biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

THE FINANCIAL CRISIS.

The Times of Monday publishes the following letter from
a correspondent :

Sir,—The following figures are taken from the
Economist, and are interesting in connexion with Lord
Beaconsfield's statement in the House of Lord's last
night that "in the opinion of the Government the
worst part of the distress has been seen and ex.
perienced " _ _ _ -

Receipts into the Exchequer under Excise during the
months of October
.and November, 1878, and during the

corresponding months of 1877 :
Week iWeek
ended. 1878. 1877. ended. 1878. 1877
Oct. 6 .. £169,000 .. £220,000 Nov. 2.. £728,000 .. £758,000
Oct. 12 .. 516,000 .. 555,000 Nov. 9.. 898,000 .. 851 000
Oct. 19 .. 586,000 .. 578,000 Nov. 16.. 492,000 .. 402,000
Oct. 26 .. 745,000 .. 777,000 Nov. 23.. 429,000.. 396,000
Total £2,016,000 £2,130,000 Total £2,547,000 £2,407,000
Net deficiency, £114,000. I Net increase, £140,000.

It is of course true that an increased receipt under
this head is no real test of increased prosperity, but it
is a proof that the spending power of the wage..
receiving people is no less than at this time last
year.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

THE AGRICULTURAL TEACHINGS OF
THE PARIS EXHIBITION.

In London, on Monday evening, a paper was read
before the members of the Farmers Club at the
Caledonian Hotel, Adelphi, by Mr. T. K. Fowler, of
Prebendal Farm and Willow Bank, Aylesbury, "On
the Paris Exhibition: its Agricultural Teachings."
The paper stated that most of the varieties of our
English hve stock were fairly represented at the Exhi-
bition, excepting Hereford's, in which category her
Majesty was the only exhibitor, the shorthorns being
also represented from the sheds of her Majesty,
the Marquis of Exeter, Earl Bective, Lady Pigot,
Mr. Fox, of Elmhirst, and Mr. Fowler him-
self. The sheep in most classes same out
very Ewell, of Southdowni Lord Walsingham and
the Prince of Wales contributing some very fine
specimens. The pigs also came out well, and the large
white breeds were pretty freely purchased by the
French, almost to the exclusion of most excellent pigs,
the Berkshires. The collection of poultry was large,
numbering 1,755 pens. At least 4,000 head must have
been exhibited; and there were 518 pens of pigeons
and 393 of rabbits. With respect to everything con-
nected with poultry the English were far in advance
of the French; whether aiming at beauty of plumage,
the uniformity of breeding, or size, our neighbours
were utterly behind us. He found that in 1877 the
French sold and exported 1,000,000,000 en's, besides
supplying the home market, and the total value of
eggs for exportation amounted to over £2,500,000.
With respect to the agricultural teachings of the
Exhibition, he remarked as to judging that the system
of awarding prizes appeared to him most objection-
able. One teaching, however, of the show consisted
of the classification of animals for various purposes,
namely, for meat production, milk production, and
for beasts, sheep, and butter. The general results of
this world-wide show were, he thought, that we had
nothing to learn in agricultural matters from our
French neighbours nor from any other nation which ex-
hibited at the show. He believed that the circumstances
of the French system of small holdings, the custom of
breaking up properties, and the general desire of the
community, when they had gained wealth, to gravitate
to the large towns, all combined to keep the national
agriculture too much in the background. He admitted,
however, that the thriftiness of its people in some
parts of France and the cleanliness of the farming con-
stituted a pattern which many British farmers might
imitate with advantage. The paper concluded with
the expression of its author, founded upon all that he
had seen at foreign exhibitions, at Altona, and espe-
cially at Vienna as well as at Paris, that the farmers
of this country had nothing to fear from Continental
agriculture.
A discussion followed, and a cordial vote of thanks
was accorded to Mr. Fowler for his paper.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

bTOURERIDGE UNION.

Workhouse,

: V:l4.

. ,
Workhouse, f.`1.;'.„4-1 r7litLi
Kingawihford,
13th December, 1878.

4-h-1•.;1

..IsPit7ba

Uts 4,1143 bait tbotilli, 4,13A61.0

WANTED, Immediately, an active Single
MAN, aged uct less than 30 years. as SUPER-
INTENDENT of LABOUR at the Workhouse, at
Kingswinford, and generally to ASSIS r the Master.
lie Salary will be £2O per annum, with Board, Lodging,
and Washi:ig.
Applications, with Testimonials of recent date, to be
scut to me on or before the 19th mat; and Candidates
to attend at the Workhouse, Kingswinford, on the 20th
inst., at Eleven o'clock in the forenoon.
The Appointment will be subject to a Month's Notice
to determine the same.

-- By Order,
A'

GEO. HOLLOWAY,
Clark.

Kingsreinford,
18th December, 1878.

45 7'01.1 I: 13 HID GE UNION.
CLOTHING WANTED.
ri 'HE GUAIiDIANS of the STOURBIUDGE
UNION require the undermentioned ARTICLES,
in addition to the 600d5 already advertised,
300 yards Strong Brown Calico 1 yard wide.
200 „ Strong Welsh Flannel.
2 dozen 9/4 Counterpanes, Blue.
Tenders for the supply of the same to be sent in on or
before the 19th inst.

•By Onlor,
GEO. HOLLOWAY,

ASTON LOWER GROUNDS.

GRAND DISPLAY OF FLOWERS.

The GROUNDS have been entirely re-arrasged, the
Flower Beds newly designed, and filled with various
specimens is full Bloom.
BOATING ON THE IMPROVED AND EXTENDED

- LAKE.
The SKATING RINK. will be open for Three Exercises
Every Day. Pountney's Band Every Evening. Synyer
and Gilmer's Band will Play from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in
the Grounds on Saturday after""'
nic °ea 3st
Trainsit
oPe narunrYegß ailw a y , and from 7 till 9in
the Rink.
The CONSERVATORY is replete with a choice Col-
lection of Flowering and Exotic Plants.
The new Erections of AQUARIUM and ASSEMBLY
ROOMS are rapidly progressing.
Admission to Grounds .. 3. each.
Admission to Rink ...... ....6d. each
Use of Skates
.... 6d.
Rink Tickets taken at the various entrances admit
into the Grounds free.,
Season Tickets can be obtained at the Offices of the
Holte Hotel, Aston, where any other infor-
mation will be furnished. .
run to Witton Station- London and North
cy
adjoining the Grounds; and Omni
buses run constantly.
H. G. QUILTER, Mensging Director.
, rA467

•
A BENEFICED CtERGYMAN can take
'A. Sunday Evening Duties _during the Winter
riolths.—Addreri, M.A.. Mr. Johnnons', High Street
Wordsley.

uPERioR :‘PARTMENTS TO LET, for
0 Gentlox:db.—Apply, Lquiel Villa, Higley Moat
atoarigidlic 2al-414:v

4
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

THE REMARRIAGE OF DIVORCED
PERSONS.

The chief business at the monthly council meeting
of the Church of England Working Men's Soolety on
Monday night was the consideration of the remarriage
of divorced persons in churches. Letters were read
from the two Archbishops and sixteen suffragan-
bishops. The Bishop of Chester states that in his
diocese no license was granted for the remarriage of
divorced persons. The Bishop of London's letter was
as follows :
Fulham ralaae, Nov. 22, 1878.

Sir,—l am not aware of any collective decision of the
bishops on the subject of marriage licences, which, in
fact, are not granted by the bishops but by the vicar-general;
but I have no doubt that most bishnps, if not all, have re-
quested that licences be wiihheld in the ease of divorced
persons so far as by law they may or can.—l am, Sir, your
obedient servant, J. LotinoN.-11x. C. Powell.
The Bishop of Winchester wrote as follows :
Sir,—My Impression is that no formal resolution on the
subject of the marriage of divorced persons was passed by
the bishops, but that the general sentiment was expressed
to the following effe.t :—The regular form of marriage is by
banns : a licence is a kind of indulgence or relaxation of
the law; and that in the case of divorced persons, or at all
events of the guilty parties, it was not desirable to give the
exceptional facilities of a licence, but to leave them to the
more regular and legal form of marriage by banns.—l am,
dear Sir, yours, E. 11. WINTON. Air. C. Powell.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Bishops
of Salisbury, Bath and Wells Carlisle, Rochester,
Manchester, Durham, Llandz:ff, St. David's, and
Norwich say that they know of no such general deci-
sion as has been reported. The Archbishop of Can-
terbury's secretary's exact words are that "His Grace
is not aware that such a resolution as your letter
alludes to has been formally adopted by the body of
the English bishops at any of their meetings. Each
bishop is entitled to exercise his own discretion as to
the orders he gives to his registrar." The Bishop of
St. Albans knows of no decision having been "as yet"
arrived at. " A Surrogate of the Diocese of Norwich"
writing on Saturday, says
December, 1878.

Sir,—With regard to the much debated question of the re-
marriage of divorced persons, it does not seem to be gene-
rally known that the surrogates of Norwich diocese re-
ceived an official request as long ago as October' 1876, not
to entertain applications for licenses from such persons.
—I am, Sir, yours faithfully, A SURROGATE.

Ultimately, after considerable discussion, the following
resolution was carried :—" That this Council do me-
morialize the Convocations of both Provinces to take
such measures as to them seem necessary to remove the
present grave scandal and immorality of the direct con-
flict that exists between the State, the Canon Law,
and the divine law as recorded in the Gospel."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

THE PRIZE ESSAY ON HYDROPHOBIA.

The £lOO prize offered by Mr. Stanford, M.P., is,
we understand (says Land and Water), to be open for
competition to foreigners as well as Englishmen, and
the Marquis of Salisbury has instructed the British
Minister at Washington to bring the subject to the
attention of the Department of State, that the
necessary publicity may be given to the same in the
United states, The essay must be delivered to the
Royal College of Physicians of London, who are
to adjudicate on or before January 1, 1880. It may
be• the joint proguction of two or more authors.
It is intimated that special attention should be directed
to the origin and history of outbreaks of rabies, par-
ticularly in the United Kingdom and its dependen-
cies; the best mode of prevention of rabies; the
characteristics of rabies during life, and the anatomical
and chemical changes which are associated with the
disease in its successive stages, particularly in its com-
mencement; the origin of hydrophobia in man; the
chemical and anatomical morbid changes observed in
the subjects of the disease, with special reference to those
having their seat in the organs of the nervous system
and in the salivary glands; the symptoms of the
disease, particularly in its early stages, as illustrated
in well.observed cases; the diagnosis of the disease in
doubtful cases, from conditions more or less resem-
bling it; the alleged prolonged latency of the malady;
the efficacy of the various remedies and modes of pre-
venting the disease which have been proposed, and
what plan of treatment, whether prophylactic or
curative, it would be most desirable to recommend for
future trial.

The annual Christmas sale of fat stock, the property
of her Majesty, took place at the Prince Consorts farm on
Wednesday. The re was a large attendance of buyers from
all parts ot the ventry. 740 sale incigded tie prime sli9rt.
here htuth3ks, swg, 120 liOge rotUts.
<`•—• - -A, .
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

CUTTINGS FROM AMERICAN PAPERS.'

"Dar are," said a sable order, addressinLd
his
brethern, "two roads tro die world. De one am a
and narrow road, dat leads to perdition, and de odor am a
narrow and broad road dat leads to sure dostrnotion."—" If
dat am de case," said a sable hearer, "die antlered individual
talcs to de wood."

Josh Billings says of society that his acquaintances
would till a cathedral, but that the pulpit would hold his
friends.

"You have a large floating population in this
village, haven't your' asked a stranger of one of the citizens
of a village on the Mississippi—" Well, yes, rather," was
the reply; "about half the year the water is up to the
second-story window."
An American paper says—We are indeed a happy.
elegant, moral, transcendent people. We have no masters,
they are all principals; no shopmen, they are all assistants;
no shops, they are all establishments; no servants, they
are all helps; no Jailers, they are all governors; nobody is
flogged in Bridewell, he merely receives the correction of
the house; nobody is ever unable to pay his debts, he is
only unable to meet his engagements; nobody is angry, he
is only excited; nobody is cross, he is only nervous; lastly,
nobody is inebriated, the very utmost you can assert is that
"he has taken his wine."

An American paper, in a sketch of a councillor, says
—"His handwriting can't be deciphered without the aidg
a pair of compasses and a quadrant. His autograph some-
what resembles the map of Ohio, and like a piece of crayon
sketching done in the dark with a three-pronged fork."
The editor of the Chicago Free Press writes :—" Ili
has arrived. It is a poem, and it begins, 'The glorious
Autumn draws apace.' Our stove-flue draws a poem admir-
ably."

A Danbury man who lectured in an adjoining town
said that many persons failed to get into the hall. It sub-
sequently transpired that they made no attempt to.
One reason why more people did not go into the Ark
is that Noah neglected to advertise in the daily papers,
There Is a good moral lesson oontained in this isot—saya a
New York paper.

- -
A romantic young lady, whose mind was deeply
imbued with reading The Sorrow of Wetter, and other
novels of the exquisitely sentimental school, approached a
stalwart savage, whose sombre visage indicated sufferings of
some kind and addressed him thus—" Why droops the eagle
eye of the forest chief? Is he brooding over the wrongs of
his race? Does the memory of the red warrior revert to the
past, when his proud ancestors roamed through the mighty
forests, and enjoyed the primeval glories of Nature, now so
sadly marred by the axe and plough of the unsympathising
rustic? The answer of the forest chief with the drooping
eagle eye was a little shocking to her refined setudbillty—
"so! White man gib Ingun too much whisks)... Ingnu
big drank last night? Ingun sick; by and by %gun well
again, and ready for some more.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

ACCIDENTS IN eoAL MINES.

In London, on Saturday night, at the Jewish Working
Men's Club and Institute, liutchison-street, Aldgate, a
lecture was delivered by Professor Ansted, F. 11.5., on the
subject of "Accidents in Coal Mines."

Professor Ansted, having dwelt upon the nature and
formation of coal, Applied himself to the exploration of
the special dangers with which the collier is surrounded
while in pursuit of his occupation. A great many of
the so-called "accidents" oocurring in mines, he con-
tended, might be prevented by proper supervision;
and there was no doubt that, in this respect, there
was a great improvement on the state of things
which existed some few years ago. It was, he ad-
mitted, utterly impossible to do away with all acci-
dents and calamities. Where a large number of men
were employed within a small area at the same time,
where there was elaborate machinery throughout a
great mine, often extending for 1,000 acres, and
worked in galleries extending, perhaps, for miles,
where frequently 500 or 600 men have to go up or
down the great shafts of the mine, and thus, during
their passage, preventing the free rush of fresh air
throughout the works, it was not to be wondered at
that accidents should occur. Then, besides, the shafts
were used for bringing up the coal. The whole of
these operations, Professor Ansted remarked, should
be carried on under the most unceasing vigilance
and the most constant care. The chains might break
or something else happen to the machinery; indeed,
very few days passed without something wrong oc-
curring in connection with the mechanical arrange-
ments; and it was well known to those acquainted
with the working of mines that a number of human
lives were annually lost in this way. Professor Ander-
son pointed to the fact as a cheering one, that although
the consumption of coal had enormously increased dur-
ing recent years, the number of accidents in coal mines
had by no means increased in proportion. He hoped,
In conclusion that the time would shortly arrive when,
putting the present method of lighting coal mines
aside, the electric light would be brought into requisi-
tion, and a boon conferred upon the poor miner by
giving him sufficient light while engaged at, and re.
moving the danger connected with, his avocation,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

THE WILL OF THE LATE BISHOP OF
ORLEANS.

Interesting details are given of the will of the late
Mgr. Dupanloop, Bishop of Orleans. The most import-
ant part of his succession consists in the copyright of his
works, several of which, particularly the volumes
which concern education, Christian marriage, and the
studies proper for women not devoted to the cloister,
have a considerable annual sale. He has bequeathed
that property to the great training school for priests
at Orleans, with a view to encourage the education of
the young ecclesiastics of his diocese.
Another portion of his estate, his library, is divided
into three parts, to he divided between the bishopric,
and the great and the little training schools for priests.
The books are numerous, and particularly the works
of history, philosophy, and controversy, but with no
attention to choice editions or handsome binding.
Most of those he read or consulted are covered with
marginal notes in pencil. Another valuable part of
his possessions is his papers, his various manuscripts,
especially a completed but unpublished work on the
education of girls, his notes and his voluminous corres-
pondence preserved integrally and carefully classified for
fifty years. The Bishop has left the whole of them to his
favourite Vicar General, the Abbe Lagrange, who was
his intimate fellow-labourer during twenty years, and
whom, while still living, he designated as his historian,
but with this reserve, that the Abbe should, first of all,
return the letters of all those who may ask for them,
then destroy the rest, after having extracted such
matter as might have a useful character.
The last leaf of the will contains what the prelate
called the legacy of the heart ; it is the distribution be-
tween those who had been his most intimate friends,
of the few objects which furnished his cabinet and his
simple chamber, that is to say, some religious pictures,
some preferred books, a few objects of art which had
been presented to him in the course of his long career,
the most remarkable of which is a Virgin, in ivory,
formerly belonging to Marie de Medicis.
Mdme. de MacMahon having expressed to the resi-
duary legatee, the Abbe Branchereau, superior of the
great training school, the desire to possess a souvenir
of the deceased Bishop, has received a silver inkstand
which stood on his table at Orleans, and the paper-
weight he ordinarily used.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

PHILANTHROPY AND LABOUR.

A meeting of the members of the society for orgoe
nising charitable relief and repressing mendicity took
place in London on Monday at the rooms of the
Society of Arts. The Hon. R. C. Grosvenor pre-
sided.

The meeting was called for the purpose of discussing,
Ist, whether it should fall within the province of
charitable institutions to provide employment for
persons able to work, but more or leas permanently
unsuccessful in finding work. 2nd, whether it is pos-
sible to provide work for this class without interfering
with the ordinary labour market.
Miss Simcox opened the diacussion, and pointed out
that when many labourers were seeking one employer
that the best got in and there was always a residuum.
It was how to deal with these; should the charitable
find them employment? She thought they should.
If work could be found it should be given instead of
money. They were not, of course, dealing with the
pauper, and the question was, could any organisation
be devised to support them. Was it possible to find
employment for these without interfering injuriously
with the ordinary labour market. The kind of organisa-
tion would have to be one which would not interfere
with the state of the labour market. The conclusion
come. to was to show them an entirely independent
opening, and work which they could do, or make for
them fresh work on which the unskilled labour on
their hands could be employed. She was herself in
favour of Mr. Ruskin's scheme of these people being
employed in sweeping crossings, or even the pavement.
With regard to the women they could be employed. in
looking after boarding schools for children of working
men whose wives were employed during the day.
Sir Charles Trevelyan said he save a decided no to
the proposals. Labour employed in supplying any real
want was always profitably employed. The labour
yards of their union were a sufficient test. In bad
times recourse was had to this test, but now it was
only the idlers of the worst class who used the labour
yards, and the guardians were abolishing them where
possible. So far as crossing sweeping was concerned,
he thought it was a great university of idleness. Re-
munerative industrial labours and charity could not be
maintained together. In Maryleboue the guardians
despatched a large number to Durham, and they all,
with one exception, returned. • -

The discussion was continued by Mr. Patterson
(who advised organisation) and Dr. Holt, and was
brought to a close in the usual manner.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

A CENTENARIAN.

Canon Beadon, rector of North Stoneham, near
Southampton, has just entered his 102nd year.
In noticing the above, the Echo remarks :—" Had Sir
George Cornewall Lewis been alive he would scarcely
have disputed the claim of the Rev. Frederick Beadon,
vicar of Stoneham, Hampshire, to centenarian honours.
He would have found in any clerical directory that
the rev, gentleman took his degree at Trinity College,
Oxford, in the year 1800, nearly 79 years ago. If Sir
George would not have believed the baptismal certifi-
cate he would surely have believed the University
record, and even going upon that the Vicar of North
Stoneham must be over a hundred years of age. The
year of his birth is given as 1777, twelve years before
the outbreak of the French Revolution. More than
seventy years ago Mr. Beadon was prebend in Comp-
ton Bishop, Wells Cathedral, and in 1811 he was ap-
pointed resident canon. In the same year he was
presented to the living of North Stoneham, where he
has remained ever since."

WEATHER FORECast..-The following cable message
has been received at the London office bf the Netb York
Herd :—" Disturbance, attended by snow and rain,
will probably reach British, Norwegian, affecting
French coasts about the 11th; heavy ca)ld afterwards
from south•weet to riorth.werst."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

A SINGULAR THEORY.

The Moscow Gazette, in a series of articles on the
financial position of Ramis, advocates the singular
theory that the late war has produced great advan-
tages for Russian industry and trade (says the Pall
Mall Gazette). "The thunder of war," it says, "has
dispersed the sultry and oppressive economical atmo-
sphere which had almost stifled our agriculture, our
industry, and our commerce. The industrial crisis
disappeared as if by magic. American competi-
tion ceased to be dangerous to our agriculturists,
who were enabled to dispose of their products
with advantage at prices which secured to them the
predominance in foreign markets. Our industry,
paralyzed by the crisis, revived with the home demand
for its productions; besides which, an increased ex-
portation took place to Persia and Central Asia. A
demand for labour arose in the factories and the fields,
and the result is already showing itself in the increase
of the revenue from the Excise. That our trade has
improved in consequence of and during the war
is shown by the official statistics. During and
since the war the exportation of corn has in-
creased by more than 25 per cent." There
are, proceeds the writer, but two real indispu-
table causes for this evident improvement in the
whole economical condition of Russia. "These
causes are—the depreciation in the rate of exchange,
and the issue in consequence of the war of a half.
milliard of new paper money. Our national econo-
mists are terrified at seeing that the exchange value
of the paper rouble on the St. Petersburg Bourse has
sunk from 86 to 60 kopeoks. Such a depreciation
would for England, with her immense foreign trade,
perhaps be a death-blow ; but Russia, not being depend-
ent on foreign countries for the requirements of life,
loses but little through the depreciation of her paper
currency, which has lost none of its purchasing value
as regards home goods. The low rate of exchange as
regards exported goods has a twofold result; prices
increase at home, to the advantage of the producer, and
they relatively fall abroad, thereby increasing the
demand. This also is to the advantage of the producer
—that is, of nearly the whole country."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

A GRAND PROJECT IF FEASIBLE.

The Globe remarks :—Few Londoners will hold that
Regent-street, the chief thoroughfare in the richest
quarter of the wealthiest city in the world, is what it
ouzht to be in all respects, and any scheme for its im-
provement therefore deserves consideration. There is
one now on foot, we understand, which at first sight
appears more of a dream than a practical project.
The promoters have it in their minds to cover the
whole street with a glass roof stretching above the eaves
of the houses on either side, thus affording complete pro-
tection from rain, while at the same time insuring good
ventilation. After dark the huge arcade would be illumi-
nated by electric sunlights placed at regular intervals
along the centre of the arch, thereby diffusing a more
pleasant and equal light than under ordinary circum-
stances. One of the greatest defects of Regent-street
at present is its macadam pavement, which, in wet
weather, produces seas of slush, and in dry clouds of
dust. This. also, would therefore be taken in hand for
improvement, the object sought being the substitution
of some form of pavement which shall be noiseless.
clean, safe for horses, and not so liable to fall out of
repair. With a view to render unnecessary the constant
breaking up of the street, which is such a nuisance
under present circumstances, the gas and water pipes
would be carried up to the roof, where they could be
repaired without difficulty. Such are the salient
features of the scheme; what it would cost to carry
out? A comparatively small sum, it is said, owing
to the cheapness of glass and iron, if this be
true, the residents might well •consider whether the
trading advantages accruing to them from render-
ing Regent-street the finest thoroughfare in Europe,
would not more than compensate for the increase
of rental. During such wet weather as London has
been experiencing lately, most shopkeepers in the
street must have experienced a notable diminution
in their receipts, while during dry times their goods
suffer great deterioration from duet. These evils
would be largely remedied by the proposed arrange-
ments, and it is safe to predict that a great many more
people would flock to Regent-street for shopping
purposes than under present circumstances. There
are many other advantages held out by the projectors,
but the above will suffice to give a notion of the
grandeur of their central idea. Almost too grand,
we fear, for the average British mind to soar to, and.
perhaps, rather too near akin to many vast projects
which were admirable in every respect except practi-
cability."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

OLD HILL.

CITARGE or ASSAULT—At the Police Court, on Wed-
nesday before Messrs. F. L. Smith and W. Bassano,
Moses Di in was charged with assaulting Mary Ann
Southall on the 7th just, Complainant said she worked
for the defendant and when she went for her money de-
fendant refused to pay the wages due and struck her
tivica on the face making her mouth bleed. Two wit,
nessse, Phcebe Wyld and Jane Smith gave carroborative
evidence. Two witnesses were called for the defence.
After hearing the evidence the Bench considered the case
proved and fined defendant 5s and coats.
DRUNK AND DISORDERLEY. Albert Johnson was
charged with being drunk and disorderly. Police.
constable Wickstead proved the case and defendant was
fined is and costs.
PROTECTION ORDER.-11r. Addison made an applica-
tion for a protection order on belied of Emma Hollyoak.
Complainant proved since November sth last. Her
husband had behaved with great cruolty, and on one oc-
casion knocked her teeth out. She was in a pa,ition
to keep herself. When he left her he sold up the
oods and left her penniless. Order granted.
INclukaT.—An inquest was held at the George and
Dragon Inn, Blackheath,
touching the death-of Adeline Westwood,
heath, on Thursday, before Edward
from child birth. From the evidence given it
wilhooopdeire,d,
appeared that she had been attended by a person named
Lucy Adams. Alter hearing the evidence the jury re-
' tithed verdict of "Died from natural causes." •
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE
ORDER OF ST. GEORGE.

A Reuter's telegram from St. Petersburg, under date Dec.
10, says :
- --

At the celebration of the 109th anniversary of the
formation of the Order of Saint George a grand enter-
tainment was given in the great hall of the castle,
which was profusely decorated for the occasion. About
4,000 knights of the Order were present. At one p.m.
the Emperor entered the hall and saluted the assem-
bled Grand Dukes and Generals. Then, approaching
the table, His Majesty drank to "the possessors of
this glorious order." The Grand Duke, Commander of
the Order, called for a cheer for the Emperor, which
was given with great enthusiasm, and followed by the
National Anthem. The Emperor then proposed the
health of the Czarewitch.

At half-past five a dinner was given at the Winter
Palace, to which all the Knights of the higher classes
of the Order were invited. The first toast proposed
by the Emperor Alexander was "The welfare of the
German Emperor," whom he alluded to as the oldest
member of the Order of St. George and the friend of
the Russian Army, who best knew its heroic courage.
This toast was received with loud applause, and the
Prussian Anthem was played. The second toast was
"The Knights of St. George," and His Majesty in
proposing it said :—" Our young army during the last
campaign showed itself worthy of the heroic traditions
of the old army of Russia."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

AND OTHER

FANCY TOBACCOS,

AT THE

OLD ESTABLISHED
S. FIELD,
92, HIGH STREET, STOUBBRIDGE.

SHOP

4fiaimits7-0.77-.
11*

OW,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

THE FORTIFICATION ACTS.

A Parliamentary return issued on Monday of the
moneys raised and expended under the Fortification
Acts shows that the total amount raised from 1860-61
to 1877-78 was £7,425,000. The total amount autho-
rised to be raised was £7,460,000; so that the amount
remaining to be raised is £35,000. The expenditure
actually recorded to the 31st of March, 1878, was
£7,367,241 18s. 3d., and the balance of expenditure of
the financial year 1877-78, not brought to charge on
the 31st of March, 1878, is estimated at £5,000,
making a total of £7,372,241 18s. 3d.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

GOING TO THE FAR WEST.

The stream of immigration westward in the United
States which has lately set in is by all accounts con-
stantly gathering strength. Vast multitudes of men
and women are making homes in the far West. A
correspondent of the Chicago Advance writes that
during a residence of twenty years in Kansas he has
never seen anything to compare with the rush of new-
comers. Long trains crowded with immigrants pass
every day carrying unceasing numbers to the "empty
continent," where they hope to find, if not prosperity,
at least means of sustenance. The immigrants are
mostly people of the better class—farmers, meehanies,
and the superior grade of labourers. They are
people who have been "well-to-do," but who have
suffered in the revnlsions of the past, and come
West to begin again. Thousands of these from
all parts of the country, who have been accustomed to
comforts and luxuries and refined surroundings, are
going to the woods of Michigan and out on to the
Western prairies. Many of them will be disappointed,
and return from whence they came; but the great
mass come to stay, and will become founders of new
homes. There are many reasons for this lucre ,sed
flow westward. One is the financial disasters
which have thrown large numbers out of employ.
Another is the increased facilities of travel af-
forded by the railroads. Emigrating to the
West is no longer a dreary Pilgrima'g of weeks;
an easy railroad journey of a few days sets the
e
immigrant down at his destination. Moreover, he no
longer waits half a generation before neighbours thicken
around him; for the process of settlement is so rapid
that a nation is born in a day., and schools and chßrchei
and other ;Agit-Wens of cirAttion girlip. at 0.a.9a,
The railroidi, iota, in t= dwa au, arm

scattered papers, handbooks, au/ maps, setting forth
the attractions and capacities of there western lands
as no bureau of immigration could ever do; and last,
but not least, farming has never been more prosperous
in the United States than during these years of general
disabber,—Pail Mall Gazette.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

ON MONDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 30th, 1878
By the above Society.
vue.:

I =l4igila a

Principal Artistes :
Soprano
MRS. PARKER.
Contralto
111ISS. POOLE.

Tenor,
MR. YOUNG.
Bass,
MR. ?LIMON,

And a BAND and CHORUS of upwards of SETENTY
PERFORMERS.

Conductor

.. MR. S. SIMMS.
....................c

Prices of Admission Reserved seats, 9s 64; (Family
Ticket for Four, 8..) ; Second Seats. la ; Third Seats Id
A Plan of the reserved seats may be seen at Messrs.
Mark and Moody's and Tickets may be lad of say
Members of the Committee.
Doors open as 7, to Commence at 7. Se,
Carriages may be ordered for 10.90.
The Room will be Specially ITarmid on Ms masted •

VICTORIA ipLL AND It INX

STOURBRIDGE.

A REVISED SCALE of PRICES for SEASON
TICKETS and COUPON BOOKS for the present
Season is now in Operation.

Particulars at the Rink and Newspaper Oißoes.

These Tickets give admission at all ordinary times
and to all Entertaiumen to when Skating is per-
mitted.

BAND IN ATTENDANCE.
H. J. HAINGE.
Proprietor.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

THE WRECK OF THE PRINCESS ALICE.

The last official act in connection with the Thames
disaster was performed on Saturday, when the formal
registration of the deaths in the public records was
carried out, under the direction of the Registrar-
General. There was a conflict of jurisdictions in
reference to this duty. The presumption was that,
as the collision occurred and the wreck sunk on
the south side of mid-channel, the deaths took place
in the parish of Plumstead ; but, as this could be
proved conclusively only as regarded a portion of
the number, there was a disposition on the part of the
authorities to have the whole registered in the Wool-
wich Arsenal district. In this difficulty it was resolved
to share the duty equally between the three districts,
and consequently the coroner's certificates have been
distributed-in alaphabetical order as follows: Ato F
to Mr. Vincent, registrar for East Plumstead district;
G to P to the Rev. T. Tuffieln, registrar for Woolwich
Arsenal district; and Q to Z to Mr. Moody, registrar
for Woolwich Dockyard district. The deaths thus
enumerated reach a total of 528, and the inquests held
in other places, together with the deaths of persons
after being rescued from the water, makes the known
aggregate loss, as nearly as can be aseertained, 600
persons. Besides these the coroner reckons that there
are eighty bodies still missing.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

MEERSCHAUM PIPES,

CIGAR

HOLDERS,

A. CERTAIN CURE FOR NERVOUS DEBILITY

GRATIS, a MEDICAL WORK, showing
sufferers how they may be cured and recover
Health and Vitality, without the aid of Quacks, with
Recipes for purifying the Blood and reruoviEg Skin
Affections. Free on receipt of stkrap to repay postage
Address Secretary, Instants of &stomp, liirminksre

itratw 4wvis 044:441 13,141,11)104g:it

rmut

:40 1h3404t4
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

• _
SATURDAY, Dt" int ~14. 8,11 5
..,
4 " ri,o-

DEATH OF THE INJURED MAN.

CHARGE OF "WILFUL MURDER."
At twenty minutes to four o'clock on Thursday
afternoon Meredith expired at the Guest Hospital.
The announoement of his death g ive intensity to the
excitement which has been manifested in Dudley
and the district since the committal of the deed.
The serious character of the crime is now intensified,
and Whiston, who was remanded on "Wednesday on
the charge of highway robbery, will have to undergo
examination upon that ot wilful murder. On Thurs-
day evening Mr. Chief Superintendent Burton
conveyed to Enoch Whiston the news of the death
of his victim. The wretched man was removed from
his cell, and brought into the adjoining police office.
Mr. Burton then said, "I have painful news for
you, The young man Meredith is dead." Whiston
seemed deeply impressed. He was then taken into
the charge room, and the Chief. Superintendent said :
—When first I charged you it was with attempting to
murder Alfred Meredith. Since that time he his
died; I now charge yon with "Wilful murder" by
shooting him with a pistol loaded with powder and slug
the charge against you." The look of Whiston was
that of the wildest terror, but he made no reply.
He was again taken to his cell. In a minute after-
wards he shou ed, "Oh, Mr. Burton, I lvish you
would bring me out before the fire. Since you told
me that I feel so awful cold."
The wish was complied with, and upon sitting
down he burst into tears. Turning afterwards to
Mr. Burton he asked, in a trembling voice, if it was
indeed true that the young, man was dead.
The Chief replied : " I am sorry to repeat that
Mr. Meredith is dead. Unless that were so I could
not have charged you with wilful murder.''
In answer to an inquiry if his friends had been to
see him he said "No, but I wish indeed they had."
Prisoner (who has confessed his crime) will be
proved to have been in wait for the deceased, and to
have been seen at various points in the track of the
unfortunate young man. He watched for his victim
at the Junction Inn, Queen's Cross, a house from
which all persons could be been coming from the
direction of the Dudley and Birmingham and
District Bank. Upon Mr. Meredith pissing prisoner
was seen to follow. In the most lonely spot on the
way to Mesrrs. Hill and Smith's he shot the young
man, and was immediately afterwards observed
running away with the stolen bag of money.
. ar4,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

FARMERS' and IRONMASTERS' RENTS.

"In Ayrshire Barmer " writes to the &Osman I
I noticed an earnest appeal is being made just now
to landlords to reduce the rents of their minerals. I
would like to say something about this. I do not
doubt that in the interest of the iron trade such is
needed at present, but I venture to say that a reduo-
tion is as necessary and more required by the tenants
of the land. We have been and are a hard working
race generation after generation, and yet we are
not better off—in many oases we are worse off—
than our fathers and grandfathers of 35 and 65
years ago. Such is not the case with the iron
and coalmasters. Many of them—l might say the
most of them—who are now rich and great have risen
from the same position as our fathers and grandfathers
occupied. Our grandfathers leased the land of the
laird, and we are no better off than they were. The
iron and coal masters' grandfathers leased the minerals,
and their descendants have thereby risen to rank and
fortune. Let me tell you something of the life of a
farmer. I have a wife, a daughter, and two sons,
all engaged on the farm. We are up at four or five
in the morning, sometimes at three in summer,
and the toil of the day never ceases till bed time
arrives. No fifty-one or fifty-four hours a week for
us—no rich viands nor wines; and yet with all our
labour it is difficult to make ends meet. We have had a
succession of bad seasons, creating loss. Our last season
was pretty fair, but prices of grain and cheese have
fallen, and after making up previous losses there is no
margin over. In fact, we are no better off than
labourers ou.a farm. My sons could make as much
or more as ploughmen, and my daughter as a dairy-
maid; but we have the spirit of independence, and
the desire to keep the family together, and so we
struggle on. Mr. Editor, farmers have a hard time of
it. They work very hard, and yet are not better than
from hand to month. Do you not think that if land-
lords are to give concessions to their mineral tenants,
some concessions should be made also to the tenants
of the land who have laboured year after year, in many
cases generation after generation, and yet have not
been able to better their condition?
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

EMIGRATION FROM LIVERPOOL.

According to the returns of emigration just issued
at Liverpool, it appears that during the month of
November 3,888 emigrants left the Mersey for foreign
ports, as under :-1,685 English, 26 Scotch, 289 Irish,
and 1,145 foreigners, for the United States; 337
English, 1 Scotch, 2 Irish, 41 foreigners, and 5 not dis-
tinguished, for British North America; 42 English,
3 Scotch, and 15 Irish to Australia; 14 English, 2
Scotch, 47 Irish, 5 foreigners, and 24 not distinguished,
for South America; 131 for the East Indies, 14 for the
West Indies, 10 for China, and 50 for the West Coast
of Africa. The figures for October last were 7,804, and
for November, 1877, 3,041; so that a comparison shows
that the returns for last month were 3,916 under those
of the preceding month, and 847 over the correspond-
ing period of last year. The Marquis of Lorne and the
Princess Louise are included in the above figures.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

g, From Viceroy, Dec. 8, 1878.

. -
"Roberts reports column marched 6th to Alikhel, leaving
wing of Bth and three guns in Kotal, with 29th Native
Infantry in support in valley below. Irisoners state
A.meer's intention had been to press on troops from Cabul
and Khushi, and make night attack on camp; troops re-
ported on Shutar-gardan, but does not anticipate another
stand being made at present, all guns and supplies having
been captured. Large quantities of ammunition, rice, and
grain stored by Ameer for wintering of large force in Hariab
being brought in from surrounding villages, some carried off
by Jajis, but hopes to secure several thousand maunds.

"Arrangements being made for hutting part of force on
Peiwar Kotal. Cold, but timber plentiful and commanding
position.

-
"Maude reports all quiet in Khyber, convoys passing Un-
molested."

"From Viceroy, Dec. 9, 1878.

"All quiet in Khyber. Mir Akhor having escaped, troops
sent after him' reported to have fled to higher parts of Sufed
Koh. Native troops in Khyber rather sickly; British troops
healthy. Biddulph returned to Haikulzai after reconnaissance
of a week; will occupy Khojeck Pass. Stewart arrived at
Quetta. His division in Bolan Pass. Roberts at Ali Khel 6th ;
Rokeiwar 7th; proceeds with reconnoitring party towards
Shutargurdan. Wet season late, but cold severe. .Tagis
quiet and respectful. Report of Ameer's flight not con-
firmed. Ghilzal's report that Ameer sent Wall filahomed to
take command at Peiwar, and raise Ghllzais, but he was
stopped by fugitives from Peiwar."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

FOOTBALL.

DUDLEY V. BURTol4.—Played at Dudley on Satur-
day last, and resulted in a draw, both sides scoring
one try. Dudley had to play a man short, as the
captain was late, and no sooner had he arrived than
Wilden met with rather a serious accident, and had
to retire from the field. The running of F. W.
Fellowes and H. Evershed for the visitors was exceed-
ingly good, the latter making three splendid runs.
They outpaced all the Dudley team with the excep
tion of Skidmore, who alone could compete with
them. All the Dudley forwards played well; and
the collaring of J. Mason and L. Mason was very
good. Skidmore obtained the try for Dudley, and
bis play throughout was of the greatest assistance to
his side. Teams —Dudley :J. Mason (captain) and
E. J. Thompson, backs : L. Mason and Skidmore,
half-backs : Russell and Goodwin, quarter-backs;
W. H Bagott, E B, Bagott, Cramer, Dawes,
Cropporr, Weldon, Lukis lzon, and Williams, for-
wards. Burton E A. Jennings and C. F. E Skil-
ton, backs; F. Jennings (captain) and J. Eadie,
three-quarter backs ; Fellows and Evershed, half-
backs ; P. Evershed, C. Mathews, Bradewell, Day
A. Jenning,, Grant, Kowdon, Hunt, and Thompson
forwards.
HAGLEY V STOURI3RIDGE.--Thls match WAS played
on Saturday last, at Wollaston and resulted in a
victory for Hagley, as may be seen-from the account
below. Hagley kicked off and sooll began to work
together' taking the ball straight to their opponents
goal; Law, by some fine play send ng the ball
between the posts obtaining the first goal. On the
ball being kicked off again, Hagley through some
good dribbling took the ball towards the Stourbridge
goal, obtained a corner kick,off which Law succeeded
in scoring the second goal for Hagley. After half-
tins there was some vigorous play shown? Law
shortly before time obtaining another goal. The
match ended in 3 goals for Hagley to Stout bridge
nil. Players, Hagley: N. Smith, T. Smith, Jackson
Law, Wyatt & Higgs forwards; Bate & Barnard
half backs; W. Bache & Taylor backs, T. W. Wool-
dridge, Captain, goal.
SMALL HEATH V. STOURBRIDGE.—PIayed at
Small Heath on Saturday, and ended slightly in
favour of Stourbridge by two touches-down to nit.
Umpires, Messrs. Bird and Lowder. Teams
Stourbridge: Boardman, Davis, T. Clulee, Poulton,
Otter, Perry, Smart, A. Jones, Rogers, forwards ;
Trotter, Peen, half-backs ; Clulee, captain ; G.
Jones, Aston, threequarter basks; Steele, back.—
Small Heath: Swayne, F. Reeve, Dancer, Bushell,
Baker, Parkinson, Turner, Whitehouse. Davenport
Grantham, forwards; Aston, Gilmour' half-backs
R. Williamson, J. T. Chanoller (captain), three
quarter-baoka ; Munro, back.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-12-14

14-IAUIVIERS not wishing to dispose of their
12 crops at the present low rate of prices can obtain
cash advances from £lO to £lOOO by applying to T.
BANNINGTON, First Floor, 20, Cannon Street., Birc-
mingham. Money also advanced to respectable Houses
holders, Cab Proprietors, Cow Keepers, Professional
Gentlemen and others, without any loan office routine,
apply as above.

MR.
GEORGE JOHNSON, 30, Colmore Row, Bir.
minghai, is prepared to make immediate CASH
ADVANCES upon every description of S4f"trity.

,ipt,4),11,11:(q1
41-okAti