The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-03-04 00:00:00

LOCAL NEWS,

ALTCAR SCHOOLS, &c.—We have learned, with great plea-
sure, that the Earl of Sefton has recently built two excellent
schools at Altcar, to be used as Sunday and day schools, and
that his lordship has also, unasked, assisted the parishioners
to repair and improve their church.
Her Majesty's packet Medusa picked up the crew of the
Adelphi, a Welsh sloop, laden with slates from Beaumaris,
which foundered in sight of the Medusa, during her passage
to Dublin.
CONVEYANCE OF THE MAILS.—The estimates for the
contract packet service amount, for the years 1342-3, to
£421,929, being an increase of £188,390 over those of the
previous year. This arises chiefly from the contract for the
conveyance of mails to the West Indies, which is taken at
£240,000. There is an addition also of £20,000 for the con-
veyance of mails by steam from Liverpool to Halifax and
Boston and Quebec ; the total amount for thatbeing £BO,OOO.
The following are the other principal contracts :—For con-
veying the mails from London to Rotterdam and Hamburg,
£17,000 ; to Gibraltar and the intermediate places, £29,600 ;
Alexandria, £34,000 ; and from Liverpool to Kingston, Ire-
land, £9,000.
FIGHTING TAILORS.—On Tuesday last, at the Police-
court, Samuel Barnett and Michael Hannan, two respectable
looking young men, were called, and they presented them-
selves before the bench. They had been out on bail.—The
police-officer on duty in Oldhall-street stated, that on the
preceding day he found the prisoners fighting in Oldhall-
street.—Mr. Rushton: What are you ?—Barnett and Han-
nan : We are tailors, sir.—Mr. Rushton : Oh ! I know : a
number of you tailors have been fighting for twelve months
past.—Barnett : It was a private quarrel, sir, which we
thought we would settle amicably, sir, by fighting it out, when
the officer interrupted us. All differences amongst us are
now settled, sir, and if you will look over this, we shall never
fight any more.—Mr. Rushton : I have had great trouble
with you men, and now I am determined to put a stop to
these disgraceful proceedings. The public are not to be an-
noyed by your absurd quarrels. You must each pay a fine
of 40s and costs, or be imprisoned one month ; and the next
time you so offend I will make you find bail.
-

SINGULAR OCCURRENCE AT A GENTLEMAN'S HOUSE IN
RODNEY-STRELT.—WhiIe the family were sitting at dinner,
on Sunday evening, they were suddenly greatly alarmed at
seeing a large volume of fire bursting into the room, and im-
mediately afterwards they perceived a large bird flapping its
wings in the midst of the flames. It appears that a pigeon
must, by some accident, have got into the top of the chimney,
and, in its passage down to the grate, collected a great quan-
tity of soot, which suddenly igniting (for there was a good fire
burning at the time), caused an explosion, and forged a large
column of fire into the room, which extended nearly to the
table. It was very fortunate no one was sitting on that side,
or serious consequences might have ensued. The lady of the
house had herself a most providential escape ; for, not feel-
ing quite well, she left her seat, and stood for some time be-
fore the fire. and she had scarcely returned one minute to the
table before the accident happened. It is frightful to con-
template the awful situation she would have been in, enve-
loped in such a body of flames, without the slightest warning.
The family were obliged to leave the room directly, and every
thing on the table was completely spoiled. The poor bird
was alive when taken out of the grate, but every particle of
its feathers was burnt off. The reflection of the flame was
seen by the servants who were sitting in the kitchen below,
the window shutter not being closed.
THE LONG LOST PRESIDENT.—It is supposed, form
the following extract from the log book of the brig Poul-
try, Capt. James Moult, of Baltimore, that the hull of this
long lost steamer has at last been seen. " July 21, 11 a.m.,
lat. 40 21 N., long. 39 17 W„ from New York for Smyrna,
passed a large piece of wreck, sixty feet long, thirty or forty
wide, and looked like the broadside of a steam-boat. It ap-
peared to be part of the main-channels, having four dead
eyes, with turned mouldings, and long flat iron straps. Her
hull was black, with a broad wide streak, and large painted
black ports. There was a bight of a hawser over a piece of
wood, apparently part of the guards." The ill-fated Presi-
dent was seen both here and ir. Liverpool by the chief mate
of the Poultney, and he unhesitatingly says that the wreck
passed was part of that steam-ship. Every thing about the
wrek plainly showed, from their great size and manufacture,
that they belonged not to any merchant vessel or man-of-war,
but to a large steamer. We think as the mate does on this
point, and believe the wreck seen to have been that of the
unfortunate, ill-starred President.—New York Herald, Feb.
81h.—[It will be seen from our United States intelligence
that the stern boat and some other things belonging to this
ill-fated vessel have been picked up.]
ST. DAVID'S DAY.—The loyal inhabitants of the princi-
pality celebrated the anniversary of their patron saint with
their usual enthusiasm. The proceedings were commenced
by a sermon at St. David's Church, on Sunday last, by the
Rev. John Jones, M.A., of St. Andrew's Church, for the
benefit of the Welch schools in this town. On Tuesday,
early in the morning, the interesting subjects of the charity
and their parents showed the value they had of the advan-
tages of a scriptural education, by congregating at the doors
of the different school-rooms to witness the proceedings.
At a quarter before eleven, the directors and friends of the
schools, accompanied by the members of the Ancient Britons'
Friendly Society, with their handsome flags, and some highly
respectable members of the Cambrian Friendly Society, and
the St. David's Friendly Society, went in procession, with
the children of the schools, to St, David's Church. We
were greatly delighted with the cleanly and orderly be-
haviour of the children, which' reflected great credit on the
superintendents, the visiters, and instructors of the schools.
The services in church were wholly in the Ancient British
language; the prayers were read in a distinct and impressive
manner by the Rev. Robert Davies, M.A., the minister of
St. David's Church, and a most excellent, energetic, and
valuable sermon was delivered by the Reverend Henry Jones,
M.A., vicar of Northop, Flintshire, who took for his text,
Luke 13th chapter, 6th, 7th, Bth, and 9th verses. The sub-
ject was the parable of the fruitless fig tree, which the Rev.
gentleman ably and impressively applied to the object of the
day's proceedings. After the service, the directors, their
friends, and the subscribers to the schools, returned in pro-
cession with the children to the large school-room; when an
examination of the scholars took place, which was conducted
by the Rev. Robert. Davies. The satisfaction derived from
the acquirements of the children was very marked. James
Aspinall, Esq., the president for the year, occupied the chair.
At the close of the examination, Thomas Jones, one of the
senior boys, delivered an appropriate speech, expressive of
the gratitude of the children for the benefits they derived
from a scriptural education. After the business of the day
was concluded, the directors and friends of the charity par.
took of a cold collation, to which they were admitted by
ticket. The arrangements were under the superintendence
of Mr. Edwards, of the Wellington-rooms, and were con-
ducted with very great taste. During the refreshments,
several loyal and appropriate toasts were given ; and when the
toast of the day, " Albert, Prince of Wales," was given, a
select number of the girls of the school were introduced, who
sung an appropriate hymn. Several interesting speeches
were. delivered, and after spending a most agreeable after-
the
company separated, highly gratified with the whole
proceedings of the day.

New PATV3lTs.—Amotigst the patents sealed last mtinfli
is one of Mr. C. W. Williams, of this town, for certain im-
provements )in the making and moulding of bricks, artificial
fuel, and other substances: One to H. F. Broadwood, Esq.
of London, for 'an improvement in that part of a piano-forte
harpsichord, or other the like instrument commonly called
the name board ; and one to Adderley Willcocks
•.
K.T.S., of Manchester, captain in her most faithful majesty's
service, for a certain method or certain methods of effecting
and forming sheltered floating harbours of safety, by the em-
ployment of certain buoyant sea barriers, applicable thereto,
and which said improvements are also applicable to and
useful for the formation of breakwaters, floating bridges,
lighthouses, and beacons ; the protection of pier-heads, em-
bankments, and for other similar purposes.

PRESCRIBING DRUGGISTS.—ANOTHER CHILD KILLED
BY AN OVER DOSE OF NARCOTIC POISON.—On Monday
an inquest was held before P. F. Curry, Esq., coroner for
this borough, on view of the body of Emma Cain, an infant
of three months old. Jane Cain, wife of Matthew Cain, and
mother of the deceased, said, they lived in Gillon-place,
Duckenfield-.street. On Thursday last the deceased was not
very well, and had been so for a week, her bowels being a
little disordered ; and she went to the shop of Mr. O'Gor-
man, a druggist, in Brownlow-hill, and asked for a penny-
worth of paregoric, which he gave her. She asked him what
quantity she should give, and told him the child's age. He
said she might give her ten drops, or from that to twenty.
She gave her about half a tea-spoonful, which she put into a
cup. She did not drop it, but poured it out. Next day the
deceased did not appear to be any better, and remained so up
to Saturday night, when she gave her the remainder of the
paregoric, and she fell asleep. She slept a little more than
an hour, and when she awoke she gave her the breast. She
fell asleep again, and about eight the same night witness ob-
served a change in the deceased, and became alarmed, and
took her to Mr. King, who keeps a druggist's shop in Brown-
low-hill, who gave her some medicine, but she gradually got
worse until seven o'clock on Sunday morning, when she died.
Mr. Burrows was called to the deceased, and remained with
her about three hours before she died, and used such means
to recover her as he considered proper, but without avail.
The deceased was a healthy child.—Mr. John Burrows, sur-
geon, said he was called to deceased on Sunday morning, and
found her labouring under stertorous breathing, and evidently
suffering from some narcotic. He used every means to re-
store her, but without avail, and she died the same morning,
he had no doubt from the effects of narcotic. He considered
twenty drops of narcotic too strong for a child of the age of
the deceased, but did not think that quantity would produce
death. He thought a large dose must have been given.—
Thomas Dobson Walker, an apprentice to Mr. 'O'Gorman,
said he had been about two years and a half with him. He
remembered the mother coming to the shop, 4nd asking
for a pennyworth of paregoric. Miss O'Gorman served
her. The paregoric was put into a cup. He was asked
what quantity was to be given to the child, and he
told her from ten to twenty drops. There was about
two drachms given to her.—The Coroner, in addressing
the jury, said it was a larnentable fact that a great num-
ber of children lost their lives by druggists taking upon
themselves to prescribe for them. If children were ill, as
in this case, with griping, it would be well for mothers in
the first instance to give them a little castor oil, and, if that
had not the desired effect, to call in a medical man. If they
had cot the means of paying, they might readily find profes-
sional assistance gratuitously at one or other of the charities;
besides which, there were many private practitioners always
willing to give their aid to the necessitous. He knew of no
means of putting a stop to the practice of druggists prescri-
bing dangerous medicines, but the efforts of the press in
cautioning them not to do so themselves or through their
servants. They had, indeed, no more right to do so than
any one present in that room. He then alluded to several
cases of fatality which had fallen within his jurisdiction, and
particularly to a recent one in which a person had called at
Mr. Sheldon's, a druggist, and Mrs. Sheldon had prescribed
60 drops of laudanum for a child ! Druggists were autho-
rised to sell medicines, but not to prescribe the quantity to
be given, which few of them understood. There could be
no doubt but death was in this instance caused by the admi-
nistration of a narcotic poison in too great quantities; but
the mother, whose act it was, was alone legally responsible,
and he could not see how the jury could meet the case other-
wise than by a verdict of " chance-medley " against her,
which he explained to be only a shade removed from " man-
slaughter."—The jury, finding they had no power in this case
to inflict a penalty, returned a verdict accordingly of "chance
medley" against the mother, adding a presentment expressive
of their just indignation at the conduct'of the druggist. One
of the jury said, that if the case could have been legally
brought home to the latter, he for one should have stood out
for a verdict of manslaughter against him.—Mr. Burrows
expressed a wish that something would be legislatively done
to put a stop to the practice, inasmuch as he and his profes-
sional brethren were frequently called on in the most painful
cases arising out of it, and generally found-their efforts to
restore the sufferers unavailing.—The Coroner concurred;
and, after he had addressed a few kihdly words to the be-
reaved mother, who had doubtless acted from ignorance, the
parties left the court.
SMUGGLING.—Thomas Boyer, an old man, was placed at
the bar of the Police-court, on Tuesday, charged with having
conveyed certain cigars, &c., from the New York packet-
ship Sheridan. Police-officer No, 77, stated that the pri-
soner was carrying the trunk produced in a cart from the
packet-ship Sheridan. He went to him, and asked him what
it contained. He replied that it contained clothes, and that
it had been passed by the Custom-house officer. He (the
police-officer) requested him to open it, but he refused, say-
ing it was all right, and pointing to the customs'. mark on it,
There were certain initials on it indicating that it had been
passed by the tidewaiter on board, but he (the officer) was
not satisfied, and he requested that the trunk 'might be
opened for his inspection. The. custom-house officer came
from the ship and told him that he must be satisfied, for it
was all right. The steward of the Sheridan also told him the
same ; but he told them in return that he would not be satis-
fied unless the box were opened for him to examine the con-
tents. This was refused, upon which lie took the box into
his custody, and conveyed it to the police station, where it
was opened by Mr. Superintendent Quick. ' John 'Bellingo-
ley, the tidewaiter who bad spoken to the officer, said when
lie examined the trunk it contained only a few articles of
wearing apparel. Mr. Quick said the trunk when opened
was found to contain 101bs. of cigars, 11 bottles of brandy,
and three parcels of tea. The captain of the Sheridan said
the steward had absconded. 11 e had never seen the cigars
before. The brandy and tea had probably been stolen from
the stores. Mr. Rushton remanded both the prisoner and
the custom-house officer until this day, (Friday,) to enable
him to lay the evidence before the Board of Customs.
CHARGE OF EMBEZLEMENT.—James Brown, a respecta-
ble-looking young man, was placed before Mr. Ruiliton, on
Saturday last, charged with having embezzled certain moneys
belonging to Mr. Timothy Gibbins, nail manufacturer. It
appeared, from the evidence, that the prisoner was a clerk in
the service of Mr. Gibbins, and that he had collected from
Messrs. Garnett and Bibby, who dealt with Mr. Gibbins,
two sums amounting to £27 3s. 611., and from Messrs.
Troughton and Lyon £24. Mr. Wardle, who appeared for
the prisoner, asked Mr. Gibbins if steps had notfieeri 'taken
to compromise the matter. Mr. Gibbins replied, "No ;"
but he had received a letter from the prisoner. Mr. War-
dle : " Produce that letter." Mr. Gibbins handed a letter to
the magistrate, saying it contained an admission of the crime.
Mr. Wardle : "In consequence of that letter did you not
communicate with your attorney ?" Mr. Gibbins : "No,
not till after." Mr. Wardle : " Was it not arranged that
you were to have a mortgage on certain property of 'his in
Cheshire?" Mr. Gibbins " No." Mr. Wardle : Re-
collect that I have a gentleman by me who was present in the
attorney's office when the arrangement was made. Was
there no arrangement made fora mortgage?" Mr. Gibbins :
" No." Mr..Wardle. " Was not a copy of a will left with
your attorney for the purpose of satisfying him as to the title
to the property ?" Mr. Gibbins : " Yes : it remains there
still:" Mr. Wardle: "And was the will left for the
purpose of proving the title to the property ?" Mr. Gibbins :
" I am not aware." Mr. Wardle : " What was the sum
which he was to pay you ?" Mr. Gibbons : " One hundred
and twenty pounds." Mr. Wardle : " Was that all ?" Mr.
Gibbins ; " Yes." Mr, Wardle ; 'Why, sir, is the sum not
named in the letter? Did you not ask for £138?" Mr.
Gibbins : " Yes ; but—" Mr. Rushton : " You have a right
to explain anything you think proper." Mr. Gibbins : " The
officer and I were put to certain expenses in going to Green-
ock and Glasgow to endeavour to find the prisoner, and I
charged these expenses." Mr. Wardle : " You required
£l2O from the prisoner to satisfy you for the money which
you said he held, and the remainder for expenses.
the
Gibbins:
whole as a debt I" Mr. Gibbins : " No." Mr. Rushton :
"In what shape did you claim this money ?" Mr. Gibbins:
" His wife called frequently at my office, and begged that I
would not proceed. I told her that I could do nothing in it ;
that I was determined to prosecute him. She called so many
times, and his mother called also, that, at last, I told them
to go to my attorney, and see if they could say something
satisfiktory." Mr. Rushton : " Was the application an
offer of money, and a request for forgiveness ? Mr. Gib-
bins : " Yes!' Mr. Rushton : " And you referred them to
the attorney ?" Mr. Gibbins : "Yes.'; Mr. Rushton:
"And did anything further take place? , " No." Mr.
Rushton : " How came the will in possession of your attor-
ney ?" Mr. Gibbins : " They had consulted with him."
Mr. Rushton : " In consequence of what took place at his
office, had you consented to the mortgage ?" Mr. Gibbins:
" Not myself." Mr. Rushton " Had you authorized your
attorney to do so." Mr. Gibbins : " Yes." Mr. Rushton
ordered the prisoner to be discharged, exhorting him to be
careful as to his future conduct, as he had escaped merely
through the course adopted by Mr. Gibbins.

AINSWORTH'S MAGAZINE VOR MARCH.—If No. 1. had

a brilliaut start, the preent Number will ensure this new

Periodical a triumphant march. There is in it every element
of success and long life. Mr. Ainsworth's story of the
" Miser's Daughter', will, perhaps, become more universally
attractive than any of his already popular romances. These
Chapters bring new characters in scenes of astonishing vivid-
ness and power, which Cruikshank has illustrated with un-
exampled effect. The Abbey-Cloister scene is very fine, and
the other steel engraving teems with character. Another
distinguished novelist, Mr. G. P. R. James, has opened in
this work a Romance of the Reign of King John, called
" The Fight of the Fiddlers ;" it will rank with ie most
-popular of his fictions. But what shall we say to the ac-
count of Strawberry Hill, which occupies many pages, and
boasts Ten Illustrations? Happy Horace Walpole! Al-
though his far-famed retreat be doomed to the hammer, and
will speedily disappear, he must look down with delight upon
this delineation of its riches, beauties, and wonders. All
must read this, whether they visit the scene or not. This
Number is rich in varieties, from its Proverbial Philosophy,
by Mr. M. F. Tupper, to the broad farce of the Virginny
Pirate, by Uncle Sam. Captain Medwin has an amusing
Chapter on Beards ; Mr. W. F. Ainsworth, a startling ad-
venture on the Banks of the Euphrates ; Miss Pardoe, a
whimsical contest relative to a Sofa at Sea; Mr. Oilier, a
curious story of a Gravedigger. There are verses by Laman
Blanchard, C.S., John Oxenford, and others. At the Li-
brary Table we hear discussions on Music, the Theatres, and
the genius of Tony Johannot. The Lady's Page is aptly
followed by the " Gentleman's Tiger," who, as drawn by
Cruikshank, must become a prodigious favourite. The
Number is first-rate in all respects.
A GANG OF PICKPOCKETS.—At the police-office on Tues-
day last, five ill-looking fellows, who gave their names Wm.
Thompson, James Lynch, George Thomas, Thomas Rawson,
and Joseph Jackson, were placed at the bar, charged with
having picked the pocket of Mary Orme. Mrs, Orme
stated, that about half-past six o'clock she was passing along
Oldhall-street from the house of a friend whom she had
been visiting, when a young man passed her, and told her to
take care, for she was well watched. She did not under-
stand what was meant, and took no notice of what was said.
She observed, however, that there were several men about.
Shortly afterwards another came to her, and told her that
her pocket was picked. She felt in her pocket, and missed
her purse, containing a sovereign and a half, some silver,
and a ring set with crystals. She had seen the prisoner
Lynch push past her. She knew him because he was pock-
marked, and he wore a black and red handkerchief. Win.
Thomas, tailor, stated that he saw the complainant and
another lady passing along Oldhall-street. His attention
was attracted by several men, eight or ten, who pressed be-
hind her in a cluster. He saw the pock-marked man (Lynch)
lift up the corner of her shawl. He (witness) passed her
and told her she was watched, and he then fell behind.
Lynch also fell behind, and asked him what he was looking
at. He did not choose to answer, but went away to look
for a policeman. lie saw Lynch put his hand into the com-
plainant's pocket, and the others clustered round him so as
to cover him. He could swear to the prisoner, George
Thomas, as being one of the number. Police-officer
Maguire apprehended the prisoner; he knew them to be
desperate thieves. Lynch and Thomas were committed for
trial, and the others were liberated with an admonition from
Mr. Rushton, either to amend their ways or leave Liverpool,
as the eyes of the-officers were upon them.

Mr. Leigh, the mayor of Liverpool, who ig dready reported
to be the richest commoner-in
.England, has, during the last
month, received an accession' of fortune under the will of
some old lady, Who lived somewhere at the south end of that
town.—Morning Herald.—[ We believe the lady here alluded
to is Miss Banister; of Upper Parliament-street, who died
very recently.l

: INTERMENT OF TILE DEAD.—On Wednesday week, a
petition was presented to the House of Commons, by Mr.
A. Walker, on the subject of interments in large towns, and
praying the House to appoint a committee, for the purpose of
instituting a full, and searching inquiry, into the condition of
the burial places of the United Kingdom. Snch committee'
has been appointed to sit on Wednesday. Mr Walker is well
known to have taken a long, and deep interest in this sub-
ject, and to have. written upon it several effective works,
some of which have appeaed in our columns.
REFUSALS TO TAKE AN OATH.—The practice of refusing
to be sworn in a court of justice is now becoming extremely'
common, and reluctant witnesses appear to think that they
have nothing more to do than object to take an oath, and
their difficulty is overcome. We are glad to see, however,
that these gentlemen do not always escape as they readily
appear to wish. On Tuesday, a witness at the police-court,
in this town, refused to be sworn, though he gave way after
an admonition from Mr. Rushton. He stated that he at-
tended the Mariners' Church, and that according to the in-
struction which he there received, lie could not conscienti-
ously take an oath. This, we rpprehend, must be a mistake,
and we are rather inclined to the belief that the place of wor-
ship which the witness has been in the habit of attending
will prove to be the Floating Chapel. At the Hertford as-
sizes at present holding, two witnesses were very summarily
committed to prison by Mr. Baron Gurney for refusing to be
sworn before the grand jury. They were unable to dffer any
reason for their refusal, and the learned judge, therefore,
acted most judiciously in making an example of them.
FEMALE POLITICIANS.—A very proper Reproof to the
LADIES of the Anti-Corn Law League.—Two of these fair
and free traders received a very suitable reproof, upon hawk-
ing their petitions for signature, a few days back. The lady
of a house, in Windsor-street, upon being asked to sign
the petition, replied, " Will you step in, ladies, and wait un-
til I run up stairs." Upon returning down, with a pair of
breeches in each hand, she replied, " Perhaps, ladies these
may be useful to you in your perambulations, and while you
are putting them on 1 will take into consideration the pro-
priety of signing the petition."
Sin HOWARD DOUGLAS.—The Edinburgh Standard,
one of the leading Scottish papers, thus speaks of the address
of Sir 11. Douglas on Mr. Villiers's motion for a total repeal
of the corn-laws. Our contemporary only alludes to the
speeches on Thursday evening, the closing night of the de-
bate :—" The first speech of any importance was that of Sir
" Howard Douglas, the member for Liverpool, woo on this
" occasion proved himself not •only possessed of great stores
"of knowledge, but to be well acquainted with the sort of
"speech which would tell in parliament. Sir Howard di-
" rected his chief attention to the doctrine of reciprocity,
"which he exposed with consummate ability. The corn-
"law repeaters insist that other countries would follow our
"example in taking off 'restrictive or protective duties, and
" yet the fact stares thernin the face, that although we admit
" American cotton, the Yankees almost exclude our mann-
" factured goods from their market. Sir Howard Douglas
" has proved himself a speaker of great tact and ability, and
" will prove a valuable addition to the conservative ranks."
FELONY.—At the Police-court yesterday, a man named
Charles Young, was brought to the bar, on a charge of steal-
ing a quantity of rope. William Barton, a police constable,
stated that about half-past seven o'clock on Wednesday
evening he was on duty in Kitchen-street, when lie was in-
formed that three men were going suspiciously along the
street with ropes. He pursued them, and found a coil of
rope in Kitchen-street. He then- went up a passage in that
street, and found the prisoner with three other coils. He
asked him where he was going, and he replied that lie was
going home. He next inquired where he had got the coils,
And he said a man had given them to him to carry, but on
being further questioned, he said he could not tell who the
man was. Yesterday morning witness discovered the owner.
Mr. Whitely, captain of the brig Cherub, lying in the
Queen's Dock, and one of the owners of that vessel, said
that on Wednesday afternoon he had the rope coiled up, and
placed in Mr. Russell's yard, bottom of Kitchen-street; and
that he saw it there about three o'clock same afternoon. The
prisoner said that a man had asked him to carry the coils for
him. He was committed for trial.

EXCELLENT MUSTARD.—This is an article which is rarely
met with in a state to give satisfactian. We have used that,
however, prepared by Messrs. Hope and Wheeler, of this
town, and advertised in another column. The quality of
this is most superior, and after what we have been in the
habit of using, it is gratifying to meet with that which does
not deceive the palate. The peculiar flavour of the genuine
Durham is preserved, whilst several objectionable features of
that powder are not met with here. We recommend all who
are anxious to try the pure unadulterated seed to make an
experiment of this.

HALIFAX STEAMERS.--TWO of the Halifax steam-ship S
the Britannia and Caledonia, have been this week put into
the Queen's Graving Dock. We observe the vessels belong-
ing to this line undergo frequent inspection there, that no-
thing may be left undone that may contribute to safety.
Our nautical readers will be gratified by a look at the Cale-
donian's bottom, as she now lies dry. We understand that
not a shadow of straining or twisting is to be seen. It is
matter of considerable interest among shipbuilders and other
judges that these steamers, great as is their length, show
less straining than any other class of shipping that has done
hard work.

THEATRE ROYAL.—Mr. Thorburne, whose first appear-
ance at this theatre we noticed in our last, reappeared last
night as .lago, to Mr. Brooke's Othello. His third per-
formance will be to-night, when his benefit will take place.
From the very promising appearance of the box sheet there
is no doubt that the house will be well and fashionably at.
tended. The play selected is "The Wife," in which Mr.
Thorburne peronates St.' Pierre: we append the following ap-
posite remarks from a contemporary, quite agreeing with him :
Benefits were originally designed as opportunities for the
public to testify their appreciation of the merits of the can-
didates for their firvour, and as Mr. Thorburne, like the
younger Vandenhoff, is a 'gentleman of respectability and
education, who has left one of the learned professions for
another were taste and learning are the chief requisites to
success, on the supposition that the British people are dis-
criminative and generous, and will not be slow to reward the
adventurer of talent and character. Be is moreover a towns-
man, who isheld in general esteemby all to whom he is known,
and we trust that on this occasion he will be encouraged to
persevere in the arduous profession which he has adopted, and
stimulated to improvement. He has thrown physic to the
dogs, staked his life upon the cast, and we hope the hazard
of the die will be in his favour.

EXAMINATION OF SHIPMASTERS.—A bill is now before
parliament, under charge of Captain Fitzroy, M.P. for Dor.
ham, which has for its object the examination of masters
and mates, and a certification by qualified persons of their
fitness for their duties before they are allowed to enter on
them. The business of examination is proposed to be done
by boards of examinators, one of which hoards will sit at the
following ports—London, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle,
Hull, Dublin, Leith, and Glasgow—and to consist of three,
or (in London) four experienced seamen, who will be exami-
ners. a secretary (in London) and a clerk, or a clerk only ; of
which examiners aforesaid one shall have commanded a ves-
sel, or vessels in the merchant service, at least seven years,
and shall have been in the Pacific and Indian oceans—ano-
ther shall have been at least seven years in the coasting trade
of Great Britain. and shall have commanded a vessel or ves-
sels, in the merchant service, at least seven years—another of
the said examiners shall have commanded a steam vessel or
steam-vessels, at least three years, and also shall have been
four years at sea in a sailing vessel or vessels, and another—
who shall be the principal examiner—shall have a competent
knowledge of theoretical as well as practical navigation, and
shall have been at least seven years. Power is given to the
Trinity Honse to reject any member elected in the foregoing
ports, by the shipowners, as an examinator. The 14th clause
gives the power to the Trinity House to appoint and alter at
their own will and pleasure the nature and the examinations in
•` seamanship, navigation, and general professional know-
ledge." The remuneration to be given to examiners is as
follows :—To the principal examiner, £4OO per annum ; 'first
London examiner, £3OO ; second, £250; third, £250.; se-
cretary, £5OO ; clerk, £l5O. At Liverpool and Glasgow
respectively :—To the first examiner, £250 per annum ;
second, £l5O ; third, £l5O ; clerk, £lOO. Xnd at the other
five boards respectively, namely, Bristol, Newcastle, Hull.
Leith, and Dublin :—To the first examiner, X. 240 per annum ;
second, £100; third, £j00; clerk, 00.
COMMITMENT FOR AN INTENT TO COMMIT FELONY.
Yesterday, at the Police-court, a man named James Owens
was placed before Mr. Rushton under the following circum-
stances. Ann Saville stated that she was in the service of
Mr. Thomas Lake, who keeps the Commercial Tavern, Can-
ning-place ; and that on Wednesday evening, between eight
and nine o'clock, while she was returning down stairs from
the upper rooms of the house with a lighted candle, she went
into bed-room No. 9, and there found the prisoner, lying
between some boxes there deposited. She asked what he
was doing there, and received no answer. She immediately
closed the room door, and called Mr. Lake, who, with others,
came up, and the prisoner was secured. Mr. Lake said that
he found the prisoner there when he was called up ; that the
door of the room was not kept locked; and that nothing ap•
peared to be amiss with the locks and drawers, Police-officer
George M'Kenzie said he was called in, and, on finding the
prisoner in the room, took him to Bridewell. The prisoner
was there searched by Mr. George Greaves, who found upon
him ten skeleton keys, a picklock, and a putty knife, which
he produced. Yesterday morning he went to the house,
tried the locks, and found that he could lock and unlock
three of the rooms with the keys. The prisoner said in his
defence that he had neither damaged nor removed anything.
He was committed for trial at the sessions.
-
CURIOUS CASE RELATIVE TO THE DETENTION OF A
-

SHIP'S REGISTER AND OTHER DOCOMENTS. -At the

Police-court on. Wednesday, Capt. Wyles, of the brig Mary,
appeared, by summons, before Mr. Rushton, to answer the
complaint of the owner of the vessel, Mr. Morrison, rope-
minufacturer and ship-chandler. The latter stated that the
captain detained, and refused to deliver up the register of
the ship, and other documents, and called upon the magi-
strate to compel him to produce them. The defendant
stated that he had navigated the vessel out to Lisbon and
home ; that his claim for wages (amounting to about £l6),
was refused by Mr. Morrison, and that he had retained the
papers as a security for the liquidation of his claim. He was
prepared to produce the papers on his demand being satisfied.
Mr. Rushton said that any person wilfully detaining a vessel's
register from the owners was liable to be fined £lOO, or,
in default of payment of that penalty, to be imprisoned for
six months. He did not, however, wish to construe the act
'so strictly in this case, wherein a claim for wages was pre-
ferred, as to leave the defendant in such a condition us might
render it difficult for him to prosecute that claim ; and he
accordingly postponed the further hearing of the case until
yesterday, on the documents being laid before him, he
should be enabled to judge of the validity of the captain's
claim. The parties accordingly again appeared in court yes-
terday. The owner of the vessel said that all the documents
he required had not yet been rendered ; he had received
only two accounts of disbursements for the vessel at Lisbon,
and wanted vouchers for the whole expenditure the register
was also still detained. The defendant said that he had
handed over to Mr. Morrison all the vouchers which he had
received, and all that were necessary to be produced for so
short a voyage. He had also submitted his books, in which
all particulars were stated ; and it was not his fault if Mr.
Morrison had declined to copy them. Some conversation
then took place relative to the carpenters' bill, which the
captain said he had paid out of a sum of £lB he had received
at Lisbon. Mr. Morrison said he had certainly received a
book made up by the captain, but he knew that several of
the accounts in it were overcharged. He called the .nate of
the vessel, who said that only sixteen pounds of sugar was
received on board, and it appeared that forty pounds were
charged for by the captain. The latter did not cross-ques-
tion this witness, but protested that the accounts were
correct, and that the contrary was not proved. Mr. Rush-
ton said, that feeling the hardship of the defendant's case,
with reference to his wages, he bad postponed the final hear-
ing of the case ; and without entering into it further, be
must now convict the defendant in the penalty stated, or, in
defult, put him into gaol, unless he gave up the register,
which he recommended he should do, so that a settlement
might be come to between the parties. The defendant might
sue for his wages if he thought proper, for with regard to the
he (Mr. R.) had no jurisdiction in such matters.
defendant finding that he would otherwise be taken into
Thecapt captain's, n's,
custody, delivered up the register, vehemently remarking
to the complainant, " It will do him no good ! lam robbed !
I am the third captain lie has robbed in the same way!"
Mr. Rushton said he Must sue for his wages. The defen-
dant said it would be of no use to sue such a man, and left
the court.

We regret to announce that Charles. Birch, Esq., one of
the magistrates of this county, died at his residence on
Wednesday last. Mr. Birch was much esteemed in his offi-
cial capacity, as well as in private life; and his unexpected
demise is deeply lamented.

CALISTHENICS. —This elegant and necessary accom-
plishment, with dancing, is taught most excellently by Mr.
Harwood. His style is easy and graceful, and those who
place themselves under his care cannot fail to become profi-
cient.

DISTRESS IN PAISLEY.—Mr, Anderson, the statuist,
has very considerately and kindly determined to appropriate
two days' receipts of his exhibition of statuary to the use of
the weavers of Paisley. It is a most praiseworthy design of
this clever man, and we hope Englishmen and Scots will
crowd his room throughout the day. The admission is only
one penny, but larger sums will be duly accounted for. We
believe many thousands have visited this exhibition during
the past week. Monday and Tuesday next are fixed upon.
LIVER THEATRE.—We refer to the portion of our paper
where we insert the theatrical announcements. It will
there be seen that the very civil and polite box bookkeeper of
the Liver, Mr. Fogg, takes his benefit this evening. He
deserves to have a good house, for he is most assiduous in
endeavouring to please the frequenters of this theatre. To
ladies he is always especially polite.
LECTURES AT 7HE MUSIC HALL.—WC beg to remind

our Protestant friends of the lectures on tl
creed of Pope Pius the Fourth, which corn

novelties of the

:e this even-

s will accpm

a vast fund

ing. The subscribers to this series of ad
plish a double object—they will not only r
of valuable, and in the present day, indispensable inform
tion, but they will also contribute to the relief of the Protes-
tant Association, which is in immediate want of large pecu-
niary assistance. We are glad to hear that the third lecture
will be delivered by the Rev. J. Lyons, late of All Saints' in
this town, and whom we have not heard or seen since his re-
moval from this field of labour. The lecture this evening
will be by the Rev. Thomas Nolan, and the subject we may
as well repeat :—" I most steadfastly admit and embrace
apostolical and ecclesiastical traditions, and all other ob-
servances and constitutions of the same church." No
doubt, at a time when so much is said on the position which
tradition ought to occupy in scriptural teaching, the well-
known sound judgment of the talented lecturer will induce a
more numerous auditory than usual.

SPEEDY DETECTION, AND PUNISHMENT OF A THIEF.—
At the Police-court, yesterday afternoon, some time after the
disposal of the usual felony cases, a good looking, and well-
dressed youth, named John Lee, was placed at the bar,
charged with an attempt to pick a gentleman's pocket. A
gentleman named Whitmore, stated, about ten minutes be-
fore, while he was passing, at the top of Dale-street. he felt
his coat tail lifted, and an attempt made at his pocket, in
which he had a pocket-book, and other articles of value. On

turning round, lie saw the prisoner was the man, and imme-
diately secured him, and gave him in charge. The prisoner
is well known to the police, as one of the light-fingered
gentry, who infest this, and other large, and " productive"
towns. He said nothing in his defence, beyond an impudent
denial, though the case was, clearly proved. Mr. Rushton
said, he had before warned him, in what his iniquities would
end, and ordered him to gaol for three months. This is the
same youth, who was concerned in a robbery a short time
ago, at Newcastle, of 19 gold lever watches, and was detained
here on that account, but escaped from a link in the chain
of evidence being deficient. He is also well-known in
Glasgow. .

FATAAL ACCIDENTS, SUDDEN DEATHS, SUECIDES, &C.,
IN LIVERPOOL.—The annual increase of cases in which in-
quests have been held before the coroner of this borough,
within the ten years endinz with December last, exhibits a
progressive and painful increase in the number of fatalities ;
though, at the same time, it must be admitted that vigilance
• • • • ; casualties before
that warranted
Id to the number.
' ippear that deaths
)roner have in-
ding the in-

in the coroner's department. in inve
overlooked, bat involving circumstances
legal investigation, must have conduced t(
Making, however, every allowance, it wou
calling for inquisition on the part of the
creased, from various causes, in a ratio exc

crease of our growing population. The total number of
cases in 1831 was but 59. In 1833 they exceeded 200. In
1836, they exceeded 300 ; in 1840, 400 ; and last year, the
cases were no fewer than 4`20! We shall shortly be enabled
to submit a few valuable statistics on this subject.

In the London Gazette, published on Saturday, appears
an order in council, constituting the ports of St. John, in
the island of Antigua, and Plymouth, in the island of Mont-
serrat, free warehousing ports, under an act passed in the
third and fourth years of his late majesty, intituled " An
act to regulate the trade of the British possessions abroad."
KEsHEN.—This eminent personage, it is now beyond a
doubt, has been doomed to be beheaded. The imperial will
has been received. " I order that the already degraded from
being a great Minister of State, Keshen, according to the
Great Council of the Imperial Kindred, be detained in prison
until autumn (9th moon, October 15 to September 12,) when
he is to be beheaded according to his sentence. Respect
this."—Canton Register, of October 12.

EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW RAILWAY—WEEKLY RE-
TURN OF TRAFFIC.—It is with much pleasure we announce
the increasing number of passengers on this line of Railway.
Notwithstanding the boisterous state of the weather during
the last week the number of passengers were as follows:—
Passenger traffic from Monday 21st to Saturday 26th Feb.,
1142: Number of passengers, 5576 ; receipts, £loool3s. 11d, ;
parcels, &c., £33 3s. 2d. • total, £1032 17s. Id. No goods
trains. The success of the first week is a sufficient guaran-
tTe that the public fully appreciate the advantages of this
great national work, and during the summer months, what
with pleasure trips and regular passengers, we doubt not the
number will be doubled. The success of the railway is now
without doubt.—Edinburgh Standard.

ISLE OF MAN.—From an authentic list recently published
itappears, that the number of vessels wrecked on the Isle of
Man, between the years 1822 and 1841, amounts to 119.
The number of lives lost is stated to be 62, and the loss of
property estimated at £207,902. A meeting was held at
Douglas, Isle of Man, on Tuesday week, for the purpose of
taking into consideration the best means of obtaining a float-
ing breakwater at the entrance of that port.
A labouring man, named Archibald Wright, who had
occasion to b at the Bonnington Distillery on Wednesday
night last. was, it is said, offered and accepted a glass of
foreshot, which is the alcohol 62 per cent. over proof. But
be that as it may, the man, it is said, was subject to fits,
and as one of the men belonging to the establishment was
leaving the gate for the night, he observed Wright lying
apparently asleep, but, upon being lifted, it was discovered
that the vital spark had fled. He has left a widow and four
helpless children.—Edinburgh Paper.
CORN LAWS.—Mr. Parker, M.P., hag given notice of his
intention to move, in committee on the corn bill, a clause
" enabling any person, on payment of the duty on any quan-
tity of foreign corn, or on giving bond for the payment of the
same, at the rate of duty then ruling, or on giving bond for
the payment of such duty at the rate which sha:l be ruling
on the day of clearing out such corn from any foreign port,
to enter the aforesaid quantity of corn, or any part thereof,
for home consumption, although not actually in bond, pro-
vided it be imported within a limited number of days from
the time of such entry."

TRUE ECONOMY.—When chimnies were first introduceu
in kitchens, with wide arched fire-places, over them was coin-
m9nly written—" Waste not, want not," which exhorted
cooks to care and economy. This motto is placed over the
large mantel of the vast kitchen at Raby Castle, the magnifi-
cent seat of the Duke of Cleveland.
The Calcutta papers describe the money-market as re-
maining in a depressed state, notwithstanding several arrivals
of treasure from China, rates of interest and discount in the
bazaar remaining the same as before, and public confidence
not having recovered from the shock caused by the failure of
Messrs. Boyd and Co.

EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW RAILWAY.—.We understand
that the minority of the shareholders intend to present a bill
of suspension and interdict to the Court of Session against
the resolution of the majority sanctioning the running of a
morning and evening train on Sunday. This application
will necessarily be founded on some of the old Scotch acts,
as to the compulsory observance of the Sabbath-day, and
must open a wide field of discussion, as many of the statutory
injunctions of that period on this subject have fallen into
desuetude.

THE CORK ELECTION AND EJECTIONt—The howl of
despair has reached from the Mansion-house of Dublin to the
Liberal Club-house of Cork. The petitioners against the
return of Messrs. O'Connell and Roach for the Trish York-
shire are provokingly determined to persevere ; and so well
furnished are they with money snd means—so certain is their
prospect of success—that if the radicalCorkagians will not fork
out, ancl throw good money after bad—the two seats will be
abandoned ; for one penny of money the sitting members
will not expend on the defence of a hope so utterly forlorn.
—Dublin Evening Mail.
THE ARMY.—In order to facilitate reliefs, six regiments

of infantry are to be augmented to 12 companions of 1-00 rank
and file each. Their establishment is to be as follows, viz. :

-1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 12 captains, 14
lieutenants, 10 ensigns, 1 paymaster; 1 adjutant, 1 quarter-
master, 1 surgeon, 2 assistant-surgeons, 1 sergeant-major; 1
paymaster-sergeant, 1 quartermaster-sergeant, 1 armourer-
sergeant, 1 schoolmaster-sergeant, 1 hospital sergeant, 1
orderly-room clerk, 12 colour-sergeants, 48 sergeants, 60
corporals, 1 drum-major, 24 drummers and fifers, and 1,140
privates.—United Service Gazelle.
- - -

THE WEATHER. AND THE CROPS.—The weather has been
changeable since our last, and not so favourable for out-door
labours as the week previous, heavy, rains having fallen at
different times : still a good deal of work has been accom-
plished. The sowing of wheat has been actively proceeded
with ; and on a considerable breadth of land where the seed
could not be got in last autumn, the planting has now been
completed under tolerably auspicious circumstances : this,
together with ploughing and preparing the soil for spring
corn, has given, and will for some time continue to give,
busy occupation to the farmer. The reports respecting the
appearance of autumn sown wheat still vary greatly : on the
whole, they are rather unfavourable; but we consider it yet
too early to venture on an opinion, as a fine spring may do
much to remedy the damage complained of.—Mark Lane
Express.

The fate of our troops at Cahill is now, we fear, almost
certainly decided; for unless some special intervention of
Providence relieves them from the dilemma in which they are
placed, human aid is all unavailing. Accounts have been re-
ceived from the city to the Bth of December, which represent
the state of affairs there to be much worse than they were
before ; provisions were becoming scarce, and the enemy
more daring every day. Thiey had closely invested the in-
trenched camp at Seca-Sung, and, it is said, had made over-
tures of surrender to the Envoy, the conditions of which
were, that he should deliver Schah Soojah over to the Aff-
gliatis, and leave the country with our troops. God help our
poor fellows, for they are,indeed in a critical position !—Ben-
gal Herald, Jan. Bth.
EXTENSIVE OMNIBUS ROBBERY.—On Saturday morn-
ing, as a gentleman was proceeding from the Bank in one of
the Hammersmith omnibuses, he was robbed of a Russian
leather pocket-book, containing a Bank of England note for
£5OO, No. 93,581; a Bank of England note for £2OO, No.
54,837 ; and a Bank of England note for £5O, No. 92,575.
These robberies, which are almost inexplicable, continue to
be on the increase, and persons cannot be too cautious how
they proceed by such conveyance, as a number of well-dressed
thieves, y'clept swell mobmen, constantly pass to and fro in
these vehicles for the purpose of plundering the unwary.
DECLINE OF SOCIALISM.—Out of the 85 places where so-
cialism formerly was progressing, there are only 39 left in
which its principles are openly taught and acknowledged !
In only three out of these thirty-nine branches do their num-
bers exceed 100; in eight others their numbers are 50, and
below 100; in thirteen the numbers are 20, and under 50;
and in neither of the remaining fifteen branches does the
number of members reach 20, while it goes down so low as
three ! It will also be seen, that of the 39 living branches 21
nearly to £6O. Poor
are considerably in arrears with the executive—the amount,
in some instances, approaching very
old Bristol has died in debt to the tune of £37 19s. 2d. !
Its
decease was officially announced in the New Moral Work/ of
January 29, 1842. What do our let-them-alone fiends
say
to this, as well as to all- the other sterling facts connected
with this report ? Finally, the grand sum total of socialist
members throughout the kingdom has dwindled down to less
than 2,000 !—And we have it on the authority of Robert
Owen himself, " that there is not one member, among all the
branches of this society, whose experience has been suffici-
ently
expanded to enable him to comprehend the principles
of the system in all their extent and bearing, and much less
to understand the spirit, mode, and manner, by whichthey
can alone be successfully carried into execution, and wisely
applied to practice !" (Robert Owen's Address to his D
t-
ciples, New Moral World, Jan. 22, 1842.) A pretty
se
therefore, of ignoramuses they must be. They are a lot of
dull, impenetrable blockheads, and it is Robert Owen says
so.—Anti-Socialist Gazette.

TOWN COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

The Town Council held their usual monthly meeting for
the despatch of business on Wednesday. The MAYOR pre-
sided.

FINANCE COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS

The proceedings, resolutions, and reports of the Finance
Committee were read, comprising a further proposal from
the committee of the Botanic Gardens, and the resolution
thereon; purchase of H. Jones's land for the improvement
of Limekiln-lane ; resolution relative to the landing-stage
and vessel at the Seacombe Pier; and a petition against the
Birkenhead Improvement Bill.
Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE said, that before he moved the
confirmation of these proceeding, he would take the liberty
of calling the attention of the council to several matters
which had occupied the attention of the Finance Committee
during the last month. It would be a want of courtesy in
him if, in alluding to the proposals made by the committee
of management of the Botanic Gardens, he did not express
the regret he felt that the Finance Committee could not
recommend the council to accept them. Into the details of
of those proposals he should not then enter, but he should
reserve to himself the power of answering any question which
might be asked in the course of discussion by any member
of the council. He was fully sensible of the importance of
the Botanic Gardens, and of the obligations under which the
public lay to those gentlemen who had so long, and under so
many difficulties, maintained them ; but at the same time he
did not think that this council would be justified in sanction-
ing so large an outlay of public money as the purchase would
involve in continuing to support them. The next subject to
which he would call attention was the Seacombe slip ; and
the Finance Committee asked the confirmation of the council
to empower them to alter it. This subject was referred to
the Finance Committee by the council, and it sprung out of
the report made by the Irish Mail Packet Committee, which
was composed of several gentlemen belonging to the com-
mittee for managing the affairs of the docks. The object of
the committee was to prevent the Irish steam-packets being
removed to the Cheshire side of the river ; and though the
committee failed in this instance, they did not do so without
urging upon the council the necessity of increasing the ac
commodation for passengers upon the Liverpool side of the
river, feeling that that would be one main step towards in-
ducing government, at some future period, to bring the Irish
mail packets again to this side of the water. The council
approved of their recommendation, and it was upon financial
considerations that the subject was referred to the committee.
The subject, however, involved a great deal of difficulty,—he
had almost said of dispute. The Finance Committee con-
sidered that they ought not to recommend the council to
embark in the outlay of money which would be required with-
out first making some arrangements with the Dock Com-
mittee to secure tethe public generally the advantages of
accommodation which several of the slips in the town afforded,
and without coming to some arrangement with them to place
the expense on the shoulders of those who ought to bear it.
The council had, year after year, spent many thousands on
slips, stages, and landing vessels. They had, he thought,
fully fulfilled all the obligations which the legislature imposed
on them ; and though the Dock Committee might have done
something, he thought they had falle❑ short of what the
legislature required from them on their part. In 1825, when
the Dock Act was passed, the legislature required that the
trustees should provide additional piers, jetties, inclined
planes. and such, too, as should from time to time be
proper and sufficient for the use and accommodation of pas-
sengers. In the year 1841, when the last dock act was
passed, the legislature made it incumbent upon the Dock
Committee to provide still further accommodation. This
act confirmed the previous act ; and they were to
make, from either the new dock or George's Dock, suffi-
cient accommodation to land passengers at low water.
The legislafure required this from the Dock Committee as
the price of privileges which were conceded to them. For
instance, they gave them the power of building walls for their
new dock, and it was but right that the public should have
the privilege of landing at those walls, at the expense of the
dock trustees. When this clause was inserted in the last
dock act, the Finance Committee, in a letter which they
wrote to Mr.'Eyre Evans in London, said they had no wish
to throw the whole burden upon the Dock Committee, but
that, when the proper period arrived, they would be ready
to recommend the council to enter with the'Dock Committee
into some fair and reasonable arrangement for the accommo-
dation to the public being continued, as well as with regard
to the expense. This was the proposal and the arrangement
made in London in 1841. The Finance Committee thought
this was the proper time to make the arrangement—when
the Irish Mail Packet Committee had reported, and taken a
general view of the whole circumstances of the case. They
did not wish to throw the whole expense upon the Dock
Committee, but they proposed to the latter to enter into the
joint expense for the Seacombe slip. &c. The Dock Com-
mittee had not acceded to the proposal, although they never
had a Finance Committee more disposed to deal liberally
-with them than the present. The next subject recommended
by the committee was a petition against the Birkenhead im-
provement bill, the object of which was to enable the com-
missioners of Birkenhead to purchase the Woodside Ferry
at the expense of the township ; and to such a bill the com-
mittee objected on public and private grounds. Mr. Law-
rence concluded by reading the principal portion of the peti-
tion at length, and moving the confirmation of the proceed-
ings. _

Mr. Councillor HounnToN seconded the motion

Mr. PARKER said he had heard with extreme regret the
chairman of the Finance Committee state that they could
not come to terms with the committee of the Botanic Garden.
He hoped the council would be put in possession of the na-
ture of the second proposal which had been made by the lat-
ter. It would be a slur on the public spirit of the council if
the offer were not accepted, or, at all events, if a committee
were not appointed to treat with the gentlemen interested in
the Botanic Garden. He moved that a sub-committee be
appointed to treat with them, consisting of the chairman of
the Finance Committee and two other gentlemen whom he
might name.

G. H. LAWRENCE said that two proposals had been
made. The first was that the council should purchase the
Botanic Gardens at the price then owing, about £4,000, on
condition that they should be maintained as Botanic Gar-
dens. Of course the stipulation of maintaining them as Bo-
tanic Gardens implied at once that the public would.no longer
continue to subscribe to them as they had heretofore. The
public had subscribed about £BOO a-year to them, and this
£BOO, added ito the interest on £4,000, would occasion an
annual expenditure to the council of about £l2OO or £l4OO
—an expense which the Finance Committee did not think it
right to incur; they therefore declined the proposal. The
next proposal was, that the council should pay off the £4,000,
upon condition that the moment the public ceased to main-
tain the gardens as Botanic Gardens, they should revert to
the corporation to do with them as they pleased. There was
something plausible in this at first, but the Finance Com-
mittee thought they should never be able to take possession
of the gardens for the benefit of the public,—that was to say,
that they never should be able to convert them to any other
than their present purpose, as they should be called Goths
and Vandals if they turned them into streets.
Mr. GLADSTONE thought it would be exceedingly desira-
ble if some arrangement could be made with regard to the
Botanic Gardens. If the expense of keeping them up could
be materially reduced by disposing of a portion of the con-
servatories, fur they were the cause of the expense, and the
remainder kept as pleasure-grounds, it would be most satis-
factory to the public.
Mr. AIKIN was of the same opinion. He thought it
would be a disgrace to the council if the gardens were to
cease. He wished the subject to be referred back for the
reconsideration of the Finance Committee.
Mr. BOLTON concurred in the view already arrived at by
the Finance Committee. '
Mr. EVANS maintained that it was absolutely absurd-to
suppose the council would undertake an annual expense of
.£1,200 or £1,300, and that to maintain the Liverpool Botanic
Garden, "for all purposes of science," was-,a perfect farce.
There were larger gardens elsewhere in this country, and all
over Europe, and it was in those garden's" that botanical
research would be made and not in the gardegh at Liverpool.
Mr. ROBINSON expressed himself anxious to have the
purchase effected.
After alew remarks from Mr. Tuasykit, Mr. BIRKETT,
Mr. YATES, and Mr. SAND-BACH, it Was understood that
the question of making the purchase wohrd'remain an open
one, and that the proceedings of the committee on the sub-
ject should be confirmed.
Mr. SANDS, in reply to what Mr. G.t. Lawrence had
stated respecting the Dock Committee, said that the latter
body had no wish to Shrink from any obligation imposed
upon them by act of parliament. They wished to postpone
the further consideration of the subject :until they had had
trial of the working of the Seacombe slip, and, if it worked
well, they would be happy to co-operate ,-'with the Finance
Committee in making another slip for theaccommodation of
the public. The Dock Committee thought it right, however,
to:keep matters separate, and to make their slip either at the
new dock or George's Dock, leaving the Finance Committee
tb make their slip in the first instance.
Mr. EVANS corroborated what had> been stated by Mr.
Sands, and said it had been urged by members of the Dock
Committee that there would be no little danger in getting
into joint accounts with the council, the latter being a more
powerful body.
Mr. AIKIN followed on the same side.
A long discussion ensued, in which Mr. Bolton, Mr. Bir-
kett, Mr. Gladstone, and Mr. Sandbach took part.
Mr. G. H. LAWRENCS replied, after which the proceed-
ings of the. Finance Committee were confirmed.

PASSENGERS IN EMIGRANT VESSELS,

Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE said he held a bill in his hand for
the regulation of passengers in merphant vessels. It con-
tained some good clauses, and he Was happy to say it was not
likely .to provoke any opposition. Although it was not ex-
actly before the council at present, be thought it ought to be
referred to the Finance Committee. It required that pas-
senger brokers should take out licenses. (Hear, hear.) In
conclusion, he observed that Lord Normanby's bills had
been referred to a select committee of the House of Com-
mons.
The TOWN-CLERK said this bill would stand referred to
the Finance Committee.

THE LEASES

The leases were read and confirmed, after some observa-
tions from Mr. EARLE, in reference to the granting of one
for a house in Myrtle-street.

IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of the Improvement Committee were
read and confirmed.