Chapter XVII: Part 17

Under these pressing circumstances, the representatives of the
press were respectfully solicited to accommodate the committee
by dining at its expense, truly "downstairs," because there was
"no available dining space" upstairs, with the clear intimation
that they would be accommodated with seats, wines, and dessert
in the dining-room as soon as the cloth was drawn. This offer
the egotistical representatives of the press indignantly
declined to accept, and, unfortunately for the gratification of
the public, forgot their quota of courtesy due to the committee
by neglecting to forward their portentous decision until it was
too late for the committee to procure additional reporters.

These, Sir, are the naked facts of the case, and however much
it is to be regretted that the interests of the press should
get into disrepute by an assumption on behalf of its reporters,
it must now be left to the dispassionate public to determine
whether the committee would have been justified in displacing
a number of gentlemen to make way for the reporters of the
"Fourth Estate" (merely at the time of dining), and whether the
press has the right to arrogate to itself, on all occasions,
"the chief corners in the temple."

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

_Dudley, February 29th, 1860._

[In a few remote places, and in those circles of society into
which modern notions of courtesy have imperfectly penetrated,
we still find some lingering belief that the Press and its
representatives are very much in the position of singers at a
feast, to have a plate sent out to them in the corridor, and
a chair in the windiest corner of the room when the cloth is
drawn. But it is not often that we have the idea so honestly
expressed. According to Mr. Clark, the accommodation of the
Press was one of the earliest considerations of the committee,
who seem to have balanced the profit of admitting 127 diners
against the propriety of restricting that number to 125 and
two reporters, by whose agency the whole of the vast district
through which we circulate would in effect have shared in
the honour done to the noble guest, and in the eloquence
with which that honour was recognised. The committee, in its
shortsightedness, deliberately chose to make room for two
diners more, under the impression that they would manage
the Press somehow,and the spirit of courtesy in which that
"management" was undertaken may be inferred from the tone
of the remarkable letter of our correspondent. It appears
that by some gracious act of condescension our reporter was
actually allowed to accompany a deputation to Himley Hall, "a
distinguished recognition," quoth Mr. Clark, "rarely accorded
to the Fourth Estate." The gentleman who can assume these grand
airs, which the master of Himley Hall himself would be about
the last to dream of, was very well qualified to execute and
excuse the orders of the committee in asking the reporters to
come in with the dessert. We quite approve of their refusal
to submit to this servants' hall treatment. They have no
right to expect, and as far as we know, they never lay claim
to the chief places at feasts; but so long as their refusal
is expressed with courtesy they have our entire approval
when they decline to submit to treatment, the result not of
accident or oversight--this we are sure they would be the
first to make allowance for--but, as the "early consideration"
shows, deliberately resolved upon. It was not until all the
tickets were sold that this dining-down-stairs project was
made known to our reporter, or we would have taken good care
that he should have had such accommodation as a guinea could
have given him. It is very droll, in the midst of all that is
silly in this letter, to hear it charged against the reporters
that they didn't study the convenience of these gracious
gentlemen, so far as to allow them the opportunity of obtaining
"other reporters." Other reporters! One would imagine these
commodities were as easy to procure as change for a shilling.
But suppose they were provided; we say it for ourselves, and we
dare say the same for the majority, if not the whole, of our
contemporaries, that the product of the "other reporters" would
have found its way to the office waste-paper basket. As it is,
the committee have made a pretty mess of it. They have dined
the Earl truly, but they have contrived to rob the honour of
half its graciousness and all its value, by denuding it of the
crowning grace of publicity.--ED. _Daily Post_.]

* * * * *

_To the Editor of the_ DAILY POST.

Sir,--There is a paragraph in your edition of to-day respecting
the banquet last evening, given by the town to the Earl of
Dudley, in which the writer is facetious, regarding the
indignant treatment to which it was proposed to submit the
gentlemen of the Fourth Estate, and their noble protest against
such treatment. Doubtless your sense of what is just and fair
will admit a statement on the part of the committee of that
dinner.

On Wednesday up to four o'clock 111 tickets had been
sold--bought and paid for. The Mayor had been requested to
reserve four for various parties, and six were kept for the
invited guests, making in all 121. On Wednesday evening four
more were issued, making 125; and on Monday evening, when the
committee next met, a list of a dozen applications could not
even be considered. Besides this 125, it was expected that
some few guests might be present, and there were at least
three (Mr. Melville, Mr. Campbell, and another); and careful
and accurate measurement of the room had given as a result the
utter impossibility of putting more than 128 into it. Where
then, I ask, could the reporters be accommodated at dinner,
being, as they might be, some six or eight? Arrangements were
made for their dining, and as soon as space could be obtained,
by the absence of the waiters, a table was placed for their
accommodation in the centre of the room. We were perfectly
willing to treat them as well as circumstances would allow, but
we could not do what was palpably impossible.

I have only to add that a full report of the banquet shall be
forwarded to you for Saturday's _Journal_. The committee would
have been best pleased to have a professional report; but in
default of that must do the best they can to preserve a record
of that portion of the events of the day.

I am, Sir, yours faithfully,
ONE OF THE COMMITTEE.

[Our reply to this is that there were only two papers
represented, our own and the _Wolverhampton Chronicle_. The
committee should have reserved two places for those reporters,
no matter what the demand was. That is a prime article in the
creed of all public dinner-giving committees, and a wise one we
think.--ED. _Daily Post._]

Shortly after these civic proceedings were accomplished, the noble Earl laid the Foundation Stone of the Blind Asylum in the Tipton Road, which was built at his Lordship's entire cost, as a home and maintenance for those unfortunate miners and stone quarry men, who are constantly losing their sight by explosions in his Lordship's extensive mines. In consequence of these sightless men refusing to avail themselves of this charitable hospitality, this noble structure was tenantless for some years, until it was so liberally given up by the Earl of Dudley to the Trustees appointed by the late Joseph Guest, Esq., "for the purpose of founding a hospital in Dudley," which has since that time been of incalculable benefit to the working classes, and now assumes vast usefulness as our renowned "Guest's Hospital." The following ceremony took place on that occasion:--

ELEVATION OF LORD WARD TO AN EARLDOM.

CELEBRATIONS IN DUDLEY YESTERDAY.

Yesterday (Tuesday) was a day specially set apart by the
inhabitants of Dudley--having first duly consulted his
lordship's convenience--for celebrating in some marked and
public manner the elevation of Lord Ward, who is so intimately
connected with the town, to the dignity and position of Earl
of Dudley, a title which one of his ancestors had previously
held. The day seemed to be observed as a day of festivity and
general rejoicing, and the ordinary avocations of life appeared
to be in a great degree suspended. From an early hour the
bells of the various churches in the locality rang out a merry
peal, the streets were unusually thronged with pedestrians,
flags floated in the breeze from some of the houses, and the
universal subject of conversation was the Earl of Dudley and
his probable movements during the day. As we have already
noticed in these columns the distribution of about four
thousand pounds weight of beef, which the liberality of his
lordship had provided, it is unnecessary to state more now than
the fact that the beef was distributed among the poor on Monday
last in pieces weighing 4lbs. each, the clergymen and ministers
of various denominations in the town acting as the almoners
of the noble Earl's bounty. The colliers on the Dudley estate
were presented with a day's pay yesterday, in harmony with the
practice adopted towards their fellow workmen at Brierley Hill
on the preceding day, and we believe that Dudley was not the
only place that participated in the distribution of beef. Five
oxen were slaughtered for Dudley--one being apportioned to the
Kate's Hill district, one to Netherton, one to Wolverhampton
Street, and two to High Street. One or two bands of music
paraded the streets of the town yesterday, and about mid-day
everyone was on the tiptoe of expectation, and anxious to see
his lordship pass through the streets on his way to the Tipton
New Road, where the ceremony of

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE BLIND ASYLUM

was to take place. The asylum is intended by his lordship for
the reception of those men in his employ who have lost their
sight through working in the limestone caverns, which underlie
the Castle Hill and grounds. The plan and "bird's-eye view"
of the institution show that it is intended to accommodate
twenty-six families, each family being furnished with a
suite of five rooms and out-houses. There will also be an
infants', boys', and girls' school, capable of accommodating
together about 150 children. A schoolmaster's residence will
be attached to the schools, and at a little distance a chapel
and minister's house will be erected. The chapel will be
consecrated by the Bishop of the diocese when completed, and
the noble Earl will endow it from his own private purse. A
laundry, sick ward, and convenience for a surgeon, form part
of the scheme, and the sanitary arrangements are of a most
perfect character. The block of buildings occupy three sides
of a quadrangle, and the whole is enclosed by a low wall and
ornamental palisadings, the entrance being through a neat
iron gateway, to which is attached a porter's lodge. There is
a separate entrance to the church on the south side of the
Asylum. In the centre of the east side is a tower, in which
is constructed a large tank for supplying the various houses
with water, the idea being that the tank shall be supplied by
the manual labour of the blind inmates, a pump being placed
over a conduit in the centre of the ground for that purpose.
Under such an arrangement it is contemplated that an ample
supply of water will always be at hand for every sanitary and
culinary purpose. The centre of the quadrangle is laid out
as a greensward, with footpaths intersecting it, and in the
rear about two acres of land are devoted to the purposes of a
kitchen and flower garden. The South Staffordshire Railway runs
along a short distance behind the block of buildings, and the
Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway passes in front,
midway between the Asylum and the Castle Hill. The new turnpike
road from Dudley to Tipton is also closely contiguous. The
material used in the erection of the various buildings is red
and white sandstone, supplied from his lordship's quarries,
and the style of architecture is the early decorated Gothic.
The whole of the expense of the erection and fitting-up will
be borne by his lordship, and the asylum will, when complete,
form another memento of the princely munificence for which he
is so deservedly celebrated. About twelve o'clock yesterday his
lordship arrived upon the ground, in company with the Dowager
Lady Ward and the Hon. Mrs. Claughton and party. Among other
ladies and gentlemen also present at the ceremony were the Rev.
D. Melville and party; Rev. Dr. Browne, Vicar of Dudley; Mrs.
E. F. Smith, Mrs. S. D. Fereday, Miss Roberts, T. Tinsley,
Esq., (Mayor of Dudley), Mr. E. Hollier, (ex-Mayor), Mr. C. F.
G. Clark (High Bailiff) &c. The ceremonial commenced by the
noble earl placing in the cavity of the stone prepared for its
reception a glass bottle containing a copy of the _Gazette_ in
which he was declared to have been created an earl, and also
the current coins of the realm. His lordship then proceeded
to read the following inscription, which was engraved on a
brass plate placed over the cavity: "The corner stone of this
building, erected for the collecting together under one roof,
and for the comfort and consolation of those who have lost
their eyesight in the working of the Dudley limestone caverns,
was laid by the Earl of Dudley, of Dudley Castle, William Baron
Ward, of Birmingham, the 28th day of February, 1860. Richard
Smith, mine agent of the Dudley estates, to whose suggestion
this institution owes its origin. William Bourne, architect; J.
Hartland, W. Walker, builders. _Dimidium cœpti qui bene cœpit
habet._" The noble Earl then received a silver trowel from the
Dowager Lady Ward, to whom it had been first presented, and
the stone having been lowered to its final resting place, the
customary formalities were gone through. It may be incidentally
mentioned, that, at the request of a bystander a medal,
commemorative of the erection of St. Thomas's Church, was
also placed with the coins. The inscription on the plate was
surmounted by the Dudley arms. After the lowering of the stone
the Rev. Dr. Browne offered up prayer, and subsequently the
Earl of Dudley addressed the assembled crowd. He commenced his
remarks by reminding those present that although they had just
seen the corner stone of the building laid the work had not to
be begun, as the foundation has been laid for some time past,
and everything would now go on rapidly towards completion. It
gave him the greatest possible pleasure that he was enabled
on an occasion like that--so soon after his accession to an
earldom--to lay the foundation stone of a building which it was
his prayer would last till the sons and grandsons of those by
whom it would be tenanted should have passed away. They all
knew what the building was intended for, but he would add one
other word. Although a large employer of labour like himself
was bound as a matter of duty to provide for the maintenance
of those who by a dispensation of Providence were deprived of
their eyesight while in his employ, the contemplated benefits
of the asylum would extend further than that. In that building
they might meet those with whom they had been in the habit of
associating, and one would be enabled to comfort the other,
and add consolation to consolation as long as life should
last--that inward consolation which was so necessary to those
who had lost their outward sight, and therefore could not
look upon the beauties of earth. The inmates would thus feel
great pleasure in knowing that those who formerly were engaged
with them in the same occupation were sitting around them,
praying with them, and reciprocating the same sentiments. Their
wives--to whom they were bound by the common natural tie--and
their children--in whom their happiness must to a great extent
be centred--would also be near them, and around them, and would
grow up among acquaintances who, becoming friends, would prove
invaluable upon starting in life, as they often gave a man a
better chance of taking his proper position in society. The
noble Earl went on to say that he took no credit to himself for
suggesting such an institution, as it was not his due. If he
carried the work out it would be because, being by the gift of
Providence the possessor of such large estates, he felt it to
be his duty to look after those who suffered in his interests.
But the idea did not originate with him, but with a gentleman
who, day by day and week by week, saw with his own eyes what
escaped his lordship's--the suffering and misery of those who
lost their sight. The suggestion was made by a man well known
and highly respected in this district, where he was born, and
where he had ever maintained an unspotted name of honour and
integrity of purpose. That gentleman having suggested the
work, he (the noble Earl) was bound to carry it out, although
not perhaps without some jealousy, on account of not having
been the first to originate it. After expressing a hope that
in a few months they would see the building rise in all its
fair proportions, and that the day would soon arrive when they
should see those for whom the building was intended marching in
to take possession of it, his lordship concluded amid loud and
continued cheers. Three cheers were also given for Lady Ward,
the Rev. Dr Browne, and R. Smith, Esq. A number of copies of
a view of the projected building, which was dedicated to the
last-named gentleman, were then distributed by the noble Earl,
and the assembly soon afterwards dispersed.

THE BANQUET.

Of the banquet in the evening to the noble Earl we can say
nothing, except that we believe about 120 sat down. The Dinner
Committee, in making their arrangements, seem to have ignored
the existence of such an institution as the Press, and it was
not till all the tickets were sold, and all the available space
occupied, that they appear to have entertained the idea that
probably the public would like to know something about their
proceedings. Accordingly, in their magnanimity, they arranged
that provision should be made in some room "downstairs," where
the reporters might eat and drink by themselves, and await the
summons to "go up higher," which happy period, it is supposed,
would have arrived when the cloth was withdrawn, and the
serious part of the business of the evening commenced. However,
the representatives of the "fourth estate" present did not feel
inclined to submit to such unusual indignities. In consequence
of these proceedings of the committee our readers are deprived
of a report of the speeches made at the banquet; but we may
perhaps be allowed to remark that such a mode of conducting
what is really public business, is alike disrespectful to the
noble Earl they intended to congratulate, and insulting to
every person who has a just idea of the dignity of the press.
If the committee had informed us that the right of a reporter
to be present was only purchaseable, we should, for the sake of
our readers, have taken care that this right was secured for
our representative.--_Daily Post._

June 18th, 1860. The Old Town Hall, which had stood between two and three centuries in the Market Place, Dudley, was doomed to destruction, and workmen commenced pulling it down this day. The noble Earl of Dudley had previously signified his intention to erect a handsome Italian Fountain on the site, which now adorns our Market Place.

Died, October 14th, 1860, Mr. Thomas Rudd, Jeweller and Watchmaker, Market Place, after a very protracted illness, brought on by an accident in his gig. Aged 52 years.

THE COURT LEET.

Oct. 26th, 1860. This ancient Court for the barony of Dudley
was held yesterday at the Hotel. There were present in addition
to J. H. Bourne, Esq., (Steward of the Manor), S. Bourne, Esq.,
G. Taylor, Esq., T. Tinsley, Esq. (Mayor), and C. F. G. Clark,
Esq. (High Bailiff), Messrs. S. Fereday, J. Jordan, Grainger,
Hollier, Finch, Williscroft, E. Wood, W. Sheppard, Smart, S.
Cook, Marsh, Timmins, Bowen, Minty, Watkins, Houghton, W. C.
Wood, Saml. Rudge, S. Price, Patterson, D. Lloyd, D. Jordan,
G. Stevenson, C. H. Tyler, C. Lucas, Dixon, T. Sheppard,
Smith, Terry, and Wesley. The opening of the Court having
been proclaimed and the jury duly sworn, Mr. G. Stephenson
proposed, and Mr. Finch seconded, the election of Mr. Clark
(late High Bailiff) to the office of Mayor for the ensuing
year. There was no opposition and consequently Mr. Clark was
declared duly elected. Upon the proposition of Mr. Hollier,
seconded by Mr. W. H. Brooke, Mr. E. Grainger was elected High
Bailiff. The Sergeants, Messrs. A. Patterson and J. Jordan,
were reappointed, as were also Messrs. C. Lucas and S. Smart,
(flesh-tasters), and Messrs. W. Minty and J. F. Watkins,
(constables). The only alteration made in the appointment
of ale connors was the election of Mr. W. Smith instead of
Mr. J. Smith, who is ill, to act in conjunction with Mr. W.
Sheppard. Mr. Samuel Cook, amid some merriment, made his
customary annual protest against the illegal appointment of
a Mayor of Dudley, inasmuch as Mayors were usually elected
from the Court of Aldermen; and although he found from ancient
documents that there was once a court of Aldermen in Dudley,
yet as there was not such a court now, the office of Mayor must
have become extinct. He protested most solemnly against the
farce of continuing such elections. (Laughter). Mr. Cook was
thanked for his protest, and the subject dropped. Mr. Clark,
in a few words, thanked the jury for the honour conferred upon
him that day, and expressed his hope that at the termination
of the year of office they would find that he had discharged
the duties incumbent upon him in a very satisfactory manner,
and that he could allow the mantle of an office which had been
in existence 200 years to descend upon his successor unsullied
in the slightest degree. The various officers were then duly
sworn to "serve our Sovereign Lady the Queen," &c., and the
business of the Court terminated. Subsequently the whole of the
above-named gentlemen, together with F. Smith, Esq., Messrs. T.
Oakes, W. C. Wood, sen., Bateman, Houghton, Deely, Cartwright,
&c., sat down to a luxurious dinner, provided by Mrs. Smith, of
the hotel, in her accustomed good style. Amongst those who sat
down to dinner was Mr. S. Cook, who so indignantly protested
against the proceedings of the morning, and the fact caused not
a little pleasantry.--_Daily Post._

Died, November 11th, 1860, Isaac Badger, Esq., J.P., aged 76 years. Mr. Isaac Badger was the last of a section of contracted Tories who had literally ruled this town for half a century. Tory in political faith but Radical in practice, unlettered but audacious, this gentleman rode over all obstacles, and died a rich man, respected by a large circle of life-long friends. A public funeral was given to his remains, as a mark of respect.

FUNERAL OF THE LATE ISAAC BADGER, ESQ.

THE BAILIFF (in the absence of the Mayor), respectfully invites
those Persons who are desirous of paying a last Tribute of
Respect to the Memory of the late ISAAC BADGER, ESQ., to meet
at the DUDLEY ARMS HOTEL, on FRIDAY Morning next, at 11-30
precisely, for the purpose of joining the FUNERAL PROCESSION
from his late residence to St. Edmund's Church. As a further
mark of respect the Public are respectfully requested to
PARTIALLY CLOSE their respective Establishments on the Morning
of the above day.

EDWARD GRAINGER, BAILIFF.

_Dudley, November 14th, 1860._

The following list of returns of the various Parliamentary Elections in this Borough may be useful as an occasional reference:--

A LIST OF THE DUDLEY BOROUGH ELECTIONS, SINCE THE BOROUGH WAS
ENFRANCHISED IN 1832.

1832. Votes.
John Campbell, Reformer 318
Sir Horace St. Paul, Tory 229
----
Majority 89

1834.
Mr. Thos. Hawkes, Tory 322
Sir John Campbell, Reformer 254
----
Majority 68

1835.
Mr. Thos. Hawkes, Tory 327
Mr. Forbes, Radical 250
----
Majority 77

1837.
Mr. Thos. Hawkes, Tory 385
Mr. Merryweather Turner, Radical 289
----
Majority 96

1841.
Mr. Thos. Hawkes, Tory 436
Mr. Smith, Radical 189
----
Majority 247

1844.
Mr. Jno. Benbow, Tory 388
Mr. Wm. Rawson, Freetrader 175
----
Majority 213

1852.
Mr. Jno. Benbow, Tory 400
Mr. Jas. Baldwin, Radical 231
----
Majority 169

1855.
Mr. Jno. Benbow. Died, February 26th, 1855.

1855.
Sir Stafford Northcote, Conservative 346
Mr. Jas. Baldwin, Radical 3
----
Majority 343

1857.
Mr. H. B. Sheridan, Doubtful
Mr. Sandars, resigned, Conservative

1859.
Mr. H. B. Sheridan, Radical 432
Viscount Monck, Liberal Conservative 361
----
Majority 71

1865.
Mr. H. B. Sheridan, Radical 526
Mr. Francis Truscott, Conservative 275
----
Majority 251

1868.
Mr. H. B. Sheridan, Radical. Unopposed.

February, 1874.
Mr. H. B. Sheridan, Radical 5149[36]
Mr. Fred Smith Shenstone, Liberal Conservative 4181[36]
----
Majority 968

May, 1874.
Mr. H. B. Sheridan, Radical 5607
Mr. Noah Hingley, Conservative 4889
----
Majority 718

1880.
Mr. H. B. Sheridan, Radical 6948
Mr. Alfred Waterman, Conservative 4163
----
Majority 2785

TRIAL OF MR. SAMUEL COOK, DRAPER OF DUDLEY.

1827. Posterity will view in very different light the public acts of this remarkable townsman, when we consider that all the points of the Great Charter, which he so strenuously advocated, and never failed to bring to the front when occasion presented itself, have now, save one or two divisions, been passed by succeeding Parliaments, and entered upon the Statute Book of this country, as just and lawful measures to be exercised by voters in sending "fit and proper men" to make laws and administer the gigantic affairs and policy of this great country. Mr. Samuel Cook's great sin was, "that he lived before his time;" his great heart, and undying love of justice and fair play, made him a leader amongst the people and a friend of the oppressed and friendless. His Republican principles were based upon a well-informed insight into the motives and actions of the governed and governing, and where he overstepped the bounds of _what was considered proper decorum, and enunciated political and social doctrines_, which were far in advance of the times in which he lived, he followed the dictates of an honest and earnest mind, burning to regenerate what he believed to be an unnatural and vicious state of both political and social growth. Mr. Cook was at times decidedly fanatical, headstrong, and ungovernable, but he _held a reason for the faith_ which led him on at periods to denounce, in unmeasured language, the perpetration of wrongs under which society then laboured and groaned, and the oppression, and the grinding down of the half-starved wretches who craved his protection and claimed his care. It has often been urged that the unwise riots at the Lye-Waste amongst the Nailers in 1827 led to the arrest and trial of Mr. Cook at Worcester Assizes, on August 1st, 1827, "for falsely, seditiously and maliciously writing and publishing in his shop window at Dudley certain false, seditious, and scandalous libels, tending to inflame the minds and alienate the affections of the people from his majesty the King, and to excite them to traitorous insurrections against the Government."

The fact of Mr. Cook being then an active advocate of the rights of labour, and "a fair wage for a fair day's work," added to his invincible courage in rooting out the oppression and injustice which then tainted the nail trade under the manipulations of that detestable "go-between" the Nail Fogger, made him an object of fear and dread to the Nail Masters, whilst he became the idol of the Nailers, and a very desirable person and agitator to be denounced, "shut up," and removed from his chosen sphere of action; hence the persecution for the first time of this remarkable and courageous townsman. Mr. Cook _was no paid agent_, and what he did for upwards of thirty years was done from a sure belief that it was his mission thus to oppose all oppression, and assert the undeniable rights of man. He became a serious pecuniary loser by these lengthened social and political proceedings, and died, December 8th, 1861, at the ripe old age of 75 years.

Mr. Cook had a large host of genuine friends and admirers who had viewed his arduous long-life labours with admiration and profound regard. I need hardly say that Mr. Cook received no personal harm or imprisonment for his supposed misdeeds, but was found "legally guilty" and bound over to come and receive judgment _when required_, which never occurred. He was ably defended by Mr. John Campbell, who was a very rising man at the Bar, and eventually became the first M.P. for Dudley. The public reception which awaited Mr. Cook on his return from Worcester Assizes was of a most characteristic and demonstrative description, for he was met near Stourbridge by a deputation with a carriage and four grey horses, and from thence driven to old Dudley amid a perfect ovation of men, women, and children of all classes. A brass band discoursed sweet and patriotic music at the head of a procession, said to number 40,000 people, who, ever and anon, continued their welcome acclamations in honour of their triumphant friend, patriot, and advocate. It will be a long time before we shall meet with such another self-sacrificing life in Dudley.

* * * * *

October 3rd, 1861. The Dudley Rifle Corps up to this date had, under the energetic management of our highly respected and talented townsman, Captain Wainwright, acquired great proficiency; so the Mayor (Mr. C. F. G. Clark) offered a handsome silver cup, value £8, to be shot for, as an absolute prize, which was won by Corporal Devall, the successful winner of the Beauchamp Cup a short time before, who made 18 points on this occasion at the three ranges, securing three more points than in his former shooting.

THE DUDLEY RIFLE MOVEMENT.

Wednesday was a gala day with this company. The proceedings
commenced with a rifle match for a handsome silver cup, given
by C. F. G. Clark, Esq. (Mayor of Dudley): and Corporal
Devall, the winner of the Beauchamp Cup (shot for last week),
was again the victor. He made eighteen points at the three
ranges--three more points than won the first cup. The other
competitors who most nearly approached the winner were as
follow:--Lieutenant Sanders, 16; Ensign Hewitt, 16; Sergeant
Wood, 17; J. Wilkinson, 14; Albert Wood, 14; J. H. Smith,
13; J. Bromwich, 16; Worrall, 14; G. Fellows, 12; Burton,
14; Blackstock, 15; Dixon, 11; Wilson, 14. In the evening
the officers of the company were entertained at a sumptuous
dinner at the Bush Hotel (Mr. J. Cartwright's), provided by
the non-commissioned officers and privates, intended as a
return of a similar compliment paid to the men by the officers
some time ago. About eighty sat down, under the presidency
of Sergeant G. H. Deeley; Sergeant Williscroft occupying the
vice-chair; and among the other invited guests were, Rev. J.
Davis (hon. chaplain to the corps), Captain Woolridge (adjutant
to the battalion), W. Haden, Esq., J. P.; C. F. G. Clark, Esq.
(Mayor), E. Grainger, Esq., (High Bailiff), T. Tinsley, Esq.
(Ex-Mayor), S. D. Fereday, Esq., G. Taylor, Esq., J. Renaud,
Esq., &c., &c.--The efficient band of the corps played a
selection of music during dinner. After the withdrawal of the
cloth, the customary loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed
in due order from the chair. In responding to the "Bishop and
Clergy," the hon. chaplain defended the rifle corps movement
against the attacks of those who said it was inconsistent with
the profession of Christianity to be a soldier, and quoted
various examples from Holy Writ in support of his argument.
Among other examples he instanced Joshua, David, Goliath,
Jehoshaphat, and John the Baptist. The rev. gentleman concluded
by expressing a hope that all engaged in the Volunteer movement
would understand the obligations they took upon themselves, and
endeavour to discharge their duties properly. The health of the
corps followed. The "Army and Navy" followed, with "three times
three" for Captain Woolridge. The Captain on rising to respond,
was again received with loud cheers. He said the toast of the
army and navy was always well received, but seldom or never
so cordially as by a company purely civilian in character,
because those who worked at home for their own good seemed to
have a sort of innate sympathy with soldier or sailor who
worked hard, but not for his own aggrandizement--for they could
hardly tell him of one who had grown rich in the service.
They were sympathised with because they worked for the honour
of their Queen and the safety of the country. (Cheers.) The
Volunteer movement had been eulogised by everybody, from her
Majesty downwards, and it was scarcely his place--if, indeed,
it was necessary--to say anything about it then, connected as
he was with the movement, and occupying some such position as
an attache did to an embassy, inasmuch as he was obliged to
perform the orders received from head quarters. As far as he
knew about the policy of head quarters, he was sure they did
not intend to reduce the regular army in consequence of the
efficiency of the volunteer corps in the kingdom. He thought
their intention was to keep up the army as it was at present,
so that if war broke out they might be employed in defending
our wide-spread colonies, and the volunteers, if wanted, could
keep peace at home. After alluding to the difficulties which
surrounded the office of adjutant, Captain Woolridge went on
to compliment the Dudley Company upon their efficiency, and
said that if they would only go on as they had begun, they
ought to achieve great things. He had eleven companies in his
district, but he believed the Dudley corps was the only one
which was almost or entirely self-supporting. From such a
company he should expect to see an example set to others, both
as respect to discipline and conduct. Now that Government was
going to provide instructors and ammunition, he should like
to see a company out of the battalion perfectly equipped for
service in the field, and he knew of no company possessing such
pecuniary advantages for such a purpose as the Dudley Company.
The gallant captain concluded, amidst loud cheers, by again
speaking in eulogistic terms of the general character of the
corps. The "Lord Lieutenant and Magistrates of the County" was
responded to by W. Haden, Esq., in a brief speech, in which
he took occasion to remark that, in discharging the difficult
and onerous duties of their office, it was of the greatest
importance that the Magistrates should be supported in their
decisions by the good feeling of their fellow townsmen; and
if they were supported in their work by such a respectable
body of fellow-townsmen as he saw before him that night, the
decisions and acts of the Magistrates must have far more
importance and weight than they otherwise possibly could. The
toast of the evening, "The Officers of the Corps," followed
in a neat speech from the chair, to which Captain Wainwright
responded on behalf of himself and his brother officers, and
was received with boisterous outbursts of applause. He said
they had been associated together in a new and difficult
undertaking for about two years. The officers especially were
surrounded with difficulties, inasmuch as they had to learn
their own business before they could teach it to others, and
to acquire the art of obtaining a certain amount of obedience
from those who were not accustomed to obey military command.
Looking back all this time he thought his brother officers
would agree with him that they were very much indebted to
the members of the corps for the attention they had always
paid to their duties, by which great assistance had been
rendered to the officers. To quote the expression of Colonel
McMurdo at Worcester, they were indebted to the company for
the "forbearance" they had shown to their officers. It was
necessary that such "forbearance" should be shown, because
officers had to learn their duties like the men, and they
required a greater amount of attention, and consequently they
might not be performed so well as they ought; but with the
help afforded by the members of the company they would in time
become better informed than they were. Therefore he hoped
they would continue to help the officers for the future, and
all act as harmoniously together as they had done that day,
and then the corps would be a credit to the county and the
country. Alluding to the address of the chaplain, in which that
gentleman remarked upon the blessings of the Almighty resting
upon those who were attempting to get possession of a land that
was promised only, the Captain remarked how much more might
they expect that blessing to rest upon those employed in the
defence of a country already in possession. (Cheers.) After
stating that he took the entertainment given to the officers
that evening as an expression of the good feeling and harmony
subsisting between them, the speaker referred to the assistance
they had received from their friends and neighbours, and to
the proposed movements for the future, including the shooting
to come off next week for a "Lancaster rifle," presented by
W. Haden, Esq.--The winner of the Beauchamp and Mayor's Cups
(Corporal Devall) was then formally presented to the Mayor,
who presented him with the cup won that day, and addressed him
in a suitable and encouraging speech. Corporal Devall replied
"The Mayor," with three cheers; "The High Bailiff," "The
Chairman, Vice-chairman, and non-commissioned Officers," "The
Lieutenants," "Quarter Master," (Mr. Johnson), and other toasts
followed. In addition to the instrumental music of the band,
the proceedings of the evening were much enlivened by various
vocal performances.

DUDLEY ELECTION, 1832.

1

NOW Dudley boys!
Exalt your joys,
Nor fear the Tory faction;
Lord Russell's Bill,
Indeed it will
Reduce them to a fraction.

2

CAMPBELL you know
Is sure to go,
Though all their might are using;
HORACE'S friends
Can't gain their ends;
They have no chance but losing.

3

_Frank, Tom, and Paul_,
_Isaac_, and all,
Their slaves will call together;
The SHIP REFORM
Their puny storm
With perfect ease will weather.

4

No doubt they'll try
To place him high
On the first day of polling;
Then Lygon like,
He soon will strike,
Down like a stone come rolling.

5

So Parson Ned
Gives meat and bread
To those who will but hear him;
With bread and meat,
And a free seat,
The poor folks won't go near him.

6

The reason's plain.
He's short of brain,
And wants what still is better;
To make men slaves
The madman raves--
Says gold shall be their fetters.

7

Won't SOUP nor ALE?
NOR GOLD PREVAIL?
Whatever is the matter?
The people see,
And will be free--
Justice demands the latter.

8

'Twixt Church and state,
The wound's so great,
It can't again be healed;
What with the Tithes,
And Parsons' lives,
Poor Church her doom is sealed!

9

They say old Gray
Has turned away--
HORACE ST. PAUL preferring;
And tinker _Dick_,
That honest stick,
It seems _some brass is stirring_.

10

Where is great _John_
The Draper gone,
Chairman at last Election?
The Bowling Green,
That source of spleen,
Which led to his detection.

11

Highway Robbers,
Church-Rate jobbers,
And such as have a pension;
All of one mind,
You soon will find,
Most prompt in their attention.

12

Now once for all,
We'll have no PAUL!
Indeed it would be folly;
Led by the nose,
By our old foes--
_Rough Joe and Doctor Molly_.

As a great amount of talk and contention has of late been indulged in by all classes of ratepayers, in reference to the proceedings of the Dudley Town Council; more especially about the Deep Drainage, and the Public Baths, &c., it may not be out of place in preserving a record of the names of those gentlemen and ratepayers who, in 1864, appended their names to the largest requisition ever signed in this town, "for the purpose of considering the desirability of presenting a petition to the Queen in Council, praying Her Majesty to grant a Charter of Incorporation to this Borough."

INCORPORATION OF THE BOROUGH.

TO SAMUEL RUDGE, ESQ., MAYOR OF DUDLEY.

We, the undersigned, Ratepayers and Inhabitants of the Parish
of Dudley, respectfully request you to convene a PUBLIC
MEETING, for the purpose of considering the desirability of
presenting a Petition to the Queen in Council, praying Her
Majesty to grant a Charter of Incorporation to this Borough.

James C. Browne, D.C.L., vicar
Alexander George Davies, M.A., incumbent of St. James's
John Davies, M.A., incumbent of St. Edmund's
E. H. L. Noott, B.A., incumbent of St. John's, Dudley
Robert Harper, M.A., head master of the Grammar School
George Lewis, Presbyterian minister, Dudley
Richard Rymer, Wesleyan minister, Dudley
David Evans, Baptist minister, Dudley
Matthew Gibson, Unitarian minister
Jas. Bond, Catholic priest, Dudley
Samuel Price, tanner and currier
Hy. Coldicott, solicitor
Theophilus Tinsley, merchant
Thos. Sheppard, ironmonger
Geo. J. England, maltster and brewer
Ed. M. Warmington, solicitor
John Round Tilley, tanner
Daniel Timmins, surgeon
R. C. Buck, chemist
W. Challingsworth, victualler
Reginald Unwin Dudley, silk mercer
William Beddard, Jun., wholesale grocer
John Finch, iron founder
Henry Bagott, woollen draper
C. F. G. Clark, chemist
Thomas Price, tanner and currier
J. O. Pearse, agent
James Cartwright, wine merchant
Saml. D. Fereday, surgeon
J. H. Deakin, wine merchant
Joseph Taylor, agent
W. H. Laxton, bookseller
Thos. Baker, shoe manufacturer
John Dawson, chemist
John Whitehouse, Dudley
Saml. Bastick, hatter
John S. Fisher, jeweller
James Hemmings, shoe manufacturer
H. Wythes, plumber
Ed. Bowen, draper
Joseph Sheldon, milliner
Alexander M. Intyre, draper
Thos. Maguire, boot maker
Ebenezer Hutchings, news agent
C. Cetti, furniture dealer
Joseph Holland, pork butcher
William Coleman, spirit merchant
Isaac Collins, hosier
William Hewitt, fruiterer
George Henry Hewitt, ditto
E. Lancey
George Whitford, bookseller
S. Q. Cook, draper
Joseph Caswell, tobacconist
J. C. Green, banker
John Cartwright, banker's clerk
E. Dunn, chemist
W. Piddington, tobacconist
Henry Woodhouse, innkeeper
F. C. Hickling, clerk
John Bromwich, jeweller
Cornelius James, wire worker
George Thorns, pork butcher
Edwin Baker, fruiterer
J. C. Westley, brass founder
B. Wilcox, currier
J. Parsons
Alexander Barker
Bartholomew Duffy, shoemaker
James Frost, iron merchant
Jos. Walker, wholesale draper
William Palmer
William Holland, builder
John G Wright, auctioneer
S. Grosvenor, M.B., Oxon.
W. Fletcher and Sons, nail ironmongers
William Smith, victualler
James Grigg, wheelwright
William Wilkinson, vice and anvil manufacturer
James Woodall, builder
Matthew Smith
John Jones, shoemaker
Charles Pardoe, victualler
Thomas Parsons
John Baker
Thomas Lees, shopkeeper
William Iles, iron dealer
Saml. Ward, butcher
Charles T. Sturtevant, artist
James Henry Bourne, grocer
Joseph Owen, broker
John Fisher, merchant
William Richards, draper
Richard Coates, watchmaker
William Insull, bookseller
Fredk. Tandy
Saml. Lee, baker
Hy. Mence, shoemaker
J. Thompson, painter
Richard Davies, fruiterer
J. T. Edwards, watchmaker
Francis Garner, confectioner
Richard Williams, shoemaker
Joseph Watson, victualler
Henry Bodin, builder
George Grove, builder
Wm. Hooper, victualler
George Smith, engineer
Edward Round, agent
George Hartshorne, iron merchant
Daniel G. Ward, iron merchant
George Cooke, victualler
James Wright, engineer
H. and J. Wright and Co., engineers
Thomas Ward, victualler
Jesse Crompton, farrier
John Hyslop, wine merchant
George Ashfield, baker
Thomas Hale, schoolmaster
Thomas Marsh, grocer
William Nelson, builder
George Chaplin, hatter
Robert Houghton, draper
John Williscroft, hatter
Thomas Roberts, draper
John Evans, hosier
C. H. Gare, chemist
John Smart, fruiterer
Mark Malugani, umbrella manufacturer
Thomas Timmins, butcher
Joseph Waterson, cabinet maker
Mark W. Dickins, agent
Joseph Williams, schoolmaster
Charles W. Westley, brass founder
Hy. Harper, coal master
James Fisher, surgeon, Dudley
John Tandy, Dudley
William Gordon Coulton, solicitor, Dudley
George Wood, wine merchant
Joseph Stokes, solicitor, Dudley
Samuel Mills, stationer, Dudley
Enoch Brooks, currier
James Shedden, stationer
William Waring, tailor
Samuel Waring, tailor
Thomas Wright, ironmaster
James Wilkins, hair dresser
Samuel Dudley, confectioner
Joseph Green, millinery warehouseman
John Harris, hosier
James Homer, butcher
Messrs. T. and S. Davies, spirit merchants
C. H. Tyler, cement manufacturer
W. Morris, tailor
John Bagott and Son, tailors
E. Hollier, chemist
T. L. Rutland, clothier
Edward Smith, grocer
John Neale, hatter
George Morris, cab proprietor
M. Dennison, chemist
Thomas Willis, wholesale grocer, Market Place
Fox Wright, commercial traveller, Rose Hill
Thomas Stevenson, clothier
Benjamin Guest, confectioner
Edward Wood, woollen draper
Thomas Reynolds, confectioner
Thomas L. Stevenson, clothier
James Cowden Haxeltine, butcher
Thomas Allen, wine merchant
James Ellis, wine merchant
Richard Clark, haberdasher
George Stevenson, clothier
Edward Devall, clothier
Joseph Stevenson, clothier
Joseph Goodwin, printer, &c.
John Davies, furniture dealer
Henry Timmins, butcher
James Brown, egg merchant
William Pearsall, victualler
James Smitheman, victualler
M. Brown, agent
Hughes and Hanson, wine merchants
Cordy Manby, merchant, Dudley
Henry Jennings, clerk, Dudley
J. W. Matthews, oil merchant, Dudley
Joseph Eld, tobacconist, Dudley
George Edward Horton, surgeon
John Underhill, licensed victualler
Owen Wright, vice and anvil manufacturer, Tower-street
J. Houghton, surgeon, New-street
Evan Roberts, innkeeper
Thomas Brettell, surveyor
Thomas Davenport, innkeeper
Thomas W. Smart, bacon factor
Arthur Timmins, upholsterer
John Castree, agent
Geo. Burn Lowe, attorney at law
Thomas Morris, chemist, &c.
Chas. Russell, auctioneer
John Bent, Jun., auctioneer
Thos. Steedman, merchant
Richard Winter, banker's clerk
James Sackerson, cabinet maker
Richard Wilkinson, vice manufacturer
Joseph Skidmore, victualler
A. Gaul, saddler
George Bagott, Chemist, High-street, Dudley
E. T. Terry, grocer, Dudley
John Danes, shoe manufacturer
William Summerland, milliner, &c.
John Jordan, grocer
Edward Grainger, draper
Rudge and Griffith, drapers
James Shedden, tailor
Alexander Shedden, tailor
Alfred Bowers, butcher
Isaac Aulton, victualler
William and Edward Thompson, maltsters
Edward Packwood, pork butcher
Thomas Danks, auctioneer
William Steele, photographer
Henry Smith, maltster
Frederick Blunson, hosier, &c.
George Pitt, currier
Joseph Hillman, currier
Thomas Harvey, general dealer
Daniel Timmins, hairdresser
John Roberts, watchmaker
Henry Hayward, butcher
James Stokes, cutler
William Bagott, draper
Henry Wood, grocer
Thomas Mason, tobacco dealer
Thomas Smith, maltster
James Evans, butcher
Job Thomas Hamblett, grocer, &c.
Ann Richards, grocer
Henry Rushton, builder
Solomon Danby, victualler
John Chambers, victualler
Joshua Wilkinson, vice maker, Freebodies
William Clarke, baker
Thomas Westwood, slater
Jacob Westwood, slater
John Lloyd, victualler
Daniel May, butcher
Henry Beeston, butcher
Thomas Price, pawnbroker

And others, making a total of 717 signatures of largest
Ratepayers.

* * * * *

In compliance with the above numerously signed Requisition,
I hereby convene A PUBLIC MEETING to be held in the PUBLIC
HALL of the NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTE, Wolverhampton Street, on
FRIDAY Evening, JANUARY 22nd, 1864, at half-past Six o'clock.

SAMUEL RUDGE, Mayor.

_January 15th, 1864._

* * * * *

MUNICIPAL INCORPORATION

OF THE

PARLIAMENTARY BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

WHEREAS, in pursuance of the Provisions of the Act of
Parliament passed in the 5th and 6th years of the Reign of His
late Majesty King William the Fourth, chapter 76, entitled "An
Act to provide for the Regulation of Municipal Corporations in
England and Wales" and of other Acts of Parliament passed for
the Regulation of Municipal Corporations, and of a Petition of
the Inhabitant Householders of the Parliamentary Borough of
Dudley, in the County of Worcester, addressed to the Queen's
Most Excellent Majesty in Council, praying for a Charter of
Incorporation to the said Parliamentary Borough of Dudley.

INQUIRY has been directed to the subject Matter of such
Petition.

NOTICE is therefore hereby given, that on FRIDAY, the 15th day
of JULY instant, at Eleven o'clock in the forenoon, at the
MECHANICS' INSTITUTE, IN DUDLEY, CAPTAIN DONNELLY, R.E., the
Commissioner appointed by the Lords of Her Majesty's Privy
Council for the purpose:--Will proceed upon the said Inquiry,
and will then and there be prepared to hear all Persons (being
Inhabitant Householders within the said Parliamentary Borough
of Dudley), or their representatives, desirous of being heard
before him upon the subject of the said Inquiry.

BY ORDER.

_Dated this 5th day of July, 1864._

JONAH CHILD, PORTRAIT PAINTER, AND MODELLER.

Specimens may be seen at his Residence.

"Think not, my friend, with supercilious air,
I rank the Portrait as beneath thy care:
Blest be the pencil, which from death can save,
The semblance of the virtuous, wise, and brave;
That youth and emulation, still may gaze
On those inspiring forms of ancient days,
And, from the force of bright example, bold,
Rival their worth, "and be what they behold"
Blest be the pencil! whose consoling power,
Soothing soft friendship in her pensive hour,
Dispels the cloud, with melancholy fraught,
That absence throws upon her tender thought.
Blest be the pencil! whose enchantment gives
To wounded Love the food on which he lives;
Rich in this gift, tho' cruel ocean bear
The youth to exile from his faithful fair,
He in fond dreams hangs o'er her glowing cheek,
Still owns her present, and still hears her speak.
Oh! Love, it was thy glory to impart
Its infant being to this magic art!
Inspir'd by thee, the soft Corinthian maid
Her graceful lover's sleeping form portray'd;
Her boding heart his near departure knew,
Yet long'd to keep his image in her view:
Pleased she beheld the steady shadow fall,
By the clear lamp, upon the even wall;
The line she trac'd with fond precision true,
And drawing, doated on the form she drew;
Nor, as she glow'd with no forbidden fire,
Conceal'd the simple picture from her sire:
His kindred fancy still to nature just,
Copied her line, and form'd the mimic bust,
Thus from thy power, inspiring Love, we trace
The MODELL'D IMAGE, and the PENCIL'D FACE."

The publication of the following celebrated Will, led to the resuscitation of a valuable charity bequeathed to this town.

EXTRACTS FROM THE WILL OF THE LATE REV. HENRY ANTROBUS.

"In the Name of God, Amen. I, Henry Antrobus, Rector of
Himley, in the County of Stafford, and now living at Dudley, in
the County of Worcester, being in perfect health, and of sound
mind, memory, and understanding, blessed be God for it, do make
and ordain this my last will and testament.

"For my body, I desire it may be buried in the same grave with
my dear mother, in the centre of the dome of St. Edmund's
Church, in Dudley; on the right side of which I desire may
be fixed in the wall, a small monument of marble, of an oval
form, with this inscription:--"_Near this place lies interred
the body of Penelope Antrobus, widow, who departed this life
the 10th day of Aug. 1756_, aged 59, adding these words: "_She
departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings
and prayers night and day_." On the left side I desire
another for myself, and of the same size and form, with this
inscription:--"_Here lies the body of the Rev. Henry Antrobus,
&c._" adding these words:--"_Christ Jesus came into the world
to save sinners, of whom I am chief_." As for my worldly
estates, which God of his undeserved goodness hath given me, I
dispose thereof as follows:--

"Whereas, it was my aunt Oliver's desire, that I should _buy
Land to the value of ten pounds per Annum, to pay a School
Mistress FOR TEACHING FORTY POOR GIRLS_, of the Parish of
Dudley, to read, sew, and knit; that they be brought to church
constantly when there are prayers, and to be catechised every
Friday in Lent, by the Minister of the Parish; which Land is
not as yet purchased. I do hereby give, devise and bequeath MY
ESTATE AT HOKEHAM, which John Whitehouse holds of me, for that
purpose; and desire my executrix, hereafter mentioned, to lay
out the sum of SIX HUNDREDS POUNDS, the profits whereof to make
a provision _for Clothing the said Girls every year, and to buy
Books for the use of the School_.

Item.--I give, devise, and bequeath MY ESTATE which William
Aynsworth holds of me, in the Parish of Rowley Regis, to the
intent TO CLOTHE, (according to Mr. Oliver's will, who left
_One Hundred and Fifty Pounds for that purpose, to which was
added Fifty Pounds more by his Wife_, which money remains in
my hands, and has not, as yet, been disposed of,) SIX POOR
MEN, belonging to the Parish of Dudley, upon _every 1st day of
November for ever_; and if the profits of the said Estate will
bear it, to add a _seventh_ then to the above-mentioned number.

"Whereas, my aunt Oliver had desired that FIFTY POUNDS might
be given to erect _a GALLERY in the NEW CHURCH in Dudley_:--I
desire my executrix, hereafter mentioned, to pay within twelve
months after my decease, or begin the Gallery, and carry it on
as far as the money will go, as soon as possible.

"I do hereby appoint and nominate the said Elizabeth Perry,
sole executrix of this my last will and testament: _CHARGING
HER, AS SHE MUST ANSWER IT AT THE DREADFUL DAY OF JUDGMENT,
to fulfil the Will of the Rev. Thos. Oliver, my aunt, and my
own, as punctually as may be_; and to have all the Charities
enrolled in Chancery, as soon as possible; THAT THE POOR
MAY NOT BE DEPRIVED OF THEIR RIGHTS!!! To this my last will
and testament have set my hand and seal, this 30th day of
December, 1762."

_Proved at London, 9th Dec. 1766, by the oath of Eliz.
Antrobus, formerly Perry, widow, relict of the deceased._

ST. THOMAS'S PARISH CHURCH.