospel
among the Jews, and to educate them, but to educate them
in what ? In Judaism, No, but in Christianity. Doubtless,
in like manner, it was the duty of a Christian community to
educate Roman Catholics, and to instruct them, but to in-
struct them in what? In the principles of Popery? No, but
in the principles of Protestantism. (Loud cheers.) They
had no objection, therefore, to the education of Roman Ca-
tholics; it was not to their persons they objected, but to the
instilling into them of principles at variance with the Word of
God, and which were, consequently, injurious to their souls.
(Hear, hear.) As Mr. Smith had thus come forward to teach
and inculcate the doctrines of Popery, they, as a Protestant
community and as conservative electors, protested against
him. (Loud cheers, mingled with a few faint cries of " No,
no.") He had read Mr. Smith's words; and now he would
read the resolution which he proposed in the council. He
proposed that two schools should be built for teaching Ro-
man Catholics exclusively. Now, he asked Mr. Smith,
would he propose in the Town-council, that, in those schools
so to be built, the children should be taught the authorised
version of the Scriptures—that they should be educated in
the principles of Protestantism, or in the principles of Po-
pery ? If he meant that they should be exclusively for Ro-
man Catholics, and that the Roman Catholics should there
be taught the principles of Protestantism—that they should
be there taught according to the authorised version of the
Scriptures, then he (Mr. R.,) for one, had no objection ; but if
Mr. Smith meant to say that Protestant money should be
expended, and Protestant sanction given to the erection of
separate schools for the teaching of Popery, then he told Mr.
Smith, candidly and honestly, that he, for one, could not
vote for him. (Cheers.) But to proceed a little further.
Mr. Smith, he found, endeavoured to rebut a charge which
had been brought against him : this was in a debate upon the
same question in the Town-council in the month of January
this year. He then said he had great pleasure in seconding
an amendment made by Mr. Turner. The original motion,
upon which Mr. Turner moved his amendment, was " the
confirmation of the report, touching the future management
of the schools." Mr. Turner moved an amendment as fol-
lows—" That the proceedings, resolutions, and reports of
the Education Committee be approved, with the following
exceptions :—That at the end of the first article of the re-
port, namely, that the school shall commence in the morning
and close in the afternoon with singing a hymn and with
prayer,' there be added,—' but no child whose parents or
guardians shall signify their conscientious objections thereto
shail be obliged to attend those services. That at the end of
the second article of the report, namely—` that none but the
authorised version of the Bible shall be used in the schools,
and that the same shall be used without restriction or limit,'
there be added—' except as to children whose parents or
guardians may conscientiously object thereto, which children
shall still have the benefit of the secular instruction other-
wise afforded by the schools.' And that corresponding
alterations be made by the committee in the second rule
(already quoted) and the fourth rule, namely—` that the
children of the upper schools shall be required to attend on
Sundays, in the morning at half-past nine, for religious in-
struction, and to proceed to church, and in the afternoon at
half-past two ; and that the eleventh of the same rules,
for the calling of the roll, be adapted thereto." Mr.
Smith seconded this amendment, and said—" He rose
with great pleasure to second the amendment made by Mr.
Turner. In doing so, he would avail himself of the oppor-
tunity to set himself right in the eyes of the council and the
Public at large with respect to the proposition he had brought
forward on the school question on the second of the former
month. For the course pursued by him on that occasion,
when he suggested the propriety of erecting separate schools,
in order that instruction might be afforded to the Protestant
and Catholic children, he had been taunted not only with the
charge of inconsistency, but with a desertion of principle also."
He (Mr. Ratcliffe) did not know who had made the charge,
but here Mr. Smith was endeavouring to meet it. Now, let
him see whether the charge of inconsistency could be sub-
stantiated. He held in his hand a speech delivered by Mr.
Turner in that very room, at a dinner given in November,
1840, to celebrate the return of Mr. G. H. Lawrence. lie
was reported as saying in that speech—" When last be had
the honour of addressing the electors, be told them that a
change was working in the public mind with regard to mu-
nicipal affairs ; and he would now ask, was he wrong or right
in that opinion? He would let the result of the late
elections give the reply. What had rejected Mr. Rath-
bone from Pitt-street Ward ? and what had rejected him that
day from North Toxteth Ward? Public opinion. What
had rejected Mr. Blackburn, by far the most able as well as
the most eloquent, and therefore the most dangerous of the
party, from Lime-street Ward ? What, but public opinion ?"
Mr. Smith had not here told us upon what question it was
that public opinion had rejected Mr. Rathbone and Mr.
Blackburne ; but, evidently, it was " the school question."
(Hear.) When they came into power what did they do ?
They took out the authorised version of the Scriptures from

the schools ; and they introduced the Popish or Douay ver-
sion of the Scriptures. They put out the church catechism ;
and they put in the Popish catechism. They insulted the
clergy and turned them out ; and in their place Popish priest,
were admitted. These were facts that could not be denied

The town felt the insult ; it rose with indignation, and this
very question, " the school question," was the very means
of driving Mr. Rathbone and Mr. Blackburne out of the
council. (Great cheering.) That very question, if it continued
to be agitated, would keep them out—(renewed cheering) ;
and though he did not pretend to be a prophet, he should not
be surprised if that very same question was, like a millstone
round Mr. Smith's neck, to keep him out of the council.
(Cheers.) These were some of the objections which he, as
an individual elector, had to Mr. Smith. He had made up
his mind some time ago, although he had voted for him twice
before, that if Smith came forward again, not to give
him his vote, on this account ; and he congratulated the elec-
tors of West Derby Ward upon having courage, boldness,
and decision enough to come forward in this public way, to
enter their protest against the proceedings of Mr. Smith in
the Town-council.—After a few general observations, Mr.
Ratcliffe concluded by seconding the resolution.
The CHAIRMAN then put the resolution, and it was car-
ried all but unanimously, as only three hands were held up
against it. Having announced the result, the Chairman
added—lt has been thought by some around me, that it
would have been a better course for me to have called upon
Mr. Smith for any explanation he may have to give, before
putting the resolution. I differ from them ; inasmuch as I
wished to see the sense of the meeting in the first instance,
and also that Mr. Smith should himself see it. Their deci-
sion has now been made. (Cries of " Hear, hear! " and
some disapprobation.)
Mr. SMITH (who spoke under considerable excitement)
immediately rose and said—l was prepared to address you
in vindication of my political conduct, but I think you have
now been putting the cart before the horse, and therefore I
shall decline it. (Hear, hear.) I came here, as I under-
stood, upon the invitation of Mr. Brassey and ethers, to be
treated at least with gentlemanly feeling ; but instead of that,
the first thing I find is a kind of hostility that reflects little
credit either upon the heads or the hearts of those who have
got it up. (" No, no," and some applause.) I shall not,
however, be deterred, on account of the decision of this
evening, from going forward, and 'I have no fear for the re-
sult when I do come before the electors of West Derby Ward.
(" Hear, hear," and cries of " You 'll be beaten.") I was
prepared to address you; but I am not prepared to address
you now, after the manner in which my name has been re-
ceived ; I have too much spirit for that ; no, no ! (Cheers.)
—Mr. Smith then sat down, but after the lapse of a few
moments he again rose and added—There is, however, one
observation which the chairman referred to on which 1 will
say something : it was about my holding out a threat. I
beg leave to say, that it arose from this circumstance : in the
course of conversation, some four or five weeks ago, with an
individual respecting my election, I stated that if this ward
were contested, I thought I could win it by a majority of
forty. It has been endeavoured to be proved that I said this
in a hostile spirit; but I declare, upon the honour of a gen-
tleman, I had not the slightest wish to wound the feelings of
any individual in the ward. I trust, therefore, after this ex-
planation, that this will not be used as a reason for ejecting
me from the ward. If you had allowed me to make my ex-
planation before you passed that resolution, I should have
addressed you, but now I sha'nt. (Ironical cheers.)
Mr. WILSON said, that, after the very able speech of his
friend upon his left (1111.. Ratcliffe), he had very great plea-
sure in proposing for their representative a neighbour, a
gentleman well qualified in every respect to represent the
interests of the ward in the town-council, and one who, no
doubt, was known to most of those present. He would read
the resolution, only adding that he was authorised to say that
Mr. Plumpton had an undying hostility to the system of
education lately carried on in the corporation schools (great
cheering)—to that system which, he was happy to say, had
become defunct through public opinion, and also by the lay
of the land. (Renewed cheers.) Mr. Plumpton had not
only an undying hostility to that, but to any other system
of education which was not based upon the unrestricted and
unmutilated Word of God. (Cheers.) Mr. Wilson con-
cluded by reading the resolution, which was to the effect
that James Plum pton, Esq., was a fit and proper person to
represent West Derby Ward in the town-council, and that
that meeting pledged itself to use its utmost exertions to
secure to the electors the services of that gentleman. (Loud
cheers.)
Mr. FRANK seconded the resolution, and it was carried
unanimously.
Mr. PLUMPTON, amidst loud cheers, was then introduced,
and the resolutions having been read to him, he said he re-
turned his best thanks to the worthy chairman, and to the
meeting individually, for the honour paid to him in selecting
him as a candidate for their suffrages. He hoped, however,
that he might claim their indulgence for the very few obser-
vations which he was about to make. In the first place, lie
belived he had not been brought before them on account of
any merit of his own, but solely because he was a supporter
of those principles which one of their representatives had just
been taxed with abandoning. (Loud cheers.) Compara-
tively speaking, he was a stranger to many present—more,
indeed, than he ought to be ; but born as he was in this ward,
and his fathers before him, he would take the liberty of assuring
them that he had the highest veneration for the constitution,
both in church and state, and that he would make it his
earnest endeavour to support that constitution. (Cheers.)
From infancy he had been brought up in true conservative
feelings (hear); and when he stated that he was a ward of
that staunchest of conservatives, John Bridge Aspinall, he
thought it would be admitted he had been " true blue" from
infancy. (Loud cheers.) All his feelings were identified
with the maintenance and support of the church. (Cheers.)
He should not trouble the meeting with any allusions to the
divisions which had taken place in the ward; but he would
assure them that if he should have the honour to be returned
as their representative, they would find him an unflinching
supporter of the venerable church to which he had the happi-
ness to belong. (Loud cheers.) No half measures would he
ever advocate. (Loud applause.) His motto was, "Those
who are not for us are against us !" (Immense cheers.)
That motto he would repeat and act upon, whether he should
be considered worthy of their suffrages or not. (Cheers.)
With these observations he should sit down, first thanking
Clem for the handsome manner in which they had been
pleased to receive his name. (Great cheering.)
Mr. GEORGE HALL LAWRENCE then ro,c, amidst con-
siderable applause. He said he was happy to see himself
surrounded once more by the conservatives of West Derby
Ward, for to them he owed the very little importance which
he might have—to them he owed the position, however
trifling it might be, which he occupied in the town council.
(Hear.) They were the first persons who, upon the strength
of conservative principles, which he then professed, brought
him into notice ; and he would fain hope that he bad done
nothing as yet to forfeit their esteem. (H ear.) Two years ago
it was since last he had the honour of addressing them in that
room. Since that period great and important changes had
taken place; but he trusted that nothing had occurred to
damage their mutual attachment to those principles they
then professed, or which would prove that he had done any-
thing to forfeit their esteem. Upon several occasions he
might not have gone the whole length of those to whom his
friend on his left, whose name he had not the pleasure of
knowing, (Mr. Ratcliffe) was attached. True it was, upon
several occasions—and he alluded particularly to the educa-
tion question—he had been, in the language of a gentleman
who had just spoken, somewhat of a trimmer (hear, hear);
but, whatever he had done, he had done it with a sincere arid
honest conviction ; and if he had erred upon that question,
vital and important as he acknowledged it to be, still they
must give him some credit for honesty of conviction. (Hear,
hear.) It was, he thought, hard, after they had been de-
feated by the radicals year after year, and had now gained
the victory, to find them differing among each other ; but
it should never be his plan to cause greater differences than
he could well help ; and if it should be their pleasure to
think that he had forfeited his word, they had only to say
so, and from that moment he would retire. (Hear, hear.)
With regard to the education question he must say this, that
no man had fought harder than he had to oppose the system
which the reform party had established ; no man was a
greater enemy than he was to neutrality in religious educa-
tion ; no man was,
more opposed than he was to that uni-
formity of religious instruction which was attempted under
the reform party, and which, lie was perfectly satisfied,
would end in no religion at all. (Hear, hear, and cheers.)
Throw away what were called religious differences, and you
throw away the very stability of religion itself. (Hear,
hear.) This was his feeling upon that point. If the town
council was to be an educating body, which
he greatly re-
gretted it had become, it must teach a religion, or it must
place some religion within the reach of all. Now, he for his
part, would teach no other religion but the religion of the
Church of England. (Cries of " hear, hear," and cheers.)
Let them bear him out. The Town-council was not a fit
and proper body to sit in conclave, and solemn deliberation
upon which creed was the best; the Town-council is not
elected, nor would it be fitting and becoming in the Town-
council, to disseminate Popery on one side, and Church of
Englandism upon the other ; the religion of the Church of
England upon one side, and the religion of the Church of
Rome upon the other. There must be nothing of that kind
to please him—(hear, hear) ;—upon the contrary, he would
teach the religion of the state, and that authoritatively.
(Hear.) He should have no objection to a Church of Eng-
land clergyman being appointed the inspector of the schools,
to see that the creed taught to the Church of England chil-
dren was right and true ; but, upon the other hand, they
must excuse him when he said this, that he felt the greatest
posssble difficulty in forcing children, if their creed was at
variance with our own, from partaking in that religious in-
struction. I had remembered that the funds of the corpora-
and that it would be wrong to
tuseion
twheerme thefut propertyt
i?e s
ahe
o fe
of Protestants
rotestants solely. With these
feelings and opinions, ignorant and erring as he very likely
might be, he had ventured to say, though he had met with
no support, that though he would not teach Popery in the
Corporation Schools, yet he thought a middle course might
be adopted. (Loud cries of " No, no.") Let them hear
him before they condemned him. He did think it was just
might venture to give secular in-
structioneqouti, tled cp,
bots
astiiunb ltesh,oemst heea they
who
~
differed from them, provided they
and sufficient guarantee that their
religion might be discarded. He knew he should be told that
education without religion was good for nothing.—(hear,
hear,)—and he leaned to that opinion very much himself.
Upon the other hand, he did think that some guarantee, such
as he had alluded to, might be given, so that they might do
something for those poor benighted. Roman Catholic chil-
dren. If this was a question in West Derby Ward
merely, or in Liverpool alone, little consequence would
attach to the discussion of it but it was a question
which had branched far and wide ; it was a question that
would have to be met, not only in this ward and this town,
but also by the nation ; and they who were differing from him
in this matter to-day (and. he would honestly confess that in
all probability they were right) would very shortly be differing
from Sir Robert Peel, from Lord Stanley, and from a con-
servative administration itself. (Hear, hear.) He drew a
distinction between the education of the poor from corporation
funds in corporation schools, and education of the poor from
the funds specially contributed for their relief. What was
the opinion of her Majesty's ministers ? Certainly their
opinion was entitled to respect: and what was their opinion ?
He would venture to tell them : he would tell them what Sir
Robert Peel, and Lord Stanley, and Sir Edward Knatchbull,
and Sir James Graham, had pledged themselves to support ;
and he woulk ask them whether that was the kind of educa-
tion which would suit them? He would not go the length
of saying that it was the kind of education which he would
himself support, or that he was prepared to authorise ; but
still he would show them what the government bad pledged
itself to. He held in his hand a clause from an act of parlia-
ment brought in the other day, for the education of the poor
in this country, and which they would see in operation here,
for the foundation was already laid of a splendid school in
West Derby Ward, or at least within the township. The
government had established such schools ; and the principle
upon which Sir Robert Peel proposed that the school should
be conducted was as follows. He would read the clause in
. the act of parliament :—" Provided always and be it enaoted,
that every such board shall appoint at least one chaplain of
the Established Church, who shall regulate the religious in-
struction of the children, except
To be the children of persons ho
child in the principles of his
object to the Liturgy of the Established Church ; in which
case it shall be lawful for any licensed minister of the religious
'
persuasion of the parents of such child to visit such child, for
the purpose of instructing such
religion—subject to the regulation of the commissioners."
These were the feelings of her Majesty s ministers.
sure they authorised the establishment of a clergyman, and
so far so good ; but they would observe the law provided that
Unitarian ministers and every other clergyman of whatever
denomination, might have free access to the schools under
such regulations as convenience might dictate. This clause
he produced to show what were the feelings of her Majesty's
ministers upon this subject; and that in a very short time
there might be more differences on this question than those
which were now confined to West Derby ward. This ar-
rangement, would it meet with their approval, in the corpo-

ration schools ? (Loud cries of " No.") It would not meet
his. The plan which he proposed, he thought infinitely
better than this, because it could hardly be practically well
worked out in this town. He offered this matter for their
consideration, and really with the view that they should see
how very great the difficulties were in dealing with a ques-
tion of this sort. As to himself, anything they might
please to do to him for his opinions was perfectly im-
material. If they thought they could find a better represen-
tative, a more staunch conservative, a more thorough
Protestant, or one more Orange—if that was the word they
preferred—(hear, hear)—for God's sake let them find one,
and he should be ready to retire at a moment's notice.
(Hear, hear.) He wished to be the representative of con-
servatives : he would only be the representative of conser-
vatives—(cheers)—for he was a conservative, and would
always remain so; but, if they thought they should like to
have a person who would come forward to thwart the go—
vernment of Sir Robert Peel, to assist them in exterminating
Popery, not be educating their children, but by imposing
fresh penal disabilities upon Roman Catholics—if that was
their feeling, then he was not a fit and proper representative
for them. (Cheers, and cries of " no, no.") He was glad
to find that there was no feeling of that sort. They might
differ, perhaps, on minor matters among themselves, but
there would not be any difference of great moment, and on
that they were agreed. He had spoken warmly, and without
much premeditation ; but he had spoken his sentiments with
great sincerity, and they must believe him when he said he
had done so with a sort of pleasure, whilst, at the same time,
he felt himself efficient only so long as he had their confidence
and that of the conservative party, to which he had the ho-
nour to belong. (Cheers.)
Mr. SANDARS said the plan of education referred to by
Mr. Lawrence was now in operation, and in the Union
Workhouse of West Derby, and had been so for three or
four years. (Hear.) The late government had established
it, and it had since been continued. In fact, it was esta-
blished by Lord John Russell, and not by Sir Robert Peel.
He (Mr. Sandars) was a guardian of West Derby Union, and
he knew that this was the fact. There was a chaplain, and
the Roman Catholic priest went to the Workhouse.
Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE, in explanation, would state that
the clause he had quoted was a clause from the new poor-law
amendment bill. Mr. Sandars surely did not mean to say
that in the workhouse to which he alluded they compelled
the Roman Catholics to learn the Church Catechism, or to
read the Protestant version of the Bible ?

Mr. SANDARS.—We have no Catholic books there, nor
the Douay Bible.
r.G. H. LAWRENCE.—I hope not :so much the better.
The proceedings then terminated, and the meeting sepa-
rated.

SHIPMASTERS' ASSOCIATION.-ADJOURNED

MEETING.

On Tuesday evening an adjourned meeting was held at the
rooms of the association, in Oldhall-street, for the purpose
of expressing the opinions of the body of shipmasters upon
the provisions of the bill for the regulation of the merchant
service, proposed to be brought forward by Captain Fitzroy,
R.N. The meeting was very numerously attended. The
chair having been take❑ by Captain CHAMLEY, the proceed-
ings of the last meeting were read over by Mr. Moss, who
also touched briefly upon the dissensions which had sprung
up amongst the shipmasters upon the subject of this bill, and
the insinuation of interested motives in the course which had
been taken upon it, which had been directed against the
committee and officers of the association. The committee
were to a man opposed to this bill; but they admitted the
necessity of legislation upon the subject, and had called the
body together to endeavour to strike out the most objection-
able clauses which Captain Fitzroy had introduced, and to
form, if possible, a bill, which might be tolerated.
The CHAIRMAN then proceeded to put to the meeting the
32nd clause, which provided in the usual way for the renewal
of lost or worn out certificates, upon which Captain BISSET
rose, and in a speech of some length, denounced the entire
bill as most iniquitous and unjust, and stated that if the
alternative was offered him he would prefer having no bill at all
to adopting the present. They should unite and get the obnox-
ious clauses altered. Agreeing to the whole bill he thought
was equivalent to signing away their birthrights. He ob-
jected in particular to the payment of fees for the proposed
certificates. A similar board, in Newcastle, to those pro-
posed by Captain Fitzroy had worked well, and exacted no
fees. The East India Company's board of examination took
no fees ; and what class of men had conferred a greater lustre
upon the bine jackets of England than this service? Captain
Bissett concluded without making any motion. The meeting
was next addressed by Captain TILLEY, who spoke like the
previous speaker on the principle of the bill itself, which he
considered derogatory to the merchant service. He himself
had made twenty-six voyages, and had never claimed from
an underwriter. He had gone to sea a poor boy, and had
worked himself up to the command of a vessel ; and he con-
sidered that by the present bill men of similar standing to him-
self would be insulted and injured. He would never consent to
submit to such an examination as the one proposed.
Mr. ROWETT here rose, and in a long speech, which we
cannot find room for, gave in his resignation as an officer of
the association. It was then proposed and carried that all
fees under the bill should be abolished, and that the exa-
mining boards, if any, should be local, and unconnected with
each other.
The next clause was then proceeded with, when a long and
desultory and rather warm discussion ensued, the feeling of
the meeting being almost unanimous to veto the bill altoge-
gether. At the close an adjournment to two o'clock this
day was proposed, and finally carried.

SUPPLYING WATER FOR THE EXTINGUISH-
MENT OF FIRES, &c.

Mr. Ashlin's plan for supplying water in cases of fire, and
also for watering the streets, having excited a good deal of
attention, several letters have appeared in the newspapers on
the subject, one of which was inserted in the Liverpool
Times, of Tuesday last, signed " An Experienced Engineer,"
condemnatory of the plan, on the ground of the alleged cor-
rosive effects of salt water in iron pipes. The remarks of
the writer of that communication have induced Mr. Grant-
ham, a gentleman of experience in these matters, to address
a letter to Mr. Ashlin on the points in question, which we
deem of sufficient importance to submit a copy of. The facts
adduced appear to us to prove that the objections set forth
by " An Experienced Engineer" are founded in error, if
not, indeed, wholly groundless ; but the subject will doubt-
less be further discussed by individuals more competent than
ourselves to arrive at a correct conclusion
" Liverpool, October 18, 1812.
" MR. CAPES ASHI;IN,
" DEAR Sin,—Having for some time given my attention
to the subject of your proposal for providing or supplying of
water to be used in extinguishing fires in this town, I feel
great pleasure in expressing an opinion on the objections that
have been raised against it, and which were published in the
Liverpool Times of this day.
" I cannot better reply to the first objection, viz., that
`iron pipes containing sea water will corrode rapidly,' than
by quoting a passage bearing on this question from a clever
London periodical: `The rusting or oxidation of iron in
water takes place from the union of the oxigen of the water
with the iron ; and it is essential, in order that this union
may take place, that the constituents to be combined should
be in a state of repose; thus, iron with a clear surface im-
mersed in a running stream will not have its surfaces oxidized
in any length of time, however great. Now, as iron placed
in a running stream and iron moved rapidly through the
water present the same conditions with respect to oxidation,
the freedom of the latter from rust is no more than might be
expected.'
" A good practical chemist of this town has given a fa-
vourable opinion of this view of the subject, and my own
observation and experience lead me to the same conclusions.
" Another favourable circumstance is in operation with
regard to water.pipes in streets, viz., the temperature is very
low, and the change of temperature small—conditions that
greatly retard oxidation.
" It may also be observed, that the outside of pipes re-
quired for sea water is subject to no greater loss from oxida-
tion than the outside of those used for fresh water.
" I am, therefore, of opinion, that salt water will not cause
any additional oxidation on the pipes, beyond what will be
amply provided for by a slight increased thickness of metal.
The precautions should also be used of setting the water
frequently in motion, and keeping the pipes full.
" I have made inquiries at the Baths, on the George's
Pier-head, and have been informed that very little corrosion
has been perceived in the cold-water pipes, and I cannot
learn that any have ever given way.
" All the other objections are matters of detail not neces-
sary to reply to, as, should they exist, they may easily be
obviated by the adoption of larger pipes.
"The question of expense, however, may deserve some
attention. I believe the general plan to possess so many ad-
vantages, i tappears to strike so completely at the root of the
evil proposed to be remedied, and it holds out so many colla-
teral recommendations, that I should much regret to see the
first cost made a stumbling.block to its adoption. I should,
on the other hand, much prefer seeing it carried out on a
liberal and comprehensive scale.; much more so than you, I
think, have contemplated.
" I do not know what is the fresh-water plan alluded to in
_ .

the Liverpool Times; but I cannot imagine that any one,
embracing the same objects, can be executed at a less outlay
than yours.

" I am, dear Sir,
" Yours truly,
"JOHN GRANTHAM."

(Signed)

A PATERNAL GOVERNMENT.—A letter from Alexandria
has the following :—" We have lately been spectators of a
somewhat stirring scene. His Highness the Pasha was on
horseback, passing through the Frank quarter of this city,
and when he came to the end of the great square, a poor in-
valid soldier, who had lost an arm, not having been able to
present a petition to the Pasha in the palace, hoped to do it
in the public streets, when he was certain the eye of the
Pasha was turned towards him. Hardly had he made the
simple act or presenting it, when the Pasha made a sign to
one of his suit, and the unfortunate creature was seized in
the public streets and bastinaboed with all the force of such
hardened and barbarous men. The miserable creature,
lamed with the blows he had received, deafened all the neigh-
bourhood, when another chief of the Pasha's suit gave another
order, still more barbarous. He said to the executor, Give
it to him over the head bard, and then he'll not be able to
cry out.' After some blows, he was left there as an example
to all those who should go and raise their voice before that
Prince whose greatness is derived from the aid of those un-
happy people, and who, begging to-day for a crust of bread,
are treated in that barbarous manner."—Galigyani's Mes-
senger.

AN ATROCIOUS CRIMINAL.—We know not that we ever
read or hard of a more ridiculous farce than that which was
enacted yesterday at the Middlesex sessions, before Mr.
Sergeant Adams and a full bench of sapient, awful-looking
magistrates. A It seems that a young urchin named Shannon,
who has scarcely yet escaped from his leading strings, was
induced some days since, at the instigation of the Devil, to
make free with a twopenny pie, and, not content with this
fiendish act of atrocity, to transfer the abstracted dainty to
that receptacle for stolen goods, his mouth, with a rapidity
and recklessness which shows how complete was the ascen-
dancy which the Evil One had acquired over him ! To ag-
gravate the enormity of his crime, the abandoned malefactor
actually attempted to make free with a second pie, but, for-
tunately for the ends of justice, he was detected before he
could accomplish his diabolical intentions ; and the result of
this providential discovery (for providential it certainly must
have been) was, that two formidable indictments were brought
against him, duly setting forth the particulars of his guilt,
with that eloquent and captivating minuteness for which the
law is so remarkable. He was, in consequence, introddced
yesterday to the special notice of Mr. Serjeant Adams, when
the prosecutrix having given her evidence, witnesses were
called to character, and two or three Irish labourers bore
triumphant testimony to the unsulli,:d purity of the prisoner's
morals, by observing that he " could run of an errand as
well as any boy in the three kingdoms." Of course, there
was no disproving such conclusive reasoning as this, and
young Shannon was accordingly acquitted, while those who
advised the prosecution and drew up the indictment, were
left with nothing to console them but the very unsatisfying
reflection, that virtue is its own reward. Seriously speaking
—though the affair is hardly worth treating seriously—the
jury acted perfectly right in returning a verdict of " Not
Guilty," for the case was one which should never have been
brought before them ; and the uncontrollable laughter of the
whole court during the investigation proved that it was looked
on as quite a burlesque of justice. Equally judicious was the
learned serjeant's refusal to allow the expenses of two indict-
ments for " sueh a trumpery case ; " had he acted otherwise,
and countenanced, instead of ridiculing, the proceedings, the
breed of Shannons would have multiplied with marvellous
rapidity, and the bars of our different courts of justice would
have been crowded with precocious pie-stealers.---The Sun.