The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-12-27 00:00:00

-4.
11.

•''..12,',18:4111, 27th, 1884$
LI-3.Lldit.k.rl.olllST PLIOG3,OI 'Ara

It was scarcely to be expected that with
the settlement of electoral reform, and the
a iveet of the Christmas season, the pro-
fessional agitator would premit himself to
vegetate in temporary oblivion for a while.
That he will never be absolutely annihilated
sto patent a fact so longasthereare politi-
a 1 and religions factions existent, each
itterly hostile to the other; but he might
sive taken a Christmas holiday, and per-
rnitte 1 the British pablic to enjoy an in-
terval of rest from his blantant disturbances.
This time he has turned up under the
al:micas of the sometime dormant Libera-
tion Society, and one cannot but surmise
that he has been galvanised into life by the
recent ample bequests of "filthy lucre"
which the aforesaid professional agitator is
so eminently capable of squandering. It is
a long time since the Liberation Society ex-
ercised any political influence in the country.
In fast, since the decease of its best
champion, Mr. Edward Mill, it had almost
gone out of remembrance until it became re-
cipient of the recent munificent legacies al-
ready alluded to. Taking advantage of the
present legislative lull in controversial
questions, the Liberation Society have is-
sued what may be called a manifesto. It
is signed by the chairman of the "Society
for the Liberation of Religion from State
patronage and control," and has been sent
out under the authority of the Executive
Committee. The facts and suggestions it
contains necessarily have reference to the
present aspect of political affairs and to the
opportuneness of enforcing their Radical
doctrines upon the Liberal programme. It
confidently anticipates that the result of the
combined measures of enfranchisement and
redistribution will be to increase that poli-
tical power of that "large portion of the
disestablishment movement mainly lies,"
and therefore it is thought it will be "pora-
sible to adopt with a hope of success a bold
and decisive electoral policy in many places
in which formerly it would have been alto-
gether impracticable." In the light of the
past history of the liberation movement, a
forecast like this, is, to say the least of it,
refreshing. It must have been patent to all
who take any interest in the Established
Church that Cif strength of the abolitionists
has been in the northern centres of industry
where Radicalism is rampant. The two
million agricultural labourers who are ad.
mitted to the franchise have never bawled
themselves hoarse in condemnation of the
Church to which they know they are
mainly indebted for any privilege they
ever enjoyed. From countleas Liberal
7 platforms for years the benefits of education
have been the staple of powerful discourses;
but to whom does Hodge owe the education
be possesses? Mr. Mundella, the vice-presi-
dent of the Council of Education, has him-
elf answered the question. A Welsh Non-
- ,comfoemist has called attention to some ut-
terances of the Primate of England and
'brought them before Mr. Mandela. The
hon. gentleman, in reply, says the statement
lately made by the Archbishop of Canter-
bury to the effect that Mr. Mundella had
stated that in rural parishes in England the
e lergy were the best supporters of education
and took the greatest interest in it, was per-
fectly true, and was authorised. The ideal
of the rural clergy is altogether much higher
than that of farmers and local authorities
generally. "Yon may," adds Mr. Mundella,
"be coifs right in what you say about
Wales, but even so it would not disturb the
general accuracy of mi statement." What
thee, we ask, is there in current events to
justify the complaeent assumption of "in-
creased politica- I power" to the Liberationists?
Thecircular of the society goes on to recom-
mend "educational work" among electors,
the selection of candidates holding their
views "and able to advocate them with
effect," and, while counselling unity among
the Liberal party, goes almost the length of
threatening that unity unless the leaders
accept the dictum laid down by the organi-
sation. From that dictum it may be noted
in 'passing that the covetous cry of "disea-
dowment" has been dropped in order to
bring within the fold those Christian
Liberals, who, while clamorous for "fre-
dom of conscience" retain sufficient
honesty in their nature to prevent them
spoliating their neighbours in the work of
religion. Had not the late Mr. Miaii's
work, "Title Deeds of the Church of En
land," been long since discredited and r-e-
-fated, it might have been appropriate to
have shown with what ferocious coveton.3-
ness the founders of the Liberation Society
looked upon the noble endowments of Cie 1
greatest bulwark of England's civilisatioe.
And to Iday they have at heart the test
given them by one of their leading political
friends—"to the spoilers belong the spoil."
We should not have called attention to the
manifesto, had we not desired to urge upin
Conservatives, and all who hokl the 7hlngliilt
Church dear, to be equal in their defence to
tke aseaults of the would be destroye s.
Agitation can best be met by agitation.
The tempests of ages have battered the ol 1
Church in vain, and she is firmer rooted
than ever in the hearts and affections of the
people. Her internal unity was never more
manifest, nor her harmony more perfect ;
still the best institutions may succumb to
perpetual s.nd uoresented attack. Therefore
it behoves Churchmen to be earnest, ener-
getic, and determined to checkmate this re-
newed attempt to displace the Church of
lingland from its spiritual ascendancy in
,'1;.3 country.

!HE IRON FE%DE.

Wu! verhampton, Wednesday.

The ma-kA wts v .ry tame, scareely any business
ivri.-ag transacted. Inquiries wore of a meagre
ehxracter, sad chiefly to rini)ply wants in Via early
pert of the ensuing quarter. Prices remain unaltered
end there 4.e5 not appeAr to he the slightest pros-
vet of an improvement taking place yet awhile.
The raajority of the works close to-night for the
SOM3 of them will be re-stattA on Mon-
day. but many others will bt. stopped for the whole
af next week for repairs and stock-taking. The
prinoipat isvyere of common bars are merchants
whetso object is t) atoc.< their warehouses
shies are matoly desired by galvanisers. Both for
girder and hnl.r plates there is a weak demand
and sales, as they have been for the last week or eo
are linsit.-41 to small lots to exetute add contrects,
Stamping sheets are in firm request. and somtt of
the mills hlv.! to start early next week to izet
out the order by the stipulated time. For :olitn.,n
bars 46 is the averaze vain-, while the cheaper
classes of sheets do not real s above ior ailub
gauge. Pig mak ra are negoti :tang contrac s for
remote delivery, though buyers in malty i••stance:
taldeavour to *oaken tbe prices, which are now
lewerb han they here been for a very long perial,
and unmet possibly afford any margin of roflt to
the sellers. Foundry iron is in better inquiry, and
a Give small paroila of best hematites have also
changed hands at the last recorded rates. Mineral
agents are doing scarcely anything in local iron•
401111 owing to the large importations which come
treat the north of this country and Northampton-
shire. In the coal trade the sales are mostly re—
stricted to house. coal. for which at some pits tha re
is& rather active demand. Buyers will not, htsv•
ever, give any more money.

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