The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1883-03-03 00:00:00

Visrellanenits
HOME, FOREIGN, AND COLONIA1:,

TROTTING IN AMERICA.—Though it has been main.
tamed on both sides of the Atlantic that the American
trotting horse was gradually increasing in speed, and
that all past records. would be beaten, the details of
last year show but little, if any, improvement. The
fastest mile ever trotted was in 1881 by Maud S., who
did the journey in 2 min. IQ sec. in the first heat of a
race. In the same year she did a second heat in 2
min. 1C sec., and a third heat in 2 min. 11 sec. These
t,mes were made in harness, and the records of the
races beat all others before or since.
AIIII3IGUOUS !—His Own: "I like to lean against
your head, John. It's so soft 1 "—Punch.

FIREPROOF DWELLINGS.—In London, on Tuesday,
an interesting experiment in connection with Hitchins'
Patent Fire Resisting Plaster was conducted on the
Crown lands adjoining the Thames Embankment. A
brick building had been constructed for the purpose of
being tested, and a company of practical architects and
builders watchE d the proceedings. The house in
which the experiment was made consisted of two
rooms, one on the ground floor and one on the first
floor, the ceiling consisting of Hitchins' patent fire.
resisting or carbonized plastering. The room on the
ground floor and the top of the building, which repro-
sented the third floor, were filled with highly com-
bustible materials, which were ignited simultaneously,
and allowed to burn for half an hour. During that time
the intermediate room was entered, and notwithstanding
the blazing fires above and below, the floor and ceiling
remained untouched, and the normal temperature was
maintained. To complete the test, a large fire was
then created in that room, the heat being so great that
the glass in the windows was melted. The three fires
continued burning for some time, and were eventually
extinguished by a hose connected with a stand-pipe.
The test was a severe one, as the building had been
hurriedly finished. The joists were; however, virtu-
ally intact, although they had been subjected to such
a fierce heat on both sides, and it was proved that fires
may be confined to the room in which they originate.
General satisfaction was expressed with the teat and
Lt e MOW

STORM WARNING.—The following message was
received at the London office of the New York Herald:
—"A disturbance, likely to develope danger3us
energy, is crossing north of lat. 40, and will arrive on
the North British and Norwegian coasts between the
3rd and sth prox., attended by south veering to west
gales. Another follows two days after, and will effect
Norway. Atlantic very stormy."

HOUSE OF COMMONS REFRESHMENT ROOMS.—The
Select Committee appointed to control the kitchen
and refreshment rooms (House of Commons), in the
department of the Sergeant-at-Arms attending the
House, have agreed to the following first report
"That the Committee have to recommend that, owing
to the large increase of expenses, including wages, in-
curred in the new dining and smoking rooms, an annual
increased grant of £5OO per annum be placed at the
disposal of the Kitchen and Refreshment Room Com-
mittee for the time being,"

GENEALOGICAL—The Rector: "A very nice-look-
ing young woman, Gilson, Did I hear rightly that
she was your daughter?" Rustic: "Yes, sir, she
war—Stay war!" The Rector: "How do you mean
—was ? " Rustic: "Well, you see, Sir, faither, he
married again, and in course I called his missus
mother,' and when he died she married Bill Tornkins,
son o' Jack Tomkins, and I'm blessed if my Susy
didn't set up and marry Jack, who war a freshish old
chap. Now, what I want to know is, ain't Susy my
grandmother? "—Punch.
DISASTERS AT SEA.—The Bureau Yetitas has just
published the following statistics of maritime disasters,
reported during the month of January, 1883, concern-
ing all flags :—Sailing vessels reported lost—six
American, three Austrian, 69 British, one Chilian,
three Danish, two Dutch, 11. French, 13 German, four
Greek, 11 Italian, 12 Norwegian, fonr Portuguese, two
Russian, one Spanish, five Swedish—total 147. In
this number are included 15 vessels reported missing.
Steamers reported lost —one American, eight British,
one Danish, four French, two German, two Italian,
one Portuguese, two Swedish—total 21. In this num-
ber are included two steamers reported missing.
THE WORKING OF THE LAND ACT.—The return of
the proceedings under the Irish Land Act up to the
31st of January shows the total applications to have
fair rents fixed numbered 90,262. Of these 22,091
have been fixed. 4,222 applications have been dis-
missed, and 3,180 have been withdrawn, making
together 29,493 cases disposed of. Agreements out of
court fixing fair rents numbered 26,440. The appeals
lodged numbered 5,742, of which 1,304 were heard
and 667 withdrawn.
BUTE RIBBON PRINCIPLES IN RELGIJIM. Blue
Ribbon principles are evidently influencing Belgian
authorities, for a time-honoured custom in the
Brussels Chamber of Deputies has lately been
abrogated, much to the wrath of the members.
Formerly, so says the Brussels correspondent of the
Paris Figaro, the traditional glass of water prepared
to wet the parched throat of every Parliamentary
orator was replaced in the Brussels House by a "grog
an cognac." These " grogs " were not only supplied
to the actual speakers, but were solemnly handed
round by the House officials every hour to the
Deputies, reporters, and foreign journalists, while the
" grog " at the tribune itself was replenished as often
as the orator pleased. But this year the " grogs "
have vanished, and only humble eau sucree is handed
round ; while, though there is a bar for supplying the
beloved " grogs," the Deputies have to pay for them.
Remonstrances having proved useless, the head of the
Opposition now brings his brandy flask with him, and
when he gets his eau sucree ostentatiously mixes his
own "grog." Not only his followers, but his oppo-
nents take the hint, and the flasks appear all down the
benches, in the hopes of shaming the Government out
of their economical fit.

PARASITES IN THE HUMAN BODY—Recent investi-
gations have added greatly to our knowledge of the
more highly organized parasites of the helmiethoid
type. For example, it has been ascertained beyond
doubt that the blood-vessels of a human being capable
of performing his daily avocations may contain from
20,000 to 30,000 minute embryo nematoid worms. A
physician at Calcutta demonstrated this with regard
to persons in that climate. Numbers of individuals
so affected suffer from chyluria, or elephantiasis in
one or other of its forms ; but this is by no means
universally the case. Researches have also revealed
the curious fact that these teeming multitudes of
nematoids lurk in some unknown recesses of the
vascular system during the daytime, and that only as
night approaches do they wander at large through the
vessels generally. Experts assure us that a single
drop of blood taken from a prick of a finger at mid•
night in a person so affected may contain as many as
200 embryo nematoids, while many drops similarly
obtained at midday will not reveal a single worm.
THE POTATO CROP.—The Gardener's Magazine has
published a special number on the subject of potato
culture, the editor, Mr. Shirley Hibberd, being him-
self an experimental cultivator of what he calls the
"noble tuber." In the current issue of our con-
temporary a very hopeful view of the subject is
put forward, the editor assuring us that the
much dreaded disease is likely to be combated
with success, not by the learned societies or the
microscopists, but by common sense applied in
the cultivation. It is a fact of some importance, Mr.
Hibberd remarks, that since the formation of the
latcrLational PQta'.o EAhlbiaua we have had a cseries
of bad seasons, but the potato crop has improved both
in bulk and quality, that of last year being remarkably
good considering the wintry character of the summer.
This result, he says, is such as we should expect by the
quickening of inquiry and discussion, and the gather-
ing together once a year of the foremost cultivators
with their finest samples.
A RESPITE.—The Provost of Ayr has received a
communication from the Home Secretary stating that
it is her Majesty's pleasure to grant a respite to James
Smith, the poacher, who was convicted at Edinburgh
on Monday last of the murder of a gamekeeper to the
Earl of Stair, by shooting him in Balkeachy Wood,
South Ayrshire, in November last.
AN INTERESTING PRESENTATION.—A presentation
was mads the other day in London at Trinity School,
Swan. street. A short time ago one of the girls acci-
dentally set fire to her apron, and in her fright ran
from the class-room along a passage leading into the
street. By the time she had reached the door she was
enveloped in flames. A young man named Williams,
a tin-worker, who was passing the school gate, ran to
rescue the girl, and throwing his coat round her, ex-
tinguished the fire. He then went away without
having given any one an opportunity of even thanking
him ; but after some little time he was discovero ;
and the managers, in appreciation of his act, invited
him to the school and presented him with a timepiece.
The presentation was made by the rector, and the boys
cheered the recipient as he left the room.
AGRICULTURAL PROSPECTS.—The Magnet of Mon-
day, in its review of the British corn trade during the
past week, says :—The weather has, at length, become
more favourable. Farmers have pushed forward work
with energy, where operations are at all practicable,
but some time must yet elapse before farmers can get
on the low-lying lands, which are still in many
instances under water. What little change, however,
has taken place has been for the better, and a con-
tinuance of fine weather would yet further improve
the position of affairs. It will, however, require
weather as exceptionally favourable as it has hitherto
been disastrous to cause anything like an average
crop to be grown.
A SUBSTITUTE FOR DYNAMITE.—A citizen of Paris
claims to have produced, in a new compound which
he calls panclastite, a means of destruction altogether
surpassing dynamite. Panclastite consists of hypoa-
zotic acid, which is one of the numerous compounds
of oxygen and azote or nitrogen, mixed either with
essence of petroleum or sulphuret of carbon. The
degree of explosive force is said to depend upon which
of the last-named ingredients ie used. Before he is at
liberty to make and sell his destructive compoind the
inventor requires the licence of the Seine Hygenic
Council.

A LIBERAL MIND. —One of the stockholders of a
new Western railroad was a farmer who had accumu-
lated his money by hard toil, and when he had put in
an appearance at the meeting to elect a Board of
Directors he felt it his duty to remark: " Gentlemen,
as I understand this thing we elect the board and the
board elects the officers." Someone said that he was right,
and he continued : "I don't go a cent on high salaries,
and I want that understood. lam in favour of pay-
ing our President a good living salary, and no more."
"How much do lon call a good living salary ?"asked
one of the crowd. " Well two dollars a day is the
going wages, but—" Here the meeting began to
roar, and it was two or three minutes before the orator
had a chance to conclude :—" But of course we want
a man who can run an engine, switch a train, handle'
freight, keep books and lick anybody who won't pay
fare, and so I shall not object to two and a half a day.'
—Detroit Free Press.
STREET AND RIVER TRAFFIC IN PARIS.—The great
activity of the traffic in Paris is indicated by some
figures given in a return issued by the municipality of
the daily numbers of travellers by the different means
of locomotion. These show that a daily average of
550,697 persons are carried by the omnibuses' 110,481
by the tramways, 19,371 by the " Ceinture " Railway
which girdles the capital, and 44,408 by the bateaux.
mooches or penny steamers. The total number is thus
721,957 travellers, without r ckoning those who
patronise the numerous cabs and private carriaos,
ICE BOUND STEAMERS AT ODESSA.—The Odessa
Correspondent of Ihe Times says that after three days'
hard ramming by the Russian Navigation Company's
boats, and a liberal use of blasting powder, a channel
has been cut, at a cost of about £l,OOO, through the
ice, which during the last three weeks has entirely
stopped the navigation at Odessa. A few of the
thirty-five ice-bound steamers have got into the
harbour, and others stid fast bound a little way out,
will probably be able to enter immediately.
STRANGE BURSTING OF A GUN. A very strange
accident befel Mr. G. W. Given, of Philadelphia, while
rail shooting last season (says the Detroit Free Press).
Just as he was rounding the pier preadous to getting
ready to go on the marsh, he got upon his feet, with gun
in hand, and his pusher got upon the pushing deck of
the skiff. A steamboat passing down the river at the
time, made his boat dance, and finding she rocked a
little too much, and thinking she would ship water,
Mr. Given, supposing he was nearer the bank of the
"gut," and in much shoaler water, jumped overboard
with his gun in hand. Instead of finding two or three
feet of water he found himself going down in a depth of
twelve or fifteen feet, with his gun in hand, in the
ordinary position of holding muzzle upward. He sank
to the bottom, rather allowing himself to do so that he
might make an upward 'spring when he touched the
ground. When he felt bottom he quickly shifted his
gun to the other hand and turned the muzzle downward,
grasping it as he thought just back of the guard. At
this moment he heard amuffled report, and felt a
stinging sensation down his leg. On coming to the
surface he swam to the boat, holding up his gun with
one hand. On reaching the skiff he found his gun had
burst under water, laying one barrel completely
over, and the load passed through into the right hand
barrel had utterly ruined his gun. Examination
proved that he had not been shot, and that the sting-
ing sensation was caused by the concussion. The
right hand cartridge was found intact, and when he
had grasped the gun at what he supposed was the
small of the stock he had pulled the trigger of the left
hand barrel and discharged it under water.

AN INTURIATED ANIMAL.—A shocking occurrence
has taken place at Weston Zoyland, near Bridgwater.
As Mrs. Pitman was walking along the road she was
met by a bullcck which was being driven to a slaughter-
house. The animal, it seems, was excited by a red
handkerchief she was carrying, and without a moment's
warning charged the unfortunate woman, tossing her
some feet into the air. Her screams attracted the
notice of the Rev. A. H. and Mrs. Lutman, who were
only a few yards distant. The infuriated beast seeing
them, left his victim and rushed madly at the vicat
and his lady, who had just time enough to make good
their escape into a field close by. The woman was at
once driven to her home, where Mr. Weller, 'surgeon;
soon afterwards saw her, and pronounced her to be ix
a very dangerous state, the animal having inflicted 0
serious wound.
A TURNER RELIO.—The Trustees of the National
Gallery have accepted from Mr. R. H. Nibbs, artist of
Brighton, a palette formerly owned by J. M. W.
Turner. It was originally given by Turner to Mr.
George Cobb, his solicitor, who presented it to Mr.
Nibbe 13 years ago. Accompying the palette is a
brief autograph note by Turn ei to Mr. Cobb (who
prepared the great artist's will) respecting the Thames
Tunnel.
FIVE A.M.—First Sweep. " No • and we ain't likely
to get in under 'arf an hour. I know this 'ouse well.
The cook's a reg'ler hoyster, she le—Second Sweep,
"A hoyster, Bill ? "—First Sweep. " Yee ; particklar
fond of her "bed," and not overzpleaeed at beim' took
out of it. Swe-e-e-p I "—Fun.
THE AGRICULTURAL DISTRESS.—The Bishop of Sf
Albans has addressed a letter to the archdeacons of
the diocese, in which he says that in consequence of
the strong feeling among Christian people that in the
present agricultural distress we should as a Church
and nation bumble ourselves before God, and make
our application to Him to cause his anger to cease frothi
us he desires that Sunday, March 4, should be
observed as a day of prayer and supplication through

his diocese.
ICE-BOUND VESSELS.—It was reported nearly ft
month ago that Odessa, after being covered with drift
ice from the rivers Dniester and Dnieper for a forte
night, was again open to navigation. A day or two
later, however, through the wind veering round to the
east, it was once more covered, and has remained
closed ever since. The ice varies in thickness from one
foot to seven feet, and fills the bay for a distance of 20
miles out; 20 loaded steamers are Waiting in port to • •
get away, and nearly 30 steamers iee•bound ill the
bay, and several others farther out, in the toads, atel
waiting to come in. Most of them are English' a fest'
are Russian, and one steamer is Austrian. It is cone;
puted that property to the value of something like
two millions sterling is thus lying idle, and is likely to
continue to lie for some days longer, unless the
authorities carry out a proposition now under con-
sideration to blast a canal through the ice.
SOLDIERS ON FRENCH LEAVE."—The Orleans
Dukes have scored a victory. Although "in retreat,"
they have gained ground.—Punch.
THE AMERICAN TARIFF.—The New York corres-
pondent of the Daily News says :—The Senate Tariff
Bill reduces the internal revenue about 41,500,000 dole.
All the internal taxes are abolished except those on
whiskey, beer, and bank circulation. The tariff
changes include a reduction on raw materials and an
increase on luxuries. The rates on metals are con- -
siderably lower than those recommended by the Tariff
Commission. They stand—iron ere. 50c. per ton ' • pig,
wrought, and scrap iron, si dols. ; steel rails. 15dols.
62c. There is an advance of 10 per cent. on Bessemer
and all lower grades of steel. The average reduction
on cotton is about 35 per cent. on all articles except
fine hosiery, cotton laces embroideries, window
curtains and velvet, on all of which there is an increase
from 35 'to 40 per cent. Woollen goods are reduced ,
35; carpets the same; silks, 10 ; books, 10. It lei
estimated by the Finance Committee that the genet&
reduction by the bill will reach 35 per cent.
THE IMPORTATIONS OF LIVE STOCK AND FRESH
MEAT.—The usual arriving steamers at Liverpool
(luring last week with live stock on board from the
United States and Canada report having experienced -
the heavy weather which has lately prevailed, and se ,
a consequence some mortality among cattle and sheep
during the voyage to the Mersey is reported, espe•
cially with regard to sheep, as they cannot stand the
severe weather like cattle. The total shipments for
the week were-997 cattle and 2,436 sheep. The
supply of fresh meat from the above ports last Week
was as follows :-6,520 quarters of beef and 1,235
carcases of mutton, being a slight decrease on the pre-
vious week.
A CON. FROM THE PAST.—When the Prince Regellti
son of the third George, ascended the throne, whet
glaring solecism may he be accused of having core'
mitted ?—He left out his " h's." How so? Becaue3
on his accession he became simply George "Bo
having previously been " H.R.H.' —Judy.
AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH CORN.—The folloW•
ing are the average prices of British corn for last
week, as received from the inspectors and officers et
Excise :—Wheat, 41s. bd. ; barley, 335. 5d.; oats.,
21s. 7d. per imperial qr. Corresponding week li‘gg
year :—Wheat, 455. 7d. ; barley, 31s. 4d.; oats,
20s. 7d.
FISH CULTURE.—The interchange of fish eggs bel"
tween America and foreign countries is becoming *
frequent act of international courtesy. Large imports:
time of German carp have keen made to the Uniten
States; 200,000 eggs of lake whitefish and 50,000 egg*
of the lake trout were sent to Paris last fall ; eig,l
500,000 whitefish eggs, 100,000 lake trout eggs, et' •
35,000 brook trout eggs to Germany. These were 017
tamed at the U.S. breeding station at Northville,
Mich. Improved methods of packing enabled thig
transportation to be done with great safety, and
i
large proportion of the eggs are duly hatched n the
new locations.
THE REARING OF PIGS.—The Gardeners' Magctzille
says :—ln the feeding of pigs, as in the case of othet
domestic animals, it is very much a matter of manse,
ment whether they are profitable or not • but it 1010
be broadly stated that when suitable kinds erg
selected, the feeding carefully managed, and
supply of garden refuse is available for supplemeeP
kg other food, they will yield a fair return for el
labour involved in their management. Pigs with larg°
frames are not in a general way so desirable as thoo;
of medium size, for in the production of a glfej
weight of meat a greater cost is incurred, 10„
when fat they are of less value, whether for ballr
'
consumption or the butcher. Especially is it nee
eery to have a small breed tvhen intended for Perl‘s
as that from pigs weighing from fifteen to tweOr
five stone is much more delicate than that from PLig:
nearly double that size. One of the beat breeds
bacon is that known as the Berkshire, and for role
the Sussex and Essex breeds are both good. Althouget
pigs are dirty in their habits cleanliness is 104
essential to their well-being. The styes should occ0131;
a sunny position, and if practicable, be sheltered ft!)
the north and easterly winds, and have a floor h'io
enough to admit of efficient drainage. They ond
also to be roomy and well ventilated. All dry f°.o
should be either boiled or mixed with hot watee bele,
it is given to the animals, as it is more nutritious tb;
when mixed with cold water. The styes nine„taa;
cleaned out at intervals, and fresh litter supPni
bat it will not be needful to keep them BO scrupuloo
clean as the habitations of other domestic animals-
OPI
VERY LlKl.r.—Effie (to pretty nursemaid).— as
Martha, did you see? That policeman winked his e'
at me I "—Punch.
re
SUDDEN DEATH AT A FUNERAL.—When the .O.
mains of Mrs. Greig were about to be removed for IA
terment in the churchyard in Montrose, on gond;
afternoon her son, Captain Greig, the chief menr*,ree
was suddenly taken ill and fell down dead. oe
deceased was fifty years of age. He was for 1001
years commander of vessels belonging to London goe
other ports. His latest command was the 6114
Castle, of the Castle Line.
EDUCATION IN ITALY.-0 el Monday there tee
debate on the Estimates for Public Insttuction
Italian Chamber of Deputies. Signor de itc'' oto
complained that in the schools in the Valle d'Agpie
the French language, the only one used by the P°Tbe
lation in business affairs, was not taught.
..000
inhabitants of that country had always given Poe
of their patriotism, and there was no reason tt
e root,
vent them learning their own language. oo;
Baccelli, the Minister, replied that the inhabitse ,110
that district had a right to learn French, while it "ist
their duty to know Italian. He would give or8er:000
them to be taught simultaneously. Nol33'elor
speakers urged the Minister to give a greater def
ment to primary education. ere
g
STUFFED POTATOES.—A correspondent of an fel
can paper gives the following method of prePeope
potatoes, which is said to be much in vogue in, I.3aiiPi
parts of the States :—Select large potatoes 017,1e0
size and bake until quite done. Take from the .0
and without waiting for them to cool, wraP 18iice
napkin to prevent burning the fingers, and cut ail the
from the stem end; then with a spoon remove 11;
soft portion, leaving the shell entire. ye!'
potato in a basin and season nicely with salt, Pelo3olo
milk, and butter, and for each half-dozen potatoe
a well-beaten egg. Place the basin in the ner.r:b
enough to cook the egg; then fill the shells ea,lhi
delicious compound, replacing the piece cut fr°'o.o
end, and put them in the oven a few minute', old
they may be sent to the table piping hot. A Yer/00°
way of serving them is to wrap a potato in each
the last minute before the guests appear at the
FLOODING A COLLIZRY.—The Nunnery Collierpe ,
Sheffield are in danger of becoming seriouslY AO!
dated. A large increase of water has been tn;tior;
for some time at each of the three pumPing seat t
and on Saturday the rise was so rapid t vase
officials became convinced that eomething u..istices
had happened. Acting upon previous exPe`voi 3 •
they followed the bed of the River Sheaf. 0100
flows through the arches underneath the v'tl
Railway station, and there found a large ego: Ito
the bed of the river, through which water s° r 3rft
nine into an old heading at the rate of 2,000!„ffleo
gallons a minute. Steps were promptly taken 1;6 le
the flow of the river by damning up the Ch*l3t
the pumping machinery at the collieries wag "had"ol
at work. During Sunday the quantity of water 403,,, I
creased some feet, but a portion of the collier'', comof !
be worked for some time, and it is believed tnet;
siderable damage has been done. The collier)" )" ,
the largest in South Yorkshire. ,r0r41,14
THE UNLUCKINESS OF NUMBER TrIS" 011
Every one remembers the old story about the_ re 00
man who set about defying the superstition Preg, e:011
among sailors, and shared by Prince Big° tee e,ed
cerning the unluckiness of Fridays, rem' ° os
Mall Gazette. He ordered a ship on a Fridelloiee
was laid on a Friday, on a Friday it en? sfier4clo'
on Frilay chartered, and on Friday It peo
sea. The sequel, of course, was that it_w,*:egertieti
ally wrecked on the Friday following. yt -ror'oll
this dismal portent, certain headstrong
have set about defying the superstition thistf,de°
unluckiness of the 'number thirteen. At. awl ,
minutes past eight the other night thirrsooo it)
members of the Thirteen Club, entered a lt,tei
Knickerbocker-cottage, in Sixth Avenu,;; thij
thirteen candles, and proceeded to eecuclbe (1-111 Y
chairs around a well-laden table. The scoot Oice
club stated that 13 dole. 13 cents had beerlarter ote
by thirteen men in Manchester for STh test,
Thirteen Club about to be established IneU
After the menu had been discussed, thine
were drunk.