The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-02-15 00:00:00

LOCAL. NEWS

The members of the bar of the Northern-Circuit gave a
sumptuous dinner at the Clarendon. Hotel,. on Thursday, to
the new judge, Mr. Justice Cresswell, on his elevation to the
bench. The Attorney-General (Sir F. Pollock), officiated
as chairman. The Hon. J. S. Wortley, Mr. Dundas, M.P.,
Mr. Alexander, Sir G. Lewin, &c., were among the barris-
ters present.

EDINBURGH AND GLASGOWILAILWAY.—We have great
Pleasure in announcing to• our friends that the board of di-
rectors of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway have invited
all the shareholders-to the" private opening of this itnpOrtant
national undertaking, on the 18th instant, prior to the open-
ing to the public on The 21st instant, being the day before
general half-yearly meeting.

Dcwin LOCK-JAW.-On Friday last, an inquest
was held on the body of Ellen Sisson. It appeared that the
deceased, who was 54 years of age, and resided in Prince
William-street, got a splinter of wood in her left thumb,
about a fortnight since, while in the act of cutting some chips.
Poultices were applied to the part affected ; but two days
after they had been discontinued she complained of a pain
in her neck. She.continued to get worse, the pain having
extended to her face.. Subsequently she lost the use of her
lower jaw, and died on Tuesday last of lock-jaw. Verdict
accordingly.

WOODSIDE FERRY.—it will be in the remembrance of our
readers that ,considerable excitement prevailed on the thickly
peopled shores of the opposite county, a few months since,
by the transfer, of certain rights into the hands of parties
who, immediately after securing them, materially raised the
charges of crossing the river:enhancing the expenses of the
rn,. in some instances, to an amount equivalent to the
rental of the houses in .Birkenhead, Woodside, &c. An ar-
rangement was, however,.made, by which all these powers
were vested in the corp Oration, or, " Commissioners for ma-
naging the affairs of the township of Birkenhead," and at a
Public meeting of the inhabitants, held in October, instruc-
tions were given to prepare a bill for that purpose. On the
evening of. Wednesday last, the inhabitants assembled pursu-
ant to a requisition, at the Town-hall, to consider its provi-
sions. The chair was taken by the resident magistrate, John
Deane Case, Esq., and Mr. Mallaby read the bill, which was
carried by a majority of about four to one, several of the dis-
sentients observing their objection was only in consequence
of the want of time, as they had none to the principles of the
measure: The maximum rate was fixed at twopence for each
person, and there is no exclusive advantage to the town of
Birkenhead till these rates yield a profit. Powers are
granted to borrow £150,000, of which about one half will be
invested in the purchases legalised by the bill.
ALLEGED STARVATION ON SHIPBOARD.—A very wretched
looking individual, whose haggard looks, pinched up fea-
tures,-and attenuated form seemed to speak of sickness, suf-
fering, and want, Was, on Saturday last, produced, at the
Police-court, by Mr. Dowling, who stated, that the man was
supposed to have been reduced to that condition by starva-
tion. The investigation which ensued was exceedingly
lengthy. As we have not room for the entire evidence, we
will briefly relate the substance of what was disclosed. The
miserable, shadowy looking being who was introduced before
the bench had been taken from on board a schooner, now
lying at this port, the name of which we do not, at present,
deem it desirable to indicate. This schooner has recently
arrived from Tampico, where all hands, save the captain, had
fever. In consequence of the sickly state of the hands, a
man and boy were sent from a ship-of-war to assist in navi-
gating the schooner home. These two, who appeared fine,
intelligent fellows, with the unfortunate individual alluded
to, and the mate, who appeared to give his testimony, very
unwillingly, were the witnesses produced. According to the
statements of these persons, the captain had done his best to
destroy' his crew by famine, and it was boldly averred, by
both the naval seamen, that two boys who had died on the
passage were starved to death. The poor emaciated fellow
above alkided to expressed a similar opinion. He said he was
sick, and, on his recovery, was unable to work ; upon which
the captain sent him below and gave him half a biscuit a day
and a bit of pork. The naval men said, when they went
on board, this individual and two others were confined
in the forecastle, the captain alleging that they were
skulkers. While the vessel remained at Tampico, they
.(the naval men) were fed well, but they were compelled to
go to the cabin for food, to prevent the other poor fellows
from getting any. They were treated thus during the entire
passage home, being kept almost totally withcut nourishment.
The naval men said they frequently stole food for the poor
fellows to keep them from starving, though they were them-
selves so stinted that they had scarcely strength to work.
Sometimes, if they put a bit away in their chests, the poor
Youths broke them open and stole the victuals. The very
day before one of them'died, he was set to scrape the decks
for punishment. When dead he was reduced to a shadow,
and the mate remarked, " Poor little fellow ! he has been
starved." This the mate admitted. The other boy died a
few days aftertis companion. One of the naval men'remon-
strated with the captain on the short allowance, and said the
boys had been starved. The. captain said it was the only
way to bring skulkers to their duty ; he, at the same time,
kicked him, and, subsequently, imprisoned him below,
where he was kept for four days and four nights without a
morsel of nutriment. Mr. Rushton sent for a surgeon, who
examined the emaciated individual, and declared that he was
in a consumption. He was afflicted with diarrhoea, which
had continued ever since he had the fever. The mate en-
deavoured to make it appear, that the men were merely put
on short allowance because they would not work. He said
they were allowed half a pound of biscuit and half a pound
of pork per day. He admitted, however, very frequently,
that they were famished. An officer was despatched for the
Captain, and the case was several times adjourned and
resumed. It was alleged, in the course of the evidence, that
the captain had, since he came into port, sent beef away
from the vessel. The captain could not be found, in con-
sequence of which, at a late hour in the afternoon, the fur-
ther investigation of the matter was postponed until Monday.
The poor fellow, who appeared to have suffere who much, was
'sent to the Northern Hospital.—The captain,se name is
Peter M,Miuu, and his vessel the Sealby, appeared yesterday
.at the Police-court, when the whole of the evidence was gone
into again, and it appeared from the evidence of the black
steward on board that the mate struck one of the boys with a
rope the day before he died, and made him scrub the deck
;amongst the wet. The steward varied the evidence somewhat
with respect to the quantity of provisions supplied to the boys
\who died. Mr. Rushton ordered the whole of the evidence
to be taken down, and took the recognizanees of the captain
and mate, the one in £2OO and the other in £lOO, to appear
this day to answer to the charge, as he said it was a casewhich
would require the most serious consideration.

MELANCHOLY OcculotENcs.•:--We are sorry to perceive,
from the Telegraph report, that on Sunday afternoon, during
a squall, a sloop was sunk off the Point of Ayr, at the en-
trance to the Dee, and all hands perished.
It is worthy of remark, that the Bi itish and North Amer-
ican ro3 al mail steamer Britannia, which sailed hence on the
-Ith and arrived at Boston on the 22d ult., carried out the
European news nearly four weeks later than had previously
reached the United States. All the sailing vessels to the
westward had had unusually long passages.

RUMOURED DESTRUCTION OF CABUL.—The Times city
article of Saturday morning quotes a letter, dated on the 10th
of December, from the camp at Dadur, in Upper Scinde, by
a military officer, who says, " Major Outrun, the political
agent here, has received a private account of the total de-
struction of Cabul on the 13th ult., with 20,000 rebels."

DEATH BY BURNlNG.—Yesterday week, as a girl of the
name of Lydia Smith, ten years old, who resides with her,
parents in Redmond-place, Nash-grove, was engaged light-
ing a fire in one of the rooms down stairs, her clothes acci-
dentally caught fire, and she was so much burnt that she
died at the Infirmary on the following day.
SUDDEN DEATH OF A CHILD.-011 Friday last, as James
Keay Mairs, son of Mr.-Mairs, of Eldon-place, was passing
from school with some of his companions, he suddenly kit
down insensible. He was lifted up, and his father was sent
for. He was carried home, where he shortly expired. .A
post morterta examination was made, for the purpose of dis-
covering the cause Of .death, which was found to have re-
sulted from a rupture of one of the vessels of the heart.
Lord Frederick Beauclerk was a passenger on board the
Merlin steam-packet, and on the point of starting for Liver-
pool, from Kingstown, on the night of the 7th, at half-past
10 p.m., at which hour an unfortunate woman fell between
the vessel and the quay, and was on the point of being
drowned, when his lordship, without hesitation, jumped
overboard, and held her up until assistance was brought, and
thus saved her life. . . _ .

NEW MANX STEAMER.—The launch of the Isle of Man
Steam Company's new vessel, the " King Orry," took place
from the Bath building-yard, at halt-past ten o'clock on
Thursday morning last. The day was unusually fine, and
the company of spectators unusually numerous. The cere-
mony of christening was performed by Mrs. Crellin, the
lady of the late Deeinster Crellin. • •
EXCHEQUER. BILL FRAUD.—The Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer has now named Thursday next for his motion to call
attention to the subject of the late frauds connected with the
issue of exchequer bills ; but considering the corn-law de-
bates that must ensue ou Lord J. Russell's motion, Colonel
Sibthorp's motion, Mr. Christopher's amended sliding scale,
and lastly, the further consideration of Sir Robert Peel's
plan, there is not the remotest chance of such motion being
brought on this week.

CAUTION TO PAWNBIZOKERS : OVERCHARGE OF INTE-
REST.—On Friday, at the Police-court, Mr. Holland, pawn-
broker, appeared to a surnmnbus, to answer the complaint of
a female, of an overcharge in interest on the amount lent on
a pledge. It appeared from the evidence of Alice Williams
and her, daughter Elizabeth, that the latter, by request of
the former, who was a stranger in the town, as also to the
regulations affecting pawnbrokers, bad, on the 25th of June
last, pledged a pair of sheets with the defendant for a shil-
ling, to provide for her family, she being at the time in strait-
ened circumstances. The mother went to redeem them on
the 29th of January, and was charged 9d. interest in place
of about 3d., the legal interest for the time, which was
seven months and four days.—Mr. Rushton remarked, that
though some pawnbrokers conducted their business in a
proper manner. there were others who took shameful advan-
tage of the necessities or ignorance of the poor.. The law
allowed them large profits, and they should be contented
and act fairly. The defendant must pay a fine- of £3.,
DEATIIS BY DROWNING.—On Friday morning, a fisher-
man of the name of John Stewart, 77 years of age, was
drowned in the Queen's Dock Basin. He is supposed to
have accidentally fallen into the river whilst in the act of
bringing his boat to the moorings.—A similar accident oc-
curred the evening before to a man of the name of -William
Thomas, a cabinet-maker. The deceased was about to pro-
ceed to New York .by the ship Benjamin Alorgan, lying in
the Prince's Dock, with three other vessels bet Ween her and
the quay. About twelve o'clock on Thursday night the de-
ceased and some of his fellow-passengers were going on
board, and while the foriner was in the act of stepping from
the second into the third vessel, lie suddenly fell between
the two into the dock. The space between the second and
third vessel was about four or five feet, and as there vas not
a plank for the passengers to walk on, they had to step or
leap from one to the other. The deceased was apparently
sober at the time of the accident: Several ropes were thrown
to him while in the water, but without effect, and when he
was taken out, life was extinct.
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CURIOUS SCENE ON 'CHANGE.—Although the Standard
and the Sun, which had been sent by a special train from
London to Birmingham, arrived at the usual hour on Thurs-
day morning, containing full reports of Sir Robert Peel's
speech delivered on the previous night, the supply of papers
was not equal to the demand. The arrival of the morning
papers in the afternoon was, therefore, anxiously expected.
They arrived about ten minutes before four o'clock, when
the demand for them at all the news' venders was great. To
supply the wants of commercial men, two dealers hit on the
novel expedient of spreading their stocks on the flags of the
area of 'the Exchange-buildings. There, surrounded by
eager purchasers, the news'-venders sold their papers as
quickly as they could serve them out. The Times was in
particular request, and the supply was, fortunately, equal to
the demand. Nearly one-third of the spacious area was co-
vered, for some time, by gentlemen eagerly pursuing the
" broad sheet," while others walked off 'Change reading Sir
Robert Peel's speech. The scene was as curious• as it was
novel.

ATTEMPTED FRAUD ON THE POOR-LAW GUARDIANS.—.
On Saturday Mr. James Aspinall brought before Mr. Rush-,
ton a female who had attempted to impose ou the Poor-law
Guardians by means of forged certificate. The document
purported to hase: been sighed by one of the surgeonS'of the
Infirmary. It set forth, that the husband of the bearer had
been ill for six months, and unable to work. In such cases,
we believe; the Guardians allow a trifling sum per Week.. It
was proved that the certificate had not been written .by the
medical man Whose name appeared attached to it. The poor
woman said she had been out washing all the preceding day,
and that morning her husband gave her the certificate, and
told her to take it to the Parish authorities, which she did.
The surgeon said he had visited the husband, who was sick;
but, as the man had been insolent, and was able to attend
the Committee of Doctors, he had given him up. The man
and woman were in a state of perfect destitution, and that,
indeed, was 'the cause of the disease. One 'of the visiting
officers of the Parish reported the case as one of extreme
wretchedness. Mr.- Rushton discharged the prisoner with
an pdtnonition.

THE ODDVELLOW.—At the sessions, which terminated on
Saturday, John Birchall Astiev was indicted for a misde-
meanour in having obtained possession of certain sums of
money from one of the societies o(Oddfellows' by falsely re.
presenting that his wife was dead, and afterwards that he was
himself dead. The circumstances of this case have recently
been fully detailed in our publication. The facts sworn to
were the same as those proved before the magistrate. Mr.
Henderson prosecuted, and Mr. Murphy appeared for the
defence. Mr. Murphy raised two points, on which he in-
tends to move the Superior Court. One was, that certain
documents produced in evidence were not legally introduced,
because they were not stamped. The other was that, as the
society was not legally enrolled, it was only in the nature of
a partnership. and the prisoner could not, therefore, obtain
money illegally from himself. The Jury found the prisoner
guilty, and he was sentenced to seven years' transportation.
THEATRE-ROYAL—The first example of the determina-
tion of the new lessees of this establishment to offer some
inducement to the public to support them, was the admirable
manner in which " Hamlet " was got up at the commence-
ment of the season. The next proof is in the splendid pan-
tomime which we briefly noticed in our last as produced on
Thursday. It has drawn very full houses, and is likely to
run a successful career. The applause every night has been
immense. The story or plot is simple. On the rising of the
curtain we find the interior of the copper mine, and the
coiners at work, fabricating the circulating medium. A dis-
pute arising amongst them, their brawl is ended by the inter-
vention of Harpihapini, (Signor Baleno,) who gives some
striking proofs of his determination to he obeyed. Through
the mouth of an immense head, (which, by an ingenious
mechanical action, "opes its ponderous jaws" and " windows
of the soul," the eyes,) occupying the whole back of the
stage, the Giant Pennypiece. (Mr. Gray), appears with the
Princess Half-crownia (Madame Schmidt), whom he has
taken captive with the intention of wedding to his son,
Harpihapini. The Princess declines the honour, and
is transformed into a bronze statue. The scene then
changes to "The valley of silver ore" (Johnson), where
we are introduced to Dollarino -(Mr. G. Cooke), who,
on the discovery that his daughter has seen taken away cap-

ti;e74;;;;rewjard of 1,000 crowns and her hand to whoever
will rescue her. Silver Sixpence (Sig. S. Boleno), under-

takes the task. He falls asleerr.u.poi a bank previous to
starting on the perilous enterprise. While sleeping he has
a vision of the " Silver Lake" (Johnson), %herein the Fairy
(Mrs. Barton) and her attendants appears. The Fairy be-'
stows upon Silver Sixpence a magic coin, to preserve him
from harm, and summons a sprite Quicksilver (M. Schmidt)
to attend upon him. The Fairy invests the sprite with a
cap which causes him to be invisible when put on. We
may here remark, that the Sprite is capitally acted bv2M.
Schmidt. His dress is novel and curious ; at every move-

-went it appears to emit rays of coloured light On the disap-
pearance of the Fairy and thq awakening of Silver Sixpence,
we are next shown the outside of the " Giant's Castle "
(Parker). Here some bustle and amusing incidents take
place through the agency of Quicksilver, who endeavours to
obtain his master an entrance to the castle undiscovered. Six-
pence gains the interior where we find, by the application of
his magic coin, he disenchants the Princess, who is carried
out of harm's way by Quicksilver. Silver Sixpence being
discovered by the giant and his son, is overpowered and
condemned to death. The Fairy appears and rescues him
from his foes, and summons the giant to appear at the court
of Emperor Guinea. The scene is changed to the " Palace
of Sovereigns," where We find Emperor Guinea (Mr. Bar-
ton), his Queen (Mr. Vivash), and court assembled. This
scene is executed by Mr. Johnson. Nothing can exceed it
in beauty, effect, and brilliance. At the back are displayed
transparent portraits of her Majesty the Queen, Prince
Albert, and the Royal children, surrounded by approppate
emblematic devices. At the wings are transparences of the
orders of knighthood, &c. The National Anthem being
played, imparts great life and spirit to this iecetr, which the
audience appear to appreciate by loud testinionies of delight.
It is altogether a very splendid effort in tte art of scenic
delusion. The harlequinade here begins, the transformation
of the characters taking place on the royal family retiring.
Throughout the pantomime there are some hard hits at things
in general, and sundry mundane follies in particular. There
a laughable caricature of Jullien and his band. The im-
mitation of the immortal Jullien himself, with his airs and
graces, dandyism and round-cut coat, is capital. It elicited
shouts of laughter. The pictures from " Master Humphrey's
Clock" are very beautiful; they do Mr. Kilshaw, the artist,
great credit. Boz's portrait was hailed. with warm demon-
strations of attachment. The gullibilities of John Bull
*his disregard for Shakspeare—(not true, by the way, for he
is idolized, and his works appreciated)—and patronage of
foreign varieties, is happily hit off. Beaumont Smith's
forgeries—the pension list—the Chinese war—the penny post
—the " big loaf," and other matters, are rapidly introduced,
and go off well. The last scene is truly splendid; it is
entitled, " The Glittering Grotto of Fairy Fourpence on the
Chrystal Lake." The artists are Messrs. Johnson and Park-
er. The effect is surprising; several fountians play, illumi-
nated by coloured fires, waffle a brilliant pyrotechnical device
scentillates in the centre. The conception and execution is
completely successful, and appears to afford the greatest de-
light. It must have cost Mr. W. J. Hammond great labour
and anxiety, being produced under his direction. Expense
does no appear to have been spared in any department. The
dresses are costly, and the scenery throughout excellent.
The dancing of Mad. Schmidt and Sig. S. Boleno as Colum-
bine and Harlequin may be highly commended for graceful-
ness and agility. Signor Boleno and Sig. M. Boleno as
Clown and Pantaloon amused by their activity and drollery.
One fault we must notice—they talk too much. Old Joey
Grimaldi rarely spoke; how eminent he was, we need not
say. His was " the eloquence of Silence." Such a pantomime
as this has not yet been produced in the provinces, and we
question whether it has been excelled in the metropolis. The
ihleospsee the es have spared neither money, time, nor trouble, and we
public will appreciate their endeavours to please.
, Paul Pry" was produced on Friday, and was excellently
cast. Mr. W. J. Hammond's Paul Pry was inimitably
acted, and caused frequent bursts of laughter: Baker's
Colonel Hardy was a good specimen of the testy bid soldier.'
Missplayed Mrs, Sitblle in her 'usual style of excel-
lence. Homier was dressed a great deal too fine for a
waiting maid. She sang the two pretty songs—" The lover's
mistake" and " Cherry ripe," very well.

Tut CORN Laws.—ln eur last we inserted a table, show-
ing at a glance the existing duties on corn, &c., with the pro-
posed alteration therein. As we were at considerable pains
in compiling this table, we expected such of our contempo-
raries as quoted it would acknowledge the source whence it
was derived. Most of the press have done so in very com-
plimentary terms, but in a few instances, as in the case of the
Macclesfield Courier, our reasonable expectation has not been
realised.

A joint deputation of merchants and bankers of London
and Liverpool, headed by Lord Sandon, M.P., had an inter-
view with Sir R. Peel, on Saturday, to urge an amendment
of the law relating to advances on merchandise. The depu-
tation consisted of the following gentlemen :—Mr. Master-
man, M.P., Mr. Lyall, M.P., chairman of the East India
Company; Sir J. Rae Reid, Bart., Mr. Horsley Palmer,
Mr. Bates, Mr. 'Wilson, chairman of the Continental Associa-
tion; Mr. Charles Mills, Mr. Cook, Mr. Lavie. Mr. William
Brown, Mr. Thomas Sands, end Mr. G. J. Duncan, of
Liver Fool.

ITINERANT Mission" COLLECTORS. —We are re-
quested to place families and ladies on their guard against 'a
demure looking person who is now actively employed in this
town and in Cheshire, collecting subscriptions, as he says,
fora Northern Missionary Society. This person, it is under-
stood, is rattler• difficult.to be got rid of, when once established
in a dwelling. We recommend those to whom he applies in
future to inform him that there are many very excellent so-
cieties in Liverpool that greatly require assistance.
ROYAL LIVE a Tit EATIZE.—That charming actress Madlle.
Celeste was warmly welcomed last night by a bumper house.
Her acting as Marie Ducanye is very beautiful. As Madame
Celeste's stay is limited to five nights an early visit should
be paid by those who wish to see her. We do not wonder
that the Metropolitan press have been so enthusiastic in her
praise in the part of Marie. St. Mary's Eve has lost none
of its interest.

CHURCH OF ENGLAND TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY.
—Last evening a crowded and respectable meeting of the
members and friends of the Church of England Total Absti.
nence Society was held in the Lecture-room, Lime-street, for
the purpose of considering the propriety of establishing a
Town Mission in connection with that association. The chair
was occupied by Lieut. Tracy, R.N., who delivered an able
speech in support of the object of the meeting. Mr. Lea-
therbarrow and several other speakers followed, and resolu-
tions were unanimously adopted for establishing a Town
Mission.

Trig WELSH BALL—A LOYAL WAISTCOAT.—We were
gratified yesterday with an inspection of splendid specimens
of silk of Spitalfields manufacture, at Messrs. Dawbarn and
Davis's. in Bold-street. These silks have been ordered ex-
pressly for the occasion of the Welsh Ball. The colour is a
pure white, with a Prince of Wales feather and coronet and
. .

. - •
motto woven in, beautifully ornamented with gold and silver
thread. The pattern is similar to that of the dress worn by
her majesty at the christening of the Prince of Wales. When
made up, these silks will make most elegant, costly, and
tasteful vests. Verily when such workmanship can be exe-
cuted in this country, it is a sin indeed to wear foreign fabrics.
ST. BAILNABAS' CHURCII.—TWO sermons were preached
at St. Barnabas' Church, on Sunday ; in the morning by the
Hey. Hugh M`Neile, and in the evening by the Rev. Thos.
Nolan, who, in the commencement of his sermon, stated that
unavoidable circumstances had caused the absence of the
Re- v. F. Ould, whose name had been advertised to preach
the evenint, sermon. A collection was made after each ser-
vic e. towards paying the expenses of erecting new galleries
capable of holding 342 additional persons. The amount
collected in the morning was £3O Ss., and in the evening
£2O. It 'is highly. gratifying to see, that, within so short a
time as seven months after the opening of this church, " her
stakes have to be widened," to admit a larger number of the
inhabitants of that thickly-populated neighbourhood. It is
a real blessinc,
rto have so sound, zealous, and devoted a pas-
to to preside over that important and extensive district;
and it must also be highly gratifying to the incumbent to find
his labours thus appreciated. The church now contains 1500
persons.

INQUEST ON THE LAscAr...—We gave in our last some
particulars connected with the death of this unfortunate per-
son as given at the coroner's inquest on Thursday. The in-
quest was resumed on Saturday, when further evidence was
produced, but nothing which threw any additional light on
the subject. Peter Fieldman, one of the seamen on board
the Formosa, deposed, that the deceased was a great favour-
ite with every body on board the ship. Johanna M`Keveri-
gan, keeper of the boarding-house in which the deceased
lodged, stated, that there was no disturbance therein during
the time that the deceased was there. It was proved that he
had not received any injury at the infirmary. The jury re-
turned a verdict to the effect, that the deceased Seedy Nasib
had died of the mortal fractures and dislocations which he
had received, but how they were. received the jury had no
evidence to show. , ,

THE SHOPKEEPERS' ASSISTANTS.—From lectures which
have been delivered upon the subject of the early closing of
shops, in the Baptist Chapel, Stanhope-street. Subject
first—The evils of the present system. Second—The advan-
tages of an improved system of early closing ; and the bene-
fits that would accrue therefrom, both to the employers and
the employed. Third—An exemplification of the means by
which the old system may be abolished, and an improved
one established. Fourth—The paramount necessity of an
immediate change of the present system of business, as
regards the amount of time taken to transact it. Each of
the lecturers evinced the greatest respect to the employers,
and argued that the employers is the party who can bring
this reformation about, viz. by not frequenting shops at a
late' hour in the evening. At the close of the last lecture,
which was delivered on Thursday evening last, two other
assistants volunteered to deliver two more lectures at the
same place. First—The advantages which purchasers would
derive by not making purchases at night. Second—Objec-
tions answered. . . .

THE WEATHER IN 1811.—At the last meeting of the
Meteorological Society, held on Tuesday evening, the fol-
lowing interesting results were given of the state of the wea-
ther in 1841, as obtained at the different stations in cor-
respondence with the society :—At Carlisle the mean pressure
of the barometer was '29.724 inches, the mean temperature
47.3 deg. Fahrenheit, and the quantity of rain 39.082 inches ;
at Kendal, barometer 29.550 inches, thermometer 46.17 deg,
Fahrenheit, and rain 53.854 inches; High Wycombe, baro-
meter 29.562 inches, thermometer 46.03 deg., and quantity of
rain 38,171 inches; Liverpool, barometer 29.703 inches,
thermometer 49.11 deg., and rain 49.550 inches ; Thwaite,
barometer 29.913 inchas, thermometer 50.30 deg., and quan-
tity of rain 27.325 inches : Aylesbury, barometer 29,544
inches, thermometer 47.50 deg., and rain 25.432 inches ; and
in London the mean pressure of the barometer was 29.716
inches, the mean temperature of the thermometer 48.35 deg.
Fahrenheit, and quantity of rain 27.850 inches. From the
observations made at upwards of 20 stations in England,
Scotland, and Ireland, it appeared that on the 26th of last
January the barometer fell from 64 to 73 of an inch, whilst
one of the most terrific storms occurred that had been no-
ticed for a period of 20 years.
STEAMER ASHORE.—We regret to have to record in our
" chapter of accidents," the disastrous intelligence of the
Victoria steamer, M`Kibbin, commander, which runs be-
tween Fleetwood and Belfast, while on her passage to the
latter port, unfortunately got on the rock's north of the
island, at a place called Port Woar, situate between Maug-
hold Head and Cornah, about three o'clock on Wednesday
morning, owing to the dense fog which prevailed. The
passengers and crew easily effected a safe landing, but most
of the cargo, which consisted chiefly of bale of goods, and
valued at £15,000, we are afraid, will be irrecoverably lost.
We are sorry to say the vessel still lies on the rocks with her
keel and bottom out, and at the time we write slender hopes are
entertained of saving her from going to pieces, owing to the
tempestuous southerly wind. The wrecked steamer belongs
to a company at Belfast ; was considered a fast-sailer, and
was in excellent condition, £12,000 having been expended
upon her only last year in repairs. The passengers and crew,
excepting the captain and mate, left for-Liverpool, by the
Queen of the Isle on Wednesday night.—Since writing the
above, we have heard that the Victoria has gone to pieces,
but not before a considerable portion of the cargo was saved.
Upwards of thirty persons have been employed since the ac-
cident, in landing goods at ebb tide, and in breaking up the
vessel, and securing every portion that could possibly be
saved.—Manx Liberal.

STRENGTH OF IRON VESSELS.—A remarkable instance of

the great strength of iron vessels was recently exemplified at
this port. The iron steamer Nun, built by Mr. John Laird
of North Birkenhead, 'and plying as a ferry-boat between
this town and Woodside, for which she is especially adapted,
accidently grounded at the latter place on the 12th ult., her
stern taking the slip, so that when the tide retired she was
left in an extraordinary and apparently most perilous position.
Her keel plate, about eleven feet from the stern-post, rested
on the north edge of the quay, as on a point or pivot, and her
fore foot only touched the beach, leaving an unsupported
length of hull between these extremes of upwards of eighty-
one feet, in the centre of which were the machinery and
bailers, weighing 65 tons, besides coals, a great weight of
hull, the heavy iron chimney, and other materials on the
deck. She remained in this situation for ten hours, her keel
forming the hypothenuse of a right-angled triangle, of which
the facoof the wall of the slip was the perpendicular, and the
surface of the beach underneath her the extended base, yet
strange to say without being strained, or in the slightest de-
gree injured either in her hull or otherwise ; thus proving
beyond a doubt the applicability of iron, when faithfully
wrought, for the purposes of ship building. Few vessels
would have stood so severe a trial of strength, and the result
cannot fail to give additional confidence in vessels constructed
of a material of comparatively recent introduction for such
purposes, and which promises to become an admirable sub-
stitute for good old English oak, of which we have but a
scanty supply for our constantly increasing mercantile marine-,

..
as well as our navy. Our talented townsmen, Messrs.
Maclure, Macdonald, and Magregor, have executed a fine
lithographic representation of the Nun as she appeared in the
position described, and a copy of which may be seen at the
office of this paper.
STEALING AN ACCOUNT BOOK.—At the Sessions, on

Wednesday last. John Barwick Whitley, landlord of the
Stanley Arms, Manchester-street ; Lot Adams, waiter at the
Stanley Arms ; James Norman, and John Cain were placed
at the bar, charged with having stolen an account book, the
property of Mr. John Scott, auctioneer and commission-
agent, Hatton-garden. It appeared from the evidence of the
witnesses that, some time since, the prisoner Whitley applied
to Scott to procure him a public-house. Mr. Stanley recom-
mended him to. the Stanley Arms, in Manchester-street. An
agreement was entered into, that, on Mr. Scott procuring
him this house, he should receive from Whitley a certain
commission. This agreement was entered in a book which
Mr. Scott kept for that and other purposes, and the memo-
randum was signed by Whitley. The latter became tenant
of the Stanley Arms ; but; as be had not communicated with
Mr. Scott, that individual was not aware of the circumstance
till he saw him in possession. He then applied for his com-
mission, and Whitley refused payment point blank. Mr.
Scott then directed his solicitors, Messrs, Knapper and
Woollright, to commence an action for the recovery of the
money. This action was defended, and the trial was to come
on, at Preston, on the Ist February instant. A few days
previously to the trial, Mr. Scott was waited on by the pri-
soner Adams, who represented himself as in want of furni-
ture. Whilst Mr. Scott was conversing with him, the pri-
soner Norman entered, and, after looking scrutinizingly
about the place, departed. On the morning of the 28th ult.,
Mr. Scott went out of his office, but had not proceeded far
when he was told by Mr. Scarisbrick that his desk bad been
broken into ; and, on his returning to his office, he found
that the book which contained the memorandum with Whit-
ley had been stolen. The persons who had committed this
depredation, Mr. Scott was informed, had been pursued
to the Stanley Arms, and on his going there, accompa-
nied with two policemen, one of them asked where were the
men who had brought a book into the house. He said there
were no men there but two travellers, pointing to two strangers
who sat near. The officer said two men had been seen to
enter. Whitley said, they had gone out at the back door.
An officer went into the yard, but, observing that the door
was locked, he said he would search the house. They search-
ed some time, but without success. At length, a door was
observed that had escaped attention. It was opened, and
there, in a coal-vault, Adams, Norman, and Cain were found
lying one upon another. An officer desired Mr. Scott to
get a light. He went for the purpose, but Mr. Whitley
went to him, and, as he was lighting a candle, asked what
right he had there, knocked the candle out of his hand, and
kicked him. Mr. Scott went back and told the officers.
One of them went to get a light, but the servants refused to
give him one, and he was compelled to get it elsewhere.
Whitley was frequently asked by the officers to assist them,
but he refused, and, as they were departing, one of the pri-
soners was tefractory, and he was again called upon frit.
his assistance. He walked away muttering something which
could not be heard. The prisoners were all found guilty. The
prisoner Whitley was sentenced to nine months' imprison..
ment, for harbouring the three other prisoners, who are
each to be imprisoned three months.

THIRD EDITION.

Standard-office, Three o'clock

UNITED STATES.

By the arrival of the Britannia at this port we are in pos-
session of papers from New York to the 31st ult., and from
Bostnn to the Ist, and Halifax to the 3d instant.

Mr. Dickens (Boz) arrived safe and sound at Boston, and
was expected in New York on the 12th instant. lie had
been deputed by the passengers on board the Britannia to
present Captain Hewitt, the commander of that noble ves-
sel, with a pitcher, salver, and two goblets, which were voted
to Captain Hewitt by the passengers as a testimony of their
appreciation of that gentleman's seamanlike qualities during
the voyage.

The.bal brought into Congress to repeal the bankrupt law,
and which had passed the House of Representatives, was,
after considerable debate, lost in the Senate, the numbers
being, on the division—for the bill, 22 ; against, 23. The
bankrupt law, therefore, continues in operation.
On the 28th January a great meeting was held in Boston
of parties advocating the immediate abolition of slavery in
the district of Columbia. A string of resolutions was pro-
posed—in the first instance asserting that it was within the
poWer of Congress to put down slavery in the district of
Columbia ; in the second place, calling upon Congress im-
mediately to let the oppressed go free in that district, and to
give no countenance or protection to slavery in any part of
the republic ; that the refusal of Congress to listen to the
representations of the various independent States upon this
subject, is an insolent defiance of their sovereignty, and
must be resented. The meeting was most unanimous in
sentiment and overwhel►ning in numbers, and breathed sen-
timents which threaten seriously the revival of the hostility
of the Southern States, and the ultimate dismemberment of
the Union.

The Irish address, signed by O'Connell, Father Mathew,
and 60,000 other Irishmen, to the Irish, residents in the.
United States, calling upon them to espouse the anti.
slavery cause, was read by the chairman with great applause,
and resolutions of thanks returned. Four thousand persons
were said to he at the meeting.
The arrival of Lord Ashburton► is anxiously looked for, and
'whilst some of the press are disposed to look at tiae matter
with a prejudiced eye, others anticipate the most favourable
results from his mission.

A correspondent of the Bosion Atlas of 11th Jan. gives a
romantic story about the recovery of the crown jewels, which
had been stolen from the Patent Office at Washington.

The British mail steam-ship Forth, Captain Fayr-er, arrived
at the Balize on the 19th January, and after sending her mail
and passengers up to New Orleans, proceeded on her voyage
on the 20th, to Tampico and Vera Cruz.
The second West India royal mail steamer Solway arrived
at Barbados after a passage of seventeen days from England.
The right of search was still freely discussed.
A motion was made on the 25th ult., in the House of Re-
presentatives, charging Mr. John Quincy Adams with the
crime of high treason, for having exercised the right of peti-
tion contrary to the regulation contended for by the Southern
States. The question involved is the right to present peti-
tions for the dissolution of the federal union, and arises out
of the proceedings of the anti-slavery party. Mc. Adams
entered into a long and eloquent defence, after
,which the
house adjourned.
A long and excited debate followed on the succeeding
days, which those of our countrymen interested in the ques-
tion of slavery in the United States will do well to peruse.
On the 31st the house came to a vote upon a modified :no-
tion, upon which the southern party were defeated. Up to
the latest dates, however, the question remained still under
discussion.

John C. Colt's trial for the murder of Mr. Adams, had
terminated, and the prisoner, having made a minute confes-
sion of his guilt, was found guilty of murder.
Mr. Dinon, a member of the senate, expired on the 29th
ult., and: seems to be much regretted.
The money market appears to continue tolerably firm. The
sales at the stock board on the 31st ult. were to a moderate
extent. The sales in exchange for the packet had been
large—on London from i a 81, chiefly at 81. The news
per the Britannia had the effect of producing an improve-
ment, especially in state stocks; but the rise had not been
maintained, though prices were above those of the previous
week.

The Gerard Bank at Philadelphia stopped payment on the
27th, and caused great sensation in that city. A run took
place on the Bank of Pennsylvania on the Ist, but the bank
was able to redeem its notes up to the time of closing, though
the crowd of peopie around the paying teller was immense
the whole day.