The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-10-28 00:00:00

LOCAL NEWS.

RADICAL TRICKERY.—We happen to know, in spite of
the sly movements of our opponents, that they have obtained
blank poll papers for the following wards, viz., Everton,
Scotland, Exchange, and Great George's. The object, of
course, is apparent ; but the underhand and craven spirit
which dictated this low species of electioneering warfare, is
not the less disgusting. We have heard the names of the
parties who are to be used as utensils on this occasion, but
we rather prefer letting them be the publishers of their own
shame. Now that the scheme is out, of course our con-
servative friends will work double tides to prevent this last
trick of our opponents taking effect. We recommend these
wards to send notes to every elector exposing the trick, and
putting them on their guard. Let every man be at the poll-
ing booth at nine o'clock, if possible, and let him carefully
examine his poll papers.
AMPHITHEATRE.—The clever equestrian company which,
last autumn, surprised the playgoers by the novelty of their
performances, have taken this theatre for a short season.
The amusements commence with a grand " Waltz and Star
Entree." The evolutions are extremely well managed. Mr.
Sands, in driving his four milk-white steeds, displays his
consummate knowledge of horsemanship. Mr. Buckley,
in the character of an Indian Chief, exhibits some of the
habits and peculiarities of the red man with much effect.
The posturing of the Rivea family is surprising. A clever
dog, and an equally well. taught pony, perform macy curious
tricks. The negro singing by Mr. Sweeney, and the dancing
of Mr. Vanbramer, excite much merriment. The clowns i❑
the ring are droll fellows,—one of them is particularly funny;
the dry way in which he utters his witticisms never fails to set
the house in a roar; we must say there is a great deal of
originality in his " dialogue." To the younger branches of
families a visit to the Amphitheatre will afford a great treat.

SHIPMASTERS' ASSOCIATION.—A meeting of the Ship-
masters' Association, of this town, was called at two o'clock
on Tuesday last, for the further consideration of the bill pro-
posed by the Board of Trade, " to qualify masters and mates
in the merchant service." Captain Bisset was called to the
chair. The chairman, in opening the business of the meet-
, ing, remarked upon the bickerings and personalities which
had arisen amongst the shipmasters in the course of their
proceedings relative to the bill, and on the misrepresentations
which had been made respecting his conduct, though his sole
wish was to serve his profession. A letter read by the sec-
retary, from Capt. Chamley, suggesting that apprenticeship
should be substituted for service, as a qualification for
examination, called forth some comments, and resulted in a
motion by Mr. J. B. Yates, seconded by Capt. Chamley, to
the effect, that an alteration of the clause should be recom-
mended, making provision that the qualification for examina-
tion for first-class mates should be twenty-one years old, and
an apprenticeship of five years; and the qualification for the
coasting trade should be twenty years old, and an apprentice-
ship of three years. The 36th, 37th, and 38th clauses were
read. The last empowered penalties of 4'50 for forging cer-
tificates, &c. Opinions were generally expressed that the
penalty was too light, and a resolution was past recommend-
ing that it should be not less than £5O or more than £lOO.
The 39th clause, giving power to the principal board to make
by-laws, was read. In respect to the penalty named in this
clause, it was recommended to insert the words " not less
than," before the sum named. Capt. Macauley moved, that
the board be elected annually. This would do away with
any fear of bribery or partiality. Capt. Chamley seconded
the resolution, which was carried. The clauses 40 to 53 in-
clusive were read with little comment, as they related chiefly
to the executive operations of the bill. Capt. Midgley moved,
that five shipmasters be appointed a committee to consider
the clauses of the bill, and to communicate thereupon with
Capt. Fitzroy. It was ultimately resolved, that the chairman
and four other shipmasters, who were named, should form
the committee in question. Capt. Chamley said, he should
like to see something introduced into the bill on the subject
of paying captains in cases of bankruptcy. All others were
paid their wages in such cases, but the captain came in as a
mere creditor, and was paid, perhaps, sixpence in the pound.
Mr. Holland said, the subject might be considered by the
committee and represented. He had always thought the
system to which Capt Chamley alluded a great hardship.
Mr. Holland alluded to the resignation of Mr. Rowett, with
many eulogiums on that gentleman for his zealous,exertions
in favour of the shipmasters. Capt. Crossly moved, that the
meeting learned with regret that Mr. Rowett had tendered
his resignation, and they hoped that he would resume his
duties. The resolution was seconded by Capt. Dobson, and
carried. Thanks were voted to the chairman, mid the meet-
ing separated.