The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1875-05-01 00:00:00

TEE STOURBRIDGE OBSERVER.

'we have heard a goo deal of the army of late and
many criticisms have been passed upon it, at least
one thing never has been 'said—namely, that the
feeling of officers or men has in the slightest degree
chatged since those days when they led this great
couttry to victory. I trust and believe that the
feelings which prevailed in the army in the olden
time pervade it at the present day. (Hear, hear.)
At the same time, I must confess I have been some-
whit staggered by many of the assertions which have
bee brought to my notice, and on this point I may
be permitted, very cursorily to remark that yesterday,
in ,the course of my professional duties, I had
an opportunity of going to see as much as I could
of the troops at Aldershott, and all I can say is, that
while deprecating war and hoping the necessity may
not arise, I am perfectly prepared to morrow, at five
minutes' notice, to take every man of that force with
me, and go anywhere without seeing any reason why
they should not perform their duty just as well as the
British army has ever done in times past. (Cheers.)
I cannot deny that when I see regiments which are not
very strong in point of numbers it would be very ac-
ceptable to me, as to all military men, to see their
ranks better filled, but you must allow me to tell you
—and I am glad to see that there are many members
of Parliament present—that that is a question which
rests with the House of Commons and the electoral
constituencies. (Hear, hear.) If they will have
the, goodness to vote 'larger Estimates. there will
will be no great difficulty in providing additional
numbers in the Army, and, so far as I am con.
cerned, nothing would give me greater satisfaction.
But, as I have said, this is a matter of Estimates' and
the point rests much less with the authorities than
with the hon. and the right hon. gentlemen whom I
see around me. (Hear, hear.) We have heard a
good deal lately of our recruits, and perhaps I may be
permitted to say a word on that subject. (Hear,
hear.) A man goes into our service, which, recollect,
is a volunteer service, at the time which suits his con-
venience, not when it suits ours. Now, I freely admit
that I decidedly prefer men of twenty years of age
as recruits to younger men. There cannot be two
opinions OR that point. But you must recollect that,
as a rule men of twenty have entered upon the course
of life which they intend to pursue to the end of the
chapter if they are not successful. If they are not sue-
cessfuand break down, a few of them may enlist. But a
lad at eighteen or nineteen, has not made up his
mind, and he says, instead of taking any other line
I will become a soldier. That is the recruit you
generally get, and a very good soldier he makes
after a time; but you must get him, feed
him, clothe him, and instruct him before he
becomes a good soldier. You may depend upon it you
cannot get men when you wish, but only when they
will come. Now, they will come at 18 or 19, and they
will not come at 20, and I think it right this point
should be thoroughly understood. Another thing, I
am always hearing that we are much worse off than
we used to be in this matter. I have been, I am sorry
to say, now a great many years in the service, and I
can only express my opinion that in former times we
got very much the same sort of men as now; but we
had 30 or 40 men as recruits, where we now have 100
or 150, because we have short service. The country
wished to have short service and they have got it, and
they must accustom their eyes to see very young in-
stead of older men. 'I should very much prefer to see
a regiment composed entirely of old seasoned men;
but we cannot expect to see that under a short service
system. The thing is incompatible, and I hope that
that will be well understood in every part of the
country, because it is a question of PO much importance
that the-more it is thought about the better it will be
both for the interests of the Army and of the country.
Under a system of conscription you can do what you
like. If you choose to have men of 25, every man
having to serve, men of that age must come ; but with
us that is not the case. We must compete in the
labour market and take men when they will come, and
do the best with them when they do come; and if we
cannot get men for a little longer than six years I for
one will not break my heart over it. (Laughter.) The
spirit of the army has never been questioned, and I
am sure it cannot be now. How could it be, so long
as this great nation continues to have the high senti-
ments which have hitherto pervaded the community
from one end to the other. I feel quite satisfied that
the army, so far as it goes, to the limited extent we
have hitherto been able to maintain it, has kept up its
old professional spirit, and that officers andmen.will vie
with each other on every occasion, performing their duty
to their Sovereign and their country wherever they may
be sent, and under whatever circumstances they may be
called upon to act. (Chesrs.) Having expressed my
thanks for the army, let me assure you also that I
believe the Reserve Forces are progressing very
satisfactorily, and I beg before sitting down to be per-
mitted to express my sense of the compliment which
has been paid me in asking me to be present on this
occasion. I am the more sensible of it, seeing that I
am a regular•citizen of London, and I am very proud
both of being so and of meeting my fellow citizens on
every occasion. (Cheers.) On no occasion would it
be possible to be more gratified than under the present
circumstances, when I have the honour of supporting
the chairman in his reception of his Royal Highness
the Prince of Wales at this hospitable board. (Cheers.)

Mr. Hunt said,—l beg to return thanks for that
part of the toast which relates to the Navy. In these
days there is a great controversy as to what should be
the character of our ships and what should be the type
of our guns; but I feel confident that whatever ships
we put our men-on board, they will take care that
all shall he done that can be done with them, and
I feel equally certain that whatever the nature of
the guns, whether the charge is put in at the breech
or at the muzzle, our men will always stand to
them. (Cheers.) It is said of the navy that they
are in the habit of asserting, and value very highly
the great privilege of Englishmen—namely, that of
grumbling. (Laughter.) Well, I believe dnring the
last year I have been the recipient of all the grumbling
of the naval service, and my experience is this, that
they never grumble when they are sent on active ser-
vice. (Hear, hear.) Their grumbling is always when
they are left idle at home. With that sort of feeling
existing throughout the service, I feel perfectly certain
that we may rely upon their zeal, their intelligence,
their courage, and their spirit to perform any duty to
which they are called by their Queen and country.
(Cheers.).
Mr, R. Freeman, a member of the Board of Works,
proposed in fitting terms the toast of "Her Majesty's
Iserimsters."
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in responding,
said,—l think that when a gentleman calls upon any
one to leave off discussing a glass of very good claret
in order to make a speech to a very critical assembly,
and then tells him that the particular apophthegm he
would address to him is "rest and be thankful,' he is
rather adding insult to injury; but as it is a principle
of the present Government always to do the right thing
at the right time (laughter)—and as there can be no
doubt that the right thing is always to return thanks when
our health is proposed, and the right time to do it is after
the toast especially set apart for us,—l rise at this
moment, though I should have thought that an
earlier opportunity might have been found for rme
in the toast which preceded this, because! lob-
served that the toast was the health: gthe
Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces; and whereas the
Army and the Navy were exceedingly well responded
to, I think that something might have been said also
for that which is the 'very best of the Auxiliary
Forces—l mean the unfortunate representative of the
Treasury. (Laughter.) Even his Royal Highness the
Commander-in-Chief could not resist making reference
to the Estimates, and I venture to say that if the
Chancellor of the Exchequer shut up his bank and
declared himself bankrupt, the Army and Navy would
find themselves in a very considerable difficulty. Re-
turning thanks for this toast is a pleasure to myself
and a duty to the Ministry with which I have the
honour to be connected. My right hon. friend the
First Lord of the Admiralty stated just now that
though he found in the service which he so worthily
represents there was the proverbial love of grumbling
which pervades Englishmen, yet when officers and
seamen were ordered on active service no such
thing as grumbling could be found among them.
I am sorry to say that on the present occasion I
feel in a state of mind which approaches very nearly
to grumbling. I was told by my hon. friend the chair-
man that tfiis would be a dinner not at all of a politi-
cal character, and that it would be one in which the
greatest harmony would prevail. I accordingly made
up my mind—always thinking it desirable to have
some guide for any observations I may make—that I
should be guided by the programme of harmony which
might be laid before me. I, therefore, took into my
view the list of toasts and the list of songs, and I
found that every song was exceedingly well adapted to
the toast which preceded it. We began by drinking
"The Health of the Queen," and we sang the song
which warms the heart of every Englishman, "Go
Save the Queen." We went on to "The Health of his
Royal Highness the Prince of Wales," and we sang
"God Bless the Prince of Wales." Coming to the
"Army and Navy," we sang the "Soldier's Chorus"
from Faust, and I see a little further on that where the
Speaker of the House of Commons has to return
thanks for that Assembly the song set down as appro-
priate to the occasion is in praise of "Lovely night,"
of which we have such large experience in the House
of Commons. (Laughter.) But, looking to the song
' appropriate to the toast for which I am told off, I find
it to be a song which is something to the effect of going
down hill. (Laughter.) Now I seriously object, on.
being called to return thanks for her Majesty's Minis-
ters, to have a song immediately following to the effect
that we are going down hill. (Laughter.) I do not
at all admit the truth of that observation. I think
that some of the remarks of his Royal Highness the
Commander-in-Chief, whieh was very consolatory to
his mind, as to what he saw yesterday in his review of
the forces at Aldershott, might be consolatory to a
member of the present Government when he thinks
over what be saw yesterday. I saw yesterday a Go-
vernment division, in which the numbers were 433
to 1 (laughter), and really, therefore, I do not think
, that the condition of the Government is one which
at all indicates more reason for despair than the eon-
dition of the British Army.' (Laughter.) There was
one sentiment of his Royal Highness with which I en-
tirely sympathise. He said he should like to see a
little longer period of service than six years. • Well, I
am of that opinion, and I really think that with the
present House of Commons, even though there should
be some fresh recruits before the six years are over,.
our chances, upon tile whole, are not very bad.
(Laughter.) I am afraid that if this song has not been
selected with peculiar reference to the toast of her
Majesty's Ministers generally, perhaps it has been
with reference to the unworthy member of the Go-
vernment who has been chosen to return thanks; and
that, whereas a year ago the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer was in possession of a surplus of six millions,
and whereas now he finds himself reduced to some-
thing very like equilibrium, he may be considered as
having very rapidly gone down hill. But I may he
permitted in confidence, and in an after-dinner speech
which ought not to be reported, to say that I don't
think the condition of a Chancellor of the Exchequer
with empty pockets is at all more disagreeable than
that of a Chancellor who is jingling his money very
freely. If I might venture to compare myself to any
hero of romance, I should say that I feel like the hero
of one of the German tales, who beg,imiing,with 4 large
lump of 'Over Which be had hard work to carry round
himself very much relieved when, after a number of
changes, he had nothing left but a grindstone, which
fell into a river and was lost, greatly to his relief. I
am bound to say that the condition of a Chanceljor of
the Exchequer with empty pockets is quite as agree.

able as that of any one who is called upon in all direc-
tion§ to take off taxes and to spend money. (Laughter.)
I hope the omen which was held out before me by the
gentleman who so ably proposed this toast may be
fulfilled, and that I may for a season at least "rest
and be thankful." (Cheers.)
Mr. Newton, another prominent member of the
Board, proposed "The Houses of Parliament." •
The Duke of Wellington responded on the part of
the House of Lords, and the Speaker for the House of
Commons
The Prince of Wales gave the last toast, " The
Health of the Chairman," and Sir James Hogg having
responded, the company broke up.

THE PROTECTION OF TRADE MARKS.

The following declaration for extending to the whole
German Empire the stipulations contained in Article
6 of the Commercial Treaty between Great Britain
and the Zollverein of May 30, 1865, for the protection
of trade marks, was signed in London on the 14th
Inst.
"The Government of her Britannic Majesty and the
G ,vernment of his Majesty the German Emperor having
thought it expedient that the stipulations existing between
Great Britain and the Zollverein for the mutual protection of
the marks of goods and the marks of manufacture and trade
should be extended so as to comprise the whole territory of
the German Empire, the undersigned, being duly authorised
to that effect, have accordingly agreed that the stipulations
of the 6th article of the Treaty of Commerce of
May 30th, 1865, between Great Britain and the Zoll-
verein, which article is conceived in the following terms
"With regard to the marks or labels of goods, or of their
packages, and also with regard to patterns, and marks of
manufacture and trade, the subjects of the States of the
Zollverein shall enjoy in the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, and the subjects of her Britannic
Majesty shall enjoy in the States of the Zollverein, the same
protection as native subjects '—shall henceforth be applicable
to the whole territory of the German Empire —ln witness
whereof the undersigned have signed the present declaration,
and have affixed thereto the seals of their arms.—Done at
London, in duplicate, the 14th of April, 1875.—DERBY,
MUNSTER."

placed as usual in front, On either side of the steps
leading to the throne Was an assortment of lovely
flows, while the step: themselves and the route along
whie the procession passed were covered with
a elgnificent carpet
_worked with the masonic
arms and the Prince's Plumes, woven expressly for the
oc on. Behind the throne and underneath the
orgait were the British flags, and that wonder in
.heraldry before-mentioned, the masonic arms. A
morel remarkable sight than that which was to be
seen )ay half .past one can scarcely be imagined. The
amphitheatre by that time had become nearly full,
and the different tiers of boxes and the galleries had
in them hardly a vacant place. The collars and jewels
which the brethren wore imparted a liveliness to the
general scene that even in assemblies where ladies in
full dress are admitted is never witnessed. The blue
of the collars it was generally remarked, had a most
pleasing effect, and it was perhaps the uniformity of
the colour that made it so pleasing.

At three o'clock the following procession was formed
in the Grand Corridor, viz:—

The Grand Stewards of the Year.
Grand Pursuivant.
Past Grand Organists.
Grand Organist.
Past Grand Sword Bearers.
P. A. G. Directors of Ceremonies.
Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Grand Director of Ceremonies.
P. G. Superintendents of Works.
Grand superintendent of Works.
Past Grand Deacons.
Grand Secretary for German Grand Secretary.
, Correspondence.
President of the Board of General Purposes.
• •f I I Past Grand Registrar.
Grand Registrar.
, Grand Treasurer.
Past Grand Chaplains,
ha, Grand Chaplains.
r Past Grand Wardens.
Past Provincial Grand Masters.
. I Provincial Grand Masters.
Illustrious Visitors.
[ His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught.
. Junior Grand Warden.
Senior Grand Warden.

Junior Grand Deacons.
Representative from the Deputation from the Grand
Grand Lodge of Denmark. Lodge of Sweden.
Deputation from the Grand Deputation from the Grand
Lodge of Ireland according to Lodge of Scotland according
their respectiwe ranks, to their respective ranks.
Acting Deputy Grand Master.
Grand Sword Bearer.
The M. W. Pro Grand Master.—Senior Grand Deacons.
Two Grand Stewards.
The procession entered the hall, the organ being
played by Mr. Willing. Grand Lodge was then
opened by the M. W. the Earl of Carnarvon, Pro
Grand Master. The minutes of the last quarterly
communication as to the election of a M. W. Grand
Master and Grand Treasurer having been read and
confirmed, the Earl of Carnarvon directed a deputa-
tion of Provincial Grand Masters, Past Grand War-
dens, and Grand Officers to withdraw for the purpose
of introducing his Royal Highness the Most Worship-
ful Grand Master, but before doing so announced
that a telegram had just been put into his hands from
Grand Lodge of Genoa offering their hearty congratu-
lations. (Great cheering.)
The following procession having been formed, moved
up the centre of the hall, the organ playing a proces-
sional march composed specially for the occasion by
Brother Sir Michael Costa :

Four Grand Stewards of the Year.
The Gloves and Apron of The Collar and Jewel of
a ,cd the Grand Master on a the Grand Master on a
t Cushion borne by the Cushion borne by the 111
Master of a Lodge. Master of a Lodge. a.
Grand Director of Ceremonies (Sir Albert Woods).
Grand Secretary (Mr. John Hervey).
President of the Board of General Purposes ((r. J. B.
Monck).
Grand Registrar (Mr. M'lntyre, Q.C.).
Grand Treasurer (Mr. S. Tomkins).
Grand Chaplains (Rev. R. P. Bent and Dr. Simpson).
Six Past Grand Wardens.
Six Provincial Grand Masters.
The PRII\ CE of WALES, Grand Master.

Two Grand Stewards.
His Royal Highness was conducted to a chair on the
left of the Pro-Grand Master, and the brethren took
their respective seats, except those bearing the insignia,
who stood behind the throne. The brethren stood to
ordOr while a prayer was offered by the Grand Chaplain.
The Earl of Carnarvon then addressed the assem-
blage as follows
Royal Highness Most Worshipful Grand Master,—lt
has been from time immemorial the custom when any Master
of,the craft was placed in this chair to remind him of the
ditties that he then undertook, and though it is unnecessary
that I should remind your Royal Highness, who is so con-
versant with all the affairs of the craft, of the whole of
those duties, that our time-honoured custom should not
absOlutely disappear it will be .my duty to address to
yot a few words on this 'occasion. Your Royal Highness
knqws well that Freemasonry possesses many titles to,
respect even in the eyes of the outer wend. It is,
first, of great antiquity—an antiquity ascending into the
sphere of immemorial tradition. Secondly, it is known
and practised in every country, in every climate, and in
every race of civilised men ; and, lastly, in this country,
above all, it has associated itself with human sympathies and
charitable institutions. (Cheers). Let me say further, that
whilst it has changed its character in some respects it has
lost nothing which can claim the respect of men. (Cheers).
Formerly, through the dim periods of the middle ages, it
carved its records upon the public buildings, upon the tracery
of the medimval windows, or the ornamentation of palaces.
Now it is content to devote itself to works of sympathy and
charity, and in them it finds its highest praise and
reward. Let me draw one further distinction—no
one will say that it is an invidious one. In some
other countries it has been unfortunately the lot of Free-
masonry to find itself allied with faction and intrigue—with
what I may call the darker side of politics. In England it
has been signally the reverse (Cheers.) The craft here
has allied itself with social order—with the great institutions
of.the country; and, above all, with Monarchy, the crowning
institution of all. (Cheers) Your royal highness is not the
first by many of your illustrious family that have sat in
that chair. It is no doubt by the lustre of your great
name and position you will reflect honour upon the craft
to-day; but it is also something to be at the head of such a
body as is represented here. (Cheers) You may truly say
that never in the whole history of Freemasonry has
such a grand lodge been honoured as that on which my eyes
rest at this moment: and there is this further and inner
view to be taken, that far as my eye can carry me over these
serried ranks of white and blue, of gold and purple, I re-
cognise in them men wno have solemnly undertaken obliga-
tions of worth and morality, men who have undertaken the
duties of citizens and the loyalty of subjects—(cheers)—l am
but expressing, though very feebly, the feelings and aspira-
tions of this great assemblage, when I say that I trust that
the connection of your Royal Highness with the craft may
be lasting. and that you may never have reason for one mo-
ment's regret or anxiety when you look back upon the events
of to-day. (Loud cheers.)

Royal Highness, who, on rising, was received
great applause, said :
;rethren, I am deeply grateful to the most worshipful
;t Grand Master for the excessively kind words which he
just spoken, and to you, brethren, fop the cordial recep-
which you have given to them._ It has been your

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