The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-07-19 00:00:00

Vkurdisi.

There was not Jau.,211 animation at the
meeting of ironmasteis to-day, and transac-
tions related almost entirely to lots for im-
mediate consumption. The specifications
that have been received by finished iron
makers since the quarterly meeting have not
'been much in excess of ordinary require-
ments. Merchants were indisposed to oper-
ate, but they were less pressing upon maan-
facturers of medium and best iron to reduce
their quotations, partly as the result of the
firmness which was shown by producers at
quarter-day. Hoops, galvanised sheets, and
nail rods were principally in request, while
boiler plates and other classes of iron were
neglected. The make of pig iron is being
farther restricted week by week, but makers
are unable tD dispose of the production,
although five-sixths of the furnaces are out
of blast. Prices are ruinously low, and
makers are only holding in view of better
days. The coal trade is in even a worse
condition than the iron trade, and the wages
of the colliers barely suffice to procure the
necessaries of life. However, they loyally
admit the difficulties of masters, and are not
Ineedlessly embarrasing them with demands
for increased wages which the state of trade
does not permit of being conceded.

Conservative Association was held at the Primitive
Methodists' school rooms, Granger's Lane, on
Monday evening, to hear an address by Mr. W.
Touchstone, of Manchester, on "The Governments
of Mr. Gladstone and Lord Beaconsfield compared."
The chair was taken by Mr. Jeston Homfray, and
the room was crowded. Amongst those preseut
were the Rev. J. Honor (Cra,dley Heath) ; Drs
H ggs and H C. Kerr; 111esii,; It. G. Walker, W•
G. Walker, Broughall, W. la. Blosidge, Priest.
Carpmail, Willetts, F. 0. Yates, W. Barton and,
C. W. Barton (Birmingham), &c. &c.
It was evident before the proceedings commenced
that considerable opposition might be anticipated;
but it was not expected that an organised attempt
would have been made to prevent a word from the

lecturer being heard.
The Chairman briefly addressed the meeting and
introduced Mr. Touchstone, whose rising was the
signal for uproar from the disturbers of the meet-
ing, who numbered about fifty, most of whom were
lads under the leadership of well-known Radicals.
These were ultimately reinforced by a body of not
the most cleanly-loolting men, who had been wait-
ing outside until their services might be required.
The Lecturer commenced his address by briefly
sketching the agitation for the disestablishment
and disendowment of the Irish Church which pre-
ceded the election of 1868. He showed how, on an
appeal to the country of Mr. Disraeli in the
autumn of that year, the policy of disestablishment
was endorsed, and Mr. Crlatistone installed in
office with a majority of 120. He traced the
history lof the Administration from the coming
into power in 1868 to its fall in 1874, showing how
year by year its popularity lessened, and con-
sequently its majority diminished.
At this stage the noise increased to so great an
extent that although the lecturer is endowed with a
powerful voice it was impossible for the reporters
to hear what he said. By the advice of the Chair-
man he sat down, in the hope that the obstructives
would soon become exhausted and allow him to
proceed.
The Chairman lose, and during a temporary lull
requested all who were friends of order and wished
to hear the lecturer to hold up their hands. Fully
four.fifths of those present complied, including
many respectable Liberals of the district. The
noise, however, did not diminish, but, aided by the
reinforcements previously mentioned, determined
efforts were made to reach the platform with a
view to clearing it of its occupants. These
attempts were frustrated, thanks to a compact
body of the members of the local Conservative
Association, and several of those engaged in ihe
attempt found themselves outside the door.
The Lecturer, deeming it useless to wait further
for silence, with a determination that did him
credit, proceeded with his address. He referred to
the legislative measures passed by the late Liberal
Administration, and called attention to the foreign
policy pursued by it, especially in the disputes
with the United States and Russia, and contrasted
the spirit of pusillanimity which characterised the
dealings of Mr. Gladstone's Government with
foreign nations, when matters were in dispute,
with the manly, straightforward, and determined
form exhibited by the present Administration in
its foreign policy.
Another attempt was here made to clear the
platform, and respectably-dressed people were
hustled, necessitating a careful supervision over
the safety of watches, &c. Cat-calls and whistling
increased, accompanied by groanings and shoutings
so that although Mr. Touchstone, determined not
to be beaten, continued to deliver his lecture, not
a word could be heard, and it is therefore im-
possible to give a further report of what, from the
ability of the lecturer, would assuredly have been
an irteresting and instructive address. It is under-
stood that the opposition was organised at a chapel
in the immediate vicinity, which has been identified
with delivery of lectures on the Radical side, and
the Liberals of Dudley borough may therefore be
reminded that it was scarcely wise at the outset
of the electoral campaign to adopt tactics which
will probably be met with others of a retaliatory
character. The vindication of" freedom of speech"
and "liberty of opinion" has, it is evident, a
signification amongst the Radicals of Cra.dley
different to what it bears amongst their
Birmingham brethern, and the Conservatives are
to be congratulated on the forbearance they ex-
hibited under the circumstances, thus preventing
an actual breach of the peace.