biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-08-24

A WATERSPOUT IN SCOTLAND.

A correspondent of the Scotsman writes :—" What
would be called a waterspout at sea—one of those
singular atmospheric phenomena so rarely seen in this
coutitry—was witnessed on Saturday. When the
10.50 a.m. railway train to Bathgate was approaching
the Cogar station, a singular whirling motion of
.the
growing wheat over it space of about twenty of thirty
feet was observed in a field about 200 yards south of
the railway line. This whirling motion re-
sembled the appearance of those dust whirls
which are sometimes observed in hot weather; these,
however, advance. This was confined to about the
same spot, apparently travelling little. As the grain
twisted round, what in the distance seemed dust or
steam rose from the grain, also circling round, rising
at the same time to the height of twenty feet, when it
narrowed considerably, and entered what seemed an
opaque pipe or tube of cloud, which extended
up in a slightly bending manner to the zenith,
where overhead it spread out a to a besom-
shaped funnel of cloud. This continued very dis-
tinct for several minutes, changing, however, as a sharp
wind arose out of the north-west' which beat a heavy
shower of rain on the northern side of the railway
carriage windows. Thunder had been heard in the
distance, and large electric clouds bounded the
horizon all around. To all appearance this most
singular eight owed its existence to some electric
disturbance and not to currents of wind meeting,
though currents of wind must have been produced
by the electric state of the atmosphere to create
the whirling of the grain, the carrying up of
the steam and dust, and the formation of the
long pipe of cloud reaching to such a lofty height in
the sky. The height when the pipe spread out could
not be less than six or seven hundred feet high, per-
haps more, as it was seen a mile and half. away at
such an angle as would indicate a greater height than
even that. Such a phenomenon I have seen at sea..,
but though much in the open air in this country, it
was never my fortune to see on land such a rare
occurrence."

WHELTA—BT.,IIIO7LLEhEFAerDnom}B;hoIIei:Li:j7L;;;cCioBnOutMeLBL.EinS„ IN.
Ben rode away, alert and gay;
The outlook seemed most fair;
I heard the Jingos' hoarse hooray
Rise on the Summer air.
"Friend JoHN," he cried, "keep up your pride.
I'm off to far Berlin !"
I joined the shout; but feel some doubt,
As the Bill comes lengthening in.
Fresh claims I see, they crowd on me,
Like flocks of hungry birds.
My heart sinks low, cooled down from glow
Of BEACONSFIELD'S big words.
"Oh, BEN," I sigh, "canst tell me why
I'm bled of all this tin ?"
"The 'why' you'll know, and the '.wherefore,' too,
By the time the Bill comes in."
BEN winks so sly, while piling high
New burdens on my back,
With that fine smile of winning guile
Of which he has the knack,
I scarce dare groan, so bland his tone,
Yet midst the Jingos' din,
I feel each cheer will have cost me dear—
By the time the Bill comes in!
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-08-24

EXPLOSIVE TEETH.

We have all of us heard of sweet teeth, but it was
reserved for the New York Tribune to inform us of the
existence of explosive incisors and grinders. It
i ap-
pears that a dentist of New York, n the exercise of
his inventive genius, has succeeded in making some
teeth of the composition known as celluloid. He bor-
rowed the idea, it would seem, from the makers of
billiard balls and breast pins, and he thought that if
the same material of which they availed themselves
could be used in his own art, a very considerable
step in the right direction would be made. Un-
happily for him, and still more so for his cus-
tomers, it has since been discovered that celluloid is
apt to explode. "Billiard balls," says the American
newspaper, "made of it are said to have gone off,
breaking up match games, and putting out the
ricer's eye, while breast pins have exploded, leaving
their wearers on their backs in convulsions." Now all
this is extremely embarrassing, and it would appear
that the Yankee dentist will have to find some other
means of making the rows of false teeth which he
desires to supply; for, admirable as the check which
such ticklish products would furnish to persons
who are inclined to talk too much and too loudly
undoubtedly is, it is more than probable that ex-
citable people would hesitate before placing the curb
in their own mouths. One can conceive a row of
these explosive teeth being recommended, but it is
difficult to imagine anv one being so courageous as to
adopt them. With Rasselas and Dinarbas in the
Happy Valley he might possibly live in comparative
safety, but in the midst of the world we just now
inhabit how could he be sure that his feelings would
not be roused, and that he would never feel called
upon to gnash or grind his teeth, when a catastrophe
might take place against which regrets would avail bat
little?

mar
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-08-24

THE AGRICULTURAL RETURNS.

A summary of the agricultural returns of Great
Britain for the present year was issued on Tuesday by
the Board of Trade. The extent of land under cultiva-
tion for wheat is this year 16 per cent, more than last
year; barley, 2'2 per cent. oats, 2'6 per cent, less
than last year; potatoes, 08 per cent. less ; and hops,
o'B per cent, more. The number of live stock in the
country shows little variation, being 5,738,476 cattle,
28,397,274 sheep, and 2,483,437 pigs.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-08-24

DISTRESS AMONG THE OPERATIVES.
A great distress among the nailers owing to the long
continuance of the strike is now assuming a rather
serious aspect, and on Saturday afternoon last Mr. F.
A. Hinter, out of a ,fund subscribed for the purpose,
presented tickets of relief to the nailer. residing at
Sedgley. The extent of the relief given was calculated
on the number of workers on strike at each house.
Mr. F. A. Homer is appealing to the benevolent for
their assistance to relieve the great and obvious suffer-
ings of the women and children consequent on strike,
hoping that the merits or demerits of the strike—into
which he does not enter—will not influence peraoniln
withholding help. • -
It is painfully obvious there is very serious distress
among the wrought nailers on strike in Staffordshire a
great many of whom are resorting to begging and other
expedients for food. In consequence of the large
number of persons out on strings the claims on the
, benevolent have beeome more than ean be bcrne : hence
a committee is appealingafor subscriptions to relieve the
suffering women and children. Notwithstanding the
, severe " punch " which the operatives are enduring
owing to the strike, they still aver their unalterable
determination not to yield to the masters at the prices
they oiler, characterising the new list proposed by them
as not worthy of consideration inasmuch as, while pro-
fessing to advance the prices from 10 to 20 per cent..
the latter increase is very limited indeed, and c3ntined
to certain unimportant classes of work so far as they
set the nailers themselves. Some of the masters
admit that the wages offered are not so much as
they ought to be and that unless the dispute is speedily
ended the strike will act very disastrously to the
wrought nail trade, as censumers are getting cut nails
instead.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-08-24

THE BRITISH WORKMAN.

The Daily Telegraph remarks :—" A scheme to pro-
mote and extend technical instruction to the metropolis
is now under the consideration of the General Purposes
Committee of the Corporation of the City of London.
If carried into effect in the manner proposed it may
produce beneficial results among the artisans and ap-
prentices who will largely avail themselves bf its advan-
tages. If the British workman would avoid lagging far
and seriously behind the Continental artisan as a skilled
handicraftsmen he must largely avail himself of any
opportunity that may be afforded him of acquiring
sound technical knowledge. Science has no regard for
nationalities, conferring her benefits as bountifully and
as freely upon her foreign votary as upon her English
admirer. Scientific principles, too, are understood and
skilfully applied by intelligent raen to the improvement
of the manufactures they are engaged in, and our home
artisav will need look well to himself if he desires that
his foreign competitor should not out-distance him.
Sound education, adequate scientific training, and an
intelligent perception of principles applicable to each
particular industry are as certain to ensure skilled
workman as the neglect of technical instruction will in-
evitably bring about a deterioration in the quality and
excellence of our varied manufactures. As yet we
happily see no sign whatever of any such falling off in
the dexterity and manual skill of our artisans. It is a
warning for the future that we give expression to rather
than a moan over the past. It is gratifying to find
our City guilds, formerly the patrons of trade and in-
dustry, taking the initiative in a movtment calculated
to do so much good as the establishment of trade
schools and technical colleges. None could so be-
comingly take upon themselves such an important
undertaking."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

POTATOES.

The demand for all sound descriptions of potatoes con-
tinues steady, at fully previous rates. The arrivals are
moderato. Kent regents, 180 s. to 200 s. •, Essex ditto, 150 s.
to 1805.; rocks, 100 s. to 1355.; flukes, 200 s. to 2205.
Victorias, 1555. to 190 s. per ton.

SEED.
LoNnoN, Monday, February 18.—A few parcels of English
Cloverseed are now showing, but moderate prices are offered
for them. The best French qualities meet an improved
demand at rather higher prices. No American yet appears.
Shipments from the States are taking place for Germany, and
prices free on board are rather higher. Trefoil was held for
more money, but the sales were not numerous. White and
Brown Mustardseeds were offered on former terms, but few
sales effected. Foreign Tares were in good request, at
about 2s per qr. advance of the prices of last week. Scotch
Gores are now asked for, but none yet offering. Canaryseed
was neglected, although offered at very low prices. Hemp.
seed was unchanged in price, with a limited demand.

_

-
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

THE STOURBRIDGE OBSERVER.

at which an eclipse will begin and finish hun-
drees of yeere hence; but a meteorlogiat, who is
anxious to give a garden party in the summer is
unable to forecast the weather even for twenty-
four hours. All this is very true, and in the
present imperfect condition of human know-
ledge respecting the laws which govern tho
action of the atmosphere it is likely to remain
true. But the discontented ones, who get a
~etting by a sudden and unexpected shower,
or who, upon a mild evening, go out without an
overcoat, and find that before they return frost
is in the air, generally look upon the matter
from one point of view only. They declare
that they would like a good honest, old-
fashioned frost; Put what would the residents on
the to is+s of tqe lialtie and the Golf of Finland
!.;ive if they could only have ov7 mild south-
west breezes passing over their ice-locked
harbours, and opening their ports to the com-
merce of the world ? For this, however, they
must wait many and many a week yet, while all
the winter, from beginning to end, the ports and
harbours of Great Britain, being absolutely
free from ice, are open to the entry and de-
parture of ships from all quarters of the habit-
able globe.
We do not have to wait until the 21st of
March for our spring-time now. Year after
year passes, with scarcely any perceptible
winter, so far as severe cold is concerned—at
all events it is not such as our fathers would
have recognized as winter. The old proverb
which told us that when the days begin to
lengthen, the cold begins to strengthen, has
been robbed of a great deal of its truth in
recent times. We get very little cold weather,
no rivers frozen over, no heavy, driving snow
' storms. Of course what are still known as the
winter months are gloomy, and uncomfortable
in many ways. In the country the people gaze
upon leafless trees, and contemplate dreary
wastes of suspended vegetation. In the town,
where the air is heavj with the smoke which
ascends from the factory, the residents bid
farewell to the sun for weeks together. But
often enough, when we have seen out the
month of January, February begins to tell us
again what fine weather is really like. It may
he only a few brief hours of sunshine, but it is
like the meeting of Heaven and Earth after
many a night of storm and many a
.day of
tempest. It is like the breath of life to the
infirm and the invalid, who rejoice in the
transient warmth, and look forward hopefully to
the brighter days which shall yet again shine
upon the world and light up its continents, its
islands, and its glittering seas.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

DUDLEY AND WALSALL,

pIANOIFCRTES and HARMONIUMS ma 3
he had on the NEW SYSTEM of HIRING, for Two or
Three Years; after which, and without any further pay-
ment, to becomethe property of the hirer. All Instru-
ments had on this system, or otherwise, will be
Exchanged any time within six months for any other, ii
not approved of, and returned carriage free. And fur
her, aftet a trial of three years, any Pianoforte or Han
moni...m would be taken back, at its original cost, sac
the money returned, deducting the nual chprge fo:
hire; thus offering greater advantages than the Londe:.
or Birmingham Houses.—ApplyFEEllhiilCK
Music Warehouse, 260, Castle•street, Dudley, and 67
Park-street, Walsall.'

BILIOUS and Liver Complaints, indigestion
Headache, Loss of Appetite, Drowsiness, Gid-
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..I.)wels are quickly removed by that well-known remedy
.IJ'IIASIPTON'S PILL 01? HEALTH. They unite the
recommendation of a mild operation with the most suc-
cessful effect; and where an aperient is required nothing
can be better.

Sold by all Cbuii, ct h. 3 I h.. 1.6.,1e Lox

C\ NE Box of CLARKE'S B 41 Pills in
warranted to cure all di6charges from the Urinar
')i-gans, in either sex, acquired or constitutional, Grave
And Pains in the Beck.-011 in boxes, 4s td each, by
tl Chemists sod liat-ent Kedicine Vendurs ; or sent to
any address ior 60 Stamps by the Maker, F. J. CLAr.s.'e
Uonsulting Chemist, High-street, Lincoln.—Wholesal
Agents, BAROLAy & Soxs, London,and all the Wholesal
Limes.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

PII . IX • P .
vurr . AN . LXXXV I. VIII. D • XXVI
ECCLES . VNIVER . PRAEFVIT
AN. XXXI . M. rII . D. XXIII
OBIIT . DIE . VII . FEBR . AN . MDCCCLXXVIII.

While this was going on the notary of the Vatican
Chapter read the prods verbal of the proceedings, and
leaden seals similar to those in wax affixed on the
cypress coffin were attached to the leaden coffin. This
last formality having been gone through, the two
coffins were enclosed in a third of chestnut wood, and
hoisted up to a sarcophagus to the left of the chapel,
above the entrance to the choir, from which during
his lifetime Pius IX. had caused the remains of his
predecessor to be removed to the monument prepared
for him. During these transactions the Papal choir
chanted the Benedictus and the Psalms of Bordone.
The coffin having been placed in the sarcophagus, the
workmen immediately walled it up, and the following
simple inscription was placed upon it :—" Pius ix.
P. 0. 31." The diplomatic corps, gathered at first
round the high altar, were present throughout the
ceremony.

The Paris Correspondent of The Times says the
following lines are from a letter he has received from
Brussels :

"The Pope's death has produced a great split in society
here. Some wish to wear mourning, others refuse to do so,
but it would be a mistake to think that it is the less fanatical
who refuse. On the contrary, the moderate say it is right
to wear mourning for the universal Father of the Catholic
Church. The others say that it lowers his character and
makes a simple mortal of him to wear it. They refuse to
clothe themselves in black because the Papacy is eternal.
In every salon this is a subject of warm, almost violent dis-
cussion. It is like being transported into the Middle Ages,
when people used to occupy themselves seriously with such
subtle matters and persecute each other in their ardour. I
know a lady who has forbidden her daughter-in-law to ap-
pear in her house so long as she wears mourning. It is hardly
credible."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

MEJNCAL CAUTION.

THE Special Treatment adopted and need
with such great success by Dr. Uunter for the
last thirty years, can only be obtained at 44. Great
Charles Street, Birmingham. Book of Testimonials,
with advice how to regain Health and Manly 'Vigour,
and Directions for Self Treatment, free to any address.

PNIOR THE BLOOD IS THE LIFE."-
See De.-Aercnomy, chap. xii., veree 23.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

"Hearts of oak are our men ;
We always keep ready,
Steady, boys, steady."

naturally recur to us. But now comes the battle.
Facing .death in her most fearful form, our gallant
countrymen risk their own lives to save the lives of
others. The :blinding surf, the angry winds, and the
the thoughts of home and kindred have no place in their
minds. To save life is their only mission; and, with
the true stout hearts that Britons only have, they face a
living deatb. As with a ringing cheer brave hearts
shove off the boat, so fishwives, watching through the
storm, weep and tremble for the safety of their gallant
husbands.

This grand Picture, which appeals to the noblest
sentiments of humanity, should be in everyone's pos-
session.

The following will attest its worth :

February 18, 1878.

"Dear Sir,—

"The Engraving of 'LAUNCHING THE LIFE
BOAT ' is Copyright, and has never been sold und 3r the
regular price of Two GUINEAS."
6' (Signed)
"CHARLES GOOLD,

" Manager.

" National Fine Art Union,
"85, Great James Street.
"London, W.C."

This GRAND
PRESENTATION PICTURE.

Will be given to each reader of this issue of the Stour-
bridge Observer who cuts out the Redemption Bond
found below, and sends it to the
NATIONAL FINE ART UNION.

35, GREAT JAMES S2REET, LONDON, W.C.

Together with 16 stamp, or P. 0.0. for is. 33.,
payable at the
GENERAL POST OFFICE, LONDON, E.C.,

CHARLES GOOLD,
To pay the cost of the case, Transmission, Copyright
and other charges.

It will then be sent free to all parts of Great Britain
and Ireland, securely packed, and warranted to reach its
ddstination uninjured.

Cut out this Bond, and send to the
NATIONAL FINE ART UNION,

35, GREAT JAMES STREE7; LONDON. W.C.

STOUBBBIDGE OBSERUR.

REDEMPTION BOND.

This Bond entitles the holder to one Copy of
the Beautiful Steel-Plate Engraving
of

LAUNCHING THE LIFE BOAT.
(COPYRIGHT.)
And must be sent, together with Sixteen
Stamps, or Post Office Order for
is. 31.. to the
NATIONAL FINE ART UNION.
Who will redeem it in the order received.
(Signed),
NATIONAL FINE ART UNION,
35, GREAT JAMES ST., LONDON, W.C.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

A GERMAN "ANTIQUARY."

The Schweizerische Dorfkalender for 1878 tells a
story of a certain professor, whom it prudently omits
to name, which is a -capital pat allel to two or three
tales in our own literature. This German Pick-
wickian stood before a stable door in rapt delight
contemplating a stone fixed in the archway, which
bore the inscription 1081. " What a magnificent
find !"he exclaimed. " I must have this stone in my
collection, cost what it may." Calling the pro-
prietor, a tenant farmer, the professor said to him
with enthusiasm, "Am I not right, my friend, in sup-
posing that you procured this stone from the castle
ruin on the hill yonder?" "It may be," replied the
owner, "that my grandfather fetched it thence when
he built the stable." The professor hereupon asked
what he would take for the stone, and suggested that
any other stone of the earns form and size would fit
into its place. " Since you seem to have a fancy for
it," said the farmer, " pay the down forty guldens,
and I will leave it at your house." " That is rather
a large sum," said the professor; "never mind, bring
it to me to-morrow morning, and you shall have the
forty guldens." On the next morning, when the
peasant brouaht the stone upon a truck, the zealous
antiquarian eagerly turned it over to refresh his eyes
with a sight of venerable chronological inscription,
not without some fear that it might have been
damaged in its removal from its post. "Why," cried
he in amazement, "what is this? This is not the
right stone. On the stone which I bought of you
yesterday I read the date 1081, while this bears the
very modern date of 1801, which proves, if it proves
anything, that the other was exactly 720 years older
than this." "The Herr Professor must not trouble
himself about that small matter," replied the boor.
"You see, sir, the masons turned the stone upside
down when they set it in the doorway, because it
fitted better that way. You can turn it whichever
way you like now it is your own, but of course I must
have the forty guldens." The story goes that the
professor at once paid the whole sum' and then gave
the man three guldens more to take the stone away
and to purchase his perpetual silence as to the trans-
action.—Gtobe.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

LAUNCHING THE LIFE BO AT

(COPYRIGHT.)

This magnificent Art treasure is painted by the cele-
brated E. Duxcan, Esq., R.A. and it has been engraved
for 'I he National Fine Art Union by T. A. Prima, Esq.,
RA., from the original picture in the possession of Her
Majesty the Queen.
This magnificent Picture presents to the eye the most
terribly-grand of all nature's moods. The scene is on
the coast of Whitby. and a more wildly-grand and
imposing one cannot exist.
In a terrific storm, which reveals "nature in her mad-
ness," a gallant Ship, with her precious crew of living
souls, is driving through the angry breakers upon the
destroying rocks, and, with the sea like a boiling
cauldron, half engulphing her. No time is to 191, lost;
if her crew are to be saved, now is the time to save
them ! And as the sturdy fishermen drag down the
beach The Life Boat 1 the words—
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

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Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

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Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

HAGLEY.

STOCK SALE.—On Monday last there was a moderate
supply of stock of very good quality which realized
rather better prices than at recent sales. Cows and
calves were sold dear.

BELBROUGHTON.

FOOTBALL.—A football match was played on the Race-
course, Pedmore, between the Stonrbridge Standard and
Boibroughton Second Eleven. Belbroughton Players :
A. Price, A. Taylor, C. Pardoe (captain), D. Darby, F.
Cooke, H. Price, H. Griffin, El. Lieodyear, J. Spi.soury,
J. Davis, J. Moore, M. Beddad, and W. Portman; um-
pire, B. Taylor. The game resulted in an an easy
victory for Belbrougton with 5 goals to nil, also the
former match 4 goals to nil at Belbrougton. H. Good-
year's playing was worthy of notice and the play of H.
Griffin who made several good attempts at the goal.

DUDLEY AND HALESOWEN RAILWAY.

The inspection of the above line took place on Wed-
nesday last, Major Majendie, Goverment Inspector, ac-
companied by Mr. Mclntyre of the firm of Wilson and Co.
11. Lovatt, Esq , the contractor, W. D. Bowbottom, Esq.,
divisioaal engineer, G. Armstrong, Esq., superintendent
of the locomotive department, E. it. Green, Esq , civil
engineer, Mr. Burlinson, manager of the passenger de-
partment, Mr. Shaw, engineer to the contractor, Mr.
_Dutton, &c,, Sze. The inspection commenced a: Nether-
ton about eleven o'clock with four engines and tenders
meighing 212 tons. The mode of testing appeared to be
first for two engines to go over the various bridges and
after to run all four at one time on the doub:e line. tile
inspection was continued until about two o'clock when
the party was entertained to lunch at Mr. Andrews's, the
Crown Inn, by Mr. Lovitt. The Inspector then went
to the new station, examined the various rooms and
afier tut) signalling department, which appeared to give
every satisfaction. We may here mention that the new
station at Out Hill which forms the junction is one of
tie best in the Midland Counties, being very complete
Ia very department and will supply a long felt want.
The party next proceeded to tialesowen examining the
various bridges with great minuteness and we are pleastAl
to say that the Government Inspector has passed the
whole of the line for traffic, which we understand will
uoturnew;e on March Ist. The grant having been
re, eived by the company on Thursday evening to open
inc tine there can be no doubt that the opening of the
beatiali will be a public boon. The line has taken a long
um.: in completing:and the contractor and engineer have
met with considerable difficully in completing the line
in conseqaence of tke mining operations extending
nearly the whole of the line. At the close of the in-
spection the party were again entertained to lunch.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

FLYING SHOTS.
(From Punch.)

War I War I War I Here are a few specimens, brought
down by Mr. Punch's long bow, from the flocks of wild
canards which have been flying about the country :

It is believed that a secret treaty has been signed at St.
Petersburg, providing for the occupation, in the case of
farther war, of Malta by the Turks and Egypt by the Rus-
sians.

The Danes and Dutch are both preparing to mobilise their
genda nnerie.
Volunteers for active service are daily being enrolled
among the one-legged Chelsea pensioners.
Rumours are current at Berlin that Prince Bismarck
supped last Sunday on pork sausages and sauerkraut, which
they who know him best declare is a sure sign ol his having
made up his mind to a war policy.
A Woolwich Infant Show is fixed for next week on Plum.
stead Common.

The Cleopatra Needle ship has been commissioned by the
Government She will be fitted out with needle-guns, and
stationed in the Bosphorus.
Two of the many secret conditions of the Armistice are
understood in Vienna to be the cession to the Czar of the
island of Corfu, and the immediate dismantling of the fortress
of Gibraltar.

With the consent of the French Shareholders, who, it is
believed, have been bought out b
to the Suez Canal is being sanded up, and its channel strewn
with dynamite torpedoes. Y the Sultan, the entrance
It is reported that the Admiralty have finally contracted
for the purchase of a score of the above-bridge steamboats,
and that the officers and crews are to hold themselves in
readiness to proceed, in case of need, on active Foreign
Service.

A new Corps is being raised, and will before next week be
added to our forces, composed entirely of Commissionaires
who have lost an arm. They will be employed in the Field-
Telegraph Service.
The Vanguard of the Russian Navy, consisting of twelve
broadside turret ironelads and twenty-five Popofskas, has
been signalled off the Foreland, heading for Dover.
The old hulks in the Medway and Solent are receiving a
new coat of war-paint.

It is whispered at the Foreign Office that the Admiral of
the Swiss Fleet has received sailing orders to proceed to the
Red Sea, and is prepared to lend his countenance to a block-
ade of the Bosphorus.

On the first of April next the Shoe Black Brigade will be
placed on a War footing, and will receive its proper comple-
ment.

By an order from the Admiralty the shore of Brighton is
to be illumined nightly with Greek fire: and a tank of fish
torpedoes has been added to the Aquarium.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

N.B.—Not available after March 20, 1878.

NOTE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
All Bonds must bl sent in on or before

MARCH 20ru, 1878.

The Bond mugt. in all eases be sent, otherwise persons
might reap the bc:nefits intenied for the readers
cf the

STOUR BRIDGE OBSERVER.
only. Each copy will be sent securely packel. One
Copy will be sent for each BOND, and NONE CAN

BE SENT WITHOUT ONE.

EXCLP C ON THE
RECEIPT OF TWO GUINEAS.

The Bond will not again be printed in the
STOURBRIDGE OBSERVER.
Hence the a ivisabilit.y ot at once cutting it cut and
sending it for redernpti2n, as each will be attended to in
rotation as received.

The Picture is well Wrtl! lTdsoliely Framin-, ani
its artistic merit and intrinsic value will render it a
desirable addition to eyer 7 household.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

KIN VE R.

INquEsT--On the 18th inst, an inquest was held at
the Valentia Arms Hotel, Upper Arley, by Mr. W. H.
Phillips, Coroner, on the body of an old woman 93 years
of age named Jane Lesson. It appears from the evi-
dence given, and from a statement made by the deceased
shortly before she died that on the 12th lust, she was
sitting by the fire in her own house, which is a cottage
by the bank of the River Severn in whieh sibs lived with
her grandson, when some fire fell out of the grate upon
her clothes, and she as she thought brushed it all off,
but very soon afterwards she found she was in flames
when she ran outside her Lotus and was seen by her
grandson, William Lesson, a boatman, and another mai
named John Griffiths, who were crossing the river in a
ferry boat and who went to her assistance as soon as
possible and succeeded in extinguishing the flames, but
not before she had received such injuries about her side,
aria, and face that she died on the 16th met, at 4 p.m.
Dr. Webster, of Bendley, attended the deceased from
the accident up to her death.—The jury returned a ver-
dict of " Accidsntal death."
CHARGE Ox CRUELTY TO A POICY...&t the Brierley
Hill Police Court, on Monday, before Messrs. J. Hol-
croft and L. Freer, John Cowhorn was charged with
cruelly illtreating a pony, on the 6th Mat, by beating it.
—Police•cotstabls Ferrol said he saw the defendant
beating a pony for some time. The pony was lying
down and was in a very weak state.—Defendint pleaded
guilty and said he was very sorry and was ordered to pay
Sc costs.

GAVE Trosspass.—Jantes Parkes, Samuel Wyld, ani
John Garbett were charged with trespassing on land, at
Kinver, in the occupation of Mary Whitmore, in search
of game, on the Bth inst.—Thomas ICdvrards, keeper to
Mr. Foley, said that on the above date he saw eight men
in a field belonging to Mary Whitrnoro. The three de-
fendants were on trespass and they had four lareher
dogs with them, setting them after game. James
Parkes had a gun in his hand.—John Hamhury gave
corroborative evidence and said that all the defendants
were urging the dogs on tresgassing.—All the defendants
denied being in search of game and said they were on
the footpath.—Fined 10a each and costs ; in default one
month's hard labour.

BRIERLEY HILL.
STEALING nozosse—At the Police Court, on Monday;
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

SPRING

With the mewl' of Mereh so near, spring
may be said to be elo,e at natal. From time
immemorial, spring has 0-e1 presumed to hegio
on the 21st of M tree, :he day or the vernal
equinox, when the sun, ee-e4sing the equatorial
line, gives every neteie hiinti word twelve
hours of its light. B ia detes for the
seasons, which mad e thug heal ii in
March, summer in Juue, aeinnin at the end of
September, and winter eat Christmas, were
fixed a long while ago, ia what may aptly
enough be described es the good old times,
when our forefather lo k ifti in a qui 3t easy
way—undisturbed by arixety to catch a par-
ticular train whilst partaking of a hurried
breakfast, and tearing op.ei, often with fear and
trembling, those brown envelopes containing
telegrams which some persons can never open
without a quickening of the pulsations of the
heart which tells a tale of nervousness if not
of fear. There was eothing of all this in the
days when the seasons were fixed, and when
af Ler centuvies of observation, competent autho-
rities thought themselves safe in settling the
dates as we have above described them.
It has been a common remark of late years
that the times are out of joint, and that the
seasons are not like what they used to be in
the days of our ancestors. On the latter point
there can be no question the, so far as our
winters are concerned, they are of much less
severity, taking the general run of them, than
they were twenty or twenty-five years ago.
Let us take for instance the winter of 1854,
which many of us so well remember, when our
brave solliere were perishing from cold ia the
trenches h. f ire Sebastopol. That was a time
at whic!, cold wave of great severity swept
over Europe, and even in the British Isles, se
often rwept by temperate breezes from the sea,
several weeks of unbroken frost were ex-
perienced. It is in such a variable climate as
our own that the character of a winter can be
adequately tested. It cannot be properly
gauged on the banks of the Neva, a river
which is certain to be frozen over during a
given period of the year. Nor can it be esti-
mated upon the silent shores of the White Sea,
where the ports are sure to be locked in an icy
grasp ; nor upon the bleak plains of Armenia,
swept as they aro by the bitter winds which are
brought down from the inhospitable regions of
Siberia. Englishmen grumble about their
climate, and are sometimes inclined to wish it
were regulated more like the weather in some
parts of Asia, where people, knowing pretty
well when to expect the hot season, or the
rainy season, or a stated direction of the wind,
prepare for it accordingly. In Great Britain.
declare the murainr,irs, you cannot be colt len
of the weather for an hour or two togeldier.
Au astronomer eau give you the very second
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

PUBLIC NOTICES.

Ts the Overseers of the Poor, and the Superintendent of
Police of the Parish of Rowley Regis, iii the County
of Stafford, and to all whom it may concern.
lALLEN BROOKS, Gasfitting Maker, th 6
I holder of a Strong Beer License, LW
No. 10, Hackett Street, Blackheath, in ti .• ‘,5
' Rowley Regis, in the County of Stafford, 1.);)
GIVE NOTICE that it is my attention to a :•
Special Sessions, for Transferring Licenses, to b ilo.d,n
at Cooksey's Hotel, at Old Hill, in the said CounT•, oi
the 13th day of March next ensuing, at the I)ur of
Eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the seine d4y. f..r a
LICENSE to hold an Additional Excise LiceLs? to
Sell Beer and Cider by retail, to be drunk and con,uwed
off the house and premises thereunto belonging, situate
at No, 10,`Hackett Street, Blackheath, in the Parish of
Rowley Regis aforesaid, in pursuance of the Act 26 and
27 Victoria cap. 83, section 1, and Acts amending the
same, and which said premises are duly rated for the
relief of the poor, as by lw is required, of which house
and premises (a) one S' atuuel alker is the owner, a.t.cl
the same are now in my own occupation.

Given under my hand this 13th day of February, one
thousand eight hundred and sgventy-eight.

ALLEN BROOKS.

CORN EXCHANGE, STOURB RIDGE

ONE NIGHT ONLY,
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 1878,
The Famous Comedian, MR.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

RECRUITING IN 1877.

The Inspector General of Recruiting, in his
report upon recruiting for the regular army for
1877, says I have great satisfaction in being
able to report so favourably of the result . of
the year's recruiting, the number of recruits raised
during the twelve months having been more than suffi-
cient to meet the deficiencies in the ranks in that
period, and the army having never fallen below its
establishment. This is an especial ground for satis-
faction, when it is considered that, in addition to the
ordinary casualties which occur by death, desertion,
discharge, and completion of service, so many men of
over three years and under six years' service have been
permitted to join the reserve, before they served six
years with the colours. The number of recruits raised
in the past year amounted to 28,728, being only 642
less than the number enlisted in 1876, which was ex-
ceptionally large. The Inspector-General regrets that
the crime of desertion is still unfortunately noticeable
in the Army, and he calls for as "efficient a safeguard
to the public purse as formerly existed, and for which
no adequate substitute has been devised." The
number of men who joined from desertion during the
last year was 2,437, the net loss being 2,621, which is
below that of the previous year to the amount of 194
men, although there were 180 more desertions in 1877
than in 1876. The Inspector-General, whilst induced
to believe that the condition of recruiting and the
abundant supply of men are sure indications of the
increasing popularity of the service, and show that its
advantages are duly appreciated, as they have become
more generally known, expresses himself at the same
time fully aware that the unfortunate depression in
trade and the consequent want of employment are not
to be lost sight of.—ln consequence of the readiness
with which recruits were offering themselves, it was
deemed advantageous to raise the minimum standard
of height for the infantry from 51t. Osin. to sft. sin.,
and the chest measurement from 331 n. to 34in., in
order to obtain men of a better physique.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-02-23

A SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

An accident of a very melancholy character oc-
curred on Saturday evening near Bristol, during the
return of some volunteers who had been practising at
the Rifle Range at Avonmouth. The party included
some members of the cadet corps formed in connec-
tion with Clifton College. The return journey was
made by the Avonmouth Railway, 'a short line
that runs from Avonmouth to Clifton Down. Shortly
after the train had left Seamills, an intermediate station,
:me of the cadets, Mr. A. E. Hemmins, a pupil et t
Clifton College, took up his rifle in order to explain to
Sergeant Instructor Elton how one of the cadets
trembled while shooting off a tie that afternoon.
In the midst of his explanation the rifle went
off. No one in that division was hurt, but
when the train stopped at Clifton it was ascer-
tained that the bullet had penetrated the partition of
the carriage, passed between two of the college masters
who were sitting in the adjoining first-class division
with their backs towards Mr. Hemmins, and then
struck another college limiter, Mr. A. Fletcher Jones,
who was sitting opposite them, in the left breast,
passing through his body, and embedding itself in the
padding behind him. Death was intantaneous. Mr.
Jones, who was between twenty and thirty years of
age, was Mathematical and Science Master at the
college. On the arrival of the train at Clifton doctors
were fetched, but their services were of no avail. A
strekher having been obtained the body was removed
to the college to await the inquest.

The inquest was held on Monday, when the details
already reported were given in evidence. Mr. Hemming
said that he remembered pulling the trigger to explain
a comrade's trepidation, but he did not know his rifle
was loaded. Having fired one shot at the range he
loaded for a second, when "Cease firing" was sounded,
and in his hurry to catch the train he forgot that the
bullet haa not been fired, hence the accident.

A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned, and
the jury added an expression of the sympathy felt not
only for the friends of the deceased, but also for the
innocent cause of the sad calamity.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-11-30

-
PENNY SAVINGS-BANKS.

On the above subject The limes publishes the following
letter :

Sir,—l read a letter a few days since in !he Times
which leads me to believe that some details as to a
humble savings-bank movement in a provincial city
may have an interest for your readers and possibly do
good by evoking imitation elsewhere.
The special features of this savings-bank are-1,
That it is held on the Saturday evening just when the
wages are received; and 2, that no interest whatever
is paid upon the sums deposited, the only advantage
to the depositor being that we take care of his money
for him,
The advantage of the first point is obvious. As to
the second point, it might seem at first sight that poor
people would not care to deposit money on such terms.
But some consideration of the subject led me long ago
to the opinion that such a notion was a mistaken one,
and that the safe custody of their little savings was far
more important to poor people than any small interest
which might be pail upon them. I was confirmed in
this opinion by observing, in connexion with a local
provident fund, in which it was necessary to reduce the
interest on two successive occasions, that neither re-
duction lessened either the number of depositors or the
amount of the deposits. Pursuing this fact, therefore,
to its logical consequence, I came to the conclusion
that even if no interest at all were paid, many poor
people would be glad to put their money by in a safe
place if only they knew where and when to find one
conveniently.
We are now close upon the end of our second year of
business, and the result has very far exceeded our ex-
pectations. The number of persons who have opened
accounts since January, 1877, is 596, and the amount'
deposited since January 5 of this year has been £122
16s. 9d. Last Saturday evening (save in one excep-
tional deposit) was a fair sample of an evening's work,
£6 lie. sd. were deposited, and £5 17s. 51. was with-
drawn. The withdrawals were eight in number, in
sums varying from 2s. to is. Bd. The deposits were
134 in number; one of these amounted to £1 12s. (a
sum nearly unparalleled in our annals), and another
to 70. Of the rest, 38 ranged between 3s. and is. 34 ,
were deposits of 6d.' 19 of 3d., and the remaining 41 '
were other sums less than is. -

These figures may be dry reading, but they seem to
me, taking them, as they are, as a fair sample of eur
general work, to show (1) that the object in saving with
the poor is to gather together a sum sufficient to pay
rent or buy some useful article of clothing or the like
which is really the most laudable form of thrift, and is
entirely met by a savings-bank without interest; (2)
that 70 per cent, of our deposits were below the limit
of other savings•banks, ancl, it we had p.ot exiatel,
would have run the greatest risk ot immediate diem.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-11-30

ACTION FOR SLANDER AGAINST THE EARL OF
STAMFORD AND WARRINGTON.

Evidence was taken in the Court of Session at Edin-
burgh on Wednesday last, in an action at the instance of
Joint Gordon, some time a captain in her Majesty's 65th
Regiment, residing in Inverness-shire, against the Earl
of Stamford and Warrington, Glentnore Lodge, by Avie-
more, for £5OO damages, on the ground of defamation of
character. The slander was contained in a complaint
made to the police by Lord Stamford that, whilst riding
along the road on the evening of the 6th October, 1877,
at Lochaneilean, he had been obstructed by the pursuer,
who with a companion named Mitchell, was making a
loud noise; that they were drunk and disorderly, and
cursing and swearing at him. The Earl of Stamford in
the witness box admitted having stated to the police that
the pursuer and his companion were drunk and dis-
orderly on the road. He stated that the night being
dark, he galled out, " Who is there ?'' The men replied
" Who are you? ' He said, '1 am Lord Stamford."
The same voice then called out," I don't care a -- for
Lord Stamford," and called him a thief and other dis-
gusting names. The pursuer in the •witness box denied
this, and said defendant, in an offensive voice, shouted,
" Who are you ?" to which he replied, " Who the devil
are you ? " He then galloped off, but stopped a passen-
ger to ask their names. He told him he would get a
letter, which he sent next morning, with the full designa-
tions, Seveial witnesses spoke to the pursuer being
sober on the night in question. One witness, a carrier,
stated that whilst Lord Stamford was asking the pas-
sengers about the parties on the road he stopped him,
and refused to allow him to pass for about ten minutes.
Lord Oraighill said that the stoppage of the carrier was
the worst feature in the ease, coming as it did imme-
diately after the Earl of Stamford's encounter with the
aursuer. He postponed his &casino.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-11-30

MERL= HILL LICENSED VICTUALLERS'
' DINNER. ,

The sand dinner ogthe Brier ley BM and Kinpwin-
lardAissinsil %Mane Amoistice was held ce Tees!

around us is a reminder of the season which
tells c,f peace and goodwill towards men. Let
us take the more practical view, and look at the
rnattcr as one of material expenditure. It is
rather a serious one just now, after the addi
Lions to the public burthens which were made
lust session. War, even, on the smallest scale,
is very costly, as we found ten years ago, when
the rescue of some prisoners from the clutches
of King Theodore involved an outlay of nine
millions sterling. If the expenses of the Af-
ghan expedition are to be borne by the toiling
multitudes of India, some of them may perhaps
think that between famine on the one side, and
cyclones on the other, which sweep away a
quarter of a million people at a time, they have
enough to contend with already. If the ques-
tion is to be treated as an Imperial one, and the
cost is to be thrown upon the taxpayers of the
United Kingdom, some of them might urge that
they also have quite sufficient to bear just now
in a time of declining revenue and diminished
income. If it is disposed of by conjointly di-
viding the expenses between Great Britain and
India, then both may be inclined to doubt the
soundness of the principle which suggested
such an arrangement. All speculations on
these points will, however, soon be set at rest.
In a few days the High Court of Parliament
will be sitting, and we will all hope that its con-
snitations may be prospered to the honour,
safety, and welfare of the realm.