The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-08-08 00:00:00


crowded

our fouhn Olorrtspoatut
one continuous station running underneath the cro., .
streets of the capital. At some of the stations,
notably at Portland-road and Gowerstreet, the
• down it right to state that we do not at all time, atmosphere has always been close and oppressive,
fluty
oorselve• with our correspondent" ophignia] 4
4t-
, ithl Om notwithstanding every effort made to remedy it, but a
few days ago some experiments were made with a view
prorogation of Parliament London will
of,caming off the foul air through a pneumatic tube,
enter upon what is truly termed the dull season, and if this should be successful it will be a great
Pererything in which public men have taken an relief to the multitude of passengers who daily use
interest for half a year suddenly collapses. The vast the ih,e,
space of Westminster Hall is a wilderness; the
corridors of the Palace of the Legislature are solitary Considerable pressure has lately been put upon the
Drapers' Company, to induce them to relinquish the
places. No longer does the entrance to the House of
Ler& display the ever-burning flame which never idea of selling for building pm-poses the two acres of
fails to be exhibited when that assembly is in session, land attached to their gardens in the city. It is well
known
whether as a legislative body or as a Court of Justice; that within the civic limits there are very few
no longer will the doorkeeper of the House of Cosa- open spaces, and the sight of even a tree, as in
sternly:refuse admission Cheap-
side, is an unwonted spectacle. A man need not be a
Cheap-
mom to any except those who
.iibeen elected members of that body. Instead sentimentalist to look with regret upon the gradual
o the epigrananatic retorts of Mr. Disraeli, and but certain swallowing up of every available piece of
the polished( oratOry of Mr. Gladstone, the echoes of land by the speculative builder No spot seems to
the House will respond to the eeplanatione of the old come amiss to this enterprising person. Be it in the
lady who points out to visitors the various places of city itself, or in Highgate in the north, Dulwich in
interest in a chamber in which the foremost men the South, Bow Common in the east, or Paddington in
of our generation have wrestled with each other in the west, green turf is constantly giving way to bricks
encounters of intellectual strife. The visitors, too, and mortar; so that, by-and-bye London will become
although they may know little or nothing of politico, one of the most monotonous and dreary places in Europe,
regard attentively the various places indicated. They It was only a little time ago that the pushing builder laid
..„ stand upon the steps of the gangways ; march through his grasp upon a considerable slice of Victoria Park,
be division lobbies as though the fate of an Adrainis- the only open space of any size in the east-end of the
-elation depended upon the numbers to be counted; metropolis, and to show the value set by the ratepayers
• they peep through the windows of the little room upon keeping such a place free, I may mention that
.. which le allotted to the ministerial whip; gaze with the SUM of £40,000 was paid before the land could be
v curimity upon the Speaker's chair; glance at the braes Properly secured in the interests of the people. The
resting-place for the mace ; and mentally take the Drapere are not one of our richest corporations it is
dimensions of the table immediately in front of the true, but it is impossible that any necessity can arise
nierk's seat, and which Mr. Disraeli once described as for selling a couple of acres of land in the very heart
a good broad piece of furniture fortunately standing and centre of a crowded city.
between the two rival leaders. The atmosphere of The latest of our Bank Holidays was the most enjoy'
the 'House of Commons, so often charged with elec. able which we have had for some time past, and was a
trinity, has ample time to cool during the recess- pleasant contrast to its immediate predecessor. Whit-
But it is not only in Parliamentary circles that Monday was broken by a thunder-storm of almost
dullness then reigns. The opera houses are tropical violence ; peal upon peal its loud reverberations
closed; so longer does the magnificent voice echoed over London, and the rain came down for hours
of Madame Patti till the theatre at Covent Gas-den; literally in pailafull ; but 'on Monday the weather was
nor do crowds throng to Drury Lane, charmed with bright, sunny, and warm; the oppressive heat which
the notes of Madame Nilsson, the Swedish nightin gal has lately visited us had pawed away; and there was
These eminent Bingen have left town to fulfil engsge- a cool breeze from the north-west which made the
mentos in Paris, in Vienna, in Moscow, and in tit. day all that could be desired. Business was entirely
Petersburg, before the opening of the next London suspended in the City, and very nearly so in the
season. Some of our most famous actors have crossed ' suburbs; and the people seemed to make merry all
the Atlantic, with the intention of making a pre- the more when they remembered that with the depar
fessional tour through the United States; others will tura of the first Monday in August they must bid
prefer to spend a holiday, either at home or upon the good-bye to all further Bank Holidays until Boxing
Continent. House after house in the West.end squares Day.
Is deserted; Wields are closely drawn; shutters are
tightly bolted ; and the few remaining flowers in the
gardens droop and die untended. To this part of the
metropolitan world, therefore, London is certainly
"out of town" from the time Parliament rises until
the middle of October. Yet if you pass along any of
the great arteries of traffic, you will see not the slightest
diminution in the living stream which flows through
them. Below Bridge there is the same immense fleet
of shipping, and between Greenwich and Chelsea the
crowds upon the decks of the steamboats testify to the
fact that amid such a vast population there can be no
suspension of active life.
A day or two ago I was glancing over an American
newspaper directory, and could not help being struck
with the host of nationalities represented in the United
States. There are journals published in French,
German, Scandinavian, Spanish, Dutch, Italian,
Bohemian, Portuguese, Polish, Welsh, and Cherokee.
Putting, of course, our own language out ,ff the ques-
tion, German newspapers are by far the most numerous.
The Portuguese have only one organ; while Illinois
and MiliBOUll have each a newspaper in Polish. The
Welsh are represented by four, published in New
York and Philadelphia; while the red men of
the Indian territory actually smoke their pipes over
their own journal, printed in the Cherokee tongue.
The appetite of the American people for newspaper
reading is really extraordinary, for no less than 7,339
journals are published within the United States
boundaries, whilst in Great Britain and Ireland there
are only 1,690.

UNVEILING A STATUE TO SIR
TITUS SALT.
On Saturday afternoon the Duke of Devonshire per-
formed the ceremony of unveiling a marble statue of
Sir Titus Salt, of Saltaire and Crow Nest, and raised
in the centre of Bradford as &memorial of the admira-
tion and affection of the people of that town. About
four years ago, it was suggested that it was due to Sir
Titus Salt, in consideration of his great enterprise in
the development of trade and commerce in the district
and his general munificence, that some lasting memo-
rial should be erected in the town. A committee was
at once formed with the intention of realizing the idea,
a subscription list was opened, and in a short time a sum
of nearly 0,000 was subscribed by persons of all
political parties and of all conditions, in sums varying
from ss. to £5, the latter being the maximum donation
fixed by the committee. Sir Titus Salt, when con-
sulted on the matter, expressed his strong objection to the
erection of a statue during his lifetime, but his scruples
having been subsequently overcome, the Bradford
Corporation presented a site in Wood-street, in front
of the Town-hall. The statue, by Mr. John Adams-
Acton, of London, has been cut from a block of Carrara
marble, weighing 14 tons, and is seven feet in height.
One thousand guineas has been paid for the statue,
and more than £3,500 has been expended upon a
canopy, erected from the designs of Messrs. Lockwood
and Manson, of London. The Duke of Devonshire
arrived in Bradford by the Midland Railway about
two o'clock and was there met and received by the
Mayor. A procession was there formed at the Ex-
change and proceeded to the site of the statue in front
of the Town-hall, where a large crowd had gathered.
Among those present were Lord F. Cavend,sh, ALP.,
Sir Mathew Wilson, M.P., Mr. H. W. Ripley, M.P.,
Mr. S. Morley, MP., and Mr. John Crossley, M.P.
The Duke of Devonshire, having performed the
ceremony of uncovering the statue, said he had gladly
unveiled the statue of their distinguished fellow-towns-
man, distinguished by his enterprise as a manufac-
turer, and more distinguished by his enlightened re-
gard and solicitude for the wellfare of those employed
by him. The occasion was one which, as might be
expected, possessed great interest for a large portion
of the people of Bradford. He hoped he might fairly
consider himself as at least a neighbour, and as such
he should have been glad to be present, even if the
occasion had been of merely local importance. But
he did not consider the noble example Of Sir Titus Salt
a matter which concerned Bradford only, or even York.
shire. It was a matter both of national and general
interest. 'l'Ve heard English people sometimes spoken
of as if they were so immersed in matters of busi-
ness and so engrossed in the pursuits of wealth as to be
insensible in a great degree to claims of a higher and
nobler kind. But although undoubtedly England was
a most wealthy country—wealthy to an unprecedented
degree, owing to the extraordinary development of
trade, manufactures, and commercial industry—still
it wooid be a great calumny on our national rharanter
to assert that our energies are solely directed, employed,
and devoted in that direction. A vast amount of labour
and thought has been bestowed on plans originating
from benovolence and having for thew object the lift-
ing up and raising the moral and physical condition of
the community. Very much has been done in this
way, both by associated and private enterprise, but he
believed it would be impossible to name any more
remarkable instance of plans wisely and systemati-
cally devised, and energetically and successfully
carried into execution, for the well-being, happiness,
and advancement of the population than were to be
found in what he might truly call the model town of
Saltaire. (Cheers). He neecl not say that in the dwellings
at Saltaire every regard had been paid to health and
comfort. In that town they found no dark and noisome
alleys, and none of those arrangements which disgraced
1 the civilization of this country. The people of Saltaire
' had ample provision made in every way for their health,
for their comfort, and for their well-being. They had
large gardens and allotments of land; they had baths
and washhouses, and they had a spacious park pro-
vided for them. Neither would he forget to mention
the almshouses for the aged and the worn out
and the infirmary for the sick. The requirements of
the mind, too, had received from Sir Titus Salt no less
attention than the bodily wants. There was an excel-
lent elementary school and a magnificent club and
institute, the latter being partly for educational pur-
poses and partly for recreation as denoted by the title.
He had no doubt that there were many other aspects
in which might be found many other points of interest
with regard to Saltaire. There were many other most
noteworthy objects to which he had not referred, but
those points to which he had referred seemed quite
sufficient to prove that Sir Titus Salt deserved honour.
He would conclude by congratulating the people of
Bradford on having shown in so marked a way their
great appreciation of the services of Sir Titus Salt
and on having taken the best means in their power of
guarding against the possibility of their services being
, forgotten. (Cheers.)
His Grace handed to the Mayor (Mr. Rhodes) a
document conveying the monument to the Mayor,
Aldermen, and Burgesses.
The Mayor briefly acknowledged the acceptance of
the gift on behalf of the Corporation.
Mr. S. Morley, MP., who was received with loud
cheers, then addressed the assembly. He conveyed
the apologies of Mr. Forster, M.P., for his absence.
He then said that it might be asked why he, who was
connected with London, was found present on that
occasion. His reply was that the feeling of the sub-
scribers to the monument was shared by thousands
beyond that district, and he appeared to represent
them. During the last 40 years, in all those great
conflicts through which great principles had been
established, greater personal liberty secured, liberty
of opinion extended, and comfort in our homes
promoted—in all those movements, there was not
a man in England who had taken a more
earnest and a more continuous or a more liberal
part than Sir Titus Salt. He was there to-day to
thank Sir Titus for the stimulus to good work
afforded by his noble example, and to express his
thankfulness that there was not a home that was
not happier for the continuous efforts made by men
among whom Sir Titus always held a prominent
position. There had never been a good object which
he was not ready to assist, either by his personal
services or by pecuniary help. Therefore he was en-
titled to the expression of their thankfulness, and
there was a desire to assure him, even now while
living, they were not unmindful of such service.
(Applause.)
Lord F. Cavendish, M.P., Mr. John Crossley,
Ml'., and Mr. H. W. Ripley, M.P., afterwards
spoke in high terms of the example set by Sir Titus
Salt.

An official report presented to Parliament by
Captain Elton, the assistant to the British agent at
Zanzibar, shows that our efforts to put down the East
African slave trade have not yet been attended with
the success which they deserve. Formerly the Sultan
of Zanzibar levied a duty on all slaves, but the treaty
made by Sir Bartle Frere having compelled him to
abandon this source of revenue, the dealers in human
beings obtain the whole advantage resulting from the
remission of the tax. Captain Elton received con-
vincing proof that the transport of slaves by land had
certainly developed. During his brief stay upon the
mainland five caravans numbering more than 300
slaves passed that way, and he was warned that the
dealers had determined on shooting him if he ven-
tured to be too inquisitive. In one week alone he
passed no fewer than 1,280 slaves on their way to
Kisija, where a regular square is set apart for the
accommodation of the caravans. It is evident from
such facts as these that much yet remains to be done
before we witness the extinction of a traffie which is
so degrading to our civilization.
Amongst the many conferences which have taken
place in London was one for supplying a more intelli-
gent system of recreation in our places of public resort.
When the Thames Embankment was constructed, there
was hopes that something would be done to render the
river-side a pleasant lounge on summer evenings. From
Blackfriare to Westminster we have a spacious quay,
over-looking a noble river, but throughout the entire
length of this broad thoroughf are there is not a single spot
where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a cigar in the
open air. Nothing more strikes the English visitor to
Paris than the extraordinary number of al fresco places
of refreshment. Pass along any of the Boulevards at
any hour of the day, and up to midnight, and you will
see underneath the trees scores and hundreds of
stationary little tables where the people sip their cool
drinks and smoke their cigarettes. Whether or not
it be owing to the uncertain nature of our climate, I
cannot say, but certainly there is no approach to any-
thing of this sort with us. Our splendid embankment
is not the only example of neglected opportunities.
There are the parks, which are supposed to exist for
the enjoyment of the people, but not one of them
-ontains an efficiently-conducted restaurant. Of
tonne the strictest guarantee ought to be
demanded for the proper management of such institu-
Gone, but about this there need be no difficulty.
There is another improvement which I have often
wondered is not carried out. After midnight loco-
motion in the streets of London is practically im-
possible, except by two alternatives —a night cab or a
journey on foot. The former is an expensive luxury;
the latter is fatiguing in the extreme. Trains, tram-
cars, and omnibuses, all are taken off. Now, a
considerable and important section of the popu-
lation of London is engaged upon nocturnal
duties of various descriptions, and so numerous
is this class of workers that the commissioners
of police issue special licenses to some inns for the re-
freshment of these labourers by night. They may be
counted by thousands, yet when they want to get to
their homes in the distant suburbs, they must either
walk, pay two shillings or half-a-crown for a cab, or
wait until the early morning trains. Why traffic
should be entirely suspended at night I have often
been unable to see, nor is there any good reason why
the plan adopted by the Liverpool and Birkenhead
ferry should not be followed in London. That makes
hourly journeys during the night, and there is little
doubt that a limited nocturnal service of this kind in
our midst would be as welcome as it would be mode-
rately remunerative.
Temple Bar has often been denounced as a great
obstruction to the traffic flowing between the Bank
and Charing Cross; yet many of the most persistent
critics of the structure will not view its demolition
without a feeling of regret. We all kaow how grate-
ful to the memory are recollections of former days, and
when people looked at the old Bar, there was some-
thing about it which seemed to carry the mind back to
prosaic times that have fled away, never to return.
Temple Bar, RA most of your readers know, formed
the western boundary of the City of London, dividing
that rich and populone constituency from the city of
Westminster. Through its venerable gateway have
passed many a Royal procession—some to Guildhall,
to partake of the Lord Mayor's hospitality, others to
St. Paul's to attend a Thanksgiving Service in the
metropolitan cathedral. Sometimes the song of praise
has been rendered sfor victories won in war, as when
Queen Anne went to return thanks for the success
which had crowned our arms wider the Duke o
Marlborough; on other occasions the celebration
has been on account of a recovery from dangerous
illllOBB, as was the case two years ago last
February, on the recovery of the Prince of Wales.
Then the Bar has been handsomely decorated, and
presents a remarkable contrast to the times when it
was made the receptacle of traitor's heads which have
been exposed to the awe-struck citizens for several
days. "Come." once said Dr. Johneoe, "let us take
a walk down Fleet-street," but no one believes that
Fleet-street will appear the same without the cumbrous
structure which for centuries has stood at its western
leamdary. The poor old Bar has fallen a victim to im-
provement's march, its foundations having beedunder-
mined by the excavations which have been made upon
the site of the new law courts.
The railway companies are 'just now holding their
half yearly meetings, and I see that at the semi-annual
gathering of the Metropolitan, the chairman congratu-
lated the shareholders on the extraordinary fact that
Since the opening of the line, eleven yeare and a half ago, a
number of persons equal to one-third of the population
of the entire globe had been carried over it without a
f..tal accident for which the Company could be held
directly reepowable. This is not so much a railway as

The Dads in noticing the unveiling of the statue to
Sir Titus Salt, remarks—
Bradford cannot separate the renown and distinction
of Sir Titus Salt from its own rapid growth and high pros-
perity. As we understand the wishes and intentions
of those who will see their work crowned to-day, they
have desired to do honour to Sir Titus Salt as the
founder of a new industry, and as an employer whose
conduct in that vocation has reflected lustre on his
order. The manufacture of what are known in
commerce as Bradford goods is a comparatively
recent industry. The alpaca and mohair fabrics,
which now make an important figure among British
textile products, were unknown when young
Titus Salt commenced business as a spinner at
Bradford just forty years ago. The wools of the
llama and the alpaca, which now woven in a hundred
combinations diversify dress at home, Jr make their
way in the markets of the world, were at that time
neglected, because their capabilities were unperceived.
It was Mr. Outram, of Halifax, who first overcome
the difficulty of spinning alpaca wool by machinery;
but Sir Titus Salt made those further improvements
which established alpaca among the staple manufac-
tures of Yorkshire. Others may have dimly appre-
hended the undeveloped possibilities of the material,
but he turned them to account.

It is as an employer, however, that Sir Titus Salt
has won his best titles to the esteem of his country.
men, and in that capacity it is not new to him to
receive public acknowledgment of his achievements.
One-and-twenty years ago, at a time when it was be-
coming too probable that the peace which we had
enjoyed since the fall of the First Napoleon was about
to be interrupted, when further, both Lancashire and
the West Riding were vexed with trade dieputes which
had closed many a tact,ory gate and threatened to GINO