The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-02-04 00:00:00

LOCAL NEWS,

Sinn LAUNCII.—On Saturday last a fine ship, of 450
tons burthen, was launched from the building yard of Messrs.
Wilson and Co. There was a most sumptuous repast pro-
vided (at a cost not less than £150), by order of Robert-
son Gladstone, Esq., and amongst the guests entertained
were the Earl and Countess of Sefton, and a large party of
fashionables. The vessel was christened by Mrs. Grant, the
lady of one of the partners of Gladstone and Co. " The
Duke of Wellington."

Sr. DAVID'S DAY.—We learn that the natives of the
Principality purpose celebrating the anniversary of the Pa-
tron Saint of Wales, with a due regard to the circumstance
of the birth of a Prince of Wales. We understand it is pur-
posed to hold a ball, in aid of the funds of the Welsh Cha-
rity Schools, under the same.patronage as on former occa-
sions; and that a dinner will also take place, at which a
nobleman of high estimation, connected with the Principa-
lity, has been invited to preside.

MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT ON THE RIVER.—In our pub-
lication of Tuesday week, we gave a paragraph under the
above title, detailing particulars of the loss of a boat on
the river, opposite the Clarence Dock. It was known that
all on board perished, but the names of the unfortunate
men were not known. We have since been informed that
the sufferers were three, and the following particulars have
been transmitted to us respecting them. Robert Wilson,
aged 25, was owner of the boat. He resided in Glover-
street. He has left a wife and one child. Robert Naylor,
Henderson-street, assistant, aged 45, has left a wife and five
children. Richard Thomas, single man, aged 20, son of
Richard Thomas, Fisher-street. The latter is now in the
Infirmary. The young man lived with his parents, and was
nearly their sole support. The boat was washed on shore
near Crosby, the same day, but none of the bodies have yet
been found.

MEETING OF THE BIRKENHEAD POLICE COMMISSION-
ERs.—The commissioners, under the police act for the regu-
lation of the affairs of the parish of Birkenhead, held their
general monthly meeting on Tuesday, in the Town-hall.
Eight commissioners only were present. John Dean Case,
Esq., took the chair. The proceedings of the last general
and adjourned meetings were read and confirmed, as were
those of the Road Committee, the Lighting and Watching
Committee, and the Market Committee. In the course of
the proceedings of the latter committee being read, it ap-
peared that, during the New Year and Christmas festivities,
the teetotallers of Birkenhead celebrated the occasion by a
splendid tea party in the Town-hall, the use of which was
granted to them by the Market Committee, in consideration
of the sum of twenty shillings. The teetotallers considered
this charge somewhat cxhorbitant, and, on their behalf, Mr.
Thomas Fry sent a letter to the committee complaining of it,
and requesting the charge to be reduced to IN.—Mr. Pim
said the charge was too much. Ten shillings was enough.—
Mr. haycock thought so too.--Mr. Green expressed a simi-
lar opinion, and observed that on former occasions the charge
had been only IN.—Mr. Jackson said that whatever might
have been the old charge, it was evident that the committee
had charged the society to at. (Laughter.) With this pun
the conversation dropped. On the motion of Mr. Jackson,
it was resolved that for the future the treasurer should pay
the interest upon all loans when it became due, without
waiting for the sanction of the Finance Committee, and the
general meeting.—The proceedings then terminated.

THE ELECTION.,--The writ, it was expected, would be
moved for last night, and the Sheriff's precept will in all
probability arrive at the Town-hall, from Preston, this after-
noon, about four o'clock. In this case the election will take
place on Tuesday ; but should the precept not arrive until
to-morrow, the election cannot take place before Wednesday.
LENT ASSIZES.—NORTHERN ClRCUlT.—Westmoreland
—Appleby, Saturday, Feb. 12 ; Cumberland— Carlisle, Tues-
day, Feb. 15 • Newcastle and Northumberland—Newcastle,
Friday, Feb. 18 ; Durham—Durham, Wednesday, Feb. 23;
York and Yorkshire—York, Tuesday, March 1 ; Lancaster
—Lancaster, Friday, March 18,—Liverpool, March 23.

NEW PATENTS.—In.Newton and Berry's list of New Pa-
tents, for January, 1842, we find the following have been
granted :—Charles Wye Williams, of Liverpool, gent., for
certain improvements in the construction of furnaces, and
eflecting combustion of the inflammable gases from coal.
Sealed 11th January. Six months for enrolment.—Joseph
Barnes, of Church, near Accrington, Lancashire, manufac-
turing chemist, for certain improvements in the working of
steam-engines. Sealed 13th January. Six months for en-
rolment.—Henry Waterton, of Winsford-lodge, Chester,
Esq., for improvements in the manufacture of salt. Sealed
13th January. Six months for enrolment.—Andrew Kurtz,
of Liverpool, manufacturing chemist, for certain improve-
ments in the manufacture of artificial fuel. • Sealed 27th Jan.
Six months for enrolment.

TRIBUTE OF RESPECT.—At a recent meeting of some
electors of St. Anne's Ward, Mr. Councillor Parker in the
chair, Mr. Councillor Jones presented, on the part of the
gentlemen present, a very handsome silver cup, with the fol-
lowing inscription, to Thomas Holden, Esq. : " Presented
to Thomas Holden, Esq., by a few of his conservative friends,
as a token of their high esteem for him as an unflinching
advocate of our glorious constitution in Church and State,
and for his uniform urbanity and benevolence." The cup is
of portly dimensions, (containing, when filled, three bottles
of wine,) and the allegorical design speaks as highly of the
classical taste, as its execution of the artistical skill of the
maker, Mr. Doke, of Lord-street. The picture is an in-
structive allegory of the fruits of patient diligence, and im-
presses most forcibly on the mind the certain consequences
of an early cultivation of habits of industry, namely, the
enviable respect of good men, and an honourable station in
society. The design represents a sturdy yeoman in the act
of ploughing his land; the homestead is seen in the distance,
amply replenished with hayrioks and other stores, the pro-
duce of which is to repay him for many an hour of anxiety
and toil. The opposite side of the cup exhibits the well-
bound teeming shelves of corn, the earslbending down with
their " hundred fold" return, and the whole is surmounted
by the jolly god bestriding his favourite cask, and quaffing a
brimming bowl to the harvest home.

PRESENTATION OF PLATE.—On Tuesday lisst being the
anniversary of the opening of the Earl of Seftein Lodge, of
the Independent Order of Oddfellows, the members and
friends dined together at Westmore's, Great Howard-street.
The dinner was served in the usual stile for which the hostess
is so famed. After the cloth was drawn the chair was ably
filled by C. Denbigh, Esq., the V. G. chair by V. G. Drum-
mond ; to the right of the chair we noticed the G. M. of the
district, Captain Banks, Mr. Whittingham, Mr. Greaves,
Mr. Cundliff, N. G. Gillhain, Berryman, and several others.
The health of the Queen was drank with enthusiasm. The
vice-chairman proposed The Prince of Wales Earl of
Chester, and may he walk in the footsteps of his forefathers,"
and several other toasts were drank with due honours. The
chairman then presented a handsome silver cup, manufactured
by Mr. Doke of Lord-street, to P. G. John Hogg, and ac-
companied the gift by a few introductory remarks. P. G.
Hogg replied in suitable terms, and after an evening spent in
the utmost harmony the company separated.
THEATRE-ROYAL.—The entertainments at the Theatre-
Royal have been of a varied character. On Monday evening
" Hamlet " was performed. It was admirably got up : the
scenery new, and very handsome. On Tuesday the " Sol-
dier's Daughter" was produced. Wednesday, " Othello" ;
the following was the cast of the principal characters :
Othello, Mr. G. V. Brooke; lago, Mr. Mude; Cassio' Mr.
801 l ; Roderigo, Mr. Bellingham ; Desdemona Miss Julia
Bennett ; Emilia, Miss Cleaver. Of Mr. Brooke's Othello
we can speak with high commendation. We were greatly
pleased with what we saw of his Hamlet on Monday even-
ing, and have heard that throughout he sustained this most
difficult character with taste, judgment, and ability. All
these three qualities were strikingly displayed in his Othello.
Mr. Brooke possesses a comely person, an intelligent coun-
tenance, and a remarkably fine deep-toned voice. His per-
ception of the telling points is very acute, and, without ap-
pearing to strain for effect, he makes a hit in a manner that
occasionally draws forth marked applause. We predict Mr.
Brooke will become a great favourite here. There is an
energy, a vigour about his delivery, an earnestness in his
manner, and a graceful manliness in his deportment, that
enlist his auditors in his favour. Without the ranting fits
and starts, and unnatural elevations of voice, of the Kean
school, he contrives to bring out the fine passages of this
great tragedy in a manner that proves him to be an actor of
uncommon ability. His address to'the senate was delivered
with much earnestness. His scene with lago, where that
" honest" gentleman pours into his ear " the leprous dis-
tilment "of suspicion, was extremely clever. The chamber
scene, where he calls Desdemona back at the request of
Ludovico, was also beautifully done. The last scene was a
fine effort : it was replete with beauties. We must confess
we admired the mode in which Mr. Forrest played Othello
in this scene : it made a great impression on us. He was
discovered at a window, looking at the stars, and brooding
over his supposed wrongs.
" Tell it not to you, ye chaste stars."
We should be glad to see this example followed. Mr.
Brooke's attack upon lago in this scene was finely managed.
We may say with truth that Mr. Brooke's Othello is worth
the notice of every lover of Shakspeare. Miss Bennett is
another acquisition. She is a very pretty girl, has a sweet
voice, great animation, and an artless simplicity about her,
that give an air of truth and reality to whatever she does.
Desdemdna's love for Othello was exquisitely exhibited
throughout her performance. Her vindication of her truth
was beautiful. Miss Cleaver's Emilia has been often wit-
nessed ; she played with great judgment. Mr. H. Hell's
Cassio is also familiar to us. His drunken scene was capi-
tally played. Mr. Mude, as lago, was occasionally very
effective; but he is too sententious to please us altogether.
He is s powerful auxiliary to the company. The Roderigo
of Mr. Bellingham was about one of the worst we ever saw.
It was extremely tame. Mr. Brooke was called for at the
close of the tragedy. On Monday-erinecv paritondme-ts-to
be produced. It has been got up with great splendour. The
tricks, transformations, and so forth, are very numerous.
The scenery will be all new. The Boleno Family, who are
somewhat favourites here, are engaged.
LIVER THEATRE.—Mr. Collins, a singer of some merit,
and favourably known to the public, has been tolerably at-
tractive in the character of Paul Clifford, in the drama of
that name. Mr. Collins gives us a good idea of a dashing,
gay, and polite freebooter, who robs you of your'money with
a grace extraordinaire. His song, " Hurrah for the road,"
has been encored every night. The other characters in the
drama have been ably filled. The farce of " The Nervous
Man and the Man of Nerve" has elicited great laughter. Mr.
Raymond, as 11P Shane, and Mr. Tilbury, as Aspen, have
kept the audiences on the broad grin till sides ached with
pain. This farce never has been better done. The travestie
on " Norma" is a most ludicrous affair. Mr. Marshall, as
Norma, and Mr. Higgie, as Adelgisa, successfully rivalled
Mrs. Wood and Miss Poole by their " most sweet voices."
This travestie is one of the best in its line that we have seen
for a long time. Mrs. Raymond, as Pullin, made a smart
little Roman. The style in which she gave the airs, though
rendered to absurd words, proved the excellence of her mu-
sical ability, and only causes regret that she is not oftener
heard. The opera is closely parodied, but condensed into
one act. The rising of the moon, and the offering made to
her lunar majesty, and also her rejection of " that same," is
a laughable incident. The priestesses are lovely specimens
of humanity, and no wonder their charms made impression
on their Roman conquerors some of them wanted shaving
sadly.

AMPHITHEATRE.—The fast-approaching' time for the re-
moval of the company of the late Mr. Ducrow from this
town, renders it advisable to give those who wish to see it
before departing a hint to that effect. The spectacle of
Cromwell continues attractive ; and whether taken in the
whole or in its details, may be looked upon as Mr. Ducrow's
chef d'ceuvre. The final tableau certainly is one of the most
gorgeous and extraordinary groups we ever witnessed. Those
who take a delight in such matters will admit it to be alone
worth while visiting the theatre to see. The varieties in the
arena are all of an animated and most amusing character.
The pantomime we have not been able to see, but report
speaks very well of it. This house, as well as the Liver, has
been crowded every night. We perceive that this esta-
blishment will be closed to-morrow night by Mr. Egerton,
as a mark, of respect to the late Mr. Ducrow. We notice
also that the magnificent spectacle of " St. George and the
Dragon" is underlined for Monday night : it will be got up in
its originally gorgeous state.—The following anecdote of the
late Mr. Ducrow is at once characteristic of the man, and a
proof of his good feeling. In his will he has directed that
three of his favourite horses shall follow him to the tomb ;
and, after the close of the engagements of the present com-
pany, these, with two others, shall be taken care of until
the time of their deaths, annuities being left for their main-
tenance.

MEETING OF THE DOCK COMMITTEE.—The weekly meet-
ing of the Dock Committee was held yesterday. There
were present Messrs. Sands, Horsfall, Holt. Molvneux,
Aikin, Ripley, Chilton, Smith, Mellor, Bulky, gvans.
Tobin, Shand, Martin, Holmes. Mr. Bold, the member
elected on Monday in the place of Mr. Chapman, resigned,
took his seat for the first time. Mr. Sands, the chairman of
the committee presided.—On the recommendation of the
sub-committee of works, the shed on the north west quay of
Clarence-dock was ordered to be lengthened at the south
end a few yards, and the ends to be boarded up.—The Ma-
rine Surveyor, through the sub-committee for that depart-
ment, recommended a new light-ship to be built for the
north-west station, in the place of the Meteor; the construc-
tion of which had been found faulty in several respects. It
was intended that the new vessel should be capable of car-
rying a life boat, for which the Meteor was insufficient.
After a short discussion the Marine Surveyor was instructed
to report the kind of vessel wanted, and to make an estimate
of the expense.—The Marine Surveyor reported that the old
Bell Beacon had been upset iu the storm of the 26th instant,
and was now unfit for service. A short discussion took
place upon the hest means of making the bell ring in times
of fog; and eventually it was resolved to issue advertise-
ments for the best rnodels.—The committee then proceeded
to the consideration of the reports of Messrs. Walker and
Cubitt, engineers, on the several dock plans submitted to
them, during which the reporters were requested to retire.

BRITISH SHIPPING.—Mr. Stilceman has published his
comparative statement of the number of British ships, with
their tonnage, &c., which have entered into and cleared out-
wards from and to places within the limits of the East India
Company's charter, in the
years 1840 and 1841. From this
it appears that the number entered inwards at the port of
London, for the year :1840, was 404, with 162,633 tonnage,
and 9,247'men ; while in 1841 the number was 537, with
216,407 tonnage, and 11,654 men; showing an increase for the
latter period of 133 ships, 53,814 tonnage, and 2,437 men.
The number entered inwards at Liverpool in 1840 was 143
ships, 54,279 tonnage, and 2,714 men; while in 1841 the num-
ber was 188 ships, 79,358 tonnage, 3,465 men ; showing also
an increase for the latter period of 45 ships, 23,079 tonnage,
and 751 men. The number entered inwards at Bristol and
11u11 in 1840 was 14 ships, 4,789 tonnage, and 215 men ; and
in 1841 there was the same number of ships, with a slightly
increased tonnage, and larger compliment of men. The
cleared outwards from the port of London for 1840 were 521
ships, 205,453 tonnage, and 12,210 men ; while in 1841 they
were 530 ships, 213,407 tonnage, and 12,191 men ; giving an
increase for the latter period of 9 ships, 7,954 tonnage, and
a decrease of 109 men. The cleared outwards from Liver-
pool for 1840 were 234 ships, 90,350 tonnage, and 4,402 men ;
while in 1811 there were 266 ships,
145,106 tonnage, and 5,161
men ; giving an increase for the last named period of 32 ships,
24,756 tonnage, and 750 men. From Bristol and Hull the
entered outwards for 1840 were 22 ships, 7,716 tonnage, and
392 men ; while in 1841 they had decreased to 20 ships, 7,272
tonnage, and 372 men.
CONTROVERTED ELECTION PETITIONS.—From parlia-
mentary documents we gather that petitions have been pre-
sented against the returns from the following places, and
stand for consideration on the meeting of parliament :
Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, Belfast, Harwich, Wigan,
Rutland, Waterford (city), Cardigan, Dudley, Rochester,
Blackburn, Southampton, Newry, Newport, Reading, Car-
low (county), Shrewsbury, Downpatrick, Barnstaple, St. Ives,
New Windsor, Great Marlow, Nottingham, Thetford, Cli-
theroe, Lewes, Longford, Wakefield, Sudbury, Bridport,
Ipswich, Cork (county), Kerry (county), Wigton, Glouces-
ter (city), Louth, Tipperary, Lichfield, Flint, Kinsale,
.El-
gin Burghs, Bewdley, Falmouth, Wareham, Newcastle:-
under-Lyme, Lyme Regis, Merthyr Tydvil, Stafford (bo.
rough), Carnarvon.

The Venus; which sailed from Valparaiso on the 30th of
October, and arrived here on Tuesday night, has brought
186,000 dollars on freight.

SACRED Music.—The admirers of sacred music are re-
ferred to Mr. Novello's announcement elsewhere. He is
now publishing some very fine compositions, suitable either
for public or private use.
Miss STOTT'S CONCERT.—This charming little singer is
about to leave Liverpool for a residence in London, for the
purpose of gaining instruction in " the art divine" from the
first masters. We hope those who have any wish to serve
the young lady will now come forward, as the proceeds of
this concert will be appropriated to her advancement in
London. The members of the Philharmonic Society will
doubtless ably support her on this occasion. The programme
is very full of the " wealth of song."
SALE OF BRONZES.—The attention of connoisseurs and
the lovers of the fine arts is particularly directed to a sale of
very beautiful articles of vertu, which is about to take place
under the auspices of Mr. Winstanley. A great quantity of
beautiful glass, of foreign manufacture, will also be put uI),
besides armour, &c. Those who have money to spare, and
wish to adorn their dwellings, should by all means be in at-
tendance on the occasion.

QUADRILLE DUETTS.—A set of quadrilles and a waltz,
composed by Mr. St. Maurice, have just made their appear-
ance, under the auspices of Mr. El ime. They are arranged
for two players, for the pianoforte. They are very gay and
sprightly, and occasionally sparkle with bright passages, full
of originality and melody. We can safely recommend them,
either for practice or to dance to.
MR. CROWE'S LECTURE ON WILIIEM'S METHOD.—ME.
Crowe's lecture on Wilhem's method of teaching music, de-
livered in the Music-hall on Monday night, was extremely
well attended, and was highly interesting. A report of it
which was in preparation is necessarily withdrawn, owing to
the pressure of election and general news. We perceive that
Mr. Crowe has commenced giving instructions in the system.
Few men have better qualifications for such an undertaking.

The Earl of Lichfield has broken up his establishments at
Shugborough, Minton Lodge, and St. James's-square. In-
structions nave been sent from Naples, where the earl and
countess and family are passing the winter, to let the man-

sion in St. James's-square, as the family intend to travel on
the Continent for two or three years. Runton and its noble
preserves have been taken for a term by Sir Joshua Walmsley,
of this town.

BLUNDELL v. GLADSTONE.—The Lord Chancellor stated
on Tuesday the course he proposed to pursue upon this ap-
peal. A very large amount of property was in question, in
consequence of a bequest by Mr. Blundell, of Yorkshire, in
favour of a son of Mr. Weld, of Lulworth. It became ne-
cessary to consider a very important point of law relative to
the admlssion of parol evidence in the interpretation of an
ambiguity in a will. His lordship said he should therefore
request the assistance of two learned judges at a fresh argu-
ment upon it, and Mr. Justice Patteson and Mr. Justice
Malik would give their attendance some day previous to the
commencement of the circuit.

PENMANSHIP &c.—ln another column will be found an
advertisement of Mr. Thompson, the celebrated instructor
in writing, short-hand, and arithmetic. Mr. Thompson's
system is a most excellent one, as thousands who have re-
ceived instructions from him can testify. Those who at
present have but a limited acquaintance with the useful arts
Mr. Thompson professes, and are. desirous of obtaining a
ready and perfect knowledge of them, will do well to avail
themselves of the services of so able a teacher.

TILE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.—We perceive by an ad-
vertisement that a fine young chimpanzee has been added to
the collection of extraordinary animals in these gardens, and
have no doubt that much curiosity will be excited to get a
glimpse of this satire upon humanity. The following dona-
tions have also been received by the proprietor :—Captain
Cornforth, ship Majestic, a grey squirrel; Captain Downing,
ship Louisa, a red howling monkey; Miss Ellis, a scarlet
macaw ; Mr. Fishleyn, a large tortoise ; Captain Garrett,
drill or black satyr ; Mrs. Halton, an agouti ; Captain Hall,
a jackall ; Thomas Jones, Esq., a monkey ; Mr. M`Leod,
an alligator ; David Walton Price, Esq., a dog-faced baboon ;
Captain Roweth, barque Grecian, a grey fox; Smith,
Esq., a monkey ; Captain Turner, brig Calder, an American
monkey ; Captain Young, ship Heywood, a pair of mandrills
or blue-faced satyrs.

Yesterday, a very handsome schooner, named the Topaz,
was launched from the building-yard of Messrs. John Scott
and Sons. This vessel, which competent judges describe as
unsurpassed by any in the Clyde for beauty of model and
symmetry of construction, and as likely to be a remarkably
fast sailer, is intended to ply between Glasgow, Greenock,
and Liverpool, in conjunction with the Amethyst, Cornelian,
and Sapphire, with the other fine vessels belonging to the
same company, and of which Messrs. M'Arthursaud Nl`Brair
are agents. While we rejoice at the success that has at-
tended the splendid steam-packets upon this station, we are
glad to see that there is still a portion of the trade left for
the smacks, which were the first to establish a regular line
of communication between the Clyde and the Mersey.—
Greenock Advertiser, February 1, 1842.

THE PRESIDENT STEAMER.—TWO of our local contem-
poraries published a second edition on Tuesday, to convey
to their readers the following important information, ex-
tracted from a Hamburg paper of the 28th ult. :—" Von Ba-
rendson, one of the booksellers of this place, will shortly
publish an account of the loss of the steamer President, from
the journal of the Rev. Mr. Coockson, who was one of the
unfortunate passengers lost in her. The manuscript was
found last November in a bottle picked up by an Indian boy
on the shore of Cape Breton. This island lies to the south
of Newfoundland, whence it was sent up to Montreal, from
which place Von Barendson has received a German transla-
tion of it." Of course this very credible story is from first
to last a very stupid hoax.

GRAND ORDER OF MODERN DRUIDS, LIVERPOOL DIS-
TRICT.—A financial committee of the Loyal Orphans' Pro-
tection Lodge, No. 183, was held at the house of Host James
Hampson, Printers' Arms, Fleet-street, N. G. A. Newcombe
in the chair. The business of the evening commenced by the
auditors' report being communicated to the members, which,
we are happy to say, was very satisfactory, and passed una-
nimously. This being a new lodge, it already numbers up-
wards of 40 members, all of them of great respectability,
the worthy host and treasurer having strenuously exerted
himself in bringing the lodge up to a position as, we feel sa-
tisfied, will elevate it second to none in the Liverpool district.
Miring the evening the healths of the past and present offi-
cers, together with the auditors and treasurer, were drunk
with the usual honours, and nobly responded to, especially
by the worthy host, whose eloquent appeal to the members,
on carrying out their truly philanthropic object, will not
easily be forgotten. The members belonging to this order,
we believe, number nearly 3,000 in this district, there being
upwards of 40 lodges, whose funeral fund is enrolled accord-
ing to act of parliament.

MARINERS' CHURCH READING-ROOM AND SCHOOL.—
The annual meeting of this valuable institution was held at
the Religious Book Repository, Slater-street, on the evening
of Tuesday last, and was very numerously attended. The
chair was occupied by the Rev. Mr. Maynard, who opened
the proceedings in an excellent speech, explanatory of the
objects of the institution. Its chief design was to promote
the welfare, spiritual and temporal, of seamen ; to provide a
comfortable room with books, where they might repair in the
evenings ; and to have a daily school for the education of
their sons and daughters. It appeared that on an average
about 3,000 seamen availed themselves of the benefits of the
institution every year, since its establishment, three years
ago ; that between 70 and 80 boys had been instructed in na-
vigation last year ; and that the Sunday school was proceed-
ing in a manner highly satisfactory. The receipts during the
past year had amounted. to 4:119, and the expenditure to

.112, leaving a balance of Xi in the hands of the treasurer.
Many instructive and gratifying anecdotes were detailed dur-
ing the course of the proceedings, illustrative of the generous
qualities of seamen, and showing the advantages which accrue
from the Christianising of them. We have seldom, if ever,
witnessed a meeting more harmonious, and wishing well to
their cause, we cannot but regret that the objects of the so-
ciety are not more known. The meeting was very eloquently
addressed by the Rev. Mr. Nolan, Lieut. Tracey, R.N., and
other gentlemen, after which the doxology was sung, and the
meeting separated.
ROBBERY OF AN OLD MAN BY Two " DUFFERS"—

THE OLD TRICK NEATLY ACCOMYLISHED.—Yesterday,
at the police-court, a very stout-built man, named James
Keid, apparently about 35 years of age, and respectably dres-
sed in black, was placed at the bar on suspicion of being one
of two individuals who had contrived to fleece an elderly gen-
tleman—a stranger to the legerdemain of such customers—
of a considerable sum of money. The complainant, a little
grey-headed man, in the neighbourhood of sixty, said that he
was registrar of the diocese of Elphin, in Ireland, and, on
his way to London on business, he arrived here on Wednes-
day morning by the Nottingham steamer, from Dublin. On
board of that vessel, a fellow-passenger entered into conver-
sation with him, and ingratiated himself with him on the
passage, by acts of extraordinary kindness, which he (witness)
then appreciated, as, it appeared by his admission, that he
was afflicted with watery sickness. His new friend made
several inquiries, and, amongst others, asked him where he
was going. His reply was, "To London"—" And so am
I," said the other, " and we can go together at a cheap
rate." Immediately on landing, the complainant's " dis-
interested friend" took him to an eating-house in White-
chapel, where, he said, they could get a good breakfast at a
small expense. He left complainant there, and returned in
a quarter of an hour with the prisoner (James Reid), who
entered into conversation with witness. Prisoner said he
had acquired a handsome property through the death of an
uncle, and which he recovered at law from his eldest bro-
ther, who was illegitimate. He talked (said witness) of
going over to Dublin that evening, to sport some of his mo-
ney, and asked me to give him an account of the city, which
1 did. During the conversation, the prisoner pulled out
what appeared to be a roll of bank notes from his breast
pocket, and asked me if I had any money. I said I had. He
said, I have shewn you mine ; let me see yours. I thought
this very foolish altogether, but I shewed him my purse, con-
taining twelve sovereigns. The prisoner gave his notes to
the other man to roll up for him in a parcel, which he did
with a piece of blue paper. The prisoner then opened his
watch pocket, and desired me to put his parcel there. I did
so. The prisoner then said, let me see your money rolled
up in the same way, and put into your pocket for safety. My
fellow-passenger reached out his hand, and I gave
him my purse and money to put in paper. He put
something, which I thought was my purse, into blue
paper, and then put them into my breast pocket.
The prisoner then said, I will present you each with a sove!
reign, I am so pleased ; which he gave us to pay our fares to
Birmingham. We all then left the house to proceed to the
railway station, and when we got near St. John's Church,
my pretended friend said he had to call at the Post-office,
and would follow me to the railway ; and he and the pri-
soner then left me. I waited upwards of an hour for them,
and being told by a gentleman at the railway that I had
better go by the four o'clock train, and directed by him to
Mr. Price's lodging-house, in Bridport-street, and pro-
ceeded thither. Almost immediately after I had arrived
there, 1 discovered that I had been duped, and that the blue
paper contained only thirteen halfpence' He found means
of giving information to the police. Yesterday morning I
saw the prisoner in custody ; identified him, and selected
him from a number of others.—Martha Ward, a female em-
ployed at Mr. Baker's eating-house, Whitechapel, said that
the complainant was at the house on the previous morning.
He said he was waiting for a friend who had gone to the
Post-office. While preparing breakfast she was told it was
for three. She took it up stairs, and found there the com-
plainant and two others at the same table. One of them was
of the same size and app es as the.sonpr was the man.—
prisoner. though dif-
ferently dressed. She believed the prisoner
Hobert Dawson, police-officer of the Main Bridewell, said
he received information of the robbery, and from the de-
scription given by the complainant he knew the prisoner.
That morning, (yesterday), about three o'clock, he went to
his residence, and took him into custody. He told him for
what he apprehended him.
The prisoner said he had not
been out the day before, except at the next door; and he
then took him (witness) aside and said—" You are surely
joking." He (prisoner) then placed two sovereigns in his
(witness's) hand, and said, " Make it all right ; you go, and
I will follow you," He took the prisoner to Bridewell.
Witness produced the two sovereigns. The prisoner, on
being cautioned as to what he might say, said, " I know
nothing about it," and refused to sign his deposition. He
was committed for trial, and the complainant's journal. to
London, for the present was stayed,in order that he might
appear against him on Monday next at the
sessions. The
prisoner's name has before been recorded in the annals of
the police-office.
THE CONVICT DELAHIJNT.—It is expected from some
expressions that have fallen from him, that this convict has
some revelation to make relative to the poor Italian organ
boy, who it will be remembered was murdered some little
time since at Dublin, and the trial for which Delahunt was
the principal witness, and equivocated considerably.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

THE QUEEN'S SPEECH,

BY EXPRESS.

" My Lords and Gentlemen,

" I cannot meet you in parliament assembled without
making a public acknowledgment of my gratitude to Al-
mighty God on account of the birth of the Prince my son—
an event which has completed the measure of my domestic
happiness, and :has been hailed with every demonstration of
affectionate attachment to my person and government by my
faithful and loyal people.

" I am confident that you will participate in the satisfac-
tion which I have derived from the presence in this country
of my good Brother and Ally the King of Prussia, who at
my request undertook in person the office of sponsor at the
christening of the Prince of Wales.

" I receive from all Princes and States the continued as-
surances of their earnest desire to maintain the most friendly
relations with this country.

" It is with great satisfaction I inform you that I have con-
cluded with the Emperor of Austria, the King of the French,
the King of Prussia, and the Emperor of Russia, a treaty for
the effectual suppression of the Slave Trade, which, when
the ratifications shall have been exchanged, will be commu-
nicated to Parliament.

" There shall also be laid before you a treaty which I have
concluded with the same powers, together with the Sultan,
having for its object the security of the Turkish empire, and
the maintenance of the general tranquillity.
" The restoration of my diplomatic and friendly inter-
course with the court of Teheran has been followed by the
completion of a commercial treaty with the King of Persia,
which 1 have directed to be laid before you.

" I am engaged in negotiations_with several powers, which,
I trust, by leading to conventions founded on the just princi-
ple of mutual advantage, may extend to the trade and com-