Chapter I: Part 1

Transcriber's Note: I can do no better than to refer the reader to the author's own words: "This Work is an exact reprint from the original, and the errors in spelling and the peculiar Grammar of the Author have been faithfully followed."

CHARLES HALE,
PHŒNIX BUILDINGS,
HALL STREET, DUDLEY.

THE LARGEST
Furnishing Show Rooms
IN THE MIDLANDS,
A SAVING OF 20 PER CENT.
AS
CHARLES HALE
IS A
MANUFACTURER.

References as to House, College, and Hotel Furnishing may be seen
at the Office.

18 SHOW ROOMS
AT
HALL STREET, DUDLEY.

ESTABLISHED OVER FIFTY YEARS.

A. J. BAIRD & CO.,
Silk Mercers, General Drapers, &c.,
61 & 62, HIGH STREET,
DUDLEY.

DEPARTMENTS.

DRESSES.
SILKS.
SATINS.
VELVETEENS.
PLUSHES.
TRIMMINGS.
HOSIERY.
GLOVES.
UMBRELLAS.
CORSETS.
RIBBONS.
MANTLES.
COSTUMES.
SHAWLS.
SKIRTS, &c.
MILLINERY.
FLOWERS.
FEATHERS.
LINENS.
FLANNELS.
CALICOES.
SHEETINGS.
PRINTS.
SATTEENS.
FURNISHINGS.
GENTS' TIES.
UMBRELLAS.
SHIRTS.
COLLARS.
BRACES, &c.

QUALITY IS THE ONLY TRUE TEST OF CHEAPNESS.

An Efficient Staff of Dressmakers and Milliners
on the Premises.

FUNERALS CAREFULLY AND ECONOMICALLY CONDUCTED.

ESTABLISHED 1721.

C. F. G. CLARK & SON,
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL
CHEMISTS AND DRUGGISTS,
238, MARKET PLACE, DUDLEY,

Beg to thank their friends and the public for their liberal
patronage and support during the last 40 years, and assure them
that their continual efforts will be to secure their continued
patronage and consideration.

DRUGS AND CHEMICALS
OF THE GREATEST PURITY AND STRENGTH ALWAYS ON HAND.

PHYSICIANS' PRESCRIPTIONS
_And Family Recipes carefully prepared with genuine Drugs &
Chemicals_,

STEAM PREPARED
PRESERVES & JAMS
OF THE FINEST FRUIT AND FLAVOUR, VIZ.:--
Black Currant Jam, Red Currant, Raspberry, Damson,
French Plum, Gooseberry, and Mixed
Fruits and Marmalades.

WHOLESALE BOILERS OF ALL KINDS OF
Confectionery Goods and Lozenges.
PICKLE AND SAUCE MAKERS
OF SUPERIOR STRENGTH AND QUALITY.

Wholesale Vinegar Merchants.

ALSO A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF
PATENT MEDICINES AND PERFUMERY
ALWAYS ON HAND.

ESTABLISHED 1784.

WILLIAM SMITH,
Wine and Spirit Merchant,
SWAN HOTEL,
HIGH STREET,
DUDLEY.

W. C. WOOD & SON,
WHOLESALE & FAMILY
Grocers, Tea and Coffee Dealers,
AND
PROVISION MERCHANTS,
46, HIGH STREET, DUDLEY.

BRANCH ESTABLISHMENTS:--
HALL STREET, DUDLEY, TIPTON, UPPER GORNAL,
and THE LYE.

THE GRAND MEDICINE OF THE DAY!

SQUIRE KNIGHT'S
CELEBRATED
PURIFYING FAMILY PILLS.

These celebrated Pills have for the last HUNDRED
YEARS proved very superior to every other Medicine offered
to the Public in the cure of Indigestion, Bilious Complaints,
Loss of Appetite, Sick Headache, Giddiness in the Head,
Pain and Fulness after Meals, Wind, Heartburn, Lowness of
Spirits, Piles, Worms, Shortness of Breath, Nervous Disease,
Cramps, Spasms, Fevers, Affections of the Liver, Dimness
of Sight, Pains in the Stomach and Bowels, Eruptions of the
Skin, &c., &c.

TESTIMONIALS.

Mrs. Job Stephens, of Woodside, Dudley, was perfectly cured
of Wind and Spasms, of one year's duration, by taking these
celebrated Pills.

Amelia Griffiths, of Mostyn, was cured of nine years'
affliction of Indigestion by taking two boxes of these Pills.

Joseph Wagstaff, of Dudley Port, was afflicted with a severe
Pain in his Side for four years, but was cured before he had
taken two boxes of these Pills.

Mrs. Davis, of Kingswinford, was cured of constant Costiveness,
Pains in the Bowels, and Giddiness in the Head, by taking these
Pills.

Susannah Brewster, Herbert Street, Wolverhampton, was cured of
a very bad Liver Complaint by taking "Squire Knight's Purifying
Pills."

Henry McKay, Woodside, Dudley, has proved these Pills to be the
best for Indigestion, Wind, Heartburn, and a Disordered Stomach.

Mrs. Beard, High Street, Bradley, was cured of a very serious
Outbreak, arising from Impurities in the Blood, besides
relieving a Congested Liver, and acting upon the Stomach and
Bowels.

PREPARED BY
C. F. G. CLARK & SON,
(SUCCESSORS TO SQUIRE KNIGHT),
_CHEMISTS, MARKET PLACE, DUDLEY_.

Sold by Messrs. Morgan and Lawley, Hewitt, Homes Grove, and
Roberts, Kidderminster; Mellor, Malvern; Cooper, Upton; Haines,
Bromsgrove; Hughes, Morris, Hemming, and Levi, Stourbridge;
Jones, Lye Waste; Bishop and Matthews, Cradley Heath; Darby and
Sidaway, Cradley; Cox, Old Hill; Briggs and Nicklin, Tipton;
Rooker, Ford and Addison, Brierley Hill; Pearson, Kingswinford;
Hudson, Green, Williams, and Burch, West Bromwich; Frampton
and Dancer, Smethwick; Price, Spon Lane; Hipkiss, Princes End;
Torbitt and Gittings, Oldbury; Butler, Darlaston; Skirving,
Emery, and Morris, Wednesbury; Rudge, Bradley, Hyde, Coseley;
and Collins, Brettell Lane.

_Sold in Boxes, 7½d., 1s. 1½d., 2s. 9d., and 4s. 6d. each._

_GRAINGER & SMITH_
Woollen Merchants,
HIGH STREET, DUDLEY,
KEEP THE LARGEST STOCK OF
WOOLLEN CLOTHS & TAILORS' TRIMMINGS
IN THE MIDLAND COUNTIES.

BRANCH WAREHOUSES--
Carrs Lane, Birmingham; Trinity Street, Hanley.

PATTERNS OF ANY GOODS SENT ON APPLICATION.

ESTABLISHED 1830.

231, MARKET PLACE, DUDLEY.
JOSEPH GUEST,
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL
Confectioner, Fancy Bread and Biscuit Maker.

Rich Bride Cakes and Funeral Biscuits made to order on
the shortest notice.

JAMS, JELLIES, GINGER BEER, BOILED SUGARS, &C.

DEALER IN BRITISH WINES.

TEA, COFFEE, AND REFRESHMENTS.

JAMES WOOD,
IMPORTER OF
WINES & SPIRITS,
_42, High Street, Dudley_.

WHOLESALE BOTTLER
OF
DUBLIN STOUTS,
AND
BURTON ALES.

PRIVATE FAMILIES SUPPLIED.

_Price List on application._

Office, 101, KING STREET.

ABRAHAM GREEN,
M.R.C.V.S.,
_DUDLEY HOUSE_,
DUDLEY.

ALFRED LANGHAM,
(_Late Jordan & Langham_,)
_IRONMONGER_,
Colliery Furnisher, &c.,

Has a Stock of Builders' Ironmongery, Cricketing Goods, Lawn
Tennis Sets, Balls, Racquets, Cutlery, Electro-Plated Goods,
and a General Assortment of Articles belonging to a Hardware
Business.

E. LONG,
Accountant & Auditor,
VICTORIA TERRACE,
DUDLEY.

MANUFACTURERS', MERCHANTS', AND TRADESMEN'S BOOKS
AUDITED, POSTED, AND BALANCED; NEW BOOKS ARRANGED
AND OPENED; BALANCE SHEETS, PROFIT AND LOSS,
PARTNERSHIP AND OTHER ACCOUNTS
PREPARED.

ESTABLISHED 1859.

_A. WHITFORD_,
GROCER & PROVISION DEALER,
11, HALL STREET,
DUDLEY.

Agent for W. & A. GILBEY, Wine Growers and Distillers.

_PRICE LIST ON APPLICATION._

STEAM BREWERY
Wine and Spirit Stores,
NETHERTON, NEAR DUDLEY.

THOMAS PLANT,
BREWER,
Wine and Spirit Merchant.

TRADE PRICES.

Per Barrel.
INDIA PALE ALE 60/-
Ditto 57/-
Ditto 54/-
Ditto 48/-
---------------------------------------
{ Beer 12/-
{ Table Beer 18/-
MILD ALE { X Ale 36/-
{ XX ditto 42/-
{ XXX ditto 48/-
{ XXXX ditto 54/-
---------------------------------------
{ No. 5 60/-
STRONG ALE { " 6 72/-
{ " 8 84/-
---------------------------------------
PORTER 42/-
BROWN STOUT 48/-
DOUBLE STOUT 60/-
---------------------------------------

SPECIAL TERMS TO THE TRADE :--

_N.B. Terms--One Month from date of Invoice. All Accounts
subject to Interest at the rate of 5% if owing two months
after the date in margin._

ESTABLISHED 1766.

JOSEPH STEVENSON,
Wholesale & Retail Clothier,
MANUFACTURER OF
MINERS' FLANNELS,
Nos. 3 & 4, NEW STREET,
DUDLEY.

MATTHEW SMITH,
Strong, Mild and Bitter Ales,
STOUT & PORTER BREWER,
ALSO SPIRIT MERCHANT,
QUEEN'S CROSS BREWERY,
DUDLEY.

JOSEPH ELD,
Cigar Merchant,
246, CASTLE STREET,
DUDLEY.

"The Castle Tobacco and Cigar Warehouse,"

(ESTABLISHED 1856.)

Gentlemen requiring TOBACCO AND CIGARS of the Choicest
and most Reliable Quality at a Moderate Price are respectfully
invited to accord their Patronage to Mr. J. ELD at the above
address.

N.B.--Lambert & Butler's, Brankston's, Wills', Cope's, and
Hignett's Packet Tobaccos. Fancy Goods in great Variety.
Wilson's S.P. and Top Mill Snuffs, &c., &c.

WHELPTON'S PILLS

Are one of those rare medicines which, for their extraordinary
properties, have gained an almost

UNIVERSAL REPUTATION.

During a period of more than Forty-five Years they have been
used most extensively as a Family Medicine, thousands having
found them a simple and safe remedy, and one needful to be kept
always at hand.

These Pills are purely Vegetable, being entirely free from
Mercury or any other Mineral, and those who may not hitherto
have proved their efficacy will do well to give them a trial.

SHOULD BE IN EVERY HOME, NEVER JOURNEY WITHOUT THEM.

Recommended for Disorders of the HEAD, CHEST, BOWELS, LIVER,
and KIDNEYS; also in RHEUMATISM, ULCERS, SORES, and all SKIN
DISEASES,--these Pills being a _Direct Purifier of the Blood_.

In boxes, 7½d., 1/1½, and 2/9, by G. WHELPTON & SON, 3,
Crane Court, Fleet Street, London, and sent free to any part of
the United Kingdom on receipt of 8, 14, or 33 Stamps. Sold by
all Chemists at home and abroad.

_Messrs. G. F. G. Clark & Son, Wholesale Agents, Dudley.
Established 1866._

DUDLEY HERALD
AND WEDNESBURY BOROUGH NEWS.

_Eight Pages. Price 1d. Published every Saturday Morning._

The HERALD is the oldest Dudley newspaper, and it circulates
extensively throughout the mining and manufacturing districts
of South Staffordshire and East Worcestershire, being
delivered by upwards of 100 Agents and special Messengers
in Dudley, Tipton, Oldbury, West Bromwich, Great Bridge,
Wednesbury, Walsall, Darlaston, Bilston, Coseley, Sedgley,
Gornal, Kingswinford, Pensnett, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge,
Cradley, Halesowen, Netherton, Rowley Regis, and the outlying
districts. It is strictly an independent paper, discussing
public questions upon their intrinsic merits; and, not being
identified with any party, sect, or local clique, its columns
contain full and impartial reports of all public proceedings in
the district.

All communications to be addressed to the Publisher, Mr. SAMUEL
MILLS, at the HERALD Offices, Dudley, to whom Cheques and
Post-office orders should be made payable.

ESTABLISHED 1851.

SAMUEL WARING,
TAILOR, OUTFITTER, &c.

LIVERIES & REGIMENTALS
Executed on the Shortest Notice,
214, WOLVERHAMPTON STREET,
DUDLEY.

E. HOLLIER,
Pharmaceutical Chemist,
DUDLEY,

Respectfully informs the public that, although he has retired
from the retail trade, he still retains the Proprietorship of
the Atkinson's Infants' Preservative, the Balsam of Horehound
and Aniseed, Electro Plate Powder, Chemical Furniture Polish.
Hawkes' Pearl Ointment, &c., and the other Proprietary Articles
which he prepared at his former establishment in the Market
Place. Should any difficulty be experienced in procuring the
above Preparations, they may still be obtained on application
by letter or otherwise, at his Office, Stone Street, or private
residence,

KING EDMUND PLACE, DUDLEY.

Established 1806.

226, MARKET PLACE, DUDLEY,
OPPOSITE THE FOUNTAIN.

R. U. DUDLEY,
Mercer, Hosier, Glover, & Outfitter.

Agent for FORD'S EUREKA SHIRTS.

THE BEST & CHEAPEST ASSORTMENT OF
Under Shirts and Drawers, Long Cloth and Woollen Shirts,
COLLARS, FRONTS, WRISTBANDS,
TIES, SCARFS, HANDKERCHIEFS, BRACES, GLOVES, UMBRELLAS, &C.,
IN THE MIDLAND COUNTIES.
ESTABLISHED 1794.

R. DICKINSON,
(_Late GEORGE FELLOWES_,)
Timber and Slate Merchant,
STAFFORD STREET, DUDLEY.

_SAWING, PLANING, AND MOULDING MILLS._

ALL KINDS OF
ENGLISH AND FOREIGN TIMBER, IN LOGS.

PLANKS AND BOARDS IN STOCK;

ALSO DOORS, WINDOWS, SKIRTINGS, MOULDINGS,
SLATES, ROOFING FELT, &c.

10,000 SLABS ALWAYS IN STOCK.

ESTABLISHED 1854.

JOSEPH GWINNUTT,
LEMONADE, SODA WATER, POTASS,
AND
Seltzer Water Manufacturer,
79, ST. JOHN'S ROAD,
KATE'S HILL, DUDLEY,

Begs to return thanks for the liberal support he has received
in the past, and most respectfully solicits a continuance. All
orders shall receive prompt attention.

PRIVATE FAMILIES SUPPLIED.

WALTER SHOWELL & SON'S
CELEBRATED
CROSSWELLS ALES.

These Ales, brewed from the choicest Malt and Hops, and the
purest water in existence, have so won their way into popular
favour that the "Crosswells" has become a "household word."

Head Office: THE BREWERY, LANGLEY GREEN, near OLDBURY.
Birmingham Office and Stores: GREAT CHARLES STREET,
corner of SUMMER ROW.
Potteries Agency Stores: COPELAND STREET, STOKE-ON-TRENT.
Kidderminster Agency and Stores: OLD WHARF, KIDDERMINSTER.

_Entered at Stationers' Hall, London._

PERMANENT PHOTOGRAPHIC ENLARGEMENTS FROM
EVERY KIND OF SMALL PICTURE.

ESTABLISHED 1862.

W. DAVEY, ARTIST,
PHOTOGRAPHER,

Mr. DAVEY begs to announce that all his Enlarged Photographs
are now executed by a New Patent Carbon or Autotype process,
which is as permanent as a Water Colour Drawing or Steel
Engraving.

Specimens may be inspected at his Studio, 5, CASTLE STREET,
DUDLEY; also specimen of a New Proof of Printing Manufacturers'
Patterns, and all kinds of Machines, &c., superior to
Lithographic work, and as quickly executed.

PORTRAITS TAKEN DAILY FROM SIX SHILLINGS PER DOZEN.
Children's Portraits taken by the New Instantaneous Process.
5, CASTLE STREET, DUDLEY.

DUFF AND SON,
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL
Glass, china & Earthenware Merchants,
MANUFACTURERS OF ENGRAVED AND CUT GLASS,
BURSLEM HOUSE, MARKET PLACE, DUDLEY.

THE CHEAPEST HOUSE IN THE TRADE FOR ALL KINDS
OF GLASS, CHINA AND EARTHENWARE.

AN IMMENSE QUANTITY OF PUBLICANS' GLASSES,
STAMPED AND UNSTAMPED MEASURES, ETC.,
ALWAYS IN STOCK.

WEDDING AND OTHER PRESENTS IN GREAT VARIETY.

TEA SERVICES from 4/6
DINNER SERVICES from 13/0
TOILET SERVICES from 4/6

Sole Agents in Dudley for Mander's Patent Dishes, the
COOK'S COMFORT.
ESTABLISHED 1861.

J. B. HIGGINS,
(LATE HIGGINS BROS.,)
Plumber & House Decorator
39, KING STREET, DUDLEY.

WHOLESALE DEALER IN PAPER HANGINGS,
Paints, Oils, and Colours.
DWELLING HOUSES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, &C.,

Painted and Decorated in the best style of art, with the
greatest expedition.

ESTIMATES GIVEN.

_J. B. HIGGINS_,
(SUCCESSOR. TO A. H. HOARE,)
THE AMERICAN
Oil and Lamp Stores,
41, KING STREET, DUDLEY.

A large assortment of Petroleum and Benzoline Lamps, Lamp
Chimneys, Globes, Burners, and Cotton Wicks.

Lamps Repaired. The Trade Supplied.

ARTHUR G. KNAPP,
Chiropodist,
29, TEMPLE ROW,
(NEAR BULL STREET,)
BIRMINGHAM.

_A. G. K. extracts Corns and Ingrowing Toe Nails
without pain. Terms Moderate. Attendance
daily._

ESTABLISHED 1837.

JAS. GOFFE & SONS,
Mineral Water Manufacturers,
34, 35, & 36, DUKE STREET,
BIRMINGHAM.

LICENSEES FOR CODD'S PATENT GLASS STOPPER.

PRICE LISTS AND TESTIMONIALS ON APPLICATION.

ESTABLISHED 1835.

J. F. TIMMINS,
GLASS, LEAD, AND PAPER HANGING WAREHOUSE,
28 & 29, HALL STREET, DUDLEY.

Dealer in Paints, Colours and Varnishes.

Liberal Discounts to the Trade and
Property Owners.

ESTABLISHED 1779.

S. J. PERKS,
(_Late ROGERS_,)
Silversmith, Watch and Clock Manufacturer,
Working Jeweller, &c.,
No. 1, WOLVERHAMPTON STREET,
DUDLEY.

WEDDING RINGS.
REPAIRS NEATLY EXECUTED.

SAVE YOUR EYES,

_SQUIRE KNIGHT'S_
EYE OINTMENT,
For the Cure of all
Diseases of the Eyes, approaching even to Blindness.

It Cures Impaired Vision, Blurring, Weak and Watery
Eyes, Cataracts, Sore Eyes left by Measles, Red
and Sore Eyelids, Partial Blindness, Inflammation
of the Eyes, Obscurity of
Vision.

Excessive reading by candle or gas light, constant exposure to
dusty roads, too frequent indulgence in excessively glaring
sunlight, and the irritating consequences of tobacco smoke in
confined rooms, are a few of the causes of disease of the Eye.

This celebrated Eye Ointment has cured thousands of cases of
Dimness of Sight, Specks, Kells, Sore Eyelids, Inflamed Eyes,
Bloodshot and Watery Eyes, &c., and is peculiarly valuable in
curing Sore Eyes in Children left by an attack of Measles.
There is no pain in its application, as it is simply smeared
on the lid of the eye every night; and it has been used for
years, by all ages, with the best effects. _See thousands of
Testimonials._

Mr. H. Tomlin, 94, Shepherdess Walk, City Road, London,
wonderfully cured of inflammation of the eyes, of 12 years'
standing.--July 5th, 1877.

J. A. Walkington, 13A Eastborough, Scarboro', was cured of
dreadful bad inflamed eyes, after trying all the best occulists
in the country.

Mary Ann Parsons, of Cradley Heath, Stourbridge, was perfectly
cured of bad eyes after four years of great pain and partial
blindness.--17th September, 1873.

Richard Whitehouse, Park Lane, near Dudley, was blinded by
inflammation in the eyes for seven years, and was cured by the
use of two pots of "Squire Knight's Golden Eye Ointment."--1st
August, 1873.

Thomas Snow, of Hanley Potteries, was effectually cured of
bleary and imperfect sight, produced by working in a heated
potter's room.--3rd February, 1873.

Mr. George Beale, of 24, Weltham Street, Barnsley, writes to
say that a great many sufferers with bad eyes, in Barnsley,
have been rapidly cured by the use of "Squire Knight's
Ointment."--21st June, 1875.

Sergeant Hawkins, 48th Regiment, at Bellary, East India, had
his eyelashes restored by this Ointment, and many soldiers in
the regiment were cured by its use.

Mr. John Fletcher, of West Ardsley, near Wakefield,
writes:--"Your Eye Ointment is worth a guinea a box, for it
cured my eyes when nothing else would."--5th March, 1875.

_With thousands of other Testimonials._

Write to any of the above persons to prove the truth of these
remarkable cures.

Sold and prepared only by
C. F. G. CLARK & SON,
CHEMISTS,
MARKET PLACE DUDLEY.

And sold by all respectable Medicine Vendors in the Kingdom.

SOLD IN POTS at 1s. 1½d., 2s. 9d., and 4s. 6d., or sent by Post
for 9, 15, or 36 Stamps.

BOWEL COMPLAINTS.

THOUSANDS HAVE BEEN SAVED BY
_DR. MACANN'S TINCTURE_.

It was successfully prescribed by the late Dr. Macann, when the
Cholera raged at Bilston, in 1832, and effected more cures in 1849,
and again in 1854, than all other medicines. One dose is generally
sufficient to stop Vomiting, Purging, Cramp, &c., and every family
should have a supply in the house ready.

PREPARED ONLY BY
G. H. LLOYD, Chemist,
BILSTON,

And Sold by all Chemists and Patent Medicine
Dealers, in Bottles, 1s. 1½d. each.

The Stamp on each Bottle has the signature of G. H. LLOYD, none
else is genuine.

ESTABLISHED 1816.

THOMAS REYNOLDS,
MANUFACTURER OF ALL KINDS OF
Fine and Coarse Nail Bagging,
BAGS, SACKING AND SACKS,
POCKETING, SPADE WRAPPERING,
HESSIANS, &c.,
_Priory Street, DUDLEY_,
OPPOSITE THE NEW TOWN HALL.

THE "PEOPLE'S"
FAMILY LIFE ASSURANCE
AND
SICK BENEFIT SOCIETY,
265, CASTLE STREET, DUDLEY.

Enrolled, 1859. Paid in claims to Members, £100,000.
Accumulated Capital, £10,000.

This Society combines: SICKNESS ASSURANCE, MEDICAL
AID, AND ASSURANCE ON LIVES.

MODERATE PAYMENTS. ECONOMY OF MANAGEMENT.
CERTAINTY OF PAYMENT IN SICKNESS OR DEATH.

STOKES & CO, Solicitors. W. H. JOHNSON, Sec.

_Healthy persons of good moral character may become members,
by applying to any of the Society's Agents._

AGENT FOR
DUDLEY J. CAUTHERRINGTON, 8, Martin Hill Street.
CRADLEY HEATH S. THOMPSON, Four Ways.
SEDGLEY T. TAYLOR, High Holborn, Dudley Road.
TIPTON SAMUEL THOMPSON.
OLDBURY W. HILL, Bromford Terrace.
BRIERLEY HILL A. LOYNES, Park Street.
CRADLEY B. THOMPSON, Windmill Hill.
STOURBRIDGE E. DAVIES, Whithy Bank.

_Information or prospectuses may be had by applying
to any of the Agents or at the office_,
256, CASTLE STREET, DUDLEY.

JOSEPH ALFRED BROOKS,
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL BOTTLER
OF
_Charrington & Company's_
BURTON ALES AND STOUT.

OFFICES AND STORES:--
63, BIRMINGHAM STREET,
DUDLEY.

THE GOLDEN MAID COOPERAGE.

ESTABLISHED 1834.

WILLIAM EDWARD RUDGE,
COOPER, &C.,
_Manufacturer of all kinds of_
BREWING & DAIRY UTENSILS,

Patent Churns, Fancy Ovals, Round and Oval Show Casks
for Liquor Vaults.

Liquor Casks for Vaults, Butts, Vats, Porter Casks,

(Of the London Make,) &c., &c., &c.

ADJOINING THE BANK.
81, HIGH STREET, DUDLEY.

S. F. TURNER,
MANUFACTURER OF BRASS & IRON BEDSTEADS,

(ESTABLISHED 1840.)

Bronze & Steel Fenders, Fire Irons, Fire & Burglar-Proof Safes, &c.
WELLINGTON WORKS, DUDLEY.

QUEEN'S CROSS WORKS,
DUDLEY.

+----------------+ +----------------+
| PRIZE MEDAL | | |
| OF THE | | PRIZE |
| DUDLEY | | AWARDED |
| AND MIDLAND | ESTABLISHED 1720. | SYDNEY, 1880, |
| FINE ARTS | | AND |
| SCIENTIFIC AND | | MELBOURNE, |
| INDUSTRIAL | | 1881. |
| EXHIBITION. | | |
+----------------+ +----------------+

JOSHUA WILKINSON AND SONS,
MANUFACTURERS OF
Anvils, Vices and Hammers,
SMITHS' BICK IRONS AND COOPERS' ANVILS.
JOINERS' CRAMPS & SCREWS,
WATER TUE IRONS.
_CAPE AND AUSTRALIAN WAGON BREAKS
AND SCREW JACKS_,
CAST IRON SWAGE BLOCKS & STANDS,
ALL KINDS OF SMITHS' TOOLS.
_PATENTEES OF THE SOLID BRASS BOX VICE._

ANVILS
FOR THE SPANISH AND ITALIAN MARKETS.

"_A chiel's amang ye takin' notes_,
_And, faith, he'll prent it._"--BURNS.

The Curiosities of Dudley
_AND THE_
Black Country,
FROM 1800 TO 1860:

_Also an Account of the Trials and Sufferings of_
DUD DUDLEY
WITH HIS
METTALLUM MARTIS:
_The First Artificer in Iron_,
MADE WITH
Pit Coale and Sea Coale, in 1618:

_Being some lively and instructive Traits of the Peculiarities
of the Inhabitants and their Doings in the
Coal and Iron District: also_,
AN ACCOUNT OF
THE ERECTION OF ST. THOMAS'S CHURCH.

_COMPILED AND EDITED BY_
C. F. G. CLARK, CARR VILLA, DUDLEY.

_PRICE 2/6._

Birmingham:
BUCKLER BROTHERS, PRINTERS, YORK PASSAGE, HIGH STREET.
1881.

ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL.

Preface.

"Yea, it becomes a man
To cherish memory where he had delight,
For kindness is the natural birth of kindness,
Whose soul records not the great debt of joy,
Is stamped for ever an ignoble man."
_Sophocles_--AJAX.

In placing the following pages before the attention of the inhabitants of Dudley and its vicinity, I am actuated by the desire that the memories of the past generation, with all its fierce struggles for social and political predominance, and its efforts to promote local progression, may be faithfully portrayed in the mirror of its own doings, reproducing many forgotten scenes and events enacted in this Borough, which to the writer of these pages, and many others, afforded _then_ as it will afford _now_ a fund of amusement and reflection, such as is only to be obtained at the fountain of memory and observation.

The fact of being myself the collector of this large pile of printed information for the last 40 years, emboldens me to chronicle the Events and Curiosities of Dudley in such a succession of past years as will at once convey to my few remaining contemporaries a lively recollection of once stirring events, which the present generation of active public men in our midst may perhaps deign to learn therefrom a lesson of experience and profit. These curious events having been written at the time they occurred, removes the historian out of the region of fancy and speculation, giving a clear and unbiassed insight into the ways and doings of the past generation of our active townsmen.

When this history of events began, Dudley was comparatively a small country town, separated from Birmingham by the Horseley Fields and Bromwich Heath; it was governed by a Court Leet of the Manor of Dudley, which body annually elected a Mayor and High Bailiff, &c. There was also in force a "Local Town Improvement Act," of some considerable date, administered by townsmen of property and position in the town; but this Commission always fought shy of any Sanitary or Drainage improvements, but contented itself by levying town rates up to a very circumscribed area in the town. Periodically, as the funds accumulated, important improvements were occasionally made in the Market Place, by buying up and removing entirely what was then known as the Old Middle Row, of all descriptions of tenements and old and dilapidated buildings, resulting in our now possessing the most spacious Market Place in the county. Both Bush Street and Upper Vicar Street, leading into King Street, were widened by this local Authority. The town rate varied from 1s. to 2s. in the pound annually, but is now extinct.

My book closes with the Life and Trials of Dud Dudley, whose narrative I have printed in its entirety. If ever a public inventor deserved some public recognition for his inventions as "the first Artificer in Iron made with Pit Coale," that man was the renowned Dud Dudley, who lived and died in our midst.

The Ironmasters, Coal Masters and inhabitants of Dudley and its district could not perform a more enduring and graceful act than by placing an iron column in our midst to commemorate the inventions of Dud Dudley, the great Ironmaster.

C. F. G. C.

THE

Curiosities of Dudley

AND THE

Black Country.

1820. In these days Dudley could boast of its vigilant "Pitt Club," and there were very bitter rival factions of Whigs and Tories in the town, the miserable affairs existing betwixt the Prince Regent and his discarded and illused Consort led to much heat and animosity amongst parties in the town, which tended to sever some of those social bonds which add so much to the good feeling of any locality.

On October 1st, 1819, a large public meeting was held in the Town Hall, under the auspices of the Mayor and leading inhabitants of the town, for the purpose of adopting a dutiful and loyal Address to "His Royal Highness George Prince of Wales, Regent of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland." The Mr. Francis Finch, so prominently figuring in this debate, was a highly respectable merchant, resident in the town. Being a gentleman of superior intelligence to his compeers, he was looked upon as the leader of the Whig party in the town, and, accordingly, fought their political battles.

The most notable event which occurred at the commencement of our recital was the Coronation of George IV., 1821. Dudley, though breathing a strong and hard pulsation for the unhappy Queen Caroline's "Stuart-like stains of human weaknesses," was not behind neighbouring towns in loyal demonstrations toward the Royal Family of England. On July 17th, 1821, we find it recorded that "a numerous meeting was held at the Town Hall, to inaugurate the coming Festivities;" The Right Honourable Viscount Dudley and Ward sent fifty guineas towards carrying into effect the loyal purposes of the meeting, "which was accomplished by a public subscription. Divine Service was performed at 10 a.m., at the Parish Church. All the school children in the town were marshalled into the Castle Yard and regaled with _suitable eatables_; each child received a Coronation Medal, furnished by Messrs. Chinner and Payton. Four sheep and _a due proportion of ale_ were distributed at the Town Hall. Each publican was to provide a dinner, at two o'clock, for poor men and women, and it was ordered that any man or woman _obtaining more than one dinner_ should be prosecuted for fraud. Captain Hawkes, with the Himley and Enville Troop of Yeomanry, was met with a brass band of music by the principal gentlemen and escorted to the Town Hall. Luke Booker, chairman." "The principal inhabitants dined together with great goodwill, and much festivity:" and the first gentleman in Europe had around the festive boards in Dudley many a hearty congratulation on that memorable occasion. 1816. October 25th. _St. Thomas' New Church._ The Foundation Stone of this noble Church was laid this day by the Rev. Luke Booker, D.D., Vicar of Dudley. This spacious Gothic structure cost upwards of £24,000, and it was restored and beautified by a public subscription in 1861, at a cost of £1,750. The Parish Register attached to this Church is very ancient, commencing in 1520. The early Registers were written by the Monks (Scribes) of St. James' Priory Church, long since demolished.

On January 30th, 1823, we find that most indefatigable Radical, and energetic townsman, Mr. Samuel Cooke, Draper, issuing the following startling announcement: "Whereas, on Friday, June 24th, 1822, I, Samuel Cooke, of Dudley, did apply to Messrs. Bourne, Solicitors, for an inspection of the Vestry Book, appertaining to this parish, and was by them refused an inspection, unless accompanied by a Churchwarden. I hereby give notice, that in consequence of the difficulty attending this mode of access to the Vestry Book, I shall at the next Vestry meeting propose that the said Vestry Book, containing the alleged _Secret Order_ to Mr. Brookes for plans and estimates of Netherton Church, be delivered into the hands of the Churchwardens, to be kept by them for general inspection of ratepayers." Dudley, January 23rd, 1823. It was quite clear that Mr. Cooke was not consulted about the erection of St. Andrew's Church at Netherton; nevertheless, that Church was erected, and has been a great blessing to many souls in that part of the parish.

February 2nd, 1823. "One Guinea Reward: Whereas, on Thursday last, about four o'clock, a party of young men (well-known in the town for their nocturnal exploits) was at that unseasonable hour riotously assembled to the disturbance of the peaceable inhabitants; were heard knocking at Surgeons' doors, breaking of lamps and windows, and to threaten the life of an inhabitant; whoever can identify which of the party it was, who maliciously broke the windows of Mr. Samuel Cooke, shall receive the above reward."

THE DEATH OF THE VISCOUNT DUDLEY AND WARD, BARON OF BIRMINGHAM.

Died, April 25th, 1823, the highly esteemed Viscount Dudley and Ward, of Himley Hall, acknowledged to be "The rich man's model and the poor man's friend." This benevolent nobleman spent his truly valuable life at his estate and amongst his numerous friends and tenantry, dispensing with rare judgment and true benevolence his continual benefactions. The noble lord was not only mindful of the well-being and interests of the rich, "but he ne'er forgot the poor;" and the thousands of colliers working in his extensive coal mines, and adding so much to his wealth and greatness, were at all times special objects of his fostering care.

In the obituary of a provincial newspaper was inserted at the time this just memorial:--"At his seat, Himley Hall, died on Friday evening, the Right Hon. William, Lord Viscount Dudley and Ward, Baron Ward of Birmingham, and Recorder of Kidderminster. Though we hope we shall be the last to burn incense at the shrine of mere worldly greatness, yet we feel that it would be unjust to withhold from this departed nobleman the tribute of our sincere respect and gratitude. He did not suffer himself to forget that it belongs to those who are placed on an eminence, and entrusted with a superior portion of the goods of fortune, to be the almoners of Heaven; for it was his delight to encourage honest industry, to provide for the destitute, and to befriend every charitable institution in his neighbourhood. While he lived, his name, wherever it was mentioned, was accompanied with the poor man's benediction; and now his honourable career is finished, his memory will be embalmed in the tears of the widow and the orphan; and he will sleep in that noblest of mausoleums--the bosom of the virtuous and the good."

This good nobleman's character was illustrated in a remarkable manner, which truly developed the gentleman and the kind hearted father of his people, in an event which well-nigh caused "a strike" amongst his numerous colliers. "Strikes," such as we are periodically subject to in our day and generation, (too often projected and fostered by idle designing knaves,) had no existence in those times of a proper respect and feeling existing between master and man. This incident is worth recording if it be for no other purpose than showing that the noble master and his colliers were brought face to face without any underlings to distort the facts or prejudge the grievance. The person who then superintended his extensive collieries, judging it expedient to adopt a different mode of working them, introduced, from Lancashire, a certain number of miners to carry his plan into execution, which so exasperated the native workmen, that, shortly afterwards, not fewer than 3000 of them suddenly assembled and proceeded to the gates of his lordship's park at Himley; thence deputing some of their body to state their supposed grievance to him in person, and obtain an order for the aliens' dismissal. At the same time several of the neighbouring gentry resorted with all speed to the Hall, accompanied by magistrates to render their assistance. After the deputation was admitted and had stated their case, which his lordship desired they would do fearlessly and explicitly, he requested the attendant gentlemen would individually give their candid opinion "whether his agent had acted prudently or not in bringing the foreigners, as they were termed, into the neighbourhood." The opinion being unanimous "that the mines in the strangers' country being very different to the mines in this, the mode of working them is consequently different, and, however competent the men might be to work _there_, it was conceived that so utterly incompetent would they be to work here, that accidents to themselves might be apprehended, and great loss to their employer." "Well then, gentlemen," said his lordship, "from your judgment I must infer that the strangers in question have no business here." Then turning to the deputies, in a firm and dignified tone he thus addressed them:--"go and tell those who sent you that the foreigners, as you please to style them, shall depart to-morrow, and if any injury be done to them the injurers will suffer for it. Tell them, also, that I concede the point in deference to the opinions of these gentlemen. Had their opinion coincided with that of the person who brought the men hither I would have ordered them to remain, even if the mob now at my gates should proceed to pull down my hall over my head, and to bury me in its ruins." Accordingly, the next day, the strangers departed in peace and safety, carrying with them an ample remuneration for their journey and loss of time. His lordship's love of true liberty was most emphatic, for on one memorable occasion when importuned to allow his mighty influence to be used in controlling the civil freedom of some of the inhabitants of Dudley, he strenuously resisted the suggestion, and on being reminded that he had only to make his wishes known to ensure a compliance by his numerous friends, he nobly replied, "I believe I have many friends at Dudley, but I have no vassals there;" a sentiment that will honour his name when his monument shall be crumbled into dust. The venerable nobleman attained the good old age of 73 years.

"Thus, bow'd with age, must thou, O man! become
A time-worn ruin, on life's beaten shore,
At last to moulder in the darksome tomb;
But, summon'd thence, thou shalt decay no more."

This benevolent nobleman left one son (John William), who became a famous statesman, and was raised in the Peerage, as the first Earl of Dudley.

On November 11th, 1826, Messrs. Bourne and Sons, Solicitors to the Commissioners under the Town Act of 31st of George III, issued a notice to apply to Parliament for an amended Town Act, giving more definite power to the Town Commissioners to remove nuisances, obstructions, &c., and to supply the town with a good supply of pure water, and to further light and pave the same. _A Ratepayer_ issued a placard on November 26th, 1826, condemning in strong terms the intended expense to the ratepayer, and "the unnecessary application for power to supply pure water to the then 15,000 inhabitants." He says, "Water will never be brought to this town but at a great expense; if report be true, the estimate already given in is £17,000; he objected to have a rate levied for the purpose of supplying the town with water, of better lighting it, and of establishing a watch." Poor benighted ratepayer, one would be tempted to think that he belonged to the nocturnal marauders complained of by Mr. Cooke above, for it is clear that he objected to a night watch; water at all events was supplied to the people of Dudley then at a reasonable price, and better quality and quantity than since the ratepayer ventilated his worldly wisdom.

"Grand Fracas between 'Rough Joe and Nimble Dick.' This was a _turn up_ arising out of a misunderstanding o'er a bottle; Rough Joe was in his cups, or rather had given his _twine_ an extra twist, and Nimble Dick had just received _a load_ (not of barley) but of _John Blewnose's best_. Rough Joe having something to do with _rope_, fancied he was calculated to _rig_; now rigging is too knotty a point for Joe, and altho' he squared his yards as if used to pitch into 'em, yet it was evident to all present that Joe's rigging was _too coarse_ to stand long. Nimble Dick, who by the bye, has lately signalised himself in several skirmishes, one in particular, wherein he unfortunately fell foul of _a lee shore_; on this occasion he was all afloat, and advised Rough Joe to get off his _jawing tack_, but instead of altering his course, he struck not his flag, but his fist straight ahead into the chops of his would-be pilot, which of course _no chap_ could stand, so clearing the deck and doffing their dabbs, they duly prepared for a broadside, with plenty of seasover room. Joe rushing to work like a tiger, pawed, pinned, and played away, but 'twas all over, his puff was gone, and his friend the _Nailer_ cried out _bellowes_ to mend. 'Its a spike to a sparrowbill.' Dick, seeing his advantage, _fought home_, sent in a finisher that proved a closer to the Rough one, for his eye struck fire so vividly that a wag begged permission to light his cigar from the effect. All was now up. Joe weighed anchor, wished all rigging, and the lawyer to-boot, in a hotter place, and in answer to numerous inquiries, he replied 'I'll ha' no more.' We wish for the honour of the town they were better men; they ought to be so considering their condition."

"N.B.--The profits arising from the sale of these are intended for the purchase of a pair of _Asses' Ears_, to be carried in the procession of all our future Mayors."--_Vide Gornal Journal._

Future Mayors looked in vain for the asses' ears, but alas for broken promises the ears never turned up; and as the author of the above recital doubtless was the owner of a pair of ears, it was at last charitably supposed that the ears were not forthcoming _without the ass_; and an exhibition of _the ass_ would expose the author of this "squib" to what a donkey often gets--"a good thrashing." Rough Joe and nimble Dick having no remedy, shook hands, and became better friends than ever.

June 24, 1826. "_Five Guineas Reward._--Whereas late on the evening of the 19th some person or persons did wantonly break and pull down the lamp irons in front of the Independent Chapel, King Street. A certain young man of the name of F----s, and two of his foolish associates, were seen committing various depredations on that evening, compared with such persons colliers and miners are complete gentlemen."

The constant practices of horse-play then so much in vogue with the _young gentlemen of the period_ arose in a great measure from the very lax administration of public duty by the "Night Watches," for the "Jarvy" of that period preferred _a quiet snooze_ in his watch box to the solemn, lonely realities of a midnight perambulation of our then unlighted streets, lanes, and alleys; better days have dawned upon us, making our worthy citizens proof against such senseless follies.

Died, August 9th, 1826 (aged 60 years), Mr. Edward Guest, of New Street, Nail Master. This gentleman was a very zealous Churchman in his time, and it was mainly through the Rev. Dr. Brookes, Vicar of Dudley, and himself, that the old Parish Church (of St. Thomas) was pulled down and the present edifice erected on its site. Mr. Edward Guest was Churchwarden from 1815 to 1821, during the erection, and he had many discordant feelings to assuage, and regrets to palliate, arising from desecrations of the dead and disturbances in the old Church and Church yard. A mysterious disappearance of stone slabs and gravestones occurred at this time, and it has often been rumoured since "those good old times," that a certain court yard at Dixon's Green, is laid with grave slabs, "_spirited away_" from the Parish Church yard, and "Here lieth the remains" &c., on slabs is to be seen misrepresenting the supposed dust of departed souls, and doing duty in a private court yard as a footpath. Where, "Sacred to the Memory of Mary Jane----," is a myth and a snare, for the slabs cover nothing but earthworms and mother earth. _Who was the sacrilegeous sinner?_ August 14th, 1828. We find that a Ratepayer issued a placard, giving a copy of the Acts of 37, Geo. III. and 5, Geo. IV., in reference to unjust "Scales and Weights," and says, "A demand has been made upon the Overseers of this Parish for £193 5s. for Scales and Weights, Interests, &c. In order that you may form a legal opinion upon this subject, and be the better prepared to discuss its merits at the examination of the Overseers' Accounts, the annexed extracts, from the two Acts of Parliament, are submitted for your consideration by a Ratepayer." The gist of the Ratepayer's anxiety appeared to be, that it was wrong to charge the Ratepayers (through the medium of the Overseers) with the expenses of searching out _evil doers_ (employers of short weights and measures), for the Acts enforce not only fines to the offenders, but that their weights and measures "shall be seized and broken up, and rendered useless," and the materials thereof sold; and the money arising from such sale, with the fines, shall be paid to the County Treasurer. The fact, that £193 5s. having been expended in Dudley for that year would lead us to the conclusion that rather an extensive raid had been then made upon this class of public cheats, and the money was well expended if the evil was stopped, and the poorer classes afterwards got their legal weight and measure.

THE NEW CONNEXION METHODIST CHAPEL, WOLVERHAMPTON STREET.

1829. This commodious Chapel was built and opened in 1829. The cost of the structure and land was £4100, and in 1866 the Chapel was considerably enlarged and beautified at an additional cost of £2094. Previous to the erection of this long-needed edifice, this section of the Wesleyan Congregation worshipped in a small Chapel in Chapel Street. This zealous body (of New Connexion Wesleyans) has largely increased of late years. They have also an excellent School in Rose Hill in connection with their tenets.

Died Nov. 24th, 1829, Mr. Squire Knight, Chemist and Druggist, of this town, (Aged 87 years.) This was a remarkable self-made man. Born of poor parents at Coseley in 1742, he succeeded in educating himself to an eminent degree, and in early life he was a Medical Botanist, collecting medicinal herbs himself and selling them in the Market Place on Saturdays. He eventually opened a Druggist's shop in Queen Street, where he passed a long and eventful life. Mr. Knight belonged to the Wesleyan Methodists, and became an energetic local preacher. On the occasion of the Rev. Jno. Wesley, M. A., his brother Charles Wesley, and a Dr. Patterson's visits in their itinerancy and preachings in the Black Country to the Collier population, they were joyfully entertained by Mr. Squire Knight. Mr. Knight was not only a diligent student of medicines, but he was also an amateur Astronomer, and left behind him at his death some very carefully prepared observations on the starry regions. Mr. Knight was both a successful and a benevolent old townsman, and much esteemed for his uprightness and integrity, and was followed to the grave by an immense concourse of people.

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, NETHERTON.

1830. July 16th. This new Church was consecrated and opened by the Lord Bishop Folliott this day. It was built at the cost of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The first Incumbent was the Rev. Arthur Miller, M. A. The body of this spacious Church was built to accommodate 1500 people, and the galleries contain 1000 free sittings. The foundation of this Church was laid by Dr. Booker, the Vicar of Dudley, on November 30th, 1827. On the awful visitation of the Asiatic cholera in England, (in 1831 and 1832) Dudley did not escape this dreadful affliction, which raged for eighteen months with awful violence and fatality in this parish. By the order of the authorities the cholera corpses dying in the parish were all buried in the north east side of St. Andrew's Burial Ground, Netherton.

From this time to the period of the agitation on the great Reform Bill of (1832) we find no events worthy of record. The burning question of Catholic Emancipation received at the time its petitions to Parliament for and against the measure, in accordance with the expanded or contracted views of the petitioners; but the Vicar of Dudley (the Rev. Dr. Booker) failed not in his episcopalian views _occasionally_ to denounce the contemplated innovation upon our glorious constitution, and to predict the evils that must follow the introduction of Roman Catholics into Parliament. The Doctor was an eloquent preacher and a noble, attractive figure in the pulpit, with a fine voice; during his many years' ministrations amongst us, he upheld the true dignity of the Church, and endeavoured zealously to promote the glory of God and the salvation of the souls committed to his charge. A fine portrait of the Doctor is to be seen in the drawing room at the Hotel, Dudley.

REFORM AGITATION.

During this period the agitation for Reform was monthly assuming larger proportions, and the mighty voice of _the then unrepresented masses_ was knocking at the doors of the Houses of Parliaments with _miles of petitions_ from all parts of the country, for "a Reform in the Representation of the People." Dudley joined its neighbours at Birmingham and Wolverhampton in the cry for Reform (neither of which important centres of industry _had any share_ then in parliamentary representation, save through their county members.) The serious aspect of passing events and political agitation, which was evoking most persistent demands for "Reform," stimulated the great and eloquent leaders of that movement to introduce a "Reform Bill" into the House of Commons by Lord John Russell, on the 1st of March, 1831, "_For leave to bring in a Bill to amend the representation of the people in England and Wales._"

This sweeping measure was to disfranchise 60 "Rotten Pocket Boroughs" of most diminutive numbers of voters holding their rights under all sorts of curious conditions. These Boroughs then sent 120 members to Parliament; besides 47 Boroughs were to lose one member each, making 168 old members to be ejected from the House; this annihilation of "vested rights" was to be supplied by 34 _new members_ to be selected by manufacturing towns, most of which had no Borough representation at all, and 55 _additional members_ were to be added to the counties. Such a startling measure as this necessarily created a wild and frantic torrent of indignation amongst all classes concerned in maintaining the unjust and vicious system of mis-representation and jobbery, whilst those large towns (of which Dudley was one) were jubilant at the prospects of a new feature in those local privileges, "a Borough representation." This marvellous debate extended over a period of thirteen long nights in the House of Commons, and was carried by a majority of votes.

It is almost needless to say that Lord John Russell's speech, as published in the political life of the Earl, has become history, and was one of the most telling and searching exhibitions of close, clear, and comprehensive reasonings ever uttered in the British Parliament.

EXTRACTS FROM REFORM SPEECHES.

_Mr. Joseph Hume_ says,--"But I must submit that in whatever way you view the question it is one of immense difficulty, because in the established institutions of this country any change from the worse to the better must always be attended with great difficulty, so far as individual interests and contending parties are concerned. It is with this view His Majesty's Ministers have done wisely. I candidly confess that when the noble lord stated yesterday that it was not the intention of the Ministry to introduce any clause respecting altering the duration of Parliament, or Vote by Ballot, it struck me that the measure was defective in that respect."

_Lord Newark_ "Did not suppose at a moment's warning it would put an end to all corruption, but it was the vainest of all possible expectations to imagine that reformed Parliament would not do more than anything else to abate the evil. He confessed that he had not been prepared for so sweeping a measure, and he hoped that they might be induced to modify it before it was passed."

_Lord Darlington_ "Thought the rotten Boroughs ought to be carefully observed, and when they were detected, should be deprived of their Charter, but he could never agree with those who sought to demolish the social structure for the purpose of erecting their own temple in its stead."

_Lord Stormont_ "Would not agree to the Ministerial Budget of Reform. He represented 'Aldborough' in Yorkshire. Now that borough happened to be surrounded with walls, and as the place was as fully occupied now as it was formerly, it was evident that no alteration had taken place in the constituency. According to the noble Lord's statement, 163 members were called upon to pronounce civil death to their constituents; he, however, thought that there were not 168 gentlemen to be found anywhere who would be ready to vote their own damnation." (_Sensation._)

_Mr. Macaulay._ "For himself he could only say, that so far as he was able to consider the proposition of the noble lord during the last twenty-four hours, he thought it a great, noble, and comprehensive measure, a medicine most skilfully prepared for removing a dangerous distemper, a plan excellently contrived for uniting and permanently knitting together all orders in the State. They had forgot the attempts made to put down emancipation, and how fruitless those attempts had proved. Did they wait for a time when demagogues demanded again to divide the power in the Cabinet of the Government of this country? or did they wait for that worst of all resources in a conflict with public opinion, the fidelity of the military? If they did not, let them concede Reform, while yet concession could be made with advantage to the country. It was yet time to save the property of the country from risk, to save the multitude (who demanded reform) from its own ungovernable power and passion, to save it from that danger, which even a few days might expose them and the country to."

_Mr. Hunt._ "The people of England had for many years past been anxious for reform, and in 1816, 1817, and 1819, had loudly expressed their wishes for some measure to amend the state of representation. He did not condemn the ministers for not going the full length (universal suffrage) of his views; on the contrary, if they had only gone for disfranchising one rotten borough, they would have had his support on principle."

_Lord Morpeth_ said, "If the House was prepared to say that the demand for reform was not proper, that the evil was not manifest, that the corruption was not glaring, that they might with perfect consistency determine not to give up a stone of Gatton, and to die in the ditch at Old Sarum, where there was nothing left now but a ditch to die in. He believed that the House would not so far outrage the sense of the community as to say that they would not so much as entertain the question of reform. Two extreme parties (Tories and Radicals) were now agitating the country; one was opposed to all amelioration, and the other advocated the worst species of reform, with a view of subverting the existing institutions of the country, and all the gradations of rank, society, and order. Between those two extremes the only safe path was the Conservative principle to which the measure led that was now submitted to the House; to that let them hold fast. By conceding what was just, wise, and honest, they would be armed with tenfold power to resist the dangerous principles of some now promulgated, which were unjust, unwise, and unsafe."