The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1868-12-12 00:00:00

MEETING OF PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS.-THUESDAY.

The first session of the eighth Parliament liar.
ing the reign of her present Majesty was for-
mally opened to-day by Royal Commission. The
attendance of peers was very limited. There
were only a few ladies present, either in the body
of the House or in the galleries ; and the few
strangers present showed bow little interest was
felt in the proceediags. Among the peers pre-
sent were the Duke of Buckingham, the Marquis
of Normanby, Earl Granville, Earl of Harrow-
by, Earl Stanhope, E irl Longford, Earl Beau-
champ, Lord Cairns, Lord Westbury, Lord Co-
lousay, Lord Clinton, &c., &e.
Tile Royal Commissioners were the new Lord
Chancellor, the Duke of Argyll, Earl of Kim-
berley, Earl do Grey mal Ripon, and Lord
Sydney.
The Lord Chancellor having directed the
Usher of the Black Rod to request the attend-
ance of the House of Commons, the Chief Clerk,
attended by a considerable number of the mem-
bers of the Lower House, appeared at the bar.
The Lord Chancellor, who did not wear his
robes as a peer, not having taken his sett, then
said :—My Lords and Gentlemen—We have it
in command from her Majesty to inform you
that as soon as the members of both Houses are
sworn in, the causes of her Majesty's summon-
ing Parliament will be declared, and it is neces-
sary that you, gentlemen of the House of Com-
mons, should repair to the place where you are
to sit, and there proceed to the choice of some
proper person to be your Speaker, and that you
present such person whom you may so choose,
to-morrow, at two o'clock, fur her Majesty's
Royal approval.
The swearing-in of the peers present was then
' proceeded with, and their lordships adjourned.

am. seeessed a cups! sas,
look it upstairs to him. Mrs. Pope assisted deceased to
dress, and be wanted to go down stairs, and he went
down. Deceased appeared to be ill, and witness sent
down to Mr. Broughton. his ion, to can he was ill. Wit.
iIeSS else sent ter some ram and water, and he drank
some while he was sitting near the flee. Decessed after
went to bed and slent for a short time. Whilst taking
t.a witness observed that he roughed differently, and
Asked Mrs. Priest to go up with him. Witness after
went up, and found that he was dying. Witness began
to pray. Did not send for a surgenn. but left him in the
care of twe w,imen, who shortly after told witness that
leceased had expired. Witness diii not send for a dee.
tor. She did not think it was her place to to 90. If she
h nil been ill she would have liked to have had a doctor.
—The Cormier; Then you do not do to your neighbour
neighbour the same. you wish to be done to ?—Witness
It was not for me to send for a doctor—The Coroner.
I think your conduct is disgracefel in not sending for a
surgeola—Wituess : I am not to be judged by men. but
God—Coroner: Yes, your conduct is to be judged
he ma sitting here.—Witness : I have to answer to (Tod
for asp conduct, not to men.—The Foreman: I think
or conduet very disgraeeful ; an opinion in which the
Try coineideil —Susan Priest was the next witness. She
soil that she wss sent for to assist the deceased, and help
t take him do Ye st sirs. Dee, aced complained of being
cold, and wanted to get to the fire. Witness offered to
get him seine tea, bet he said that w ml! not warns him
and be shoal-1 like to have some ruin and water, and Inc
put SIVIne money out to pay for it, aud be bad some. De-
ceased also expressed a wish to see his son Samuel, and
Or. Cemphell, but the surgeon was not seat for. Mrs
gronghton was present when deceased died.-11-sbert
Lionel Campbell, surgeon, residing in Iligh.street, said
he did net nttend the deceased. Never saw bins previous
T his death. Had made an mamma examination of the
since death. Deceased is a spare man, but not pas-
tiest' srly emaciated. There are no mark; of violence.
not no nmlearances on the I ody to indicate death.
T thorid say that deeeft.4o liii from heart disease. The
"or-suer askT 1 MT. S. Broughton if Inc should like any
que‘lions to b. askod. Mr. Bronzliton sal I not
11,• was quite s;oi,fi .1 that hi; fall a• die" from tdd eESI.
'he jury then I etart,l a verdict of ' Dieil by the Vibi-
t ,fion of Go I."
TIO,.—On Monday evening a meet.
Mg wan lirhl in Po- Br!tish School Room. Penner High
Street, for the purpose of fori&ng, a Liberal ASSoeitl-
ion for this lad/lag niddrict.—Mr. Wm. Al,royd presided.
—Mr. J. li. Shepherd moved, and Mr. J. E. Swindell
nccondel, it resolution to the fi illiTiving I ftlmi :—" Tbnl
rezard to innaartsnoe of the tmestions sub-
mitted t s the newly.elected Pa:Vament, it is desirAde
to form a Liberal Association for the polling abide+. of
Stourbridge, such associaion to direct its efforts to the
following objecdt :—To get all persons registered Si no.
tern who are entitled to he registered ; to get all persons
removed from the present regi der who are not entitled
lobe registered ; to Ttrengthen the bands of the Liberal
party in Parliament by petitions, public meetings, snit
other lawful means. whenever occassion nifty arise; to
Beenos any important political measures which may be
under public considelation, with the vise of promoting
mil intelligent interest therein."—A on eons] resolution
lecided that the officers for the society should lie elected
at the Lest annual nieeting of the subscribers, and that
She first meeting should be held on Monday, the 18th of
Tannery next —After seine general cony ration, the
meeting closed with the usual vote of thanks to the
elliarman. _ .

•
Dailtivvc Pxneonirvsev..—We beg to call the atten-
'inn of our re wiers to the above performances, which
take place on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings next.
The Godley Thespian Club ham long been known for the
spirit in which they carry out their entertainment., and
have been honoured by crowded lionqes, and no doubt
they will be paid a siugillar compliment in this town next
week.
To R MANUPACTDRIK OP WATCITES AND Cfmcgs.—A
most interesting and instructive little work, deacribing
briefly, but with great clearnrsa. the rise and progres
of watch and clock making, has jest been published by
Hr. J. W. Benson, of 25, 0111 Bend Street, 119. Itirst.
bourne Grove, and the City Steam Factory, 58 and 80.
Ludgate fill. The book, which is profusely illustrated,
given a full description of the various kiwis of watches
ind clocks, with their prices. and no one should make ri
ourchase without visiting the above establishments or
consulting this truly valuable work. By its aid persons
reahling in any part of the United Kingdom, India, or
the Coloniea, are enabled to select for themselves the
Tatch best adapted for their use, and have It sent to
them settle perfect safety. Mr. Benson, who bolds the
appointment to the Prince of Wales, sends this pamph-
let to any address on receipt of two postage stamps, and
we cannot too strongly recommend it to the notice of
the intending purchaser.

DEFRAEIHNO THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.—At the
Petty Sessions, yesterday, before Major Fletcher, R. L.
Freer, and C. E. Swindell, Rsqrs., John Hobble was
charged with travelling on the Great Western Railway
HOUSE OF COMMONS.—THURSDAY.' from Kidderminster to Bagley, on the 10th lust, without
The members elected to the Reformed House Pli'tgrahiia'sfarrriev.elPheet.wrireloioneek
tpinrogvetide tkheaot,w.hnednxei e L. 7.
of Commons met to-day. fondant had not got one. John Lesdbrook proved the
Mr. Hadfield was the first to put in an appear- bye-laws, and said that defendant had just eompleted 14
aces', and he was soon followed by other well- days' imprisonment for &similar offence. Pleaded guilty.
known faces. Until half .pest one o'clock visi-
Fined 20s and costs; in default one month's hard
tors were admitted into the body of the House, lab‘hu.r
R. ANCY CAM—Samuel Minton was charged with
and amongst them was the American Minister, being on the premises of Benjamin Littlewood, Esq.,
the Hon. Reverdy Johnson, who was introduced Cleat, formn unlawful purpose. S. Compton proved seeing
to many of the members. prisoner flier the pantry door on the 10th inst, at eight
Mr. Disraeli entered the House at two o'clock, o'clock. Samuel Jackson gave corroborative evidence,
and took his seat upon the front Opposition _seTlothat the pnsoner wasdoanucte
sulthehe"7:7llMarr;
Bench. His arrival was unnoticed. Mr. Ward engagementti." bu
lii" Del
tidil. e"
at erminster, and he was going to
Hr. Hardy, Sir S. Northcote, Mr. Cory, Mr. Stoll:bridge for some luggage, when he called at Mr.
Adderley, Mr. Egerton, Lord J. Manners, Col. Littlewood's house. Was drunk at the time. Could not
Taylor, Mr. Noel, and Mr. Mowbritv, joined Mr. tell how he got there.—Mr. Littlewood: Bow did you
Disraeli upon the front Oi.position bench. The :lapkpedn to be in one off illy bedrooms, in the door
Treasury bench was almost entirely deserted ;
the only official occupants were Mr. Ayrton, Mr. inenb'
et.' taL lLkaldr:ouLnittel:weoode:ttnaveualw.ays e'nedeavoMed
you. That is not the way to requite it.
Grant Duff, and Mr. K. Hugessen. Mr. Hurst I don't wish to press the case severely against you.—De-
and Major Aldridge—whose candidature for Lntant was then sentenced to one month's imprisonment
Horsham resulted in a tie—were both presant. with Imrd labour.
Sir R. Palmer and Sir G. Grey entered the ~,:',%',.'ee,,,,wwiS•hrki:lio.insiootai.,i;—Lhgnaßbtehrtee..;oinorittli..:
House together, and took their seats on the lech ineeLt. th‘e property ot Laae Porter, hatter, Hich-
Imuch immediately behind the Treasury bench, at eet. Mary Jane Stringer, donated+ servant to Mr.

—...—as—__....
since he came. It was sufficiently wide for Oman or bov
Porter, proved that she Raw the prisoner take a ran from
to fall through. He had read the rules.—Mr. Joseph
a string at the door, on the above date. She called after
John King, one of the proprietors, was examined by the
him. He yin away, but was after apprehended. Isaac
Coroner: and after some further evidence had been
Porter proved that the cap was worth lid. Pleaded
taken Mr. Baker, Government inspector, said he went
guilty. Remanded for a week.
i.t., , down into the mine in question, and examined the pit
i .
VAGRANCY CASE.—SSOMICI WIII,ON was (4161.004 IPLan ,
men were, if properly carried out, very gnat
Williera Ni•klin, for an unlawful purees, Defendent . . .
being in an enclosed yard on the 10,h inst, belonging to , The Coe-
bottom. The arrangement. for the safety of the work-
proved that he found the defendant in his Yard, whieb
In„ by the sump havingbeen left unenvered, for which either
user, in lIIIIMIRIIIP UP. WWI the rules had been broke.
had
wantedhena ltoicekkeedt up for
ftohre twwoorkblotoouns.e. DDefiesenlidaarngteVulpo-n
was expected to obey the commands of his superior. It
the manager or his deputy were resp-eisil-de. The boy
promising to leave the town.
a Was for them to consider by what amount of neglect the
eIIaRGE OF TIIREATILNI9G —Mary Weir was charged
by Mary Murphy with using threatening immune° to her
t covered. If they thought the boy was killed through
lump was left uncovered, end whose duty it was to see
on the Fird inst. Complainant said that on the day in
his own disobedience, they mast return a verdict of
question the the defendant threatened to knock her 13---T
cidental death ; if through the gross negligence of the
hraine out. Defendant had not been near her since.
deputv-manager, they must retnrea verdict of man-
Did not pick up a poker to strike defendant when she
slanghter against him; or, on the other hand, thev might
pushed against the door; it Was al bolt out of the door,
return a verdict giving the inspector liberty to bring a
Defendant, in answer to the charge, said that complain -
charge against him. After having deliberated about 15
ant called her a w—e, and took up a poker to strike her
minutes, the jury returned a verdict to the effect that
with ii; and called a witness who said that Rile heard the
deceased lost his life by falling down • sump, accom-
complainant call defendant a w—e. and tell her to see to
panying with their verdict an expression of their great
her bastard. The case Woo di901199911. disapprobation of the conduct of the manager and his
WILFUL DAMAGE.— Margaret Perkes and Rebecca
deputy in attempting to ventilate the sump by leaving the
Harris were charged by Robert Bills with wiltally dam. plank off while the men were at work near it, and they
aging a quantity of turnip tops, his property, on the 7th OLD RILL.
considered them much to blame.
instant. Acting-sergeant Jones said that on the day in
Question be mason duty in Enville-street, and he saw the ASSAULT Coup—At the Petty Seseinne held on We
defendants with a quantity of turnip tops. With WORDSLEY. need. last, before E. Meore and F. W. Ci. Ram, Esqre.,
the assistance of Sergeant Wiglev he took the defend•
ants into custody. Since then Police-constable Dueard Darsx AND Rtorors.—it the Petty Sessions, on 1 Joseph James was charged by Joßeph Chili with assault-
! tug him on the 80th ult. From the evidence it Appears
had been to the field, and found parts of turnips vihieh ' that he was at Jones's public-honae on the above date,
Monday last. before F. Evers and 11. Hall, Eeqrs . Arthur
corresponded with those taken from the defendants. Thompson was charged by Superintendent Mills with
George Stokes. b,tilitY. in the employ of Mr Hills, said being drunk and riotous at Brierley Hill, on the Sail inst. arose, and the defendant struck him. Mr. Holberton,
I sad was playing at cards with some persnns. A dispute
there was about Is worth of damage done The Bench Police-constable Pairbenks proved the ease. and the de- ! the Clerk, said that he wished all these present to know
that if any persona played at cards in It public-house for
fined defendants 65,15 damage done, and costs; in defendant was fined is and costa; in default coven days'
days. imprisonment. money, they were liable to be sent to gaol, as rogues and
fault l 4
days.
OF DUARDTANR—The weekly meeting of this vagabonds, for three months. A witness was called for
Board was held yesterday, Mr. Grainger in the chair. WAGES DAM—. Samuel Bowen was summoned by the defence, and after hearing his evidence, the Bench
Ilete,t La,nsdale for wages due to the amount of 46a.
There were also present :—Messrs. Brooke., Richardson, dismissed the ease
Mr. Perry appeared for the defence. Complainant said
hintrice. Relltoson. Rhodes, Wright, and Bird. WOMENS' QIARRELS —itfarirs Butler Wa9 Charged by
Griffin.
that he had been in the employ of the defendent as a Ellen Moore with assaulting heron the Ph inst. From
kdinitied into ihe bowie 'during the Week, 21; dead,
teasT. On the 15th of November John Makins, the the et Hence of complainant it appears she lived at the
2' discharged, 10: remaining. 470. Corresnondiwir wee.,_ founder, told bint Mr. Bowel, had said he wee not to Four Ways. On the above (tete 6 dispute arose between
last year, 441. Outdoor relief, Kingswinford district, work again. The agreement FM to gird Of take es !Prt" them, when the defendant struck lief. The essault WWI
la 1.. thl ; Stonrbridge district, 125 23 44; lidlel9WO • night's notice. He worked cm thy Saturday end Sunday i',Amitt,j Fined fid and costa ; in defa9ll 07Ten daYs'
district, /20 6s if ; total, 188 la iia, against 174 14s nights, and was paid for that, but had not been paid any- Imprisonment.
81d last year.—Moved by the Chairman, seconded by • thing since. Did go to sleep on a bench on the 15th. A VIOLENT WOMAA9.—MAria Hackett wee charged by
Mr. Rhodes', and resolved unanimously;—" That the in. I Bad got another job. Wont to Mr. Bowen's works seve• join priest with assaulting him on the In inst. Cr!wl•
mates be regaled with roast beef and plum pudding on rat times. Then was about a double handful of coal plainant 96iii tied defendent threw a qnantity of not
Christ meg day. burning in the hole.—Samuel Bowen, the defendant, cinders into his shop at him. while at work. A witness
Deraitear.—An inquest W 69 held nn Monday last. at the d f d nt
said that on the day in question he went to the works, corroborated the complainent's statement. and een a
house of Me. Bencliffe, the Cricketers' Arms, before R. and saw about three barrowfuht of coal burning. lie wan fined 63 and coats; in default seven days.
stone
Docker, Esg , Coroner, touching the death of Samuel could not eee complainant at his plaee, but sent one of Citamms or *rum. a TAME Fowr. —Reuben t
nt
Broughton, who died suddenly on the 4th inst. Mary the workmen to look after him, and found him asleep on was charged with stealing a tame fowl, the propeerty
ea,
Gardener, widow, said she lived in Hill-street. Knew a bench. He was rather the worse for drink. On the Hobort Harvey. Prosecntor said he lost
Defendant
Lid
the deceaßed, who was formerly a cotton spinner, and 2nd of November Lamsdale was in a similar state, and and the one produced was his property. D
78 years old, and lodged with her. Deceased had been a he had lost it
the work was stepped for three bolus. The work cannot that the fowl was his property, and th t
poorly, but walked about as usual, and warmed his bed!t door
go on without the assiatance of the teiteer, Lamelnle three weeks since. He had bought it et' the next
on Thereday night about seven o'clock, and went to bed, was above three years
was put from first to second teaser. The first teaW has neighbour, who reared it, and it
Next time elle Raw him was on Friday morning, about ten 1 ' t said
no right to discharge men, nor any one except the mane. 1 7 eto the latter staternent comp *man
o'clock, upstaira, and his speech appeared to be altered. ola. an ansrs h sa 4 it was clear there
ger, —Thomas Tony said he was first teaser, in the ern- it was a chicken. The 11,7 - ---1
Deceased was sitting on a chair near the window, with ^ f a county
Ploy of Mr. Bowen. Complainant was his mate. On
the sash partly up. Deceased said he had opened the was ro felonious intent, and it was a. ."° for
the day in question, the defendant came into the works, court and dismissed it.
window to pet some fresh air Witness then went to and saw about 2 cwt. of coal burning in the hole. Dc- A.FIr•
and made deceased a cum of tea, and AROF. OP HIGHWAY ROI:MEM—Ed ward nnybenlit
fetch a neighbour,
lenient sent him to find !Amadei° who IVIIS ash • on a • •.:
. . t . - -- Br - three respects...

SELLTN,i BREAD OTHERWIN6 THAN lir WETHHT
Benjamin Billingham was summoned for selling a loaf
d bread otherwise than by weight on the ard instant.
Police-constable Chell provNl buying the loaf of !person
whom be thought was defendant's wife. Ordered to pay
costa.
CoAf. STEALERS —Jane Jones vu, charred with steal-
ing a quantity of coal. the property of Fd‘rard Hale. on
the 27th ult. Thomas Lowe proved the cage. and the
nrisoner was fined la in default 14 all, hard lahonr.—
Elizah-th Lewis was charged with stealing 9:iths of coal.
value 6.1, the property of the Earl of Lindley. Samuel
; Hand proved the ease, and prisoner was sentenced to 14
lliaHwoy days.
OFFENca.—.Tohn Willete, of Great Bridge.
was charged by Superintendent Mills with allowing five
sheep to stray nn the hiAway in the pariah of Kingswin.
ford, on the 27th tilt. Police.eonatable Hammond paid
that on the day in question he saw the five sheep on the
highway. Defendant was ordered to pay the keep of the
sheen, ss. and coats.
OnsTilreTlNO TAR FooTrATIT —Benjamin Blades was
charged by Superintendent Mills with obstrueting the
footpath with a quantity of night soil. Remanded for a
week for payment of costs, 5a 61.

Philip Adams, and Albert Bunn,
dressed young men, residing at Cradley, were charged
with feloniously robbing Thomas Davis on the highway,
and stealing a lialf.sovereign of him. on the sth instant.
They were also charged with unlawfully assaulting him
at the some time. Mr. Addison defended. Complainant,
whose face was much bruised, said that on the above
date about ten o'clock at night he went to his sister's
house at Cradles', and left a few minutes after eleven
o'clock. When near Mr. Hudson's house by the railway
bridge, he saw all three prisoners, and, without speaking
a word, they rill three net about him. At this gage of
the proceedings, Mr. Addison applied to the Bench for
the case to be remanded till next week, us he had sum
, mosses lobe taken oat—one against the prosetutor—
I and lie should prove that pr 'scent, ought to be placed
where his clients were now. The Bench then remanded
the case for a week, the prisoners being bailed to
appear.
TRANSFERS —The Royal Oak, Cradley Reath , from the
executors 14 Thomas Robinson to Mary Robinson ; the
British Oak, from G. Gyunt to J. Boylston.

_endue, - re una Lanssaam leep
bench. Witness afterwards found him asleep and away
from his work, in the milleerom. It was impossible for
the e ornplahaat to see to his work if he went to sleep.
The coal in the hole was oboist 2 inst. Lamedale was not
sober at the time.—John Payne said he was nmengerfor
Mr. Bowen. He was at the works on the nth ult. Saw
Lamsdale asleep several times. First at about six
o'clock. He was asleep two or three times after six
o'clock. The ease was then dismissed.
UFLAWFULLF WOUNDING.—John Taylor was charged
by Mark Waesell with unlawfully cutting aml wounding
him on the sth inst. Mr. Addison appeared for the pro-
secution.—Complainant said he Was a miner. On the
night in question he was at Mr. Gittinge' public-house.
\Vent there about eight o'clock in the evening. There
was a man named Smith there at the time. Alter he
had been there some time the defendant and hie wife
mime in. The woman sail he was a dirty meanie, and
struck him. Ile then called her a is—c. She knocked
Irim off the bench sari kicked at him, and then they bad
a fight. Tire woman then took up an iron spittoon, hut
it wee taken from her before elle could strike him with
it by Jeremiah Gratings, who took her out of the room.
He did not quarrel with the defendant before on that
night. Defeadairt then said he would rip ilia (complain-
ant's b—y g—s out, and stabbed bins on the right
shoulder eete a clasp knife. The knife went through.
the thick j icket and the thick shirt he had on, and made
a wound ab out a im irter of an inch in length, and half
an inch in depth. Jeremiah Gittinge took him home.
Defendant took his knits out to him twelve months be-
fore, and sail lie wenl,l rip hie b—y g— out at that
time. Wire with defendunt in a shoemaker's shop, and
Sure him with the chisp knife doing somethina to ilia
shoe. Ceell swear to the knife if be RAW it. Dr. Ash-
mere dressed his wound. Martha Pergeter, mother of
the emnpleieunt, sail that Lill the night in gut's' inn she
went to Uettin rublic-hoage, shout lialf.past le o'clock.
Hemel abort John Taylor etalloieg her eon. Sall to
'let, start, CM, John Taylor, what a very ba I mao you
ore to serve my son in ti-it 19 ay,'' when he said he wind,'
eat Iris b----y h•ei t out, aol keep him etterwerde.
Conlil not lint is yell, ihieer. Poliee•ennstable Fair-
h rile,•wid he u.i; s'ertietied at Briefly), Hill. From in,
reeelvt d lie went to compliunauths iii,, 3r, Qfl
tile ireht la q restion about twelve o'clock. When he got
there he saw th rt detenlaat hoe a very bat wound on
his right shoeller. The thick tenet eat shirt rear cat
through, slid it mist ha., been a rather hard hilow to
hum sent the knife through the j icliet and shirt. He
trek peseeeei ei et the elothee produced, which were
cevereil with hil cii. then preeeeded to the lessee of
the ilefeulret. end tonna him at home. He charge,' him
wph stehhing efark Wessell. In reply to the clierg,s, he
soll he hail given him one for calling his wileow—c.
Witness then took him to the police station. Whilet he
was entering the charge in the &erre, hook the defend-
ant asked him whet he was ehergel with, when he told
Min he was charged with stabbing Mark Weesell. De-
fendant said he would esteem him like a gentleman.—
Georee Ashmere said he ,eau a partner of Dr. Walker's
On the nielit in pm •stion he wae called to attend Mark
Wessell. He found a WGES lon him a quieter of an inch
in length. and half an inch in depth. lie bad been in
danger from lueinorrhage, but Wes out of danger now.
The wound would be canoed by a clasp knife. The
wound was on the right shoulder.—Fer the deferee. the
defers taut called the complainant's brother, Richard Vas'
sell, who said that on the eight in question he was at
Uittings' public-house. Knew the defendant. When he
got to the public-house, Smith and severe' others were
there. He went there about seven o'clock. W. there
when hie brother came in, and was elari there when the
,letendant and his wife came in. His brother cathil Mrs
Taylor a is—c, and that began the qtrerrel. His brother
and Mrs. Taylor were fighting for some time, when Mrs.
Taylor tried to take up an iron spittoon. hut was preven-
ted by Jeremiah Gittings. James Oittings keeps the
pnblic.house. Jeremiah Gating@ took his brother home
befere Mr. Taylor was asked to go out. Did not see ally
one stab his brother. If Taylor had done so, he (wit-
eeee) ahnuld have seen him. Did not see any blood at
ell. He (witness) was not sober. Had had about eight
quarto of aixpenny.—Caleb Skidmore said he WaSat G it•
tinge' house on the night in question. Saw a number of
persons in the place. The cprerrel was begun by Mark
Wessell saying he war a clean no., end had a clearer
skin than any roan in Kingewinford. Defendant's site
.11 there were other men In the place that were as elear
as him, whereneou be struck her. She then struck him,
and they feught. Did not ace defendant stab the coves
plathant. Had been coneleted in 1862 for fowl stealing,
and had reneived three years' penal seryitude.—Deniel
Smith said he recollected the night in question. Ile was
at Clittings' there were a number of people present. He
raw Waesell fighting with Mrs. Taylor. Most of those
that complainant's brother wee very drunk, and kept
present were rather drunk.—ln defence, defendant sold
jemping spin the air, and then tumbling down flat on
Inn back, to show those present what he could do; and
as to stabbing, he never got up to do anything of the
sort.—The Bench then committed the defendant to take
his trial at the Stafford Aesiees.
CHARGE OF FOWL STEALING.—JOSSIIh Cooper, on re.
s charged on suspicion with stealing a cock
f tire 2eth ult. Mr. Holberton defended. Pariah.
constable
qnestion, about half-peet se yen o'clock, he saw the
O nnistd"vaonn was
Hanbury said that on the morning of the day
prisoner near Green's Forge. Ile had something under
his coat. He asked him what it wee, and he did not an-
swer. He then laid hold of the coat, and pulled it open,
and he saw under his coat the fowl produced. It Wag
dead, but was quite warm. Had been to several of the
people living in the district, but they did not identify it.
Mrs. Cox was called, end said she identified the fowl be.
cause it was a cross between a Cochin China and a com-
mon fowl. She had between 59 and 100 fowls. Had six
or seven of the same breed as that produced. Mr. Hol-
berton asked the witness if it was not a Dorking fowl,
ant she said she did not know what a Dorking was. or
weether it was a Dorking or not. The value of the fowl
was Is 6,1. Joseph Speke said he was a labourer in the
employ of Mrs. Coo. On the day in question he Was
srein,g through the yard when he saw the prisoner in the
Ursa. The stable is a large eight-horse one. Mr. Hol-
in company with the waggoner, 11111lled Henry
ner's employers, Messrs. Bailey, Pegg, and Co. The
abtearbtloen, produced a very genii character trion the prise-
Bench considered the case proved, and committed the
prisoner to It days' hard labour.
&Minh IRONSTONE.—Diana Jones (12), and Eliza.
beth Jones (10), were charged with stealing a quantity of
ironstone ; and Diana Jones, mother of the two defend-
ants, was charged with receiving the same knowing it to
bath been stolen, the property of the Earl of Dudley.
Sarah Price said she was a married woman, and lived in
wallows street, Br ielley Hill. On the 11th of November
she saw the two y °lngest prisoners get upon the ricer
atone track at the top of the Wallows Colliery, and put
a lump of ironstone on each of their heads to carry horn°
Ii their mother, who came some of the way to meet
them, and to take it off their heads. Witness saw them
go several time 3 during the day, and bring a lump each.
Elisabeth Payne corroborated the last witness. Ann
Dunn said she lived at Brockrnoor. Her husband kept
carts. Mrs. Jones came to her and adred her to draw a
load of ironstone to Messrs. Cochrane's works. Witness
went in company with a man with the cart te the defend•
ant's house, awl found a quantity of ironstone lying
about the floor. She took it to Cochrane's, and put it
on the ironjack bank. Mrs. Jones received Is 4d for it.
John Jakes eaid he was agent to the Earl of Dudley.
He went to Messrs. Cochrane's and identified about 2
owl of the ironstone. value Is 8,1. The Bench sentenced
the two children to 24 hours' imprisenment, and their
mother to two months' hard labour. At the expiration
of the 24 hones the elder prisoner's three children, one
of them a baby, were ordered to be placed in the Work-
house.
STEALTNG A Honor Ruo.—Ann Mnuntford, a respect-
able leoking woman, was charged by John Wilkes with
stealing a Leese rug. his property. Mr. Addison appeared
for the defence. Prosecutor said he went to Dudley and
took the rug produced, and the whip. When he came
baok he left the trap in the yard. and when he went back
for it the rug was gone. He looked through the window
of prisoner's house, and saw the rug. Elibabeth Allen-
der said she lived at Round Oak. Had heard the priso-
ner say she should take the rug for a lark if the prose-
cutor left it there again. Witness had on a previous
occasion taken the rug out of the trap to make the pro-
secutor be more careful. Sergeant Munson gave the
priemer R very good character, end said he had known
her for 20 years, cii oh never heer I enything hail of
her. Case dismissed.

'ARSON IN LOVE.

The following extraordinary story is told by the Sydney
Correspondent of the nas Courier: " With on in Syd-
ney news is dull, but not so with our Paramatta friends,
who had been enlivened by the gossip arising out of the
vagaries of the pursuit doing duty at All saint.' Parish
Church. Like our Enghsti friend. the Rev. C. rt. Cran-
ford. of Oldswinford Church. the P iramatta clerrlytgan,
lias, to the great astonishment of his relations, friend:.
and parishioners, eng iged Vs marry a young person not
sixteen years of lime, the daughter of a potion living
in the town. When asked concerning the pledge, he
manfully acknowledged its truthfulness, and said he was
sure his choice would not be acceptable to the parish,
and lie would arrange to leave. The bishop was com-
municated with, ad arrangements made for his succes-
sor. But for what follows, I should certainly not
thought of saying much about the worthy parson ; but
last Sunday evening, when preaching his farewell sermon
—said to be at the instigation of one of the gaol officials
and swell known widow at Parrainatta—lie took occa-
sion to deliver a most vulgar and abusive discourse upon
respectability for turning its back upon him, several of
the leading families having left the church since the
• denouement' of the interesting affair. Like his pro-
totype at Oldswinford, he made an attempt to preach,
rather than live down, the gossip occasioned. It is
stated that his friends already referred to, gave the Par.
ramatta parson instructions to 'give it them' (the repect.
able people) hot and strong,' and from the samole I ap-
pend of his discourse, you will see that he followed his
instructions. Of the young girl herself no one has an
unkind word to say, but as I proceed I think it will he
clear that the young thing is likely rather to deserve our
sympathy and pity. Her age and proper want of training
to take the lead in parochial matters disqualified her, it
was thought from advancing the already languishing
energies of the parish—sadly neglected of late by the
pressing calls of courtship and matrimony. The follow-
ing is the elegant diction of the clergyman referred to. I
give it to you word for word, and it is a choice specimen
of an evening sermon from the pulpit of a church
Respectability, indeed; I hate the name, and pray that
I may never he considered respectable. Respectability
won't allow you to use the knife for the fork, yet it re-
ceives with open arms the well-dressed and jewelled
monger, swindler, and saucer; and often reward*
by making him a member of Parliament or an alderman.
Respectability would not allow a man to rob a henroost,
bat it sanctioned his robbing his creditors of thousands.
I shalt be satisfied to die without being respectable, if
one individual can be found to sit on my tombstone and
say, ' Here are the rerelins of a man who reclaimed one
soul from sin,' which I hope to do by rearing up a fair-
haired son.' The whole church was convulsed with
laughter, and his future wife was present during this
very delicate public allusion:'
That the fair-haired son "io posse, may be included
in the reclamation of one ' sinless soul ' in esse, is a con-
summation devoutly to ba wished; but, as respectability
has already got it hot and strong" from the pulpit it
can scarcely be expected that that well-maligned trope
will housed the chance of getting cold from silting on the
Sydney shepherd's tombstone.
I am, ifee.,
CIRCE.

lIISTORY OF THE LICENSING SYSTEM.
•'• of the " Observer."
-t- Gladstone, Mr.

111

BM—From the declarations of es.
John Bright, Mr. Mandeld, and other leading sae.-
it is evident that the revision of the licensing sy Aerie
will be one of the questions to come before the new Par-
liament. Everybody is of opinion that something most
be done to remedy the evila of the ever-increasing traffic
in intoxicating liquors. What is to be that remedy ?
Pr, paratory to coosidering proposals of a remedial cha-
racter, let non review the origin and history of the licen-
sing system.
Before the reign of Henry VII. the apothecary, I be-
lieve, was the sole dispenser of ardent spirit; and as
alcohol is a poison, it in right that its sale should be re-
gulated as strictly as the sale of opium or arsenic.
Judged by its effects, alcohol is the deadliest of poisons,
for tens of thousands of human beings are by its use and
abuse destrwe I 11711 no 1, the majority of whom are via.
tints of a delu,ive belinf, or custom, and a legalised sys-
tem of temptation, for which the State and those who
make the laws are responsible. Hence the importance
of examining this question in its legislative aspect.
For nearly a thousand years the laws of England have
endeavoured to curb this traffic. As early as the reign
of Edgar (A.D. 959) it was enacted that no village should
contain more than one alehouse. A curious precaution
was taken against drunkonness. Measuring pegs were
fixed in the drinking cups, and no one was to drink more
than the moderato draught of liquor between two of
these pegs! We may be aura that such a law was evaded
sad abused, and it actually led to wagers as to who could
swallow the most at a breath. This bibulous emulation
disgraces Eton College to the present day.
During the Middle Ages the sale of liquor was not
greatly restrict, d. Brewers were allowed to retail their
ale—after it had been iuspecte I —(a precaution required
still more in these days of adulteration) ; and the sale
WILS prohibited after curfew—eight o'clock. If mod, ra
tipplusen shops were closed at that hour there would not
be half so much drunkenness.
In tho reign of Henry VII. in order to check inebriety
a surety was required from ale sellers for their good be-
haviour. This was the beginning of the present licen-
sing system. It was already apparent that the free sale
and gonerul consumption of fermented liquors was dan-
gerous to the common weal ; for in the words of a trust-
worthy chronielt rl(Hovenclen) the land was "tilled with
tipplers." and the alehouses had become " nurseries of
iuteinperaece."
Fifty years lated (155'2) an attempt was niede to lessen
these evils by requiring a license for the sale of ale, no
pennon being permitted to open a drinking-house without
the consent of the justices. This celebrated Act and
6 Ed. VI.) had for its preamble these suggestive words:
—" Forasmuch as intolerable hurts and troubles to the
commonwealth of this realm doth daily grow and increase
through such abuses and disorders as are had and used
in common alehouses called tippling houses," kc. ; and
justices were empowered "to remove, discharge, and put
a say common selling of ale and beer in the said common
alehouses and tippling houses in such town or towns and
places where they shall think most meet and conveni-
ent."

In the following year another Act was passed to avoid
'excess of wines," by limiting the number of Inns in
the larger towns. The increase of taverns and the evil
practices of tin ir frequenters, were ...limed as the rea•
sins for prohibiting the retail sale of wine, except under
magisterial license. This Act recited that not more than
two licenses should lie granted in any town, with the ex-
ception of London and about 29 other places. Queen
Elizabeth's government acted with commendable vigour,
and hundreds of alehouses were closed. Lord Keeper
Egerton charged the judges to ascertain " how many ale
houses the justices of the peace had pulled down, no
that the good justices might be rewarded, and the evil
removed."
In 1597 (BO and 40 Elizabeth) the justices were directed
by Parliament to diminibli the number of maltstera, and
to prevent, according to their discretion, the converting
of barley into malt. Fillet; were also imposed upon dis-
orderly houses.
In the reign of James I. Acts were passed to" restrain
the inordinate haunting and tippling in Inns," and for
preventing the "odious and loathsome sin of drunken.
next." It is on record that a member of Parliament
stated that the people of Bath, who desired that the Inns
of that city might be limited to six, complained that 14
others had been threat upon theta.
for a future letter the history of licenses
from Charles I. to Victoria, and remark, in conclusion,
that the more and more frequent enactment of laws to
regulate the liquor traffic Is proof of its inherently din.
gerous character, and presumptive evidence of the neces-
sity and wisdom of the permissive prohibitory bill pro.
pied by the United Kingdom Allisnee.
HENRY PITMAN.
Manchester.

Notices of Births. Deaths, and Marriages, when dole
authenticated, will be inserted in the " Observer " tree of
charge.
DIED.

On the 10th Met, at Solihull, in the 84th year of his
ago, Mr. Henry Gridlin, for many years a faithful eer-
vent in the Stourbridge and Kidderminster Bank, in Mit
town.

dietary
a gentleccet
sprlecnTeolone'
stsnarhstieonsetpodi:sa:fietteiirlhetinetebiminvene,eihFaltneigi:
A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT.—TheCeni! S;rvice assette
has the following There are very few simple articles
of food which can boast so in my valuable and importaut
s of
ial effects
gctsstiph:ort rrachisspeti
depend
its i nutrition,a
invi ao,,‘outndfiaoi thedifficulty
to,
ei
butnt iteteydaoiisfggna growth
tte:eictryuemt
ami
aeonnraredgs.
been
here is
it with every useful quality fully developed. The @alga-
and wide tps rihnee attained
ehpyutir.itsi
oh:
ie
6p aptpli,i:
, preparation of cocoa has never been surpassed be any ex-
C icoa has spread by the druple force of its own extract!,
ilinary merits. Medicol men of all shades of opinion
have agreed in recommending it as the safest and most
b-1 eficial article of diet for persons of weak censtitn•
ti ins. This superiority of a particular mode of prepare-
ton over all others is a remarkable proof of the great
r,sults lobe obtained from little Caltiefl. By a thorough
knoivledge of the natural laws winch govern tbe opera-
tions of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful applica-
tion of the fine properties of well-selected cocoa, Mr.
Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately
flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy der-
bies' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles f
diet that a constitution may be graduslly built up until
strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hun-
dreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to
attack whereever there is a weak point. We may es-
cape ninny a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well forti-
fied with pure blood and a properly nourished frame.
HoLLOWAY'S OINTIIUNT AND PlLLS.—ltheutuatiew and
rheumatic gout are the most dreaded of all diseases, 1
cause their their victims know that they are safe at no Rennin,
and at no age secure. Holloway's Oiutment, after few-
nanrae:93s:ftyt
intterci ,
fom-
entation of the painful parts, gives greater relief than
any other application, but it most be diligently used to
at
obtain this desirable result. It has been highly com-
m it
ended by rheumatic subjects of all ages and of both
sexes for rendering their attacks less frequent and less
rigorous; and for repressing the sour perspirations and
soothing the nerves. In many cases Holloway is ()Int-
-1
, meet and Pills have proved the greatest blessings in re-
solving rheutnetisin and rheumatic gout, which had as-
life.
I Railed persona previously healthy and in the prime of

SAMUEL SALT & SON.
HAGLEY-STREET, HALESONVEN,
AGENTS FOR TUE " OBSELVER"