The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-10-25 00:00:00

THE STOURBRIDGE OBSERVER

Islington, one of the moot interesting de-
partments was that devoted to ;:heese and
butter imported from abroad. There can
be no doubt that the demand for both articles
in these islands has for some time far ex-
ceeded the supply:; and since the -ract a'y
system has so developed in the United State 4,
we have received from across the AtiunCe
from ten to fifty thousand pounds per annum‘
We export scarcely any butter or cheese,
while we are dependent upon foreigners for
£15,000,000 worth of these commodities
every year, or nearly half of our total pro-
duce. A considerable proportion of this
could, of course, be made at home if more
attention were paid to the stock, and more
land were devoted to pasture instead of to
c nmfields. It is not only at the Dairy Show
that foreign butter and cheese-making has
claimed especial attention. It was so like-
wise at the exhibition of the Royal Agricul-
tural Society at Kilburn, which, although
its success was marred by the unseasonable
weather, left behind it many a suggestion
that might be worth a trial.
This, however, is but the fringe of a great
question. With regard to foreign commerce
generally, it is obvious that the great ad-
vantage derived from it is that which is ob-
tained by division of labour. If countries
trade freely with each other, the natural
consequence is that each nation gradually
increases the production of those commodi-
ties for the manufacture of which eircum-
stmees have specially adapted it. At the
I same time it decreases the manufacture of
those commodities which it has no particular
facilities for producing. Thus the cost of
production is diminished, and capital and
labour work their maximum efficiency. If
an example is necessary a 3 an illustration of
the truth of this saying, it may be found in
the case of our nearest neighbour. We have
long since lost our hereditary antipathy to
France, and the commercial treaty between
the two countries which was concluded
twenty years ago, marked the close of cen-
turies of mutual distrust. Well, France has
great natural advantages for the manufac-
ture of wine; her climate and the habits of
her people cause the cultivation of the vine
to be carried on with much success. Such
countries as France, therefore, not only pro-
duce sufficient wine to supply their own
wants, but also enough to satisfy the demand
of countries like England, the climate of
which is unsuited for the cultivation of the
vine. At the same time it is clear that
foreign trade will be advantageous to both
countries only when the relative value of the
commodities exchanged is different in each.
Unless this is so, no profit can arise from
the exchange. Both commodities may be
cheaper in one country than in the other,
but they will not be exchanged unless their
relative value is different. The difference
must be at least sufficient to cover the cost
of conveying the commodity from the one
country to the other, and to leave a margin
of profit to the exporter.
It cannot be too firmly borne in mind that
the advantages of foreign trade are shared
by the whole community, and cannot be ap-
propriated by any particular class. If it is
remembered that in foreign as well as domes-
tic trade the prices of commodities are ulti-
mately regulated by the cost of production,
a great deal of misunderstanding as to what
is called the equation of foreign trade will
disappear. There was a time, in the history
of the mercantile system, when it was
thought a serious calamity to a nation if a
part of its exports consisted of coin or bul-
-lon A country was, in fact, considered to
have suffered a loss from foreign trade ex-
actly equivalent to the value of the coin or
bullion she exported. When a part of a
nation's imports had to be paid for in gold
or silver, the balance of trade was said to ba
against that nation, and the exchange which
she had effected was termed unfavourable.
The experience of the present century has
exposed the fallacy and confusion of thought
of such reasoning. Gold is now exported
from the lands which produce it as an ordin-
ary article of commerce; and the rapidity of
the growth no less than the prosperity of
Australia and California, is notorious. There
are those amongst us who look forward to
trade being entirely free and unrestricted,
and to the same principles being applied to
other artiche imported from abroad as to
corn; to the sweeping away of the last cus-
tom-house and the last martello tower; and
to the freest commercial intercommn-nion
which is possible betweea one nation and
another. That general disarmament which
is once more suggested by some Italian
statesmen would enable the peoples, by ma-
terially reducing their expenitures, to levy
lesser hnport duties where their abolition
was not practicable. But so long as Europe
is one vast military camp, so long will the
nations have to pay for their increased arma-
ments, and so long will customs and excise
contribute by far the largest proportion to
our notional revenue.

THE IRON TRADE.

WOLVERHAMPTON, WethleSday,

The market to-day was not so strong as •
it was a week ago, and the sales transacted
were not so numerous as those which took ,
place a fortnight ago. This is probehly due •
partly to customers having suppliel their
wants, and to the facl-, that manufacturers
are holding aloe: in the hopes of getting
more money. Some of the leading bar
nallecre refuse to sell, as they are Cooked
pretty forward. The medium houses
t
in receipt of, good enquiries for bars,
aegies, and sheets. A considerable amount
of speculation is going on in the sheet trade,
in many instances the purchases being not
for consumption but for stocking, par-
ticularly since the prices for stamping sheets
have advanced. The mills and forges are
running faster now than they have done for
a long time. To-day's contracts in pigs were
small in number, the sales relating chiefly to
part-mine, Derbyehiee, and Middlesbrough
brands. Hematites and South Wales pigs
, are being kept off the market aa mach as
possible. Ironstone is quotably stronger,
1)- •
and there are more inquiries for domestic
coal, the prices for which are less irregular
than a week ago.

BIRIVINGHAIV, Thursday.

Qnotations were well sustained this after-
noon, and the market was stronger in regard
to certain qualities of finished iron than at
quarter-day, This was the case with nail
rods and sheets, which have been steadily
rising owing to the advance in the price of
the raw material. Nail rods were quoted at
from £6 5s to £6 10s a ton, being about 25s
above the prices realised prior to the quar-
terly meeting. It is believed, however, that
the improvement is largely due t.) specula-
tive purchases. Darin, tii, 7,-;_sek contracts
have been made by American firms with ;
local establishments for bars, sheets, and. '
hoops, this being a very satisfactory feature,
inasmuch as American orders for iron have ,
hitherto been confined to hoops and raw •
material. It is a proof that prices in the
States have passed the prohibitive margin
which the United States tariffs put upon the
value of the finished iron of this district. II
meeting of the marked or firms, forming
the Employers' Ccmmittee of the South Staf-
fordshire Mill and Forgo Wages Board, was
held in the Exchange this afternoon to con-
a request made by Mr. Capper on be-
halt for an advaia2e in
h,ivaal.i' ° f theesoonv
sequent. as was reported, upoti the
in trdea. Mr. Hunt, Chairman
I oil? thrr
ireTzant
witio a.
okiwiatiout
proxidtd,

P.: was decided that in Vie present state of
trLd.. the employers would not be justified
in advancing wages, and Mr. Jones, the
secretary, was requested to communicate
with Mr. Capper to that effect. Mr. Fisher
Smith (Lord Dudley's agent) was spoken to
with reference to the future prices of coal,
but abstained from expressing an opinion as
to his lordship's intention, and the subject
will ho discussed by the Association of Coal-
owners to be subsequently held.

Prisoeee ,vas further charged with stealing on the
16th October, seven pigeons, the propel ty of Charles
Watson. Prisoner was further charged with steal-
ing two pigeons, the property of Thomas Evans.
Remanded for a week.
CHARGE OF EMBEZZLIYG.—Thomas J. Insull,
clerk, was brought up on remand charged with
embezzling on the sth September, the sum of 6s
9d,-and on divers other days other sums amounting
to Sc 3d, the property of the Homer Hill Colliery
Company. Mr. Hooper appeared to prosecute and
Mr, Perry defended. Mr. Hooper said he was only
prepared to go into but one case, that of September
sth, Gs 9d, William Pardoe proved that he paid Gs
9d for a load of coal on September sth. He paid is
to the prisoner, and he gave him 3d back. John
Westwood, a youth, corroborated. James Brough-
fall, manager at the Homer Hill Colliery, said the
entries in the cash book were in the handwriting of
the prisoner, and it was his duty to enter all sales in
the book, and to pay the money over every evening.
On September sth, there was no entry of any money
being paid by Pardoe. Mr. Perry addressed the
Bench for the defence, and contended that it would
not be safe to send the case any further, without
some written document. If so, no clerk would be
safe, and said the case was wanting in strength.
Before any jury would convict, they would require
strong corroborative testimony. The Magistrates
retired ti consider their verdict, and on returning
into Court, Mr. Noel said the Bench wer.! of opinion
, that the case was not proved, and dismissed the
I summons.

BREACH OF THE PEACE.—William Dudley and
Alexander Wyre were charged with committing a
breach of the peace by fighting on the 21st inst.
From the evidence it appears a dispute arose, and
they fought. Ordered to pay Gs Gd each.
JuvsNiLn DELINQUENT 6..— Two boys named
Joseph Webb and George Merchant was charged
with stealing 8d in money on the 21st inst., the
property of Margaret Ladbury. Sarah Ann Latibury
said she fl.w Webb going out of her mother's shop.
She went to the till, and missed some money. Amy
Clark said she saw Merchant come out of prosecutrix
! shop with Webb. They went off together. Police-
constable Tooby proved apprehending the prisoners
and charged them both with stealing a fourpenny-
piece and some coppers. The prisnaers had spent
the money, and bought some fish and a knife.
Committed to Worcester for a mouth, and to the
reformatory for 5 years.
ASSAULTS.—Phcebe Eliza Fletcher was charged
with assaulting Mary Rider, on the 20th lust, Corn•
plainant said tliat the defendant struck her in the
lace with a plate and made it bleed. Shd had not
given hr any provocation. Defendant admitted
striking her with hcr hand, but not with the pate.
ordt:red to pay costs.—John Skehling was chargt.d
with assiultin George Pope on the 21th inst.

pla.inant slid that on the -day in question he was
passing the defendant's house when the defendant
struck him on
.the neck and knocked him dowr.
Tne defendant said that he only pushed him off his
premises because he was abusing him. Fined 2s, and
6d and cests, in default 7 days
BOARD OF GruARDIA.Ns.—Tin w2ekly meeting
(If this Board was held yesterday. Mr. Ray-
bon! din the chair. There were also present
Ilessrs. Biliioghiam, H4skew, Pargeter,
Wood, _Mills, Plant, Hale, Rootlets, tv,:, Ir,
Bcook3. and the.ABv. C. H, -Cole Wetb,
A dmitted 20; born 0; discharged 20; dead 0;
remaining in the house 421 ; corresponding
week last year 416. Out-door relief, King-
swi:Aford district 33 15s 3d ; Stourbridge dis-
trict X 22 18's 7d ; Halesowen district £l9 lOs
41 ; non-resident 4s; total £76 2s Od ; against
£62 18:s GI last year. •

Sarah Jane Taylor said that Evans was in Dudley
at the time the alleged fighting took place. In
answer to the Beech, witness said she heard Evans
was in Dudley at the time. She was not with him.
Defendants were bound over, themselves in £lO,
and one surety of £5 to keep the peace for six
months, and to pay costs.
CHARGE OF KILLING A PlGEON.—Benjamin
Cartwright was charged with unlawfully killing a
pigeon on the 15th hest, the property of Thomas
Green. Complainant said that about 9 o'clock in
the morning of the above date he turned two
pigeons out to fly. Defendant shot one of the
pigeons. with a gun Witness saw the defendant
pick it up, and take it away. It was worth is 6d.
Fanny Wheeler, of Amblecote Bank, said she picked
the pigeon up, but she did not know who shot it.
Defendant denied the offence, and said that he was
sitting im his house when he heard a gun go off,
and immaiiately afterwards saw John Beddard
come past. John Beddard was called and swore
that he shot the pigeon, and not the defendant.
The Bench dismissed the summons.
ASSAULT CASE.—Moses Jones was charged with
assaulting Martha Goodman, on the 12th inst.
Complainant said she met the defendant about 7
o'clock in the evening. She was gein r home When
she met the def,ndant, he said to her, "What game
is this." He then struck her on the face twice.
Defendant pleaded guilty. Complainant, in answer
to the Bench, said she was willing to le him off on
payment of costs, as they were formerly systat7tearts.
Fined Bs, to include costs.
CAUTION CARTERS.—AIfred Hall, of Euville,
was charged a ith using a cart on the 15th inst.,
without having any name upon it. Fined is and
Costs.
WOMEN'S QUARRELS.—Margaret Hill was charged
with assaulting Joannah Allchurch, on the 4th inst.
Mr. Waldron appeared for the complainant, and
Mr. Holbertur defended. From the evidence of
complainant it appears they both work for Messrs.
Harris and Pearson, and live at Stamber Mill. On
their way home a person named Griffiths accompanied
them. Defendant caught hold of her by the side
and twisted her round. She told her she would
have to pay for it, when defendant licat her,
blac kned her eye, and knocked her down. On cross-
examination witness admitted she had often been in
the police court, and had been quarreling with the
defendant most of the week. William ;Smith said
that on the above date he was going to Mr. Hall's
for his wages, when he saw both parties, and a Mr.
Griffiths. He saw the defendant catch held of the
complainant, and ask the name of the man who
had been sleeping with her under a rick. Com-
plainant denied that she had said so, when defend-
ant struck complainant about the face. Mr.
Holberton, for the defence, said the complainant
was not the quiet woman she wished the Bench to
believe. She admitted that she had several times
been before the Court, and she had a great antipathy
against any young persons who came to work. He
contended that they were both as bad as each other
bee h struck blows, and both were bleeding. She
charged the defendant with immorality with a man
under a rick, and they both fought. He had a
witness who had gone to the North of England,
and it would have been very expensive to have got
him there. He complained that Mr. Waldron did
not call Griffiths, who was the person with them,
aud should leave the ease in the hands of the Bench.
Fined 5s and costs.
CHARGE OF AESAULTS.—George Cartwright, of
Amblecote, was charged with assaulting Alice Bate.
on the 12th inst. Mr. Holberton appeared for the
complainant, and Mr. Waldron defended. Com-
plainant said she was near her own door at half-
past ten. The defendant came by and stroked her
doe n the face. He repeated it, and afterwards put
his hand up her dress. She held him until someone
came, and complained to them what defendant had
done. Selina Pearson was the next witna,s, and
said she heard complainant call "Mother, mother."
She went to see what was the matter and com-
plainant had got hold of the defendant. Thomas
Wellings corroborated. John Cartwright was also
called, and said he heard the defendant begging
complainant's pardon for stroking her down the face.
Mr. Waldron addressed the Bench foi the defence,
and said it was a trumped up charge of indecently
assaulting complainant. Bate, who keeps a
public-house, should be the first to keep an orderly
house, instead of having quarreling there. He
should prove that his client was grossly assaulted.
that John Cartwright took a running kick at him,
while doe n, and that others assaulted him. William
Bate, Alice Bate, Thomas Wellings, and John
Cartwright were charged with assaulting George
Cartwright on the same date. Complainant said
that he worked for Rufford and Co. On the 12th
he was passing Bate's public-house. He heard a
disturbance in the house, and a person named
George Attwood was with him. He saw Alice Bate
who said to him George, you never come to our
house now, to spend a three-pence. He said, "I
have no three-peaces to spend." She then struck
him several times, and knocked his hat off.
Well ngs also came up and struck him, and the
other two defendants also struck him. Complain-
ant on being cross-examined denied that he stroked
Alice Bate down the face, or attempted to assault
her in any way. George Hatton was called and
corroborated George Cartwright. Sun.: on Turner
also gave evidence, and admitted that he heard
Alice Bate complain of Georg 3 Cartwright putting
is hand up her dress. Mr. Holberton addressed
the Bench for the defence 'and said it was monstrous
to believe that a youug girl like Alice Bate, about
17, would stake a big man like Cartwright without
any provocation. It was proved that she cried
out" mother," and one of the brothers sae out of
the house to see what was the matter, and she told
I,er brother, who very naturally struck Cartwright.
He asked the Bench to dismiss the cross-summons,
and fine Oartwright. Tao Magistrates retired to
consider their verdict, and on returning into Court
they fined George Cartwright for the assault 5s and
costs; and Wellings was fined is and costs for
assaulting Cartwright. :rho summonses against
the others were dismissed.
ASSAULT CAS E.—At the Police Court, on Thursday
before W. F. F. Boughey, Esq., Stipendiary, James
Everill was charged with assaulting Ann Maria
Guest, on the 18th inst. Mr. Waldron defended.
Complainant said it was her baking day, and the
defendant threw a bucket of water ever the bread
and spoiled it Defendant then struck her a blow
and knicked her d nvn. While down defendant
struck her several times, and if her husband had not
come to her assistance he would have killed her,
J me Collins gave evidence for the complainant.
after which Mr. Waldron addressed the Bench for
the defence, and said it was a row over which was
to bake, and said the complainant was every violent
wo man. She has been twice before the Court, and
he prodnced a g,ead character for the defendant,
and called Fanny Billinghana, who said she saw
the defendant go into the brewhouse, followed by
Mrs. Guest aud heard her threaten the defendant
to spoil h's features with a hammer if he did not
conic out. She saw complainant hit defendant on
the back with a hammer, and she again tried to
strike him on the face. Defendant put up his
hand and warded off the blow, which caught him on
the thumb. Edward Holt said he saw the hammer
in Mrs. Guest's hands in a threatening attitude.
The summons was dismissed.
CHARGE or TnanATE-siwee—Caroline Oakley was
cha.reed with using threw s to Ann Hill, on the Ist
inst. The threats complained of were proved to the
satisfaction of the Bench, and defenclaat was
ordered to find one surety in £lO, to keep the peace
for six months. Mr. Waldron asked for a summons
for perjury, as he had several witnesses to prove
that no such threats were used. The application
was refused.
AS3AULT CASE.—Benjamin Priest was charg d
with assaulting Thomas Webb, on the 18th inst.
Mr. Waldron appeared for complainant. From
the evidence of co:uplainaait it appears that a dis-
pute arose between :them, and a wager was laid,
and as they were going to a surgeon to prove it,
defendant struck him a violent blow on the mouth,
cutting his lip open. Defendant then got him
again•t a wall, and kept beating him for two or
three minutes. His face was covered with blood,
and he had not been able to work since. He was
suffering from a tumour, and defendant struck him
on the tumour. Sarah Holt gave corroborative
evidence. George Merchant was also called to
support the case. A witness was called for the
defence, who admitted that the defendant struck
complainant. The learned Stipendiary said it was
one of the most unprovoked assaults that ever came
under his notice. Here was a man suffering from
ill health, and refused to fight when asked, when
d2fendant commenced a violent attack upon him.
Fined 20s and costs; in default one month.
SCHOOL BOARD PROSECUTIONS.—A number of
persons were summoned by Verney Breeton,
inspector, for neglecting to send their children to
school, and were fined in sums varying from is to
55.

-
C 'URGE OF CINDER STEALING.—A VIOLENT
CHA.E.A.cTER.—Emma Turvey, 'a girl, was charged
with stealing a quantity of coal on the 16th inst.,
the property of Richard North. Thomas Simpson,
clerk., said he saw the defendant with others, at the
coal mounds. He ordered them off. They all went
except the defendant who had a bucket containing
cinders. He did not prevent defendant taking the
cinders. She began to use abusive language, and
he attempted to take the bucket from her. She had
a hamm...r in her hand and threatened to strike
him with it. Henry Allen came up at the time and
they tritd to take the hammer from her, and did so.
Defendant bit both his hands, and he left her in
charge of two men While he took the cinders and
bucket to the office. Defendant broke away from
the men, and followed him with a brick end which
rshe hu 7 h7d at him, and he only just escaped by going
on one side. Henry Allen, manager to Mr. -North,
said he sax the U'efendaot get Mr. Sitnps n on the
ground. She had a hammer in her hind which he
took oil her. She made use of filthy language, and