The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1871-01-28 00:00:00

THE STOtRBEIDGE OBSEI VER.

With such facts as these before us all hopes of
the ultimate success of the French are apparently
completely destroyed. With a long series of
defeats and disasters; with not one great ic.
tory throughout the campaign; with Paris shut
up for four months and not an atom of food
having entered it, and now capitulating; with a
demoralized and enfeebled arm ; without one
great general on whom reliance can confidently
be placed; and without a Government capable
of organising and directing the affairs of this
unfortunate country, there would seem nothing
left to the French but submission on the best
terms they can procure. Of course it cannot be
affirmed that French success is absolutely im.
possible ; but it is utterly improbable. The
best friends of France are those who would not
goad her on to further futile efforts, but would
counsel submission, now that the fortunes of
war have declared so persistently against her.

branches which are ii inmoyant, pricCB are ,cA
sustained by the firmness of pig-iron. The
latter is in good request, and continues steady
at the 28 fel advance established at Quarter-day.
Present quotations are as under : Common
forge cinder, ,kc., £2 12s M.l to £3 2s 6d ; mine
pigs, £8 12s tid to .£3 17s 6d; Earl Dudley's, ..£4
2s ; hydrates. £3 15s to £4 ss; foundry,
common, £2 17s ad to £3 78 6d ; ditto best, LB
12s nil to 2s ; but for the commoner vari-
eties these quotations are not very closely ad•
tiered to. Most of the leading pig-makers have
disposed of their quarter's make. Ores are in
good demand, at late rates, and the consumption
of foreign varieties is steadily increasing.

TiIeDIAMOND FIELDS.—For some time past
s good deal has been said and written about the
diamond diggings in South Africa, and it must be
admitted that some of the accounts have been
of a startling character, diamonds having been
found of immense size and value, so much so
that many enterprising persons have left Eng-
land's shores to try their luck. On Saturday
morning last, Mr. C. W. Oates, eldest sou of
Mr. C. Oates, and Mr. J. T. Pearson, second
son of Mr. George Pearson, of Thornhill, left
Stourbridge for Southampton, where they em-
barked in the Cambria, and sailed on Monday
morning. Mr. C. Grazebrook, third sou of Mr.
0. Grazebrook, solicitor, left Stourbridge on
Monday for Plymouth to join them, and the ves-
sel sailed on Wednesday for Natal. We need
scarcely say that they are each well equipped
with revolvers, rifles, and other weapons neces-
sary to protect themselves in so hazardous a
journey. We wish them a pleasant voyage,
prosperity in their undertaking, and a happy re-
turn to their homes.

CHRISTY MINSTRELS.—On Monday evening an
entertainment was given in the Corn Exchange
by the Matthews Brothers' C.C.C. Christy Min-
strels. The room was crowded to excess, many
being unable to obtain admission. The perfor-
mance was the best it has ever been our lot to
witness. The singing, dancing, instrumental,
and, in fact, every part was so thoroughly well
carried out that they were encored repeatedly.
The evening's amusement was marred once or
twice by a lot of noisy roughs in the rear of the
hall, who were shouting and making a noise until
Messrs. Matthews informed them that they would
not go on with the performance unless every one
in the hall sat down. A rush was once made
for the door by those sitting in the reserved and
second seats caused by those in the back getting
over, and several ladies fainted through being so
densely packed together.
HAULEY STOCK SALES.—The first sale of the
present year was held on Monday last, and the
attendance was the largest yet known, and the
biddings were very spirited throughout the sale.
Upwards of 600 sheep and 60 head of cattle,
besides a quantity of pigs were disposed of,
realising upwards of .t. 2,500. Prices invariably
good.

NEGLECTING TO FULFIL A CONTRACT.—At the
Sessions yesterday, before Major Fletcher, B.
Littlewood, R. L. Freer, and W. C. Firmstone,
Esqrs., Henry Rowe was summoned by Messrs.
Thomas and Henry llill, of The Hayes, for neg-
lecting to fulfil his contract, and leaving without
giving proper notice, on the '23rd inst. Thomas
Hill said the defendant was employed at their
works, and had worked for them for some years.
The custom was to give or take 14 days notice,
and the rides were posted up in the works to
that effect. Defendant left without giving the
usual notice. The defence was that he worked
by the piece, and gave a week's notice, and did
riot engage to give 14 days' notice; and that the
rules had not been put up iii the works until
recently. Adjourned for a week.
APPLICATION FOR A THEATRICAL LICENSE.—
Mr. Burbury made an application on behalf of
Messrs. Bennett and Patch for A license to play
stage plays in a building in Barlow's Yard. He
said that a previous one was granted to them last
year for three months, and he now applied for
another for three months to commence on Mon-
day next. He said that at West Bromwich the
Magistrates had granted them a license for 12
months, and this was the fifth time in succession
they had done so. The theatre was well con-
ducted, and he believed there had been no com-
plaints. In answer to the Bench, Superinten-
dent Freeman said he did not object. He always
found the theatre well conducted. The appli-
cation was granted upon the usual conditions,
and the customary bond was entered into.

CHARGE OF 1-11°011WAY ROBBERY:
William
Scott was charged with highway robbery, and
stealing a pair of skates on the 26th instant, the
property of George Scriven. Mr Addison de-
fended. Prosecutor, a youth, said he lived in
Williatmstreet, Brierley Hill. On Thursday
night he was returning from skating, and met
the prisoner in Mill-street. Prisoner knocked
him down, took the skates of him, and run
away. Prisoner hurt him on the forehead and
hand. Witness afterwards gave information to
the police. Police-constable Maland proved
apprehending the prisoner, and finding tha
skates in the garden. Mr. Addison addressed
the Bench for the defence, and admitted that
prisoner did take the skates ; but it was done for
a foolish lark. Remanded till Monday, bail
being accepted in two sureties of .V 25 and him-
self in .00.

STEALING BRANDY. —James Dunn, of the
Waste Batik, was charged with stealing a bottle
of brandy on the 21st instant, the property of
Edwin Chapman. Mr. Burbary defended.—
Sarah Ann Chapman, wife of prosecutor, said
her husband kept the Holly Bush, Coventry.
street. About half-past eleven she missed a
quart bottle of brandy. The bottle of brandy
produced was similar to the one lost, and the
brandy was worth is. 'rho prisoner was in her
house several times that night. Cross-examined ;
Will not swear to the bottle. Have said there
might be ten thousand like it. We put half a
pint of water to a quart of brandy. It is the
best French brandy. —Police-sergeant Jones said
from information received, he found the prisoner
in Mr. Mills's house, the Freemason's Arms,
Coventry-street. He found the bottle produced.
containing brandy, in his pocket. Prisoner, in
reply to the charge, said he picked it up in the
sheet, Ile afterwards said that he took it fro...
Mr. Chapman's, the Holly Bash, adding that he
could hot think what a fool he was to take it.—
r. addressed the Bench, for the de-
fence, and c,nteuded that the prisoner did pick
op the bottle in the street ; that he had hitherto
borne a good character; and as there was a doubt
o .give him the benefit of it, and discharge him
with a caution. Sentenced to 21 days' hard
labour.

DRUNK AND RIOTOUS. —William Grove RMI
Joseph Bate were charged by Superintendent
Freeman with being drunk and riotous at Brad-
ley, on the 22nd inst. Police•constable Howell
proved that he saw the two defendants fighting.
They were both drunk. There was a crowd
round making a great noise. Fined Is each and
costs; in default seven days.
SHOCKING ACCIDENT—On Thursday morning a child
named Ann Donohnan, 5 years of age, residing in the
Round Court, whilst playing with the fire, ignited her
clothes, and wan so badly binned that she died yesterday.
Mr. bid was called in but his services were of no avail.

STOTRIIRIDOE AND KIDDERMINSTER BANK.—A private
meeting of the Directors of this company was held on
Monday at the °lnce in High-street, when it was resolvt'd
that int, rim dividend for the half-year ending Dec. 31st,
1870, should be 10a per share together with a bonus of
tid per share, being at the rate of 124 per cent. per
annum, to be free of income tax and payable on the Ist
proximo.