biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

A CHANGE COMING OVER THEM.

The Chinese lower classes are, there is reason to
hope, beginning to find out that the foreigner is not
quite so great a barbarian as they have hitherto
Imagined him to be. Consul Jamieson, in his report
on the trade of Chefoo for the past year, speaks of the
liberal subscriptions by foreigners in aid of thesufferere
from famine in Shantung and Shansi. Last year over
.210,000 was subscribed in the open ports of China,
Japan, and in Hong Kong and Singapore, almost
wholly by the foreign communities,aud was dispensed by
foreign agency directly to the sufferers themst Ives. This
year the same thing has been carried on in relief of the
Shansi famine, the contributions being largely augmen-
ted by remittances from England and America. The
total dispensed this year will be double perhaps treble,
what it was last year. It is often asked: Are the
Uhinese grateful? Do they appreciate this voluntar}
kindness? With regard to the better classes—the
literati, and the lower mandarins—it is stated that
they would rather see us and our charity t.ut of the
country together. But in the case of all the recipients
and their associates, the poor labourieg class,
it is otherwise. Some of the gentlemen who took
Rut in the distribution of relief last year have
eines visited the scene of their labours, and they
state that nothing can be more marked than

the change which has come over the demeanour
of the people. In one district, at any rate, where
a foreign missionary used to be received some-
times with hoots and hisses, generally with stolid in-
difference, he is now welcomed as a friend. The poor
people-said to one oi the distributors, "If it were the
emperor that were doing this we could understand it ;
but that you should come all these thousands of miles
to give us food entirely passes our comprehension."—
Pall Mall Gazette.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

A MILITARY EXECUTION IN JAPAN.

A military execution on a large scale took place the
other day in Japan. According to accounts brought
by the steamer City of Tokio, which arrived at San
Francisco on the 14th of November, the court-martial
appointed to try the participators in the recent military
mutiny at the capital sat for a long time, and all pos-
sible means were adopted to induce the prisoners to
make a full confession of their motives and to name
their accomplices and instigators. Torture even, it is
alleged, was employed for that purpose, but all in vain.
On the 15th of October the court met to pronounce
judgment. Fifty-three private soldiers of the infantry
and artillery battalions were sentenced to death, and
forty-eight to three years', seven to two years', and
eighteen ta one year's imprisonment in various parts
of the country. Of the lesser offenders, twenty-three
were sentenced to confinement and one to be flogged,
Three men only were acquitted. The capital sentences
were carried out at once, the condemned men being
shot in batches of fifteen on the following morning.
The shooting, however, of fifty-three men in cold
blood is not done in a few minutes • and the slaughter
lasted, it is stated, four hours.—Pall Man Gazette.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

HAGLEY.

FIRE AT HAGLEY.—On Tuesday morning about eleven
a.m., flames and smoke were discovered by a man-servant
issuing from the stable, at the "Lawn," the residence of
Captain Wolrige. The horse asphyxiated, was liberated,
and fortunately a plentiful supply of water was at hand,
and several workmen employed on an adjoining house as
helpers. The fire was taken in the nick-of-time, as a few
moments more must have given it full possession of the
whole building, together with a tarred shed at the back.
end two hay ricks. The building which is insured in
the Birmingham District Office, is but slightly injured,
but the property contained in it, consisting of two sets of
harness, several saddles, set of military accoutrements,
clothing, groom's clothes, &c., &c., have been entirely
destroyed and were not insured,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

WORLD FAMED

1-14VENTI1

GLENFIELD
ST ARCH.
Has for many Years been Exclusively
used in the Royal Laundry.
" Theeveb
restusSecitaiTh I 1
; The Queen's Laundress.

" Manly in use, economi- '
( Milliner and
cal, and gives aperfect stiff-
ness and gloss difficult tol Dressmaker.
excell."
d
i' Particularly a- \"E n all sliwom an
opted for clear starch-
ing muslins. ' Domestic Maaazine.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

THE HOME SECRETARY ON OUT-DOOR
RETAIL LICENCES.

The Home Secretary received two deputations at the Home
Office on Monday—one from the County Justices of the
Division of MAnchester, and the other from the Borough of
Salford—on the question of an amendment of the law with
regard to outdoor retail licences. The subject was intro-
duced by Mr. Robinson, the Mayor of Salford, who read a
memorial from the licensing justices of the borough, in
which it was submitted that under the existing system the
Licensing Act of 1874 was abused, and an amendment in the
law was requisite.—Mr. Cross, in repiy said :

We have now brought this subject to the one point,
as to whether the law should be amended, giving the
magistrates more power practically to diminieh the
number of licenses. I need hardly say that I have
had this point urged before in memorials from a great
number of borough and county justices in support of
your view. Their case rests principally on the
facilities which it gives for both getting spirituous
liquors, drinking them at home and different places,
and increasing the quantity drunk. The question as
to women has been mentioned by the ex-Mayor
especially. As you are aware, a Committee of the
House ot Lords has sat on this subject and
has published four volumes of evidence. That
Committee has been in communication with
me on this particular subject. That Committee
has not made its report, and no Government
will take any action until that report is made, and it
is understood in Parliament that nothing shall be
done till then. The point as to women drinking is
extremely difficult to prove from the natural state of
things. My advice to you at the present moment is to
offer 3 our testimony to that Committee, which will bs
appointed again immediately the House of Lords
begins to sit, tecau,e I know the noblemen upon that
Committee are extremely anxious upon this particular
point, respecting which it is very difficult to satisfy
them. Your best course at the present moment is to
procure the best evidence and offer it to the Com-
mittee, who, I am sure, will hear you.
The deputation then withdrew.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

THE FRESH AIR.

"It's indoors, sir, as kills half the people being
indoors three parts of the day, and next to that taking
too much drink and vittals. Eating's as bad as drink-
ing; and there ain't nothing like fresh air and the smell
of the woods. You should come out here in the spring,
when the oak timber is throwed (because, you see, the
sap be rising, and the bark strips then), and just sit
down on a stick fresh peeled—l means a trunk you
know—and sniff up the scent of that there oak lsark. It
goes right down your throat, and preserves your lungs,
as the tan do leather. And I've heard say as folk who
work in tan yards never have no illness. There's always
a smell from trees dead or living—l could tell you
what wood a log was in the dark by my nose, and the
air is better where the woods be. The ladies no in
tha great houses sometimes goes out into the fir plan
tations—the turpentine scents strong, you see—and
they say it's good for the chest; but, bless you, you
must live in it. People go abroad, I'm told, to live at
the pine forests to cure 'em ; I say these here olio§
have got every bit as much good in that way. I never
eat but two meals a day—breakfast and supper: what
you would call dinner—and maybe in the middle of
the day a haunch of dry bread and an apple. I take
a deal for breakfast, and I am rather lear (hungry)
at supper; but you may lag your oath that's why I'm
what lam in the way of health. People stuffs them-
selves, and by consequence it breaks out, you see. It's
the same with cattle; they're overfed, tied no in stalls
and stuffed, and never no exercise, and mostly oily food
too. It stands to reason they must get bad; and that's
the real cause of these there rinderpests and pleuro.
pneumonia and what nots. At least that's my notion.
I'm in the woods all day, and never comes home till
supper—'cept of course, in breeding time, to fetch the
meal and stuff for the birds—so I gets the fresh air,
you see; and the fresh air is the life, sir. There's the
smell of the earth too—'specially as the plough turns
it up—which is a fine thing; and the hedges and the
grass are as sweet as sugar after a shower. Anything
with a green leaf is the thing, depend upon it, if you
want to live healthy."—Gamekeeper at Home, in Pall
Mall Guzette.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

MODELS OF FAMOUS DIAMONDS.

I may be interesting to the lovers of gems to bid
them visit the School of Mines in Jermyn-street,
London, the resort of the learned and the students,
bit not sutciently looked up by the general public.
Here will be found a superb case of model diamonds,
representing the gems that grace the imperial regalia
of most nations, to each of which a history is attached.
The celebrated .Mattarn, weighing 367 carats, was
found in Borneo in 1760. Many superstitious ideas
are believed in connection with it ; it belongs to the
Rakai of Mattam. The model of the Great Mogul,
weighing 279 carats, is full of interest; whilst
the famous Russian diamond Orloff, weighing
194 i carats, was formerly in the eye of an
Indian idol, whence it was stolen by a soldier,
ultimately coming into possession of the Empress
Catherine. Then is beheld the model of the historical
Regent or Pit diamond, weighing 136 i carats, at one
time purchased for 2135,100, now belonging to the
French Republic. Her Majesty's superb Koh-i.noor
is there, with pendants, to which is attributed the
most unlucky omens. The weight of the Koh-i-noor
is given as 102 i carats, but when exhibited in the
Great Exhibition of 1851 its weight was 186 i carats.
The Star of the South, weighing 254 i carats, is a note-
worthy diamond. The exceeding beauty of the Star
of Africa is doubtless in a great measure due to the
skill of man, its weight before cutting being 83 carats,
after 46i. A fine diamond, the property of the
Gnicower of Baroda, and named Mr. Dresdens, weighs
76i carats. A diamond of surpassing beauty, the
property of Sir JamsetjeeJejeebhoy, weighs 63i carats.
A very beautiful cctohedral Russian diamond, named
Polar Star, weighs 40i carats. Diamonds rejoice in
various colours; and Austria possesses a superb yellow
diamond named Florentine, weighing 139 i carats.
There is also a green diamond, from the green vaults
of Dresden, weighing 48i earats. Mr. Flosse's beauti-
ful blue diamond, weighing 44i carats, is now the
property of the Duchess of Newcastle. A very beauti-
ful heart-shaped diamond, named Pigot, the property
of the Pasha of Egypt, weighs 82i carats, and is worth
£30,000. The Eug6nie purchased by the late Emperor
Napoleon 111., weighs 51 carats. Nassuc, the pro-
perty of the Duke of Westminster, weighs 89i carats.
The Stewart weighs 288 carats, found in the Vaal
River, South- Africa. The Cumberland, presented to
the Duke of Cumberland by the City of London, but
now restored to the Crown of Hanover by Her
Majesty, weighs 32 carats.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

IA LLO W.

a. d. s. d
Town TAllow, per cwt 3S 3 RotO. Stuff, per c' t. 14 0
Rough FA, per Sibs.. 1 7 Greaveg tl 16 0
bitaed stuff, per cwt 27 6 Uood DreiTs „ 6
Yellow Rusidan, new,. 86s. Od. per cwt.
Australian Mutton lallow 361. 6d. „
Ditto Beef ditto Ms. Od. „
HAY.

VVIIITECHIPEL, (Saturday last) —There was a moderate
Supply. Tne trade was better at firm prices. Prime Clover,
1005. to 1128., luferier ditto, 80s. to 90s. Prime Meadow
Bay, 75. to 845., inferior, 40a. to 70*, and Str,lw 30s. o CO*.
per load.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

OTHER
CIGAR, CASES,

CHAS. WYNDHAM.

Doors Open at 7.30. Commence at 8. Curlews al 10.11 k
Reserved Seats, 3s. ; Pint Seats, Is.; Sesead &Os/ IL;
Back Beats. Id.

Tickets can be scoured and Plea awn al Alk isSINS•
hall's, stationer. High Bitast, -

STOURBRIDGE CHORAL SOCIETY.

3.3. KING, 'q,S PUBIDINT

HANDEL'S
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

BRIERLEY HILL.

TRANSFER OF LICENSES.—At the Police Court, on Mon-
day last, before Messrs. H. Hall, and L. Freer, the fol-
lowing transfers took place, the Royal Exchange, Kinver,
traria James Smith to James Vale; The Red Lion, King-
swinford, from John Caswell to Henry Downes; The
Woodman Inn, Dennis Park, from Edward Attwood to
John Thompson; The Dudley Arms, Dudley Street,
Brierley Hill, from George Hopkins to Henry Sheriom
DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.--JOSeph Plant was charged
with being drunk and disorderly at Kingswinford, on
the 23rd ult. Police-constable Gibbons proved that the
defendant was very drunk, and using bad language, and
challenging persons to fight. Fined 5s and costs ;in
default 14 days.—Joseph Southall, was charged with
being drunk and disorderly at Quarry Bank, on the night
of the 25th ult. Police-constable Gibbons proved the
case. Fined 5s and costs ; in default, 14 days.—Henry
Hodgette, brickmaker, was charged with being drunk
and disorderly in High Street, Brierley Hill, on the
night of the 13th ult. Police-constable Hollins proved
that he saw the defendant in the market place, there was
a crowd of more than two hundred persons. Told the
defendant that if he did not go home he should summon
him. Defendant said he did not care for fifty summonses
and then tried to strike him, but he was prevented.
Police-constable Walton gave corroborative evidence and
I said the defendant was very violent when in the cell.
Police-constable Hollins proved three previous convic-
tions. Fined 10s and costs ;in default 14 days.
HIGHWAY OFFENCE.—Henry Humphries, was charged
with causing an obstruction in the highway at Quarry
Bank, on the 25th ult. Police-constable Himan said on
the night in question he was on duty, and defendant's
cart was two feet on the footpath, causing an obstruction.
The case was not pressed, and defendant lot off on pay-
ment of 84 cost..
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

nrE STOURBRIDGE OBSERVER.

HIGHWAY RATE EXPENDITURE IN
ENGLAND AND WALES.

The Return of the Highway Rate of Expenditure of
England and Wales, which was published last week,
shows that the local taxation tindrr that head has in-
creased in five years fully 17 per cent. In 1871 the
total raised in money, or in money's worth, such RS
team lal-our and other work rendered in lieu of rates,
was £1,379 340 ;in 1876 it was 21,616,884. This is an in-
crease of £237,5 4. A large part, if not the whole,
of this increase is due to the highway authorities
taking over the management of the " disturnpiked "
roads. The Blue-book of the highway receipts and ex-
penditure of two years ago represents the trans-
actions of the highway boards, of p srishes not under
those boards, and of the South Wales roads. The
total iniatme of these various authorities was
£1,677,732 —the part properly termed taxation, as
shown above, was £1,616,684. The total expenditure
was £1,722 575; of that sum £544,869 was for manual
labour; £231,845 for team labour; £432,523 for
materials, £62,972 for tradesmen's bills. Besides these
disbursements we have in the English highway districts
an expenditure of £244,000 on existing turnpike and
disturnpiked roads; this with some other charges carries
the common fund amount up to £327.468. Salaries
not paid out of the common fund were £27,783; team
labour and other work, £14,491, The foregoing are
the chief items of outlay. Indebtedness for borrowed
money is not yet a vice of the highway authorities;
the total of outstanding loans at the close of the
year was but £47,536. The expenditure in 1877 for
maintaining, scavenging, and watering the roads of
the metropolis was £1,b29,325; the similar outlay In
1877 by the local urban authorities, including pro-
vincial town councils, was 235,669;t2 highway
boards and parishes, £1,722,575; and the outlay by
turnpike road trusts during 1875, the latest year
pu'olished, exclusive. of £177,380 for loans paid off
with interest, was £383,224. The four items make
up a total of £5670,t9 -r, including the loans and
interest of turnpike trusts, 25,848,000.—Pa1l Mali
Gazette.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

MISS HELEN TAYLOR ON WOMAN'S
POSITION.

In London, on Saturday night, at the Jewish Working
Men's Club and Institution, Hutchinson-street, Aldgate, an
address was delivered by Miss Helen Taylor, member of the
School Board for London, on the subject of " Woman : Her
Position in Modern Society."

Miss Taylor remarked that in modern times they
found that the tendency of woman was to decline. In
old times women used to hold a much more dignified and
exalted position than nowadays. The tendency was
to shut women out from the liberal professions—medi-
cine, for instance—many considering that it would be
only a modern innovation to allow her to practice in
medicine. And yet 400 or 500 years ago most of the
business of medicine was left in the hands of women.
So long in the present day as it was done for charity's
sake, people were apt and willing to leave the matter
in the hands of women ; but when it came to
be looked upon as a professional honour, then
the matter assumed another and different aspect. A
great many ailments, she maintained, could be better
dealt with by women than by men, while there were
other diseases which were better left to the treatment
of men. All the knowledge of the doctor was of little
use if he could not enter into the habits, constitution,
and antecedents of his patient, which was often a
delicate thing, and which many women had a natural
and modest objection to. Then woman was more
quick and kindly in her sympathy than man—another
characteristic in her favour. Miss Taylor proceeded
to refer to other questions intimately connected with
the position of women at the present day, and con-
cluded by asserting her conviction that not woman
alone, but men, would be improved and benefitted by
extending the sphere of woman's operations in society
by throwing open to her the doors which are shut
against her both as regards the professions and the
franchise.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

TORPEDOES AND REVOLVER
CANNONS.

The reports of Chiefs of Bureau of the United States Navy
on the fiscal year 1877-78 include one from Captain Breese, in
command of the torpedo station. The following Is given as
a summary of his report :

"The subject of electric lighting as applicable to de-
fence against torpedoes, and the experiments in
countermining and the clearing away of torpedoes,
have been practically investigated in the course of the
year. The year has been barren in torpedo results.
Notwithstanding the war in the East, the offensive
developments have been very small. CAptain John
Ericsson has been for several months engaged in the
construction of a vessel which bids fair to be a new
step in advance in offensive warfare. The vessel is
near completion, and it is expected that soon a trial
will be made.

"The Hotchkiss revolver cannon, ordered by the
Bureau two years ago, has been received. The special
advantages of this gun are, that while it fires a shell of
a pound weight with a high velocity, it is pointed
from the shoulder, thus enabling a veritable field-
piece to be fired with all the accuracy and a
much greater rapidity than the rifle small arm.
Its calibre is liin. It has five barrels, its total
weight being 4401 b. It can be fired at the rate
of 50 shots per minute, and pointing with care from
30 to 40 shots. It penetrates at 1,000 yards
any of the modern torpedo boats, such as the
Thorncyroft, and, after passing through the fragments,
has sufficient force to penetrate the water-tight
bulkheads. It would appear, then, that we have in
the arm an absolute defence against surface torpedo-
boats, and, except in fogs or darkness, no surface tor-
pedo-boat can approach within 1;000 yards of a
vessel provided with these guns. This gun would also
be extremely valuable for the purpose of firing into
the open ports of ships or for clearing parapets of
barbette guns. The chief of Bureau, therefore, re-
commends an appropriation for the purchase of a
number for actual trial in service."
Captain Ericsson made a trial trip of his torpedo-
boat Destroyer on the Hudson River on the 12th of
November, and one of the crew stated that a speed of
22 knots an hour was registered.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

The United States Congress was opened on Monday.
The President's message refers at great length to mone-
tary affairs, discusses the question of the remonetiza-
tion of silver, and recommends Congress either to
limit the amount of silver dollars issued or to change
their coinage ratio to gold by conforming it to the
present market value of the two metals. He further
recommends discontinuing the coinage of silver dollars
when the amount outstanding exceeds fifty millions.
He says he is persuaded that in the present finan-
cial condition of the country, the welfare of legiti-
mate business and industry of every descrip-
tion will be best promoted by ab4aining from
all attempts to make radical changes in existing
financial legislation, and if this policy is pur-
sued they may confidently ex,putiittAteVac-e-a-tu
tinn otforVAlLd^947l2°l4o -11,. nd easily main-
ud that it will be followed by a healthful and
enduring revival of business and prosperity. The
Message also refers to the state of the South, the pay-
ment of the Halifax award, the Indian troubles, and
other matters, but makes no mention of the relations
of the United States with Canada.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

FOOTBALL.

STOURBRIDGE 11. WOOD SErrox.—This match took
place at Wood Setton, on Saturday, and resulted in
a draw. In the first half time Stourbridge, by a
good rush, obtained a try, and made their opponents
touch down several times in self defence. On re-
suming play, three of the Stourbridge men had to
retire from the game to catch their train; this un-
fortunately turned the scales, and the Wood Setton
made a try, but was unable to kick a goal from it,
the match therefore resulted in a draw in favour of
Stourbridge. G. Trotter, W. R. Penn, and B, B.
Deane, played in fine form for the Stourbridge, and
Roden and Foster were conspicuous for the Wood
Setton. Players— Stourbridge : T. Brown (back),
T. Clulee (captain) and B. B. Deane (half-backs),
G. Trotter and W. R. Penn (quarter-lacks), J.
Onions, C. Holmes, J. Stuart, J. Davis, W. Davis,
T. Gething, C. Poulton, Smithyman, C.Jefferies, A.
Hart (forwards). Wood Setton: C. Thompson and.
(backs), J. Roden and A. P. Taft (half-
backs), Mason 3 Thomas and E. P. Foster (quarter-back.),
W. j
A. Turley, B. Franks, D. Ashmore, F. James, H.
Palmer, W. Palmer, B. Jevons, J. Simoox, and W.
Mason (forwards).
MIAMI v. STOURBELIDGE ASSOCIATION.—Thin match
was played at Wollaston on Saturday last, and after
a well-contested game, which was very brisk and
spirited, ended in a well-earned victory for the
Heath, who placed one goal to nil.
Mosnrazy V. KIDDERMINSTER.—This match was
played at Moseley on Saturday last, and after a
hard-fought game, ended in favour of Moseley by
one goal, one try, and die touch-down to one touch-
down. Kidderminster kicked off, and following up
well compelled Moseley to touch down in self-defence
After this both teams played up hard, some good
runs being made by the men of both the teams,
while the forwards had plenty to do. About five
minutes before half-time A. Smith ran in close by
the poste, F. Fowler converting the try into a goal
by a neat kick. When half-time was called the ball
was close on the Kidderminster goal-line. About
ten minutes after, the ball again starting, Shute got
a try close to the touch-line; but Everill did not
succeed in kicking a goal, on account of the long
distance. The game had to be given up before time,
on account of darkness. Players—Moseley: G. B.
Jones, (back) ; A.. smith, (captain), H. Even]', half-
backs; A. B. Tyler, T. Ground, quarter-backs; D.
Qibson, W. Breeden, J. F. Bone, W. Nevin% F.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

TRADE GRIEVANCES.

There are at the present moment very few trades in
this country that have not some grievance—indeed,
some trades enjoy several grievances. The nail trade
is no exception; but the odd thing is that the griev-
ance of which it is complaining has arisen not from its
depression but from its briskness, It appears that in
Sedgley and the adjoining districts, while other trades
are dull the nail trade is exceptionally flourishing,
and the consequence is that persons belonging to " de-
pressed " occupations have t ken to nail-making at
night and during their leisure hours, with the object of
making some slight addition t,) their diminished in-
c -mes. These "outsiders," as they are termed, are in
the habit of applying to nail manufacturers for the iron
necessary for making nails while the depression lasts,
and in many instances their applications have been
complied with. The course adopted by the employers
in thus helping the "outsiders" has, however, given
offence to the legitimate nail-makere, who maintain
that the trade is injuriously affected by it. The nail-
makers of Sedgley have accordingly notified to the
employers that they will be compelled to cease from
labour altogether unless steps are taken to prevent
inexperienced persons from competing with them. If,
however, the inexperienced persons can make as good
nails is their experienced rivals, it seems hard that
they should be denied the opportunity of earning an
honest penny in the hour of need. —Pall Mall Gazette.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

BIDDING THEM FAREWELL!

A public meeting, convened by the French-American
Committee, has been held in the Champs Elyse circus
for the purpose of bidding farewell to American
visitors to the Exhibition and promoting a commercial
tteaty between the two countries (says the Paris
correspondent of The Times). The Circus was filled,
the band of the Republican Guard being doubtless one
the attractions. Addressees were delivered by M.
Foucher de Careil, Senator, who presided- Mr.
Fenton, ex-Senator and Governor of New York ;
M. Laboulaye, Senator; and M. Chotteau, whom
the Committee are about to send a second time to
the United States to advocate a mutual reduction
of tariffs. M.M. Henri Martin, Joseph Gamier,
Wilson, and other Senators and Deputies, with
General Noyes, the American Ambassador, were also
prosent. The speakers dwelt on the origin and warmth
of the friendship between the sister Republics, the
desirability of cementing that friendship by extended
commercial relations, and the propriety of appealing
first to public opinion instead of diplomacy. M.
Laboulaye, who mentioned that in 1831), as a National
Guard, he shook hands with Lafayette, and was, there-
fore, only one remove from shaking hands with
Washington, gave an interesting review of the relations
between France and America. He described the French
aesiatance in the War of Independence as the last
crusade of the old Monarchy, a retribution on England
for her pitiless subjugation of Canada, and he deplored
the disregard paid to Jefferson's moderate counsels in
1789, which might have saved France such painful
ordeals. He enlarged with much force and humour en
the folly of excluding foreign products, and raised a
laugh by remarking that the United States, although
there were no native elephants to protect, taxed ivory
50 per cent., and that Frederick 11. prohibited the im-
portation of mousetraps, although at that date there
could have been little in Prussia for mice to eat. He
urged that America, with her climate and resources
and her freedom from the gigantic armaments neces-
sary in existing circumstances in Europe, ought not to
be afraid of foreign competition, but, in return for the
treatment of the most favoured nation, might give
France reciprocal terms.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

KIDDERMINSTER TOWN COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the above body was held on
Wednesday. Mr. Boycott (Deputy Mayor)presiding-
A t the annual meeting Alderman Radford offered to
present trees for planting along the new road through the
Closes. On the motion of Mr. Jefferias, seconded by
Mr. Greaves, the question of Alderman Radford's offer
was referred to the Improvement Committee, with po-v er
to arrange as to the plantin4 of the trees.
The Drainage and Water Works Committee recom-
mended the payment of accounts to the amount of £157
10s 7d., and also the acceptance of a tender for extension
of sewage in the Birmingham Road. The Committee
also reported the setlement of terms with the Stourp
Local Board for the water supply of their district. The
report was adopted.
The Improvement Committee recommended the pay-
ment of accounts amounting to £153 is 54, and of
borough fund accounts .£69 17s 104. Arrangements had
been made for the purchase of land from Mr. R. Chad.
wick for the widening of Clensmore Road. The accept-
ance of tenders for work in connection with the new road
accross Messrs. Brinton and Co's property was recom-
mended. The report was adopte,l.
Mr. D. Corbet, medical officer, reported that the
death-rate in October v a 14-8, and in November 19.5.
The birth-rate was respectively 31-3 and 39.3 in the same
months. Mr. Corbet estimated the present population of
the municipal borough at 22,000 and of the Parliamentary
borough at 26,000, There had been cases of scarlet
fever, and the medical officer called attention to the fact
that there was still no provision for isolating such cases.
Mr. Edge, as inspector under the Canal Boats Act,
recommended that certificates be granted in respect to
eighteen boats he had inspected. The certificates were
granted.
Some discussions arose regar ling the lodging houses
in the town a propos of a letter in one of the local papers
by a lodger, Air. D. Corbet remarked that although
several of them were unfit for the purpose they were
used for, they had been tolerated because there was now-
where at present to drive the people to.
Mr. Edge said he did all he coull he in the matter in
seeing that the regulations:as to whitewashing, ventila-
tion, &c., were carried out.
It was ordered that;the Christmas stock market should
be fixed for the 12th mat, and the Christmas poultry and
vegetable market for the 24th inst.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

AN ACT OF HEROISM.

The Times of Tuesday puolishes the following letter .
Sir,—ln The Times of the 25th inst. I have just
noticed a paragraph giving a short account of the
burning of a ship in the river Adour at Bayonne. The
real circumstances of the case, involving an heroic
act of bravery on the part of two British sailors,
deserve, I think, special mention in your columns.
When the French ship Melanie blew up, with 500
barrels of pretroleum on board, the captain of the
.Annabella Clark, lying some 80 yards distant, with
an ablebodied seaman named John M'lntosh, at
once put off in a small dingy to the rescue of the
French crew; and, although their boat was
enveloped in flames and they themselves were
all on fire, they hung on to the mainsheet of the
blazing vessel till they had succeeded in rescuing the
two men left on board. Both are dreadfully burnt;
and their deliverer, John Mlntosh, of Ardrossan, is
so much injured that he now lies in the Bayonne
hospital, and in the surgeon's opinion it is doubtful
whether he will ever regain the use of his left hand, by
which he held on to the rigging of the blazing vessel.
No man who wears the Victoria Cross ever earned it
for greater bull-dog pluck. To memorialize this heroic
act, the British community at Biarritz are raising a
small sum, and should any of your readers wish to add
to this, I should be most happy to receive subscrip-
tions.—l am your obedient servant,
H. C. STURGES, Assistant-Chaplain.
liaison Antoine, Biarritz, France, Nov '29.

The" Times of Wednesday says:—" The Committee
of Lloyd's have bestowed the bronze medal of the
Society of Lloyd's, which they have the power of pre-
senting under an Act of Parliament as an honorary
' acknowledgment to those who have by extraordinary
exertions contributed to the saving of life at sea, upon
Captain Peter Sharp, master of the Annabelle Clark,
of Ardrossan, and upon John M'lntosh, able-bodied
seaman of the same vest el, for their bravery in rescuing
at the imminent risk of their own lives the crew of
the French ship M4lanie, which caught fire on the
night of the 20th of November with 500 barrels of
_ petroleum on board, as published in our impression of
yesterday."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

4),,ocat anti gistrict Pius.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS:—ThO weekly meeting
of this board was held yesterday, Mr. H. Billing
ham in the chair. There were also present
Messrs. Haskew, Pargeter, Hingley, Bap.,
Williams, Parkes, Thompson, Griffiths, Rollin-
son, Wood, Homer, J. Billinghain, Mills, Plant,
Wright, White, Fiddian, Lavender, Foley, Kelley
Brooks. and E. B. Phillips, Esq. fx Officio
Admitted into the house daring the week 19;
discharged 7 ; dead 3; remaining 442 ; cor-
responding week last year 454. Out-door re-
lief, gingswinford district, £27 16s 4d; Stour-
bridge district, £2l 9s 80; Halesowen district,
£l6 lOs 6d ; non-resident paupers, 9s 4d ; total
£65 5s 10di ; against £57 13s lid last year.
The following County Rates were paid. Staf-
fordshire, £852 sis Od ; Worcestershire, £498 2s
6d.—This being the day for electing a School
Attendance Officer. There were 22 applications
and the following were elected: Oldswinford
district. William Cook; Cradley district, Richard
Thompson; 1-alesowen district, John Dingley.
After the ordinary business, a large number of
gentlemen and subscribers to the Grainger
Testimonial, met t?gether,
and the portrait of
the late Mr. G. Grainger was formerly presented
to E. B. Phillips, Esq., brother-in-law to the
late chairman, by I‘lr. H. /3illinghare, the pre-
sent chairman, with an illuminated address
executed by Mr. Frank Allsop, of this town.
The presentation was acknowledged by Mr.
Phillips, who formerly presented it back to Mr.
i
Billingham, who accepted t on behalf of the
Guardians. and which portrait will be hung in
the Guadiana room.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

i ‘
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(44.: :- 1.!-I • ....,;:,,..„..4,, 11, . ~:: [i..:,
1) b .7.. trott 4, P. • :

I REGISTERED FOR
t TRA.NSMISSION ABROAD. )

PRICE ONE PENNY.

STOURBRIDGE

PUBLIC NOTICES.
VIC TORIA HALL AND RINK

For Three Nights Only, Commencing Dose 0 r 9. MS
Production of the Celebrated Cosily, the

PINK DOMINOS

The Sole Property of Mr, Charles Wyndham.
540 REPRESENTATIONS IN LONDON.
To ensure a complete performanee of this sucental
Comedy, A
COMPANY OF LONDON ARTISTS
Has been selected, and the pleas produeed *spier
the personal auperintendomea of Mr.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

ACKNONVI)EDGED
BY EVERY CONSUMER
to be
SUPERIOR TO ALL OTHERS.

FARMERS not wishing to dispose of their
crops at the present low rate of prices can obtain
cash advances from 1.1.0 to £lOOO by applying to T.
BANNINcirTON, First Floor, 20, Cannon Street., Bir-
mingham. Money also advanced to respectable House-
holders, Cab Proprietors, Cow Keepers, Professional
Gentlemen and others, without any loan office routine,
apply as above.
MR. GEORGE JOHNSON, 30, Colmore Row, Bir-
minghau., is prepared to make immediate CASH
ADVANCES upon every description of S.oArity.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

was unhealthy, and a considerable 'proportion of the
schemes were unreal, for it was clearly impossible for
the country to raise anything like the amount of
capital involved in their construction.
The war with Afghanistan has directed attention to

one of the peoples in the most densely-populated
quarter of the globe. Asia has in round numbers
about seven hundred millions of inhabitants. With a
part of Russia, a part of Turkey, the densely-
thronged empire of China, the vast multitudes
Of India, the closely-packed denizens of Japan,
the roaming wanderers over the deserts of Arabia,
the dwellers on the wild shores of the Caspian, the
ramblers over the monastic solitudes of Thibet the
enervated residents in Persian cities, the marauding
hordes of Beloochistan, and the hardy mountaineers of
the country with which we are at war, would combine
to invest Asia with an interest of its own to-day, even
if it had no past history or associations. But it was
in Asia that the great ancient monarchies of the earth
rose, flourished and decayed. Assyria and Persia,
Nineveh and Babydon successively wielded dominion
over vast tracts of this great continent ; and here it
was that Christiani'y was promulgated long before its
-humanising tide reached the coasts of Britain. The
lonely exile of Patmos indited his graphic letters to the
,Seven Churches which were in Asia, Ephesus, and
.Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira, Sardis, Philmjelphia,
and Laodicea. With respect to our present fcts, the
Afghans, Sir John Malcolm has put together some in-
teresting facts. While doubting their claims to
descend from David or Saul, through the Jews made
,captive by Nebuchadnezzar, he admits that their per-
sonal appearance and customs are so far distinct in re-
ference to Persians, Tartars, and Hindoos, as to lend
a certain colour of credibility to the supposition,
but Hamilton calls them all Afghan Tartars.
The question of the origin of the Afghans is just now
the subject of patient examination, and it is hoped
that when the din of war has fairly ceased, our inter-
course with this people will be of BO friendly a charac-
ter, that historical and archwological research united
with that scientific investigation which belongs to a
Treaty of Peace, will be carried on with a facility
which has not hitherto been absociated with our re-
lations towards this hardy, war•like, and isolated
people.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

GOLD IN INDIA.

The Times' Correspondent at Calcutta writes
"Further accounts regarding the Wynaad quartz
reefs bear out the favourable anticipations entertained.
There seems little doubt that they contain gold in
paying quantities, if the working of them were seriously
taken in hand. It will be interesting to watch what
effect the discovery will have on the Indian exchange.
Discovery, however, is perhaps hardly the proper
term to use, for the existence of gold in southern
India has been known and mines have been worked
for centuries, but the old gold-seekers did little more
than scratch the soil. Expensive machinery and
capital will be required before the working can be
made remunerative. These once brought into the
field there seems good reason to believe that Wynaad
may become one of the great gold-producing countries
of the world."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

THE WAGES OIIESTION.

The Daily NeWS (in a leader) observes :—" The
general fall in values which has been going on for the
past twelve months must, of course, affect the rate of
wages. If even the agricultural labourers are obliged
to submit to some diminution in their scanty remune-
ration, better-paid employments can scarcely escape
the general movement. When trade is unprofitable
wages must fall. The decrease of income is, how-
ever, partially compensated for in the present
season by the smaller outgoings. It is stated
on behalf of the Oldham manufacturers that the
proposed reduction of wages will leave the work-
people quite as well off as they were a year ago.
The fall in the price of provisions of all kinds,
of fuel, and even of clothing, has made a working
man's income go much further than it did. This
argument would, of course, go for nothing if the state
of trade did not justify a reduction of wages. The pay
for work is determined not by the needs of the work-
man but by the demand there is for his labour. When
masters are 0, eking men, wages will rise, when men
are looking for employment, wages will fall. The
recognition of this simple rule would have saved the
mule-minders of Oldham from what we believe to
have been a very mistaken step. So long as trade is
dull the movement of wages must be downwards, and
nothing but a revival of business can give them an up-
ward tendency."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

HALESOIVEN.

EXCISE PROSECUTION,—At the Police Court held on
Tuesday, before Messrs, E. B. Phillips. and J. S.
Gibbons. Charles Lewis, the younger was charged with 1
carrying a gun without having a license, on the 30th nit
William Hinton, excise °Meer, said he heard the firing
of a gun on the 30th October, saw the defends it and
asked him to produce his license, he said that he had
not got one. The Bench said they were very sorry to
convict a youth, but they were obliged to fined him £2
lOs Od. But would recommend the Board of excise to
make a further reduction.
ASSAULT CASE.—Charles Lewis, Sen. was then charged
with assaulting Henry Hinton on the 30th October,
while in the execution of his duties. Complainant said
that he went to the defendant's house and asked him to
produce the license. Defendant said he had one but
refused to show it him, and struck him twice. Defend-
ant struck him with a dolly, and threatened to shoot him
Defendant also knocked his hat off his head, and he
had to leave the house in consequence of the defendant
threatening to shoot him, left his hat in the house, and
defendant brought it to him. Charles Lewis.the younger
wao called and said that his father struck complainant
first but did not strike him with the dolly.—William
Hinton was then charged with assaulting Charles Lewis
on the 30th of October. Complainant said that de
fendant came to him and asked for the license,
when he pushed defendant, and struck him with a stick
on the arm, and he pushed him again, and called him a
coward. The Bench considered the assault against
Hinton proved, and fined the defendant 103 and costs.
The cross summons was dismissed.
APPLICATION FOR A BEER LICENSE.—Joseph Cator,
applied for an out-door license to sell beer off the
premises. The usual notices were proved and the
application was granted.
INQUEST.—An inquest was held on Tuesday evening,
at the Black Horse Inn, Lapal, before R. Docker, cor-
oner, touching the death of Mr. Homer, who died on
Sunday last. From the evidence given it appears that
the deceased was riding on horseback, on the 25th ult.,
and when near Islington schools, the horse shied throw-
ing the rider, who received such injuries that he died
from the effects of the fall, on Sunday last, The jury
, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

TERRIBLE RAILWAY DISASTER IN
CANADA.

Particuiars of a disastrous railway accident that has
occurred in Canada, by which seven persons lost their lives
either by burning or through the overturning of carriages,
has been received.
The catastrophe occurred on the night of the 14th
instant, on the New Brunswick Railway. The express
from Gibson had reached Peel at eight p.m., but there
being no passengers for that station the train dashed
through without stopping. A bundle of bags was
thrown by the baggage master from the cars, but
instead of reaching the platform as intended, it struck
the side, and rebounded on to the line. It was caught
by the wheels, which left the rails as the train was
going over a small bridge, and ran for some distance
on the aleepeis. Alter the bridge had been crossed
the cars became disconnected, and rolled with frightful
velocity down the embankment. On reaching the
level the first-elms oar was observed to be on fire, and
notwithstanding that assistance was at hand the
flamcs spread with extraordinary rapidity. Some
persons made their escape through the carriage win-
dows, whilst others, contending with their fellow-
pas3engers to get out, perished in the flames. Ile
tire quickly consumed the carriage and all that was
in it, the iron iframe and a Jew human bones only
rtniaining. • J;t4l

A CRUISE IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC.

The mission barque John Williams arrived in the
port of Sydney on the 9th of October, after an absence
of six months, which had been employed in visiting
"London Mission" stations in the South Pacific
Ocean, and supplying them with stores, Twenty-
three islands were visited, and the barque brought
with her to Sydney 14 native teachers from the
native colleges in the islands, These teachers were
to proceed immediately to New Guinea. Captain
Turpey, of the John Williams, reports :—" During
the cruise through the Ellice Group immense quan-
tities of pumice stone were sailed through, and the
shores of all the islands in that group were thickly
lined with it. Numerous trees were met with which
had been torn violently up by the roots, some of
them being not less than 80ft. or 90ft. in length,
and of such a s,rt as is not produced in the low coral
islands. Scme of those passed would prove dangerous
to a vessel coming in contact with them at a high rate
of speed. It would be interesting to know whence
they have drifted ; are the pumice stone and these
immense trees from New Britain or its vicinity, or has
there been some submarine eruption tl account for the
pemice stone? ard if so, whense are the trees? From
examination, I should not suppose the pumice stone to
have been afloat more than three or four months; it
varied in size from pieces as large as a man's head to
the minutest dust, and in some places was so thick that
canoes towing a few feet off the ship's side were
dragged over it instead of through it."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-07

A NEW HERB.

The representative of the Republic of Guatemala
at Paris has been endeavouring to introduce into
the Old World some of the less known natural
products of the New; and among them he specially
recommended a species of sage (salvia chio), which is
said to be highly appreciated for its medicinal quali-
ties, as well as for its aromatic flavour, among the
inhabitants of Guatemala, where it is known as
" Chave.7 It is an annual plant, growing in tem-
perate districts, and flourishing, without requiring
any attention, by the roadway or on the edges of
ponds and pools of water. Its chief characteristic is
in the abundance of seed which it produces, which
affords a material for making a very refreshing non-
intoxicating beverage. The seeds are exceedingly
mucilaginous, and when. mixed with water the fluid
is easily extracted, forming a delicious liquid which
is much sought after as a popular drink, especially
during very •hot weather. Here is a hint for
Sir Wilfred Lawson. This kind of sage tea, an
improvement on the decoction which old Engliah
country folk are fond of preparing from the common
sage of our kitchen gardens, and of recommending
as a remedy for many ill, is also employed
in slight internal complaints with satisfactory results,
and it is probable that, with proper cultivation, the
herb might be found to pones.' really vdn,hle
medicinal properties not beneath the notice of the
"faculty." The seeds are valuable, also, as producing
a quantity of clear, and almost colourless, oil, which
dries very rapidly, and which, it is suggested, would
be useful for the mixing of oil-colours. Little or no
attention, however, is paid to the cultivation of the
plant, or to the extraction of the juices and oils which
are yielded by its seeds. As it is readily propagate 4
from seed, and can be reared as easily as the common
"cress," there should be no difficulty in testing the
practicability of its growth in this country.—Globe.