biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

THE DUKE OF RICHMOND ON
LARGE FARMS.

The Duke of Richmond, who presided on Friday at
the dinner of the Strathhogie Farmers' Club, in pro-
posMig the toast of "Success to the Club," alluded to
the Irish land question. He said it had often struck
him, in connexion with a question whigh was likely to
be advocated next Session, that it wee ry odd the
people of Ireland sh, iuld be so totally different from
these of Scotland. His eyes were somewhat opened on
this subject in the course of the summer. In talking to
a large landed proprietor in Ireland, a friend of his, he
spoke to him of the disagreements in Ireland and men-
tioned the prosperous state of matters in Scotland. He
asked his friend what was the size of his estate, and he
said 20,000 acres. "Now,' he said, "will you excuse
me in asking you the average size of your farms !'"
"They average," he said, "from 10 ti I) acres." There
WaS the answer to him of the state of things in Ireland,
How that state of things was to be altered he was not
prepared to say, but the subject would pr.,bably be
brought into Parliament next Session. Until they got
some alteration in Ireland they could not expect rapid
improvement there. He merely mentioned this as a
reason for the advanced state of agricultural matters
in this country, which, he believed, was in a great
measure due to the great number of large holdings oc-
cupied, as they necessarily were, by men of large minds,
great influence, intelligence, energy, enterprise, and
capital.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

REMARKS ON VACCINATION.

It may be worth while, now thatopposition to vacci-
nation is assuming serious proportions, to inquire into
the reasons of the comparatively great success of the
agitation (remarks the Medical 7'iriers and Gentle). It
is not the first time that the discovery of Jenner has
had to contend aHi popular prejudice and popular
dislike. When he first communicated the results of
vaccination to the public he was met with a storm of
ridicule and "scientific " argument, which threaten-d
at first to overwhelm the "little bark." But the
people of that day were too familiar with the horrible
disease that Jenner's discovery was to mitigate or
altogether destroy. Every man and woman if that
period had felt in their own person', or seen it. others,
the disfigurement, the blintineqi, deafness, and other
mutilations which resulted from the terrific scourge of
smallpox. They were, many •if them, willing to run
some risk to ward off such a calamity from themselves
and their kindred. Gradually the effects of the
new operation became developed, aml vaccination was
soon generally re,orted to. The 'philosophical" writings
of the learned, the sneers of the sceptical, the ridicule
of the caricaturists, all failed to arrest the progress of
the now discovery. In fact, the demonstrations of its
beneficent usefulness were to be found everywhere.
But at the present day the "pock-marked face" is
ahnost unknown, and the mutilations resulting from
smallpox are almost a matter of history. The present
generation has not been in a position to estimate the
amount of evil which vaccination did away with.
They see only that it is not a perfect prophylaotic, and
that occasionally evil effects follow its employment.
They rush to a conclusion which has a few facts to up-
hold it, and ignore the opposite one, which is sup-
ported by facts innumerable. That some further in-
quiry into the causes of the failure of vaccination and
of its allegisl inoculation of other diseases into the sys-
tem is required we readily admit, but it must be a
dispassionate, calm, and impartial inquiry. We do not
believe the cause of vaccination is advanced by the
enforcement of imprisonment and fines. "Martyrdom"
has always sympathisers, and generally disciples.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

THE LAND QUESTION.

A meeting of the working classes was held on Sunday
morning on Clerkenwell-gree, in London, under the auspices
of the !Whom branch l the Reform League, for the purpose
of hearing a lecture irons Mr. t!. liratila,;ll on 'The Land
and the People.'"rnere were about Luou persons present,
Mr. Osborne being iu the chair.
The lecturer onnmenced by saying that to obtain life
and happiness from the lend was the right of all, and
if there were any barrier in the way the attention of
people should be directed to its removaL The land-
owners of the country numbered but 30,000, awl while
in 1800 the laud was taxed to the amount of 1;2,300,800,
the rent received by the landed wistocracy being
£22,500500, in 1880 the rent received had increased to
over 68,600,000, while the taxes paid had decreased to
£1,750.000 in consequence of the redemption of the
land-tax.
Referring to Mr. Mill's statement that the landed
aristocracy had "grown rich while they slept," Mr.
Bradlaugh said that it was not so, for the hes& of
families bring provided for by the law of primogeniture
and entail, the aristocracy had provided for the younger
sons in other ways out of the country's earnings. The
rights of property its land were different from those in
possessions acquired by labour, and those who owned
land now had no right to shut it up for pleasure win. n
it would produce grain for the starving millions. lie
mivocati d reform in the land laws— firstly, because
they had it in their power to reform them : neeondly,
became° it was lawful; thirdly, because, whether it was
lawful or noh they could do it, meaning thereby that
the happiness of the nation was higher than mere legal
right. A personal attack on the Pi ince of Wales and
others followed, and the fact that England is a monar-
chial Government was denied, the Government being
that of a landed aristocracy. Ile did not advocate the
equal distribution of land, but be asked that the culti-
vator of the soil shout I share in the profits of hislabour.
A eulogisin of Mr. Gladstone closed the lecture. A
vote of thanks was given to the lecturer, and other
speeches terminated the proceedings.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

IVORDSLEF.

SAI.E AT THE COAL LEABOW COLLIERY AND

WHARF AT RUCK POOL.

MR. W. HINTON has received Instructions
from Messrs. Smith and Orowcutt to SELL by
AUCTION, on TUESDAY. August, 3lst, 1869, a large quan-
tity of loose COLLIERY STOCK, Blacksmiths' Tools,
Pit Tools, 70 Skips, 5 excellent fiat Pit Chains, about 200
ar.ti raell : 6-horse power Steam Engine, with Boiler,
6,41 Machine, &c., complete; large Cage„
-rr-m-wheel Cart, -100 feet of Fir and Oak Poles, 150
tuns Rails and Sleepers, 3 Wood and I Iron Boats, lot of
Iron Shafting, and a variety of useful Effect., particu-
larised in Catalogues to be distributed in the locality, or
had of the Auctioneer,
.Penanett, Dudley.

Bale at Eleven o clock.

VALUABLE FREEHOLD PROPERTIES,
AT COALBOURNSBOOK, OLDSWINFORD,
AND WOLLASTON.

--
I,IOR SALE, by PPI VAT E TREATY, three
I,wELLINr, o Tobacco Box MIL
C,,,lhoorobrnok : I ..; !. WELLING-HOUSES,
'O,, lone Nail ft!, :1 Yard, etOldewinford,
fronting to .• . • in the respective occupa-
tion of th.• v. ~, . Fattall, Seawoorl,
Ow, ight ; 1404 • Field 4:41 LAND. well
...Word fir Building purposes, at Wollaston, occupied
iv Mr. IV hittqker. Title Field will be wither Sold to.
hcih. V. or in Lola, to suit Purehaberr.
tet ly Beale. NI wrigold , and Beak. Solici•
tore,:o6. Waterl.,o-vtreet, Itirruingharn ; or to Ileshr...
0,40., Pemba, and Wooldridge, Land Ageots, Stour-
bridge.

PIANOFORTES.
DIANOFORTES, HARNONIUMS, &c.,
for Sale or Hire, new and second-hand. A Liberal
discount for Cads; or may be had on the THREE TEAM'
PRIScIPLE, fronl
H. SIMMS,
100, HIGH•STREET, STOURBRIDGE.
1 Old Pianos taken in exchange.

AOENT FOR DAWES'S PATINT

-....,
MELODY HARMONIUMS,

WHOLESALE & RETAIL TOBACZ.O
WAREHOUSE.
FIFE cILIN,EY BEATH.

'C. HOMER, PRUPRI
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

At the meetingof the British Association at Exeter
a startling, but not a novel, proposition was made by
Mr. Brandon. He advocated a uniform low fare for
all distances. His proposal was that Is. should he
charged first class, fid, second, and 3d. third. He
declared his confiCence that the adoption of the plan
would remunerate the shareholders, benefit the public
and bring profit to the Sta'e. But he was not for the
continuance of half-ruined companies competing to
their own destruction. The Government (he said)
ought to unite all the railways under a general
in cnagement. The number travelling under his plan
would he increased six.fold. Those who wished
to be exclusive could have the rieht to travel
in a "special" carpcge by paying £lO first-class,
and £5 second per annum. Passengers should be re-
quired to pay for all luggage that would go in the
van. From that source an additional income of three
millions might be obtained. He proposed that the
Government should issue to the shareholders Govern-
ment railway stock bearing a guaranteed minimum
interest of 4 .2
slnf per cent. From the known sta-
tistics., and it the increase in the number of travellers
was anything like what was anticipated, it was clear
that most gratifying monetary results would ensue.
Where a less than the proposed rate was at present
adopted, the same would continue, he thought, under
the new plan,
Canon Girdlestone expatiated on the importance of
the subject, especially to the poorer classes. He re-
ferred to the penny im+t as an instance .4 what might
be accomplished, though at first sight it seemed im-
practicable and improbable of success.
Captain Dalton opposed the argument of the paper.
He was inclined to think its calculations fallacious.
Sir John Bowring thought the best results would
ensue from the Government taking the railways, and
combated the general impression on the subject. He
thought, and the usual idea was, that a journey
from London to Exeter for a shilling first-class, would
he a highly pleasant and not altogether an improbable
thing.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

MEETINGS ON TUESDAY.

On Tuesday meetings were held at The Lye
Waste and Rowley Regis, both of which were
largely attended.
Mr. John Price said that he was strongly of
opinion that the strike would be over during the
present week, for he was informed that at Sedg-
ley and The Lye Waste, as well as Rowley Re-
gis, Dudley, Old Hill, amid Ilalesowen, the mas-
ters' agents had been round offering the 20s to
the pound—icheers). Since the meetings at
Halesowen and Old Hill on the previous day,
when it was resolved that the men should not
resume work till the masters had had a public
meeting and made out a fresh price list, be bad
been waited upon by one of their most respect-
able masters, who wished to know what was to
be brought forward provided the masters consen-
ted to hold a public meeting. He replied that
all they wanted was a cettuin number ,d the
masters to meet a certain number of the men,
and agree to make out a new price list based on
the '64 list, the .nen agreeing t.) make a few re-
dactions on some of the common size of nails,

ann th-e-M71;i(71-4 ;;;;;;:ing to pav a littlo extra for
e 'me of tine more difficult slre.s. This gentle-
Man 5.4i1 that he thought those terms very fair.
una would do all He could to bring about such a
meeting at once.
The usual resolution wag Carried.
THE IRON TRADE.
WOLVERHAMPTON, Wanesday.
There was not a very numerona attendance on
'Change here to-day, and although the trade lies
not improved much lately, yet there seems to Inc
a more confident feeling as respects. future pro.
spects. A better trade is doing in hoops, and
the smaller classes of finished iron ; anti there is
also a good trade in rails, there being still a
steady demand in that branch. The local de-
mand for finished iron is not very great at pre-
sent, but there are hopes that thus will alter be-
fore long. There is still a firmer tone prevail.
mug in pig iron. ,

The meeting of ironmaeters on 'Change on
Thnreday was not very numerously attended.
Business in nearly all departments is rather
quiet, though there is a pretty confident feeling
with regard to the prospects of the autumn trade
In =tuffs chired iron. The best occupied bra eh
just now is that engag 'd in the production of
hoops for foreign consumption. There is some
de 7ree of firmness in pigs, but no appreciable
variation in the quotations. In North Stafford-
shire, we learn the improvement recently re-
ported in finished iron continues, one result be-
ing that larger quanlities are being sent from
the mills than for some time past. In the same
locality pig iron is going into consumption as
fast as it is made, and thus a cheek is put on
the increase of stocks. Prices, however, re-
main unaltered, and are still unsatisfactory.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

AN ECCENTRIC WILL.

The following (according to the Toronto Gloke) is the will
of Or. at one time a member of the Legislature for
Upper Canada:—
In the name of God. Amen. I, William Dun-
lop, of Gairbread, in the township of Colborne, county
of Huron, Western Canada. Esquire, being in sound
health of body and mind, which my friends who do not
flatter me say is no great shakes at the best of times,
do make my last will and testament as follows, re-
voking, of course, all former wills.
I leave the property of Gairbread and all other pro-
perty I may be possessed of to my sisters, Helen Boyle
Story and Elix tbeth B.•yle Pool p, the former because
she is married to a minister who (slay God help him)
she henpecks the latter because she is married to no-
bcdy, nor is ehe likely to be, for she is an old maid and
I not market life.
And also I leave to them and their heirs my share of
the stock aud implements on the farm, providing
always that the enclosure round soy brother's grave be
reserved, and if either of them should die without
issue the other is to inherit the whole.
I leave to soy sister-in-law, Louisa Dunlop, all my
share of the household furniture and such traps, with
the exceptions hereafter mentioned.
I leave my silver tankard to the oldest son of old
John, as the representative of the fondly. I would
have left it to old John himself, but be would have
melted it down to make temperance medals, and
that would have been a sacrilege. However I leave
him my big horn snuff-box—he can only make tens.
perance horn spoons out 4 that.
I leave my sister Jenny my Bible, the property
formerly of my great great-gratoimother, Betsey
Hamilton, of Woodhall, and when she knows as much
of the spirit as she does of the letter she will be a
much better Christian than she is.
I leave my late brother's watch to my brother Sandy,
exhorting him at the some time to give up Whiggery
and Radicalism, and all other sins that do most easily

beset him.
I leave my brother-in-law, Allan, my punch-bowl,
ais he in a big gamy man, and likely to do credit to it. '
I leave to Parson Chevaesie my big silver snuff-box
I got from the SIIIICOO Isilst,a as a email token if my
gratitude to him for taking my sister Maggie, whom no
man of taste would have taken.
leave to John Caddi-ll a silver tea-pot, to the end
that h- may driug tea therefrom to comfort Lim under
the affliction of a slatternly wife.
I leave my locks to my brother Andrew because he
has been jingling wally, that he may yet learn to read
with them.
I leave my silver cup, with the viivereivn in SI, •
bottom of it, to my sister, Janet liramsni lulol, be-
cause she is MI old maid and plane, and theri fore neces-
sarily given to horning ; and also my I ranamother's
nnuff-box, aa it looks decent to nee an tel maid taking
snuff.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

ENVILLE.

CHARGE OF STEALING RTE.— At the Petty Se.iottA
held M Brierley Hill. on Monday hod, John Soothall woo
charged with 'testing a quantity of Rye. on the 16th lust,
the property of Hen. v Knowles. M.. tddistin nppeared
for Complainant. the evidel,•• el complainant it
appears that about three weeks sine defendant come to
bith to buy souse rye. Witness told him he did nt wish
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

HEAVY DAMAGES.

At the Liverpool assizes on Saturday last, Mr. Cox,
rope masufacturer, of Fleetwood, brought an action
against the Furness Railway Company. On the 2ud
of Sep.rniber last, plaintiff and his sister, the lam
Mrs. Christian, were upon the Peel Pier, waiting to
start for Fleetwoo I by the defendants' boat, that was
advertised to sail at two o'clock that afternoon. They
walked down the pier, and finding a gangway leading
as they supposed from the pier to the steamer, and
resting Nom the paddle-box, they went along it.
Unfortunately, however, the steamer bad been moved
a little astern, and the company's Priv:tuts had not
had time to readjust the gangway, which had really no
support, and when Mr. Cox and his sister hail pro-
ceeded a' ard or two down the gangway it t, puled over
and they both fell in between the et...al:her and the pier.
Mrs. Christian was drowned, and Mr. COX so inju,ed
that he had not been able since to attend to his busi-
nese ; and it was feared thet he never would be ii, a
condition to do so. fairtiff stated that, owing to the
accident, he had been put to the expense of £.40.

For the defrnce it was contended that the accident
was the rrsult of plaintiff s own want if ordinary
caution, arid was not attributable to negligence on the
part of the d-feridants.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

STEWPONEY ANN UAL LICENSING
MEETING.

The Annual Lieanaing Meeting for grantinu lull Leen.
111.11 wag held on Tuesday lest, et Mr. E. Nash's, Faley
Arms Mittel. Stewponey. The Msuidtrates preimnt were
ttxhr 1-.-t,her. B. St. John Alatthewt, H. Ball, and J
Holeroft,
All the old licences were renewed with the exception of
2—John Jones, Red Lion, Wordiiley Green, and David
Evans. Stur tun, Drierley Hill. Six lii,inses were 5119-
powled until the Aiiiimined Meeting—Thomas Skidmore.
Exchange. Brettell Lime Einmennel Ciiidd, Crown.
Commonside Jogeph Hall. Fox and Brierlet
Hill; Joseph Wiedey, Vine Inn. Brierley Ilill; Thomas
folio llritih Oiik. (Mk ; aud John It ibertii.
k's Hill linvern, ltriiitlev Hill.

There were (nor apniterationra fnr lirenraeA. hirer of
which were refn.ed :—Nathraniel Bisoll, Iron moan.
Coinnton. Kinver, errant.' Ch .ri. ra In‘lo B-own. Mrar
ket e+winford refused; Cools-ey ke, Robin
Hood. Arnbleente, refuted ; and Loam a Adams, Wall
Berth, refoped.

gliere were tilnpplienlionw from beerhonse keeper.
for renew.il of it,-jr eertilielites. of which 9": were eom.
plied with. A conriclerikhle mroher were ordered to
stand over in eonseirence of the insitiE -limey of the no
tire, rind other 4 were ref0,..e.1 in cunseynence of tto,
holue being ingottieien•lv rotted.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

THE MARKETS.

MARK-LANE.—MONDAY.
Fresh up to Mark-lane this morning the receipts of English
wheat were on a fair average scale, and a moderate quantity
of new product' rune forward. In Imth re.l and whit
parcel-, the demand was heavy, and prices gave way front is.
to 41 per quarter. Tile market Was tolerah y well supplied
with foreign wheat. Next to nothing was doing in any de-
scription, at a similar reduction in value. Moderate sup-
plies of barley were on offer. Sales progr, aced slowly, but
the value of all qualities was Inc: orte.l. For malt
the inquiry e ,trnacil heavy, at late currencies. 'l' he
show of foreign oats was v,ci, of English limited. The
trade was dull, and Russian qualities were rather lower. Beane
were in short supply. Tile demand was very firm, and ex-
treme rates were realised. For peas the sale was only to a
moderate extent, at the prices currant oil tlonday last. The
flour market Was very dull. Country marks and American
barrels were is. to 25. lower than on Monday lam. Maize
experienced a moderate demand, at late rates. Linseed and
rapeseed were quiet. Agricultural seeds Were Inactive, but
firm. Cakes were neglected.
MARK-LANE.—WEDNESDAV.
A fair quantity of New English wheat was on sale, but
very few samples of old. The business doing was very m. de-
rate, at quite Monday's reduction. The market was fairly
supplied with foreign wheat. The traesactions were moat
restricted. and there was a tendency to lower rates. Mode-
rate supplies of barley were brought tot ward, The trade was
quiet but firm, on former terms In oats the supply of which
was moderate, sales progressed slowly, at drooping prices.
Beans were inactive, at late rates, In peas the inquiry was
j limited at previous quotations.
-

METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARI:I:T.—MONDAY.
The market was fairly supplied with foreign besets and
sheep. The trade was quiet, but prices ruled firm. From
our own grazing districts the receipts of beasts were on a f air
average scale The business doing was very moderate.
Nevertheless, the quotatioos were steady, the best Scots and
crosses selling at As. to As. 2d. per Sit,. The receipts from
Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire com-
prised ala tut 1,900 shorthorns, (te. ; from other parts of England
about 250 various breeds, and from Ireland 50 head. The
show of sheep was more extensive than on Monday last ; hat
It was still below the average Transactions were limited,
but full rates were realised. The best Downs and half-brede
sold at 50. 4d. to As. 6,1. per Mb. Llinbs were very dull, at
Irons ss. 4,1. to So PM, per alb. Choice veal was scarce and
dear: otherwise the deinal,d was heavy. Prime small pigs
were in moderate request, but large hogs were Mill of sale.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

Tllll NAILEUS° 821111C11.

On Monday morning a very large meeting of
nailera from the Netherton, Old Hill, Dudley,
fiedgley, and Rowley Regis districts took place
near the Golden Cross Inn, Old Hill.

Mr. Jos, Tib'ietts ( vim presided) informed the
meeting that the nailers of Sedgley and district
had to is man conic out and joined in the strike ;
and though at present nothing definite lied been
settled, yet the masters were gradually giving
way. At Rowley Regis and Halesowen most of
the masters had offered the 211 s to the pound,
and in sonic cases he had heard of masters offer-
ing 9.1 s to the pound. This was a great tempta-
tion to the men at Old Hill, who had now been
on strike over eight weeks, but he was glad to
say lie had not heard of a single nailer who had
accepted those terms. Their universal answer
was, ask the committee. They might depend
npon it, the ushers' committee was anxious to
have the struggle brought to a conclusion at any
reasonable sacrifice, but after their overtures had
been rejected with scorn it was determined that
the musters at a public meeting should draw up
a list which should be based upon the '64 list,
and satisfy the demands of the men.
Mr. Jos. Hackett said that orders were still
coming in very fast, and it was ne wonder that
some of the masters were offering such tempt-
ing prices. He felt confident that if the strike
lasted another week the greater part of the nail
warehouses in that neighbourhood would be
closed. _

Mr. John Price quite concurred with the pre-
vious speakers relative to the masters giving
way, and thought they would all give the 20s to
the pound to-morrow if they could do so without
bolding a public meeting, but this was a part of
their stipulation and niust be complied with.
A resolution was passed without dissent that
the strike should continue.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

THE GROWTH OF SILK IN
ENGLAND.

"G. M.," Writea to Tht Times :-
1 big leave to offer a few remark, on the cultivation of
silk in ibis country, mme particularly as lily tnyenment has
het it lately noticed by the Preddent of the Silk Supply Asso-
ciation at Macclesilehl and coventry.
E-om the excellent produce of eggs Imported from Milan
and Japan in this season, which haa been unfavourable both
to the growth of the mulberry and the silkworm, I have no
doubt that, with good eggs, care, cleanliness, awl perfect
ventilation, silk equal to the prodnce of Italy mall be grown
in kngland in the five weeks of May and June, with con-
' aideraile profit to the cultivator, and epeuing up a large
field of industry, more particularly to women and children.
The white mulberry is of rapid growth in any soil, except-
ing chalk and clay ; oar light common lands, railwiy banks,
and even hedgerows might be planted with profit, if the
tenant hail an interest in the produce of the trees.
The wonderful exhalation from the silkworm in the last
age, which makes thorough ventilation absolutely necessary,
will also make the care of these Insects in the cottage veil'
dangerous to the inmates, hut any brick Irani or spare room
can be fitted up as a lab.matcry at little expense.
A village girl, aged fifteen, haul charge of my room this
year. The rate of mortality, and of imperfect mul douide
cocoons, did not exceed one per cent. There was very little
refuse silk outside the cocoons, and all reel well at five to
each thread. Although my winder only began the work last
season, the weight of silk is above the average tiro. from
the same weight of Italian cocoons.
My trees, varieties of the Moroi Alba, f I intell in rows
alimit ten feet apart, occupy about two acres of laud, and
yield on avr average of leaf each, Boole as much as toll,
They can he propagated by cuttings, or three-year old grafted
trees can be bought at 1505. per PM
My harvest of cocoons has been Ii nited this season by the
failure of eggs imported from Stettin. I hal arranged to
feed the produce of four ounces of eggs, which would have
consumed 3 tons 4 cwt. of leaf. The quality of the reeled silk
has been fully tested at Manchester.
I shall be happy to afford further information to any one
who wishes to try the growth of silk on a practical scale.
The daily register nt my hygredneter will remove the popular
prejudice that this climate is too damp for the health of the
silkworm. A specimen of c coons and reeled silk can be
seen at the office of the Silk Sopply As -venation, 3, Castle-
street, Holborn. Any letters under cover to the hon, secre-
tary will meet with attention.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

G LEN FIELD STARCH.

Is the only kind need in
Her Majesty's Laundry.

Taos LADISS who have not yet used the GLENYiLLD
ST•11011, are reapeetfully solieitcd to give it a trial, and
carefully follow out the directions printed on every
package. It rather more difficult to make than other
Starches, but alien this in overct.ise, they will say like
the Queen's Lauudreaa, that it is the hunt Starch they
ever mad.

ESTABLISHED 1831

S. SALT AND SON,
CRIERS, Bill Posters, Messengers, and
Auctioneers' Porters, Booksell. re, Cec.,

fIAGLEY-STREET HALESOWEN.

The greatest cue and attention paid to any business en-
trusted to them.
Agent tor China Company's Tr fig.
Biotop's Pills, Id. per ROL
S. Sidt and Son are Agents ler the" Onstauts" in
Mir-suet n and disnict. Nrws and Advertisements
received.

Valentines and Yalcntine Books in greet vari. ty.
Salt'. Lectures and Poems on VNTIOI. t.ul.jocb., ere sold
by the Author. Price from la. to It eh Book.
Agent for the Emigration Oruptily.
All beck number* of the tAsercor may be bad it

SALI AND 8011.11.

EXCURSIONS ON THE RIVER SEVERN.

ON HIRE for the DAY to PICNIC andl
PRIVATE PARTIES visiting STOURPORT, the

SALOON STEAMER,
"PMIRdS=TIRJA_/•TCE,"
Returning to Stourport lu time to meet any Train.

For Terms Addres—

J. B. ORIFFITHS,
THE BitIDGX.
WOBRESTRIL

TO BUILDERS.

PARTIES gto TENDER fui
ERECTION of a t PEL at Clent, eau lati t
the Mee sod Speeificatious in the Vestry of the W, -
Ea Chapel, Stouthridge, by applicatiou to the :
Keeper, on and after Monday next. Tender* tc,OCstet
to the Rev. B. E land ,on or before FRIDAY, it "
3rd.

VOR Cheip PitINI INC., FOOKLINDING
.1' gold 11(.11.71.1.: }RAAINO. 1;a, to
T. lIoMEI,
FINE WAYS, CMADLEY HEATH.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

CORRESPONDENCE.

We Irish it to he distinctly underntood that hy invrting
leth I'S is 00..9 HT not theeehy identify oneselee,
with the opinions of oar Correspondents.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

GERMAN ADVERTISEMENTS.

An English newspaper often contains very amusing
advrrrisements, but we doubt if we quite equal our
German friends in this respect yet. We take up, for
example, an ordinary number of a very high-class
German newspaper, the Gazette de Cologne. When
young folks in England exchange their plighted troth,
thy are generslly too glad to keep the engagement a
Wicious secret from all except a few favoured friends.
Not so our German cousins; for here is one of the first
advertisements which present themselves:—

..
Wilhehnina Johanna V. Frorttch, Wilhelm Muller, be-
trothed. -111mikenberg and Attenhaeh, Augtibt, 1869.
Immediately beneath this stands the foll9wing

G. Modes and ..if., hereby announce the betrothal of
their daughter Niathilde with Nit. Pool Scwarzo, engineer,
Stol, erg, near Aix-la-Chapelle.—Freiberg, August 15, 180 g.
- - - -

-
When the heart of a British parent has been delighted
by birth of a boy, we all know the modest adver-
tisement, in the midst of a host of others, by which he
announces the event. Here is a specimen ot how they
do these things in Germany

-
Ewly tht morniog we were highly gratified by the birth of
a strong, lively lmv. berlohn, Amoimt 17, HU Arnold
Waltzer, Marie Whitzer, maiden came Kaulg.
Again— .

I have the honour pilitely to announce to my relations and
friends the happy delivery of my clear mite John, maiden
name Saatmarn. of a healthy, strong boy. Cologne, Aug. 17,
1869. Eduard Fomm.

In another owner of the paper an enthusiastic and
imagiwative gentlerost: advertist thus

A threefold, thnnderirg cheer, which shall resound from
Bonn to Streiteeng street and Hammer-street, Cologne, to fat
Benard on tide his bit tiniay concratnla•ions, also, on the
new business which son have established.—A friend well
known, but anonymous.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

DRESSING THE HAIR.

Aitss MANNING having had great experi-
enee in getting no Ladies' and Children's hair.
continues to send her infallible METHOD and MATE-
RIALS to make the RAU/ GUM., as soon 114 applied,
imparting esguiaPe beauty, and keeping it wavy, soft
glossy, and in curl. nria soy position, in all weathers°
area though it possesses no natural inclination to do so
at a coat of Id per week. This elegant preparation is
also in universal repute for its unprecedented success in
cleansing, strenthouing,and beautifying theliuman hair,
ILar4e sheets of testintouials and fail Aliteetions are sabs
With each parcel of now eria is, poet fire for 11 stamps.—
Ad tress, Miss A. M., Mr. Favill'a. Stationer, DuninOw,
Essel ; or apply to my agent, Miss 'rotes, Fahey Repo.i.
tog. 8. High-street, Kidderminster.
ADVERTISINQ OFFICE.

S. FELD,

ADVERTISING AGENT FOR THE MD.

LAND COUNTIES'
AND
LONDON NII.WSPAPERS.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

MEETING AT lIALESOWEN.

On Monday afternoon a large meeting of nail-
era from the Halesowen, Hasbury, and Lye
Waste districts, took place iii the Bull Ring,
Halesoicen.

Mr. J. Partridge presided, and addressed the
meeting, and after speeches from Mr. Price and
Mr. Noah Higgins, a resolution to continue the
strike was carried unanimously.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

HOPS.

•
With more genial weather the hops during the pas week
have made considerable prioress towards maturity. and the
acdounts may be considered favourable cn the whole. The
trade has ruled quiet, and prices have been nominal. Quo-
tations MEI and East Keats, £2 101. to £6 10a ; Weald
of Keats, £2 51s to £4 Samoa, £2 to £3 lbs. ; Farnham..
£3 10a. to £6; Country, £.3 10s. to £4 101.; Bavarians,
£2 to £3 105. ; Belgians. £2 to £3 Yearlings, £2 to £3
ida.; American, £2 Is. to £3 101. per cwt.
WOOL. .

The fyiblic sales of colonial wool, now in progress, have
beeu well attended by both home and foreign buten.
Kidding gm:erally, have progressed stes..ily. an the open-
,: ; have been MAilitelliiell. Logillth wool sold
but at full prices :—Flreces: Soutlidown hoggeta,
is. li.l to ic 24.1.; hali.bred ditto. Is. Sid. to Is bd. ; Kent
derces, Is 30. to Is 34,1 • Southdown ewes and nether!,
ls. 10. to Is. ; Leicester ditto, Is 20. to Is. 31d. Sorts
Clothing, lu to la. ; combing, lid. to Is. bd per lb.

POTATOEi.

Fair supplies of potatoes have been on sale. The business
doing has been limited, at our quotalona English shawl,
15s to 90s. ; repute, 858. t 011.051. ; French 70s. to JAM. per
ton.l
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

BIRTHS.

On the 20th inst, the wife of Mr. William Green, of •
eon.

_
On the 22nd inat, the wife of 11f.r. J. L. HoMorton,
Solicitor, Brierley Hill, of a daughter.
On the 23r4 iust, at Rockingham Hal', !fagley, the wife
of W. C. Firrostone, Esq., oft daughter.
On the 24th Mat, at Belbroughtou, the wife of Mr. C.
Handley, of a daughter.

INTERESTING EXPERTNENT.—PIace on the tapper bar of
a grate. with to beet t s', •11 ar 14.
anise ordinArV Lucifer .-411 0 few 0.0 °(ots the
Then in the ovnine pouter. place a few of lb] Eattllt SaCty
Matches of Bryant and May. London (which halite only on
the box), and it will be found that they may remain for hours
—in fart. until the wood becomes literally charred —witliont
takilus fire. Wo look or. this as a situnilarly iittereotinc con.
firmatio., of tho Safety of toe New Match. Care most be
tuk,-n in both caneh to avoid act ml coutiott will, flan,.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

The jury found for the plaintiff £3OO damages.

AN EXPIMINKST..-An incredible piece of stu-
pidity has been verpetrated by • worn.n at P.lse7, near
Clay Crows. To asoertain whether a fire had gone out
or was merely 'smouldering, she got a ho tie
powder and poured a portion of its contents on to the
coals. There was an immediate explosion, and the
foolish woman wasronch cut with the glass of the bottle,
and otherwise injured. The bailiffs shortly afterwards
entered the hue, and to add to the melancholy situa-
tion, made • distraint which almost stripped it of fur-
niture.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

To the Editor of the" Observer."

Mr. Editor,—Knowing how readily the columns of
your valuable pap( re are opened to the lovers of fair play,
you will oblige by inserting in your nest edition these he
remarks in reference to the last Fete, in connection with
the Lye Institution. Among the amusements announced.
a bicycle contest was to take place for 10.1 and ss, pro-
viding there were three entries. I, being a lover of the
sport, entered three gentlemen myself; but there being
no competitors from the Lye or Stourbridge, I had my
money returned, the race not being allowed to come off,
as I woo informed they did not mean the money to be
taken to Cradley Heath. Again, a hurdle race was an-
nounced. but not being in possession of hurdles a foot
race took place, and my brother, with others, contested,
and when about 15 yards to be run my brother was in ad-
vance 5 yards. when a man from among the lookers•on (a
Lye- Vinatur, no doubt), ran against him and knocked him
down, thereby causing him to lose the race. Another
entertainment was a donkey race, and which no doubt
would have caused much merriment, but neither Mr. or
Mrs. Noddy put in an appearance, and therefore we were
doomed to further disappointment. I now turned my at-
tention to the Lind, from which great things were expec-
ted both instrumental and vocal, in the shape of floe
selections from eminent composers, and some nice glees;
but, oh, what a falling off—nothing but polkas and
quadrilles, and a few common, every-day tunes, and no
singing at all. There was nothing done by them hut
what Scregg and his troupe from Old Hill could have
done. I therefore say, together with hundreds from
Cradley Heath, that our evening's entertainment could
not bear morning's reflection. Bat, in conclusion, I
hoye that if anything of the kind is ever announced
again, the Committee of Management will see that all
the amusements announced to take place will be strictly
carried out.

I remain, dear Sir, yours,
A LOVER OF FAIR PLAY.

Notices of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, when duly
authenticated, will be inserted in the " Observer "free of
charge.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-28

CLENT.

The inne-filt want of better accommodation for public
worebio in Oil paredi. by the Woeloyan Methodists. is
wow Ilk. lv to he prowl led, a mite Imb-iv been eecured at
Lower Omit, sail tinders for the erection of a chapel
are required. See nor advertisement column'.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-21

A MYSTERIOUS TRAGEDY.

Every one residing In Naples has been horrified by the
details of a murder, which was comm tted last Thursday
night, in a first-class carriage of the night train to Rome and
Fiorence. The particulars are thus given by the correspon-
dent of The Times:—
The victim was the Contessa Armanda Sartores
Ribrandi Cattaneo da Nov ara—a long name, but you
must take it as it is. Separated from her husband, to
which it is necessary to allude, she came from Voghera,
in the north of Italy, to Naples about a fortnight
since, and took lodgings at San Paolo, a village near
Nola. Here she was in the habit of receiving every
evening several officers of a cavalry regiment, among
whom was a Lieutenant Negri. One evening last week,
the cries of the Countess, ins half-suffocated tone, were
heard beseeching for help, on whichthelandlord, Signor
Contieri, went out on the staircase, tired a shot, and
met Negri running down. He then went to the Coun-
tess, who confessed that she had come to San Paolo in
order to see Negri, who had some letters or papers of
hers which be refused to give up; that after her
" scciety had left her that evening he returned,
having sent away the servants under some excuse and
closed the doors, when he endeavoured to force
her to write a letter to her friends stating she had
committed suicide. Nk hat could have been the mo-
tive for this can only be imagined. On her hesita-
ting to do this he snatched a dagger from her hand,
which she carried for self-defence, and was in the act
of striking her, when she fled to another room, followed
by her maddened lover. Toe dagger was again up-
lifted, when the pistol-shot tired by the landlord seemed
to paralyze him, and he made his escape. In Contaeri's
apartment she remained all the night, and Negri re-
turned to ask her pardon, insisting also on rema.ning in
another room. On the next day (Wednesday) several of
the officers of the regiment, hearing of the affair, came to
the house to protect the Countess, who determined to
return to Voghera the next day—Thursday last. Two
officers and the landlord. Contieri, accompanied her as
far as Caserta, where they left her, the Countess re-
fusing their society any further, adding that she had
no longer any fear. On the train arriving at laoletta,
the station on the Roman frontier, the body of the un-
fortunate woman was found extended on the floor of
the carriage, a revolver at her feet, a pistol-shot in her
head, and her hands covered with blood and cut as if
by glass. More than this is not known at present. Some
assert they Raw Negri get into a third-class carriage,
dressed as a civilian, in the same train by which the
Countess left, and that his cap was found near her. If so,
he is sumpected of having walked along the footboard to
her carriage, and of having shot her through the Win-
dow. Of him nothing has yet been heard. This
horrible tragedy, which I report almost in the same
words that it is deseribed in all the journals of Naples,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-21

CRADLEY REATH.

. .
ANNUAL Tr.:p.—On Ntraiday tho teaohera belnnwing to
the Reddal Cheri% Rund ay fiehool, ervamohniPd by the
Rev. T. FL Gram, M.A., and several frienda went to Sot.
ton Park. Startina fnim Dudley Station, they reeehrd
their destination, v;‘, Walaall and Aston. The park woo
traveraed, and the varioua niece% of intereat vhated, and
the day apent in happy enjoyment: the remembrenee of
which, however, wee considerably marred by several atop.
pence on the return journey, which prevented them front
reaehing home aa soon a; thee had intended,

ANNUrat Tass,r.— On Tuesday, the children of the
above schoola were entertained to tea. dfc. After a•Phal.
tiling at scholl they marched round the neighbourhood,
recoil by the Credley Heath Brass Rand, under the
leadership of Mr. Wallaee. and Um Bev. T. 11. Gregg,
M.A.. W. Rassarin. and .1. Beat, Estre.. and Mr. Barker.
On their return, a bag of cake was given to eitall ehild,
fuld a plentiful supply of tea. They then adjourned to a
large field, kindly lent by Mr. B. lisinalev, where a
large nninber if the congregation joined in augmenting,
if possible, the enjoyment of the chilthen. kites were
held, and suitable prizes distributed to the boys and g;rlii.
Baectniext, ten, were scattered in abundance by :tint.
Bislmp, Mr. Nock and others, and the Rev. T. H. Gr,27,
Mcssrs. BaaNlloo, Beat, and Rinker, carried out other
game. Altogether, the children were if opinion that it
was the best treat they had ever had. and after returning
to the school they testified their appreciation of the day'a
pleasure by giving loud cheers for the above-timid per.
onto. and for nil those ladies and gentlemen who had en-
deavoured by their presence and otherwise to add to
their enjoyment. They were then supplied each with a
piece ttf cake, and dismissed to their loonies. During
the evening, balloons were sent up Mr. J. /lock and the
Intuit enlivened the proceedings by its melodious strains
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-21

THE BURG COLLIERY EXPLOSION.

_
The opinion that the un'..rtunate mine.s in the
Bury Coniery in Saxony were all itnint-,ittelv
ktlled
by the topic oil pr..ves juerreCt. In the note hook
f the nicer Bahr ti e tollwiiig entry ha. been found :
tt This is the ;wd place where we have taken refuge I have
given Up an hope, beeellee the v. nin the S icily die.
sh .f t and the llotf iiiiii es it. •ft has teen destro.a ed ii, three
separate places. Slay God take nirelf, and my relations and
dear iriettits who mint die with me, as well all our Lindies,
under his protta-tiou —Ernst Bahr "
In the Hotfotings abaft, too, the following words
have been found :
...tanees died. Richter left his family to God."

And avail :
" rmewell, deer wife! farewell, dear children ! May God
keep 3 OIL —Gotaieu tleimatru."
And lastly :
" Faieaell, deer wife and children! I did not think it
would end co.—Oherruann."
One of the name id Schmidt had pinned a paper with
the following words to 'he breast of his blouse :
"My dear relation •, while seeing death before m.- I remem-
ber y• at. Fareweli till we meet again in hapoiliebs. The
rest I must leave to )ou. Between Moe and ten o'clock."
On the other side stood the words :
Dear wife, take gooil care of Mary. In a hook in the
lied room you will ftllll a thaler. Farewell, dear mother and
sisters, till We e.tet again.'
All must have been over about ten o'clock on the
2 d inst. 0., the 12:h, 236 bodies had been recovered.
fly far the greater part must have died aoddroly.
Some time will Tr.lbably edipee before the others are
recovered, 011 account of the IllillintS of earth that ob.
. , atruct the way.
~....—...—...-----..
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-21

THE IRON TRADE.
WOLVERHAMPTON, We tithleioty.

To-day there was a tolerably numerous and
an influential attendance of iron and coalinas-
tors on Change; and there was an average
amount of trade done considering the prevailing
quietude. There is quite as much time being
worked in the district as was the case a fort
night at;,-. •It not more. Notwithstanding the
general s,,spen 4 operations last week, the
spefi nitionshis e accumulated to any marked
extent. Prices 'mei) open to negotiation.

There is no change of moment in the South
StatTordshire iron trade. Thursday's meeting
at Birmingham Wfiß only thinly attended, but it I
was at all events satisfActory to learn that the
trade is not worse than lately reported. In
North S'tift'ordslitre the improvement noted last
week still continues, and orders have been
steadily erroinv, i.. Not only has the aggregate
of work generally increased, but full timo has
Leen reaelfed at such mills as an, occupied in
turning out th.. desoriptions of iron most in de-
mand. Pig-iron is in demand by those consum-
ers who have not previously contracted to the
end of the quarter, and their anxiety to supply
the omission induces sonte life into that branch
of the trade. Prices, however, continue final-
te ..al, alike far finished and pig iron, and as the
..,d,wtion hes be,o longlii advance of the de-
ontfrl be a F'ill f. irther improve-
ment in before any additiou to prices
can be hoped fa,.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-21

was because at the actual period of his birth, Corsica
had not been incorporated with the French monarchy,
and he VMS not therefore a French citizen." All this is
rather puzzling. The critics should set to work to
decide when the first Napoleon really was born.
Great progress is being made with the Tower Sub-
way. Two-thirds of this new Thames tunnel are
finished, work is being done at the rate of about nine
feet a day, and it is expected that the tunnel will be
opened for traffic before the year dies out. This is in
marvellous contrast with the Thames Tunnel (now
closed) in the c%istruction of which eighteen years
were spent, and it shows how much we have progressed
in engineering during the last quarter of a century.
The new subway will be a great boon to the immense
population on either side of the river, as an omnibus
tramway will form part of the arrangements.
The report of the select committee on salmon
fisheries has just been published. It states that " the
committee, having been unable to complete their
inquiry, agree to recommend their own re-appoint-
ment for next session." That is rather cooL
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-21

A PLAGUE OF LADYBIRDS.

Great was the surprise last Sunday morning of the
inhabitants of Ratusizate to find that the place had been
taken poeseseion of by a vast swarm of ladybirds. They
tilled the air and covered the earth at every conceivable
point. Torii 1311illber was greateet about noon, when
tmey were to be been meal projecting corner,' of
boners, collected so as to form one red patch. Later
iu the day the air got somewhat thinned 44 them,
owing to the traffic nf the streete arid the destruction
which they met with at the hands 44 persons who
neglected the old courtesy towards these creatures
implied in the nursery rhyme, " Ladybird, lady ird,
fly away home." The streete then preeected a peculiar
appearance. The number of these belie. etrewn about
caused the roads to look as though newly travelled.
It is a somewhat curione fact that these its, cts paid
Ramsgate and its neighbourhood a vieit in August
1849 in erect number., upon which occasion the only
noticable effect of their vent was the extinction of the
Aphides, which was of great advantage to the hop

crop.
On the subject of ladybirds, a correspondent at
Walton-on-the-Naze writes :
A curious phenomenon has taken place at Walton on-the-
Naze, Ewes, which may prove interesting to entomologists.
An immense flight of laity • birds directed their c .urseh ,re the
latter part of lat 4 we, k, and settled near and on the cliffs tu
such iturn,wrs that the grohatt was thickly covered with
them. On 8111111/ty VJU might see them retaining inland like
bees to their hives a heti rain is Mit e ding. A Wiwi (duel. g
towards the sea appmars to have taken them in that direc-
tion. and as soon as the wind changed they seized this oppor-
tunity of going back.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-08-21

ENVILLS.

CftAltOlt OF STEALING A SHIITE—At the Petty Ses-
sions held st Worthier. on Monday last. Michael McCue
was charged with feloniously stealing a shirt on the 12th
inst. the pr...pertv of Ann Woad. From the evidence it
appeared tint prisoner cline to prosecutrix's house beg..
ging. She hail previously pet a shirt on the hedge to
dry, and in shout three minutes after the prisoner had
left she missed the shirt. She at onee followed him and
accused him of taking it. Prisoner denied the charge,
and struck her. Other evidenne was also given to prove
that prisoner was near the hedge at the time the shirt
was missed. Prisoner denied the abatis°, and nroduced
some letters testifying to his goof char.teter. The ease
was ultimately adjourned foe a week for the prisoner to
produce evidence on his behalf.