The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-04-01 00:00:00

throughout.

Grocott said that Dr. Dunlevie was anxious to ad-
dress the court then ; with a view to exonerate himself, so
that, if possible, he might be liberated.

Mr. Rushton said that he did not •anticipate that any
thing the prisoner could say would affect his impression made
by the evidence of Mr. Stafford and others •, and he thought
it would be better for the defendant if he advisedly reserved
what he had to state for a future stage of the proceedings.
Mr. Dunlevie expressed a desire to be heard then..
Mr. Rushton said that he should be heard ' • but strongly
cautioned him to be careful in what he stated, as whatever
it was it would be taken down, and might, and •certainly
would be used against him, if it could be so used hereafter
for the ends of justice.
Mr. Dunlevie said in a firm tone—The only object I have
in view in addressing you, is to show how innocently. I
have been introduced into the position in which I now stand.
About a month ago—on or about the Ist of March—Miss
Crellin and another lady, who was a stranger to me, came
to my house, and there lunched. We afterwards formed a
party and went 'to Bidston. During the journey there, I
observed a considerable degree of familiarity and intimacy
between Miss Crellin and Mr. M`Gill. We eventually
went to the Lighthouse, and I there heard him ask her to
the effect, " Would she marry him ?" to which I under-
stood her to assent. The same question was again put by
him, with a like effect. Mr. .M`Gill also stated to me in
the Lighthouse, that she was agreeable to marry him, and
go with him to Dublin.by the mail-iracket of the succeeding
night: We dined, and returned from Bidston to Egremont;
and there, Mr. Rogerson having again questioned Mr. M`Gill
as to Miss Crellin saying that she would marry him, he said
she had again and again consented. In consequence, Mr.
Rogerson said there would be no harm inquiring about the
license, if that were the case. I said, that, under the cir-
cumstances, I thought there would he no harM in it what-
ecordingly went to 7r. Stafford's to inquire

into it,—l having known that gentleman as a fellow student
at college. We then spoke to, Mr. Stafford. He asked
if either of us were the party, and we replied that
neither were so. I understood Mr. Stafford •to say,
that, in order to oblige the parties, he would pre-

pare the license, and have it *ready in the morning.
to be filled up. I returned home, and came, by invitation,
in the morning to the hotel. We had breakfast, and during
the time the circudistances relating to the intended marriage
were explained. .There was some brandy on the sideboard.
The morning was very wet, and some one present said,
" Would a little drop do any harm ?" Miss Crellin then
appealed to me, saying, " Do you think a little would do me
any harm ?" I replied that I thought.a little would not injure
her. She accordingly had some. When breakfast was over,
and we were all waiting to go to the pierhead, Mr. M`Gill
said, the day being so very wet, perhaps a glass of champagne
would do them no harm. A little was accordingly procured,
and each partook of some. I believe the bottle was not
finished, for it was not very good. We then proceeded in the
boat to Liverpool, and during the passage I spoke to Miss
Crellin, with allusion to the conversation of the previous even-
ing, of her knowledge of. Mr. M`Gill; and I observed that I
thought she had made a very choice selection for herself, as
Mr. M'Giil, from what I had ever known of him, was a very
gentlemanly man. She replied that she thought she had. I
said to her, that as things were pretty nearly ready, we should
proceed, on our arrival at the pier, to the church ; to which
1 understood her to assent: In consequence, on our arrival
I accompanied them in a car to the church, straight
from the pier. The object of going to the church was
the subject of conversation in the car. We arrived at the
church door. Miss Crellin then said, " What place is this?"
She was answered, that it was the church. She said " I'll
not be married at present ; I must first consult. my legal
adviser as to the arrangement of my property." I 'said to
her, if such is your decision (or wish) Miss Crellin, I think
you are perfectly right and justified in SO. acting; for if I
thought any thing improper or dishonourable were contem-
plated, I should not have accompanied you here. We then
went straight to Mr. Rogerson's house. There were some
refreshments laid out, which the family had been partaking
of when we went in ; and Miss Crellin was asked if she would
take a glass of sherry. She said she did not like sherry, and
would prefer a little brandy and water. Afterwards the
party went to the races, which were then on. They returned
to dinner at Mr. Rogersons, between five and six o'clock.
After dinner, I left them, and there ended my connexion
with them altogether ; and I can assure the CoUrt and the
gentlemen present, that I am as innownt of any intention of
impropriety, as the being who is not ),let in existence; and if
it were not impious, I would appeal for the truth of my
observation to Him who knows my innocence. •
Mr. Rushton said,—l am sorry to say, that after having
heard your statement, I do not feel the impression I pre-
viously entertained removed ; and I should not feel justified
.in permitting any of the parties to be at large on bail. I
shall hear the witnesses for the defence, and, probably,
one or two more for the complainant, to-morrow, after
the usual business of the Court ; meantime, I remand
111 le prisoners.. The .Court then rose at half-past six.

THE THEATRES.-THE PATENT QUESTION

TO TI EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL

STANDARD

In my lasll-loticed;ome rather extraordinary statements
put forward by one of your contemporaries on the subject
of the dispute existing between the lessees of the Theatre
Royal and the lessee of the Liver Theatre. 1 now notice the
remhinder of the article in question.
Your contemporary says-7- _ _

"The speculation is not a new one. It has been tried be-
fore, and who ever succeeded ? What were the conse-
quences? Empty benches constantly at the Royal, though
the first talent from the metropolis was engaged, and crowded
houses every night at the Liver, with merely the stock com-
pany. How can it he expected to succeed in, Liverpool,
where the law is peculiar as regards theatres, or rather where
no law whatever is applicable to them ? In London—in the
centre of the lord chamberlain's district—where the majors
perform under Killigrew's and Davenant's patents, and royal
grants of modern date, all exertions to procure a compulsory
closing of the minors have failed, and the costs have 'fallen
on the originators of the prosecution after two years anxious
labour and bravery of the public condemnation."
The speculation (that is, I presume, the information or
prosecution), is not a new one ! It is not, truly !—" it has
been tried before." Messrs. Raymond and Hammond were
fined some years ago; and a manager at Manchester was
imprisoned within the last few years for doing what they
did, and for what Mr. Raymond, Mr. Webster, Madame
Celeste, and Mr. Strickland have been just served with no-
tices of information.
The case of London—that all exertions to procure a com-
pulsory closing of the minors failed—is a rather unlucky
statement. It betrays either ignorance, or a wilful pervert-
ing of the truth, In London, it is well known, that oppo-
sition to the law impoverished many and utterly beggared
others, Rayner, Russell, Chapman, and others, can " a
round, unvarnished tale deliver" of successful prosecutions.
If the annals of the Strand Theatre, the City Theatre, the
Garrick, and others were searched, a few plain facts would
speak out with a tongue like a trumpet. What was all the
agitation some ten or eleven years ago for ? What were the
purposes of all the meetings at the Crown and Anchor, in
the Strand, and elsewhere, at which Sir Edward Lytton
Bulwer and others presided, when Sheridan Knowles, Doug-
las Jerrold, Searle, and many more bright and intellectual
men were listened to with attention the most profound, as
they boldly and eloquently advocated not only their own
rights but those of the drama.

I fear I am spreading my communication to a great length,
but I pray you, Sir, pardon me. The article goes on to say
—" Mr. Raymond did not seek collision with the Theatre-
Royal lessees. They challenged him by opening their
theatre fully two months before the customary commence,
ment of their season, and resorting to pantomime as an
attraction, he was, in self-defence, obliged to meet them with
the licensed drama." Mr. Raymond truly " did not seek
collision with the Theatre-Royal." The smuggler
.who
brings over contraband articles, and sells them cheap in oppo-
sition to the fair trader, does not challenge him ; it is the trader
challenges the smuggler—who, by not paying the Queen's
duty, can undersell him. As for the " customary commence-
ment of the season," it appears to me, that armed as they
are with a patent, the lessees of the Theatre Royal can begin
their season, or finish it, when they please. That the Royal
Liver entertainments, generally speaking, have been of a su-
perior description, no one will deny : they have been unex-
ceptionable, and got up in a mode deserving of the warmest
patronage. Nor can any one deny that a vast improvement
has been effected by the lessees of the . Theatre Royal in the
way their entertainments have been put upon the stage. Mr.
Hammond has the world before him—is a man of great talent
in his profession, and of persevering industry—qualities that
must be brought to bear, when success is the object. Ido
not deal with either lessee; I deal and grapple- with-the ques-
tion; and that is why I trouble you with this—because, I
believe that for fairness and uprightness, integrity and-ho-
nesty of thought, no paper ranks higher in Liverpool than
the Standard. Nor can a paper take any but A prominent
position, when it is known that it is neither to be bullied or
bought.
As to Messrs. Anderson and Hammond knowing that the
monopoly was disputed, that I have nothing to do with, nor
what their motives or determinations were. They no doubt
saw and still see their way clear, But Mr. Clarke never did
try to put down the minor theatres. If Mr. Clarke'a stie---
cess was not remunerative to the extent he thought he had
a right to expect, it was attributable rather to the badness of
times than caused by popular prejudice.

As to Mr. Hamm-ocid's proceedings elsewhere, I am not
his apologist, if such he needed, but I think he requires
none. I only want to show the truth. If Mr. Hammond
did exert his talent at mimicry—and certainly that was an
astonishing effort—as charged against him by your contem-
porary, he did it in his own defence. The case is altered.
As for Mr. Anderson's attempting to oppose a monopoly in
Glasgow, I have understood his object in his agitation was
to show that no patent rights existed.
Your contemporary next says :—" In equity, we have no
doubt the patent has long been forfeited ; in law, we do not
think it can be sustained, except for the protection of the
Theatre-Royal against penal inflictions." This is absurd ;
for if the patent in equity has long been forfeited, and it
cannot be sustained in law, how can it protect the theatre
from penal inflictions ?
In conclusion, I state now, as I have done before, that I
am an advocate for all that is legitimate and right. Mr.
Raymond, as the ‘vriter of the article I have been comment-
ing upon states, is " a man of large family, and whose means
of existence depend upon the success of his labours." Mr.
Hammond is, I believe, a man also of " large family, whose
means of existence depend upon the success of his labours!'
Thus are the lessees balanced. But what cares the public a
jot about such things, whether they have one, child or twenty,
will people support either on that account? The public
cares only to be pleased. and will pay for its pleasure.
I advocate not men but principles—l do not wish to see
the public opinion lead wrong—l want to see the scales
nicely balanced, justice holding the beam.
Personally lam in favour of a second patent. I signed
with all my heart and with my best wishes, the first as well
as the present petition for a second patent to be granted to
this town, and I will do so again and again, because to my
profession it will be an advantage as well as to the public.
On a future occasion I will, with your permission, state my
reasons more fully.
Let us see what the result of the Kirkdale petty sessions
will be. THESPIAN.
Liverpool, March 26.

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.—This very excellent society
announce their open rehearsals in another part of our paper
this day. The Philharmonic is at present rather short of its
numbers. As this may not be generally known, we mention
it for the information of the amateurs, and the supporters of
" La belle Science," who should lose no time in joining.

ANRI

;ENERAL VESTRY

On Tuesday the Easter vestry for transacting the affairs of
the parish was held in St. Nicholas's Church. At twelve
o'clock, the Rev. Jonathon Brooks, rector, having taken the
chair, the Vestry-clerk proceeded to read the following report:
" The churchwardens and overseers regret that at the as-
sernbling together of the parishioners in general. vestry, on
•. • .. ••

the present Easter Tuesday, it is not in their power to 1
before them any comparative statement, or, indeee
statement in detail of the expenditure on the -
and relief of the poor during the past ye
to be part of the system of parochial mai

It would seem

vent under the

new poor law, that the churchwardens and overseers, to
whom, under the statute of Elizabeth, the_ management and

'ere peenliarl

voice or discretion inaduaini

hoild have no

except in the cases of urgent necessity,
or provisions only and not in money.
ulation as that which Liverpool now contain
great variety of causes of temporary want
-►•"noing and commerce, it
-rnchial af►'

o the wants of the poor,
id then in clothes
ithso vast a pop-

,rising from its

to any one, conversant with p

nay officers if t

discretioniwy-powe

resentativ

power, as well as

part to the satisfactor

poor law commissioners t
tion of the poor under a

warden

they received fro
applied to parliar

the poor in this Parish
time. And the aura.
the same will be oroci

ivertunent measure should render it unnec

urge towns

and with a
and suffering,
ould be obvious

pod before the

o the insti
ecial vestr

actions.
r, have

government of

rs anticipate that

e proposed a

ry by exempting

During their year of office, the churchwardens and over
seers have had to lament the loss of their valued colleagt
Mr. Joseph Gibbons, and they are sure e
gladly permit them to record their tril
zeal for the interests of the parish
ness to the poor

rishoners will

to .his

Mr. Hart.nevt read
they should pass,
Mr. GEORGE WRIG

:wadable kind-

he motion that

T put a c

to_ a gran

of money on behalf of St. Maithi

said, had been ordered at the
yet paid.

.ch, which, be
r, but was not

WALTON

,d to state, in answer to

ry a statemen

icumbent of St

the nature of a

•hat of a

hers to vote

I to I

of private individuals

inasmuch as the neighbourhood had now become populous.
Mr. BIRKETT observed, in reply to Mr. Henshaw, that
the churchwardens had had. the subject under consideration
last year ; and had submitted to Mr. Lownaes how far,
under St. Martin's act, they had the means of applying the
remedy. Under that act the churchwardens were empow-
ered to purchase 30,000 square yards of land by a rate not
exceeding 6d. in the whole, nor more than 3d. in any one
year. Inquiry was now making as to how far this recourse
still remained available, and in all probability something
would be done.

Mr. HENSHAW proposed selling the ground to the Corpo-
ration, and obtaining fresh ground elsewhere.
The CHAIRMAN said, he hoped he would never see again
what, if he had been rector at the time, they never would
have seen, a sight like that of the taking away of the bodies
from St. John's churchyard. He hoped the dead would be
allowed to rest in peace. Land which was consecrated for
burial purposes they could not touch. He thought the
cemetery in question should be shut up. As it was, it was a
nuisance to the town, and might be attended with very in-
jurious effects to the health of the inhabitants. The sooner
a new burial-ground -was got the better; and as they had
heard from Mr. Birkett, there was a probability that the
churchwardens had funds for the purpose; if not, they must
our respected rep- come to the vestry.

Mr. HENSHAW explained, that in proposing the transfer
of the land to the Corporation, he did not intend that it
should be built upon, but planted with trees, as there was a
great talk about public parks and promenades.
, Mr. BIRKETT called the attention of the vestry to the
subject of the illuminated clocks, which had until lately been
lighted gratuitously ; but the gas company having been
limited by parliament to 10 per cent. interest, had intimated
that they would be compelled, in justice to the shareholders,
to make a charge. There was also a sum of £3OO owing on
account of gas, which he moved, in the first place, should be
paid. It would then be for the parishioners to say whether
they would continue to have the clocks lighted or not.

The debt was ordered to be discharged, and the lightinf; to
be paid for.

A parishioner moved that an estimate of the expense of
illuminating St. John's clock be laid before the next vestry ;
which was also agreed to.

Thanks were then voted to the chairman, and the business
terminated shortly after one o'clock.

The polling was fixed for the following day

ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING

On Tuesday last, (being Easter Tuesday,) the annual ves-
t, y of the inhabitants of the extensive parish of Walton-on-
the-hill was held in the parish-church, according to ancient
custom, for the purpose of auditing and passing the then
churchwarden's accounts, making a rate for the necessary
Repairs of the church, and transacting the general business
of the parish. About a huodredof the ratepayers were,pre.
sent, including :Messrs. Henderson, M'Gregor, Squires
(sidesman). M. Ashcroft, Gandy, Harvey, Sharpies, Alcock,
Harrison, Woods, Knowles, Booth, Hall, Chubb, Davies,
and other respectable parishioners.
The Rev. T. Moss, the vicar, occupied the chair; and the
notice calling the meeting having been read, •
Mr. T. BIRKETT, churchwarden for the past year, read a
summary of the accounts, on which he furnished satisfactory
explanations. The bazaar at the Walton Nursery, last year,
had produced about £800; and a further sum had been re-
ceived in donations towards the new organ and other objects.
Mr. Birkett alsu stated that he had been blamed for permit-
ting the body of the church to be spoiled ; but that had been
the work of Mr. Broadbent, the architect. He had now
served the parish officially for three years, and had given his
best and most anxious attention to its interests ; and he
trusted that the meeting would consent to such a rate as
would enable his successor to carry out to completion the
improvements in the building which had already so far ad-
vanced.

Several gentlemen requested Mr. Birkett to permit him-
self to be again put in nomination ; but he respectfully de-
clined, as having already devoted much of his time and ser-
vices to the parish.
Mr. HALL inquired whether the churchwarden and other
officers bad acted under the authority of the ratepayers in
pulling down the chancel and re-roofing it; and being an-
swered in the negative, he remarked that he thought that in
that case they ought to have paid the cost out of the funds
raised at the bazaar. He complained of the great cost en-
tailed on the ratepayers, and particularly the poorer portion
of them, for building and rebuilding, altering and beautify-
ing the church year after year, after an understanding had
been come to at the last vestry meeting that the rate of 2d.
in the pound then laid to meet that expenditure was to be
final.

Mr. DOVER said it was a parish church, and should be
made fit and proper for the worship of God. Besides, the
ate that would be proposed would not press heavily on the
If the rate were opposed, Le should demand a poll

on it, and had no doubt of success.
Mr. M‘GREGOR said that the new roof of the chancel was
not paid for out of the parish funds, but out of the pockets