Chapter XIV: Part 14

Mr. G. B. LOWE quite coincided with every word which had fallen
from the lips of his friend Mr. Renaud. There were many very
poor workpeople in the neighbourhood for whom a treat of some
sort ought to be provided, and he should be very sorry indeed
if they were remiss or neglectful in this part of their duty.
Many of the labouring classes were out of work, and must have
something to eat. If they could not get anything fairly they
might depend upon it they would get it other ways. The people
hereabout had behaved themselves very well lately during the
great depression of trade, and they ought to have a treat by
way of encouragement. For his (Mr. Lowe's) own part, he had no
idea of feasting himself up whilst other people were wanting,
and would readily forego his half guinea dinner to provide
something for people in poorer circumstances. (Cheers.)

The MAYOR: I am sorry to say that I cannot agree to such a
proposal. You see we are treating the workhouse people, and I
think that will be as much as we can do.

Mr. RENAUD said there were hundreds of people about the
town who were quite as deserving of a treat as those in the
workhouse.

The MAYOR: There are hundreds walking about with their hands in
their pockets. We pay enough, I think, in poor rates. I say it
without ill nature, I have not much sympathy with the working
classes in this neighbourhood, for it is very often the case
that when they have work to do they won't do it.

Mr. W. H. BROOKE: I say that it would be a disgrace to the
town if something is not done for the poor. That is my decided
opinion.

Mr. LOWE: We shall lay ourselves open to public censure.

Mr. RENAUD: The Dudley Workhouse is only calculated to contain
103 people.

The MAYOR: Well, we pay poor rates enough. The subscription you
see might not be so large as to enable us to do this.

Mr. LOWE: Well, I for one would rather pay my 10s. 6d. for a
treat to the poor than for a dinner at the hotel for myself,
and be aware at the same time that many of our poorer fellow
creatures were suffering from poverty.

Mr. CLARK: Oh! but I expect the Mayor is going to treat us with
the dinner at the hotel?

The MAYOR: I never promised anything of the sort.

Mr. CLARK: Well, I fully expected you were going to pay for it,
Mr. Mayor? (Roars of laughter.)

The MAYOR: Oh, no, I never said that I should.

Considerable merriment ensued. Order having been restored,

Mr. RENAUD renewed his proposal for a treat to the necessitous
poor in the neighbourhood.

The MAYOR again expressed his opinion that the funds would not
permit of anything of the sort.

Mr. WARING, on behalf of the Garrick Club, very generously
stepped forward and guaranteed a donation of £10 in aid of the
object from that body.

Mr. RENAUD said he would guarantee another £10 for the same
purpose.

The Mayor intimated that the further consideration of the
subject of giving a treat to the out-door poor had better be
adjourned until the next meeting. This was agreed to.

The MAYOR then resumed the discussion as to the providing of
a dinner at the hotel, and it was agreed that a dinner should
take place in Smith's hotel, at three o'clock next Monday, to
celebrate the marriage of the Princess Royal, and that the
tickets for the same might be had at the bar of the hotel,
price 10s. 6d.

The several gentlemen on the committee for waiting upon the
ministers and managers of the different Sunday schools then had
their duties apportioned to them, and the meeting was adjourned
until seven o'clock on Tuesday evening, to be held either at
the Hotel or at the Old Town Hall, when the report of the same
was to be received.

THE ADJOURNED MEETING

of the inhabitants of this Borough, for the purpose of
taking further steps towards perfecting the arrangements for
celebrating the marriage of the Princess Royal, was held in
the Old Town Hall, on Tuesday evening, in accordance with a
resolution passed at the first meeting on Monday. Owing to a
misunderstanding, two or three people met at the hotel where
the meeting was first held, and others at the Town Hall, where
it was known by many that the next gathering would take place.
The second meeting, like the first, was very thinly attended,
and the loyalty of the inhabitants seemed to be at a very low
ebb. The Mayor, JOHN BEDDARD, ESQ., intimated on the previous
evening that other engagements would prevent him being present
to-night; in his absence, therefore, the High Bailiff, ELLIOTT
HOLLIER, ESQ., was called to the chair. The number of people in
attendance was 23, the majority consisting of gentlemen who had
attended on the first night. Amongst the fresh people were the
Rev. John Davies, Dr. Davison, Mr. Z. P. Smith, and the Rev.
Thomas Mills.

The meeting was to have commenced at seven o'clock, business,
however, did not begin until about a quarter to eight.

The HIGH BAILIFF, in opening the proceedings, said he was
extremely sorry to see so few of his fellow townsmen present
on an occasion like this. He read over the Mayor's notice
convening the first meeting, and then in order read over the
minutes of the same. As one of the committee appointed to wait
upon some of the school authorities, Mr. Hollier stated the
result of the same to the meeting, and finished by calling upon
other of his two brother committee-men to report their success.

Several gentlemen then laid before the meeting, at considerable
length, the result of their interviews with parties connected
with the different schools in the place, upon the subject of
giving a treat to the scholars next Monday, and the best mode
of paying for it. In some instances the scholars had recently
been treated or were going to be, and whilst some societies
could afford to treat, others feared they could do but little,
and would have to be indebted to the fund very much. A
desultory discussion ensued upon the subject, in the course of
which it was stated that the total number of the scholars to be
treated in all probability would be 4,000--(double the number
supposed at the meeting last night)--and the cost of treating
that number to tea, reckoning at sixpence per head, would
require a fund amounting to £100. Doubts were expressed as to
the realisation of this sum, and it was suggested that each
school should see to giving a treat of its own.

Mr. C. F. G. CLARK remarked upon this that it would just be
giving no treat at all. He understood that the object of the
meetings upon this subject was to take into consideration the
best means to be adopted for making a public demonstration on
Monday next, in honour of the Princess Royal's wedding. Now
if each school, or each religious denomination in the town,
was left to do as it liked in the matter--to give a treat or
not--where was the _public_ demonstration in the matter? There
would be none at all. The demonstration, or what they might
call it, would be, as he said before, quite of a sectarian
character. He would suggest that a public subscription should
be raised, and that whatever amount might be realised, should
be equally distributed amongst the schools. (Hear, hear).
He (Mr. Clark) should be very glad to co-operate with his
respected pastor (Mr. Davies) in collecting subscriptions for
a treat for St. Edmund's school. He knew they would have a
treat, and a good one too, let the other places have one or
not. He was also still of opinion that something ought to be
done for the able poor of the parish out of the Workhouse.
(Hear, hear). He did not like the idea of giving a treat to
the children and then requiring the congregations of the
places of worship to pay for it. There must be a public
subscription, and the treats should be paid for out of it. It
would be very unfair if he (Mr. Clark) for instance, was to go
round and solicit subscriptions in St. Edmund's district to
pay deficiencies which might arise in other places after the
people of that neighbourhood had paid for a treat for their
own school children. He (Mr. Clark) did want to see a liberal
demonstration, he did not like to see a contracted one. He
thought Dudley could give a liberal demonstration. It was a
queer thing if it could not. Look at the neighbouring towns
and let them notice what they were doing in Wolverhampton and
Birmingham, and even Lichfield, small a place as it was. And
here was Dudley which was considered the centre of the iron
district, and what was it going to do? People always said that
there was plenty of money in Dudley--that it was a wealthy
place; and, if so, it ought, he thought, on this occasion, to
show its loyalty.

Mr. WIGGINTON enquired if anything was to be done for the
Blue-coat School and other Charities. Were they to have any
demonstration at all?

Mr. CLARK replied, according to the present proposal none at
all.

The Rev. J. DAVIES: Would that follow?

Mr. WIGGINTON: It must follow.

The Rev. J. DAVIES: I quite agree with Mr. Clark's
observations. If each denomination takes the management of its
own school there can be no public demonstration. I suppose that
there are some schools who could not afford to give a treat?

Mr. RENAUD: There are.

Rev. J. DAVIES: How can we best arrange the matter then?

Mr. CLARK: By a public subscription to be divided amongst them.

After a desultory discussion,

Mr. CLARK proceeded to move "That a general subscription be
entered into by the inhabitants of Dudley to raise a fund for
the purpose of affording an entertainment for the children of
the schools connected with the several churches and chapels
in this town next Monday, in honour of the marriage of the
Princess Royal."

The Rev. J. DAVIES seconded the proposition with pleasure.

It was also agreed that any surplus should be devoted towards
providing something in the shape of a treat for the necessitous
poor in the town.

It was finally resolved that the meeting should be further
adjourned until Friday evening, when the canvassers to the fund
should attend and report progress.

* * * * *

MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCESS ROYAL.

At a PUBLIC MEETING of the Inhabitants of Dudley, held by
invitation of the Mayor, on Tuesday last, it was resolved, that
a General Subscription should be made in order to form a fund
to provide an entertainment for the children attending the
SUNDAY AND DAY SCHOOLS of the town; the amount subscribed to be
apportioned to each school according to the number of scholars;
the surplus, if any, to be applied on behalf of the aged and
necessitous poor. The earnest co-operation of the Clergymen,
Ministers, and others, having the charge of the schools, is
respectfully solicited, as well as their attendance at an
adjourned Public Meeting, to be held at the OLD TOWN HALL, on
FRIDAY Evening next, the 22nd inst., at 7 o'clock, when the
report of the amount of subscriptions will be received.

A PUBLIC DINNER will also take place at the HOTEL, on MONDAY
next, the 25th inst., in commemoration of the above event.
Tickets, including wine, 10s. 6d. each. Gentlemen intending to
be present are desired to signify such intention to Mrs. Smith,
at the bar of the Hotel, not later than Friday next. Dinner on
the table at Three o'clock.

Signed,
J. BEDDARD, MAYOR.

_Old Town Hall, Jan. 19th, 1858._

* * * * *

THE "PRINCESS ROYAL'S MARRIAGE," AND THE "MASONIC BALL."

_To the Editor of the_ DUDLEY EXPRESS.

SIR,--How is it the Committee of the forthcoming Masonic Ball
should have so lacked "foresight" as to have lost all idea
of the marriage of the Princess Royal? Here is a "fact" well
known for months, and here is a Ball for "charitable purposes,"
got up within a few weeks, and fixed to take place FOUR days,
before the great event named. Would you not suppose, Sir, that
_common sense_ would have dictated, at once, the proper day
for the holding this annual affair? Would you not have thought
it a glorious opportunity to blend the two objects, and by
so blending, to secure a very large attendance of visitors,
and a great increase to the funds hoped to be obtained by the
Committee for the charities of the town?

If the _common sense_ of the Committee could not have suggested
this course, it would have been as well if they had drafted
into their councils one or two men of

_UN_-COMMON SENSE.

_Dudley, Jan. 14, 1858._

P.S.--I have seen an advertisement of this Ball in a
"Birmingham" paper, but, though it is a "Dudley" Ball, got up
by "Dudley" men, and for the Charities of "Dudley," I have
looked in vain for an advertisement of it in any one of the
three "Dudley" papers. Can you tell a wondering reader (though
of _un_-common sense) why this is, for _un_-common sense is
unable to solve the mystery.

* * * * *

"UNCOMMON SENSE _VERSUS_ THE LATE MASONIC BALL COMMITTEE."

_To the Editor of the_ DUDLEY EXPRESS.

SIR,--A letter in your last week's "Open Platform" contains
some crude remarks on the proceedings of the Dudley Masonic
Ball Committee, written to show that its want of foresight
"Omitted the glorious opportunity to blend two objects
together"--viz., "The Princess Royal's Marriage with the
Masonic Ball."

As Chairman of the Ball Committee, sir, I beg to inform
your anonymous scribbler, that the propriety of holding the
Masonic Ball on the evening of the Royal Marriage received the
_due consideration_ of the Ball Committee _at its earliest
sittings_, and had your "Uncommon Sense" correspondent
possessed the same amount of "foresight," good feeling, and
_gentlemanly intention_ evinced by another writer in your
columns, signed J. H. M., he would not have so foolishly rushed
into print, but would have anticipated with the Ball Committee
that the _proper officials_ of Dudley would, ere now, have
suggested such a mark of public demonstration of loyalty on
that joyous occasion as to leave no room for complaint by
any of your correspondents on that particular head. Under
these impressions, the Masonic Ball Committee _avoided_ the
possibility of clashing with other hoped-for demonstrations in
the town; so that the 21st was deemed the most appropriate day
for holding this time-honoured and benevolent assembly.

As to the propriety of "drafting one or two men of uncommon
sense" into the councils of the Ball Committee, I should first
be glad to know whether the _animus_ and _diction_ of "Uncommon
Sense" were to be taken as a _specimen of his fitness_ to sit
on that committee, and as an evidence of his capability of
discerning approaching events with prophetic eyes? If so, I
opine that, as his present qualifications do not appear to be
up to the mark, his presence must be respectfully declined.

Touching the non-appearance of any advertisement of the ball in
the Dudley newspapers, I can assure you that such an omission
was far from being made with an intention of disrespect to the
worthy efforts of the Dudley press to enlighten the horizon of
this darkened locality. And when I inform you that the Masonic
Ball Committee, for some years past, has deemed it advisable to
bring the notices of the ball _immediately_ into the presence
of every respectable family in this locality _by circular_,
it will at once suggest the inutility, in some degree, of
expending so much of its funds in public advertisements. As
the peculiar objects of this ball ever have been to render as
much seasonable assistance to the indigent as possible, it
becomes imperative upon its promoters to avoid that spirit of
_over-doing things_ which the present age unfortunately seems
to foster.

By kindly admitting this letter to your "Open Platform," you
will oblige,

Your obedient servant,
C. F. G. CLARK,
Chairman of the Masonic Ball Committee.

_Dudley, January 19th, 1858._

This Easter, we had another parish election of the Board of Guardians. No description of Guardians seemed to satisfy the whims and fancies of the "Irreconcilables," so there was no way of squaring the captious ideas of some large ratepayers but having a friendly fight for it, with the usual attendant compliments to and about one another.

ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.

BROTHER RATEPAYERS,

MONOPOLY HAS PASSED AWAY--The death fang of ignorance,
political and social oppression, has been broken in the
Abortive Doings of the Past; and the sunbeam of enlightenment
and knowledge is once more permitted to dawn upon the horizon
of Dudley's political and social degradation.

RATEPAYERS TO ACTION!!

The tocsin of opposition has been sounded loud and clear
in the corners of our streets, and the hand of Liberty is
once more held out to uphold and maintain your expiring
rights! Will you once more embrace it, or again allow it
to be shrivelled up in the unholy flame of party purposes,
cupidity, and self-interest? Shake off, then, the torpid
inaction of the past, and awaken the dormant energies for
the opening future. Reflect upon the two last years of
Guardian Mismanagement,--Guardian Intolerance,--Guardian
Ignorance,--Guardian Cupidity,--and Guardian
Retrogression,--principles that have invariably marked the
proceedings of the present Board, during this humiliating
period; and ask yourselves whether these are the persons who
shall constantly rule over you?

Fellow Ratepayers! Are you still determined to be gagged by
decrepid imbecility, and non-age, arrogance, and vanity?
Are you willing that your expiring social and parochial
privileges shall be immolated upon the altar of a bigotted and
unprogressive Board Conclave? Do you think and feel that the
present Board represents the wishes of the ratepayers, and are
the proper persons to spend your hard earned money, take charge
of your aged Poor, and bring up and nurture, in the paths of
frugality and prudence, our rising generation?

Reflect upon these questions, before you give your vote; for,
if the Past is to be taken as an answer to these plain facts,
the reply must be, NO!!

Act, then, like Englishmen, and remove all obsequious toadies
from the stool of office, exercise the vote, which the law and
reason has placed in your hands, with honesty and justice; and
spurn from your presence, as you would a viper, those dastardly
serfs who try to take away your birthright when attempting to
fill up your voting papers, or tamper with your freedom of
thought and action. Put the old tried friends of just economy,
truth and consistency, into their proper places, and VOTE for

Richard Smith, Mine Agent, Priory.
J. Renaud, Glass Master, Dixon's Green.
Thos. Griffiths, Gentleman, Wellington Road.
J. Whitehouse, Gentleman, Oakham.
E. Hollier, Chemist, Market Place.
W. C. Wood, Grocer, High Street.
Joseph Guest, Gentleman, New Street.
M. Dennison, Chemist, Market Place.
E. F. Smith, Agent, Trindle.
R. Houghton, Draper, High Street.

These Gentlemen have before watched over your interests, and
are now ready to assist you again to proclaim and sustain your
social privileges.

HARD TIMES.

_Dudley, March 29th, 1858._

* * * * *

THE MINERS' STRIKE!

THE IN'S AND THE OUT'S.

FOUR IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION.--

1--Which are the _most Prudent_?
2--Which are the _most Politic_?
3--Which are the _most Philosophic_? And
4--Which are _the Wisest_?

The Miners on the West of Dudley who are _in Work_, or, the
Miners on the East who are _out on Strike_?

SAMUEL COOK.

* * * * *

IMPORTANT MEETING.

INCOME TAX RE-ASSESSMENT.

WORLEY'S DEFALCATIONS.

The adjourned meeting to receive the report of the committee,
with the opinion of counsel, will be held in the Old Town Hall,
on Wednesday Evening next, the 31st March, 1858, at half-past
Seven o'clock p.m. precisely.

Signed,
J. BEDDARD, MAYOR.

_March 29th, 1858._

* * * * *

ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.

BROTHER RATEPAYERS,

"Hard Times" came a little too early, and has proposed names of
parties to you _who have resigned_! If that is his way of doing
business--jumping so hastily to conclusions, and reckoning upon
his chickens before they are hatched--it augurs badly for the
list he has proposed to you.

Brother Ratepayers, put your shoulders to the wheel, and
get rid of "Hard Times" and some of his lot, as speedily
as possible. Depend upon it "Hard Times," is by no means a
safe or congenial companion. Choose men who have stuck to
your interests when the "times" have indeed been "hard,"
men who have fought for your welfare, and ever had in view
the interests of those small ratepayers who are not at all
represented in the present Board, but who _must_ and _shall_
be represented in future. Great Ratepayers can take care of
themselves--and the great ratepayers _only_ were represented
in the old Board. You, therefore, that are sneeringly called
by certain gentlemen "small" ratepayers, and whose interests
are thought to be nothing, take care and see that in the
present contest _your interests are not overlooked_. Prove to
these dogmatic, would-be despotic individuals that "small"
as are your interests individually, yet that when united you
can break down the opposition of such men; and as you have
before accomplished your own object, and gained freedom of
representation in Parliament, so now prove to the world that
you can be fairly represented in the humbler Board-room of your
Poor House.

Brother Ratepayers, look to your interests! Be not deceived!
Choose your men by those principles of Independence which they
have not only _avowed_ but always endeavoured to _carry out_.

VOTE FOR

Edw. Grainger,
Thos. Griffiths,
G. B. Lowe,
W. C. Wood,
W. Wigginton,
J. Whitehouse,
W. Cooper,
W. Harrison,
Edw. Wood,
W. Washington.

These are tried men, and although some of them have not had
a seat at your Board, place them there triumphantly. Let not
"large" men fill up your Voting papers, or allow them to sell
the interests of

THE SMALL RATEPAYERS.

_Dudley, March 31st, 1858._

* * * * *

ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.

BROTHER RATEPAYERS,

Be not deceived: _a new and specious enemy_, with a very
apparently humble name, "The Small Ratepayer," has recommended
you a List of Guardians, for whom _decency must blush and
virtue must tremble_.

Fellow Ratepayers, enquire for yourselves, and you will be
easily able to unmask this Small Ratepayer and find him an
_enemy to morality_, and a _promoter of Mormonism_ in its most
disastrous and hideous form. _He blushes not to recommend for
Guardians_, men whose lives are not regulated by the paths of
virtue and morality, but tainted with _noon-day adultery and
heartless debauchery_.

RATEPAYERS, AWAKEN! _Let not naked Adultery stalk through our
streets, unabashed_, without manifesting your _manly disgust_
at the _audacity of the attempt_ to seat men of vice upon
the same benches with men of honour and integrity at that
Board, whose most painful duty too often is to admonish the
_unfortunate daughters of sin_ for burdening our parish with
the results of such vice, from which their judges should be
free and unpolluted.

We grieve for the honourable names that have been _made to
stand godfather for the vicious and intolerant_ aspirants,
dictated by the organ of a _dangerous, maligning local
newspaper_. But we know that there is enough regard for virtue
and morality in the Ratepayers of Dudley to discriminate
betwixt the _evil_ and the _good_ men; and we again call upon
you to _exercise your votes_ _with care, honesty, and justice_.
The Times are _Hard_, indeed, when the town is subjected to
such _daring insults_.

Resent it like men, by Voting for

Richard Smith,
Jno. Renaud,
Thos. Griffiths,
Jno. Whitehouse,
E. Hollier,
Ed. Fisher Smith,
W. C. Wood,
Jos. Guest,
M. Dennison,
Robt. Houghton.

All of whom have pledged themselves to stand.

HARD TIMES.

_Dudley, April 3rd, 1858._

* * * * *

ELECTIONEERING TRICKERY!

RATEPAYERS OF DUDLEY,

Be proud of your country! Local Self-Government is a privilege
peculiar to Englishmen. This day you are called upon to select
for the coming year the Guardians of your Poor.

Do not neglect to Vote! Do not Vote at random! Do not let
others Vote for you!!! Vote for the Men who will be kind to
the Poor, and at the same time careful of the pockets of their
constituents.

"Observer," in a long rigmarole about nothing, has proposed
a list of the whole of the members of the old Board for
re-election. It is well known that many of these have proved
themselves incompetent for their office, and that others have
rendered themselves obnoxious to the Inhabitants of the Town.
The weekly expenses of Out-Door Relief have Increased during
the whole year of the present Board!

Shew your Independence and Reject that List!

"Hard Times," in a bombastic and senseless address, has
submitted a list of names of Gentlemen, many of whom are
unquestionably as amiable in their private character, as they
would prove themselves utterly incompetent for the office of
Guardian of the Poor.

Shew your Discretion and Reject THAT List!

One of "The Small Ratepayers" has selected another list of
new, and altogether untried men. You do not want to turn out
indiscriminately all the members of the old Board. You only
want to get rid of the obnoxious and incompetent ones!

Shew your Independence, your Discretion, and your good
Common-Sense, by Rejecting that List, and Vote only for

Richard Smith, Agent,
Edward F. Smith, Agent,
Isaac Badger, Coal Master,
Joseph G. Walker, Merchant,
Elliott Hollier, Chemist,
Thomas Griffiths, Gentleman,
Edward Grainger, Draper,
George Burn Lowe, Solicitor,
William Harrison, Draper,
William Wigginton, Architect.

Please to remember that Ten Names only can be selected. Write
your Initials on the Voting Paper opposite the Ten here
enumerated, and see at the next election if you have not reason
to feel obliged to

DISCRIMINATOR.

_Dudley, April 5th, 1858._

* * * * *

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

GENTLEMEN,

I have received several communications to the effect that a Mr.
Locock is, or has been, by himself and his agents, canvassing
you with a view to displace me in the event of a dissolution
of Parliament. Now I beg to say that, if this be true, the
circumstance of a man soliciting your suffrages behind my back,
without any notice to me or my supporters, without publishing
any address to the Electors, or in a word, without adopting
any of the usual proceedings of fair play, is a sufficient
indication of your would-be representative. On first hearing
this intelligence, I gave no attention whatever to the
circumstance, feeling convinced that men who know so well how
to stand up like Englishmen in a fair political fight, were
not likely to listen to the whisperings of a person who thus
stealthily presented himself to their notice.

I can no longer, however, remain silent, when I find that these
persons are circulating statements with reference to me and my
intentions, which are utterly false and unfounded. One of these
statements is to the effect that I have announced (of course
confidentially) that it is not my intention to offer myself
again for the representation of Dudley. This I need hardly tell
you is a wicked invention of the stealthy candidate or his
agent. I therefore hasten to place you on your guard against,
what our friend Louis Napoleon would call "false intelligence,"
for you may be assured that it is in your hands alone I shall
place my resignation, in the same open and straightforward
manner in which I trust I have always met you, when the time
for such a proceeding arrives.

Should the present crisis terminate in a dissolution I shall
lose no time in committing my political interests to the
care of those friends to whom I am indebted for the honor
of representing your Borough, and whose confidence I am not
conscious of having in any way either betrayed or forfeited.

I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, yours faithfully,
H. B. SHERIDAN.

_House of Commons, May 15th, 1858._

THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM.

June 15th, 1858. Her Majesty the Queen this day opened the "People's Park," at Aston, a suburb of Birmingham. This being _the_ _first time_ a monarch had visited, in state, the Radical town of Birmingham, the good people of that busy town received their Queen in a right royal style. The Corporation, however, having a strong plebeian tendency, was much stirred within its Radical proclivities, as to how far it could sustain the cordiality and loyalty to the Sovereign, befitting her exalted station, without losing the smiles of its elective body. It meant one thing to shout "God Save the Queen," and another thing to say "God preserve the People." However, the procession was most imposing to the plebeian idea, and everything passed off very creditably, for the "Rough Brums" have stout, but tender hearts, and they were determined not to be behind other towns in shewing their loyalty to the Throne. It was said that the Queen was highly pleased with the reception accorded to her, and she did not forget to confer the handsome dignity of knighthood on the then Liberal Mayor of Birmingham, Mr. John Ratcliffe, who rose from his knees as the first belted knight of Birmingham. This gracious and courtly act was the source of much kindly feeling in the town, for the constant presence of "Sir John" in their daily walks helped to remind the liege burgesses of a most virtuous and gracious Queen, and the exaltation of their chief citizen to honour and dignity on a most memorable occasion.

June 26th, 1858. One hundred and fifty pounds was just now expended in cleaning, adorning and beautifying St. Edmund's Church. This sum was raised by subscription amongst the congregation.

Died, July 1st, 1858, Mrs. W. C. Wood, High Street, very suddenly. Aged 58 years.

THE DUDLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL PRIZES.

_To the Editor of the_ DAILY POST.

SIR,--The omission at this Midsummer vacation of the usual
distribution of prizes to the boys, and the circular issued
by the head master (the Rev. R. Harper,) announcing a very
important alteration from the hitherto practised mode of
rewarding the industry and stimulating the energy of the lads
in this public school, cannot fail to have awakened the minds
of the parents and public in this town and neighbourhood, as to
the reasons which have induced the trustees of the Prize Fund
to alter their mode of action in this particular department of
the school scheme.

It is stated, Sir, and generally understood, that a certain
sum of money was left by the founder of this excellent school,
to be appropriated periodically for the reward of deserving
scholars; and that from time immemorial these rewards have
been represented by suitable historical and scientific books,
adapted to the attainments of the fortunate recipients. But at
the present time we find that one gold medal and two silver
medals are for the future to be substituted for the former
valuable book prizes, thus at once narrowing the chances of
the deserving junior boys from ever obtaining a prize, and
fixing the amount of scholastic knowledge at such a classical
elevation as is not reasonable to expect that boys who usually
attend country Grammar Schools are ever likely to remain long
enough to obtain.

It may suit, Mr. Editor, the unadorned ambition of plebeian
thought to fancy its creative genius can raise up a Moloch
of tinselled gold and burnished silver to be the absorbing
deity of juvenile innocency, and the great object henceforth
striven for; but while the eye is fascinated with this new-born
idea, knowledge--that incalculable element of the present
day, intended to be conveyed in all schools--is thus kept
back from the enquiring mind, and the immortal writings of
such authors as Milton, Mills, Bickersteth, Macaulay, Alison,
Hume, Davy, Strickland, and Longfellow, are henceforth to be
shelved in the bookseller's store-room, to gratify the maudlin
fancy of some ill-digested mental conception, or afford us an
opportunity of witnessing another concession to neighbouring
exploded theories. The "breaking-up day" of the schoolboy
frequently operates upon the action of the after-man; for the
modest consciousness of carrying off the prize in his own class
before the eager eyes of his aspiring competitors, creates
a most beneficial effect upon the younger branches of the
school, for whilst it recognises the Reward of Merit at all
ages to the good, it stimulates the ambition and energy of the
aspiring, and publicly condemns the conduct of the indolent
and disobedient boy. The dissatisfaction already produced
amongst the lads, by keeping from them, this Midsummer, their
dearly cherished prizes, and the evil to be anticipated from
the intended practice of giving only three prizes, (and that
to senior boys), when hitherto at least a dozen junior boys
have been the grateful recipients of useful books, are reasons
calculated to produce much mischief amongst the minds of the
industrious boys, besides arousing a feeling of distrust and
suspicion amongst the parents and the public, as to the objects
intended to be gained by such a movement. If it is good and
advisable to reward the senior classes, surely it is just and
right to encourage the junior classes also. This intrusion
amongst your correspondence will oblige your obedient servant.

"INVESTIGATOR."

_Dudley, June 22nd, 1858._

* * * * *

_To the Editor of the_ DAILY POST.

SIR,--I should not under any circumstances reply to an
anonymous correspondent, but for the sake of the inhabitants
of Dudley, and of the parents of pupils in my school, I am
anxious to state what I know in respect of this prize fund.
This fund was collected chiefly through the instrumentality of
my predecessor, Dr. Thompson, about seven years ago. It has for
some years been suggested that a gold or silver medal would be
a better mode of giving these prizes than any other, and more
in accordance with the wishes of the original subscribers of
the fund. The chief reason that the present time was decided
upon for the change was a hope that a gold medal given under
the conditions imposed, would furnish the school with at least
one pupil yearly, who might be able successfully to pass the
examinations which are now instituted by the two Universities
of Oxford and Cambridge for the benefit of the middle classes.
It is not intended to award all the medals to the higher
forms, and there is nothing in my circular which could lead
to such a conclusion. The gold medal will be the only one so
appropriated, whilst it is intended to give the other medals
to the best boys of the lower forms of the school. You will
also observe, from the circular which I enclose, that only in
the case of the gold medal are the subjects for examination
strictly defined; and I cannot conceive that the amount of
scholarship required for such a prize is too extensive, or
more than might fairly be expected from a well educated lad
of 16 years of age in any Grammar School. In fact there was a
desire rather to limit the subjects than to extend them, as it
was thought that a few subjects well taught would be a better
training for the middle class examinations than a superficial
knowledge of a larger number. It ought to be recollected that
the prizes of books awarded in this school at Christmas will
not be affected in any degree by the new arrangements with
respect to the prize fund.

No one can regret more than I do the circumstance that the boys
are deprived this Midsummer of their usual prizes; but, owing
to the expense of the dies for the medals, this was unavoidable.

I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
ROBERT HARPER,
Head Master of the Dudley Grammar School.

_Grammar School, Dudley, June 23rd, 1858._

* * * * *

THE DUDLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL PRIZE FUND.

_To the Editor of the_ DAILY POST.

SIR,--I am sure that the inhabitants of Dudley will duly
appreciate the prompt and straightforward manner in which
(Mr. Harper) the head master of the Dudley Grammar School has
replied to my letter of Monday last, respecting the omission of
awarding prizes to the boys this midsummer; but, whilst I fully
agree with him that the reception by a boy of a gold medal at
his hands may be looked upon as a presumed assumption that
the holder will be able successfully to pass the examinations
which are now instituted at Oxford and Cambridge for the middle
classes, yet I maintain that hundreds of boys will pass that
elevated mental examination without being the gold medallist of
their school; besides the fact that any youth is eligible for
that ordeal, whether he has been educated at a public school
or merely received private tuition; neither do I still see
any valid reasons why a dozen excellent book prizes should be
withdrawn from the junior classes at that school to be the
means of elevating the classical and scholastic standing of one
or two youths, probably much better fitted, both by position
and capacity, to battle with the difficulties and mental toils
attendant upon the earlier training of youth.

As an ardent promoter of education, sir, I rejoice with others
to see that the great, nay, almost once irreproachable,
Universities have at last opened their hoary portals to that
class of society for whose benefit and interest those seats
of learning were originally instituted; but I cannot but
feel that there is great danger in store for the lads of any
independent grammar school lurking under this expanded mental
promotion offered by the Universities, of the chances of the
master devoting an overdue attention to the senior classes,
with the view of coaching them up to the required altitude, at
the risk of neglecting the important ground-work of tuition
indispensably required by the junior classes. Apart from this
temptation to elevate the fame of a school at the risk of
damaging its productive qualities, a paralysing effect is sure
to be produced upon the younger boys, when they feel and know
that years of mental toil have yet to be gone through ere a
prize is likely to be won, or an encouraging smile awarded by
the dreaded Dominies.

It is very gratifying to find that the Head Master of this
school is so truly anxious for the welfare of this important
institution; and as an inhabitant of this town, having children
to educate at that school, I would respectfully claim with him
my share of anxiety for its continued usefulness, and onward
progress. But institutions, Sir, like the Dudley Grammar
School, were never, in my opinion, intended to be the grinding
schools for the aspirants for classical honours; neither am I
persuaded that the class of parents who usually send their sons
to that school will, as a rule, be disposed to keep them there
up to a period of youth (16 years,) with the idea of bettering
their commercial position by becoming an associate of one of
our Universities.

Rugby, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, and the like, are the public
schools that will most benefit by this recent relaxation; but
the ordinary Grammar Schools of this period are not required
to promote boys (not students) to a comprehensive knowledge of
Latin authors, algebraic lore, and mathematical expositions,
attainments which do not come within the scope of the class
intended to be benefited by such institutions, for it is too
often the case that a superficial exterior is made to suffice
for an empty ground-work; and I fully concur with the Rev.
Master, "that a few subjects well taught would be a better
training for the middle classes than a superficial knowledge of
a larger number of subjects."

Having reasons to suppose that the Head Master has had very
little to do with this important alteration, I trust, for
the welfare of both boys and the town, that he will use his
professional and scholastic influence to induce the trustees
of the Prize Fund to rescind their resolution of awarding
medals instead of books, believing that a persistence in this
unwise step will not only alter the acknowledged character
of the school, by producing a pecuniary loss to the funds
of the same, but inflict an uncalled for injustice upon the
minds of parents in this neighbourhood, who have an undoubted
right to the best-devised advantages that can be derived from
that heirloom of knowledge handed down to us for the last two
centuries.

If, Sir, an annual gold medal prize can be of any use in
elevating the ancient renown of this Grammar School, pray let
the trustees appeal periodically to the parents of the boys
attending the school for the funds for that specific object,
and rely upon the well-known generosity of a Dudley public;
rather than inflict an ungracious discouragement upon the
junior classes of the school.

INVESTIGATOR.

_Dudley, June 25th, 1858._

September 14th, 1858. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Worcestershire was held in Dudley this day, but, contrary to usual custom, there was no walking in procession or prayer sayings at Church, but nevertheless the usual dinner was celebrated with due solemnity at the Hotel. "So mote it be."

September, 1858, we had a very miserable and unwise "strike" for an advance of wages amongst the "colliers" in this district, which extended to a period of sixteen weeks; adding great deprivations and distress to that already existing through the bad state of trade in the neighbourhood. The stoppage of the usual daily supply of coal to furnaces and mill forges, &c., became a source of serious inconvenience to the completion of contracts in manufactured iron; and had not a limited supply of coal been obtained from Wales and Leicestershire, the iron trade would have been suspended also; fortunately, this additional evil was averted, and although we had to pay an increased price for our coals, yet a sufficient supply was secured to keep the works in motion. The misguided colliers were compelled from sheer want to give in at last, and resumed their labour at a reduction of one shilling a day in their wages.

THE SEBASTOPOL GUNS.

_To the Editor of the_ DUDLEY TIMES AND EXPRESS.

SIR,--Your many readers will recollect that (at Midsummer,
1857) Dudley was the scene of much rejoicing and loyal
demonstration, on the event of the Sebastopol Guns being drawn
into the Castle Court Yard, amid the din of drums and flourish
of trumpets.

On that joyous occasion, loud and lofty promises were made, and
official dignity was pledged to make some _decent arrangement_
for fixing those famous trophies on a suitable basis; but alas,
Mr. Editor, the promises of public men are often short lived;
for _fifteen eventful months_ have passed over our heads, and
the famous Sebastopol guns are still all alone in their dirt
and ignominious glory, silent evidences of broken pledges and
lukewarm loyalty, giving us another proof of the truth of
the oft repeated remark, "that Dudley is always behind her
neighbours in everything _but a feed_."

It cannot fail to be grievous to the mind of a Dudley man to
visit either Lichfield, Bridgnorth, or Kidderminster, and
see there Sebastopol guns properly fixed on some prominent
locality: and yet know and feel that the Dudley guns were
doomed to sink into the limestone caverns beneath them, unless
some friendly hand speedily removes them from their present
unsightly position.

The worthy Mayors of Dudley, sir, have each in their time
of office done _something_ to immortalise their mayorality
in the annals of historic lore; and here we have a charming
opportunity for our present high functionary to add his name
to the list of past dignitaries, by inaugurating these Russian
trophies in a manner suited to the condition and importance
of the town. It is said that £50 will mount them in a proper
manner, and surely the dignity of that important office will
not have been obtained at too high a bidding, if its possession
were acknowledged by such a public act of grace and liberality.

Their present position cannot but be admitted by all parties
to be very different from that entertained for them by Lord
Panmure at their presentation, for they now stand as objects of
shame and disgrace to the town and inhabitants, but unless the
proper officials of the town are willing to look to such public
matters (pertaining as they do to their tenure of office),
pray, sir, who can be expected to take the initiative?

Trusting that these few remarks may awaken the public attention
to this subject,

I am, yours respectfully,
"SCRUTATOR."

_Dudley, October 5th, 1858._

Died, October 10th, 1858, Miss Badley, eldest daughter of John Badley, Esq., Surgeon of this town, a truly benevolent and kind hearted lady, aged 46 years.

Died, October 15th, 1858, Mr. Hartill Dudley, Nail Master, Dudley, aged 79 years.

October 29th, 1858, at the Court Leet annual meeting, held this day, Mr. Elliott Hollier, Chemist and Druggist, was elected Mayor, and Mr. Theophilus Tinsley, Nail Master, the High Bailiff. This election was the subject of much comment in the town; inasmuch as the office of Mayor, had been annually conferred upon gentlemen, vegetating amongst the upper phases of our local society. Besides this, the old Tory exclusiveness had been assailed by the Liberals on this occasion, and a townsman had been elected to the important office, who had got the brains and ability to conduct our public business in the manner which was creditable to the town. The election of poor Mr. Tinsley proved to be a very unfortunate one in the long run.

November 8th, 1858. Died, Mrs. Alice Bogle, Bookseller, Wolverhampton Street, widow. Mrs. Bogle was universally respected for her gentleness and suavity; she had the distinguished honour of once being elected Churchwarden for the parish. Aged 53 years.

THE OLD TOWN HALL AND THE SEBASTOPOL GUNS.

_To the Editor of the_ DUDLEY TIMES AND EXPRESS.

SIR,--It will be in the recollection of the gentlemen who
attended the late Court Leet dinner in Dudley, that amongst a
variety of anticipated improvements and amendments that were
required for the social, moral, and architectural advancement
of our good old town of Dudley, "that another public effort
should be made to get rid of that unneccessary building, the
Old Town Hall." Now, sir, we have great veneration for the
doings of the past, and believe that our forefathers meant
well in all their undertakings; but when that building was
erected more than one hundred years ago, standing as the "head
and front" of two narrow streets called Queen street and High
street, it necessarily made a finish to that angle of the block
of buildings then existing, known as the "Middle Row," and was
not an inappropriate object from the "Over Church."

But our grand-dads are gone to their rest, and peace be
with them, and the times are changed, also, sir; for their
scions, feeling the rapid advance made in trade, commerce,
civilisation, and sanitary improvements, have long since deemed
the "Middle Row" an encumberer of the ground, have demolished
its once ancient visage, and secured to us our fine open Market
Place (save the neck end of it) as a suitable spot in which the
people may congregate, and the trader expose for sale his wares.

The noble owner of the Old Town Hall (Lord Ward) would appear
to have anticipated long ago the removal of that building,
from the fact that, with his Lordship's accustomed liberality,
he erected at his own cost the New Town Hall, for Magisterial
and other public purposes required by this important town.
Surely, then, its removal need not now be considered as an act
of sacrilege to the feelings of even the oldest inhabitants;
for the Board of Guardians will shortly quit its hoary portals
for their new and more suitable Board room at the New Union
Workhouse.

Irrespective of these reasons, sir, its acknowledged nuisance
as a public urinal, its shameful use as a hiding place for
juvenile obscenity and adult immorality, and its general
inutility, demand at the hands of public morality its speedy
removal. Let, then, our newly elected, energetic Mayor
inaugurate his year of office by instituting some mode of
acting by which public opinion may be brought to bear upon
this local nuisance; and whilst the Old Town Hall removal
question is brought to the bar of public investigation, _let
it not be forgotten_ that the Russian guns, (those emblems of
our sanguinary strife with the Great Power of the North), _are
still unmounted, uncared for_, and left "all alone in their
fallen glory."

The Russian gun-mountings in neighbouring towns point with the
finger of shame to the prolonged lukewarmness with which Dudley
has followed up the lofty demonstrations exhibited when those
guns were publicly escorted into the Castle Court Yard, amid
the din of arms and the enthusiastic plaudits of the people.
If there is some doubt as to whether these trophies can be
_publicly mounted_ in the Castle grounds, pray let that doubt
be dissipated at once, by the proper authorities initiating the
necessary steps to obtain a subscription, and then petition
the Lord of the Manor for permission to mount the guns in a
handsome style in the centre of the Market Place, at once an
object worthy of the site, and as a lasting memento of our
national sympathy for the oppressed and heroic.

Were there no sons of Dudley, or the neighbourhood, sir, who
fell gloriously battling for the cause of liberty and the
rights of nations in that memorable campaign, whose names might
not with great justice be appropriately handed down to our
children's children, as objects for their especial regard, and
subjects for our local pride and approbation?

Trusting that these matters may not be allowed to slumber on
in their present unsatisfactory condition, and craving a space
amongst your list of correspondents,

I am, your obedient servant,
C. F. G. CLARK.

_Dudley, Nov. 24th, 1858._

1858. The New Town Hall was built about this time by Lord Ward, to secure the necessary Magisterial accommodation for the administration of justice for the Borough, arising from the demolition of the Old Town Hall, situate in the Market Place. On November 18th, 1870, the Corporation bought the New Town Hall for the sum of £2500, and utilised it in such a judicious way as to make the Police force arrangements most complete.

THE MAYOR begs to apprize his fellow-townsmen that the remains
of their formerly much respected Member, THOMAS HAWKES, Esq.,
will be conveyed through the Town for INTERMENT AT HIMLEY, on
FRIDAY Morning next, and, as he thinks it may be desirable that
some mark of respect should be shewn towards his memory by
the PARTIAL CLOSING of their respective Establishments on the
Morning of that day, he will be happy to meet those who accord
with this desire at the OLD TOWN HALL, on THURSDAY Evening
next, at SEVEN o'clock, to arrange accordingly.

_Signed_,
E. HOLLIER, MAYOR.

_Dudley, Wednesday, December 8th, 1858._

This request of the Mayor was very generally observed on this melancholy occasion, for Mr. Hawkes was very much esteemed by a large circle of friends, and his early death and many (both political and commercial) misfortunes had always awakened great sympathy for him; for in his early days he had been a large and liberal employer of a lucrative labour in this town in the glass trade.

INDIAN MUTINY FUND.

In compliance with a communication from J. RENAUD, Esq.,
Treasurer, I respectfully invite the attendance of the
Subscribers to the above Fund at the OLD TOWN HALL, this
TUESDAY Evening, the 21st instant, at 7 o'clock, to decide upon
the appropriation of the Money left in the Bank, in accordance
with a resolution of their former meeting.

E. HOLLIER, MAYOR.

£810 collected for this fund.

_Dudley, December 21st, 1858._

* * * * *

CHRISTMAS, 1858, ST. THOMAS'S CHURCH.

PARISHIONERS interested in the complete RESTORATION of the
PARISH CHURCH are respectfully requested to meet the VICAR and
WARDENS on FRIDAY next, at Twelve o'clock, in the Vestry, in
order to Nominate a Committee to see the above work properly
carried out.

J. C. BROWNE, D.C.L., VICAR.
W. WIGGINTON, } CHURCHWARDENS.
W. MILLWARD, }

Died, December 24th, 1858, Mr. Benjamin Dudley, Silk Mercer, High Street. Mr. Dudley was descended from a very ancient Dudley family, and he was very much esteemed for his honourable and strictly conscientious principles. He was a most zealous supporter of the Church, and had not a loving liking for the Romanists. Aged 78 years.