The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1880-03-13 00:00:00

DARK SEANCE

PRICE ONE PENNY.

PUBLIC NOTICES

11 THE ELECTORS
OF THE
WESTERN DIVISION OF TUE COUNTY OF
ST IFFORD.

Gent omen,..,
At the close of a Parliament, which has hated six
years, I have the pleasure of presenting paysaf before
you as willing t accept at year hands a reue 41 of the
tut which in ISTI 3ou did me the honoar of c3ntiding
to me.

Dur'ng a not inconsiderable portion of those six years
our country ha; had te undergo great difficulties, arisitre
from depression of trade and from the lenened produo-
tinn of our ail, the result of br4d seasons. Ibe fret -
of these misfortunes other cf,UntriLs hr.,* stiferied in a
scarcely less degree thin ourfalves ; the cense& of this
depression havevot ben within the rt.-1.2h of legislative '
action • the steady and determined attitude, havevfor,
of her lll.jesty'm Government, showing themselves ready
to bring to ear, if necessary. the whole resources of the
Empire to meet a common danger, undoubtedly limited
the area of dihtuaing causes, aun has brought about a
peace which restrained an aggressive Porlr. and which
has maintained England in the fore.n.,3t race in the
Councils of Europe.

The Treaty of Berlin and the acguiAtiou of that in-
terest in Asia Minor which enables us to ..utiervise the
conditions of its inhabitants, which held back a despotic
Power, and digplays to a niirgoverned peope the advant-
age of constitutional freedom and g3od order, are ar-
rangements which in my judgment are worthy of a place
amongst the best traditions of British rule. Tn. state
of affairs in Afghanistan compelled U 3 to undertake
military measure; in that country ; the excellent
conduct of these measures is bringing about a result
which will, I believe, secure the sa:ety of our iluipire,
and confer peace and good order, with their attendant
blessings, on those who have hitherto been stran ers to
V
them.

Most heartily can I congratulate the staple trades of
my country upon their improved condition. For better
harvests we must place our oonfidence in a Higher Power
to assist our efforts ; I have, however, seen with great
pleasure the legislation proposed in the Session that is
now closing, with the object of removing difficulties
which, in the judgment of many, limit the productive
caeacity of the land, and most sincerely do I trust that
brighter seasons are in store for those who have with
such gallant patience borne these darker days.
The supporters of her Majesty's Government may
well point with satisfaction to tie fact that during these
difficulties, of troubles abroad and diminished trade at
home, our finances hsve been so carefully managed that
a large redlction of our national debt has been effected
without an increase of taxation or an undue pressure on
future years. Mush may, I feel sure, be accomplished
for the steady development of our trade by a closer
union between England and her Colonies, sad by our
obtaining a free and unrestricted commerce with the
other nations of the world. ' Ge),:lemen, it ia because I
believe that Lord Beacnnsfiehrs Government is deter-
mined to maintain the integrity and ir,fittenee of the
British Empire' and at the same time to take care that
the progress of Government and the opportunities for
material improvement shall be in harmony with the
increased education of our fellow subjects, that I come
before you again as willing to support that Government.
There are, of course, minor matters upon which a
Member cannot hope to find himself in accord with all
his Constituents, but so long as a Government is found
to be promoting Peace by following a firm and upright
policy abroid, and tieform by a careful consideration uf
those changes Which vacying circumstances may require,
so I..ng shall I be found acting with them, and BO doing
I shall hope for your support.
I have the honour to remain,
Gentlemen,
Your ulie.ioLt Servant,
AL aX. STAVELEY HILL.
House of Commons, March 10th, 1880.

VICTORIA HALL AND RINK,

BELL STREET, STOURIMIDGE.