biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

A LADIES' TEMPERANCE CON-
FERENCE.

In London, on Saturday afternoon, a conference
of ladies was held at Langham Hall, in connection
with the Christian Workers' Temperance Union,
Lady Jane Ellice occupying the chair. In opening
the proceedings, her ladyship remarked that during
the past year, although there had been much to dis-
courage, there had been more to encourage than in
former years. The horrible atrocities committed by
persons under the influence of strong drink, made
them shudder, and wonder how any advocates of it
could be found in this Christian land. It was
dreadful to contemplate the spread of drinking
amongst young people, and another disheartening
feature was the increasing drinking habits amongst
the educated and the opulent classes a fact which she
feared could not be denied. Her ladyship proceeded
to quote several instances which had recently come
under her own observation of high-class drinking.
One of the encouraging circumstances was that,
whereas in former days she was generally the only
person at a table who abstained from strong drink, she
now frequently met with ladies and gentlemen who
refrained from it. But the most encouraging circum-
stance she knew of was the spirit of prayer that seemed
to be moving throughout Great Britain. The angel
of prayer seemed to have spread his wings and
been floating over the land : but even in that
matter she was not quite content, because the
subject of drunkenness seemed to be dropped
so much out of the prayers of men and women.
She asked the ladies present to let it be a
subject of special prayer with them throughout this
year. She wanted them to " storm " heaven by
prayer till they brought down the needed blessing.
She verily believed that those who prayed most were
those who worked most, but it would be useless work-
ing for this or any other cause without God's blessing,
and that bleising could not be expected unless they
individually and nationally asked for it.

Miss Firth afterwards gave an address on the
"Health of Mothers and Children," and in the evening
Dr. Norman Kerr addressed a larger audience on " The
Influence of Alcoholic Liquors on Christian Workers
and Christian Work."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

WRESTLING WITH BEARS.

An athletic entertainment given at the French
Theatre, in Twenty fourth-street, New York, on the
10th of December, gave great satisfaction to a large
laody of spectators, owing to the novelty of the exhibi-
tion, which consisted of wrestling matches between
expert wrestlers and trained bears. The first of these
contests was between a man named Regnier and a
small bear called Ren4. The bear was greeted with
loud applause, as muzzled and led by a rope it walked
on to the stage. it was a wiry-looking animal, in good
condition, and* appeared ready and anxious for a
tussle. Advancing towards its adversary on its hind
legs, with a queer shuffling gait, and with its head
"thrown rakishly on one side," it began at once to
spar for a hold. After an exciting struggle of some
minute's duration, during which the bear showed.as
much cunning as a skilful human wrestler, Regnrr
managed by a sudden jerk to throw the bear on its
back, to the great delight of the audience, who mani-
fested their pleasure by loud peals of laughter at the
bear's discomfiture. Then followed a match between
Professor Bauer and a big bear named" Martin,"
weighing about 350 lb. This contest was the great
event of the evening, but did not afford so
much amusement as the match with the lesser
bear. " Martin " hardly seemed to fancy being
knocked about by the muscular profesior. He
stood up and faced his adversary, but retreated with
a "hobbling skip" whenever the professor attempted
to come to close quarters. He extended his fore paws,
and pressing them against the professor's head kept
him at arm's length. Martin, who was evidently
nervous, maintained this defensive attitude until the
professor managed to clasp him and fling him back-
ward partly on his side. This, however, was pro-
nounced "no fall," and the struggle was renewed
until in the end the professor managed to hurl the
unhappy animal backward against the scenery, and
the bear was declared to be worsted. Another wrest-
ling match with the little bear, who was at last
"fairly thrown," concluded the performances.—Pall
Mall Gazette.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

LORD DERBY ON THE WAR.

The Manchester Chamber of Commerce have issued a copy
of a memorial which they have sent to Lord Derby on the
subject of England's policy and the effect of the war upon
trade. In the reply from the Foreign Office, Lord Derby
Promises to give the memorial his careful consideration, and
the letter proceeds as follows : •

" Lord Derby would, of course, be happy to receive
the original at the hands of a deputation, if the
chamber should think it desirable to take that method
of presenting it. He thinks it right, however, to say
that, in view of the almost immediate meeting of Par-
liament, any expression of opinion on his part on the
question of public policy touched upon in the memorial
would at this moment be inexpedient and inopportune
and leaves it to the members of the chamber, there-
fore, to decide whether they will trouble themselves
to present the memorial in person."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

SUITABLE NEW YEAR'S RESOLVES.

To make calls.
To make good resolutions.
To make an effort to get up earlier in the morning.
To make both ends meet.

To make my fortune by that scientific invention,
which it will only reqttire a little exertion on my part
to perfect.
To make my own cigarettes.
To make up a match between that irreproachable,
but penniless, Puirhody and Miss Minting.
To make myself thoroughly acquainted with the
Eastern Question in all its bearings, the relations
between Capital and Labour, the principle and con-
struction of the Telephone, and the immense benefits
to mankind flowing from "liquefaction of oxygen."
To make it up with toy old friend Thynneskynne.
To make no more puns.
To make sixpence go as far as a shilling. •
To make desirable acquaintances.
To make a handsome present to my poor old Aunt
Betsy on her birthday.
To make out a list of my bills, and—pay them.
To make My great coat last another winter.
To make a better use of my spare time by studying
physiography, or comparative philology, or inter-
national

To make out my Income-tax return with the most
inflexible conscientiousness.
To make no more piecrusteap promises.
To make a beginning, and save.
To make up my mind.
To make myself universally beloved, esteemed, and
respected by my wife and family, my relations,
friends, and acquaintances, my tradespeople, and
dependents, my landlord and laundress, my contem-
poraries, and my ere litors.—Punch.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

THE CROWN OF INDIA.

The Times of Tuesday publishes the following letter :

Sir,—On the Ist of January, 1877, the Viceroy of
India, in presence of a distinguished multitude, and
with all the pomp that such an occasion could war-
rant, proclaimed Her Majesty Empress of Hindustan.
To commemorate the event a large number of pro-
motions and appointments were made to the Order of
the "Star of India ; " but, although this pageant
was held on the very ridge which eighteen years be-
fore had been the scene of one of the most gallant
feats of arms in our annals, although there were pre-
sent on the Staff of Lord Lytton and of the Com-
mander-in-Chief men who held that ridge in those
dark days, it was thought fit to pass over in silence
the claims of all military officers and grant rewards
only to the civilian element.
On the 3rd of January, 1878, a new Order, that of
the " Crownof India, was announced in the London
Gazette, as instituted on the first anniversary of Her
Majesty's assumption of her new title. I look in vain,
Sir, for the names of the wives of soldiers in that list.
Surely, when the wives and daughters of Secretaries
of State, of Viceroys, of Governors of Provinces, and
of civilian members of Council are decorated, those of
Commanders-in-Chief and other distinguished Generals
might be equally honoured. Napier of Magdala,
Sandhurst, Neville Chamberlain, Durand, Parer,
and Kemball recall names connected with the brigthEst
deeds of our Indian history. The in stitutioh of the
Order was no necessity for making it a slur on a body
of which Her Majesty may be justly proud, and of
whose services she may betorelong have need.—l am,
Sir, your most obedient servant,
TRANS INDICUS OLI3I.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

POTATOES.

Moderate supplies of potatoes 'were on offer, and, with a
steady sale, the following were the quotations :—Eent
Regents, 170 s. to 180 s. ; Essex ditto, 150 s to 1705.; rocks, 90s.
to 110 s. ; flukes, ISOs. to 200 s. ; Vietorias, 180 s. to
kidneys, 120 s. to 1455. per ton.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

THE LONDON MASONS' STRIKE.

1 here are now 250 Germans at the New Law Courts,
and altogether 320 masons are still engaged at these
works. The amount of work turned out since October
by these men is very great. There are now about 50,000
blocks of stone out ready for fixing, and so soon as the
weather will permit active operations will be com-
menced on the main block. During the week, the men,
who have hitherto been allowed to make almost as much
overtime as they choose, had this privilege curtailed,
and instead of making 64 hours in the week, which has
been the average for some time, they only made 57A
hours, and this will in future be further reduced to 55i,
a very slight increase on the time made by the masons
of London. Now that the men have got fairly into
the work their abilities individually have been tested,
and the result is that some of them are found not to be
worth the amount they are paid, and a new rate of
wages has been arranged. At the Temple works 54
men are engaged, 25 of whom are Germans, the re-
mainder being English and American. The time
made here last week was 60 hours.

On Saturday the Strike Committee found the strike
roll slightly decreased. The amount paid to the men
was the same; being at the rate of 18s. to each single
man, and 19s. to the married men and is. to each
child. The committee have sent away twenty men,
amongst whom are four Germans. The amount of the
outside subscription list now stands at £1,253. The
balance at the bank is reported to be good, but the in-
come from the levies slightly reduced.

„
The Masters' Association reports that men are
coming steadily to London.—Monday's Standard.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

POST-MORTEMS IN WORKHOUSES.

The Local Government Board, in reply to the repre-
sentation of the Poor-law Medical Officers' Association
respecting the question of allowing the medical officers
(If workhouses to make post-mortem examinations of
the bodies of paupers who die in the workhouses, state
that they are of opinion that a post-mortem examina-
tion should not be made of the body of a workhouse.
lunatic except by the direction of a coroner, when
holding an inquest, or the direction of the board of
guardians, for any especial, urgent, or particular rea-
son which they may deem of sufficient importance to
render such an examination necessary, or at the
request of the relatives of the deceased. The board
also think that a board of guardians would hardly be
justified in directing in any particular case that a post-
mortem examination should take place if the neixest
relative of the deceased objected clearly and decidedly
to that course.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

THE FISH TORPEDO..

It is at Fiume, on the Adriatic, that Mr. White-
head, the well-known inventor of the fish torpedo,
has his principal factory. Scores of skilled labourers
work there night and day at the manufacture of these
terrible engines of destruction ; and under his imme-
diate supervision and continual experimenting this
deadly weapon (which in the opinion of many scien-
tific men will in time totally supersede naval artillery)
is daily underaoing modifications and improvements,
which render it as nearly life-like in its attributes as
it is in appearance when seen in motion under water.
So much does the fish torpedo resemble a porpoise
or dolphin when self-propelled through the water at a
little depth below the surface that on one occasion,
when Mr. Whitehead first began experimenting with
them at Fiume, a native sportsman who happened to
be on the beach, probably on the look-out for wild
fowl, fired at one which was being tried at long range,
but in a direction parallel with the shore. At
another time Mr. Whitehead lost a torpedo, which
after a lapse of more than a year he recovered,
through some accidental cast of fishermen's nets,
and which proved a valuable haul to them eventually
when they took it to its original owner, although they
were at first disappointed to find that the fish was a
metal one. Some of the lookers-on who had seen the
haul at a distance reported the capture of an enormous
monster to the town-folk.

The price of one of these fi,h torpedo as supplied to
the British Government is about £5OO.

Her Nlajesty's store-ship Wye was very recently at
Fiume taking in an instalment of a quantity for the
supplying of which Mr. Whitehead is under contract
with the Government.

When first the inventor experimented his fish tor-
pedo with the maximum speed attained by it was nine
knots; the present one goes through the water for a
given distance at the rate of 16 to 18, and some are
now in course of construction by order of and for the
use of the Russian Government which will travel at
the hitherto unequalled speed of 24 knots. These
latter will be of large dimensions, but the given dis-
tance at a 'maximum rate of speed will also be greater,
and the explosive matter contained in increased quan-
tity. Each torpedo is test-xl before delivery, of course
only as regards its propelling capacities, its accuracy
of adjustment, &c., and not its exploding capabilities,
whicn are naturally taken for granted.

The Fiume Torpedo Factory is at present providing
both Turkey and Russia with these dangerous
weapons. The Turks receive theirs from the sea, and
the Russians overland.—T Times.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

EMIGRATION OF PEASANTS FROM
RUSSIA.

We (Globe) are informed that a large number of
peasants livinc, in the famine districts of Russia are
preparing to leave their homes to settle in the Uvited
States and Brazil. On the 23rd ultimo the railway
station at Saratoff was crowded with peasant families
from beyond the Volga, who, under the direction of
emigration agents, were proceeding to Hamburg to
take ship for America. With respect to the German
Mennonites, the Russian authorities find that instead
of the emigration movement ceasing in the winter, as
has been the case in previous years, the number of
families leaving the country is greater now than it has
ever been.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

PERSONAL STATISTICS.

The oldest member of her Majesty's Private Council
is Viscount Stratford de Redcliffe, G. C. 8., aged 90 ;the
youngest, his Royal Highness Prince Leopold, aged 25.
The oldest duke is the Duke of Portland, aged 78 ;
the youngest, the Duke of Montrose, aged 26 The
oldest marquis is the Marquis of Donegall, aged 81. ;
the youngest, the Marquis Camden, aged 6. The
01de..,t earl in the House of Peers is the Earl Bathurst,
aged 87 ; though the oldest bearer • of that title is the
Earl of Kilmorey, an Irish peer, aged 90; the youngest
is the Earl of Hopetoun, aged 18. The oldest viscount
is Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, aged 90 • the youngest,
Viscount Clifden, aged 15. The oldest2Baron is Lord
Chelmsford, aged 84; the youngest, Lord Southamp-
ton, aged 11.
The oldest member of the House of Commons is the
Right Hon. Joseph Warner Henley, M.P., for Oxford-
shire, aged 85; the youngest, Viscount Helmsley,
M.P. for the North Riding of Yorkshire, aged 26.
The oldest Judge in England is the Right Hon. Sir
Fitzßoy Kelly, Lord Chief Baron of the Excheqaer
Division of the High Court of Justice, aged 82; the
youngest, the Right Hon. Alfred Henry Thesiger,
Justice of Appeal, aged 40.
The oldest Judge in Ireland is the Hon. James
O'Brien, of the Court of Queen's Bench, aged 72; the
youngest the Right Hon. Christopher Polies, LL.D.,
Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer, aged 47. The
oldest of the Scotch Lords of Session is Robert Mac-
farlane, Lord Ormidale, aged 76- the youngest
Alexander Burns Shand, Lord Shand, aged 49.
The oldest Prelate of the Church of England is the
Right Rev. Alfred 011ivant, Bishop of Llandaff, aged
80; the youngest is the Eight Rev. Rowley Hill,
Bishop of Sodor and Man, aged 42. The oldest Pre-
late of the Irish Episcopal Church is the Right Rev.
John Gregg, Bishop of Cork, aged 80- the youngest is
his son, the Right Rev. Robert Samuel Gregg, Bishop
of Ossory and Ferns, aged 44. The oldest Prelate of
the Scotch Episcopal Church is the Right Rev. Robert
Eden, Bishop of Moray and Ross, aged 74; the
youngest, the Right Rev. George R. Mackarness,
Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. aged 55.
The oldest Baronet is Sir Richard John Griffith,
aged 94; the youngest, Sir Thomas Lewis Hughes
Neave, aged 4. The oldest Knight is Major-General
Sir John George Woodford, K.C.8., aged 93 ; the
youngett, Sir Ludlow Cotter, age.] 25. Who's Who in
1878.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

SEED.

LONDON, Monday, Jan. 7.—The very wet state of the
weather tends to check business in agricultural Seeds. The
few samples of English Cloverseed showing were of poor
quality, and no prices yet fixed for it. The best French held
for more money, but few sales took place. As yet nothing
worthy of notice is passing in American Seeds. Few trars-
actions took place in Trefoil, but the best sorts supported
prices. Winter Tares were rather easier to purchase. Rape-
seed was fully as dear, with a moderate demand. Ilempseed
sold steadier on former t erms. Canaryseed realised previous
values, with a moderate sale. White and Brown Mustard
Seeds were in limited supply, and prices were nominally the
same as last week.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

KIDDERMINSTER

VAt_,ANCIES FOR BOARDERS.

Zernis Moderate.—Apply W. MATTHEW S, Principal
Late Head Master ot stndley erammar SchQui. ttc.,
&c.
Ropilo admitted st y tigie.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

G. F. GREEN,
pIANOFORTE

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

- - •
IAS GSBAT PLZASIIBB IN PUBLISHING THE FOLLOWING
TESTIMONIALS,
From Mr. C. Potter, Professor of Music from the
3....atitution for the Blind, St. John's Wood:London:—
i•I can confidently recommend Mr. Green as a Piano
fart° Tuner. He tunes by equal temperament, and ob-
tains an exact scale. (Signed) C. POTZFB."
From Mr. J. F. Patterson, Organist, St. Pat;iak's
Church, Huddersfield :—"I have much pleasure in tes-
tifying to the abilities of Mr. Green as a Pianoforte
Tuner. Be lays the bearings with exactness and perfec-
n. (Signed) J.i.vota F. PArrzasow."
FTOI3I Mrs. Sanderson, Solo Planiste, of the London
and Liverpool Concerts:—" Mr. Green is one of the few
who can Tune my Piano to the nicety I require previous
to giving my Public Recitals. (Signed) E. K. SANDER-
/3X.
From Mr. Butterworth, Organist, Dobcross' near
Manchester :—" Mr. Green's equal ass Pianoforte Tuner
can rarely b lailtWith. (Signed) DAVID BUTTHRWORTII."
S. d.

Terms for Yearly Tuning, including minor re-
pairs— 1
. Cottages, per annum •• • •
Orands do • • 000000000
, single Tunings on Town).
,
s. d. s. d.; s d s. d.
• Cottages.... 3 6at 5 0 IFull Grando 6 6et 7 0
Semi-Orands 6 0 ISt 6 0 ICG.ornance
drst•l.ron.. 7 6
.Trichord .
Obligue.. . 4 6St 5 6 1
Pianoferl es Tuned o the French Pitch (now univer-
sally adopted throughout England, ti required.
*.* A large stock of Classical and Modern .Music, at
ll4li•price
• .
a4e ob>erre the Athlress-20, Castle Street, Dmlle
ith,. t, La.!: ,11,tet. it'ol.s.aii.

,

BMMUS and Liver Complaints, indigestion
Headache. Loss of Appetite, Drowsiness, Gid-
%nese, Spasms, and all Disorders of the Stomach and
; ,wels are quickly remn, 11.,.
—ANIPTON',"4
.31m , •
:id • ft•-•

; pvtot4s,

Doia P.JI 4neninns, 11.11,611 t
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

CRADLEY HEATH, HALESOWEN, AND DISTRICT CHRONICLE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 1878.

JOHN pARKER,
HILL STREET, STOURBRIDGE.

PRINTING DEPARTMENT.

Mold Argood Colliery Company, Mold," Pleasantly
surprised with the minute inforinaiion."
Maconochie Brothers, Fish Factors, Lowestoft.
"Increase our subscription to One hundred and Fifty
Pounds (X 150
Wallace, Bailey and Wilkins, Tanners and Curriers,
160, Long Lane, Bermondsey, London, S.E.
" IniorlUition most accurate—speedy.—Your Office un-
questionauly stands first. Increase our subscription to
Fifty Pound (£5O), Members 6 years.
Slade, John & Co., Bout and Shoe Manufacturers,
Worcester. " Increase our subscription to Twenty
Pounds (X 20
Briggs, Shera & Co„ oak Works, llornestatlo,
"In no one instance have we been deceived—correct—
reliable,"
Huntley and Palmers, Biscuit Manufacturers, Reading,
" Specialite—most valuable in removing doubt as to real
position of parties.—Members 11. years."
llewliurst, Hoyle and Smethurst, Colliery Owners,
Blackrod near Chorley and elsewhere.
" Where relied upon, your information perfectly safe in
, crediting. Members 15 years."

VALENTINES! VALENTINES!

VALENTINES!
1-1, W. .ROUNCE AND CO.

(Late Willey and Bounce).
TIMOTHY JONES AND CO.

Having TAKEN to the BUSINESS so long carried ou
by the abuve firms, SOLICIT a CONTINUANCE of
FAVOURS hitherto given to the late proprietors.
WHOLESALE AND MANUFACTURING PLAIN

i

Envelopes, Note Paper, and ALL KINDS of

PLAIN and FANCY STATIONERY.
Large Stock of PLAYING CARDS, New

Designs and Patterns.
BILL PAPER, PENS, INK, &e.
POCKET BOOKS, CHILDREN'S BOOK
Toy Books, Spelling and Reading Books, &

Bell Brothers, Ironmasters, Middlesboro'. " Very
satisfactory—have availed ourselves for 10 years or more.'
John Snowden, Paint Manufacturer and Oil Merchant,
South Shields. Your Telegram received, and very
much obliged to you for your prompt reply—They won'
get an ounce of stuff from me. Yours ctc.
Swann, J. E. and Brothers, Ironmasters, Middlesboro
and Lilasgow, "Satisfactory." _
. . _ _

Bissell, James, and Son, Birchill Iron Works, Walsall.
" Great Value."

Darlington Forge Company. "Prompt replies—ap-
prove of the Confirmatory style adopted."
Lackenby Iron Company, Middlesboro'
" Conscientiously recommended. Members 8 years."
Darlington Waggon Company, Darlington.
" Prompt—reliable information—various sources."
_ _

Stanb-ridge, Sydney, Esq., Maltster, Camberwell,
London, S.E. " Charges are higher than any other
office, but the results justify the additional outlay."
Oldroyd and Sons (Limited),llewsbury. "Reliable."
Hudson, Sykes and Bouslield, Leeds, •i Satisfied with
the thoroughness of the manner you answer Continental
inquiries."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

Cte (steurbritige easerotr.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 1878,
_
THE MEETING OF PARLIAMENT.

In a few days the British Parliament will be
once more in session, convoked at an unusually
early period, and at a very grave crisis in the
history of this country. There have been
times when the Legislature has assembled in
the preience of a recent domestic calamity,
such as, for instance, the death of the Prince
Consort, which has left a long and mournful
shadow behind it. Other sessions have opened
in the face of popular discontent, and alnid
clamorous demands for the removal of some
grievance which was believed to be pressing
heavily upon considerable portions of the body
politic. But Parliament has seldom come to-
gether at a period more full of anxiety with
respect to the present positicfn of the nation
and its future prospects. We have to go back
nearly a quarter of a century to find a parallel
to the condition of affairs as now existing.
When the two Rouses met at the beginning of
1854, Russia and Turkey had been, as they have
been now, at war for several months. A
national demand was made that Great Britain
should join in the fray, and, although the
voices of a few eminent men were raised in
, protest, they were swept away amid the strong
current of public ooinion, and before the first
cparter of the ycar hit elapsed, a message from
„„t, Cro•Ati bad been read to b,tb houses of
Parliament declaring war against the Emperor
of Russia. The question now before the people
is whether the experience of 1854 is to be
repeated in 1878.
nee be admitted that in the two
c -:!•-,-,--,-4• nces it wontri he flifticuitto
~, 1,54 L! .f, saL upon the

Foam 421 roomainouou tc• kola tug ereati the
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

PEOPLE'S FREE EDITION.
"'PORTANT MEDICAL WORKS,

BY DR. HENRY SMITH.

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W.C.

INSULT A LONDON PHYSICIAN BY ETTER
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R. U. SMITH, the Eminent Specialist fo
will the cure of all debilitating and contagious diseases
for the benefit of country patients who cannot consult
Personally, on receiving description of there case, send
-1 °Pinion, aith advice and directions for the most success
restoration to health and vigour.
Address Dr H. SMITH 8, Burton Crescent, London, W.O
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

THE CROPS OF 1877.

s
The Mark Lane Express publishes crop returns from
several districts of each of the English, and from six of the
Welsh counties. It says :

"They are supplied by 423 contributors, whose esti-
mates have been formed after the greater part of the
crops have been thrashed, and may therefore be
described as deductions from experience. In accord-
ance with the anticipations which we hazarded last
week, they are of a very discouraging character,
as will be seen from the abstract and compara-
tive summary which we give below. Hay alone
of the crops of 1877 was above average, and
all the rest were very much below what is con-
sidered an ordinary growth. The wheat crop appears
to have been the most deficient of all, only six out
of 409 returns representing it as over average, and no
less than 369 describing it as below. According to our
tables, it was even a worse crop than that of 1875, the
most deficient crop which we have previously had to
report on during a period of fifteen years. The barley
crop, too, appears to have been the smallest of any
grown within the same period. Indeed, to find a
barley crop return quite as bad as that of 1877, we
should have to go back further than 1862, the year al
which we stopped in our search through dusty volumes
on finding that the wheat crop then was about on a
par with that of our present returns. The oat crop,
although below the average, was decidedly the best
of the white straw crops of 1877, the showery weather
of July having greatly helped its growth. The day
of great bean crops appears to have gone by as far as
this cauntry is concerned, whether because the land
has become too dry from draining, or too friable from
cultivating, or because the climate has changed, we
cannot tell. At any rate, all old farmers say—and our
returns for many years past have supported them—
that we do not grow the bean crops of former days.
The pea crop is, like beans., a very uncertain one, and
that of 1877 was one of the many bad crops which we
have had to report on."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

CONVERSATIONS FOR THE TIMES.

First Railway Politician. I suppose we shall occupy
Constantinople? _

Second Ditto. Oh, yes. I believe we are to buy
Egypt and to send the Egyptians all over to Turkey.
First Ditto Oh, I see. Then the Suez Canal?

Second Ditto. We shall send half the fleet there to
close it.
First Ditto. Ah, and India of course will---.
Second Ditto. Well, I believe that will protect
itself.

First Ditto. Ah, I suppose it's all cut and dried?
Second Ditto. Oh, yes; simplest thing in the
world. I can't make out what there is to make a fuss
about. Look how we conquered the Abyssinians.
First Ditto. Exactly. Single-handed—without
allies. Besides, every Englishman ought to be pre-
pared to fight for British interests.
Second Ditto. So I say. The man who would not
sacrifice himself is a dastard unworthy the name of
Briton. Hullo! Seen this paragraph in the news-
paper? "We understand that in the event of war
there would be a general conscription throughout
Great Britain." What an infamous thing!
First Ditto. Abominable! Such an attempt would
never be tolerated. I say (navously), do you really
think we should have to fight if war broke out?
Second Ditto. I'm afraid we should, if this is true.
Oh, lor' ! Oh, lor' !
First Ditto. I say, there's a peace at any price peti-
tion at the next stltion ; let's get out and sign it.
Second Ditto. Yes, come on. Oh, I hope we shan't
go to war. It would be most criminal. Where's
Gladstone? Why don't he stop it? I must have a
drop of brandy when we get out, I.declare it's quite
upset me.—Fun.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

BRIERLEY HILL. - •

STEALING MoNF.v.—A.t the Police Court, on Monday,
before Colonel Fletcher, Messrs. F. Evers and L. Freer,
Joseph Roberts was charged with stealing one half-
crown and two florins, ths property of George Bw.vdler,
grocer, Bromley.—Sarah Ann Rowdier, daughter of
prosecutor, said on the. 3rd just, about one o'clock she
wmt into the shop and saw prisoner there. He asked
tier for a halfpenny worth of snuff. She went to the
till and missed some silver, more especially a half-crown
that she had changed for the customer who was in the
shop before prisoner went in. She told prisoner that
he had had the money and he said he had not, Sho
then told him to turn his pockets out and he did so
but she could not find the money. She then told him
to take his coat off and he did so. and as she shook the
coat she heard the rattle of silver and on examining the
coat she found a half-crown and two florins.—Police-
constable Keenan said from information received he
and charged him
apprehended prisoner on the 3rd Mat,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

Entered at Stationers' hall, L ndon.]
OILS,
WORTH A GUINEA A BOTTLE,
FOR
RHEUMATISM, LUMBAGO, SPRAINS, WENS IN THE Thies
SWELLINGS OF THE JOINTS, PAIN IN THE BACK OR SIDE
TOOTHACTLE, SCIATICA, HOOFING. COUG &C.

The English Oils contain no Opium or other poisonous
ingredient, but are distilled from Choice English and Ameri-
can Herbs, together with Medicinal Gums, which render
them perfectly safe in all cases requiring an outward aepli-
c ation.

Testimonial from a Lady living near Brierley Hill.

She says—Your English Oils are worth a Guinea a Bottle.
I purchased a is ltd bottle from you, and had very little
hopes of receiving any relief as I had tried so many differ-
ent things, and was still getting worse instead of better.
My nights were very bad, not closing my eyes to sleep for
hours together, neither could I turn myself in bed without
assistance; but after rising a little of your English Oils I
had a comfortable night's rest; and in the morning, to the
astonishment of myself and family, was able to rise from my
bed and dress myself without any assistance, which I had
not been able to do for many weeks before. I shall recom
mend the English Oils whenever I have an opportunity, and
shall be happy to state my case to any respectable person ;
but in consequence of my family connection should not
wish ifty name to appear in the public papers.
Mrs. Marlow, Level Street, Brierley Hill, was witness to
, the above Testimonial, being present when the lady called.

PREPARZD BY
J. WELCH, HIGH STREET, KIN TEE.
AND SOLD WHOLESILI BY _ _

P. Harris & Co., Wholesale -Birmingham, and
Retail by Mr. Levi and Mr. Ford, High Street, Stourbridge;
Mr. Cox, Chemist, Old Hill; Mr. Collins, Chemist, Bret.
tell Laue ; Mr. Bate, Post Office, Belbroughton ; Mr. Pugh,
Coventry Street, Stourbridge. In Bottles 70., Is ltd and
2s 9d each. Agent for Wednesbnry, Mr. Geo. Skirving
Chemist, Lower High Street. London Agents, Messrs
Ilavenden & Son
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

THE TICHBORNE CLAIMANT.

On Monday afternoon Mr. Guildford Onslow and
Mr. Quartermaine East, ex-Sheriff of London, had,
by the permission of the Home Secretary, an inter,-
view of 20 minutes' duration with the Claimant at the
Convict Prison, Portsea. In the evening they ad-
dressed a public meeting at the Beneficial Society's
Hall. Mr. Guthiford Onslow said he had paid his
annual visit to his friend, Sir Roger Tichborne, who
he was glad to say had been removed from Dart-
moor to the more genial atmosphere of Portsmouth.
He was happy to say he had never seen him looking
better, nor did he believe he had ever been in
better spirits. His friend had also stated that he had
never been so kindly treated before, and he hoped as
long as he was in prison he would remain at Ports-
mouth, He read to Sir Roger a letter from his little
son, in which he stated that he had spent a very happy
Christmas, and he hoped his father had done the
same. The poor prisoner, Mr. Onslow said, could
not help smiling when the letter from his dear little
boy was read to him. Mr. Onslow went into details
as to the person confined in the Paramatta Lunatic
Asylum, who it is said, is Arthur Orton, and who has
been recognised by the Claimant from his photograph,
and it was fully hoped that they would be able to
bring him to this country. If this should be the
case, they might claim t 9 have at any rate raised such
a doubt in the case as to justify the discharge of the
prisoner.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

PROVISIONS.

LONDON; 3anuary-7th.—The arrivals last week from Ire-
land were 105 firkins Butter, and 4,841 bales Bacon, and from
foreign ports, 23,094 packages Butter, and 493 bales Bacon.
In the Butter market there was little change to notice
during the week, the mild wet weather was against business.
Early in the past week, a further advance of 2s. per cwt.
was made on Irish Bacon, at which the market ruled firm,
say from about 61s. to 71s. landed according to quality,
weight, etc.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

THE ANNUAL TRADE REVIEWS.

The Daily News, in their article on Trade and Finance,
remarks :

"Now that the annual trade reviews have been
issued by firms engaged in most of the principal
departments something like a fair idea can be formed
of what the commercial ..vorld thought of the business
of 1877. There is in many cases a considerable diver-
gence in the opinions expressed by different houses in
the same trade; but making allowance for the various
standpoints from which the subject is looked at, the
conclusion to be arrived at is that commercial firms
experience little pleasure in taking a retrospect of
last year. There is a kind of unanimity in the,
way in which the outbreak of war is held re-
sponsible for the destruction of sanguine hopes
of a general revival which was thought to be immi-
nent in the earlier months. Again, the famine in the
East and labour complications at home respectively
serve as assigned causes in some branches for the de-
pression whioh has existed. These three reasons are
set forth almost universally as the fundamental ones
which have produced so unfortunate a result. Making
all customary allowanoe for the fact that unless money
is made readily grumbling is always heard, there is
sufficient proof adduced in the various commer-
cial reviews that untoward events have, had much
to do with the stationary, and in some instances
falling, trade of last year. Local causes also have
not been without their influence in some depart-
ments, and it is not easy to forget that, in particular
districts unfortunately, tritle has been paralysed and
misery has resulted owing to disputes between em-
ployers and employed. There is, however, in nearly
all the reviews the cheering information that home
demands have increased, and this is most satisfactory.
With the uneasiness which has overshadowed the
political situation for some months, there was no
incentive for manufacturers and shippers to embark
deeply in foreign consignments, and consequently the
falling off its the volume of exports is not extra-
ordinary. Rather it may be noted as matter of
surprise that the year's totals have been so well
sustained. .. .
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

STARCH.

AND FANCY STATIONERS.

The LARGEST and BEST ASSORTMENT of
VALENTINES and STATIONERY in the Midland
Counties. BOOKSELLERS, Sze.

uNION pASSAGE

(Bull Street End), and

SWAN pASSAGE

(High Street End),

BIRMINGH &M.

MHO/a AYFECTIONS AND I:IOARSENIFB.—AII But
tering from irritation of the throat and housenesi
will be agreeably surprised at the almost immediate
relief afforded by the use of "Brown's Bronchial
Troches." These famous " lozenges " are now sold
by most respectable chemists in this country at
Is lid per box. People troubled with a "hacking
cough," a "slight cold," or bronchial affections, can-
not trythem too soon, as similar troubles, if allowed to
progress, result in serious Pulmonary and Asthmatic
f.`7_,Jctions. See that the words "Brown's Bronchial
i ruches " are on the Government Stamp around
each box.—Manufactured by JOHN I. BLOWN & SONS,
Boston, V4ited 4tatuo. Dowt, 493 Qa.49011M14
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

HAY.

WIIITECITAPEL, Saturday, January 6.—There was a large
supply of hay anci straw on sale to-day. The trade was
quiet, and prices were somewhat easier, although not
actually lower. Prime Clover, 100 s. to 1385., Inferior, Ss.
to iThs., Prime Meadow Hay 90s. to 102.5. 6d., Werra 70s
to Stka., and Straw 441. to 55a. per load.

.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12

SIAM AND CHINA.

Siam (the Times of India says) is said to be pro.
paring rapidly for war. A torpedo defence is ie, pro-
gress; Gatling guns are talked of; forts put in order;
and the telegraph line, lately spoken of, together with
a railway survey, will be put off till more peaceful
times. The cause that may lead to a war is a
demand from China for a renewal of the tribute.
Siam, like Nepal and Burmah, once sent tribute
to Pekin—Siam every three years, Nepal every five
years, and Burmah every ten. Nepal gave up sending
the tribute in 1857, sending it again, however, in 1866;
Siam declared her independence in 1852, just before
her treaties with the 'Western Powers. The last
Siamese mission had been robbed on its way, and this
was offered as an excuse. Seven years ago, however,
Siam offered to send an ambassador to Pekin by a
new route; but the Chine-;e Government refused to
hear of any innovation; and has lately sent letters
threatening war in case the tribute is not sent accord-
ing to the old practice.

Midhat Pasha arrived in London from Paris on
Tuesday evening by the tidal train, and ía staying at De
Keyser'alloyal hotel, Bla'ckfriars.

EPITOME OF NEWS.