The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1883-12-15 00:00:00

niistellaitentts 4ntelliffentel

SOME, FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL.

THE GREAT FIRE AT BRUSSELS. —The extent of the fire
at the Parliament Houses at Brussels is, it is stated, not
so great as was feared at first. Onlya small part of the
Senate is burned. Gallart's great pictures have been
saved, but the authentic first copy of the Constitution
and almost all the documents concerning the founda-
tion of the national independence are consumed. The
damage done by the fire is at present estimated at
12,000,0001. Two persons were killed and five in-
jured.
PUTTING IT PLEASANTLY.—Sir POlllpey'S Architect
(producing a plan): " There, Sir Pompey I I flatter
myself I have made that drawing plain to even the
meanest capacity ! "—Punch.
AN EXTRAORDINARY NUGGET.—Messrs. Johnson,
Matthey, and Co., the metallurgical chemists, of
Hatton-garden, have at present in their possession a
remarkable gold nugget found at Spitzkotf in the
Transvaal, nearly as big as a hen's egg, very smooth
in surface from water abrasion, very free from im-
purities, containing 920 pants cf pure metal to the
1,000, and valued at £44, It "finds" of this sort
multiply it may he safely predicted that the Boers
wig have soon to face an invasion vastly more formid-
able than British troops. Gold dust, is arriving here
from the Transvaal in increasing quantities, and the
p,aticles art tr:ti riehtr thivi a'. the
outee:

AN EXTRAORDINARY ROBBERY.—A robbery wrier
extraordioary circioJoet.anti.:s w.ss commit'led the other
night in the streets of Paris. M. S a Spauieh
Prefect, was being driven in a cab from the hotel
where he had been staying to the railway station.
Amongst his baggage on the cab was a trunk, contain-
ing important papers, five thousand francs in gold
and jewels, and objects of art to the value of fifty
thousand francs. About half-way to the station the
driver was sta. Ved by one of the trunks falling upon
him. He pulled up, and was replacing it, when he
saw that the strap had been cut, and that a largo
trunk was misain.4. This -proved to be the one in
which the treasure was packed. So dexterously had
it been 'abstracted that neither the driver nor his fare
had remarked anything until one of the other trunks
had fallen as described,
AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH CORN.—The following
are the average prices of British corn for last week,
as received from the inspectors and officers of
Excise :—Wheat, 404 Od. ; barley, 325. 3d. ' • oats,
19s. 7d, per imperial qr. Corresponding week last
year :—Wheat, 418. BJ. ; barley, 345. 51.; oats, 20s. 91
SITED BY A DREAM —On the subject of bequests,
Mr. Charles Ridge' of Newark, writes to Notes and
Queries :—" In 1643, during a siege of Newsrk,
Hercules Clay (who was the mayor of the town the
following year, but who died betore the expiration of
his year of office), resided in a house situated at the
west corner of the market place. Three times he
dreamed that the hesiezers fired his house. The third
dream had FO great an effect upon him that he aroused
the members of his family, and with them quitted the
house. Almost immediately a bomb fired from Beacon
Hill fell upon the roof, passed through the floors, and
enveloped the building in flames. To commemorate
his deliverance, Clay left £lOO, the interest of which
was to be paid to the vicar of the parish to preach an
annual sermon on March 11, and a like sum to be
applied for the benefit of the poor. This charity is
now endowed with an income from land which brings
about £9 for the vicar's sermon and £9 spent in penny
loaves, one of which is given to every applicant on the
day and at the time appointed."
CAPITAL AND LABOUR IN SPAIN.—In Madrid a Royal
decree is gazetted appointing a Commission, under the
presidency of Si lor Canovas del Castillo, to examine
all questions relating to the improvement of the wel-
fare of the working classes and effecting the relation
between capital and labour. The Commission will
also organise a Congress of representatives of the
agricultural and industrial interests, and will finally
draw up a report of its labours, to be embodied in the
form of Bills.

ETIQUILTTIL—Rector (to exemplary young person
from tits parish,Pla formerly in his Bible.clasP, now
in service in Belgravia): "Well, Jane, I told your
mother, as I was going to London, I should call and
Bee how you were getting on, and I hope you—"--
Jane : "Oh dear me, Sr. Thank you, Sir, Pm very
—Only I—l beg parding, Sir, but my wisitora is ex•
pected to go down the airy, Sir 1"--[ rableau !J—
Punch,

A NEW CATTLE SHIP.,—The Live Stock Journal says
that a new American steamer, especiulty intended ttr
this trade, has just been buil:. at a cost of 2,51,000.
Is, has at double bottom in order to admit of carryii g
water in the p'ace of ballast, and is very wide between
decks. In addition to its cargo of live stock, it will
carry 1,000 tons of ordinary cargo, 70,000 bushels of
what, and 700 passenters. Boxes and stalls for the
cattle, each holding from four to tive head, have been
c(,nstracted both fore and aft, and the floor of its deck
kiss been (I)vered with cross-rails to prevent the
enimals from slipping. They will he placed latitu.
dinally in the ship, so as to leave a passage in the
centre for the men in attendance. They will be fed
with hay and whole Indian corn, the daily ration
being 151 b: of hay and 15 gallons of water. The
cattle are brought to the vessel on board large barges,
fitted with large hanging stages, by means of which
they can be got on board with great rapidity, and
the minimum of risk.

FATAL FIRE AT NAPLY.S. —A shockin fatality oc-
curred at Naples cn Sunday night. A fire broke out
at a house in Strada Tarsia, occupied by an English
lady, named Parker. Mrs. Parker, who was about
seventy years of age, and reputed very wealthy, sbvt
alone She was roused hy smoke and the crackling of
the flares, and endeavoured to e.cape. The dense
volumes of smoke, however, drove her back, and she
appeared shriekkg and gesticulating at the window.
By this thee the tire brigade had arrived on the scene,
aid :•everal atteropta were made to rescue her, but with.
out succor,. The lieutenant of the brigade climbed up
tha balcony amid the enthusiastic cheers of the eror,d,
but great sheets of flame burst forth, and compelled
him to retreat, leavirg Mrs. Parker to her fate,

A SINGULAR ESCAPIC.—Tha Paris Correspondent of
the Globe writes ;—Whenever the history of celebrated
escapes is written, the compiler will have nothing to
tell in comparison with the scene that was enacted on
Saturday atternoon on the pont de la Concorde. On
the exce(ding narrow cornice of one of the piers a man,
to all appeakance yortng and very robust, was lying
fast ,sleev, Th.a Wonder how he got there Wai 10a for
tho root-atilt in the de inmations its to h, means of re-
moving him. 'the Juat movement would inevii.F,b'y
hsve plunged him into the Sein?, tho cutreut of
whirh is very ttr on g just now The poutplcrs were
sent tor. Half a dozen 3.-,nsti.l themselves at the foot
ot the pier, 7tvila their c mrades, by the most delicate
rprodpulation' rucceeded in passing some rope round
the tdeopt-eis body without awakening him. When
this kind of la?,so buiuesa wae ti:Jished, they hauled
him up. It was onty then that he awoke, and no
wonder, for I never heard such a shout as that of
"Vivent lea Pompiers," in which joined nearly the
whole of the Legislature, by this Cline othered on the
spot,

BALLOON PICKED UP AT SEA.—Messrs. Herskind
and Co., of West Hartlepool, have received informa-
tion from the cmotain of tbeir steamer Cornelia, which
has just arrived in the Tyne from Pomaron, that while
off the Portuguese coast, on the passage home, she
sighted a large balloon and car, the latter floating on
the sea. The balloon was got on board, but no one
was found in charge of it. The car contained several
articl, s of male attire, two national flags of Portugal,
and some mone7 of that country. Little doubt exists
that in attempting to lighten the car the aeronaut has
been drowned.

SLIPPERS FR SOLDIERS—AR one of the results of
recent committee work on equipment, it has been
decided (.4ays the Army and Navy Gazette) that a pair
of light canvas waterproof slioptrs will be carried by
the soldier in his valise on active service, instead of a
second pair of boots, which will be carried in the fleet
line of transport. A small supply of spare boots will
accompany each battalion, to replace the few that may
be prematurely worn out. It has been found that
troops can keep the field, in a rough country, on one
pair of boots for two months, and it is believed that
the addition of light canvas shoes, to put on when the
boots have been removed, to ease the feet, will answer
all requirements.

EXPLORATION IN AFGHANISTAN.—A Calcutta tele-
gram .ays that the exploring expedition sent to the
Takht i Suleiman. is returning. It is has been ascer-
tained that the Takht is not one mountain but cow
gists of two parallel ridges, distant about four miles
from each other, and joined by a plateau of about
one mile in breadth, which runs from the northern
peak of the western range to the southern peak of the
eastern range. The southern peak, on which is
"Solomon's Throne," is very steep, and almost in•
accessible while the northern, which is higher' is
well wooded. The view obtained is described as
magnificent. The Sheorani tribesmen opposed the
expedition because they had an idea that it Was
intended to carry the hill away, and plant it in
British tarritory. Their attack was repulsed with
a loss to them of about twelve men, the casualties on
our side being only two or three wounded.
THE LATE PRINCESS ALICE.—The Berlin Corres.
pondent of the Standard says that the memoirs of the
Princess Alice have had a very extensive and rapid
sale in Germany, the first edition being exhausted
within a week of publication. A second edition is in
preparation and will appear on the 17th. The English
translation is being made by Princess Christian, and
its publication is not expected to take place before next
autumn.

"IMITATION IS THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY."
—Mamma (to Young Hopeful) : "Now, Georger;
how would you like your hair cut ?"—GeorgeY
"'lke a man; 'lke my farder, or dia gentleman wid a
big partin' on a•top."—Judy.

DEATH FROM A FALL.—In London, on Saturdait
Mr. William Carter held an inquest at Wandsworth
on the body of Arthur Jeffery Knox, aged seven yearel
lately living with his grandmother at No. 22, Thorn.
road, Wandsworth•road. It appeared that on the
afternoon of the 27th tilt the deceased left home to
attend the Fountain-street Board School. On his
return from school he complained of great pains to
his head. On the following morning he was found ie.
a comatose state.—John Webden was called, and Bala
that on the afternoon of November 27 he saw the
decemed sitting on a horizontal bar in the gymnasium
attached to the Fountain•street Board School. Whee,
about to wet his hands the deceased overbalanced an
fell on his head. He was insensible for about three
minutes. In answer to the Coroner, witness said there
was no person near the deceased to cause him to fall.
—Mr. Hartnell, a surgeon, said he had attended the
deceased, and he had no doubt that death was due to
concussion of the brain consequent on the fall. The
jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."

DRAMATIC ORITICISX—His Lady Friend: "Ha"
you Lesu Swapeon's new piece at the Flapli ot—it'sss
good? "—Dramatic Critic: "No, I've nevr seen s
go.,d piece written by Swanson yet."-11. L. F.
" But this is good ; you should see it."—D. C.
"That's just the reason I don't go. If Igo and gee it
I shan't be able to say I never saw a piece of Syne
son's I liked yet ! "—Moonshine.
SINGULAR FATALITY AT MOSCOW.—A Renter's tele'
gram, dated Moscow, Dec. 11, says :—This morning
an immense throng of poor people gathered before the
house of M. Gubkin, a rich merchant of Moscow,
lately deceased, to receive the donations in money
usually distributed at the demise of wealthy persons.
As the money was being dispensed the press of peoPle
became so great that several Persons were crushed to
death, and four more sustained severe injuries.
DRAWING THE LINE.—OId Oaddicombe (retired
bone-boiler). "Look here, Fitznob, we must pill this
man Jones is putting up. The fellow's in trade.
Must keep the club select."—Fitznob. " Don't see
that matters so much. You were in trade once, 70/3
know. What's his name ?" Old Caddicombe.
" Anser. He's a tailor."—Fitznob. " Amer? Ths
brute's got a big bill against me. Quite right, Caddi,
combe, pill him. We must keep the club select."--
/sun.

A CENTENARIAN.—We note with regret the denciel
on the 26th ult. of Mr. Henry Oxenford, at the age 0:
100 years. He was the last survivor of the officio'
agents in her Majesty's Customs Long Room, Custom
House. There were originally twelve of these gentle-
men, who were called the Twelve Apostles, about
sixty years ago. The Treasury being desirous of
aboiishing the ancient privileges pertaining to the
office of agcnt made an arrangement by which the"
were offered large pensions, seats in the Long Rooru
free of rent and charges in lieu of these privileges 0
be held during life. Most of them lived to be over
80 y ears of age, and Mr. Oxenford is the last ot 0013'
He was a most remarkable man—when over 70 years
of he web' to Gtrmany to learn the languog,,e'
and acquired it.. as to ere,:k like a native. He "-
a great reader, 4nd his literary att tinments were colr
siderable. His eyesigbt was unimpaired until 101
death. He was uncle to the late John Oxenford•
dramatic critic and au.h,r, and grandfather to the
present popular lyric poet Edward thenford.—Clig
Press. aP
tbia

THE LAST STRAW.-13uMble : Ain't got a seat -
mornini, or;z- the sacred 'edia,e is full. We exPecki9-4
the Lord Mayor. Lord Mayor: But lam the
Mayor. Bumble: What! the Lord Mayor a walk"!
t church Then. welcome Sir Wernon ! The end 0
come.—Nollapsee] —Funny Folks.
THE WINTER CIRCIJITS.—The following are the
. t
circuits chost n by the Judges for the ensuing wiflte,.
assizes, viz. :—Northern Circuit—Lord Justice _
galley and Mr. Justice Butt ; Midland Circuit—ro.".
Justice Denman and Mr. Justice A. L Smith ; Nort,!'
Eastern Circuit—Mr. Justice Field and Mr. JusticS
Day ; South-Esstern Circuit—Mr. Justice Grove so.,
Mr. Justice North; Oxford Circuit—Mr. 85,r.,9'
Huddleston and Mr. Justice Manisty ; Western Or;
cuit—Lord Justice Lindley and Mr. Justice Cal:
North Wales Circuit—Mr. Justice Stephen • S°D a
Wales Circuit—Lord Justice Fry. Both mvil
criminal business will be taken at these assizes,
are expected to begin about the 11th of Janusr.t
next.

UNIFORMS OF RIFLE VOLUNTEER CORPS.—A
tt
r
respondent writes to the Broad Arrow :--4,A 0,,-*
lation has been made that of the 211. Rifle Volunt„e.
Corps in Great Britain 112 Aar scarlet tunics, fil,`„ie: wear
green uniforms, and forty gray uniforms. "'pi
latter, however, being of all shades called gray, flee
dead black to brilliant silver gray and drab. scalr"-ts
is sure to become the universal colour, all argunly
against it or not. 'lnvisible' uniforms are gene,
not handsome, but the fact remains that troops 01-„,
ani are trained to be seen and felt, and not to be II";
seen and invisible except when they run er:o'i
Soldiers who want to be invisible should keeP °ll:ner
the field. Khaki has failed in India, and its ad 013-
ee tb•
by our own troops has not taken place. Not
1 re
standing a good working dress is wanted for soldie
as well as for our civilian artisans,"
see del
SHOCKING OCCURRENCE AT FINCHLEL—On eeon-
morning Mrs. Agar, the wire of a City warehouseneelij
lesiding at Humbletornvillas, North FinchleY. 110 i
who had recently been contibed, caught up her WI.
chili and threw it upon the tire. The shocking 170
covery was made by a servant, who was directeaq.
the bedroom owing to the piercing shrieks of the olTew
Mrs. Agar, it appeared, had been left alone for 0 bet
minutes by her nurse, and in order not to be distgr4sr-
had locked herself in. The ale,ista,nce of Dr. a"hi-e
dill was obtained, but the child died shortly eft° ee
arrival. Dr. Swindill certified that the poor w°ll,l3oa
was suffering from an attack of puerperal manig' the
she was taken in eustody and charged with causing
death of her child.
THREATENING THE HANGMAN.—At the
_,Plevfshb:rfee
borough Police-court on Monday, Thomas -LX"r'''' 00
iPog
fined 20s. and costa for being drnek and disorder
Set rday night. The man was selling songs ali.:` to
to O'Donnell, and he Baked Binns, the executtoner.re,
buy one. He went away from Binns'a elop, b,ut„, be
turned afterwards in a drunken condition, eerlooS
was O'Donnell'e son, and threatened he would 6 kea
the hangman. By Binns's older the fellow wei I°c the
up. The ex-Mayor rernicdcd the defendant fr003,.0..
Bench that if Binna had pressed a charge of thread (0!
ing him, the magistsates would heve sent the Cr,
the Assizes. The hangman was a Government °e-113
and they could not allow such Inen to annoY him' oh
default of paying the Aim the defendant went to gterr
AN ELECTRIC WATOH.—A young Jew of
burg, named Sehisgel, has invented a watch the!, log
by weetricity. Herr Chowlson, Professor of P.D_Yii eft
at the University of Sr. Petersburg, has writ.% be,
article on the subject in the Noteostit in whjceef,oo
says ;—" In its remarkable simpli3ity this inve of
can only ho compared with the Jablochkoff llP`solisey
electric lighting The watches are wiE.`-iou,Lidel
• springs, and consiet solely of two wb.:els.
being true, they have the advantar'e of the
hand moving in single momentary -reaps, as i 8 °no Of
the case on y in
itvyeryfociirs
th 3 utmost ut-1 lestronowical oteervelubir
Mese watchva can alsr! eet in motion a certain no_''.; ell
of watches of the *earns construction, ao that th? we
kesp ex:•-•ct time. The invention has convince oteie.,
costly 'l7eaUches, and whicu.,,o,
that vutlohe3 can be used for the Pnrolle
gral,oq... Aiter naming several ether adv Tstrder
I.)roftllßOT Chowlson describes the invention as a w_:,foc•
which will cause an entire revolution in the 033%00
' tnre of watchee. Herr Schisgal is the son
I watchmaker in Berditschow.—Electrical Tfrort
If EP
FORCINQ.—The Gardeners' Chronicle 5398 !,... tor
he et ot asparagus pits is declining, increase tuft caw
perature either by linings or any other means lei ill
mend, and keep the lights well covered nuP Zoe,
heads are tai!ly up, when teey ought to be
.nnatielr-
daily. Seakale requires close watching, as
~. t..'s, bee_
ITIeY
1 1
heat will injure the root-, and when water ;.
may be taken out and cored away in a qe
a cellar, or some such place, excluding t" lehebeL I
will keep perfectly good for a week thus-. ,i-wat
root. The entlirw; pleating of re tames trinZo'n y
tbe....
made, and wiql ()Ireful and diligent Litt!)
_owe!
also ;requires a brisk top-beat, and but litati_o_or be 1
ehouA be ready for use in March. In foroni.f.Toor the
31 vegeteblce, i; should Owuyt, ho borne io 13:..., oel_.'.,
nothing in the shape of a violent hurrying, n'.eimpel'7...
be attempted, but simply a inkewarm steslo!fujettuifs7
ture. A one, two, or a three-light box
..u.ste of
may be sown, according to the requireEneded, be
household. hat the soil fine, sow the they willo
not give them any water till March, when L, e is 031.0
0
ready to plant out in April. See that 16.1'_1,1 03003
and Tarragon ready by Christmas, e.nd bY v"
keep up the daily supply of mr.ahrooman

*.)