biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

HAGLEY.

FIAGLEY LQDGE.—Mr. Taylor offered fur sale by auc-
tion at the Lyttelton Arms Hotel, Hagiey, on Tuesday
eveniug last, the lease of Hagki Lodge, late the reai.
de,ce of Henry Rogers, Esq. The property (which was
11,31,1 of Lord Lyttelton, having 20 years of the term
u,,,Apired, at an annual rent of £80) was purchased
by Mr William Mathews on behalf of the Hon. and
Rev W. H. Lyttelton, Rector of Hagley. The vendors
s.,lieitors were Messrs. Rogers and Jordan, of Stour-
bridge.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

HALESOWEN. '

APPOINTMENT or iivEitsEsam.—‘, t the Police Court,
on Tuesoay, before, -Atear. F D L smith, E. Gum,
and E. B. Phiilius, the foyowing were appointed over-
geerii far th-jr screral paritieti for :he. ensning year.
they; John.eharch and Edward, Guest;
.Hunuington
J. B tlingley and John Towers ; Rom.sley: William
randy and Joseph 411 Lapai George Wood and
William Green ; Frauk4 BeEjainin 11odgetts and
!Major Rose; Cakernore : J. 11. Robertson and Edward.
Eland; Hawne : Francis Hodgkins and Itiornati'Grove;
dill :-Euooh Adams and 'Richard Small ; 1141esowen :
Thomas 'Craddock and Thomai Bach.. "

PERMITTING A NII:.SANCK.--4403es Bagley wai sum-
moned by Henry Eveson, tot permitting a nuisance to
exist on ins preinises.—Mr. W. Hayes, jaa., defended.—
Mr.lßastafield said he examined the place and there was
no tiquid going through the wall but there was a stezieh
arising from the manure.—Mr. Phillips, surgeon, said
he examined the wall on Mr. Parson's side and also on
Mr.. Bagley's side. In his opinion the damp did not
come from the manure but from an 01, beauf. There
was no nuisance arising from the place. There was a
bad smell from Parson's premises but not from Bagley's.
Ile Bench made an order for defenaant to remove the
nuisance and pay eosts.
DiturixENNEss.—Samuel Simmonda was
.charged with
being drunk and disorderly, on the Grange Road, Hales-
(men, on the 10:1 mat, ancewas fined 2s 6d and cots;
in .(14ault 14 days.—Police-constable Bull proved the
ease.

Bugler' Or E' c!—John Mas .n was charged
With committing a breach of the pesca by fighting, lon
the 24th, Febtuary last and Zephaniah Knowles. was
charged with aiding and abetting him —Police non-
stable Knowles, proved the case and defendants
were each bound over in £lO to keep the peace for biz.
months. •
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

GAME AND POULTRY.

Norwegian ptarmigan, Is. 9d. to 2s. 2d. ; capercailzie,
is. 6d. to is. 6d. ; black game. 2s. 3d. to is. 3d.; American
prairie hens, 3s. to is. 6d. ; Virginian quails, is. 6d. to
is. loci.; Italian ditto, :Is. 3d. to 35.; hares, 4s. to is.. white
ditto. 2s. to 2s. Od. ; tame rabbits, is. 6d. to 3*.: wild ditto,
Ed. to is.; ducklings, 4s. to is.; ducks, 2s. 6d. to 35. 6d.;
goslings, is. 64. to 12s. 6d.; guinea fowls, 4s. to its. 64. each.
FISH.
Native oysters, 18s. Gd. to 28s. ; Dutch ditto, its, to Its ;
common ditto, is. Gd. to 10s. 6d. ; pearl ditto, 12s. to 13s. ;
American ditto; Cs. to Is. 61. ; Spanish ditto, 45. to is. ;
Ostend ditto, 103. 61. to 12s. Gd. ; fresh herrings, 4s. to 6s. •
pickled ditto, Es. to Es. 6d. ; mei ditto, 35. to 55. ; roused
ditto, is. to 65.; kipper ditto, Gs. to Es ; bloater ditto,-
is. 61. to 7s. 9d, per hundred ; salmon, is. 4d. to Is. 9d
trout, is. 3d. to Is. 6d. eels, is. to is. 31. per lb.
SEED. _

English
d all useful qualities were en-
hanced wAleornedoatfy,,relkdla,racih, 2 supplies of En
in value. Good parcels ef re& from the North of
France, were 2s. per cwt. dearer. American for arrival
was held higher, but the demand is mostly confined to any
ready for immediate delivery. Trefeil supported former
values, but the demand was not so active as of late. Foreign
Tares were disposed of readily at is. to 2s. per qr. more
money for the best qualities. Canaryseed sold on former
terms to a fair extent. IlenTsced, good bold qualities were
rather dearer. White and brown Alustardseed offered in
small quantities, but few sales were effected, and prices
were without any quotable variation for either sort. The
wintry change in the weather, having had snow and 6 de-
grees of frost registered, tended to check business partially,
or a great demand would have rosulted, this being about
the height of the season.

N-
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

WONDERS OF THE AMERICAN
CONTINENT.

The American Enquirer thus catalogues a few of the won-
ders of the American continent (says a Chicago paper) :

The greatest cataract in the world is the Falls of
Niagara, where the water from the great upper lakes
forms a river of three-fourths of a mile in width, and
then, being suddenly contracted, plunges over the
rocks in two celumns to the depth of 175 feet. The
greatest cave in the world is the Mammoth Cave of
Kentucky, where any one can make a Yoys.go on the
waters of a subterranean river, and catch fish without
eyes. The greatest river in the known world is the Mis-
sissipi, 4,000 miles long. The largest valley in the
world is the valley of the Mississipi. It contains 5,000,000
square miles, and is one of the most fertile regions of
the globe. The greatest city park in the world is in
Philadelphia. It contains over 2,700 acres. The greatest
grain port in the world is Chicago. The largest lake
in the world is Lake Superior. which is truly an in-
land sea, being 430 miles long and 1,000 feet deep.
The longest railroad at present is the Pacific Railroad,
over 3,000 miles in length. The greatest mass of solid
iron in the world is the Pilot Knob of Missouri. It is
350 feet high and two miles in circuit. The best
specimen of Grecian architecture in the world is the
Girard College for orphans, Philadelphia. The largest
aqueduct in the world is the Croton Aqueduct, New
York; its length is 40i miles, and it cost 12,500,000
dollars. The largest deposits of anthracite coal in the
world are in Pennsylvania, the mines of which supply
the market with millions of tons annually, and appear
to be inexhaustible.—Chicago Factory and Farm.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

f ,r*'f •
CRAPE, KY TTEATH, HALE SOWEN, AND DISTRICT CI-TRONICLE.
111

PRICE ONE PENNY.

PUBLIC NOTICES.

GREAT WESTERN U1LWAY,,,44,1
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

SPORTING NOTES.

By our own Turf Correspondent.)

With Lincoln and Liverpool as things of the p ast, it
behoves us to look ahead to the next chief event of in-
terest in the rasing world for the benefit of our readers.
Next week the items in the, fixtures are only of a local
nature, and the next big event set for decision is the City
and Suburban Handicap, although prior to that t vent
we shall have the Northaiript3n gathering, but at pi esent
the City and Suburban is the chief event whose quota-
tions are worth recordin4 in the various j iurnaia. This
race is a quarter of a mile further than the Linconshire
Handicap and had 118 -toscribers, 20 of whom pay for.
fit Tetrarch Oat 4ib heads the list and three of Mr
Crawford's have assigned time na-inimutri Petrarch with
all his weight has come in for a lot good support ad
quality of which he is compo,ed will make h;na a most
formidanle opponent. Lord Clive of the 3 year olds
has good credentials and will see a far shorter price yi-t
than is taken about him. ‘Woodlands, Manoeuvre, and
Bruce are fairly supported at outside prices, bat Snail
who best Petrarch in last Liverpool Summ.sr Cup,
should find favour with only Lit 111 b if 12 to 1 is worth
taking about Petrarch Oat 41b. Placida, Speculator, and
Belphoebe all belong to a dangerous division and are
' favourably treated by the handicapper. Rob Roy now
and again oropa up in the betting and if tide anima;
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

MR. SPURGEON and the AUSTRALIANS.

Some short time since an invitation was sent from Mel-
bourne to the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, asking him to visit
Australia. In replying to the Rev. John Reid, who ferwarded
the invitation, Mr. Spurgeon said

"The invitation, or rather the preliminary to an
invitation, which you so kindly sent me, was most
pleasing to me for many reasons, and especially for
the kind way in which you worded it. How I wish
I could glide over and return in a month and see all
your kind faces. Thank you all very much. But do
not allow others to waste time in hoping to induce me;
for I conclude that it would be wrong for me to leave
England for so long a jouzney unless I were thoroughly
broken down. . . . My deacons are too good to dis-
suade me; but when I ask their opinion, I can see
that they are alarmed at the idea of such an absence.
No, I must tarry here. For the present, at any rate,
I shall not see Australia; but Psend you all my very
grateful thanks. Please take care of my son for my
sake. May he be a blessing wherever he goes.—
Yours very truly, C. H. SPURGEON.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

.t

'DUDLEY - AND WALSALL.
PIA N °FORTES and HARMONIUMS may
be had on the NEW SYSTEM of LURING, for Two or
Three Years; after which, and without any further pay.
ment, to become the property of the hirer. All Instru-
ments had on this system, or otherwise,, will be
Etchanged any time within six ruOnthP for any other,,if
not approved or, and4-ettyned fre:e. And fuik.
hor, Itet a trial of throe years. any kianoforte or Her-
moni..ro would be taken,back, at its original cost, asi
the money returned, deducting the usual chErge for
hire ; thus offering greater advantages than the Lorden
or Birmingham fioust-M.— A pply FEEDEKICK URF:b:N
Ausic Warehouse, 260, Cgatle.atrett, Ductlsj, wad 41
Park-Argot, Walsall.: • -
. tft) mal.g.Ko istw.mork4,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

AN INTERVIEW WITH OSMAN

PACHA:
Our Correspondent lately at • ebistopel (says the Daily
News of Wednesday) writing flora Kharkoff on March 15.
says:
„ .

"Having no longer any excuse for remaining
on board the Russia, and feeling that as I must
say farewell I was only rendering that melancholy
word more difficult to utter by every hour's delay,
I made up my mind to spend a short time in this
town (which is 36 hours' distance by rail from
Sebastopol), and on Saturday left (with as deep a
regret as ever I felt in my life) the comrades with
whom for the last nine months my happiest hours have
been passed. As Russian officers (thanks to abler
pens than mine) are now better known than they were
before the war, I shall confine myself to saying that
as one who served against them in the Crimean war I
am prouder of my association and friendship with them
during the last nine months than of any other event
In my life.
"Hearing that Osman Pacha was still at his hotel
here, I determined this morning to pay him a visit.
The Pacha received me at once. His apartments,
which are on the ground floor of the HOtel Bellevue,
were comfortably but not luxuriously furnished. He
was quite alone. As his French was limited the con-
versation was almost entirely on my side. I told him
all the latest news and hoped he had been pleased
with his treatment in Russia. He said: 'Yes; the
apartments are good, but I am still a prisoner.' I
expressed astonishment, and suggested that the Go-
vernment were preparing a yacht to send him
back I. I hoped he had recovered from his
wound, and told him that if he returned by
the Crimea he would find the weather there
very agreeable. He knew all absut the peace and the
position of the Russians, and apparently cared very
little about these matters. He expressed decided
satisfaction when I told him that the Sultan had
ordered that no more British vessels were to be ad-
mitted thro ugh the Dardanelles, from which I con-
clude he is not amiably disposed towards us. I told
him that Baker Pacha was on leave, and that I
believed Hobart was at Constantinople. He said, 'I
don't know Baker Pacha, but I know Hobart.' After
about a quarter of an hour of similar conversation I
took my leave. He rose when I left, and shook hands,
which I hear was a great honour.

"Kharkoff is a fine town, and I find no signs of dis-
tress from the war. The market is very good, and
everything cheap. I bought this morning four grouse
(rabchick) for ten kopecks (2d.) each; eggs are ten
for the same Rum, and all other things proportionally
cheap. There are no beggars, except Int) oiu viii
ones, who sit in the mud at frequented corners howling
psalms. They make no direct appeal to you, but the
howl increases as you approach (especially if they are
blind), and is well worth a kopeck to stop. The
weather is getting warmer, and the streets muddier
every day, but I find a great difference between this
climate and the Crimea. There we have spring; here
winter still reigns—l hope not for long."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

THE IRQN TRADE.

The employers in the manufactured iron trade of the
north of England decided last week to make a concession
from their original demands for a wages reduction and
accept 7i per cent. The operative representatives at
the board of arbitration agreed to recommend the
men at the various works to accept this compromise.
By the returns received up to late on Saturday even-
ing at the office of the board of arbitration, however,
it is found that the ironworkers have almost unani-
mously refused to accept the employers' offer. The
wages question will, therefore, have to go to arbitra-
tion on a wider L sue, in which the employers claim
from 10 to 17 per cent. redtiCtiOn besides other altera-
tions and revisions and the abolition of prize money,
which will further tell against the operatives who are
engaged in the various works lying between the Tees
wad Om; Tyne
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

TO LET.

r° whole of Upper, and part of Lower Floor of
SMALL WAREfIOU6II with every accomo-
tiation by Canal and Itoad.—Apply to 1.11. r. E. th
flollues, Canal Junction Vince, btourbrici.,;e. •

•

TRADESMENS ADDRESSES.

E STABLI SHED 3848,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

srellileotts 11-tetligatte.

HOME, FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL,

ON THE RIGHT SCENT.—" REAL CAI3BAGE."—Cad
to Fellow Passenger (after lighting up in a non-smok-
ing carriage) :—" Don't mind my smoking a cigar, I
suppose ?" F. P. (sniffing) :—" Smeke it if you like,
but it's a very bad one."--Fun.
RUSSIAN SOLDIERS AND ENGLISH SAILORS.—A
letter has been received in Sheerness from a sailor
serving on board Her Majesty's ship Ruby, giving an
account of his capture by the Russians. It appears
that the Ruby was cruising in the Gulf of Saros on the
27th ult., and that the stewards were sent ashore to
endeavour to get a supply of fresh provisions. They
found a Greek village about two miles from the beach,
and had bought a quantity of fowls and eggs, when
some mounted Russian soldiers came up, made them
prisoners, and ordered them to march to the Russian
camp, notwithstanding their protestations. The
officer in charge of the boat came in search of the
stewards, and he was also captured, and one of the
men was struck with a sword. After being marched
some distance they tried to escape, but were retaken,
and then offered money to be liberated; they were
eventually set free on paying and leaving their provi-
sions.

AN OYSTER BED.—In the year 1873 the Jersey
States, with a view to enceurage a revival of the
oyster fishery, which at one time gave employment to
a fleet of between 300 anti 400 vessels, offered a re-
ward of £5O to the discoverers of a new bank of
oysters in the neighbourhood of the island. The old
"banks" had been assiduously worked and the young
molluscs were destroyed in vast quantities. For the
past few years only two or three boats have been able
to rind employment, and. that not of the most profit-
able character, in searching round the island and off
the coast of France for a supply for the island market.
Recently the crews of the smacks Baron and Guide
reported that they had found off the south-west
corner of the island a large bed of valuable oysters,
samples of which they brought for inspection. Since
that time aisufficient opportunity has been afforded
of testing the value of the "find," numerous boats
having engaged in the fishery and reaped a rich re-
ward. The prices of oysters in the island has fallen
60 per cent. since the discovery, and the fortunate
finders have been avir.rded the mum of gal by the
statem Asmembly,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

LIFE ASSURANCES AND CENTE-
NARIANS.

Although centenarians are, it is now generally ad-
mitted, occasionally to be found, yet the chance of
attaining one hundred years of life is but slight even
to those blessed with good health and sound consti-
tutions. A fact mentioned in a paper entitled
"Principles to be Observed in the Valuation of Life
Assurance Companies," read by Mr. A. H. Bailey
before the Institute of Actuaries at King's College, is
very significant on this point. Although life assur-
ance has been practised in this country since the time
of Queen Anne, one centenarian only, according to
Mr. Bailey's statement, has been found in the records
of the offices. The cases of extreme old age
have been few, and the mortality throughout
life has differed from that of the general
population in a much less degree than was hoped for
or expected. This is all the more remarkable, since
the lives insured are supposed to be "picked lives."
If the truth were known it would probably be found
that the persons rejected by life assurance offices
often live to a more advanced age than those whose
lives are accepted. Persons with a "screw loose" in
their constitutions generally take far more care of
themselves than their healthier brethren. They keep
earlier and more regular hours, pay attention to diet,
avoid all excesses, and are rewarded by the blessing,
if it is a blessing, of extreme old age.—Pall Mall
Gazette.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

SHE LONDON MASONS' LATE STRIKE.

Last SatUrday the Strike Committee of the Masons
were busily employedduring the day in paying away some
balances of the strike money which had not been paid
during the last two or three weeks. About half of the
men on strike—that is to say, about 300—have now gone
again to work, so that the number on the strike roll
has been reduced to about another 300. It is expected
that some 200 more will be taken on to work very
shortly, and in another week the Strike Committee
will be reduced to some two or three, who will be
engaged in making up the actounts of the audit.
The committee, learning that the masons at the Law
Courts were in the habit of working till half-past five
p.m., have given notice to the men that they must
leave off at five, according to the long standing rules
of the Union, and it is stated that Messrs. Bull and
Son have given notice to discharge men who will not
work the extra half-hour. This, however, does not
appear likely to result in any very serious dispute, as
the five o'clock rule is one that has for a long time
been acquiesced in by the building trade, and, whether
it be a wise regulation or not, the question would re-
quire to be considered generally and is not to be
settled by the isolated action of a single firm.—Mon-
day's Times.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

JAMES ALLSOP & SON,

GENERAL HOUSE AND/

ECCLE SIASTICAL DECORATORS,

51, HA GT, I. 17 STRENT, STOURBRIDGE.

J. A. and Son have just received the new season's

designs and, specialities in Wall Papers, etc., etc.

NOTICE OF REMOVAL.

-
..-- t

ARTHUR T. BROOKS'

POSTING ESTABLISHMENT

REMOVED TO MR. J. HUGHES',
STAR INN y ARD, RIGH STREET
0

Orders received at Cab Office, in yard ; or at
Mr. J. Edwards' Bar.

TKAT COMPLEXION has always.been hold to,be the moi,
lovel in which the rose and the lily contend for mastery
or in which their beauty is blended. Great sacrifices-al
made to produce an appearance corresponding with the
combination, but they never succeed. At cannot appr,
ash Nature The onli arrang_ement thatran be made tr.
render men woman-incre—p-endeii 167 O—expedients
freely use lELsoAN's MAGNOLIA BALM. It preserves th 4
skin from premature wrinkles and farrows—rondei s
smooth and supple, and restores the hue which may hay.
faded through illness, exposure to a noxious atmospher,
the beat of summer or the frosts of winter. To be oh
tamed of all Chemists and Perfumers throughoa:
world. rrice 3s. 63. European Depot : lid CLI 116,
Southampton-row, London.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

THE TYPIIUS AT ADRANOPLE.

Warsaw newspaper state that in consequence of the
daily increase of the death rate from typhus at
Adrianople several train loads of doctors and medic al
stores have left there for Turkey. As an instance of
the number of medical men that have been suddenly
drafted off to assist in quelling the epidemic, the
Warsaw Wick says that in one military district of the
Vistula alone 35 doctors were requisitioned by the
authorities, and that in the Warsaw University the
medical course was suspended last week, and the
whole of the students despatched by a special train to
Adrianople.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

PATIENCE OF THE TURKISH
REFUGEES.

The following extract is from a letter written by an English
mau in Constantinople whose position has brought him much
in contacb with the refugees driven into the capital by the
Eussian advance (says ilia Pall Mall Gazette):—

"The marvellous patience of these poor suffering
creatures is I think the most remarkable feature of this
peculiar state of affairs. It is almost impossible to de-
scribe it. All I can say is that we have been con-
stantly mixing with an enormous mass of refugees
since the 12th of January, and though foreigners, and
our constant presence among their women, who now
never attempt to veil themselves, must be most irri-
tating and di,agreeable, being a violation of one of
their cherished cuAonas—we have never received
a word of abuse; on the contrary, we have
had most touching proofs of gratitude: Then another
trait. Imagine between 100,000 and 150,000 people
coming suddenly, driven from their homes, into a
capital: you would imagine that several of them, half
desperate with loss of home and all their possessions,
would have turned in despair on society. Well, there
has not been the slightest increase of crime in the place
consequent on their arrival; neither has it been neces-
sary to increase the local police or to take any un-
usual precautions. They are also wonderfully honest,
and rarely attempt to deceive you when you are
issuing bread tickets by pretending to have more in the
family than are actually there. Indeed, I doubt if you
could find among the same class of any European
nation such a quiet, patient, gentle lot as these poor
Mussulmans."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-30

MINERS' WAGES IN SCOTLAND.

The depression in the Scotch coal and iron trades
continues, and in the meantime hopes of a speedy
improvement art, not entertained. Dliners for a long
period back have been earning extremely low wages,
and within the last week further general reductions
have been made. In some districts the reduction was
at first resented, the men not returning to work for a
day or two after the intimation was made, but small as
the existing rate is it was in the long rundeemed advis-
able to submit. In several localities great distress pre-
vails. At Slamannau, near Falkirk, it is reported
that many families are on the verge of destitution;
and at Airdrie it was agreed at a mass meeting to send
delegates to the masters to request an advance of 6d.
en the rates or a withdrawal of the last break. In
this district the average wage is 3s. 6d. per day, with
only, in most cases, three days' work in the week. A
state of semi-starvation exists here also; efforts are
being made by the men to organize county unions
with the view of limiting the output of coal.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

THE MISSING STEAMER FRIESLAND.

Lloyd's agent at Rotterdam has informed the Com-
mittee of Lloyd's that a vessel has arrived at Maaslius
from Oporto which reports having picked up at sea
some goods, including a quantity of tobacco and a
lifebuoy marked "Friesland." No doubt, therefore,
can any longer exist as to the loss of this steamer. It
is reported from Corunna that on or about the 11th
of December some fishermen observed on the rocks
off Cape Corrabedo what appeared to be the
third part of a large steamer, which in an
hour or two sank and disappeared. In all probability
this was the Friesland, which had stranded on Cape
Corrabedo, a little promontory a few miles south of
Cape Finisterre, and somewhat resembling it in
general conformation. On Cape Corrabedo is a light
supposed to be visible for twelve miles at sea, so that
the Friesland probably ran ashore in a fog. There

is no news of the crew, who, it is feared, have all
perished with the ship. The depth of water about
Cape Corrabedo varies from fourteen to over twenty
fathoms, and it is just possible that the Friesland
has sunk in a depth at which diving operations can be
carried on. This, however, cannot be until the winter
is over, the whole western coast of Spain lying in too
exposed a position to permit diving operations except
in fine weather. The vessel, of course, is a total loss,
but the valuable cargo of indigo, hemp, coir yarn, &e.,
may be in part recovered. The Friesland was an iron
screw steamer of 2,525 tons gross, 260 nominal horse
power, built at Low Walker in 1875, and classed 100
A 1 at Lloyd's.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

THE FAMINE ni NORTH CHINA.

A Correspondent (says the Daily Telegraph), engaged in the
relief work in the North-east of China writes :

"People of all ages die of actual starvation by
thousands. The famine extends over a district which
includes at least 5,000 villages, and in these latter
together I am certainly within the mark in saying
that 500 die daily, perhaps 1,000 may be within
it. A few days ago I traversed the worst part.
Thousands upon thousands have perished already.
Houses are pulled down in every village to sell
the timber and thatch in order to get food. Those
who can get husks and dry leaves, ordinarily
used for fuel, are considered well off. Most of
the poor young girls had been sold; old men
middle-aged, young men, and children die daily of
sheer starvation and others freeze. The dead cannot
get a burial; they are too many, and none can afford
the expense ; so they are cast daily into large pits."
This is a description of what happened last year.
This year even worse horrors ara reported. The people
at Shansi are said to be living on the corpses of their
fellow-beings who die of starvation! And the strong
are killing the weak for the sake of obtaining their
flesh for food! Up to the present time the principal
relief has come from the Christian missionaries, Pro-
testant and Roman Catholic, who have distributed
among the sufferers the funds subscribed by their com-
munities in the open ports.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

DUDLEY.

RECKLESS CONDUCT.—At the Police Court, on Mon-
day, before the Mayor (Ar. William North) and Mr.
James Fisher, Robert. Chance, beerhouse keeper,
Rounds Green, Oldbury, was, charged with being drun

whilst in charge of a horse and cart. Defendant drove
down Castle Street on the previous day at a reckless
pace. He was so drunk that he rolled about, and was
with difficulty prevented from falling out of the vehicle,
—He was fined lOs and costs.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

ENGLAND'S OPPORTUNITY.

England has never had a grander opportunity than
she possesses at the present moment of asserting her
claim to be regarded as the most powerful Government
on the face of the earth. Among all the great States
of Europe, she alone is unhampered is perfectly
free to act at this most cri7.ical juncture in the history of
the civilised world. She can act and speak thus
without any braggadocio. What was spoken of, a
good many years ago, by the greatest of all the
peace-at-any-price orators, the late Richard Cobden,
as a bare possibility, has at length come to be
a very imminent probability. We happened to
stand, upon the occasion here referrcd to, upon the
platform of the London Tavern, immediately behind
Mr. Cobden and immediately beside Mr. Bernal
Osborne, when the former was making that great
speech of his upon Hungary, in which he alluded with
such insufferable scorn to the hollowness of the vaunted
power of the Sluscovite Autocrat. "Talk of the
power of Ru-sia !" exclaimed Mr. Cobden, "why we
could crumple up Russia as easily "—half turning
round a4he extended his arm past Mr. Bernal Osborne
and pist the present writer to snatch up a waste en-
velope from the chairman's table—" as easily as I
crumple up this piece of paper "—suiting the action
to the word, and flinging the crushed pellet upon the
platform, in the midst of a thunderous burst of cheers
from the immense assembly. What was Hale less than
a wild hyperbole at the moment of that utterance of
Mr. Cobden's in 1849—as the Crimean War helped to
prove in 1854 and in 1855—is, within our belief,
at this juncture, nothing less than an actual and
imminent probability. England can, if such should
prove—to be the dire necessity of the hour, place this
boasted Russia between a terrible cross fire, assailing
her simultaneously from the east and from the west.
And Russia will be clearly gi.ving England the provo-
cation to act thus if she persists in what she has been
striving to do all through this most atrocious war,
that is, to crumple up in her blood-stained hand ano-
ther and a mist important piece of paper, the still
existing treaty which she deliberately entered into,
signed, sealed, and most solemnly ratified, now more
than twenty years ago, with the rest of the Great
Powers of Christendom.— Weekly Register.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

S 1:0 URBRIDGE SKATING RINK.

ON Thursday Evening Next, January 10th,
a few Friends of Professor Whitmore will present
him with a Medal, after which he and several Profes-
sionals and Amateurs will gore a performance on Roller
Skates.

Prices as usual.

SKATING RINK TICKETS.

YEARLY, HALF-YEARLY, QUARTERLY, OR
MONTHLY TICKETS,
to be had at the
OBSERVER OFFICES, 90 & 92, HIGH STREET
STOURBRIDGE.
Also, Admission Books, With or Without Skates.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

A ZULU CONVERT.

The Rev. James Dube, the beloved native preacher,
and for seven years the ordained minister and worthy
pastor of the Inanda native church, died of dysentery
on the 10th of November. By birth of Royal blood,
the uncle of the chief Umgawe, in physical stature
like Saul, higher than any of the people, he was every-
where—amono- white or black—recognized as one of
Nature's noblemen; but it was in dignity of character,
in Christian excellence, and in moral influence over the
people that he was especially pre-eminent. His manly
voice was always heard in favour of truth and godli-
ness, his great heart ever beat faithful to his pro-
fession. He was born in Zululand, but early in life
moved to this Colony, and while but a boy became a
member of the family of the Rev. D. Lindley, to
whom, under God, he owed almost everything that
made him above the heathen Zulu. It was in re-
ference to James Dube that it has been said, " If the
Rev. Daniel Lindley hid been successful in raising up
and training but one such man, has missionary life had
not been lost." Pastor Dube ever laboured for the best,
good and spiritual elevation of his own people, and
among them he was best known ; but not a few
among the English colonists have learnt that at least
one Zulu was worthy to be honoured, not only for his
work's sake but also for his real goodness and some
have not failed to recognize in him a brother beloved.
Hundreds of his own people, young and old, Christian
and heathen, followed his remains to the grave.—
Natal Mercury.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

HOUSE WANTED within fifteen minutes
walk of Stourbridge Station. Must contain
four bedrooms, and three rooms on ground floor.
—Apply. stating rent and particulars, to H. J. Haingit,
Skating Rink, Stourbridge.

TO BE SOLD BY TENDER, about 3 acres
of well-grown UNDERWOOD on Bodenham
Estate, near Shatterford. Mr. Harvey, the tenant. or
C. Ponutney,the keeper, residing at Solcnm, near Blakes-
hall, will point out the nnderwood. Tenders of price
per acre to be sent to Oates, Perrens and Wooldridge,
Land Agents, Stourbridge.

TO BE DISPOSED OF a superior CUB
GELDING 14 hands high, and a light elegant
DOG CART, nearly new.—Apply at Dark's Livery
Stables, Stonrbridge.

WANTED,to PURCHASE a FREEHOLD
RESIDENCE in or near Stonrbridge, with
not less than four bedrooms.—Address with full par-
ticulars, Brown and Donnelly. Auctioneers and Estate
Agents, 4, Hagley Street, Stourbridge.

ASingle. Gentleman requires a small well
FURNISHED DETACHED-HOUSE with
Stabling, in the neighbourhood of [either Stourbridge,
Hagley, or Clent.—Address, with fall particulars, S. A.,
Observer OfEce, Stourbridge.

NOTICE OF REMOVAL.

ARTHUR INGLETON, ARCHITECT,
rind Surveyor, has removei his Offi,- from Kid-
dermiaster Street, to 77, High Street, Stourbridge,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

PROVISION.'

LONDON, Monday, Dec. 31.—The arrivals last week from
Ireland were 156 firkins of Butter and 2,666 bales Bacon,
and from foreign ports 16,580 packages Butter and 327 bales
Bacon. In the Bulter market there was a fair sale last
week, with little alteration in prices, excepting that best
Normandy advanced 48. per cwt., the supply being rather
short for the demand. The Bacon market ruled firm, and
a good business was transacted without change in price,
the market closing very firm.
Butter, par cwt. : s. S. I (Meese, per cwt. : s. a.
Dorset —to I Cheshire ... ..... GO to 70
Friesland
I
Jersey
Fresh, per doz... 16 18 American
Bacon, per cwt: Hams: York
Wiltshire
Irish,green,f.o.b. 66 68 Irish
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

trousers, on the 4th ult., the
:property of John
Rider, High Street. . Ada Rider said she saw the
prisoner in the shop, and she had a black shawl on,
and no bonnet. Saw her pick up the trousers and
walk up the street. She at once called her sister.
Gertrude Rider said that her sister called her into
the shop, she at once missed the trousers produced
and went after the 'prisoner who had something
bulky under her arm. Marion Hammond, assistant
to Mr. A. Pearson proved that the prisoner came
into their shop and pledged the trousers for 3s 6d.
Police-sergeant Rea proved apprehending the pri-
soner, who at first denied pledging the trousers.
Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to 21 days hard labour.
SERIOUS ASSAULT CASE.—Edward Edwards, and
William Jones,: of Cradley, were charged with
assaulting James Marson, on the night of the 24th.
Complainant said that about a quarter past twelve
at night he was in bed, when the two defendants
broke open the door, commenced to beat him, and
knocked several of his teeth out, and said they
would kill him. James Sidaway, son in-law to
complainant gave corroborative evidence. Three
witnesses were called for the defence and all denied
that either of the defendants struck the old man.
Complainant was re-called and swore that both
, the defendants struck him. Fined 2s 6d and costs
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

DISTRESS IN SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE.

Great distress exists in South Staffordshire, con-
sequent upon the closing of ironworks an 1 collieries,
and the short time that is being worked at those that
are kept on and at certain of the factories. On Satur-
day a public meeting, convened by the Mayor, was
held in Wolverhampton, to raise a fund for the relief
of the distressed in the town and district. The attend-
ance included influential iron and coalmasters manu-
facturers, and merchants and tradesmen, together
with ministers of nearly all denominations. The dis-
tress was reported to be very severe, especially in the
eastern portion of the town, where it was estimated
that out of a population of 15,000 or 20,000, 10,000
were in actual want. Whole streets were inhabited
by unemployed ironworkers and colliers. Shocking
cases of destitution were adduced; families of eleven
and 9 had been compelled to sell bedding and clothing
for food; many others had nothing but a bare crust
in the house; children had, from want of food, lest
within a month or two from 201 b. to 251 b. in weight,
and numbers of mothers were clad in only one gar-
ment. Actual death from starvation was declared to
be before hundreds of families, unless a large fund was
at once raised. The present expenditure of the poor-
law guardians is at the rate of from £3,000 to £4,000
per annum in excess of last year; the workhouse is
overcrowded, and the union stone-yard has at last had
to be thrown open. It was the general opinion that
by the end of January the distress will be greatly in-
crca,sed. A fund was started and handsomely sub-
scribed to in the room, and a committee of manage-
ment appointed.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

EXPLOSION AT A RUSSIAN CARTRIDGE
MANUFACTORY.

A Russian correspondent writes that on the 20th
ult. a great explosion took place at the Government
cartridge factory at St. Petersburg. Urgent orders
had been received a few days before the event occurred
for the despatch of a large quantity of ammunition to
Bulgaria. and it is supposed that in the hurry to
execute the command the usual precautions were not
fully attended to. At any rate, at five o'clock on the
evening of December 20th the people living on Basil's
Island were alarmed by a sudden explosion, and
immediately afterwards flames were seen to issue from
the fuze department of the cartridge manufactory.
The prompt arrival of the firemen and police was
successful in confining the fire to the building in which
it originated, and thus Basil's Island was saved from
the devastation that must have ensued had the flames
spread to the rest of the factory. On making inquiries,
the police found that 15,000 fazes had exploded, and
that 20 of the workmen were more or less severely
injured. Of the latter, eight are not expected to sur-
vive the injuries they have received.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

THE TELEPHONE.

A Correspondent writes to The Times :—" On
Saturday last some further experiments were carried
out on the telegraph cable connecting St. Margaret's
Bay, near Dover, and the village of Sandgatte, on the
Prench coast. The Mayor of Dover, and several
Other gentlemen connected with the town, drove over
to the bay and assembled in the little telegraph hut
erected on the beach within a few yards of the shaft
of the borings connected with the proposed channel
tunnel—a gross and material way of connecting the
two countries compared with the delicate communica-
tion we were about to establish. Mr. Bordeaux,
the superintendent of the Submarine Telegraph
Company, at once established a communication with
tha opposite coast, and at his request, conveyed by
an ordinary pocket telegraph instrument, the tele-
phones were attached to the French end of the cable,
and in a few minutes we were conversing across 22i
miles of wire at the bottom of the sea. The portable in-
struments, made in polished mahogany, and in shape
like a champagne glass without a foot, were used. By
placing one to the ear, and speaking into-the cup of the
other, a continuous conversation was kept up without
difficulty. Although the wires were being used on the
ordinary business of the station, and the clickings of the
Morse instruments being worked at Dover and Calais
were going on all the time, 3Tt. the voices could be
plainly heard and their tones distinguished. The songs
sung in that little wild hut on the French coast were re-
I produced note for note and word for word, piano and
I forte, like the distant murmur of a shell—a small far-
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

HAY.

WHITECTIAPEL, Saturday, .December 29.—A rather short
supply of Hay and Straw was on offer. The trade was dull,
and prices remained without change. Prime Clover, 100 s.
to 13Ss. ; inferior, Ess. to 955.: Prime Meadow Hay, 90s. to
1025. 6d.; inferior, 708. to 855.; and Straw 40s. to 555. per
load
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

Where the Business will be conducted in future

Mr. CIIARLES BATTEN is in temporary charge, and
will give prompt attention to all orders and enquiries.
The Company is prepared to accept Fire and Lift
Insurances, and Proposals for Annuities and Endow•
ruents, on tho most favourable terms to the Proposers.

Annual Income, 1876 .. £1,475,858
Eire Reserve ...... .
luvested Funds .. . £5,494,031
J 11. DOVE,
Secretary to the Coi,.pany:
_

Liverpool, July, 1877.
Agents for Stourbridge :
MR. T. R. SOUTHALL, Old Bank,:Stourbridge
MR. J. HAMMOND, Wollaston Terrace.

TOWNSHEND HOUSE SCLIOOL,

KIDDERUINST ER

VACANCIES FOR BOARDEhS.

Terms Moderate.—Apply W. HAT-THEWS, Principal
Late Head Master of Studley Grammar School. &c.,
eze.
Pupils admitted at any time. •

SALE OF. SWISS- WOOD GOODS AT

ARCHER CLARkE'S, STOURBRI*GE

BARN BY and Co. 5, Arcade, Birmingham, notify that
their Goods wil I be on Sale, at their Agent's, Mr.
Archer Clarke, 71, High Street, Stourbridge,
Barely and Co. especially 'call attention that,the
prices charged will be the same as at Birmingham.
Archer Clarke respectfully calls the attention of the
public that on all his Goods in the shop a considerable
reduction is made for cash,
, Framing orders quickly executed on Pictures,
Oleo,graphs, Chromos, Scrap and Cutout Reliefs. 2d
in the is allowed off for cash.
CARTES-DE-VISITE TAKEN DAILY from 9
J'clock. ss. and 7s. ed. per dozen. Fifteen copies being
given to the dozen for cash.

*4I.LINQ OFE.

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Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

INCIDENTS IN TELE SOUTH AFRICAN

WAR.

Among the incidents of the war South African
journals have made special mention of the deaths of
Sub-Inspector Carl Von Hohenan and Constable C.
Evans, killed in action by the Galekas. On the order
to retire being given Von Hohenan having (so it is said)
assisted Evans into the saddle, was vaulting up behind
when he was shot in the hip, and both men rolled to the
ground. The enemy were too close at hand for escape.
A gentleman who witnessed the recovery of the bodies
of the policemen who fell in action says:—" Evans had
eighteen assegai wounds, mostly on the back. All the
bodies were stripped, but Evans's coat was so full of
holes that the natives left it. Sub Inspector Von
Hchenan had long boots on, and finding them difficult
to get off, they severed the feet at the ankle joint and
took them away in the boots. One of the unfortunates
was found scalped—a thing, we believe, unheard of in
any previous Caffre war. All the bodies were horribly
mutilated."

A correspondent writes :—" Many horrible things
have been seen by our volunteers over the Kei, but,
perhaps, the most revolting sight was a dog lying
gorged by the side of his dead master, upon whose body
it had been feeding from day to day. Numbers of
anecdotes are told us of the faithfulness of the dog;
how he would lie by the dead form of his once master,
and keep all intruders at bay until the breath leaves
his devoted body. The question naturally rises, does
an animal degenerate by contact with a savage race;
Galeka, dogs were frequently seen eating dead Galekas,
and our men shot them for revolver practice."

A contribution is made to the list of events on which
the fate of battles was hung :—" It is stated among
the Galekas that whenever a commando of Caffres
took the field, a hare was invariably seen leading the
army, and hence the disaster which always befel the
natives. A doctor, it was said, was consulted, who
accused Lindinxowa of being a wizard who sent the
hare for the purpose of destroying the army. The
natives say that Lindinxowa has been put to death
for this."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

QUEENSLAND EMIGRATION.

SAILINGS FROM uREAT BRITAIN.
A. First-class Ship sails for Brisbane in January.
Female Domestic Servants and Farm Labourers free.
Apply to the Local Agent:
F. CLARKE, 23, Enville Street, Stourbricige ;
Or to the Agent-General for Queensland, 32, Charing
Cross, London, S.W.

NOTICE OF REMOVAL.

1 liE

LIVERPOOL LONDON & GLOBE
INSURANCE COMPANY
ETAS REMOVED from the Premises in
_L_L Unity Buildings, Temple Street, TO
No. 40, Waterloo Street Birmingham
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-05

off voice—in that on which we stood. 'Star of the
Evening' and 'Auld Lang Syne' came rolling across
that rough and stormy Channel, down which ships
were staggering with shortened sails, and through that
tumbling surf, without the loss of a tone or a note.
Whistling was tried with equal success, and the tunes
were equally distinguishable with -the songs. It was
suggested that the popping of a cork might be made
out, and our French friends were asked to listen
attentively to what would happen. Unfortunately
no bottles were at hand, but a rev, gentleman
equal to the occasion put his finger into his
cheek and admirably iinitated the drawing of a
cork. 'You have just driwn a cork,' came the voice
from the other side, with just a shade of melancholy
in its tone. A hearty la4igh was raised by this mis-
take. After thanking our friends for their songs and
other efforts to amuse an audience so far off, Mr.
Bordeaux gave a short lecture on the construction of
the instrument, and the party separated much im-
pressed with the success of the experiments and of the
important part it is likely to play in the communica-
tions of the future. At present it is clearly useless
for military purposes, as the most perfect stillness is
necessary not to drown the little voice."

The Pall Mall Gazette says :—" The telephone is
being rapidly introduced into the various military
establishments, not only in the capital and its neigh-
bourhood, but also elsewhere in Germany. At
Dresden one of the new instruments has been
.Irranged between the commandant's office and the
arsenal and barracks of the rifles, about eight hun-
,lred yards distant. An already existing telegraph
wire is utilised, from which wires are further led
to telephones in four looms in the barracks. The
apparatus is reported to act perfectly, conversations
being carried on without the slightest difficulty. In
Austria, also, experiments, the result of which is
stated to have been exceedingly satisfactory, have
been made in Vienna with the telephone, and an im-
portant addition has been made to the instrument by
an Austrian railway official in the form of a bell to
call attention to messages about to be sent. At the
same time it is generally admitted by military men
abroad that much has yet to be done before the tele-
phone can be considered available for practical use in
the field. It is an extremely delicate apparatus, and
any noise either at the sending,nr receiving end of the
wire interferes greatly witVeol sometimes altogether
prevents the transmission In messages by it. Time
alone will show whether it will be possible to improve
it so as to render messages sent by it audible amidst
the noise invariably accompanying military opera-
tions."