biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

GOSSIP ABOUT GENERAL GRANT.

The World Nays :—" General Grant's visit to Ire-
land will be his farewell to Great Britain, for he
returns home by way of the Pacific. It is pleasant to
know that he will carry away an agreeable impression
of the motherland. 'lf I were not an American,' he
said to a friend of mine in Paris the other day, I
would be an Englishman.' The General is said to
have taken a great fancy to the Prince of Wales, of
whom he saw a good deal last summer in Paris.
"I hear from Gibraltar that Lord Napier and the
General became great cronies on the occasion of the
ex-President's visit to that place. They rode and
strolled about, and had mess-olinners, and there was a
review as well as a sham battle. There was some
surprise that the General did not wear his uniform at
the review. But the American Consul told my corres-
pondent that Ulysses had tired of his uniform and sent
it home, However, Iws horsemanship was a theme of

universal admiration. The soldiers did their best in
marching and manceuvring. Lord Napier was greatly
pleased, and said he had never seen them do so well in
his life, and he supposed they were putting their best
foot forward for the Yankee commander. It was rather
a trial to undergo the inspection of a man who had
commanded over a million of men, and taken part, in
most instances as commander, in fifty pitched battles.
'The General expressed to Lord Napier his high
admiration of the troops. He had seen none in
Europe so well disciplined. Their firing pleased him.
They, had ()learned,' he said, as he watched the
manceuvres, 'how to fire low and fire slowly.'
"By the way, General Grant does not believe in
bayonets and sabres, and said to some f our officers
that he would not have a bayonet or a sabre in his
army if he ever commanded another. The extra
weight on the soldier would be better as ammunition
or rati3ns. Our officers did not share these opinions,
and believed that the bayonet and sabre had done, and
would again do, good work."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

LETTER FROM MISS FLORENCE
NIGHTINGALE.

Miss Florence Nightinga!e has written the following
characteristic letter to the Alsy,)r of Sheffield :

"London, Christnia's 14y, 1878.
Sir,—Grieved to the very heart for the sufferings of
Sheffield—my dear and if not native place, yet the
place where my father's father and mother lived and
died—may I send a poor little sum of £2')? I wish it
were twenty times as much, and hoping to be allowed
to repeat it for your relief fund. May I ask that it
should be applied to providing work for the poor
mothers—work which I know has been so well
organised, and if I mi,ht breathe a hope as earnest as
that which trusts that Sheffield will tide over their
sad, sad times, it would he that her mm n may learn
from this a lesson of prudence and manly self-control,
and when the good times come again, as 'nay God
they may, might use their high wages so as to become
capital instead of waste. Though this is a dreary
Christmas, that God way shAver his best Christmas
blet-sings upon Sheffield—amongst which are thrift and
self-help—and upon all your wise and vigorous efforts,
sir, to help her, is the earnest prayer of your and her
faithful servant, FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

THE BODY OF ST. XAVIER.

The exposition of
.the body of St. FranCis Xavier
(says an Indian paper) commenced on the 3rd of
December. The procession set out from the cathedral
and entered the Church of Born Jesus at nine o'clock
in the morning, and was composed of about fifty con-
fraternities bearing silver and gold crosses, four
hundred priests, and an enormous number of clerics
in minor Grders, winding up with Bishop Barbers,
of Hyderabad; Bishop Bonjean, of Jeffna and
Ceylon; and Bishop Meurin, of Bombay; and
was presided over by the Archbishop. The new
Governor-General, who had been installed the day
previous, followed next, accompanied by a host
of officials in grand uniforms. The procession then
entered by the side of the chapel and brought out the
body of the saint and placed it in front of the high
altar, after which a Pontifical Mass by the Arch-
bishop commenced, which terminated at twelve o'clock
with the Papal blessing. The whole scene was
very picturesque. The military and police had hard
work to preserve order, as the crush of Portuguese
Catholics was simply indescribable. On the body
being exposed by the prelates named above, the artil-
lery fired a salute of 21 guns, and the church bells
were set ringing throughout the town. The bodyis
much shrunken and shrivelled. Abeut 15,000 persons
were in and about the church. Pilgrims from all
parts of India were at Goa, and the town was wonder-
fully crowded by all sorts and conditions of men.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

DUDLEY.

STEALING POTATOES—At the Worcester Sessions 011
Tuesday, James Harper pleaded guilty to stealing two
bags of potatoes, the property of his master, William
Whitmore; also to a prior conviction. Nine months'
hard labour and three years' police supervision.
STEALING Moray. Thomas Bateman (18), collier,
pleaded guilty to stealing 2s 3d the money of William
Martin, on the 29th July.—Six months' hard labour and
three years' police supervision.
' THREATENING 70 SHOOT A MOTHER.—Frederiok Moore
(22), colder, was charged with unlawfully assaulting his
mother, Hannah Moore, on the 14th December. Mr.
Streeten prosecuted; prisoner was undefended. The
mother said she was a widow, and lived in a court in
Lawley Street, Dudley. The prisoner was her son, and
lived with her. On the evening in question he went
home, and said he was going to take away the bed on
which he slept. She refused to permit him to do so
whereupon he went upstairs, taking with !him a poker
She followed, and in the bedroom she said she would
not let him take the bed, as it had helped to get her a
living. He became very violent, but left the house, in
ten minutes he returned, and,taking a pistol from a cup-
board le the lower room, asked his mother if she had
made up her mind about the bed. She still said he
should not take the bed, and prisoner then loaded the
pistol with powder and two marbles and put a cap upon
the nipple. He then deliberately pointed the weapon at
his mother's head at the distance of about a yard, ex-
claiming, "i'll blow your brains out." The
pistol, however, was not discharged, and prisoner repeat-
ing his threats went upstairs and set fire to the bed. A
crowd assembled, and an endeavour was made to at
the prisoner, but he threatened to shoot anyone who ap-
proached him, He escaped, but being pursued and
overtaken he threw the pistol over a wall. The weapon
when found was still loaded, though the.trigger had been
pulled, and the cap was exploded. There was also a
quantity of powder, marbles, and caps in his pockets.—
Prisoner's defence was that he did not intend to shoot
his mother.—He was found guilty of the assault and was
sentenced to six months hard labour.

STEALING Bao,,N.—Anthony Jarvis (45), miner, was
convicted of stealing 221 b. of bacon on the sth Decembsr
the property of Thomas Cole.—The bacou wss exposed
at the shop door of the prosecutor, and prisoner was seen
carrying it off —He was sentenced to twelve months
bard labour and three years police supervision, he having
been previously convicted. Mr. Gresham Wells prose-
cuted.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

THE QUEEN'S NEW YEAR'S GIFTS.

The Queen's New Year's gifts, consisting of meat.
and coals, were on Wednesday morning distributed in
the Riding School at Windsor Castle (which had been
specially prepared for the purpose) to the poor of
Windsor, Clewer, and district. The distribution took
place in presence •of members of the Corporation of
Windsor, the incumbent of Holy Trinity, th 9 Rev.
Canon Gee, vicar of Windsor, and others. 3,3001 b. of
beef were given to 800 persons, and 1,200 cwts. of coal
were delivered, in quantities of from 1 to 3 cwts.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

LOT 2.—A Piece of FREEHOLD BUILDING LAND
fronting 11 yards to the Back Lane, (leathng to the
Church), t)ldswinford, Stourbridge, in the occupation of
Mr. George Davis (The Swan Inn), and containing 687
square yards or thereabouts.
LOT 3.—Another Piece of FREEHOLD BUILDING
LAND, adjoining the above: and fronting 11 yards, also
in the occupation of Mr. George. Davis, containing 687
square yards, or thereabouts.
Lc'r 4.—A1l that substantially-built RESIDENCE,
" THE CUPP'," situate at Buck Pool, Wordsley, con-
taining Entrance Hall. Dining, Drawing, and Breakfast
Rooms, Two Cella's, Six Bed Rooms, and Dressing
Room, Kitchen, Brewhouse and Stabling, Gardens and
Appurtmances, together with the Six-quarter MALT-
fIuUSE, now occupied by Mr. William Newman, with
the large frontage of 46 yards, and containing in quantity
1,665 square yards.
LOT 6,—Those Two 'Well-built VILLAS, situate at
the Ridge, Wollaston, near Stourbridge, fronting 14
yards to turnpike road, leading from Stourbridge to
Enville, with Gardens and Appurtenances belonging, oc-
cupied by Messrs. Eider and Ford, and containing
795 square yards or thereabouts.
To view the lots, apply to the respect ye Tenants.
For further particulars apply to Mr. C.W. Collis, Solici-
tor, Stourbridga : Mr. Wm. Edwards, Land Agent,
Market Street, Stourbridge ; or to the Auctioneer, Kid-
,_erminster.

MONEY ready for immediate investment inlarge o
small sums not under £5O, on any description of
real or personal security no less than one year, at a low
rate, viz., 4 per cent.- on personal, and 3 per cent on free-
hold or leasehold security. Interest in all cases payable
half-yearly, and not in advance. Distance no object.
All applic Along will be treated with strictest secrecy and
despatch. Money obtainable on the shortest notice. No
eemmission.—Apply with full particulars as to nature o
security, amount required, and for what period, to Wu:-
LIADI SEYNOER, Esq., Financier, 9, Great Russell-street,
London. W.C.

-A-INTONEY lent on Easy Terms by applying to
Benbow and Co., Debt Collectors, Bedcote,
Stourbridge

BILIOUS and Liver Complaints, indigestion
Headache. Loss of Appetite, Drowsiness, Oid•
Iluess, Spasms, and all Disorders of the Stomach and
aawels are quickly removed by that well-known remedy
F'IIAMPTON'S PILL OF HEALTH. They unite the
recoMmendation of a mild operation with the most suc-
cesFful effect; and where an aperient is required nothing
can be better.
Sold by all Chemists, at is. I l.,ri 01E. Vd. 10

A CERTAIN CURE FOR NERVOUS DEBILITY

GRATIS, a MEDICAL WORK, showing
sufferers bow they may be cured and recover
Health and Vitality. without the aid of Quacks, with
Recipes for purifying the Blood and removing Skin
Affections. Free on receipt of stamp to repay postage
Address Secretary, Institute of Anatomy, Birmingham

f_)iHRISTMAS is essentially the Mite to
k_ obtain Monthly Subscribers for a BUILDING
SOCIETY, good agents will be appointed, Branch
Secretaries, Liberal Commission, evening work. Directorl
10, Walbrook, Mansion House, London, E.C.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

your readers to know that the Fijians and other
Polynesians are given to this self-mutilation in loving
memory of their favourite dead.
_

When I was in Levuka in 1877, I visited his ex-
Majesty, Cacabau, at his quarters at Draiba, and he
showed me his hands, from one of which the little
finger was missing. On asking him if this was the
result of an accident, he replied, "No, it was Fiji
fashion; I lost her, and so it was cut off." The "her"
was, I believe, a favourite sister; but I write from
memory.

In Vanua Levu and Taviuni, both important islands
of the Fiji Archipelago, I noticed that many of the
inhabitants had slashed their bodies with some sharp
instrument or the other; but, as the resident Euro,
pearls explained, these wonnds were created out of
sheer vanity, the scars being deemed highly orna.
mental.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

THE REVENUE RETURNS.

The revenue returns issued on Tuesday night Show
that the receipts during the past quarter amounted to
£19,069,562, being a net increase uf £686,368 as com-
pared with the corresp( nding period of 1677. There
vibs an increase of £135,000 in the Excise, £98,000 in
the Customs, an equal amount
.in property and income
tax, and ot nearly half a million in the miscellaneous
receipts. There has be9n a decrease of £107,000 in
stamps, of £20,000 in land tax and house duty, and of
£23,000 in the Post Office. During the three quarters
of the present financial year there has been a net in-
crease in the revenue of £720,740.

The Times thus concludes a leader, in which the
various items of the Revenue Returns are commented
upon :

These results, in short, may probably be taken on the
whole to be cf a neutral character, and they so far bear out
the more hopeful considerations which we have recently
ventured to lay before the public. It a further period of
foreign disturbance ahould ensue, or if it should prove
that our financial difficulties at home have not yet
reached their extremity, we might have to meet a very
gloomy Budget. But if affairs should but maintain a
steady course, and there should be no cause for apprehend-
irg further political and financial disturbance, the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer may, on the whole, be little worse
off than he anticipated. That, perhaps. is as much as Is to be
hoped for at the close of a year which has seen such A strain
put upon all the resources of the country. Such period); of
stress must inevitably be encounteredfrom time to time, and
all that can b- expected is that we should fairly weather the
storm, and steer true to our course in the main Tit, re is
no reason to despAir of such a result, and, in the circum-
stances, this is co bad reckoning with which to commence
the New Year.
•

The Daily News (in a leader) observes that the depression
of trade which has marked the year that has now passed
away is faithfully reflected in the quarterly revenue returns
published last (Tuesday) night. Unless the fourth quarter of
the financial year materially altprs the comp'exion of the re-
turns, the Chatcel!or of the Exdbequer will th,d himself face
to face with a very serious dellctt But for the abnormally
large miscellaneous receipts and the advances on interest
the revenue would show a real deficiency. Unfortunately
for those who believe that the present d•stress is only skin
deep, and c,ntlned to a few trades, the returns show no sign
of improvement. There is no reasonable prospect of a
revival of the chief industries of the country during the next
few months; and should the produce of the income tax fall
short of his expectations, the Chancellor of the Exchequer's
calculations will be utterly undone.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

RHEUMATISM.

P HEUMATISM, Gout, Lumbago, Pains
in the Head. Side, Beek, Joints, and Liinte
cured by Di'S IiIILUM Al-IC PILL Price le. lid.
per box. Sold by Mr. Pugh, Patent Medicine Vendor,
61, Coyentry Street, Stourbridge ; aid, all Chemists
Wholesale by all the London Houses.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

QUARRY BANK.

THE LATE ASSAULT CASE.—At the Stafford Sessions,
on Tuesday, Edward Worrall (45), miner, was charged
with unlawfully wounding and inflicting grevious bodily
harm upon John Drew, on the 3rd November, and also
with assaulting William Himan, a police officer, on the
same date, while in the execution of his duty. Mr.
Owen prosecuted.—John Drew, a miner, stated that on
the 3rd of November he was leaving his houde. when he
met the prisoner at the door, who accused him of having
detained his wife in jiis house. Prosecutor denied the
charge, and prisoner immediately struck him a violent
blow on the chest with a knife,:inflieting a serious wound.
—Poliee.ooDl table Himan stated that he went to arrest
the prisoner on the Brd of November, on the charge of
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

THE LIFE BOAT WORK IN 1878.

In the year which has just closed the lifeboats of
the National Life-boat Institution have rendered good
service in saving life from shipwrecks on our coasts.
Its long list of vessels aided in distress and sailors
saved in shipwreck shows a total of 471 lives rescued
by the Society's lifeloats during the year, in addition
to seventeen vessels saved from destruction.

In the same period the Lifeboat Institution voted
rewards for saving 145 lives by fishing and other boats,
making a total of 616 lives saved last year mainly
through its instrumentality.
Altogether since its formation the society has con-
tributed to the saving of 26,051 shipwrecked persons,
for which services it has granted 030 gold and silver
medals, besides pecuniary rewards to the amount of
256,850.
The character of these lifeboat services has varied
much, some having been performed during tha dark-
ness of the night, others in the daytime, but nearly all
have been rendered during stormy weather, which
would have prevented any ordinary open boat from
accomplishing the rescue.
Again it is most satisfactory to know that notwith-
standing the peril and exposure incurred by the gallant
crews, not a single life was lost last year from the 269
lifeboats of the society, although about 12,000 men
were out in them on all occasions.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

THE NATIVES OF NORTH AUSTRALIA,

The Times remarks :—The newly colonized " nor-
thern territory" of South Australia, which is being
rapidly opened up by immigrants from tha north
coast and by explorers from the south, is now well
known to present very different features from
those of the desert which it was till recently believed
to be. Large numbers of natives are met with, whose
appearance is described by the Coloniat and India a-4
being very gaunt and peculiar, their black tares being
painted across with hands of white, so that they have
a death's-head-like appearance. Among other curious
ciuloms, it is stated that they cut if a joint from the
finger of a mother for every chiid of hers that dies.
As they also kill their weakly or delicate children, in-
stead of attempting to rear them, this practice is likely
often to be of considerable inconvenience.

Noticing the above, a Correspondent writes to The
Times :

Sir,—With reference to your paragraph as regards
the peculiar custom of the aborigines of Northern
Australia of cutting off finger joints as a mark of
sorrow for deceased children, it
.may interest some of
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

CHRISTMAS FARE FROM CANADA.

We are indebted to our colonies or to foreign coml.
tries for most of our Christmas delicacies; and Canada
is not to be left behind in the race for the honour and
profit of supplying English tables with provisions
at this season of the year. During the last week
or two several thousand head of poultry, princ:pally
turkeys and geese, have been landed at Liverpool
from Canada, whence they had travelled, packed in
ice, without the least deterioration of quality. Some
of these birds are the produce ot the poultry
farms of the Dominion, while others have been ob-
tained from the wild flocks which may still be met
with in the wilder parts of the country. The range
of the wild turkey extended originally over nearly the
whole of North America, but the progress of civilisa-
tion has narrowed the area over which the flocks are
now to be found. As the wild birds are believed to he
superior to their domesticated relatives both in flavour
and s:zs it is desirable that the race should not be
exterminated; but without care the new market
whi,th refrigerators and quick steamers have opened
up in England for Canadian produce, and which is
sure to lead to the reater slaughter of the birds,
may eventually cause their complete extinction.—The
Colonies.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1879.

MARRIED.
WEgTwooD —JoNEs.—December 260, at St. Michael's
Church, Aberystwyth, by the Revd. Cannon Phillips,
Ct lades Westwood, of Oldswinford, to Antonia Elizi-
beth, second daughter of the late Thomas R. Jones,
M.D., Aberystwyth
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

BAD TIMES AND FREE TRADE.

Under the above heading, The Times of Tuesday publishes
the following letter :
Sir,—The reason why the doctrines of Free Trade
have never been "hammered into the heads of the
trading classes" is because of a weak place which will
not stand the hammer. The home producer has to
pay heavy rates and taxes, which add, say, 10 per
cent, to the cost of every article he produces, before
he can bring it to the market. What it pleased the
late Mr. Cobden, Mr. Bright, Mr. Gladstone, and
their manufacturing friends to call "Free Trade"
neglected this fact. They agreed to admit the
foreigner to compete in our home market, without
asking him to pay any of the imposts we have to
pay ourselves. It is not very wonderful that he
undersold us, though upon what ground such trade
was called " free " was always to roe a profound
puzzle, remining one of James I.'s "Free Monarchy"
—all the burden ours, all the freedom somebody else's.
"They have digged up a pit, and have fallen into a
destruction they made for others." One never knew
a quack take kindly to his own pills. So that there
need be no surprise to find a growing outcry for
"foreign trade at even weights" and "justice to
British trade." Indeed, it is said that an asso-
ciation to enforce these principles is being formed in
the West Riding, which may some day come to be a
great fact.
There is another point: When we are undersold
in our corn, cotton, iron, woollen goods, linen, and
pottery, our sugar, beef, mutton, eggs, apples, and
cherries, what are we to grow or make and sell to buy
ou, selves victuals when we have spent our accumu•
lated capital?
It is a fallacy to assert that the interest of the
consumer alone ought to be considered; the consumer
who produces nothing and lives on his means is an
exceptional person. Most folks have to live by
making something to sell. Now, if somebody else
can make and sell everything each of them is in the
habit of making cheaper, than he can, the necessary
result would seem to be general starvation—a kind of
reductio ad abs urdu m. —Your obedient servant,
E. S. CAYLEY.
Wydale, York, Dec. 27.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

LATEST PARTICULARS.

Inquiries made at the Admiralty this
morning by the Press Association confirm
the news of the explosion on board the
Thunderer. Eight men are dead and 32
wounded. Their Lordships have been in-
formed that the turret has not been destroyed;
it is merely disabled, and can be repaired at
Malta.

A Central News telegram says :--The gun
had a full charge of powder, but the shell
was an empty one. The cause of the ex-
plosion at present remains a mystery. The
Thunderer is th 3 most powerful ironclad in
the British Navy. She was attached to
Admiral Hornby's fleet in Turkish waters,
and is armed with four 28-ton tuns in a re-
volving turret. She is of 9,190 tons dis-
placement, and 5,600 horse power. The
Thunderer has been particularly unfortunate.
It is not long siace a boiler exploded on
board whilst a trial of her machinery was
being made at Portsmouth, and a large num-
ber of men were killed and injured. An
investigation will be made into the cause of
the present disaster, and although the ship
will be ordered home for repairs, it is con-
sidered probable that the enquiry will be
held in Eastern waters by a Court of Officers
selected from the fleet, to which the
Thunderer was attached. -

The following telegram has been received
from Vice-Admiral Sir G. Phipps Hornby,
dated ismid, January 2nd, One 38-ton gun
in the Thunderer burst this morning, killing
Lieutenant Coker, and Lieutenant Daniel,
R.A.I.A. ; Isaac Grover, A.B. ; John Roche,
petty officer ; George Rutland, William
Monday, • and William (name indistinct),
leading seamen; Henry Bizel, able seaman;
and Thomas Bolton, corporal Marines. The
gun burst just before the trunnion, the
muzzle blowing overboard. The gall had
been fired with a battering charge, but when
it burst it was loaded only with a full charge
and an empty shell. Mr. Jackson, boatswain,
and thirty-two men were wounded, twelve
very badly. The turret is disabled, the
ship otherwise uninjured. I will report the
condition of the wounded to.morrow.
Lieuts. Coker and Daniel, who were killed
by the explosion, joined the ship so recently
as October last.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

GLENFIELL

STARCH.

Has for many Years been Exclusive
used in the Royal Laundry.
"The
e vebree
ut
sSeitarfh I 1
, 1 The Queen's Laundress.

"Cleanly in use, economi-
and gives a perfect stiff'
milliner and
ness and gloss difficalt t.l Dreatimaker.
excel."
Particularly ad- } En glishwoman
ap ted for clear starch- Domestic Magizine.
ingmus/ins.",

a: obooe
ea: lir Peri:
.. I am mi.ach pleased to say that
m o Wurpas.—From Mr. C. Collins, Chemist, Brettel
:general satisfaction, several of ray
customers having taken them for asthma, conks. arc..
and in every case they have had the desired erect. In
myCoupui 5n
igoon7thAlvws nlirAp aAssspaCn"ytheignig ityhaptuh.
to the public." In anihina,
,consumption, bronchitis,
coughs, colds,. rh.tin.atism, and all hysterical aid ner-
vous pains, inst.az t ritit-f and a rapid cure is given by
the Wafers, which taste pleasantly. Bold by an DM'
gists at 11 lid and 21 94 per boz.
yL:aanN ire , Zeur rob rghli
vgee
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

MR. GLADSTONE'S BIRTHDAY.

The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone celebrated the 69th
anniversar3, of his birth at Hawardeu Castle on the 29th,
and the event happening on Sunday there was no public
demonstrations of any kiud. The principal event of the
anniversary was the presentation of a silver axe by "a
few admiring friends," in honour of the right hon.
gentleman's exploits as a woodman. This axe, which
is of the size and pattern of the American axe, has been
manufacture,i by Mappin and Webb, of London. The
bead is of solid silver, weighing 61b., and bears the
simple inscription, " Presented to the Right Hon. W.
E. Gladstone, M.P., by a few admiring friends." The
handle is of ebony and the axe is enclosed in a polished
ornamental oak case.—ln acknowledging the receipt
of the axe, Mr. Gladstone wrote on Saturday to Mr.
Passmore Edwards as follows :

"The axe of which you announce the despatch has
reached me in due course this afternoon. I beg you
to accept, and to convey to the subscribers, my thanks
for this beautiful and tasteful gift. Its qualities are
of themselves a lw.s )n for it is strong, solid, of in-
trinsic value, not easy to be injured, and not intended
tn injure anything (Ise."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

THE LATE PRINCESS ALICE.

A supplement to the London Gazette, is3ued on Friday
night, December 27, contains the foilowing :

"Whitehall, December 27.

"The following letter from the Queen has this day
been received by the Right Honourable the Secretary
of State for the Home Department :

" ' Osborne, December 26.

" The Queen is anxious to take the earliest oppor-
tunity of expressing publicly her heartfelt thanks for
the universal arid most touching sympathy shown to
her by all classes of her loyal and faithful subjects on
the present occasion when it has pleased God to call
away from this world her dearly-beloved daughter
the Princess Alice, Graud Duchess.of Hesse.
Overwhelmed with grief at the loss of a dear
child, who was a bright example of loving tender-
ness, courageous devotion, and self-sacrifice to duty,
it is most soothing to the Queen's feelings to se how
entirely her grief is shared by her people. The Queen's
deeply-afflicted son-in law, the Grand Duke of Hesse,
is also anxious to make linowu his sincere gratitude
for the kind feelings expressed towards himself and his
dear children in their terrible bereavement, and his
gratification at the appreciation shown ty the people
of England of the noble and endearing qualities of her
whom 'all now mourn.

" ' Seventeen years ago, at this very time, when a
similar bereavement crushed the Queen's happiness
and this beloved and lamented daughter was her great
comfort and support, the nation evinced the same
touching sympathy, as well a 3 when, in December,
1871, the Pike° of Wales was at the point of death.
" Such an exhibition of true and tender feeling
will over remain engraven on the Queen's heart, and
is the more valued at this moment of great distrePs in
the country, which no one more deeply deplores than
the Queen herself.'"
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

FEARFUL ACCIDENT.
ON BOARD H.M.S. THUNDERER.
BURSTING OF A 38-TON GUN.

LOSS OF EIGHT LIVES.

ISMID, Thnrsclay.—A disastrous accident
happened this morning on board H.M.S.
Thnnderer. During the &in.'n practice a
33-ton gun burst with a terrific explosion.
The turret was entirely destroyed, and when
the alarm which was caused by the explosion
had been somewhat allayed it was found that
eight men had been killed and forty were
wounded. _ _
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

THE ELECTRIC LIGHT.

In connection with the Electric Light The Times has pub-
lished toe following letter:—

Sir,—When we burn a branch grown last summer
we obtain, in form of heat and light, a portion of the
power of the sun which was exnended in forming that
branch. So also with coal, each fire and gas flame
supplies sun-power, spent far back in the remote past
in forming the plants of which coal is composed.
Hence coal-producing oountries are the heirs of
a splendid inheritance of stored-up force, at once port-
able and to be unlocked with a spark. But no new coal
is formed, so that we are like men who live upon their
capital. Each stroke of the pick in the colliery under-
mines our power. As a means of saving coal we look
hopefully towards the electric light now arresting
attention. Coal is changed in the engine furnace,
first to heat and then to steam motion. This being
conveyed by driving bands to the dynamo electric
machine is transformed, by an exquisite arrangement
of magnetism and motion, into electricity. Conducted
thence by wires to the electric lamp, it appears again as
sunlight which streamed forth on the earth in the illimit-
able past. A given quantity of coat can in no other
way he made to yield so much light. Sir William
Armstrong has harnessed a neighbouring waterfall
to a dynamo-electric machine, thus lighting up his lib
rary, and in so doing has obtained in the form of light
a portion of sun-force expended as heat in lifting from
the ocean the rain-clouds which gave birth to that
waterfall. This foreshadows a vast economy of coal,
that precious buried treasure on which England
thrives.—Faithfully yours,
G. A. KEYWORTH, F.C.S.
Hastings, Dec. 30.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

THE LIFEBOAT WORK IN 1878.

In the year which has just closed, the Lifeboats
of the National Lifeboat 'lnstitution have reudered
some noble services in saving life from tho following
shipwrecks on our coasts :—s.s. Balmoral, of London,
19 lives saved: ss. Oscar, of Leith, 22; Austrian
brig Olinka, 12 ; schooner Fearless, of Guernsey, 6;
schooner Mary .Slizabeth, of Beaurnaris, 5; bat quo
Si-seine Meinde, of Palau, 10; schooner Blossom, of
Aberdeen, 3 ; brigantine Elizabeth Klousterboer, 1;
schooner Phrenix, of London, 4; smack Afary Ann,
of St. Andrew's, 3; schooner Mary, of Iverness, 5;
schooner Admiral, of Thurso, 4; brigantine Florida,
of Christiania, assisted to save vessel and seven;
schooner fames, of Thurso, 4; schooner Heroine, of
Dartmouth, 3; barque Theresa, of North Sh elds 11;
semooner Velocity, of Nefyn, 3 ; brig Wladiener, of
Libau, 8; barque Countess of Durham, of Youghal,
rendered assistance; barque William Naizby, , of
London, assisted to save vessel; barge Star of Peace,
of London, 3 ; smack Lady of the Lake, of Ports-
mouth, 4 ; sloep Olive Branch,-o
f Cardiff, 3 ; barque
Pi•ospero, of Genoa, rendered assistance ; schooner
Dispatch, of Sunderland, assisted to save vessel and
3 ; s.s. Spartan, of Rotterdam, 10; brig Eliza, of
Shoreham, 9; steamer Pioneer, of Dublin, rcndered
assistance ; 8.8. Montagu, of Liverpool, 18; brigan-
tine Cygnet, of Silloth, 4; schooner Henry, of Whitby,
rendered assistance ; barque Broughton, of Swansea,
15 ; smack, Thorn, of Chester, 2; fishing-boat I liza,
of Scarborough, 2 ; brig Garland. of South Shields,
9 ; s s. Eagle, of Neath, remained by vessel; schooner
Margaret Ann, of Carnarvon, assisted to save vessel
and 4 ; barque Elizabeth and Catherine, of Sunderland,
remained by vessel; fishing-boat James aid Sarah.
of Scarborough, 2 ; brig Golden Plover, of Sunder-
land, 10; brigantine Frances Mary, of Drogeda, 1;
fishing-boat Welcome, of Hartlepool, 2; ketch Grey-
hound, of Porthcawl, assisted to save vessel and 3;
fishing-sloop Sally, of Wells, 4; barque Royal Arch,
of Sunderland; rendered assistance ; brig Jeanne d'
Arc, of Trouville, assisted to save vessel and 12;
brigantine Delhi, of Belfast, 6; barque Charles
C'halloner, of Fleetwood, 1; fishing-coble Jane, of
Callercoats, rendered assistance; brigantine St.
Mot, of Carnaryon, 6; smack "vie, of Sunder.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

• BENSON'S, BENSON'S.
CLOCKS, GOLD AND SILVER
For Churches, Turrets, or Public
Buildings, Dining or Drawing Room, JEWELLERY.
Library, Caniage, Church, Hall, ,
or Shop, Perpetual Calendars,
Wind Dials, &c. Of every Description, in the Richest
and Neweat Designs, at the Lowest
NOVELTY—" EARLY ENGLISH" Prices compatible with good work-
Clocks, in Wood and Ormolu, De- manahip. Brooches, Bracelets, Neck-
corated with Blue China, Wedgwood, lets, Lockets, Rings, Earrinqs, &e.
&c., from Lb bs. Made solely by and also in Diamonds and Precious
BENSON. Stones.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

ONDON OFFICES, SHOW, and WARE
LOOALL—To be Let, from 50 per annum, in the
:entre of the Glapc, China, Jewellery, and Silver-plated
larket.—Address, Proprietor, Ely House, Cbarterbouse
Street, Holborn Circus, London.

TO THE NERVOUS AND DEBILITATED
Bead the New Work entitled '
HOW TO ENSURE HEALTH.

Just published for two:stamps.l
BY DR. BARNES, M.D., (U.S.)
2
TREATISE on the LAWS GOVERNING
AL
LIFE, and the CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, and
TREATMENT of all diseases depending on Exhaustion
of Nervous Vitality, such as Nervous Debility, Mental
and Physical Depression, Palpitation of the Heart,
Noises in the Read and Ears, Indecision, Impaired Sight
and Memory, Indigestion, Prostration, Lassitude, De-
pression of SEirits, Loss of Energy and Appetite, Pain.
in the Back and Limbs, Timidity, Self-Distrust, Dizzi-
ness, Love of Solitude, Groundless Fears, and many
other ailments, which, if neglected ,bring the sufferers
to an early Death; together with Hints on Chroni
Rheumatism, Gout, Neuralgia, Epilepsy, Hysteria, and
eli disea.s of the Nervous and alimentary system.
The Appendix to this valuable work contains many,
useful PRESCRIPTIONS for the alleviation of suffering
'end thee cure of minor disorders, with full instructions
for their preparation and use.
Contains also some friendly advice on Hygiene, or th
WAY TO PRESERVE HEALTH.
Illustrated by numerous testimonials from grateful
patients who lrave been restored to health through he
author's instrumentality.
Sent post free for 2 stamps; or by letter post, three
stamps.
tar Address, Dr. BARNES, 48, Lonedale Square
Barnsbury, London, N.
IMPORTANT TO COUNTRY PATIENTS.
I.) R. BARNES may be consulted personally
or by letter in all private and confidential cases
and for the benefit of Nervous Sufferers who cannot visit
him, he will, on receiving a description of their case, en-
closing a rtamped envelope for -eply, be ready to give
opinion upon the nature of the MO, and the prineiplos
of treatnrent necessary to effect a permanent cure.

Adirens, Dr. BARNES, 48, Lonsdale Square,.Barna
bury, LaWon, N.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

ALSO I FINE STOCK OF

FOREIGN & BRiTiSh CdLth-c

OF THE BEST BRANDS.

TOBACCOS OF EVERY DESCRIPTIOY.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CARDS.
TIMOTHY JONES & Go

-
WHOLESALE AND ZdANUFACTURING PLAIN
ND FANCY STA3IONLES: E 0( KSEI JS,
The Largest and best AlsPl rtment of t HRISTMAS sod
NEW Y 1 All's CAEDS in the Midland Counties.

GOODALL'S and HUM'S PLAYING CAIiDS,
Prang's American Christmas and Birthday Cards,
THE TRADE MOST LIBERALLY DEALT WITH.
UNION pASSAGE
(Bull Street End), and
cl WAN pASSAGE

(High Street End), •
BIRMINGHAM.

T. J. HicKs,

BUILDER, CARPENTER* AND COFFIN
MAKER,

DEALER IN CEMENTS, PLASTER. COW•HAIR,
10ATB8, NAILS, AND ALL KINDS OF
BUILDING MATERIALS.

PAINTING, PAPER HANGING, WHITEWAUIIN la
COLOURING, AND GLAZING DOME ON
THE SHORTEST NOTIcE.

ADDREFS-
PARK STREET, STOIIRBFII
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

'LAIR'S GOUT PILLS.

THE GREAT ENGLISH REMEDY
FOR'GOUT AND RHEUMATISM.
T" atcraciating pain is quickly relieved and cured
In a few days by this celebrated Medicine;
These Pills require no restraint of diet during their
Ilia, and are certain to prevent the disease attacking ay
vital part.—Sold by all Chemists, at is lid and 2s 9d
or box.

TUNER
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

EALESUW4N. •

INTERIM AIITHORITY.—At the Police Court, on Tuesday
before Messrs. F. D. L. Smith and E. B. Phillips, on
the application of Mr. W. S. Hayes, an interim authority
was granted to Isaac Normanson, of the Barrel Inn,
Causeway Green.
FIRING OFF A GUN ON THR lIIGHWAY.-3ost.ph Guest
was summoned for firing off a Run within N feet of the
centre of a carriage road on the 23rd ult. Police c
stable Barley said on the above date he saw defendant
on the highway at Baldwin's Green. He had a gun
which he fired off. Defendant said he had a license for
his gun, an was ignorant of the law. A fine of is and
costs was ial.cted.—Herbert Dearne was summoned for
a similar offence on the 9th ult. This case was adjourned
at the last Petty Sessions, to enable the police to pro-
duce further evidence, but that evidence not being
forthcoming on Tuesday, the case was dismissed.
WAGES CasE.—Josaph Tiliington, contractor of Leeds,
was summoned by Alfred Bramley f..)r non payment of
£8 18s 3d wages alleged to be due. Mr. W. 8. Hayes
appeared for complainant, who with a man named George
Hall was engaged by defendant to work as riviters on the
M dland Railway at Frankley. Compiainant claimed
£3 3s 71 for balance due on the rivits and for cutting
girders, and the remainder of the money £5 14s 84 for
wages deducted wrongfully. After hearing the whole of
the evidence the Bench siid they considered there was
£7 Os 7d due to the men, and nv.de an order for that
amount and costs.—On the application of Mr. Hayes his
fee was also allowed.
ALLEGED ROBBERY OF Fowt.s.—John Barrow, a navvy
of Manley, Worcestershire, was charged with stealing
four live fowls the property of James Follows, farmer, of
Romsley, on the 23rd ult. On the application of Super-
iuteudent Kemp, prisoner was remanded for a week, for
the apprehension of other prisoners. bail being accepted
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

MEERSCHAUM

BRIAR-ROOT PIPES,

PLAIN AND FANCY

CIGAR AND CIGABETTII HOLDERfi,

And Every Deeeription of

TOBACCONIST'S GOoi
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-01-04

G. F. GREEN,
pIANOFORTE

260, Castle Street, Dudley,
And 67, Park Street, Walsall.

ILI ORIAT PLBAstrRE IN PUBLISHING THE FOLLOWING
TESTIMONIALS,

Ifiom Mr. C. Potter, Professor of Music, from the
nstitution for the Blind, St. John's Wood, London:—
'I can confidently recommend Mr. Green as a Piano
orte Tuner. He tunes by equal temperament, and ob.
ains an exact scale. (Signed) C. POTT3II."
From Mr. J. F. Patterson, Organist, St. Patrick's
Church, Huddersfield :—"I have much pleasure in tea
tifying to the abilities of Mr. Green as a Pianoforte
Tuner. He lays the bearings with exactness and perfec-
tion. (Signed) JAmaa F. PAT-meow."
From Mrs. Sanderson, Solo Pianiste, of the London
and Liverpool Concerts:—" Mr. Green is one of the few
who can Tune myPiano to the nicety I require previous
to giving my Public Recitals. (Signed) E. K. SANDII-
-

From Mr. Butterworth, Organist, Dobcross , ne
Manchester:—" Mr. Green's equal as a Pianoforte Tun
can rarely be met with, (Signed) DAVID BIITTERWORTs•
s.

Terms for Yearly Tuning, including minor re •
pairs—
Cottages, per annum ........
Grande do ..
Single Tunings (in Town).
a. d. •• d. d s.
Cottage..... 3 6& 5 0 Full Grand. • 6 6 Li?
Semi• Grands 5 0& 6 0 ,Concert Iron - "
Trichord • Grando T I
' 4 6& 5 6 ;
_ _

Piiinoforiss Tuned o the French Pitch (now univer
sally adopted throughout England,l t required.
•0' A large stock of Classical and Modern Music, a.
flail-price.
Please observe the Address-260, Castlatreet, Dual*,
and $7. Park Street. Walsall.

MEDICAL CAUTION.

II" Special Treatment adopted and mod
with such great success by Dr. Hunter for ths
last thirty years, can only be obtained at 44. Great
Char:es Street, Birmingham. Book of Testimonials,
with advice how to regain Health and Manly Vigour,
and Directions for Self Treatment, free to any address

NR. GEORGE JOHNSON, 30, Colmore Row, Bir-
minghaw, is prepared to make immediate CASH
ANCES upon every description of Seonrity.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-10-25

GERN,

54, HIGH STREET,
STOURERIDGE.'

TAPE WORMS and STOMACH WORMS
WATSON'S Warranted Specific has effectee
hundreds of pormament cures of thee. distressing dis-
°niers, Where every other remedy has failed. It does
not require continuing; a single bottle being suflicient
to cure. Its aetion is mid, but thorough, and the most
delicate need not fear taking it. Price 2s. 91 or safe by
Post for 26 stamps. Watson's Specific Powders for
.111READWORMS aro an effectual remedy for the
tormentors. No, 1, (Adults). No 2. (Children's) Price
11. lid, or by post for 15 stamps. Circulars post free.
A.ddress :—Watson A.P.S., Shipley, Yorks, or any
Clieraist will pi it for You.

tr
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-10-25

&MADAM; OCTOBWR 1879

bit him several times on both hands, and was very
violent. Isaac Hartshorne gave corroborative
evidence, and said he ran and caught the defendant,
who struck him on the eye with a brick. Police-
constable Lafford said he was sent for to Mr.
North's office, and charged defendant with stealing
coal and assaulting the last three witness'es, when
defendant kicked him on the leg, and bit him on
the hand. Mr. Boughey said to prisoner, "It is no
use my talking to you I find out that in the la.st
two years you have spent some seven or eight
months in prison. Four times convicted for felony
and larceny, and six times for assaults, and on the
last occasion for assaulting your own mother, and I
think now I ought to commit you for trial, so that
you could be sent out of the country. However, I
am willing to give you another trial, and for the
case of stealing the cinders, sentence you to three
months' hard labour, and three months' hard
labour for the assault on the police. The charges of
assault on Allen and Hartshorne I shall dismiss."
Prisoner on leaving the Court, shouted out, " If it
' costs me a thousand pounds, I will have my revenge
on you all."

shall be in a position to give a definite opinion after
the acceptances have appeared.
Next week at Brighton, the Autumn Han licap
has received a good ent y, when
PILCHARD 0 t SQUEABER

should furnish the winner.
At Lincoln on the Friday, the Autumn HandicaP
will furnish a fair field, and should
DRUMHEAD
be in the same form as when he beat Hari inger this
summer at Ascot, he should win.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-10-25

A.

KEMBLE DRAMATIC CLUB

Will give Two Performances on
MONDAY & TUESDAY, OCT. 27th & 28'h. 1879

ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 27,
CouwAy Eetcv,rti.a' Col, brated Come,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-10-25

THE FINANCE MINISTER OF JAPAN.
The Japanese newspapers publish a reply of the Governor
of Hongkong to the Chamber of Commerce at Hakodate, in
which Mr. Hennessy said :
-

"Speaking now in the latitude of Italy, and north
of the latitude of New York, in what may be called a
European climate of the finest kind, you need hardly
be congratulated on your rich fields of wheat, oats,
and barley, on your mealy potatoes, as well flavoured
as the south of Ireland produces, or on your
cows, oxen, and hardy breed of horses. All
these are naturally to be expected in such a
climate. But Japan has also produced what is far
more valuable than cereals and beef of European quality
—a race of sterling men. You have present here
to-day a typical statesman of young Japan. I have no
hesitatien in saying that Mr. Okuma is not surpassed
by any Finance Minister in the world in those various
points that constitute a successful Finance Minister—
in ability, in conscientiousness, in intimate knowledge
of his country, its resources, the habits, traditions,
and wants of the people, the mode of taxation best
suited to them, and to the free development of their
industries. And what a wonderful labour he has
accomplished! Mr. Gladstone's brilliant finance, Sir
Stafford Northcote's success as Chancellor of the Ex.
chequer, appear commonplace contrasted with what Mr.
Okuma has had to do. In the Finance Department at
Tokio, I have seen his army of well-disciplined clerks
working at their journals, cash-books, and ledgers, on
the English system, according to regulations as exact
as those that prevail in Downing-street; and in remote
towns like Sendar I have seen Mr. Okuma's instruc-
tions faithfully carried out in all their details with
respect both to the local and the imperial expenditure
and collection of revenue. It was as if in England a
sudden spring had been made, from the confused taxa.
tion and expenditure at the time of the Nurman
conquest, to the days of Mr. Gladstone."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-10-25

The FOREIGN COAL and IRON TRADES.

In the Belgian coal trade large orders have been
offered by Belgian ironmasters, who feel that, under
present circumstances, they cannot ensure coal supplies
for too long a period in advance. Contracts for five
years have been offered but have been steadily refused
by Belgian coal-owners. Seferal Belgian colliery pro-
prietors have attempted an advance of 10d. per ton
for industrial coal; the rise has been accepted as
regards small quantities, but it has not been estab-
lished with equal readiness as regards important de-
liveries. Domestic qualities of coal have been in
strong demand in Belgium, and a rise has been estab-
lished in these descriptions without much difficulty.
The Belgian iron trade continues to exhibit much ani-
mation. The reports current are rather contradictory
in some respects; but still they show that there has
been upon the whole a very marked improvement.
According both to producers of raw materials and
torgemasters, the rise is gaining strength from day to
day. Most of the works in the Charleroi district are
now engaged with orders for several months in
advance.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-10-25

EMIGRATION FROM LIVERPOOL.

The returns of emigration from Liverpool during
last month which have just been officially made show
a great increase when compared both the figures of
the previous month and the corresponding month of
1878. It appears that during September last 83
vessels left the Mersey, having on board no fewer than
14,739, against 8,402 in the same month of last year.
or an increase of 6,339. Of this number 12,043
went to the United States, 2,261. to British North
America, 133 to Australia, 114 to South America, 1.17
to the East and 12 to the West Indies, 13 to China,
and 46 to the West Coast of Africa, their nationalities
being 8,248 English, 201 Scotch, 1,459 Irish, 3,914
foreigners, and 917 not distinguished.
These figures are also 1,151 in excess of the month
of August this year, which was also unusually large.