biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

TERRIBLE ACCIDENT at SHEFFIELD.

A terrible accident occurred on Monday night to
Mr. William Baker, a chemical analyst, and a gentle-
man who has been a prominent figure in literary and
scientific circles. He had been spending a few hours
at the Sheffield Club, of which he was a member, and
had been pei forming athletic feats in the billiard room
at the top of the bufldinz. When he was leaving the
place, instead of descending the stairs in the ordinary
manner, be attempted to slide down the banister; but
when he had gone but a very short distance he lost his
balance and fell over. In his fall he struck against
three banisters, and dashed head foremost upon ttle
tiled floor of the hall, after a descent of between
twenty and thirty feet. His skull was terribly frac-
tured, and a portion of his brain protruded. He was
taken into one of the club rooms, where he remained
during the night, and on Tuesday morning he NNW re-
moved to his residence, but no hopes were entertained
of his recovery. Mr. Baker was an ex-president of the
Sheffield Literary and Philosophical Society, and
was for a long time county analyst.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

COMMERCE AND THE CRISIS.

Deener gloom covered the Liverpool Exchange on
Saturday last than at any time during the long dura-
tion of the Eastern crisis (says-The Times). Hitherto
there has always been a sanguine class who had confi-
dence in the ultimate settlement of the controversy by
peaceful means; but on Saturday this class seemed to
have wholly disappeared, and there was a universal
impression that an avoidance of war is almost hopeless.
This Pzeling of depression, coupled with the disloca-
tion of trade by the strike of Lancashire operatives,
had an adverse influence on the cotton market,
where the transactions were small—as they have
been for several days—and the prices quotably
lower. In general produce there was utter stag-
nation, and in provisions, even the abnormally low
quotations fail toinduce business. On the other hand
there was considerable excitement on the Corn Ex-
change, which for a Saturday is unusual; but there
was still too much uncertainty to induce large trans-
actions, or confident speculation. Holders ask an
advance id. per cental on red and white wheat, but
bu 3 ers are not disposed to make this concession until
the political situation is more clearly defined. The
same reserve is apparent with reference to cargoes for
future delivery. The warlike preparations in India
have had the effect of strengthening freights in the
Indian seas, but the engagement of transports is too
insignificant to have had any effect on the general
shipping trade at home, beyond imparting greater
confidence to owners.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

AN UNUSUAL STRIKE.

A strike of a rather unusual nature has been keeping
i! the town of Baicelona in a state of gentle excitement
during the past fortnight. The municipal councillors,
it appears, have thought proper to impose a tax upon
! the gas, a step which the inhabitants strongly dis-
approve, and in order to give practical: demonstration
of their discontent they abstain from lighting theirgas
burners. A large number of the tradespeople close
their establishments at nightfall, ethers employ oil
lamps, the cafes supply their customers with composite
candles, the wine shops and humbler eating-houses
with dins, for which their empty bottles serve in
lieu of candlesticks. In private houses a demi-
obscurity reigns, and the gas company is being in-
undated with letters from the heads of households in-
forming them that, until the objectionable tax is sup-
pressed, they can cut off supplies. With the exception
of one incident, however, the demonstration seems to
be running its course peaceably enough. A few nights
ago, when the Hotel de Ville appeared brilliantly and
defiantly lit up with gas, a handful' of roughs
amused themselves by flinging stones at the win-
dows of the building, one or two persons being
slightly injured in the collision winch ensued
between the stone-throwers and the pplica. In
consequence
.of this, precautions have been taken
by the authorities to prevent any future distutbance,
but none seems likely to occur, the townspeople being,
according to the latest accounts, placidly resigned to
their durily-lighttd dwellings. The municipal coun-
cillors, it is said, are determined not to yield., but this
state of things is by no meats regarded with equa-
nimity by the gas company, which is, in fact, the
principal sufferer. To put an end to the dispute a
petition has been addressed to the Governor of the
town urging him to act as mediator between the belli-
gerents; and should no good result from this, the gas
company have intimated their intention of summoning
the municipal councillors before the civil tribunal in
order to obtain convetaation for the Ids's their obstinacy
Is eausing them,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

A NEW METHOD- OF CAPITAL
PUNISHMENT.

The feeling against hanging as a mode of inflicting
capital punishment seems to be on the increase in the
United States, which is not surprising, as "scenes on
the gallows," owing the bungling of executioners, are
frequent in that country, and excite the more atten-
tion because executions are conducted in public. At
a late meeting in New York of the Medico-Legal
Society, Dr. Pacltard, after dwelling upon the
horrors of the gallows, suggested that convicts
sentenced to death, instead of being executed by the
clumsy method of hanging, which is often most painful
in its operation, should be placed in an air-tight room,
into which carbonic oxide gas is to be injected. Death
would, be thinks, ensue in about three minutes; but
this wouild be a lingering death compared with that
produced by the rope, if there is any truth in those
reports so frequently made of executions that the un-
happy Qulpfit "appeared to die instantaneously."
Dr. PaBllard is of opinion thatethe moral effect of
punishment is weakened as the physical terror
of punishment is increased. The idea, however, of
being suffocated in an air-tight dungeon would
probably have more terrors to the criminal
than that of being strangled by means of a
rope; and if such were the case, according to Dr.
Packard's view, the moral effect of his scheme would
be far less strong than that of the gallows. There
can, nevertheless, be little doubt that some less bar-
barous system of execution than that which is in force
in America and in England might also be devised,
and that the torture too frequently inflicted on
criminals who undergo capital punishment does much
to weaken that veneration for human life which it is
so desirable to encourage. —Pall Mall Gazette.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

RESTORATION OF THE APPARENTLY
DROWNED.

The School Board of London have, on the applica-
tion of the National Lifeboat Institution, decided to
instruct all their scholars, now numbering 111,0001
boys and girls, in its important directions for the re-
storation of the apparently drowned. It is t be hoped
that other schools throughout the country will do the
same, for scores of lives are lost every year on the sea
coast, in rivers, canals, and docks from a want of
knowledge of the merest elements of the prompt
manner of treating the apparently drowned. The
leading principles of these directions for the restoration
of the apparently dead from drowning are founded on
those ot the late Dr. Marshall Hall, combined w.th
those of Dr. If. R. Silvester, and are the result of ex-
tensive inquiries which were made by the institution
some years since among medical men' medical bodies,
and coroners throughout the United Kingdom and in
the Colonies. They are also in use in Her Majesty's
Fleet, in the Coastguard Service, and at all the stations
of the British Army at home and abroad. Large
placards of these instructions, with illustrations printed
thereon, can be supplied by Messrs. Clowes and Sons,
printer., Charing - drinss, London, at a enst little
beyond the actual price of the paper on which they
are printed.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

THE CHAINMAKERS' STRIKE.

CONCESSION OF THE MASTERS.

On Wednesday morning a large open air meeting of
the ehainmahers of '.3radley, Crsdley Heath, and dis-
trict, who are now on strike against the reduction in
wages, was held at the Four Ways, Cradley Heath.—Mr.
Noah Forrest presided, and at the outset of the pro-
ceedings stated that the makers of the best descriptians
of chain would doubtless get the prizes they asked for
—the 4s list—before long, but those of comman chain
would probably have to struggle for it. On Tuesday, in
aecordance with the desire of the men he waited upon
several masters, in order to see if they vrera willing to
concede the demands of the men. Mr. Taylor, of the
firm of Messrs. Hartshorn, informed him that be would
try to get in some iron in order to set on the best men,
as some rather good orders were at present in hand for
that class of work. He would also do his best to put on
to work the others in a short time. He (the speaker)
had also received a note from Messrs. Tinsley and Co.,
requesting him to see their manager in referenle to the
strike. He subsequently had an interview with the
firm, and was told, that they were wiling to give the
men the prices demanded. He had now to submit to
the meeting a communication from Messrs. Tinsley and
Co. to the effect that they were prepared to give the 4s
list for common chain, 4s 6cl for best, and for larger
sizes " extras." (Cheers.) The firm desired to know
the opinion of the men as to whether their late employes
would resume work.—After the Chairman's explanation
a discussion took place and it was at length unanimously
resolved to resume work immediately at the prices
offered.—The Chairman expressed the hope that the
men who were going in at the advm ced prices would
contribute towards the support of those who would re-
main out on strike.—lhe foilowirg resolution was put
to the meeting, and adopteil uottnimouslv :—" That we,
the ehainmakers of this district, numbering over 2,000
do hereby pledge ourselves to pay the amount of the
levies decided upon by the committee, for the pur-
pose of keeping the surplus labour out of the market
and so preventing the necessity for CO frequently resort-
ing to strikes."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

TO .THE NERVOUS AND DEBILITATED

Read the New Work entitled
iiONS; TO ENSURE HEALTH.
Just published for two, stamp.
13? Dn. BARN, M.D., (U.S.)

ATREATISE on the LAWS GOVERNING
LIFE, and the CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, and
TREATMENT of all diseases depending on Exhaustion
f Nervous Vitality, such as Nervous Debility, Mental
and Physical Depression, Palpitation of the Heart,
Noises in the Head nod Ears, Indecision, Impaired Sight
and Ilemory, Indigestion, Prostration, Lassitude, De-
pression of Spirits, Loss of Energy and Appetite, Paul-
in the Back and Limbs, Timidity, Self-Distrust, Dizzi-
ness, Love of Soliti.we, Groundless Fears, and wally
°the r ailun. wii,ia, if neglected ,bring the sufierers
to an eally Dean; together with Hints on Cbroni
Itheums,' Gout, Neuralgia, Epilepsy, Hysteria, and
all disea..-1 of the Nervous and alimentary system.

The Appendix to this valuable work centains many
usiful PRESCRIPTIONS for the alleviation of bettering
and the cure of minor disorders, with fall instructions
for their preparation and use.
Contains also some friendly advice on Hygiene, or tit
WAY TO PRESERVE HEALTH.
Illustrated by numerous testimonials from grateful
patients who have been restored to health through hr
author's instrumentality.
Sent post free for 2 stamps; or by letter post, three
stamps.

- -
Address. Dr. BARNES, 48, Loasdale Square
Barnsbury, London, N.
IMPORTANT TO COUNTRY PATIENTS.

DR. BARNES may be consulted personally
or by letter iii a.ll private and eonfidt ntit.l case,
and for the benefit of Nervous Sufferers who cannot visit
him, he will, on receiving a description of their case, cn•
dosing a stamped envelope for -cply, bere?_dy to give his
orinion 14ou E-:e ...Aare of the case, witi the principks
of treatment necessary to effcet bs peril:anent cure.

Address, Dr. BARNES, 16, Lomasle Square',NNW
buzz, Loadou,N.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

A LADY AND HER PET LIONS.

Mrs. 31. E. Lincoln, of Boston, U.S.. has recently incurred
the displeasure of the Boston police authorities for allowing
her "two household pets," a couple of African lions, the free
range of her garden in that city. The liberty of these in-
teresting playmates -has in consequence been curtailed.
Mrs. Lincoln, who writes to Forest and Stream on the sub-
ject, states that—

She originally possessed four cub lions, but lost two
in raising them wln-ri they were quite young.
Willie was born in Houston-street, N.Y., June 4,
1876, and Marthy was one of another litter, born
three days later, corner Eighth-avenue and Forty-
ninth street, New York City. From the day they
were born I have had sole charge of them. I at
first brought them up on a child's nursing bottle,
but they have Ion; since changed from milk to
fresh, raw meat, which they eat from my naked
hand. They are now twenty-one mouths old, and
good judges pronounce them the handsomest pair
of lions ever raised in this country, and probably the
only pair of African lions ever raised in America.
Willie weighs about 250,b.' and is a noble-looking
king of the forest, and will be a large specimen of the
rare black-maned lion. As a general thing a lioness is
most fierce and ferocious looking, but Marthy seems
to be an exception to the general rule, as she has a
fine looking face, although her eyes look a trifle
roughish. They have become very much attached to
me, and are as well pleased to see me, after a few hours'
absence, as children. They are quite affectionate and
love to be petted, although they take but little notie.
of strangers. They have never shown any disposition
to do me an injury of any kind.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

A FRIENDLY JOKE!

The cut of a pair of trousers is a sorry subject to
quarrel over, but small though the bone of contention
was, it proved sufficient to induce two worthy Lyons
tailors to risk their lives in a duel. The seconds, upon
whom devolved the arrangement of the affair, how-
evtr, determined to save their respective principals
from the posible consequence of their own temerity;
and in this they were aided by the latter themselves,
who all unaccustomed to the handling of a pistol and
terrified at their position, begged that if the laws of
honour permitted it, they might be saved the "specta-
cle of slaughter" by enacting their respective r6les with
their eyes bandaged. They were assured that nothing
in the code of honour prohibited this, and on the fatal
morning the two were conducted to the park of the
" Tete d'Or," where they were blindfolded according to
their request. To obviate the possibility of a tragical
denotlement, the tailors were then placed back to back,
a 'pistol was put into their hands, the seconds left
them a wide berth, and the signal to fire was given.
An exclamation of pain, a muttered cry ".1 am I
wounded," uttered by one of the witnesses, caused the
combatants to tear off the bandage from their eyes
each thinking he had hit the other. The discovery that
they had been the victims of a friendly joke in no way
roused their indignation; on the contrary, the Peupte
Lyonnais. which relates the affair, states that the
foolish tailors were delighted at the bloodless result of.
the duel, and upon being told that "honour was
satisfied," threw themselves into each other's arms,
embraced, wept and finally proceeded to the neigh-
bouring wine shop, in order to baptise their reconcilia-
tion in a bumper of Burgundy.—Evening Standard.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

The FUNERAL of INSPECTOR PALMER.

The Correspondent of the Standard, writing from Con
stantinople on Sunday, says : -

The body of Inspector Paler, chief of the Black
Sea Life-boat Station, who was drowned on Tuesday
night while endeavouring to save the crew of a Turkish
Government transport, has been found, and was buried
to-day in the English cemetery at Scutari.
The British Consul-General, Assistant Consul Judge
and the leading members of the English and other
communities attended in great numbers. The Greek
community deputed their leading advocates to lay a
floral wreath on the coffin as a tribute from the Greek
naval and mercantile marine. The Turkish Govern-
ment sent a guard of honour of sailors from the
admiral's flag-ship. It was observed, and much re-
gretted, that the British Embassy was wholly un-
represented.
The coffin, covered with the Union Jack, was car-
ried by men of the life-boat station.
On Tuesday night the deceased's son, who has
charge of the life-boat station on the Asiatic side of
the Black Sea, went to the relief of nine small Turkish
ships, and saved ninety-five out of one hundred and
one lives. On going to his father to report his success,
he found that his father had been drowned.
Inspector Palmer had been in weak health, and had
only been out of the hospital two weeks when he met
with his death. Not long ago a friend who knew him
well said to him, "I suppose you will 80011 retire and
ta4e a cottage in Devonshire. To which Palmer re-
plied, "No, 1 think not; I am afraid the sea will
catch me after all." He has saved several hundreds
of lives, and was much beloved.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

GENERAL TODLEBEN ON THE SIEGE

OF PLEVNA.

An interesting letter from General Todleben to
General Brialmout, on the siege of Plevna, is pub-
lished by the Jourkal tlu Genie. Last December
General Brailmont, in his own name and in that of the
other Belgian engineer officers, congratulated Todle-
ben on the fall of Plevna ; and the latter, in expressing
his thanks for General Brialmont'e communication,
enclosed a plan of the Russian and Turkish positions
and a description of the siege. The latter concludes
as follows: "At first our troops approached Plevna
simultaneously with the Turks, but on the Bth of July
we were forced to retire before overwhelming forces.
The enemy at once began to fortify the position, and
he continued to do so with extraordinary energy and
activity for Teveral months. We wished to take Plevna
by assault at any cost; but our attacks of the 18th of
July and the 30th of August were successfully beaten
back by the enemy, and they cost us 30,000 men.
. . . All our approaches met with an obstinate re-
sistanee. To take them all by surprise was impos-
sible; all our partial attacks were at once answered
by a most terrible and murderous fire. The enemy
did not show the smallest symptoms of demoraliza-
tion. The number of deserters was inconsiderable,
and the prisoners were well clad and nourished. But,
according to all the accounts which reached me, the
provisions in the town could not last longer than the
middle of December. The winter was approaching;
our people grew impatient, and their impatience was
increased by the news of the storming of Kars. An
assault was regarded as the only means of putting an
end to the resistance at Plevna. But I opposed this
idea with all the energy with which my convictions
had inspired me. Osman Pasha was waiting for a
new and decisive attack from our side; he yearned for
it with all his heart, being quite convinced that he
would, thanks to his improved fortifications, beat us
back and inflict even greater losses upon us than he
did on the 30th and 31st of August. He did not
doubt that after such a success he would be able to
cut his way through before his provisions should be
exhausted."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

TRADESMENS ADDRESSES

RHEUMATISM.

RHEUMATISM, Gout, Lumbago, Pains
in the Head, Side, Back, Joints, and Limbs
cured by DAY'S RHEUMATIC PILLS. Price la. lid,
per box. Sold by Mr. Pugh, Patent Medicine Vendor.
51, Coventry Street, Stourbridge ; and; all Chemists
Wholesale by all the London Houses.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

HALE S OWE N.

DUDLEY AND MIDLAND GEOLOGICAL AND SCIENTIFX
SOCTETY.—The first field meeting of the season was
held on Monday last, to visit the Netherton Anticlinal,
Halesowen Church and Abbey, and the Leasowas.
There were present Mr. Charles Cochrane (president)
and about fifty others, including many ladies.
Assembling at Dudley Station, carriages were taken to
Netherton Church, where the Rev. S. J. Marriott met
the party. Walking down to the Brewen's Tunnel, over
the canal, a fine section of the axis of the Anticlinal
was observed, which was well described in a paper read
by Mr. G. Jones. Crossing the canal, Messrs. H.
Doulton and Co.'s clay openwork was visited. Here a
very fine section of the coal measure fossils were ob-
tained. Recrossing the canal, a walk was taken through
the Saltwells Woods to the Saltwells Inn, where
luncheon was pro Aided. After examining the baths and
mode of tiling the brine, the 'Rev. J. H. Therupson
gave a short address as to the origin of the salt spring
Entering the earriages again, tbe way was taken to the
outcrop of the Aymestry or Sedgley limestone at the
Hayes, where Mr. Cochrane gave a short description of
the fossils he had obtained there. Here also a very
interesting, though now partially obscured, section of
the coal measures was seen in the cfftting of the Hayes
branch of the Great Western Railway, From here the
drive was continued to Halesowen Church, where Arch-
deacon Hone met the party, and described the restora-
tions that had taken place. After visiting (by permis-
sion of Mr. Green) the remains of the Abbey, a walk
was taken (by permission of Mr. Gibbons) through the
grounds of the Leasowes, after which the party returned
to Dudley. A conversastione was held in the evening, as
the Museum, by the invitation of the Dudley memberts
where a good selection of microscopes and other objece
01 interest wee displayed.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

AMERICAN HUMOUR.

The Americans, like the Greeks did, delicately
speak of an ugly woman as a " mistake of the angels."
An editor offers a reward of five dollars for the best
treatise on "now to make out-door life attractive to the
mosquito."

A hawk stooped down upon a weather vane on a
lurch spire, and was disgusted to find it only an imitation
rooster.

"Have you damp sheets in your house?" asked a
guest of a manager of a fashionable hotel, as he registered
his name. "No," replied the manager, "but I'll have a pair
dampined for you, if you wish." The stranger retired.
The sun had sunk behind the western hills, and the
bright rays which streaked the horizon had disappeared,
when a lovely female, who had been but six short weeks a
bride, sat in a secluded apartment with her husband. She
slowly moved her sylph-like I,s+m t.nwltrrie the nertner nf
her bosom, raised her delicate hand, and—slapped las faced
A genius down East intends applying for a patent
fcr a machine which, he says, when wound up and in motion,
will chase a hog over a ten-acre lot, catch, yoke and ring
him; or by a slight change of gearing, it will chop into
sausages, work his bristles into thoe-brushes, and manufac-
ture his tail into a corkscrew.

An American says that a new way of fastening on
ladies' hats is to bore the tops of their ears, put in gold
hoops, and have the hat-strings tied through them. Thus,
step by step, we tread the pathway to perfection, and ere
the darkness of death envelopes all the world, man will have
utilized his nose in holding up his trousers or pulling on his
boots.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

[From Punch ]
WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS.

Ali, happy France I
Grave English, philosophic Germans, sneer,
At thee for shallow frivolous, unwise,
And sun themselves in one another's eyes,
For height and depth of mind, for vision clear.
Here 'a Germany, with scarce the strength to stand
Under the loads of past and promised wars,
Debts, quarrels, social feuds, religious jars,
And drill, drill, dull, through her land's breadth and
length.

And here is England arming to the teeth,

And to War's 31Olstioin drifting on and on—
A War that she is of two minds upon;
Its cause a mist of wild words hid beneath.
While France, her Obts paid, healed her scars of fight,
Her Parties muzzled, if not merged in one,
Iler feuds in Church and Slate bid to be done,
To her great Peace-Show doth the World invite—
Ah I happy France!
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

THE EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN.

It has been frequently said that the restrictions on
the hours of labour imposed by the factory cnd work-
shop regulations are distasteful to the women em-
ployed. This, however,',..doen' not- appear to be the
case, at all events as regards-tondon; and some in-
teresting details on this point are given in a statement
by Mr. Henderson, late sub-inspector kr the western
division of the metropolis, quoted in the report of Mr.
Redgrave, Insp. ctor of Factories. Mr. _Henderson, in
consequence of an opinion expressed at the Trade Union
'ongress at Leic.ster last 'autumn to the effect that
the restrictions imposed upon the employment of women
by the Factory Acts were felt by them to be extremely
irksome and inconvenient, made it his business to aqcer-
tain, so far as he could, the opinion of the women em-
ployed in London. He now says that without a single
exception he has found the limitations imposed upon
the hours of work mot cordially approved -of, and the
greatest Sicxiety and alarm are entertained at the
prospect of any relaxation. Among what class of
i
working women of London t can be pretended that
the regulations and restrictions imposed by the Factory
Acts are unpopular, Mr. Henderson confesses he is
altogether at a loss to understand. All he can say i.,
that notwithstanding roost diligent inquiry, he hao
entirely failed to meet with them.—Pall (Ilan Gazette.

During the mouth of April 191 wrecks and casualties
were posted on Lloyd's Book In thisuumbv.r are iuclutlocl
36 ataaza mauls and 166 ailing vowels.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN ON THE CRISIS.

Mr. Chamberlain, M.P., and Mr. H. B. Sheridan,
M. P., took part in a Liberal demonstration at Brierley
Hill on Tuesday night. Mr. Chamberlain spoke at
some length on the crisis, and urged that every oppor-
tunity should be taken of protesting against the war
policy of the Government. It was said the Govern.
ment did not desire war, but they were every day
advancing nearer the precipice, and could not prevent
toppling over if they went much farther. Mr.
Chamberlain strongly deprecated the bringing of
Indian troops to Europe, and said it would
teach them to conquer their conquerors. One of the
worst results of the military spirit being aroused in
the country was that, in the ferment of men's minds all
progress, and improvements, and reform were stayed,
and hence it was that, not only in the hictory of this
but of other countries, the enemies of freedom and
progress had not scrupled to rush into war in order to
drown the cry for domestic reforms in the din of arms
and the confusion of war. That had been their last
experience, and well might the poet say, " War is a
game which, were their subject wise, Kings would not
play at." (Cheers.) They had yet to see whether this
generation was wiser than that which preceded it, and
would suffer itself to be diverted from the useful re-
forms and the progress of the country hampered, that
they might engage in a war for which no man had yet
given a reason.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

SPECIAL SERVICES at WESTMINSTER
ABBEY.

The.first of a series of special Sunday evening service took
place on Sunday evening in the nave of Westminger Abbey,
which was crowded long before the hour announced for the
commencement of the service, seven o'clock. Many had
afterwards to be turned away for want of room.

Dean Stanley preached the sermon, taking his text
from Job. After giving a summary of the arguments
from his life, he stated that four lessons were to he
drawn therefrom on the perplexities of human life.
Firstly, the wisdom to be drawn from the mouth of
the young. This generation must not only learn from
those gone before, but from that which was come. The
rising generation, for what they l• new, had some truth
that a later generation might have failed to grapple
with. Again and again new life had been breathed
into expiring systems, new vigour into decaying
nations, new meaning into ancient creeds, and new ap-
plication given to the most venerable truths. Every
rising generation had Burnt thing of this kind to tell
us, and every young man ought to bear his part in
contributing something to this noble end. Secondly,
what was the inswer confirmed by the voice of God in
the whirlwind? It was that there were problems
which we cannot solve, and in that certainty and un-
certainty it was our privilege to rest. They might rest
assured that the Supreme Mind had a purpose in his
dealings with them, a truth impressed by the uphold-
ing of the natural world. The description of the
natural world was often the best guide, as it was
to Job. Whatever else the discoveries of modern
science taught, at least they teach the marvellous
perplexity of the unbroken order of the material
world, bringing them into harmony with the
Divine will. Thirdly, speaking of the effect upon
Job, the rev, dean spoke on the grace of humility.
They had often heard the ignorant and half-educated
and'audacious young men pronounce on difficult pro-
blems of science and religion with a certainty which
to maturer ears was out of place. What was needed
was a conviction that many of them. perhaps most,
were but dust and ashes in the presence of the greatest
oracles, and a willingness and eagerness to be con-
verted by those who dared to tread where they rushed
bolaly in. There was needed the desire to improve
themselves by every light open to them from the past
and the present. Lastly, looking at the vastness of
the universe and its changes, had nothing been gaiiied ?
There might have been gained a deeper knowledge of
things divine, a deeper insight into themselves. Truths
which once seemed to be mere words had become part
of their lives.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

HAGLEY.

STOCK SdLE.—At this sale on Monday there was a
m itch larger upply of atock than on the previous week
of the usual first-class type. There was an extraordinary
attendance and competition was very good. The prices
realisec . were fat beasts as high as £3l 103 Od ; sheep
*Os; lambs 456 6d. Calves and pigs sold equally well.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

POOR BULGARIA!

The following article from a Bucharest journal gives
some information upon the Russian plan of reorganization
for Bulgaria.
"Poor Bulgaria, until yesterday the slave of the
Turk, is menaced to-day with being smothered in the
embraces of the Russians, and furnishes a faithful
illustration of the species of liberty which the Rus-
sian Government is pleased to introduce into the
East, .and of the administration which it desires to
inaugurate in the land watered by so many streams
of blood. The system of administration put in
practice on the other side of the Danube in
Bulgaria is precisely like the bureaucraey which op-
presses Poland. The country is divided into ten
Governments, instead of five, as before, and sub-
divided into eighty arrondissements, in place of forty.
The number of civil erap/opes brought from Russia
is enormous. The greater part of these officials are
in military uniform, and they are paid so highly
that the Budget is four times as greet as it was
under the Turks. Russia has a marked predilec-
tion for an army of employes. She believes that she
can insure the happiness of Bulgarians by trans-
forming half the population into well-paid officials
and placing a gendarme at the back of every citizen,
thus placing all his movements under the eye of a
spy disguised in military uniform and paid out of
the State Budget. The liberty which holy Russia
}rings to Bulgaria is worthy of this liberator who
holds in her chains unhappy Poland, and who
strangles in her subjects every pretension to liberty.
Bulgarians who escaped yesterday from the yoke of
the Ottoman are certaiely not to be envied to-
morrow. Saddled with this system of Russian ad-
ministration, with this liberty and the protection of
their -generous liberator, the poverty which already
reigns in Bulgaria will certainly increase in frightful
proportions. What does it matter to the Russians
ta pay out of the Bulgarian pockets to a (3overnor
28,000 roubles, and to a Chief of Arrondissement
9 000 roubles per annum, as long as their mission is
to give to Bulgaria the liberty of a second Russia? It
is evident that if Europe does not take in hand the
cause of the Christians in the East, if she leaves to
the Russians alone the part of liberator and organizer
of these down-trodden people, then unhappy will be
the fate of these Christians, and the evils which they
will endure must finally make themselves felt through-
out the whole of Europe."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

OUR PREPARATIONS.

The Morn inO Advertiser says :—"A visit to Ports-
mouth Dockyard at this mo pent is calculated, per-
haps, more than anything else to demonstrate how
firm and fast this country is determined to hold to the
course it is pursuing. There is hardly a subject of
her Majesty who would not fee :regret at going to
war with such a Power as Russia, but fear does not
make up any portion of that regret. For from
Russia or any other Power has Great Britain aught
to fear PO long as her dockyards and arsenals are free
from stagnation? 'To preserve peace, be prepared
for war,' is an old maxim, and it is one upon which
this country has persistently acted in late years.
If anyone doubts, let him go to our monster
dockyard and judge for himself. It is not the
only Government yard we have, but it will sufficiently
show how surely are measures being taken to preserve
our prestige at home and abroad. Chatham just now
can show a formidable series of ironclads, and both Ply-
mouth and Pembroke yards contribute a material share
to the naval strength of Great Britain; but it is at
Portsmouth that the hesitating citizen can have his
mind most speedily set at rest, if he doubts the ability
of England to hold her own among the Great Powers
of Europe. They are both black vessels and white
which strike the eye on entering Portsmouth yard;
the black are ironclads, and the white ones tr,.op ships;
and it is the magnificent proportions of the latter,
towering masses of dazzling white, to which attention
is at once directed."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

No 713

IMES BY AUCTION.

HAGLEY STOCK SALE.
lIOND.AY, MAY 6tlt, at Eleven.

600 SHEEP and Lambs, including Ewes and Lambs
ami Fat Lambs.
50 Head of CATTLE,
The usual entry of Calves and Pigs,
The Grand Annual Show of Tags will be held on
MONDAY, MAY 13th.
OATES, PERRENB, AND WOOLDRIDGE.

HtivArE CELLAR ()F CHOICE WINES.

MESSRS.
OAEES, PERRENS, and WOOLDRIDGE
are favoured with instructions to SELL by Ave-
-11,:s. at the TAIB(•T SToURBRIDOR, On FRIDAY,
]oth day of MAY, 1878 about 100 dczen of CHOICE
NUNES, from tteurton Court, being surplus stock,
et tnptising Ports of the Vintages of 1844, 184, 1863,
d IE6S ' • b lanies fulal 10 to 24 yeblS In bottle, and
‘brioDs odd lots of otLer Wines.
atu!cLues may be had of the Auctioneers, 102, High
Slit et, Stourbridge.
,3 he Fee to Commence at Four for Five o'clock in
111 e Afternoon.

Al S • HUNSTON,

(LAIKEY AND HIINSTON.)
}3°NITON POINT LACE MANUFACTURER,
122, HIGH-ST., STOURBLIDGE.
IRENCH WOVE CORSETS,
White and Scarlet

141 R ABDOMINAL CORSET.
Rxi)

ING AND NURSING CORSETS.

illl'ANTB' AND CHILDRENS' STAY BINDS.

EIDERDOWN CORSETS.
j .1:14 -L-1 .
fl k)ORNFORD,
•

(Lak R. THOMSON,)

„
141-1411 X AdsiD WOOLLEN. DRIPAR
° XTLZMEN'S CLOTHIN•

Made to Order, on the Shortest Notice.
'YLI AND PIT GUARANTEED

14b11181 JACKETS, SHAWLS, DRESSES, &e.

14
-"
111, BAGLEY' SMELT, STOIJRBRIDGE
•

DUDLAY AND WALSALL.
PIANOFORTES HARMONI-
- , MIS have been TUNED by G.F. GREEN
t 7, -111,10na1 Tuner" 260 CASTI E-STREIiT DUDLBY anant'
8l
411 i vet)111 .
eclat imn, WALBALL. P Rano ortes e
411," .rung, the Hammel' Re-etaered with Pater
•us by the most ecniasnt 'an.

I

• ..
...

diviithT 0.114 W
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-04

FANCY TOBAC(10S,

AT. TI)

OLD ESTABLISHED

S. FIELD,
92, HIGH STREET, STOURBBIDGE.

SHOP

MR S .

HUNSTON,

(LAMY 'AND HUNSTON),
HONITON POINT LACR MANUFACTURER,
12% HIGH-ST , STOUI:BREWE.

LADIES AND CHILDRILN'S UNDERCLOTHING

AND
BABY LINEN WAREHOUSE.

MERINO AND FLANNEL VEST,
SCARLET AND WHITE
FLANNEL PETTICOATS,
MERINO, SILK, & BALBRIGGAN lIOSIERY.

AGENT Fon
PULLAR AND SONS

DYERS TO THE QUEEN.
PRETE.