The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-07-20 00:00:00

our fonlion Corrtsponlnut.

a great deal of trouble four or five years ago, and who
at last had to receive chastisement at the hands of

an expeditionary force—King Coffee Calcalli, who
glories in the description of the "Lord of the
Twenty-Four Umbrellas." Yet another African
monarch the King of Dahomey —is even now
worrying our Government and refuses to fulfil
the engagement into which he had entered. But
neither of these was educated in England—an advan-
tage which, possessed by King George of Bonny,
gives him an immense intellectual superiority over
the rude barbarians who reign in other parts of what
has been truly enough described by Mr. Stanley as
the Dark Continent.

The members of the Royal family of England seem
ever ready to advance the cause of practical usefulness
or of charitable benevolence. At this time of day all
classes recognise the value of such institutions as the
Royal Agricultural Society, which last week held
its annual meeting at Bristol. By selecting a
fresh centre of industry every year, it not only
awakens an interest in agricultural pursuits on
the part of the populations of great towns, but
elevates the cultivation of the soil into a science,
and makes it known in every seat of industrial enter-
prise which it visits. One year it holds its exhibition
on the banks of the Tyne, then on those of the
Mersey; anon it is in the busy hives of the Midlands,
and its latest show has been held at Bristol, where the
presence of the Prince of Wales attracted an enormous
attendance. A day or two before the Heir to the
Throne had thus assisted in the development of an
essential part of our national life, his younger brother,
the Duke of Connaught, had presided at a banquet
at the Alexandra Palace in connection with the
Royal Masonic Institution for Boys, at which
subscriptions were announced amounting to the
munificent sum of £lO,OOO. It is only fair to
assume that the total would not have been so much if
the Queen's son had not taken the chair. Then, in
the same week, we had the Princess Mary distributing
prizes to the deserving ones in the Cottage Homes which
she has founded for the encouragement of a class which
BO much needs it. Princess Christian and Princess
Louise often enough lend their presence to the ad-
vancement of good works which have for their object
the amelioration of the condition of the poor, and for
their aim the lessening of human ills.

place

THE RETURN OF THE BRITISH
PLENIPOTENTIARIES.

The London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Cora-
pany's twin steamship the Calais Douvres, Captain
Pittock, left Calais on Tuesday morning with the Earl
of Beaconsfield and the Marquis of Salisbury at 1,
and arrived at Dover at 2.37 p.m., accomplishing the
voyage across in one hour aud37 minutes. Immediately
the boat stopped at the Admiralty Pier the members of
the Corporation stepped on board, and the Mayor, Mr,
P. Court, read an address, which, without expressing
unmixed satisfaction at the course which the Cabinet
had adopted in reference to the Eastern Question, yet
acknowledged the great genius and fine qualities of the
Premier, and congratulated him upon his safe arrival,
after securing the peace of Europe. Addresses were
also presented from the Dover Constitutional Associa-
tion, and read by Mr. R. Mowll, the chairman, and
from the Canterbury Association, read by Captain
Lambert, the chairman, and Mayor of Canterbury,
and his lordship only gave formal replies, after which
he and the rest stepped ashore, and immense and en-
thusiastic crowds welcomed his lordship along the
pier, where the train was waiting to convey the party
to London.—The following account of the reception in
London of the Earl of Beaconsfield and the Marquis of
Salisbury is taken from Tuesday's Evening Standard,
"After an absence of one month, the Earl of Beaconsfield
and the Marquis of Salisbury returned to London to-day,
from the Congress at Berlin, which completed its labours on
Saturday. Seldom in the history of the world have such
stupendous issues been arranged within so comparatively
brief a period ; and seldom, too, has it been the fate of
statesmen to carry home with them such solid triumphs and
assurances for peace as those which the work of our Pleni-
potentiaries have won. The wonder should be the other way
therefore, if the public were not roused to a state of ex-
citement and enthusiasm on such an occasion as that of to-day
and if they did not flock in their thousands to obtain a sight
of the self-made man, to whose courage and genius
these great achievements are due. Outside the station at
which the eminent statesmen were to arrive, there were no
formal preparations for a public reception. The short route
from Charing-cross to Downing-street was not fluttering
with banners nor clothed with coloured cloths, as on the
occasion of a State ceremony: but the pathways were
crowded with an eagerly expectant crowd, and the windows
filled with faces, for the most part ladies, anxious to give
Lord Beaconsfield—for he it was, undoubtedly, who
usurped the general attention—that most welcome of all
welcomes which springs spontaneous from the heart. As
the hour approached for the arrival of the well-
watched for train from Dover, Trafalgar-square and the
streets in the vicinity of Charing-cross became all
but impassable. There was a crowd incomparable
since the summer day, now five years past and gone, when the
Shah of Persia made public entry into this metropolis. But
far removed were the motives which called together either
mighty gathering. In the former case the feeling was one
of sheer curiosity and the desire to behold aState pageant ;but
to-day's multitude was inspired by an admiration for, and
gratitude, to the statesman who had without the cost
'sid horrors of war, restored to his country her legitimate
,iace as chief amongst the nations. Dense as the crowd was
it was like the great majority of London crowds, good-
tempered, and easily, when gently controlled. Of course
there was mixed up with it, here and there, that 'rough'
element from which it is never wholly free, but this evil in-
fluence was successfully counterbalanced by the presence of
nearly a thousand police and their officers in what may be called
field-day costume of full dress, under the immediate direc-
tion of Sir Edmund Henderson, the Chief Commissioner,
Superintendent uernon of the A Division, and Chief In-
spector Harris, of Scotland-yard. Along the short route,
wnich was kept by mounted as well as foot cos stables, were
stationed large numbers of various Conservative Associa-
tions, including those of the City, Westminster, Tower
Hamiets, Finsbury, Marylebone, Chelsea, Lambeth, South-
wark, Hackney, Greenwich, Middlesex County, East, West, and
Mid-Surrey, besides delegates from the Conservative societies
of Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Notting-
ham, Windsor, Aylesbury, Colcheater, Gravesend, Guild-
ford, and many other important towns and boroughs.
The crowds began to assemble in earnest about three o'clock,
and from that hour until the arrival of the Premier they
kept constantly swelling. Notwithstanding a light breeze,
the heat was something more than pleasant, and it was a
relief now and then even to be able to catch a glimpse of the
cool fountains playing, as it seemed, over the lions in
Trafalgar-square. The vehicular traffic was not stopped
until what might be called the last moment, and then for less
than half an hour; and even during this time every facility
was given for the passage of members of both Houses of Par-
liament to and from Westminster.
"The Charing-cross Railway Station, or rather a portion of
It, presented a highly ornamental appearance. Venetian
masts, to the top of which flags were run up by halyards,
sentinelled the two western gateways, the space here being
boarded off for the occasion. Both inside and out were
trophies of flags representing the nations assembled at the
Congress, and supported by a shield bearing the English
arms. Inside the station, on the left of the arrival platform,
were erected a number of scarlet-covered seats capable of
accommodating comfortably about 300, but which it would
appear were laid under much heavier obligations. On
both sides of the platform were double rows of flags and
banners, that floated lazily on the occasional waves
of air ; but the scene was made resplendent by the
floral contributions from the nurseries of Mr. John Wills, of
South Kensington. There was a splendid floral picture
made up of immense dracenas, gigantic Seaforthias, fern-
leaved palms, and other exotic plants overarching the plat-
form, the sides of which were bright and fragrant with un-
dulating bants of flowering plants, framed and fringed by
foreign grasses and rare mosses. The pillars of the lamps
were swathed with ropes of roses, the ends of which fell
as fragrant tassels from the globes, whilst the bases were
encircled by green lycopodium, covered with thousands of
cut roses.
"Fully an hour before the time advertised for the arrival of
the special train, the privileged guests began to arrive
within the barriers of the station. Amongst the most distin-
guished arrivals were to be recognized Sir Stafford and Lady
Northcote, Lord and Lady John Manners, the Duke and
Duchess of Northumberland, the Duke of Sutherland, Lord
Etch°, the Duke of Wellington, Lord Aberoorn, Sir R.
Gladstone, the Earl and Countess of Jersey, Mr. Graham,
M.P., Lord Hampton, Sir J. M'Garel Hogg, M.P.,
chairman of the Bard of Works, the Marquis of Hert-
ford, Lord Eustace Cecil, Mr. Henry Chaplin, M.P.,
Mr. Ritchie, M.P., Sir Charles Russell, Lord Henry
Lennox, the Marquis of Abergavenny, Lord Harlech, Sir
Moses Montefiore, Sir John and Lady Holler, Sir G. Elliott,
Dr. W. H. Russell, B ,ron Henry de Worms, Mr. Ouslow,
M.P., Lord Skelmersdale, Mr. G. S. Hardy, Mr. E. Stauhope,
M.P., Lord Napier of Magdala, the Duke of Abercoru,
Baroness Burdett Coutts, the Lady Mayoress, the Lord
Mayor and Sheriffs in civic robes, the Duke of Beaufort,
Lord Alliugton, Sir Geo. Bowyer, M.P., Sir IL Drummond
Wolff, M.P., Lord Faversham, Mr. Tom Collins, and Mr.
Talbot.
"At the hour appointed, and to the minute, the special
train, under the charge of Sir Edward Watkin, ALP., Chair-
man of the South-Eastern Railway Company, and Mr. John
Shaw, the general manager, steamed into the Charing-Cross
Station, and before any sight could be caught of the occu-
pants, a cheer arose that made the whole space ring agaiut
On the train coming to a stand, Lord Henry Lennox ap-
proached the saloon carriage, and was the first to
receive the Premier, who, wearing a grey overcoat,
stepped on to the carpeted platform and leant upon
the arm of his private secretary, Mr. Montague
Corry. liis lordship, who looked in good health,
although perhaps a little fatigued, after being received
and heartily greeted by many members of the aristocracy
and the Lord Mayor, entered his carriage and took nis seat
beside Lady Stafford Northcote, opposite to whom were
seated the Marquis of Salisbury and the Marchioness of
Abergavenny. As the carriage drove out of the station a
great cheer of welcome followed It; and evidently the
enthusiasm became contagious, for the immense concourse
outside caught up the sound, and the effect upon Lord
Beaconsfield, notwithstanding his long life of excitement,
must have been touching, as ten thousand throats made
thunder along the line from Charing-cross to Downing.
street.
"On emerging from the station a dense mass of people, with
difficulty kept in position by a strong force of police, com-
menced a perfect hurricane of cheers, which lasted all the
way to Downing-street, a shower of bouquets being thrown
at the carriage from the windows of all the houses till
Charing-cross was reached. Every window was filled with
ladies, and he whole front of the Admiralty was occupied
by a crowd of noblemen and gentlemen, who were in wait-
ing at the door of the venerable official residence of the
nobleearl, several of whom he warmly greeted. The crowd
seemed to follow up the carriage, and the narrow street was
soon filled with a dense mass of people, who continued cheer-
ing and calling for Lord Beaconsfield, until at last the noble
earl made his appearance at a window, and silence being
with difficulty restored, he said—
" ' I assure you that no recognition of our neighbours could
be more grateful to my feelings than this expression of
the sentiments of those,amongst whom I see many of my oldest
and most cherished friends. Lord Salisbury and myself have
brought you back peace (loud cheers), but a peace I hope
with honour, and such a peace as will satisfy oar Sovereign
and gratify our country. (Cheers). I can say no
more than express my gratitude and pride for the sym-
pathy you have shown us at this trying moment.'"
The Times, in their account, says —"The Premier, though
evidently still suffering from bronchitis, was very distinctly
heard. His speech was followed by loud cheering, caught
up by the crowd outside Downing-street and prolonged for
many minutes in a confused and distant roar. Cheers were
given for the Queen the thought of whom had been aptly
brought into the minds of the crowd by the Prime Minister.
Then cries were raised for Lord Salisbury, and the Foreign
Secretary came to the front at a window of the Chancellor
of the Exchequer's residence and spoke, but his first sentence
was drowned in cheers, and he had to commence his speech
a second time.
"Lord Salisbury said,—' I thank you heartily, and I gather
from this great assemblage that you will always support a
Government which supports the honour of England.' (Ap-
plause.)
"The cheers for Lord Salisbury, with which these few words
were received, were followed by the singing of 'Rule
Britannia.' Lord Salisbury appeared a second time at the
window, at which Lady Ashburton, Lady Salisbury, and
others, were also remarked. His Lordship said,—
" ' You may depend upon it, the Government will never
forget the encouragement you have given them to perse-
vere in a policy which is befitting to England.'
"No other speeches were made, but it was long before the
crowd dispersed or its excitement was allayed. A lady
drove up and presented her card and a bouquet to the Pre-
mier. The Princess Mary Adelaide and the Duke of Teck
arrived in their carriage and made a briel call upon Lord
Beaconsfield. The Austrian Ambassador (Count Beust)
was among the first to offer his congratulations, sending
them by letter to the Prime Minister. At five minutes past six
Lord Cranbrook and the Lord Chancellor passed up Downinc-
street 011 font to call upon their chief, and by this time tile
crowd had thinned."

A lone list might be made of the humours of the crowd (says
the DaCy Ter;.graph). One of them seems worth preserving.
.1 patriotic spectator had seated himself between the ears of
one of the lions at the foot of Nelson's column, when he was
informed by a constable on duty that "it was not permitted,
and that he must come down.' "(ain't coming down from
the DritiAli lion on a day like this "said the man, amid the
cheers of those around him, and ha was left undizturlxd.

The return of Lord Beaconsfield was celebrated in many
localities beyond the metropolis (says the Daily Tel,jrari..).
At Wolverhampton a band paraded the streets, the bells
were rung, and several thousands of persons assembled in
the marl:et square to witness a grand display of fireworks.—
lhe bells were also rung merrily at Cambridge, and much
gunpowder was burned In honour of the occasion.—
At Lewes the safe arrival of the Premier in London
was announced to the inhabitants at six o'clock with
a flourish of trumpets on the County Hall steps by the
scarlet-coated buglers who perform a similar duty on the
arrival and departure of the judges at the assizes from
that building. To the White Hart opposite was sus-
pended a huge flag bearing the word "Peace" surmounted
by a crown. Outside the Conservative Committee Rooms
was the word "Beaconsfield" on a blue ground, illumi-
nated later on by a large gas star, and two crowns.
"Old Gabriel," the large town bell, which is only used on
State occasions, pealed forth its sonorous tone:., while the
bells in Southover Church were also rung. There was a
liberal display of bunting throughout the locality, and at
9 :10 p.m. a torchlight procession, for which 1,50 C torches
were given out, paraded the streets, headed by the town
I band.

At Banbury the other night, a deserter in custody
of an escort jumped out of a train on the Great Western
Railway and escaped. - -
•

-
The Prince of Wales has caused a letter to be sent
to the officials of the Royal Agricultural Society, thanking
them for the excellent arrangements made for his reception
at the Bristol Show-yard on Friday, for the privacy and com-
fort he enjoyed at the luncheon there, and for the admirable
manner in which he was shown so much that was interesting
In the limited time at his disposal. His Royal Highness was
also much gratified at the loyal ad enthusiastic reception
he met with in the city of Bristol, along the route, and in
the show-yard. The Show was brought to a close on Monday
night. The attendance, being a shilling day, was 303012
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